Everything is ready. Champagne, trays with Spanish jam, a group of 10 young waiters in uniform and everyone ready to serve the guests. In the entrance, some paper photographs, in which we can make out the name Marie Claire, are waiting to receive the public. Once we have crossed the hall and we go up the stairs coming up to an amazing 2009 David Delfin’s dress, we find at the end of the corridor another perfect dress, a 2010 black Hannibal Laguna’s model with red flowers. On the right, two little lounges.

On the first one, the table with glasses; on the second one, a photocall. Where are we? We are at Cerralbo Museum, where we are celebrating the opening of “Fashion is a dream,” a unique exposition which commemorates the most admired Spanish fashion designer’s 25 years work. The exhibition remembers the work of several generations, since Balenciaga and Pertegaz, to Victorio & Lucchino, Hannibal Laguna and Miguel Palacio. The most of them, were at the opening party last week, and Toonari Post was there to catch the moment of exaltation and enjoyment of Spanish fashion.

Famous people were arriving. Daniel Rabaneda and Hannibal Laguna, some of the first famous in posing on the photocall. After Ágatha follow Amaya Arzuaga, Purificación García, Juanjo Oliva, and many other important figures, everyone answering media questions.

“I still have the same illusion and passion that I had 30 years ago and I think that this is very important in design,” Purificación García said, satisfied with the exposition. “I don’t like talking about crisis, I prefer to talk about changes. I believe that designers have to be more involved, to risk and to insist more on quality-price ratio.”

Some value the importance of the event as the commemoration of 25 years of work, others, the originality of the scenario, and the most of them, the organization and procedure of the exposition, as it is the case of Juanjo Oliva: “It is very well organized. It is a real context, not present, but the museum is a good company, very pleasant.”

Everyone seemed to have fun and enjoy this unusual scenario, a 19th century palace-museum in the middle of Madrid, and among those present we found to Lourdes Vaquero, museum Cerralbo’s director, to whom we directed some questions about this initiative. “The idea is to emulate parties which were celebrated in 19th century…we wanted that every dress fit with pieces of each room,” Vaquero said. “We have an extraordinary potential in fashion, we have to boost Spanish brand through our designers. In the 16th century Spain was the country that set trends in all Europe, and we have to achieve that Spain set trends again”.

The night was full of fashion and glamour, showed for example in a elegant Sybilla dress which prevails on the dance hall as the symbol of this exhibition, and led the way to an exposition that will be open to public in the Museo Cerralbo of Madrid until January 13 to every fashion lover.

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London, England — Canary Islands holidays offer amazing year-round weather at an unparalleled price – perfect for that well-deserved week of guaranteed sunshine.

Situated southwest of Spain and close to the African coast, the Canary Islands enjoy a sub-tropical climate with an average of over 320 days of sunshine a year. Just a four-hour flight from the UK, you can enjoy temperatures that hover around the 20 degree(s)C mark in the winter, rising to a scorching 30 degree(s)C during the summer months.

Activities a-plenty

Made up of seven major islands – including Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote – the Canary Islands are perfect for swimming, boasting stretches of golden sand sloping gently into shallow warm water. There are also first-class water sports on offer, including windsurfing and jet-skiing for those wanting to add some thrills and spills to their Canary Islands beach break. Scuba diving is extremely popular and offers the chance to see sting-rays, eels and barracuda close at hand. There are also some fascinating underwater wreck sites to explore on holidays to Fuerteventura.

If you prefer land-based leisure pursuits, the Canaries are home to no less than four national parks. Why not take a trek up Tenerife’s Mount Teide, which will reward you with amazing views of the entire region, or a trip on horseback to explore La Palma’s lush, diverse plant life? Don’t miss the Dunes of Maspalomas nature reserve on Gran Canaria which can only be crossed on foot or by camel. With the endless, rolling dunes you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d arrived at a different part of the world completely.

If you find the idea of all this activity in the scorching summer heat of the Canaries tiring, you could simply spend your time relaxing on the beach. The freedom to do as much, or as little, as you like on a cheap holiday to the Canary Islands, really is yours.

Fun for the whole family

Family-friendly beaches and a wide array of kids’ attractions including water parks, zoos, camel rides, butterfly sanctuaries and amusement parks make the Canaries an ideal destination for a family.

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The Sanfermines are special; they are Spain’s biggest festivities and are known worldwide. During these days the whole country forgets about their economic, social and political struggles, to concentrate on the famous bull running and to celebrate, dressed in red and white, in honor of  San Fermin. Who was beheaded because of his faith and is now considered a martyr of the Roman Catholic Church.

The festivities began in the Middle Ages, but have become world famous in the 20th century, thanks to a very well-known American writer called: Ernest Hemingway. These religious festivities, which honor San Fermin, take place in the city of Pamplona, capital of Navarre. In the past the festivity was celebrated on October 10, but the locals decided to move it to July because of the bad weather in fall.

San Fermin occurs 6-14 of July; the festivity starts with the famous “Chupinazo” in which rockets are launched from the balcony city hall, and end on 14 July at midnight with and astonishing candle lit ceremony and the singing of the “Pobre de Mí,” in which they sing these words: “Poor me, poor me, for the fiesta of San Fermín has come to a close.”

Bulls are one of the Sanfermines most important characters. Every morning at 8 a.m. the bulls and the runners come together for the Encierro, which starts at the Corral on Santo Domingo Street. When the clock of the nearby San Cernin church announces its 8 a.m., two rockets are launched and the bulls are released and start chasing the runners for almost a kilometer, until they arrive at the bullring.

Ernst Hemingway, writer of the Old Man and the Sea, in 1923 experienced the Sanfermines for the first time, and they seem to have made a good impression on him, because he came back several times. Hemingway also wrote a serious of articles related to the festivity, and even a novel which takes place during the Sanfermines called The  Sun Also Rises, which helped to make the Sanfermines worldwide renowned.

Fireworks are another attraction during the Sanfermines, every night of the festivity at 11 p.m. people gather around the old citadel of Pamplona, to enjoy the unique spectacle for half an hour. Since 2000 a firework competition takes place, with a jury and prizes, to see which firework firm does the best show.

The Sanfermines offer a lot of more attractions, it is a well-known fact that almost 1,000,000 people assist each year, it involves, besides the fireworks and the bulls, many traditional and folkloric events. The biggest day in the Sanfermines is 7 July, when thousands of people gather to accompany a replica of the Statue of San Fermin along the streets of the old part of the city. The statue of the saint is very well escorted by dancers and the famous Gigantes (giants). The Sanfermines are a celebration you should not miss if you have the opportunity to attend.

Image Courtesy of  Revelados.Info / Shutterstock.com

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The Way of St James (Camino de Santiago de Compostela) is the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, located in Galicia, northweste of Spain. The pilgrimage path can be covered by walking or cycling and some routes start from Europe.

For more than 1,000 years pilgrims have traveled along the many ways to Santiago. In 1985 only 2,491 pilgrims completed the Way. Since then, the route has been increasing its attractions to pilgrims from around the globe and not pilgrims. Ten years later, 19,821 people covered the Way.

The Camino de Santiago is for everyone, young, old, fit, unfit, religious or otherwise. The route was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in October 1987. UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site. In 2005 there were 93,921 visitors according to the city of Compostela.

In your way to Santiago from wherever place you start in Europe or Spain; the scallop shell will guide you to arrive in Santiago. Historically, the shell had also metaphorical and practical meanings for the pilgrims. As the waves of the ocean wash scallop shells up on the shores of Galicia, God´s hand also guides the pilgrims to Santiago. The pilgrims used to use the shells as an instrument to gather water from wells and rivers.

There are five main Camino pilgrimage paths in Spain: the Silver route (starting in Seville, southwest Spain 621 miles), the Northern route (starting in Irun, north of Spain 512 miles), the Portuguese route (starting in Porto, Portugal 143 miles), and the English road (starting in Coruna or Ferrol, Northern Spain 68 miles). There are more paths in Spain but these ones are the most popular.

However, the French Way is the most popular route to start for people who do their first Camino. This Camino starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, near the Pyrenees and has 484 miles distance to Santiago. You will need a document called the credencial (pilgrim’s passport) which provides cheap (between $3,7 and $8,8 per night) and sometimes free accommodation in official or municipal pilgrim hostels along the route. There are also private hostels, but they are little bit more expensive, around $12,5.

The credencial can be purchased in any Spanish tourist agency or in a confraternity in your country. The credencial provides record of where pilgrims have eaten or slept, but also is a proof to the Pilgrim´s Office in Santiago to show that the journey has been accomplished according to an official route.

The infrastructure along the French Way is very good and it is very difficult to get lost. You will spend between 7 and 10 days to complete the French Way to Santiago; it depends on how many days you stay in the Spanish cities that you will find in your route. The route passes along a few major Spanish cities such as Pamplona, Burgos and Leon.

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Spain has done it again. They have reached the soccer Olympus for the third time in a row, showing their superiority against any other national team. And they have showed in the best possible way: rolling the opponent. Both in the score and in the game play. Italy was just a toy in Spanish hands. Spain will enter into football history as the first team that got crowned champion for three times in a row in a major tournament.

We all remember the Brazil of the 70′s, the Maradona’s Argentina, or the Netherlands from Johan Cruiff. But none of them reached what Del Bosque’s kids have achieved.

Spain didn’t just win, they also overwhelmed their rival from minute one. Del Bosque started with the same eleven players that he started with when they played Italy in the group phase game. In that game they tied, but Spain has shown again that they can always be counted on in the important games. Italy, for their part, started changing some players and their system. The play went wrong for Prandelli, who failed to cancel the Spanish midfielders. And everyone knows what happens when Iniesta, Xavi, Silva and company play without pressure.

Spain did not take long to score its first goal. When the clock was marking minute 15, Spain got ahead in the score, and from there dominated the match until the end. The play began with Inesta’s boots, who looked at Fabregas, who crossed to Silva, who put the ball in the squadron with his head.

The second goal was scored by the newest player of the tournament, Jordi Alba. The brand new Barelona FC transfer, started running from his left side position, went through the defense. Xavi found an impossible hole with a great pass that left Alba alone with Buffon. He played as if he was an striker, and made the 2-0 in the scoreboard.

Thus, half time came with a clear 2-0. Spanish rule was so overwhelming, that it felt that Italy could not do anything. Pirlo, Cassano or Balloteli, the most important Italian men were completely thwarted, which resulted in an Italy unmoved by the play of the reds.

Prandelli tried a new method and got Motta and Di Natale onto the field. Midfiled Motta was injured a few minutes after entering, which ended up destroying an Italy which had already suffered the injury of Chiellini during first half.

The second half was a Spanish monologue. Few teams can boast having a midfield like Spain’s, a defense with men like Ramos, Pique and Alba, and a goalkeeper like “Saint” Iker Casillas. Del Bosque began the game without a striker, but at the 75 minute mark he put Fernando Torres in, who ended up killing the game. It was Torres who scored the third goal after a head to head with the Italian goalkeeper. From his boots were also responsible for the fourth goal, which was scored by Mata when the game was about to end.

Thus, it is clear that there is no rival who can beat Spain. Best of all is that the team is young, so there is still time for Spain to keep making history.

Image Courtesy of  Laurence Griffiths

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The great finale has arrived. The moment that all soccer fans were waiting is finally here. The Euro 2012 has reached its end after nearly a month of competition, in which so many things have occurred. It may not have been the tournament where a lot of goals have been scored or where matches have been epic. But a final is a final, and more if the finalists are two great national teams like Spain and Italy. These two Mediterranean countries are now partying, enjoying the pregame, but the intoxication of joy can become tachycardia as the minutes passes. After 90 minutes one country will laugh and the other will cry. Bets say that the Spanish team is the favorite, but in soccer nothing is ever written, especially when Italy is playing.

Spain and Italy are two countries that in recent months are experiencing the worst economic times since the eighties. The two countries go hand in hand when asking for financial aid to Europe. Today, however, they will forget the solidarity they share.

Italy and Spain, two styles of strategies, although both efficient. The Spanish style is one of touch, elegant, dribbling and speed, against the Italian catenaccio, the claw and value, plus the kind of Pirlo and hunger of the striker Ballloteli. Two antagonist styles from the two best European teams that will face off in a game that has acquired a military component.

Spain may go down in history as the first selection in soccer history to win European Championship, World Championship, and European Championship in a row. Three big tournaments in 6 years, something that no team has ever achieved. The team will face its fourth European Championship final, after 1964, 1984, 2008 and aims to win its third European title and confirm the hegemonic cycle of Spanish soccer.

On the other side the Italian also want to write their name in soccer’s history after they defeated Germany in the semifinals, thanks to the two goals scored by Mario Balotelli.

Spain’s starting team is already decided according to Del Bosque’s second coach. Spain is expected to come out with their regular team and the only question is who will occupy the vacant seat on this selection, the forward position, harmed by the absence of Villa. However, it appears that the number 9 position will be occupied by the FC Barcelona player, Cesc Fabregas, despite not being a striker. The most knowledgeable soccer fans say that this post should go to the striker Alvaro Negredo, even though Del Bosque’s bet has paid off recently.

90 minutes of tension that will let one of these countries forget their financial situation for a couple of days. Then they will have to come down from the clouds…

Image Courtesy of  Continental AG UEFA EURO 2012 – Claudio Villa / Getty Images

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With everything still to play for in Group C, there was no chance of Spain taking Croatia lightly in their final group game at the PGE Arena in Gdansk, Poland, despite being tipped as considerable favorites.

In a tournament already renowned for its display of good attacking football, a reversal in the trends of recent European Championships, it was with some surprise that both sides came out fairly conservative, with neither team fashioning any clear chances early on. The best chance should arguably have fallen to Mario Mandzukic, who seemed to be fouled inside the penalty box by Sergio Ramos, but referee Wolfgang Stark did not penalize the Spanish defender much to the ire of the Croatian team and fans.

A lack of urgency plagued the rest of the first half, but with news arriving just before half time that Italy had taken the lead against the Republic of Ireland, a result which, if this match remained a deadlock, would confine Spain to second place in the group and Croatia to an early trip home from the tournament, events were poised for a dramatic upturn in tempo in the second half.

The realization that they would be going out of the tournament seemed to sink in for the Croatians, and they began to show real attacking intent early in the second half. This in turn opened up the game for Spain, who were pushing hard for a goal and a return to the top of the group table, only to be repeatedly denied by fierce Croatian defending.

The best chance of the game so far fell to Ivan Rakitic in the 58th minute when Luka Modric galloped away from his man on the right wing and delivered a pinpoint cross for Rakitic who, despite being unmarked, could only direct his header straight at the waiting Iker Casillas.

Despite facing the prospect of finishing second in the group, and theoretically facing tougher opposition in the quarter-final stage of the tournament, Spain seemed hesitant to push too many players forward in search of a winning goal, preferring to remain defensively disciplined and limit Croatia’s chances as much as possible.

With the minutes running out, Croatia were beginning to throw everyone forward in an attempt to keep their Euro 2012 dream alive, but as is often the way late in games, they were caught on the counter by Spain and substitute Cesc Fabregas lifted the ball over the defensive line for Andres Iniesta, who drew the goalkeeper and slipped a pass to Jesus Navas for the Sevilla player to slip into the unguarded net.

The late goal secured the top spot for Spain, whilst a 2-0 victory for Italy over the Republic of Ireland gave them the second qualifying place, with both teams eager to find out who they will face in the quarter-finals. With both England and France in a position to qualify from Group D, along with co-hosts Ukraine, there is the potential for some mouth watering clashes between Europe’s elite in the next round and all eyes will be on the matches between England and Ukraine and France and Sweden to see who Spain and Italy will face next.

Image Courtesy of  Continental AG & Claudio Villa

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the English Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the Eurozone crisis. Both leaders support a two-speed approach to the future of Europe.

Several leaders outside of the Eurozone, such as U.S. President Barack Obama, have urged Germany and the other participating nations to take immediate action on the crisis. Cameron stated, “I’m very clear that urgent action is needed to deal with the market uncertainty… [it] is about building firewalls and recapitalizing the banks.” Although Cameron has urged the Eurozone to solve this crisis, he has made it quite clear that he expects them to solve their own problems.

The United Kingdom and Denmark, although members of the European Union, negotiated agreements in 1992 to be excluded from the euro. Both countries wanted to maintain their own currency, which now appears to have been the best course of action.

Merkel has already admitted that the Eurozone crisis has been building over the last ten years and will not be solved in a day. Merkel stated, “now it will also take a few years to get things right again.”

Many economic experts have claimed that the Eurozone structure is faulty because seventeen nations are connected through a currency but are not coordinated with their budget plans. This lack of budget coordination is not a problem until a crisis such as the 2008 recession arises; now the weaker economies are dragging down the whole system. Merkel agrees that something must be done to integrate these nations better. “We need more Europe, we need not only a monetary union, but we also need a so-called fiscal union, in other words more joint budget policy,” she said.

European Union officials in Brussels want Germany, the strongest economy in the Union, to accept jointly guaranteed European debt and allow the European Central Bank to issue eurobonds. These eurobonds would help to regain some of the debt for the other countries as well as Germany, but Merkel worries that issuing these eurobonds would harm the German people and the German economy more. Before any kind of fiscal union is created in Europe, Merkel is insistent that there needs to be more stability from other European Union countries. Some experts claim that the integration cannot wait.

Another suggestion from the European Commission and European Central Bank is the creation of a central banking authority that would help alleviate concerns of excessive debt. Currently, Spain’s finance minister has claimed that credit markets are “effectively shut” to Spain at this time, making it impossible for them to get the billions in euros to rescue their banks. As of 6 June 2012, the European Commission has announced a plan for a “bank union” in Europe that would make it easier for countries like Spain to get credit.

Although many worry that Spain will need a bailout, Spain insists that they will not. Merkel has stated that Germany will not pressure Spain to take a bailout although the funds will be there if they are necessary.

The European Central Bank cannot provide bailouts due to the ‘no bailout’ clause of the Maastricht Treaty of 1992. However, starting in July there will be a 500 billion euro rescue fund known as the European Stability Mechanism.

Merkel has insisted on austerity measures in bailout countries such as Greece, but these measures have been met with great opposition. Many claim that what governments should be focusing on is growth. Merkel claims, “budget consolidation [aka austerity measures] and growth are two sides of one and the same coin.”

Currently a budget-discipline agreement is being discussed across Europe and has already been ratified in some countries. The Irish referendum vote in the previous week affirmed the agreement. Merkel’s coalition government in the German Parliament is working to get the two-thirds majority necessary to approve the agreement. However, the opposition party – which believes the debt crisis can only be solved by spending for growth – has also requested a financial transaction tax be added to the agreement or at least followed by Germany.

The United Kingdom, with London being the biggest financial center in Europe, is opposed to a Europe-wide financial transaction tax. Cameron stated that the tax would “simply [draw] those transactions offshore and to other places.”

On 7 June 2012 Merkel stated, “we need a political union first and foremost… step by step we must from now on give up more competences to Europe, and allow Europe more powers of control.” Although Cameron agrees that the Eurozone must become more integrated financially, his country is not a member of the Eurozone and would not have to deal with the consequences.

After meeting with Cameron, Merkel announced that she is tolerant of a ‘two-speed’ Europe, meaning that while the current Eurozone countries become more integrated fiscally and politically, other countries such as Denmark and the United Kingdom that use their own currency would still be a part of the Union but relegated to the edges. Merkel claims, “we have to be open. We always have to make it possible for everyone [to join]… but we must not stop because one or the other don’t want to come along just yet.”

Merkel says that one of the greatest aids for the European Union countries is to become more competitive. She claims that the economies will improve when they begin producing more on the global market.

An EU summit is planned for later in June and the leaders will discuss plans for a political union. However, according to Merkel, the decision and the arrangements will not be completed in one summit and more meetings will have to be planned.

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In recent weeks Spain’s banking crisis has gone from bad to worse. Spain’s credit rating has recently been downgraded from an A to BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s because of the debt it will most likely take on from its banks and regional government failures. Spain is the fifth largest economy in the Eurozone, leaving many worrying about the ramifications of these recent developments on the rest of Europe.

Currently Spain’s deficit is too high for the Eurozone. The European Commission says that Spain can be given more time to reduce their deficit from the 8.9% of the GDP – as it stands currently – by 2013. However, the high deficit in Spain is causing fewer individuals and countries to risk investing in the country.

Bond yields in Spain are up to 6.7% meaning that they are high risk. Yields on bonds are higher when they are riskier because investors want a higher return if they are putting money into something that is unstable. In contrast the German and US bond yield is at 1.28% and 1.64% respectively. Therefore, instead of investing in Spain’s government bonds more people are investing in the US and Germany. However, this high bond yield also means that Spain will accumulate more debt and have to pay a higher interest when borrowing money.

Despite all recent efforts the Spanish economy is expected to shrink 1.8% this year alone and another 0.3% next year. However, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy insists that Spain will not require a bailout like Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, and Greece have needed; Spanish banks, on the other hand, have already asked for bailout money.

Bankia, a recently formed banking group of seven banks, asked for a 19 billion Euro bailout. Bankia originally reported a 309 million Euro profit for the year of 2011 when it actually had lost 2.98 billion euros. It is unknown as of yet how Spain will get the bailout money when it is already struggling under its own deficit.

The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, has suggested that they use the Eurozone’s new 500 billion euro stability mechanism to inject some capital into the banks, but Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has already rejected the plan. Another option is for Spain to give Bankia government bonds to then trade with the European Central Bank (ECB) for money.

Although it has been reported that the ECB has already rejected this plan a recent article by the BBC claims that these reports are false and that the solution is not yet off the table. The European Commission has also suggested creating a “banking union” to monitor all Eurozone banks in the future.

In addition to struggling with the mounting bank debts, Spain is also forced to rescue several regional governments who are no longer capable of borrowing money. Several regional governments have gone bankrupt and rating agencies, such as Standard & Poor’s, have put these regions at junk status. Most recently Catalonia, the wealthiest autonomous region in Spain, has asked for help from the central government; Catalonia accounts for one-fifth of the Spanish economy.

Spain is giving these regions government-backed bonds which they can then use to borrow money. However, as stated previously, these bonds are at a high yield which makes this solution temporary. A Spanish economy ministry spokesperson stated, “the goal is to reduce the pressure on the regions, which is often greater than the pressure on the state in general, with some regions not ale to borrow on the market.”

Regional banks have tried to strengthen each other through mergers. Ibercaja, Liberbank, and Caja3 merged in late May to become more resilient. This merger created the seventh biggest lender in Spain with 120 billion euros in assets. Liberbank and Caja3 were previously mergers of four and three regional banks respectively.

Spain’s unemployment as of April is at 24.3%, the worst in the Eurozone – even worse than Greece. It is expected to climb to 25.1% by 2013 even with the recent precautions taken by the newly elected center-right government. Prime Minister Rajoy has made several labor market cuts including cutting back on severance pay and restricting inflation-linked increases in salary; these decisions have been unpopular with unions and workers. Spain’s high unemployment also means that there are fewer people who are paying higher tax rates or even paying taxes.

Spain’s economy is heavily tied to the economy of Italy, the fourth largest economy in Europe. These close ties lead investors to worry that if there is a run on the Spanish banks there will also be a run on the Italian banks, throwing both countries into a deeper crisis. Italy is now borrowing at a rate over 5.66%; borrowing at a consistent 7% rate is considered unstable and has triggered the bailouts for Greece, Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland in the past.

The Spanish debt crisis was not caused by irresponsible government spending such as in Greece. Spain ran a balanced budget every year until the recession hit in 2008. The problems were planted when Spain joined the euro in 1999 and interest rates fell because Spain’s economy was good and other economies, such as the German economy, were not.

Investors wanted to invest in Spain which is what drove the interest rates lower. While the Spanish government resisted taking out more loans because of the cheaper interest rate the Spanish people did not. The country experienced a long housing boom that also affected the construction sector. When the recession hit, the housing and credit bubbles burst leaving many banks with toxic debt – debt that was unlikely to be repaid.

Image Courtesy of  Alberto Carrasco Casado

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Germán Merino is a photographer who has had exhibits in one restaurant, two bars, and over eighty trees. As a new photographer looking for business, Merino has developed EXPOntánea, a self-run exhibition where he displays his photos on trees around Madrid, Spain.

“I began taking photos without any artistic interest, like any amateur that likes photography. It was after showing them to friends, they asked me, ‘Why don’t you do an exposition? Or study photography? Or do something related to photography?’” he said.

Last year, he held three expositions in Murcia, Spain, where he is from. The first was in a restaurant called El Girasol, and after, he displayed his work in two bars, Mazinger and Atomic. Six months ago he moved to Madrid, and although he has opportunities to do expositions here, he does not have the money to finance a display. For this reason, he started EXPOntánea in March. He got the idea from seeing advertisements in the street, promoting classes or other services, which have telephone numbers that you can tear off.

He took this idea and transformed it, so he could show off his photography, make new connections, and hopefully find some jobs. He hopes through this traveling showcase he will be able to make enough connections, so that next year, he can work full time on his photography. Right now, in order to support the expensive lifestyle of Madrid, he is working at a restaurant.

The name EXPOntánea is a play on words, combining the Spanish words exposición (exposition) with espontánea (spontaneous). He stated, “It’s called EXPOntánea because I don’t even know when the pictures are going to be put up. It depends a little on the weather. When it’s raining I can’t put them up. But I don’t think it’s going to rain tomorrow, so tonight, I won’t sleep much because I put them up really early.”

To save money, Merino buys secondhand wooden frames from the local flea market, the Rastro, and paints them white. He then places his photo in the frame and puts a printed fabric on the back. Underneath the photo, he puts a piece of paper, giving information about the exhibition and contact information. Attached to this are business cards that people can tear off and take with them. Each one of the business cards has a self portrait, along with his Facebook, Twitter, and email.

His first EXPOntánea was displayed in the terrace of Bar La Oliva. Since then, he has had eight EXPOntánea exhibits around Madrid. Each expo only lasts a day. He puts the photographs up in the early hours of the morning, when most people are still sleeping, and takes them down before going to bed.

Merino said when choosing where to put up the next display, he has two basic rules: to make sure that lots of people will pass through the area and that there are trees. However, the spring weather in Madrid has not made it very easy to display his pictures. Merino said, “In the last month, it has rained almost every day. I’m waiting for summer to come to be able to put them up every day. And for the people to see it one, two, three times. The bigger the impact, the better.”

Merino says that these displays are not the only thing about his work that is spontaneous. The nature of his photographs is quite spur-of-the-moment. In general, he just takes pictures of what he sees, when he sees them. “I find it hard to take a photo that I thought of previously. I like [to take] original photos that no one has seen before,” Merino maintained.

His favorite photo is of a lot of plastic chairs under a blue sky with puffy, white clouds. He says it is his favorite because everyone sees something different when they look at it. To some, the plastic chairs look like waves, to others they look like clouds or airplane tails. Ironically, this is the only photo that has been stolen from EXPOntánea.

The other photos in his exhibit range from abstract to portraits, but each one is extremely unique. In one photo, you see layers of different colored fabrics, which he took during a trip to Turkey. Another photograph is of several white T-shirts hanging on a clothes line and the wall behind the clothesline is a bright yellow, providing a significant contrast. Many of his photos’ subjects are everyday things, but Merino shows the world a different way to look at them.

Last month, a woman from the Plataforma Cultural La Pandemonio saw his work in the Plaza Santa Barbara and invited him to be part of the temporary gallery that will be held in the Campo de la Cebada. The theme Pandemonio has chosen is “Vive la Crisis”. Although not all Merino’s photographs fit the theme, his EXPOntánea idea was certainly thought of because of the economic crisis. Merino’s work, along with other young artists, will be displayed between May 23 and June 3.

You can check out Germán Merino’s photography and keep up with the where and when of #EXPOntánea on Twitter at GermanM_Foto or on his Facebook page at GermanMerinoFotografia.

Image Courtesy of   Germán Merino Fotografía

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The economic crisis batters a great part of the world. Countries that used to live the “American dream” now witness how the extensive wave of revelry and happiness has come to an end. Spain is one of the many countries that lived above their possibilities. The Spanish downturn has given rise to an excessive increase of unemployment and has been the perfect excuse for politicians to pull out their scissors and begin cutting public spending from their welfare state.

The Spanish people, who watch how the youth unemployment is more than 50 percent, have not taken long to point their fingers at the politicians. Spanish citizens accuse politicians of being responsible for the country’s irreversible state, which they believe is inevitable as a result of the electoral system, where only two teams play.

It is quite the opposite in the United States. Criticisms about the political ‘duel’ have not yet arrived. As a matter of fact, some citizens are proud of it. They say that in the United States, presidential elections gather the many political and social aspects that characterize this country. However, critics against the electoral system, such as Occupy Wall Street, have indeed begun to be heard and could amplify if the situation worsens.

Since George Washington set the foundations, the United States has visibly favored a two-party system, made up of two blocks in Congress. Supporters of this system see it as a way to preserve the democratic health of the country. Perhaps they may be right, but it is also true that reducing the possibilities to solely black and white might not be the best example of a democracy.

It is inarguable that in the elections more than two candidates are represented. However, these dissidents are hardly given any voice in comparison to the two giants. As if that were not enough, their campaigns seem ridiculous when judged against the big parties’ greatly funded campaigns.

In previous elections, most of the media hardly had any say about third party candidates, such as McKinney, who was parliamentary of the United States for many years, or Nader, the activist who presented himself as independent and who ended up being attacked about his credibility and pride.

The media should try to balance the budgetary instability of the current plutocratic regime and avoid instructing anyone with phrases like, “Voting for a candidate that is not a Democrat or Republican is a waste of your vote.” Let us remember that democracy is not a political calculation, but simply a way of expressing one’s support for a leader. Journalists, who are guarantors of freedom, should attempt to treat all parties fairly.

Image Courtesy of  Pete Souza (Source; Story) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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Despite Group B containing the likes of Germany, Portugal and Holland, Group C will also show off a number of young stars in Poland and Ukraine this summer. Current holders as well as World Cup winners Spain are the favorites, but they’ll face stiff competition from Italy, Ireland and Croatia in what promises to be a close group.

Jordi Alba (Valencia & Spain)

He is Barcelona through and through, apart from the fact he plays for Valencia. The talented left-back grew up in Catalonia and played for the Barca youth team, but Alba has come to be noticed with his defensive and attacking performances for Valencia in the last couple of years. He’s still only 23 and seems almost certain for a move to Barcelona sooner rather than later.

His international career has only just begun going though, Alba has made 3 appearances for the national team starting last year, but with left-back possibly the only position Spain lacks a definite starter in, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Alba in that position when Spain kicks off against Italy in June.

Iker Muniain (Athletic Club & Spain)

The little 19-year old is being touted as the next big thing, Muniain’s name was known before this season, but two performances against Manchester United in the Europa League really brought him to prominence. He’s not a prolific goal scorer but the winger is creative and quick. He won’t be a starter for Spain this summer, and he might not even make the squad such is the talent flowing through the Spanish ranks, but he made his international debut this year and definitely has a shot at boarding the plane in a few months.

Javi Martinez (Athletic Club & Spain)

Another one of Athletic’s prodigies, Javi Martinez is a little ahead of Iker Muniain. The 23-year old has already made over 100 appearances for the La Liga side and captained the Spanish U21 side to the U21 European Championship title last summer. The defensive midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League and seems destined to become a top midfielder.

His international career is also ahead of Muniain. He’s only made 7 caps, but he made his debut back in 2010, and, like Muniain, may not even make the plane this summer. Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi Alonso & Sergio Busquets is tough competition to get in on but if Martinez does go to the EURO’s this summer, he’s sure to do himself justice.

Fabio Borini (AS Roma & Italy)

Similar to Portugal, there’s not a great deal of youth flowing through the current Italy squad, but if there is one man who could make an impact in a side looking to recover from an embarrassing World Cup campaign, it’s Fabio Borini. The 21-year old never really got a chance to impress at Chelsea, but he has had 9 goals in 19 appearances for Roma this season and has put himself in contention for the Italy squad this summer.

His impact didn’t go unnoticed by his national side, and Borini made his senior debut for Italy this year against the USA. Like others mentioned so far, Borini’s not certain to be on the plane to Eastern Europe this summer, but if Italy are to look towards a more youthful approach, Borini might be the man.

James McClean (Sunderland & Ireland)

Here’s a name who might be more familiar to the majority of readers. Premier League winger, James McClean, has a real chance of going to the EURO’s this summer. He was bought last summer but didn’t make an appearance until Steve Bruce was sacked, making his debut shortly after 2012 began well for McClean. He started his first game on January 1st, and impressed in the victory over Manchester City.

Since then, McClean has gone on to give many defenders issues and has been key to Sunderland’s climb up the table. Like Borini, McClean has gotten one international cap but has put himself in contention and Ireland would be unwise not to take a chance on him this summer.

Sime Vrsaljko (Dinamo & Croatia)

Football Manager fans rejoice! Vrsaljko may be unheard of in real life to many, but in Croatia he and a few other young players have been making waves and giving themselves a chance at a spot in the squad for this summers tournament. Vrsaljko is one of them. The Dinamo right-back has made 45 appearances for his club and this season has broken into the Croatia squad on three occasions.

He’s definitely one for the future but there’s no reason why Sime can’t make the plane this summer, along with a few other starlets.

Milan Badelj (Dinamo & Croatia)

Milan Badelj is 23 but still has a big future ahead of him. The creativity at the hub of Dinamo’s domestic success, Badelj has already surpassed 150 appearances for his club, and has 30 goals to show for it. Like his younger team-mate, Badelj also has three caps for Croatia, but playing further up the field he’s already scored his first goal for the national side.

Badelj is another one of those who could be on the fringes of the squad this summer, but like many other teams, Croatia could look towards youth sooner rather than later, and if they do, Badelj & Vrsaljko may be at the very top of the list.

Image Courtesy of   DSPA / Shutterstock.com

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It was estimated by the Asociación de Empresarios de Pastelería Artesana de Madrid (AEPA) that bakeries in Madrid would sell 3.6 million torrijas (or 450,000 kilograms) this Easter season. Easter may be over, but this typical Spanish Easter treat can be enjoyed all year long. They are easy to make and require very simple ingredients.

To some they are known as the Spanish version of French toast. They date back to the 15^th century, when nuns created them as a way to not waste leftover or stale bread.

Some of us may associate this treat with breakfast, because of the similarity to French toast, but everyone has their own opinion on when—and with what—you should eat torrijas. Some say it should be eaten as a breakfast food, others say dinner, others think its just fine at any time of day. Recipes vary, but the basic ingredients are very simple; it’s a nice twist on the standard French toast.

Ingredients:

• Stale bread (a day or two old). The traditional torrijas are made with French or Italian baguette bread but you can use any type of bread. You don’t want rock hard bread, but you don’t want fresh bread either. If you have fresh bread and can’t wait a couple of days, you can lightly toast the bread
• 4 cups of milk
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup of sugar (this amount can be altered depending how sweet you want your torrijas)
• 3-4 eggs
• Oil (Spaniards typically use olive oil but vegetable oil will do just fine as well)
• Cinnamon sugar mix (optional)
• Note: These measurements will make about six torrijas.

Other alternatives:

Some people prefer to use a sweet wine instead of milk for soaking the bread. Also it’s possible to add lemon and orange zest to the milk mixture to give it a citrus flavor. Get creative, and design your own torrijas recipe!

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Candido Mendez and Ignacio Fernandez, leaders of the Unions UGT (Union General Workers) and CCOO (workers’ committees) in Spain have fixed March 29 for a general strike in the country against labour reforms proposed by the government. The day after, it is expected that the Spanish government presents its economic budget for 2012.

The new labour reform attempts to give a dose of flexibility to its labour market in order to create more employment opportunities and avoid a black economy where employers pay their workers under the table. But this reform also means that employees will have their labour and social rights reduced. Mr Mendez said that “the strike is fair and necessary in order to start a dialogue with the government of Mariano Rajoy.”

At present, a regular permanent contract has a compensation payment of 45 days per year worked after being fired. By the reforms approved by Primer Minister Mariano Rajoy’s government on Febraury 11, maximum severance pay was cut to 33 days of salary for each day worked by fair dismissal, for a maximum worktime of 24 years.

Salaries can be lowered unilaterally, and companies can lay off employees at the cheapest level of severance pay by reporting nine straight months of declining revenue. In the case of public administration it would be nine straight months of lack of budgetary resources. In this case scenario the employers will be paid for 20 days per year worked.

Critics of the plan said labour reform could result in some companies firing experienced employees and hiring less experienced ones at a much lower wage by making it easier for companies to end workers’ contracts. Mr Fernandez said last Friday at the press conference: “It is the most regressive reform in the history of democracy in Spain.”

“Strikes are not the answer in very hard times for citizens,” Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said after a cabinet meeting. De Santamaria has already met the Unions 32 times with the purpose of getting to an agreement. Business organizations are worried about the negative impact that the strike can cause on economic activity.

Madrid has seen the protest of 500,000 people organized by the Unions in a rehearsal of the general strike. The motto of the protests was “No to the labour reform that is unfair to workers, inefficient for the economy and useless for jobs.” Mendez and Fernandez reminded the government during the demonstration that if they start negotiating, they can stop the general strike.

This will be the sixth general strike in the history of democracy in Spain and the second one against the PP (Popular Party). Jose Maria Aznar, former executive of the PP, suffered the first strike against his government in 2002 after CCOO and UGT protested the welfare reform and unemployment proposal.

The economic crisis had deepened in Spain, causing the highest unemployment rate in the EU at 23%. Around 5.3 million Spaniards are unemployed.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewayne/

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While Facebook and Tuenti, its Spanish equivalent, hold the duopoly of the entertainment in Spain, Twitter is becoming a new source of journalistic information, though it still has a long way to go.

September 18; Pedro J. Ramirez, the editor of the national newspaper ‘El Mundo’, twitted  “3 injured by falling helicopter in the heart of Puerto de Santa Maria (Cadiz) I learned from tweeters. They might have + details”. This demonstrates that the social network has stopped being only an informative source for citizens and turned into a source of immediate first hand information for different mass media outlets.

But what happens with the educational function? Even though social networks are usually more orientated towards information and entertainment, Twitter is turning into a tool that helps tweeters form critical opinions about diverse matters of current importance — all thanks to the possibility of dialog and interaction among mass media, professionals and users.

The clearest example in Spain is the role gained by Twitter in the expansion of the movement #15M, derived from the union of the platforms #nolesvotes and #democraciarealya, that arose as a protest against the big political parties in Spain.

First, all the comments, reflections, complaints, requests and suggestions were articulated around successive hash-tags, which served to summarize the spirit of the protests. Secondly, Twitter become the principal tool to promote and organize the protest campaigns all over Spain and even in other countries.

Thirdly, all conventional media used Twitter as one of their principal sources of information to fully encompass what was happening. And finally, Twitter acquired a political character for the Spanish people ever since. The use of Twitter like a forum of debate and a tool to form public opinion has politicized the social network in Spain.

Soon, everyone with something to say hurried to show his or her support or rejection to the movement. The account @acampadasol started to gain followers by the second and in a few days went above the number of followers of the principal Spanish political parties. The Spanish elections are closed by now.

In retrospect, not all found Twitter to be the political answer — During the first two days of being online, Mariano Rajoy, leader of the principal opposition party, saw his Twitter profile get bombarded with silly comments and questions. Moral: In spite of its power, Twitter is not the goose that lays the golden eggs.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/__fito__/

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Despite being only 7 kilometers apart, citizens of Villarejo, Segovia have three times less the voice in the Spanish general election than their neighbors in Somosierra, Madrid. Interestingly enough, a vote in Villarejo is equivalent to 3 votes in Somosierra.

This is possible owing the particular electoral system that Spain adopted into its constitution in 1978. Despite the bicameral system, the legislative power is nowadays mainly held by the Congress with 350 deputies selected during general elections.

For this purpose, the country is divided into 50 provinces each one granted with minimum two deputies just for the matter of being a province and two autonomous cities, both in Morocco coastline, with one deputy. So from 350 total deputies, 102 are fixed among provinces and 248 are divided equally between all the provinces by their number of registered voters.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Madrid is granted two deputies per province plus 33 deputies for its 4.5 million registered voters while Segovia has two deputies plus one for its 124,000 electors. A deputy must obtain over 128,000 votes to be elected in Madrid — far more than the whole total amount of registered voters in Segovia, where only around 40,000 votes can decide a deputy. Sometimes it gets worse — like between Barcelona and Teruel were differences are even bigger.

This makes the voting system bipolar; on one side, regional parties always campaign for their own province’s welfare, obviating the needs of other parts of the country and targeting only potential voters living within the same region. They therefore reach a very limited number of deputies.

On the other hand, the main nationwide political parties, Partido Popular (PP) and Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE), target citizens throughout the country and have obtained the bulk of deputies so far. In Spain since 1982 there have been eight general elections where both PP and PSOE together obtained between 80 and 92 percent of the 350 deputies while remaining in positions covered by minority regional parties and other minority nationwide parties.

This system made a lot of sense when it was approved back in December 1978, only three years after the death of dictator Francisco Franco. By that time, the dictatorship had centralized all power and control in Madrid to make it easier to oversee what was going on and rule the entire nation.

But when the democratic process began, many regions started to claim autonomy. The dictatorship had severely repressed the desire of autonomy in regions like Catalonia and Basque Country, abolishing antique fiscal privileges and suppressing the recognition of Basque and Catalan as official languages.

Regions have been struggling for more independence after Franco´s death and while dismantling the old regime structure and creating a democratic one, the makers of the constitution feared a national partition into several independent countries — or a new civil war. In order to avoid this, they developed a voting system to support more power in regional minorities.

Nowadays, all Spanish regions have obtained more authority on such matters as education, health, transportation, economy, public security and so forth, transferred by the central government over three decades. They have gained an autonomous status with their own regional elections and parliament.

Moreover, the central government has given many other authorities to Brussels after the admission to the European Union. So what is the point of maintaining the system unchanged if regional minorities today have gained most of their demands? For instance, Izquierda Unida (IU), a political party whose ideals rest between communism and socialism obtained at the last general elections almost a million votes — but only obtained two deputies.

Meanwhile, Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV), a seeker for independence of Basque Country, received merely 300.000 votes but gained six deputies. Obviously, the vote to deputy ratio does not hold. Imagine that someone decides to create a new party supporting gay and lesbian rights and gains support in the community.

Unfortunately, the gay community is considered a national minority; in aggregated numbers there are several hundred thousands but divided by provinces, their numbers are limited, as low as 3 percent, and not enough to obtain a deputy to represent them. Project this to other national minorities like environmental activists, communists, immigrants with the right to vote, pacifist and so on. Under this system they will never be able to obtain a chair in the Chamber of Deputies.

In 2008, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs, there were 98 different political parties. Nevertheless, two parties obtained more than 90 percent of deputies, effectively holding the legislative right og Spain without effectively representing the diversity of the nation.

The last opinion poll dated September 2011, just two months before the polling day, shows the same scenario for next general elections. A scenario where the PP and PSOE will obtain over 75 percent of the total votes. Either the Spanish citizens are quite homogeneous or there is a fake democracy in place where plurality has no effect.

Democracy is not only the right to vote once every four years, nor the right to do it freely and secretly. Democracy must encourage dialogue, space for confrontation between ideas and ideals, space to be heard and a space to defend your rights.
Natursports / Shutterstock.com

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The death of two 18-year-old boys, while partying at the end of August, was reported by the National Police in Getafe, Madrid. Another boy was hospitalized. After the investigation, police concluded that the boys died due to an overdose of a new drug composed of alcohol, speed, and a plant called Datura Stramonium.

The consumption took place in a remote and derelict old monastery where an underground rave party was taking place. Some thought that a 23 year-old male, nicknamed Cabe, must have been involved in the partiers’ deaths. According to party-goers, Cabe had offered free samples of his homemade drug to people.

As Cabe reported to the police “We [Cabe and his girlfriend] handled it for free to lure people to try it and open new markets.” Both Cabe and his girlfriend were arrested and charged of offense against public health and negligent homicide. Three days after Cabe’s public statement and arrest, an unrelated group of adolescent, intrigued by the media coverage of the incident, decided to experiment with the same toxic plant just for fun.

But the euphoria caused bizarre behavior of the boys.  Witnesses reported that one of the guys, at night in the middle of a crowded street, started to suffer hallucinations, was incapable to focus his vision, and was moving his arms as if he was trying to catch something in the air. He was unable to answer questions and only murmured indecipherable words.

A girl observing the scene decided to call the emergency service with her cell phone. Unfortunately the operator on duty did not believe her claims. It took the girl several calls to get an ambulance to come to the scene. Upon arriving, the ambulance was unequipped to care for the drugged up boy and drove him straight to the hospital – the boy was in a deep coma.

Datura Stramonium is an ancient plant with very toxic seeds and leaves that contains atropine, a drug with a wide variety of effects. Among others it can be listed as: delirium, hyperthermia, tachycardia or photophobia. There is not a maximum dose per person because it depends on the physical characteristics of the consumer so any quantity can be lethal.

The plant is also known as devil´s weed, devil´s trumpet, moonflower or Jamestown weed. Many are questioning whether the media should raise alarm concerning this drug. Last time there was a similar reported case in Spain, was during 2004 in Valencia; a Danish man was offering a beverage made from Stramonium to whoever wanted it and five people consumed the dangerous substance.

A week later, four more were intoxicated during a Gay Pride Parade due to the same media luring effect.

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Spain celebrates the San Juan’s night one year more. The night of June 23 is the shortest night of the year which means that summer has just arrived. As mythology says that is a night in which weird things happens, and some of the pagan gods make themselves visible. It’s a magical night full of traditions, legends and rituals with two staring: the water and the fire.

Despite the fact that the summer solstice at the Northern hemisphere is on June 21, the night of the 23 is celebrated as the shortest. In Spain the dawn of the 23 means the beginning of the different parties and festivals that will take place in several Spanish cities during the summer.

In Spain each city celebrates the San Juan’s night based on its own traditions. However, all of them have one thing in common: the fire.

The main ritual consists of lighting up a bonfire in order to make the sun ‘stronger’. This festival is not only about tribute to the sun, but also to purify the human being’s sins. Water and fire are the elements that play the most important role this night; water purifies and fire burns the past to start a new period.

Origin: Traditions and Legends

The origin of the San Juan’s night festival is pagan. One of its precedents is the Beltaine Celtic celebration. The name means ‘beautiful fire’ and it was an annual festival in honor of Belenos god. During this celebration people lit up several bonfires in order to jump over them. The cattle also had to go through the fires to purify it and defend it against some illnesses.

That festivity was Christianized in honor of San Juan Bautista to celebrate his birth. According to the Bible, Zacary, San Juan’s father, didn’t believe that his wife was pregnant and when she gave birth, he lit up some bonfires to warn the rest that his son was born.

Since then, there exist a lot of traditions that Spaniards usually do when this night arrives -

• According to some ancient traditions those who wash their faces in the sea water that midnight keep their beauty forever.
• Others say that when the first sunshine brights on the sunrise of the 24 the water fountain, and river water turns magical and it acquires specials powers to heal people.
• Jumping three times over a bonfire, clean and purify people making their problems disappear.
• It’s also common to get your feet wet in the water at midnight in order to make the bad spirits disappear.
• Others just write theirs wishes on a paper to burn it at the bonfire and to make them true.

Regarding to Spain, one of the most popular cities in which this festival takes place is Alicante. In fact it has been declared as an international cultural heritage for the tourism. The characteristic that makes this festival more attractive than the others is the artistic bonfires, also known as ‘Ninnots’. Ninnots are artistic monuments made of wood, cork, cardboard and paint that represent satirical situations. They are made of this material with the objective of burning them after special fireworks at the Benacantil hill.

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The San Fermin Festival is kicking into gear these days in Pamplona, Spain. The running of the bulls began this morning July 7 at precisely 8AM in and the run had duration of exactly 2:37 minutes, where the bulls maintained a stable rhythm and stuck together the majority of the time, leaving no incidents behind.

People dressed in white and red covered the streets of the old town. Some had waken up early to watch the Encierro, but others arrived straight from the night-long party to the streets without a since hour of sleep. Many people where waiting impatiently behind the wooden barriers that are put in place every year by the city council in order to create a path for the bulls to run while keeping the spectators who will be watching protected.

In the meantime, the runners were waiting with anticipation for the gates to open and the race to begin.

The encierro began when a second firework rocket was released into the sky, its explosion notifying the runners that the gate to the bulls had been opened.

The run path has a length of 848,6 meters. Starting from the Santo Domingo Street, following the City Hall Plaza, the Mercaderes Street, then passing the known and dangerous curve of the Estafeta Street, and finally the Plaza.

The firework rockets are the official signaling that announces the location of the bulls. The first one is fired when the clock hits 8AM precisely – the second one when the bulls gate is opened and the third indicates that all the bulls have entered the Plaza. The fourth and last rocket notifies that all of the bulls are inside the corrals of the Plaza.

The first running of the bulls was pretty calm. There were the usual people that slipped and where pushed but there were no major incidents. The six bulls stayed together throughout the path and in the famous curve of the Estafeta Street, where the bulls always crush to the walls because they are not able to turn that quickly – this year, they had no problem thanks to the application of anti-sliding material on the street floor.

Video: San Fermin 2011 First Running of the Bulls

Tomorrow, the second encierro starts at its usual time 8am. I will recommend you to watch it live, and experience all the adrenaline that the encierros always provide.

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This is what we’ve been waiting for – San Fermines 2011! One of the most expected events of the year in Spain has just begun in the capital city of Navarre in the North. For those of you who are wondering what the San Fermín Festival is about – let me tell you a bit about what the festivities offers, and why this event attracts the attention of people from all parts of the world. For the ones who are already in Pamplona enjoying the party, I just wish you the best time!

The first day of San Fermines brings up a lot of excitement and anticipation. The calm city with around 200,000 habitants during the year turns up and down welcoming thousands of tourists, and increasing the population to one million of people from all parts of the world who have come to Pamplona to enjoy the San Fermines.

Every year, the San Fermines start on the 6th of July. It takes place in a city on the North of Spain, in the Province of Navarre, called Pamplona. It starts with an event called “Txupinazo” exactly at midday where all the people gather in front of the city hall, and wait for the mayor to give out a speech and start the San Fermines.

At that precise moment all the people who are dress entirely in white, tie their handkerchiefs on their necks and begin to celebrate spoiling wine, sangria, water among themselves, and spread it among the people. The white color of the clothes acquire a purplish tone, and everyone soaked and smelling like wine, head up to the streets of the city center in order to find any bar or restaurant which have adequate the locals taking all the tables and chairs to have enough space for the people to dance and enjoy.

One of the most interesting and dangerous events of San Fermines is the running of the bulls, known as “encierros”.

Tomorrow the first encierro will begin at 8:00 a.m.  Each year, the encierros begin every morning starting July 7 at 8am and eventually finish July 14.

The bulls will be released and will start running through the old town’s streets for around 3 minutes until they reach the Plaza T.

The festivity ends every 14th of July at 24 hours, where people gather again in front of the city hall and light candles and sing a good bye song known as the “Pobre de mi”.

The Txupinazo is about to start and here is the program for today’s first day:

12:00 The Txupinazo. City Hall, there will be huge screens around the city to transmit the Txupinazo directly, for all the ones who cannot make it to the City Hall.

13:30 Folkloric Festival.

Afternoon:

16.30 Riau-riau. In the Cityhall Plaza

17.00 Gigantes y Cabezudos. This is an unusual and fun parade where the figures are called “Giants and Heady” by being really large in size and dimensions. The parade goes all around the Old Town.

18.00 Attractions for kids.

20.00 Vísperas Solemnes de San Fermín. In the San Fermin Chapel. An Orquesta known as the Sinfonic Orquesta of Navarre.

20.00 Terraza Rock & Wine. Funk Fatale vs. Göo!! And Dj.

Night

20.30 Caiman Show Orchestra until 23.00 hours.

20.30 Sinfonic Orchestra of the Valencian Comunity of Navarre.

22.00 Bull of Fire at The Plaza de Santiago.

23.00 Fire Works, at the Ciudadela Park.

23.30 Concert at the Plaza de los Fueros: Def con Dos y Arima Suta.

23.30 Vervain. Plaza de la Cruz. Orchestra Camaleón

00.00 Plaza del Castillo, Concert Iguana Tango.

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At the age of 27, the Spanish journalist, Marc Serena, has become a great phenomena in Spain. When he was 25 he decided to travel around the world with one objective. He wanted to know which things he had in common with other young people from other countries, how they lived, what problems worried them…He was willing to discover the present and the future of 25 countries through the eyes and perspectives of the younger native inhabitants.

With this idea in mind he thought that it would be interesting to meet people of his same age, 25. As a result, he planned to travel around five continents, looking for 25 different stories from the people that he met on this trip.

Based on those stories, on January 2011 he published his first book “La vuelta de los 25” (“The 25 trip”) released a second edition on June 14. The author takes the reader from Africa to Asia and Australia using plain language that makes the reading easy and enjoyable.

In 2008 Serena was saving some money to buy a car, when he changed his mind. He decided to spend that money on this multicultural trip to share and spend some time with other 25 year old people. His aim was to first handedly discover the dreams, future plans, and  life style of young people in those countries.

As he stated in his blog: “Getting to know young people is the best way to imagine our future. With this particular field work, traveling to all these places I have tried to represent a global people generation, without any suppositions”.

In addition, during his adventure he wrote about his personal experiences every day in his own blog www.lavueltadelos25.com , which won the Travel World Awards in non-English language in 2009.

As he remarks in his book´s preface he embarked on this adventure without a clear route in mind. When he arrived to the first country he didn´t even know what his next destination would be.

“Each country was completely different from the other one. What I had learnt from the previous country didn’t serve me for the next one, so every time I crossed the frontier was a totally new experience to start from the beginning. I had to discover were would be the next scoop.  Fortunately I travelled alone, without any other reporters, no pressures, and that’s was exactly what allowed me to go deeper inside the countries and people’s life with the necessary prudence.  I wanted to observe not to be observed,” he stated on an interview.

Each chapter begins with the name of the person, job, city, country and the date in which Serena arrived to it.  At the beginning of the reading Serena explains that the way that he met the 25 people was completely different from each other, he arranged to meet some of them, and he met others by a chance.

One year of researching work and one year traveling around the world has been enough for this author to write this 352 pages book, also available in its digital format.

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Authorities are still struggle to find the source of the infected vegetables while more people are getting sick. German scientists remain baffled over the origin of the particular strain of E. Coli bacteria currently being registered because of its particularly vicious symptoms. Normally, young children and elderly people are most vulnerable to the bacteria but the recent outbreak has hit predominantly young adult females – and the scientists don’t know why.

A new report by Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) for University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf has determined that the bacteria is a completely new and extremely infectious strain of E. Coli with no previously recorded outbreaks. However, there is a 93% convergence between the current European bacteria and the one that caused severe diarrhea in the Central African Republic according to Berlingske Tidende, a Danish Daily.

The research also suggest that the strain is difficult to treat with antibiotics but the team behind the report are still working on tangible ways of effectively treat the victims and stop the spread of the bacteria. Meanwhile, doctors and researchers are forced to conduct basic scientific detective work, which according to the BBC amounts to “simply asking all the surviving victims what they ate and when they ate it, and them comparing notes to find a pattern.”

Seventeen people have died so far, counting 16 Germans and a Swedish woman. Almost 370 new cases were reported Wednesday including two in the US who had returned from a trip to Hamburg, Germany. The northern city seems to be the capital of the outbreak.

German authorities have had to withdraw the claim that infected vegetables came from Spain after the suspected farmers have been cleared. They are now saying it could take months before the outbreak is under control because tracking down the real source will be close to impossible. “We may never know” said Reinhard Burger, president of the Robert Kock Institute to the BBC.

The allegation that the infected vegetables originated in Spain has hit their national export hard and loss of earnings is estimated at more than €200M per week for affected farmers. The Spanish government have stated they will seek compensation for Germany’s wrong accusations.

Meanwhile, Russia has banned the import of all fresh vegetables from the European Union as a result of E. Coli (EHEC) risk – a move which the EU has called “disproportionate.” According to European Commission spokesman Frediric Vincent, the Union will be lodging a protest. The BBC Moscow correspondent Daniel Sandford informs that Russia is the single biggest export market for European farmers which makes the ban detrimental. However, the head of Russia’s consumer protection agency Gennady Onishchenko has criticized the EU for their food safety standards, arguing that their “lauded health legislation” is ineffective.

Financially, a country which have been tainted with suspicion – such as Spain – could face a complete trade collapse. A professor in Psychology at the University of Copenhagen told Berlingske Tidende that “cucumber hysteria” could haunt consumers and sales for a long time – in many cases without real cause for concern.

Cases of infection have been reported in a total of nine European countries but virtually all the sick people either lived or recently travelled in Germany.

Why young women are most vulnerable to the outbreak, which has caused serious infections, diarrhea and affected blood, kidneys and the central nervous system, is still a mystery. One theory was that victims were more likely to choose healthier food options but the inclination of young females to eat salads was soon dismissed as too weak an explanation. Dr Ulf Goebel of the Charity university hospital in Berlin, Germany has argued that the bacterial strain might be genetically more ‘suitable’ for women in the same way other viruses are linked to ethnicity. However, Dr Dylis Morgan from the British Health Protection Agency has added: “It’s very unusual for adults to have Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome [an otherwise unusual complication of E. Coli]” but not for the victims of the recent outbreak.

The number of infected victims has officially passed 1500 across Europe.

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Since it has been discovered that Spanish and north German cucumbers have been infected by the dangerous E. Coli strain O104:H4, 14 people in Germany have died while 14 people have been diagnosed in Denmark. Another 17 people are under observation at Danish hospitals while the German authorities fear that over 1400 people could be infected without knowing.

According to the Danish daily Berlingske Tidende, 12 of the German victims so far were women. After having eaten the infected vegetable, people have experienced abnormal diarrhea, often bloody. Patients have since been diagnosed with hemolytic-uremic syndrome, a potentially deadly complication of an E. Coli infection which is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and severe kidney failure.

The outbreak is believed to have started in Spain where cucumbers from two organic farms have been exported to Denmark and Germany. Local authorities in Hamburg were among the first to isolate the cause of the outbreak. How cucumbers from northern Germany became infected is still unknown but a Danish company is also under suspicion because they are believed to have sold to the restaurant in Germany where a number of the victims ate. According to the Danish authorities, all but one of the Danish victims had been to Germany prior to the outbreak. It is believe that more people around Europe have been affected as well by traveling through Germany at the time of the outbreak.

The Danish authorities have advised people not to buy or eat raw cucumbers from northern Germany or cucumbers, tomatoes and salads from Spain.

The suspicion that a Danish, as well as a Dutch export company has been distributing infected vegetables came from Germany and the result of the analysis will be published later today.

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Amid the discussion of climate change and rising oil prices caused by the Middle East revolts, Spain has decided to reduce the national speed limits on the express ways and the divided highways from the current 120 to 110 km/h (70 to 80 mph). It is meant to be an environmentally friendly solution to save energy and reduce pollution on the roads. However, the Spanish move is proving somewhat of a controversy in Spain as other countries such as the Netherlands, England and the US are simultaneously increasing their speed limits; the Netherlands are considering up to 130 km/h while England would like to drive 128 km/h on some roads. Their belief is that the new speed limits would ease up traffic jams and as a consequence reduce pollution.

Many local Spanish people do not support their government’s new plan – they feel the move goes against the logic of other European countries. They are also unconvinced that any major results would come from simply reducing the limits with 10 km/h. Ultimately, the feeling among the people of Spain is that the plan is a waste of time and will only benefit the state – the lower speed limits would accumulate new revenue from speeding tickets.

So far, the reduction will only be temporary in an attempt to monitor the effects. If the plan proves ineffective, the trial ends on June 30 if the Spanish government chooses not to make it into law.

Under the banner “Responsibility and Coherence”, the Spanish Council of Ministers has  recently applied different measures to reduce the energy consumption in the country. The plan is expected to cost around 1.6 million Euros and will, according to the plan, reduce the annual oil import with 5%. If successful, the Spanish government expects to save around 2.300 million Euros (3.192 million dollars) on energy.

The government of Spain is aiming for a yearly reduction of national oil expenses of 28,6 million Euros (40 million dollars). At the same time, the state is hoping to reduce the national CO2 outlet to 12,5 million tons.

While the timeframe for these goals are unclear, the first steps towards it has already been started on the Spanish roads. The Spanish traffic coordination system recently updated their radars to the new speed limits. Drivers in Spain who speed between 111 and 140 km/h (between 62-90 mph) will receive a fine for 100 Euros ($139), for speeding between 141-160 km/h (90-100 mph) the fine amounts to 300 Euros ($416) and anything over that will cost the driver point off their license – if not the right to drive.

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Spain has recently followed the example of several other European countries, enacting a new smoking law that regulated the public use of tobacco. On January 2 this year, smoking in public areas including open spaces close to hospitals, schools and parks became limited. Similar laws were already put in place in Ireland in 2004 and in Scotland in 2006.

However, the law has been long under way in Spain due to the fact that it is one of the countries in Europe with the highest population of smokers. For that reason, the legislation so far has been more permissive than elsewhere – but that has now changed.

The smoking act has always been highly controversial in Spain. When the government in 2006 introduced new rules that demanded hotels and pubs to divide their business areas into smoking and non-smoking sections, it was reported that business took a hit. Those who were unable to allow its guests to smoke inside the establishment lost around 23% profit and a large amount of regulars.

At the same time, in the interest of public health, the Spanish government are continuously raising the tax on tobacco. The price has equally increased with up to 300% in the last decade.

These are around 10 million smokers in Spain which makes the laws on tobacco a sore subject between them and the local government. Protests have been held against the new act and several arguments have been put forward on behalf of the smoking community. The consequence of smoking outside the designated areas is a fine which is taxed at €30-600 ($42-834).

When you look at some of the other arguments against the new law, you will find a strong voice from the residents around affected pubs and social areas. In accordance with the new smoking act, pubs and restaurants are obliged to set up ashtrays and heaters outside their building for patrons to comfortably be able to smoke while they are being served.

As a consequence, the neighbors living in the surrounding area gets highly affected by noise pollution. Every night of business means a crowd of guests, being loud in the open while they enjoy a good time with their friends. However, this is becoming an increased nuisance to residents. Patricia Sánchez is one of the people affected by this situation “I cannot imagine how this will be in the summer, because now it is cold and not too many people stay outside. But in summer I won´t be able to sleep with all those people in the street.”

Another side effect of the outdoor smoking is the rubbish left behind – glass and cigarette butts are scattered in the vicinity of the pubs.

There are differences between the effect on the hotel business and that of pubs and restaurants. The law allows hotels and tourist businesses to have up to 30% of their rooms able to accommodate smokers. On the other hand, pubs and restaurants are working with much stricter regulations. If found guilty of violating the laws on a smoke-free indoor environment, the owners of the businesses are subjected to a fine depending on the seriousness of the infraction.

Similar initiatives are on the way on the other side of the Atlantic in New York where the local authorities are preparing to ban smoking in places such as the pedestrian mall in Times Square and on the boardwalk and beach of Coney Island. Violations will trigger a $50 fine.

The city of New York already bans smoking in bars and restaurants, a move that was followed by scores of other cities in the US. Additionally, the smokers in New York pay the highest tax on tobacco in the entire nation, namely $5.85 pr. pack.

With the introduction of the new rules, smokers are prohibited from smoking in the city’s 1.700 parks and on the 14 miles of beach area. Furthermore, the ‘pedestrian plazas’ located in the middle of roadways will also be included in the no-smoking ban as they often contain benches, tables or other facilities for pedestrian use.

Audrey Silk, the founder of a local public interest group called NYC C.L.A.S.H. (Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment), says she will not be surprised if smokers in the city ignore the new prohibition. “This is outrageous and uncalled for,” she claims.

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During the initial international military operation in Libya, the coalition forces engaged in operation Odyssey Dawn between March 19-31. However, the operation was essentially a code word for actions of war disguised as humanitarian aid. The allied forces collaborated against Muammar Gaddafi on their mission of ‘liberation’ to save the people of Libya from their ‘bloodthirsty’ oppressor, forgetting that for several years they had a civil relationship and strong political and financial bonds with the very same man.

At the beginning, NATO’s participation and exactly who was going to be heading the mission, was a mystery. However, within a few days, France’s PM Nicola Sarkozy, took the lead in this operation. “Sarkozy likes nothing better than a crisis, a fight and a gamble,” said Financial Times columnist Peggy Hollinger. “With his approval ratings at an all-time low, this Libyan intervention could be just what he needs to revive his faltering popularity at home.” However, without the firepower of the United States in the form of Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and aircraft carrier based aircraft, nothing would have been achieved. For the U.S., Odyssey Dawn was a coming out party for America’s newest military formation, African Command (Africom). It is no accident that at the very moment that African oil reserves are becoming a major source for the United States, Washington should create a military formation for the continent. It is very important to keep in mind that the control of energy resources is always central to U.S. strategy, and with world reserves declining, the scramble to hold the petroleum high ground is always part of the agenda.

The big argument for the operation leadership was between France and England, while the Americans made their involvement obvious via missiles but reiterated that they did not intend to deploy any soldier into Libya. Washington, Paris, and London concluded that Muammar Gaddafi is not a target himself, even though his palace in Tripoli had been under attack. A missile also landed just 50 meters away of the famous tent that he used to welcome the foreign leaders in.

The types and numbers of forces against Gaddafi were massive. France, Britain, United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Norway and Qatar and United Arab Emirates comprised an undefeatable opponent against Gaddafi’s forces.

I’m wondering, what kind of humanitarian mission consists of fighting as well as spying aircrafts, aircraft carriers, submarines, battle cruisers, tankers, and a rain of missiles?

On the other hand, regarding Libyan forces, colonel Gaddafi is considered to have a personal army consisting of thousands of members, much more than a   simple army. However, we cannot be sure how many of them have defected so far. They have tanks, aircrafts, armed and armored vehicles for transportation, submarines, armed ships, and picket boats at their disposal. Although, many of them are either destroyed or useless.

Is this another war for oil? We all know the scenario and the answer is probably affirmative. Curiosity, somehow wouldn’t let me rest, and after a little research a dilemma suddenly appeared – Was the Libyan war being pursued for  obtaining black gold or for water?

One conspiracy theory, called New World Order (NWO), seems to suggest a link. Between the lines, since the beginning of the past century, oil magnates created a cartel to take control of all oil reserves around the planet, as well as  take some of them out of production. Nevertheless, some years ago the NWO conspirators reached the conclusion that very soon oil would be replaced as the Earth’s most valuable resource by another, less suspected one. Instead,  that valuable resources will be pure, sweet drinking water. Of course, water is an abundant resource with enough on this planet to satisfy the needs of many times the current levels of population. But, exactly as they did with oil, another abundant resource, they plan to make drinking water artificially scarce by having control over its main sources.

So, why Libya?  In late 1983, Qaddafi created the Great Man-Made River Authority. The job of the authority was to take water from the aquifers in the south, and bring it in the most efficient and economic way to the Libyan coastal belt. In 1996, the Great Man-Made River Project, reached one of its final stages, and a huge amount of sweet, unpolluted water began reaching the homes and gardens of the citizens of Libya’s capital Tripoli. The rest I leave to you.

I do not assume that all these are necessarily truth, but I believe it is important to have as much information as possible so we can make up our minds more accurately.

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The golf legend leaves this world with an age of 54. Early this morning Seve passed away in his home in Pedreña, located at the North of Spain, near Santander. His loves ones were present by his side in the last minutes of his life. Severiano Ballesteros, with Spanish nationality was battling with a brain tumor since 2008; he was diagnosed after losing conscious at Madrid Airport that year.  He passed through four operations in order to remove the tumor, and was following the specific chemotherapy treatment.

The church in his home village Pedreña, will be the place where the funeral ceremony will take place, this coming Wednesday.

His talent was remarkable. He started his notorious career, and remarkable performance with the age of 19 where he won his first European Circuit tournament. Then by the age of 22, he made a stupendous roll and won the first big Tournament, the British. By 31, he won his third and last British. It was not until he turned 50 that he decided to retire from the golf world.

In one of his lasts Public Interventions, the golfer claimed simply: “ I am the best sportsman of Pedreña”. His talent was not only known in his country but he got an enormous admiration in the United Kingdom, where his reputation characterized for being considered of the most remarkable sportsman of the history.

The day that he retired from his professional carrier, in the Scottish field of Carnoustie, days before the 2007 Open started the spoke these words: “ I felt much love, overprotected, by the British audience. Thank you, but now I’ve realized that I have other priorities: my friends, my three children, my private life, and my business. I want to enjoy the childhood and youth that I never had.”

The only thing is left to say is that his work and exceptional achievements in his life, left just one thing to his fans and love ones. Which is pride. His figure will always be remembered with admiration and example for the next golf players who want to follow his steps, and see him as a role model.

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Only thinking about the strength a person needs to have in order to leave their country to seek a better future is an enormous effort, and life decision. But many people around the world decide to take this decision in order to provide a better future for their family members, and the future generations. Unfortunately reality for many people in this world is so harsh in their own homeland, that having the opportunity to leave and search for new opportunities is the impulse they have to leave all they area accustomed and used behind.

Spain has been transformed from being a country of emitting emigrants, to a country, which has opened its door as a receptor of migratory flow. Moroccans, Rumanians and Ecuadorians constitute the main presence of immigrants in Spain.  Madrid has been the primordial zone for immigrants to locate themselves since normally they opt for zones where there is a great economic movement, so the opportunities of finding job offers enlarge.

Nevertheless, the statistics exposed by the Secretary of Immigration and Emigration that were updated until the 31^st of December of 2010 revealed that the number of Ecuadorian people inscribed in the Foreign Spanish regimen, reduced to 10.78% with comparison of the year 2009.

Compared to other collective members, the Ecuadorians were the ones with the more reduction. Other members such as the Argentinean people that are inscribed in Spain also reduced 9.83% from 2009. Does these reductions are insinuating that the crisis in Spain is making people leave the country? Nevertheless, by taking an inside view from the number of foreign people have increase 2.8% since 2009.

People coming from Rumania still show the highest percentage of the foreign people in Spain. They increase also their presence lifting it 11,85% with regards of 2009.

Within the total number of foreign with residence permit, the cipher exposes that 2.524.976 million are inscribed in the Foreign Spanish Regime. On the other hand there is still a huge presence of 2.401.632 million that are in the Communitarian Regime.

Also, by analyzing the overall ciphers in the General Regime, this leads to the conclusion that the presence of foreign people that do not belong to the European Union reduced to 37.056 with respect of the previous 2009 records. Which represents a decrease of 1.45%.

Still the percentage of immigrants in Spain is high, and most of them come from Latin America. Almost two million of people proceed from Latin America, specially focusing on the countries located at the North, whereas more than 2 million on the other hand come from the European Union.

Now that Spain has been one of the most affected countries in the European Union, the decrease in the foreign sector, does not bring any surprises since obviously they were one of the most affected sectors within unemployment and salary reductions.

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