A year ago, 500 euro notes in Spain numbered a scandalously high 78 million. The government agreed this was a reflection of massive corruption - especially in the construction sector - and said they’d do something about it. This week it was announced the total has risen to 112 million. Or 27% of the EU total and 65% of the value of all money in circulation in Spain. So, a job well done, then.

Which reminds me, this week the stock market here has seen a precipitous fall in the value of shares in a Valencian real estate company. This had risen from nowhere last year on the basis it ‘had the key to unlocking property value’ in the infamously capricious Valencia region. I don’t really know what this means but the example given was they’d been smart enough to buy some land shortly before it was re-classified and so had walked off with a profit of 8 million euros for a few hours work. Perhaps the company has now lost the key. Or the EU has finally caught up with the Valencian authorities, with little help from the Spanish government, it seems.

Today’s papers major on other share-price falls, this time in respect of major construction companies. This is seen as evidence of a looming correction of the overpriced property market. I did warn you last week from trend-setting Caceres, as I recall.

There seems to be something of a consensus that Sarkozy will transform France. Perhaps. But, as this table shows, he’s really up against it:-

Percentage of people believing ‘globalisation is a threat to business and employment’

- Denmark 17

- Spain 25

- The UK 38

- Germany 48

- France 65

Sunday’s El Mundo lacked ads for specious slimming products but it did run one for a book which gives 325 applications for vinegar. This will be sent to you from – of course – Andalucia and will set you back a mere 37 euros. This is said to be the ‘welcome and friendship price’. As if. Some of the numerous things you didn’t know vinegar can do for you are:- remove age stains; cure the common cold; and, inevitably, help you lose weight. And, whilst it doesn’t yet seem to be an aphrodisiac, it’s a guaranteed cure for hiccups. While ‘An incredible vinegar tea will improve your sex life’. Can people really be so gullible? Don’t answer this.

Back in the vinegar-only-on-chips UK, the citation of adultery in divorce cases is rising relentlessly. One commentator has quoted Lord Byron’s line that "What men call gallantry, and gods adultery, is much more common where the climate's sultry." Good to know I can blame my next marital breakdown on global warning.