English in Madrid

Image created by Chat GPT Spanish Vuelta finale cancelled as police clash with pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid The Grand Tour event has this year turned into a diplomatic battleground, with multiple days of racing cut short or interrupted as pro-Palestinian protests have taken place. The finale of Spain's version of the Tour de France has been cancelled midway through after clashes between police and pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid. The Spanish Vuelta's 104km-long last leg was first paused at around 6.20pm local time (5.20pm in the UK) as police attempted to disperse the demonstrators. Some protesters carrying anti-Israel banners had thrown barriers to block where the cyclists were supposed to pass on a finishing circuit for the mostly ceremonial ride into the Spanish capital. The race did briefly resume a short while later, but organisers were ultimately forced to call   the finale off . Organisers said: "For security reasons, stage 21 of La Vuelta ha...

Image created by Chat GPT Spanish government moves to ban smok ing on bar terraces Tobacco law would also prohibit minors from us ing vapes and stop sale of single-use electronic cigarettes The Spanish government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking and vaping on bar and restaurant terraces, prohibit minors from using vapes and related products, and end the sale of single-use electronic cigarettes. The legislation, which was signed off by the cabinet on Tuesday morning, is intended to “reinforce protections on people’s health and to adapt the law to consumption patterns and to the tobacco-product market”, according to the health ministry. Under the proposed law, electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches , herbal products, shisha pipes and devices used to heat tobacco and other substances would be treated the same as conventional cigarettes. Their use would be banned in enclosed public spaces and in outdoor areas such as bar terraces, stadiums, sports centres,...

Image Source: Wikipiedia (Andy Scott) Carlo Acutis: From a baptism in London to the first millennial saint A London-born boy has become the first millennial saint, in a ceremony steeped in an ancient ritual presided over by Pope Leo on Sunday. In his short life, Carlo Acutis created websites documenting "miracles" as a means of spreading Catholic teaching, leading some to nickname him God's influencer. His canonisation had been due in late April, but was postponed following the death of Pope Francis. More than a million people are estimated to have made a pilgrimage to the Italian hilltop town of Assisi where Carlo's body lies , preserved in wax . But there is another pilgrimage site associated with Carlo Acutis that has seen an increase in visitors since it was announced that he was to be made a saint - Our Lady of Dolours Church in London. The font at the back of the Roman Catholic church in the Chelsea area was where Carlo was baptised as a baby in 1991. T...