Flamenco fever is gripping swathes of Asia, luring hard-hit Spanish dancers

Flamenco fever is gripping swathes of Asia, luring hard-hit Spanish dancers and breathing new life into a centuries-old art that touches the soul of Spain.
Like dozens of other flamenco artists, Tomas Arroquero travels every year to Asia to work for several months.
The lean 40-year-old Australian, whose parents are Spanish, has taught flamenco in Japan, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong since he moved to Spain in 1995 to explore his passion for flamenco.
Without job opportunities on the other side of the globe many flamenco artists say it would be impossible to work year-round and dedicate their lives to the song, music and dance of flamenco.
"It is very difficult to sustain yourself full-time in flamenco in Spain. There is so much going on, so many good artists in Spain. Interest from outside provides opportunities," said Arroquero.
Teaching jobs are especially important since they provide the most stable and reliable source of income for many flamenco artists, said Yuko Aoyama, a sociological geography professor at Clark University in the US state of Massachusetts who has studied the trend.
Globalisation raised fears of a common global culture drowning out local art forms like flamenco but instead it has generated new audiences and much-needed sources of income for performers, she said.
"The commercialisation of art and the expansion of markets for art is typically viewed as a bad thing but actually without these markets these arts themselves would find it more difficult to survive," said Aoyama.
Examples of other local arts that have received a boost from interest from abroad include Romanian gypsy dance, Brazilian samba dance and classical Japanese calligraphy, she said.
Though its origins are obscure, flamenco's beginnings have been traced to the interplay of Arabic, Sephardic Jewish and gypsy cultures in the 15th century in the region of Andalucia in southwestern Spain.
Since then flamenco, with its colourful dresses with layers of ruffles known as "trajes de faraleas", has become an icon of Spanish culture which has also become popular among foreigners.
Earlier this year the regional government of Andalucia launched a bid to have flamenco declared part of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations.

impact of the Spanish property crash is finally catching up with Santander?

Santander, Spain's largest bank, have been apparently defying gravity.

While the Irish banks have crashed and burned, Santander, seemingly insulated by its international diversification and superior regulation by the Spanish central bank, has carried on regardless.

But do last week's worse-than-expected third-quarter results, which show increased loan-loss provisions, indicate that the impact of the Spanish property crash is finally catching up with Santander? For the three months to the end of September, Santander reported loan loss provisions of €2.93bn, up €400m on the same period last year and €450m higher than for the second quarter of 2010.

While the Spanish banking giant blamed the higher loan loss provisions on tougher provisioning standards imposed by the Bank of Spain -- one of the few central banks to emerge from the global financial crisis with its reputation intact -- investors will be worried that Spain's well-charted property bust is finally hitting Santander's bottom line.

At the end of September, Santander has total loans to customers of just over €700bn. Approximately €280bn of these loans, almost 40 per cent, were to customers in Spain, Portugal and elsewhere in the eurozone. Given what we now know about the state of the Spanish and Portuguese economies -- Portugal's government is on the brink of collapsing this weekend after the government and opposition failed to agree a budget -- how confident can we be about the quality of this loan book?

While the Santander share price has held up remarkably well over the past three years, the higher third-quarter loan loss provisions will give investors plenty of food for thought.

Muslim youth called Younes, had died after being hit by a rubber bullet fired by Spanish police

Moroccan media announced, without citing any sources, that a Muslim youth called Younes, had died after being hit by a rubber bullet fired by Spanish police during riots this week in the enclave city of Melilla, a report that Spain says in "a complete lie".

Reuters reported yesterday that a spokesman for the Government Office in Melilla had assured that the only injuries demonstrators had suffered were "of a minor nature" and that there was only one wounded in the unrest, a policeman who was hit by a stone in the face.

The report of Younes's death was also denied by the Interior Ministry, the Delegation of the Government and the Mayor of Melilla, Juan Jose Imbroda.

The information in the death of Younes and its dissemination is an invention that, according to Spanish diplomats sources and Morrocan intellectuals in the city, was a deliberate attempt by Moroccan authorities to increase civil unrest in the city.



The news story was reported in the same way across many Moroccan news sources, and coincides with the real death of a young man, Saharawi Nayem Elgarhi, shot dead by Moroccan soldiers last Sunday, which has led to suspicions that there may be some official connection between the stories.

The day of protests yesterday, the fifth day of vindication, passed by without incident after a meeting held by the Government Delegate in the city, Gregorio Escobar, with representatives of the protesters.

16-year-old Muslim teenager from Melilla was killed, on Thursday evening by a rubber bullet fired at close range by the Spanish Civil Guard,

16-year-old Muslim teenager from Melilla was killed, on Thursday evening by a rubber bullet fired at close range by the Spanish Civil Guard, in clashes between demonstrators and the police in the "La Canada de Hidume" neighborhood in the occupied city of Melilla, media reported on Friday.
The young Younès died of his wounds, the same sources said, adding that the victim's body was taken by law enforcement officers to an unknown destination.

For three days, large demonstrations of young people, who are complaining of discrimination in employment, raged the occupied city of Melilla.

The same sources added that the various security services in Spain were surprised by the scale of these demonstrations.

“Neither the Civil Guard nor any other service in the Iberian Peninsula anticipated this outburst of violence between the young people of Melilla, who are mostly of Moroccan origin, and the police, causing injuries from both sides and material damage,” the media quoted some observers as saying.

The Spanish government delegation to Melilla has endeavored to give the riots an image of a simple claim of employment, while the youths are demanding recognition of their rights as natives of Melilla.

These youths consider themselves victims of injustice in their own city, accusing the authorities of granting advantages, to their detriment, to Spaniards from Malaga or Almeria, spain.

Melilla, where protests and clashes continue between Spanish security forces and local youth

A major safety device was set up to impose a "state of siege" in the neighborhoods of the Moroccan [Spanish Occupied Enclave city of] Melilla, where protests and clashes continue between Spanish security forces and local youth, according to a well-informed source.
All vehicles wishing to enter or leave the troubled areas are checked at roadblocks, set up by local authorities since the beginning of events, the same source added.
Clashes between Spanish police and local youth began on Tuesday in some areas of the occupied city before spreading to other neighborhoods, following the announcement by the local government of the list of beneficiaries of an employment program that excludes dozens of young people, mostly Moroccans.

The police used tear gas to disperse the crowds, who responded by putting up barricades and burning tires and garbage dumpsters. Several vehicles were also torched.

To contain the situation of tension, reinforcements of police were rushed on Wednesday from Spain and more others will arrive on Thursday in the occupied city.

Melilla clashes: eight people brought to justice on Friday

Occupied Melilla - Eight of the eleven protesters arrested after clashes that broke out, since Tuesday in the Moroccan [Spanish Occupied Enclave city of] MelillaMelilla, between Spanish police and local youth, will be brought to justice on Friday, a well-informed source said.

These young people, who have protested against their "premeditated" exclusion from the list of beneficiaries of an employment program, were arrested for participating in demonstrations.

A protest march was held on Thursday evening with the participation of over two hundred people to make the local government open direct talks with the inhabitants and release the arrested people, including minors.

A major safety device was set up to impose a "state of siege" in the neighborhoods of the occupied city.

All vehicles wishing to enter or leave the troubled areas are checked at roadblocks, set up by local authorities since the beginning of events.


Clashes between Spanish police and local youth began on Tuesday in some areas of the occupied city before spreading to other neighborhoods, following the announcement by the local government of the list of beneficiaries of an employment program that excludes dozens of young people, mostly Moroccans.

The police used tear gas to disperse the crowds, who responded by putting up barricades and burning tires and garbage dumpsters. Several vehicles were also torched.To contain the situation of tension, reinforcements of police were rushed from Spain to Melissa.

Santander is significantly undercapitalised compared with its European peers and some way from meeting the tougher standards set out by the new Basel

Santander’s plans to list on the London Stock Exchange next year may not herald a significant change for the UK business, which has already transformed itself into a household name in the British banking market.
However, for the highly acquisitive Spanish bank, the move not only generates much-needed capital after a flurry of purchases in recent months, but puts further weight behind its commitment to overseas markets.
As Santander’s home territory has suffered in the wake of a severe and prolonged property crash, the bank has increasingly turned its focus away from Spain. In recent months it has bought a portfolio of 318 UK branches from Royal Bank of Scotland, a stake in Polish bank Zachodni, $4bn (£2.5bn) of US car loans and a branch network in Germany.Analysts say that rapid expansion has left its capital levels in need of replenishment. Andrew Lim at Matrix believes Santander is significantly undercapitalised compared with its European peers and some way from meeting the tougher standards set out by the new Basel III regime

European Commission Wednesday called for a ban on suspected killer drug mephedrone

European Commission Wednesday called for a ban on suspected killer drug mephedrone, a popular ecstasy-like party drug known as "meow meow", sold on the Internet and available in 12 EU nations.

Mephedrone, already illegal in 15 European Union nations, has been linked to 37 deaths in Britain and Ireland alone and appears to be the sole cause of two deaths in the EU, Commission spokesman Matthew Newman said at a news conference.

"We need to react quickly," he said.

Sold in powder form, capsules or tablets by streets dealers, or over the web posing as bath salts or plant fertiliser, its effects are comparable to ecstasy or cocaine -- but at only 10 to 15 euros a gram.

"Mephredone is a dangerous drug," said Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding. "I urge governments to move fast to control and criminalise it."

Also known as "bubble" or "neodove", it has been banned in Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Romania and Sweden.

Sex trade growing in Spain

massive building with neon lights in the form of two palm trees advertises itself as a 'night club.'
Yet the 'show girls' dancing inside are no ordinary performers, but prostitutes selling sex in what is being billed as Europe's biggest brothel.
Located in La Jonquera on the Spanish side of the French border, the establishment called Paradise says it employs 150 sex workers offering their services in 80 rooms and a couple of exclusive suites.
The 'mega-brothel' located in a drab industrial area made national headlines - receiving a barrage of free publicity - after its inauguration sparked protests from local residents.
The growing number of similar establishments in the area was turning it into 'the whorehouse of France,' La Jonquera Mayor Jordi Cabezas grumbled.
France has toughened its prostitution laws in recent years, banning brothels and restricting street prostitution.
That has touched off an influx of French men into Spanish brothels. The border and the nearby Girona area now have more than a dozen brothels, 80 per cent of whose clients are French, according to local media reports.
The phenomenon reverses a trend that existed in Spain during the 1939-75 dictatorship of Francisco Franco, when Spaniards crossed the border into France to watch erotic movies that were banned in their own country.
'We come to Spain for sex,' said a man identifying himself as Said, 40, who had come from France to visit Paradise.
Spain's ambiguous prostitution laws have contributed to turning the country into one of Europe's centres for the sex trade.
Some other European countries have either legalized or prohibited prostitution, but the Spanish government and parliament have been unable to agree on either approach, leaving the sex trade in a legal limbo.
As a consequence, an estimated 400,000 prostitutes ply their trade virtually uncontrolled in thousands of brothels as well as flats, cars and sometimes even outdoors - in parks or on the street. The branch is estimated to turn over more than 18 billion euros (25 billion dollars) annually.
The overwhelming majority of the sex workers are immigrants - often illegal - from Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa.
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's government believes that as many as 90 per cent of prostitutes working in Spain have been coerced into the trade.
Many of the sex workers have said they were lured to Spain with false promises, and forced to become prostitutes in order to pay the alleged cost of their trip.
The owner of Paradise, for instance, has been indicted on charges including trafficking with human beings at other brothels he runs. He maintains that all the women working at Paradise do so voluntarily.
The government has pledged to crack down on criminal prostitution rings, but the lack of an overall policy on the trade has left cities and towns without guidelines.
Barcelona, for instance, fines prostitutes or their clients to chase them away from heavily transited areas or from locates close to schools.
In Madrid, the authorities have experimented with methods such as placing video cameras in a central street frequented by prostitutes, or instructing police to harass motorists looking for paid sex.
The authorities feel helpless in places such as La Jonquera, where Cabezas tried to obtain a court order to prevent the opening of Paradise, but lost the case.
Some local entrepreneurs defend the brothel, arguing that it brings business to the village of 3,100 residents, but most locals are against it.
'It gives the municipality a bad image, bringing insecurity and ... drugs,' one female resident argued.
'We are still living with an absolute double standard. (Prostitution) activities need to be regulated more, but nobody ... has had the courage to grab the bull by the horns,' said Salvador Esteve, mayor of nearby Martorell.

Addiction to Legal and Illegal Substances

Although there is widespread social belief that people who consume illegal substances suffer more negative effects, consumption-related health problems are actually primarily due to legal substances.

The World Health Organization (WHO) expected tobacco to explain 16.8% of mortality in Spain, alcohol 3% and illegal drugs 0.6%. However, in regard to the burden of disease, tobacco accounted for 12.3%, alcohol 7.6% and illegal drugs 3.9%.

Spain may limit the hours during which photovoltaic-power plants may earn subsidies as part of a plan to rein in electricity costs

Spain may limit the hours during which photovoltaic-power plants may earn subsidies as part of a plan to rein in electricity costs for consumers, according to a government official involved in talks with the owners.

It’s too early to say how much the cut might cost companies that generate the solar power using photovoltaic panels, said Antonio Hernandez, general director of energy policy at the Madrid-based Industry Ministry. He said the ministry aims to reach an agreement during the next few weeks of negotiations.

“We want to prevent electricity becoming more expensive as the sun shines more,” Hernandez said in a telephone interview this week. “One of the possibilities is that the number of hours that subsidies can be earned would have limits.”

Plant operators and trade groups have held talks with ministry officials for months and threatened to sue the government for as much as 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) should it cut the subsidies. The aid, which is added to consumer bills, is guaranteed for 25 years under a 2007 law, plant operator T- Solar Global SA Chief Executive Officer Juan Laso has said.

Hernandez is searching for a formula to hold down power prices for industry and households as the government tries to revive an economy emerging from its worst recession in 60 years.

The revenue from consumers’ electricity bills doesn’t fully cover the cost of delivering power under the current system, leaving utilities to finance a so-called tariff deficit that’s forecast to total about 3 billion euros just for 2010.

Renewable energy has become the focus of power-rate negotiations as Hernandez tries to meet a legal obligation to eliminate the tariff deficit by 2013.

Spain’s power regulator forecasts that the subsidies to renewable energy-producers plus those to co-generation, which includes more energy-efficient uses of fossil fuels, will reach 6.8 billion

TORREMOLINOS residents are in for a shock when they get their water and rubbish collection bills

TORREMOLINOS residents are in for a shock when they get their water and rubbish collection bills for the first three months of 2011. The town hall has approved a motion to increase taxes for both services which come on one bill. However, the amount owed will vary depending on how much water each household consumes and there will be discounts for people who have been registered in the town for more than two years.

In any case, the bills will be more than 50 per cent higher than this year.

The mayor, Pedro Fernandez Montes, blames the Consumer Prices Index, the extra cost of transporting rubbish to Casares once the municipal tip is closed, and the Andalucian water law which has put up the price of water to pay for purification plants and improving infrastructures.

However, the socialist spokesman, Juan Ortuño, says these are just excuses to bring more money into municipal coffers at the expense of local residents

3,776 families in Malaga live on €476 per month, which is less than €16 per day.

3,776 families in Malaga live on €476 per month, which is less than €16 per day. Most of these families have four or more members, meaning that some 15,000 people are living in severe poverty. These are just the families which go to the city hall for help, although other cases remain undetected, according to the Malaga Councillor for Social Affairs, Marivi Romero.

This year alone, the budget Malaga City Hall has to help local families in need has tripled, and the number of requests for help has risen by 140 per cent since last year.

In a third of the cases this year, it was the first time the families had asked for help to cover basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, housing and mortgages.

So far this year, Social Welfare has handed out more than €1.8m in economic assistance, 35 per cent more than just two years ago.

Did Mark Webber try to crash into Alonso after losing control of his car in South Korea?

Did Mark Webber try to crash into Alonso after losing control of his car in South Korea? That has been insinuated by the ex Formula One driver, Gerhard Berger who said
‘He could have braked and stopped the car against the wall, but he did not do so. He took out Nico Rosberg, but he was the wrong driver. I think he would have preferred to have taken out Alonso or Hamilton’.

Berger goes on to say he understands the situation because when you lose control like that you are frustrated and a thousand things go through your head. For him what happened was clear, as the wheels were not blocked at any time. ‘He may have had a problem with the brakes’, said Berger, ‘but I doubt it’.

Meanwhile the Director of Red Bull, Christian Horner, has come out in defence of Webber.
‘It’s ridiculous to think that Mark tried to crash with another driver. Simply his instinct was to try and keep the car on the track even though it was seriously damaged’.
Alonso missed Webber by just a few centimetres.

Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_27679.shtml#ixzz13fJ0smoC

Padre Ángel claims that he has contact with the Virgen María and that he purchased a flat at her request.

priest from Picassent in Valencia who is accused of tax fraud has said that being a priest he thought that he did not have to pay any tax.

However the Valencia Archbishopric does not recognise Padre Ángel as a priest at all.

Padre Ángel claims that he has contact with the Virgen María and that he purchased a flat at her request. He set up his own religious order, La Junta de la Esclavitud del Sagrado Corazon de Jesús, (The Order of Slavery of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) and purchased the flat and other land in Picassent, Gandía and Valencia with the money donated by the faithful.

He was on the accused bench of the Valencia Provincial Court on Tuesday and now faces a possible eight year prison sentence, accused of defrauding 386,139 € from the taxman between the years 1992 and 2003.

Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_27672.shtml#ixzz13fIkt5er

woman accused of killing her husband in a fight, María Pilar Marcos, has been found not guilty by a jury in Navarra

A 64 year old woman accused of killing her husband in a fight, María Pilar Marcos, has been found not guilty by a jury in Navarra. The court heard how she had been ill-treated by her husband for some 38 years of their 44 year long marriage, and how she used a knife to kill him during a fight at their home in Tafalla, Navarra in November 2009.

The nine members of the jury considered that it had not been proven by the prosecution that a crime had taken place. They had asked the judge for guidance on four possible charges, murder, murder with casual malice, reckless homicide and accidental injury, but they considered none of the four had been proven in court, and that there was not enough evidence to suggest that the woman had the intention of killing her husband in the struggle, saying that she could have grabbed any other non-mortal object to hand to defend herself. And so the woman was declared by the judge free to go.

The prosecutor had called for an 11 year sentence for murder.
The judge had on Tuesday returned an earlier verdict back to the jury considering it held contradictions, and on Wednesday morning they sat again to reconsider.

On hearing the verdict the accused family hugged each other and gave shouts of joy. The accused told the press that she could not believe what had happened, just as she could not believe the nightmare that had happened to her before. She noted that through it all her friends, five children and grandchildren had been unconditionally at her side, and she also had words of thanks for the police who she had treated her marvellously, as had the prison officers.

The prosecutor has the option of an appeal to the Navarra High Court against the verdict and should that not be successful then to turn to the Supreme Court should it be decided to do so.



Meanwhile in another domestic violence case the man who is accused of killing his 26 year old wife and two children aged 6 and 2 in Tarragona on October 18, has now been arrested by the Guardia Urbana in Barcelona.

Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_27684.shtml#ixzz13fH4N5T7

UK NEWS woman was dragged round her house in front of her husband by masked raiders who fled with their luxury watches and cars.

woman was dragged round her house in front of her husband by masked raiders who fled with their luxury watches and cars.

The couple were inside their detached home at 11pm on Friday night on Aviary Road in the plush suburb of Worsley near Manchester when a gang broke in through a side door.

The husband was hit in the head by an attacker - one of a gang of three or four.

Greater Manchester Police said two of the thugs then dragged the man's wife round the house while they stole various items of jewellery including a Rolex watch.

The terrified couple were forced into a cupboard under the stairs which the raiders blocked with a heavy piece of furniture.

They eventually managed to escape and discovered the gang had stolen the keys to their cars and fled in them - an Audi TT and an Audi A5.

The husband needed stitches to his head.

Detective Constable Joanna Flynn of Salford CID, said: "This couple were subjected to a harrowing ordeal which has no doubt left them very upset.

"I want to reassure them and the wider community that we are following a number of inquiries and are confident the public can help us.

"If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the Aviary Road area then please get in touch."

Tortured Scot's missing body parts may have been mailed to rival gangsters as warning - The Daily Record

Tortured Scot's missing body parts may have been mailed to rival gangsters as warning - The Daily Record: "kidnapped at Faro airport on October 5 and tortured at a villa on the Algarve.
But Ross, from Wick, Caithness, escaped after four Brits were held over an alleged cannabis ring.
Cops were already searching for him after his wife received threatening calls from the kidnappers. Ross was found bleeding in the street in the village of Boliqueime last Monday.
Cops, who didn't get a warrant to search the villa where he was held until Friday, spent hours inside the house at the weekend.
They found chunks of flesh and hair, pools of blood and torture tools.
They also brought in ground radar to scour the garden for clues.
The device allows a picture to be built up of what may be buried underground without having to dig up any earth.
UK police used the radar to search for victims of serial killer Peter Tobin.
Ross's wife Donna, 26, has claimed the kidnap was not drugs-related and told the Record her husband had been 'through hell and back'.
John McLean, of Manchester, Terence Macgurk and Ronnie Rose, both of the Midlands, and Calum McLeod, from Scotland, are being held in Lisbon."

dad-of-two lost an ear, two fingers and three toes over an alleged £10,000 drug debt.

Tortured Scot's missing body parts may have been mailed to rival gangsters as warning - The Daily Record: "DETECTIVES fear the mutilated missing body parts of a tortured Scot were mailed to rival drug barons as a Mafia-type warning.
James Ross, 26, suffered horrific injuries during a 13-day kidnap ordeal on the Algarve, Portugal.
The dad-of-two lost an ear, two fingers and three toes over an alleged £10,000 drug debt.
Latest reports claim he also had a testicle sliced off.
Cops believe the British gang responsible for the mutilation sent the bloody pieces to rival gangs in a bid to scare them off.
A police source said: 'These people want to show who is in charge and let others know they are not to be crossed.
'It is likely they planned to kill him slowly but they also wanted to send out a message.
'Receiving a finger in the post shows anyone trying to move on to your patch that you mean business.'
Ross is set to undergo plastic surgery in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon this week following the Reservoir Dogs-style torture."

Now jobless, Elhadri can no longer count on state benefits. A few weeks ago he stopped receiving unemployment benefits

Many immigrants choose hardship in Spain over returning home | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 23.10.2010: "34-year-old Moroccan had a much different vision of his future when he risked his life 12 years ago to come to Europe in a boat which he described as 'a little nutshell.'

'There were 25 of us, and the boat was only five or six meters (16-20 feet) long,' he told Deutsche Welle. 'We were practically stacked one on top of the other.'

Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Skilled labor positions in Spain have gotten harder to come by
Elhadri said he and his fellow passengers came 'with the illusion that we would find the land of our dreams. But what awaited us was a harsh reality.'

Elhadri arrived at the time of Spain's construction boom and at first had no trouble finding work. He soon received permanent residency status. However, in the wake of the global financial crisis a decade later, many of Spain's construction companies have gone out of business.

Now jobless, Elhadri can no longer count on state benefits. A few weeks ago he stopped receiving unemployment benefits. He currently works on odd jobs, such as helping out friends with renovations."

Many immigrants choose hardship in Spain over returning home | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 23.10.2010

Many immigrants choose hardship in Spain over returning home | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 23.10.2010: "Spain is offering jobless non-EU immigrants a one-time payout of unemployment benefits in exchange for surrendering their Spanish residency rights. But many immigrants are loath to leave their adopted home.
South American and African immigrants in Spain increasingly find themselves caught in a tough predicament. Unable to gain long-term employment in their host country, they see no attractive prospects back at home, either.

Despite high unemployment, many of these immigrants choose to remain in their host nations rather than return to their countries of origin.

Among them is Moroccan immigrant Ali Elhadri, a construction worker who has found himself a victim of the collapse of Spain's construction industry."

American Club of Marbella war of independence, Costa del Sol | Olive Press Newspaper | News Spain

American Club of Marbella war of independence, Costa del Sol | Olive Press Newspaper | News Spain: "War of Independence has broken out within the normally staid corridors of the American Club.
It comes, after a big fall out in the Marbella chapter saw the setting up of a new arm under a breakaway group.
The 36-year-old chapter has been blown apart after elected president Ann McGeehan fell out with the rest of the Costa del Sol American Club.
With just a month to go before Thanksgiving on November 24, it means two seperate groups are claiming to represent Americans in Marbella.
In much confusion there will now be an American Club of Marbella and the Marbella Chapter of the American Club of the Costa del Sol.
According to Robert Sekler, stand in president of the Marbella Chapter, the club has been reconstituted.
He said: “There was a lot of wrangling and back-biting and it got quite nasty.
“But we have just had a luncheon with 40-something people and I think people are quite happy now.”"

BBC News - Arrests over Caithness man's 'torture' in Portugal

BBC News - Arrests over Caithness man's 'torture' in Portugal: "James Ross, 26, of Wick, was traced and taken to hospital after an operation involving Northern Constabulary and the Policia Judiciaria.
It has been claimed Mr Ross was held for 13 days and tortured.
The four men, whose names have not been released, have appeared in court in Portugal on serious criminal charges, according to Northern Constabulary.
According to reports Mr Ross had an ear, two fingers and three toes cut off and was kept in a cage in a row over an unpaid debt.
He was admitted to hospital in Faro, but has since been transferred to a hospital in Lisbon because he requires plastic surgery to his injuries.
Mr Ross has been recovered safely by officers in Portugal”End Quote
Northern Constabulary
Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha claimed Mr Ross was tortured for 13 days before escaping from his captors in the village of Boliqueime, near the town of Loule, on Monday.
Police in Portugal and Scotland have not commented on the torture claims."

French unions call two further strikes - Telegraph

French unions call two further strikes - Telegraph: "call for workers to join two new days of nationwide demonstrations next Thursday and on November 6 came after another day of unrest across France that saw protesters blocking key sites and clashing with police.
'Strengthened by the support of workers, the young and a majority of the population ... the labour organisations have decided to continue and to broaden the mobilisation,' the main unions said in a joint statement."

Malaria fears escalate as most dangerous mosquito mutates into two species - Science, News - The Independent

Malaria fears escalate as most dangerous mosquito mutates into two species - Science, News - The Independent: "The most dangerous type of malaria-carrying mosquito, which kills up to a million people each year, is evolving into two different species, posing grave problems for controlling the transmission of the blood parasite.
Scientists have found that Anopheles gambiae, which is widespread across Africa and is responsible for about half of the 500 million new cases of malaria each year, has split into two genetically different strains that are well on their way to becoming distinct species."

Spanish Sunburn - Bloomberg

Spanish Sunburn - Bloomberg: "Prime Minister Zapatero’s failed plan to transform his country into a carbon- free energy giant exposes the risks facing investors looking to profit from clean power.
German Vilimelis heard about Spain’s solar gold rush from his brother-in-law in 2007.
Across the plains around Lerida, the northeastern Spanish town where they spent weekends, farmers were turning over their fields to photovoltaic panels to capitalize on government solar- energy subsidies. Vilimelis persuaded his father, Jaume, who made a living growing pears on 5 acres (2 hectares) of land in Lerida, to turn over a portion of his farm for the project, Bloomberg Markets reported in its November issue."

Scot has ear, fingers & toes chopped off during drug gang kidnap ordeal in Portugal - The Daily Record

Scot has ear, fingers & toes chopped off during drug gang kidnap ordeal in Portugal - The Daily Record: "James Ross, 26, was tortured in a villa on the Algarve for 13 days after being lured to Portugal by a gang of Brits.
Dad-of-two Ross, from Wick, Caithness, was found bleeding in the street in the village of Alfontes, near Loule, by Carlos Pereira.
Carlos said: 'He came staggering towards me, asking me to stop, waving his arms in the air.
'He had no left ear and was missing two fingers on his left hand, a toe from one foot and two from the other. He also had a leg wound.'
Ross told him he had been involved in a road accident.
Mr Pereira said: 'He was very white. He said, 'Please, please, telephone'. I decided to put him in my van and drove him to a square, near a cafe, and called the police.'
Alerted Northern Constabulary had ranked Ross as a 'high risk' missing person and alerted the UK Serious Organised Crime Agency and Portuguese cops.
Ross's sister Gayle last night said the family did not wish to comment, adding: 'We actually don't know anything. The police have never been in contact with us so I don't want to say any more.'
A Portuguese newspaper claimed Ross owed fellow Brit John Maclean £10,000 over a cannabis deal."

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: UK shop staff are Euro champions...at thieving

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: UK shop staff are Euro champions...at thieving: "BRITAIN’S shop workers are the most dishonest in Europe, stealing more than £1.5billion of goods from their bosses last year.
Thieving employees now account for nearly 37 per cent of the £4.4billion retail crime wave that is hampering the High Street recovery.
Security experts say stores ­cannot afford to ignore the “silent thieves from within”."

Malaga line up loan swoop for Liverpool's Ryan Babel - report - Goal.com

Malaga line up loan swoop for Liverpool's Ryan Babel - report - Goal.com: "Malaga intend to tempt Liverpool with a loan offer for Ryan Babel, according to Spanish daily AS.

Babel, 23, has struggled to make an impression at Anfield since he joined in 2007 and has made just two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season. He had been expected to be jettisoned last summer but an upturn in form in the final months of the previous campaign secured his squad place.

Malaga have made a promising start in the Primera Division and intend to bolster their playing staff in the New Year. A conclusion for the bid for Babel will have to wait until Liverpool's ownership issues are cleared up, however."

Malaga Represent The Greatest Challenge Of My Career - Coach Jesualdo Ferreira | Sports | Peacefmonline.com

Malaga Represent The Greatest Challenge Of My Career - Coach Jesualdo Ferreira | Sports | Peacefmonline.com: "Malaga coach Jesualdo Ferreira has confessed that his arrival at the Andalucian club represents the biggest challenge of his career, but has targeted a top 10 finish in the Primera Division this season.

Ferreira won three consecutive titles at Porto from 2007 to 2009, before losing his job in May 2010 and subsequently accepting the post at the Boquerones.

Malaga’s form has been inconsistent so far this season, represented best by their 5-3 win over Real Zaragoza, but also by the fact that they are yet to pick up a home victory so far this season."

French riot police clash with students as petrol stations run dry - Telegraph

French riot police clash with students as petrol stations run dry - Telegraph: "Despite claims that it had petrol provision “under control”, the government said it had activated an emergency crisis cell charged with maintaining fuel supplies.
The opposition Socialists criticised François Fillon, the prime minister, for failing to speak to the unions over proposed pension reforms, which would raise minimum and full retirement ages to 62 and 67.

“We have a prime minister who thinks he is Churchill but who is only Thatcher,” said Harlem Désir, the Socialists’ deputy leader. “He is trying to make us think he is carrying out great reforms to save our economy but in fact he is smashing our social model.”
The Socialists, like the unions, want to allow the French to continue to retire at 60 despite rising life expectancy, saying the shortfall could be filled by increasing tax on capital and the number of years a person paid into the system.
Mr Fillon said his government has already made concessions but would not back down on the two most contentious changes. President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Monday that the reform would pass despite the strikes."

Sotheby's to auction seven Picasso paintings next month

Sotheby's to auction seven Picasso paintings next month: "Seven works by Pablo Picasso are up for auction next month, at an Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale, which takes place at Sotheby’s of Bond Street on 5th February.

One is a portrait of Picasso’s muse, the painter and photographer Dora Maar, famous for her love affair with the Málaga artist. One of his portraits of her, ‘Dora Maar with Cat,’ reached the second highest price of a work of art ever sold at auction in May 2006: 95.2 million dollars in May 2006. His bronze sculpture, ‘Head of a Woman,’ went for 29.1 million in November last year.

His painting ‘Head of a Woman,’ up for auction next month, is a little more reasonable. It’s only expected to reach between 13 and 17 million dollars"

Morocco's militant hackers - Afrik-news.com : Africa news, Maghreb news - The african daily newspaper

Morocco's militant hackers - Afrik-news.com : Africa news, Maghreb news - The african daily newspaper: "They are militant hackers who have attacked sites in Egypt, Morocco, Spain, Israel... Their screen messages have been likened to messages on banners hoisted by demonstrators in protest or support of political, social or even religious ideologies. The group is very active in Morocco, from where they have often hacked into sensitive security systems.
Sitting behind their computer screens, they meticulously encode and decode IT security systems in search of the slightest miscalculation in order to launch an attack. Widely known as hackers in Morocco, they have gone haywire and are relentless in their efforts to penetrate into both local and foreign sites. Egypt, Kuwait and Israel have all fallen victim to their devices.
But these are not some casual credit card thieves. They fall into a new category of activists known as 'hacktivists'. And while the oil that keeps the wheels of this underground movement rolling is the Internet, it is their ideological beliefs that keep their lamps alight. 'It is the oldest form of hacking. Many developing countries resort to this mode of protest,' says Ali El Azzouzi, a Moroccan IT security expert. In recent years, Morocco, like many other countries, has seen a surge in hacking."

Spanish strike has bosses shaking|9Oct10|Socialist Worker

Spanish strike has bosses shaking|9Oct10|Socialist Worker: "general strike brought Spain to a standstill on Wednesday of last week. Its scale and militancy took the government, the bosses, and even many on the left, by surprise.
According to the unions, over 70 percent of workers struck—in large workplaces the figure rose to 85 percent. Electricity use fell to Sunday levels and road traffic was down by half on a normal working day.
From the early hours of the morning, thousands of workers joined picket lines that spread out across every city, and convinced many other workers not to work."

Your very own treasure island off Menorca - for just 5,7 million

Your very own treasure island off Menorca - for just 5,7 million: "quiet enclave just off the coast of Menorca, with crystal clear waters surrounding the small island, which is covered in meadows of seagrass, des Grau Island, known locally as the illa den Colom, is now on sale for 5.7 million euros.
Besides the natural charm of the surroundings and the spectacular location, making this small island in a genuine gem for property investors, the real treasure of the island, is the fact that there are some buildings that can be rehabilitated and, since the island has a capacity for human life, it makes the property a 'unique opportunity' for someone with so enough money to not need to resort to external financing to undertake the investment."

Spain has been mentioned a number times in Brussels as one of the Mediterranean economies that has been losing competitiveness

EU to penalise member states for lack of competitiveness: "European Union (EU) is preparing some changes to its fiscal laws, which will include sanctions against any european montary zone countries showing a lack of competitiveness, despite opposition from Spain to this type of regulation.
Finance ministers from the 27 european montary zone nations are expected to agree on general principles today, in a move to tackle the imbalances in the economies of the european montary zone, such as real estate bubbles that hit Spain and Ireland before the crisis.
According to sources, Spain is the only country opposed to such regulations, considering that macroeconomic imbalances are not always the result of the government's actions.

Spain has been mentioned a number times in Brussels as one of the Mediterranean economies that has been losing competitiveness since the adoption of the unmarried currency."

Gibraltar is exposed to a number of money laundering and terrorist financing risks, according to a 2007 International Monetary Fund report

FT.com / Reports - Tax: New agreements make evasion much tougher: "Gibraltar laid out its latest changes to tax legislation, it trumpeted the completion of its “14-year transition from tax haven to mainstream European financial services centre”.
Recent milestones have included a string of tax information exchange agreements (TIEAs) that will help other countries track down tax evaders and the plan to abolish its tax-exempt company regime targeted at companies that did no local business and were not owned by Gibraltarians. Its abolition next January, which will coincide with a reduction of corporation tax from 22 per cent to 10 per cent, sets Gibraltar apart from other British overseas territories which charge a zero rate of corporation tax. A Treasury report on offshore centres last year said this gave Gibraltar “a fiscal policy closest to the growing international consensus on tax norms”.
Yet shedding the tax haven tag is an ambitious goal for any small financial centre, particularly in the aftermath of the financial crisis. And Gibraltar still has critics. Last year, Tax Justice Network, an anti-tax haven campaign group criticised Gibraltar as opaque on more than nine out of ten criteria.
Gibraltar is exposed to a number of money laundering and terrorist financing risks, according to a 2007 International Monetary Fund report. Gibraltar is near drug smuggling and human smuggling routes and is a banking centre for northern European expatriates with property in south Spain."

Spain's Banco Santander wins EU approval to buy RBS assets - People's Daily Online

Spain's Banco Santander wins EU approval to buy RBS assets - People's Daily Online: "Banco Santander of Spain has won approval from the European Union (EU) to buy a number of retail and commercial banking assets of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) in Britain.

'The transaction would not significantly impede effective competition' in the European markets, said the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, in a statement on Friday.

The assets to be sold consist of RBS's branch-related retail and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) business in England and Wales, the NatWest branch-related retail and SME business in Scotland along with certain mid-corporate customer accounts in Britain. There are in total approximately 300 branches and around 40 SME and business banking centers.

The divestment is part of the conditions set by the European Commission when it approved the British government's plan to bail out RBS in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis."

Spain's Defaults Ratio Rose to 14-Year High of 5.62% in August - Bloomberg

Spain's Defaults Ratio Rose to 14-Year High of 5.62% in August - Bloomberg: "Bad loans as a proportion of total credit at Spanish lenders rose to 5.62 percent in August, a 14- year high, from 5.47 percent in July as the country’s sluggish economy slowed loan repayments.
Bad loans in the industry jumped to 102.5 billion euros ($142 billion) in August from 100.5 billion euros in July and 90.9 billion euros a year ago, the Bank of Spain said on its website today. The bad loan ratio, which declined in June, was 4.94 percent a year earlier.
While some banks including Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA say their bad loans have peaked in Spain, others including Banco Santander SA say that won’t happen until next year. The country’s financial regulator says the industry’s “potentially troubled exposure” to property developers includes another 123 billion euros in asset foreclosures and acquisitions, write-offs and loans deemed to have a higher risk of default.
Bad loans as a proportion of total lending at commercial banks climbed to 5.49 percent in August from 5.37 percent in July, the central bank said. The bad loans ratio at savings banks rose to 5.69 percent from 5.52 percent."

Landmark court ruling against abusive clause in Spanish mortgages

Landmark court ruling against abusive clause in Spanish mortgages: "One of the battles that many Spanish mortgage owners have been facing is the clause in their contract known as ‘cláusula suelo’ or the ground clause, which stops mortgage payments being reduced below a certain level despite the fact that the Euribor interest rate on which the contract is based, has fallen to a lower level.

Many members of the public think the clause is a trick used by the banks, and on Monday there was a ray of hope with a court ruling for the first time that such a clause is indeed abusive. The court calls on the BBVA, Caixa Galicia and Cajamar banks to eliminate the clause and stop using it."

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini: Womanising better for footballers than drinking | Metro.co.uk

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini: Womanising better for footballers than drinking | Metro.co.uk: "City goalkeeper Joe Hart was recently pictured in the papers dancing on the bar during a drinking session in a Marbella club, while Mancini is also believed to have warned Adam Johnson about his off-field behaviour.

Roberto Mancini likes sober encounters with women (PA)
The Italian admits he does not understand why some English footballers feel the need to go out and get drunk and is keen to persuade his young players to develop different post-game habits"

RBS may sell $1.6 billion Spain property portfolio | Reuters

RBS may sell $1.6 billion Spain property portfolio | Reuters: "Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L) is considering selling a 1 billion pound ($1.6 billion) Spanish property loan portfolio after hiring Morgan Stanley (MS.N) to advise on its options, an industry source said on Monday."

Copper a copper-bottomed investment for thieves | Spain | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain

Euro Weekly News | Copper a copper-bottomed investment for thieves | Spain | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain: "EIGHT Romanians arrested in Barcelona were found with two tons of copper wire worth €6,000 s to scrap dealers prepared to pay cash and ask few questions. Ringleader Costel Gigel H was remanded but the remainder were charged and released although five had their passports confiscated to ensure they could not leave Spain before coming to trial.
The gang had stolen wire and cable on at least 10 occasions since May, police said, but although Cataluña sees many such robberies, they are not restricted to that region.
Between January and August, Endesa’s cables, substations and transformers in Andalucia were hit by 175 robberies compared to Cataluña’s 141, symptoms of the nationwide 40% increase in copper theft from the company since 2007.
Nor are electricity boards the only targets. In Cistella (Gerona) last summer, all the town’s phones were cut off seven times in the same month by copper thieves and Telefonica reported 330 robberies of cable in 139 Cataluña municipalities.
Traffic lights are another source and Florim O and Mohamed A were arrested mid September after tampering with lights in several Barcelona streets.
It was the former’s second arrest in 10 days, having been detained earlier when passers-by saw him removing cables from traffic light posts with scissors, pliers and a chisel.
The market for stolen copper answers demand from manufacturers in China, Brazil and Indonesia which the world’s principal copper mines in Chile, Bolivia, Russia and Canada struggle to satisfy."

Man bitten by poisonous snake | Costa de Almería | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain

Euro Weekly News | Man bitten by poisonous snake | Costa de Almería | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain: "44-YEAR-OLD road worker was bitten by a poisonous snake last Friday in El Ejido. He was taken to the ICU at the Poniente Hospital and has now been transferred to a ward as his condition is improving. The antidote for the man, who was in critical condition, was provided by the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia."

Maurice Boland's rise and fall... Mr Marbella | Olive Press Newspaper

Maurice Boland's rise and fall... Mr Marbella | Olive Press Newspaper: "Boland last week apologised to the family of the girl – and his own family – in the Irish national newspapers, before issuing a limp statement to the local press here in Spain.
In the only comments that have been run, he whined to one: “I fully expected that it would become public knowledge. But I did not expect the hurtful and negative gossip directed towards both her family and mine. This is a highly personal issue and I would ask you to please respect the other people involved.”
His request is understandable, but for many people who have tuned in for years to hear him tell his listeners how much he loves his wife of 40 years, his admission that he made an “error of judgement” does little to placate their outrage.
They might also be interested to hear a bit about his past, about how some 20 years ago he became incredibly close to one Mandy Smith, who infamously slept with Rolling Stone Bill Wyman when only 14.
One might be inclined to ask the question, is history repeating itself?
Cast your mind back to 1983 when Mandy Smith, aged just 13-years-old, famously began dating 46-year-old Bill Wyman.
A huge scandal, she was the Catholic school girl; while he was apparently the celebrity who could make her a star.
Yet, there was another older man waiting in the wings, who was handed the task of guiding her career to stardom."

Moroccan woman dies at the hands of her husband

Moroccan woman dies at the hands of her husband: "38 year old Moroccan woman, Fatiha al Katiiri, has died in Alhama de Granada, from injuries allegedly carried out by her 56 year old husband, also Moroccan. The Guardia Civil say that the husband confessed to the crime, and he is now in hospital in Granada after trying to commit suicide by drinking bleach.

It seems the man attacked the woman, beating her to death, after her three children had left for school on Monday morning. There are no reports of any previous complaints about domestic violence, but it is understood that the couple are in the process of separation and the woman had packed her bags on the Sunday night."

Driver allowed to go after hitting six people outside Granada discotec with his van

Driver allowed to go after hitting six people outside Granada discotec with his van: "22 year old man who tested positive for alcohol after knocking down six people outside the El Tren discotheque in Granada on Sunday, has been released by police.

Local Police say the man was in the van with his girlfriend, and tested at 0.58 for alcohol, but the law only allows them to make an arrest when the level is 0.70. The legal limit in Spain is 0.25.
However the man says that he will be presenting his own denuncia claiming that the youngsters he hit beat him up round the head afterwards.

Two of the six people the driver hit, both of them women, were taken to the traumatology Hospital in Granada; they are not seriously hurt, but a 29 year old man remains admitted to the Clínico Hospital in the city, in a stable condition.

Reports indicate that there was a large conglomeration of people at the doors of the disco when it happened at 0730am on Sunday. Police have started a full investigation."

Sean Connery threatens legal action against Marbella court for 'damage to public image'

Sean Connery threatens legal action against Marbella court for 'damage to public image': "Sean Connery has confirmed he will take legal action against the court of Marbella for having publicly revealed his suspected implication in a property fraud case under investigation on the Costa del Sol.
British Ambassador in Spain, Giles Paxman – brother of TV presenter Jeremy – has sent a letter drafted and signed by the 007 actor to the judge in charge of the so-called 'Goldfinger' case.
Connery says the fact that his charges have been made public before he has had a chance to defend himself or declare his innocence has 'affected his public image', and caused 'notable, evident and quantifiable' financial loss to him.
The movie star says neither he nor his wife have received any written communication of the offences he is accused of from either the court or any other legal, fiscal or police authority in Spain.
He claims he has no idea what the charges narrate to, nor the evidence found that allegedly incriminates him.
Connery has called for the court to release details to him of any action that 'has been taken, is in class lesson, or is envisaged for the future'."

Head-shop baron shuts outlet on Costa del Sol - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie

Head-shop baron shuts outlet on Costa del Sol - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie: "head-shop baron James Bellamy has suffered a setback in his hopes of opening a chain of the controversial stores in Spain.
The businessman has closed down his first Nirvana head shop in the Costa del Sol resort of Benalmadena less than three months after opening.
Mr Bellamy vacated the premises near a notorious clubber's paradise after pressure from local authorities.
Town hall inspectors and local police are thought to have swooped on the shop and taken away dozens of products for analysis a few weeks after its opening at the end of June.
The closure has left Mr Bellamy's dreams of expanding his multinational empire after a clampdown from the Government here in disarray.
He is now thought to have postponed plans for a string of new shops in neighbouring Fuengirola and the Costa Blanca resorts of Alicante and Benidorm."

Spanish Senate has rejected a Partido Popular motion which called for bullfighting to be declared a protected cultural interest.

Spanish Senate has rejected a Partido Popular motion which called for bullfighting to be declared a protected cultural interest.

The vote was 129 against, 117 in favour and there was one abstention.

PP Senator, Pío García Escudero, spoke in favour of the motion, and described the bullfighter as ‘an artist, like a painter, composer, poet or sculptor’. He said he had to create his work of art in 20 minutes, without any possibility of correction, and risking his life the whole time. He said that bullfighting was part of the history, art, tradition, sentiment and emotion of Spain, in a speech full of literary references.

Socialist spokesman, Roberto Lertxundi, a declared bullfighting supporter, said that his group was voting against the motion as the declaration of being of cultural interest was the domain of the regional administrations, and he claimed the PP had done more damage to bullfighting by bringing the motion to the Senate.

Meanwhile the Partido Popular has announced that they will consider making an appeal to the Constitutional Court, against the decision made in the Catalan Parliament earlier this year to ban bullfighting in the region from 2012.

Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_27419.shtml#ixzz11eprCoLH

three people arrested in Murcia in the latest real estate corruption case in Spain are now at the disposition of the court.

three people arrested in Murcia in the latest real estate corruption case in Spain are now at the disposition of the court. The Murcia High Court of Justice has said that Instruction Court 8 in the city had ordered the searching of the town planning offices in Murcia City Hall yesterday, as well as the searching of offices and homes in both Murcia and Madrid.

Reporting restrictions have been placed on the case, but it is understood the allegations are for the misuse of public funds, money laundering, bribery, and actions prohibited for civil servants, among others.

The three arrests are of the Director of the town planning department, Alberto Guerra, the lawyer Higinio Pérez Mateos, and the engineer, Renato de Noce. In addition there are at least five other people indicted, including the businessman, Jesús Samper, the owner of the Real Murcia football club.

It’s now known the case is linked to real estate deals carried out in the northern part of the city, where the Nueva Condomina residential complex can be found, as well as the stadium of the same name, home of Real Murcia.

Meanwhile the Partido Popular General Secretary, María Dolores de Cospedal, commented that the case had arisen now ‘to distract attention from the primaries’, with reference to the primary election for the Socialist regional candidate in Madrid.

The PP President of the Murcia region, Ramón Luis Valcárcel has said that the arrests ‘have nothing to do with the Partido Popular’.

Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_27415.shtml#ixzz11epNiKQe

Spain will always give a warning when there are incidents

She said that London was always warned when there are incidents off the Rock

The Spanish Government, in the form of Deputy Prime Minister, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, has said that London has apologised to them over the recent incidents between the Guardia Civil and the Gibraltar Police in the waters off Gibraltar.

‘Spain will always give a warning when there are incidents’ she said, and extended the Government’s firmness also to cover relations with Morocco.

Asked by the COPE radio station if Spain had warned London after the incidents, De la Vega responded by saying ‘Indeed, there had been warnings and that the British had apologised. She also underlined that there had been ‘no retreat’ with respect to the Spanish demands for the sovereignty of the waters

Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_27412.shtml#ixzz11eoxVITP

Fugitive killer caught in Spain following attempted bank robbery - Manchester Evening News

Fugitive killer caught in Spain following attempted bank robbery - Manchester Evening News: "convicted killer who went on the run after being sprung from court has been arrested in Spain's Costa Blanca following an attempted bank robbery.
Richard Smith, 29, had been missing since May after a security van bringing him to Salford magistrates court was attacked.
Smith, of Pegwell Drive, Lower Broughton, was being taken to court on May 13 after being charged with conspiracy to commit arson.
But Spanish police finally arrested Smith on Wednesday on suspicion of attempted robbery in the Spanish town of Benissa, near Alicante.
If he is charged and convicted Smith may have to serve a sentence in Spain before being extradited to the UK.
A European arrest warrant had already been issued for Smith before he was arrested in connection with the failed bank raid.
It is understood he was allegedly seen at the bank, but fled and was arrested later at gunpoint."

Authorities in Malaga, Spain, have reported that child pornography and fraud account for more than half of cyber crime

Cyber Crime on the Rise in Spain: "Authorities in Malaga, Spain, have reported that child pornography and fraud account for more than half of cyber crime, Euro Weekly reports.

Since its creation more than 18 months ago, the Computer Crime Service of Malaga Public Prosecutor’s Office has investigated almost 500 crimes. More than half of cases were related to fraud and the possession or distribution of child pornography. The remaining cases involved mainly slander, coercion and threats.

Despite frequent warnings, many people are tricked by phishing scams to steal bank passwords and false job offers. The victim is asked to give an account number, which is then used for money-laundering purposes.

As many of these scams are based in foreign nations, they are extremely difficult to investigate and catching the perpetrators is a challenge. In the case of child porn, the consumers and distributors are often caught, but the criminals who abuse children remain anonymous."

The Press Association: Britons held over Spain drugs ring

The Press Association: Britons held over Spain drugs ring: "Thirteen Britons suspected of running a drug ring have been arrested in Spain, police said.
Nine men and four women were held as investigators shut down a gang supplying holiday resorts on the Costa Blanca and Ibiza.
Police seized 53,000 ecstasy pills, 100 cannabis plants, cocaine, vehicles, mobile phones and cash.
The gang is suspected of producing and distributing 'designer' drugs, such as ecstasy, from a base in Alicante.
One member was arrested as he tried to smuggle thousands of ecstasy pills from the port of Denia to suppliers in Ibiza hidden in the doors of a car, police said.
The gang is also suspected of links to money laundering and identity fraud.
It was targeted by the Spanish Guardia Civil and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca), which traced British links and operating methods.
A Soca spokesman said the arrests took place in the Torrevieja area of the Costa Blanca on September 27.
The suspects, aged between 22 and 74, are all from the Liverpool area and have been remanded in custody."

The fugitive ex of Wayne Rooney's hooker was nicked in Spain. | News Of The World

The fugitive ex of Wayne Rooney's hooker was nicked in Spain. | News Of The World: "fugitive ex-lover of Wayne Rooney's three-in-a-bed hooker has been arrested in Spain after a botched bank robbery.

LOVER: Jones is 'violent and dangerous' say copsJenny Thompson's gangster boyfriend was part of a real life Smith and Jones who wrote sick POEMS about their raids.
Jared Jones, 28, and mobster pal Richard Smith, 29, were snared after a four-month joint operation between UK and Spanish cops.
And last night they were learning that c-rhyme doesn't pay as they faced trial in Spain and then being brought back to England.
Convicted armed robber Jones went on the run after allegedly burning down a police lock-up in Salford, Greater Manchester."

Security has been doubled on Prince amid fears he is main target for terrorists. | News Of The World

Security has been doubled on Prince amid fears he is main target for terrorists. | News Of The World: "ARMED security on Prince Harry has been doubled amid growing fears that he is the main target for a new wave of Islamic and Irish terrorists.
Six SAS-trained gun guards have been shadowing soldier Harry wherever he goes after Britain's security services raised the threat of an attack against the Royal Family to Level 2 - only one below 'imminent'.
Yesterday a similar ring of steel was thrown around Prince Charles and Camilla as they arrived in India to open the Commonwealth Games. The Queen and Prince William have also had their security increased.
Today we can reveal that the Tower of London and an unnamed mainline station in the capital are on a list of targets spilled to US spy chiefs by a terrorist who broke under interrogation.
German national Ahmed Sidiqi, 36 - a fanatic trained by al-Qaeda - also named the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the 5-star Hotel Adlon at Berlin's Brandenberg Gate as it emerged that terror cells are plotting a series of Mumbai-style massacres in the UK, France and Germany"

AFP: Cocaine, ecstasy found in waters of Spanish nature reserve

AFP: Cocaine, ecstasy found in waters of Spanish nature reserve: "Spanish scientists said Wednesday they have detected cocaine, ecstasy and six other drugs in the waters of a nature reserve, and warned of a possible risk to wildlife and public health.
Investigators from the University of Valencia analysed the water in canals and irrigation channels of eastern Spain's Albufera Natural Park, a major wetlands region, for the presence of 14 kinds of drugs, Spain's Scientific Information and News Service (SINC) said.
The scientists looked for the residue these drugs leave behind in human urine after they have been taken, and which end up in the water.
The results showed the presence of eight kinds of drugs, particularly cocaine and ecstasy, SINC said.
'The results confirm the presence of drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, codeine, morphine and cannabis in the surface waters ... at levels ranging between 0.06 and 78.78 nanogrammes per litre,' said Yolanda Pico, lead author of the study.
A nanogramme is one billionth of a gramme.
'Cocaine and its metabolites were ubiquitous in all the samples taken, while ecstasy was also found very frequently,' said Pico, a senior professor at Valencia University's Department of Nutrition and Bromatology."

Madrid hash business commerce reasonable promotes cultivation and consumption and calls for de-criminalisation

Madrid hash business commerce reasonable promotes cultivation and consumption and calls for de-criminalisation: "A hash reasonable in Madrid this weekend is offering stalls selling everything from lollies to incense sticks and even marihuana tea.
Mostly run by so-called 'grow shop' owners and those who seek to legalise the cultivation and consumption of the drug, the reasonable in Leganés saw a huge turn-out.
Some of the visitors claim they grow their own hash to smoke because it provides relief from conditions such as migraines and insomnia.
Many also say that if the drug were at least de-criminalised, some 200 million euros a year could be subject to taxation and provide imperative public funds.
They also say hash consumption has not reduced as a result of the recession, making it a steady income-earner.
Although scientific research into the effects of hash remains inconclusive, studies have shown that it is in fact addictive and steady, heavy consumption can cause a deterioration in cognitive functions, including short-term reminiscence, and paranoia-related psychological disorders.
But the stallholders claimed that although their hash lollies, incense sticks and tea produce a relaxing effect, they do not create addiction due to the low quantities in the plant.
They also say home-grown hash is safer, since the consumer knows what is in it, and in the city is no danger of it being mixed with harder drugs."

BBC News - Moody's downgrades Spain's credit rating

BBC News - Moody's downgrades Spain's credit rating: "outlook for the troubled Spanish economy took another turn for the worse on Thursday.
Spain has lost its last triple-A credit rating with the major rating agencies, following a downgrade from Moody's.
The agency downgraded Spanish debt by one level to Aa1, following similar moves by Fitch and Standard & Poor's earlier this year.
This will make it more expensive for Spain to borrow on the international markets as it tries to cut its deficit which stands at some 9.3% of GDP"

BUNGLED ROBBERY SEES FOUR BRITS ARRESTED | Costa Blanca | Leader - News, Sport, Advertising, Property, Classifieds - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida, Costa de Almeria, Spain

BUNGLED ROBBERY SEES FOUR BRITS ARRESTED | Costa Blanca | Leader - News, Sport, Advertising, Property, Classifieds - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida, Costa de Almeria, Spain: "Four Britons, residents of Javea, were arrested on Tuesday, following a bungled attempt at a bank robbery in Benissa which they tried to break into with large rocks and a sledgehamer.
The attempt took place at the Ruralcaixa on Tuesday mer. afternoon and although the bank was closed at the time there were members of staff still on the premises, filling cash dispensers as the attempted robbery took place.
It would appear that police were aware of the gang which they had under surveillance at the time. One arrest was made at the scene while one man was grabbed as he attempted to get away. The two men that made good their escape were caught later that same day at the Safor motorway toll.
Two of the robbers were the subject of extradition proceedings. All four robbers were later taken to Alicante where they remain in police custody. It is thought that two men who were involved in the plotting of the robbery are still at large."

SPAIN’S BIGGEST CORRUPTION TRIAL SET TO LAST A YEAR | Costa del Sol | Leader - News, Sport, Advertising, Property, Classifieds - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida, Costa de Almeria, Spain

SPAIN’S BIGGEST CORRUPTION TRIAL SET TO LAST A YEAR | Costa del Sol | Leader - News, Sport, Advertising, Property, Classifieds - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida, Costa de Almeria, Spain: "300 journalists covering the trial, it looks like it will be in and out of the news on a regular basis over the next 12 months. The proceedings revolve around alleged real estate fraud in the jet-set resort town Marbella, which all kicked off in the mid-1990s.
The alleged mastermind of the fraud scheme, businessman Juan Antonio Roca, is the only defendant who has been jailed while awaiting the trial. Former town hall officials, lawyers and business representatives are also among the accused. The trial is expected to last a year.
The defendants are alleged to have run Marbella on a cash-for-votes system operated at town hall meetings. Between them they allegedly took €670million (£569m) in bribes, and from municipal funds, over three years. Juan Antonio Roca, the alleged 'Mr Big' who ran Marbella from his private offices for more than a decade, faces fines of some €800m and 35 years in prison sentences.
'Roca partially financed his business dealings with money obtained from businessmen on trial in this case and … given in exchange for favourable town hall decisions, mainly in the planning area,' state prosecutors said. When he was arrested on corruption charges in 2006, his assets included an art-filled palace in Madrid, a country estate with a helipad and a stud farm guarded by a tiger."

300 illegal immigrants arrive in Spain in three days (Roundup) - Monsters and Critics

300 illegal immigrants arrive in Spain in three days (Roundup) - Monsters and Critics: "count kept rising in a new wave of illegal immigrant
arrivals on Spanish shores, with the total estimated at 300 people in the past three days, Spanish officials said Sunday.
The migrants arrived on at least 20 refugee boats from Algeria and other North-African countries. The boats landed in the Murcia region in south-eastern Spain, in the Andalusian provinces of Granada and Almeria, and in the Spanish enclave Ceuta in North Africa.
One boat with 14 passengers landed on the vacation
island of Mallorca."

Spanish Monarch underwent surgery last May to remove a nodule on his right lung

Spanish Monarch underwent surgery last May to remove a nodule on his right lung

A statement from the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid has said that King Juan Carlos is ‘totally recovered’ from his operation and will not need any more revisions following one which was carried out earlier this week.

The Spanish Monarch had an operation to remove a nodule on his right lung in the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona in May, after it came to light in his annual medical. This week’s scans have shown that Don Juan Carlos has healed correctly. The nodule resulted to be benign.

Don Juan Carlos has slowly been picking up the pace of his duties and will travel to Oporto on October 7 for the VI Meeting of Cotec European Foundation. He is also expected to take part in the 20th Ibero American Summit of Heads of State and Government in Mar de Plata in Argentina on December 3 and 4.

Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_27357.shtml#ixzz117KGjXC6

Fisher-Price has recalled thousands of dangerous games from the shop shelves of Spain

Fisher-Price has recalled thousands of dangerous games from the shop shelves of Spain, and some 10 million across the United States and Canada, as they could cause accidents such as cuts or choking in children.

The list of the items being withdrawn from sale in Spain is as follows
- Tricycles – Ref No.D8776
- Supertrona high chair – Ref No. J6995
- Cerca de Mi high chair – Ref No. J7742
- Acuario high chair – Ref No, H7183
- Deluxe high chair – Ref No. G5919
- Little People racing ramp – Ref No. T5095

And several sets of inflatable balls
Pequeño Futbolista Goal – Ref No. K0476
Gymnasium Game Centre – Ref No. 73408
Multi-activities games and gymnasium – Ref No. B2408
Activities Ball, 1,2,3 – Ref No. J0327
Mundo activities – Ref No. H8094

Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_27359.shtml#ixzz117JdEMZH

slammed the Spanish Guardia Civil over their actions in the incident in British Gibraltar Territorial Water.

"Graham Watson, Liberal Democrat MEP for South West England and Gibraltar, has slammed the Spanish Guardia Civil over their actions in the incident in British Gibraltar Territorial Water.
Following the arrest of an individual aboard a suspect vessel by the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP), Spanish Guardia Civil officers attempted to intervene, sparking a tense stand off. RGP Commissioner Louis Wink insisted the Guardia Civil had no jurisdiction over the incident and Chief Minister Peter Caruana is concerned the incident could risk the work of the Trilateral Forum on law enforcement issues.
“It is outrageous that the Guardia Civil feel they can act in this way. Their failure to respect Gibraltar’s territorial sovereignty makes a mockery of the rules of the sea and undermines valuable efforts to coordinate the fight against crime in the Bay of Gibraltar. If the Guardia Civil refuse to change their attitude, they may as well hoist the Jolly Roger.
“In the six years I have represented Gibraltar I have found myself fighting endless attempts to bully the Rock; from exclusion from sporting tournaments to recent indirect “border taxes”."

Euro Weekly News | Couple attacked at Marbella luxury villa | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain

Euro Weekly News | Couple attacked at Marbella luxury villa | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain: "TWO people were injured in an armed robbery at a luxury chalet near the Sierra Blanca urbanization in the Nagueles area of Marbella. Two people armed with knives broke into the home after midnight and once inside, made the occupants hand over all the money and valuables in the house.
The 82-year-old Liberian owner, who attempted to prevent the attack, was stabbed twice, and remains at the Costa del Sol Hospital. His 47-year-old wife, who is Spanish, was also injured and taken to a local health centre.
The thieves fled two hours later in a car belonging to the couple and goods including €3,000 in cash, mobile phones and laptop computer."

The Associated Press: Spanish judge frees US al-Qaida suspect

The Associated Press: Spanish judge frees US al-Qaida suspect: "Spanish judge ordered the release Thursday of a U.S. citizen of Algerian origin who was detained on suspicion of financing al-Qaida's North Africa affiliate, citing a lack of evidence but keeping the investigation open.
Judge Santiago Pedraz took away suspect Mohamed Omar Dehbi's passport, barred him from leaving Spain and ordered him to check in with police daily.
Dehbi was arrested Tuesday in a Barcelona suburb. After a hearing Thursday in which Dehbi testified, Pedraz said there was insufficient evidence to back up police allegations that Dehbi financed al-Qaida by sending money to an associate in Algeria who is wanted in Spain on terror-related charges.
Dehbi's name was originally erroneously spelled Debhi by Spanish authorities."