Small independent publishing projects in Valencia are enriching the literary landscape despite financial challenges and lack of institutional support. Josep Martínez of Pruna Llibres publishes Catalan works of hybrid genres, while Alberto Haller of Barlin Libros and Raúl E. Asencio of La Caja Books manage their presses with distinct identities and personal sacrifices. They express frustration with the precarious nature of the industry and the need for stronger distribution networks, especially in Latin America. Despite the hardships, moments of gratification come from engaging literary discussions and successful titles. The lack of political support is a concern, with calls for the Generalitat to recognize and support small talented projects to stimulate the publishing industry.

In Spain, thousands of people, many of them migrant women, are trapped in domestic work, facing endless labor and chronic poverty. Without contracts and with meager wages, they are hostages to a legal quagmire that limits them to domestic jobs despite varied professional backgrounds. A study by Oxfam Intermón and Universidad Carlos III shows that over a third of the 630,000 domestic workers live below the poverty threshold, and many do not contribute to social security. The article shares personal stories of women like Victoria, Gabriela, and Betty, who have faced exploitation and legal challenges in their search for a better life. The newly formed Red Estatal de Trabajadoras del Hogar y los Cuidados aims to improve conditions for these workers.

The article discusses the challenges of maintaining mental health after the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain, highlighting the scarcity of psychological resources and the potential for excessive catastrophism. It features insights from various professionals, including clinical psychologists and healthcare workers, who emphasize the importance of normalizing emotional responses to the pandemic and caution against overmedicalization. The article also addresses the low ratio of psychologists to population in Spain compared to the European average and the need for integrating psychological care into primary healthcare. It concludes with a call for increased resources and a more nuanced understanding of mental health issues.

The year 2021 begins with the implementation of a new European drone regulation that standardizes continental airspace usage, with an upcoming royal decree expected to expand the areas where drones can operate. This is not an immediate revolution but will help boost a sector poised to transform logistics, transportation, and communications in the 21st century. The drone market generated $22.5 billion globally in the previous year, with Asia, North America, and Europe being the leading contributors. Spain currently has 5,244 drone operators registered with AESA, and despite a decrease in professional operators, there's a significant increase in flight requests, indicating a willingness to take to the skies. The new European regulation categorizes operations based on risk and drone performance, simplifies bureaucracy, and anticipates a future where drones are as common as smartphones. The industry faces challenges such as economic impact, social integration, environmental response, privacy concerns, and international competition, particularly from China.

The article discusses the future of the maritime sector, focusing on the development and implications of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). It highlights the progress in automation and the regulatory efforts by the International Maritime Organization since 2017. The article mentions several pilot projects, including the Yara Birkeland, Eidsvaag Pioneer, and an autonomous ship developed by IBM and Promare. It also addresses the potential benefits and controversies of autonomous shipping, such as labor cost savings and the elimination of human error, alongside legal and safety challenges. The impact on employment is a significant concern, with differing opinions on whether automation will create or destroy jobs. The article also touches on the issue of flags of convenience and the environmental impact of autonomous shipping. It concludes that while technology will assist operations, the complete replacement of human crews is not imminent, and there is a need for technological training for seafarers to keep up with advancements.

Teleworking, once a future concept, became widespread due to COVID-19, but it has brought challenges such as misunderstandings, communication issues, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Companies like La Tienda Home and Holded have faced difficulties in maintaining team cohesion and company culture. Some, like Sending, have managed remote work successfully for years. Human resources professionals emphasize the need for a new approach to telework that considers emotional well-being and productivity, rather than just technological adaptation.

Enaire, a public entity, is participating in two European projects to demonstrate flying taxis in Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela in 2022. The announcement was made by director Ángel Luis Arias at a virtual congress on urban air mobility. The flights in Galicia and Catalonia will use large platforms and, depending on regulatory development, will carry either people or test dummies. AESA plans to test flying taxis from half a dozen companies in 2021. Private initiatives like Tecnalia have already made progress, with a one-passenger flying taxi tested in 2019. The company has improved vehicle control and has been approved for a European project to fly in three cities. The second flying taxi in Spain was to start in Llíria with Ehang, but has been delayed to 2021. Major aviation companies like Boeing and Airbus are also working on air mobility solutions. However, flying taxis will not operate in European airspace until at least 2023 when the EU is expected to approve the regulatory framework.

The article focuses on the experiences of migrants who were rescued by the Aquarius ship and brought to Valencia, Spain, in 2018. It highlights the challenges they face, such as obtaining legal status and integrating into Spanish society. Moses, the president of the association Supervivientes del Aquarius, and other members like Muk and Ousmane, share their struggles with finding stable jobs, high living costs, and the bureaucratic hurdles in legalizing their status. Despite these challenges, they have formed an association to support other migrants, raise social awareness, and break stereotypes about African immigrants. They also engage in community activities and cultural programs to educate and integrate into the local community. The article also touches on the broader issues of immigration policies in Spain and the perception of migrants in Europe.

After 40 years of slot machines being a normalized part of leisure in Spanish bars and restaurants, the Valencian Community becomes the first autonomous region to agree on their restriction. The regional government has decided to set a distance of 850 meters between bars with slot machines and educational, health, and sports centers. While some amendments, such as the removal of slot machines from bars within 10 years, were softened with a four-year moratorium, the move is seen as a pioneering step in gambling regulation. Personal stories of individuals affected by gambling addiction, such as Carlos and Nacho, highlight the human cost of these machines. The article also discusses the historical context of slot machines in Spain, the impact of the 2008 financial crisis and anti-smoking laws on gambling in bars, and the perspectives of various stakeholders, including psychologists, addiction support groups, and industry representatives.

The article discusses OnVaig.cat, an online travel agency founded by Laia Andreu, which specializes in tourism of festivals and traditions in Catalonia. The agency aims to offer unique experiences by integrating traditional festivities with tourism, thereby decentralizing tourism from urban to rural areas. OnVaig.cat has won the FuTurisme Prize and is looking to expand internationally. The agency's offerings are popular among both local and potential international tourists, with activities like Correfoc and Castellers being particularly attractive. The travel packages offered by OnVaig.cat also aim to combat rural depopulation and support the local economy by promoting the consumption of local products and dignifying the work of farmers and ranchers. The article highlights the positive impact of such tourism on both the start-up and the rural communities.

The article discusses the importance of maintaining a good digital reputation for businesses and the challenges they face in managing their online presence. Miriam Barrera, CEO of MB Marketing, and Ferran Morillas of Digital Avenue, both based in Barcelona, share insights on how companies can face reputational crises and the impact of negative comments on social media. They emphasize the need for a strategic approach to building a brand's identity and the importance of dialogue and prudence in responding to criticism. The article also touches on strategies to improve online reputation, such as responding to reviews, apologizing for any issues, soliciting positive feedback from customers, and using quality certificates for online stores. It highlights the difficulty of erasing a negative digital footprint but suggests counter-programming with positive reviews as an effective method to mitigate past negative impacts.

Eva Losada, a prominent fashion photographer based in London, captures the essence of streetwear, a trend that defines the last five years with its rapid changes and marketing dominance. Streetwear's influence has brought luxury brands like Balenciaga and Gucci to the streets, while the culture of 'drops' from brands like Supreme has introduced exclusivity in the digital age. The article discusses the impact of streetwear on luxury fashion, the role of social media, and the shift in cultural narratives. It also touches on issues of cultural appropriation and the fashion industry's response to sexual abuse allegations, highlighting the need for a change in mentality within the industry.

Netflix, originally a DVD rental service founded in 1997 by Marc Randolph and Reed Hasting, transformed into a streaming giant through a process of 'creative destruction.' The company's shift to streaming in 2007, despite initial challenges, proved successful, especially after the fall of Blockbuster in 2010. Diego Sebastián, Director of Innovation at Hawkers, highlighted Netflix's approach as an example of 'Radical Innovation' during an 'Ideas & Breakfast' event. He explained that radical innovation can significantly alter consumer habits and requires economic solvency due to its complexity and risk. An example of such innovation is the creation of specialized products under a new business unit, as opposed to selling them under a well-known brand like Carrefour.

A study by Harvard Business School researchers Nitin Nohria and Michael Porter, which tracked the daily activities of 25 CEOs over 12 years, found that CEOs work an average of 9.7 hours per day and 62.5 hours per week, often conducting business on weekends and holidays. CEOs spent 61% of their work time in face-to-face meetings, 15% on phone calls or reading, and 24% on electronic communications. Despite the demanding schedule, CEOs managed to balance their work with personal life, dedicating time to family, individual activities, and sleep. The study highlights the importance of time management and prioritization for both company and personal well-being.

C. Tangana, a prominent figure in the millennial generation and the Spanish music scene, has successfully climbed to the top of the industry through a brilliant marketing strategy. He has embraced sampling culture, built a strong personal brand, and explored synergies with other artists. Tangana has also ventured into new markets and utilized multichannel virality to expand his reach. Despite criticisms of 'selling out,' his partnership with Sony has allowed him to grow within the industry while reinvesting in his brand to regain creative control. His approach to marketing and business within the music industry serves as a lesson to others.

Juan Pablo Villarino, an Argentine hitchhiker, rejects the title of 'world's best hitchhiker' given by The New York Times, despite his extensive travel record of 2,350 trips across 90 countries and 10,000 miles. He and his partner Laura Lazzarino travel to reflect the inherent hospitality of cultures worldwide, challenging the fear-inducing narratives of the media. Villarino's journeys, which include crossing the Middle East and documenting it in his book 'Vagabundeando en el Eje del Mal', are political gestures that explore geopolitics and human kindness. He notes the varying ease of hitchhiking in different regions, attributing it to cultural factors and historical contexts, such as Spain's difficulty due to its private space sentiment from the Franco era. Villarino and Lazzarino's adventures, which are rich in experiences and challenges, emphasize the importance of human connection and the bittersweet nature of constant farewells.

Pablo Rochat, a 29-year-old graphic artist from Atlanta, has gained a following on Instagram by creating visually engaging content that stands out amidst the platform's noise. He eschews narcissism for a playful visual universe filled with animated emojis, hidden jokes, tactile games, and interactive memes. Rochat has also been involved in advertising, where he enjoys poking fun at the industry and big brands, such as a satirical campaign against Apple's stylized world. He has worked on various projects, including a creative lab at Tinder, and values style and risk in his work. Despite fears of running out of ideas, Rochat continues to produce content regularly, maintaining a connection with his audience.

Diesel created a fake collection under the name 'Deisel' as part of a campaign to ironically address the issue of fashion counterfeiting. Renzo Rosso, CEO of Diesel, embraces the paradox of fighting against counterfeits while also acknowledging the flattery implied by imitation. Gucci has similarly engaged with its imitators, hiring Dapper Dan, a tailor who previously faced legal action for using their logo without permission. The article discusses the legal challenges of protecting clothing designs and the trend of high-fashion brands drawing inspiration from street culture and even counterfeit goods. It highlights the blurred lines between original and copy in the fashion industry and the strategic use of self-falsification by brands.

Radio Nikosia, a Barcelona-based radio program created by individuals diagnosed with mental health issues, aims to redefine madness and turn delirium into poetry. Broadcasted on Radio Contrabanda, the program provides a space for participants to discuss various topics and share their experiences. The article features personal stories from members like Luisa and Silvia, who find value and companionship in the Nikosia community. Martín, the founder, discusses the program's origins and its role in challenging psychiatric labels and societal stigmas. The program also serves as a political tool, with members like Jordi and Aitor sharing their struggles with mental health and the stigma attached. The article touches on broader issues such as the lack of psychiatrists in Spain and the medicalization of mental health, with insights from members like Lucía, Marcos, and Nacho. They criticize the reductionist approach to mental health treatment and advocate for a more nuanced understanding of individual suffering.

The article discusses the cultural and hygienic aspects of men urinating while seated, a practice that has been debated and even promoted in various countries for reasons ranging from cleanliness to challenging traditional masculinity. Taiwan's Ministry of Environment, under Stephen Shen, launched a campaign to encourage this practice, while in Sweden, the Left Party proposed a measure for seated urination in government facilities. The debate touches on issues of masculinity, with some viewing standing urination as a symbol of traditional manhood. Medical professionals from Fundació Puigvert and Hospital Ruber Internacional provide insights, debunking myths about urination and health. Notable figures like Messi and Luis Suárez have admitted to urinating seated, contributing to the conversation on evolving masculinity.

The article examines the phenomenon of binge tourism in Spain, highlighting the negative impacts on local communities, such as noise, littering, and housing issues. It features personal accounts from tourists and the founder of Stoke Travel, Toby Paramore, who defends his business while acknowledging the problems associated with national tourism companies. The article also discusses the efforts of local organizations like the Asamblea de Barrios por un Turismo Sostenible (ABTS) to promote sustainable tourism and protect residents' rights. The sentiment towards binge tourism is generally negative, with concerns about its social costs and the transformation of neighborhoods into unregulated hotels catering to tourists.

The Chinese government, under Xi Jinping, plans to implement a social credit system (SCS) by 2020, which will evaluate citizens using a capricious algorithm based on their digital footprint, including consumption habits, bill payments, and political comments. Alibaba's Sesame Credit is already assessing customer behavior, influencing consumption, and encouraging submission. The system rewards compliance with benefits like loans and travel, while dissenters face penalties such as job ineligibility and travel restrictions. Critics argue the SCS lacks transparency, uses imprecise algorithms, and enforces one-way honesty, with no accountability for the government. The SCS raises ethical concerns about the extent to which online activity can determine one's fate, reflecting broader issues of online tracking and data commercialization.