Madeira News Blog

September 01, 2010 By: Der Category: Madeira & General News

More from Paul :

UK "ASA rules that referring to the village bike or asking to borrow a friend’s girlfriend is not sexist, offensive or derogatory to women, the ASA has ruled, as long as it is done in a comical Portuguese accent.” The Register reports:

image caption : Nandos in Canal Walk Shopping Mall, Century City, Cape Town, South Africa

Columbus was “a true to life James Bond of his day” ? “Columbus was “a true to life James Bond of his day,” whose secret mission was to divert the Spanish forces as far away from India as possible. Columbus’s covert operation across the Atlantic left the actual route free for Portugal so that Vasco da Gama could sail to the Indian Ocean unhindered.” Newswire Today.com reports:

Left image caption : Daniel Craig on a yacht in Venice during a break in filming Casino Royale.

Right image caption Christopher Columbus statue at Parque de Santa Catarina, Madeira Island Link:

Bruno Magalhaes crash Rali Vinho Madeira: videos from ‘Rallybuzz.com’:

Tango on your Madeira cruise! usa today reports: "Like to dance while on vacation? You’ll love the new offerings from MSC Cruises.

The Europe-based line this week announced it was getting into the business of dance-themed cruises in a big way with more than half a dozen dedicated voyages over the next year.

The line says the new dance sailings will feature daily dance lessons at the beginner and intermediate levels, with professional instructors teaching everything from the Tango and Mambo to Salsa, Samba and Cha Cha."

image caption : Classical dance exhibition on a ball in the Prague Congress Center.

"The MSC Musica on an 18-night sailing kicking off Oct. 31 in Venice to Rio de Janeiro, with calls in Croatia, Malta, Spain, Madeira, Canary Islands and Brazil. Fares from $969."

image caption MSC Musica in Dubrovnik link:

‘Guardian.co.uk’ reports: ‘José Mourinho warns worried Real Madrid fans: ‘I am not Harry Potter’.
“José Mourinho says he is the ideal person to bring long-term stability toReal Madrid, and has played down the significance of their disappointing opening-day draw at Real Mallorca.
Real were held 0-0 on Sunday while arch-rivals Barcelona swept aside Racing Santander 3-0, opening up an immediate two-point lead in the La Liga standings. The champions dropped only 15 points on their way to the title last season. "I am a coach, not Harry Potter," Mourinho told the sports daily AS.

Image caption: ‘Zan Zig’ performing with rabbit and roses, including hat trick and levitation. Advertising poster for the magician (who seems to have left no other trace behind) copyrighted by The Strobridge Litho. Co., Cincinnati & New York, 1899.

"He is a magician. Magic is fiction and I live for football which is real. I’ve only been two months in Madrid. Do you know how many training sessions I have had with everyone together, including the new signings? Not even 10." Link to full article: HERE

‘Lacoste’ appoints Paris-based Portuguese designer as new artistic director. ‘Just-style’ reports: “Lacoste has appointed the Paris-based Portuguese designer, Felipe Oliveira Baptista, as its new artistic director.

Image caption: Lacoste Store in Munich, Germany

He succeeds Christophe Lemaire, whose move to French luxury brand Hermès was announced earlier this year. His final collection for Lacoste will be presented on 11 September in New York. Link to full report: Link to Caras ‘fotogallery’:

‘CARAS TV’ VÍDEO: João Cunha e Silva em família numa produção exclusiva para a CARAS

Na companhia da mulher, Filipa, e dos dois filhos, Francisco e João, o vice-presidente do Governo Regional da Madeira recebeu a CARAS na casa de férias do Governo em Porto Santo. Leia a entrevista na revista CARAS desta semana (edição 786) Link:

‘CARAS TV’ VÍDEO: Alberto João Jardim em entrevista à CarasTV
O presidente do Governo Regional da Madeira recebeu a CARAS na casa de férias, em Porto Santo. Leia a entrevista na íntegra na revista desta semana (edição 785). Link:

The Funchal Junior Open Table-Tennis Championships 2010. “At the end of the first day of play, Wednesday 1st September 2010, at the Funchal Junior Open Table-Tennis Championships, the face of Georg Imhof was once again bathed in smiles.” ITTF reports:

image caption : Tournament level table tennis match.

News and things from Sue (Wednesday) :

Madeira Newsletter for September

In September, popular folk festivals bid a grand farewell to another summer full of energy and good times! Take the opportunity to enjoy some Madeiran traditions and join in with the religious parades that will be taking place in the parishes of Ponta Delgada and Caniçal, or simply get caught up in the spirit of one of the islands’ biggest traditions, the internationally renowned Madeira Wine Festival.
Be sure to visit the island of Porto Santo, savour the warm sea and magnificent golden sandy beach and experience firsthand one of the most emblematic festivals of the golden isle, the Columbus Festival.

1 to 5 September –

2010 Funchal Junior Open and Madeira International Open Table Tennis Tournaments

The sports pavilion of the Bartolomeu Perestrelo School will be the stage for the fifth consecutive year of the Funchal Junior Open, which will be taking place on the 1^st and the 2^nd of September.

This event, part of the World Junior Circuit of the International Table Tennis Federation, will gather 12 different countries battling it out: Portugal, Germany, Spain, Japan, Finland, Sweden, Ecuador, Egypt, Poland, Hungary, Russia and Holland.
The "14th Madeira International Open" will be held in the days that follow (between the 3^rd and the 5^th of September). This event is organised by the Madeira Table Tennis Association (ATMM), Portuguese Table Tennis Federation (FPTM) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

17 to 19 September – Garajau Jazz Festival

Santa Cruz, Municipality of Culture 2010, will be hosting the first ever Garajau Jazz Festival at the Hotel D. Pedro Garajau between the 17^th and the 19^th of September.

This "Municipality of Culture" project initiative aims to help promoting cultural decentralisation and stimulate existing local infrastructures.
Over three days a number of big names from the national jazz scene will perform on stage of this Hotel, musicians such as Bernardo Sassetti Trio, André Fernandes Mário Laginha and Maria João.
For more information: HERE

27 September – World Tourism Day

As in previous years, Madeira will be joining in once again in the celebrations for World Tourism Day, this year dedicated to the International Year of Biodiversity, under the theme proposed by the WTO – World Tourism Organization: "Tourism and biological diversity".

This theme is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity to tourism and the role played by sustainable tourism in preserving life on Earth.
As such, Madeira and the SRTT/DRT – Regional Secretariat of Tourism and Transport/Madeira Official Tourism Board will be joining in the celebrations organising a variety of activities for tourists visiting the island. For more information: HERE

15 to 24 October – 1^st Madeira Organ Festival

The Madeira Cultural Affairs Department (DRAC) will organise the first ever Madeira Organ Festival from the 15^th to the 24^th of October. This cultural initiative consists of a series of concerts taking place at important places of worship in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, namely the Sé Cathedral, College Church and the Church of São Pedro.

There will be an array of recitals performed by master organists of national and international fame, such as Luca Scandali and João Esteireiro amongst others. The first recital is set to take place on the 15^th of October and will be performed by the Spanish organist José Luiz Gonzales Uriol. This festival aims to publicise and consolidate one of this entity’s recent projects concerning the restoration of an almost unknown part of cultural heritage, as well as enrich and promote the decentralisation of the organ-related culture on display in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
For more information: HERE

n promotes scientific tourism

orq

Orchid Garden promotes Scientific Tourism

Originally from Austria, the Pregetter family was responsible for creating and establishing the Orchid Garden, which has a long tradition in the area of floriculture and is an important source of reference for botanists.

Thus, with the intention of encouraging a segment of the scientific research market to visit the region, the Orchid Garden is promoting its collection of more than 300 species of orchids and 5.000 hybrid varieties at various international universities. Currently, in order to boost the work realised by this entity, the Fundação de Solidariedade Social Josef Pregetter (Josef Pregetter Social Solidarity Foundation) has been established with the aim of promoting education and professional training in the area of floriculture, genetic research and creation of species, including the production of plants "in vitro" in partnership with the Ponta do Sol Centre for Floriculture.

apt

Madeira International Airport receives ASQ Assured Certification

The ACI (Airports Council International), an independent entity that represents more than 1,600 airports in 177 countries and territories, has distinguished Madeira Airport by awarding it an ASQ Assured certification.

This certificate recognises the effective policies put in place by the airport’s managing board directed towards continuously improving performance and the quality of service provided to all its passengers.

The certification achieved encompasses three different aspects, namely services provided to passengers, good management practice and the measurement of passenger satisfaction with the airport services.

life+

Madeira Cetaceans Project

The Whale Museum in partnership with the Municipality of Machico has announced the II Madeira Cetaceans project co-financed by the community initiative programme Life+.

The II Madeira Cetaceans project aims to identify important marine areas for bottlenose dolphins in the coastal waters of Madeira, to define areas of operation for commercial vessels observing these mammals (minimising the impact of this activity) as well as to monitor the conservation status of various species of cetaceans in the off-shore waters of the ZEEM (Madeira Exclusive Economic Zone) until 2013.

This initiative strives to continue the work of research and preservation the species in the Madeira Archipelago.

TUI Holly 2010 Honours Madeira Hotels

The Riu Palace Madeira and the Albergaria Dias hotels are the only establishments from the Autonomous Region of Madeira amongst the TUI Holly 2010 top 100.

Considered the major German tour operator, every year TUI distinguishes a number of hotels worldwide that receive the best rating from its customers.
This year more than half a million tourists voted, classifying around 15,000 hotels, using forms querying various aspects relating to comfort and service.
This award reinforces and confirms the quality and reputation of the excellent services provided by the hotels of the Madeira Islands.

Promotion of the Madeira Islands Abroad

The SRTT (Regional Secretariat of Tourism and Transport), represented by the DRTM (Madeira Official Tourism Board) and in partnership with the APM (Madeira Promotion Bureau), will be present, this month, at a number of major trade fairs and promotional events in the national and international markets.

Between the 21^st and the 24^th of September, the Madeira Islands will be represented at yet another edition of TOP RESA Travel Market, the most important trade fair for tourism professionals in the French market, which will be held at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles, in Paris.

The Madeira Islands will be represented by the SRTT/DRT, in partnership with the APM, at the Portuguese stand, with a section specifically dedicated to the destination.

On the 16^th of September the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM) will be participating in the Oyster Meeting 2010, which will be held at Kensington Roof Gardens in London. The Oyster Group is made up of tourist offices from countries working in the Meeting Industry (MI) sector. It is an informal meeting point for various British buyers, with Visit Portugal entity invited to take part in the "Summer Party".

From the 23^rd to the 25^th of September, the Madeira Islands will also be represented at the 18th TT Warsaw Tour & Travel international travel show, taking place at the MT Polska Trade Fair and Congress Centre in Warsaw. This is one of the largest events of its kind in Poland, Central and Eastern Europe, where RAM will be making an appearance for the 5th time represented by the SRTT/DRT, with a section specifically dedicated to the destination integrated in the Portuguese stand.

From Paul :

Short-finned Pilot whales off the Calheta coast

Short-finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are being spotted of the Calheta coast at the end of August 2010. They are one of the two species of cetacean in the genus Globicephala. It is part of the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae), though its behaviour is closer to that of the larger whales.

Short-finned Pilot Whales can be confused with their relatives the long-finned pilot whales, but there are various differences. As their names indicate, their flippers are shorter than those of the Long-finned Pilot Whale, with a gentler curve on the edge. They have fewer teeth than the Long-finned Pilot Whale, with 14 to 18 on each jaw. Short-finned pilot whales are black or dark grey with a grey or white cape. They have grey or almost white patches on their bellies and throats and a grey or white stripe which goes diagonally upwards from behind each eye.

image caption: Pilot Whales, mother and calf, off Kona, Hawaii. Image taken by Clark Anderson/Aquaimages.

Adult males may have a number of scars on their bodies. Their heads are bulbous and this can become more defined in older males. Their dorsal fins vary in shape depending on how old the whale is and whether it is male or female. They have flukes with sharply pointed tips, a distinct notch in the middle and concave edges. They tend to be quite slender when they are young, becoming more stocky as they get older.

Field ID: Stocky body, bulbous forehead, no prominent beak, long flippers sharply pointed at the tip, black or dark grey colour, fin set forward on body, fluke raised before deep dive, may float motionless at the surface, frequently seen in very large groups, prefers deep water, may be approached.

Length (metres): Adults are 3.5 – 6.5 metres in length. When they are born short-finned pilot whales are about 1.4-1.9 metres long.

Weight: At birth, Short-finned Pilot Whales weigh about 60kg (135lb). A fully grown adult will weigh between 1 and 4 tonnes. Diet: Fish, Squid, Octopus

Study of Jersey’s Polish and Portuguese migrant workers

BBC News Jersey Reports: “Portuguese immigrants are more likely to find work in Jersey without a good understanding of English than Polish people, according to research.

The study was carried out by the University of Southampton.

Because of the number of Portuguese shops and cafes that serve the community in Jersey, speaking English was not seen as very important.

Image caption: Lighthouse, La Corbière, St. Brelade, Jersey at low tide

However, the report found Polish immigrants were more likely to take courses to improve their English.

This should, in turn, better their employment and living standards in Jersey.

The study, funded by the EU, cited examples of Portuguese immigrants in Jersey who began as farm workers but were able to become successful business-owners without learning very much of the language.”

Link to full article: HERE

Many thanks to Sue & Paul for sending in a contribution(s) for this blog.

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. Please only send in ‘exceptional’ or very topical photos by email attachment, as they take quite some time to process. Links to photos that are already online take much less time. Anything submitted for inclusion will be ‘cut and pasted’ to the blog very likely unchecked and unaltered, so please check anything through before sending it in, especially ‘automatic translations’, to avoid any ‘afterthoughts’. Blogs will be published when there is sufficient material to make one worthwhile. I can’t always respond to emails, so please accept my thanks in advance, and the attribution on the blog itself. Der.

You can email dermadeira-blog@yahoo.co.uk with any articles etc., but to save time and delays, please use the comments for minor contributions and to ask any questions. Please don’t send in copyrighted / restricted material.

Comments (5)

August 28, 2010 By: Der Category: Madeira & General News

News from Sue (Saturday 28th) :

Pier will be built at the Landfill Site near Funchal Bay

The Regional Social Secretary Santos Costa said that, although there is still to be a final decision, various options are in the equation, concerning the landfill in the bay of Funchal, one being a playground close to Avenida do Mar, more importantly a wall will be constructed to form a docking area for cruise ships. The wall was to form a protection against silting but stressed that the area was to be one for entertainment, public enjoyment and not buildings. He added that the study was being done in conjunction with the mouths of the João Gomes and Santa Luzia streams. The study is being done and will be completed in due course!! – Where have I heard that before!

Centre launched for Cancer Patients in Porto Santo

Alberto João Jardim yesterday inaugurated a center in support of cancer patients instigated by Porto Santo Regional Center of Madeiran Portuguese League Against Cancer. The space was given by Isaura Melim in a building on Rua João Gonçalves Zarco in the town Vila Baleira.

The President took the opportunity to praise the work of the league of volunteers who took part in the support of people who have serious problems, thanking them on behalf of the people of Madeira each and every one for their commitment in creating this centre. Special thanks were also given to Isaura Melim for the donation of the land and building, a gesture of great significance.
In this area, the Regional Center of Madeiran Portuguese League Against Cancer wants to be closer to the cancer patient and their family members. The Centre is open to all the relatives and friends who wish to ask questions, or give support for the prevention of cancer.
The support facility of oncology patients in Porto Santo were transferred to the Center of Madeira of the Portuguese League Against Cancer, and are located in a building on Rua João Gonçalves Zarco. The space consists of a hall where they are exposed to some campaigns against cancer, one bathroom and a support office equipped with computer system. This is the realisation of an old dream helped also by a nucleus of Madeirans with a view to supporting cancer patients and their families. A group of volunteers from Porto Santo will assist in psychological and counseling patients with ‘portossantenses’, making a bridge with the regional center in Madeira. Moreover, the center will also serve to inform the population of the island in a campaign and screenings, helping to prevent the disease.

News from Sue (Friday 27th) :

Fires still Active in Funchal , Câmara de Lobos , Ribeira Brava

According to updated figures this morning by the Regional Service of Civil Protection firefighters continue to fight fires on the ground in Meia Légua, Ribeira Brava, no Curral Velho, parish of Santo António and Furneira and in the country of Câmara de Lobos.

The ‘ peacekeepers ‘ succeeded in extinguishing various re-ignitions which occurred on Thursday in various parts of the island and remain vigilant in various parts of the island, Águas Mansas, Santa Cruz, Ribeiro Frio and Achada do Teixeira, both in the county of Santana.

UV radiation at extreme level

Funchal is now under extreme risk for exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which will continue until Monday.

The Institute of Meteorology advises the use of sunglasses with UV filter, a hat, t -shirt, umbrella, sunscreen and avoid exposure of children.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to acute problems and chronic health, particularly of the skin (cancer), eyes (cataracts) and immune system.

The Old Bridge over the river from Porto Novo Re-opens Today.

The Regional Social Secretary will be present for the reopening the old bridge over the river from Porto Novo, in the county of Santa Cruz at 17H today.

The artwork exists, the old stone bridge has a span of 120 meters and intercepts to the Ribeira do Porto Novo. Structurally, it consists of two wing walls, which contain the landfill and its platform and two arcs that intersect the stream.

In its previous configuration, the bridge had a width of approximately 6.40 meters, 5.50 meters and lanes and there are no sidewalks. With the reconstruction the bridge has a total width of 9 metres and an addition 6.5 metres of carriage way making it compatible with the level of service required.

The “Tango “will be in Madeira in October

After the success of ” Swan Lake ” at the inauguration of the Centenary of the CD National, the Classic Stage brings to Funchal ‘s famous musical ” The Tango, The Ultimate Tango “, which will premiered on October 30 at the Congress Centre of Madeira Casino , 22.00.

“The true tango lovers now have the privilege to watch this magnificent spectacle, which will be on tour throughout the country and world premiere at Madeira, ‘says the promoter of shows.

Directly from Buenos Aires to major European stage, “The Tango, The Ultimate Tango”, is “recognized by critics as the best current Tango Show “highlights the Classic Stage.

In 2009, the musical ran a week of sessions at the Casino de Paris, earning praise from the French press and continued to impress audiences in Belgium, France, Italy, Cyprus, Slovenia, Switzerland and Estonia.

With artistic director Olivier Tilkin and Sabrina Gentile Patti and choreography at the expense of double Veredice Adrian and Alejandra Hobert, ” Tango “is interpreted by dancers Adrian Veredice , Alejandra Hobert , Claudio Gonzalez, Melina Brufman , Lucila Cionci , Rodrigo Corbató Joe , Christian Marquez, Virginia Gomez , Sabrina Masso and Daniel Escobar.

It also features the voices of Sandra Rumolino and Jose Luis Barreto, orchestrated by Cincotango Ensemble and other musicians.

With this large production, in October, the Congress Centre of Madeira Casino will host a night of dance that portrays the soul of the Argentine people.

Articles from Paul :

Canoe tour/race around Madeira: 24-29 August, 2010

‘VOLTA A MADEIRA EM CANOA’

The XIX Canoe Tour round Madeira is 141 Kms divided into 9 laps/sections. Organised by Treino Mar from Madeira..the event is internationally known for its difficulty, organisation, international participation and for the beautiful landscapes that the Island offers.

Image caption : Kayaking on Seattle, Washington’s Lake Union

The event is only for sea kayaks – K1, K2, Surf Ski I and Surf Ski II

Contact Treino Mar: 00351 291236337

Link: http://www.madeiraemcanoa.com/ENG/index.html

Football: history for Braga!

UEFA.com reports:
“Lima hat-trick ensures history for Braga..
Sevilla FC 3-4 SC Braga (agg: 3-5)
One goal from Matheus and a Lima hat-trick earned the visitors a remarkable win and a place in the group stages of the Champions League for the first time.”
Image caption : Câmara Municipal de e Fonte do Pelicano, localizadas nos Paços do Concelho de Braga.
Link: HERE

New species of dolphin sighted in Madeiran waters: ‘Fraser’s Dolphin’

‘Rota dos Cetáceos’ sighted recently a new species of dolphin in Madeiran waters. The specie named ‘Fraser’s Dolphin’ is normally only sighted in Azorean waters. Experts say that one of the reasons they have come into Madeiran waters is the higher sea temperature which was on the day of the sightings about 24 degrees.

image caption : Frazer´s dolphin group (Lagenodelphis hosei)
From wikipedia:
Fraser Dolphins’ are about 1 m long and 20 kg weight at birth, growing to 2.75 m and 200 kg at adulthood. They have a stocky build, a small fin in relation to the size of the body, conspicuously small flippers. The dorsal fin and beak are also insubstantial. The upper side is a gray-blue to gray-brown. A dirty cream colored line runs along the flanks from the beak, above the eye, to the anus. There is a dark stripe under this line. The belly and throat are usually white, sometimes tinged pink. The lack of a prominent is a distinguishing characteristic of the Dolphin. From a distance however it may be confused with the Striped Dolphin which has a similar coloration and is found in the same areas of ocean.
Fraser Dolphins’ swim quickly in large tightly packed groups of about 100 to 1000 in number. Often porpoising, the group chop up the water tremendously. The sight of seeing a large group fleeing from a fishing vessels has been reported as “very dramatic”.
It is also marked by having the smallest genitalia of any open sea dolphin.
The species feeds on pelagic fish, squid and shrimp found some distance below the surface of the water (200& or 500 meters). Virtually no sunlight penetrates this depth, so feeding is carried out using echolocation alone.
link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser’s_dolphin

Tourism in Portugal: a matter of economics

Eturbonews.com reports:

“Portugal’s tourism sector is represented by Bernard Luis Amador Trindade who could easily be mistaken for a movie star, but it is his Mediterranean charm, business intelligence, and political savvy that makes him the perfect representative for a country noted for its beauty, casual way of life, excellent cuisine, and history. Born in Lisbon, his current address is Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island.

Coming from a hospitality, travel, and tourism family, Trindade has been associated with Banco Espirito Santo, the Regional Legislative Assembly of Madeira, and a leader in the Socialist Party since 2003. His move to tourism has been not so much as a step in a new direction, but rather an acknowledgement of his roots.”

Marketing Objectives

Tourism represents 65 percent of the country’s GDP, and companiesandmarkets.com determined that the Portuguese travel and tourism industry has been facing a tourism crises since 2009 (the global crisis began in 2008). The decrease in consumer purchasing power in Portugal and its most important tourist source markets, together with the consequent decline in demand levels, formed the basis for the slowdown.”

“The National Strategic Plan for Tourism indicates that Portugal is seeking an annual growth rate of 5 percent with 20 million tourist visits by 2015.

The areas contributing to growth will be Lisboa, Algarve, and Porto e Norte. It is anticipated that by 2015, tourism will represent 15 percent of the GDP and 15 percent of national employment. In a March, 2009 report, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) placed Portuguese tourism in 10th position (in terms of size) in the European Union and 6th in tourisms’ relative contribution to the national economy.”

Image caption : Algarve

NEW DIRECTIONS : Accessible Tourism

A search for new markets has prompted the government and tourism officials from Algarve to develop the locale as a leading destination for tourists with disabilities and restricted mobility. The project includes adapting the region’s infrastructure to accommodate the disabled and training professionals in customer service so they are able to meet and respond to the unique needs of this market segment. It is estimated that “accessible tourism” could represent millions of Euros to the tourism economic sector. Currently Algarve has 41 accessible beaches and most have amphibian wheelchairs and crutches available for visitors.”

Link to full article: http://www.eturbonews.com/18089/portugal-tourism-matter-economics

Portuguese philosopher Baruch or Benedict de Spinoza

“You are either a Spinozist or not a philosopher at all.”

Image image caption : Baruch de Spinoza (1632-1677)

Baruch or Benedict de Spinoza (Hebrew: ברוך שפינוזה‎ Baruch Shpinoza, Portuguese: Bento de Espinosa, Latin: Benedictus de Spinoza) (November 24, 1632 – February 21, 1677) was a Dutch philosopher of Portuguese Jewish origin.[1] Revealing considerable scientific aptitude, the breadth and importance of Spinoza’s work was not fully realized until years after his death. Today, he is considered one of the great rationalists[2] of 17th-century philosophy, laying the groundwork for the 18th century Enlightenment[2] and modern biblical criticism.[2] By virtue of his magnum opus, the posthumous Ethics, in which he opposed Descartes’ mind–body dualism, Spinoza is considered to be one of Western philosophy’s most important philosophers.

Philosopher and historian Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel said of all modern philosophers,

“You are either a Spinozist or not a philosopher at all.”[3]

To read more: link to wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baruch_Spinoza

Many thanks to Sue and Paul for sending in a contribution(s) for this blog.

Comments (37)

August 19, 2010 By: Der Category: Madeira & General News

Articles & news from Paul (Tuesday 24th) :

Worst crash in history of Portugal’s motorways. EURONEWS reports:
"catastrophic double crash on a motorway in Portugal. 200 firefighters and emergency workers rushed to the scene near the town of Aveiro to help the injured.
Many of the victims had to be cut out of their vehicles. At least five people were killed while 72 were injured.
It is thought heavy rain and fog may have led to the first collision, which happened just after three in the afternoon.
Thick smoke from that incident is thought to have blown onto the adjacent carriageway and caused the pile-up there." film and text: HERE

Bébé – or Tiago Manuel Dias Ferreira…talent mined from Portugal

‘The Telegraph’ reports:

Bébé – or Tiago Manuel Dias Ferreira to give him his full name and letter writers in United’s club shop nightmares – was virtually unknown to an English audience before Manchester United paid an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £7.4m, to sign him.
The 20-year-old forward, who can play on either flank, as a target man or support striker, thus follows a recent trend in young talent Sir Alex Ferguson has mined from Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani took the same path." Youtube film:

One of a dying breed of ‘street footballers’. However, Bébé’s back story stands him apart from those that have gone before. Like Wayne Rooney, he is one of a dying breed of ‘street footballers’, all raw ability and unschooled promise. But unlike Rooney, coming from the street is no glib aphorism.
Raised in a youth shelter, Bébé played for a team organised by CAIS, the organisation responsible for Portugal’s Homeless World Cup Team, having spent time on the streets as a youngster. He was spotted by third division Portuguese club Estrela Amadora after impressing for amateur side Loures.
Moving through the youth ranks to the senior side there, the Cacem-born striker attracted the interest of a number of top level clubs in Portugal, as well as a host of European heavyweights including Real Madrid and United. LINK

Fulham sign ‘Nacional’ defender. Reuters reports:

Algeria defender Rafik Halliche has signed a three-year deal with Fulham, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, who has joined the London club from Portuguese side Benfica for an undisclosed fee, played every minute of Algeria’s three matches at the World Cup finals and impressed in the 0-0 draw against England.

"I’m so happy that my transfer to Fulham has been finalised," he said on Fulham’s website (WEBSITE).

image caption: Fulham Football Club. Taken during a home match, Fulham v Newcastle

"The Premier League is the best league in the world and to be able to play alongside some wonderful players and to be given an opportunity to compete against some fantastic teams for a team like Fulham is something that I’ve always dreamed of doing."

Halliche spent most of his time at Benfica out on loan with fellow Portuguese club Nacional of Madeira. LINK

London Gatwick to Faro and Oporto with Ryanair from October 31st

2 Ryanair bases, Faro and Oporto will connect to London
Portugal News reports:
"The low-cost Irish airline announced the new routes this week, increasing its number of routes available in Portugal to 31 from Faro and 33 from Oporto.

image caption: Ryanair Boeing 737-800 (registration EI-DCK) taking off from Bristol International Airport, Bristol, England

To celebrate the new addition, Ryanair confirmed special launch prices of €19.99 from Faro and €17.99 from Oporto. Ryanair flights from Faro and Oporto to London Gatwick will commence on October 31st.

Initially, the Faro – London Gatwick flight will operate four times per week, and the Oporto route five times per week. LINK

"In the shrinking league-table of nations that still like and admire us British, Portugal easily comes top." Daily Mail reports: HERE

"You feel it there wherever you go, from Lisbon to the Algarve - that special warmth and kindness towards ‘ingleses’ which even our worst holiday hooligans cannot destroy."

Major changes are afoot in the tradition-encrusted world of port….

"Port a name that, unlike sherry, has been fiercely protected against all foreign imitations since 1756." Daily Mail reports: HERE

William Warre

Daily Mail reports: HERE

"William Warre, who chose a military rather than port-making career and showed extraordinary heroism in Porto’s recapture from the French exactly two centuries ago. Sent with a few Portuguese civilians to deal with some alleged French ‘stragglers’, Warre found himself up against Marshal Soult’s entire army!"

image caption : A ruby and tawny port from Warres

Last volcanic activity in the Azores in the 1950′s

Hello magazine reports:

"The last activity, which took place in Faial in the Fifties, lasted for over a year and dramatically changed the landscape of the island. When it cooled, the lava spat out by the Capelinhos volcano had left the island a couple of kilometres longer, the old lighthouse was half buried, and hundreds of farmers had no choice but to emigrate after their crops were totally ruined." LINK

image caption Capelinhos Cliffs, Faial Island, Azores, Portugal

14-year-old Dutch girl sails alone: first stop Madeira! Sunday Times & Australian reports: HERE

"AFTER winning a long legal battle for the right to sail solo around the world, a 14-year-old Dutch girl set off on her voyage yesterday.

Laura Dekker began her two-year solitary journey from Gibraltar.

If she completes her endeavour, she will become the youngest person to sail around the globe alone, although it will not be a non-stop voyage.

Her first stop will be the island of Madeira, and she will sail her 11.5m boat, Guppy, to the Canary Islands before facing the challenge of an Atlantic crossing to Barbados.

She will record her trip with a camera and will be in constant radio contact with a support team and passing ships. During the monsoon season she is expected to return to school in The Netherlands."

Car hire: cheapest places: Madeira and Portugal

"The cheapest places, by far, were found to be Madeira and Portugal."

..reports: Carrentals.co.uk, the award-winning online car hire comparison website on ‘Moonews’

and ‘The Independent’ reports:

"Portugal and Madeira were by far the cheapest places surveyed, averaging only €33.40 a day" LINK

News from Martin (Monday 23rd) :

TAP offers over 10 kg of baggage free to college students. Offer valid for the month of September on the Madeira and the Azores routes.
TAP is promoting for a second year, a campaign directed at college students travelling in September. This offer translates into the possibility of carrying 10 kg of extra baggage, totally free and is available for students moving between the mainland and the islands of Madeira and the Azores, and vice versa, or Erasmus students, studying in any European city. The campaign is valid during the month of September for any flight operated by TAP, departing from any airport in Portugal.
To benefit from this campaign, students can carry a total of 30 kg in economy class or business class 40 kg (tap | executive), whatever the fare paid.
To enjoy the promotion, a student may make a reservation by any means (TAP www.flytap.com, call centre 707 205 700, stores TAP) or your travel agent. At check-in they will only have to present a student card or a letter proving that they are 1st year students and have no university card, simply the proof that they are registered or entered in a particular university. This is an initiative of TAP and ESN (International Exchange Erasmus Student Network).

And Sue :

Falling palm tree kills woman in Porto Santo
A lady of 61 years died yesterday, following the crash of a palm tree in downtown Vila Baleira. Two other people were also evacuated to Funchal, given the severity of injuries. The accident occurred during a PSD rally, which was subsequently cancelled.
The fall of a large palm tree at Largo das Palmeiras, in the city center Baleira Vila, Porto Santo, last night caused the death of a lady of 61 years and wounded two others. The accident was happened during the PSD/Madeira rally which was attended by thousands of people to attend and happened around 22:45. The President of the PSD/Madeira took the decision to cancel the celebrations.

The injured were immediately assisted on site by an orthopedist Marcelino Andrade, accompanied by some nurses, including Manuela Machado, and, once stabilized in the area were eventually transported by volunteer firefighters from Porto Santo to the Health Centre site and subsequently evacuated to Funchal – Aviocar in the Air Force – in an operation coordinated by Almada Cardoso, President of the Board of the Regional Health Service of Madeira (SESARAM).

Update on above

The lady killed in the accident was Maria Judith Rodrigues Pascoal de Nobrega, 61, a resident of Levada de Santa Luzia. The seriously injured were Maria do Ceu Baptista Nunes, 54, and son, David Manuel Baptista Alves, 24.

Michael Foster , clinical director of the hospital, said this morning at a press conference outside the hospital, the two wounded, from Amadora , are in a serious condition the mother was operated on overnight team of orthopedic surgeons and is at present is in the recovering of the operating room, from where she will be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit . The son, 24, has a slightly worse prognosis than the mother and was also operated upon during the night and now in intensive care. They are young people but you have to take into account the extended trauma: thoracic, pelvic and lower limbs, during the coming days they would be in a better position to give some certainty in terms of prognosis.

homicide suspect found in a pit

The suspected murderer of a woman, 39, on Fifth Great Path Aviceiro in the early hours of Saturday, was yesterday found dead in a pit inside the house.

Everything points to a case of suicide after the man, aged 45, had killed a neighbour using an ax. The body was discovered inside a pit, about two meters deep in the garage, in the course of investigations conducted by the Judicial Police. The collection of documents and a cell phone belonging to the person together with him in the tank. The tank was eventually emptied by the series in order to extract the corpse. In the tank a bottle containing poison was found showing that the individual has ingested poison before falling into well.

Gas explosion at Porto da Cruz

An explosion of two gas cylinders destroyed a store yesterday and caused some cracks in residence at the site of nearby houses, Porto da Cruz, but no injuries. The event happened at 7:00 pm, a group of ten men and four vehicles of firefighters from Machico were at the site, as well as a brigade officer. It is anticipated that the explosion of the cylinders was caused by overheating, since, according to data collected on site, the brazier made the day before has not been completely erased. This had not been noticed as it was located below the house and the road is not easily seen by local residents due its difficult access (narrow road and steep slope) however, the roar of the explosions came to the attention of most residents in that quiet area

Some articles from Paul :

The last fisherwomen!
“…women with blood in their gills like the fish…..”
An excellent ‘Expresso’ fotogallery. We presume it’s a gallery of fishing professionals in the Nazare area. Link:

Image caption: Women in typical dress and headscarf; Nazaré, Portugal

Jackie Evancho. Expresso reports: Jackie, 10 a mini Susan Boyle? (com vídeo)
youtube video:

Portuguese Miguel Fernandes wins Triathlon gold in youth olympics

Triathlon.competitor.com reports: "Youth Olympic Games bronze medalist Alois Knabl (AUT) edged out the Youth Games champion Aaron Barclay (NZL) in a thrilling finish, claiming the YOG Team Triathlon gold medal for Team Europe 1.

Knabl’s European squad, which included Eszter Dudas (HUN), Miguel Valente Fernandes (POR) and Fanny Beisaron (ISR), clocked the total time of 1:19:51.42, finishing less than four seconds ahead of the Oceania Team, anchored by Barclay." link

Bottlenose dolphins and Bryde’s whales off Calheta coast.

Whale/dolphin-watching boats operating from Calheta marina are spotting Bottlenose dolphins and Bryde’s whales in August 2010

image caption : Bryde’s whale

Second Festa do Marisco, Calheta Town ocean front: 1-5 September

5 nights of entertainment accompanied by local and mainland Portuguese seafood specialists. Be there! Report and overview of 5 night programme:

image caption: Calheta marina from Calheta beach hotel

Thursday’s news stories from Sue :

Plan to organize and manage Garajau’s Nature Reserve

The Special Plan for Land Use and Management of Natural Reserve Partial Tern is already in place but was approved by the Regional Government, in Parliament, in the last five days and has set up a system safeguard natural resources and values and also a management system compatible with the sustainability and use of the territory.

The plan focuses on the nature reserve at Garajau, which has a total area of 376 hectares and a coastline of about eleven miles. In the resolution, published in JORAM, states that ‘the interest in the protection, conservation and management of nature reserve at Garajau, is recognised as an area of interest regionally, nationally and internationally determines the need for a Special Plan in order to establish a system of safeguarding natural resources and values and also a management system compatible with sustainable use of the territory.

The law establishes procedures for safeguarding natural resources and values and actions and to promote activities in its area of intervention, to ensure the conservation of nature and biodiversity as well as maintenance and enhancement of natural characteristic of the landscape. Its objectives are to continue to monitor and protect marine biodiversity, especially species that have high conservation value, continue to improve the scientific understanding of marine areas, to further promote the implementation of research programs in marine habitats and species and develop mechanisms to share information and promote coordination among researchers.

The strategy will include the protection and enhancement of Natural Heritage Reserve and Cultural Heritage Reservation, by promoting the conservation of nature and the planning of recreation and leisure activities. The only activities that will be allowed in the area are those concerned with nature conservation and biodiversity and enhancement of the specimens, with disclosure and environmental awareness related to research and scientific work.

Prohibited are : harvesting , cutting, capture, killing or possession of copies of living beings and the destruction of their natural habitats , the introduction and stocking of any species not indigenous to the marine flora and fauna ; change the edges of the shoreline ( including landfills ), geological exploration , throwing garbage , or the drainage of domestically used water, noise , over flight of aircraft below 200 meters , installing fish farms , fishing, spear-fishing , use of gill nets , fencing or dragging.

Controlled fires

Fires, yesterday morning, in Barossa, Monte, Funchal, Ribeiro Frio and in Santana, were given at the end of the day as being under control by the corporations of the Municipal Fire Departments of Funchal and Santana. Moreover, by the evening, firefighters from several corporations stated that those fires that had reignited in Santa Cruz (Águas Mansas), Funchal and in Santana (Ribeiro Frio and Achada do Teixeira) were all under control. In Funchal, prevention is being guaranteed by the Municipal Fire of Funchal, with several teams and some twenty elements on permanent patrol activities in upland areas of the city. During the morning, the BMF fought rekindled fires in scattered areas in Babosas, Lajinhas (Monte) e Galeão (São Roque), maintaining personal at the sites as a precaution.

Likewise, teams fought re-ignition of this corporation in the Curral dos Romeiros e no Caminho do Meio, near a sports complex. The fire flared up again yesterday morning in the woods at Ribeiro Frio at 11 hours a team of volunteer firefighters from Santana were mobilised, aided by a self support and an emergency services. In Achada do Teixeira, prevention was in the care of the Forestry Police as well as another fire recorded in the area of Pico Canário, in a location away from the road.

University of Madeira opens two more technological specialization courses

The University of Madeira announced today that it will open two new Technology Specialisation Courses in the areas of organic farming and environmental management. In a note released today in Funchal, the University reports that the course in Organic Farming will have a training plan for three semesters and include on the job training in the School of Agriculture of St. Vincent. As for the Environmental Management will be taught for four semesters after working hours. Those interested should take a course of secondary education or equivalent. They may also apply for or hold a professional qualification level of a technological specialisation diploma or a degree or diploma of higher education and persons aged over 23 years professional experience .

Many thanks to Sue and Paul for sending in contributions for this blog.

One of yesterday’s front page stories in the Diário was about a young man ‘Navarro’ who fell off a wall and broke his back. He only has movement from the neck upwards, and since the accident has spent the last 29 months in hospital, because of his lack of mobility. He is due to be moved to a care home for old people, but even then he will still be ‘housebound’. He needs desperately an electric wheelchair to give him some mobility. An account in the Bank Montepio has been opened in the hope that the 9 thousand Euros needed to buy the wheelchair can be raised, and the publicity from the Diário will hopefully get this underway. If any readers can help the account (NIB) number is 003601589910006658455. FULL ARTICLE HERE

Whilst I am surprised that the electric wheelchair will cost so much, as a quick look on the internet reveals there are many that cost far far less, it’s no surprise that Navarro has spent so long without a wheelchair, and possibly without peoples generosity will never get one. It happens a lot, and there are many similar stories that have appeared throughout the years. Personally, I think that it’s a disgrace that the state doesn’t help in these cases where people are born with a disability, or have an accident or illness that leaves them with a serious disability. But it’s a fact. If someone needs such a wheelchair, then they have to come up with the money themselves. Der

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. Please only send in ‘exceptional’ or very topical photos by email attachment, as they take quite some time to process. Links to photos that are already online take much less time. Anything submitted for inclusion will be ‘cut and pasted’ to the blog very likely unchecked and unaltered, so please check anything through before sending it in, especially ‘automatic translations’, to avoid any ‘afterthoughts’. Blogs will be published when there is sufficient material to make one worthwhile. I can’t always respond to emails, so please accept my thanks in advance, and the attribution on the blog itself. Der.

Comments (29)

August 14, 2010 By: Der Category: Madeira & General News

News from Martin (Tuesday & Wednesday) :

Canon Martin criticises the PSP Machico and speaks of injustice over the arrest of four youngsters. Community is in turmoil and continuing controversy.
Canon Martin is still on the case in Machico with the subject of four youths who were arrested for allegedly setting fire to an area of Sierra de Agua, in Machico.
The controversy promises to heat up even more, now that the local priest has comes out in defence of the boys and is making fierce criticisms of the PSP.
Relatives of young people and local community are outraged by the actions of the PSP Machico.

Madeiran Shipowner Launches New Containership Service
Luis Miguel Sousa, president of Grupo Sousa, reiterated today the commitment of the group which he chairs "in the sense of serving Madeira and our customers," and to this purpose he justified the acquisition of ‘Funchalense 5′ to "provide the shipping line with larger, the most modern and fastest container ship in the Portuguese merchant marine, becoming the leaders of a regular shipping service”.
This Madeiran owner, says he knows "the meaning and importance to an island region of the existence of a regional shipping line , who will understand the Island’s problems and respond positively to the difficulties that often arise. We take this responsibility with pride and tell President of the Regional Government of Madeira our complete commitment to serve the Island of Madeira " .
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the President of the Regional Government, Alberto João Jardim, also a stand in for Alfred Hitchcock, who praised the Group Sousa and particularly businessman Luis Miguel Sousa, not only for his financial investment, but also for the "excellent climate of employment relationships, which are always a hallmark standard within this company "." You have installed in our youth a new vision of trade relations and have established a climate of trust among all members of staff from the senior administrator to the humblest worker which makes this group of companies, Group Sousa, a standard bearer in the field of labour relations, "he said.

Fires: Government creates finance for private owners. Special program for properties affected by the fires gives financial support amounting to 95 and 100% of their value.
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources is already on the ground carrying out surveys to affected farms and forestry.
A special program to reforest private land affected by the fires has just been created by the Regional Government.
This program is reflected in concessions to private forest owners, giving financial support of 100%, for the investment needed to reforest privately owned areas.
The announcement was made at a press conference, held by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources (SRARN), "the first business day after the fires" that broke out last Friday. Under the initave, owners of affected farms will be entitled to financial support, also for replacement of damaged equipment – plants, trees, animals, machines, barns or warehouses – amounting to 95% of investment involved.
The money comes from the fund PRODEEM – Rural Development Programme for the Autonomous Region of Madeira – provided for eventualities such as the recovery of agricultural land after forest fires.
Those interested should contact the departments of SRARN located in municipal councils and agricultural supply centre. It should be noted that requests for support require documentation of loss and damage caused by fires.

Porto Santo was in the dark for 20 minutes. ‘Blackout’ happened around 10pm.
The island of Porto Santo was in the dark for about 20 minutes last night. A power black-out was suspected to have been caused by some equipment failure. At about 10pm a large noise was heard by witnesses, which could have been the cause of this power outage. The Journal tried to contact the Electricity Company of Madeira to find out the causes of the problem, but the technicians of MES referred us to the company’s management for an explanation about what happened.

LEVADEIRO FIRERISER ARRESTED. A 54 year old man, who works as a Levadeiro, was arrested on Saturday by the Judicial Police. He is suspected of having started the fire which began at a site in Eira do Serrado.
The suspect will be presented today to the Court for a preliminary judicial interrogation when a decision will be made about the charges he faces.
The fire from Eira do Serrado spread to surrounding hills and reached districts of Funchal, Camara de Lobos and Santana, consuming an area of approximately 6,000 hectares.

Photo from Pete : "Fire spotted near Funchal football stadium".

News from Martin :

JSD-M CHALLENGENES YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME ENTREPRENEURS
Young people should be more entrepreneurial and seize opportunities. They should make the present crisis an open door to a better future. Basically these are the ideas advocated by the Social Democratic Youth of Madeira. After an intense week of activities covering several areas of Madeiran political and social life, entrepreneurship was the theme chosen to end a week of visits, ideas and proposals.
In the realm of entrepreneurship, JSD-M understands that there are obstacles and difficulties, but urges young people to leave their fear behind them and accept the uncertain future. To do this, the youth of the PSD entrepreneurs will be expected to venture out and not give up before the first problems. JSD believes that there are worthwhile challenges especially for the least wealthy, those who do not expect a cheque at the end of the month. In a crisis scenario such as that now live, being an entrepreneur can be an opportunity that JSD advises young people to grasp. And it promises awareness of support tools that might be useful to those who accept the challenge of, for example, to create their own jobs.
For this morning’s debate the JSD-Madeira invited Miguel Pina Martins, a 25-year-old native of Setubal, who has been distinguished by the European Commission as the "Entrepreneur of the Year 2010" for the Company Science4you, designing scientific toys . This award is nationally recognized and likewise in selected international markets.

News from Sue :

Estalagem Eira do Serrado and SPAD were evacuated

Fire and falling stones frighten the population

Yesterday was marked by the large fires in the hills between the areas Curral das Freiras, Câmara de Lobos, and Santo Antonio, Funchal, which resulted in a dense cloud of smoke over the city. The fire started late on Thursday on the slopes of Eira do Serrado , but in the early hours of yesterday , about six hours , triggered fires in Curral das Freiras.

Around 12 o’clock yesterday, the access road to the Estalagem da Eira do Serrado was cut by the PSP, because of fire and falling rocks. An hour earlier, the tourists who were staying at that hotel, which was full, had been evacuated, leaving only the officers and employees. The fire surrounded the tourism area which was being monitored by the Municipal Fire and Volunteers of Funchal. Later, everyone had to leave.

During the morning, the fire consumed the forest and the role of fire prevention with ten firefighters, two tanks and a self- car first-aid forest, so that the fire did not pass to the bottom of the road. In the afternoon with the increase of wind, the soldiers da Paz had to intervene given the large scale of the fire. Still, there were some drivers who criticized the delay in the arrival of the fire service put out the fire but it should be mentioned that the fire broke out in areas with difficult access.

The mid-afternoon yesterday, the smoke in Curral das Freiras was intense and suffocating, causing many people to leave the parish. The PSP has cut the entry, but house people who wished to remain were allowed to do so.

The flames reached the site of Vasco Gil and also forced the Society for the Protection of Animals evacuate the 141 animals that shelters , taking them to the old slaughterhouse buildings and called for the adoption.

Serra do Campanário burns. A fire in the Campanário mountains scared the population of the site Terreiros in Ribeira Brava. The proximity of the fire to the huts and houses made some residents fear the worst. People were alarmed by the intensity of the wind that was increasing the early afternoon and could change the course of the fire nearing to their homes. The fire fighter who was near the houses had ensured them that the situation was controlled.

Government has used all available to fight the fires

The fire which started at Eira do Serrado quickly spread to the hills of Santo Antonio, San Roque and Monte. The firefighters had their hands full even with the help of all the corporations in Madeira who moved into the affected areas. There were some people who had to leave their homes, as happened in the Caminho dos Lombos, due to the proximity of the flames, but especially due to the toxic fumes.

The regional secretary for Social Affairs, Ramos Jardim, and the Environment and Natural Resources , Manuel Antonio Correia, accompanied by the Regional Director of Forestry, visited the at risk , first Camacha then in Funchal.
Everywhere people could be found on the streets, some contemplating the scene of ‘Dante’s Inferno’ , others worried about going home to dampen down the surrounding areas, whilst others put in clothes and belongings into cars, preparing for an eventual evacuation. On the streets, Red Cross personnel, was appealing to people to drink liquids.

In Monte, last evening, the scene was disturbing. Quinta do Terreiro da Luta, for example, where the flames passed within a few feet and they were receiving instructions over the phone. One of the priorities at that time was the Estação da Alegria, which came within a few feet of the fire. At 21:00 hours, the two leaders were there to monitor the work of protection of this important infrastructure.

Another was the Hospital of Marmeleiros. The regional secretary for Social Affairs explained that the whole area around it had been dampened down and the devices were installed were permanently in place to prevent the flames reaching there.
Speaking to journalists, the regional secretary for the Environment explained that several fires were active at the same time, a situation that led to natural difficulties. The flames were spread by wind gusts. Manuel Antonio Correia appealed for people to be careful and not walk through the mountains but assured everything was being done to protect the people first and their property. He had also been in the area of Camacha where there were difficult situations, but they were already being monitored.

Pics from Pete :

News stories from Martin :

POLICE HAVE IDENTIFIED SUSPECTS WHO HAVE SET FIRES
Despite the sensitive nature, the regional secretary of the Environment assures that suspects have been identified raising the fires occurring in the mountains of Madeira.
Manuel Antonio Correia alleges that the Forestry Police, whose first priority was to help fight the fire, has collected evidence at several locations and all the information sent to the Judicial Police. After all, as the minister responsible has said it is a crime punishable by imprisonment, something that should not be forgotten by those who had responsibility for setting the fires.

ESTRALEGEM AND SPAD EVACUATED. Fire and Falling Stones frighten.
The day yesterday was marked by the great fire in the hills between the village of Nun’s Valley, in Camara de Lobos, and Santo António, which resulted in a dense cloud of smoke over the Funchal. The fire started late on Thursday on the slopes of Eira do Serrado, but in the early hours of Friday, about six o’clock, also began on the slopes of the Nun’s Valley.
Around 12 o’clock Friday, the access road to the Inn of Eira do Serrado was closed by the PSP, because of fire and falling rocks. An hour earlier, the tourists who were staying at that hotel, had been evacuated, leaving only the officers and employees. The fire surrounded the hotel area which was being monitored by the Funchal Municipal Fire Volunteers. Later, everyone had to leave.
During the morning, the fire consumed the forest and ten firefighters, two water tanks, controlled the blaze so that the fire did not pass to the bottom of the road. In the afternoon with the increase of wind intensity, they had to intervene given the large size of the fire .There were some drivers who criticized the delay in the fire service putting out the fire. However, the fire had broken out in areas with difficult access.
In the Nun’s Valley, some people feared the fall of stones and the advance of the fire. Rubina Aguiar was sitting with his family in his home near the regional access road, and confessed to our newspaper "I was already intrigued why this year there had been no fire." Whilst we were talking with this family, there was a great noise on the hills of falling rocks, dislodged by the fire.
The mid-afternoon Friday, the smoke in the Nun’s Valley was intense and suffocating, causing many people to evacuate out of the area. The PSP had cut the road access, but let out people who so wished . The flames reached the site of Vasco Gil and also forced the Society for the Protection of Animals to evacuate the 141 animals it shelters, taking them to a disused slaughterhouse and called for people to adopt the animals.

Many thanks to Martin, Sue and Pete for sending in a contribution(s) for this blog.

Comments (51)

August 09, 2010 By: Der Category: Madeira & General News

Local fire in hills of near by Funchal today (Friday 13th). …. pete

More news from Sue :

Deadly fires rage on in Portugal

Portuguese fire fighters are continuing to battle dozens of forest fires that are sweeping through the country and have killed two of their colleagues.

50 fires are burning in central and northern parts of the country, according to the Reuters news agency. The country’s civil defence agency says that 1,500 fire fighters have been mobilised to tackle the blazes. Around 18,000 hectares (44,500 acres) of forests and bush land are now believed to have been affected. Temperatures in some areas were forecast to reach 40C (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Portugal’s only national park – the Peneda-Geres National Park in the north-west of the country – is one of the areas under threat. Earlier this month the civil defence services registered 1,000 new fires over a single weekend, a record high for the year.

Trapped by flames

The fire fighting attempt has been hampered by strong winds that have whipped up the fires. Portuguese civil protection officials say a female fire fighter died after being trapped by flames in Gondomar region. In a separate incident, a fireman was killed after his vehicle fell into a burning ravine in the mountainous Sao Pedro do Sul area.

The current fires are the latest to have hit Portugal in recent years. In 2006, six fire fighters were killed whilst tackling a wildfire in the centre of the country and in 2003, 18 people were killed in fires described as "the worst in living memory".

Debut articles (I think) from Martin :

Economic News : Law that cuts the amount of salt in bread enters into effect.

As of the 12th of August, Portuguese bread is required to contain less salt, with the entry into force of a law hailed by doctors and public health experts but that raises several doubts.
The new law sets a maximum of 1.4 grams of salt per 100 grams of bread and requires that labels on the packaging of pre-packaged foods provide information about the relative and absolute amount of salt in the container, as a percentage of the product and per serving or portion.
Bread manufacturers and bakers regret that the law leaves out products such as breakfast cereals and accuse the government of failing to give support to the sector.

POLICE “SLOPE TO THE WALL” A DOZEN SUSPECTS
A man was yesterday morning, arrested for drug possession in a police operation carried out by elements of the Police Station of Funchal and the Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR), around the Farmers’ Market, an official source confirmed within the Public Security Police. In this action, targeting locations notorious for drug trafficking, a quantity of heroin was seized amounting to about 50 doses. The commissioner Adelino Pepper said. "It was a routine activity in the vicinity of the Farmers’ Market in Funchal city centre, near the Larguinho, the Fair and the Largo do Pelourinho, where about a dozen individuals were subjected to a search (slope to the wall?) as is usual in actions of this type. The person arrested in possession of the quantity of drugs, was caught by police in Largo do Pelourinho, which led to the Regional Command presenting the accused to the Court. During this activity conducted by the Regional Command other individuals were detained for purposes of identification. One was detained for possession of a portion of the drug in quantities for personal consumption, which called for his referral to the Commission for the Deterrence of Addiction.

MAJOR POLICE OPERATION AT THE PORT OF FUNCHAL.
The newspaper knows of at least one taxi driver being arrested for being in possession of a weapon and that the PSP booked offenders for lack of legal documentation. A major traffic enforcement action started early in the morning, with about 30 bods from the Public Security Police, the Department of Immigration and people representing Tourism, in the main streets of Funchal concentrating on the access roads to the port of Funchal.
The reporter followed the “Stop” operations that focused on dozens of taxis, coaches and 4wd vehicles promoting their activities, and some of the ‘time-share’ sales characters all geared up to cruise ship passengers .
From 6 o’clock in the morning, the Regional Command of the PSP launched their operation at the roundabouts of Sá Carneiro and Ribeiro Seco with their highly visible equipment and counted on the back-up of deterrents such as a car “tow-away” trailer and the uniformed members of the Rapid Intervention Brigade.
Tour guide’s transportation licences, business licenses, liability insurance certificates, including copies of their legal and mandatory periodic inspections, were some of the documents most requested by the PSP in this major operation, which also included inspection of the interiors of vehicles.
Police found that many items required to be present were missing and it was noted for their records.
The Journal knows that at least one taxi driver was arrested for being in possession of a weapon. The driver was travelling with this dangerous weapon in the boot of his taxi.
Police action has since been extended to the Avenida do Mar, Avenida Sá Carneiro and Avenida do Infante, showing the PSP are going to be especially firm with regard to frequent transgressions,such as stopping in areas reserved for local parking or in the bus stop bays.
The Journal also found that these combined efforts are being mounted as the result of complaints made by various tour operators regarding how cluttered the port area becomes as some taxi companies and others promoting the tourism industry, hassle the tourists at the port of Funchal. .
The station on Avenida Sá Carneiro, where there are bus bays, is also a concern for the PSP.
This huge police operation is still going on along the streets of Funchal. Results of the ongoing police operation will be announced later in the day by the regional command

More news from Sue :

PSP identifies suspects in raids in the streets of downtown Funchal

Police handcuffed four people near a bar in the Largo do Pelourinho taking them into police custody for questioning

Police action triggered this morning in areas connoted with drug trafficking was far from discreet although it was said that it was a routine activity in this vicinity. Quantities of heroin (about 50 doses) were confiscated and several found to be in possession.

As part of an ongoing criminal investigation , officers of the squadron PSP Funchal supported by elements of the Rapid Intervention Brigade , carried out raids around 9.30am on several individuals in Larguinho da Feira , next to the Farmers’ Market.

Later, just before the 13 hours, another raid was made on four individuals in an alleged criminal act at a bar in Largo do Pelourinho. All were handcuffed and searched, and taken in police escort to Funchal.

New PDM will the meeting end of September

The Master Plan for the City of Santa Cruz will be released from various constraints to investment, and its initial draft should be ready by the end of September ready for a regular meeting of the municipality.

The president José Alberto Gonçalves ensured that the law would not put into question the future of the county. The document will be encouraging investment and development, and stressed that the MDP was in the process of collecting opinions from various outside entities involved. The next step following the meeting at the end of September will is the instigation of a Board meeting to drawn up the pre-planning stage. The mayor said it was necessary to adapt the Municipal Master Plan to the current situation, correcting procedures, particularly in terms of plots and green areas, the criteria must be better defined. However, at the next public meeting on September 2, the level of urbanization of Santa Cruz will be taken to debate and vote that would complete the phase of public discussion and the final report would be sent to the appropriate authorities.

According to information the next ‘Flash Mob ‘ in Funchal will be held on September 3

It is scheduled for September 3 at 13.30 , but the location of the second ‘Flash Mob Funchal ‘is the big surprise’ of the event organized by ACIF through the project ‘+ Trade ‘.

Rehearsals begin on Saturday (August 14) at 11am in the Square of ACIF. The remaining trials are scheduled for 21 and August 28 at the same time.

Stinkbug attacks the beaches of Porto Santo

Millions of small insects yesterday took up residence with thousands of people on the beach and other public spaces making it unbearable, either by the odor that insects expel, or its sting that resulted in some cases.

Nationals and residents on the island were not surprised by the return of the bedbug – smelling, best known as green -bug or ‘ monk ‘ but were surprised by their presence in hot and humid days as this was unusual, especially when there was no wind.

Although most of the bugs to be phytophagous, or feed on juice obtained from plants, like sap, some are nevertheless hematófafos, depending on their food they get from the blood when they bite an animal or even humans.

The presence of millions of these bugs leads to the inevitable contact with the humans as thousands were on terrace tables, umbrellas and of course do not you any peace and when it is crushed, the odor is more intense, because the ‘ monk ‘ expels odor very aggressive and very troublesome. When the wind returns the plague will tend to disappear with the same ease with which it appeared.

Could not believe this we had them in the South of France they are harmless but disgusting and you automatically want to ‘swat’ them – don’t – the smell is horrible – reminders for those little boys at school who had ‘stink bombs’.

Cars vandalized at a business park

Seven cars with broken windows, unlocked and dented

During the night from Monday to Tuesday at least seven cars were vandalized in the parking lots located outdoors within the Calheta Business Park, something that gives entrepreneurs to increase their speculation that the security inside this space is insufficient. Only one camera unit is placed on a metal pole at the entrance of the park, with the aggravated circumstance of the gate being open 24 hours. The estimated loss in accordance with the son of the owner of the company will be around 5-6 thousand. Bruno Fernandes, driver for Rally Trophy Yaris, fears that the insurance will not pay damages within the workshop, since the cars were not in the company space, and excluded, for now, any act of reprisal or settling of accounts that may be behind these acts.

The Public Security Police sent an officer to take account of the occurrence, but some of the affected owners have come to question authority, as it was not helpful to have the presence of PJ as they cannot gather more accurate data, especially at the level of fingerprints. The Journal also tried to learn from Ricardo Moran, president of the Madeira Business Park, whether the means of surveillance available at the Calheta were sufficient, but their efforts were fruitless. Information from the EPC stated that "the president is on vacation.

Well Uncle Albert did say he had no intention of answering the telephone and the others in charge should take action – it seems they didn’t want to and he has only be gone a couple of days.

The return of the British

There was an increased number of passengers in July compared to the same month last year. According to data made available by Madeira airport, there was an additional 1.2 percent, which translates into more than 2601 passengers, who pass from 214,932 in July 2009 to 217,533 in the same period this year.

The paper continues to give various statistics the worst one concerning Porto Santo whose results on balance reflect a loss of 21.1% representing a decrease in passengers by 7857.

Anyone interested to the detailed statistics they can be found in the Journal da Madeira.

The districts of Ribeira Brava and Câmara de Lobos confirmed yesterday the outbreak of three fires starting during the night and morning. One of the fires was small and was limited to burning weeds on the site of Mercy in Canhas this began shortly after two in the morning and was extinguished by 3:23 a.m. The Fire Department of Ribeira Brava (BVRB) sent three men and a heavy car to extinguish this fire.

A little later, in the same county, the corporation was again called to attend to a fire that destroyed the forest area, the site of Ribeira Funda. It was 7:52 a.m. when a team of BVRB came out for this incident and 8:49 a.m. when the fire was listed as extinct. The third incident started at 8:51 a.m., the corporation has sent three men and a heavy car to fight a forest fire at the site of Terreiros (Campanário).

A fourth incendiary started in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos at three in the morning and it was fought by 12 men and three vehicles of volunteer firefighters from Câmara de Lobos. The fire was extinguished at about 19 hours.

Lido closes doors as of today

Starting to-day , the lido swimming complex has been closed to the public, due to non-payment of rent and the cancellation of the last two catering concessions who had worked on the terrace above thus there is no justification that the complex remain open .

The Vice-Chairman of the Board ensured that the decision had not been taken lightly and regretted the loss of jobs incurred. The Lido would not open its doors after restoration due to the lack of funding that the Board needs and in addition the funds from the Media Law had also not been paid to the municipality.

Fire Ladders not High Enough

The Regional Office of Civil Protection is preparing to purchase two fire ladders essential in fighting a fire or other emergency situations in high rise buildings. Currently the region does not have this equipment and its acquisition is considered a priority by the Madeira.

One of 50 meters will be purchased and installed in Funchal by the end of this year or early next, the other one of 30 meters will be installed in the Santa Cruz/Machico region and should be available in September or October (they didn’t say what year!).

There is also an aim to increase the operational capability of the protection and defense against forest fires based on fire brigades in the region, with the purchase of nine vehicles to be used in a heavy type of terrain. These will form an emergency room which have already been delivered to Sao Vicente and Porto Moniz and Santana where they are now equipped with a tank capacity of approximately three thousand gallons of water and 100 liters of foam. The cost of the project amounted to 1.44 million. All corporations were covered in Madeira; Porto Santo is the only one remaining outside.

Two earthquakes off the coast of Madeira

The Institute of Meteorology recorded last Saturday, two earthquakes off the coast of Madeira. The first occurred in the sea north of Machico and had an intensity of 2.3 and the second happened east of Porto Santo and with a magnitude of 2.4. Neither one nor the other was felt on land. Last month six small earthquakes were recorded in the area of the Atlantic, all of small magnitude.

Ultraviolet radiation level with ‘Extreme ’til Wednesday

Up until Wednesday Funchal will register the highest level of ultraviolet radiation. According to the Meteorology Institute this Monday, Funchal has a level of 12 today (Tuesday) decreasing to 11 on Wednesday. These levels are considered ‘Extreme ‘. There for the Institute recommends that between the hours of 1200-1700 sun exposure should be avoided and people are advised to spend the day at home.

To the best of my knowledge the scale goes up to 16 – so it is high! So be careful.

Victory for Freddy Loix. Freddy Loix together with his team celebrated the Belgian in the 51st edition of the Madeira Wine Rally . Freddy Loix finished the race in 03:08:14, 3, 37.8 seconds faster than second-placed Jan Kopecký. Skoda took the first three places on the podium when Juho Hänninen was ranked third.

Miguel Nunes, ended up in fourth place with 1:48, 0 more than third place. Thus the driver increased his regional rally championship lead. Miguel Nunes who competed with a Peugeot engine leased to Portugal because his had engine problems before the race, he wants to solve the problem of the engine in order to be 100 % for the National Rally. The rented engine was returned on Sunday.

Executives of Government to take Decisions

On the eve of President Jardim’s vacation in Porto Santo he admitted that he was extremely tired. In a year that was marked by the storm on 20 February and the following work that ensued he was taking his holiday and would not be answering the telephone whilst on holiday. Those in charge should make the decisions. Good old Uncle Albert you tell them!

Son of Madeiran kidnapped in Venezuela

A young 20 year old son of immigrants from Campanário was abducted on Saturday morning in Caracas, is surrounded by mystery and intrigue. The victim, Alberto da Silva was released after contact with the Police at dawn yesterday near a shopping mall in the state of Miranda. According to Venezuelan media, however, the family has until today to pay the ransom demanded by kidnappers.

The Venezuelan media report that in the first contact with the family, the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of half a million Bolivars (approximately 87,500 Euros). Subsequently, the amount was reduced to one fifth of the value (100 000 (close to 17 500 Euros). The couple has been threatened with death if no payment of the sum demanded.

Yesterday, police in Caracas gathered information on the identity of the kidnappers and any places where the young Luso -descendants have been taken. According to the Venezuelan press the family is in contact with the police, but there were fears of further developments in the case. The authorities have assured continuation of investigations to identify the authors of the kidnapping but declined to give details of the case.

Louis Smith wins Cocktail Contest

Louis Soares, from the Quinta do Lago, was the winner of cocktail festival, whose challenge in the competition was the use of sugar- cane from Madeira. Second place went to Sonia Rodriguez, from the Quinta das Vistas and the third place went to Cristina Pimenta from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Madeira.

This contest closed the fifteenth edition of Machico Gastronomy Week yesterday but I am sure the drinking and dancing continued late into the night.

35 Children Participated in Sand Building at Praia Formosa.

(I found this quite amazing when you think of the seaside sand castles that are built in the UK! – they did call it sand building – but !!!)

Pedro Augusto Silva, 12, student at the Salesian School , was the winner of ‘ Building on Sand 2010 ‘ , organized by Diário de Notícias in Lisbon and Funchal by the company Ocean Front . In took place in the late morning of Saturday , at Formosa Beach, 35 competitors took part aged between 6 and 14 years , separated into two categories according to age and an allotted time of 45 minutes.

Ricardo Nunes, director of Ocean Front, Funchal is already thinking about next year but intends to make a schedule change to encourage more participants in the late afternoon rather than the late morning.

From Anneke, by email :

Last month I went to The Hague, my native town. I had to be there for a concert and farewell party of the conductor of The Hofstads Jeugdorkest. It is a Youth Orchestra. I have played in. It is the biggest (250 members) and oldest Youth Orchestra (1923) of the world.

Before the concert I went to the exposition Wild Wonders of Europe. I had only 1 hour time. That was much to short to see everything. I took some pictures and have put them on Flickr.

The pictures are really stunning. Many you can see on LINK. The country map of Portugal you see on LINK

Two pictures are taken on the Desertas and the Azores, the last two in the gallerie on Flickr.

There were 100 pictures to see, but I couldn’t take pictures of all. Also the quality of the pictures are not optimal because I have no digital camera. I had to scan them.

This exposition was first mentioned on the blog on June 14.

I advice you if you can go to this exposition it is it really worth going to.

Groetjes, Anneke.

Many thanks to Sue, Martin, Pete and Anneke for sending in a contribution(s) for this blog.

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Police handcuffed four people near a bar in the Largo do Pelourinho taking them into police custody for questioning

Stinkbug attacks the beaches of Porto Santo

Seven cars with broken windows, unlocked and dented

Two earthquakes off the coast of Madeira

Ultraviolet radiation level with ‘Extreme ’til Wednesday

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