Euro Weekly News - Costa de Almeria 15 - 21 May 2014 Issue 1506

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THE government of Almeria has announced that it will pay for the service and cost of the fire service in 96 towns in the province with less than 20,000 inhabitants.

Promenading THE extension to the promenade in Almeria City opened at the weekend. It has a sixmetre wide walkway and a three-metre wide bike lane.

Granada boycott PRESIDENT of UD Almeria, Alfonso Garcia, refused to attend the official postmatch meal after Granada raised the ticket price from the agreed €25 to €45 for the 700 fans from Almeria. The game was won by Almeria 2-0.

New centre COSENTINO, the multinational, Cantoria-based company, has opened its first centre in Malaysia. The company already has eight centres in Asia including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

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Greenpeace activists leave their mark GREENPEACE activists invaded the controversial Hotel Algarrobico in Carboneras at the weekend. Their mission was to paint the façade of the hotel black, leaving a 8,000-square-metre message which read: ‘Hotel illegal’. The almost 100 activists demanded the demolition of the hotel built by Azata which has 21 floors and 411 rooms. Dressed in bright orange overalls, the activists abandoned the hotel after finishing their artwork without one arrest in what has been the largest single activity in the 30-year history of the organisation, according to Greenpeace. The protest was concluded with two-high

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ISSUE NO. 1506

speed dinghys out at sea flying banners with the messages ‘Algarrobico, a black mark on the coast’ and ‘Demolition now’. Greenpeace bemoan the fact that the Junta has not responded to a letter sent to President Susana Diaz asking that the Junta buy back the

land on which the hotel is located and register the property. Similarly, according to Greenpeace, the Ministry of the Environment has turned its back on the defence of the coast in the area. “The end of the black mark of the Algarrobico Hotel begins with the

purchase of the land by the Junta again. Algarrobico has become the shame of the inactivity of the regional government,” said the director of Greenpeace, Mario Rodriguez, who added: “The government must enforce the environmental laws of our country.”

Forest fires investigated THE Forest Fire Research Team of Infoca has determined that both the fire that took place in late March in Sierra Gador, and the blaze in

the Lucainena/Sorbas area were caused by failures in the power lines which run through the area. Investigators have also claimed that

the fire in Somontin, which spread to Lucar, was caused by a bonfire used for leisure purposes that was not put out properly.

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Painting the town in Tijola THE town of Tijola celebrated its procession of the Virgin of Fatima at the weekend. Residents worked hard to bring a touch of colour to the streets by using coloured sawdust, plants and a great deal of imagination to bring to life an activity which has years of tradition. The town hall, as usual, delivered the necessary ingredients to make a paella to feed all those who took part. From early in the morning and in the days and even months - before the fiesta, the drawings are outlined on the streets with carpets of dyed sawdust and aromatic herbs. The procession of the Virgin of Fatima is always a big fiesta and with each

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THIS WEEK IN

EWN News 1 - 34

Finance 35 - 40

Letters 47

Daily TV 52

Leapy Lee 54

Time out 56 - 57

Property CARPET OF COLOUR: One of the town’s streets. passing year, it gains more tourist interest and followers. The fiesta was initiated in 1951 by Father Enrique Silva.

The Devotion to Our Lady of Fatima began a pilgrimage throughout the province, including the town of Tijola.

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Classifieds 81 - 83

Sport 87 - 88

NEWS Spring concert THE Municipal Band in Olula del Rio are to play a spring concert tomorrow night (Friday) with music from The Beatles, Elvis, Abba, Santana, etc. The concert takes place in the Espacio Escenico, Olula del Rio at 9pm. Fugitive caught NATIONAL POLICE have arrested a 36-year-old Romanian woman in Nijar, wanted by the Romanian authorities since June 2005 for alledgedly defrauding €560,000 from 11 companies over a one-year period.

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Meeting of prettiest towns MOJACAR and Lucainena de las Torres were present at the fifth international meeting of the most beautiful towns of the world, held in Mozet, Belgium. For Mojacar the presence was more significant as the Councillor for Tourism, Emmanuel Aguero,

was part of the Spanish delegation. Being within the association is paying off for both towns. Mayor of Lucainena, Juan Herrera, commented: “Many tourists who come to our town and visit the tourist information point have learnt about Lucainena from

being selected as one of ‘The most beautiful towns in Spain’. This has been backed up by the number of visitors.” Mojacar Councillor Aguero said the fact that the town has been included on the list has led to greater prestige.

COLLABORATION: An important aspect of family life.

Plant a tree PUPILS from Rosa Relaño College in Almeria have planted 100 olive trees as part of the programme ‘Grow with your tree’ in Atochares, Nijar. Prize drawing A schoolgirl from El Ejido, Maria Fernandez Cano, is one of just seven winners of the 11th drawing contest on the theme of Human Rights.

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Rock on, Adra

THE second Juegas Rock Festival will be held in Adra this year on August 1 and 2. The bill has 22 groups including Opmoc, Boikott and Gatillazo.

THE City of Almeria is to receive a gold medal at the 35th Festival de Cante de Lo Ferro. The event is due to take place in Murcia during July.

Loo complaint BEACH users in Cabo de Gata have complained about the poor state of the disabled toilet. The structure has been vandalised and the toilet is out of service.

Record Easter THE Alcazaba monument in Almeria City received a record 7,700 visitors during Easter Week.

Called up UD ALMERIA midfielder Ramon Azeez has been selected for the preliminary World Cup squad for Nigeria.

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City honour

Healthy Mother’s Day THE Mums of Carboneras were able to enjoy a sporty Mother’s Day; their special day began with a healthy breakfast followed by step classes and aerobics in the Parque Andaluz.

A taste of Italy THE Convento de la Victoria in Vera is hosting a free concert tomorrow, Friday at 8pm. The ‘Tres Tenores’ from the Teatro Lirico Andaluz company will be performing classics including O sole mio.

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Cheers!

Happy families... TODAY (Thursday) is the International Day of Families, set up by the United Nations in 1992. The day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. An important part of family life is collaborating together towards a common goal and in Spain children could be legally obliged to do housework under a new draft law. Outside the home and school, children and adolescents should ‘respect themselves, the people they interact with and the surroundings in which they live’ and more specifically, ‘respect the environment and help towards its conservation’. The law also refers to children and adolescents respecting the ‘dignity, integrity and intimacy of everyone they relate to, independently of their age, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, disability, physical

Quote of the Week I prefer not to comment, but if you sow winds you reap storms,’ PSdeG-PSOE Councillor of Vilagarcia de Arousa, Pontevedra, Susana Camiño, on her Facebook wall, regarding the death of PP President of Leon, Isabel Carrasco. She was ordered to resign immediately.

or social characteristics, appurtenance to certain social groups or any other personal or social circumstance’. It also refers to them conserving and making good use of public and private resources, facilities and equipment, urban furnishings and any other infrastructures they might use. If the Child Protection law is passed, children under 18 will be legally obliged to do household chores ‘in accordance with their age and regardless of their gender’, as well as participate in family life and respect their parents, siblings and other relatives. The draft law doesn’t set out penalties for children who fail to fulfil these requirements, but it also specifies that children would have to ‘respect school rules’, ‘study as required’ and ‘maintain a positive attitude about learning’. Also at school, the law would oblige them to ‘respect their teachers and other staff, as well as their fellow students’.

Number of the week

1,611

pregnant women gathered in Plaza de Callao in Madrid to break the world record of the largest group of pregnant women in one city, a title which was previously held by Barcelona, where 1,189 people gathered last year.

EL EJIDO will hold its first ever Beer Festival in the Carpa Municipal. The ‘Bier Fest’ will be held throughout the weekend of June 5 to 8.

Church reform THE government of Almeria is to award €215,000 to Gegal Town Hall to reform the church in the town. The historic building dates from between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Water works THE town of Oria is to benefit from substantial work on improving the sewerage system thanks to the provincial municipal investment plans. A total of €342,600 will be spent in the neighbourhood of Los Cerricos.

And finally... THE Taliban have announced that they will target Afghan interpreters and translators who have worked with the international troops, including the Spanish, in attacks as part of what they say will be a ‘key year’ to get rid of the ‘infidel invaders’ from their country.

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May the force be with you THE actor Max Von Sydow who unveiled his own star on the Almeria Walk of Fame in December is set to star in the movie Star Wars VII.

False start A YOUNG subsaharan man was arrested in the Nueva Andalucia area of Almeria City after he tried to buy goods from a secondhand shop with counterfeit €50 notes.

On show THE Convento de la Victoria in Vera will be displaying the work of Paloma Barinaga from Saturday until May 29. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday 11am to 1.30pm and Saturday 11am to 1.30pm.

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Noche en Blanco in Huercal-Overa PLANS for the third Noche en Blanco shopping event in Huercal-Overa have been put into place. Councillor Monica Navarro met with traders to submit proposals for the event which takes place on Friday, June 6. Shops will offer discounts to encourage purchases on the day between 7pm and 1am with different activities planned throughout the evening. There will be events to keep the children occupied, allowing parents the opportunity to go shopping. One of the highlights of the evening will be the performance of guitarist Guillermo Fernandez in the Plaza Mayor at 11pm. To close the night there will be ‘the act of the lamps’ which was held last year with each participating

MEETING: Shopkeepers in Huercal-Overa. business lighting up a lamp which will float up

into the sky, illuminating the town.

ACCIDENT: Badly damaged gas lorry.

Lucky escape Mojacar tuning up for drunk driver for the weekend MOJACAR is getting ready to host the fifth World Meeting of ‘tunas’ (musical groups) this weekend. The event has been organised by the Tuna de Ciencias from Granada University in collaboration with Mojacar Town Hall. As in previous editions a large number of groups is expected.

Already confirmed are tunas from Mexico, Portugal and different parts of Spain. The performers will be playing in different parts of the town tomorrow (Friday) from 9pm at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza Hotel Pueblo Indalo, Plaza del Fronton, Plaza del Parque Comercial and Plaza de la Fuente. The final and award ceremony will be held on Saturday in the Centro de Artesania at 8pm. Prior to the final, at 6pm, all participating groups will parade from the Plaza Fronton to the fountain. The final fanfare will be performed as always by the tunas from Granada.

A 53-YEAR-OLD truck driver from Vera has been arrested by the Guardia Civil for a crime against road safety. The man was driving a vehicle loaded with butane gas bottles, classed as dangerous goods. He had a blood alcohol level six times higher than the legal limit. The man was arrested on the A352 Cuevas del Almanzora to Garrucha road after police were advised of the accident. On arrival at the scene, the police observed how the truck, used for the distribution of gas bottles for domestic use, had left the road hitting a low wall along the roadside.

The driver was uninjured but caused damage to the wall, and his lorry. The damaged vehicle was carrying 80 gas bottles, of which 45 were full. A total of 31 bottles spilled into the road, fortunately without a gas leak occurring. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the lorry, showed obvious symptoms of driving under the influence of alcohol, thus requiring the intervention of a team from the Traffic Department of the Guardia Civil to carry out a breath test. The results obtained confirmed that the driver was more than six times above the maximum limit allowed for commercial drivers.

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The music of Jose Padilla lives on SIR RIDLEY SCOTT, Federico Fellini, Charlie Chaplin, Woody Allen, Richard Attenborough... and now John Turturro. The film world once again recalls the eternal work of Almeria composer Jose Padilla. On May 23, it will be 125 years since his birth. One of his most famous pieces, ‘La violetera’ appears on the soundtrack in the movie Fading Gigolo, written and directed by Turturro, who also stars opposite Woody Allen. The film opened in Spanish cinemas last week with the comedy also featuring Sofia Vergara, Sharon Stone and Vanessa Paradis.

Eugenia Montero, heir to the musician who gives his name to the auditorium in Almeria City, is the man responsible for the copyright of his work. He highlights the coincidence that the film arrives in Spain at the time of the 125th anniversary of Padilla. This event will be remembered for the next few months with various activities. These will include a cycle devoted to Padilla by the Spanish Film Library at its headquarters in Madrid’s Cine Dore, featuring Padillathemed movies or with soundtracks composed expressly by him.

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Getting residents involved THE town hall in Zurgena is inviting residents in the area to attend two meetings to discuss the Urban General Plan (PGOU). Two meetings have been arranged, the first takes place tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm at Zurgena’s Municipal Theatre. The second meeting will be held in the Renfe building next Thursday, May 22, also at 7.30pm. Attending the meeting will be engineers in charge of the study and the drafting of the General Plan as well as a lawyer specialising in planning matters. A translator for the English-speaking population will also be present. At both events, the document and its characteristics will be discussed in order to allow the public to

understand the details of the PGOU. People will also be able to answer any general questions about the document. For individual and more specific queries residents can call whenever they want during office hours, at the town hall, where they will receive information and advice. Mayor of Zurgena, Luis Diaz, commented: “We did not want to continue with the processing of this plan without our residents

knowing the details. They can read it and ask us any questions, or make suggestions.” For the mayor, these two meetings are an “example of transparency and the

involvement of our citizens in the processing of a document, which could be a turning point in the history of Zurgena, counting on their collaboration.”

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Cultural colour in Mojacar

NEWS EXTRA

Mozzie invasion ALMERIA City Hall has demanded action from the Junta de Andalucia to deal with the plagues of mosquitoes appearing along the residual waters of the Rio Andarax.

Snow fun A GROUP of 47 schoolchildren from two schools in Almeria went on a trip to La Hoya de la Mora in the Sierra Nevada.

Eroski deal SUPERMARKET chain Eroski and IGP Tomate La Cañada (Almeria) have reached a deal. Eroski will distribute the Green Salad Tomato and the Raf Tomato under its own brand ‘Eroski Natur’.

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FINANCIAL BOOST: The Museo Casa Ibañez in Olula del Rio.

Grant awarded to museum ALMERIA Provincial Government has awarded a grant of €30,000 to the Museo Casa Ibañez in Olula del Rio. The government will act as a partner in both the running costs of the museum and participate in the organisation of exhibitions throughout the year.

President Gabriel Amat said: “We continue our collaboration this year with the museum as we understand it is one of the main cultural references in the province of Almeria. It has activities of both quality and importance including the course organised with Antonio Lopez, which has

international repercussions.” In this sense, the government has participated in the Second Course of Realism and Figuration for painters taking place this week with pupils from around the world having the opportunity to learn from Master Artist, Antonio Lopez, as well as Andres Garcia Ibáñez.

‘INTERCULTURAS DAY’ took place again in Mojacar in conjunction with the Red Cross. The event attracted more than 150 people, with six different countries displaying some of their most characteristic features. Now in its second year, the day is designed to raise awareness of the cultural richness of the area and to highlight the positive aspects of cultural diversity. It also helps to raise awareness of concepts like prejudice and stereotypes held about other nationalities and cultures. Romania, Poland, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Morocco were represented at the Centro de Artesania in Mojacar. The six different nationalities displayed typical foods for tasting as well as educational information to publicise aspects of folklore, history and famous people from their countries.

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Town pool back in the swim THE indoor municipal pool in Huercal-Overa is set to reopen today (Thursday). The pool will be open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. Activities and services on offer are Sala fitness, free swim, swimming courses

(from four months to 99 years), activities for senior citizens (Aquasenior), a spa (Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, etc). There will also be a range of classes - Aerobic, Step, Body tone, Pilates, Zumba physiotherapy and a children’s recreation area. A monthly swim pass will cost €20 with the

Albox by-pass THE Department of Public Works and Housing of the Junta de Andalucia has brought in machinery to reactivate work on the Albox by-pass. Work has begun to enable access to the work site in the centre of the infrastructure, in the area known as La Molata, which connects the town of Albox with the village of Almanzora. The work

is being done to facilitate transport and storage of the prefabricated parts required to complete the section of road. Once the access work has been carried out, the Albox by-pass will be in full swing to finalise the section permanently by March 2015. This will put in service a total of 22 continuous kilometres of highway from Fines to Cucador.

Moonlight walks THE first moonlight walk organised by the provincial government of Almeria took place in Fines on Saturday. The next set of walks will take place on Saturday, June 14, in the towns of Arboleas, Pulpi and Ohanes. On Saturday, July 12, it will be the turn of Taberno, Mojacar and Alboloduy. For more information about the walks contact the local town hall.

Welsh choir in Turre FIFTEEN members of Welsh choir The Chords will be singing at the Hostal Rural in Turre tomorrow night (Friday) from 7pm. Tickets are €20 each which includes a two-course meal. To book your place, please telephone 950 982 555 or 950 982 550.

remainder of May included in a June pass. The swimming classes start in June and also cost €20 a month. Mayor Domingo Fernandez noted that “from the government team, from the day the doors were closed by the concessionaire, we have been very clear that we could not let this sports facility die.” The Sports Department in collaboration with Works and Services have carried out maintenance work and cleaning of the facilities as well as both exterior and interior painting.

Exodus film set is cleaned up THE remains of the set from the filming of Exodus in the Sierra Alhamilla have been cleared of litter. This followed a complaint from the Association Almeriacine against a film company who used the abandoned set for filming. The company left behind a trail of confetti, balloons and other rubbish. After cleaning up the area, which has been slowly accumulating rubbish, the company apologised and underlined the fact that during the threehour filming they had been respectful of the sets which are still standing in the area.

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Marihuana on the move seized NATIONAL POLICE have arrested two young men and a minor suspected of crimes against public health when they were discovered in a van carrying

marihuana plants. A resident in the area contacted the police to report that a vehicle was being loaded with the plants. Officers were able to locate the vehicle and discovered 42 marihuana plants with an approximate weight of two kilograms; they then arrested the three young men. The officers later ‘privileges’ for reason of origin or race. The discovered a facility for tournament formed part of growing marihuana in an a calendar of events which apartment owned by the began in April with a wife of one of the photographic exhibition at detainees. Inside were a the cultural centre in Adra. further 25 plants, along Events continue until the with various tools and end of May and include a equipment designed to aid film screening of the growth of the plants. Two of the detainees, ‘Busqueda piquetera’, the concert ‘Mentenguerra aged 18 and 19, are Krondstadt’ and a lecture awaiting trial in the at El Ejido school for adults magistrates court while by Jose Luis Garcia, the 16-year-old minor has Professor of Philosophy at been handed over to Juvenile Services. Granada University.

Playing the game against racism ADRA in Almeria was host to an interesting football tournament at the weekend. It was played to raise awareness of racism and to reject xenophobia, whilst encouraging the integration of more than 3,300 immigrants in the town. The matches had no winners or losers, and there were no restrictions on who could participate, and no inequality between men and women, or any

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NEWS EXTRA

Exchange trips for students PUPILS from SEK Alboran College took part in a student exchange during April. They travelled to various cities including New York, Paris, Stuttgart and Sotogrande.

Park life PARQUE del Andarax in Almeria City has had a facelift with nine new picnic benches; 12 new barbecues are also to be built.

Handy advice VISITORS to Torrecardenas Hospital in Almeria were given tips on hand hygiene by health experts. The event was held to mark World Hand Hygiene Day.

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Recycled water for golf course THE Valle del Este golf course in Vera has become the first course in the Almeria Levante area to

use reclaimed water for irrigation. The course has fulfilled one of its major aims, that of making

ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE: Valle del Este golf course in Vera. proper use of water resources and its

commitment to the environment and the town

Vera hosts footballers of the future VERA hosted the 20th Copa de Campeones youth tournament last week. After seven days of intense competition at the Las Viñas ground, the final between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad closed the tournament on Saturday evening. One notable absentee from the Vera sports arena was the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Angel Maria Villar. Eduardo Herrera, President of the Andalucian Federation of Football,

said: “I want to apologise for the absence of Angel, who wanted be here but after the sad news of the death of the footballing youngsters in Badajoz following a road accident, on behalf of Spanish football, it was important for him to be there with them.” Real Madrid and Spain Legend, Emilio Butragueño, who attended the tournament, said: “We all hope these kids are soon in the Primera Liga. We thank the organisers for the magnificent hospitality towards our children this week in Vera.”

Joseba Ibarguru, representing Real Sociedad, said “Words cannot express our gratitude to the town of Vera. We are here to form our youngsters and here to compete.” Real Madrid, who included Enzo Zidane, the son of Zinedine Zidane in their line-up, picked up another trophy for the cabinet after winning in a penalty shootout after the game finished 1-1. This was the sixth time that Real Madrid has won the tournament, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

of Vera, in an area where water is scarce. This has been made possible thanks to a joint venture with the company Codeur based in Vera and the Valle del Este Hotel and Golf Resort. They signed an agreement in November 2013 whereby Codeur will supply water from the Vera water treatment plant. The irrigation of the golf course takes an estimated 250,000 cubic metres a year. Supply of the reclaimed water began at the end of April and meets all the requirements of the strict regulations on reuse of water in garden areas.

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No battle of the sexes here THE Department of Equality in HuercalOvera has organised the second Equality Walk for Women and Men up to Huercal-Overa Castle, in conjuction with the Women’s Centre. The walk takes place on Saturday to demonstrate equality between women

and men. Councillor Noelia Parra wanted to show that these symbolic actions are necessary to remind people that every day of the year is women’s day, and not just March 8. The walk will start from outside the town hall at 9am, and pass through

symbolic areas of the town of HuercalOvera, including La Plaza de la Constitucion, La plaza de la Era de la Virgen, the Rambla and finally the castle, where there will be time to relate the history and legends that it contains.

Apart from visiting the interior of the tower, the walkers will be able to see the picturesque landscape of the hills surrounding the town, which are especially alive and full of colour at this time of year; as well as a view of the town.

Good news for homes in Zurgena TWELVE home-owners, mostly British, have had the threat of demolition of their houses revoked The good news for those in Los Carasoles, Zurgena, came when former Mayor Candido Trabalon had his 21-month prison sentence and nine years of disqualification for perversion of justice revoked by

Almeria Provincial court. The ruling clarified that a report into the licence approval for 12 houses in Los Carasoles by the architect and town hall secretary “did not make evident anything about the illegality of the works.” The decision means the demolition order hanging over the

12 homes, mostly owned by British citizens, has been overturned. The provincial court also urged the administrative authorities to assess recent rules to regulate such housing in Andalucia, homes that were purchased in good faith. The former mayor and current councillor for works expressed great satisfaction at what he considered a “very positive verdict” for the town of Zurgena, especially for those families living in homes under threat of demolition and for those who were accused.

NEWS EXTRA READY FOR THE OFF: The harriers started from Club de Tenis in Albox.

Harriers on the trail THE IndaloH3 hashers met at Club de Tenis in Albox for their latest adventure, where members from CambridgeH3 and TruroH3 swelled their numbers.

Everyone wore odd socks in remembrance of one of their fellow hashers, nicknamed ‘Odd Sox’, who passed away 10 years ago to the very day.

The hares explained that the route which had to be followed was marked in salt. So off they went into the campo following the salt trail. There were some steep hills, with two harriers insisting on running up them. The visitors were beginning to feel the strain of the heat by the time they started heading towards the finish. Meanwhile, the walkers had just ambled along, chatting and admiring the scenery, and once again, were first back to the refreshment car. Once everyone was suitably refreshed, the circle was formed and ‘down-downs’ awarded, ‘a ‘virgin’ was welcomed, and the Cambridge hashers led the singing. More information: www.indaloh3.com or email indaloh3@gmail.com

A prize document THE Historic Archive Department in Almeria City has chosen as the ‘document of the month’ the personal story of a pupil who travelled to Morocco in July 1946 with schoolteacher Celia Viñas.

Last games THE final round of La Liga football matches all take place on Sunday at 6pm with UD Almeria at home to Athletic Bilbao.

On the run THE popular road races return to the province this summer with 16 towns taking part. The first race takes place in Bedar on June 7 and the last in Canjayar on September 28.

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Andres Piñero has passed Obituary by Ric Polansky EMPIRES are created, not by emperors or those that would be king, but rather sturdy, soldier types that understood the vision. The administrators planned, changed clothes, and went into the trenches digging, moulding, planting, and building. So it was with the dream aspiration of my brother and Cortijo Grande and the allegiance Andres of Andres Piñero, the quiet man who laboured long into each night. Andres was from the valley. First-born son of five generations that ruled and lived in harmony within nature’s most perfect of

settings - Cortijo Grande. Theirs was a life of endless toil... seasonal, exacting, and always combating the whims of nature. He helped shape a forgotten valley into a unique, living dream. His strength of character was one with the valley. Andres shall live forever with the Piñero rays of each morning’s sun as they crest over the mountain and flood down upon the lush valley below. It is still his valley, his family’s secret kingdom where so many of us have decided to also enjoy and pass through.

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Gas storage was to blame for quakes THERE is a ‘direct link’ between more than 450 earthquakes registered in September 2013, and the injection of gas into an undersea gas storage facility in the Gulf of Valencia. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) into seismic activity in the area confirmed that over that period there were more than 450 earthquakes in the Gulf of Valencia, the strongest registering 4.2 degrees on the Richter Scale. This area is not normally known for seismic activity, and between 1920 and 2013 had only registered 203 tremors, the strongest 3.3 degrees. Although they did not cause any damage, calls were received by alarmed local residents who felt 15 of the tremors. Environmental groups have blamed the earthquakes on the injection of gas into the storage facility, a depleted oil reservoir off the coast of Vinaros, operated by Castor, 1.7 kilometres under the

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OFFSHORE: Undersea storage facility in Gulf of Valencia. Mediterranean Sea, near a fault line. In October, the government had to agree, and this has now been confirmed by the IGN, which said that seismic impact studies for the plant were inadequate. The IGN study also reveals a previously unidentified fault line

which was not taken into account. The injection of gas, it says, has accelerated the seismotectonic process. Left-wing party Izquierda Unida has asked for the plant to be definitively closed and for this not to cost money to citizens and users of gas.

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Long walk at the weekend A GROUP of 50 people took part in a 13kilometre walk at the weekend, visiting the Mines of Three Pacos in Cuevas del Almanzora along the way.

Drugs haul

Trojan horse OBRA became the scene for the story of ‘The Trojan Horse’ when 2,300 students descended for three days of activities organised by the town council and La Caixa

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Arsonists arrested

NEWS EXTRA

GUARDIA CIVIL have arrested a 23-year-old man in El Ejido, and seized 21 marihuana plants being dried at his home. Officers had been alerted to the strong smell.

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OPERATION SUBBETICA: Carried out by Guardia Civil in Almeria, Murcia and Leon.

Three detained for child pornography

GUARDIA CIVIL officers have arrested three individuals for alleged offences relating to child pornography, one of them in Almeria. As part of Operation Subbetica in Almeria, carried out simultaneously with Guardia Civil in Murcia and Leon, the three

arrests were made upon the discovery of the distribution of videos and photographs of paedophile content. The suspects had been downloading and sharing child pornography via Peer to Peer (P2P) networks, so are charged with crimes against sexual

indemnity as well as possession and distribution of the files. The Guardia Civil have asked people to be vigilant when using P2P networks, and to use extreme caution when downloading files. They ask that if anyone detects dubious content, to inform them.

AGENTS of the National Police have arrested two men on suspicion of arson at a cottage on the road to Cabo de Gata. One of the men had already been arrested two days previously for illegal possession of weapons, a revolver and five cartridges. This occurred after a call to 091 sent police to La Cañada health centre where a patient was being treated for a blow to the head. The wounded man told officers that the man had entered his home and hit him on the head with the butt of a gun. Two days later, police were alerted to a fire, where neighbours were trying to extinguish the flames with water and palm leaves. Immediate investigations found a plastic bottle containing traces of petrol. The arsonists had broken a bedroom window, doused the room with petrol and set it alight. The home-owner pulled out a gun and fired a warning shot into the air, and recognised one of the arsonists as ‘Fran del Puesto’, whom he had fought with previously. Armed with this information, officers were able to locate, ‘Fran’ and arrest him. The second arsonist was tracked down and arrested in Valencia.

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NEWS

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May bank holiday in Mojacar successful MOJACAR has released its tourism figures from the May bank holiday to rapturous applause from the town council. The four star hotels announced 95 per cent occupancy, three star 90 per cent, three and four star aparthotels 94 per cent, two star hotels 95 per cent and one star hotels 70 per cent.

Local hotel chains Best Hotels, Servigroup and Paradores all announced 100 per cent occupancy! The figures show that most visitors came from elsewhere in Spain, mainly from Madrid, Valencia, Murcia, and across Andalucia. Reservations were mainly made direct or on the internet, with travel agents seeming to have

four star hotels as their most popular choice. The most popular visitor type that weekend were young couples with children, seeking the beach, exploring the old town, and enjoying some local walks. Surveys filled out over the weekend came back very positive, with grades from good to excellent.

PSOE groups campaign on streets of Almeria THIRTY groups of the Socialist party (PSOE) took to the streets of Almeria this weekend to raise more support for the upcoming European elections on May 25. The groups wanted to point out their alternative to the current PP majority, and in particular, how the citizens of Andalucia could benefit from it. The Socialists, who have been

using the slogan ‘From Andalucia you can move Europe,’ have centred their political efforts around 10 subject areas, among which they have highlighted the fight against unemployment and tax fraud, embracing the European model of social care in areas such as health and education, balanced rural development, job creation, and the need for better infrastructure.

Accounting irregularities THE PSOE (Socialist party) in Garrucha has made a complaint against Mayor Juan Francisco Fernandez for irregularities in finances, with the discovery of more than €400,000 missing from financial records. This is in addition to the existing complaint against the mayor for the ‘disappearance’ of €1.3 million from the town’s coffers.

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NEWS

Get snapping for Seron safari MAY 16 to 18 sees the 18th Edition of the Photo Safari in Seron. Each photography participant must provide their own digital camera and any additional equipment including tripods, filters and telephoto lenses. The photographs can be of the participants’ choice, although they can submit just 16 images. During the three-day event, competitors will have access to a laptop or computer to view their digital images, and make any basic authorised

adjustments, as well as delete any surplus photographs from the memory card before submitting their images for consideration. The overall winner will receive a prize of €300 and a cerificate; second place receives €200 and a certificate; and third gets €150 and a certificate. There are also subcategories: Children (up to age 12), Youth (13 to 20 years), Adult (21 and over). There is also a special prize of €100 for the best photograph of the safari.

An end is in sight to the water shortage in Chercos CHERCOS residents have finally received some good news regarding their water deficit. Gabriel Amat, President of the PP in Andalucia, has awarded the mayor, Jose Antonio Torres, funding from the Municipal Investment Plan 2013 to address the water issues. The project will connect an existing groundwater supply to the town where it previously fell short, and involve drilling to a depth of 185 metres.

Mr and Miss Gypsy competition A MISTER and Miss Gypsy competition has been launched in Spain. The competition, which claims to be beneficial to young gypsies because it judges contestants on intelligence as well as looks, is being organised by the Northern Flamenco Association in Madrid. The pageant, which is currently holding auditions in the capital, includes typical beauty contest elements but also judges on other factors including education, interests, personality and ambition. According to its organisers, the competition is a response to the reduced opportunities which gypsies

The contest hopes to encourage young gypsy women to be more independent in Spain receive. The competition aims to persuade gypsy girls that there is more to life than marrying young and having children. Maria Jimenez of the Northern Flamenco Association is involved in organising the contest, which she hopes will encourage young gypsy women to be more independent. Jimenez said: “For a gypsy woman, the aim is always just to get married very young, at 14 or 15, and have

children. I want the gypsy woman to study and become independent so she doesn’t depend on her husband to give her €10 so she can eat.” Figures routinely show that gypsies in Spain are much less likely to find work than their nongypsy counterparts. Many gypsy youths leave school at the age of 16, and this contributes to the high 36 per cent unemployment rate among the country’s 725,000 gypsies. The competition final will be in October and contestants will be vying for the crown and chance to become Spain’s first Mister or Miss Gypsy.

15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

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NEWS EXTRA

Carboneras beats records CARBONERAS beat all May Bank Holiday records with 80 per cent occupancy, firmly stamping the town as one of the favourite destinations in Almeria during that weekend.

Tourism drive

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NEWS

Online gaming and energy drinks bills not passed GRACIA Fernandez, PSOE deputy in Almeria has criticised the PP’s decision to prevent the passing of two bills submitted by the PSOE to protect young people from online

game addiction and excessive consumption of energy drinks. When the energy drink control bill was shelved, she accused the PP of “double standards,” because

despite their ongoing plan to cut down on drugs, they did not take the energy drink consumption seriously. Fernandez explained that “these drinks are not harmful if

Drain danger outside EWN

CARBONERAS continues its tourism promotion with the council attending the tourism and leisure fair in Bilbao from May 9 to 11. Last year saw more than 245,000 attend.

Student tour STUDENTS from Sotomayor have enjoyed a tour around Cuevas del Almanzora, visiting cultural buildings and local hospitality. UNSTABLE DRAIN: Several complaints.

OUTSIDE the Euro Weekly News office in Albox this week, a man was injured when he trapped his leg down a drain. The man, a lorry driver on his way to the bank, was walking normally but unfortunately trod on the drain cover which tipped, trapping his leg just above the knee. Help was at hand and the man went to the surgery to get checked out. Police attended this scene, as well as a workman, to temporarily make the area safe and to speak with witnesses to the man’s accident. A denuncia has been raised against the council as complaints had gone unheeded previously. Unfortunately, this is not the first time for the drain to cause injury and upset. According to staff in the Euro Weekly News office, a number of people have fallen foul of the unstable drain cover. Only the day before, a lady with a pram fell foul of the hazard.

consumption is responsible, but the problem arises when used as a stimulus to continue drinking alcohol, especially among young people.” Online gambling became legal in Spain in June 2012, and during that first year, more than 5,000 million Euros were spent. Fernandez warned, “online gaming is three times more addictive than modal gambling, due to the anonymity, accessibility via mobile phones, and availability anywhere, anytime.” PSOE had submitted a proposal to “ban the use of induction techniques to the game, especially for the most vulnerable - the young, habitual gamblers and addicts. The bill also called for the “elimination of techniques that reward excessive consumption, such as rewards or loyalty points.” Fernandez concluded, “the deputies and senators of the PP have shown a lack of sensitivity to the problem of pathological gambling and its growth among the young.”

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NEWS

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Beehive thief falls for police sting operation GUARDIA Civil have arrested a man in Nijar for the theft of more than 300 beehives. Officers arrested the 33-year-old on suspicion of stealing 323 hives from his neighbours, and for having burned the panels displaying their identification. He has been charged

him with 10 separate acts of theft, believed to have been carried out between late 2013 and early 2014. When the investigation began, Guardia Civil suspected the thief to be an experienced bee-keeper and with an in-depth knowledge of hives in the local area. They concentrated their

efforts in monitoring professionals, and installing a number of discreet surveillance devices. This led to them to being able to identify the man’s vehicle. Officers were aware that he had recorded his apiary total as 170, scattered around Nijar, yet the actual count was much higher. After examining a number of the man’s apiaries, they discovered hives with identity panels missing. The enquiry remains open while Guardia Civil examine his potential involvement in other cases. He was arrested in April 2013 for hive thefts in other areas of Almeria.

SCREENING: Paying tribute to the teachers who modernised education.

PSOE documentary hitch CARBONERAS saw the screening of the PSOE

documentary ‘Las maestras de la Republica’ (Teachers of the Republic) last week. The film won the Goya prize for ‘best documentary feature’ in 2014, and pays tribute to the teachers who participated in the modernisation of education in Spain during the Second Republic and the Civil War. Directed by Pilar Perez Solano, the movie uncovers the legacy left by these women, based on democratic education and uses some previously unseen files. However, not all ran smoothly on the night, as

just hours before, the discovery was made that the projector, speakers, and cables had gone missing. An alternative solution was found but PSOE spokesperson, Francisca Serrano, attacked the PP in response to the hitch. She accused the PP of trying to ‘trip’ the screening, and stressed that the matter could be more serious than originally thought because the equipment had been purchased “with the people’s money” and the “loss would be a sign of irresponsibility by the Councillor for Culture”.

Grab those white sheets for a party! ‘SUMMER Solstice and Toga Party’ arrives again at La Cumbre in Los Gallardos on Saturday, June 21. Togas are not compulsory, but you’ll look the odd one out if not. There will be music from the 70s and 80s, disco classics with Moz Morris. This is followed by rock ‘n’ roll, swing and other classics with The Dominoes There is a coach available from Mojacar Playa with stops on the way. Do book tickets in advance, which cost €10. They are available from the venue, the Olive House in Bedar, Connexions in Turre and Mojacar Playa. Contact Siobhan: 697 302 129 for more details.

NEWS EXTRA

Sawdust streets TIJOLA streets were covered in dyed sawdust patterns for the annual passage of the Virgin of Fatima. The procession has taken place since 1951, getting bigger each year.

In the family DEPUTY Mayor of Albox Francisco Perez Conchillo has come under the spotlight as his nephew’s engineering firm is investigated for claiming public funds with no evidence of works.

Car amnesty PULPI Council signed an agreement with the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) for an amnesty for all vehicle owners in the area who have not changed their vehicle’s registered address after moving house.

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NEWS

Leon’s Partido Popular President is shot dead THE President of Leon Provincial Government, Isabel Carrasco, 59, died on

Monday, after being shot several times by a woman near her home.

According to witnesses, Carrasco, who was also the President of the conservative Partido Popular (PP) in the province since 2004, was on a walkway over the Bernesga River when she was shot at least three times. National Police have arrested two women, a mother and daughter, aged 55 and 35, for their alleged involvement in the killing. Both women are members of the PP and police believe

they may have acted out of revenge since the younger woman lost her position in the Provincial Government. The women are the wife and daughter of the police Chief Inspector in Astorga. The younger woman had recently learned that she had lost a lawsuit against the provincial government and had been sentenced to pay back amounts which she had been paid as a temporary worker. It is believed the shots were fired by her mother. The mayor of Leon, Emilio Gutierrez, expressed the city’s “pain and consternation” over the deaths. All PP electoral activities which were planned on Monday were cancelled, as well as a meeting planned on Tuesday in Valladolid, which PM Mariano Rajoy was due to attend.

UNHEALTHY SNACK: Cocaine, ham and cheese.

Cocaine sandwich arrest in Benidorm

NATIONAL POLICE police have arrested a Colombian man after he was found to be carrying a drug-stuffed ham and cheese sandwich. The snack had a somewhat unhealthy filling - 100 grammes of cocaine. Police arrested the 29-yearold man at a Benidorm bus station after they suspected him of drug trafficking. Spain’s National Police released a photo showing the said sandwich with nine small cylindrical plastic capsules spread over cured ham and cheese. Police found over a kilo of cocaine in the man’s Benidorm home as well as marihuana. They also detained his room-mate, a 20-year-old Colombian national. Spain’s close ties to Latin America have made it the key entry point for cocaine bound for Europe.

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E W N 15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería COSTA DEL SOL

Prankster fined A BOY, 15, was fined €6,000 by Torremolinos Town Hall for emptying a fire extinguisher at the San Miguel Sports Stadium as a prank.

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SAN VICENTE vandals are looting abandoned industrial units that closed during the economic crisis. They are also held responsible for a recent fire at an empty Ronda Oeste depot.

Fewer babies

MALLORCA

Unpaid fare A MAN, 30, was arrested in Palma for failing to pay the €74.12 fare after taking a taxi from Santanyi to Palma.

Fire controlled A FIRE broke out in a pine forest in Camp de Mar, Andratx, just 200 metres from a villa owned by Claudia Schiffer, and was brought under control within two hours.

New flight AIRLINE Air Nostrum will connect Asturias and Mallorca three times a week with flights on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Hiker rescued FIREMEN from Inca and Soller had to rescue a German hiker who sustained a foot injury and got trapped on the Valldemossa-Deia route.

More bikes BICYCLE circulation on the streets of Palma has increased by more than 26 per cent in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.

GANDIA Town Hall will introduce permits allowing public administration and town hall employees to park in ‘loading and unloading’ bays. The current document is too easily forged, sources said.

Picked over

AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI presented its latest model, the Huracan, at the Ascari racetrack in Ronda before a crowd of 500 people.

A DELEGATION from Andalucia and the Costa del Sol travelled to the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai to meet with airlines and negotiate more flights from the Middle East.

Parking scam

CALPE Town Hall will install lights in Calle Corbeta. Residents have complained about lack of lighting after developers remodelling the street failed to install cables.

New model

Eastern flights

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Switched on

DESPITE being one of the most expensive locations in Spain, business premises in Puerto Banus remain amongst the most sought after by firms.

THIS year there are reportedly more places in kindergartens throughout Malaga Province than required due to the fall in the birth rate, migration and unemployment.

NEWS DESK

PEDREGUER: The gardens at Finca Albarda.

Making the past attractive

INLAND Marina Alta towns are aware that their past is another tourist attraction. This is the case with the Valle del Pop and the Ses Valls de Retrobament association, whose members include local institutions, town halls and businesses, in promoting its history. First to feature will be Finca Albarda in Pedreguer, the Museo del Vino in Jalon and Denia’s Ruta de la Pansa centering on the raisin industry. All are linked to early 17th century immigration when Mallorcan settlers repopulated the area following the final expulsion of the Moors. Their influence remains alive in the Valle del Pop where Mallorcan words are still used and the island’s customs and traditions endure. Pedreguer, Jalon and Denia are highlighted in three tourism routes announced recently by Angel Vives, the association’s president. The project was presented at Finca Albarda, whose gardens recreate those of the Valencian renaissance with native Mediterranean plants and trees. There is still much to do, said Josep Vicent Mascarell, a director of the Balearia shipping line linking Denia and Balearics. Nevertheless the project is off to a good start and would benefit tourism and businesses in the area, he added.

AXARQUIA

Bonsai victory THE AXARQUIA Bonsai Club classified second in the international competition held in Lake Garda, Italy; 27 international clubs took part in this high level competition.

Air show MOTRIL is to host the ninth edition of the Andalucia Orion Air Show which will take place on June 22 and can be seen from the Poniente beach to the Granada beach.

Pit bull attack TWO girls, both aged seven, and

a man have been injured by a Pit Bull dog in Benalgabon; the dog was not wearing a lead or a muzzle when it attacked them in the street.

Tapas route NERJA will hold a Tapas Route around the town for the rest of the month; there are around 12 restaurants and over 20 bars offering a tapa and a beer for €1.80.

Handball championship THE SPANISH Federation of Handball has chosen Almuñecar to host the finals of the women’s championship which will take place from May 23 to 25.

Neat and tidy MORE than 15 environmental volunteers cleared the El Pantano area in the Elda countryside of rubbish. All the refuse collected was separated for recycling.

Factory death A LORRY-DRIVER was killed and two people injured at an Alcoy factory while loading a 2.5-ton piece of machinery. It fell from a crane, instantly crushing the 54year-old driver.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Wage rise SAN MIGUEL’S councillor of Hacienda has had a pay rise from €593 a month to €1,200 net in line with his ‘degree of responsibility.’

Tapas route ESTABLISHMENTS interested in taking part in the fifth Tapas Route of Santa Pola, proposed to take place in June should register by the end of today (Thursday) at the Tourist Information offices.

Culture week SANTA POLA has hosted the 18th edition of the Cultural Week of the Third Age, held at the town’s Casa de Cultura.

Murcia promoted MURCIA’S tourism board is in Milan, Italy, to promote the region’s tourism at the ‘La Spagna a Milano’ event.

Cars hit A VAN crashed into six parked vehicles in Torrevieja, shunting them along to the point that the last car moved on to the crossroads, hitting a travelling vehicle.

NEWS

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15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

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Advertising feature

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E W N 15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

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Space cakes on sale at the fair A NINE-year-old girl has been taken to hospital after eating cup cakes laced with marihuana which were bought from a street stall at the Fira per la Terra fair in Barcelona. Her father bought the cakes without knowing they were adulterated and around two hours later the girl began to feel ill and fell over due to dizziness. She was

immediately taken to the hospital where doctors found she had eaten marihuana.

The girl stayed overnight in hospital for observation. The police were alerted and found two women who were selling biscuits which had a very strong odour of marihuana. They were remanded in custody. CUP CAKES: Looking good, but what is in them?

NEWS

Ministry will spy on bank accounts THE Spanish Government has revealed plans to collect data on all of the country’s 34 million bank accounts. The move, said to be a bid to crack down on money laundering and the funding of terrorist activity, has drawn widespread criticism. The government will be setting up an archive of data on the financial

activity of all Spaniards and residents in Spain, according to national daily El País. Banks in Spain will have to supply details of all personal and business current accounts, savings accounts and fixed-term accounts they hold to the Secretary of State for the Economy. Allegedly, the Tax Office, the Military, the General Council of the Judiciary and the Secret Service will then be able to access this stored information. Spain’s politicians and high-ranking officials will also see their finances come under closer scrutiny. It is hoped that this will aid the country in tackling corruption. Supposedly, the account information will only be able to be accessed with a court order. Once this information has been requested, a number of officials including judges, prosecutors, police officers and intelligence agents will have access to the accounts, assets

and deposit accounts included in this database. France and Germany have already adopted similar systems to combat corruption. The new rules are in line with the anti-money laundering recommendations of the 35country Financial Action Task Force. Legal experts and consumer groups have voiced damning criticisms, questioning confidentiality laws and pointing out that tax-dodgers will just move all their financial assets abroad, to tax havens. An account into which a significant number of people make deposits will be regarded as ‘suspicious.’ Transactions over €1,000 will be flagged if deemed suspicious, while all transactions over €30,000 can be checked. According to the rules, transfers of over €3,000 a month will also be checked. Spain’s Economy Ministry has two years to implement the project. Editor says... Page 34

Los Llanos Market The Los Llanos purpose built market place is open Saturday morning all year round and is located in the Almanzora Valley along the A-334 between Arboleas and Albox. The open air venue is popular with both expatriates and local Spanish customers and has a wide variety of stalls offering Spanish and English produce and specialist services. It is a pleasant way to spend your Saturday morning browsing the stalls, chatting with the stallholders, meeting friends and not forgetting a spot of breakfast. Why not see for yourself what Los Llanos market has to offer, you will be pleasantly surprised.

635 690 467 Saturday morning 635 690 467 Saturday morning 635 690 467 Saturday morning 635 690 467 Saturday morn

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S CANDINAVIAN P RESS

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Stories making headlines in Europe

GERMAN PRESS Train crash

BRITISH PRESS Not disappointed NORWAY - The Dalai Lama has said he holds no grudges against the Norwegian government after they decided not to meet him on his trip to Oslo in order to avoid further damaging their fragile relations with China.

Text message NORWAY - The Norwegian Air Shuttle staff announced a strike after the airline’s management brought weeks of negotiations to an angry conclusion with a text message threatening to close three of their four bases in Norway if the workers went on strike.

Firefighter’s baby

the Mediterranean.

LONDON firefighter Ross McClaren, 33, delivered a baby at the scene of a large fire using only the midwifery skills he learnt from watching television series ‘One Born Every Minute.’

Nando’s tattoo

GIANT jellyfish are likely to be drawn to the West Country as a heat wave draws them into British waters. Marine experts are warning bathers that the stingers may float over from

CONSTRUCTION giant BAM will renovate the Feyenoord football stadium in Rotterdam for €200 million if the City Council agrees. The plan is to turn it into a stadium for 70,000 spectators for football as well as concerts.

SMART DRUGS: Help students to stay awake.

RUSSIAN PRESS OLYMPIC skier Maria Komissarova has picked Spain over Russia to treat her after being left paralysed from the waist down at the Sochi Winter Olympics. Komissarova is set to continue her treatment at a clinic in Marbella.

Feyenoord stadium

ONE in five British students has admitted to taking ‘smart drugs’ to help them improve their academic performance. These drugs help them to stay awake and study longer according to a survey.

Portuguese Men o’War

DENMARK - Over a third of Danes (38 per cent) call in sick when in actual fact they are perfectly fine. Danish companies lose over 814 million kroner due to staff ‘duvet days.’

DENMARK - A man was badly injured when a propane gas cylinder at a hotdog stand exploded near the entrance to the Eurovision venue on the island of Refshaleoen in Copenhagen. The explosion caused beer cans to shoot in every direction.

THE latest and hottest new games console is for dogs. The CleverPet consists of three touch pads and a feeding pod. This educates, entertains and feeds the pet all at the same time.

Drugged students

Spanish rehabilitation

Gas explosion

Doggy games

A SURREY teenager has had the Nando’s logo tattooed on his backside. Bradley Holman, 19, is so obsessed with the chain restaurant and their Peri Peri sauce that he had their cockerel inked into his skin while on holiday in Crete.

Sick days

duty-free import of certain goods known as the Generalised System of Preferences.

Putin celebrates VLADIMIR PUTIN celebrated a decade as President amid high tension with the West over the Ukraine and slowing economic growth. Russians describe him as intelligent, competent, experienced, decisive and attractive.

Moon colony RUSSIAN newspaper Izvestia has reported that Russia has plans to put a manned colony on the moon as soon as 2030 and is racing to dispatch the first robotic rovers to explore the lunar surface two years from now.

$196 million

Plug pulled OBAMA has announced that the US plans to pull Russia from a programme that allows the

THE RUSSIAN government is to give Crimea $196 million to subsidise transport links and infrastructure between the two countries in an attempt to save a tourist season that is likely to be decimated by the ongoing crisis in the region.

DUTCH PRESS Fast exoplanet DUTCH astronomers from the observatory in Leiden discovered for the first time the rotating speed of an exoplanet. Bèta Pictoris b, circling a star in constellation Pictor and discovered in 2008,

EUROPEAN PRESS

rotates so fast that a day lasts only eight hours.

Internet speed THREE quarters of internet consumers by telephone or television cable do not get the speed their providers promised. Clients

with ADSL get 39 per cent and clients with cable get 54 per cent of the promised speed.

Clean cars EMISSIONS from new cars in 2013 were 8 per cent lower than in 2012, EEA reports. This makes

FIVE people were injured in a crash when a train smashed into a digger on the tracks near Munich. The train driver was seriously injured while the four construction workers suffered only minor injuries.

800 letters A POSTWOMAN, who had seven previous convictions for fraud and six for theft, has been sentenced to two- anda-half-years in prison after she was found guilty of throwing away over 800 letters instead of delivering them.

Jeweller raids A JEWELLER in western Germany has turned to robbery in a desperate attempt to save his failing business. The 48-year-old carried out a series of raids on other jewellery shops and a bank.

Ring busted ELEVEN people have been arrested in Saxony-Anhalt for running an international paedophile ring. The group is accused of distributing child porn as well as using a five-year-old girl to entice other victims.

Angel’s rules ACCORDING to a former member of the Berlin Hell’s Angels the group has strict laws banning its members from drinking alcohol and travelling by train or bus. The only exception to the alcohol rule is the gang’s annual party.

the vehicle fleet of new cars in The Netherlands the cleanest in Europe.

No difference COSMETIC dermatologist Jetske Ultee has found that according to ingredients listed on packaging, there is no difference between day creams, night creams, eye creams or serums.

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A note from the

NEWS

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Editor

Here we go again…

Y

ET more intrusive legislation is planned by the Spanish Government. Now it wants sweeping new powers to examine bank accounts. It wants to collect data from all of Spain’s estimated 34 million accounts and allow a wide range of government bodies access to the information, including the Tax Office, Police, Military, Secret Services and the Judiciary. And as usual the excuse of it being part of the war against terror, corruption and tax avoiders is being trotted out. Well, that may be the case, but it is nothing more than a snooper’s charter. The old line ‘if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear’ just does not wash. History is filled with regimes which collated as much information about its citizens as possible in order to

keep them under the thumb. The next step is to use such information gleaned to demand that law-abiding citizens justify the contents of their bank balances; in other words, guilty until proven innocent. Some public authorities in Spain already have the power to simply dip in and take money from private accounts with little or no explanation. Combine that with the power to examine the accounts first, and it becomes seriously worrying. What then is to stop the taxman seeing you had, say, €30,000 deposited in your account and simply deciding that 40 per cent of it belonged to the government, and just helping himself? Far-fetched maybe. But who trusts the politicians and civil servants? Not many in Spain. Particularly when it comes to money.

SEIZED PACKAGES: The reptiles were found in plastic boxes.

Live reptiles sent by post

GUARDIA CIVIL in Algeciras have discovered live reptiles in boxes, which were being sent through the post. The animals were in plastic boxes, which allowed for no ventilation, and did not meet the standards required for the transport of live animals. The boxes were being sent to an address in Barcelona from the Canary Islands and were spotted by postal workers whose job it is to scan the packages. They alerted police to the fact that they suspected live animals were inside some of the boxes. As the animals might have died due to

the way they were packaged, the boxes were opened and the police found reptiles including two Tokay geckos, four Rhamaholeon Brevicaudatus chameleons and one Agama agama. The packages were listed as containing ornaments and had false senders’ addresses. The Spanish postal service prohibits the sending of live animals through its system. For the moment the animals are all being looked after by Castellar de la Frontera Zoo and they have all recovered from their ordeal.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de ALmería

business & legal

MOTORWAY group Abertis announced first quarter net profits of €125 million. Although this was 11.6 per cent less than in 2013, traffic on Spanish roads grew by 2.7 per cent, its first increase since 2007.

Luxury on the cheap in Spain NON-EU tourists spend 90 per cent less in Madrid than in London or Paris. For every euro spent in Spain’s capital they spend €2.2 in Munich and €3.5 in Milan, found international consultants Global Blue. In London or Paris this rises to €9.5. The difference is unfair, Spanish analysts say, not least because it is often possible to find the same products at lower prices in Madrid. The Spanish daily ABC decided to do its own research and found that a trophy watch of the type sought by Asian tourists costs €70,162 in

Madrid without IVA value-added tax, compared with €78,057 in Italy or €74,270 in France. The cheapest capital outside Spain was the UK, where it costs €71,266. It was the same story with bags, again without IVA, with a designer handbag that cost €24,367 in Spain selling for €24,981 in London and €25,149 in France. The luxury goods market for tax-free tourism is not sufficiently exploited, the ABC study concluded, especially now when it could contribute to the country’s economic recovery.

saw a 16.2 per cent increase compared with last year and sales of 282,301 units gave the best result since 2010. It is hoped that by the end of the year total sales will reach 820,000 cars - well above last year’s 722,703, however, still short of the industry’s 1.2 to 1.3 million objectives.

B

usiness extra

Sharp-eyed inspectors THE government is creating a National Office to fight clandestine employment. Over the last two years, work inspections uncovered 161,381 irregular jobs and saved the government €7.6 billion.

Tax backtrack AIRPORTS authority AENA confirmed that it will freeze airport taxes in 2015. Thanks to increased domestic and international air traffic it decided to forego a planned 4.5 per cent increase.

Insurance chief loses pension THE ex-president of the Mutua Madrileña Automovisitica insurance company has lost his €13.9 million pension pot. Ramirez Pomatta, who was president of the mutual insurance company between 2002 and 2008, resigned two days before the board was due to change the rules regarding “excessive and disproportionate” pensions. He did so to be sure of receiving his

previously-agreed pension, the Supreme Court heard. Ramirez Pomatta was entitled to resign as a director, said judge Ignacio Sanchez Gargallo, but the circumstances in which he exercised that right and his purpose in doing so, knowing that the board would vote to change the pension regulations, was “an unreasonable exercise of his rights.”

Natali Glado / Shutterstock.com

PIVE allowance for taking old vehicles off the road. There was also increased demand for more vehicles from car-hire companies preparing for the Easter rush, said manufacturers’ association Anfac and concessionary associations Faconauto and Ganvam. The first quarter of 2014

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STAT OF WEEK

Car sales increasing

MONTH-ON-MONTH vehicle sales rose by 28.7 per cent in April to 80,174 units. Car sales are always regarded as the economic climate’s barometer and the Spanish sector has now enjoyed eight consecutive months of increases. These were stimulated by government subsidies like the

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BIG RISE: Good news for the economy ?

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E W N 15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

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C LOSING P RICES M AY 12

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 440.15 Admiral Group PLC 1438.00 Aggreko PLC 1660.50 Anglo American PLC 1630.25 Antofagasta PLC 790.50 ARM Holdings PLC 898.75 Ashtead Group PLC 864.00 Associated British Foods 2979.50 AstraZeneca PLC 4623.00 Aviva PLC 525.75 Babcock International 1221.50 BAE Systems PLC 406.85 Barclays PLC 255.43 Barratt Developments 375.45 BG Group PLC 1262.00 BHP Billiton PLC 1945.00 BP PLC 502.95 British Amrcn Tobacco 3462.00

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -2.77 -0.63 13.00 0.91 18.00 1.10 26.50 1.65 21.50 2.80 13.00 1.47 10.00 1.17 35.00 1.19 22.50 0.49 1.50 0.29 -1.36 -0.11 1.80 0.44 -4.70 -1.81 -2.10 -0.56 -2.00 -0.16 48.50 2.56 2.00 0.40 44.15 1.29

NET VOLUME 1,000.26 128.59 153.02 2,772.58 978.19 1,114.72 644.12 203.19 1,064.61 1,847.21 297.96 1,520.87 19,300.28 1,608.65 1,644.37 4,122.58 5,681.00 1,047.35

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0.81512

Units per €

US dollar.................................................................1.37693 Japan yen..............................................................140.385 Switzerland franc ................................................1.22136 Denmark kroner ................................................7.46423 Norway kroner ....................................................8.14826

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PRICE(P)

British Land Co PLC British Sky Broadcasting BT Group PLC Bunzl PLC Burberry Group PLC Capita PLC Carnival PLC

714.75 867.75 374.75 1645.50 1529.00 1111.50 2409.50

DOW JONES

NASDAQ

C LOSING P RICES M AY 12

C LOSING P RICES M AY 12

C O M PA N Y MMM 3M Co AXP American Express Co T AT&T Inc BA Boeing Co CAT Caterpillar Inc CVX Chevron Corp CSCO Cisco Systems Inc DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil Corp GE General Electric Co GS Goldman Sachs Group Inc HD Home Depot Inc INTC Intel Corp IBM International Business Machine... JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase and Co MCD McDonald's Corp MRK Merck & Co Inc MSFT Microsoft Corp NKE Nike Inc PFE Pfizer Inc PG Procter & Gamble Co KO The Coca-Cola Co TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies Corp UNH UnitedHealth Group Inc VZ Verizon Communications Inc V Visa Inc WMT Wal-Mart Stores Inc DIS Walt Disney Co

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 141.34 88.84 36.44 131.10 105.06 125.03 23.02 67.78 101.95 26.42 157.20 77.71 26.30 190.08 100.91 54.01 102.93 55.21 39.54 73.45 29.03 82.39 40.87 91.30 116.99 76.95 48.48 210.81 79.20 81.95

+0.51 +0.22 +0.04 +0.53 +0.12 -0.06 +0.002 -0.32 -0.37 -0.02 -0.20 +0.66 -0.04 +1.17 +0.41 -0.35 +0.98 +0.38 -0.10 +0.40 -0.14 +0.23 +0.14 +0.06 -0.03 +0.06 -0.01 -0.09 +0.51 +0.35

+0.36% +0.25% +0.11% +0.41% +0.11% -0.05% +0.01% -0.47% -0.36% -0.08% -0.13% +0.86% -0.15% +0.62% +0.41% -0.64% +0.96% +0.69% -0.25% +0.55% -0.48% +0.28% +0.34% +0.07% -0.03% +0.08% -0.02% -0.04% +0.65% +0.43%

2.1M 2.3M 15.0M 2.5M 2.8M 4.8M 22.6M 3.7M 8.9M 17.4M 2.6M 4.3M 20.3M 2.3M 5.7M 12.4M 3.6M 12.4M 29.6M 2.4M 39.0M 7.3M 8.5M 1.6M 2.2M 3.5M 14.5M 2.9M 4.9M 5.4M

1.22667

C O M PA N Y

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. 1.86 -22.16 -7.80 -2.00 12.00 9.00 10.00

0.26 -2.49 -2.04 -0.12 0.79 0.82 0.42

NET VOLUME 1,123.10 2,322.53 12,279.97 183.21 241.23 475.89 102.12

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

$ 6.48 $ 33.57 $ 7.13 $ 23.08 $ 15.09 $ 12.79 $ 28.65 $ 27.52 $ 5.81 $ 12.40 $ 15.71

1.16 ▲ 21.80% 5.22 ▲ 18.41% 1.04 ▲ 17.08% 3.17 ▲ 15.92% 2.04 ▲ 15.63% 1.70 ▲ 15.33% 3.78 ▲ 15.20% 3.35 ▲ 13.86% 0.70 ▲ 13.70% 1.39 ▲ 12.62% 1.73 ▲ 12.37%

$ 31.38 $ 21.83 $ 19.06 $ 8.965 $ 32.679 $ 10.57 $ 6.68 $ 2.06 $ 47.36 $ 8.42 $ 9.47

9.99 ▼ 24.15% 5.98 ▼ 21.50% 3.95 ▼ 17.17% 1.845 ▼ 17.07% 6.631 ▼ 16.87% 1.96 ▼ 15.64% 1.02 ▼ 13.25% 0.27 ▼ 11.59% 5.76 ▼ 10.84% 0.97 ▼ 10.33% 1.01 ▼ 9.64%

Most Advanced RadNet, Inc. Matrix Service Company BioScrip, Inc. Black Box Corporation Tuesday Morning Corp. Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. Universal Display Corporation NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. Borderfree, Inc. Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.

Most Declined Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. Rocket Fuel Inc. Aceto Corporation Scientific Games Corp Insys Therapeutics, Inc. Depomed, Inc. Himax Technologies, Inc. ChyronHego Corporation Air Methods Corporation Silver Standard Resources Inc. Gencor Industries Inc.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) Centrica PLC 317.50 Coca-Cola HBC AG 1421.50 Compass Group PLC 976.75 CRH PLC 1684.00 Diageo PLC 1855.75 easyJet PLC 1736.50 Experian PLC 1053.50 Fresnillo PLC 836.75 Friends Life Group Ltd 299.95 G4S PLC 249.00 GKN PLC 378.80 GlaxoSmithKline PLC 1611.50 Glencore Xstrata PLC 328.97 Hammerson PLC 581.75 Hargreaves Lansdown 1214.00 HSBC Holdings PLC 604.70 IMI PLC 1539.50 Imperial Tobacco Group 2626.50 InterContinental Hotels 2184.00 International Consldtd ... 391.15 Intertek Group PLC 3048.50 ITV PLC 187.10 Johnson Matthey PLC 3304.00 Kingfisher PLC 414.55 Land Securities Group 1085.50 Legal & General Group 226.00 Lloyds Banking Group 77.01 London Stock Exchange 1848.50 Marks & Spencer Group 455.95 Meggitt PLC 477.35 Melrose Industries PLC 287.05 Mondi PLC 1039.50 National Grid PLC 853.25 Next PLC 6482.50 Old Mutual PLC 206.20 Pearson PLC 1125.50 Persimmon PLC 1363.50 Petrofac Ltd 1206.50 Prudential PLC 1382.50 Randgold Resources Ltd 4591.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group 4806.00 Reed Elsevier PLC 881.25 REXAM PLC 502.50 Rio Tinto PLC 3323.75 Rolls-Royce Holdings 1004.50 Royal Bank of Scotland 325.05 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2576.25 Royal Mail PLC 559.75 RSA Insurance Group 481.95 SABMiller PLC 3195.50 Sage Group (The) PLC 401.60 Sainsbury (J) PLC 336.65 Schroders PLC 2610.00 Severn Trent PLC 1890.00 Shire PLC 3326.00 Smith & Nephew PLC 917.00 Smiths Group PLC 1324.00 Sports Direct Internatnl 764.00 SSE PLC 1507.50 Standard Chartered 1288.00 Standard Life PLC 388.40 St James's Place PLC 791.50 Tesco PLC 293.52 Travis Perkins PLC 1736.50 TUI Travel PLC 441.05 Tullow Oil PLC 895.50 Unilever PLC 2639.50 United Utilities Group 832.00 Vodafone Group PLC 225.03 Weir Group PLC 2687.00 Whitbread PLC 4157.00 William Hill PLC 352.35 Wm Morrison Sprmrkts 197.00 Wolseley PLC 3393.00 WPP PLC 1267.50

CHANGE -1.00 -31.00 5.50 19.00 5.25 51.36 5.00 20.06 -0.06 0.80 1.60 -1.90 3.49 -2.50 5.00 8.70 13.00 36.00 -1.00 6.30 21.00 -1.87 6.00 -5.60 -6.00 3.60 0.65 9.00 -2.07 -1.49 -2.53 24.00 -1.56 19.27 0.40 -12.00 8.00 29.00 13.00 53.00 -20.00 3.00 0.00 140.00 3.64 -0.16 0.50 2.20 385.50 -16.00 5.10 0.80 8.00 25.00 16.50 6.00 5.00 -5.00 -3.88 -4.00 1.90 4.50 -3.33 21.00 -3.50 -3.00 0.35 9.50 -1.70 22.00 58.00 1.30 -0.57 4.00 1.92

% C H G. -0.31 -2.14 0.57 1.14 0.28 3.05 0.48 2.46 -0.02 0.32 0.42 -0.12 1.07 -0.43 0.41 1.46 0.85 1.39 -0.05 1.64 0.69 -0.99 0.18 -1.33 -0.55 1.62 0.85 0.49 -0.45 -0.31 -0.87 2.36 -0.18 0.30 0.19 -1.06 0.59 2.46 0.95 1.17 -0.41 0.34 0.00 4.39 0.36 -0.05 0.02 0.39 399.48 -0.50 1.29 0.24 0.31 1.34 0.50 0.66 0.38 -0.65 -0.26 -0.31 0.49 0.57 -1.12 1.22 -0.79 -0.33 0.01 1.16 -0.75 0.83 1.41 0.37 -0.29 0.12 0.15

VOLUME 3,563.73 117.35 1,038.11 530.63 642.28 620.12 547.89 291.90 1,236.25 1,044.67 882.57 2,674.40 10,463.50 268.91 116.34 10,456.04 111.38 846.99 275.82 6,426.96 80.99 7,855.26 55.23 2,047.82 386.62 7,792.14 25,057.28 94.36 1,423.91 697.20 836.88 430.35 2,486.70 116.84 3,529.11 669.23 327.99 1,135.58 2,110.22 102.62 370.76 1,083.85 203.77 3,158.60 916.65 3,211.22 1,518.33 294.45 1,647.44 485.31 1,118.68 3,015.99 61.27 205.33 663.78 1,162.60 100.63 457.88 1,110.70 978.75 2,121.73 990.48 4,966.04 196.70 336.14 725.22 1,035.61 572.60 24,175.94 63.22 138.00 831.76 2,970.95 162.18 802.94

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15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

THE Bank of Ireland must pay €103.5 million compensation for a failed Spanish deal. Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that the Irish bank reneged on its May 2007 agreement to acquire the Plaza Imperial Shopping centre in Zaragoza. It had agreed to pay €360 million for 100 per cent of 1.7 million shares in Procom Desarrollo Comercial, jointly owned by Procom Desarollos Urbanos and Cecosa Hipermercados (Eroski). The Supreme Court recognised that Procom had received other offers from entities ‘of recognised prestige’ including ING Real Estate, Commerz Grundbesitz and Quinlan Private. Instead Procom chose the Bank of Ireland offer. The transaction was negotiated through the bank’s privatebanking division, which intended to provide €140 million. The remainder was to be financed by the German bank Hypo Real Estate although

Output continues to rise SPANISH manufacturing continued to rise in March, the fifth straight month of increases. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE) output was rising at an annual rate of 0.6 per cent. While the consumer sector continued to decline - consumer durables production fell 4.8 per cent output of business equipment rose 3 per cent while materials like textiles and chemicals used during the manufacturing process rose by 2.5 per cent. The modest but now sustained growth in output followed five years of falls that started with the implosion of the property market in 2008.

CREDIT Canadian Pacific.

No luck for the Bank of Ireland

PAY UP: €103.5 million bill for Bank of Ireland. the conditions of the agreements between the banks were never communicated to the vendors, the Supreme Court pointed out. Hypo Real Estate withdrew its offer in September 2008 and Procom and Cecosa were advised that the finance operation had fallen through

owing to ‘persistent adverse market conditions and the specific circumstances of the project.’ Unable to meet the terms of the contract, Bank of Ireland then took back the €40 million it had already advanced, prompting legal proceedings from Procom and Cecosa.

In December 2011, the Madrid Provincial High Court decided in their favour and ordered Bank of Ireland to pay €103.5 million plus €12.65 million in interest. “Bank of Ireland acted in bad faith,” the Supreme Court ruled, confirming the high court sentence.

Who wears the pants in business? MOST will be familiar with the wisecrack: “I am the boss in this house and I have my wife’s permission to say so.” You have got to believe it. Had I not caught on to the fact that it is the woman who makes the buying decision I would have starved. Time after time I have seen sales fall through because the salesman ignored the client’s wife or secretary. Fail. Our culture portrays man’s role as a decision maker. It is theatre. Selling is a balancing act in which it is necessary to empathise equally with the lady partner. When selling properties abroad I focused equally, often a little more so, on the client’s wife. However, if successful, it was the man who gave it the nod. My after sales practice was to ask which of them had actually made the decision to buy. In only one instance had the man made that decision. The others ruefully conceded that the wife had given it the final nod. Had she not done so the sale would have fallen through. Clients were often single women and either travelled alone or with a female relative. I can’t remember my sales partner in Spain not closing. Occasionally a single man would go on his own.

DECISION: Make sure the real boss agrees.

Talking shop Mike Walsh Mike Walsh was for 20 years Regional Assessment Manager for the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Britain’s biggest quality assurance body for businesses.

www.michaelwalsh.es • 966 786 932

It was a waste of time. Only once did I make a sale. Modern man, I am sorry to say, finds making a decision harder to do than does a woman. Far less sure of himself he will pro-

crastinate. It got so bad that I would not send a man on a viewing trip unless he was accompanied by a woman. Property is one thing close to a woman’s heart but over the years I have sold payphones to businesses, building services, a retailer, and trade association accreditation. Other salesmen covering a wide diversity of products and services agree with me. A tip from a former Rolls-Royce Sales Manager: “The worst mistake you can make in business is to procrastinate.”

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April showers work on the jobless DESPITE discouraging unemployment figures for 2014’s first quarter, April’s were buoyant. The increase in employment was the best ever for this month, with a 2.3 per cent fall in the number of people registered as unemployed. There were 111,565 more people in work than in March, the Ministry of Labour announced. Although unemployment fell by only 50,202 after seasonal adjustments, the reduction is still a record for April. “Seasonally adjusted employment fell for the ninth consecutive month,” said the junior minister of Labour Engracia Hidalgo. “Such a prolonged reduction has not been seen since 1999,” she added. Although 4,684,301 people are without jobs in Spain, there was further good news with another 133,765 people paying into the Social Security system as bars, restaurants and hotels took on more staff over Easter. The ministry of Labour figures followed the National Statistics Office (INE) report on the first quarter of 2014. If, as some analysts claim, INE figures are more reliable than the Labour ministry’s, then employment in Spain is still being destroyed. Approximately 5.9 million people - 25.9 per cent of the work force were out of work between January and the end of March, according to INE. The government is confident that the unemployment rate will drop to 23.3 per cent in 2015 although it will not fall below 20 per cent until 2017.

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL BUSINESS EXTRA

Well-heeled advice for a prosperous future A NEW book by a Canadian writer, an author specialising in finance for females, says young women may be intimidated by a lack of financial knowledge but are eager to learn and better at money management then young men. One of the main issues her book addresses is that there is no point saving money unless there is also a plan for spending it. She has a good point. If we have no particular goals in mind in regards to our savings, it is so easy to just spend money carelessly on stuff that we probably don’t even want, but that just might tickle our fancy in the moment. That’s because money is only good for one thing spending it - so the trick is to decide what’s important

Miami express road works CONSTRUCTION company OHL won a €180.5 million contract to design and construct express lanes on two 20.9-kilometre main roads in Miami’s metropolitan area. It must complete the work within 1,175 days.

Loose change A look at finance for females

SAVING: Start early.

Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

More oil

to you and make sure you don’t waste a limited resource on impulses or poorly thought out sprees. If you want a holiday, to buy a new computer or put a down payment on a property, the trick is to make this particular goal a priority in your life. Discuss it; write it down to make it appear more tangible and then focus your energy on saving to make this goal become a reality. This way, every time you are tempted to spend frivolously, you will have

A TOTAL of 1.752 billion tons of olive oil was produced in the last six months, 188 per cent more than during the same period in 2012-2013. Exports increased 72 per cent to 514,800 tons.

Going digital more self-control to say ‘no’ because saving for your goal will be more important. It’s all about creating the correct mindset to save. Other top tips in the book include:

Liable for taxes if you live in Spain… Q. My husband and I became Spanish residents last year. We both receive our state You and the pensions in the UK and I have a small NHS pension. Do we have a choice as to whether Law in Spain we pay any necessary tax on our pensions in By David Searl Spain or in the UK? We are now about to sell our property in the UK. Will we be liable for Capital Gains tax on this sale, as we own an apartment in Spain? If we are liable for capital gains tax, will we receive any tax relief because we are now Spanish residents? L.C. (by email) A. If you are official residents of Spain, holding the EU citizen certificate of registration, you are liable for Spanish taxes on your worldwide income and assets. You should ask your nearest UK Consulate about the individual form on which you declare you now pay income tax in Spain and request you go off the UK tax books and onto the Spanish tax registry. You do not have a choice. If you own property outside Spain worth more than €50,000, you must file Spanish Form 720 declaring these assets. If you sell your UK property, you will be liable for UK Capital Gains Tax and also for Spanish Capital Gains Tax because you are a tax resident of Spain. You can claim relief from one of these taxes. Consult a Spanish tax advisor. Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.

- Talk to your children, especially your girls, about money. The more they know, the better they’ll be able to make good choices. - Start savings as soon as possible. The sooner you

start, the greater the benefit and set of security. - Avoid ‘bad’ debt, borrowing for consumption rather than to buy an asset that will gain in value. - Invest in yourself.

TELEFONICA’S €725 million offer for 56 per cent of Digital Plus has been accepted by media group Prisa. That raises Telefonica’s stake to 28 per cent of the pay TV company.

No cutbacks on First Communion expenses MAY means First Communions in Spain. Despite the economic crisis families are not cutting back in this area, although spending will vary depending on where they live. Parents in Madrid spend most - an average of €3,245 - found a survey by the FUCI consumers’ association. Next comes Valencia (€3,150), Barcelona (€3,118) and San Sebastian (€3,045) but families can expect to spend least in Tenerife (€1,665) or Caceres (€1,780). Half of any First Communion budget is eaten up - literally - by a formal meal costing from €40 to €60 a head for 30 or so guests. A girl’s dress costs approximately €225 while the sailor suit generally worn by boys comes in at between €40 and €60. Photographs, videos and mementoes of the occasion for the guests add a further €238 to €630 to the bill, plus €200 for a children’s entertainer. Nineteen per cent of parents told the FUCI survey that they were later dissatisfied with some aspect of the services they contracted. A third blamed

COMMUNION: No expense spared. the meal, 26 per cent were unhappy with photographs and 12 per cent with the clothes. Parents should plan carefully and always request written estimates for the meal and photographer, FUCI advised.

OPINION & COMMENT Ric Polansky Ric Polansky moved to Mojacar in 1969 as a pioneer developer. He reads extensively and has travelled in South America panning gold and looking for El Dorado.

THE Mojacar of the early 70’s was a star studded affair. We had poets, painters, jugglers, witches, shamans, potatoes, beans, bohemians and Spanish workers to hold it all together. But more than anything else we had movie stars. A plethora of them. The pueblo was blessed with more stars during the day than were in the night sky. The place was a plague of them, sashaying, strutting and pirouetting about in just enough of an awkward fashion to get them noticed. Each had a particular gait, amble, or crawl. It wasn’t long before I noticed that my wife and I were the only humanoids

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Unloved by all the stars! visiting the village that hadn’t received at least five academy award nominations, Baftas, or played a role in the annual children’s Christmas play while growing up. Everywhere we walked, every table we sat at, we were in the virtual presence of LOOKING Hollywood’s BACK IN elite, famed, and glorious. MOJACAR Worse yet, we were still the pariahs of the village. Wherever we strolled, wherever we sat, the village people would point STAR STUDDED: Tabs Parcel, Fanny Barber, Fritz. and snarl. “That’s them, anything to make money. you know the locals will can’t control this town?” As I humbly ambled This wonderful place we want to get paid more, have discovered and want to change our life about the village, I control like gods will be style. Why, hell. One of enquired: “You been in taken away from us them peasants even any movies?” He was the because of the greed of talked back to me the guy sweeping the streets people like that. We’ll lose other day. What’s the and shovelling up the it all, and the next thing world coming to when we “donkey do” from the

cobblestones. “Yup. Been in about five of them. Few Dollars More, Lawrence of Arabia, Fistful of Dollars, Cleopatra and Patton.” Well I was gobsmacked. Everyone was famous and notorious other than me. I thought there most certainly must be a part for me in this world. A leap across the camera’s lens and a hurried shout “Hark a distant canon boom.” But, it never came to pass. I was to remain unnoticed and easily forgettable for the next 25 years, shirking stardom for lucre and the ungracious position of listening to endless complaints of “what was wrong with their houses.” The never ceasing pleas of the new owners. The new mantra went something like this: “Now, you will quit

selling and building. You must leave this place EXACTLY as it is so no other foreigners will come here - that would spoil it, not to mention raise the prices and confuse these poor people into questioning their very own validity. Oh how my eyes fill with delight when I see them clip clop down the village road rather than whizzing about in a car. You will be good to us? Promise me you won’t allow the place to be wrecked.” But I was a smart arse and would reply. “Ever thought of what these people might want? How they want to be outrageous without having to bow their heads and nod like burros to us.” It wasn’t too long before either side didn’t like me.

Was there life before classical music? I

CAN only imagine what introduced me to good music. Certainly there was little to be cheery about in post-war Britain. A ration book austerity that today’s youngsters cannot imagine was the cross we all had to bear. In our 1950s’ humble home with its four-station radio, we kids were told to hush when John McCormack, the love duet from Madame Butterfly or prelude from La Traviata was playing. I could see merit in good classical but was tonally seduced by Country Music and the 60s Mersey Sound when I reached my teens. Afterwards I lost my appetite for music. Instead I focused on other interests but had some inclination towards military and brass bands. BBC 3 Radio was pretentious, discordant and heavy. It treated we plebs with contempt. BBC 2 did condescend to provide a few hours of light classical mostly on a Sunday evening such as Your 100 Best Tunes.

Mike Walsh

Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

How do I define good music? By what we know to be popular, not what we are told is popular. Pulling into a garage my car was to be MOT tested. A summer’s day, the windows were down and I seem to recall a CD track from La Boheme was playing. What a conversation stopper! It was like one of those classical music flash mobs now so popular. Staff and customers were enchanted and their reaction was a sheer joy. How I jumped for joy when I heard a programme, dedicated to popular classical, was to go on the air from September 1992. Classic FM was going to return to the people their music. After all, classical music composed by mostly lower-class musicians is the art of the working classes. I looked forward to recovering our soul music from the

CLASSIC FM: The popular radio show returned people to their music. snobbish bien-pensant set. That morning I was like a kid at Christmas when at 6am the first track was played by the station’s Nick Bailey. I am no great fan of Handel’s Zadok the Priest, but it was certainly music to my ears that golden dawn. Classic FM hoped that 2.8 million listeners would be attracted to its revolutionary departure from tedious non-pop

discordance. By Christmas 4.3 million were tuning in every week and Classic FM was Britain’s fourth most popular radio station. I felt vindicated. The popular station collected more silverware (almost) than did Liverpool FC. It is now listened to by 5.6 million people every week and in 2013, Classic FM was named UK Radio Brand of the Year at the Sony Awards.

Having retired to Spain I can still tune in by using my laptop as long as I guilefully enter my old UK postal code. Mediterranean Spain’s broadcasters ignore demand for good music. Is this an own goal? The Costas attract people of all nationalities who have a distinctly sophisticated middle-brow taste in music. Karaoke just doesn’t do Beethoven, Mahler or Mozart.

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E W N 15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

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FEATURE

BBC Sport reveals its plans for a digital World Cup along with coverage details to bring the infectious excitement of this competition to our viewers and listeners wherever and whenever they want it.” In the build-up to the World Cup, the BBC is also offering an interactive iWonder guide to World Cup penalty shootouts with Gary Lineker, which will explore where every penalty has been taken in World Cup shootout history. Last week it was announced that the BBC would broadcast ‘live’ streams of the home nations’ greatest World Cup matches in real-time.

Richard Shanley

DISHING THE DIRT OF EUROPA DIGITAL

BBC Sport has revealed how it plans to cover the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup from Brazil across digital devices. The broadcaster is aiming to deliver 24/7 coverage of the tournament that will stretch from desktops and smartphones to tablets and connected TVs. To keep viewers abreast of all the action, a daily World Cup breakfast video will be made available online each morning from the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer, on connected TVs, and to download via the BBC iPlayer app for offline viewing. As well as broadcasts on

DIGITAL WORLD CUP: The BBC is aiming to delivery 24/7 coverage. BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Three, full match replays and highlights videos will be available to catch up ondemand from a range of devices and platforms. BBC Sport mobile and tablet apps aim to offer the fastest

match stats and text commentary away from the TV screen, as well as automatic goal alerts. “Our aim is for this to be the first truly 24/7 World Cup and we will deliver a complete experience for our audience

through both traditional and digital platforms,” BBC Sport director Barbara Slater said. “We’ve put together a great cast of pundits, presenters, commentators and reporters to steer audiences though the tournament and we can’t wait

If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions.

OPINION & COMMENT

Caring charity made life a pleasure again MY name is Patti Lee, I am 83 years old and live alone. Last October I had to have a hip operation, after which I spent a little time recovering in a nursing home. When they said I could go home I was so worried about how I was going to cope. A friend advised me to get in touch with HAH (Help at Home) who immediately came to my aid. How could I have coped without their wonderful care team? I couldn’t get dressed or do essential tasks, but they took this on, and for many days helped me, taking me to appointments and out for coffee and walks. They made life a pleasure again. Janet and Chris in particular have become firm friends and still visit me regularly, helping with difficulties and appointments, etc. My little dog and I look forward so much to their visits. Janet wrote down some very important facts on what to do in an emergency, and following a fall where I cut my leg quite badly, I followed her instructions. I was able to get help and I am convinced that this saved my life! Their volunteers are all so helpful and they work extremely hard, and their service is free. I could not have managed without them, and would like to thank them all for their time, care and friendship. They all deserve a medal! Patti Lee, Mar Menor (Murcia)

Surprise packet I WROTE to ‘Your Say’ not long ago about successfully seeing off someone posing as a Microsoft engineer. Now I must warn about another scam. My anti-virus recently warned me that I’d received a threat in an email, which I saw in the preview pane was supposedly from FedEx. They had tried to deliver a parcel while I was out and to please open the following link and print out their receipt, it said. Much as I’d like to receive a parcel, I was expecting nothing and zapped the offending email. Do the same! T Freeman (by email)

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15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

Letters Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com, posted to Euro Weekly News, C/Moscatel 10, P-62, Polígono Industrial, Arroyo de la Miel, 29631 Benalmadena, Málaga, Spain or faxed to 0034 952 440 887

Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com

WE love the ever-changing views of Montgo from our viewpoint on Gata Residencial. The helicopters water-bombing the recent woodland fires were amazing. Tom Miller, Gata de Gorgos (Alicante)

I SEE emigrants returning to Spain are making a lot of noise because they are being taxed on pensions which they obtained whilst working abroad and did not declare on their tax returns. My late wife and I declared taxes on all our incoming monies. In my wife’s case, four pensions from England, in my case, two. We, as foreigners knew we had to do so. I believe those emigrants returning also knew. Why were they allowed to escape those taxes for so long? M J Barnett, Los Gallardos (Almeria)

Three rules IN response to Tom Harksworth, there are at least three things we in the west can do to help those in the Third World. Work to ameliorate the effects of climate change. This will benefit all mankind eventually, but especially those living in regions of the world where survival is marginal at best. Work to stop agribusiness, mining corporations and businesses which use (abuse?) the cheap labour available in poor

WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:

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countries while abusing natural resources and exporting the profits. For example, the use of precious land water in India to produce a drink, Coca Cola, which is of no benefit to anyone but the share holders. Also the aggressive marketing of GM seeds (see http://www.nation.lk/edition/lens /item/24886-geneticallymodified-seeds-in-india.html for a brief overview). Sadly, corruption of local politicians is part of the problem which is used by corporations to attain their goals. Education, especially of women. This simple resource has been shown to lead to reduced birth rates especially when girls are educated as well as boys.

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Plate dilemma

YOURSAY@EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

Taxing position

EWN

This in turn leads to a more sustainable population. Helena McGinty, Alhaurin El Grande (Malaga)

Identity crisis I CAN’T understand how anyone would shut out the sound of sparrows, even when they make a racket. Unlike the correspondent who complained about them, I like having them around. Instead of complaining, he could try enjoying the shenanigans when they have an avian version of a punch-up, usually over a female. My problem is a pigeon. Not all pigeons, just one pigeon. There are many where we live, as the locals raise them for the pot and racing although there’s a worrying margin for error over confusing the edible with the speedy. One spends all of its time on a telephone cable beside our house. I had thought it was cooing until my neighbour said it seemed to be saying “Quien eres tu?” (who are you) over and over again. She’s right and dammit, that’s what I hear the ruddy bird repeating all day long. Who am I? I’m beginning to wonder. Alec Morris (by email)

REGARDING non-Spanish numberplates, who’s supposed to monitor them and issue the fines? I have lived on my urbanisation for eight years and there are cars on UK and other countries’ numberplates that I see, and have seen, all the time I have been here. These cars have no road tax and no MOT, so any insurance they do have will be null and void if they are involved in an accident. Maybe insurance companies should stop insuring cars not reregistered in Spain. Tony Barker, Orihuela Costa (Alicante)

Coffee raiders I WAS saddened to see in the Euro Weekly News that Starbucks are about to invade El Corte Ingles. Many years ago I lived in the centre of Madrid, in the barrio of Malasaña close to the Gran Via. Then the city was still very Spanish with families and friends promenading late into the evening, bars and pavement cafes buzzing, no drunks and little violence and the wonderful siesta during the hot summer afternoons. It was this Spanishness that led me to move there from London. One day I noticed that a recently-empty shop on Calle Fuencarral had been leased by yes you’ve guessed it - Starbucks. I realised then that the area was doomed! Within a year the whole character of the area had changed. What had been a ‘village’ with the streets full of ‘proper’ shops (the hardware shop, the bakers, several butchers and little family-run corner shops) was transformed into a ‘High Street Anywhere.’ The local traders had been made offers they couldn’t refuse, and their old shops were replaced by bland big business as Levi, Muji, Pepe and the rest moved in. All for the sake of an overpriced liquid tasting nothing remotely like coffee. A Wade, Benahavis (Malaga)

The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.

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E W N 15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

Boomerang kids - nowhere to go Nora Johnson

Breaking Views A Costa del Sol resident for a number of years, Nora is the author of psychological suspense and crime thrillers. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/nora-johnson

A

CCORDING to a recent Eurofound report, almost half of Europe’s young adults 36.7 million people - live with their parents. And it’s not just those finishing their education who can’t afford to live independently, but those in their 30s too. The data underlines the predicament of ‘Generation Y’ - better educated than its predecessors, but doomed nevertheless to a gloomier future than its parents’ generation: the anomaly of more and more adults stuck living in their childhood bedrooms or, worse, sofa surfing. The pollster, Ipsos Mori, reveals similar results in the UK: “Our generational analysis of attitudes in the UK has shown how much pressure the youngest generation feel under… This echoes the Eurofound research - it’s not just those straight out of school or university who

YOUNG ADULTS: A recent report found that almost half live with their parents. are finding it more difficult to get going with independent lives, it’s people well into their 20s and 30s.” We often read in the UK press about young people who can’t afford to move out of the parental home - so-called ‘Boomerang Kids’ - because there simply aren’t the jobs to pay for rents or mortgages. Reasons given range from

immigration to the economy, to the loss of Britain’s manufacturing base to the lack of vocational qualifications. And yes, each plays a part, but probably the last one’s most overlooked by the red-tops in favour of the latest immigration/benefits /expenses scandal. Too many young people get educated in subjects not related to the job market.

Britain needs a workforce with workrelated qualifications. School-leavers lose out, too, because they lack the basics: they don’t know how to dress neatly, turn up on time or adopt an appropriate form of speech at job interviews (“Yeah, like dunno!”). Why do eastern Europeans, among others, so often have the necessary skills and discipline? Resilience is crucial: many give up before they even start. The British education system and government agencies are geared around knowledge, with skills in second place and attitude not even on the map. So, not only are more young people unable to get jobs but to move out of the family home. More and more ageing parents are running themselves ragged bringing up kids who’ll, in turn, inflict their inability to look after themselves on their own partners. Boomerang Kids indeed. OK, had enough of this, next immigration/benefits/expenses scandal please!

Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Retribution’ and ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/ eBook (€0.89; £0.77) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca

EUROPEAN PRESS

FINANCE

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15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

EWN

49

UK Pensions – All Change The UK government took everyone by surprise in March by announcing a series of radical changes to pensions. This is the most significant pension reform since 1921, and gives retirees much more freedom over their pension pot. Your pension funds are probably a significant part of their wealth; retirement planning is an essential component of your life here in Spain. Chancellor George Osborne wants “people to be trusted to make the right decisions about their future”, but you need to be armed with all the facts, understand how the options affect you, and review what you have to enable you to make the best overall decision for your situation. The reforms provide more options and opportunities, making specialist advice more important than ever before. Some reforms have already been introduced for Defined Contribution Scheme members, while others will start next April. From 27th March 2014, the capped drawdown limit increased to 150% of an equivalent annuity. You

By Neil Jenkins, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

can take a higher income from your pension fund, generally at your next annual review, but also need to consider how this could affect your pension pot in later years. Another key change was the reduction in the minimum income requirement for flexible drawdown to £12,000. Flexible drawdown allows you to take as much of your pension fund as cash as you wish. However, it is important to

consider the Spanish tax implications. Besides income tax in Spain, when you withdraw funds from your pension schemes you lose the inheritance tax protection they offer; the capital will form part of your estate for inheritance and succession tax purposes. The government also launched a consultation on more pension reforms. It intends to remove all remaining restrictions on how retirees have access to their pension pots. The key change here is that the tax rate on cash taken out of defined contribution pension funds on retirement will be reduced from the current prohibitive 55% rate. If this goes ahead, the withdrawal (after the 25% tax free lump sum) would instead be taxed at the individual’s marginal rate of income tax. Remember, this is under UK tax rules. These changes will not apply to Defined Benefit Scheme members, but a consultation has

been launched regarding transferring out of public and private Defined Benefit Schemes into Defined Contributions Schemes. These proposed conditions have wide implications for retirees. Again, it is very important to consider the tax implications in Spain, as well as the fact that the cash would become exposed to inheritance/succession tax. For larger funds, there is a need for sound financial planning and advice. The taxation, if structured correctly, could allow you to achieve a number of financial aims that may otherwise not have been possible. In some cases it may be beneficial to suffer tax on the funds to enable you to invest in something that suits you better, but this would have to be very carefully considered. You need expert advice to ensure you do what will work best for you in the short and long-term. Much can happen between now

and April. The proposed rules could change under consultation. A new government could well revise the rules - the General Election is currently scheduled for May but could happen before. Overseas schemes and jurisdictions need to consider whether to adapt to these new conditions. Specialist advice is therefore important for you to keep up-todate on all the changes, as well as to establish the most suitable options for your personal situation. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com.

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E W N 15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Take to the open seas HEARING the purr of the engine, the thrust of the throttle and the wind sweeping through your hair; power boating is fast, fun and frivolous. It doesn’t take weeks to become qualified to drive a powerboat as Euro Weekly News reporter Gemma Quinn found out...

WHO wouldn’t want to play ‘Bond Girl’ for a day and hit the open seas, ripping through the waves on board a speedy little power boat? Not me! Which is why I jumped at the chance to join Serenity Sailing at Torrevieja’s International Marina on a weekend RYA (Royal Yacht Association) Level 2 Power Boat course. It can takes months to learn to drive a car so with no experience at the helm of a boat, I was sceptical as to whether (a) I would actually pass the assessment, and (b) whether I would feel confident enough to take a boat out myself afterwards. But the answer was a resounding ‘yes’ to both. Under the expert guidance of Serenity Sailing founder and school principal Richard Plaster, within minutes his ‘students’ are put at ease and given the all-important practical experience required.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? • What is an RYA Level 2 Power Boat licence?

ALL ABOARD: Gemma Quinn takes on a new challenge as she learns to power boat.

All the theory in the PASSED: Gemma Quinn world will not prepare (centre) passed after the you for the actual feel power boating course with of being in the driving seat and that is the joy Andy Merrett (left) and of this course; it is 90 Warwick Baber. per cent practical with just some basic theory involved like learning about navigation and interpreting weather forecasts. But this all adds to your boating experience. Everything is done on board the Layla Maria, which is a Jeanneau Merry Fisher sports boat with a Suzuki 75 engine. It is the perfect size for practising manoeuvres such as parking, and is fully equipped to train anyone from novice to advanced students. The first important thing to learn is that there are no brakes... time to pay attention. The next, how to call a mayday... I am feeling a little worried now. Slowly but surely is the way forward, particularly around the harbour, learning the laws and sea courtesy as you go along. Richard, who has worked around the globe and been an adventurer training instructor for the British Army in the

It is an internationally recognised power boating ‘driver’s licence’ and is accepted by boat charter companies, the water police and customs. It entitles the holder to skipper watercraft including power/motor boats, jet skis and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) up to 12m (or 10m if chartering a boat back in the UK).

prestigious British Kiel Yacht Club in Germany, uses his calm and amiable persona to break down each and every part, quickly picking up a student’s ability. Despite there being three of us on board during our course, each at a different level, Richard is able to personally adapt and tailor-make the course to suit everyone, making it a funfilled and rewarding experience. With the basics planted and achieved, he is happy to let you take Layla Maria out to see what she can really do and experience a true bit of power boating. With multi-million-euro yachts sitting in the harbour, boating and yachting are often seen as elitist sports, but Richard explains Serenity Sailing aims to break down those barriers and show what a fun and affordable hobby it can be for all the family, with some overnight moorings costing no more than the average cost of pitching your tent or caravan at a campsite. So, if you want to learn a new skill, achieve a lifelong ambition or simply indulge in a bit of water-sport fun, gaining your power boating licence could be for you, whether you have your own boat or want to simply have the freedom of chartering one. I know I’m hooked. Watch out water... the freedom of chartering one. I know I’m hooked. Watch out water...

• Are other courses available?

Yes, Serenity Sailing offer everything from power boating courses to sailing courses with lots of options to cater for novices to highly advanced students. Courses are on board either the power boat or Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 yacht, or on your own vessel.

LAYLA MARIA: Speed through the open waters on a power boating course with Serenity Sailing.

• What about for youngsters? From August 1-15 they are running boating camps for the over-16s including two-day Start Yachting, five-day Competent Crew and two-day Power Boat Level 2 courses. In addition to the courses, guardians will be on board teaching the teens about blogging, photography and cooking (for those on board the yacht, Serenity). There is already a waiting list for some dates.

EXPERT GUIDANCE: School principal Richard Plaster makes courses fun and fast-paced.

For more information visit www.serenitysailing.com / email enquiries@serenitysailing.com, follow them on Facebook or call 865 774 295. The school is open all day every day. Meetings by appointment only.

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E W N 15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

Thursday BBC1/ 4:45pm Escape to the Country 5:30pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Food Inspectors 10:00pm MasterChef 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News

BBC2/ 4:45pm Great British Garden Revival 5:45pm Raymond Blanc's Kitchen Secrets 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast for the European Parliament by the Liberal Democrats 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm The Big Allotment Challenge 10:00pm Thalidomide - The Fifty Year Fight 11:00pm The Best of the Sarah Millican Television Programme

ITV/ 5:00pm Ejector Seat 6:00pm The Paul O'Grady Show 7:00pm ITV News London 7:25pm Party Election Broadcast by the Liberal Democrats 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs 10:00pm Wanted: A Family of My Own 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather

CH4/ 4:30pm Deal or No Deal 5:30pm Draw it! 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Posh Pawn 10:00pm Heston's Great British Food 11:00pm Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA

Friday

SATELLITE CHANNELS - SkyMoviesDrama/

BBC1/

1:00pm Sunday

4:45pm Escape to the Country 5:30pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm MasterChef 10:30pm Have I Got News for You 11:00pm BBC News at Ten

•Gerard Butler •Jonny Weston •Elisabeth Shue •Abigail Spencer

Chasing Mavericks (Film, 2012) A surf-mad Santa Cruz teenager asks a local legend to train him up to take on one of the world's biggest waves.

BBC2/ 4:45pm Great British Garden Revival 5:45pm Raymond Blanc's Kitchen Secrets 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast for the European Parliament by the Labour Party 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm The Minster 9:30pm Gardeners' World 10:00pm The Story of Women and Art 11:00pm QI

ITV/ 4:00pm Dickinson's Real Deal 5:00pm Ejector Seat 6:00pm The Paul O'Grady Show 7:00pm ITV News London 7:25pm Party Election Broadcast by the Labour Party 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Weekend Escapes with Warwick Davis 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Lewis 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather

CH4/ 4:30pm Deal or No Deal 5:30pm Draw it! 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:35pm Unreported World 9:00pm Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm Alan Carr: Chatty Man

ITV2/

ITV2/

5:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 6:10pm The Real Housewives of Miami 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Tom Daley Goes Global 11:00pm Celebrity Juice 11:50pm Viral Tap

4:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 6:10pm The Real Housewives of Miami 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm The 40 Year Old Virgin

TV LISTING

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Tuesday BBC1/ 4:45pm Escape to the Country 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 10:00pm Happy Valley 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News

BBC2/

Saturday BBC1/ 4:35pm Escape to the Country 5:35pm Celebrity Mastermind 6:05pm Enchanted 7:45pm BBC News 7:55pm Regional News 7:58pm Weather 8:00pm Pointless 8:55pm The National Lottery: In It to Win It 9:45pm Casualty 10:35pm The Guess List 11:15pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:45pm BBC News

BBC2/ 4:05pm Pride and Prejudice 6:00pm Natural World 7:00pm Flog It! 8:00pm Museums at Night 9:00pm Bob Larbey - A Tribute 9:15pm Comedy Connections 9:55pm All About the Good Life 10:55pm QI XL 11:40pm Gone Baby Gone

ITV/ 4:00pm The FA Cup Final 8:30pm Britain's Got Talent 9:50pm Amazing Greys 10:50pm The Americans 11:45pm ITV News and Weather

CH4/ 5:10pm Come Dine with Me 5:40pm Come Dine with Me 6:10pm Come Dine with Me 6:45pm Come Dine with Me 7:15pm Come Dine with Me 7:45pm Channel 4 News 8:05pm The Restoration Man 9:00pm Grand Designs 10:00pm X-Men: First Class

ITV2/ 4:05pm Totally You've Been Framed! 5:10pm The Iron Giant 6:55pm Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith 9:50pm Britain's Got More Talent 10:50pm You've Been Framed! 11:20pm Celebrity Juice

Sunday BBC1/ 4:35pm Points of View 4:50pm Brazil with Michael Palin 5:50pm Lifeline 6:00pm Songs of Praise 6:35pm RHS Chelsea Flower Show 7:35pm BBC News 7:50pm Regional News 7:55pm Weather 8:00pm Countryfile Spring Special 9:00pm British Academy Television Awards 11:05pm BBC News 11:20pm Regional News 11:25pm Weather 11:30pm Imagine...

BBC2/ 5:30pm Triathlon World Series Japan. 7:00pm Athletics 8:00pm Australia with Simon Reeve 9:00pm Top Gear 10:00pm Dylan Thomas: A Poet in New York 11:20pm Edge of Darkness

ITV/ 4:55pm You've Been Framed! 5:20pm Midsomer Murders 7:20pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 7:45pm Catchphrase 8:30pm Off Their Rockers 9:00pm Vera 11:00pm Perspectives

CH4/ 4:05pm The Simpsons 4:30pm Tooth Fairy 6:35pm Deal or No Deal 7:30pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Four Rooms 9:00pm For the Love of Cars 10:00pm Fargo 11:05pm The Wolfman

ITV2/ 5:25pm Britain's Got Talent 6:45pm Britain's Got More Talent 7:45pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope 11:00pm Viral Tap 11:45pm Saw II

Monday BBC1/ 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm RHS Chelsea Flower Show 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Panorama 10:00pm DIY SOS The Big Build 11:00pm BBC News

BBC2/ 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm RHS Chelsea Flower Show 10:00pm The Battle to Beat Polio 11:00pm The Culture Show

ITV/ 6:00pm The Paul O'Grady Show 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Gino's Italian Escape 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm All New It'll be Alright on the Night 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather

CH4/ 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Britain's Most Extreme Weather 10:00pm The Island with Bear Grylls 11:00pm Man v Weird

ITV2/ 6:10pm The Real Housewives of Miami 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Mom 10:30pm Mom 11:00pm The Shawshank Redemption

4:05pm Coast 4:45pm Great British Garden Revival 5:45pm Raymond Blanc's Kitchen Secrets 6:15pm Flog It! 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm RHS Chelsea Flower Show 10:00pm Watermen: A Dirty Business 11:00pm Later Live... with Jools Holland 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm Dickinson's Real Deal 5:00pm Ejector Seat 6:00pm The Paul O'Grady Show 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 9:00pm Endeavour 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm The Cube

CH4/ 4:30pm Deal or No Deal 5:30pm Draw it! 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Embarrassing Bodies 10:00pm Mr Drew's School for Boys 11:00pm 16 Kids and Counting

ITV2/ 4:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 6:10pm The Real Housewives of Vancouver 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm The Vampire Diaries 11:00pm Celebrity Juice 11:50pm Duplicity

Wednesday BBC1/ 4:00pm RHS Chelsea Flower Show 4:45pm Escape to the Country 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm Watchdog 10:00pm Del Boys and Dealers 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm The Quite Remarkable David Coleman

BBC2/ 4:05pm Coast 4:45pm Great British Garden Revival 5:45pm Raymond Blanc's Kitchen Secrets 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm RHS Chelsea Flower Show 10:10pm Coast Australia 11:00pm Episodes 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm Dickinson's Real Deal 5:00pm Ejector Seat 6:00pm The Paul O'Grady Show 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Coronation Street 8:30pm Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 11:15pm ITV News and Weather 11:50pm Hot Fuzz

CH4/ 4:30pm Deal or No Deal 5:30pm Draw it! 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Supervet 10:00pm 24 Hours in A and E 11:00pm Derek 11:30pm Cardinal Burns

ITV2/ 4:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 6:10pm The Real Housewives of Vancouver 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Fearne and... 11:00pm Saw II

54 E W N

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

Schools’ celebrity obsession is beyond belief LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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ITH just a few weeks before local schools close for the summer (break out the Valium!) I thought it appropriate to include UK schools in a few moans this week. Once again the British educational system is in disarray. This week’s disclosure that one of Britain’s biggest exam boards is introducing socalled ‘popular culture’ questions into its A level exams is almost beyond belief. Example: Q. Analyse the transcript of Claudia Winkleman and the film critic Danny Leigh discussing the film ‘Spiderhole’ on the TV show Film 2010. You couldn’t make it up, could you? Where are these idiots coming from? Don’t ask me. No, to my mind the only real answer to all this nonsense is a reversion to the highly successful post-Second World War era. At between the ages of four

OTHERS THINK IT and five you went to mixed infants school. At seven or eight you transferred to junior school, also mixed. There you were groomed for the 11 plus, three Rs exam. (No questions on ‘Dick Barton Special Agent!’) Those who passed went on to grammar school, which ultimately offered the opportunity for pupils to enter university. Those who failed the exam were given the chance of attending technical college for whatever skills they wished to pursue, or alternatively moved to senior school where they left at 15 or 16 and went into normal jobs; many accepting the offer of an apprenticeship in various occupations. Also, if you wished, at senior school, you could often stay on for a further year and take your GCEs, a higher educational

WRONG QUESTIONS: Claudia Winkleman transcript not fit subject for A levels. certificate presenting a much wider selection of job opportunities. And that was that. It worked perfectly, until left-wingers decided to ‘improve’ it. Now it’s complete chaos and they’re all stumped! And of course the PCs are still walking tall among us.

I recall the headteacher reprimanding both pupils and parents for their offsprings playing ‘gun games’. Apparently, he objected to the children pointing their fingers and saying bang! Personally, I can’t remember a time in my childhood when

hours of leisure weren’t filled with Cowboys and Indians. ‘Gotcha, you’re dead’ and the sound of your pistol or rifle, imitated faithfully through clenched jaws and tightly pursed lips, was a part of growing up. We saw no evil in it. All our ‘victims’, took part in the next game. And that’s all they were, innocent games of childhood. I can’t remember one of my particular ‘posse’ ever turning into a mass murderer. It is a society of violent computer games and a ‘dumbed-down’ education system that has created these young psychopaths. These human rights and PC do-good bunglers are the true reason our young are running riot. Gawd. Will no one rid us of this troublesome bunch of selfsatisfied, incompetent morons? Somehow the signs are not good. Keep the Faith Love Leapy leapylee.co.uk

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UK TV: Speak to the experts about the best option to receive your favourite UK channels.

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Time Out EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

Almería weather

NEW ON DVD MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

for next 7 days

THIS comedy was written and directed by Wes Anderson and was inspired by the writings of Stefan Zweig. The film stars F. Murray Abraham, Edward Norton and Ralph Fiennes as a concierge who teams up with one of his employees to prove his innocence when he is accused of a murder.

TODAY

VELEZ RUBIO

TOMORROW HUERCAL OVERA

ALBOX

VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR

ALMERIA

HUERCAL OVERA

RETAMAR GARRUCHA

ADRA

ROQUETAS

MOJACAR

The run time is 99 minutes and is rated 15.

RETAMAR

ALMERIA

ROQUETAS

ADRA

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Punchy Mars and the heady Sun are set for a scramble with touchy Pluto. You’ve been there before, so despite any administrative bumps, gossipy whirls or curious rejections, don’t be too sensitive. CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Upfront Mars and the upbeat Sun will be at loggerheads with powerful Pluto. You might not appreciate some of Friday or Saturday’s antics, so be ready to use your charm, or perhaps your equally wicked sense of humour will do the trick. Whatever comes up for review, a cool rethink could inspire you with some useful tactics.

8-Star Quiz THE WORLD’S OLDEST FOOTBALL CUP COMPETITION vThis Saturday, May 17, Arsenal will play Hull City in the 133rd final of the FA Cup 1. In which decade was the FA Cup final first played at Wembley Stadium? 2. Tottenham Hotspur have won the F A Cup final eight times; which team, in 1987, is the only team to have beaten them in the final? 3. What was the name of the Manchester City goalkeeper who played on, and earned a winner’s medal, with a broken neck in the 1956 FA Cup final? 4. Which Manchester United defender was the first player to be sent off in an FA Cup final? 5. Which Second Division side beat Leeds United 1-0 to win the 1973 FA Cup final? 6. Which team has appeared in four FA Cup finals (1949, 1961, 1963 and 1969), losing them all? 7. Which team has won the FA Cup on most occasions (11)? 8. Which two teams contested the famous 1953 ‘Matthews Final’?

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: Pay heed to your intuition. Nothing will be gained from rushing along a path that is peppered with financial risks, but your overall luck will hold. This means that studies, creative activities and domestic changes are progressively starred, especially this month.

Your Stars

LEO (July 24 - August 23) This is an intense week, and if you get stuck with a particular issue, jumble your words, or just can’t seem to do anything right, it might be worth finding out if the grass is greener on the other side.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Quirky planetary niggles will surface without warning. A variety of talks, news and last-minute changes surround your family members, friends or colleagues. No matter what affects your personal or occupational activities, stay focused, decide what your goals are.

May 19: Christian Galvez. Actor. This Spanish actor and presenter was born in Madrid and debuted on the small screen in 1996, at the age of 15, in a small role in the, then very popular, Medico de Familia series. He currently presents Pasapalabra on Telecinco.

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LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Even the best-made plans can suddenly sink without a trace. Your dreams for a fresh start in one particular direction still need tender, cautious care, and you may equally need to be wary of overstepping the mark where money’s concerned.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) If you suspect that some things are not what they seem, you could be right. Repel doubts, ban anxieties and stick to facts and tact. If certain individuals or situations continue to conspire against you, change course and do something entirely different.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) You will need bucketloads of humour and understanding as impatient Mars and the sprightly Sun engage with touchy Pluto. Stay well clear if you want to escape potential power struggles. .

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Storms in tea-cups need loads of sweet-talking. Of course, if you can’t be bothered with it all, fair enough; keeping quiet could be the best way to deal with problems, glitches or sudden backfires. AQUARIUS (January 21 February 19) You are about to tackle some tough tests. Work and personal hurdles could preoccupy you, but after the weekend you’ll be able to sort out the ice from the cream.

Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.

PISCES (February 20 March 20) Feisty Mars and the fiery Sun are warring with changeable Pluto, so avoid any tearaway temptations on Thursday or Friday. You could be emotionally vulnerable, or even lulled into a false sense of security.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Hassles and battles are on the cards. If things don’t happen as fast as you’d expected, or domestic and workaday blips assail your patience, transform them into an opportunity to show your special qualities.

LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

Saturday May 10

Saturday May 10

Saturday May 10

Friday May 9

5

8

10

16

17

3

10 31

30 36

5

13

22

24

33

38

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

46

12

26

Almeria

CLEAR MAX 22C, MIN 14C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

3

21 28

LUCKY STARS 7

10

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

5

15

17

23

33

37

REINTEGRO 16

6

19

20 47

Fri Sat Sun -

CLEAR

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 21 16 Cl Tues - 20 15 C Wed - 21 14 Cl

Fri Sat Sun -

23 16 Cl 23 16 Cl 23 16 Cl

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 24 16 S Tues - 24 14 Cl Wed - 24 15 S

Mallorca 21 12 Cl 22 13 C 24 15 Cl S Sun,

29 11 Cl 29 13 S 29 14 Cl

TODAY:

MAX MIN

MAX 28C, MIN 12C MAX MIN

Mon - 27 12 C Tues - 24 11 C Wed - 24 11 Cl

Mon - 24 16 Cl Tues - 25 16 S Wed - 23 16 Cl Cl Clear,

CLOUDY MAX 24C, MIN 13C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun Fog,

Sn Snow,

MAX MIN

26 13 C 26 14 Cl 27 16 C

Mon - 31 17 S Tues - 29 16 C Wed - 28 17 Cl

C Cloud,

Sh Showers,

Th Thunder

Nonagram How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case G) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET:

Average: 7

Very good: 14

Good: 9

Excellent: 17

bait, barn, bint, boar, boat, born, bort, bran, brat, brio, brit, obit, abort, bairn, baron, baton, biont, biota, brain, brant, bravo, orbit, robin, tabor, tibia, barton, biotin, obtain, vibrio, vibrant, vibrato, VIBRATION

Word Ladder PINK

Move from the start word (PINK) to the end word (LADY) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.

21 54

REINTEGRO 0

MAX MIN

Mon - 23 18 S Tues - 23 18 S Wed - 22 18 Cl

Murcia

CLOUDY MAX 22C, MIN 13C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

CLEAR

TODAY:

MAX 21C, MIN 15C

MAX MIN

TODAY:

21 16 Cl 21 17 Cl 22 18 C

Madrid

Malaga CLOUDY

MAX MIN

Mon - 25 18 C Tues - 25 17 C Wed - 25 17 Cl

CLEAR MAX 21C, MIN 17C

TODAY:

MAX 21C, MIN 14C

19 15 C 21 15 Cl 21 16 Cl

TODAY:

25 16 C 26 17 Cl 23 18 Sh

MAX 24C, MIN 16C

Benidorm

Barcelona TODAY:

CLEAR MAX MIN

Mon - 24 17 S Tues - 24 16 S Wed - 24 17 Cl

22 14 Cl 22 15 Cl 23 16 Cl

Sunday May 11

Saturday May 10

26 45

LA PRIMITIVA

TODAY:

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Sudoku

3

Alicante TODAY:

LADY

LADS LADY

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Astrologically, it’s not unreasonable to assume that when sparky Mars and the zesty Sun conflict with restless Pluto, life could become a tad frustrating. You might find it hard to tolerate hypocrisy and setbacks, but fortunately, it’s all just a passing cloud.

PINK PINS PANS PADS

The Grand Budapest Hotel

1. 1920s (1923), 2. COVENTRY CITY, 3. BERT TRAUTMANN, 4. KEVIN MORAN, 5. SUNDERLAND, 6. LEICESTER CITY, 7. MANCHESTER UNITED, 8. BLACKPOOL and BOLTON WANDERERS,

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CROSSWORDS

Crosswords

15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

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For more information about the sponsor go to www.lineadirecta.com

Cryptic

Quick

Across 1 Some slippers and also shoes (7) 5 Scrap in the departure lounge (4) 8 On the lookout for real model tenant (5) 9 State gets scientific institute to take on a graduate (7) 10 Film in animals’ kingdom (4) 11 Sign on in Bognor Regis? Terrific (8) 13 An endless pact to foot the bill (5) 14 Artist is champ (5) 19 Star treading carelessly (3,5) 21 Coin circulating in the Midwest (4) 23 Influence in part of church (7) 24 Set a trap separately (5) 25 Fish with eel’s head, Da Vinci’s? (4) 26 Bad cons make a break and run away (7) Down 1 Boxes with energy, being thin (6) 2 Anne meeting Queen, originally born less well off (7) 3 Neat arrangement for a stake (4) 4 See bad moves at the bottom of the ocean (6) 5 Metal lamp unit needing assembly (8)

Across 7 American wild cat (6) 8 Benevolent (6) 10 Admit, as defeat (7) 11 Defraud (5) 12 Secret look (4) 13 Stunned (5) 17 Fatigued (5) 18 Nothing at all (4) 22 Make different (5) 23 Occurring at the beginning (7) 24 Undertake a journey (6) 25 Pressure (6)

6 Severely criticise cook (5) 7 Lion’s leader publicises dens (5) 12 Marmite I made is salty (8) 15 Smart attempt to encircle a city (7) 16 A girl broke the chalice (5) 17 Girl from a strange land (6)

18 Bitter made from wheat, edible nuts etc (6) 20 Daughter is company for the nightclub (5) 22 Country leaders of Los Angeles or Seattle (4)

Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 23 represents T and 9 represents Z, so fill in T every time the figure 23 appears and Z every time the figure 9 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 1 Bends, 4 Launch, 9 Narrate, 10 Lower, 11 Ares, 12 Varlets, 13 Ode, 14 Garb, 16 Nero, 18 Bug, 20 Iron ore, 21 Cafe, 24 Erase, 25 Inexact, 26 Shoves, 27 Binge. Down: 1 Banyan, 2 Norse, 3 Seal, 5 Alluring, 6 New Year, 7 Harass, 8 Leave, 13 Obsolete, 15 Avocado, 17 Timers, 18 Benin, 19 Gentle, 22 Again, 23 Herb. QUICK Across: 1 Cherish, 5 Dock, 8 Means, Roughen, 11 Note, 12 Garrison, 15 Fed up, 16 Basic, 19 Pastoral, 21 Tuba, 23 Stature, 25 Evade, 26 Drag, 27 Canteen. Down: 2 Heartless, 3 Rest, 4 Stream, 5/24 Dog tag, 6 Credo, 7 Amend, 10 Uproar, 13 Stimulate, 14 Sudoku, 17 Camera, 18 Cameo, 20 Alter, 22 Debt.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Chemistry, 7 Ropes, 9 River, 10 Team, 11 Fresas, 13 Spade, 14 Suave, 15 Contestar. Down: 2 Mesa, 3 Surprises, 4 Revista, 5 British, 6 Brushes, 8 Platano, 12 Left.

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English. Across 1 Hablar (4) 3 Guante (5) 8 To dare (9) 9 Cocineros (5) 10 Nidos (5) 12 Sleet (9) 14 Goat (5) 15 Pinzas (de ropa) (4) Down 1 To carve (meat) (8) 2 Key (door) (5) 4 Espliego (8) 5 To see (3) 6 Prisionero (8) 7 Campesinos (8) 11 Seven (5) 13 Nail (on finger, toe) (3)

Hexagram The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (RECEDE) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues. ABASES

RECTOR

BUSHEL

REGION

CLOSER

STEEDS

ENTERS

STREAK

HEARTS

TESTED

LARDER

THREAD

LATTER

TOWARD

LEADER

TRADES

NEARBY

WILDER

RECEDE (10)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Funagram Unscramble the name of a type of home appliance (two words): TERRIBLE MUD FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: MARVIN GAYE, TUMBLE DRIER

Unscramble the name of a famous American soul singer, composer and musician: ARMY GAVE IN

Down 1 Basic idea (7) 2 Move about idly (7) 3 Pugilist (5) 4 Triumph (7) 5 Enthusiastic (5) 6 Small and of little importance (5) 9 Collection of live animals (9) 14 Obstruction (7) 15 Reached a judicial conclusion (7) 16 Devoid of good sense or judgment (7) 19 Religious belief (5) 20 Wander off (5) 21 Not clean (5)

1 Device, 2 Elders, 3 Seeing, 4 Arenas, 5 Cellar, 6 Steeds, 7 Acorns, 8 Reeled, 9 Spears, 10 Clever, 11 Leered, 12 Resort, 13 Veered, 14 Cursed, 15 Seated, 16 Greasy, 17 Drawer, 18 Grease, 19 Wealth

HEALTH & BEAUTY

www.euroweeklynews.com

15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

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ealth & beauty H TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EWNLIFESTYLE.COM

Health in your daily life With Monica Algañaraz of Centro Physis IT cannot be healthy for your spine when you have to carry out movements or exertions that

involve stretching up or reaching. In this case, we have to overstretch our arms, putting pressure on the spine. The use of a ladder or steps is

recommended to avoid stretching and exertion in a difficult position. And, remember, prevention is a lot easier than cure. For appointments call 695 355 381.

Baby brain does exist and there’s a reason too MANY new mothers joke about their ‘babybrain’ and becoming a bit forgetful and emotional during and after pregnancy, but now, scientists say not only does it exist, but there is a reason for it. A study found that pregnant women show increased activity in the area of the brain related to emotional skills and the changes are designed to help them prepare for bonding, helping them become more attuned to their baby’s needs. The research team from the University of London, examined the neuropsycho-logical activity of 19 pregnant women and 20 mothers whose babies were nine weeks old on average.

CHANGES: Activity in the brain relating to emotional skills increases.

TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

SITTING DOWN: Inactivity is fourth biggest killer of adults.

Standing up at school or work has its benefits A BRITISH school has become the first in Europe to have pupils standing up at desks. The school in West Yorkshire is taking part in a pilot scheme which sees students standing up at specially-adapted desks in a bid to see if it improves concentration and health. The seven-week scheme will see them take it in turns to stand behind six desks while the others

sit down as usual, with each student spending a carefullycalculated 230 minutes standing each week. Teachers say it is already making them more focused. Schools in Australia, New Zealand and the US have already tried the idea. Scientists believe standing can improve long-term health as the experiment coincides with news

of a report which claims working at a desk could be as bad for you as smoking. An average British adult spends up to 70 per cent of their day sitting down and it more than doubles the risk of diabetes and is linked with an increase in heart disease. In fact, inactivity is the fourth biggest killer of adults, according to the World Health Organisation.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Lupus: known as an invisible illness AROUND 40,000 people in Spain suffer from lupus, an auto-immune, chronic and potentially fatal disorder. Now, to mark World Lupus Day, patients and organisations are calling for the ‘invisible’ disease to be recognised as a disabling condition as sufferers are on the verge of

SUN SCREEN: Essential for Lupus sufferers.

exclusion. A report prepared by the Spanish Federation of Lupus (FELUPUS) also calls for the inclusion of sunscreens in public funding on the National Health System for lupus patients. President of FELUPUS, Pilar Pazos, said for sufferers sunscreens are like ‘drugs’ with patients having to use them throughout the year as the sun is one of the inducers of the disease. They are also calling for more awareness of the condition with few people knowing about Lupus, which is a disorder that involves the body’s immune system mistakenly viewing healthy cells as foreign invaders. It can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs.

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FOOD & DRINK

& DRINK

ood F

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Costa Blanca’s best guide to local restaurants

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New technology now available for all sufferers of celiac disease

GIVEN that we eat three times a day life can be a little like an obstacle course for anyone suffering from celiac disease, but now modern technology is coming to their rescue in the form of apps and websites. Celiac disease is an autoimmune illness characterised by an inflammation of the lower intestine after the ingestion of any sort of gluten, usually present in cereals. Spain has over 450,000 registered cases of people who suffer from the celiac disease. The Spanish federation of celiac sufferers, FACE, have brought out a list of webs and apps to help navigate the difficult path around cereals. Viajarsingluten.com is a web page

CEREALS: Can be difficult to avoid.

that will inform sufferers of the disease where they can eat a glutenfree meal out, they include pizzerias and hamburger joints. Allergychef.es will inform those afflicted of slightly ‘higher class’ restaurants. If an app seems more useful then sufferers can check out the facemovil app which has a list of over 1,600 restaurants which serve gluten-free food; Celicity and Mobiceliac also provide lists of restaurants and bars which would be suitable. If out shopping and in doubt about a food product then iGLU can be consulted as it has a list of information about most popular products.

FOOD & DRINK

T

HE number one dessert in all of Spain, but particularly in Madrid capital, is the immensely traditional ‘Chocolate con Churros’ this consists of fried batter which saltiness mixes gloriously with the bitterness of the chocolate which is served thick and hot. In Cantabria they go for the ‘Sobaos Pasiegos’ which is a sort of sponge cake soaked in butter and sugar, sometimes with the addition of lemon rind and rum; this has been made in the area since around 1896. In the region of Madrid, not to be confused with the capital, they favour ‘Torrijas’; this is bread, usually stale, which has been soaked in milk or wine then coated in egg and fried in oil it is normally served with honey or sugar. In Cataluña the ‘Crema Catalana’ rules

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15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

The most popular desserts by region supreme. This is very much like a crème brulee and consists of eggy cream which has been covered in sugar which is then caramelised. The Balearic Islands have given the cuisine of Spain the ‘Ensaimada’ which is a sweet pastry, of the Danish style, covered in caster

sugar this has been served in Mallorca since before records began. The ‘Tarta de Santiago’ is the favourite in Galicia and has been made there

since the pilgrimages started. It is an almond sponge cake decorated with the cross of St James. In the hills of Asturias they prefer the ‘Arroz con Leche’ which is not unlike rice pudding and is sometimes flavoured with lemon rind or vanilla. The ‘Horchata’ is a drink made from Tiger nut milk and has been served very cold in Valencia for hundreds of years. Regardless of where in Spain you go there will always be something sweet waiting for you. NATIONWIDE FAVOURITE: Chocolate con churros.

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Study promotes beer to DRINKING beer in moderation can have benefits on women’s health at different stages of their lives, according to a study carried out in Spain. The study suggests that the natural ingredients in beer can have benefits for women during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause and in their old age.

Natural ingredients in beer can have benefits for women in pregnancy, menopause or old age

The book, ‘Women, Gynaecology and Beer’ was presented at the Official Pharmacists’ Association in the Balearic Islands, and was coordinated by Doctor Tirso Perez Medina, a Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Madrid’s Autonomous University and Head of the Gynaecology Department at the Puerta de Hierro University

Couscous is a staple food throughout North Africa COUSCOUS is a traditional Berber dish consisting of durum wheat granules, known more commonly as semolina granules, which have been cooked by steam. Traditionally it is served with a meat or vegetable stew spooned over it. This dish is a staple food throughout the North African cuisines, in particular Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

Couscous served with fish is also a staple food in Western Sicily and is recognised as a traditional food product by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture. The grain can form part of just about any meal as, due to its neutral flavour, it is a good substitute for bread, potatoes or rice. In Northern Europe and the US it is often incorporated into salads as its

dry nature goes well with the juicier salad stuffs including tomatoes and cucumbers. Preparation is easy: add 1.5 measures of boiling water to every measure of the grain, add a little stock, oil or butter to the water if desired, cover tightly for five minutes then let it air for a few minutes more while it is fluffed with a fork before serving.

Colour can influence orange juice flavour COLOUR has an effect on perceived flavour, and the expected and actual liking of orange juice, according to a new study. The findings, published in the Flavour journal, seem to confirm the widely accepted fact that food can be more or less appealing because of its appearance. When testing the influence of orange juice colour on flavour intensity, the sourness perceived by tasters significantly increased with a juice slightly dyed in green food colouring. Results also revealed that consumers expected a better flavour from a red-dyed orange juice, and that they actually liked more the green-dyed one after tasting it. A group of researchers from the universities of Sevilla and Nottingham performed comparison tests with 30 people to determine the influence of orange juice colour on flavour intensity, sweetness and sourness.

ORANGE JUICE: One of the most consumed juices in the world. Then, they asked 100 orange juice consumers to rate expected and actual liking of colour-modified juice samples, making sure their flavour wasn’t altered.

FOOD & DRINK

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15 - 21 May 2014 / Costa de Almería

benefit women’s health Hospital in Madrid. It is the first of its kind to revise the effects of beer on women’s health. It shows that beer is a natural drink, low in calories and alcohol and with no fat or sugar, which on the other hand contains carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins and folic acid, making moderate

consumption within a balanced diet beneficial for health. Pregnant women can drink nonalcoholic beer, as folic acid is essential for pregnant women and those trying to conceive, as it aids the nervous system and cell regeneration and regulates levels of homocysteine, which is a risk factor in heart diseases.

Couscous: Traditional to serve with a stew.

It also reduces the risk of malformations of the spine and prevents defects of the neural tube at birth. During breastfeeding, it also provides natural antioxidants which fight against heart disease and wear on the system. The polyphenols in it protect against heart disease and oxidation of the body’s systems during menopause, helps to increase good cholesterol in the blood, reducing ischemic heart disease and also provides vitamins, fibre and natural phytoestrogens which help to reduce the risk of diseases linked to the drop of estrogens. It can also benefit the immune system, and has nutrients which can help to conserve bone mass and prevent osteoporosis. It also has flavons which help the bones to absorb essential components, silicium, which promote the creation of collagen, as well as calcium, vitamin D and magnesium. Silicium also diminishes the risk factors of Alzheimer’s, as it interacts with aluminium, which is related to dementia.

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FOOD & DRINK

FRONT TERRACE: Catch a bit of sun while sipping a cold beer. Advertising feature

Bar La Union - food, fun and football for everyone

BAR LA UNION in La Alfoquia is under new ownership! At the helm are a couple of familiar faces, Gary and Sue, formerly of Bar Los Mellizos. Gary and Sue manage this popular venue as a family run, family focused, and British pub. Open every day of the week from 9am until late, this friendly pub has a variety of activities to keep you entertained. Like music? Then pop

along on Friday night at 9pm this week and listen to Dee Sharp, vocals complemented by the sultry tones of Dave Sharp on his saxophone. On Sunday afternoon, Dave will be back again to provide soothing saxophone music for the hungry diners tucking into their food. Speaking of food, La Alfoquia has something to suit everyone’s tastes. Home-made pies, Chef’s special BBQ sauce and

ribs, sirloin and rib eye screen in the town, plus steaks, and a variety of three more televisions in menus at different times the bar area, so you won’t of the day such as miss a single goal or nail ‘Light Bits,’ biting moment. ‘Breakfast,’ Fancy catching A family ‘Tapas,’ and an a bit of sun evening your run, family with menu. beer? At the focused Children are front is a large well looked British pub terrace with after too, as a benches, and number of dishes are behind the bar is a available as half portions. terrace protected by fly Football’s World Cup screens, so you won’t starts soon, and La need to spend your time Alfoquia have the largest swatting at flying nuisances. Bar La Alfoquia is open every day of the week from 9am until late. Finding the bar is easy, as it, is located in the centre of La Alfoquia on the main street (A-1101) almost opposite the petrol station. Booking is essential call 642 008 003.

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Heliport for A will be great f WORK has started on the construction of a helicopter pad in Albox. The company Incoc started work after the town hall handed over the land to the Health Council of the Junta who are responsible for the awarding of the contract to Incoc. The parcel of land meets all the requirements for the construction of a helicopter pad. Incoc has begun construction of a circular platform for the landing and take-off of helicopters, and a rectangular platform for the parking of ambulances, which in turn will be complemented with a walkway. The area known as Parajela Cañadaes was chosen for being the most

accessible and closest to the Health clinic. The town hall is to waive payment of fees to facilitate the construction, which will be a great facility for both Albox and the region. The Mayor of Albox, Rogelio Mena, praised the new service as very positive for the town. “The fact that Albox has quick access to health care is very beneficial and, at the same time reassuring. “Emergency helicopters will be available with the most important thing being that many lives will be saved. “The town hall has been working to meet all the requirements. We wanted our citizens to have at their disposal a

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Albox facility health service of this kind,� he said. The helicopters are equipped with all necessary equipment for health professionals to treat patients as if they were in a mobile ICU. They are also equipped with the latest communication technologies, which facilitate the work of medics during the transfer of patients to hospitals.

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Checklist to find pro - startup, browser an network settings, dr HELLO and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. Today, I drove from Albox to Antas to meet a lovely couple whose computer wouldn’t connect to the internet. To confuse the situation further, websites that were accessible two days ago and stored in the history, were available and worked perfectly well. My first thought was malware, as this is the most common cause for browser redirection. So having checked for unusual and unwanted programmes in the startup and scheduled sections of the registry file (not advisable unless you really

Trevor Spencer Computers know what you're doing because without the registry, windows will not start!), I looked for malware. There were a number of well known and easily installed malware programmes (easy if you don’t know what to look for - a topic for another day), but nothing that would cause this problem. By this time the head scratching had started. You know the feeling

when you know that you have missed something and it is on the tip of your tongue. So I started with my inbuilt checklist startup clean (check), malware removed (check), browser’s settings normal - Chrome, IE, Firefox (check), network settings and drivers working (check, seat comfortable (check). Conclusion? The computer is clean! What is next? Check to see if the wireless connection is

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

oblems nd ivers... fine. I used my tablet to check if I could replicate the problems. YES! Problem with the router! So we contacted the Internet provider in Antas and were told that the couple’s router had been modified and there wasn’t a security update for the router, BUT, they could sell (yes they would sell them) an upgraded router that didn’t have this problem. I have been with Albox Online since I came to Spain and when the hardware failed - and it does! They have replaced it, without question or cost. This is the service I expect to get and to give. Until next time. See you at Jack’s Bar, Albox, Friday afternoons.

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Albox Tennis Club hosts world No 1 padel player THE best padel player in the world, Juan Martin Diaz, held a Padel Clinic at Albox Tennis Club on Sunday morning. ‘El Galleguito’ as he is known, is considered by many to be the best player ever in the history of the sport. Alongside his doubles partner Fernando Belasteguin, he has held the number one spot in the Padel Pro Tour Ranking ever since the circuit began back in 2005 and has more than 100 titles to his name. Juan was happy to give out advice as local players enjoyed the opportunity to play with and learn

LOCAL PLAYERS: Enjoyed a clinic with the World Number One. from a Master. After a morning of padel, the President of Albox Tennis Club presented Juan with a souvenir

ceramic plate hand-made by Juan Alfonso Fernandez of local pottery firm ‘Los Puntas.’

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ON THE PODIUM: Juan wins in Cordoba.

Well done Juan ALBOX youngster Juan Lorente Garcia is certainly making a name for himself in the world of MotoCross. The teenager races in the MX2 category in the Andalucia Junior Championships and the Granada and Cordoba provincial championships. Juan has already won two races this season with his latest success coming in the Rambla de Cordoba.

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

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Horse fair held in Albox is one of the largest THE Equine Fair returned to the town of Albox on Saturday morning. The meeting, was organised by the town hall and the Friends of

the Horse Association of the Almanzora Valley. Devotees to the world of horses had a unique opportunity to sell and buy livestock at the fair. In addition to the high

number of mares, foals, horses and donkeys on show there were stalls selling equipment such as saddlebags, rigging equipment, and blankets.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

TRADITION: Keeping it alive in Albox. Talking about the event, Albox Mayor, Rogelio Mena underlined the importance that the fair has for the

professionals in the livestock trade. Francisco Perez Conchillo, councillor for Trade in Albox Town Hall said that: “This is a fair that features many leading breeders and horse lovers of the world, and that with the passage of time is transforming into a traditional event in Albox, bringing together many horse lovers out there in the Almanzora Valley.” The meeting complements the

traditional November livestock fair, which has been held for 184 years ever since a Royal Charter was granted by Fernando VII in 1829. The fair became one of the largest in the southern peninsular. The first fairs were held in the Rambla of Albox, which possessed a wide space for the animals and took advantage of the water that surfaced from the Marques fountain and the trough of Los Caños.

OPINION & COMMENT

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Lining their own pockets.... Peter Fieldman London-born journalist and author, Peter spends his time between Paris and Madrid. His novel ‘1066 The Conquest’ available on Amazon or www.1066TheConquest.com

www.pfieldman.blogspot.com

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MPUNITY. Definition: exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action. No other word can so aptly describe how justice has been turned upside down to preserve and protect a privileged elite which has lost all sense of morality and ethics. Endemic corruption, which was thought to be confined to despotic regimes in the developing nations, is alive and thriving throughout Western democracies. According to a recent report from the European Commission, corruption is costing the European Union €120 billion a year. But a much greater cost is the loss of trust and confidence in national, regional and local politicians as well as the financial and corporate sectors and justice systems. At the heart of the problem are money and greed. The close relationship which exists between politics and business has become so blurred and incestuous, it risks destroying the fabric of our economies and societies; Tony Blair and Rupert Murdoch, Jose Maria Aznar and Francisco Correa, Emilio Botin and South American presidents, and Berlusconi and his media empire are prime examples. Abraham Lincoln would be shocked if he could see how our present political leaders have forgotten his words at Gettysburg and that government of the people, for the people, by the people has been transformed into governments of, for and by financial and corporate interests, whose only objective is to increase their wealth and power. Politicians are not listening to the people, whether it is about immigration, abortion, families, crime, education, health, or growing inequality. Political motives have little or nothing to do with the well-being of the people or the country but to protect the lifestyle of the privileged elite. While families were being evacuated from their flooded homes in Southern England, David Cameron was discussing a multi-million-pound salary and bonus package for the CEO of Lloyds bank, rescued by the taxpayer. This is where his priorities lie. The financial crisis, caused by the rampant speculation of the banks, has led to a dramatic disparity in wealth, unseen since the Victorian Age. The

CAPITALIST PYRAMID: Cleveland, USA, 1911.

Corporate immorality IT is not just the greed of the elite which is causing resentment. Politicians, bankers, corporate bosses, soccer clubs and sports stars have been engaged in an orgy of criminal activities ranging from mis-selling, rate rigging, bribery, misappropriation of public funds, illegal political funding, fraud, money laundering, illegal foreclosures, excess charges and fees, phone hacking, cheating on expenses and especially tax evasion on an unprecedented scale. Clever or dubious accounting schemes, connivance between political leaders, bankers, audit firms, powerful corporate figures and the proliferation of tax havens, have enabled trillions of dollars to escape the tax net, ending up in untraceable companies or accounts in offshore banks. And when Herve Falciani, an ex-HSBC employee, provided a list of thousands of account holders in Switzerland, instead of the governments cracking down on the tax evaders, they escaped punishment while he was pursued like a criminal. Nowhere has corruption been more damaging than in Spain. The Gurtel scandal, whose ramifications went to the heart of power, is now in its fifth year as investigators attempt to trace millions of euros of public money and unravel the tenuous links between national and local politicians, business interests and offshore companies. So far there have been hardly any arrests or convictions, only the removal of the investigative judge, Baltasar Garzon. The rule and respect of law are the pillars of our nation states. Without justice and equality they cannot function. And so long as greed prevails and wrongdoers are granted impunity, our democracy hangs on a thread.

© Peter Fieldman NUJ writer

deregulation of the banking system, abolition of the Glass Steagall Act and the Global economy allowed bankers and multinational CEOs to plunder our savings to fill their pockets, speculate on a massive scale and shift billions into the world’s tax havens, depriving treasury departments of tax revenues, which are a country’s life blood. The result has been cutbacks in vital public services and investment in education, health and infrastructure. Privatisation of utilities, energy, telecommunication, transport and in some cases, education and health simply transferred public monopolies into private monopolies or cartels. The control of strategic assets by a few oligarchs with political relations distorts competition and has resulted in a virtual takeover of sovereign states by big business. There is a direct correlation between the laying off of thousands of workers and/or lowering of wages and exploitation of employees and the increase in corporate profits, boardroom earnings and shareholder dividends. It is only now, as governments tell the people the worst is over, that we are seeing what has really been happening; like flood waters receding to expose the extent of the damage. Since the outset of the crisis only the top 1 per cent has benefited from any gains while the vast majority face lower standards of living with millions falling into poverty. In the circumstances it is hardly surprising that people are disaffected with politics and are revolting against the capitalist system.

BERLUSCONI: Business and State too close.

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omes&gardens

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HOMES & GARDENS

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All you need at El Rincon del Mueble

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F you are looking for furniture there is no need to go further than El Rincon del Mueble. The family business, run by sisters, Marta and Natalie, sells all kind of furniture, from modern to traditional, rustic, rattan and bamboo, to garden furniture and beds. In fact everything you can think of they have in their two stores, one in El Real, Antas, the other in Garrucha. The sisters have built up an enviable reputation for service having many years experience in the furniture trade. They know what their

customers want and, with their commitment to after sales service, are quick to respond to any problems that may arise. That goes some way to explaining why they get so much return trade, along with their wide selection of furniture on sale at exceptional prices for the quality on offer. And customers can be sure of a bargain with not just permanent good prices, but special promotions and big discounts all year round. Language is not a problem either as Marta worked in the UK for several years, speaks fluent English and

El Rincon del Mueble Poligono Industril ‘El Real’ c/Vente Vacio 04628 Antas Tel/fax 950 459 071

Muebles el Rincon Paraje ‘Las Marinas’ - Ctra Garrucha Vera KM 1 s/n 04620 Vera 950 460 867 QUALITY FURNITURE: Not just at good prices, but special promotions and discounts all year round. because of this, has a good knowledge of what English customers need and like. They sell to all areas in Almeria with people willing to travel to see the range of furniture on offer. Their previous background was in the restaurant business, and so they are familiar with dealing with clients on a

day to day basis, ensuring a friendly welcome. After leaving the restaurant trade they opened their first furniture business in Garrucha in 2000 and the second in El Real opened its doors in 2006. More information: www.muebleselrincon. com Opening hours Monday

- Friday 10am - 2pm, 5pm - 7pm Antas only, Monday - Friday 10m - 2pm, 5pm

8pm Garrucha, Saturdays 10am - 2pm both shops.

Where to find and buy plants Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner By Dick Handscombe Spain’s best known expat gardening author about to start his 26th winter cut back.

WE are often asked ‘Oh, where did you get that plant from’ and we ask the same question from time to time of others. We have compiled the following list of potential sources to help: • Nurseries where they propagate most of the plants they sell. • Garden centres where they tend to buy most plants in. • Weekly markets.

• Rastros. • Agricultural cooperatives, good for trees and vegetable seedlings. • Horticultural and animal feed shops for seeds, bulbs and vegetable seedlings. • Flower shops often sell a few unusual plants for the garden. • Supermarkets especially, for house plants. • Swap with friends as spare plants raised from seed or cuttings. • Plant sales at local gardening clubs. • Raffle prizes at gardening clubs. • Verges of roads or pavements. Our two largest mimosa trees came from this source.

• Local garden rubbish bins or informal tips. Look out for healthy irises, succulents and cacti. • Waste grounds and disused quarries, especially close to the sea, where migrating birds can drop seeds from north African plants. • Neighbours about to build an extension or pool. If you don’t ask they will be bulldozed into a skip. • From mail order catalogues especially for roses, bulbs, special shrubs and vegetables. • Restaurants and Casa Rurales. You may be able to negotiate a cutting or seeds from something different that you spy.

• Jobbing gardeners who propagate to obtain inexpensive plants to fit into the gardens they care for or landscape and to sell the spares to passers-by. • Smallholdings who produce vegetable and herb plants for sale. • Visitors who bring gifts that they think will look lovely in your garden • The reject corner of garden centres. • Your own cuttings and seed sowings. • Plants from seeds fortuitously dropped by birds in your garden. Happy plant hunting! © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com May 2014

PROPERTY

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A personal shopper to find a home or working space WE all know what a personal shopper is by now, but what about bringing this figure into the world of property investment? Well, that’s just what has been done in the USA, and in the past three years, the trend has been on the rise in Spain. The services of Personal Property Shoppers were initially hired by the rich and famous who didn’t have time to look for their own houses, but more and more private buyers and companies are hiring their services.

PROPERTY SHOPPING: Rising trend in Spain.

The Spanish Association of Personal Real Estate Shoppers says that companies mainly want to find offices and industrial or

commercial establishments. One of the first companies to provide the service in Spain in 2010 was Somrie Personal

Shopper Services, who have exclusive agents for property investors in charge of finding, negotiating and closing rental or purchase deals on homes or offices based on clients’ needs. They don’t report to real estate agencies and have no conflict of interests which means they can look for the best deals. Forty per cent of clients are Spanish, executives with money to invest.

Property prices can have an effect on birth rate figures THE rise and fall of property prices causes birth rates to fluctuate. According to a study published in the Journal of Public Economics by economists Lisa Dettling and Melissa Kearney, couples who are considering having children take into account financial factors such as work perspective and income, but also whether property prices are rising or falling. Rising prices cause birth rates to fall amongst those who don’t own their own homes and to rise amongst homeowners. Apparently this is because when homeowners see the value of their property increasing, it makes them feel more confident that they will be able to face the expenses of forming a family. Meanwhile, those who don’t have a house realise that it has become more difficult for them to buy their own house, making them also think that rent prices will rise and that more of their income will be spent on housing, so less will be available to have children. Their study is based on demographic data and property prices from 1997 to HAVING A FAMILY: The rise and fall of property prices causes birth rates to fluctuate.

2006 in the USA, and even suggests that property prices influence people’s decision to have children even more than whether or not they have a job, although it is unclear whether property prices have had exactly the same effects on other markets. When it comes to those renting a home, a rise in prices seems to make people delay the decision to have a second child, but has no influence to have the first.

Restoration can increase house value RESTORING a building can increase the price of the houses within by 25 per cent. With the financial crisis and fewer people purchasing new homes, refurbishment has taken several steps forward in the market, and this has led to a 4 per cent rise in permits to carry out such projects earlier this year, according to the Ministry of Public Works. A project to restore a building in Madrid to improve energy efficiency and increase its market value has shown the value can be increased up to 25 per cent.

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PETS

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Give the dog a treat... BARKER & BARKER is the company to go to, to give your dog a healthy treat. As any pet owner knows our four legged friends love

to be praised and as a training aid treats can be very helpful. But owners should be careful what they feed their dogs as the wrong sort of treat can lead to problems. For that reason it is important to select a treat that can fit into a dog’s dietary needs and for that reason many vets and dog experts - including the EWN’s David the Dogman recommend Barker and Barker’s range of treats and supplements. I HAD a call from a gentleman that informed me he had put his Dobermann to sleep due to illness, the dog was 12 years. Of course he was devastated. They have another four dogs. A few nights later they heard terrible fighting going on downstairs. The Cocker Spaniel had nearly bitten one dog’s nose off and they were all injured. Reluctantly he took the Spaniel to the vet and put the dog to sleep. He explained that the Spaniel looked at him as if to say Dad why are you doing this? The man was in a terrible state and called me to ask if he had done the right thing. I immediately said no. The pack hierarchy had now changed and sometimes this causes fights. If dogs start fighting dogs it has to be established which dog is the new leader (in many cases it needs an expert to help you). The new top dog is to be loved 10 times more and fed first. We keep using his

The company has been manufacturing its own natural and low fat products for dogs since 1976. Today there are many products available that appeal to the owner and not the dog. In actual fact dogs have different digestive and nutritional needs and for this reason Barker and Barker develop their products with the dogs’ health in mind. There are no artificial additives in any of their products. They

do not add any carb loaded ingredients such as oats, corn, wheat, rice or grains. Barker and Barker are committed to never using generic meat, fish or vegetable ‘meal’ which basically contain all the ‘waste’ parts of the core products. They only use top quality ingredients intended for the human food chain that are quality assured and that are guaranteed to meet the highest safety standards.

For more information www.barkerandbarkertreat s.co.uk / 971 887 007 / 634 152 813.

Group hierarchy

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DOG PACKS: Important to work out hierarchy. name and touching and cuddling him as a favourite. We are showing this dog that he is a top dog. The fighting then stops. However, I would stress that this does not work with fighting females. There is no known way to stop fighting and terrible injuries. Best to rehome one of them. Quite often owners who have brought another dog into the family get upset

For all do g treats p lease call: 971 887 0 07 / 634 1 52 813

when they see the younger David THE dog mounting Dogman Listen to David or biting the Costa del Sol on TRE every Saturday 10 (San Roque to(Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fam to 11am rear legs of the m (Calahonda to Calahonda) 91.9fm Costa Blanca Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida resident dog. 92.7fm (Elche to Calpe(Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Denia to Valen) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia It is best not & Ibiza) 104.6 Mallorca 103.9 cia) 95.3fm fm, fm to correct the behaviour, it is very normal. Sometimes this is when the For your local radio status of the young dog is frequency log onto changing in the pack and www.talkradioeurope. the younger dog becomes com the top dog.

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BOATS / CARS / JOBS / SERVICES / PETS / BIKES / FURNITURE / PROPERTY / MOTORING / FOR SALE

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DRAINS

OCCASIONS card and gift shop, Mojacar Playa. For sale. Going concern. All year round trade. Serious offers only. Contact Anji: 950 478 539 or 636 678 950 (221764)

DISHWASHER for sale. Never been used. Make Edesa. 250 euros. Phone 634 326 602 (221789)

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ZUMBA in Mojacar with Alison … Tuesday 9.30am at The New Kimrick and Thursday 9.30am at Jovasport gym… For more info call Alison 666 273 168 (93402)

BUILDERS Andalucian Building Company, see our advert on page 30. (220626)

BUSINESS FOR SALE

HEATING CARLOS SALIENTE PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES. If it involves water we can help! w w w. c a r l o s s a l i e n t e . c o m Tel.950 930 900 or 968 969 962 (223307)

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AQUAEROBICS.... Its back! Monday, Wednesday, Friday at Oasis Tropical Hotel at 10am, Call Alison on 666 273 168 for info (93402)

TURN all your unwanted goods into cash. Call 681 095 096 (222830)

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

INSURANCE

FOR SALE / RENT 2 BERTH ABI Caravan for sale, due to health. Full cooker (4 burner), 3 way fridge, flush toilet and shower, wardrobe, electric mover, 2 awnings, spare wheel, Spanish plated. €2,000. 638 676 527 (221758)

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Price per word: 0,42€ + IVA minimum 15 words - Discount: Book 10 weeks, get 2 weeks free - Deadline: 4pm Mondays Contact: Phone (0034) 950 472 109 • Fax (0034) 950 478 789 • email mojacar@euroweeklynews.com • www.euroweeklynews.es

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MOTORING

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SPECIALIST Pet Transport (DEFRA & TRACE). Fixed price €200 per cat or dog (England only) plus €50 Wales and Scotland. Find me on Facebook EDDY PETS (222832)

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2ND HAND FURNITURE PERSONAL MALE, 76 years of age, seeks female companion to live in with him in Los Gallardos. A pensioner, non smoker, dog lover, without family ties. Text to 608 253 774 (220739)

PETS PET-COURIERS.COM – If you love your pet try us first – we are the best. Door to door service throughout Europe. Specialised vehicles – bespoke service. Full legal service including documentation if required for further information call or e-mail us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227. Email: info@pet-couriers.com or www.pet-couriers.com (206497)

LIMESCALE PROBLEMS LIMESCALE REMOVAL FOR LIFE Single Homes to Urbanisations for under 20 cents per week. For more information call Scalewatcher 952 857 680/687 760 038 or visit www.hardwaterproblems.com (215661)

MOBILE HOMES WE BUY, Sell, remove all types of mobile homes. We pay CASH and cover all of Spain. More details call Suzi Caley 616 250 727 / 951 063 059 or email suzicaley@gmail.com (215521)

For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com INTERNET

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)

ELITE DOG GROOMING. All dogs clipped, bathed & beautifully groomed. Tel 617 313 587 (222863)

VELOC TUNING ECU Remapping Services. Save 20% on your vehicle fuel costs, plus increased performance. Guaranteed. www.ve loc-ecu-remapping-spain.com. 950 104 488 / 600 827 517 (221757)

INTERPAWS: 20 years’ licensed pet transportation. Competitive rates. Difficult dog? Effective behavioural training in your home. www.interpaws.com, janette@interpaws.com 689 742 289 (218076)

URGENTLY required cars, vans, motorhomes, caravans. English or Spanish. Any condition. Immediate cash payment. Call 622 288 750 (222867)

PET INSURANCE PROTECTAPET. Spain’s leading pet insurance. 965 756 371. www.protectapet.eu (216721)

PET TRANSPORT

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PLUMBING SERVICES KNOWLES PLUMBING. No 1 for plumbing! Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 950 137 197or 606 807 797 (223395) CARLOS SALIENTE PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES offer machined boiler decals for gas water heaters ROM just 65€ Aguafuerte is not the answer! Call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962. Email carlos.saliente@ gmail.com (223307)

PROPERTY FOR SALE FARMHOUSE with plot for sale, close to beach and village. Las Negras. 635 652 975. www.alquilereslasne gras.com (223244)

SITUATIONS VACANT STAFF required for busy warehouse. Must be good with computers, hard working and ambitious. Call 622 288 750 (222863)

PROPERTY

PROPERTY TO LET MOJACAR BEACH furnished flat to rent for almost a song. Short or long term. 2 bed + 2 baths. Tel 950 475 410 (221755)

REMOVALS/STORAGE EUROPEAN removals and transport with scheduled UK routes. UK Company, fully legal, taking loads from 5kg to 24,000kg. Lowest prices and the best service. 952 816 582 or www.focus-transport.com (221351)

SIGNS & DESIGNS

HGV Class 1 European drivers UK/European tramping. Day workers 6/5 day shift patterns, many locations throughout UK. Excellent rates. Call 0044 7846 624312 or email camb scontractors@live.com (222314)

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SOLAR ENERGY LOWEST PRICES IN SPAIN. www.solarmegas tore.es (222286) CARLOS SALIENTE PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES for solar pool heating, solar hot water installations and repairs, call 950 930 300 or 968 969 962, email carlos.saliente@ gmail.com (223307)

SWIMMING POOLS GENECO Pool construction. Tel 950 478 086 for no obligation quote (93401)

CENTRO Veterinario ABC La Alfoquia. Traditional veterinary medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, open Mon-Fri 10-2, plus emergency cover Tel 617 516 115 / 950 449 064 (223461)

WANTED MINIBUS or 8-9 seater, anything considered. Lubrin or Mojacar area. Call Chris 634 349 347 (220741)

TILING FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (223491)

SITUATIONS VACANT

REMOVALS AND STORAGE

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SPONSORED BY For best rates in motor insurance call: 952 89 33 80

Chinese launch for McLaren’s MSO 650S bespoke concept EN SPECIAL OPERATIONS, the bespoke division of McLaren Automotive, has released images of the MSO 650S Coupe Concept. It is a showcase of the MSO designed and engineered upgrades available for the McLaren 650S Coupe and 650S Spider, the latest models to join the McLaren Auto-motive range. The model is being shown throughout China over the coming weeks and includes an array of bespoke MSO features, including a newly designed carbon fibre rear diffuser and MSO-branded carbon fibre side blades. The striking MSO 650S Coupe Concept has a stealth-like, menacing appearance, with subtle upgrades made to the exterior bodywork and within the driver-focused cabin. The MSO 650S Coupe Concept is finished in ‘Agrigan Black,’ which is a metallic black paint specially developed in-house with a deep ruby red metallic flake. This paint effect gives the exterior bodywork a dramatic colour change in direct sunlight,

MSO 650S COUPE CONCEPT: On show throughout China. contrasting with the extensive use of satin-finished carbon fibre highlights. The lightweight carbon fibre accents, including the prominent front splitter and air intakes, are complemented by bespoke MSO carbon fibre side blades and the unique MSO ear diffuser.

The MSO branded side blades are a more aggressive, full length, interpretation of the door blades seen on the 650S Coupe and Spider models. Finished in satin, they offer increased improvements to the airflow along the edges of the bodywork, further optimising aerodynamic

efficiency. At the rear, the GT3inspired rear bumper features a carbon fibre centre section, and the lightweight material carries through to the carbon fibre airbrake and unique MSO rear diffuser. The MSO 650S Coupe Concept is presented as a one-off design

study, and MSO is monitoring reaction regarding any potential production examples. The MSO side blades and rear diffuser are available to order now priced at £5,114 and £7,245 respectively for a new 650S. These styling upgrades can also be fitted to the 12C.

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Look no hands… VOLVO Car Group’s groundbreaking project ‘Drive Me’ - featuring 100 self-driving Volvos on public roads in everyday driving conditions - is moving forward rapidly. The first test cars are already rolling around the Swedish city of Gothenburg and the sophisticated Autopilot technology is performing well, say Volvo. “The test cars are now able to handle lane following, speed adaption and merging traffic all by themselves. This is an important step towards our aim that the final ‘Drive Me’ cars will be able to drive the whole test route in highly autonomous mode. “The technology, which will be called Autopilot, enables the driver to hand over the driving to the vehicle, which takes care of all driving functions,” says Erik Coelingh, Technical Specialist at Volvo Car Group.

What makes the ‘Drive Me’ project unique is that it involves all the key players: legislators, transport authorities, a major city, a vehicle manufacturer and real customers. The customers will drive the 100 cars in everyday driving conditions on approximately 50 kilometres of selected roads in and around Gothenburg. “This public pilot will provide us with a valuable insight into the societal benefits of making autonomous vehicles a natural part of the traffic.” Our smart vehicles are a key part of the solution, but a broad societal approach is vital to offer sustainable personal mobility in the future. This unique cross-functional co-operation is the key to a successful implementation of self-driving vehicles,” says Erik Coelingh.

Completing an accident claim form FRAYED nerves and the shock of an accident often lead people to make mistakes on their DAA (accident insurance form or ‘parte’ as known in Spain). Now experts at a major insurance company have brought out a guide to help people fill in the form

correctly. The first thing to remember is to remain calm and not to argue. Then fill in all the fields, using capital letters, and take down all the pertinent information about the other vehicle. The circumstance of the accident is most important,

so fill it in as completely as possible. It is also important to refer to your car as ‘vehicle A’ and the other car as ‘vehicle B’; get this wrong and it leads to confusion. Lastly remember to sign, and get the other person to sign, the form.

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Much more than just auto repairs Eurorepar in Albox T

WELCOMING: The staff at Talleres Lopez y Sanchez.

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RE-PLATE MATE Don’t take a chance! Don’t break the law! Take the hassle out of re-registering your vehicle onto Spanish plates We endeavour to better any genuine quotation 490 Euro + Road Tax + CO2 emission tax if applicable

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outlets across Spain and France. From the moment clients enter the workshop, they are greeted with a big smile from the mechanics (and owners) Jose and Baltasar, and from Rosa. Rosa speaks excellent English, after studying the language previously in Macael. Jose, too, speaks English, removing worries when you are talking about your car. The garage already boasts a large, loyal, English-speaking customer base. When Euro Weekly News popped in to see them this week, we waited a few minutes for the last customer to pay his bill and take his car. He was handled professionally, and amicably, and was thrilled with the low price for his car repairs. Seeing how customers are looked after is a great way to know that you will be cared for just the same. This friendly garage specialises in electronics, air conditioning and bodywork, as well as all things mechanical. They can also help if you would like to buy a new car, due to their excellent relationship with car dealerships

Englishspeaking staff offer a worry-free experience nearby. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, from 9am until 2pm and from 4pm until 8pm, making it ideal if you need to pop in after your own working day has finished. Eurorepar regularly has special offers and promotions running in the workshop. Currently, there is a raffle for customers to win a free oil change and filter. To find Eurorepar, head along Avenida Lepanto from the petrol station. Take the first turning on the right. Eurorepar is up ahead of you as the road bears gently right.

Address: Calle Historiador Fernandez Ortega, S/N. 04800 Albox Phone: 950 430 175 Email: tlopezysan@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.faceboo k.com/tallerlopez sanchez.citroen

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Congratulations City, Hamilton and Nadal - all are winners! Tony Matthews

International Sports A former football player and the world’s most prolific author of football books (more than 100 published), Tony is also the sports reporter for Spectrum Radio and lives in the Cabrera mountains.

Costa de Almeria

MANCHESTER CITY did what they had to do to clinch the Premiership for the second time in three seasons. They needed a point against West Ham; they got three with a 2-0 victory to make it four trophies in four seasons and a first in England for Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini. Liverpool, 2-1 winners over nine-man Newcastle, came second with Chelsea, also 2-1 victors at Cardiff, third. This is the first time Jose Mourinho has finished out of the top two with any club he has managed. Norwich City, beaten 2-0 by fourth-placed Arsenal, drop into the Championship along with Cardiff and Fulham. Tottenham Hotspur (6th) defeated Aston Villa 3-0 to qualify for the Europa League, along with Everton (5th) and FA Cup finalists Hull City. The Spanish Grand Prix, the first F1 race in Europe this year - ended in another one-two for Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton beat Nico Rosberg with Daniel Ricciardo third. This was Hamilton’s first win at Barcelona’s Catalunya circuit and he now leads

the driver’s championship by three points from Rosberg (100 to 97) with Fernando Alonso third (49). Home favourite Rafael Nadal won his fourth Madrid Open tennis title, defeating Japan’s Kei Nishikori (retired) in the final. Russian Maria Sharapova beat Simona Halep in the women’s final. And Saracens, Northampton, Leicester and Harlequins all secured semi-final places in Rugby Union’s Aviv Premiership places DIARY OF EVENTS On Saturday, Arsenal will equal Manchester United’s record when they play in their 18th FA Cup final, while their opponents Hull City will be appearing in their first. The odds favour the Gunners to win the trophy for the 11th time, but there is no doubt the Tigers will do their fair share of roaring inside a packed Wembley. The game is live on ITV and BT Sport with a 4pm kick-off Spanish time. Some 400 miles north, the 1994 and 2010 winners Dundee United play St Johnstone, who have yet to lift the trophy, in the Scottish Cup final. On Sunday, Cambridge United will meet Gateshead or Grimsby in the Conference play-off final, the winners of which will rejoin the Football League along with Luton Town. The end-of-season

From left to right: Rooney. Gerard, Lampard.

ENGLAND’S 2014 WORLD CUP TEAM On Monday, England manager Roy Hodgson named his 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil, and it is: Goalkeepers: Forster, Foster, Hart Full-backs: Baines, Johnson, Shaw Defenders: Cahill, Jagielka, Jones, Smalling Midfield: Barkley, Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana, Lampard, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling, Wilshere Strikers: Lambert, Rooney, Sturridge, Welbeck ‘League’ play-off finals will feature Derby against QPR (Championship), PNE/ Rotherham v Leyton Orient/Peterborough (FL1) and Burton Albion/ Southend v York City/ Fleetwood (FL2), while Hibernian will be hoping to avoid demotion from the SPL; their Edinburgh neighbours Hearts are already down. And Spain’s La Liga title will be decided this weekend when leaders Atletico Madrid who drew 1-1 with Malaga last weekend, visit Barcelona (2nd) who were held 0-0

by Elche. Real Madrid (3rd) are now out of the running. Granada, Real Valladolid and Osasuna are all in danger of being relegated with Real Betis. The 2014 Italia International Tennis tournament in Rome; two Open Golf Championships, one here in Spain, the other in Texas, will come to a conclusion on Sunday and England’s cricketers play Sri Lanka in T20 and One Day Internationals, both at The Oval on Monday and Wednesday. FACTS: * Controversial Cardiff

And don’t forget my FOOTBALL/SPORTS QUIZ on Saturday at The Loft, Mojacar Playa (ahead of the FA Cup final).

Badgers find golfing at Marina windy From Page 88 and in third place was Tony Randall with 34pts. Nearest the pins went to Seamus Corbett, Dave Wright and Neil Bown. Badgers Golf Society also plays

every Wednesday at various courses in the area and every Saturday at Macenas for their weekly roll-up. Guests are welcome to join the society on both Wed and Sat comps

and can book in either at Badgers Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or by phone on 950 478 525 / 686 038 259. Fixtures can be found on www.badgersmojacar.com.

City owner Vincent Tan will not quit and may consider a kit u-turn, going back to blue shirts and dismissing the red strip currently worn by the Welsh club. One fan said: “It was red for

danger - we were relegated.” * St Louis Rams star Michael Sam has become the first openly gay player in NFL history and third American gay sportsman ever.

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Rafael Nadal Won his fourth Madrid Open tennis title. Turn to Page 87

Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport

Windy at Marina

CONDITIONS at the start were perfect for golf as Badgers GS played Marina, but as the round progressed, the winds got up, just to give players a little reminder of how tight parts of the course can be. Winning the day’s competition with 40 pts was Seamus Corbett. Second place went to Richard Jones with 36pts Turn to Page 87

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History of The World Cup: 1990 in Italy

by Tony Matthews THE 1990 World Cup - the 14th overall - was held from June 8 to July 8 in Italy, the second country to host the event twice, after Mexico. A total of 116 countries entered the competition with 24 eventually playing in the finals. West Germany ran out winners claiming their third title by defeating reigning champions Argentina 1-0 in a tough final, a rematch of the 1986 clash. A crowd of 73,603 saw Andreas Brehme net an 85th minute penalty in Rome’s Olympic Stadio. Hosts Italy beat England 2-1 to finish third after both lost their

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ITALY 1990: Has hosted twice. semi-finals in penalty shoot-outs. The 1990 tournament - regarded as one of the poorest World Cups ever - generated a record low goals-per-game average of just 2.21 and a then-record 16 red cards, including one in the final

and three for Argentina, plus 162 yellows. However, despite this, the competition was one of the most watched events in television history, with 26.69 billion viewers tuning in to watch 52 matches. Since then World Cup viewing figures have been bettered in 1994 and in 2002. Facts: Salvador Schillachi (Italy) was top-scorer with 12 goals and also ‘Player of the Tournament’… 18 penalties were awarded… and England’s goalkeeper Peter Shilton, aged 40, was the oldest player to take part. * Next week: Brazil win trophy for fourth time in the USA in 1994

Cortijo’s sad loss THE members of Cortijo Grande golf send their condolences to the Pinero family for the sad loss of Andres who was responsible for the creation of Cortijo Grande golf. He was the boss man who ran Cortijo Grande golf course for many years. In the club’s Wednesday competition John Geaves with 36 points took top spot, second with 34 was Greg Ward and third with 33 John Park. Ball sweep winners John Rice and John Geaves. On Sunday the team event was won with a very good score of 84 points best two scores to count by David Hardy, Pam Webster and Tony Stubbs.