DigameXtra No. 2940 WEEKEND EDITION Friday, January 31st, 2025

On January 31, 2025February 2, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

Welcome to DigameXtra !

The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

Content in this newsletter blog site comes from its Editor, Sponsors & Supporters (Holiday Fundraiser Donors). Submissions are subject to editing and posting at the Editor’s discretion. If I don’t want to post something, I won’t, and I do not owe you an explanation. Content from other sources is credited. The Editor is Naythan, aka DoctorLaptop.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Editor’s Holiday: Monday, 3 February, there will be no issue, DigameXtra & DoctorLaptop will be closed.
Posts scheduled for 3 Feb. will be posted on the following day.

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS!

Donation info & instructions can be found in the Announcements Section here: https://digamextra.com/2025/01/23/digamextra-no-2934-thursday-january-23rd-2025/

Total Donations Received: 144 (2.9%)

4% target = 200 donations from 4955 subscribers

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NEW RULE: Anyone can read DigameXtra for free- on the website, or by email subscription. However, subscribers who wish to actively participate by making submissions will need to have donated at least €20 to the 2024 DigameXtra Holiday Fundraiser. If you won’t make the effort to donate just 39 cents a week (€20/yr), then please refrain from making submissions, as I have supporters that require my attention.

The Submission Rules Page has been updated to reflect this change.

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What’s On

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!

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Wine Fest- Festival of Wine 2025 in Alhama de Granada:
Sat, 1 Feb, 1:30pm at Paseo del Cinse
Wide assortment of wine available, accompanied by the excellent traditional food and typical products of the areas such as cheeses or sausages. Video Link

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast

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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender’s First Name / Nearest Town

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Services Wanted/Offered

Check the DigameXtra Sponsor’s list whenever you need a service. By using these services you are helping support DigameXtra.
Landlords, tell your renters about DigameXtra, where they can get overnight answers to questions about local stuff without having to call you!

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CÓMPETA SOLAR

Cómpeta Solar:
-Solar Electric (PV) (Self-Consumption)
-Grid Connected or Off Grid Solar Electric
-Solar Hot Water
-Solar Pool Heating
-Heat Pumps
-Installation and Repairs
Contact: James Bain, Competa
Tel: +34 652970608 (Spain)
Email: info AT competasolar DOT es
Web: www.competasolar.es
We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.

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TONY ROAM TRANSPORT & REMOVALS

Tony Roam Transport & Removals Spain To UK To Spain:
Fortnightly Runs Spain to UK and Up to 4 weeks free Storage. Spain or UK.
18 years Removals To & Fro Spain / UK Spain.
Man & Van, Local & Long Distance Removals
No subcontracting, all collection and delivery in house.
Transportation, Removals & light haulage company that have scheduled trips all year from UK to Torrox and back every month.
Also additional unscheduled to suit your needs.
Full or part loads undertaken.
Dedicated Delivery Personal Service Full or Part loads up to 60 cubic meters up to 5.5 tonne.
Up to £25,000.00 insurance with British Insurance Company.
Evidence of insurance can be supplied by email on request.
Hard Copies always carried on the vans.
This and a current Operators licence are a legal requirement.
Our International Operators Licence No UKGB / OG2043664
We live just behind Torrox Pueblo in Spain and in South Wales UK and have vans going back and forth UK to Spain to UK by way of Santander or Bilbao / Portsmouth or Plymouth Ferry.
For more information and prices for all to see please visit our website http://www.tonyroamremovals.com
email ; tonyroam@btconnect.com
Spain 0034636393542 – UK 00447973362003.
Face book Tony Roam – WhatsApp Either Number
Our contact details are shown every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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GREEK CASITA RESTAURANT & BAR

Reopened 1/1/25. 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
englishnurse@rocketmail.com
Tel: 951550581 or 692419548
JUBILEE HOUSE – Close Care Unit in Torrox
VACANCY: Due to a successful rehabilitation we will have vacancy from 21st November in one of our ensuite units for a long stay English speaking guest. Please contact Liz on 692419548.
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. We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.

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DOCTORLAPTOP’S COMPUTER REPAIRS

DoctorLaptop’s Computer Repairs & Sales- Torrox Costa (near the bus station): Computers only, Windows / Linux / Mac. No tablets or phones.
I don’t work on d~~inosaurs~~ computers made before 2018 unless I have been servicing then annually.
Contact: doctorlaptop AT protonmail DOT com
Or call 675 993 069 (no calls before 12noon, missed calls returned asap). More info on my website. All work by appointment only, no drop-ins please. Appointments are only available 2pm-8pm, Sunday thru Thursday. Closed Fridays & Saturdays. Always include the make & model number of the device when requesting assistance. My contact details can be found everyday at the bottom of the Sponsor’s Section.

February is computer clean-up month: DoctorLaptop’s full maintenance service for laptops & mini-PCs, only €40. Full size towers €50. Remember, no computers made before 2018 serviced unless I have been servicing then annually.

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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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COMPARE FUNERALS SPAIN

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

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For Sale: New Laptop, Acer Aspire 3 A315
Powerful business model. 15.6″ FullHD display
Windows 11 Pro (UK), 16 Gb RAM, 512 Gb SSD
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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For Sale: New Lenovo Ideapad 1, model 15ALC7, Gen 7
High Performance Business Grade Laptop
Windows 11 Pro (UK). 16Gb Hi-Speed RAM, 512Gb SSD.
15.6inch Full HD display. Spanish keyboard.
Proc: AMD Ryzen 5 5500u (2.1 to 4GHz), 6 core 12 threads.
SD card reader, 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2, HDMI, Wifi 6.
Stereo speakers w/ Dolby. HD webcam with blocker.
Slim-line, light weight at 1.6kg. Heavy duty hinges.
Rapid-Charge 9hr battery, 2hr charge in 15mins!
Fully setup, updated and ready to use.
Website: https://psref.lenovo.com/Product/IdeaPad_1_15ALC7
Price €420. 1yr factory warranty upon registration.
Naythan, Torrox Costa.
doctorlaptop@protonmail.com

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Wanted: We are looking for a second hand window. Measurements approximately 110cm high and 70 cm width. If you have something lying around please contact us. Thank you in advance. Marc, Puente Don Manuel, Alcaucin
Whatsapp 00 32 477 32 87 25
schoeters.marc@telenet.be

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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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Make your annual DigameXtra donation now! Fundraiser ends 1 Feb.: All the details are in the Announcements section at the top of the issue. If you want to be able to make submissions you’ll need to do this. -Ed.

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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

The Attorney General faces four years in prison and up to three years disbarment: {Translation, summary}
– His criminal future is far from clear, despite the fact that Álvaro García Ortiz {pic} himself has stated in various interviews that he is convinced that he should not resign, identifying the institution of the Public Prosecutor’s Office with himself. ‘The Attorney General’s Office is a strong institution that has to withstand the challenges, it must give the impression that we cannot be overthrown,’ he said in an interview on Televisión Española in October, immediately after receiving the news of his indictment.
– His statement yesterday did nothing to remove the evidence against him. Rather, it added more confusion to the case for several reasons: first, by refusing to answer the investigating magistrate’s questions, casting doubt on his professionalism by considering that the judge is investigating him on the basis of a preconceived theory. Then, for contradicting his subordinate, the senior prosecutor of Madrid Almudena Lastra, who testified as a witness and pointed to him as the source of the leak. And finally, for stating that he has changed his mobile phone up to six times in the last four years but has not handed over the device he used on the dates under investigation to the agents who searched his office as part of the case against him, nor to the Prosecutor’s Office itself. Photo: Jamis Garcia(ABC). Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/fiscal-general-enfrenta-cuatro-anos-prision-tres-20250129200758-nt_amp.html

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The judge considers it proven that the Presidency took steps to distribute the leak about Ayuso’s boyfriend in the press: {Translation, summary}
– The statement of the Attorney General charged with the leaks, before the judge, does not seem to help him or the ‘Presidency’. The Supreme Court maintains a series of conclusions that put the ‘Presidency’ of the Government at the centre of the case. In other words, the body headed and personalised by Pedro Sánchez.
– For the Supreme Court, it is clear and proven that the ‘Presidency of the Government made arrangements’ for the publication in the press of the email of 2 February 2024 sent in the context of the conversation between Alberto González Amador’s lawyer and the prosecutor.
– The Supreme Court, in fact, has taken note of a fact revealed by Libertad Digital. And that is that this email appears, but with the personal data covered up, in the Assembly of Madrid, shown by Juan Lobato.
– And why does he show it with the data covered up? Well, because Lobato – by training, a tax technician – knew that the content revealed was criminal due to the secret nature of the tax information. But the reality, as the Supreme Court has already certified and this newspaper confirmed by showing the photographs that accredited it, is that the Moncloa mailing did not have these data covered up, or, in other words, it was the original leak. Source, Spanish: https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/2025-01-30/el-juez-da-por-probado-que-presidencia-hizo-gestiones-para-distribuir-en-prensa-la-filtracion-del-novio-de-ayuso-7213183/

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Spanish farmers of Castilla-La Mancha see no problem using untreated human waste as fertilizer: {Translation, summary}
– The Castilla-La Mancha Union of Farmers and Stockbreeders has denounced this in a very graphic way: ‘These days inspections are taking place during the olive campaign in the province of Toledo. Although it may seem incredible, some of the reasons for sanctions are the non-existence of toilets for pooping and urinating in the fields’.
The complaint, published last week on its website and sent to the Ministry of Agriculture, responds to the sanctioning proceedings that several Toledo farmers received for not having toilets installed for workers on their farms.
– ‘It happened in the area of La Sagra, the area with the highest olive grove production in Toledo. Two labour inspectors showed up and when they found that there were no public toilets in the fields, they opened disciplinary proceedings against them, which can lead to heavy fines of more than 2,000 euros,’ Anastasio Yébenes, a member of the agricultural union’s executive, told 20minutos.
– ‘They talk about environmental issues, but do you think it’s hygienic to carry around a chemical toilet when you can poop out in the open air in the countryside like you have done all your life? Besides, it’s organic fertiliser! We don’t pollute anything. It’s all nonsense,’ he stresses.
– And he argues that if farmers had to put toilets in the fields, as if it were a music festival, the same rule would have to be applied in many other sectors where it does not apply: “They are asking us to do something so illogical that it has no sense. The law says that any workplace must have toilets, and of course it must have them, but the problem is, what do we mean by workplace? If we apply this rule to the letter, a traveller, a Guardia Civil patrol or the labour inspectors who came to the camp to open the files, would also have to carry a portable toilet in the car in case they need one,” reducing his argument to the absurd. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5676807/0/agricultores-multas-vater-portatil-campo-exigencia-inspeccion-trabajo/

ANDALUCÍA

Sierra Nevada prepares to open with the largest spring surface of the season after the last snowfall, now featuring night skiing: {Translation}
– The Sierra Nevada ski resort is preparing to open with what will be the largest skiable area of the season after the snowfall recorded in recent hours, which has left a white blanket of up to 20 centimetres in different parts of the winter resort, even more on the highest peaks.
– Cetursa sources have detailed to Europa Press that Sierra Nevada has registered on the night of Wednesday to Thursday a snowfall that has left around 5 and 10 centimetres of snow in the area of Pradollano, and between 15 and 20 centimetres in the area of Borreguiles and Veleta, probably something more on the peaks.
– It has been a very windy snowfall in which windbreaks and snowdrifts have done their job of retaining snow and it is expected that this latest precipitation will improve ‘enormously the conditions in the resort’.
– The slopes services, especially the ski instructors, are already evaluating the real effect that this snowfall is going to have on the skiing offer in the next few days and eventually the snowmaking system will support those points that are likely to be opened to skiing imminently.
– The resort expects to open around 35 skiable kilometres this Thursday, which would be the maximum skiable area so far this season. There is little visibility in the Veleta area, but the wind, which is the ‘great enemy’ for the resort to remain open, ‘for the moment is respecting’ the operation of the mechanical means, according to the Granada ski resort.
– This Saturday, Sierra Nevada will inaugurate night skiing on the illuminated slope of El Río and it will be maintained every Saturday until the 5th of March. Thus, El Río, if the weather conditions do not prevent it, will open to the public, with freshly trodden snow, its 3.2 kilometres between the Borreguiles area (2,700 metres) and the Pradollano development (2,100 metres).
– This slope is illuminated with 30 floodlights to make it completely safe for night skiing. Sierra Nevada, a pioneering resort in the practice of this activity, opens the Al-Andalus cable car from 19.00 to 21.30 to give access to the illuminated El Río slope. Full article: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-sierra-nevada-prepara-abrir-mayor-superficie-esquiable-temporada-ultimas-nevadas-20250130110227.html

AXARQUÍA

The flames that warm winter in the Axarquía for Candelaria: {Translation, summary}
– Alfarnate, Colmenar and Benagalbón celebrate the Fiesta de la Candelaria in different ways.
– In the case of Alfarnate, this year the fiesta is being held on Saturday. There the locals will be able to warm up with the spectacular bonfire that is usually lit in the evening in the Plaza de la Constitución.
– Colmenar, since last Sunday, has had an extensive programme of activities. However, the big day of the patron saint fiesta will be Sunday, 2 February, when the procession of the two images will take place from the church of La Asunción, whose original construction dates from the 17th century, to the hermitage of the Sanctuary, popularly known as the ‘convent’ of the Virgen de la Candelaria. The procession will take place from 15.30 until around midnight.
– Benagalbón. Although Candlemas Day is on Sunday, 2 Feb, the procession of this virgin together with the image of San José will take place this Friday from 19.00 hours. It is customary in Benagalbón to throw peladillas (sugared almonds) as the Virgin passes by. There is also a flavour associated with this fiesta, the making and tasting of doughnuts, which have to be blessed before being eaten. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/planes/llama-calienta-invierno-axarquia-20250130235909-nt_amp.html

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

Vélez-Málaga’s local police staff will be expanded with eleven new agents: {Translation, summary}
– New impetus to the improvement of human resources in the Local Police of Vélez-Málaga. The Mayor of Velez and Councillor for Local Police, Jesús Lupiáñez (PP), has appeared this Thursday in the plenary hall of the Town Hall to present the inauguration of six new officers and two agents arrived by the process of mobility of the police force, an official act ‘that comes to value the firm commitment’ that from the bipartite government team (PP and GIPMTM) ‘to provide the police force with the necessary personnel to safeguard the safety of residents and visitors of Velez-Malaga’.
– The councillor of the capital of Axarquia has highlighted that among the new promotions is the first woman to become an officer in the Local Police Force of Vélez-Málaga. The six new officers who are promoted in the body and the two new positions of agents who join the service in the municipality by mobility from other Andalusian municipalities join the upcoming inauguration of eleven new local police officers, who will complete their training process ‘in the near future’, as advanced by the mayor of Velez-Malaga in a statement. The Velez police force has reached 101 officers with the two new arrivals for mobility, and when these eleven join, there will be 112.
– The new officers will take up their duties immediately, as they have completed the training process and all the relevant tests to carry out their work ‘with absolute guarantees’. The process has been carried out through internal promotion and as full career civil servants. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/plantilla-policia-local-velezmalaga-ampliara-once-nuevas-20250116130303-nt_amp.html

EUROPE

German parliament passes anti-immigration resolution backed by the far right:
– Germany’s parliament narrowly passed a resolution on Wednesday, January 29, urging tough restrictions on immigration that was especially controversial because it was backed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The motion was brought, ahead of the February 23 elections, by the conservative opposition CDU-CSU and backed by, among others, the AfD party. That broke a long-standing taboo on cooperation with the anti-immigration party. MPs passed it with 348 votes in favor and 345 against, with 10 abstentions. The vote came days after a knife attack that killed two people, including a two-year-old child, with an Afghan man arrested at the scene.
– The resolution lacks the force of law but calls on the government to launch permanent border controls and for the “rejection of all attempts to enter the country illegally without exception.” It says this should include those seeking protection because in the neighboring EU countries they arrive from, “they are already safe from persecution.” The resolution also argues that people required to leave Germany “must be taken into custody immediately,” adding that more detention centers should be built, including in empty army barracks. Full article: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/immigration/article/2025/01/29/german-parliament-passes-immigration-law-backed-by-the-far-right_6737567_144.html

HEALTH

Minister of Health Mónica García rejects another cancer medication- Spain’s Health Services only finance 62% of European drugs: {Translation}
– Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) have just received some bad news. Mónica García {pic}has just rejected funding for a drug designed for this type of cancer. But perhaps the worst thing is that this type of rejection has become something of a standard practice in Spain. In our country, in fact, the drugs accepted in the public funding portfolio are only 62% of those accepted by the EU.
– The Ministry of Health’s refusal focuses on the public funding of the monoclonal antibody blinatumomab. Approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) a decade ago to treat cases of relapse or refractoriness in adult patients. In fact, two years after its acceptance by the EMA, negotiations with the Ministry of Health’s Pricing Commission began. Negotiations that continue to conclude with Spain’s refusal to accept its financing with public funds. The latest attempt to accept the drug began last November. The latest refusal was communicated on 23 January. As a result, only patients who can afford to pay for it privately will be able to continue accessing it through the use of foreign medication.
*Lack of equity in access to the best treatments*
– Mónica García, through her Ministry, is accentuating the lack of equity in access to the best possible treatments, with a strong impact on patients: generating first and second class patients, with a special impact on the most vulnerable population.
– Two examples explain this situation. The first is the case of the new drug financing model in the draft Medicines and Health Products Act.
– What does it entail? To begin with, the recovery of drug auctions under the name of ‘selected prices’, which causes a price battle every two months to lower the price of off-patent molecules in order to keep the share of the national market. This scheme leads to very frequent changes in patients’ medication, which is an obstacle to therapeutic compliance, making it difficult to adhere to drugs, with a particular impact on the polymedicated population.
– In addition, the introduction of the ‘extra’ co-payment has been favoured, obliging patients who are under treatment for a medicine prescribed by their specialist that is not selected because of its lower price to pay the difference in price with the medicine prescribed by their doctor, affecting the most vulnerable population.
– The second effect is the alarming situation of access to cancer drugs. The situation is critical for cancer patients in Spain, with scandalous delays in the approval of therapeutic innovations, which do not take into account the vulnerability of the patients or the seriousness of the disease.
– The data are clear: the approval of oncological innovations authorised by Europe is taking nearly 700 days in Spain (European legislation regulates a maximum period of 180 days). And of the total of 167 new drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency between 2019 and 2022, Spain had incorporated a total of 103 into public funding in January 2024, 62% of those authorised (far behind countries such as Germany – 88% – or Italy – 88%). Source, Spanish: https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/…

TECH

The brass balls on these guys- OpenAI complains that DeepSeek has been using OpenAI data, you know, the copyrighted data OpenAI has been scraping (stealing) from everywhere:
– OpenAI, the company behind the internet-scraping ChatGPT large language model (LLM), has complained that the new Chinese AI assistant DeepSeek has been copying its models. The emergence of DeepSeek, an AI LLM that was apparently developed at a fraction of the cost of other models but boasts comparable performance, has sent shares in AI-focused tech firms like Nvidia tumbling.
– A new Bloomberg report says Microsoft, which is a major investor in OpenAI, is investigating whether OpenAI’s data has been exfiltrated on a large scale by DeepSeek.
– Now, the elephant in the room. OpenAI has itself been accused of scraping the Internet indiscriminately and being trained on enormous swathes of copyrighted material: It says it would be “impossible” to build LLMs without such data. There’s a major upcoming court case with the New York Times suing Open AI and Microsoft, while more and more global publishers are taking action against the firm.
– “I’m so sorry I can’t stop laughing,” said tech critic Ed Zitron. “OpenAI, the company built on stealing literally the entire internet, is crying because DeepSeek may have trained on the outputs from ChatGPT. They’re crying their eyes out. What a bunch of hypocritical little babies.” Full article: https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/…

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

There is more computer malware than ever, it’s just better at hiding now- Google Says Over 57 Nation-State Threat Groups Are Using AI For Cyber Operations:
– Over 57 distinct threat actors with ties to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia have been observed using artificial intelligence (AI) technology powered by Google to further enable their malicious cyber and information operations.
– “Threat actors are experimenting with Gemini to enable their operations, finding productivity gains but not yet developing novel capabilities,” Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) said in a new report. “At present, they primarily use AI for research, troubleshooting code, and creating and localizing content.”
– Government-backed attackers, otherwise known as Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups, have sought to use its tools to bolster multiple phases of the attack cycle, including coding and scripting tasks, payload development, gathering information about potential targets, researching publicly known vulnerabilities, and enabling post-compromise activities, such as defense evasion. Full article: https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/google-over-57-nation-state-threat.html

OTHER

Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull dies at 78:
– “Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family,” a statement from her spokesperson said. The singer had previously suffered multiple health problems, including bulimia, breast cancer and emphysema caused by decades of smoking.
– The singer married and divorced three times – to artist John Dunbar in 1965, Ben Brierly of punk band the Vibrators in 1979, and actor Giorgio Della Terza in 1988. She is survived by her son, Nicholas Dunbar. Full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8k931j423o & Video Link

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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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PETS FOR ADOPTION

Vélez-Málaga Municipal Pet Adoption Service, FREE adoptions:
– The animals are at the Don Animal Kennel and Feline Residence, currently located in Arroyo Granadillas Finca “El Olivar”, in Rincón de la Victoria (29730, Málaga). The adoptions will be totally free, and the animals will be identified with microchip and with all their mandatory treatments.
– Contact Telephone: 952971663
– Schedule: Monday to Friday from 9:00 – 14:00 & 16:30 – 20:00 and Saturdays from 9:00 – 14:00
– Email: info@donanimal.com
– Adoption form: https://donanimal.com
– See photo gallery of available pets: https://velezmalaga.es/index.php?mod=medio_ambiente&tag=servicio-municipal-de-adopcion-de-animales-de-compania

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Humour & Diversions Section

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Fun & Games

National Geographic Photo of the Day: Click Here
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Word of the Day: Click Here
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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. 2939 Thursday, January 30th, 2025

On January 30, 2025January 30, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

Welcome to DigameXtra !

The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

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*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.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Editor’s Holiday: Monday, 3 February, there will be no issue, DigameXtra & DoctorLaptop will be closed.
Posts scheduled for 3 Feb. will be posted on the following day.

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS!

Donation info & instructions can be found in the Announcements Section here: https://digamextra.com/2025/01/23/digamextra-no-2934-thursday-january-23rd-2025/

Total Donations Received: 142 (2.9%)

4% target = 200 donations from 4955 subscribers

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The Submission Rules Page has been updated to reflect this change.

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What’s On

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!

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Casa de Cultura, Almunecar:
Puerta De Granada, 19, 18690 Almuñécar.
– Flamenco. Sat, 1 Feb. 7pm. New show in the flamenco series, proposed by Al Son del Arte. This time with Maria Bertos on dance, accompanied by the bailaor Jose Cortes ‘El Indio’ (dance and percussion). Completing the cast are José Fernández and Fita Heredia on vocals, and the guitar of José Fernández hijo. A show for those passionate about the art of flamenco. {Video Link} Info & tix (€15):
https://bravoentradas.es/es/events/flamenco-maria-bertos-j-cortes-el-indio
– Classic, ‘Music Of Cinema’. Sun, 2 Feb, 1pm.
Festival De Música Clásica Valle De Río Verde. Orchestra And Choir Of The University Of Granada. Celebration Of The Goya 2025 Gala. Info & tix (€20): https://bravoentradas.es/es/events/festival-de-musica-clasica-valle-de-rio-verde-orquesta-y-coro-universidad-de-granada-celebracion-gala-de-los-goya-2025-musica-de-cine
– Blues, Richard Ray Farrell. Sat, 8 Feb, 7pm.
Richard is an artist who has mastered the American musical tradition: country, rock, ragtime, swing and above all the blues in all its forms from Chicago to the Mississippi.
Info & tix (€12): https://lacocheraentradas.com/shows/details/1942/richard-ray-farrell
– Jazz, “Una Noche en la Habana”: Fri, 14 Feb, 7pm
Bernaldez Latin Jazz Orchestra
A musical journey that takes the audience back to those wonderful years in Cuba through genres such as Cha cha chá, Mambo, Son, Danzón and Pregón Cubano, Guajira, Bolero and Salsa Cubana with the peculiarity that our concert has a common thread with the stories and curious anecdotes of the repertoire and its authors guided by Samuel Aguilera, our Conguero and Main Voice, a native of Havana.
Info & tix (€15): https://lacocheraentradas.com/shows/details/1849/una-noche-en-la-habana

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Paqueando- Tribute to Paco de Lucia: Sat, 1 Feb 8pm
Marbella City Theater, Ramon Martinez Square 3, Marbella 29603
Diego Amador and José María Bandera present Paqueando, an album dedicated to the glory of the master Paco de Lucía and his timeless music. Nine of the ten compositions were composed by Paco de Lucía (they are all classics of flamenco and Spanish music), while the first track included in Paqueando is a song by Diego Amador, a song sketched out just a few days after the Maestro’s death in 2014.
Discounts- 20% discount** for tickets priced over €10:
*under 30 years old or over 65 years old;
*people with a disability equal to or greater than 33%.
**Discounted purchase only at the box office (accreditation by document required). {Video Link}
Info & tix (€15): https://www.mientrada.net/evento/teatro-marbella-paqueando/

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Dia del Beso (Day of the Kiss)- Vélez-Málaga:
Friday, 14 Feb from 5pm
Music, dancers & snacks. There will be a big party with musical performances, the unveiling of a sculpture by local artist Eduardo Roberto and the inauguration of the ‘Rincón del Beso’ (Kissing Corner), in the Velez neighbourhood of La Villa.

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast

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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender’s First Name / Nearest Town

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Services Wanted/Offered

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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE

BluCee Real Estate:
Our team is expanding. A new full-time member of staff will be joining the BluCee team at the start of February, adding Polish and German to our spoken languages.
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?
If so, please contact us, as we have the capability to take on more properties to advertise. If you list exclusively with us before 18th February your property will be showcased at our next international property exhibition, A Place In The Sun Live in Manchester, UK.
Email: info@blucee.com ; Web: http://www.blucee.com/
Tel: 0034 711 042 727 / 0034 951 553 890
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 to Friday.
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.

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Buy / Sell / Trade / Rent / Wanted

Click on pics to enlarge

How to post more photos than the rules allow – use collages. The limit is one pic per item/event. You can combine several of your photos into a 
single collage photo by using this free online collage creation tool. It’s very easy to use, give it a try! https://www.photocollage.com/

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

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Great Deals From Upcycling Nerja:
– ikea glass top table with 4 matching chairs measurements 105 x 72cms price 130€
– solid pine mirror painted beige 104 x 73cms price 60€
– solid pine bedside table beige color bronze knobs measurements 46 x 38 x 45cms price 45€
contact Jackie, nerja 672170429
upcycling nerja at gmail dot 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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News & Articles

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

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News Note: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking over the local press. And guess what…AI is lazy. Today I found the exact same article in at least 6 different news outlets, and each credited the article to their own staff. Editors are evidently letting AI search for, and publish articles, without reviewing them. AI is no longer a tool, it has been promoted to being a staff member. AI’s news scrapers and bot writers will repeat the same article search results to all users of its service to economize its workload. In the old days news publications competed with each other for a distinct identity and reputation to provide new and original articles. Today, mainstream media is a world of clones. Here is one example:
“Arrested- a fruit and vegetable businessman for labor exploitation in Vélez-Málaga”
https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/malaga-00356/noticia-detenido-empresario-hortofruticola-velez-malaga-explotacion-laboral-20250129140725.html
https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/detenido-empresario-hortofruticola-explotacion-laboral_0_2003234599.html
https://www.diariosur.es/sucesos/detenido-empresario-hortofruticola-explotacion-laboral-velezmalaga-20250129140954-nt.html
https://www.infobae.com/espana/agencias/2025/01/29/detienen-a-un-empresario-hortofruticola-en-malaga-por-explotacion-laboral-de-inmigrantes/
https://andaluciainformacion.es/estepona/1861374/detenido-empresario-por-someter-a-inmigrantes-a-jornadas-maratonianas-en-malaga/

SPAIN

The judge argues that “everything seems to indicate” that David Sánchez’s job was created ‘ad hoc’ to assign it to him:
{Translation, summary}
– The judge investigating Pedro Sánchez’s brother in a court in Badajoz, Beatriz Biedma, concludes in an order issued on Wednesday that ‘everything seems to indicate’ that the post he holds in the Provincial Council of Badajoz ‘was created to be assigned’ to David Sánchez himself {pic}.
– The investigator points out that ‘the request to cover the post was made at a time when David Sánchez was looking for a job’, stresses that there are ‘irregularities in the selection process’ and that ‘very soon’ it became clear ‘the unnecessary nature of his functions’. So the investigator considers that the indications of the crimes for which he is being investigated are already established: crimes against the Public Treasury, prevarication and embezzlement. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5677382/0/jueza-sostiene-que-todo-parece-indicar-que-puesto-hermano-sanchez-se-creo-ad-hoc-para-asignarselo-el

ANDALUCÍA

Yellow notice for snowfall across Granada for this Thursday/Friday: {Translation, summary}
– The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has activated the yellow warning for Thursday for snowfall in Granada.
– According to the Aemet website, the snowfall alert will affect the regions of Guadix and Baza, as well as Sierra Nevada and Alpujarras, from midnight on Thursday and into Friday. Snow accumulations of two centimetres and five centimetres are expected in 24 hours, respectively, above 1,400 metres. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-aviso-amarillo-nevadas-granada-jueves-viento-oleaje-almeria-cadiz-granada-20250129182449.html

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

Fruit and vegetable businessman arrested in Velez-Malaga for labour exploitation: {Translation, summary}
– Agents of the National Police have arrested the owner of a well-known fruit and vegetable company in the town of Vélez-Málaga in Malaga for labour exploitation. He was irregularly hiring Moroccan nationals, who barely knew the language and were subjected to marathon working days with an unjustified minimum wage.
– Additionally, they were not provided with sufficient security measures or material to work. These workers were aware that the company would hire them despite the fact that they did not have a residence and work permit, stating that it was the most well-known company in the area for this practice. As they were in an irregular situation, expulsion proceedings were initiated against five of them and one of them was also arrested for an alleged offence of robbery with violence and intimidation. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/detienen-a-un-empresario-hortofruticola-en-velez-malaga-por-explotacion-laboral/

GRANADA

IU denounces “The state of abandonment” of the Granada bus station and demands an “immediate” improvement: {Translation, summary}
– IU has denounced this Wednesday ‘the state of abandonment’ in which it has indicated that the Granada bus station is found and has demanded ‘immediate’ action from the City Council of the capital of Granada, which is governed by the PP, to advance ‘in the care of this space’.
– After receiving a warning from several people from Granada, the left-wing coalition, as reported in a press release, has found that the maintenance of the building is ‘practically non-existent, with visible damage throughout the infrastructure’.
– Among the deficiencies detected that the IU has referred to are ‘broken glass, holes in the roof that cause leaks and leaks on rainy days, accumulation of rubbish on the floor and abandoned clothes on the roofs of the sentry boxes’. In addition, they have verified that ‘many of the sockets for passengers do not work, preventing them from charging their electronic devices while waiting for their buses’. The dirt is spread throughout the station, which is evidence of ‘an alarming lack of cleanliness and maintenance’.
– In this context, he criticised the ‘neglect’ of the Granada City Council ‘in the care of this space, which represents one of the main gateways to the city for thousands of tourists and is a key infrastructure for the province taking into account the deficit of rail connection’. ‘It is inconceivable that a government team that presumes to promote tourism in Granada would allow the bus station to be in this condition. The image that is projected to those who come to the city by bus is regrettable and harms both citizens and the tourism sector,’ said the provincial coordinator of IU, María Carmen Pérez. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-iu-denuncia-estado-abandono-estacion-autobuses-granada-exige-actuacion-inmediata-20250129181436.html

EUROPE

Putin is willing to negotiate peace in Ukraine, but not to sign it with Zelenski: {Translation}
– The Russian president, Vladimir Putin {pic}, announced this Tuesday in declarations to the journalist of the Russian public television Rossiya-1, Pavel Zarubin, that his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymir Zelenski, lacks legitimacy because he has not submitted to elections after the expiry of his current mandate. So much so that, for this reason, he does not intend to sign any peace agreement with him, despite assuring that he is open to such a possibility.
– ‘You can negotiate with anyone – in Ukraine – but because of his lack of legitimacy he (Zelensky) has no right to sign anything,’ Putin warned. In his words, ‘if we start talks now, they will be illegitimate. There is a problem here: when the current head of the regime – in Ukraine – signed the decree banning negotiations with Russia, he was a legitimate president, but now he is not, so he cannot cancel the decree’.
– In the Kremlin chief’s opinion, the one who could cancel the decree, according to the Ukrainian constitution, would be the president of the Rada, the Ukrainian parliament. ‘If there were a will, it would be possible to solve any legal issue. But for now we simply do not see such a desire,’ added the Russian leader, who said he was ready to “select” the group of Russian negotiators and to allow Zelenski to participate in the talks, but not to sign anything.
– Putin believes that Ukrainian law requires compliance with election deadlines, even in a war situation. He also referred to attempts to stop the conflict shortly after it began in March 2022, noting that ‘our negotiations began immediately after the start of the Special Military Operation. At the beginning we told the then Ukrainian leadership: the people of the Lugansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic do not want to be part of Ukraine. Get out of there and that’s it, it would all be over without military actions and without war’.
– However, Putin continued, ‘we received signals from Kiev that they would fight to the last Ukrainian (…) The West convinced Ukraine to continue the war’. ‘But they would not have lasted long without money and ammunition – sent by the West – it would have been over in a month and a half or two months, in this sense Ukrainian sovereignty is almost zero,’ he said. The Russian president also said that the withdrawal of troops around Kiev in March 2022 ‘was made at the request of some European leaders (…) who denounced that Ukraine cannot sign a peace treaty with a gun pointed at its head’. He lamented that, after ordering his troops out of the suburbs of the Ukrainian capital, ‘we were once again deceived’. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/internacional/putin-dice-dispuesto-negociar-paz-ucrania-zelenski-20250128210434-nt_amp.html

MIDDLE EAST

Iran mocks Trump Gaza plan, suggests Israelis move to Greenland:
– Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi proposed on Tuesday that Israelis be relocated to Greenland in response to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to remove Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. In an interview with Sky News, Araghchi mocked Trump’s comments, which have sparked outrage across the region, and accusations of US plans to ethnically cleanse the decimated Palestinian territory.
– “My suggestion is different. Instead of Palestinians, expel Israelis and send them to Greenland so they can kill two birds with one stone,” Araghchi told the news outlet. Araghchi was also sarcastically referring to Trump’s recent comments on the US acquiring Greenland from Denmark.
– This comes after Trump said on Saturday that he would like to “clean out” the civilian population of Gaza, relocating them to Jordan and Egypt. “I’d like Egypt to take people. And I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing. You know, over the centuries it’s had many, many conflicts that site. And I don’t know, something has to happen.”
Full article: https://www.newarab.com/news/iran-mocks-trump-gaza-plan-suggests-israelis-move-greenland

HEALTH

‘Breakthrough’ stem-cell patches strengthened a woman’s failing heart:
– Researchers have shown that patches of muscle grown from stem cells can help to repair a failing heart, in a clinical trial that tested the procedure on a 46-year-old woman.
– The woman, who had a heart attack in 2016 and later developed heart failure, had an operation to implant 10 patches of 400 million cells on the surface of her heart. Her condition then remained stable for three months, long enough for her to receive a heart transplant. Scientists who examined her old heart found that the implanted muscle patches had remained in place and formed blood vessels.
– The treatment is not intended to replace the need for a full transplant, but it can help people with advanced heart failure who are waiting for a heart to become available. The researchers have implanted similar muscle patches into 15 people so far, and hope to recruit more participants.
Full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00273-2

TECH

Apple Patches Actively Exploited Threat Affecting iPhones, Macs, and More:
– Apple has released software updates to address several security flaws across its portfolio, including a newly discovered vulnerability that it said has been exploited in the wild.
– As is typically the case, there are currently no details on how the vulnerability may have been exploited in real-world attacks, by whom, and who may have been targeted. Apple has yet to attribute the discovery of the shortcoming to a security researcher, although it’s possible that it was internally flagged by its own security teams.
– With CVE-2025-24085 tagged as actively exploited, users of Apple devices are recommended to apply the patches by doing the newly releases updates to safeguard against potential threats. The issue has been addressed with improved memory management in the following devices and operating system versions.
– iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 – iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
– macOS Sequoia 15.3 – Macs running macOS Sequoia
– tvOS 18.3 – Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (all models)
– visionOS 2.3 – Apple Vision Pro
– watchOS 11.3 – Apple Watch Series 6 and later. Full article: https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/apple-patches-actively-exploited-zero.html

TRAVEL

Jet2.com to link Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport to Malaga Airport this summer:
– A new route to and from Liverpool John Lennon Airport will start operating from 4 March. “The increase in capacity will be due, in part, to the opening of this new connection,” said Jet2.com representatives. This summer, the airline will offer direct flights to Malaga Airport from eleven of its thirteen UK bases, reaching a peak of 72 weekly flights during the season. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malaga-city/jet2com-airline-link-malaga-and-liverpool-this-20250129122945-nt.html

NATURE

The Iberian wolf has benefited from encounters with dogs: {Translation, summary}
– The Iberian wolf has some characteristics that distinguish it from the rest of the European wolves. These are traits related to the immune system and brain functions that have been advantageous for their evolutionary adaptation. A recent study suggests that these benefits of the Iberian wolf are due to the genetic contribution derived from crossbreeding with dogs.
– International research led by the Doñana-CSIC Biological Station has revealed that Iberian wolves retain a small but significant genetic legacy from ancient encounters with dogs that may have contributed to defining their characteristic traits and their immune system and behaviour. This study, published in the journal Molecular Ecology, demonstrates that the Iberian wolf has maintained a genetic uniqueness despite thousands of years of coexistence with domestic dogs on the Iberian Peninsula. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/lobo-iberico-beneficiado-encuentros-perros_0_2003233292.html

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Exchange quotes from Xe.com

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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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DigameXtra No. 2938 Wednesday, January 29th, 2025

On January 29, 2025January 29, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) 2025: Chinese New Year 2025 is a Year of the Snake, more specifically, Wood Snake, starting from January 29th, 2025, and lasting until February 16th, 2026. China’s public holiday for Lunar New Year is 8 days, from Chinese New Year’s Eve to the 7th day of the lunar calendar new year. In Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be intuitive, strategic, and intelligent. Ref:
https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/when-chinese-new-year.htm

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ON SALE NOW- Alchemy Project- Tribute to Dire Straits: Fri, 7 Mar, 9pm. Sala Paris 15, C/ La Orotava 25-27-San Luís Industrial Polygon, 29006 Málaga
The Alchemy Project brings to the stage, with exquisite sound and stage design, what is considered to be one of the most important live performances in the history of Rock, ‘Alchemy by Dire Straits’, recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1983, and which will delight all fans of the legendary British band, and Rock lovers in general. In addition to the great classics such as Sultans of Swing and Romeo & Juliet, there will be songs such as Brothers In Arms and Money for Nothing.
Info & tix (€25): https://proyectoalchemy.com/AlchemyProject-conciertos/malaga-sala-paris-15-07-03-2025/ & Video Link

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El Pantano Car Boot: Our very popular car boot market which has been going for 16 years resumes this coming Sunday, 2nd February. However, if it is rained off it will automatically be held the following Sunday 9th.
We are in the car park of El Pantano restaurant, Km.30 on the A356 direction Velez Málaga to Colmenar.
We open at 0900 and close at 1300 and look forward to seeing you there. For further information contact Sandy/Sandra on 633878471.

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Archez celebrates the pilgrimage of San Antón with the traditional blessing of animals: Sunday, 2 February
– 11am there will be a craft market and ‘Sabor a Málaga’ products on the Paseo del Río Turvilla
– 12pm the celebrations will begin with the rociera mass in honour of San Antón which will feature the Municipal Choir of Árchez in the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. Afterwards we will have the pilgrimage with the participation of the School of Drummers from Malaga, which is a delight to listen to.
– 2pm there will be tastings of pork and paella. There will be music with the Antidote Room and Leo Música en Vivo.
– 6pm a concert by Moncho Chavea.

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Concert- Guadalupe Martín, classical guitar: Fri, 31 Jan 8pm
Villa De Salobreña Auditorium {pic}
Plaza Juan Carlos I No. 1, 18680 Salobrena, Granada
Info & map: https://www.conciertosengranada.es/locales/auditorio-villa-de-salobrena-jose-martin-recuerda

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Still Got The Blues – A tribute to Gary Moore:
Friday, 31 Jan, 2025, 9pm doors / 10pm show
Sala Trinchera, C/ Parauta 25, Malaga
Tix: €15 adv / €20 door (16+ only)
The Finnish/Spanish group, The Spanish Castle, will perform with electric and moving blues rock in their show Still Got The Blues. The night is a tribute to the great blues guitar legend Gary Moore. The band will perform a selection of Moore’s best blues classics such as Still Got The Blues, Parisienne Walkways and Oh Pretty Woman in their fiery and funky style. The Spanish Castle is made up of Malaga bassist Cañon and Venezuelan drummer Marcos Hostos along with a Finnish guitar prodigy, Antti Kajander.
Info & tix sales: https://salatrinchera.com/tributo-gary-moore/
Video Link

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Concert- Los Secretos: Two Shows
Sat, 8 Feb, 8pm & Sun, 9 Feb, 7pm
Teatro Cervantes, Calle Ramos Marín, Málaga 29012
Info & tix: https://www.teatrocervantes.com/es/genero/teatro/42-festival-de-teatro/a-tu-lado-un-musical-con-los-secretos-1796 & Video Link

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COMPARE FUNERALS

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This plan is exclusive to a number of provinces, please ask advisor for more information.
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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: TriStar electric heater in good working condition. Sizes: width 19.5″ (50cm), height 13.5″ (34cm), body depth 3.5″ (9cm), feet depth 7″ (18cm). €25.
Tony in Torrox Park. Email: oddjobtony at gmail dot com

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News & Articles

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

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SPAIN

Sanchez caves in to Junts demands, modified omnibus bill will proceed:
– Spain’s minority government on Tuesday reached a deal with the Catalan separatist party Junts to approve several economic measures in parliament, breaking a deadlock that has raised doubts over its ability to pass any legislation.
– Sanchez said the deal includes an increase in pensions, relief funds for the Valencia area that suffered from deadly floods in late October, and a six-month extension of public transport subsidies, which were part a bill rejected by parliament last week.
– In a statement, Junts confirmed the agreement, but said it [now] excluded all tax measures – which would be “negotiated further down the line”. Fiscally conservative Junts has opposed the extension of a windfall tax on energy companies, among others, arguing that the levy impacted investments in the wealthy Catalonia region.
– Sanchez’s centre-left administration faces a balancing act in every vote as it weighs concessions to parties from across the spectrum with opposing demands, such as hard-left Podemos and centre-right Junts. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spanish-government-breaks-deadlock-with-catalan-ally-over-broad-tax-pensions-2025-01-28/ & Video Link

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The Government confirms the increase in pensions in 2025- the table is as follows: {Translation, summary}
– Good news for pensioners a week after the government failed to achieve sufficient support in the Congress of Deputies last Tuesday to push through the omnibus decree. This left the 2.8% rise in contributory pensions planned for 2025 without effect. Today there has been a turnaround and there will indeed be a rise in pensions as planned. It has been the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, who has announced a new royal decree law which includes the revaluation of pensions, improvements in the minimum pensions and the expected discounts on the transport pass. See the new payment tables in the source article, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/gobierno-confirma-subida-pensiones-2025-pedro-sanchez-asi-queda-tabla-5658746/

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The NATO Chief asks Sánchez to accelerate and increase the defense spending: {Translation, summary}
– ‘All allies must increase their defence spending’. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered a clear message on Monday as he travelled to Spain and Portugal to meet with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. The two allied countries are far from the Atlantic Alliance’s goal of allocating 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to military spending, a demand that US President Donald Trump is raising to 5%.
– After his meeting with the Portuguese prime minister and before meeting with Sánchez, Rutte stressed that NATO ‘is strong today, but for it to remain so, we have to increase our efforts. The 2% spending, set decades ago, will not be enough to meet the challenges of the future’. This call is a wake-up call for the ten allied countries that do not meet the target, and especially for Spain, which according to a NATO report published in June 2024, ranks at the bottom of the allies in military spending, with an investment of 1.28% of its GDP in defence. Slovenia and Luxembourg (both with 1.29%), Belgium (1.3%) and Canada (1.37%) also lag behind, while the allies that spend the most are Poland (4.12%), Estonia (3.43%) and the United States (3.38%).
Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/nacional/jefe-otan-pide-sanchez-acelere-aumente-gasto-20250127194200-ntrc_amp.html

MALAGA CITY

Taxi strike in Malaga- from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday 29/1: {Translation, summary}
– The taxi drivers of Malaga have called this coming Wednesday 29th a ‘march through the city’ that will take them from the Palacio de Deportes Martin Carpena to the door of the Town Hall, to protest against the prices of the policies that they consider abusive. This protest is in addition to the strike called by the National Taxi Association (Antaxi) which will cause a cut in the service from 11:00 to 14:00, providing the public with only the minimum operational services. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/huelga-taxis-miercoles-malaga-paran-precios-seguros_0_2003229244.html

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

Next bureaucratic step completed for the new private hospital in Velez-Malaga: {Translation, summary}
– The bipartite government team of PP and GIPMTM in the Vélez-Málaga Town Hall is determined to push ahead with the project for a private hospital, with between 50 and 60 beds, in the area of Camino de Torrox, which has been in the pipeline for almost three years. After obtaining last October the first environmental approval of the Junta de Andalucía for the health project, the Consistory of Velez is activating the bureaucratic procedures so that the project, with an estimated investment of 20 million euros, can become a reality as soon as possible.
– With regard to the laying of the first stone on the ground, Mayor Lupiáñez said that the aim is to ‘start it before the end of the year or in the first half of 2026’. However, the councillor stressed that ‘we depend on the issuing of sectoral reports’ which could slow down the process, although he stressed that ‘we will work hard to ensure that very soon this new infrastructure becomes a reality and is operational in 2027’. The land planning follows a process of modular distribution and is expected to accommodate between 50 and 60 rooms, providing space for multiple specialities such as gynaecology and maternity, among others. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/nuevo-paso-burocratico-primer-hospital-privado-axarquia-20250127143012-nt_amp.html

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The Board allocates 550,000 euros for roadworks in Riogordo: {Translation, summary}
– The Mayor of Vélez-Málaga, Jesús Lupiáñez, and the provincial delegate of Sustainability and Environment of the Junta de Andalucía, José Antonio Víquez, have presented on Tuesday morning the beginning of the actions to improve the road surface and adaptation of the road known as Vereda de Vélez-Málaga a Riogordo, a cattle track that connects the polygon Los Zamoranos with the fruit and vegetable cooperative Trops, and in which conditioning works will be carried out for 550,000 euros. The estimated execution period is 3 months. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/la-junta-destina-550-000-euros-en-la-mejora-de-la-via-de-la-vereda-de-velez-malaga-a-riogordo/

MARBELLA

Marbella leads in Spain the average price of a hotel room at €303.40 per night: {Translation, summary}
– The city of Marbella has registered the highest revenue per available hotel room (RevPar) and average daily rate (ADR) in Spain, with 201.28 and 303.4 euros respectively during 2024, a situation that according to the vice-president of the Association of Hoteliers of the Costa del Sol (Aehcos), Javier Hernández, is due to ‘the quality and category’ of its hotel offerings. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/industria-hotelera-maximos-marbella-precio-alto_0_2003228837.html

ANTEQUERA

Laberintus Park, the largest hedge maze in Spain, opens this February in Malaga province town:
– On Saturday 22 February, ‘Laberintus Park’, the largest hedge maze to date in Spain, will open its doors to locals and to all the tourists that visit the province of Malaga. The vegetal labyrinth, which is located in the town of Humilladero, in the Antequera area, is yet another innovative step that Malaga has taken to improve and expand its offerings to visitors.
– As one of the most important creators of labyrinths in the world, Adrian Fischer is the person behind this new space. Inspired by the gardens of the Alhambra in Granada, this space spans over more than 7,400 square metres and offers different levels of difficulty for all ages. You can choose between several routes, depending on how much time you want to spend: the easiest itinerary can be completed in about 30 minutes, while the most difficult challenge can take up to two hours to complete. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/antequera/laberintus-park-the-largest-plant-maze-spain-20250128140023-nt.html

GASTRONOMIA

The beekeepers protest in Madrid against imports of “false honey”: {Translation, summary}
– Several dozen Spanish beekeepers have rallied this Tuesday in front of the office of the European Commission Representation in Spain to demand more controls on imported honey and greater traceability and better labelling of the product, and to express their perception that the Commission has abandoned them.
– ‘We are in front of the European Commission asking for urgent approval of the analytical techniques that prove that the honeys are not honeys, that they are false syrups’, denounced Antonio Vázquez, head of beekeeping at COAG Andalucía, in an audio message sent to the media. The agricultural representative lamented that they cannot sell honey due to the ‘very low price’ at which the syrups are sold, and has argued that ‘we do not have the economic capacity to be able to continue to attend to our farms and we need this approval quickly’.
– The head of the beekeeping sector of COAG at national level, Pedro Manuel Loscertales, said in statements to journalists that a report of 2023 of the same European Commission (EC) recognized that ‘46% of the honeys circulating in Europe are alleged frauds’, so it has called for ‘greater border controls and greater traceability’, with validated methods of analysis. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/economia/apicultores-protestan-madrid-importaciones-miel_0_2003231010.html

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Free tapas do still exist! These are the best streets in Granada to go for free tapas and pinchos (skewers): {Translation, summary}
– In Granada, it is sometimes not necessary to order a set menu for lunch, as in many cases a drink includes a free or very cheap tapa or ration.
– It is difficult to establish which is the best street in Granada when it comes to going out for tapas, as tapas is one of the reasons why the gastronomy of this Andalusian city is well known. However, there are some well-known streets with numerous bars and restaurants offering free tapas. In some places they automatically serve a tapa with every drink, in others you must ask for a tapa. Also don’t be surprised if you must wait for the tapa after the drink is served, and that locals who arrive after you may get their tapas first.
– Calle Gonzalo Gallas: near Calle Pedro Antonio de Alarcón you will find in this university area many options for free tapas.
– Calle Elvira: this street is located in one of the most touristic areas of Granada and very close to the Town Hall. Lots of options for a cheap lunch while sightseeing.
– Calle Navas: this street is one of the most central in the city and stands out for its large concentration of bars and restaurants. The upscale places are more likely to charge for tapas, ask before ordering in places with fabric tablecloths.
– La Chana: this neighbourhood, where the Plaza de Toros is located, is one of the best known by the people of Granada. Weekday lunchtime sees cafes crowded with local workers on break.
– Camino de Ronda: this area is very close to Calle Gonzalo Gallas and, like this one, has a youthful atmosphere with inexpensive establishments. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5184969/0/cuales-son-mejores-calles-granada-ir-tapas-gratis/

CULTURE

Fashion Notes: Melania Trump Power Poses in Dolce & Gabbana for Official White House Portrait:
– First Lady Melania Trump unveiled her official White House portrait on Monday, standing in a power pose set to the backdrop of the Washington Monument. Melania Trump released the photo, captured by Belgian celebrity photographer Régine Mahaux who has long photographed Mrs. Trump and the Trump family. Most recently, Mahaux photographed Mrs. Trump for the cover of Schweizer Illustrierte.
– In her official portrait, styled by Hervé Pierre, Mrs. Trump stands at a table mirroring her image and wearing a single-breasted twill Turlington tuxedo jacket from Dolce & Gabbana – a favorite of the first lady’s. The jacket retails for $3,245. Paired with the luxe tuxedo jacket are Dolce & Gabbana twill tuxedo pants, a white tuxedo shirt, and a matching black cummerbund. The pants retail for $1,045.
Full article: https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/01/27/fashion-notes-melania-trump-power-poses-in-dolce-gabbana-for-official-white-house-portrait/

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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. 2937 Tuesday, January 28th, 2025

On January 28, 2025January 27, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

Welcome to DigameXtra !

The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

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*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.

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Editor’s Holiday: Monday, 3 February, there will be no issue, DigameXtra & DoctorLaptop will be closed.
Posts scheduled for 3 Feb. will be posted on the following day.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS!

Donation info & instructions can be found in the Announcements Section here: https://digamextra.com/2025/01/23/digamextra-no-2934-thursday-january-23rd-2025/

Total Donations Received: 139 (2.8%)

4% target = 200 donations from 4955 subscribers

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Tango extravaganza- Tres Esquinas Tango:
Monday, 3 Feb, 8pm. Cervantes Theater, Malaga
R.E.A Danza’s new show transports us to the mythical neighbourhood of Buenos Aires where the vibrant and passionate culture of tango emerged. Through dance, Tres Esquinas becomes an immersive experience that narrates the neighbourhood’s transformation from its origins as a bastion of the suburbs to its evolution as a residential area and industrial and transportation centre, where entertainment, work and ephemeral moments co-exist.
Tres Esquinas captures the essence of movement and reflects the flow of life at that crucial moment of the 1940s.
This voyage through time reveals the “last moment of drunkenness” of a past that is about to conclude, marking the end of an era full of history and the emergence of tango as a unique artistic expression, born of the transit and vitality of this peculiar district of Buenos Aires.
Info & tix (€24): https://www.teatrocervantes.com/en/genero/danza/temporada-2024-25/tres-esquinas-tango-1833

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Valentines Day 2025: Friday, 14 Feb.
Spending the special day in Malaga?
Stay in the most romantic hotels in Malaga.
Before you arrive, pick your hotel to match the occasion. Push your budget as much as you can to get the best room and be sure to tell the hotel you’re on a romantic trip (they’ll probably add an extra in the room for you).
We think the following hotels make the perfect base for a romantic break in Malaga:
– Castillo de Santa Catalina – stay in an Arabian nights setting, with panoramic views of the city at your feet. Splurge on the tower suite. Info: https://www.guidetomalaga.com/where-to-stay/splurge-hotels-in-malaga/soho-boutique-castillo-de-santa-catalina/
– Gran Hotel Miramar – go 5* Gran Luxe for an extra special stay, with plenty of romantic treats such as breakfast by the pool and a spa treatment (or two). Info: https://www.guidetomalaga.com/where-to-stay/splurge-hotels-in-malaga/gran-hotel-miramar/
– Only You – enjoy fabulous views in 5* accommodation, bang in the city centre. Treat yourselves to a portside/ Mediterranean view. Info: https://www.guidetomalaga.com/where-to-stay/splurge-hotels-in-malaga/only-you-malaga/
– Palacio Solecio – stay in one of Malaga’s loveliest historic palaces, with luxury trimmings to match. Info: https://www.guidetomalaga.com/where-to-stay/palacio-solecio/
Full article: https://www.guidetomalaga.com/do/time-out/5-impossibly-romantic-things-to-do-in-malaga/

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XI Festival de Música Sacra y Música Antigua
(11th Festival of Sacred and Early Music)
“La Liebre de Marzo” Saturdays 8, 15, 22 & 29 March
Frigiliana / Almáchar / Cómpeta / Periana
Free entry until capacity reached.
– Malaga Baroque Orchestra- Frigiliana
Saturday 8th March / 12’30 hrs
San Antonio de Padua Parish Church
Women composers of the Baroque (Chamber music by Isabella Leonarda and Jaquet de la Guerre)
– Quartet Con Fuoco + Teresa García Molero- Almáchar
Saturday 15th March / 12’30 hrs
Parish Church of San Mateo Apóstol
Travellers of the past
Works By: Father Antonio Soler / Georg Philipp Telemann
– Spinto Quartet- Cómpeta
Saturday 22nd March / 12’30 hrs
Church of Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción
Mozart ‘Requiem for a quartet’ (Adaptation by Peter Lichtentahl)
– Chapel of Music ‘Maestro Iribarren’- Periana
Saturday 29th March / 12’30 hrs
Church of San Isidro Labrador
Tutto Albinoni
Info: https://www.ventana-abierta.es/la-liebre-de-marzo.html

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Very Special Concerts with limited seating- Rincón Treasure Cave Music Festival 2025: Fridays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 8:30 p.m.
– 7th. Mariola Cantarero {Video Link}
– 14th. Ginés González
– 21st. Erika Leiva
– 28th. Muchopelo (on Andalucia Day holiday)
Each show has limited capacity of 80 spectators.
All concerts will be priced at 10 euros per seat. Tickets can be purchased starting Tuesday, January 21 at 12:00 noon on this website: https://entradas.turismoenrincon.es/ (two ticket max).
For more information about the festival, please contact the following telephone number: 952406162.

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Services Wanted/Offered

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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

Click on pics to enlarge

How to post more photos than the rules allow – use collages. The limit is one pic per item/event. You can combine several of your photos into a 
single collage photo by using this free online collage creation tool. It’s very easy to use, give it a try! https://www.photocollage.com/

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

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Great Deals From The Upcycling Nerja
– Preloved Castilian sideboard natural wood ( waxed ) Beige color measurements 110 x 39 x 86cms Price 175€
– Occasional stool beige color measurements 41 x 36 x 44cms Price 45€
– Castilian mirror natural wood ( waxed ) grey color measurements 60 x 80cms price 55€
contact Jackie/ nerja 672170429
upcycling nerja at gmail dot 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.

**********

Make your annual DigameXtra donation now!: All the details are in the Announcements section at the top of the issue. If you want to be able to make submissions you’ll need to do this. -Ed.

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Processionary Caterpillars: Hi Naythan, We have had some bad experiences with these creatures, particularly bad allergic reactions. I thought I’d send you this video as an example if you feel like posting it!
Cheers, Nick, La Herradura.

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News & Articles

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

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News Note: The main story today, being covered by all the news outlets, is the revolutionary Deepseek AI from China, free artificial intelligence for the masses! Tech stocks have tanked while industry giants scramble to salvage their investments. Hopefully we will have moved on to other things tomorrow. I was ahead of the curve posting about this yesterday before it hit the main stream media, and two days is enough for this story IMHO.

SPAIN

Polls show Left losing support- PP and Vox open the gap and together would hold 195 seats: {Translation, summary}
– The president of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, takes pains in each session of the Congress to remind the leader of the opposition, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, that there is still a legislature left for a while, until 2027. Neither the lack of general state budgets nor the growing parliamentary defeats of the Executive – the last two last week, with the repeal of two of the three royal decree laws that he led to validate – discourage him. Perhaps the socialist’s main reason for not dissolving the government and calling new elections lies behind the data from the latest GAD3 barometer for ABC.
– If general elections were held now, the PSOE and Sumar would find it impossible to revalidate their parliamentary majority with left-wing, nationalist and pro-independence parties.
– If in October last year, in the previous poll published by this newspaper, the PP and Vox amply surpassed the absolute majority, without the need for third parties, with 187 seats, now the evolution reflects an upward trend for both parties and perhaps explains the hardening of the tone of the Popular Party towards the PNV, to which they no longer dedicate the pampering they offered a few months ago. If the current situation continues, Feijóo will only have to negotiate with Santiago Abascal (VOX) to form a new government. Between the two of them, they would now have 195 seats, twenty-five more than they have now and only seven below the historic victory of Felipe González in 1982. Compared to October, the PP’s percentage of the vote is practically unchanged – up eight tenths of a percentage point to almost 35 per cent – but its number of deputies has increased from 147 to 151.
– Vox, for its part, would continue to grow and would demonstrate that, at least strategically, its break with the regional governments it shared with the PP in July last year was a wise move, after the PP accepted in their territories the distribution of unaccompanied foreign minors from the Canary Islands. Ten months ago, before taking that decision, Abascal’s party was in a range of between twenty-four and twenty-eight seats. Now they would exceed fourteen percent in voting intentions and would claim 44 deputies; only eight below their historic ceiling in the November 2019 elections.
Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/pp-vox-abren-brecha-sumarian-juntos-195-20250127225740-nt_amp.html

TORROX

The council of Torrox unanimously approves the request to the Spanish Government for an exit from the motorway for El Morche: {Translation, summary}
– The plenary session of Torrox Town Council {pic} has unanimously approved to urge the Spanish Government as soon as possible to draft the project for a second exit of the A7 motorway in the municipality at the height of El Morche. This is a proposal from the PP municipal group, which also approved the transfer of the plenary agreement to the Ministry of Transport and Mobility of the central government. The municipal spokesman of the Popular Party of Torrox, José Manuel Fernández, reiterated in the plenary session that ‘this exit from the motorway has already been put on the table as an urgent necessity’.
– In the explanatory memorandum of the motion it is explained that “Torrox is one of the few municipalities in the Spanish Mediterranean with more than 20,000 inhabitants with only one access to the A7 motorway”, said the councillor, who added that ‘it is possibly the only municipality with nine kilometres of coastline in this situation’. Added to this is ‘the added difficulty that the only access to the A7, which, as well as covering the historic centre of Torrox and the neighbouring municipality of Cómpeta, is excessively far from the coast and can only be reached by one lane on each road’. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-pleno-de-torrox-aprueba-por-unanimidad-solicitar-al-gobierno-de-espana-una-salida-de-la-autovia-para-el-morche/

RINCÓN DE LA VICTORIA

An earthquake was recorded with an epicenter in Rincón de la Victoria: {Translation, summary}
– An earthquake of magnitude 2.8 was felt this Sunday afternoon in the province of Malaga. Specifically, the earthquake occurred at 16:30 hours, with its epicentre in Rincón de la Victoria, according to data recorded by the National Geographic Institute (IGN).
– The tremor took place in the sea, to the southeast of the municipality of Rincón de Victoria, at a depth of 62 kilometres. Some local residents claim to have felt it, albeit very slightly.
– In 1494 Malaga was the epicentre of an earthquake which, according to the historical data that has been preserved, is estimated to have had a magnitude of 6.5. Less than a century later, in June 1581, another powerful earthquake was also recorded with an epicentre in Malaga. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/rincon-de-la-victoria/terremoto-rincon-victoria-malaga_0_2003217311.html

HEALTH

Andalucia adds only four more family medicine posts despite the desperate need for them: {Translation, summary}
– Nearly five thousand healthcare professionals in Granada, Seville, Malaga and Cadiz are taking the exam today to compete for almost two thousand medical and nursing speciality posts. Those who win the places, known as MIR or EIR (in the case of nursing), will spend the next few years as interns in Andalusian health centres. So far, so familiar.
– What is new is that there is little new, as the increase in the number of vacancies is minimal for family medicine, which is the speciality in which most staff are urgently needed. In spite of the fact that this has been a year of quarrels between the administrations due to the scarce supply, the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health has made 438 places available for the next resident doctors for family doctors, only four more than last year (434). Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/andalucia-cuatro-plazas-medicina-familiar-necesidad-mir_0_2003211325.html

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A human case of bird flu has been confirmed in England:
– “The UK Health Security Agency said a person in the West Midlands region caught bird flu on a farm where they had close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds.” “The affected individual is now in isolation and contact tracing is underway.” X Link

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

It seems China has undercut US corporate plans to make lots of money from AI by releasing a free, powerful version called #DeepSeek. https://deepseek.com & X Link

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China’s New AI Model DeepSeek Just Won the Tech Race…American CEOs in Shock!: This is an in depth analysis of the new developments in plain English. Video Link

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One AI scam becomes obvious, news cycle manipulation: {DigameXtra}
– More and more news text is being written by AI as publishing businesses cut staff to lower expenses. Editors using AI to do their writing set the topic and the number of words the articles should contain so as to meet targets and quotas.
– AI often “bulks up” articles with superfluous content to reach these word targets. This results in many articles containing more words than necessary. All these extra words waste the time of researchers who must sift thru the rubbish to find the gems of real info worth saving.
– But wait, one of the main functions AI providers promote as a use for their tools is to summarize articles. They claim it will save researchers and writers time and effort.
– Thus, AI causes the problem and provides the solution. Just like back in the 50s when advertisers convinced us we all stink so they could sell us deodorant. They create a problem so they can sell you the fix. In this case AI providers profit from both ends, selling the writing service to publishers, and selling the summary tools to authors and editors.
– In the long run this ends up wasting even more time for researchers. Now they must read the bloated articles, then load them into an AI summarizer, read those results, fact check the results (as nothing AI produces can be trusted), and then assemble their own summary articles out of the info collected. FUBAR!!! No wonder the main stream news is in such a bad state of affairs, haemorrhaging readership/viewership, while social media, with its brevity in posts, is now the prime news source, evidenced by X (formerly Twitter) now bring the leading news app in the 140 countries. [Ref: https://www.latestly.com/socially/technology/elon-musk-run-x-tops-global-news-app-rankings-leading-in-over-140-countries-on-app-store-6409862.html ]

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Chinese AI startup DeepSeek overtakes ChatGPT on Apple App Store:
– Chinese startup DeepSeek’s AI Assistant on Monday overtook rival ChatGPT to become the top-rated free application available on Apple’s App Store in the United States. Powered by the DeepSeek-V3 model, which its creators say “tops the leaderboard among open-source models and rivals the most advanced closed-source models globally”, the artificial intelligence application has surged in popularity among U.S. users since it was released on Jan. 10, according to app data research firm Sensor Tower.
– The milestone highlights how DeepSeek has left a deep impression on Silicon Valley, upending widely held views about U.S. primacy in AI and the effectiveness of Washington’s export controls targeting China’s advanced chip and AI capabilities. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/chinese-ai-startup-deepseek-overtakes-chatgpt-apple-app-store-2025-01-27/

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Humour & Diversions Section

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

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Let me get this straight…ALL the politicians and CEO’s – ALL across the Western world – ALL miraculously became incompetent or stupid – ALL at the exact same time – ALL in the exact same way – coincidentally: X Link

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Remember when we didn’t have signs telling us not to poop in the street, I wonder what changed?: X Link

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Exchange quotes from Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Jan 27, 2025, 17:16 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. 2936 Monday, January 27th, 2025

On January 27, 2025January 26, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

Welcome to DigameXtra !

The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK

*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed.

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*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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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Editor’s Holiday: Monday, 3 February, there will be no issue, DigameXtra & DoctorLaptop will be closed.
Posts scheduled for 3 Feb. will be posted on the following day.

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS!

Donation info & instructions can be found in the Announcements Section here: https://digamextra.com/2025/01/23/digamextra-no-2934-thursday-january-23rd-2025/

Total Donations Received: 138 (2.8%)

4% target = 200 donations from 4955 subscribers

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The Submission Rules Page has been updated to reflect this change.

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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 ~
February
– 4th – Trip to Gib €20pp
– 21st – A visit to Estepona Market and Orchid House
March
– 4th – Trip to Gib €20pp
– 21st – Trip to IKEA and Guzmans Garden Centre
For information call Gail on 951067723 / 626370695 (Whatsapp) email phoenixsocialclub@yahoo.co.uk check out our FB page.
We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast

Warning Note: High winds and waves possible until 8pm Monday.

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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender’s First Name / Nearest Town

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Services Wanted/Offered

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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:
*Are you thinking of selling?*
At BluCee Real Estate we use many different tools to demonstrate and promote our properties. Photographs, videos, drone footage, 360⁰ tours, targeted advertising, property exhibitions to name a few. We don’t sit and wait for buyers, we actively search for them.
Please contact us to find out what we will do to actively promote your property for sale.
We have a few places available on our artwork for our next property exhibition in Manchester. Contact us now to secure a place for YOUR property.
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 for information:
Website: http://www.blucee.com/ : Email: info@blucee.com
Whatsapp 0034 711 04 27 27 / Office 0034 951 553 890
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.

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For Sale, 3 items: Camping Gear
– 2x tents. 1 is with a pump €95; the other is a normal tent €60.
– Camping cart €60.
All excellent condition used once.
Call Amanda, Nerja. 680739577
Josiahamanda@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.

**********

Make your annual DigameXtra donation now!: All the details are in the Announcements section at the top of the issue. If you want to be able to make submissions you’ll need to do this. -Ed.

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Community Compost Project: Hello everyone, I have been thinking for ages that I would like to participate in creating a community compost heap. I hate throwing away all my vegetable waste (and other things). I would like to help create a compost heap, but has to be on Torrox costa, don’t have a car or other means of transport. If other people are interested we could begin to investigate what is possible.
Info on another community doing this: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/23/no-council-lorries-no-bonfires-how-community-composting-took-off-in-an-english-village
Contact Christine, Torrox Costa.
Email: chris.fitzwater47 AT gmail D0T com

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Donations: Hello DigameXtra readers, Not much time left in Naythan’s Holiday Fundraiser to support him and his untiring efforts to bring us local news and provide a platform for our community. Given the number of readers I’d say that it is a little shameful that so few have contributed, so STEP UP or forever feel guilty of taking advantage of him and those who do support him!! It’s a small price for us. Nick, A loyal (non-commercial) reader.

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Musicians Wanted: Seeking classically trained musicians to play in an ensemble, for pleasure! I am living in Nerja and have space where we could meet. I also have access to a piano and would like to play sonatas. Good sightreading abilitiy and some technical proficiency is necessary!
Roberta, Nerja, +34 642551181
Rmail: Rabbina2 AT aol D0T com

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News & Articles

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

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SPAIN

Sanchez says he will “look for votes even under rocks” after his blackmail fiasco, holding pension increases and DANA relief hostage unless other unrelated items in the omnibus package are also approved: {Translation, summary}
– The President of the Government, without a hint of modesty, continues to twist the arguments to justify what happened this week in Congress, when his omnibus decree that mixed all kinds of issues in an attempt to convince his partners failed, leaving on hold from the increase in pensions to transport subsidies, in addition to the anti-eviction decree.
– At the closing of the XV Regional Congress of the PSOE of the Canary Islands, which has re-elected Ángel Víctor Torres as leader despite his indictment in the Koldo plot, Pedro Sánchez has backed this minister and has once again set himself up as the defender of pensioners despite the fact that it was his government who chose to include the increase in an omnibus law in an attempt to blackmail the rest of the parties. After the failure of his maneuver, Sánchez has insisted on presenting himself as the victim of a “negationist coalition” formed by PP and Vox, whom he now tries to blame for what happened.
– “In a Parliament as fragmented as the one we have, I am going to look for votes and support even under the stones to revalue pensions for our retirees. I will look for votes even under the rocks for young people to have free public transport. And I will look for votes even under the stones so that those affected in La Palma and Valencia have the aid they deserve and need”, said the president after the Government lost the vote in Congress on Wednesday and without referring to how it will do it: the PP has already agreed to vote in favor of a decree containing the pension measure exclusively. Source, Spanish: https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/2025-01-26/un-exaltado-sanchez-dice-que-buscara-votos-hasta-debajo-de-las-piedras-tras-el-fiasco-de-su-chantaje-7211884/

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A magistrate dismantles the three “fallacies” used by the Government to justify its radical judicial reform: {Translation, summary}
– Luis Sanz {pic, finally someone who knows how to properly tie a necktie!}, vice-president of the Civic Platform for Judicial Independence, member of the Judicial Association Francisco de Vitoria and magistrate of the Provincial Court of Madrid, has expressed his concern about the reforms promoted by the Government in matters of justice, describing them as a direct threat to judicial independence. During an interview in the program La trinchera en Llamas of esRadio, Sanz harshly criticized initiatives such as the “democratization” of the access to the judicial career and the weakening of the public’s involvement in the system.
– The Minister of Justice, Felix Bolaños, defended these measures under the argument of “facilitating access to judges for all types of people” and consolidating a thousand substitute judges, which, according to the minister, would “democratize justice”. However, Sanz qualified this narrative as misleading. “The competition for access to the judicial career is a tough, demanding competition, which seeks, through merit, ability and objectivity in the selection, to get the best professionals. It is a competition comparable to those of State bodies such as notaries, registrars or diplomats. But, what a coincidence, these are not to be touched or changed. The only concern is to ‘democratize’ the positions of judge”, he pointed out.
*The fallacies used to justify the reform*
– Sanz dismantled three fallacies that, according to him, the Government uses to defend these reforms. “First, that ‘all judges are children of judges’. Well, no. In the last promotion of 137 judges, five are children of judges and 72 have no relatives. Second, that ‘they are all male chauvinists’. Of those 137 judges, 92 are women and 45 are men. Third, that ‘they are all rich’. The judicial career is composed of diverse social classes. In the last promotion, 34.3% of the judges come from families without higher education,” he explained.
– Regarding the consolidation of a thousand substitute judges through the so-called fourth shift, Sanz expressed his concern about the lack of guarantees in this process. “The fourth shift currently exists, but under some important requirements. It is a way of access for professionals with ten years of practice, but also through a demanding entrance test that values their merits. Now, the intention is to lower the standards of difficulty of this test and introduce a thousand substitute judges ‘through the back door’,” he warned. In addition, he criticized the lack of solutions by the Government to address the shortage of judges in a structural way: “It is curious because they claim a lack of judges, but they are the same ones who have not wanted to solve this problem for years”. Source, Spanish: https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2025-01-26/un-magistrado-desmonta-las-tres-falacias-que-utiliza-el-gobierno-para-justificar-su-reforma-judicial-7211846/

AXARQUÍA

The Provincial Council will invest one million euros to improve the recreational area of La Viñuela reservoir: {Translation, summary}
– The Diputación de Málaga will invest one million euros in the adaptation and improvement of the recreational area of La Viñuela, next to the reservoir. This action is part of the Environmental and Recreational Project developed by the Provincial Institution around the reservoir, which will begin with the reforestation and planting of almost 35,000 trees and shrubs.
– The president of the Diputación de Málaga, Francisco Salado, has explained that, since its construction, the perimeter of the reservoir has served as a recreational area that brings together many people at all times of the year. In fact, there are two areas where visitors congregate: the recreational area of La Viñuela, in the municipality of the same name, and the recreational area of Las Mayoralas, in Periana. “They are very busy spaces, which have facilities and furniture that are very deteriorated by use. So what we intend is to renovate and improve these recreational areas, which are located in a natural environment of great scenic and environmental wealth,” he added. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/la-diputacion-invertira-un-millon-de-euros-en-la-mejora-del-area-recreativa-del-embalse-de-la-vinuela/

IRELAND

Thousands in Ireland still without power after Storm Éowyn, as more wild weather wallops UK, France:
– Ireland called in help from England and France as repair crews worked to restore power to hundreds of thousands of people after the most disruptive storm for years. Even as the cleanup continued, more wet and windy weather hit the U.K., Ireland and France on Sunday.
– More than 1 million people in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland were left without electricity after Storm Éowyn (pronounced AY-oh-win) roared through on Friday.
– In Ireland, which suffered the heaviest damage, the wind snapped telephone poles, ripped apart a Dublin ice rink and even toppled a giant wind turbine. A wind gust of 114 mph (183 kph) was recorded on the west coast, breaking a record set in 1945.
– The state electricity company, ESB Networks, said that more than 300,000 properties in Ireland still had no power on Sunday, down from 768,000 on Friday. The Irish military was also helping out, but the company said that it could be two more weeks before electricity is restored to everyone. Full article: https://apnews.com/article/ireland-uk-storm-eowyn-cleanup-dec911dfa61e0a0c6e9fcd18ccdd72a5

SPORTS

Tennis News- Australian Open Update- Final results here: https://ausopen.com/results#!All

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Jannik Sinner beats Alexander Zverev in 3 sets for his second Australian Open title in a row:
– There’s all sorts of ways beyond merely the score to measure just how dominant Jannik Sinner was while outplaying and frustrating Alexander Zverev during the 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory Sunday that earned the 23-year-old Italian a second consecutive Australian Open championship.
The zero break points Sinner faced. Or the 10 he accumulated. The 27-13 advantage in points that lasted at least nine strokes. Or the way Sinner accumulated more winners, 32 to 25, and fewer unforced errors, 27 to 45. The way Sinner won 10 of the 13 points that ended with him at the net. Or the way he only let Zverev go 14 of 27 in that category, frequently zipping passing shots out of reach.
– Well, here’s is one more bit of evidence: what Zverev said about Sinner. “I’m serving better than him, but that’s it. He does everything else better than me. He moves better than me. He hits his forehand better than me. He hits his backhand better than me. He returns better than me. He volleys better than me,” Zverev said. “At the end of the day, tennis has five or six massive shots — like, massive factors — and he does four or five of them better than me. That’s the reason why he won.” Full article: https://apnews.com/article/australian-open-men-final-sinner-zverev-df0c51779000913e5c6a19725e085829

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

China Completely Transforms The AI Industry Overnight, And For The Better! DEEPSEEK AI Changes Everything: {DigameXtra}
– China released an AI as good as those based in the West last week. What sets it apart is that DEEPSEEK has a huge financial advantage over the competition, it has operating expenses of only one percent of what Americian OpenAI’s ChatGPT costs to run.
– Unlike the AI tools available until now, Deepseek AI is open-source (publicly published, free to view). Much to the chagrin of AI tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, Deepseek is giving away the AI methods, codes and algorithms big tech companies had wanted to keep secret to exploit as their next golden goose. DEEPSEEK even offers a free chat-style tool on their website, with premium services also available. {I tried it and found Deepseek as good as the others, plus, with the “reasoning engine” included, I like Deepseek the best. More on this game-changing “reasoning engine” below. -Ed.}
– Deepseek is a startup operated out of China, so it is subject to that country’s laws and content censorship requirements. For example, it would not answer questions about the Tiananmen Square protests.
– One major component of the new Deepseek that sets it apart from OpenAI’s ChatGPT, GROK, Apple Intelligence & META AI, is its exposed “reasoning engine”, the logic-chain used to determine the final answer in plain English. Each step in the logic chain that Deepseek AI follows to create its reply to your prompt is shown in the reply as a preface. You can follow the logic chain to confirm that not only the facts, but also the reasoning, is acceptable to you. Other AIs only provide a few links to sources it used, but you have no idea how it developed the answer it provides, so it is hard to verify the accuracy of answers.
– Read an article in plain English with more details: https://venturebeat.com/ai/why-everyone-in-ai-is-freaking-out-about-deepseek/
DEEPSEEK website: https://www.deepseek.com/

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DigameXtra No. 2935 WEEKEND EDITION Friday, January 24th, 2025

On January 24, 2025January 24, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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Concert “Más allá de las palabras” (Beyond words) with cello and piano: Ángel Moya & Adriana Rojo, Sat, 25 Jan, 7pm
Carmen Theater, C/ Pancho López 1, 29700 Vélez-Málaga.
A concert that invites us to connect with our interior and let it flow. Info & tix (€15): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/entradas-concierto-mas-alla-de-las-palabras-1132462920079 & Video Link

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Circus theater show ‘Imagine (Hotel)- The Road to Dreams”:
7 Feb – 2 March at Sohrlin Andalucia, Malaga
C/ Almonte 6, 29004, Málaga
A circus theater piece by Cirque des Sens in which you can enjoy impressive acrobatic numbers and hilarious comic situations generated by the endearing bellboys and other employees of the Imagine Hotel. Info & tix: https://sohrlinandalucia.janto.es/es/espectaculo/imagine–el-camino-hacia-los-suenos/IMAGINE & Video Clip

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On Sale Now- Kizcon 5 Kizomba Festival Beach Edition- Almunecar:
11-17 April. Located at Hotel Playa Calida Spa.
16 live acts, 15 DJs plus dance acts and special guests.
Full details: https://kizomba-world.com/event/kizcon-5-kizomba-festival-beach/
Tix: https://lasalsadelbaile.com/comprar/KizCon5 & Video Link

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News & Articles

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{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

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ANDALUCÍA

Status of the Malaga & Andalucia reservoirs on Thursday, January 23, 2025: Source: http://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses

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Delinquent tenant’s debt increased by 5.4% in 2024 and exceeds 7,200 euros: {Translation}
– The average debt of delinquent tenants in Andalusia has increased by 5.4% in 2024 compared to 2023 to 7,278 euros, below the national average (7,957 euros), according to the study of delinquency prepared by the Rental Observatory, promoted by the Rental Insurance Foundation and the Rey Juan Carlos University.
– Delinquency in Andalusia in 2024 grew at a higher rate than in the rest of Spain, where it rose by 4.2% over the previous year, the foundation reported in a statement.
– Malaga is the Andalusian province with the highest level of indebtedness, with an average of 9,355 euros, which places it in fifth position in the country as a whole, followed by Seville, with a default of 8,876 euros, and both are above the national average.
– Other provinces with high levels of debt are Granada, with 6,422 euros; Cadiz, with 6,271 euros; Almeria, with an average delinquency of 5,942 euros, or Cordoba, with 5,011 euros, and the least indebted are Huelva, with an average delinquency of 4,390 euros, and Jaen, with 3,234 euros.
– In Malaga, Seville and Cadiz, the increase also exceeded 6% in 2024, while in places like Almeria it was limited to just 0.97%.
– As explained by Sergio Cardona, an analyst at the Rental Observatory, delinquency tends to grow in the provinces where tourism has more weight in their economy, as well as in those with the highest rental prices, which explains why Malaga and Seville are the most indebted areas and Huelva where delinquency grows the most.
– This observatory calculates the delinquency by taking the number of tenants in arrears for each territory in a given period of time to calculate the index for the reference period and from this data the accumulated debt and the year-on-year increase is estimated. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1859747/la-deuda-de-los-inquilinos-aumento-un-54-en-2024-y-supera-los-7200-euros/

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Por Andalucía and forest firefighters denounce “staff cuts with 84 unfilled positions” for months: {Translation}
– The regional deputy of Por Andalucía and co-spokesman of Podemos Andalucía, José Manuel Jurado, and the spokesman of the Infoca Movement collective, Juan Ramos, have denounced Thursday that the Board is leaving “without covering 84 places of forest firefighters who were left vacant in November and remain unfilled to this day”, something they have described as “a covert cut”.
– In a statement, both organizations have reported that “the 84 places are budgeted and approved”, so “there is no justification for such a delay, these 84 troops who could be doing prevention work and other important work throughout Andalusia”.
– Also, as detailed Ramos, “there are other blockages, as managers do not carry out the employment competitions, nor are they applying the seniority rules properly”, so that “many promises we have heard in Parliament and from the Andalusian Government remain unrealized.”
– For his part, Jurado has already announced that “this issue will be raised to Parliament” because “it cannot be that, repeatedly, the commitments announced by the Andalusian executive are not fulfilled”.
– Both spokesmen have coincided in highlighting “the need for a perfectly oiled Infoca” and have blamed “the creation of the new Emergency Agency for these hidden cuts. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-andalucia-bomberos-forestales-denuncian-recorte-plantilla-84-plazas-cubrir-hace-meses-20250123120232.html

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

Thieves threaten and beat a couple in their farmhouse in Velez-Malaga to steal from them: {Translation}
– The National Police has opened an investigation to clarify the violent robbery suffered by a couple of Velez-Malaga in their rural home a few days ago. The hooded thieves gained access to the property, located between the polygon La Pañoleta and Torre del Mar, and gagged and gagged the couple.
– The events occurred around 19.30 hours last Thursday, January 16. The woman, about 40 years old, was in the living room and looked out onto the terrace after hearing one of her dogs barking. It was then that the thieves tied her up and aggressively forced her into a room.
– The husband, who is over 80 years old, was in another room asleep and the thieves woke him up violently, tying him up as well. The thieves threatened them and demanded that they tell them where the safe was. However, they denied, at all times, having one of these devices. Even so, the invaders ransacked the entire house, causing damage to numerous pieces of furniture and household goods.
– After about two hours of captivity, the assailants left with a haul of about six thousand euros in cash, jewelry and a pellet gun, as SUR has been able to confirm. The victims were not seriously injured, although the robbers did hit them several times in the face and head. They also suffered anxiety crises. The victims have denounced that the attackers were five young men, “who spoke to each other in Arabic”, as this newspaper has been able to learn. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/sucesos/maniatan-amenazan-matrimonio-cortijo-velezmalaga-robarle-20250122193341-nt.html

EUROPE

NATO chief Rutte says Europe will fund US weapons for Ukraine (US defence contractors gonna love that):
– NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte {pic} on Thursday called for the U.S. to continue supplying Ukraine and said Europe would pay the bill. Speaking at an event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the NATO chief said the alliance must invest more in defence, ramp up defence industrial production and take on a bigger share of spending on help for Ukraine.
– “On Ukraine, we need U.S. also to stay involved,” Rutte said. “If this new Trump administration is willing to keep on supplying Ukraine from its defense industrial base, the bill will be paid by the Europeans, I’m absolutely convinced of this, we have to be willing to do that,” he added. The secretary general’s comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the European Union should be doing more to support Ukraine. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/davos-nato-chief-rutte-reaffirms-need-step-up-support-ukraine-2025-01-23/

IRELAND

Irish parliament delays vote for prime minister after chaotic sitting:
– A vote due on Wednesday in the Irish parliament to elect a new prime minister was delayed by a day after opposition protests over speaking rights for independent lawmakers supporting the incoming coalition government derailed a chaotic sitting.
– Micheál Martin {pic} was due to be elected prime minister at around 1230 GMT following a coalition deal struck last week between the country’s two large centre-right parties and a group of independent lawmakers after a Nov. 29 election.
– The speaker of the lower house of parliament suspended the chamber on four separate occasions before adjourning it until 0900 GMT on Thursday when her attempt to start the vote to elect a prime minister was drowned out by angry opposition lawmakers. “What we witnessed today was the subversion of the Irish constitution … This has never happened in the history of the state before,” Martin told a hastily arranged press conference. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/irish-parliament-delays-vote-prime-minister-after-speaking-rights-row-2025-01-22/

USA

BREAKING NEWS- President Trump signs an Executive Order to declassify the JFK, RFK, and MLK Jr. files!: Officials will have 15 days to “present a plan to the President for the full and complete release of records” on the JFK assassination and 45 days to do so for the RFK and MLK cases. Full article: https://nypost.com/2025/01/23/us-news/trump-orders-release-of-final-files-on-jfk-rfk-mlk-assassinations/ & X Link

https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1882528183981146394 (No X / Twitter account needed to view video clip.)

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New wildfire near Los Angeles explodes to 9,400 acres, forces evacuations:
– A new wildfire that broke out north of Los Angeles on Wednesday rapidly spread to more than 9,400 acres (38 square km), fueled by strong winds and dry brush, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for more than 31,000 people.
The Hughes fire about 50 miles (80 km) north of Los Angeles further taxed firefighters in the region who have managed to bring two major fires in the metropolitan area largely under control.
– In just a few hours on Wednesday the new fire grew to two-thirds the size of the Eaton Fire, one of the two monster conflagrations that have ravaged the Los Angeles area.
– Officials warned people in the Castaic Lake area of Los Angeles County that they faced “immediate threat to life,” while much of Southern California remained under a red-flag warning for extreme fire risk due to strong, dry winds. Some 31,000 people were under mandatory evacuation orders and another 23,000 face evacuation warnings, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told a press conference.
– The Angeles National Forest said its entire 700,000-acre (2,800-sq-km) park in the San Gabriel Mountains was closed to visitors.
– As a result of the red-flag warning, some 1,100 firefighters were deployed around Southern California in anticipation of fast-moving fires, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said. More than 4,000 firefighters were working on the Hughes Fire, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said. Full article and more photos: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/new-wildfire-breaks-out-north-los-angeles-forces-evacuations-2025-01-22/

MIDDLE EAST

What Gaza looks like today, after 15 months of war:
See full 24 photo gallery: https://www.reuters.com/pictures/what-gaza-looks-like-today-after-15-months-war-2025-01-21/

GASTRONOMIA

La Oliva Roja, premium EVOO: {Translation}
– Oliva Roja is an extra virgin olive oil from centuries-old olive trees located in the vicinity of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. They are, for this reason, traditional rainfed mountain olive groves. All their handling, including harvesting, is done by hand. The managemant of these olive groves is organic, as is their oil.
– This is a medium-high fruity EVOO of green olives with light ripe touches. The nose is dominated by herbaceous notes of freshly cut grass, tomato, alloza and green banana. On the palate very elegant entry with a medium bitterness and a progressive and persistent spicy finish characteristic of the hojiblanca variety that offers us oils with a high content of oleic acid, polyphenols and antioxidants so beneficial for our health. A complex, balanced and harmonious EVOO.
Producer: La Oliva Roja ; Zone: Ronda
Type of olive: Early harvest Hojiblanca ; Harvest: 2023/24
Info in English: https://www.laolivaroja.com/en/
Price: 750ml, €20 ; Rating: 8,5/10
{This post is for informational purposes, it is not an affiliate ad, nor an endorsement of the product. -Ed.}

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This is the ‘coffee in a cookie glass’ that you can try in this trendy cafe in Malaga: {Translation, summary}
– Imagine combining the best of coffee with a good chocolate cookie, because in the new trending coffee shop in the center of Malaga, Latteame, it is possible. It is called cookie cup, which is a cookie cookie -we can all imagine which one we are talking about- in the shape of a glass in which they serve you their specialty coffee so that, as you enjoy the warmth and aroma of your coffee seasoned with that melting chocolate, you can take bites of that cookie with a glass complex.
– Latteame is located in the heart of Malaga, in San Juan de Letran street (6), and have been open for just over half a year in this location. It is a coffee shop that in a few months has gone viral several times for their creations, conquering the young set with their publications on Instagram and Tik Tok. They already became very viral a short time ago due to their croffles, a hybrid between croissant and waffle, which conquered the sweet tooth, especially for the toppings with which they can be accompanied, whether you are team pistachio, Kinder, Oreo or Lotus. There are also savory ones.
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/la-farola/viral-cafe-vaso-galleta-cafeteria-moda-malaga_0_2003193160.html

SPORTS

Tennis News- Australian Open Update- Full results here: https://ausopen.com/results#!All

NATURE

New to Spain? Have you heard about the dreaded processionary caterpillar? Here’s what you need to know: {Translation, summary}
– The pine processionary caterpillar, known as “Thaumetopoea pityocampa” is an insect that proliferates in spring, mostly in April or May. Although in recent years, with the increase in temperatures, its larvae have been bringing forward their birth. In January, the residents of Rincón de la Victoria warned that they had a plague of this caterpillar. The problem with the processionary caterpillar is that it causes hives or allergic reactions.
– This insect, in its larval stage, is covered with hairs that produce these “more or less serious” irritations in humans. The reaction can occur both by direct and indirect contact, as the caterpillars detach themselves from the hairs if they feel attacked, as specified in a report by the Ministry of Environment of the Junta de Andalucía. This reaction is caused by a substance found in these hairs, the thermolabile toxin. The impact of this insect has set in motion different plans for its control.
– How they cause hives or allergic reactions. The toxin of the processionary caterpillars, the thermolabile toxin, is found in the hairs in which they are surrounded. When this insect is threatened, it spreads these hairs in the air, reaching people or animals, which can breathe them in through the nose or even ingest them through the mouth. Therefore, it would not be necessary to touch them directly to suffer the consequences of these toxins. In extreme cases, the contact of the toxin with the eyes can even cause blindness or death. For this reason, both the Junta and different public institutions, such as municipalities, are implementing control plans to prevent plagues of these insects. Among the actions carried out by the Andalusian public administration are chemical treatments for prevention.
– It is common for these caterpillars to be found in areas with pine forests, although as has been experienced in Rincón de la Victoria, poorly maintained wooded areas can be a place where these insects spread. In view of this situation, as indicated by the affected residents of the municipality of Malaga, children and pets are the most vulnerable to these insects, and for this reason they should be more vigilant.
– How to protect children and animals from the processionary insects? Children and pets are the most vulnerable to the contact of the processionary caterpillar, as they are the ones who most go to parks and gardens, and can unintentionally inhale the hairs of these insects. Therefore, they should be watched when they go to these spaces and the presence of this type of caterpillar is known.
– For people, an immediate treatment in case of contact with this caterpillar is to apply ice or opt for an antihistamine or anti-inflammatory. Although children are not always aware of having been in contact with this toxin, and the symptoms appear later, in these cases it is advisable to go to the emergency room.
– In the case of pets, they may ingest these insects, swallowing the toxin directly. It is necessary to go as soon as possible to the veterinarian. If this is not possible, it is advisable to wash the area with cold water to dilute the toxin. Photo: Wikimedia. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/oruga-procesionaria-plaga-afectando-vecinos-malaga_0_2003190345.html

DAVOS 2025- WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (WEF) UPDATES

Trump criticizes slow bureaucracy in Europe and accuses the EU of treating the US “very unfairly”: {Translation}
– The president of the United States, Donald Trump, has criticized the slowness and cumbersomeness of bureaucratic procedures in Europe when doing business, which he considers one of the keys that detracts from the competitiveness of the European Union, which he has accused of treating his country “very, very unfairly”.
– During a colloquium in the framework of the World Economic Forum, the new tenant of the White House has recalled his experience with the European bureaucracy, first as a businessman and then during his first presidential term and through the complaints of other companies, noting that “there is no reason why it cannot go faster”.
– “They’re very frustrated by the time it seems to take for everything to be approved, environmental impact statements for things that shouldn’t even be done, and many, many other things that require authorization,” lamented Trump, for whom the process ‘is very cumbersome’ and for big business ”is the problem.”
– “I think the EU needs to speed up its process. I have friends who are in some of the EU countries, great people, who want to be able to compete better, and you can’t compete,” he commented.
– Likewise, Trump considers that the EU treats the U.S. “very, very unfairly, very badly,” in reference to the different taxes, such as VAT, as well as the obstacles to trade in U.S. agricultural products or cars manufactured in the country.
“They make it very difficult to bring products to Europe, and yet they expect to sell, and they sell their products in the United States,” Trump has simplified, noting that his country maintains a deficit of ‘hundreds of billions of dollars’ with the EU, warning that ”no one is happy about it and we are going to do something about it.”
– In this regard, he commented that airlines complain that in Europe they are charged “fees for everything” and the situation is even worse than in China, in addition to recalling court cases against Apple or Facebook. “They are American companies, whether you like them or not, they are American companies and they should not be doing that, and that is, as far as I am concerned, a form of taxation, so we have some very big complaints,” he has stated. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/economia/macroeconomia-00338/noticia-trump-critica-lenta-burocracia-europa-acusa-ue-tratar-manera-muy-injusta-eeuu-20250123183345.html

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In his presentation Thursday, Argentina’s Milei launched attack on WEF’s ‘wokeism’ agenda:
– Speaking ahead of Donald Trump’s virtual address later, Argentina’s Javier Milei {pic} referenced the U.S. president’s campaign slogan, telling Davos: “Ultimately what I am proposing is to make the West great again.”
– Here are some of the Argentinian president Milei’s other remarks:
– “I’ve been able to find allies in all the corners of the world,” he said, naming Elon Musk, Giorgia Meloni, Viktor Orban, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Donald Trump.
– “Forums like this one have been protagonists and promoters of the sinister agenda of wokeism that is doing so much damage to the Western world.”
– “If we want to change, if we truly want to defend the rights of citizens we must first begin by telling them the truth. The truth is that there is something badly mistaken about the ideas that have been promoted through forums such as this one.”
– “The woke mental mind virus is the biggest epidemic of our time, that must be cured,” he said, calling it “a cancer”.
– “Wokeism is turning upside down western values.”
– “Radical feminism is a distortion of the concept of equality, even in its most benevolent form it is redundant as equality before the law already exists in the West. Everything else is a quest for privileges.”
– “Feminism, diversity, inclusion, equity, immigration, abortion, environmentalism, gender ideology, among other things, are different heads of the same creature whose aim it is to justify the advancement and distortion of the state onto noble causes.”
– “‘Wokeisim’ is nothing less than a state plan to justify state intervention and increase public spending. This means our first crusade, the most important if we want to recover the West from progress, if we want to create a new ‘Golden Age,’ needs to be the drastic reduction of the state.” Full article: https://www.reuters.com/business/davos/world-economic-forum-meeting-davos-live-updates-2025-01-21/

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Spain’s Abascal (VOX) praises Milei for responding to Sánchez’s “tyrant” speech in Davos: {Translation}
– The leader of Vox, Santiago Abascal, has praised this Thursday the president of Argentina, Javier Milei, for criticizing the speech of the “tyrant” Pedro Sanchez at the Davos Economic Forum, where he believes that the chief executive has come to “please Soros”. {Photo below- Abascal and Milei}
– In Milei’s opinion, the president’s speech was “lamentable, like all the things he says and does”. Sanchez raised a “battle” against the owners of social networks, whom he called “techno-multimillionaires”.
– Abascal has pointed out in a message published through the social network X (formerly Twitter) that it gives him “joy” that Milei gave Sanchez “the response that the tyrant deserves” in this type of multilateral event.
– In addition, Milei has criticized that Sánchez has gone to Davos to “please the billionaire” George Soros in his “assignment” of “presenting himself as the last defender of censorship and proclaiming himself as the great opponent” to the president of the United States, Donald Trump, “to see if this way Sánchez can save himself from jail”.
– This is not the first time that Milei has been critical of the President of the Government. It should be recalled that some words of the Argentine leader during an event organized by Vox in Madrid, in which he called the president’s wife, Begoña Gómez, “corrupt”. With this, Milei unleashed a diplomatic crisis that led the Government first to recall its ambassador in Buenos Aires for consultations and then to withdraw her definitively after the Argentinean president did not offer the public apology requested. Finally, and without receiving an apology, Spain decided on October 29 to appoint a new ambassador in Buenos Aires, arguing that the two countries had decided to “look to the future”. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-abascal-alaba-milei-responder-tiranuelo-sanchez-davos-donde-ido-complacer-soros-20250123162236.html

OTHER

Led Zeppelin share first clip from new documentary:
– Led Zeppelin have unveiled the first clip from their upcoming documentary, ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’, which will be released in February.
– The film promises to combine interviews with Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones, as well as historic clips of John Bonham speaking, with archival concert footage of the band in action throughout 1969 at Fillmore West, the Atlanta Pop Festival, and the Texas Pop Festival. It focuses on the band’s early chapters rather than their full story and their meteoric rise within 12 months to become the most popular group on the planet. Full article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/led-zeppelin-first-clip-becoming-led-zeppelin-documentary/ & Video Link

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CHURCHES & WORSHIP

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

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NEW LIFE CHURCH

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PETS FOR ADOPTION

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Humour & Diversions Section

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Exchange quotes from Xe.com

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Last updated Jan 23, 2025, 20:29 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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DigameXtra No. 2934 Thursday, January 23rd, 2025

On January 23, 2025January 22, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

Welcome to DigameXtra !

The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

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*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.

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*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Editor’s Holiday: Monday, 3 February, there will be no issue, DigameXtra & DoctorLaptop will be closed.
Posts scheduled for 3 Feb. will be posted on the following day.

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

I can only produce DigameXtra with the financial support of my readers. Once a year, during the year end holidays, I do a fundraiser to help pay production expenses throughout the whole year. This year’s goal is to receive a donation from 4% of subscribers. The 4% Club finances DigameXtra for the 96% group that don’t donate. Which group will you belong to? The generosity of the 4% Club members is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS!

Just like your morning coffee, what would you do without your morning DigameXtra?

– Holiday Donation Info, 2 Methods –
#1. You may drop cash donations off in person and say hello, by appointment, or place them in my mailbox beside my door anytime. Please be sure to include your name on the envelope- there are benefits to being on the DigameXtra Donor’s lists, such as not needing to open an issue every 2 weeks to maintain your posting privileges, but only if you donate at least €30. Due to health reasons, unannounced drop-ins are inconvenient for me. But if I am expecting you, no problem! My mailbox has the name HARRIS on it. Email me for map and directions. Cash donations are strongly preferred.
#2. Alternatively, you may send me an Amazon ES (Spain) “eGift card” by email. You need to have an Amazon.es account. The only info you need is my email address and your name (the sender’s name). Remember, this is an “eGift card” you buy that Amazon emails directly to me, don’t buy a plain “gift card”. Use the link provided below to access the “eGift card” purchase page.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND AMAZON UK eGIFT CARDS. NO BANK TRANSFERS OR PAYMENT APPS.
Here is the Amazon.es eGift Card Link, (NOTE: YOU CAN CHOOSE ANY AMOUNT YOU LIKE ON THE FORM, it is set at €50 by default):
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On the eGift card purchase form, enter the DigameXtra email as the recipient, as shown below in Spanish and with English translation.
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Total Donations Received As Of Today: 135 (2.7%)

4% target = 200 donations from 4955 subscribers

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NEW RULE: Anyone can read DigameXtra for free- on the website, or by email subscription.

However, subscribers who wish to actively participate by making submissions will need to have donated at least €20 to the 2024 DigameXtra Holiday Fundraiser. If you won’t make the effort to donate just 39 cents a week (€20/yr), then please refrain from making submissions, as I have supporters – the donors and sponsors that pay the production expenses – that require my attention.

Depending on the fundraiser results at the end of January, I may consider rescinding this rule. With people returning from holidays, enough donations may arrive this month to achieve the goal. Thank you.

The Submission Rules Page has been updated to reflect this change.

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What’s On

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!

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New Date- Tocata Generation, the festival of an entire generation: Sat, 12 April. Malaga.
The Tocata Generation 80s Festival has been rescheduled after a delay due to the DANA storms. We are now ready to travel back in time, because on April 12 the 80s will conquer the Martín Carpena Sports Palace, Malaga, with performances by big stars such as Samantha Fox, Boney M or Vicky Larraz.
Early purchase discount tickets available.
Info & tix: https://generaciontocata.com/

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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
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Services Wanted/Offered

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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE

The BluCee Real Estate team would like to wish all DigameXtra readers a Happy New Year! Thank you for the support you have shown us throughout 2024, it is appreciated:
If you are thinking of selling your property please contact us.
At BluCee we go above and beyond for you during the sales process, don’t just take our word for it – see our reviews on Google and Facebook.
Pass by our office to have a no obligation chat!
Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29740
We are open Monday to Friday 09.30 to 17.30 hrs.
For an appointment outside of our opening times or for one of us to view your property please contact us info@blucee.com or 0034 711 04 27 27
www.blucee.com
We cover the whole coast line and inland.
BluCee Real Estate are a DigameXtra sponsor so our contact details are shown here every day.

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Buy / Sell / Trade / Rent / Wanted

Click on pics to enlarge

How to post more photos than the rules allow – use collages. The limit is one pic per item/event. You can combine several of your photos into a 
single collage photo by using this free online collage creation tool. It’s very easy to use, give it a try! https://www.photocollage.com/

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

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Great Deals From Upcycling Nerja:
– Castilian bedside table replacement solid wood top natural ( waxed ) beige color measurements 42 x 30 x 50cms price 110€ ( the pair )
– Castilian bedside tables natural top ( waxed ) beige color measurements 52 x 30 x 55.50cms price 120€ ( for the pair )
– Grey sofa bed length 188cms width 107cms very good condition price 120€
contact Jackie / nerja 672170429
upcycling nerja at gmail dot com

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For Sale: Samsung 43” smart tv with all British apps installed in excellent condition. 100€. We are between Puente don Manuel and Alcaucin. Call Mavis on 626134579

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For Sale: Desk and swivel chair 30€.
105cm long, 75cm high, 50cm depth
Buyer collects. Lorena, Torrox Costa
Whatsapp 697909990
Email: lorenamob@hotmail dot com

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SOLD– ~~For Sale~~: New Lenovo Laptop, €320
– Lenovo V15 G2 laptop with Windows 11 Pro (UK English). Naythan, Torrox Costa.

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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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Make your annual DigameXtra donation now!: All the details are in the Announcements section at the top of the issue. If you want to be able to make submissions you’ll need to do this. -Ed.

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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

Spanish PM Sanchez Now Proposes to Ban Non-EU Nationals From Buying Homes!:
– The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, is proposing a ban on non-EU nationals from buying houses in this country as part of efforts to deal with the housing crisis. He said that non-EU citizens purchased nearly 23,000 houses and apartments in Spain in 2023.
– “The government will propose prohibiting non-EU foreigners from buying houses in our country when neither they nor their families live here and therefore, they are speculating,” said Sanchez. This statement of the Spanish PM, made today, January 20, follows a previous related announcement made by him earlier this month. On January 13, Sanchez said that he plans to impose a tax of up to 100 per cent on the value of properties purchased by nationals from countries outside the European Union in a bid to meet the country’s housing emergency. Full article: https://schengen.news/spanish-pm-proposes-to-ban-non-eu-nationals-from-buying-homes/

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Almost 500 migrants arrive overnight aboard six boats to the islands of Tenerife and El Hierro: {Translation, summary}
– A total of six boats, with 485 migrants on board, have arrived since last night to the islands of Tenerife and El Hierro, Maritime Rescue sources inform Europa Press.
– In the case of Tenerife, one of the canoes has arrived at the port of Los Cristianos accompanied by the Salvamar Alpheratz after being detected by the SIVE about 2.5 miles off the coast of Los Abrigos, in the municipality of Granadilla.
There were 45 men and 12 minors sailing on the boat, in apparent good health.
– Another canoe has arrived on its own at the Los Abrigos dock. The boat, with 48 men on board in good health, made landfall with the coordination of the Civil Guard.
– In the case of El Hierro, Tuesday night one canoe with 67 migrants plus one deceased person, plus four other canoes have arrived with a total of 280 migrants on board. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/islas-canarias/noticia-llegan-otros-casi-500-migrantes-bordo-seis-embarcaciones-islas-tenerife-hierro-20250122135845.html

ANDALUCÍA

Room rental prices in a shared home grow in Andalusia by 21% in 2024, the largest increase in Spain: {Translation, summary}
– The rental of a room in Andalusia has closed 2024 with an annual increase of 21%, the largest increase in Spain. The average prices of rooms in one year went from 323 euros per month in December 2023 to 391 euros in December 2024.
– The order of the Andalusian capitals with the highest room prices is: Málaga capital with 517 euros per month, Cádiz capital with 482 euros, Seville capital with 453 euros, Granada capital with 339, Almería capital with 303, Jerez de la Frontera with 276, Jaén capital with 273, Córdoba capital with 269 and Huelva capital with 264. The most touristy capitals are once again revealed to be the most expensive for residents. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/alquiler-crece-andalucia-mas-espana_0_2003189563.html

MALAGA PROVINCE

The courts of Malaga, paralyzed by the fall of the computer system throughout Andalusia: {Translation, summary}
– Morning of incidents in the courts of Malaga, which are practically paralyzed due to a computer system crash that has affected all of Andalusia, as confirmed to SUR by the various sources consulted. The failure of the program is not affecting the development of the trials, which are currently being held, but it is affecting the rest of the procedures, such as the incorporation of documents, their signing or access to the content of the procedures.
– The Ministry of Justice, Local Administration and Public Function of the Junta de Andalucía assures that work is being done to correct the failure and that it is expected to be resolved throughout the morning.
– It should be noted that from lawyers in the Justice administration to civil servants, magistrates and judicial unions, they have been complaining for some time that these incidents are continuous, which leaves legal workers unable to advance in their tasks, sometimes throughout the day. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/sucesos/juzgados-malaga-paralizados-caida-sistema-informatico-andalucia-20250122124525-nt.html

NERJA

Two arrested, one hundred motorhomes and more than 30 tents removed from the natural area of Maro: {Translation, summary}
– New action has been taken by the competent authorities against illegal camping in the natural site of the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo. More than a hundred motorhomes and more than 30 tents have been evicted this week in the protected environment after the development of a joint operation in which agents have participated Environment of the territorial Delegation of Sustainability and Environment of the Junta de Andalucía, the Local Police of the City of Nerja and the Civil Guard.
– The intervention took place this past Monday and has resulted in the arrest of two people for the alleged crimes of disobedience and resistance to authority and the removal with tow truck of five of the vehicles.
– The device for the control of camping activity on the cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, in which the corresponding complaint has been made to all campers, has been composed of more than 14 patrols: two of the Environment Agents; four patrols of the Local Police of Nerja, with tow trucks; and the Civil Guard, with more than twenty agents. The actions took place on the beaches of Las Alberquillas, Rio de la Miel and Cala del Pino. A good part of those evicted came from the illegal rave party in Ciudad Real last Christmas, as SUR has been able to confirm. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/dos-detenidos-tras-retirar-cien-autocaravanas-tiendas-campana-maro-nerja-malaga-20250122115739-nt.html

GRANADA

Granada Geopark takes flight with the XXV Ballooning Festival and Championship of Andalusia: {Translation, summary}
– The province is preparing to host the XXV Granada Geopark Aerostation Festival and Andalusian Championship, an event that will take place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday and that promises to be a unique spectacle.
– The festival will bring together between ten and fifteen teams, which will carry out four flights in which the tests of the Andalusian Hot Air Balloon Championship will be held. The activities will take place mainly in the Granada Geopark, known for its unique landscapes, and in the Guadix fairgrounds, offering an unforgettable experience for both participants and the attending public.
– On Friday, January 24, it will start with the exciting Granada Geopark Crossing Flight, which will take place first thing in the morning, between 08:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
– On Saturday, January 25, activities will begin again in the morning,between 08:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., with another flight over the Granada Geopark. In the afternoon, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
– On Sunday, January 26, it will be celebrated the last flight of the festival, which will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., with takeoff from the Guadix fairgrounds. This will be the best time for those who want to see the balloons in all their splendor.
– The take-off location and flight areas will be subject to weather conditions. To ensure a safe and optimal experience, the organization will update the information on the Glovento Sur Facebook wall. The organization especially recommends attending Sunday’s takeoff at the Guadix fairgrounds, whenever weather conditions permit. Source, Spanish: https://www.granadadigital.es/geoparque-granada-alza-vuelo-xxv-festival-aerostacion-campeonato-andalucia/

UK

Harry Wins- Murdoch’s UK tabloids apologize and pay fine to Prince Harry, and admit intruding on the late Princess Diana:
– Prince Harry claimed a monumental victory Wednesday as Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. tabloids made an unprecedented apology for intruding in his life over decades and agreed to pay substantial damages to settle his privacy invasion lawsuit.
News Group Newspapers offered a “full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by The Sun between 1996 and 2011 into his private life,” Harry’s attorney, David Sherborne, read from a statement in court.
– The statement even went beyond the scope of the case to acknowledge intruding on the life of Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana and the impact it had on his family. “We acknowledge and apologize for the distress caused to the duke, and the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages,” the settlement statement said. Full article: https://apnews.com/article/prince-harry-hacking-lawsuit-rupert-murdoch-british-tabloid-88c61a08225269014224283c37225bf8

USA

Trump says 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico to begin 1 February:
– President Donald Trump said the promised 25% import tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, the US’ biggest trade partners, would begin on 1 February. During his campaign, Trump promised he would apply universal tariffs ranging between 10% and 20%, and increasing to 60% for China.
– “We are thinking in terms of 25% on Mexico and Canada because they are allowing vast numbers of people […] and fentanyl to come in,” he said. When asked by a reporter when he would enact those tariffs, Trump assured the reporter twice: “I think we will do it on 1 February.” While he said he was still considering a universal tariff, he said he was “not ready for that yet”. Full article: https://www.verdict.co.uk/trump-says-25-tariffs-on-canada-and-mexico-to-arrive-1-february/

SPORTS

Tennis News- Australian Open Update- Full results here: https://ausopen.com/results#!All

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F1 News- Hamilton makes track debut for Ferrari:
– Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton had his first outing on the track for Ferrari on a misty Wednesday morning at Maranello, realising his dream of driving in the iconic red of the Italian team.
– Hamilton had announced his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in February last year. The 40-year-old, who won six of his world championships at Mercedes, also unveiled a new bright yellow helmet, as he continues his first official week at Ferrari which began at the team’s headquarters on Monday.
Full article: https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/hamilton-makes-track-debut-ferrari-2025-01-22/

TECH

Need to charge or power a portable device outdoors? This invention allows USB charger electricity to pass through windows and costs less than 60 euros: {Translation, summary}
– Power Mole V2, the device that passes electricity through windows. The Power Mole V2 represents the second generation of a charger that works by magnetic induction, since the first was launched back in 2014, and now incorporates several significant improvements in efficiency, size and power. As explained by the company, the system consists of a transmitter and a receiver, designed to be placed one on each side of a window or door pane.
– The output voltage is standard for USB chargers, 5 volts. Its operation is based on the fact that the transmitter, connected to a power outlet via a 2.75-meter cable, sends power wirelessly through the glass. The receiver, which is connected to the device to be powered via a USB cable outside, receives and transmits the necessary power, which avoids opening windows or installing additional outlets outside the home.
– It is available through the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform at a price of €57, which represents a saving of 40% compared to its final cost on the market once this launch phase is over. Info: https://www.acquaindustries.com/
Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/tecnologia/moviles-dispositivos/este-invento-permite-pasar-electricidad-traves-ventanas-cuesta-menos-60-euros-5674316/

OTHER

Nine Inch Nails announce long-rumoured world tour with UK, Europe and North American dates:
– Nine Inch Nails have shared details of their 2025 Peel It Back world tour. The pairing of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross will play the UK and Europe in June and July, then trek across North America in August and September. All tickets go on sale at 12pm local time next Wednesday, January 29.
– Nine Inch Nails haven’t performed live since 2022. Here are the dates of the 2025 European leg of the “Peel It Back Tour”:
Jun 15: Dublin 3Arena, Ireland
jun 17: Manchester Co-op Live, UK
Jun 18: London The O2, UK
Jun 20: Cologne Lanxess Arena, Germany
Jun 21: Dessel Graspop, Belgium
Jun 24: Milan Parco Della Musica, Italy
Jun 26: Zurich Hallenstadion, Switzerland
Jun 27: Vienna Wiener Stadthalle, Austria
Jun 29: Amsterdam Ziggo Dome, Netherlands
Jul 01: Berlin Uber Arena, Germany
Jul 03: Gydnia Open’er Festival, Poland
Jul 07: Paris Accor Arena, France
Jul 10: Madrid Mad Cool Festival, Spain
Jul 12: Oeiras NOS Alive, Portugal
Full article: https://www.loudersound.com/news/nine-inch-nails-announce-2025-world-tour & Video Link

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Humour Section

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

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Exchange quotes from Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated on Jan 22, 2025, 18:50 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. 2933 Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025

On January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

Welcome to DigameXtra !

The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK

*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed.

*By making a submission you are indicating you have read and agree to follow the rules. RULES PAGE LINK: https://digamextra.com/about/

*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Editor’s Holiday: Monday, 3 February, there will be no issue, DigameXtra & DoctorLaptop will be closed.
Posts scheduled for 3 Feb. will be posted on the following day.

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

Just like your morning coffee, what would you do without your morning DigameXtra?

Total Donations Received As Of Today: 134 (2.7%)

4% target = 200 donations from 4955 subscribers

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NEW RULE: Anyone can read DigameXtra for free- on the website, or by email subscription.

The Submission Rules Page has been updated to reflect this change.

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What’s On

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!

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2 Candlelight Concerts in One Night: Granada. Fri, 24 Jan
Music by the String Quartet – Antequeruela {Video Link}
Carmen De Los Mártires, Paseo de los Mártires s/n.
(In the Alhambra grounds) 18009 Granada
– 7pm. Tribute to ABBA. Info & tix: https://feverup.com/m/259303
– 9pm. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Info & tix: https://feverup.com/m/259305

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Alberto Fer live at Lemon Rock, Granada: Sun, 26 Jan
Calle Montalbán 6, Granada
Info: https://www.conciertosengranada.es/conciertos/91209-alberto-fer
Map Link & Video Link

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Retro Car & Motorbike Fair: 24 to 26 January
At the Malaga Congress Palace (FYCMA).
Visit the 12th edition of the annual vintage vehicle fair. See classic cars and motorcycles, visit the second-hand accessories and parts stalls and maybe buy a car or bike to take home. You can also visit the vintage car carpark where local aficionados show their models.
Tickets cost €10 per day or you can buy a combined ticket for the Car Museum and Fair for €15, available via this link, https://www.eventosmotor.com/eventos/2025/retro-malaga-2025/
Hours: Friday 24 January 4 to 9pm, Saturday 25 January 10am to 9pm and Sunday 26 January 10am to 8pm.

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Concert- El Drogas: Valentines Day, Fri 14 Feb.
La Trinchera, C/ Parauta, 25, Málaga. Show at 9:30pm
Info & tix: https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/cultura/agendaculturaldeandalucia/evento/el-drogas-concierto-en-la-trinchera

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Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre:
Torre del Mar, Av. Moscatel 1”I”, 29740 Torre del Mar (Jardines Viña Malága / Antigua Casa de la Viña)
Hours: Wednesday & Friday 10.00 – 13.00.
Info tel. 952 543 334
*** February/March events & excursions***
– Spanish. Wednesday and Friday 10.00 – 13.00.
– Wednesdays– Art group, with the crochet & craft group 10.00 – 13.00.
– Shop Wednesdays and Fridays 10.00 – 13.00.
– Every Thursday Spanglish. – Conversation between Spanish and English 16.30 -17.30.
– Every Friday – Conversation group 10.00 – 11.00.
– Every Friday – Coffee Morning 10.00- 13.00.
– Every Saturday – English Catholic Mass 16.00.
– Monday 10th – Monday Club 11.00 – 1.30.
– Thursday 20th – Excursion Salobreña Castle and Rum Factory.
– Friday 21st – Taizé Prayer for Unity, St Andrés Church Torre del Mar. After Mass
– Friday 28th – Centre closed Dia de Andalucia.
– Thursday 6th March – Excursion Almond Blossom in the Alpujarras.

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast

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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
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COMPARE FUNERALS

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ruthforder@comparefuneral.org
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Buy / Sell / Trade / Rent / Wanted

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Are you still dealing with scammers on Fakebook Marketplace?
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For Sale, 3 items:
– Set of 6 whisky glasses and a decanter, with pewter decorations, 10 Euros.
– Pair of light grey slippers, size 43-44, still with price tag, 8 Euros.
– Pair of beige slippers, never worn, size 44, 7 Euros.
Jill, Algarrobo, 695463385. Can meet in Caleta de Velez.

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For Sale: 50 standard white plastic chairs.
€50. Buyer collects.
Contact Nick, Nerja: nickalistair97@gmail.com

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News & Articles

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{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

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SPAIN

The DGT confirms that it will not renew, or may limit, the driving license of people who consume these medications or have certain medical conditions including cancer & insulin-dependent diabetes: {Translation} Note: This article details what the DGT has the ability to do in response to health reports, not necessarily what they will do. Individual applicants are assessed, and appropriate limits are applied.
– In Spain, almost 28 million people have some kind of driving license and most of them correspond to type B, which enables them to drive vehicles of a maximum of 3,500 kilograms and that do not exceed 8 passengers. It is not strange for most of them that, every ten years, they have to go to Traffic to renew it (every five years in the case of those who are over 65) and, for this, they have to pass a medical examination that accredits them to continue driving.
– Driving with a license that has already expired and that has not yet been renewed means a fine of 200 euros that can go up to 6,000. Therefore, and before the date arrives, those who who are up for renewal should go to any approved Driver Recognition Center to take the tests and, upon payment, get the document proving that the physical and mental conditions are optimal to continue on the road.
– However, the Dirección General de Tráfico has confirmed that for this 2025 there are a series of medicines that, if we are taking a series of medicines as a consequence of different diseases, this renewal may never come.
**Diseases that limit the renewal of the driver’s license**
– In order to avoid future traffic accidents, the DGT establishes a series of diseases that prohibit driving if a person suffers from them. There are nine categories, the first of them being respiratory: from ‘sleep apnea’, which allows a renewal but only for three years, to ‘permanent dyspnea at rest’, which directly prohibits the renewal.
– Another case is digestive diseases, from a kidney transplant, which requires a minimum of six months delay from the date of the operation, to a nephropathy with dialysis, which does open the possibility of a limited renewal. Among neurological diseases, a recent loss of consciousness may make it impossible to renew the permit. In addition, epilepsy can limit the date, as well as a transient ischemic accident, which allows a one-year extension provided that there is a favorable medical report.
– With regard to vascular diseases, it limits the renewal to a maximum of 2 years, provided that more than 6 months have passed since any operation; furthermore, an aneurysm opens the door to an extension of the temporary license, provided that there is no danger of blood vessel rupture.
– There are also limitations with oncological ailments or oncohaematic disorders: the individual must be free of any ailment or treatment in order to renew the permit.
– There is also a list of psychiatric disorders that block driving, such as dementia, anxiety disorder, TDH, depression, sleep disorder, OCD or dependence on alcohol or any other drug.
– Finally, there are different disabling endocrine conditions, such as hypothyroidism or insulin-dependent diabetes that may limit renewal. I ncluded are cardiac diseases such as arrhythmias, heart attacks or carrying pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, arthritis or muscular dystrophy.
**DGT and medicines**
– But illness is not the only reason why the DGT can refuse to extend the validity of a driver’s license, there are a number of medications that are prohibitive. Some examples are insulin for diabetes, as well as specific psychiatric treatments that are not accompanied by a medical certificate. The third example is medication for sleep apnea, which Traffic requires to be accompanied by a favorable report certifying that the treatment is effective.
**Report on diseases and driving**
– The General Directorate of Traffic’s reason for establishing these limitations lies in the fact that there are several studies that have shown that the risk of suffering an accident on the road increases when drivers suffer from any of the above diseases. “The risk of committing an infraction or suffering an accident of an elderly person with dementia in its early stages is 2.5 to 8 times higher than people without impairment,” notes the Traffic agency itself in its magazine.
Source, Spanish: https://www.cope.es/trafico/noticias/dgt-confirma-renovara-carnet-conducir-personas-consuman-medicamentos-20250121_3081190.html

ANDALUCÍA

The Junta de Andalucía seals 500 illegal plots and buildings on rural land in one year: {Translation}
– In one year 500 plots and illegal constructions that were being executed on rural land have been sealed, 20% more than the previous year. This is the result of the inspection campaign carried out by the Regional Ministry of Development during the last year in which, according to the data presented to the Governing Council, a record number of inspections has been carried out, reaching 2,149. A total of 546 proceedings were opened on these plots.
– The plan of inspections against illegal urban constructions on rural land incorporated in 2019 the possibility of carrying out “seals” (precintos), a tool that has been consolidated over the years to stop illegal constructions that have begun to develop. Thus, 497 have been reached this year, a total of 130 more than last year. These actions, according to information released by the Junta de Andalucía, have stopped the construction of about 500 illegal homes on rural land and have contributed to stop future projects in adjacent plots.
– In collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office, during the past year 144 expert reports were also issued with crimes on land use and urban planning at the request of the Prosecutor’s Office or the criminal jurisdiction and meetings have been held with the Network of Prosecutors of Environment and Urban Planning of Andalusia or with representatives of the Notarial Association of Andalusia. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/andalucia/junta-andalucia-precinta-500-parcelas-edificaciones-ilegales-20250121140947-nts.html

MALAGA CITY

They find the dead body of an American tourist in a looted apartment in Malaga: {Translation}
– Agents of the National Police have found Tuesday the lifeless body of a man inside a building located in the center of Malaga capital. As confirmed to ABC, the homicide group has taken charge of the investigation.
– It is a tourist of about 80 years old and American nationality who had a blow to the head. In addition, his belongings had been stolen. The victim, who arrived in Malaga this Monday to spend a few days on vacation, had booked the tourist apartment located in the area of Carretería Street.
Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1859293/la-policia-investiga-la-muerte-de-un-hombre-en-un-piso-del-centro-de-malaga/

ALGARROBO

Algarrobo and Mezquitilla prepare for a Carnival full of new features: {Translation, summary}
– On Sunday, February 9 in Algarrobo town and Sunday, February 16 in Mezquitilla.
– It starts at 11:30 a.m. in both municipalities.
– The Carnival of Algarrobo village will start on February 9 with a parade from the municipal tent, accompanied by the charanga Sí o Ké, animations and decorated floats with the collaboration of the AMPA Santa Ana. After the parade, the tent will host musical theater performances by Lorena Diaz and themed workshops for children.
– The Mezquitilla Carnival, meanwhile, will be held on February 16 with a route that will start from the school Enrique Ramos Ramos, through the promenade to the pergola, where the activities will take place. “We have prepared a carnival similar to that of Algarrobo, but with some differences in the sketches and performances, so that those who attend both can enjoy different content,” explained the councilman. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/algarrobo-y-mezquitilla-se-preparan-para-un-carnaval-lleno-de-novedades/

USA

Trump orders US exit from World Health Organization:
– The United States will leave the World Health Organization, President Donald Trump said on Monday, saying the global health agency had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises.
Trump said the WHO had failed to act independently from the “inappropriate political influence of WHO member states” and required “unfairly onerous payments” from the U.S. that were disproportionate to the sums provided by other, larger countries, such as China.
– “World Health ripped us off, everybody rips off the United States. It’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump said at the signing of an executive order on the withdrawal, shortly after his inauguration to a second term.
– The WHO said on Tuesday that it regretted the move from its top donor country. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-signs-executive-withdrawing-world-health-organization-2025-01-21/

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Trump signs executive order directing US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement – again:
– President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday directing the United States to again withdraw from the landmark Paris climate agreement, dealing a blow to worldwide efforts to combat global warming and once again distancing the U.S. from its closest allies.
– Trump’s action, hours after he was sworn in to a second term, echoed his directive in 2017, when he announced that the U.S. would abandon the global Paris accord. The pact is aimed at limiting long-term global warming. Trump’s order says the Paris accord is among a number of international agreements that don’t reflect U.S. values and “steer American taxpayer dollars to countries that do not require, or merit, financial assistance in the interests of the American people.” Full article: https://apnews.com/article/trump-paris-agreement-climate-change-788907bb89fe307a964be757313cdfb0

HEALTH

72 hours waiting to be seen! Malaga hospital emergency room “collapse” situation denounced: {Translation summary, full translated article link below}
– The unions have denounced what they consider to be a situation of “collapse” that they claim is being experienced in the Emergency Department of the Hospital Virgen de la Victoria in the capital of Malaga. This is in addition to similar waiting times in other health centers.
– Thus, in a letter signed by the union representatives of CCOO, CSIF, FTPS, SATSE, SMA and UGT in the Personnel Board of the Malaga Clinic, they have denounced that the situation in this hospital center “is unsustainable” and is not a “one-off” as management claims. In the opinion of the workers, the hospital management “cannot and should not continue to normalize the overload of the emergency service”, with “repeated episodes of real chaos” using the excuse that “it is a one-off situation, since it is not true”.
– Thus, they have pointed out that “it cannot be justified in any way that the lack of foresight is causing that today (Tuesday), for example, 45 patients are pending admission overloading the observation area, exam facilities and the polyclinic, being necessary to use seven extra stretchers in the observation area, occupied by elderly patients and with critical pathology, and 15 extra stretchers in the polyclinic area, all of them without enough staff for their care”.
– Thus, the union representatives state in their letter that “patients have to wait more than 72 hours to be admitted, given that the waiting areas, enabled to alleviate this situation, are usually saturated”. In addition, they point out that “to make matters worse, in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), there are six beds inoperative due to a lack of nursing staff”.
– Finally, the workers state that “the repetition over time of these situations in an already overloaded emergency department cannot be considered a one-off or temporary problem, and they consider that when asked ‘where is the problem?’, the answer is that ‘the human and organizational resources are very deficient’.
Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/malaga/1859277/denuncian-situacion-de-colapso-en-las-urgencias-hospitalarias-de-malaga/
Full article with more info, in English on Google Translate: Article Link

SPORTS

Australian Open Update- See full results here: https://ausopen.com/results#!All

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Djokovic beats Alcaraz in Australian Open classic, reaches SFs for 12th time:
– Novak Djokovic produced a statement quarter-final win in the early hours of Wednesday morning at the Australian Open, where he overcame rival Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a three-hour, 37-minute display to remind everyone he is one of the men to beat in Melbourne. Photo: Peter Staples.
Full article: https://www.atptour.com/en/news/alcaraz-djokovic-australian-open-2025-tuesday

OTHER

DAVOS Update- Spain sends Sanchez + 4 other ministers to World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting of industry & political leader globalists:
– The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, will travel this Wednesday to the Swiss city of Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum, where he will defend the Spanish economic model and, at the same time, will express his concern about the rise of what he calls “reactionary internationalism” and the weakening of democracies. The Spanish president will participate in multiple panels and will meet with international and Spanish businessmen, in addition to bilateral meetings with other leaders.
– According to government sources, Sánchez will emphasize in his speeches and meetings the importance of multilateralism in tackling global problems and, in this regard, he will hold a meeting with the president of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. He will also hold two other bilateral meetings in this 55th edition of the forum: with the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, in the midst of the Panama Canal threats of Donald Trump, to control the canal, and with the Ukrainian president, Volodímir Zelenski, with whom he will also address the future of the country and how the arrival of the new US president, who has promised to quickly end the conflict, may affect it.
– As happens in this type of forum, the President of the Government will have the opportunity to discuss behind closed doors with the Spanish CEOs and senior executives attending Davos, among whom the Government does not know if the new Chairman of Telefónica, Marc Murtra, will be present, because it is up to the company to decide whether or not he will attend. Likewise, he will also meet with international companies such as the Abudabi Mubadala, with the head of which he will have a meeting.
– As for another of the three objectives that Spain has in this forum, Sanchez will maintain the call he has made to Europe to rebel against what he has called the “technocast” (in reference to the heads of Silicon Valley companies that have positioned themselves in favor of Trump) and its power to control public debate and government action throughout the West. The same sources have pointed out that this positioning is compatible with promoting the investment of technology companies in Spain because they are two issues that are on different levels and it is not contradictory. {These sources obviously do not understand the tech industry. The big boys call the shots because they control all the resources the smaller players rely on: the mass data centers, the “cloud”, the app stores & the Internet infrastructure. Avoiding the “technocast” while promoting technology companies is just not possible when everything relies on the “technocast” to function. -Ed.}
– According to these same sources, the Executive is not against technological development or artificial intelligence and these companies create jobs and wealth, but it is in favor of regulation, compliance with European standards and that these companies are transparent and put a stop to hoaxes and disinformation. In addition, the Government is concerned about the concentration of financial and political power by the “technocast” and the high capacity they have for information dissemination in social networks.
– In any case, the program of interventions and meetings that Sánchez will have these days is in line with the main risks faced by the international community and highlighted in the report presented by the forum itself: disinformation, extreme climate phenomena and armed conflicts. The latter is a problem that has risen in the ranking of concerns in the latest report of the Davos Forum.
– Although the head of the Spanish Executive will travel this Tuesday and will have a dinner without media coverage with the rest of the heads of government and members of the forum, his three official acts will be on Wednesday. In the morning, he will take part in the round table “Health and Prosperity through Prevention”, where he will analyze the coordination of efforts to further implement the use of cutting-edge technologies and data to improve public health. Later in the afternoon, he will make his customary address to the Forum plenary, followed by an event on “The State of Climate and Nature”.
– The representation of the Spanish Government in Davos, apart from the President, also includes the Third Vice-President and Minister of Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen; the Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo; Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares; and the Minister of Digital Transformation, Óscar López. This 55th edition of the forum, which began on Monday and ends next Friday, January 24, is expected to be attended by 2,800 senior social, political and economic leaders, including 60 heads of state and government. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5674193/0/sanchez-reivindicara-modelo-economico-espanol-davos-donde-se-centrara-alertar-contra-internacional-reaccionaria/

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DigameXtra No. 2932 Tuesday, January 21st, 2025

On January 21, 2025January 20, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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Concerts- Richard Ray Farrell, Authentic American Blues:
– Sat, Feb 08, 2025, 7:00 PM. Casa de la Cultura- Almuñécar
Solo acoustic. €15. Phone 642108494. C/ Prta de Granada, 19, 18690 Almuñécar.
Ticket office opens 1 hour prior to show. Info: https://www.richardrayfarrell.com/concerts & Video Link

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For Sale: KTM Macina Tour 10 P5 Electric Bike.
Top of the range made in Austria electric bike with Bosch performance motor. Date of manufacture 2017. Purchased in 2018 for €2630 but used less than 12 times since so the bike is in perfect condition. Comes with security chain & panier bags. We have all of the original paperwork. Price €1199 or near offer. Contact Brian, Competa, 685713221 or
email: brpilot99@yahoo dot com

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{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

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SPAIN

The standard butane cylinder increases by 0.18% starting tomorrow- up to 16.64 euros: {Translation, summary}
– The maximum price of the butane cylinder will rise by 0.18% starting tomorrow, Tuesday, and will stand at 16.64 euros, due to the slight increase of 0.43% in raw materials and freight (+1.18%) and also to the depreciation of the euro against the dollar (-4.1%), as published this Monday by the BOE. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1858815/la-bombona-de-butano-sube-un-018-a-partir-de-manana-hasta-los-1664-euros/

ANDALUCÍA

The purchase and sale of homes in Andalusia, although slowing down, rose 3.5% in November: {Translation, summary}
– The sale and purchase of homes in Andalusia has grown by 3.5% in November compared to the same month last year. This is compared to a rise of 15.03% nationally. The 10,288 Andalusian November home sales and purchases represent the fourth best figure for this index in a month of November in the region in the historical series.
– Of the sales transactions recorded in November in Andalusia, 9,445 were made on free housing and 843 on social housing. According to the age of the properties, 2,827 transactions corresponded to new homes, and 7,461 were related to used buildings.
– In November, a total of 16,250 transactions were carried out on homes. In addition to the 10,288 sales and purchases, 3,089 were inheritances, 354 donations and 22 exchanges.
– In total, during November, 26,328 urban properties were transferred in Andalusia through 16,663 sales and purchases, 4,451 inheritances, 545 donations, 46 exchanges and 4,623 transactions of other types.
– Likewise, 4,872 rural property transfers were carried out, including 1,866 inheritances, 2,089 sales and purchases, 157 donations, 31 exchanges and 729 other types of transactions.
Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1858834/la-compraventa-de-viviendas-en-andalucia-aunque-se-ralentiza-sube-un-35-en-noviembre/

AXARQUÍA

Axarquía desalination plants in limbo, estimated to begin operation no sooner than 2029: {Translation, summary}
– The future desalination plant is planned in the area of Las Campiñuelas {pic}, in Velez-Malaga, at the height of the half-link of the Mediterranean Highway A-7, in Caleta, next to the Seco river, and will require a public investment initially estimated at one hundred million euros, to be returned, of course, by the users through a fee in the decades after its inauguration, which is not expected before 2029. The new Central Board of Users of the Eastern Costa del Sol-Axarquia will be the sole user of the facility.
– Regarding deadlines, it is expected that the technical consulting company that is preparing the basic project will deliver it to the Board and this, in turn, to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, for next spring. Although the last date announced was February, it is now estimated that this deadline will be extended by a few weeks, as reported to SUR by the spokesman of the Central Board of Users of the Axarquia, the lawyer Jaime Zaldúa, which brings together a score of irrigation communities, totaling 2,500 hectares, on the left bank of the Guaro Plan. “The project is moving forward, not without difficulties, but at least we see that there is real will on the part of those involved, we have no other choice,” said Jaime Zaldúa, Spokesman of the Central Board of Users of Axarquia.
– The public desalination plant projected in Velez-Malaga will have an initially planned capacity of 25 cubic hectometres per year, half of which will be for irrigation and the other half for supplying the population.
– This public project is different from the initiative of a private desalination plant promoted by the Junta since 2022. In this case, the regional administration has not yet clarified whether it will continue with the administrative procedure to award the concession to one of the two remaining bidders, Magtel and Acciona, after the proposal of Trops and the Cobra Group was withdrawn. Last March, the then Minister of Agriculture and now PP MEP, Carmen Crespo, during a visit to the La Viñuela reservoir, assured that “no appeal can be ruled out”. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/axarquia-une-fuerzas-conseguir-desaladora-20250119130407-nt_amp.html

MALAGA PROVINCE

Almost one in five cheap apartments for sale in Malaga are squatted: {Translation, summary}
– “Malaga capital, Nuevo San Andres-Dos Hermanas area, very important! This announcement is solely and exclusively for investors in occupied properties. The asset is with inquiokupa, rental contract in force but with debt, and therefore is not mortgageable. Only for purchase with own funds. Viewings are not possible”. This is an example of an increasingly common advertisement on real estate websites.
– Idealista, which is one of the most widely used portals, has just implemented a new label, aimed at improving user information and avoiding frustration when faced with an alleged bargain.
– Underneath the price and square meters, now in many ads appears the legend: “Illegally occupied”. SUR has counted, one by one, the property ads that can be considered affordable for a majority, of less than 200,000 euros, in the province. And the figures are striking to say the least. Especially in Malaga City, where 589 ads of this type appear. Of these, 107 are squatted, which represents 18.2%.
– In other words, almost one out of every five apartments of this price in the city is sold with illegal dwellers. This situation is not exclusive to certain neighborhoods (although it is more common in areas such as Palma-Palmilla, San Andrés, Dos Hermanas and Trinidad); but it is widespread in practically all districts.
– When the scope of the study is extended to the whole province, the figure is much smaller: out of 5,678 ads, 225 are squatted, which is 4%. Furthermore, the crossing of the two figures shows that half of the apartments for sale with illegal dwellers are in the city of Malaga. Behind this, Velez-Malaga, Mijas, Manilva and Fuengirola stand out, although there are cases in 24 of the 103 municipalities, even in small towns in the interior.
– The study is biased, since it is based on the total number of ads, and in many cases several real estate agencies offer the same property for sale. But it gives an idea of the scope of this problem and its repercussions on the real estate market, since these assets are not within the reach of most private citizens looking for a home, as they cannot be mortgaged, but are bought in cash. Their clients are mainly professional investors, who take advantage of average discounts of 30%, in exchange for assuming this circumstance.
– Among real estate agencies, the proliferation of properties for sale with squatters is an open secret. So much so, that they admit that the offer of this type is greater than what is advertised, since many are not offered openly on the Internet for image reasons.
– As for the profile of the dwellers of these houses, they are usually “specialists, who are very prepared”: “They squat them so that someone comes and offers them money to leave, so are almost all cases, depending on the value of the house they get more or less money”. The payment is processed legally, and is made as compensation for recovery of possession. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga-capital/cinco-pisos-baratos-venta-malaga-okupados-20250117180316-nt_amp.html

UK

Teenager changes plea, admits ‘unspeakable’ murders of three girls, ages 6, 7 & 9, in Southport:
– A British teenager on Monday pleaded guilty to murdering three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event last July, one of Britain’s most shocking crimes this century that was followed by days of nationwide rioting.
– On what was due to be the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Axel Rudakubana, 18, surprised the judge, prosecutors and police by changing his pleas to guilty and admitting he carried out the killings in the northern English town of Southport last July. He also pleaded guilty to 10 charges of attempted murder relating to the attack, as well as to producing the deadly poison ricin and the possession of an al Qaeda training manual.
– “It is clear that this was a young man with a sickening and sustained interest in death and violence. He has shown no signs of remorse,” said Ursula Doyle from Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service. “This was an unspeakable attack, one which has left an enduring mark on our community and the nation for its savagery and senselessness.”
– Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time of the incident, initially refused to speak when asked to confirm his name on Monday, as he had at all previous hearings which meant that “not guilty” pleas had been entered on his behalf in December. But, after consulting with his lawyer, he confirmed he wished to change those pleas. He admitted murdering Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, who were at an event being held for children in the summer vacation.
– Doyle said he had carried out a “meticulously planned rampage” as the carefree, innocent children enjoyed a dance workshop and made friendship bracelets, turning it into a “scene of the darkest horror”.
– Judge Julian Goose said he would sentence Rudakubana on Thursday and that a life jail term was inevitable.
– British-born Rudakubana was arrested shortly after the attack. The Guardian reported that Rudakubana, the son of devout Christians who had moved to Britain from Rwanda, had been referred three times to Prevent, the government scheme that aims to counter radicalisation. But it was assessed that, while his behaviour was a concern, he was not judged to be a terrorism risk, the paper said.
Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-teenager-changes-pleas-guilty-over-murder-southport-girls-2025-01-20/

USA

The next Trump era begins- “I was saved by God to make America great again” he said at Inauguration Speech:
– “I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of success, sunlight is pouring over the entire world and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before,” said Trump.
– Trump also took a moment to speak on the shocking assassination attempts against him. “They’ve tried to take my freedom and take my life, just a few months ago in a beautiful Pennsylvania field. An assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear,” he recalled. “What I felt then and even more now, my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again.”
– “For American citizens, January 20, 2025, is liberation day.”
Full article: https://okmagazine.com/p/donald-trump-declares-saved-by-god-assassination-attempts-inauguration/

HEALTH

Almost 700 complaints to the Patient Ombudsman for alleged cases of medical malpractice in Malaga in 2024: {Translation}
– The Patient Ombudsman received 689 complaints last year for alleged cases of medical malpractice in Malaga, almost half a hundred more than in the previous year (640). This is the second province of Andalusia, only behind Seville, which raised more complaints and claims to this association, according to data from its latest report, made public on Monday.
– Thus, according to the report, the main reasons for the claims have been the waiting lists, a problem in which the Andalusian community is at the head of the national ranking. According to statements made to SUR by the organization’s lawyer and expert in healthcare law, Damián Vázquez, the delay “has shot up and has no solution”.
– In this sense, he points out that by the time many patients receive the diagnosis or are going to undergo surgery, it is already too late. The average waiting time for surgery in Andalusia is 169 days, according to the Patient Ombudsman. Precisely, general surgery is the second reason for which the entity has received the most complaints in Andalusia.
– Emergency room saturation is another of the entrenched problems in healthcare, both at provincial and regional level. In this regard, the organization emphasizes the need for more professionals to provide adequate care to patients, since a large part of the diagnostic errors or malpractice is directly related to the overload faced by healthcare professionals.
– In terms of complaints received, this is followed by cases of alleged malpractice in the area of traumatology and, in fifth place, in the field of gynecology and obstetrics. While 689 complaints were submitted to the Patient Ombudsman in Malaga, in Andalusia as a whole there were 2,509 cases.
– As far as hospitals are concerned, the first with the most complaints in the community is the Hospital Virgen Universitario de Sevilla, followed in second place by the Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga. The fourth with the most complaints for alleged malpractice is the Clínico, also in the capital of Malaga.
– According to the entity, last year there were 131 cases of people who had died as a result of alleged medical malpractice in the Andalusian community, some of these cases occurring in Malaga. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga/700-quejas-defensor-paciente-presuntos-casos-malas-praxis-malaga-20250120132826-nt.html

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No more medical confidentiality- Andalucia joins EU-wide AI network to share patient info and even your genomes: {Translation}
– Andalusia has participated in the creation of the International Network of Artificial Intelligence in Health Sciences (AI-LIFE), a structure that was created with the aim of applying knowledge in this field and bioinformatics to areas related to health sciences in general, with a “marked” focus on training and mentoring students.
– This has been explained in a note by the Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs, which refers that the creation of AI-LIFE aims to promote research, training and international collaborations in the field of artificial intelligence applied to life sciences. As detailed by the department, the development of machine learning techniques and bioinformatics processing makes it possible to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases and facilitates the implementation of personalized medicine.
– In fact, the activity of the Andalusian Computational Medicine Platform, directed by Joaquín Dopazo, one of the founding members of AI-LIFE together with other renowned professionals from Germany, Israel and Belgium, is focused on this field. This platform of the Progreso y Salud Foundation, an entity dependent on the Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs, has four lines of work focused for this purpose.
– On the one hand, advanced genomic analysis for diagnosis, an activity that focuses on investigating patients’ genomes in search of new disease-causing mutations. On the other hand, the scientists of this platform also carry out epidemiological surveillance work by analyzing the genomic data of viruses and monitoring them to control both their circulation and the appearance of new variants, as well as controlling the spread of resistance genes to antimicrobial treatments.
– Another line of activity of this research platform is focused on generating evidence through the analysis of real world data (RWD), which are all those related to the health of patients and the provision of healthcare services that are collected routinely and from different sources of information, such as electronic medical records, medication records or health information from mobile devices, among others.
– Finally, the researchers of this platform maintain a transversal line of work that involves the development of computer applications to optimize the management of genomic data so that “clinical professionals can apply it to patients”. In this sense, they have created several population databases of different pathologies in Spain that can be used to identify the most common variants of the diseases. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/andalucia/andalucia-participa-creacion-red-internacional-inteligencia-artificial-ciencias-salud-20250119131656-nt_amp.html

SPORTS

Australian Open Update- See full results here: https://ausopen.com/results#!All

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Phone numbers for emergencies
Emergency Services.: 112
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DigameXtra No. 2931 Monday, January 20th, 2025

On January 20, 2025January 20, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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PHOENIX CLUB

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Dimensión Desconocida Trio: Fri, 24 Jan, 8pm
Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja, Calle Granada, Nerja
Dana Andrews on vocals, Gianni Piras on acoustic guitar, & Manuel Rodríguez on flamenco guitar. Special guest: Kali Parkin, double bass. They offer a repertoire that alternates moments of great rhythm with others that are more introspective, with the warm notes of the bolero. A guitar with a lot of rhythm and swing, like few others, presents the ideal base for an improvisation of a guitar that expresses the colors of flamenco, of gypsy jazz, all enriched by the soft but incisive voice used as an instrument by Dana Andrews. A unique opportunity to enjoy these musicians that take us to an unknown dimension.
Ticket 15€ online: giglon.com/evento/dana-andrews-nerja
or at the Centro cultural: 952523863

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Free Concert at the Museum of Malaga: Sun, 26 Jan, noon
Busker String Quartet will perform the Bridgit & Gwydion Trilogy and the Ciorcal Suite. Free entry but get there early (say 11am) to be sure of a seat. Full info: https://www.museosdeandalucia.es/web/… & Video Link

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News & Articles

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

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ANDALUCÍA

Pensioners who meet these requirements can now apply for aid to pay their rent in Andalusia: {Translation, summary}
– The Pension Supplement for Housing Rentals is aimed at those who receive a non-contributory retirement or disability pension; it seeks to guarantee greater economic stability for this vulnerable group.
***Requirements to qualify for aid- Applicants must meet a series of mandatory conditions to access the supplement*** Among the most notable requirements are:
– Habitual rental residence: The person must be the holder of the rental contract for the home, with a minimum duration of one year, and have resided there for the six months prior to the application.
– Link with the landlord: There must be no family or emotional relationship with the owner of the home, whether by blood, affinity, adoption or cohabitation.
– Real estate property: You cannot own any home.
– Recognized non-contributory pension: The applicant must be a beneficiary of a non-contributory retirement or disability pension both at the time of submitting the application and at the time of the resolution.
– Communication of changes: It is mandatory to report any change in personal or rental conditions that may influence the processing of the aid.
***Application process***
Interested parties can submit their application in two ways:
– In person: Going to the registration assistance offices of any public administration or post office. If the procedure is to be carried out in an office of the Junta de Andalucía, it is recommended to request an appointment to speed up the process. Locations link: https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/servicios/sede/tramites/oficinas-asistencia-registros.html
– Electronics: Through the digital platform enabled by the Junta de Andalucía. [ https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/inclusionsocialjuventudfamiliaseigualdad/servicios/procedimientos/detalle/6827.html#toc-novedades ]
– For those who do not have the necessary technological resources, Board offices offer assistance in person to complete the process digitally. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/andalucia/pensionistas-cumplan-requisitos-pueden-solicitar-ayuda-pagar-20250118071603-nts.html

MALAGA PROVINCE

Change of weather in Malaga: {Translation, summary}
*Rain*
– After a few days without rain in the province, it is expected to return on Monday. Responsible for this new change of weather will be the Atlantic squall Garoé, which will leave widespread rainfall in much of the peninsula, although in the case of Malaga is expected to occur with somewhat less intensity.
– Thus, the rains are expected to reach the province from 14:00 on Monday, first in municipalities of the western Costa del Sol as Marbella and the capital, and after a couple of hours also in the rest of the territory. Expect a few showers that will increase in intensity, with possible isolated thunderstorms.
– Looking ahead to Tuesday, everything suggests that there could be a day of transition, with cloudy skies, but without precipitation.
– On Wednesday the rain is expected to begin to fall from 12:00 in the Serrania de Ronda, where an 80% probability is set, and then expand its influence throughout the province from 18:00. It is possible that heavy rain arrives the night of Wednesday to Thursday, and the situation continues during the first half of Thursday with a 65% probability of precipitation, and also overcast skies. The second half of Thursday, from 12:00 onwards, the showers will subside. From here, Meteorology does not see more rain until Saturday at 12:00 when they will reappear in the interior and the capital.
*Rise in temperatures*
– After a week marked by the cold, with special incidence in the interior, where municipalities such as Fuente de Piedra or Ronda have reached -4.1 degrees and -3.5 is expected that the thermometers will rise again from this Monday. Responsible for this rise will be the so-called “vientos ábregos” southwesterly winds, which are characterized as being humid carriers of rain.
– Its effects will begin to be felt on Monday, with temperatures around 15 degrees in Malaga and around 12 in the interior. On Tuesday the trend will continue to rise with up to 20 degrees maximum in the capital and 17 degrees in inland municipalities such as Ronda or Antequera, and between 12 and 9 minimum. For its part, on Wednesday the maximum will rise one point, reaching 21, in the capital and will remain the same in the rest of the territory, with respect to the minimum is expected to rise slightly to 15 in coastal areas, such as Velez-Malaga, and 12 in the interior. The values will continue to be maintained for the rest of the week, with ranges ranging between 18-21 and 6-11 degrees.
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/cambio-tiempo-malaga-vuelven-lluvias-suben-temperaturas_0_2003168470.html

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The PP denounces that the Government will force more than 100,000 Malaga residents who collect unemployment or SMI to pay personal income tax: {Translation, summary}
– The national deputies for the PP of Malaga Mario Cortés and Gema Pérez {pic} have reproached the “endless collection eagerness” of the Government of Spain, by accusing them of forcing more than 100,000 people from Malaga who collect unemployment or the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) to make the declaration and pay the Income Tax on Individuals (IRPF), something from which until now “both groups were exempt”.
– In this way, Perez has reproached the President of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, and the first vice president, Maria Jesus Montero, who “looks to squeeze those who have the least”, stressing that “it is the first time in this country that unemployed people who receive any benefit and the beneficiaries of the minimum wage are required to pay taxes”.
– Gema Pérez, who has criticized that the Government of Sánchez has raised “93 times” taxes and contributions, “with twelve hikes already applied so far in 2025”, has indicated that “all beneficiaries of unemployment benefits will be obliged to declare the IRPF, regardless of the amount received, from the Renta 2024 campaign, which is the one that must be presented this year”.
***The Threat To Comply***
– Thus, he warned of the “concern” that this procedure is generating among the unemployed themselves, pointing out that failure to file the declaration may mean the suspension of the right to receive unemployment benefits and limit access to tax deductions and exemptions.
– In short, said the national deputy for the PP of Malaga, “this is a new blow from this Government to the middle and working classes, those to whom Sánchez and Montero said they would never raise taxes.”
– Finally, the deputy has stressed that families and SMEs are facing the most difficult January slope in recent history by the “fiscal voracity” of the national executive and the “absence of strong measures” to alleviate inflation accumulated in recent years. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/pp-denuncia-gobierno-obligara-100_0_2003167937.html

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TORROX

The Carnival arrives in Torrox on March 7 and 8 and at El Morche on the 15th of that same month: {Translation, summary}
– The Councillor for Festivals and Traditions of the City of Torrox, Salvador Escudero, has advanced this Friday the dates on which the carnival will be held in the municipality. It will be the first two weekends of March, Friday 7 and Saturday 8 in Torrox, and Saturday March 15 in El Morche.
– Escudero explained that on 7 and 8, the big tent installed in the Plaza de la Constitución will be the epicenter of the traditional acts of Carnival, with its corresponding gala, contests, performances, etc., while in the case of El Morche will be the following weekend when they will have their big tent and Carnival party. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-carnaval-llega-a-torrox-los-dias-7-y-8-de-marzo-y-a-el-morche-el-dia-15-de-ese-mismo-mes/

MIDDLE EAST

Ceasefire brings hope in Gaza, 3 Israeli hostages released:
– Palestinians burst into streets to celebrate and began returning to the rubble of bombed-out homes on Sunday after a ceasefire deal halted fighting in Gaza, while three female hostages freed by Hamas were reunited with their mothers inside Israel.
– The first phase of the truce in the 15-month-old war between Israel and Hamas took effect following a three-hour delay during which Israeli warplanes and artillery pounded the Gaza Strip. That last-minute Israeli blitz killed 13 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel blamed Hamas for being late to deliver the names of hostages it would free, and said it had struck terrorists. Hamas said the holdup in providing the list was technical.
– The truce calls for fighting to stop, aid to be sent in to Gaza and 33 of nearly 100 Israeli and foreign hostages to go free over the six-week first phase in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
– For Hamas, the truce could provide an opportunity to emerge from the shadows after 15 months in hiding. Hamas policemen dressed in blue police uniform swiftly deployed in some areas. There is no detailed plan in place to govern Gaza after the war, much less rebuild it. Any return of Hamas will test the patience of Israel, which has said it will resume fighting unless the militant group is fully dismantled. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-ceasefire-hostage-release-set-begin-2025-01-19/

SPORTS

Australian Open Update- See full results here: https://ausopen.com/results#!All

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Tennis News- Injury brings an end to Alejandro Davidovich’s Australian Open hopes: {Translation, summary}
– Alejandro Davidovich’s Australian Open campaign ended in disappointment on Sunday as he lost 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 to Tommy Paul in the fourth round. The Malaga-born player was hampered by a hip injury sustained early in the match.
– Davidovich, ranked 59th, lost his balance during a rally in the fourth game, injuring his right psoas muscle. However, despite obvious discomfort and limited mobility, he chose to continue. Even though his coach, David Sánchez, consulted with him throughout the match from the courtside box, the Spaniard’s performance remained heavily restricted and Paul, ranked ninth, capitalised on Davidovich’s struggles, securing victory in just over 80 minutes.
– Davidovich, a four-time Grand Slam fourth-round participant, will undergo medical tests on Monday to assess his fitness for Spain’s upcoming Davis Cup match against Switzerland in Biel. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/sport/injury-brings-an-end-alejandro-davidovichs-australian-20250119194040-nt.html

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Tennis News- Medvedev fined $76,000 for Melbourne misconduct:
– Daniil Medvedev has been fined a large chunk of his Australian Open prize money for unsportsmanlike conduct at the year’s opening Grand Slam, included a racket-smashing meltdown in the first round.
– The Russian, 28, whacked his racket into the net five times as his frustration boiled over during his opening victory against Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej on Tuesday.
– Medvedev later incurred a point penalty during his five-sets defeat in the second round by American Learner Tien late on Thursday after throwing his equipment toward the sideline. He then failed to attend the post-match news conference.
– The two incidents prompted the Grand Slam’s organisers to fine Medvedev a total of $76,000. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/medvedev-fined-76000-melbourne-misconduct-2025-01-19/

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Tennis News- Djokovic to face Alcaraz next, wants apology from Australian Open broadcaster who declared Novak “over-rated, a has-been” on a live broadcast:
– Novak Djokovic charged into the Australian Open quarter-finals and booked a mouth-watering encounter with Carlos Alcaraz before the Serb shifted the focus by snubbing the Grand Slam’s official broadcaster and slamming them for mocking him and his fans.
– Djokovic thumped Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 7-6(4) to stay on course for a record 25th Grand Slam title and 11th in Melbourne but the Serb was in no mood to discuss his chances as he declined an on-court interview and curtly thanked the crowd.
– He then took aim at official broadcaster Channel Nine, whose reporter Tony Jones had mocked him and his fans when they were out in force cheering the Serb two days earlier. “Novak he’s over-rated, Novak’s a has-been. Novak kick him out. Oh, I’m glad they can’t hear me,” Jones had said. Jones had already been taken to task by American Danielle Collins, who he called a “brat” for her on-court behaviour.
– Djokovic said he had not received a public apology from the broadcaster and would continue boycotting them until he does. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/sabalenka-puts-down-teen-challenge-reach-quarter-finals-2025-01-19/

SCAMS

Social Security alert about a scam that pretends to be them to request your DNI: {Translation}
– {Note: I still receive emails from readers who include their DNI numbers and/or bank account numbers in the signature of all their emails. This is a very bad idea and should not be done. -Ed.}
– New alert from the Social Security about a scam that impersonates your identity. The General Treasury of the Social Security (TGSS) has warned in its social networks that there are many citizens who are receiving a letter at home with the logo of the Social Security and in which they are asked for the DNI alleging that “many of the data have been lost”. But nothing could be further from the truth.
– “If you receive it, ignore it! ️They intend to use your DNI to impersonate you and get loans that you will pay”, warns the TGSS. The scam letter requests details explaining that an increase in benefits and retirements is going to be made and asks for different documentation because they assure that the data has been lost “due to the computer attack on the Treasury and Social Security systems”. Among other things, it asks to send by e-mail (to an account that has nothing to do with the Social Security) a photo of the ID card on both sides, a photo of a bank statement where the person appears as the holder or authorized person and the last amount of what was collected the previous month.
– In addition, the letter details that benefits and pensions will be raised from 75 to 150 euros, depending on each case. This is not correct. For this reason, the Social Security has asked that these letters be ignored and that under no circumstances should any personal data be provided. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/mibolsillo/alerta-seguridad-social-sobre-estafa-pedir-dni-datos-bancarios-20250119135249-nt.html

TRAVEL

These three airports do not accept the digital boarding pass on mobile phones: {Translation, summary}
– Ryanair has pointed out that three of the countries in which they operate do not accept these digital cards, so it is necessary to carry the printed card. These are airfields in Türkiye (except Dalaman airport), Morocco, and Tirana (capital of Albania).
– Ryanair announces the measure on its website: “We accept mobile boarding passes for flights from most airports in our network. However, airports in some countries unfortunately still cannot accept mobile boarding passes. “Customers traveling from these airports must check in online and print a paper boarding pass for their flights.” Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/sociedad/tarjeta-embarque-movil-cambios-ryanair-aeropuertos-20250109114725-nt.html

NATURE

Five Spanish animals that were close to extinction and are now out of danger: {Translation, summary}
– Grizzly bear. In the early 90s, there were less than 100 left, scattered throughout the Cantabrian mountain range and the Pyrenees. Today, however, the latest counts are around 400 copies, a figure that seems to be increasing from year to year, marking a hopeful trend. Its distribution area has grown and now covers the territories of Asturias, Cantabria, León, Palencia and Lugo, and specimens have been sighted in more remote places, such as Zamora and Ourense, and even Portugal. Although it is still considered an Endangered species, it has managed to get out of the Critically Endangered category.
– Iberian lynx. Without a doubt, the most striking case of the successes achieved by the joint work of private entities with the support of administrations. This feline, unique in the world, was close to extinction at the end of the 20th century, when there were just over 60 adults remaining. The figure rose to 648 in 2022 and today the total number, including adults and juveniles,exceeds 2,000 copies.
– Imperial eagle. In the 1970s, 39 breeding pairs remained in Spain and everything indicated that it was condemned to extinction. However, the efforts initiated in the following decade managed to stop this trend and later reverse it, to the point of currently having reached the 841 couples currently living in an ever-growing space
– Otter. This small animal, typical of Spanish rivers, was on the verge of extinction in the 70s, due to the pollution of river courses and the proliferation of canals, dams, reservoirs and other artificial barriers in their habitats. However, the slow but progressive recovery of water quality and other unexpected situations (such as the appearance of invasive species that serve as food) are increasing otter populations. According to the latest estimates, this species is now present in more than 55% of Spanish river basins.
– Quebrantahuesos (bearded vulture, pic below). This majestic bird, with an impressive wingspan and which is part of the vulture family, could no longer be seen in the Spanish skies in the 90s.In 1994 there were only 30 adults and today there are more than 1,200. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/medio-ambiente/2025/01/19/cinco-animales-espanoles-rozaron-extincion-108383500.html

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