In its keenness [desperation?] to ensure a true ETA ceasefire, the government has leaned on the judiciary to go easy on the terrorist group’s political arm, Batasuna, and has even set up a meeting with this [illegal] organisation so that it can ‘stare into their eyes’. This has not only produced apoplexy on the part of the right-of-centre opposition party but has also led one of its own socialist deputies in the EU parliament to voice harsh criticism of the strategy. Interesting times.

I was astonished to read earlier this week that the Senegalese government had agreed to repatriation of the boat people who’d arrived in the Canaries. But I was rather less surprised to read that the first planeload of these unfortunate souls had been denied landing rights and turned back. It turns out Spain’s ’economic aid’ to Senegal needs to be increased. The least surprising event of the week.

Flicking through the report of one of this week’s bullfights in Madrid, I came across the word ‘disorejado’. This means ‘dis-eared’ and I wonder whether this is the time it’s been coined in English. I fear, though, that that old fraud Hemingway beat me to it.

Talking of words - Here are 3 I wouldn’t have ever expected to see together – Fiat Panda Monster. This is a 4x4 version, of course.

As of now, I’m not at all clear which Spanish TV channels will be showing the imminent World Cup. And I’m not convinced anyone else is either. My impression is things won’t be clarified until we have a court verdict on a case being brought by some established channels against two new channels recently set up by the government and allegedly owned by some of their major financial supporters. Worrying times.

Finally, to the reader who said he/she’d like to read my archives – these are now available. But only temporarily. . . .