12.09

Sometimes I’d be happy not to be treated like an idiot , (although some of us might be ) but I find it very annoying when people laugh in your face, publicly. The P word again. Politicians. They use us to justify and falsify economic figures (as they’re doing right now) and then they change or manipulate them to suit their own agenda. And sometimes it’s so obvious even a child could see that they were being taken for a ride. Lately, in the midst of this mess known as the “crisis”, our leaders have delivered some almost comical speeches and statements, in an attempt to cheer us all up. Some of them would rival Hugo Chavez for the “I’m talking out of my arse “ prize. Yesterday I was listening to our president Mr Jose Luis Zapatero telling the nation that by the coming January we would see the beginning of an economic recovery, and just a few seconds later this was then repeated and he then said that this wouldn’t happen until the end of 2010. “We have to keep our faith, never lose hope” he said. Well, he’s not filling me with hope. The saddest thing is that we have to listen to this day in day out, from a man who is supposed to be our most competent politician. Now I’m really worried. Everyone knows how this crisis happened, and in its wake it has exposed a corrupt and incompetent system of conmen and very sadly, thieves, (you know who they are) so Mr President, please don’t try to act like a magician, ‘cos we’ve heard it all before.

It turns out that now, everyone thinks they are a political analyst, on the situation, and this is the conversation heard on every street corner, bar, café, and restuarant. It’s fast becoming and affliction and little by little it’s beginning to get a little tiresome, dragging us down. The media can’t get enough of the word “crisis”. I cringe every time I hear it broadcast on the sensationalist news stations like Tele Cinco and Antena Tres. Don’t they have anything else to tell us about? There must be some other news surely? I recall a conversation I had last week with a civil servant from the tax office, that used to be a regular in my old restaurant Opera, which was located opposite the tax office in Calle Cecile Metio.. It turns ou that she wanted to give her opinion too, and it was that things are going to get worse!! J’er… When asked if the situation was affecting her, she replied that it was a little, so now you know; even “Funcis” are not immune from the impending doom! So forget doing your “oposiciones” if you think it will lead you to an easy life of doing fuck all every day except being rude to people, (yes I’m talking about those lovely people at the Traffico offices ect) and 3pm finishes, then even that avenue is closing.

The only way we can get out of this crisis is to spend what little money we have in the high street, to get the economy and production rolling again. Don’t stuff it away in banks. That won’t help. Who trusts them anymore anyway? You never know when one is going to collapse taking you hard earned cash with it, do you? When the crisis is over by 2011 (if ZP is correct!!) then what will happen? Will people go back to life of carefree spending and be buying a new Audi every three years as before? I don’t think so. These golden years are over for Spain. Prudence will prevail. The age of false prosperity has reaped it’s payback. People are scared. Will we become just like the rest of Europe? Or will there be a new “Movida” , like there was in the early 80’s with the “Movida Madrilena” , which breathed new life into a tired country after the Franco transition period. Well we can only hope, as Mr President ZP tells us to. What ever happens, I’m sure the Government will just keep thinking of new ways to keep us all in line and scared. That’s how it works. Fear is the best weapon to control the population.

Phew . I feel better now I’ve got that out… Anyway this month in Garito comes full of festive fun as usual for this time of year, and we have some great offers in the Garito restaurant for groups and company dinners. As well as the special seasonal menu, we are offering long drinks and mixers for only 6 euros for the rest of the night, after the group dinner. Not bad, eh? Sure beats the bottellon, and it's a lot cooler too!

Now for the music. This month sees the last night in the series of Rootdown at Garito Cafe. Not that we won't be seeing Rianer again, he'll be back next year for sure. Just in case you don't know already, Rainer is the innovator of all things good in the German jazz house scene over the last 14 years; Soul, jazz, funk, house, tecno... it's all here. Get yaself down to Garito and enjoy!! On Christmas Eve we see the return of Franco - Mallorquin Alex Mauri, aka Alex Kid. As he returns for his annual session in the Garito cabin. Since his first outings on the F Comms label, Alex' music has continually been evolving, and recentley he has spent a lot of time recording and djing in the German capital, Berlin. The results are evident in his new material, which you will here during his session tonight. Check it out.

Ok well that's it for this month, I hope I haven't depressed you too much with tails of doom and gloom, sometimes these things have to be said! Have agreat festive season and see you soon in Garito. Cheers, Nacho.