Almost FREE delivery @ La Tienda! Choose 1 or 2 items, see the great value delivery charges, then add many, many more items to the same address without paying any extra charges. Tell us what you managed to get sent free, there is a prize from Santa for the most savings made.
LOOK! Álora, house + big garden + views, just 39,500 euros!
Hay versión Española abajo
Air Traffic Controllers Will be Investigated
Spanish air traffic controllers who went on strike last week will not only face disciplinary proceedings by their employer, AENA, but will also be investigated with a view to criminal prosecution. The public prosecutor will look at each case individually, and possible sanctions could include suspension or loss of licence to continue in their job.
Prosecutor Seeks "Lost Children"
Spain's public prosecutor wants an investigation into the "lost children" of the Franco dictatorship. It is thought that several thousand children were taken from the parents of left wing political tendencies and placed into care, mostly of church authorities, during the years immediately following the civil war. The children were usually taken as babies from hospitals, and the parents were told that they had died.
Town Claims Franco's Summer Palace
The authorities of Sada, a town in Galicia, intends to expropriate the summer palace given to dictator Francisco Franco and donate it for the use of the general public. Councillors say that the 19th century palace must be for the use of everyone. Needless to say, the general's wealthy descendants, who still own it, are not too happy about the idea!
Bi-Lingualism Delays Alzheimers
A study by Canadian scientists has found that the onset of Alzheimers disease can be delayed by up to five years by being able to speak a foreign language. Another benefit for those of us that live here and can speak English and Spanish!
Picasso Works Discovered
Some previously unknown works by Picasso have been discovered in France. A retired electrician claims that the artist gave him the 271 items after he did some work fitting burglar alarms at his home. Picasso family menbers have accused the man of stealing the works, saying that he would never have given so many to one person. The works are estimated to be worth 60 million euros, but the issue of ownership will not be resolved quickly.
Mundial de Scrabble en Español
The world Scrabble championship in Spanish is currently taking place in Costa Rica, with representatives from many Spanish speaking countries, including eleven from Spain.
Man Gored by Wild Boar
A man from Granada province was recently gored by a wild boar while he was picking mushrooms. The animal's tusk went through the man's boot, injuring his leg, which kept him off work for a week. Now, that would have been a good excuse for staying away from work, if he had been an air traffic controller!
Gibraltar to Increase Gambling Tax
The government of Gibraltar intends to increase the tax on Internet gambling companies from 1% to 10%. Some 20 companies are based there, and contributed 12.4 million euros to the Rock's coffers, at the 1% rate! Still, when they are getting over 300 million a year in profits, they are not going to be too concerned about a ten fold tax increase, are they?
Just Wrap it in a Tomato Skin, Please
Scientists from Sevilla and Málaga have patented a biodegradable plastic derived from the skin of tomatoes.They believe that the material will have many applications, especially in health products and food packaging.
No Trees Allowed Here
Spain's air security agency has decreed that farmers in the vicinity of Málaga airport's new runway must get planning permission for planting new trees. A licence will be required to erect anything above ground, or for building on top of existing properties, and the licence will also cover fences, and antennas. More bureaucratic nonsense in the name of security!
Maratón de Málaga
The first edition of the Málaga marathon on El Día de la Constitución, Monday December 6, was won by a veteran athlete from Álora, Juan Vásquez. The 49 year old led most of the way, finishing in 2:27:29. Many of the foreign runners booked to race did not run, presumably victims of the air controllers wildcat strike. In the women's section, the Swedish runner who finished first was disqualified. Apparently, her microchip never registered at the furthest point of the race, but neither was she recorded by the officials there, either. She didn't complain too much, so draw your own conclusions!
New BA Route from Málaga
BA CityFlyer has announced a new route from Málaga to London City airport from next June. The service will operate four times per week.
Work Begins on Castle
Excavation work by archeologists has begun on the slopes of El Castillo de Álora. The work is the preliminary part of the recuperation and consolidation of the castle, and already many remains from various stages of the building's history have come to light. Completion of excavations and other work is expected by next autumn.
Freestyle Spectacular
The stunt motor cycling spectacular, Freestyle, comes to Málaga on December 11, at el Palacio de Deportes Martín Carpena.
Fiesta de los Rondeles
The annual Fiesta de los Rondeles takes place in Casarabonela, December 10-12, with gastronomic routes, workshops, and the traditional procession.
I Concurso de Pintura Rápida al Aire Libre
A first edition of the Open Air Rapid Painting competition takes place at la Casa de Cultura de Álora, December 11-12.
Encuentro de Villancicos Populares
The annual concert of popular Christmas carols takes place in el Teatro Cervantes, Wednesday, December 15.
IV Mercado Navideño de Álora
The annual Christmas market takes place in Plaza Fuente Arriba, December 11-12.
Football
At last! a convincing win for Málaga, who beat Sporting last weekend 4-1, to lift the club out of the descent zone. The first reinforcement player has arrived at the club, an Italian veteran midfielder, Maresca, who of course will not be permitted to play until January. The next game is away against Hercules, Sunday at 17.00.
