Daily Bulletin points of interest.

[Belladonna]

Fashion to die for!

Government wants to try and tackle the “balconing” craze
Palma.—The so called “balconing” craze appears to still be in fashion this year with people, most of them under the affects of alcohol, leaping from their hotel balconies into the pool below and posting the videos on You Tube.
Over the past few days, four people have fallen from their hotel balconies in Majorca and Ibiza, one died.
And now, the Balearic government is going to study a series of measures in an attempt to stamp out this life threatening phenomenon which looks set to overshadow this summer again.

Both the Balearic government and the central government delegate to the Balearics brought up the matter yesterday, but the two administrations admitted that it is going to be a very difficult problem to resolve because young holiday makers can not be “policed” 24 hours a day. What is more, hoteliers are opposed to redesigning balconies because of a small minority.

Unquote.

Seriously - a Craze! What on earth is happening here?! Has everyone turned into some type of lemming and jumping off balconies to see if they die or not!? Unbelievable. And to have to have the authorities take up time and money to "resolve" this problem?!! Utterly ridiculous.

 

[sws97sdg]

Interesting, I have never seen any unlicensed taxi working, not like the massive problem we have in this country?

Taxi drivers rebel against pirates
Pollensa.—Tired of their income being undermined by unauthorised taxi drivers, licensed operators in Pollensa and other municipalities around Majorca are starting to take measures to protect their livelihoods.
It was in fact bona fide taxi drivers in Soller who a fortnight ago raised the alarm through cutting off their direct services to hotels, preferring that clients contract their services through authorised taxi ranks.

Apparently there has been a particularly sharp rise in the number of older vehicles converted for multiple passenger use which are picking up business illegally at hotel receptions.

And this week, drivers in Pollensa are proposing that the use of the radio taxi service be stopped so that customers will physically have to go to the ranks. On top of the problem of pirate competition - in Pollensa alone, drivers calculate that eachof them is undercut between 3'000 and 3'200 euros - authorised operators are now being obliged to install metres in their cabs before the end of the year;currently the majority of towns and villages outside Palma don’t work off fixed tariffs.

And all this, said Pedro Lopez, President of the Pollensa Taxi Drivers’ Association, is in addition to the ongoing “war”between Palma-based drivers and those from other municipalities over journeys from and to ports and the airport - the most profitable trips.

The President has reportedly met with local authorities and asked that a system of spot check inspections be set up on cab drivers in outlying municipalities so that pirate taxis might be taken unawares and prosecuted.

He said that authorised cabs are supposed to be parked in a particular garage or stand when not in use but that he could see pirate cabs parked on the street.

 

[Nick]

This works two ways...........less money for legitimate taxi drivers who pay their way and have decent taxis waiting their turn for customers and an unlicensed/uninsured criminal who will rip you off, isn't regulated and if you're in an accident you will have no insurance.

NEVER be tempted to use an unlicensed taxi.

 

[sws97sdg]

Two stories from the DB, first one seems like stating the obvious, second one more important and advice we should all follow, or should that be the other way around?

Beer drinking is part of an “ideal” Balearic summer
Palma.—To take a late afternoon walk, find an open-air terrace and enjoy a cold beer are part of what people in the Balearics regard as an ideal way to spend the summer, research by Spanish beermakers reported yesterday after taking soundings around the country.
Although there are plenty of ways to enjoy free time during the summer, 83 percent taking part in a survey undertaken in the Balearics said that a walk and sitting on an open-air terrace were an essential part of the pleasure and 72 percent said that a cold beer had to be included in the bargain.

Because of the fine weather, 51 percent of people interviewed in the Balearics said that they preferred sitting outside rather than in a bar.

Half of the participants in the survey said that they enjoyed themselves in this fashion at least 3 or 4 times a week. During the winter however, 43 percent said that they only went out at the weekends. Interviewees said that the length of time they spent socialising and drinking on the terraces was directly related to the weather.

Around 42 percent of people in the Balearics said that beer was their favourite drink in summer.


A third of the Balearics is at risk of dehydrationPalma.—For the fifth year running, the Hydration and Health Observatory, the Spanish Medical College and the Quirón Foundation have launched their campaign to drive home to the public just how important it is to drink enough liquid to keep the body in good health.
Their principal advice of the campaign entitled “There are 1'000 ways to stay hydrated” is to take a variety of non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day which are rich in flavour such as cold teas of various kinds and soft drinks.

Despite the damage that heat and dehydration can do to the body, 5 percent of people in the Balearics acknowledged that they spend long hours on the beach without drinking anything and almost 40 percent said they only drank something when they were thirsty, a symptom indicating there is already a certain degree of dehydration. The very young, the elderly and infirm are at risk.

According to the National Weather Agency (AEMET), this summer is proving to be hotter than usual and comes hard on the heels of one of the warmest springs on record.

The situation could mean a rise in the number of hospital admissions for people suffering heat stroke and dehydration, most commonly experienced at this time of year.

Direct over-exposure to the sun can provoke excess loss of body fluid resulting in headaches, fainting, vomiting, fatigue, etcetera.
But there are other risk factors - gastroenteritis can cause dehydration as can long journeys by car or aeroplane and the excessive use of air conditioning which dries the atmosphere. These risks are often not taken into account, said the watchdog.

 

[Belladonna]

Hubby was interviewed by phone yesterday by the Daily Bulletin re the London riots. They have done a bit of a write up in todays edition (p.11 I believe!) And they actually got pretty much all of it right! Except we dont actually live where they say, its just the nearest town that was expecting trouble last night.
Well, thats hubbys 15 mins of fame over and done with in Mallorca then!

 

[eleanor]

Hubby was interviewed by phone yesterday by the Daily Bulletin re the London riots. They have done a bit of a write up in todays edition (p.11 I believe!) And they actually got pretty much all of it right! Except we dont actually live where they say, its just the nearest town that was expecting trouble last night.
Well, thats hubbys 15 mins of fame over and done with in Mallorca then!

Oh lucky you to have a famous husband Bella! lol Actually I think it is really good that the DB is taking an interest in whats happening here. It effects a lot of people who perhaps have family or maybe they themselves come from the areas televised and are on holiday. What a terrible thing to watch and something which should just not happen in a modernised and civilised society.

Thank your hubby for giving such an accurate and detailed report which will benefit those who are not able to have a 'man on the ground!' account. He has done a very good job and I'm sure the English population will be grateful to him for his view.

I think we need a roaming reporter to keep everyone up to date! lol Seriously lets hope that we have witnessed the end now of this unacceptable behaviour and Bella's husband can go back to his day job.

 

[usandthewoof]

I have just noticed a quote from BD herself on page 2, so now we truly are in the presence of superstars !!

 

[eleanor]

I have just noticed a quote from BD herself on page 2, so now we truly are in the presence of superstars !!

Oh - what did she say?

Shhh uatw - she will be trying to sell us their autographs! lol

Good to have someone with friends in right places!

 

[usandthewoof]

Eleanor, BD briefly described what hubby had seen and came up with a good idea of how to treat these low-life cowards...which I won´t go into here.

I am definitely going to get a signed copy...and then rush to get it on e-bay LOL!

 

[eleanor]

Oh right! Well done Bella! Well done Bella's hubby!

You can always put your auction money towards a new broom for Boris! lol

Seriously I wonder what the people of Mallorca have to say about this?
I'm sure those Brits who have moved to Mallorca have no worries now about the choice they made!

 

[James]

From Today's Bulletin

Pollensa image in jeopardy

Pollensa.—The Association met last Tuesday with Councillor Malena Estrany to voice serious concern over the worsening image of the Port and to ask how the Mayor, Bartome Cifre, intends to repair it.
ACOTUR President Pepe Tirado said yesterday that one of the most worrying aspects of the deterioration of the Port has been the lack of interest that the local council has shown in keeping in touch with the needs and opinions of Pollensa businesses. “Since the start of the Council’s new term of office,” said Tirado, “town hall representatives have met on many occasions with hoteliers but tourist businesses just seem to have been pushed to one side.” Apparently the straw that broke the camel’s back was the decision of the Council to open a new street market in Plaza Miquel Capllonch without so much as a “by your leave” to already-established traders.

At last Tuesday’s meeting attended by around 15 Pollensa businesses, Tirado had also flagged up the need for improved street cleaning and bin emptying and more car parking space.

ACOTUR now wants fortnightly meetings with the Mayor for better coordination between the Council and businesses on the promotion of commerce in the Port of Pollensa. It is only through such a measure, said ACOTUR that the “open dialogue and communication” which was promised by the Council at the start of its term ofoffice can be realised.

Tirado said that it’s important that the Council looks on the hoteliers and tourist businesses in the Port on an equal footing.

 

[Belladonna]

Heavy fines aim to stop rural fly-tipping

Pollensa.—Concern has been on the increase over the way that illegal fly-tipping has been spreading extensively through the municipality, local Tourism and Environment Councillor Maria Buades said yesterday.
The situation is especially serious in the Bóquer woodland area where there has been haphazard dumping of plastic material, miscellaneous litter in bags, pieces of wooden furniture, dead and broken tree branches - all highly inflammable and a tinder box just waiting to be lit in the height of the dry season .

Although the Council has cleaned the area on several occasions, Buades said that irresponsible people who care nothing for the Environment simply repeat the process.

For this reason, she said, the Council is now going to keep a special watch on the area and anyone found fly-tipping will be heavily fined.

 

[sws97sdg]

All-inclusive holidays on the up among Britons, small business fury
Palma.—Financial pressures have led to a surge in Britons choosing all-inclusive packages for their annual holidays.
Recent research shows that bookings of holidays abroad that include flights, accommodation, food and drink have risen by 50 per cent in the last four years. A week in Majorca, for example, can now cost as little as £372 per person, and deals such as these are being snapped up by people who may previously have chosen a top-end holiday.

Another survey, conducted by the Post Office Travel Money, has found that not all holidaymakers are clear about what all-inclusive means, with four out of five people having to pay for items they thought would be included. When it came to dining, 65 per cent of those asked discovered that restrictions were put in place on food and drink, and that extra charges were made on items they assumed would be free.

Sarah Munro, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Although it is perfectly possible to stick to all-inclusive deals, our research found that in practice only one in five holidaymakers actually spent nothing extra on their trip. “Our research made it clear that holidaymakers expected food and drinks to be included, but in many cases packages only covered basics like buffet food and local alcoholic drinks. Two-thirds of the hotels surveyed excluded a la carte meals and well over half did not include cocktails, bottles of wine and branded alcoholic drinks.” Either way, the President of the Service Sector wing of the PIMEM small to medium sized business association, Juan Cabrera, yesterday urged the local government and tourist industry to focus more on providing quality accommodation and services instead of increasing the all inclusive market in Majorca. He said that the expansion of the all inclusive market is doing untold damage to the small business sector and the market should be capped.

 

[Belladonna]

Hopefully the downside of all inclusive hotels will be so well publicised that the north of the island will escape from this threat.
We have enough problems trying to hold onto the private and individual restaurants and bars as it is, to knowingly take on an action which will take away yet more business would be a totally amoral move by councils.
Lets hope that general opinion will help stop it before it starts, and that financial encouragement will not hold sway on their decisions.

 

[Nick]

The last paragraph gives some hope to what would be a total nightmare for PP IMO.

It'll be football shirts everywhere.................yuk !!!!!

 

[Sparky]

There is a very short report on the front page of the DB today which is accompanied by a nice picture, it reads.
" British army veterans of the Afghan campaign are recouperating in Mallorca thanks to the local community of Pollensa, they are members of the Light Dragoons and their partners who are enjoying a well deserved break.

 

[Belladonna]

Bush fire sparks hotel evacuation in Pollensa

Pollensa.—Normally, the Port of Pollensa is a quiet, relaxing place to be on a Sunday afternoon, but the silence this Sunday was broken by sirens from all directions, including a siren from a fire service helicopter overhead.
A large piece of land, just across the narrow lane at the back of the sea-front Uyal Hotel was on fire.
Fighting
The helicopter made a number of passes to drop water to aid their colleagues on the ground who were fighting the fire.
Residents of the Uyal Hotel, who were by the pool had found themselves being covered in black flakes, and soon parts of the outside of this popular hotel were covered in smoke.

Smoke was entering the rear of the hotel and the fire alarms were activated.
As people left the hotel, it was obvious that the excitement was not contained to the rear.
In the garden at the front of the building, palm trees were on fire and fire fighters working at the back arrived to put out the fires in the palm trees.

Not only were the fire fighters in attendance, but local police, Guardia Civil, ambulance service and the forestry department were also there as back up.

Fire drill
Throughout the hotel staff assisted their clients. They operated a pre-planned fire drill which meant that there was as little disruption as possible.

In fact, even before the firefighters had finished their work, hotel staff were sweeping and washing public areas to ensure that things could go back to normal, and the peace and quiet of Puerto Pollensa could be quickly resumed.

Unquote.

So not only are the palm trees attacked by bugs - but now fire!

 

[sws97sdg]

Majorca is currently 4ºC to 6ºC warmer than usual
Palma.—Despite being a couple of weeks into Autumn, Majorca still feels like summer as people flocked to the beach yesterday with temperatures nudging up towards 30ºC.
Agustin Jansa, the Director of the Balearic Meteorological Office, said yesterday that temperatures this month are between 4·C and 6ºC above the average for this time of year.

For example, this week, temperatures have hit 32ºC in Sa Pobla, 27ºC at Palma airport and 25ºC in Porto Pi.
However, October 2006 still remains the hottest October on record for the moment.
Anticyclone
Jansa explained that the reason for this unusually hot weather is an anticyclone which is currently sitting on top of northern Spain.
And that is why the night time temperatures have not been very high because of the lack of cloud cover.
What is more, last week’s forecast drop in temperatures in the Balearics, failed to occur as expected and temperatures are continuing to remain higher than usual.

That said, from today, temperatures may begin to drop slightly, according to the Met. office.
Jansa said that between today and Saturday, temperatures could fall by between 4ºC and 5ºC and some light showers may move across the region on Friday and Saturday.

 

[sws97sdg]

OTHER NEWS
Less long bank holiday fiestas next year
Palma.—The working calendar for next year was approved yesterday and there will be nine national bank holidays, one more than this year, because January 6, which until now has been an optional fiesta, will be celebrated across the country as a bank holiday.
The fixed national bank holidays fall on April 6, May 1, August 15, October 12, November 1, December 6, December 8 and December 25.
Next Year January 1 will not be a fiesta because it falls on a Sunday but January 2 will be bank holiday in Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Extremadura and Ceuta.

With regards to the optional bank holidays, Easter Thursday, April 5, will be a fiesta in all of the autonomous regions apart from Catalonia and Valencia and Easter Monday, April 9, will be celebrated here in the Balearics, Catalonia, Valencia, Navarra and the Basque Country.

However, in drawing up the calendar this year, the Director General for Work, has tried to avoid fiestas falling during the middle or towards the end of the week allowing for people to take extra long bank holidays.

Welcomed
Where possible, the fiestas have been moved to Fridays or Mondays and this means that there will be less opportunities for people to grab a mini-break next year.

The move has been welcomed by the business community because it will mean less working days lost.
However, next year’s working calendar will not please the employees.

 

[James]

Letter Published in the Bulletin - Bus Drivers

Fom Sunday/Monday's Online Bulletin:-

Dear Sir,

We and our friends visit Puerto Pollensa every year for holidays, we love your island, in fact this year we have visited 3 times, most times we stay at Club Pollensa on the bay.

We rely on the buses into Pollensa very much and previous years have been very good, but this year have been absolutely disgusting !! All our friends and passengers travelling on the buses all agree, the drivers have allowed too many people on one bus to the extent that serious accidents could happen.

I am not sure if you have health and safety regulations in Majorca on this issue, but it certainly would not be allowed to occur in the UK.

We also witnessed bus drivers not stopping for passengers and on one occassion stopping and letting a young Mum and family with a baby and push chair ready to get on the bus, then drove off leaving them astounded and stranded. I also ran for a bus reached the bus stop the driver opened the door then closed it, I asked him `please will you open the door` and his response was to say `NO` !! and drove off.

Other incidents occured with holiday makers and were not complimentary.
This is happening a lot, not only to us but to other passengers, it needs some serious sorting out before someone gets hurt. and tourist will stop coming .

Your bus drivers now have a bad reputation and I feel sure in your own interest you would not want this to happen in such a perfect area of Majorca. I feel very strongly that you should know about this and hopefully will take some action.

Ann Ralph
Puerto Pollensa