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TWO PART SERIES: (1) SPAIN AND THE COVID-19 VACCINES!
November 29, 2020
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TWO PART SERIES: (2) SPAIN AND THE COVID-19 VACCINES!
November 28, 2020
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THE CAFÉ GIJÓN, THE SPIRIT OF MADRID SINCE 1888
November 28, 2020
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A STATESIDE STORY: Biden Touts Transition Team; Trump Begins to Concede
November 26, 2020
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VEGAN, VEGETARIAN or FLEXITARIAN: HAVE A “VURGER”!
November 16, 2020
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YouTube Treasures Fall 2020: COLORIZED TREASURES
November 16, 2020
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A WHITE HOUSE BLOG REVEALS WHO DR. JILL BIDEN IS!
November 12, 2020
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JAZZ MADRID 2020: LEAVE YOUR FEARS BEHIND AND LET THE MUSIC FLOW
November 11, 2020
ON THE TOWN
Restaurants and bars, movies, theater, dance, sports arenas, even the home… Keep abreast of what’s going on where, and how you can have the greatest fun.
THE CAFÉ GIJÓN, THE SPIRIT OF MADRID SINCE 1888
Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida: "We have to regain the joie de vivre, alegría and spirit of unity which have always characterized our city. It is part of Madrid’s history and heritage and we are obliged to protect and cherish places like the Gijón."
YouTube Treasures Fall 2020: COLORIZED TREASURES
I once said that most people would rather eat cardboard than watch a black and white movie. And yet, movie buffs and purists have often claimed that colorization degrades the original and is a travesty of the creative efforts of the directors of the time. And, let's face it, until now colorization has been less than successful, as far as quality is concerned. However, you can watch a collection of vintage films and series that, while not perfect, are really a treat to see and revisit or discover old favorites. These I truly consider YouTube Treasures. MY MAN GODFREY. THE WOMAN IN GREEN. NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. ONE STEP BEYOND TV Series.
THIS YEAR’S “FLAMENCO REAL” PAYS TRIBUTE TO BLANCA DEL REY, MUSE OF SPANISH DANCE!
When the Teatro Real opened its doors to Flamenco ("Flamenco Real") three years ago, the event was highly celebrated. Now on its third season, Flamenco Real will be dedicated to the great dancer, choreographer, teacher, researcher and entrepreneur Blanca del Rey, muse of Spanish dance over the last 50 years. The Teatro Real will once again host flamenco shows that will enhance its lovely Sala del Baile with extraordinary performances of the top stars of this Art which was declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.
THE SPIRIT OF SICHUAN IN MADRID CASTIZO
'A philosophy that stands hand in hand with authentic traditions, choosing unique produce and creating refined Sichuan, northwestern Chinese cuisine is the mission of Restaurant Sichuan. The ambiance is absolutely amazingly lovely, located in a renovated “Castizo” narrow alley way, with a combination of wood, brick and the feeling of a Soho Deco Building.'
Entertaining Halloween 2020
Beware! Even if we´re confined or restricted at home or to a community or country,Halloween is still coming.But that doesn´t mean you and yours can´t have a little fun spooking around the house. Since we´re almost there, here are three very easy, very quick and inexpensive ideas to creepy up your holiday: Bloody Necklace, Super Fast Ghost Decoration, Bloody Mary Cocktail.
TWO PART SERIES: (1) SPAIN AND THE COVID-19 VACCINES!
The main objective of the COVID-19 vaccination strategy in Spain is to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by this disease through vaccination against COVID19, in a context of progressive availability. The vaccines will be administered free of charge through the National Health System.
TWO PART SERIES: (2) SPAIN AND THE COVID-19 VACCINES!
Residents and healthcare workers in nursing homes for the elderly, and people with disabilities will be the first to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine is safe, effective and its administration will be voluntary and free of charge. All the COVID-19 vaccines will have the same levels of safety as any of the other vaccines habitually used to prevent other diseases. All in all, Spain will receive 140 million doses to immunize some 80 million people.
VEGAN, VEGETARIAN or FLEXITARIAN: HAVE A “VURGER”!
Did you know? Ten percent of the Spanish population above the age of 18 are now veggies. Moreover, in the last two years, 35% of adult Spaniards have cut back on their red meat consumption. It's getting so that you're either a meatatarian (who seems to be trending toward at least partial oblivion) or a kind vegetarian when not strictly vegan. Know what you are! And, incidentally, if you're in Madrid on 22 November, you could drop by the Fantastic V joint in Malasaña and have a free vegan burger!
FLAMENCO IS A STATE OF MIND: GRIEF, JOY, FEAR
In 2010, UNESCO inscribed the flamenco of Spain in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The only agency within the United Nations system with a specific mandate in culture, UNESCO says flamenco is an artistic expression fusing soulful song, dance and musicianship that embraces a gamut of feelings and states of mind: grief, joy, tragedy, rejoicing, fear.
DAVID’S ONLINE RESCUE OF THE GOLIATH OF FASHION!
Inditex SA, the world’s largest clothing retailer, and Zara’s parent company, has been hit hard by the pandemic, with a sales decline of 44% to €3.3bn/$3.8bn during the first quarter of its financial year. Considering the sharp downturn in sales, one will understandably wonder about Inditex’s relatively small loss. Here is why: online sales rose significantly during the worst period of the pandemic. Today, the giant Spanish retailer looks forward to the challenges of the post-COVID19’s new reality with self-assurance and an unmatched in-store and online retailing savvy.
GUIDEPOST LOVES GOOD NEWS: THE UK AND GERMANY LOOK TO THE CANARY ISLANDS FOR A GREAT WINTER’S HOLIDAY
Brits are allowed by their government to go sun themselves in the balmy Canary Islands starting 25 October 2020. Same goes for the Germans. The opening up of the “travel corridor” between England and the Canaries, and between Germany and the Canaries, is “excellent news which gives the Islands a new opportunity to start their winter tourist season with a better outlook," says the Spanish Minister of Tourism. But if you're going to the Canaries, check out the updates just to make sure.
TURN BACK THE CLOCK. BUT WHAT GOOD WILL IT DO?
In compliance with the European Union directive 2000/84/EC, the clock is turned back one hour at 3:00 AM on Sunday, 25 October 2020. This signals the end of the Daylight Saving Time which began last March. However, the life of the 20-year old directive may now be at an end as the Member States will be allowed to opt out or remain practicing DST starting 2021. There are no clear-cut pros and cons of either choice.
DAZZLE ‘EM, WRAP YOURSELF IN A SENSATIONAL SESEÑA CAPE!
Part II of the Two-Part Seseña Capes Series. "It has been said: 'The purpose of wearing a cape is to attain a touch of distinction and also have people turn to look at you.'"
DON A CAPE AND WOW THE LADIES — AND GENTLEMEN!
Part I of the Two-Part Seseña Capes Series. Warm and dashing, the capa española can be twirled haughtily around the wearer’s body twice or even three times. And Capas Seseña is the only establishment still existing in all Spain with a proud and single-minded dedication to the making of the classic Spanish cape, cut and sewn right there on the old turn-of-the-century premises. The traditional garment has been enchanting elegant national and international fashion audiences (and wearers, of course) unfailingly all these many years.
THE SURGE IN POPULARITY OF JUNKYARD CARS, A CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOM
The fear of crowded public transport plus the harsh economic condition, both brought about by the COVID, have caused the sale of cars older than 20 years to spike. The rather strange phenomenon is happening side by side with the accelerated demand for bicycles and other means of mobility as alternatives to mass transit which is perceived as a superspreader of the virus.
THE REAL MADRID
Any and everything about the fascinating capital city of Spain — and the Autonomous Community of Madrid — from its rich history through its vibrant present to what the future holds, recounted from every angle imaginable.
This category, however, goes beyond Madrid; it embraces stories of what occurred, are occurring, and will probably occur in the Spanish nation whose capital is Madrid.
JAZZ MADRID 2020: LEAVE YOUR FEARS BEHIND AND LET THE MUSIC FLOW
Take a break. Come and join a jazz festival with flamenco flavor! Jazz Madrid 2020 has been conceived as an act of solidarity with a sector that is being pummeled by the virus with extraordinary force.
CORONA FAILS TO SPOOK THE ZOMBIES INTO A COMPLETE SHUTDOWN!
I'm a freelance journalist who took off to Madrid for a look-see and enjoy what was on offer while I was there. I was hoping to write a story about Halloween in this once-bustling capital. Considering how fiesta-loving the Spaniards are, All Saints Day cum Halloween should be quite festive. On the other hand, I had to get real. These are unusual times, the Era of the Covid. And I should be prepared to join a terribly watered-down holiday. . . Guess what I found out!
WHAT A MIX: AN AMERICAN WEEK, THE U.S. ELECTION, THE AMERICAN CLUB OF MADRID & THE UNIVERSIDAD SAN PABLO CEU!
An American Week in Madrid that features the only U.S. presidential election debate in Europe by representatives of the Republican and Democratic Parties in Europe for expats in Europe!
ADIOS TO THE PARKS — SEE YOU PRONTO, CORONA PERMITING!
With Madrid sadly topping the list of Spain’s new positives these days (1535 COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours before 19 August 2020), the city and the region could be trending back to Phase 1 of the de-escalation of the old State of Alarm! Parks will be closed, but at least only for the night, just three months after their much-awaited unrestricted reopening.
CORONA, THE GREATEST MIRACLE-WORKER IN MADRID THIS SUMMER
Summer verbenas give Madrid its delightful charm. But this year, they have all been cancelled. Thanks, Corona, you’ve wrought a miracle such as very few Madrileños have ever had to witness in their long history.
THE SUMMER FESTIVAL IN MADRID IS NOT OVER YET! GIVE A LISTEN.
Here are some of the places you could still go to and have a taste of the new normal in the nation’s capital with the lingering good old Madrid spirit to underpin it. Surely, the lousy corona can't put that great spirit down! (Maybe there's a little sadness, but it won't be there forever.)
AMERICAN CLUB OF MADRID ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBER-TO-MEMBER FORUM
Whether you are looking for other members that share interests , including meet-ups, forming outing groups, creating special events, buy/sell goods or services, or sharing tips, the American Club of Madrid forum is your place to connect with other members.
MADRID: THERE’S SUCH A THING AS FREE RIDE, HONEST!
Since 18 February 2020, Madrid folk can go up and down Gran Via on Bus 001 of the Zero Line free! You get to pass stunning avenues along the way. You get another free ride on Bus 002. 002 is dubbed the slowest bus in the nation's capital, its tortous but historic and titillating route being narrow streets.
