Saturday, 31 October 2009
Specialised language schools
All Saints Day is tomorrow, a day of memories, flowers and cemeteries
This is the day on which the cemeteries are crowded with visitors, presumably in the hope that one's ever-resting relatives have become saints. In any case, the last few weeks have been used to tidy up the nichos ('shelves'?) where they rest. Todos los Santos, or All Saints', is a day when fresh flowers get placed at the cemeteries, which come alive with visitors. On Friday morning our old friend Diego the Flowerman will have been at his usual place in the market, and on Saturday he may well set up a stall in the main square, reminiscent of when the market used to be held there. Todos los Santos means All Saints (so does Tosantos in Andaluz). That's what it is on Sunday next, November 1st: All Saints Day. It is the day when people come from far and near to visit their loved ones at the cemetery. It is a national holiday, i.e. a Bank Holiday, but it's a Sunday. And what does that mean? No school on Monday, of course! But banks, shops and other such places will be open as usual.
Prospero's Choice: Mercedes Sosa 'Alfonsina y el Mar'
(^^TONIGHT!^^)
This is Prospero's little tribute to one of Argentina and South American music's greatest and bravest artists, singing a most beautiful song (translated lyrics below). Mercedes Sosa, La Negra, was known as The Voice of the Voiceless Ones, particularly during the many military dictatorships in her native country. Sosa performed in venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York City, the Théâtre Mogador in Paris and even in the Sistine Chapel, as well as sell-out shows in New York's Carnegie Hall and the Roman Coliseum during her final decade of life. Her career spanned four decades and she has been the recipient of several Grammy awards and nominations, including three nominations which will be decided posthumously. She served as an ambassador for UNICEF. She died on October 4. Hasta luego, Negra, y tantas gracias por todo...
(Read more about her on Wikipedia)
Friday, 30 October 2009
Renovating the 'new horse trough' fountain
One of the many fountains with which Jimena has been sprouting of late, albeit this being one of the earlier ones, is under renovation. Something to do with the cascading water from one horse trough to another. If it fixes the problem of the water running down the street causing very 'slippery when wet' situations, so much the better. But who designed it in the first place that it should need renovating so soon after it went up (in March, see item here)?
Thursday, 29 October 2009
All Saints Day bank holiday on Monday
Sunday, November 1st is Todos los Santos, or Tosantos in Andaluz (i.e. All Saints' Day) and would be a national bank holiday all over Spain if it happened on a week day. Instead, the Bank Holiday is on Monday, creating what is creatively known as a puente, or bridge - i.e. a long weekend. Schools, banks and most shops are closed.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Gibraltar businessman arrested in Manchester
The owner of Salsa Fuego nightclub in Gibraltar, Joe Beriro, was arrested in Manchester last week in connection with a French investigation into alleged excise fraud, according to The Gibraltar Chronicle and local press. The GBC reported yesterday that British police officers arrested him last Friday as he stepped off a plane in Manchester, where he had gone to watch a football match. An eye-witness told GBC that police officers seemed to be waiting for his arrival. Beriro was transferred to London and appeared before magistrates in the City of Westminster courts earlier this week, where he was bailed to appear again next week. A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK told the Chronicle that Mr Beriro was arrested by police acting on a European arrest warrant issued by French authorities, in connection with an investigation into alleged excise fraud but could add no further details. The Royal Gibraltar Police was aware of the warrant for Mr Beriro’s arrest but was unable to execute it because of technical legal reasons.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
What to do with your garden produce at Halloween, by CraftyPip Productions
Do you like to read? Join the Jimena Book Club
Times are hard for everyone
€9000 for books for Jimena libraries
(Press release) The municipal libraries of Jimena are to receive a total of €8661.08 for books. The money is coming from two sources, according to Councillor for Culture, Juan José Rondón: a grant of €6161.08 from the Junta de Andalucía, and another €2500 from the Council and the Empresa Pública de Gestión de Programas Culturales. The latteramount is for purchasing books on Flamenco, generic literature, publications of local interest and material adapted to the handicapped. Rondón announced that the purchases will be made at bookshops within the municipality. The municipal library netwrok is composed of three reading rooms: one in Jimena village (named 'Miguel de Cervantes'), another in Los Ángeles and a third in San Pablo, which is operated by 'Los Naranjos' Parents Association. Click on the image for location and opening hours.
Working on the heights
Work began last week on the rooftops of El Antiguo Juzgado, an historical building off the main square in Jimena that over the centuries has housed the Town Hall, the Guardia Civil and a prison, as well as the Court House. Owned and extensively renovated by Monica and Peter Becko, who lived there for many years and used it as a musical centre, it is now a photographic studio run by Sue Callister and Alberto Saro, of the Andalucía School of Photography. Ancient tiles at the very top needed urgent replacing, so nearby residents will be relieved that things are moving ahead.
12th Edition of Mycology Workshops, programme is out
This year's edition of the annual Jornadas Micológicas del Parque Natural Los Alcornocales is to take place in Jimena on the weekend of November 27 to 29. Registration is via the Council website, by e-mail, ordinary mail or fax (see addresses on Council website). The programme includes three lectures, the traditional mushroom gathering in the Park and, new this year, a culinary route through the restaurants of the village to taste the results. JimenaPulse will publish details of the programme nearer to the date - watch this space!The Corner Shop opens in Jimena
The Corner Shop, across the street from the primary school, opened for business yesterday. It contains all sorts of possibilities, from real estate services (by Jimena Real Estate) to website design (by Marta Fuster), from translation services (by The Translation People) to repair work (by Alex Goodall), and from local arts & crafts and Christmas gifts (yes, already!) to postcards and pictures (by Michaela), not to mention fresh produce. The Corner Shop offers an interesting and varied collection of services - and can even sell you refreshment on a hot day! Worth popping in on your way to the Friday market or the Post Office.
New Local Police station out to tender
The Mayor of Jimena, Pascual Collado, met recently with representatives of 5 businesses wanting to tender for the new Local Police station (as reported here) to be built at the entrance to Jimena village, close to the renovated silo (photo). The new construction has a budget of €380,000, from a project by Doble G Arquitectos S.L. Plans include a building of two floors that meets the latest requirements regarding volume and plant; it will contain the latest environmntal resources regarding efficient use of energy, and marks the beginning of the rejuvenation of the area as planned by the Council. These include finishing the entrance road, renovation of the old bridge that was once the only access to the village and turning it into a park, which is well under way. Included, too, is a square next to the new Police station. Other work planned for San Pablo de Buceite and San Martín del Tesorilllo under the Junta de Andalucía's Plan Proteja is also under tender, according to Councillor Fernando Gómez.
New plaza for El Gurugú in Estación
A new square was opened last week for the Gurugú section of Los Ángeles (or Estación de Jimena as it is still called by some). The new square includes a playground, seating and, of course, a fountain. The facility was much in demand by nearby residents and it is thanks to the efforts of the Pino Grande neighbourhood association and Jimena Council that it is now a reality. The ancient palm tree that gives its name to the association has been pruned for rejuvenation, though a plethora of birds nests will have to be removed. Present at the opening ceremony were Mayor Pascual Collado, Councillor Fernando Gómez, the Municipal Delegate for Los Ángeles, Juana Jiménez, and members of El Pino Grande association. An agreement wth residents will see that a nearby plot of municipal land will soon become a small sports facility, and plants and flowers will be placed in the square as soon as possible.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Algeciras left out of Renault transportation loop
(Agencies) The President of Renault España, Jean Pierre Laurent, said recently that communications between Sevilla and Tangier need to be improved so that the Spanish auto industry can be more competitive. Laurent said that his company is building a plant in Tangier and it is too costly to transport gearboxes made in Sevilla via Algeciras, as this port only links with the Canary Islands, and they would have to be taken from there to Casablanca and then on to Tangier.
26 immigrants intercepted near Tarifa, five with high fevers
(Agencies. Photo: EuropaSur) 26 people of sub-Saharan origin were intercepted yesterday morning about 12 miles from Tarifa aboard a zodiac-type boat. On their arrival at the Red Cross station there, five of them were found to have high temperatures, which set up the emergency procedures against Swine Flu, while the rest were in good health. One of 15 women on board was pregnant and was taken to hospital for routine checks. Medical procedures took longer than usual because those with fever had to be isolated, although tests for Swine Flu turned out to be negative.
Iberia cabin crew strike, 42 flights to Andalucía cancelled
(Agencies) A total of 430 national and international flights have been cancelled today and tomorrow, Tuesday, as a result of a strike called by cabin crew unions. Málaga, Sevilla, Granada and Jerez are affected by 42 of the cancelled flights. Of close to 1000 daily flights planned, some 360 domestic and 70 international will be cancelled over the two days. Madrid-Barajas has a total of 210 cancellations, while Barcelona-El Prat has 57. Iberia flights operated by Vueling, Air Nostrum and other code-sharing comapnies are not impacted by the strike. Passengers with tickets for the cancelled flights can request date changes or their money back until November 15. New tickets will be valid until March 31, 2010.
Regional trains stop operating today for five months. Bus service alternatives
JimenaPulse has been reporting on the fact that the Altaria railway service between Algeciras and Madrid will be suspended all the way to Antequera for rail renovations and adaptation for high-speed trains. Today is the day, and it will reportedly be for at least five months, according to agency reports. However, alternative bus routes are as follows as from today:>
Only two days left for your question for the Mayor
So far we have received only two questions for the Mayor, plus a comment worth reading (and disagreeing with or not). We refer you to the original proposal from Mayor Pascual Collado, which will tell you what to do to get your question/s to him by Thursday. Please remember that if your question is in English, you should send it in to JimenaPulse either as a comment here, or to our e-mail: jimenaprospero@gmail.com by Wednesday next.
This sign costs up to €1,200
After a little research and a letter published in El País on Saturday that we found on TioJimeno, it turns out that each of these signs costs somewhere around the €1,200. Some simple maths adds together at least eleven of these signs in the municipality of Jimena alone (there may be more we haven't seen), and they come to €13,200, which the central government obliges the Council to pay if it wants to take part in the PlanE employment scheme for 'renovation' of small towns and villages throughout the country (see related item here). If there are eleven of them in this municipality alone, how many are there throughout the country?>Sunday, 25 October 2009
Gotta have a laugh, it's Sunday!
Sponsored by:
Another CraftyPip Production, brought to us, natch, by CraftyPip, our ubiquitous commentator, photographer, flm maker and friend. He asks the question: "Can your dog dance like mine can? And to the tune of Zorba the Greek?" Well, can it?
Did you put your clocks back>?
It's magic: 3am last night suddenly became 2am all over Europe. Did you remember to put your clocks back? Have you changed your watch, or your car clock? (We hope you've enjoyed the extra hour's sleep - we did.)
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Jimena to lower 'contribuciones' again
(Press release) Jimena Council has decided to lower the Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles (IBI, or contribuciones as the council tax was known). This is the second time the tax has been lowered, aimed at compensating the large increase in valuations made by the central administration (known as el catastrazo). Last year's percentage calculation was 0.60% and as from next year will be 0.502% of the cadastral value of our properties. It will be approved at the Council's Plenary Session next week. "This comes about as the result of the promise we made in 2008 to help out with the brutal raises made by the Treasury," said Mayor Pascual Collado. This makes Jimena the cheapest place to live in the Campo de Gibraltar, after Tarifa, according to the Confederación de Empresarios de Cádiz, the average cost being €257.69 per home unit. There are also bonuses for certain categories of taxpayers.>'Diego Bautista Prieto' Literary prizes
The Miguel de Cervantes Municipal Library was the venue for the award-giving of this year's Literary Prize, in its 28th edition. First up to the podium was Local Police officer Juan María Moreno Vega, who is also a historian and a writer. It was these two hobbies that came together for his winning piece 'The Arrival of the Railway in Jimena, a historical fact' that deals with the revolution the railway meant for Jimena and won in the section of Best Narrative by a Local Author. The prize for Best Narrative went to>New sign by the square: a lesson in 'Ñ' and 'Enchufe'
This is how we found the sign by the main square car park announcing work being carried out in Jimena. You will notice that the E in PlanE has that little squiggle on the top, the one that usually crowns an N and becomes that very Spanish letter Ñ, which Spain fought hot and loud to keep on computer keyboards and in the European Parliament. Whoever painted the additional letters was careful to keep the squiggle. The word Enchufe means, aside from 'electrical plug or socket', 'connections in high places' - no doubt an expression of disgust by someone who didn't get a job with Zapatero's PlanE national employment scheme.
Clocks go back tonight
Clocks all over Europe, including the UK, go back one hour tonight at 03:00 hours, which miraculously becomes 2am. It's an extra hour's sleep, people! (Pity it isn't on a week day...)
Readers Choice: Bobby McFerrin and Richard Bona
Sponsored by:
(NEXT SATURDAY!)
Richard Bona was one of the star attractions of Jimena's International Music Festival . Those of us who were there will not forget the magic of his performance. Bobby McFerrin hasn't been to Jimena as far as we know, but who knows... Thanks to A Nonny Mouse for this one, it's good to hear from you again!
Friday, 23 October 2009
Going back in time: JimenaPulse's first posts being uploaded
In case you have noticed a dirth of news of late, this is because we are uploading some of JimenaPulse's older posts, going back to March, 2007. We are choosing some of the more interesting ones, and the illustration here (with a newer photo, admittedly) is one of the very first, published on March 6th of that year. The man we thought might be the next Mayor, is indeed, the Mayor today - and the same one we're supposed to be asking questions to. (The uploading process is very laborious, so we ask for your patience.)
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Gibraltarians still experience difficulties with ID cards
(Agencies) Over the years, there have been numerous reports of Gibraltarians experiencing difficulties when travelling and using their ID cards at airports, ports and other such places, as well as booking hotels, tickets, etc. According to the Gibraltar Chronicle, the Shadow Minister for Civil Aviation, Dr Joseph Garcia, has recently pointed out problems being experienced by Gibraltarians using their ID cards abroad who have had it rejected because it has too many digits. Dr Garcia said that the International Civil Aviation Organization had made recommendations for changes to ID cards in 2004, and that it had taken public complaints and questions in Parliament “for the Government to confirm that all Gibraltar identity cards may have to be withdrawn and new ones re-issued,” adding that Government has been aware of the situation but done nothing about it. An Opposition statement said: "An Opposition statement said:>Horse fans' weekend starts tonight
(Press release) The Peña Caballista 'El Estribo', with the cooperation of Jimena Council, is holding a series of workshops on horse care this weekend, October 22 to 24.Two conferences are planned, plus a ride out into the countryside as an 'end of party'. The programme: Thursday, October 22, 10pm, (Reina Sofía Cultural Centre, Los Ángeles) Conference by veterinarian Carlos Campayo Pérez, of Jimena, on laminitis, an inflamation of the foot that can be very painful; Friday, October 23, 8pm, (Reina Sofía Cultural Centre, Los Ángeles), Conference by veterinarian Carlos Delgado Aparain on equine feeding, nutrition and and the prevention of cholic; Saturday, October 24, morning, Ride starting at the sports pavilion, ending at Las Viñas. A good opportunity for members and visitors to meet and share experiences with friends with a common interest.Food for thought: 'Chicken a la Carte' by Ferdinand Dimadura
In February 2006, at the 56th Berlin International Film Festival, Filmmakers were invited to join a Short Film Competition on the Theme: FOOD, TASTE and HUNGER. 3,600 Filmmakers from around the world, joined the competition, but only 32 films were chosen to be screened at the Berlinale Talent Campus.
This film topped the competition by being adjudged the Most Popular Short Film.
25,000 people die each DAY from STARVATION, based on a United Nations report released in 2003 and reported by BBC News. This was before the current food crisis. This heartbreaking film is about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society. The people who live on the refuse of man to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left these people.
JimenaPulse's new CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
You may have noticed a new widget on the sidebar. Having figured out how to make it most useful to you, Dear Reader, we are happy to inaugurate our new feature. It's easy to work: you can scroll it up or down for any particular event or day, then click on the event and you will see more details. You can e-mail the whole calendar or a single event to someone you think might be interested in it. It also features a map for things happening off the beaten track but we're still working on that. We would like to include all public events in the area, so if you have something going on PLEASE LET US KNOW!
Still photos of the German TV series at Jimena Castle
Remember we told you that they're shooting a German TV series up at Jimena Castle? We haven't been able to get up there yet, but fortunately TioJimeno's roving photojournalist, Juan Manuel, has been up there taking photos and they've posted a slide show of them, as well as a video. Once again, thanks to TioJimeno.
It was a meteor after all
We stand corrected about the Green Flash item we posted yesterday morning, and we therefore owe our correspondent, Wendy, and our readers an apology. Here are two comments we lifted from that item: "(By e-mail) There was a shooting star/asteroid whatever over Jimena this morning. I arrived in the village around 8.20 and in the sky there was a fast moving bright light which seemed to burst - was heavy cloud cover. By the time I got to outside La Cuadra a group of three people were busy discussing what it was," which is confirmed by CraftyPip. "We are at present passing through the wake of Haley´s comet and tonight is supposed to be the best to see meteor showers starting about 1am." We also got an e-mail from Wendy: "Having looked at 'Causes of colour' it wasn't like that at all, it was an object travelling through the sky that seemed to burn out. Having spoken to a few people today, someone else said he had also seen a green coloured meteor, so I think that's what it was.Wendy. PS sorry I can't spell Tesorillo." (Photo of an Orenoid, credited)
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Several accidents on A-405 road
(Photo: illustration only) We published this at 3.30 this afternoon: "We have just received notice that a major accident happened this morning at a truck exit on the road just beyond Estación involving a lorry and at least three cars. We were unable to get close to the accident site but will update as soon as we can." Apparently there were a total of three separate ones, all on the same stretch known as Curva del Almendril, a notoriously dangerous bend about half way between the old Jimenaflor flower nursery and the polo grounds at Marchenilla. One of the accidents, involved a foreigner who was taken to the hospital, but we haven't yet been able to ascertain whom.
Reader's Question: Did ayone see the green meteor this morning?
(By e-mail) "Did anyone else see the green meteor - or something! This morning at 8.25, we were driving just past where the turning is to Tessoria [she means Tesorillo] and over the bridge, and it went across the sky and seemed to burn out. It was light green in colour. We are not on drugs!" There are those who know better than us, but we can only surmise that it was the well-known 'green flash' that often happens when the sun just comes up or goes down over the horizon (which coincides approximately with the time mentioned here). The website Causes of Colour (photo) has something to say, though it only mentions the sun going down. Any further comments?
2009 Jimena budget to be debated - on Friday!
The Council has called a meeting of its Treasury Committee to debate the budget (some €6 million) for this current year, which is close to coming to the end. Another point scheduled for debate by the Committee is Council staffing - for 2009 as well.Year after year, our Council approves, with the majority vote of the PSOE, this not insignificant public item, usually in the last weeks of November or beginning of December of the year being discussed. As we understand it, budgets come before the money is spent. Here's a question for the Mayor: Why?
This couldn't happen in Jimena ...
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Fiona's having another one!
Gotcha there, didn't we? No, Fiona's not having another baby (she isn't, is she?). Instead -no, maybe not instead- she's organizing another grand horse event, which proved so successful last year. Her inimitably Spanglish poster, which you've seen all over town, invites us all to attend on Sunday, November 1 'at 12 noon sharp!', with or without a horse, down at her Finca Román. Prospero has been cajoled into trying to get the races organized, ostensibly because he has a loud voice. However, he is desperately trying to find someone to lend him a megaphone. Please, if you can lend one for the day, get in touch with us so he won't be horse by the evening. If he is, he will have to write in whispers - come to think of it, there may be those who wouldn't mind that. If you want to take part, or need some more information about the event, call 658 470 524 or 628 349 388.Pencil this one into your diary, folks!
German TV series filming at the castle
(From Council website) Jimena castle is being used to shoot scenes for a televison series by Action Concept, a German production company specializing in action series, some of which have appeared on Spanish TV. The series containing the chapter being filmed at the castle is based on fantasy and parapsychology. Filming will continue until next Thursday, after which the team will head for Sancti Petri to continue shooting. (Photo from the series Cobra Alert, via TioJimeno.)Jimena and its surroundings have often been used for this purpose, ranging from entire TV series and films, to commercials and documentaies. (Prospero note: Shouldn't the Council think of setting up a Jimena Film Commission or something? It would bring work and tourism.)
Sods get laid on Avenida de los Deportes
Members of the Jimena Histórica Employment Scheme were this morning laying new sods of grass on the distinctly bare patches along the pavement opposite the municipal swimming pool on Avenida de los Deportes. According to Councillor Fernando Gómez, "Little by little we are making use of the resources as they become available, this time making improvements to this avenue, which is fast becoming the town's shopping centre." This work may or may not be influenced by a reader's complaint on TioJimeno about the look of that area. In any case, it is being done just in time to be watered by the expected rain. Let's hope the new grass is respected by animals and, particularly, humans alike. (Note: We apologise for the headline, we just couldn't help it.)
Calling all traditional craftspeople
The municipal delegation at Los Ángeles (formerly Estación) is putting together a Local Crafts Fair on November 14 and 15 at the Reina Sofía Cultural Centre. The idea is to increase awareness of the work of craftspeople from the whole municipality, much of which specializes in traditions that are rapidly dying out, including root carving, marquetry, traditional shoe mending (photo), work in cork, grass plaiting, etc. The delegation is calling on all crafts men and women to participate. For more information, call 956 641 236 or 610 355 734. As a complement to the fair, Domingo Calvente will offer a workshop on his craft (root carving), in which anyone can participate. The delegation is now working on extending these workshops to other specialities.
Favourite features return home
Two of the most popular features on JimenaPulse are now accessible from our Menu on the sidebar (click on 'Sports' and/or 'Books'). Woolfie's Sports Roundup and Beatty on Books, our monthly review, now have their own sites. Woolfie updates regularly twice a week with the latest on all kinds of sports, from football and cricket to gymnastics and boxing, picking out the important goings on in that fast furious world. William Beatty writes a considered opinion once a month on a particular book of his choice - this month's is one called 'The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher' that we apparently can't put down. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)