Madeira 80 years ago ; Great Northern Loon ; Socialists regroup ; New buses in Funchal
Today’s photo – Many thanks to Pete … "Pleasant day in the Madeira sun".
Pete says (by email) : "May I add a comment for the blog. Has anyone suggested a column where people who been looking for items in shops, and can’t find them, a suggestion from readers giving advice on how to find them?" Suggestions always welcome, but in this case a question about the item in the comments would probably do the trick Pete. The truth is that I have implemented a number of reader suggestions over the years, but the reality is that the ones that rely on reader involvement or contributions just die a death because there are insufficient people willing to get involved. Der.
This is a blog of a lady called Kim who lives on Madeira, and although the blog article link provided isn’t itself very relevant to Madeira (about a ferry trip from Funchal to the Canary islands on holiday in 2008), who knows if some interesting articles may appear later. She has already written some ‘interesting’ and varied pieces, that you can see on the right hand menu under RECENT ARTICLES
If you like poetry this is cute, with a nice picture of some men indulging in the famous ‘Vinho Seco’. “Madeira Under The Vine” by Mitch Hicks
… and one for the birdwatchers too, with a video of the Great Northern Loon in Madeira I am not quite sure where the ‘great’ bit originated though.
Becky kindly sent in this video link … I am sure I saw Uncle Bertie in there somewhere eating an empanada
Also from Becky, a blog from a ‘mysterious person’ who was here in the early 1970′s : "There was a small, exclusive restaurant located in a basement below a small supermarket (an oddity in itself in those days !). This was up one of these little winding roads on a hill. And in this little restaurant, we would have tornado rossini steaks that were probably 2" thick and served on a 2" thick matching piece of delicious fresh bread, with the juices soaking into it. And all around this steak would be small, delicate servings of various vegetables. And there was a different waiter for every item — one for the water, one for the wine, one for the bread, one for the meal … the service was incredible. The entire meal ran about $2". JOJO ZAWAWI’S BLOG
See if you can figure out what these words have in common :
1 Banana, 2 Dresser, 3 Grammar, 4 Potato, 5 Revive, 6 Uneven, 7 Assess.
Many thanks to Elaine once again for yesterday’s top news stories :
FRONT PAGE NEWS – Diário 26/01/2010
PS regroup. The president of the Socialist Party, Jacinto Serrão, wants to recover lost votes and activists (party members). Among them, of course, the so-called independents of Gaula and when specifically asked about them, he said he has an "open mind". At the last election, the socialists lost in all counties, particularly Santa Cruz and Câmara de Lobos where they lost to the smaller political parties. Jacinto Serrão views "hopeful signs" with "tens" of new activists and the party needs restructuring and new bodies should be operational in three weeks time. He insists the internal dispute ended on January 9th (election of new leader) and there is room for supporters of the other main candidate for leadership, Victor Freitas.
Machico increases money for sport but not culture. The Municipality of Machico has frozen money transferred to cultural associations regardless of an increase or decrease in the number of planned activities. This decision was taken on January 15 at the last council meeting. As in previous years, the socialist councillors abstained from approval of this vote. The socialists maintain that over the past five years, funding for sport has increased by 28% (60,000 Euros) but not a penny more for cultural associations. The amount transferred to the football clubs themselves is more than the total for cultural associations. The socialists recommend a 20% increase in funding for culture. The mayor, Emanuel Gomes said the crisis justifies the assignments. The council is having liquidity problems with no prospect of an increase in revenue from the State and a large loss in revenue from construction works and licensing of works. 43,250 Euros has been allocated to 13 cultural associations. Only three receive more council funding, 7,500 Euros each: Banda Municipal de Machico, Prestige Dance and the Cultural Group ‘Flores de Maio’.
MADEIRA
Dolce Vita teaches energy conservation and road safety. A roadshow aiming to increase awareness and publicize the best solutions for tackling climate change and the rational use of energy, runs from 29 January to 1 February. It is accompanied by an exhibition, ‘The Future of Our Climate: Man and the Atmosphere’, highlighting greenhouse gases and climate change and what people can do to combat them. Between now and February 5, the police are raising awareness of road safety and accidents. In the session, there will be a simulation of a traffic accident between a motorbike and a car, accompanied by a photographic exhibition showing accidents that have occurred in Madeira.
Copyright ends up in court. Six Madeiran owners of restaurants and nightclubs have refused to pay the licence fee for playing music in their establishments. This has forced the Society of Portuguese Authors (SPA) to proceed with litigation. The fee is 300 Euros per year per establishment. For the last eighteen months, members of SPA have visited shops, bars and restaurants with background music and asked them for their licence. Most have no licence and some have chosen to turn off the music, many rebelled with verbal abuse. The ones that do apply for a licence before opening a bar are the few older immigrants form the UK, who are used to having to apply for a licence. The members are used to answering questions about copyright of intellectual property as there is confusion over the rules and this Saturday at 9.30 pm, they are holding a free-entry information session at the Municipal Theatre. There will be an interval with a live music session.
Bothersome bad smell in Santo da Serra. The transport and disposal of debris from the Lagoa do Santo da Serra caused an outcry at the end of last week. The owner of the site is cleaning up the lagoa (pond) and the smell comes from the foliage, branches and tree trunks removed. The president of the Parish Council would not visit the area, saying it is the responsibility of Santa Cruz Council and the council’s environment office have ordered that the intensity of the smell is reduced.
Dispute over land leaves three injured. An alleged dispute over land was the source of shots fired on Sunday night in the parish of Boaventura. A 55 year old father and 48 year old mother are in the Department of Surgery at Funchal Hospital and the 22 year old daughter received emergency treatment for a minor hand injury. The mother has a serious abdominal wound. The alleged perpetrator is a person in their sixties and has been arrested and an application for coercive measures will be made today at the District Court at São Vicente. The crime occurred at 19.00 at Fajã do Penedo where the alleged perpetrator owns land close to the injured family.
Death of a construction worker on trial. The death occurred on the 28 February 2008, when the construction worker was installing water pipes at the Estrada Nova da Marinheira, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos. A traditional stone wall collapsed and buried the 40 year old man who was working in a ditch. At yesterday’s court hearing, evidence was heard from witnesses including relatives, co-workers and security experts. No-one can explain why the wall collapsed and the accident could not have been predicted. A photographic survey before the work was undertaken did not reveal any signs of instability. The plaintiffs want the case to be considered an accident at work so the widow can receive a pension and compensation from the insurer and company responsible for the work.
Lived for a century. Bernadette Maria Correia de Menezes Telo was born on January 26, 1910. Reaching 100 years is a gift, but to reach this age with lucidity and reasonable mobility is a luxury that few reach. Bernadette was born in Santana and lived there for most of her life and also resided in Funchal. Two siblings have died and her husband, who was 10 years older, died 30 years ago. She has had four children but the youngest died. There are six living grandchildren after one died in an accident in South Africa, and three great-grandchildren. She was born in the year of the war and news in the early twentieth century was transmitted through the radio. When Bernadette was young, Santana came alive during holidays with families from Funchal spending their summer holidays there. At such times, they danced the foxtrot and waltzes. With her siblings, she entertained by playing the guitar, viola and bandolin. She does not know what has been planned for today’s celebrations but they include the whole family as it is such an important date. — Looks well in the photo – no information about how many reach this age. Does she receive a telegram and if so, from which president?
CULTURE
Work of Max Römer helps UNICEF – Haiti. The exhibition running at the Mouraria Gallery until 20 February is to celebrate 20 years of the company Dima. Dima have launched a collection of seven postcards, inspired by this artist’s work and reproduced by an English artist, Alex Jawdakímov (watercolours). Each set costs five Euros which goes to the UNICEF – Haiti appeal. According to one of the private collectors who have loaned pieces for the exhibition, Römer was a versatile artist and the most important aspect of his work was in the design. He introduced the first machine to produce postcards to Madeira.
Fadista honours Madeira. Concert by Salvador Taborda at the Municipal Theatre in Funchal on Friday 29 January at 21.30. He will present themes from his most recent album ‘A Cor do Fado’ and from previous recordings. He will sing a previously unheard piece which is a tribute to Madeira. Salvador is accompanied by three musicians who are also of the new generation of fado. It is the first time that he has sung in the region and this Portuguese artist was invited by Miguel Albuquerque [Funchal Council President]. Tickets cost 10 Euros with discounts for young people and senior citizens.
ECONOMY
FNC Excursões have a new branch. Located in the Quinta Bela de São Tiago. Their tourist activities are sought after by young people and they take advantage of low-cost airlines in the region. New programs called ‘Stress Out’ and ‘Life is Beautiful’ and they have official walking guides and use Springcar coaches. Also have a website for booking.
Le Grand Bleu mega-yacht in port. This private yacht is in port today for refuelling and to give the crew a rest period. The yacht arrives from Philipsburg at 19.00 and leaves on Friday at 7 am. This is the third visit and the yacht occupies the 16th position in the list of the largest motor yachts in the world. The mega-yacht was commissioned in 2000 by the billionaire John McCaw and was acquired in 2002 by Roman Abramovich and since 2008, has been owned by Eugene Shvidler. The Lobo Marinho ferry returns to port today after a 15 day break for the annual maintenance work and should resume the maritime link to Porto Santo tomorrow at 8 am.
10 new Funchal buses capable of carrying wheelchairs and pushchairs. 10 new buses for the company Horários do Funchal after an investment of 2 million Euros. The central door has a hydraulic ramp for wheelchairs and pushchairs / prams. These new buses mean that ten old buses, more than 23 years old, can be withdrawn from service. There will also be environmental gains. Two banks finance 50% of the cost of the buses which is 945,000 Euros plus IVA for each bus. There is a problem of obtaining buses with a centrally placed engine as Volvo are the only firm presently manufacturing them. The buses entering service in 2008 have a rear engine and can only be used on 42% of the routes whereas the new buses can be used on 80% of the routes. Example of a difficult route is the intersection between Caminho de Ferro and Rua da Levada de Santa Luzia.
POLITICS
PCP against ‘backdoor’ privatization. The Regional Government wants to transfer the Professional School of Hospitality and Tourism to the private sector, to free the Regional Budget of €4.5 million annually. The deadline for tenders is Thursday and the application period was only 37 days. The communists say the transfer for a period of 15 years is a matter of public interest and should be subject to clarification. If quality of training worsens, then the regional economy will be harmed.
Levada in Calheta costs a fortune. Members of the PSD were in the area of Maloeira in Calheta to inspect part of the upgrading work between Funchal and Ponta do Pargo, a total investment of 4.2 million Euros. The first phase, between Salão and Prazeres was completed last summer (13 km/1.3 million Euros) and this second phase extends to Ponta do Pargo (26 km/2.9 million Euros). 85% is co-funded by the EU and the remaining cost is from the Regional Budget. This irrigation channel will be upgraded by 2011 and serves 4,900 farmers and four water treatment stations. The cost is justified as the levada is 60 years old and looses 30 litres per second.
Gaula discuss postponement of works. The Parish of Gaula want a discussion with the local population in the next few days, about the postponement of the work on the Caminho do Porto Novo – Achada Rocha. The postponement was decided last November after a meeting of the Regional Government (Jardim?) and the Municipal Council of Santa Cruz. Élvio Sousa (JPP), the President of Gaula Parish Council, says the precise timing of the meeting will depend on the supply of documents by Santa Cruz Council, needed to analyze the contract. The parish council want to know what the local population want them to do next.
Finance Minister appeals to parties. Teixeira dos Santos said that the Regional Finance Law is "spending at a time when there must be rigour, discipline and budget constraints". He said it will have an impact on the State Budget. Manuela Ferreira Leite, the national PSD leader, said the law is not a budget issue and should be debated separately. The PS are pressurizing the PSD, insisting that they cannot say the fundamental problem is Portugal’s debt and put forward a proposal that increases the debt by financial transfers to an autonomous region. The CDS-PP are trying to reach a consensus as they are important intermediaries but their position is not clear.
Jardim is not intimidated by Teixeira dos Santos. The Finance Minister has threatened to resign if the Regional Finance Law is passed and Jardim has reacted swiftly, "The exit of Teixeira dos Santos from Government is the biggest favour he could do for the country." Jardim states "the Portuguese are being cheated" as Madeira does not want anymore money but "a replacement of the conditions created by a socialist law". The Regional Government has calculated that the revision of the law would account for 0.05% of the 2010 State Budget. Jardim said that for the Finance Minister to threaten to resign over this small percentage was either irresponsible or blackmail. This amount is less than the amount transferred to TAP and the international community would think that the Portuguese are crazy. The Portuguese would realize that to threaten to resign over a law representing 0.04% of GDP is a plot. In reference to the leader of the Azores, Jardim said that his declarations were serious but the Azores would not be jeopardized by the revision of the law.
LATE NEWS
Benefit concert for Haiti. The students of the Conservatório-Escola das Artes will hold a concert to raise funds for the victims. 21.00 on Thursday at the Municipal Theatre in Funchal.
JORNAL DA MADEIRA
Porto Santo Line will review subsidized airline tickets. The company will review next year, the policy that Porto Santo residents can buy subsidized flight tickets during the time when the Lobo Marinho is in dry dock for annual maintenance. Many abuses were recorded, with cases of people buying five tickets at prices much cheaper than normal (28.60 Euros) and will use them in April and May. Such people have never travelled on the ferry during 2009 and disadvantage residents who need to travel for essential reasons. The normal cost of the trip for residents is 80 Euros and there were 50 subsidized places per day. This is the first year that they have detected this exploitation.
Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :
Today’s main news headline : Finances of Madeira confuse until the end – Sócrates today wants to postpone the Regional Finance Law again. The Social Democrat Party already dropped the retroactive payment [arrears], and the Christian Democrats carry on doing the sums. Madeira could receive only half of what it wanted. There are several lead stories in the Diário today on this subject, with a big day ahead for Madeira, and an even bigger day ahead for the Socialist Government, who risk losing the vote with their minority holding, something that could have bigger repercussions for Portugal as a whole. If the matter of arrears has been dropped, and the financial benefit for Madeira is now as low as quoted above, then aside from some constitutional type issues included, the RFL has become nothing more really than a political football and we will see how many players each team has later today.
Tunnel with emergency exit in the backyard earns a slating – Residents threaten to resort to the European Court because the emergency exit of the new road branch to Madalena comes out at the access of the garage of the building. The government says it is cutting costs. The owners of the apartments in the building in Madalena do Mar are upset that the government is making a compulsory purchase of land that will serve as an exit from an emergency escape tunnel from the new main road tunnel being constructed. The access road will then become part of the public highway. The 309 square meter area being targeted not only takes the access road to the building garage, but also some ‘out front’ parking spaces for the apartments and shops. I didn’t know that Madalena had any shops?
Islands and Centenary of the Republic are being debated this year – The Study Centre of Atlântico has a cultural and scientific programme.
Rupture in the water mains leaves Santo António without water. These were commonplace when I first moved to Madeira, with a lot of digging and building work going on, and a loss of water supply every few months, but I have to say I don’t think we have lost our water supply for several years now. With my monthly bill still at around €4 a month, even though it has probably doubled in 3 years, I think that with service like that it is pretty good value for money.
The main sport / football headline today : Rúben Micael ignites war Porto – Benfica. The Madeiran player, now in FC Porto, exposes the intimidation of Jorge Jesus and Rui Costa in the game Benfica v Nacional. With just a week after joining Porto from Nacional, the lad from Câmara de Lobos has gone in with two feet, not that that fire needed reigniting. This all goes back to the match in Lisbon last October when there were a number of unpleasant incidents, and Micael accuses the Benfica coach of trying to provoke trouble and making a two fingered gesture at him. He said in the radio interview that it was the first time he had been asked for his version of events.
If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link. All contributions much appreciated.
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![clip_image001[8]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rigo23.jpg "clip_image001[8]")
‘Green light’ to open on Saturdays. A year after the PSP raided the Sunday Fair at Santo de Serra, the stall holders have reduced the amount of counterfeit goods on sale. After a face-lift which was inaugurated on October 3, the traders welcome the improved working conditions which are not as muddy as in previous years. This has increased the number of visitors but not necessarily an increase in turnover. The 96 stalls cost 60 Euros a month to rent from Santa Cruz Council and the stall holders want an additional fair on Saturdays to justify that amount. The Diário reporters visited the fair on Sunday and found pirated DVDs but not the usual imitation clothing. The police say they are now more successful in Funchal, especially in apprehending fake goods sold on the streets at Christmas. There are 96 stalls available for sundries and an additional 7 for food and drink. The charge is 180 Euros a quarter for stalls and 360 Euros for spaces to sell food and drink. A councillor said that nothing prevents the fair opening on other days. It is for the stall holders to decide whether to open on Saturdays and the Council always aims for 100% occupancy, easily met as there is a waiting list.
Elderly woman escaped a rockfall. An octogenarian escaped unharmed after falling rocks hit her house around 3.30 am yesterday morning. The residence is situated in the Travessa da Encarnação in Panasqueira in Câmara de Lobos. Whilst the woman was asleep, a stone wall on land 15 metres above the house collapsed and hit the house. The rocks caused severe damage to the roof and some landed in the room adjacent to the woman’s bedroom. The neighbours heard the noise and the woman’s shouts for help and helped her to leave. She is now staying at her daughter’s house which is located nearby. The area where the stones came from is unstable and threatens the two neighbouring houses. The Fire Department and Council of Câmara de Lobos have been informed and the area inspected.
Environmental inspections doubled in 4 years. Of the 396 environmental inspections carried out in 2009, 22 were for construction waste and 7 for landfill. The eight authorized landfills withstood the last rains well. The others were the problem. Despite the amount of construction work diminishing, there has been illegal dumping of waste on roadsides, usually during late afternoon and evening and this is causing the most damage. From these, the runoff is not controlled. Ribeiras are showing visible signs of pollution, for example the Ribeira dos Socorrides and Ribeira da Madalena. During the period 2005/9, there were 1,953 inspections compared to 892 over the previous four years. In 2005/9, there were 900 prosecutions compared to 393 for the period 2000/04. There were 42 warnings issued in 2009. Fines totalled 92,250 Euros, of which €63,750 went on legal costs. It cost the defendants 40,000 Euros to repair the environmental damage. (Photo shows an area at Porto Novo called ‘Aterro Maritimo’ and the sea ‘ate’ part of it despite the boulders, which disappeared).
Promotion in London. The Marinas of Quinta do Lorde and Porto Santo are promoted in London. The most prestigious international boat show, the Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show, runs until January 13. There are 500 worldwide exhibitors at this trade fair and thousands of visitors are expected. It is the third time that the Marina of Quinta do Lorde is represented at this event.
Green Tariff – The electric and hybrid cars already benefit from a 50% discount in ten parking meters in Funchal. From 1st January, ten parking meters (individuals, not zones it seems) managed by Sociedade de Exploração de Parques have a sticker that gives qualifying cars a 50% discount. As yet they have not had any contact from interested parties for enjoyment of this privilege. Any driver with a car that fits the requirement needs to go to the Câmara Municipal do Funchal with the car and personal documents, and they will be issued with a card to be placed in the windscreen of the qualifying vehicle. Hybrid vehicles can be purchased on Madeira now, but there is no dealership yet for electric vehicles. I am not clear if these parking spaces are exclusively for hybrid / electric cars, or if any car can use them (at full price clearly), so it may be that electric vehicles exhaust their batteries in the search for a vacant one. The list of the 10 parking meters is in the article 
Today’s main news headline : Lacking Ventilators – The outbreak of Gripe A swine flu has filled the inpatient wards for the Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, and occupied the ventilators [for assisted breathing?]. The Army has also provided an apparatus on loan and, to avoid greater evils, SESARAM has launched a tender contest to acquire nine new machines. Knowing the way tender processes work on Madeira, I would imagine that by the time the 9 new ventilators actually arrive, swine flu will have been superseded by banana flu! The picture with the article I am sure is of an elaborate top of the range computer controlled ‘Goblin Teas maid’
MSC Splendida visits Funchal for the first time. Photo of the ship this morning. This new cruise ship accompanied two others, bringing a total of around 7,000 tourists. The Splendida has 3,300 tourists on board but can accommodate up to 3,887 passengers. Arriving form Tenerife at 7 am, she sails for Malaga at 17.00. Traditional arrival ceremony hosted by the Ship Enthusiasts Club and the port authorities but she will not be seen here again until 21 January 2011.
Rampa de Carros de Pau in Água de Pena. (These are home-made wooden go-karts). 28 ‘cars’ and 40 participants in the fourth edition of the race which is organized by the Parish Council. There were more participants yesterday afternoon than previously. Some ‘cars’ are conspicuous in their originality, one decorated with the ‘colours of Ferrari’. The competition is open to all ages and there are prizes for all present, especially the winners of the two categories: individuals and pairs. As they went between the Caminho Florestal and the Queimada de Cima, there were a few minor scratches and bruises from falling off or to poor driving ability, especially around corners, but all the participants were satisfied and happy to complete the course. — I watched them on the news this morning and they were able to accurately steer when they had to weave in between tyres placed in the centre of the road, and quite reasonable speeds were achieved. Some were wearing the requisite helmets and elbow and knee pads but not all. I remember that the race had to be rescheduled to yesterday due to previous bad weather. Fathers and children had combined forces, really enjoying themselves and proud of their efforts – great to see.
Right to a view in Avista Navios recognized by the courts. A widow in her 70s living in Caminho do Avista Navios in Nazaré, Funchal has had a long standing dispute with a neighbour over construction work which obstructed her view of the bay of Funchal. She owns a building of 762 square metres and a neighbour built a wall that caused the dispute. The neighbour bought the property in 2003 and in 2004 built a wall which was 2.35 metres high rather than the legal 1.5 metres, and a chimney for a barbecue which also obscured the view. The widow complained that her house has an aluminium and glass porch with a 80 cm high balcony, from which there had been a fantastic view over the city. She has had this right to a view for over 20 years and in addition, the building works caused water damage to her property. In 2005, the defendant was ordered to lower the wall to 1.80 metres and replace the adjacent roof and gutter that had been removed. The neighbour refused and in 2008, another court case ruled that the widow had a right to a view, the offending part of the wall would have to be demolished and compensation paid. The case then went to the Appeal Court in Lisbon and without any reasons given, the court ruled the first decision was correct. The neighbour, still not satisfied, went back to the Appeal Court and on the 10 December, the court again ruled the widow had a right to a view and part of the wall had to be demolished. The defendant has no right to further appeal and will have to comply with the court order.
Two hundred watched the Cantar os Reis. The rain did not stop attendance at this initiative yesterday afternoon, organized by the Casa do Povo da Camacha. It is the first time a tent has had to be used due to heavy rain, erected in the Largo da Achada by Santa Cruz Council. Folklore groups from Camacha and Santo da Serra took part. They will still keep the tradition of singing at people’s homes during the night of the 5 – 6 January. 
It is recalled that each year there are more houses visited. The "Kings" are received with great joy and are always invited to visit the Lapinha and have a liqueur and sample the traditional broas and cakes of this season. This activity has always been held on the Saturday before the Epifania do Senhor (Epiphany of the Lord), (the day the Church celebrates the Dia de Reis, second Sunday after Christmas). The fact that this initiative falls on a Saturday makes it possible for young people, mostly students, to participate since the visits last into the night. 
150 thousand litres of water ‘bail out’ Ponta do Sol. Over 150,000 litres of drinking water have been distributed in just 4 days. The tankers used to provide the water will not result in any additional costs for Ponta do Sol council. Normality is returning to domestic users in Ponta do Sol, as drinking water now flows through household taps. A week ago around 5,000 people in the district were still without drinking water, due to storm damage to the supply network in Rabaças on 22nd December. The council used it’s own tanker, and one from the fire brigade from Ribeira Brava, to meet demand for drinking water, but as it pays €100,000 a year to the ‘bombeiros’ in support, the service provided will not cost the taxpayers in Ponta do Sol anything extra.
