http://www.theentertaineronline.com/ The Entertainer Online is primarily for the friends and residents of Mojacar, Spain. The site includes a blog, local and national news, the Weeniewatch, an extensive listing of useful links about Spain and several other wonders besides. This is a non-commercial site. en-gb This site is powered by e107, which is released under the terms of the GNU GPL License. entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Admin) entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Admin) Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:02:10 -0500 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:02:10 -0500 http://backend.userland.com/rss e107 (http://e107.org) 60 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/e107_images/button.png http://www.theentertaineronline.com/ 88 31 The Entertainer Online is primarily for the friends and residents of Mojacar, Spain. The site includes a blog, local and national news, the Weeniewatch, an extensive listing of useful links about Spain and several other wonders besides. This is a non-commercial site. http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1306.6 padrón in an office on the beach and outside normal hours. These have been going around for a while and have recently received added fuel by a press release from the local PSOE appearing in today's Ideal. The article is provocatively titled 'The Padrón in Mojácar is Under Suspicion' and talks about 'vecinos fantasma'. The thrust from the PSOE is that the mayoress is registering people who will later use a postal vote.
*Of the 678 votes for the PP in the 2007 elections, almost 300 were postal votes (say, two councillors worth).
]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1306 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:55:02 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1306.6 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1305.5 sociatas have graciously given the vote to several - but not all - non-European nationalities in next year's local elections of May 22nd. Cor, I wonder who they'll vote for?
As Almería Confidencial reports, EU nationals (who have asked for the right to vote) and Norwegians, have now been joined by Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, New Zealand (huh?), Paraguay and Peru. We welcome them all (Goo-day, little mates).

'Los extranjeros residentes en España nacidos en algún Estado miembro de la Unión Europea, Noruega, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Nueva Zelanda, Paraguay y Perú podrán votar en las próximas elecciones municipales en España, que se celebrarán el 22 de mayo, siempre que cumplan los requisitos y se inscriban en el Censo Electoral entre el 1 de diciembre de este año y el 15 de enero de 2011'.

I have to say, I'm kinda worried about this New Zealand thing. There are sixty two New Zealanders on the padrón in Andalucía, and, if 15% of them were to vote, why, that's nine rogue votes across the community. Nooooooooo!!!!]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1305 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:57:48 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1305.5 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1304.2 documentary on Fritz. Me, Tito, Isabelle Raths and Angel all appear in it. I've got a page here with some Fritz paintings for sale.
Well, the 'donate' button isn't doing it...]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1304 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:03:50 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1304.2 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1303.4 An Internet forum, or message board, is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages. They differ from chat rooms in that messages are not shown in real-time, to see new messages the forum page must be reloaded. Also, depending on the access level of a user and/or the forum set-up, a posted message might need to be approved by a moderator before it becomes visible.
Forums have their own language; e.g. A single conversation is called a 'thread'. A forum is hierarchical or tree-like in structure: forum - subforum - topic - thread - reply.
Depending on the forum set-up, users can be anonymous or have to register with the forum and then subsequently login in order to post messages. Usually you do not have to login to read existing messages.
We have a few interesting forums locally, with the chance to ask questions, interchange information, discuss politics and (what you gonna do) to insult other posters. The two de toda la vida, both rather quiet, are Costa Almeria and its rival Viva Almeria, the second of which has a couple of tame trolls amongst its contributors.
Rather more fun at the present time are the four running out of the Almanzora Valley, including the high-volume Blue, the Purple, the Green and 'Knowall's' new Anon - all, apparently, at each other's throats. Indeed, the Purple (mostly refugees from the over-moderated Blue) have a number of anti-Blue threads produced and encouraged by about four people. They all make for amusing reading and I recommend tasting a few forums (apparently, you don't say 'fora') which are linked above.
Finally, for snarky comment on the Almanzora forums, there's a comical blog called Almanzora Valley Musings.

]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1303 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:40:19 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1303.4 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1302.7 Another property owner's problem (assuming they ever built that off-plan home) can be the Spanish bank guarantee falling through one's fingers. The following comes from a reader:

BANK GUARANTEES IN SPAIN FOR OFF-PLAN PROPERTY PURCHASES PETITION & WEBSITE LAUNCHED
www.bankguaranteesinspain.com
- Many Spanish Banks are guilty of gross negligence and lack of professional due diligence for their failure to issue or to verify the existence of Bank Guarantees/Certificates of Insurance for deposits paid in advance by purchasers for off-plan property in Spain, as required by Spanish Law, in particular, LEY 57/1968, Article 1.2 - Purchasers hold Spanish President, Mr José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and the Governor of the Banco de España, Mr Miguel Ángel Fernández Ordoñez ultimately responsible due to their lack of supervision and regulatory control. In many cases where Bank Guarantees were issued to purchasers, Banks are now refusing to honour them even though the developer has clearly defaulted on the contract, thereby unnecessarily forcing the purchaser into a lengthy and expensive litigation process.]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1302 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:38:05 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1302.7 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1301.5 resigning from his ministry this month to go and campaign for the Catalonian Parliament as Nº 3 on the PSC ticket. He probably doesn't like the look of the suggested September figures or indeed the General Strike called for September 29th.]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1301 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:27:30 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1301.5 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1300.6 mirador as a multi-storey car park. Well, it makes a lot more sense.]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1300 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:38:29 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1300.6 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1299.7 I received this today from a friend in Javea, Alicante. It works for anywhere. Please copy and pass around.

REGISTER TO VOTE AT THE NEXT LOCAL ELECTIONS BY SIGNING ONTO THE PADRÓN AND CENSO ELECTORAL.
YOUR VOTE CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE!

In the 2007 local elections, nearly 80% of the eligible expats in Jávea did not vote because they were NOT on the ELECTORAL ROLL (or Censo Electoral).
Who should register?
Expats who spend all or much of their time in Spain may register on the Padrón and Censo Electoral, yet many still have not done so. They may wrongly assume that the Padrón is a means of vigilance by the state. However, it is simply a way for the Town Hall to count those that live in their area, with no investigation as to a person’s official status or financial affairs. The information you provide is confidential and covered by data protection laws.
What are the benefits to YOU?
• You comply with legal requirements.
• Better public services; Central Government pays the local council €170 per person on the Padrón each year
• Access to benefits and social care; people on the Padrón aged 65 and over get free municipal bus passes and other benefits.
• A reduction in taxes; registration on the Padrón could mean reductions in Property Tax, certain community charges and inheritance tax.
• Voting rights for an easier life; you need your Padrón certificate to carry out various administrative tasks, such as registering for healthcare, registering your car with Spanish number plates or enrolling children in school. Remember: NO VOTE, NO VOICE.

ARE YOU ALREADY ON THE PADRÓN?
If “yes”, you are still NOT automatically entitled to vote. To vote, you must also sign onto the Censo Electoral (or the Electoral Roll). Your right to vote in Local (or Euro) elections is enshrined in Spanish and European law. Your vote will influence the type and style of local government. Expats may be required to renew their registration on the Electoral Roll; just check!
How do I register?
You can register on both the Padrón and Censo Electoral AT THE SAME TIME. You will need to take, to the Ayuntamiento the following documents: Passport OR Residencia + your last Rates receipt (I.B.I.) OR Water / Electric bill in your name OR your Escritura OR rental contract:

Need help?
The officials will help. Instructions in English, German and French are on the back of census form.

TO BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE
on SUNDAY MAY 22nd 2011 in the LOCAL ELECTION
SIGN ON to the PADRÓN and CENSO ELECTORAL
Do it now. You may be TOO late in FEBRUARY 2011
]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1299 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:56:32 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1299.7 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1298.6 AULAN Coffee Morning, Thursday 9th September. To be held at the Kimrick bar, Mojácar Playa. Every 2nd Thursday of the month between 12 & 1. Please come along and join the association, 10€. Pay your yearly membership renewal fee, 10€. Chat about your problem. Without your financial support we cannot move forward. For more information e-mail info@aulan.es or telephone 950 069 558.]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1298 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Sat, 04 Sep 2010 06:02:47 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1298.6 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1297.2 And yet, today I found a customer protection site called 'Complaints Board' which, to my surprise, features a rather shady outfit I have had trouble with in the past, so there's still hope.]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1297 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:35:25 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1297.2 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1296.6 performing this Saturday in the Centro de Usos Multiples in Mojácar (the Fuente) starting at 9.30pm. Entrance is 12 euros.
I looked up Lviv - it's in the Ukraine.]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1296 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:20:59 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1296.6 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1295.5 quota of fines while reducing their wages. The traffic cops had been fining less as a protest known as the 'dropped ball-point' (see my remarks here and here).]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1295 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:57:27 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1295.5 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1294.6 here. They do a good job on the visuals. Includes information on the 7.5km tunnel near Sorbas and the Vera and Lorca stations.
Slightly marred at the 4.10m mark by a sign outside the brand new Almería station that reads in Spain's two principal languages, Spanish and Engrish: 'Venta de Billetes de Tren - Ticket Sales of Train'. How much are they spending on this beast?]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1294 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:48:35 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1294.6 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1293.4 The Guardian. However, comments from readers of the rightist El Mundo seem, on first look, to smell some kind of a rat (despite the hottest summer on record, etc blah blah).]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1293 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:35:23 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1293.4 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1292.2 pueblo (which was, I'd just like to point out, when Jacinto Alarcón quit back in around 1978, the best-known town of the province and leader in both tourism and foreign residents), it was good to bump into Miguel Barón today. Miguel was mayor of Bédar for 16 years and not only never took anything, or speculated or robbed his fellow-citizens, he also never even took a wage as mayor, prefering to continue as 'un agricultor'. He worked hard for his village and was often in Almería with the president of the diputacion sorting out Bédar's needs over a beer and a sardine. He now in his retirement takes 550 euros a month as a pension. Not quite as much as some of our boyos down here...]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1292 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:58:35 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1292.2 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1291.5 tardiness of the courts. You see, he was nicked in 1998 for bouncing two cheques and the whole clobber of the judicial system had taken twelve years to produce a ruling. In fact, due to many stories like this one, some Andalucian courts (including 31 in Almería) will begin working during the afternoons from September to try and ease the backlog.]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1291 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:02:29 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1291.5 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1290.2 But what of that final thunderous explosion mentioned above? Do I mean the firework display (swishhh... BOOOM BOOOM... BOOOM) or could it be something more sinister?
The Mirador by the Plaza Nueva is in a bad way. The engineers have put in metal support 'puntales' and, with the odd exception of the police station, everything else has been closed down and either transferred to a safer home or, in the case of the library and the school of hostelry, somewhere appropriate will no doubt be found in due course.
But what might happen with all that weight on the Mirador? Well, probably nothing, but according to the hostile Gaceta de Almeria and its piece 'Alarmante grado de irresponsabilidad por parte de la Alcaldesa de Mojácar al mantener abierto el mirador en las fiestas de San Agustín en contra de los criterios técnicos' it might be a good idea not to stand too close to the edge and admire the view...]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1290 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:09:13 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1290.2 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1289.2 Although the roses have wilted somewhat, the abundance of 'Devil's Trumpet' (Jamestown Weed) is to be admired.
This hallucinogenic plant is encouraged no doubt for the benefit of those of our 'tourists' who can't stump up for the cocaine being dished out at the chiringuitos.
I suppose a bad trip is seen as better than no trip at all!]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1289 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Sat, 28 Aug 2010 04:31:48 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1289.2 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1288.6 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1288 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:25:33 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1288.6 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1286.2 '...because of a recent occurance involving my daughter. She applied for work at the soon to be open Lidl store in Albox, along with 3 or 4 of her Spanish friends. Her Spanish friends have had interviews and have been offered work, my daughter who has equal qualifications to her friends and is fluent in Spanish has not even had any communication from this company.
There can be no other reason for this other than blatant racism. Is there anywhere we could go to complain about this, or do we just accept it as being an ex-pat and thats the way things are here in Spain.
This is not the first time my family, and a great many people we know, have encountered this racism, it goes on and we seem to accept it'.
Pisses me off...
But then, someone adds this: I have just heard that my friend's daughter, who is English but fluent in Spanish, had an interview last week for the new Lidls, and has been given a job of 22 hours a week.
So I think it must definately have just been a mishap with your daughter. I hope she has reapplied. Good Luck.
]]> http://www.theentertaineronline.com/comment.php?comment.news.1286 entadmin@nospam.com (Entertainer Adm) Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:12:24 -0500 http://www.theentertaineronline.com/news.php?item.1286.2