TODAY'S PHOTO : Thanks to Alan ... the rock pool swimming area at Porto Moniz

Source : Diário de Notícias 8/5/2008

Today sees the introduction of new machines to make our lives easier, having violated traffic rules. In a test project of 20 machines, next time you get caught speeding, you can pay your fine on the spot through GPRS technology. These machines have been in use in continental Portugal since 2003, but thing always take a little longer to arrive on Madeira. I think you will also be able to pay through the ATMS (Multibancos) and internet banking. Attempts to bribe Police officers into not giving a fine should, as usual, be in the form of large unmarked bills, slipped between one's driving documents.

The Police are also due to be issued with portable computer terminals from 1st July. This will contain and have access to databases to assist with crime prevention and detection, and will operate in 'real time'. The new system is called VISIO.

10% of the Madeiran population has some sort of asthma problems. In fact it has been reported before, that the air and environment on Madeira is not especially helpful for asthma sufferers of any origin.

The new Madeira airline company FlyMI, currently being set up, hopes to have it's first flights airbourne in January 2008.

If you are into dance and ballet, the event organised for 18th May in Caniçal might be just up your street. 150 ballet dancers from 8 organisations will congregate for the 'Festival live dancing' (literal translation). Scheduled for a 6pm start at the Pavilhão Gimnodesportivo of Caniçal. The festival will demonstrate the many variations of dancing, popularised over the years, and in the main those 'used' on Madeira.

That's about it for today, aside from a few drug stories, and lots of political hot air as usual.

After 2.74 days of sunshine, I am back in the rain and 'cool' weather as I type this,  so I hope you lucky people on Madeira are feeling sorry for me. If anyone gets a picture of that gynormous cruise ship in town today, I would appreciate a copy to put on tomorrows blog ... thanks! 

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