Four million people and rising. Businesses closed. The threat of ERE. A public deficit that is approaching record highs. The bombardment of bad news is constant for months. But not all clouds. See any clear if one is to think for a while. Many of the major companies have been born in times of recession. The environment is grateful for the decline in production. Bajan divorces and reconciliations grow. Repairers Refill. Upload birth. The sales during the entire year. Housing prices begin to adjust. We offer a serving of optimism: 25 ways to glimpse a glimmer of light in these dark days.

1 Birth upwards

Birth, at last!, Has a joy and in Spain in 2008 reached an average of 1.46 children per woman, a figure which is not reached since 1990. According to studies by the National Statistics Institute (INE), there is mainly thanks to immigration, but it is also true that while in 2007 all the growth in births to foreign mothers were awarded in 2008 nearly 50% for Spanish. Experts do not dare to herald an exciting future, the crisis will soon tighten immigration and adopt the habits of the country where they live, and fertility is no exception, but say that launch is subject to conciliation economy. And if not, look at France, which, based on a family policy of aid, has the drive to 2.1 births, the highest figure of the European Union. This number ensures the replacement of generations needed to continue to dream of the welfare state. No nonsense for countries which, like ours, the dependent population will grow in coming years.

2 Designing a new era

Inevitably, the survivors of the wreck must be reinvented. And survivors are aware of the classic design: objects that cost estimate age. But few succeed. If it is difficult to reduce to the essentials, it is more difficult to decide what to add. Giulio Cappellini, from five companies, or Rolf Fehlbaum, from Vitra, are clear that the plurality and draw the new mix design. But these attributes can not be linked to anything goes. The recipe comes from the unknown. What else is new. Moroso bet for India. Binta his armchair by Philippe Bestenheider (above) is inspired skins of wild animals. Vitra has launched the chair Vegetal, which manages to be succinct without being contained. And Cappellini antlers as a spear in the back seat of the Antler Nende study. Can the crisis be an opportune time to risk? The best design should try it freely. P Anatxu Zabalbeascoa

3 Faithful in adversity

Around 40 and, after ten years and married a separate announcement, the love has gone back to the pace of the economic situation. Breaking turned a blind alley for him to rent another apartment and pay was not feasible, return to the Canaries, with his family, away from her daughter. The couple agreed that they would continue living together while the Euribor demands. The reconciliation was breaking through. Today, although his love shines like a supernova, re-pair. Sociologist and sexologist says Dolores Salinas when the material fails us, we seek refuge in the strongest values in people. Alberto Rubio, the company Separacionline, which handles divorces Internet, prefers another look: “Rather than be given a second chance, they are forced to live by the economic situation.” In 2007 for the first time fell by 10% – the number of separations and divorces in Spain, according to the Council of the Judiciary. In 2008, the fall was around 8%.

4 poor cities, but ’sexy’

Perhaps it is a matter of character and desire to succeed. But there are cities living the crisis as an opportunity. Used to overcome an almost permanent anxiety, Buenos Aires or Berlin, for example, not to resign and find advantages in a recession. The root of one of the best tourist destinations in Latin America, where Argentina’s capital, taking advantage of the devaluation of the peso to lower prices of the hotels up to 50% and continue to attract visitors, as the associations of Buenos Aires hotels . If we cross the Atlantic, a European Commission report endorses that “in Central and Eastern Europe, the capital appeared less affected by economic decline.” In Berlin (pictured) to settle do not stop artists from the world (about 25,000 a year). Perhaps because the culture needs potential and enthusiasm rather than money, and even because, as the mayor, Klaus Wowereit, the city may be “poor but sexy.”

5 The tourist is king

With the fall in demand increase the sales of tourism services. Hotels offering rooms larger than expected or invitations to lunch, flights and packages with free stays for kids, insurance for cancellation cover to stay on the dole and paid holidays, stays “ultra all inclusive (plus meals and drinks, excursions and other extras), interest-free financing … Traditionally expensive countries such as Sweden, Norway, Iceland or the United Kingdom are available to promote the Spanish tourists, with prices between 15% and 30% lower due to the devaluation of their currencies against the euro and the offers in the shade of the crisis. The tandem sea and sand, materialized in the more than 3,000 Spanish beaches saved many vacations. In particular, the coasts of the Peninsula, without using aircraft costs and cheaper housing for the fall in the number of foreign visitors.

6 Triunfa film quality

The good news on the screens come from the hand of natural selection. Enrique Perez, owner of the distribution company and its divisions Verdi explains the phenomenon: “The more people choose. Has less money and therefore no longer goes to dinner. But it comes to cinema, and looks for quality. I experiencing a great year. ” Not megaestrenos compared with the 660 copies that went to theaters, ice age 3, but small films, premiered with a few copies and less expensive advertising, which helps the word-of-mouth. For example, the Oscar winner, Japan’s Despedidas, premiered the same weekend that the ice age 3, and it appears that although the 16th in the list of 20 most blockbuster, then it would rank fourth on the money room. The same can be said of the French on the first day of the rest of your life, Still walking, the Japanese Kore-eda (with only five copies, by raising the room was the second weekend of its release), or sensation of the season and public criticism, the Swedish Let me in, a story of vampirism and child bullying. There will always be phenomenal amounts of money around Hollywood, but it is a good time to film quality.

7 repaired or die

The objects that we use can have several lives, but before, in times of expansion, seemed to ignore or simply gave us the same: we want new things. Now, mired in economic distress, some of which are able to work the miracle of the resurrection of these objects better resist the ravages of the crisis or even grow it. These are sewing, repair of automobiles, computers or appliances.

Good evidence of this is the string arrangements of Manuela Retoucherie The clothes, not to open new branches. Many computer repair services have also noticed an increase in business, shop and cars, if not grow, at least resist.

8 Paradise discounts

Outlet permanent. The paradise of the rebates. Balances summer this year have already been described as “the most aggressive of history” by the president of the Confederation of Trade Specialistic Madrid, Hilario Alfaro. Tenders can reach 70%. Grocery chains such as Carrefour or Mercadona scrambling to keep cheaper between 17% and 25% respectively. Firms such as Hyundai car rebates shuffled around 30%, Plan E government included. But consumption in Spain continues to decline. Household spending fell 4% during the first quarter of 2009. In the heat of the temperance even born consumer portals such as employment www.tumanitas.com auctions, where customers request a handyman work to paint a house or a bathroom and adecentar announce the amount they are willing to pay, where the opening bid least for the copper mine was left. Someone gives more for less?

9 Eat more for less

Eat menu is cheaper than a year ago. “A must see you,” says Pedro Alonso, owner of Wooster, in the streets of San Millan de Madrid. Since September 2008 has not increased a cent. For 9.30 euros you can eat three meals, dessert and beverage. “There are days when the margin is so small that it barely exists.” Vine (employers’ association hotel in Madrid) recognizes that its members will miss imagination and provide the formulas for a two (two eat for the same price). The chain has dropped the Valpo a baguette at 80 euro cents, 20% discount in their cafeterias once a week and the “happy hour”, from seven o’clock in the afternoon. Something is something.

10 revival of the landscape

Unless brick over the landscape. Unless houses, best views. Among many works paralyzed, arrested at the time buildings are modern ruins. Frozen property raises questions as to what led to that state: a half-senseless greed, innocence and ignorance has now become a lesson.

While the architectural stars seek “new markets” in India or Morocco in the Spanish cities, major promotions are handled by municipalities, that is: are public. Enjoy the resurgence of public space, the room and the garden to learn all we could to take care of their own. A new waste and silence replaced the pickaxe in savings and recovery. And rediscovered, reconverted, old industrial buildings such as Tabacalera de San Sebastian or Barcelona Framis Can. In the domestic field, it’s time to recycle and reform. Let yourself and the wit are the new old tools. The basic recipe and inexpensive to order and paint can transform a home. Creánselo. An orderly closet is a source of pleasure. Imagine a whole house.

11 Alone at home

Rediscovering the possibilities of home life is not the exclusive preserve of the signatures of Nordic furnishings. Allows us to exploit the recession habits such as a return to revolutionary family meal. Recent studies in the Department of Health, Government of United States ensure that these meetings, and promote healthier eating habits and balanced, promoting intergenerational dialogue and help to prevent youth suicide, eating disorders and drug use. Forbes magazine also notes the increase in reading, home gardening or increased sexual activity among the best (and affordable) to challenge the revulsive shower.

12 Less traffic jams and more pedals

People are moving less. Waiver of car-vehicle sales are on the floor and refuse public transport (users fall month to month). Those who continue touring the city looking for alternatives such as walking or cycling. Without money, the funds are directed towards something more sustainable mobility. “Since the introduction of public-service bicycle rental in Zaragoza, last year, users of public transport has declined.” Almudena Garcia, representative of the coordinator on behalf of the bicycle Conbici no doubt that the bike is a transport for the future. Especially in times of recession. Besides the reduction of CO2 emissions, the economy encouraged to use the two wheels and think green. Private transport is expensive so far this year has registered a 40% fewer cars in the same period of 2008 (INE). A lack of euros, the movements become more sustainable.

13 CSE, but not expensive

In general, organic products are more expensive than conventional ones, although there are ways to get more affordable prices. Spain have emerged across groups and consumer cooperatives that buy directly from producers or distributors, avoid the cost of the food chain and get healthier, which reduces the environmental and social impact on the environment and people. The Ortiga (www.laortiga.com) in Andalusia, and Germinal (www.coopgerminal.org) in Catalonia, two longstanding cooperative where you get information on these groups. Madrid is essential to consult the guide Responsible Consumption (www.consumaresponsabilidad.com).

14 Solutions book

In Spain, the crisis came to the book later than anywhere else. The happiness lasted until February, when sales dropped by 40%. San Jordi and book fairs left the thing in 6%. The good news is that, finally, the offer will no longer ignore the demand, which had turned the book into a new carousel that just last month on a shelf. Many publishers have already begun to implement a triple choice: publish fewer titles, print runs and dusted adjust the catalog. The latest betting editorial revert to the top of the class: Stevenson, Orwell, Borges, Benedetti and Patricia Highsmith. Against uncertainty, treasury securities.

15 marketable debt

Employment is destroyed without remedy. As a result, the number of debtors in Spain is growing at an alarming rate in 2009. From January to March, 1358 companies were not able to meet its payments, according to provisional data from the INE. Creditors want their money returned to them. So we need a mediator: the lawyer. The increase in bankruptcies, a 266.6% over last year, has triggered the demand for experts in insolvency law.

Evencio Cortina release Ibáñez & Fernández de Valderrama (Madrid), appreciates the opportunities given the crisis. “Yes, there has been an increase in the work we carried 10 corporate bankruptcy proceedings. It is a job that does not stop learning, requires negotiating skills and knowledge of law.”

The corporate structure changes. Da do. And in times of scarcity is not only a better legal advice. It is also in great demand profile controller or chief financial officer responsible for managing budgets. “A key role in maintaining profitability and reduce unnecessary costs,” says Joaquín Sanz, especially economic. Two professions are benefiting at the moment. With more job prospects.

16 ‘Vade retro’ paperwork

Interphone rings. When downloaded, a voice asks: “commercial portfolio, do you open, please?”. Sure sounds that this scene. Well, according to the National Association of Business Mailing (ANEB) has ceased to be repeated so often. The crisis has dented the number of propaganda that gets in our mailbox. These brochures and leaflets it attest to almost turn it into a colorful trash.

The final report Infoadex, the company that makes the control and analysis of advertising in Spain, said that in 2008 the industry moved 884 million euros. “It is not a negligible figure, because we are a powerful sector in Spain,” said Juan Flores, president of ANEB, “but less than we had been driving. Great as Carrefour, Media Markt Alcampo or are not saving in this type of direct marketing. Obviously, the smaller ones, yes. ”

17 glamorous camping

The tent is not at odds with the comfort and design. A new phenomenon, the glamping, like camping with glamor wins fans, including celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds, who celebrated their honeymoon at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (www.wildretreat.com), a settlement deluxe lost amid the forests of Canada. Since not everyone can pay to figures from the tent of Scarlett, it’s nice to know that there are much cheaper accommodation (http://goglamping.net the portal offers a directory of camping sites with all the glamorous world with a variety of prices). For example, in the bucolic landscapes of the Lake District (Lake District), northern England, where he rented for five comfortable tents for about 260 euros per week in total, or dune Chegaga, near Ouarzazate, south of Morocco, with a luxurious camp of James for 28 euros per person per night.

18 head Calling

Smartphones not only provide new features, and it has changed the thinking of suppliers. The best thing is that the trend represents a misreading of the rate set in the number of minutes that you speak to who you like, now the epicenter are the data packets arriving from the network These are the conclusions I have arrived less than one month the Americans responsible for the assets on the stock exchange of the telecommunications market, which are reflected in Spain. Increases our phone bills. The smart sets affordable flat-rate service in putting uphill to make ends meet.

19 Technology for ‘geeks’

They were right that the prospect that in future the whole world would have a laptop and desktop PCs that end up in the attic. The crisis has triggered sales of computers and reduced its size. They are called NETBOOK. Are manageable and much cheaper. In Spain sold 20% more in 2008 and is expected to double this year in sales. The NETBOOK has meant that operating systems, programs that operate the computer, it is also cheaper. Will soon be free. Google has announced the launch of Chrome OS, which is downloaded from the Internet without paying a euro.

Microsoft Office Web last, version of its popular program that allows word processing (Word) and spreadsheet (Excel), which may also downloaded from the Web The crisis has also brought more browsers (the Chrome from Google ) and most browsers (the Bing, of Microsoft).

And it all off, reborn streaming technology that allows you to see movies and hear music online. Wise: www.seriesyonquis.com for television series, and Spotify, music, with an almost endless list. “Blessed crisis,” say geeks (geeks of computers).

20 ‘Coworking,’ where ideas flow

The space is minimalist, colorful, inspiring. Achievement Ivan has 30 years, is a freelance web designer and works to Work Loft in Madrid. This office brings together professionals from outside the company, do not perform similar tasks and are autonomous. That is coworking, a new trend in Spain work. This encourages creative collaboration, synergies and networking. Ivan takes advantage of his fellow illustrators or publishers, they take advantage of Ivan and save all, because the workplace is shared. Spain is filling these spaces: Tower 11, in Seville; On average five Work Center, and Gracia, Barcelona, Agora, in Bilbao, Garage, 30 in Madrid … The latter puts you in contact with the self-employed businesses to come to their offices instead of a more autonomous. Andrés Raúl explains, his soul, “Both sides will help the firm and spread of entrepreneurial innovation. So leave the inertia and may redefine its economic model.” Ideas that circulate.

21 The need, under

If you are an entrepreneur, a crisis is your golden opportunity to prosper. James Surowiecki, a columnist for The New Yorker, as exemplified earlier this year. Erupted when the Great Depression, Kellogg’s doubled its budget to bet aggressively by advertising on radio and launched a new range of products: the Rice Krispies. In 1933, despite the fact that the economy was in tatters, Kellogg’s profits grew by 30% annually.

Periods of crisis are the ideal place to develop creativity and talent. Texas Instruments launched the transistor in 1954, while Apple sold in the iPOP 2001, after pricking of the technology bubble. Certain to be winners in this recession. Individual bets.

22 Male Fashion Basic

We have lowered the budget, but claim to be euphoric. Buyers male fashion herald spring 2010 with a more common sense. Richard Johnson, Harvey Nichols, talk of a price reduction of 10%. Eric Jennings, the U.S. chain Saks Fifth Avenue, summarized trends in a WWD: “Shorts. It’s great for the footwear industry.” Will be time to invest in basic and dark colors, as provided for on the catwalks Dior (top). But Gregory Otero’s Store madrileña Sportivo warns changes: “Many brands to stores asking them to pay in advance 40% of the order to manufacture the collections.”

23 Less production, less C02

CO2 emissions in Spain fell by 8% in 2008, the biggest drop since they started to make these measurements in 1990. The drop in industrial production, which was 6.8% compared to 2007 – helped, but did not have a specific weight in the loss, according to Secretary of State for Climate Change, Teresa Ribero. The difference was the “profound change” in the electrical system, responsible for 70% of the decline in emissions. Ribeiro admitted that the crisis will be felt on data from 2009 when, according to forecasts from the International Monetary Fund, GDP to fall by 4%.

“The atmosphere is like you have less CO2 because the economy or decrease because we are environmentally responsible. But it should concern us,” says Rachel Heap, head of the campaign against climate change Greenpeace. “The good news is that renewable energies to gain importance.”

24 A little less pocket

On one side of the ring, the losers unreservedly. At the other extreme are those who hold jobs and can consume ever cheaper products. Brick was the first to fall. Analysts point out that the only way out for the sector is a price decrease of around 30%. Buyers have the upper hand to negotiate downward. The sharp drop in the Euribor, which a year ago, exceeded 5% and closed at 1.6% in June, will ease the burden of the mortgage. Fill your shopping cart costs less, especially for oil, milk, sugar and pasta. Furthermore, the plummeting dollar, the pound sterling and the yen has allowed the pockets of the Europeans are more bulky abroad. If they can consume less they did, they would push to lift the economy of the hole.

The show continues 25

“The crisis has brought me a lot of work.” These words from the stage director Jose Carlos Plaza could be assumed by many theater professionals. The phrase used since the seventeenth century and that refers to the “crisis of the theater had” never had less effect. This sector has not been affected by bad economic times, but has seen the audience more than ever to fill the rooms.

The phenomenon is not signed to major cities, but has become widespread, as seen in the cookies of the SGAE, which manages the box office of almost all shows on the bill. The penalty is that this boom would not affect all equally scenic designers and it still has some way to go poorly. Only now that adversely affects a smaller number.

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