Monday, June 2nd
BUSY WEEKEND FOR LOCAL POLICE
Local Police were called to a number of incidents over the weekend, including a fatal car accident involving a young member of the Guardia Civil. The 27-year-old was killed in the early hours of Saturday morning after being involved in a head on collision with a taxi on the Port of Pollensa to Alcudia road. The three people in the taxi were taken to Hospitals in Inca & Palma with serious injuries.

In a seperate incident an articulated lorry flipped over and slid down the embankment along the Porreres to Manacor link road, luckily no serious injuries were reported. In Palma, Police are hunting several car owners after vehicles were abandoned on Friday night following five seperate accidents.

Monday, June 2nd
BALEARICS TOPS FOR INTERNET USE
According to a study carried out by the University of Madrid, residents in the Balearics, Madrid and Catalonia are some of the biggest Internet users in Europe. In each of these areas nearly 60 percent of the population have Internet access at home, well above the average of 47 percent, and only Britain and Belgium can match these levels. Spain as a whole is well down the list of domestic home users however, due to the more rural Spanish regions falling well below the European average.
Monday, June 2nd
WETTEST MAY ON RECORD COMES TO AN END
The wettest month of May since records began finally came to an end, unsurprisingly with another weekend of rain! With June now here and the summer forecasted to be hotter and longer than last year, the tourist industry is gearing up for a busier couple of months. The British holiday market is confident of summer sales in the Balearics with a reported half a million Brits ready to descend on Magalluf.
Monday, May 26th
PALMA CABBIES THREATEN PROTESTS
The recent new restrictions put in place to govern when and where taxi drivers can operate at the port, the airport and along the Playa de Palma have not gone down well with the Association of the Independant Self Employed Taxi Drivers. It issued a warning to Joaquin Rodriguez, Palma City Councilor for Transport, that the vast majority of its members were not happy and were considering taking industrial action. If after taking a poll of its members more than 700 cabbies back taking action, then the Association will organise offical protests.
Monday, May 26th
BIG MEDITERRANEAN CLEAN UP
A new drive launched across the Mediterranean and aimed at raising awareness of pollution levels saw more than 120 divers and hundreds of volunteers helping to remove tons of rubbish from the sea beds around the Balearics. Andratx enjoyed the most support with almost 30 divers and scores of supporters turning out to help.
Monday, May 26th
NOT LOVING THE RAIN? WELL A HEATWAVE IS COMING SOON..
If Agustin Jansa is to be believed that is. The director of the Balearic meteorological office said yesterday that this summer is going to be slightly hotter than usual, and added that this ammount of rainfall is 'not unusual' for this time of year. However, this month of May has gone down in the record books as the wettest ever, and with still a week to go even more rain is forecast.
Wednesday, May 21st
PALMA GOES SIMPLY RED!
OneMallorca and Awesome Events held a press conference at Puro Beach Club yesterday to officially announce the forthcoming Simply Red concert at the Palma Bull Ring on 3rd August. Tickets are now available online at OneMallorca, or by calling our hotline on (+34) 971 132 698.

Prices start at €48 for standing tickets, €55 for general seating, €125 for VIP tickets (best seats, includes self-service free bar & entrance to after show party at Puro Beach), and €2500 for a corporate box (holds 10, includes free bar with waiter service and transport & entry to after show party)

Tickets are selling fast so be sure to get yours before they're all gone!

Friday, April 25th
EUROPE DAY'S POPULARITY INCREASING
Sunday May 11th is set to be a big day for Calvia, and indeed the whole of Mallorca.

Europe Day, which is Calvia’s biggest annual fiesta, was visited by over 30’000 people in 2007, and the demand for stalls for the 2008 event has already outstripped demand. The seafront of Palma Nova is fully booked and organiser Angela Guerrero, from Calvia Town Hall’s Foreign Citizens’ department, has today reported that they have had to seek permission from the local police to open up a further street for stalls.

Of the 75 planned stalls there will be a variety of art, craft, gifts, clothing, alternative health, and decoration items on sale; plus many charities and island associations gather on this day to publicise their work. Food stalls will be offering tempting wares from French, Indian, Spanish, Asian, Brazilian, Scandinavian, German, and British cusines. Childrens’ activities will include bouncy castles, ball parks, face painting, ceramics painting and trampolines.

A major attraction is the main stage at the east end of the beach front: throughout the day there will be live music from a wide range of musicians and styles - from acoustic to rock and roll and everything in between. At the other end of the beach (in front of McDonalds)there will be a smaller stage hosted by Luna Radio 100.3FM where there will be fun and games from the Breakfast Show presenters: Laura Penn, Richie Prior, Fifi L’Amour and Oliver ‘Banjo’ Neilson.

Angela Guerrero commented, ‘It will be a fab day. We are hoping for wonderful weather and lots of people.’

The fair opens at 12.30h and will go on until 22.00h, for more information on the fair contact Angela Guerrero on 971 139 184.

Monday, April 14th
CATALONIA SUFFERING WORST DROUGHT IN A CENTURY
The worst drought in a century has left Catalonia, and its capital city Barcelona dangerously short of water. With reservoir levels at only 20% of capacity, emergency measures under consideration include transporting drinking water from Marseilles by ship, and even transporting it by train from wetter parts of Spain. Catalans have been banned from filling their swimming pools or watering their gardens. The authorities have even ordered the cities fountains to be turned off.

The problem has reignited inter-regional tensions in Spain as one of the proposed solutions is to divert water from the Segre river, a plan fiercely opposed by the Aragon region, into which the river flows. Manuel Llamas, an expert in the management of water resources at the University in Madrid, said ‘Our problem is not that Spain lacks water. It's that we are suffering a mental drought among our politicians’

Monday, April 14th
HOME SELLERS COULD BE OWED MILLIONS
If you sold your property in Spain between 2003 and 2006 the Spanish government may owe you some money. During that period UK and other non-resident EU citizens were levied capital gains tax at 35% on the sale proceeds, while Spanish nationals were only charged 15%. The European Commission has ruled that this contravenes discrimination laws that state that all EU citizens should be treated equally. It is estimated that this could add up to a total rebate of nearly 50 million pounds, or 11 pounds per homeowner. Legal challenges to reclaim the overpayments are already underway, and if successful could pave the way for tens of thousands of similar claims against the government.
Monday, April 14th
WELL DONE BOYS!!
Congratulations to Luna 100.3 FM Breakfast Show presenter Richie Prior who completed the London Marathon course in 6 hours and 2 minutes. His fellow runners Scott Walker and Martyn Smith from Pirates Adventure finished in 4h 50 and 5h 45 respectively. Richie is quoted as being ‘knackered’ at the end of the gruelling 26 miles. 34,000 people completed the race including chef Gordon Ramsey, singer Ronan Keating and rower James Cracknell. 4093 runners needed medical treatment but not our boys!

The winner of the elite men’s race was Kenyan Martin Lel who retained his London Marathon title in a fantastic men's race when the first three broke the course record and the first six finishers recorded personal bests. In the women's race, German Irina Mikitenko won her first major marathon title on only her second outing over the distance when she produced a devastating last three miles to win in 2:24:14.

If you would like to applaud Richie and the lads then you can donate money at www.justgiving.com/piratesadventure and make their efforts really count as all the money donated goes to Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital. There’s no rest for the wicked, Richie is back bright and early for the breakfast show on Luna 100.3 tomorrow morning, tune in from 7.30 to hear his story.

Thursday, April 10th
ZAPATERO STILL WAITING FOR MAJORITY
Incumbent Spanish Premier Jose Rodriguez Zapatero failed to win enough votes to secure an absolute majority as Prime Minister in parliament yesterday. The victory of Zapateros Socialist party in the General Election on March 9th this year was seven seats short of the number required to secure an outright parliamentary majority, so in yesterdays vote he was reliant on the support of the Catalan and Basque nationalists who abstained. The second round of ballots is scheduled for Friday when experts strongly back him to prevail, as he only requires a simple majority to be confirmed as Prime Minister for his second term.
Thursday, April 10th
SPAIN SET TO SUFFER ECONOMY SLOWDOWN
Spain is set to suffer the biggest economic slowdown among the developed economies as the global credit crunch begins to bite. The predictions in a report by the IMF are for slow growth, rising inflation and unemployment rising beyond the 10% mark. It suggests that predicted figures by the Spanish are overly optimistic, the report predicts that conditions are set to worsen in 2009 as the expected recession in the USA affects economies worldwide.
Thursday, April 10th
€700 MILLION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME APPROVED
Plans were approved in Palma yesterday for an extensive road building and improvement scheme island wide. The programme of 74 different projects at an estimated cost of nearly €700 million could begin as early as summer 2009 and should bring welcome relief to many of the islands traffic blackspots. Chief among the projects are plans to widen the Via Cintura to three lanes along sections to alleviate the familiar rush hour queues, and a bypass for Son Servera in the East.
Wednesday, April 9th
BLAIR TALKS TO SPANISH BUSINESS COMMUNITY
In Madrid this week, Ex British Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed a gathering of 2,000 members of Spains business community. During the 90 minute long speech Blair praised Spains recent economic advances, and defended Britains involvement in the invasion of Iraq, a subject fundamental to the first election of Spanish Premier Jose Zapatero. Blair also compared his record in the troubles in Northern Ireland, with the current situation with the Basque Separatist movements. And his fee?......a cool quarter of a million pounds.
Wednesday, April 9th
DELEGATES FROM FAR AFIELD MEET IN PALMA
Delegates from as far afield as Senegal and the Orkney Isles will be representing the tourist authorities of island holiday destinations when they gather in Palma later this week. They will discuss their role in ethically and environmentally responsible tourism. The Balearics will be represented by Regional President Francesc Antich. The Islands Commission was founded in 1980, its aim is to represent the groups interests to the European Union, and to discuss the hurdles and challenges faced by Island authorities.
Wednesday, April 9th
SURPRISE DISCOVERY AT S'ALBUFERA
Wildlife experts in the S’Albufera nature reserve in the North of Mallorca made a surprising discovery recently. A 12 kilo Cheldra Serpentina was spotted crossing a road. Also known as the Common Snapping Turtle, a freshwater dwelling reptile with a sharp beak and a particularly aggressive attitude. A spokeperson described the discovery as worrying news for the local flora and fauna. This is the not the first time this creature, more commonly found in the swamps of South America, has been spotted in the wetland area, in 2004 a 14 kilo example was discovered.
Tuesday, April 8th
TWO RECENT DEATHS FROM MAD COW DISEASE
Spanish health authorities reported the death of two people from mad cow disease in recent months. Also known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease the condition was first identified in humans in 1995 and is transmitted to humans via infected beef products. Both cases occurred in Spains central Castilla-Leon region. The health department confirmed the victim’s ages as 41 and 26 but declined to give further details. Spain has only reported one previous death from vCJD in Madrid in 2005.
Tuesday, April 8th
ZAPATERO MOVES TO SHORE UP ECONOMY
Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is expected to outline a host of emergency measures designed to shore up the economy for the anticipated downturn in global financial markets. The package will include tax cuts for the worst off, an injection of cash to create 150,000 new affordable homes in an attempt to slow the recession in a construction industry that has enjoyed more than 10 years of prosperity. He is also expected to call for flexibility from banks for people struggling to repay their mortgages. Spain’s central bank lowered its growth forecast from 3.1% to 2.4%, Last years figure was 3.8%
Tuesday, April 8th
CONCERN OVER ILLEGAL BIKE RACES
In Mallorca this week there is growing concern over the increase in illegal motorbike races on the Islands public roads, following the deaths of two teenagers and the serious injury to a third in a crash near Selva last Friday night. Races amongst young riders are on the increase at the weekends in hotspots on the Traumuntana’s roads. The Guardia Civil’s investigation into the weekend crash continues, while they appeal to the participants to stop the races.
Monday, April 7th
NADAL LOSES MIAMI FINAL
Mallorca’s tennis superstar Rafa Nadal suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Nikolay Davydenko yesterday in the final of the Miami Masters tournament. The Russian swept aside Rafa in easy fashion winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. Nadal praised his opponent’s skill and aggression while admitting he wasn’t on top form at the moment. Not good news as he is set to join Spain’s Davis Cup squad this week for their quarter final clash with Germany next weekend.
Monday, April 7th
INTERNATIONAL CYCLING TOUR
The International cycling tour of Mallorca rolled to a conclusion around the streets of Palma yesterday after 5 days of stiff competition along the highways and byways of Mallorca. The days stage was won by Germany’s Dirk Muller, his 40 second winning margin was sufficient to lift him into first place securing victory. Long time race leader Jorg Lehmann finished in second place 45 seconds adrift with overnight leader Cris Meschenmoser 2 minutes back after a disastrous day in the saddle. Top placed brit Daniel Lloyd finished just one second behind him in 6th. The bikes are back later this month with the 5th Volta Ciclo Turista around the island from 28th of April to 1st May.
Thursday, April 3rd
INTERNATIONAL CYCLING TOUR CONTINUES
Don’t forget that the International cycling tour of Mallorca contines today with the second days racing. Departing from Puerto Pollenca the route takes the competitors to Arta, over the Coll at Soller, up to Puig Major, the highest point on Mallorca, before freewheeling back to where they started. Rather them than me. Yesterdays stage was won by Jorg Lehman from Germny, with top placed Brit Daniel Lloyd back in fifth place, just 8 seconds behind the lead. The racing continues until Saturday.
Thursday, April 3rd
DALAI LAMA TO VISIT THE ISLAND?
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama may visit Mallorca for three days in December. An invitation has been extended by the Consell de Mallorca, to attend celebrations to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human rights. The president of the group, Bernat Vicens highlighted the importance of the attendance of the Dalai for activities to support the Tibetan people in their struggle against the repression of the Chinese occupation of their country. A definitive decision is expected in July.
Thursday, April 3rd
TOBACCO RULING OVERTURNED BY LOCAL PARLIAMENT
Plans to allow tobacco to be sold in outlets in tourist areas and resorts proposed by central government in Madrid, have been overturned by the local Balearic parliament. Holiday makers in search of nicotine are often frustrated by the limited availability of tobacco here on the Island. The defeat of the proposal was slammed as discrimanory as similar legislation has been passed to allow the sale in holiday hotspots in the Canaries.
Wednesday, April 2nd
SISTER OF MISSING BRITON CONTINUES SEARCH
Monique Tennant, the sister of Jacqueline Tennant, the 45 year old RAF Sergeant who went missing in the Traumuntana mountain range here in Mallorca last October, is visiting the Island to raise the profile of the case in an attempt to refresh people’s memories. The hairdresser from Croydon in South London tries to visit the island at least once a month to continue to push the search for her sister who went missing whilst here on a career break as a swimming instructor. She will engage the services on a private investigator to continue the search when she is back in the UK.
Wednesday, April 2nd
NADAL BACK FOR SPAIN
After a brief absence for personal reasons, Mallorcan tennis legend Rafa Nadal has confirmed that he will rejoin Spain’s Davis cup squad for their quarter final clash with Germany in Brehmen to be played between April 11th and 13th later this month. The young star from Manacor will head up the singles competition alongside David Ferrer with Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco teaming up for the doubles competition. The Germans will be missing their number one, Tommy Haas as they attempt to overturn their defeat last time they played Spain, way back in 1997 in Cala Ratjada on Mallorca.
Wednesday, April 2nd
CYCLISTS BACK ON MALLORCA
The lyrca is back this week on Mallorca, as the cycling season continues with the 43rd International cycling tour. 25 teams from as far afield as Britain, Turkey and Norway will battle it out with local teams on the islands roads starting today with a short time trial from S’Arenal to Llucmajor beginning at quarter to 1. Tomorrow they roll out of Puerto Pollenca for a 131km trek around the mountains. Staying in the North for Fridays stage based in Inca, Maria de la Salud on Saturday and rounding the week off with 4 laps of a circuit laid out around Palma beginning at Bellver castle at 12.45.
Tuesday, April 1st
SEXUAL EQUALITY ROW....OVER TROUSERS!
A sexual equality row has broken out in the Spanish health service over trousers! Here on Mallorca Health Minister Vinenc Thomas has upheld the right of female nurses to wear trousers at work in the face of a ban at a clinic in Cadiz. The political row started when medical authorities demanded that female nurses wear skirts at work.
Tuesday, April 1st
CALVIA RESIDENTS REPORT UFO'S
Residents living in Calvia have reported seeing UFOs in the sky at night. Mysterious orange lights were seen in the Costa d’en Blanes area last week and despite attempts by locals to record the event on camera, the event has defied explanation. The last time UFOs were reported in Calvia was in 1986.
Tuesday, April 1st
SUMMER OF LIVE MUSIC
It’s going to be a big summer of live music here on Mallorca. Major artists will be performing at different venues including Lenny Kravitz, guitar legend Santana and One Mallorca can exclusively reveal that Simply Red will be doing a huge concert later in the year.
Thursday, March 27th
FREAK STORM CAUSES HAVOC
A freak rainstorm caused havoc across the island yesterday. The Easter weekend weather was windy and wet with temperatures averaging around 16 degrees centigrade. This despite a report that climate change is having a greater impact on Mallorca because of its location at the edge of a “marginal” climatic area. According to the director of the Balearic Meteorological Observatory, Agustí Jansà, effects would be “more noticeable” here than in other parts of the world.
Thursday, March 27th
AIRPORT CATERING STRIKE TO CONTINUE
There is no resolution in sight to the industrial action at Palma airport. Passengers could face increased disruption in catering services this summer with 170 workers determined to continue industrial action until their pay demands are met. Workers are demanding an extra 100 euros a month from the company that has the concession to run catering service at the airport, Areas.
Thursday, March 27th
SANTA PONSA POOL LEAGUE FINALS
Last night was finals night of the Pool Singles Championship of the Santa Ponsa Winter Pool League held at Granite City (previously called Applebees). A good night was had by all with some fierce competition as the best of five final was contested between last years Champion, Jack (15 years old) who plays for the Glasgow Bar, and Toni Captain of the Simplys team. The league has a new Champion as Toni came out ahead in this hotly contested match 3:1.
Tuesday, March 25th
MALLORCA LACKING IN FEMALE MAYORS
Mallorca does not have enough female mayors. According to a report by the Institute for Women the Balearic Islands is bottom of the league table of women sitting in positions of authority in local government with just 8.6% of the total. In the Basque country the figure is 20%.
Tuesday, March 25th
NEW REPORT ON MALLORCA'S COASTLINE
96% of Mallorca’s coastline is suitable for bathing according to a report on environmental conditions in the Balearic islands published by the Department of the Economy, Finance and Innovation. 87% of Majorca’s waters were considered excellent last year, 7.8 percent were considered suitable and 4.9 were considered unfit for bathing.
Tuesday, March 25th
CHARITY EVENTS RAISE THOUSANDS
Many local ex-pat residents took part in two charity events which raised considerable sums of money for two good causes. On Saturday, Fairline South Mallorca held a golf tournament followed by a gala dinner to raise money for the Allen Graham Charity 4 kids. Also on Saturday, Universal Nautic sold items at the Magalluf car boot sale to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital.
Thursday, March 21st
GLOBO BALEAR SIGN DEAL WITH CASINO
Globo Balear, the company behind the Pirates Adventure show in Magalluf and One Mallorca has signed a deal with the owner of the Casino de Majorca to rent the Paladium Theatre for a major new production. The theatre, which seats 1,500 people, will also be the venue for other live shows including concerts and it will attract convention business to the island. The theatre, which is attached to the casino in Magalluf, used to have a live cabaret but the company that ran the show went into liquidation.
Thursday, March 21st
EASTER WEEKEND WEATHER
The weather on the island took a turn for the chilly today with temperatures dropping from 24 degrees celcius yesterday to around 16 today. A 24 kilometre wind added to the noticeable change. Forecasters at the Balearic Met Office predict more windy conditions tomorrow and rain on Sunday with Saturday being the better of the two days at the weekend.
Thursday, March 21st
FALLAS FIESTA DRAWS TO NOISY CLIMAX
The Fallas fiestas in Valencia reached their dramatic and noisy climax last night with the ‘crema’ when all the paper-mache statues, which have taken a year to build, are burnt to the ground in a matter of seconds. On Tuesday a massive firework display marked the ‘Nit del Foc', or the Night of Fire. The Las Fallas celebration here on the island will be from 28th to the 30th of this month in El Toro in Calvia.
Wednesday, March 20th
WHAT MAKES A HAPPY MALLORQUIN?
A happy Mallorquin is someone who is aged between 26 and 35, who has is in a stable relationship and has one or two children. That is according to a new survey carried out by drinks company Coca Cola entitled ‘A portrait of happiness’ in Spain. 3,000 people were asked what made them happy and the top answer was health then followed by love and money for women, but the men asked reversed the order of these two. 59% of women said they were very happy, dropping down to 41% for the men.
Wednesday, March 20th
BA INCREASE SHARES IN IBERIA
British Airways has just spent 67.2 million euros increasing its shareholding in Iberia from 10% to 13.15%. A statement from the British company to the London Stock Market today said that it would continue to consider other opportunities to increase its interest in the Spanish carrier. BA Chief Executive, Willie Walsh, said the purchase reflected the ‘strategic importance’ of the Spanish airline.
Wednesday, March 20th
TOBACCO TO BE SOLD IN LOCAL SHOPS
So-called ‘tourist shops’ on Mallorca will be allowed to sell tobacco again following a new court ruling. A ban on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco has been in place since last November but the Regional Legal Office appealed against it saying that it infringed constitutional rights. The new ruling came into force last week so certain shops are now allowed to sell tobacco once again.
Tuesday, March 19th
PALMA COUNCIL CHECK UP ON CENTRO CANINO
Officials from Palma Council visited the Centro Canino animal shelter yesterday to make sure that the centre has complied with the order from a court judge to remove all animals from the site. Volunteers from the Centro Canino have moved the remaining dogs to a private shelter in Sancelles thanks to an agreement with Council of Majorca.
Tuesday, March 19th
HOTEL BOOKINGS STRONG FOR EASTER
The island is preparing for Easter and predictions are that the hotels on Mallorca will enjoy an occupancy rate of approximately 75%. Visitors will be able to experience the many religious processions that take place at this time of year including the largest one which takes place in Palma on Easter Sunday.
Tuesday, March 19th
13TH ANNUAL PASTRY COMPETITION
Thirty professional cake makers took part in the 13th Annual Pastry Competition held in Puerto Portals on Sunday. The winner of the professional category was Baltasar Mossot of La Consigna restaurant. In the amateur section Carmen Blas won the 300 euro first prize.
Tuesday, March 19th
MUSIC EXHIBITION OPENS IN PORTALS
This weekend sees the opening of a new exhibition of photographs of rock legends The Rolling Stones and the Beatles in Portals. The images will be on display at Moods Bar for the public to enjoy.
Monday, March 18th
SPORTS RELIEF MILE RAISES THOUSANDS
Hundreds of people took part in a charity event in Magaluf organised by Mallorca Cricket Club and the radio station Luna 100.3 FM. The aim of the ‘1 Mile Challenge’ was to raise money for Sports Relief and over 2,500 euros was raised by participants who included artists from the Pirates Adventure Show, dancers from Pickles Ballroom, Luna radio personalities, the British Consel to Mallorca Paul Abrey and the Deputy Mayor of Calvia Kate Mentink.
Monday, March 18th
ESPANYOL COMEBACK LEAVES MALLORCA EMPTY HANDED
Real Mallorca lost 2-1 away to Espanyol in Barcelona at the weekend. Mallorca were leading 1-0 at half time but two goals from Luis Garcia on the 58th and 88th minute saw the Red Devils return to the island pointless. Mallorca are now 11th in the Spanish Premiership, La Liga and next Saturday they play Deportivo La Coruna at Palma’s Ono stadium.
Monday, March 18th
ABBA DRUMMER FOUND DEAD IN MALLORCA
The former drummer with the Swedish pop band ABBA has been found dead at his home on Mallorca. It is believed 62 year old Ola Brunket bled to death after an accident involving a glass door. His body was found by a neighbour lying in a pool of blood in his garden. The Swede played as a session musician with ABBA in the 1970s and was featured in the film Abba the Movie.
Friday, March 14th
HOTELIERS LOOKING FOR BUMPER EASTER
Easter is just a week away and hoteliers on Mallorca are looking forward to a bumper Easter break with bookings already around 60% full. The Hoteliers’ Federation of Majorca is reporting that reservations at some of the island’s biggest resorts are similar to 2004 when the industry enjoyed a bumper Easter. Approximately 60% of the hotels on the island will be open for visitors next weekend.
Friday, March 14th
MALLORCA TO GET MORE MOORINGS
Mallorca is to get more boat moorings. The Balearic islands are predicted to have 5'000 more moorings by 2015 which is a 25% increase on what is available today. The Nautical fair in Madrid saw Mallorca represented strongly with the Balearic Minister for the Environment, Miguel Angel Grimalt in attendance. He commented that nautical visitors brought a lot of money to the Balearic economy by spending an average of 140 euros per day.
Friday, March 14th
SPRING WEATHER BACK ON TRACK
After a slight blip last week, the warm weather is back with spring coming early to the island. Palma registered a top temperature of 24 degrees celcius yesterday however make the most of this weekend as the long range forecast for Easter is not good. Rain and wind may spoil the Easter season.
Thursday, March 13th
PLAYA DE PALMA TO GET A FACELIFT
Palma's seafront is to get a new look. The regeneration programme for the Playa de Palma area will provide plenty of open green space with a 40'000 square metre extension to the Parc de la Mar. New facilities include an underground carpark with room for 1'000 vehicles. Details and the structural modifications are expected to be formally approved under town planning legislation today.
Thursday, March 13th
CD AND DVD PIRATES TARGETED
CD and DVD pirates on Mallorca are being targeted by police in the biggest crackdown on copyright infringement. The local operation is part of a national campaign to stop the illegal production of film and music in Spain. Six Chinese nationals were arrested in Madrid province after three months of investigation and more than 155,000 discs were seized.
Thursday, March 13th
PALMA HALF MARATHON
The Palma Half Marathon will be held on Sunday starting at 10 am and will pass along the Paseo Maritimo. The start is at the Moll Vell or old port and the half way point is the naval barracks at Porto Pi. Hundreds of running enthusiasts are expected to take part again this year and refreshments will be provided for competitors and entertainment for their supporters. Roads will be closed to traffic for the duration of the event.
Monday, March 10th
WEATHER BACK IN SPOTLIGHT
The weather is back in the spotlight here on Mallorca. The island has not suffered the battering that the UK has experienced but we have had heavy rainfall, winds gusting up to 80 kilometres per hour and in some parts of Mallorca night time temperatures dropped to 1.5 degrees. According to the Balearic Met Office the worst is now over and temperatures are back on the way up with winds easing.
Monday, March 10th
ZAPATERO PROMISES NEW ERA
Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has promised a new era in Spanish politics, after winning another four year term in office at the election yesterday. His Socialist Party won 169 seats, five more than in the last election, but still short of an absolute majority. Mariano Rajoy's conservative Popular Party won 153 seats.

In his victory speech to supporters outside the Socialist Party headquarters in Madrid, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero began by naming the people to have lost their lives to terrorism in Spain over the past four years, leading off with the name of Isaías Carrasco, the ex Socialist Councillor who was shot dead by ETA outside his home in Mondragón on Friday.

Monday, March 10th
REAL MALLORCA IN 7 - 1 THRILLER
Real Mallorca claimed a magnificent victory over Recreativo Huelva last night at the Ono stadium. A massive 7 – 1 scoreline, including a hattrick from Arango, saw the Red Devils move up to 11th place in la Liga. Their next match is away at Espanyol next Sunday. At the top of the table Real Madrid pulled eight points clear leaving Barcelona eight points off the pace, they were defeated at home in the Camp Nou by Villareal 1-2.
Friday, March 7th
HISTORIC EASTER FAIR NOW OPEN IN PALMA
The Easter Fair – or Fira del Ram – at the Son Castello estate is now open to the public with 170 different attractions. This event has been held in Palma for 99 years and this year it covers an area of 107,000 square metres with many new attractions. Improvements to the fair include asphalt flooring so that people no longer have to wade through the mud if it rains. The fair is open from 5pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 10am till midnight at weekends. It continues until April 20th.
Friday, March 7th
SPANISH ELECTIONS ON SUNDAY
It’s the last day of campaigning in the Spanish general election today before the day of reflection tomorrow and Polling Day on Sunday. The leader of the opposition Partido Popular, Mariano Rajoy campaigned in Valencia yesterday whilst the leader of the Socialist PSOE José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was campaigning in Barcelona at a rally of 40,000 supporters.
Friday, March 7th
LATEST ON CENTRO CANINO SHELTER
The Centro Canino Animal Shelter will be closed before the week of the 15th March according to the Palma City Councillor for Health, Begoña Sanchez. The shelter has until that date to re-home the 30 dogs and cats currently being cared for at the voluntary refuge. Julie Ford of the Centro Canino is urging people to adopt the remaining animals to prevent them being taken to the municipal pound at Son Reus where they face almost certain death.

This week six dogs and one cat were adopted while a further three dogs were “reserved”. If you wish to adopt a pet contact the Centro Canino on 971 297 914 or go to www.centrocaninointernacional.org

Thursday, March 6th
STRIKES HIT HARD
Strike action by medical and court workers is hitting the island’s health service and judicial system. The Doctors’ Union reported that the second day of their ongoing strike yesterday was supported by 82% of members. The Balearic government’s health institute, IB-Salut has declared that it is not prepared to give in to the strikers’ demands.

Meanwhile, the continuing national strike by the administration staff of Spain’s judicial system is affecting the smooth-running of the legal system. The indefinite work to rule was begun a month ago and there is now a backlog of pending cases waiting to be heard.

Thursday, March 6th
'THE CURE' OPEN MTV FESTIVAL IN SPAIN
British band ‘The Cure’ have opened the first winter live festival for MTV with a concert last night in Valencia. They attracted some 30,000 fans to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in the city, and played a selection of their most atmospheric hits. Most popular song of the night was ‘Boy’s don’t cry’.

The Cure has always had a popular following in Spain, and move on to performances in Madrid tonight and Barcelona on Monday. The concert will be broadcast shortly on MTV to a potential audience of 506 million.

Thursday, March 6th
MAJOR DRUGS RAIDS LAUNCHED BY GUARDIA CIVIL
As part of the ongoing campaign against drugs on the island, the Guardia Civil launched two major raids in Palma and Manacor. Armed officers from the Organised Crime Squad arrested more than 12 people from six properties. The targeted properties had all been under close surveillance for at least the past month and the six raids were launched simultaneously at 6.15am. Various items were removed by officers for further investigation.
Wednesday, March 5th
MALLORCAS POOR ROAD SAFETY
Mallorca is not doing enough to improve road safety according to a report by the Balearic traffic authorities. The Director General for Traffic said that the island is the area of Spain where the death toll on the roads has reduced the least over the past 4 years. On average every year 80 people lose their lives on Mallorca’s roads with many of the fatal accidents involving drink related activities and the lack of seat belts.
Wednesday, March 5th
ISLAND UNDER WEATHER ALERT
Mallorca is under a weather alert for high winds today. The Balearic Met Office warns of strong winds and ferry services have been suspended. The island is not alone as almost all of Spain is subject to a severe weather warning. The good news is that the wind will ease during the day but the snow warnings remain in place for tomorrow in Cataluña where there has been heavy snowfall in certain areas. The storm has already claimed its first fatality. A 40 year old man died instantly yesterday in San Sebastian when a tree fell on him as he was riding his moped in the city.
Wednesday, March 5th
FIRA DEL FANG DRAWS THOUSANDS
The pottery fair in Marratxi – the Fira del Fang – was busy at the weekend with thousands of people visiting the town to see the traditional ceramics on display, and take some home with them. Organisers estimate that that around 12,000 people visited the fair in just one day on Sunday. The 14th annual pottery fair continues in Marratxi until 8th March.
Tuesday, March 4th
CLINT EASTWOOD TO VISIT ISLAND?
The island rumour mill has gone into overdrive with a story that Clint Eastwood may be coming to the island to attend a festival of films and jazz, dedicated to his career. The author, director and actor has been invited by organisers of the annual Jazz Voyeur Festival on Mallorca but a spokesperson said ‘Nothing has been settled’.
Tuesday, March 4th
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE INUNDATED
The number of people calling the 016 domestic violence helpline in Spain rose five fold following stories in the press last week about four women who lost their lives at the hands of their partners. The day after the stories were printed the helpline received 3,600 calls, when the usual daily number is about 700. 80% of the calls to the emergency helpline are made by the victims of domestic violence.
Tuesday, March 4th
UK MAN ARRESTED ON ISLAND
A 31 year old man named as Anthony C. from the UK has been arrested by police on the island charged with keeping a Polish woman captive for two years. It is claimed that he met her in Porto Colom in May 2006, where she had arrived at the age of 22 to work in the tourist sector for the season, and that he had been holding her against her will ever since then, locking her inside the house when he went out.

The woman, who they name as Kamila and who is now 24, has a son by the suspect, less than one year old, whose birth has never been registered. Mother and child are now in the care of a centre for abused women, and Anthony C. faces charges of illegal detention and abuse.

Monday, March 3rd
EVENING OF FUN FOR CHARITY
A charity evening at Pickles Ballroom in Magaluf on Saturday raised 700 for the charity Mediterranea. Around 80 people attended a night of games and dancing organised by Ian Pickles and his partner Anne Mawson. There was roulette, poker, darts, a donkey derby and a raffle, hosted by Laura Penn of Luna 100.3 radio station. Mediterranea is a charity based in Portals on Mallorca which funds projects for orphans in Africa.
Monday, March 3rd
SOCIALISTS INCREASE LEAD
With less than a week to go the main candidates in the Spanish election are preparing for their second TV debate tonight. The latest opinion poll carried out by Sigma Dos and published in today’s El Mundo newspaper increases the Socialist lead to 4% and takes turnout up to 77%. Another newspaper is reporting that with only days left until voters go to the polls the PSOE and the PP are polarising their speeches. Left is left and right is right.
Monday, March 3rd
REAL MALLORCA STAGE COMEBACK
Real Mallorca were the come-back-kids at the weekend fighting back twice against an in-form Getafe side to draw away 3 – 3. Getafe scored first after just two minutes and again on the 11th but Mallorca pulled one back 3 minutes later. In the second half a disastrous own goal for Ramis saw the Red Devils go three-one behind but Arango pulled one back and Ramis made amends for earlier in the match by finding the back of the correct net in the 80th minute. Mallorca’s Scaloni was sent off.
Saturday, March 1st
SPRING COMES EARLY
The fine weather on Mallorca means that Spring has come early to the island. The Director of the Balearic Met Office reports that the hottest day in February was the 26th when top temperatures of 21 degrees were reported. These are not normal for this time of year on the island.
Saturday, March 1st
DOCTORS STRIKE FROM MONDAY
Doctors on Mallorca will go ahead with strike action from Monday unless members from management begin negotiations before then. The industrial action will be the first of its kind on the island since responsibility for the health service transferred from Madrid to Palma. If action goes ahead there will be delays to some operations and out patient services.
Saturday, March 1st
CENTRO CANINO URGES PEOPLE TO ADOPT
The animal shelter the Centro Canino is urging people to adopt a dog or a cat from the home following the court ruling this week that the animals can be removed to the Municipal pound at Son Reus. Julie Ford from the Centro Canino said that although they welcomed people coming to the centre to take an animal home, only people who are serious about taking good care of a pet should consider adopting.
Thursday, February 28th
FEBRUARY WEATHER CONFOUNDS EXPERTS
The weather on Mallorca is confounding experts with temperatures far higher than expected for this time of the year. The Balearic Met Office say that the temperature for February has been above the average for this time of year with the thermometer hitting highs of 20 degrees. People enjoyed the warm sunshine and bathers were spotted on some of the islands beaches with spring still officially a month away.
Thursday, February 28th
SPORTS ROUND-UP
Fernando Alonso and the Renault team continued with practice at Montmeló near Barcelona last night on a day which had earlier been abandoned because of the weather forecast. Instead the Spaniard took part in a fake race on the track in what was the last test session of the pre-season. He saw a slight improvement in times, coming in seventh, but it is clear that for now at least Renault will not start the season in competitive fashion.

A painful draw, a tragic comedy – the headlines in the Spanish press this morning after the first leg game last night in the King’s Cup semi-final between Barcelona and Valencia. Valencia saw a first half goal disallowed for offside, but then went ahead in the second half when the first attack by Villa was successful. Barcelona saw many chances and the Valencia goalkeeper was kept busy until finally the Catalan side equalised with Xavi in the final seconds of injury time.

Thursday, February 28th
CENTRO CANINO VOWS TO FIGHT ON
The Centro Canino Animal Shelter has vowed to stay open following a decision by a judge that Palma City Council can remove animals from the centre to the municipal pound at Son Reus. Supporters of the rescue centre rejected claims that the centre would now have to close and they claimed that they would not allow any dogs or cats to be removed.
Wednesday, February 27th
THE AVERAGE MALLORCAN TOURIST
The average tourist to Mallorca is aged 45, organises their own flight, stays in a hotel and uses the internet whilst he or she is here on the island. A report by the National Tourist Board has collated figures to provide a picture of the type of person who chooses Mallorca as a travel destination. The vast majority of people who come to the island do so for a vacation whilst the smallest percentage, just 0.3%, came here for educational purposes.
Wednesday, February 27th
EUROVISION CONTROVERSY
The Eurovision Song Contest is still three months away but it is causing controversy already with claims of irregular voting in the selection of the Spanish entry. TVE confirmed that they had found 110,000 irregular votes for 70 year old singer, Antonio Gonzalez (known as El Gato, or The Cat) from Andalucia and his techno dance flamenco. After a cleaning up of invalid votes his song, ‘La Bicicletera’ has fallen from 1st to 36th on the list so the song which will represent Spain in the competition is still in question.
Wednesday, February 27th
VANDALISM IN ANDTRAX
A spate of vandalism has scarred the beautiful Port of Andtrax. Youths smashed flower pots, moved furniture and sprayed graffiti over walls and shop windows. Local residents and the former Mayor of the town, Jaume Porsell, criticised the lack of police patrols in the port at night. Currently there is only one police patrol after the hours of darkness in the area.
Tuesday, February 26th
PROSTITUTION SPREADING
Prostitution on Mallorca is spreading from Palma to other towns such as Inca and Manacor. According to the Virtual Congress on Prostitution organised by the Balearic University approximately 2.500 prostitutes are working on the island and 90% of these are foreigners. The majority are from South America and Eastern Europe and some brothels now use modern technology to run from private addresses aimed at the high spending clients.
Tuesday, February 26th
BODY FOUND IN PALMA
A man’s body was found in Palma at the weekend in a tunnel under the city wall near the cathedral. He man was discovered by five young people and police were called to the scene. Initial investigations suggest that he was not murdered and officers are trying to establish his identity.
Tuesday, February 26th
SPANISH LOVE AFFAIR WITH ALONSO
The Spanish love affair with Formula One racing driver Fernando Alonso continues with people discussing his new haircut which seems to emulate the one that Oscar-winning Javier Bardem sports in the film 'No Country for Old Men'. At the penultimate day of practice sessions at Montmeló near Barcelona Alsono came in 7th registering a time far short of that set by Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen.
Monday, February 25th
TEACHERS STRIKE ACTION LOOMING
The possibility of strike action by teachers on Mallorca is looming. Around a thousand teachers held a mass protest in Palma at the weekend at the regional Education and Culture ministry. Protesters say that plans to raise the wage levels of contract teaching staff by 120 euros over a period of the next three years are not sufficient. Union representatives said the minister Barbara Galmes should listen to contract teacher demands before signing any agreement.
Monday, February 25th
SPANISH ACTOR WINS OSCAR
Javier Bardem became the first Spanish Actor to win an Oscar at last night’s Academy Awards. He won Best Supporting Actor, for his role as the serial killer with the bad haircut, Anton Crirgurh, in ‘No Country for Old Men’ which proved to be the big winner on the night picking up four gongs including Best Film. Bardem had been nominated before, back in 2001 for Best Actor in ‘Antes de que anochezca – Before night falls’.
Monday, February 25th
REAL MALLORCA DRAW, LOS HOOLIGANS WIN!
Mixed fortunes for two of the island’s football teams this weekend. Real Mallorca drew 1-1 at the Ono stadium against Real Betis, whilst Los Hooligans posted an impressive 9 – 4 victory against Bar Café Nou at the Brisa Sports centre. The Hooligans finally avoided scoring an own goal and the Red Devils went ahead in the 56th minute but conceded an equaliser by Edu in the 70th minute.
Saturday, February 23rd
KING VISITS TROOPS IN MALLORCA
King Juan Carlos paid a flying visit to Malllorca this week to meet some of the military personal stationed here on Mallorca. The king was officially received by officers and men of the Air Force Squadron both at the Son Sant Joan base and in Soller. He reviewed the troops and visited mess facilities where he met local political and military figures.
Saturday, February 23rd
NEW CARS FOR POLICE FORCE
The police on Mallorca will be driving around in new cars from now on. A fleet of new Z-type Citreon C4 patrol cars were unveiled at police headquarters. The cars have state-of-the-art communication systems and are marine blue in colour with a much larger Spanish flag than on the old cars.
Saturday, February 23rd
INTERNATIONAL FAIR TRADE CONGRESS IN PALMA