The
English language in Spain:
Long known for its poor record in this area, Spain is now rapidly
pulling up its socks. The level of ability among adults is still
relatively low but virtually 100% of Spanish kids are now being
taught the global lingua
franca
in primary school. Though there's still no sign of the 12,000 - or was
it 120,000? - native speakers that President Zapatero talked of
bringing into the country to help with the actual teaching. But there
must still be plenty of opportunity for would-be teachers. Possibly
even in the public schools. See here and here for more on this.
The
UK and the EU: Is anyone surprised that
France has suddenly decided to support the UK's 'reasonable' demands
for a new treaty under which there would be significant changes to
the existing set-up? Well, you shouldn't be as France's real goals
are to push the UK down into Associate Membership and to restore the
Franco-Germany hegemony among the inner circle of 'core members'. The
resistance of several member states to Brussels' dictates on
migrant quotas has given France a golden opportunity to progress
these aims and, naturally, it has carpéd the diem.
Spanish
banking: It's the easiest thing in the world to get the IBAN,
SWIFT no. and BIC of my UK bank - but getting them for my Spanish
bank has proved elusive. I got one of these from a statement but the
others was nowhere to be seen on the internet, even on the bank's web
page. I wonder why.
Swiss
Law and the FA: I see that 'disloyal payment' is the Swiss
euphemism for 'bribe'. Mind you, it might be poor translation.
Desleal in Spanish means 'unfair', as in competencia
desleal
or 'unfair competition'. This is the label always given to anyone who
threatens the market position of existing players. Like private flat
renters or Uber Cars, for example.
Pontevedra: Undoubtedly has more pretty women on its streets and in its supermarkets than
Hoylake. Just sayin'. Not sure about pubs. Which reminds me . . .
Another failure with Sarah: Back to The Griffin pub
in Heald Green yesterday to have lunch and to try to get a foto from
the intransigent Sarah. But another rebuff. She again declined, even
though she had a hairstyle which made her look even more like Audrey
Hepburn. So, if you're in the area, dear reader, please pop in and
have a word with her about this attitude of hers. She needs to believe in herself more.
Finally . . . My niece, Rachel, is in The Guardian today.
Suitable suitors should write to me, with CV and statement of
financial position, at colin@terra.com
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