It’s reported that “Spain's banks have relied more heavily on ECB funding as fears about their solvency have made credit on the wholesale financial markets more difficult to come by.” The Spanish president – Sr Zapatero - insists this situation will change when the bank stress test results are published soon and everyone will come to share his view that every rose in the Spanish garden is healthy. He has admitted, though, it’s been “a difficult, black year”. Thus proving what we all know – that’s he’s a hell of a lot better at looking backwards than forwards.

Which reminds me . . . It’s been announced recently that Spain’s troubled cajas (savings banks) will soon be able to sell up to 50% of their equity to private investors. But, given they’ll remain the playthings of local politicians, the general view is that no one sensible would want to put money in them. But we will see. Maybe it really is “too little, too late”. Which some would see as the personal philosophy of said Sr. Z.

It’s commonly said that drug-taking in Spain is second only to the UK in Europe. Which makes this controversial article from Qorreo all the more interesting.

Finally . . . A couple of public service announcements:-

1. RIP

It falls to me to announce the sudden death of Cade Seipas, one of the more prolific - if idiosyncratic - commentators to this blog. Indeed, his demise occurred not long after he had posted his final contribution.

Cade passed away in his sleep around midnight. As in life, so in death; he was completely alone and uncared for.

Doctors initially attributed the death to a brain tumour but, when the autopsy revealed the absence of a brain in the cranium, this theory was discounted, in favour of excessive self-and-other abuse. Which caused a few problems in the completion of the death certificate.

Cade was the founder, President – indeed the only member – of a sub-sub-sub-sub group of a tiny band of people known (very) commonly as Galician Nationalists. In this cause, there was nothing – no matter how stupid and offensive – he was prepared to keep to himself. Indeed, it's now thought he suffocated on his own verbal vomit.

Cade will be sorely missed. If only by himself.

Notwithstanding this sad death, I am sure Cade's pronouncements will continue to echo - unheard - around the ether.

Readers should feel free to post their own tributes to this remarkable but now extinct creature.

2. Over-inflated tyres

Back down on earth  . . . If you’re driving a car in Galicia – and possibly anywhere in Spain – it’s quite likely your tyres have been over-inflated by the tyre shop or garage servicing your car. So, just in case this doesn’t worry you, here’s a list of the possible consequences from the web:-
- Over-inflated tyres don’t grip the road as well. There is less traction and poorer handling. Poor road conditions such as a wet or icy road magnify this problem, making it more likely you'll have an accident.
- Over-inflation causes tyres to overheat and increases the risk of a puncture. This could lead to loss of control and a serious accident.
- The tread wears out faster in the centre of the tyre. You'll need to replace the tyres sooner, an expensive penalty
- Over-inflated tyres, being stiffer and more rigid, are also more susceptible to damage from hitting pot-holes or striking curbs.

So, you might want to take a look at your tyres tomorrow. If not, don't blame me if you kill yourself. And are condemned to listen to Mr Cade for the rest of eternity.