This Photo of the view to Eagles Rock is from Jon’s website HERE. Thank you.
From Paul :
Portuguese Animals – mais emblemáticos. Visao magazine feature:.
Saturday 22nd May was International Biodiveristy Day
image caption : Cachalot – Sperm whale
Interactive Gallery of Portuguese Animals – mais emblemáticos:
European Health Insurance Card. New EU regulations from May 1 2010.
Due to changes in European Union regulations, from May 1 2010 the United Kingdom may be responsible for the issue of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) instead of the member state where you live
For more detail read the NHS pages on the card HERE
Nike ‘WRITE THE FUTURE’ Advert (full version) including Ronaldo on the Simpsons? VIDEO
The Guardian reports: "The ad, which forms the centre-piece of the US sportswear giant’s big budget World Cup marketing campaign across 32 countries, debuted during the Champions League final on ITV1 on Saturday night.
However, viewers in the south of England and Wales missed the climax of the three-minute ad, which tells the story of players including Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo and the fame or failure they experience depending how they perform during a tournament.
Media sources estimate the Champions League advertising slot probably cost Nike somewhere between £350,000 and £500,000.
The final five seconds ends with the global campaign strapline, "Write the Future", and the globally recognised brand property, the Nike "swoosh".Nike debuted the TV ad online ahead of the first television transmission. Link to full article:
Everything below from Elaine :
(Article in Portuguese.) Castro Marim receives International Festival of the Snail! Snails, beer and even more snails are the principal ingredients for the International Festival of the Snail held in Castro Marim from the 21 – 23 May. In participating pubs, visitors can taste the best snails cooked in the Algarve and in the country, and try new snail recipes presented by Spanish, French and Moroccan chefs. HERE
Rested and fortified. Penny Watson immerses herself in the proud wine history of this mountainous Portuguese island. Fittingly on an island renowned for its fortified wine, I’m lying in a bath of red wine, the purple liquid making islands of my knees and lapping at my chin like I’m some kind of Greek goddess. True, these grapes – or, more precisely, grape skin and vine-leaf extracts – aren’t the varieties found here on Madeira; they’re pinotage grapes grown in South Africa’s Stellenbosch wine region from where "vinotherapy" hails – but it all ties in rather nicely. Whether you imbibe it or bathe in it, wine is part of the Madeira experience. HERE
These two articles are in The Portugal News Online
Motion doomed to fail. The main opposition Social Democrats, who are negotiating support for the Socialist government’s austerity package, have said they will abstain from a Communist motion of no confidence in parliament later this week. Social Democratic spokesman, Miguel Relvas, announced the stance late on Tuesday saying the party did not want to add a political crisis to the country’s economic plight. That vote has already been and gone … the result thankfully exactly as predicted. Der
Lisbon shortlisted for easyJet base. Lisbon could soon be home to an easyJet base should negotiations provide the right circumstances, after the Portuguese capital was amongst those whittled down to a shortlist from an initial line up of some 70 candidates. Should negotiations be successful, an easyJet base could represent €1.2 billion in revenue over a six-year period, the Lisbon Tourism Board calculated.
News from Diário de Notícias and Jornal da Madeira
SATURDAY 22nd MAY
FRONT PAGE NEWS
‘Straws’ will help promote Madeira. The President of the Regional Government asks mayors to use their imagination to give impetus to local life through new initiatives that do not cost much money. He was visiting the re-qualified typical Santana houses adjacent to the Town Hall which are proof of the creativity, intelligence and innovation of the team led by the mayor Rui Moses. Jardim stressed it is possible to do work that is valued without investing millions. The council has the option of keeping the present use of each house, exhibiting typical aspects and traditions of local Madeiran life: flowers, fruits, food and pastries, embroidery and tourist information. Global marketing and advertising are important and are successful when using regional symbols that remain in people’s memories, represented by the new mascot of Santana called ‘Straws’.
Recuperation of the Farmers’ Market. Reparation of February 20th storm damage. Investment of 340,000 euros with 50% from the Tourism of Portugal PIT funds. PIT – Program of Intervention of Tourism, designed for: investment in infrastructures that contribute to the development of tourist centres, strategic tourism projects, upgrading of tourist destinations and events that promote Portugal as a tourist destination. The Farmers’ Market was a project of Edmundo Tavares 70 years ago and opened on the 25th November 1940. It is a testament to the architecture of the Estado Novo.
COUNTRY
Lobo marinho and Freira among the species most at threat. For the International Day of Biodiversity, Quercus (environmental group) has chosen 25 species found on Portuguese territory that are under threat and need conserving. These are 13 species of vertebrate and 12 species of flora. The Lobo marinho is critically endangered globally and has a low effective population size. The Freira da Madeira is endemic to the Madeiran archipelago and is considered one of the most threatened seabird species in Europe.
ECONOMY
Japanese in bay. The Japanese cruise ship Asuka II calls at Funchal for the first time under this current designation. 470 tourists are on a world cruise which began on April 4th and returns to Japan on June 15th. The Asuka II is owned by the Japanese company NYK Line and can accommodate 1,010 tourists. The 20 year old ship has simple interior decoration and the crew are from Japan, the Philippines and Europe. Entertainment is provided by a small orchestra with an internationally known pianist. The Asuka II was constructed in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and is the largest Japanese cruise ship. This cruise ship previously visited Funchal under the name Crystal Harmony on five occasions from 1992 to 1997. The second cruise ship scheduled for today is the Noordam with 1,900 Americans. This ship comes from Miami and travels onto Malaga. After this transatlantic cruise, the Noordam moors in Durban to act as a floating hotel during the Fifa World Cup 2010. The final cruise ship scheduled for today is the Costa Mediterrânea bringing 2,200 from Tenerife, also sailing onto Malaga.
SUNDAY 23rd MAY
FRONT PAGE NEWS
Three foster families for the elderly in 19 years. In 1991, a new scheme was started to allow households to act as foster families for the elderly. For cultural and financial reasons, there have only been three families willing to help someone who is not related to them. The salaries are unappealing, 440 euros per month for caring for an independent elderly person and 672 euros per month for a dependent person. To help the elderly in their own homes, there are 179 carers in the region who receive around 247 euros per month. Most are in Funchal and the rest work in Câmara de Lobos and Calheta.
49 cases of child abuse this year. The phenomenon of child abuse covers all social classes although most cases are detected in lower social class families. Middle and upper class families have a greater ability to cover up child abuse. The number has dropped from 59 for a similar period last year. The most common form of abuse is parental neglect followed by physical abuse, psychological abuse and sexual abuse. Indicators for child abuse are: parental neglect; child under 12 years old; result of unwanted pregnancy; single parent family; domestic violence in the family; socioeconomic and housing problems; financially dependent on the state; family member with alcohol or drug addiction; dysfunctional family; living in social housing and in Funchal or Câmara de Lobos.
MADEIRA
35 houses to be demolished. Funchal Council has started the demolition of 35 houses damaged by the February 20th storm in the high-risk areas of Caminho da Ribeira Grande and Sítio dos Moinhos. One resident is persistently refusing to leave her home of over 50 years. She insists she is used to living in a dangerous area and is not interested in renting a new apartment. The new Lei de Meios streamlines the process of expropriation but every effort is undertaken to act humanely. In high risk areas near water courses, there will be no licences issued for new buildings but the areas could be used for other purposes such as agriculture.
CULTURE
Flower Ball for Madeira and in Madeira in 2011. On Saturday 29th May, the Palácio Estoril Hotel is holding the 10º Baile da Flor to raise funds for non-profit making institutions on the Continent and in Madeira. In 2011, a similar ball will be held in Reid’s Palace Hotel and will also celebrate the 120 years of this hotel. The ball will be held on the eve of the Flower Festival Parade so visitors can come for the weekend and participate in both events. The usual event will still continue in Portugal next year and was started by a group of ladies who hold charity teas. The event in Portugal for 300 includes a dance accompanied by a live orchestra, Madeira Wine and flowers sent from the Tourism Department, at a cost of 120 euros per head. This should provide a lucrative amount for Madeira if well attended. The Duques de Bragança, Regional Secretary for Tourism and the Mayor of Funchal will participate along with other well-known guests and a delegation of ten will travel specially for the occasion from Holland.
MONDAY 24th MAY
FRONT PAGE NEWS
Security flaw at the Book Fair. Three pavilions of the Book Fair were burgled early yesterday morning resulting in a thousand euros in losses. A laptop, a recorder and money were stolen. Two stands from ‘Fnac’ and one from ‘Atlantilivro’ were easily entered through the doors causing little structural damage. They are situated by the Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias, a busy area near the city’s nightclubs but the regular movement of people did not deter the assailants. The level of security has been the same as in previous years and the organizers want the police to investigate and ensure the safety of the event.
MADEIRA
18 ‘caught’ without alcohol rewarded by police. 18 people aged between 18 and 30 were ‘caught’ with zero percent blood alcohol on Saturday night/Sunday morning. Last week was dedicated to addiction prevention and at the weekend, 100 percent cool brigades were in various locations in Funchal and tested 392 drivers. Of these, 18 were 100% without alcohol and were rewarded with 25 euros fuel vouchers. The National Association of Spirits promotes the 100 percent cool brigades which consist of police, health and voluntary sector workers whose aim is to educate young people about moderation in alcohol consumption.
ECONOMY
Eclipse in port. The new Celebrity Eclipse visits for the first time today. 2,905 tourists arrive from Southampton on this new cruise ship which first entered service on the 24th April. Earlier this year, the Eclipse was ranked as the most energy efficient in the world with 30% less energy consumption. The hull is constructed and painted to minimize water resistance, solar panels and LED lighting are used. The many innovations include a net space dedicated to Apple products such as iPods and MacBooks.
Reid’s Palace promotes Madeira in Russia. Reid’s Palace Hotel held a campaign in Moscow last week, demonstrating Madeiran cuisine. The event was held in the BlackBerry restaurant promoting the region as a tourist destination and the hotel which in recent years has viewed Russia as an emerging market. A direct charter flight from Moscow during summer 2008 filled 5% of hotel rooms, then this figure dropped in 2009 when there was no direct connection. The launch of TAP’s route from Lisbon to Moscow with connections to Madeira is an excellent opportunity for attracting Russian tourists requiring luxury hospitality. The Russia – Portugal route has proved successful so frequency has been increased from five to six flights a week. 30% of these passengers visit Madeira. Reid’s Palace sent the head chef Luís Pestana with two other chefs and the director of sales and marketing to inform the trade and journalists about Madeira and the hotel. The BlackBerry is famous in Russia for its eclectic mix of cuisines served in a friendly atmosphere with a good standard of service. It is promoted as excellent food at reasonable prices. On May 17th, the chefs provided a tasting menu followed by a press conference. A gala dinner was organized for the next day attended by celebrities and society figures of Moscow and Portuguese diplomats.
CULTURE
Fight to keep the collective memory of the brigalhó. This tuber, which resembles a yam, only appears in April and May growing under trees in Curral das Freiras. It has to be baked for 24 hours in an iron pot lined with vines and herbs popularly called azedas (azeda means sour and is a herb with an acidic flavour of the family Poligonáceas) added to make it edible without a burning sensation in the mouth. It can also be fried, seasoned with garlic or parsley. Cooked brigalhó can be frozen for consumption throughout the year. The raw tuber cannot be handled without wearing gloves because it causes skin irritation and when cooked, it forms unattractive small balls. In the past, the brigalhó was part of the diet of many poor families in Curral das Freiras. To keep this tradition alive, the local Casa do Povo has for the past eight years held the Amostra do Brigalhó. Yesterday, 300 kilos were prepared for people – especially visitors from outside the area – to try.
Many thanks to Paul and Elaine for sending in a contribution(s) for this blog.
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
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.
Madeira News Blog / madeira4u © 2007 – 2010 All Rights Reserved
image caption : Stadium of SC Beira-Mar at Aveiro.jpg/200px-Diego_Milito_-_Inter_Mailand_(3).jpg)
Portuguese football coach Jose Mourinho writes his name into the history books. the BBC reports: "Jose Mourinho writes his name into the history books as Diego Milito inspired Inter Milan to Champions League glory against Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu .jpg/800px-Jose_Mourinho_-_Inter_Mailand_(7).jpg)
image caption : José Mourinho, F.C. Internazionale Milano
image caption : Composición de seis fotos de el estadio santiago bernabeu del real madrid, tomadas desde el vomitadero de la torre 3 entre el tercer y el cuarto anfiteatro. Me encanta el resultado![securedownload[1]](http://madeiraislanddirect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/securedownload1.jpg "securedownload[1]")
"…a series of rock festivals held in Brazil and later in Portugal and Spain. Future festivals are planned in Poznań (Poland)
image caption : Horacio da Silva Roque: 1944-2010, Source: Diário de Notícias
caption : Size comparison of an average human and a Blainville’s beaked whale
The artist v architect. 
Bayern winger Arjen Robben
2. Pauleta L’Aigle des Açores – "The Birdman of the Açores".
4. Luis Figo – "The Wolverine".
Tax revenue increased 2.2% in the same period, leading to a reduction in the central government budget deficit of EUR298.1 million to EUR4.56 billion. The deficit figure excludes regional and local government spending and the social-security system.
Portugal Telecom and Spain’s Telefónica squabble over Brazil. The Economist reports:
Government forgets about Eiras. Residents living in Urbanização Eiras III are still waiting for the Regional Government to start the reconstruction of this urbanization three months after the storm. A protective wall is needed around the Ribeira dos Pretetes that runs opposite the development and destroyed 16 homes and 28 cars. The vice-president of Santa Cruz says repair costs are borne by owners and there are several credit lines set up for this purpose. A study of the stream is being undertaken so the council can take appropriate measures. 
Onion Festival starts today with popular entertainment. The XIII Edition of the Onion Festival runs from today until Sunday at the Praça da Igreja in Caniço. Opened tonight by the Banda Municipal de Santa Cruz at 20.00. Tomorrow, Grupo Musical e Cultural Reis Magos perform at 20h30, followed an hour later by ‘Sóbanda’. For the final day, Sunday, Banda Filarmónica das Eiras at 19h45, then João Luís Mendonça with his show ‘Madeira em Festa’. The Cortejo Alegórico (Festival Parade) begins at 17.30 on Sunday, joined by 200 school children. It goes from the Post Office, past the pharmacy and ends in front of the church. 
