Thursday's show, in a nutshell... - 0:00–3:00 – Host Carl starts late (Portuguese time!); jokes about Matty; shares QR code for bookings/interviews/podcasts; chats thermos mug from Temu (no-spill, bike-friendly, €8); cat chaos in studio. - 3:00–8:00 – Correct intro video; teases guest Richard Allen at 8:30; promotes March 22 fundraiser gig (Sunday, €5 entry, Pavilion Alas Capela near Óbidos): Peacles (Beatles tribute) headlining, Four Horsemen (Rich's band), Two Shots, Jam Shack for storm relief (Communities Unite revival, TempestAID). - 8:00–12:00 – Viewer comments: Tales from the Train (Chris on UK trains: fare dodgers busted, staring passenger, coughing symphony); congrats to Jackie on henna course pass. - 12:00–18:00 – Music news: Mario Bondi (April 10, Espinho Casino), Ageas Cool Jazz Festival Cascais (July 8–31, lineup includes Jamiroquai sold out July 18, Gilberto Gil, David Byrne July 14, Diana Krall, Franz Ferdinand, Chet Faker); Hi-Fi Show Estoril (April 10–12). - 18:00–23:00 – Portugal tops safest retirement spot 2026 (International Living: #1 safest, #4 overall; low crime, peace); images (Chamonix sea of ice, moonrise, cows in field for Iran news coverage). - 23:00–30:00 – Starlink praise (easy setup, eating competitors' breakfast); obesity drugs sales boom (over 500k packages 2025, €300+/month, no state subsidy yet; Mounjaro/Wegovy driving surge). - 30:00–38:00 – Etymology fun: "combobulate" (opposite of discombobulate, from 1800s mock-Latin for order/confusion); Portugal Club threads (signs of spring, fitness 50+, quiz March 14 at Bioulture nearly sold out). - 38:00–45:00 – Roof safety debate (many over-60s climb roofs post-storm; risks high, pros use ropes; personal stories of falls/injuries); "growing old disgracefully" group in club. - 45:00–57:00 – Guest Richard Allen joins: Neighbor fell off roof today (no insurance, but OK); fundraiser details (March 22 starter gig for May 23 big Expo event aiming €50k; musicians play free, Peakles discounted; food/drink on site, indoor backup). - 57:00–end – Rich on music scene growth (Portugal as hot destination: more big/small acts); closes positively (help storm victims before sun/beach forgetfulness); thanks, chow chow.

Because there is crime in Portugal (it's not a paradise...), I'll place some ocasional news about the subject here. Seven people were convicted to prison (7Y9M to 16 years) for a total of 36 robberies. They robbed houses, with old folks inside, and businesses, perpetrated in the districts of Coimbra and Aveiro in early 2022.https://www.jn.pt/3644566357/sete-dos-15-arguidos-do-caso-teia-dourada-condenados-a-prisao/

What is the electric vehicle infrastructure like in Portugal? My understanding is that Portugal has one of the highest EV adoption rates in the EU, but lags behind the United States (I believe this is due to tax incentives in the latter). I heard they are supposed to end sale of new internal combustion engined cars in 2030 or 2035. Can anyone on the ground in Portugal give insight into this? Since Portugal is such a small country, I imagine with current EV technology, you can get just about anywhere in the country on a single charge.

No one can fail to have been shocked by the images of the devastation that was left by a series of storms this winter. Weeks on, and as the rains ease, there are still families without a roof over their head, farmers without livestock, businesses without premises, and plenty still needing help. But non-profit organisation from Caldas da Rainha that has been assisting on the frontline will have its efforts boosted by a benefit concert this month being headlined by Portugal’s number one Beatles tribute act. Musicians, volunteers, charities and businesses from across the local area will all have a part to play as internationally acclaimed group The Peakles take top billing at “Comunidades Unidas: TempestAID” on Sunday March 22nd near Óbidos. The Caldas based not-for-profit association Movimento Viver o Concelho (MVC) will distribute the funds raised by the event which is being co-partnered by the Associação Recreativa e Cultural Amigos de Capeleira e Navalha (ARCACEN). Concert co-ordinator Steve Poole explains “having seen the challenges faced by local organisations to get practical support mobilised in the worst affected towns and villages in the region, we saw an opportunity to help through one musical event that could make a real difference. The partnership between ARCACEN and MVC means that we have great facilities to hold an event to maximise raising funds that can be allocated quickly and transparently to where they continue to be needed the most”. MVC President Teresa Serrenho added “These storms were democratic. They didn’t care for the size of the house or someone’s ability to pay for repairs. They ripped through people’s lives, landscapes and businesses, leaving many of them un-equipped and unable to move forward. In recent weeks we’ve been able to help people in practical ways for example, with construction contacts, materials and labour. These people are going to need our support for many months to come, and we are helping them to rebuild hope”. Communities Unite originated as a series of concerts in Óbidos in 2023 aimed at bringing the Portuguese and immigrant populations together through music. Co-founder and local musician Richard Allen has been reaching out to bands to perform at the gig in Capeleira and is thrilled that The Peakles are taking part: “The Peakles are the top Beatles tribute act in the country, they’ve toured internationally and now they’re returning to Óbidos to headline a stage packed with other local talent like Voltar-N, The Four Horsemen and Jam Shack. It promises to not only be a sell-out event, but also an incredible day of music, community and generosity.”