TODAY'S PHOTO : Thanks to Tobi ... The Spanish Navy aircraft carrier on manoeuvres last weekend. It had at least 5 fighters and 2 helicopters on board.

Front Page News : source Diário de Notícias 1/10/2008

A strike of public workers (yesterday?) particularly affected the health sector, with operations cancelled due to a lack of up to 80% of nurses. In education the impact was much lower, whilst in waste collection 90% of the night workers took part. The strike was in aid of better salaries, to improve precarious working conditions, and to show their dislike of new labour laws.

Easyhotel, the group that announced the provision of a a new budget hotel in Funchal has said that it will not go where it is not wanted. That was the comment of the representative for the franchise in Portugal, in response to President Jardim's comments about not allowing low cost hotels on Madeira.

As from yesterday, the cost of using state owned sporting facilities has gone up by up to 33% compared to last year. In reality the prices have had the discounted levels removed that were in place to attract users after complaints they were too high. The government here has a policy of encouraging all to use sporting facilities to support physical fitness and good health ... well that makes sense then!

Other News :

Theoretically generic medicines sold in pharmacies were to have been 30% cheaper from yesterday, but the reality is that very few if any new supplies have been received because of the governments requirements for the revised packaging and pricing shown. It is expected that up to 90% of the generics will be lowered in price.

Next Monday sees the beginning of a campaign to tackle the problem of rats in Funchal, with 6 tons of raticide ready for distribution. 2,500 'rat traps' will be loaded with the bait, which will be well protected for health reasons. The plan is to start on Monday, and then a refill or relay the traps every 10 days, finishing in November. I am surprised the Pied Piper of the PSD-M has not been called upon to deal with this ... he seems to have a knack of ... no! I can't go there, it's just too risky. On the subject of rats, I saw a large one in the street last night, strutting around as bold as brass. A friend and I approached him for a closer look and he just sat there and looked at us, got up on his back legs and paddled his paws at us. We eventually for his own safety shepherded him to safety, but he wasn't keen to go. I reckon that is only the second rat I have seen in 5 years, apart from the odd one flattened on the road.

The story about the new beach at Machico not having changing rooms and showers is not true according to the government secretary responsible, who says they do exist and are ample in number. Apparently there is there are two, at the west and east ends of the beach. The Diário is accused of writing an article that contains lies, was of frivolous form, and was also irresponsible. Of course the the government owned Journal wouldn't dream of such behaviour. Anyone been along for a look yet?

Another new website that you might find useful if you know some Portuguese or have a dictionary to hand is called 'Automóvel On-line' at : http://www.automovelonline.mj.pt/AutoOnline/

This allows car owners to do various things on-line that would normally involve a day trip spent in horrendous queues in pokey little government offices. Mostly it's about vehicle registrations and transfers (sales and purchases), and the associated documents which you can now apply for can be posted to your home or business. You can also apply to have a vehicle 'impounded' due to outstanding debts, or manage a do-it-yourself importation of a car from another country. I couldn't get the links to work when I paid a visit, so I couldn't tell you any more, but obviously there is a registration process to verify that you are who you say you are, so for the first time it may take somewhat longer than a few minutes mentioned.

The second and away leg of the UEFA cup takes place tonight, Valencia v Marítimo, (agg 1-0), at 9pm. It's not on TV as far as I can see. G'luck boys, you need it!

-----------------------------------------

The 'contact us' form and the excursion and car hire booking forms on the main website still has a fault. Nothing is coming through to me. If you have to send anything or have made a booking, or wish to, please email me. Very sorry for the inconvenience, I am trying to fix it asap.

www.madeira4u.com

Aside from your valued blog responses (you can reply direct using the form at the bottom of each blog comments page), please send any unreported Madeira news, photos, events information, or snippets for the madeira4u blog to blog@madeira4u.com - anyone can join in! Thank you!