That kiss - NOT amateur radio

The man in charge of football in Spain, Luis Rubiales, is at the centre of a media storm. 

The fact that the media has created such a fuss has taken the focus off the women's team that won the world cup and onto this man instead. 

Now, I do not have all the facts and stand to be corrected. My reading of the situation is that this is a story whipped up by the media. Yes, he was carried away by the excitement of the moment, made a mistake, but it would have been better just forgotten. He is also in trouble for scratching his crotch. This took about 1 second! I am pretty sure he just had an innocent itch.

The media has a habit of creating stories. Personally, I do not think he should be made to resign.

Spain on 8m?

Recently, a station in the Caribbean has reported a sudden increase in contacts on 8m with Spain.  He wonders if the authorities there have granted access to 8m to radio amateurs. 

It would be good if more countries were granted legal access, if only for a limited time. This next year or so, around the solar maximum, a great deal of useful research could be done.

Does anyone know the legal situation in Spain please?

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona - NOT amateur radio

Last week we visited Gaudi's famous basilica in Barcelona which was started in 1882 and supposedly has another 30 years of work still to do. Perhaps they have very long tea breaks or siestas!

When we last visited in 2003 it was a dusty building site. Now it is a wonderful place bathed in coloured light via the stained glass windows.

We bought tickets in advance to avoid the long queues.

The photo shows part of the internal roof. If you are in Barcelona it is well worth a visit.

Catalans declare independence from Spain - NOT amateur radio

Although I have not yet checked the Euro, the declaration of independence from Spain of Catalonia is likely to spark a crisis. Catalonia now, Basques later?

Spain is in deep trouble.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41780116 .

Catalonia - NOT amateur radio

Catalonia is quite a rich part of Spain. Spain cannot afford for it to break-away. It is hard to see how the EU would handle this. If Catalonia goes, surely the Basques will want to follow? This would leave Spain in a right mess. By comparison, BREXIT is quite simple and clear. Personally, I think this will grow into the EU crisis of 2018.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41678086 .

Spain - NOT amateur radio

As if Europe did not have enough problems!

What with BREXIT, Greece, the Euro and migrants, Europe is having a hard time.

Now Spain risks a break-up with Catalonia voting to break away. Whether this actually happens remains to be seen, but Spain is damaged. There are shades of General Franco surfacing again.

I just hope some sensible compromise is reached. If Catalonia goes, surely the Basques will seek to break away too? That would be the end of Spain as we know it.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_Country_(greater_region)
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain

Catalonia vote - NOT amateur radio

Although I am unclear about all the facts, the fact Catalonians in Spain are voting about independence says a lot. What is more disturbing is the heavy-handedness of the police. The outlook does not look great for Spain if this is how they want to be seen in the world.