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ISSUE NO. 1543
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Carnival is coming!
New green route plea MORE than 250 people carried out a demonstration last Sunday (January 25) in the Plaza de Alaro to demand the creation of a new green route along the former railway line between Alaro and Consell.
Water cut THE water supply was disrupted for 10 hours in most of Manacor after a pipe broke as a result of the construction work currently being carried out in Calle Sebastia Rubi.
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CARNIVAL season is fast approaching and finishing touches are being put to costumes and floats in anticipation of the biggest and most colourful parties on the island. Akin to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras festivities, towns all across Mallorca will soon be filled with flamboyant costumes, elaborate floats and happy revellers indulging in one last big ceremonious fling of eating, drinking, dancing and music before Lent. In Spain, a traditionally Catholic country, carnival is traditionally celebrated around Shrove Tuesday and before the 40 days of Lent as a way to let off
steam and lose inhibitions for a while before the strict religious holiday prohibitions come into force. Many people in Spain had to pack up their
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costumes and forget about the carnival celebrations between 1937 and 1977 due to the strict regime in place in Franco’s time, but they have certainly made up
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for it since democracy arrived in 1978. Most towns hold some sort of parade with dancing and a carnival queen contest, with larger and more enthusiastic places adding song contests, drag queen competitions, fancy dress events and, of course, fireworks. Palma, being the largest city on the island, has the largest party and this year’s celebrations kick off on Saturday, February 14, with the Sa Rua and Sa Rueta parades over two days. Colour, parties, processions and fancy dress make this year’s carnival celebrations not to be missed.
Local TV chefs promote Mallorca in Madrid MASTERCHEF stars Vicky Pulgarin and Fabian Leon, both from Mallorca, are promoting local cuisine today (January 29) at the FITUR tourism fair in Madrid. Pulgarin, who won the most recent Spanish edition of the Masterchef TV show, and Leon, who came third in the first edition, were chosen for the second
gastronomical day of events planned to promote the Balearic Islands at the fair. The Govern regional government has a 560.5-square-metre stand at FITUR to promote the Balearics and strengthen their national tourism sector, which is the third most important for the islands and increased by 11 per cent in 2014,
with 2.2 million Spanish visitors registered. New technologies, sport, culture and gastronomy are just some of the attractions the government is highlighting at the fair, with an impressive display of video and TV screens and interactive applications designed to attract curious visitors to the stand.
Each of the islands has its own area on the stand, spread round an area with a sofa and interactive TV screen which visitors can use to have a look at the Balearic Islands’ new tourism website and plan their own trips to the area. The town halls of Alcudia, Manacor, Felanitx, Calvia, Pollença and Palma are also attending.
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INDEX News 1 - 16 Finance 17 - 22 Letters 23 Leapy Lee 24 Daily TV 30 Time Out 32 - 33 Health & Beauty 34 - 35 Food 37 Homes & Gardens 39 Property 41 Classifieds 42 - 43 Boating 44 - 45 Motoring 46 Sport 48
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JEREMY KYLE: His investigation into the holiday spot failed to strike a chord.
Magaluf ‘exposé’ a damp squib TELEVISION presenter Jeremy Kyle’s portrayal of Magaluf as a binge-drinking destination for young Britons has failed to strike a chord with UK audiences. The Magaluf edition of The Kyle Files was broadcast on ITV last Thursday but only attracted 2.7 million viewers, an unusually low number given the programme’s primetime slot. Billed as an investigation into boozing at the popular Mallorca holiday spot, viewers
saw controversial TV host Kyle peppersprayed by a nightclub bouncer as he walked down a street. The bouncer - a 40year-old Romanian - told the media that he sprayed Kyle as he was showing Magaluf in a bad light. “He wasn’t showing the good side of Magaluf,” said the bouncer, named Leon. “It’s actually a nice place to live which is why you find lots of families with their kids being raised here.”
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Body found A DEAD man was found last Sunday under the Torrente de Mal Pas Bridge in Palma. The body had to be retrieved with ropes and Local Police believe the victim could be a homeless person.
29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
Royal mansion to be sold INFANTA Cristina of Spain and her husband Iñaki Urdangarin have applied for permission from a judge to sell their mansion in Pedralbes, Barcelona. The Duke of Palma’s defence lawyers have presented an application to the court in charge of the Noos corruption case to allow him to sell the property,
half of which was placed under embargo by the judge when the case began. Infanta Cristina’s legal representatives have also sent a letter to the court backing up her husband’s petition. Permission from the judge is essential before the Duke and Duchess of Palma can sell the property as half of it was
embargoed in November 2013 as security against possible civil responsibilities imposed upon Urdangarin. Along with the Pedralbes property, the judge also embargoed half of the other properties Urdangarin owns jointly with his wife including three other houses, two garages and two storerooms. Photo: Eloy Verdu Martin/flickr
Cocaine bust A MOROCCAN man was taken into custody last weekend in Sant Llorenç d’es Cardassasr (Palma) after Guardia Civil officers found a 500-gramme cocaine haul under one of the seats of his car.
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Expansion protests A PRESSURE group called ‘Al Molinar, Port Petit’ has been created in Palma to protest against the project to expand the port Molinar as proposed by the town’s Maritime Club. Street improvement MANACOR’S Council has carried out renovation works in the area of S’illot. With a budget of €37,000, it covered the pavement works of Cami del Mar and was completed in two months. Reforestation works THE Balearic Government together with Red Electrica are currently carrying out the plantation of 12,000 new oaks, pines and olive trees to reforest the 36 hectares affected by a fire in August of 2013. Message boost A VIRAL WhatsApp message sent by a client in Sineu which alerted of great books at really cheap prices boosted the sales of Editorial Moll in Palma. Internet interrupted HUNDREDS of internet users in Soller and Fornalutx saw their connections cut for more than two days due to a faulty Telefonica network.
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ews watch
Classical concerts
THE Balearic Islands Symphony Orchestra are performing the works of Bach, Soler and Beethoven at the Palma auditorium on February 19, and the works of Haydn at the same venue on February 26. Ticket info at 971 734 735.
Charging points A TOTAL of 174 charging stations for electric cars will be placed in Palma. Currently, there are only 13 points, located at municipal parking lots and public streets.
Free transport METRO and train services in Palma will be free between February 2 and 19 as the new tickets, access barriers and surveillance cameras are undergoing verification tests.
Son Gotleu fire
GETTING INTO CHARACTER: Valencia celebrates the past.
Moors and Christians meet again in celebration
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HE streets of Bocairent in Valencia will reverberate to the sounds of clashing scimitars and gunfire as Moors and Christians maraud through the town to mark the ancient battles when the area was taken over by Moorish invaders, only to be overthrown by the Christians centuries later. The first weekend in February sees Bocairent kick off the round of Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) festivals that take place throughout Spain. Visually spectacular, the event commemorates the Moors and
Quote of the Week We know that (our) problems cannot be resolved with magic works or Caribbean incantations,’ said Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in reference to political party Podemos’s ties with leftist governments in Latin America.
Christians’ struggle for control of the country, with Christian crusaders eventually triumphing over their Arabic North African neighbours. Complete with camels, horses, armour, guns, swords and - in some places - elephants, many towns and cities hold Moors and Christians festivals to commemorate Spain’s rich and culturally diverse past. Medieval music and spectacularly colourful parades over a number of days mark the festival that usually culminates in a mock battle to remember the Christian ‘reconquest.’ MOORISH INVADER: Typical scene from a ‘Moros y Cristianos’ fiesta.
Gerry Balding/flickr
Number of the week
€600,000
is the amount that an individual could be fined for protesting in Spain under a new law that is expected to be made official in February. Unauthorised demonstrations will be outlawed under the Citizens’ Security Bill.
A CAR burst into flames on Tuesday (January 27) in the area of Son Gotleu (Palma). Fire department officers put out the fire in a few minutes. There were no casualties.
Suspicious scene A CAR accident in Palma is currently being investigated as Local Police have evidence to believe there is another person injured apart from the driver found at the scene.
Photo exhibition THERE’S still time to catch an exhibition of Spanish contemporary photography at the Es Baluard museum in Palma. ‘Reproductibilitat 1.2 Fundacion Aena + Es Baluard’ runs until February 22.
And finally... AN ‘armada’ of 352 kitesurfers in Tarifa in southern Spain has broken the Guinness World Record for the largest kitesurfing parade across one nautical mile. The army of adrenaline junkies broke the previous record for the largest enmasse kitesurf by 34. Tarifa is a Mecca for kitesurfers from all over the world.
E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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Our View
Good news as sterling soars E
XPAT pensioners living in Spain got a welcome bit of good news this week following the controversy over the Winter Fuel Allowance being axed. It may come as some consolation to cold pensioners that at least now their UK pension goes a lot further thanks to sterling hitting a sevenyear high against the euro. With the European Central Bank pumping more than a trillion euros into the eurozone economy, £1 now buys nearly €1.34, giving you more bang for your buck in a country where the cost of living is (relatively) cheap and the sunshine is free. Analysts are predicting that the euro could plummet even further given the result of the elections in Greece, which have shaken the money markets’ faith in the euro.
This is great news for those expats on a UK pension and for Brits wanting to holiday in Spain this year. The exchange rate is at its best since early 2008, which means more money at a time when the Winter Fuel Allowance is stopped for pensioners living in Spain thanks to the misleading ‘temperature test’ which tells the British Government that we are all sweltering in our Spanish villas during the winter and nabbing UK taxpayers’ money for heating that isn’t needed. While the ramifications of the Greek elections remain to be seen and the political landscape slowly shifts in parts of Europe, at least the good news for expats on a British pension in Spain is that it results in more money in your pocket than it did before. That’s some solace to help get through the cold winter months.
Photo: PA Wire/Press Association Images / Cordon Press
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CYCLING GREAT: Sir Bradley Wiggins won’t feature in Challenge Mallorca race.
Wiggins not racing
CYCLING fans in Mallorca were disappointed to hear that three time Olympic gold medal winner Sir Bradley Wiggins has pulled out of this weekend’s Challenge Mallorca cycling race. Wiggins - known as ‘Wiggo’ and renowned for his impressive sideburns was initially listed as part of the Team Sky line-up to take part in the event, but he now looks likely to start his season off in the Tour of Qatar on February 8 instead of the Playa de Palma Mallorca Challenge. While the 2012 Tour de France winner won’t be participating, the event will still see some of the world’s top cyclists take part in the 657 kilometre competition staged in different parts of the island. Vuelta a España 2009 winner Alejandro Valverde of the Movistar team will be in action alongside other big names. The cycling road race will begin this Thursday with the Ses Salines Trophy (175 kilometres) followed by the Andratx Trophy on Friday (149 kilometres). The Serra de Tramuntana Trophy (165 kilometres) will be held on Saturday and the event will conclude this Sunday with the Playa de Palma Trophy (168 kilometres). Young Mallorcan cyclists can also participate in a special event on Sunday, February 1, with a number of races for different age groups being staged.
E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015/ Mallorca
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Citizens say no ALMOST 3,000 people have already signed the petition to stop the canonisation of Mallorca-born friar Junipero Serra Ferrer. It was recently reported that Pope Francis had announced during a press conference he gave while on a flight to Manila, that he would canonise Serra in
September, in an arranged trip to Philadelphia where he is to participate in the Eighth World Meeting of Families. The Friar, who founded several churches throughout California, was born in Petra in 1713 and died in Monterey (USA) in 1784. The Pope’s decision to canonise him has been met with complaints by residents in the United States as well as many citizens of Mallorca. The reasons behind the dissatisfaction are reflected on the petition’s text: “Pope Francis is coming to Washington, D.C., to canonise Junipero Serra as a Saint. It is imperative he is enlightened to understand that Father Serra was BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL: Almond trees in bloom. responsible for the deception, exploitation, oppression, enslavement IT’S that time of year again when Mallorca’s thousands of and genocide of thousands almond trees are in bloom and the countryside is filled with of Indigenous Californians, white and pink petals heralding the arrival of spring. This ultimately resulting in the beautiful natural phenomena only lasts until mid-February largest ethnic cleansing in and in honour of this feast for the eyes, Son Severa is North America.” www.petitions.moveon. hosting its annual Almond Fair at the Cases de Ca s’Hereu org/sign/urge-popecountry estate. Traditional tools and a selection of animals francis-to/ will also be on display at the fair on Sunday, February 1. @CPTANDY/FLICKR
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It’s blossom time
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Facelift is due for Plaza de sa Cabana THE Plaza de sa Cabana in Pont d’Inca (Marratxi) is to undergo major renovations. Almost €240,000 will be spent by the council on works which were put out to tender and will be performed by Amer e Hijos SA. The works are expected to begin on February 2 and will be completed in approximately five months. Plans are to renovate the square’s
floor tiles, which are in a very poor condition, the replacement of existing trees, as well as the renovation of lighting systems. This square holds the local market every Wednesday, so the Marratxi Council is discussing different options to relocate the market to a place near the neighbourhood in order not to disrupt the commercial activity.
Fewer out Repairs stop train of work UNEMPLOYMENT has given the Balearic Islands a break with 22,300 people joining the workforce in 2014. The region’s unemployment rate has registered its lowest figure since 2009, with 18.88 per cent of the total population currently jobless, around 111,400 people. Data has been provided by the Active Population Survey.
THE train service between Muro and Sa Pobla will be replaced by a bus, as the train station in Sa Pobla is undergoing renovation work. The bus runs until February 27, hourly from 6.40am to 9.40pm, Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 7.50am to 9.50pm.
Cinema restoration THE old Capitol cinema in Pollença will be restored by the town’s council. A total of €60,000 will be used to renovate the building, which was purchased by the council for €850,000 last December.
29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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NEWS
Driving licence changes THE news that expats in Spain who have lived here for two years or more may have to renew their driving licence has caused some confusion. Here we look further into the matter to try and clarify the issue. PEOPLE who already have a Spanish driving licence or a UK/EU pink photo card style licence are unaffected by new regulations aimed at people with old style permits. A January 2013 EU directive allows countries to insist that foreigners resident in a member state have a driving licence with the same validity period as those issued by that state. In Spain a normal driving licence is valid for 10 years or five years after the age of
65. The new regulations mean that people from the 28 EU states who are legally resident in Spain must renew or change any licences they hold that are valid for 15 years or more in the case of Group One (car and motorcycle) category permits, or five years or longer for Group Two (transport and large vehicle) permits. For recently registered residents, the measure comes into effect two years after the date they became legally resident in Spain.
It is still acceptable to drive on a UK driving licence as long as it is in date and one of the pink photo card style with a 10-year expiration date. But holders of old style UK paper licences valid until the age of 70 will have to change them for a photo card if resident in Spain or face a â‚Ź200 fine. While UK photo cards are valid here, the DVLA will not change or renew them if the holder lives abroad. They must be renewed or changed at the Spanish DGT traffic department.
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Prison sentence for nosy doctor A DOCTOR in s’Arenal is facing a threeyear prison sentence for looking through his colleagues’ medical records without permission. In February of 2002, one of the workers at the outpatient clinic found out thanks to a colour code which displayed the records that had been recently opened, that the accused had looked through one of his colleague’s files.
The clinic’s management was alerted and traced back to him 25 unjustified record visits from another five doctors and an administration worker. The accused denied having ever checked his workmate’s records and said: “I have never looked through health records unless it was to assist a patient.” He added that the computer was often left unsupervised in his office and that anybody could have accessed the records.
Dogs found living in filth in Calvia
SIX dogs were found by Local Police of Calvia in a property where they were living in squalor. The house was owned by a woman who gave shelter to abandoned dogs before they were adopted by families, according to sources from the Calvia Council. The same sources assure that up to 10 dogs have been sheltered in the property. After the local vet and police visited the animals, the council has been put in charge of three of them. The authorities confirmed the pets had their microchip implant and did not show any signs of violence or malnourishment.
Damage to school LOCAL Police in Binissalem caught four minors reportedly damaging the town’s secondary school. The youths, aged 14 to 16 years old, were allegedly seen breaking windows and causing damage to walls. They also splashed paint on the façade and windows of the patio.
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MÁSMÓVIL wins at industry awards
Mountain rescue saves climbers from stream
E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
Two shopping centres to be built in Palma PALMA will double its commercial surface in two years with the construction of two new shopping centres. The extended commercial activity is expected to spark the interest of new investors, as was explained by Rafael Arcas, head of Financial Advisory Real Estate, who unveiled the data displayed in a report titled ‘The Investment Market for Spanish Shopping Centres’ created by said institution. He also explained that, in the past few years there has been no relevant purchases in the Islands but that this is set to change with the inauguration of shopping centres Palma Springs and S’Estada, both expected for April of 2016. The Balearic Islands have a current commercial surface of 190,000 square metres, and will gain around 140,000 square metres in the next year.
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ONE more year and ADSLZone has held its annual awards ceremony for technological excellence. In this fourth edition, MÁSMÓVIL has received the award as the best mobile virtual network operator of 2014. The prize comes thanks to its offer of mobile rates based on the tariff Plan Zero with configurable bundles and the incorporation of pack rates, thanks to its alliance with Jazztel earlier this year. Certified! The cheapest GIGA in the mobile operators market comes from MÁSMÓVIL. PLAN ZERO give you 1GB for only 5€ per month and calls for 0 cents per minute for the first five minutes of EVERY phone call. But Plan Zero is much more and allows you to choose the internet and voice combination that best suits your needs: 1, 2, 3 or 5GB for data, with or without voice bundle, from 75 to 3,000 minutes for national calls. Just visit www.masmovil.es, configure your own PLAN ZERO combination and notice how much you can save on your mobile phone bill! Why keep paying so much on your bundles when you can spend your money in Spain using MÁSMÓVIL and pocket the difference?
MÁSMÓVIL: Best mobile virtual network. MÁSMÓVIL is all about transparency, without small print, fines or permanence clauses, you can stay as long as you want! This, with a polite customer service team who speak no fewer than six languages (English, German, Spanish, Scandinavian, Russian and Finnish) and a website in four languages, makes MÁSMÓVIL a firm favourite for expats living or visiting Spain. Find out more about the terms and conditions for PLAN ZERO by phoning the toll-free number 1473 today for the name of your nearest MÁSMÓVIL agent, or visit www.masmovil.es/en. Free shipping is included online!
THREE mountain climbers were rescued last Friday (January 23) near the Cuber water reservoir, Mallorca, after a long and complicated rescue operation. The climbers, who were abseiling in a stream near the reservoir, had to alert the Guardia Civil mountain rescue (GREIM) after they got trapped in one of the most difficult stretches of the route and realised they could not get out by their own means. Apart from the harshness of the surface, the climbers were already exhausted from their effort and could not complete the descent. The Guardia Civil mountain rescue group (GREIM), together with the fire department of Mallorca, lifted the three men out of the stream using ropes after 12 hours spent under the water.
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29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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Binissalem renovates theatre
Mosque to be moved
THE municipal theatre in Binissalem, Mallorca, has undergone renovation works. With a budget of €26,000 paid for by the town’s council, the theatre has had upgrades aimed at eliminating barriers
and facilitating accessibility for people with physical disabilities. In addition, an adapted toilet has been put in. Two rows of seats have been eliminated to divide the
stalls into two sections, which will allow easy access to the seats. It also resulted in a reduction of capacity, which is now 222 seats. In addition, 48 light bulbs with a consumption of 1,920
watts have been replaced by LED technology light bulbs, reducing the consumption to 432 watts, which will translate into significant savings on electricity, according to the town council.
Natural parks a big hit
MARIA ROSA FERRE/FLICKR
THE Muslim community of Porreres will choose a different location for the construction of a new Mosque due to resident’s complaints. The new Mosque was set to be built in Calle Jaume II but neighbours of the area have shown their strong opposition, and held a meeting with the town’s mayor Francisca Mora to express it. She stated that the plot of land was completely legal and available to be used. However, the Muslim community have decided to change the location to the town’s outskirts.
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STUNNING ATTRACTION: The Serra de Tramuntana.
MALLORCA’S famous nature reserves and parks have attracted their highest number of visitors in five years, according to latest figures. A total of 286,539 people visited the National Parks and nature reserves of the island during 2014, an increase of
11 per cent over the previous year. Beauty spots such as S’Albufera de Mallorca, Cabrera Archipelago, Peninsula de Llevant and the Serra de Tramuntana had visitors flocking to take in the spectacular coastlines, rock formations and wildlife.
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E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca COSTA DEL SOL
Going underground MOBILE phone services will be available in the tunnels of the Malaga Metro by this summer, the Junta de Andalucia regional government’s development delegate Manuel Garcia Pelaez has announced.
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News from our editions With six editions and read by more than half a million people, EWN is Spain’s largest free local English-language newspaper
GRUPO EXCELENCIAS, which edits a number of travel and tourism magazines in six languages, has awarded its Premio Excelen-cias Turistas 2014 tourism excellence prize to Torremolinos Town Hall.
ESTEPONA Council has announced that the 2015 budget for the town includes €150,000 for its Social Emergency Fund to help needy local citizens.
Nature forum TWO HUNDRED people took part in the 11th International Nature Conservation Forum in Malaga City last weekend, sharing information on endangered species and how to protect them.
COSTA DE ALMERÍA
Free Wifi ALMERIA CITY’S historic centre will soon have free Wifi. Technical issues delayed connection in late 2013, but the work now begins in earnest by Netllar Lirosan Telecommunications.
Mayoral candidate JUAN PEDRO PEREZ has been formally announced as PP candidate for mayor in Albox. Perez said: “I want Albox to be a town of opportunities for all, with quality public services.”
Port expansion ADRA PORT is to be extended by 700 square metres. The land is to be reclaimed from the coastline and will be used for the storage of pleasure craft during the winter months.
Health shortfall DALIAS residents have complained that staffing levels at their health centre are insufficient. There are just two health professionals to cover the needs of almost 4,000 residents.
Stiff bill
Research backed ALICANTE UNIVERSITY has allocated €1 million for contracting young scientific researchers, and physicists in particular. This will safeguard ongoing important investigation projects, said rector Manuel Palomar.
Learning to recycle
Helping the needy
for the increase in rateable values carried out by Spain’s tax authority Hacienda, according to the town hall.
FIVE turncoat councillors in Benidoleig voted not to settle €12,000 legal costs incurred in 2013 when they temporarily installed a new mayor. Bloc-Compromis, now governing in minority, must foot the bill.
Excellence award
MIJAS schools are taking part in a recycling campaign with trips to the recycling plant in Casares and a video competition, prizes for which will be awarded in April.
NEWS DESK
Mugs mugged BACK IN PLACE: The Apofis Vase was loaned to the Metropolitan Museum.
Almuñecar treasure returns from New York ONE of Almuñecar’s archaeological treasures, the Apofis Vase, has returned to the Axarquia town from New York after being featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Called ‘From Assyria to Iberia: Crossing Continents at the Dawn of the Classical Age’, the exhibition opened in September last year, and gathered archaeological remains from 14 different countries and 41 museums around the world.
The Apofis Vase is an Egyptian funerary object, sculpted from a single piece of marble, with hieroglyphs, and has a royal seal engraved on it. Councillor for Culture, Olga Ruano, stressed the rich historical heritage of the town and encouraged all residents to visit the local museum Cueva de Siete Palacios, where they will be able to admire the vase and the many other items in the museum’s collection.
Not so equal
Doggy mess
OLA and the Choque por el Empleo contracts generated 88 jobs in Almeria over two years. However, despite including an equality clause, only a minimal percentage of the jobs went to women.
LOCAL POLICE in Elche have opened proceedings against 18 dog owners for failing to clean up after their pets in the street, in just over a month.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
HUNDREDS queued in Elche at an information booth in Calle Uberna next to the site of the new sports centre to apply for around 30 vacant positions.
Budget opposition THREE opposition parties in Santa Pola have, for the first time, rejected the approval of municipal budgets, criticising the increase in revenues through bank loans amounting to 30.5 per cent more than in the previous year.
Garage arrest A MAN was arrested in Torrevieja in connection with a robbery at a petrol station in Guardamar del Segura, which took place last November when he and an accomplice, who has not yet been found, made off with cash from the till.
Job queues
Students lose out PUBLIC university budgets in the Valencia Community have lost €143.3 million in the last four years, representing a reduction of 12.44 per cent in spending per student.
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
Kindest cut BENIDORM will reduce IBI rates in the town by 10 per cent. This compensates
FIFTEEN tourists reported that their bank accounts were emptied after they had their drinks spiked in Valencia City clip joints. Extra charges were added to the credit cards they had already used there, they maintained.
Billing leeway JIJONA Town Hall will allow small and medium-sized businesses to continue presenting paper invoices for less than €5,000. This will give them time to adjust to electronic billing, sources explained.
AXARQUIA
Charitable chemist LOS ALAMOS pharmacy in Motril has donated €500 to the town council to be used for social projects. The donation forms a part of the shop’s Christmas benefit scheme.
Gorilla photo victory THE Almuñecar photographer Francisco Mingorance has won first prize at the Share the View International Nature Photography Contest. His picture depicts a young gorilla splashing in a river.
Nerja on show NERJA COUNCIL together with Nerja Caves Foundation will have their own stand at prestigious tourism fair, FITUR, which will be held until February 1 in Madrid.
Cemetery upgrade THE council in La Herradura (Almuñecar) has carried out renovation works at a local cemetery to solve the problem of damp on the walls, as requested by the town’s residents.
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29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
Mallorca sees dramatic drop in adoption numbers ONLY 34 adoptions were registered in Mallorca in 2014. The data, provided by the Mallorca Institute of Social Affairs (IMAS), reflect a substantial decrease, from 69 adoptions in 2011. Applications for adoptions have also dropped dramatically: only 69 in 2014, while the number was 178
in 2011. International adoptions amounted to 15 of the total for last year. Russian children represent eight of the 15 children adopted in Mallorca from other countries, followed by minors from China, Philippines and India. Reasons that could explain the fall in adoption numbers are the
closing of borders from certain countries, and the stricter terms and requirements from other countries to approve the adoptions. Particularly noteworthy is the case of China, which now requires prospective parents to have university degrees and high incomes.
Decoration winners celebrate MANACOR held a competition this year for Sant Antoni celebration façade decorations, aimed at encouraging the old tradition of decorating house fronts for the festivities. Deputy Mayor Catalina Riera and Festivities delegate Maria Bover presented prizes to the competition winners at a ceremony on Friday
BEST FAÇADE FORWARD: Designers receive prizes. January 23. First prize went to Joan Miguel
Duran for a façade on Calle de s’Aigua, who
received a trophy representing Sant Antoni and the Dimoni Gros. Second and third place diplomas went to Bar Ca Na Pereta in Plaça de la Constitucio, and Miguel Truyols for his façade on Calle d’En Venturos. Amanda Fernandez, representing the CEIP Moli d’En Xema, was awarded first prize in the schools category.
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Stories making headlines in Europe
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DENMARK: Young Danes are starting to turn away from Facebook and Twitter in favour of other social media like Instagram and Snapchat. Just four per cent of Danes used Twitter daily in 2014.
INSURANCE comparers Moneysupermarket released a list of Britain’s burglary hotspots, with East London suburb Dagenham and Becontree at the top. In five safe spot postcodes, in Dundee, Dumfries, Argyll, Bangor in Wales, and Felixstowe, no insurance claims for burglary had been made in two years.
Numbers up
THE Jewish Museum in London is hosting an exhibition entitled Love, displaying artefacts donated by local people of different religions. The items on display include wedding saris, handwritten vows and photos of tattoos. The exhibition is open until April 19.
that hurt the overall performance of Marks and Spencer, Morrisons and chocolate chain Thorntons.
Political debates
Manhole explodes
BROADCASTERS have announced plans for pregeneral election leaders debates which will include at least seven parties; Conservatives, LibDems, Labour, SNP, Plaid Cymru, UKIP and Greens. Northern Irish parties have complained at their exclusion.
A TODDLER had a ‘miracle’ escape after an explosion in a Birmingham manhole blew off the cover, just missing a two-year-old girl. A local shop owner said there had been a similar explosion in the manhole nine months ago, but no cause had yet been identified.
Sausage success
Tram trial
RETAIL figures for the Christmas period found sausage roll supremos Greggs, alongside John Lewis, Next and House of Fraser, all increasing their sales compared to 2013. Black Friday was blamed for chaos
A LAWYER representing 60 cyclists who say they have fallen off their bikes due to Edinburgh’s new tram tracks is taking the city council to court. Injuries include a broken foot after a cyclist was run over by a bus.
New life DENMARK: The Danish National Chamber Orchestra has been given new life and will continue to perform thanks to private donations, following the decision by broadcaster DR to axe it from their budget.
Mad cow NORWAY: The Food Safety Authority has said it has detected a ‘probable’ case of mad cow’s disease. Officials have urged the public not to panic.
Animal police NORWAY: A police unit specialising in animal cases may be set up as the government announced a pilot project in a bid to improve action against animal abuse.
Classy hire SWEDEN: The world’s first limousine snowplough has been put up for hire on Blocket, Sweden’s version of eBay.
First pool SWEDEN: Sweden’s first public swimming pool for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is to open this week in Stockholm.
No drivers
Love spreads SOARING SALES: Greggs sausage rolls a favourite.
RUSSIAN PRESS DEUSXFLORIDA/FLICKR
DENMARK: The number of people seeking asylum in Denmark doubled to 14,815 in 2014 but is still below the original government estimate of 20,000.
CAROL/FLICKR
Silent tweets
Travel plans FOREIGN visitors to Russia must now provide a detailed itinerary along with their visa applications under new regulations. Travellers are now required to list all cities and towns they intend to visit.
Coke ban THE sale of fizzy, caffeinated drinks to minors has been banned in the Vologda region. Stores will now have to ask for age identification when selling drinks such as Coca Cola and Dr Pepper.
Eat less
ENGINEERS in Potsdam have built a machine, dubbed Scotty after the Star Trek character, which can ‘beam up’ objects. The machine scans physical items and rebuilds them in different locations.
COKE BAN: Minors banned from buying caffeinated drinks.
PART of the A9 Autobahn in Bavaria is to be equipped to support driverless cars. The route will be upgraded to allow communication between the road and vehicles.
Prices slow PROPERTY portal Immobilienscout24 says the rise in house prices slowed in 2014, increasing by four per cent when previous years produced much sharper climbs.
Balcony ban AFTER a couple complained about their neighbours’ heavy smoking, the supreme court has instructed a lower court to decide a limit on the amount anyone can smoke on their own balcony.
Splashing ok A DUSSELDORF court ruled in favour of a man whose landlord had tried to claim for damage to a bathroom floor apparently caused by splashed urine. The judge found that some sprinkling was to be expected.
Korean critics
A LAWMAKER from the United Russia party has advised Russians struggling to pay for food to ‘eat less.’ Ilya Gaffner’s comments come as the country’s inflation continues to soar and the ruble weakens.
RUSSIA is to create a job concentrating on the fight against doping in sports. The new position was announced following the suspension of three Olympic walk champions for doping infringements.
NORTH KOREA has accused the Berlinale film festival of “hostile actions,” in the mistaken belief that it is to show James Franco and Seth Rogan’s comedy about the state, The Interview.
Ukraine deaths
McDonald’s pong
Bild campaign
THE death toll from the conflict in the Ukraine that began last April exceeds 5,000 and could be a lot higher, according to the United Nations human rights office. Nearly 11,000 people have also been injured.
A MOSCOW man has filed a lawsuit against fast food giant McDonald’s over the ‘nauseating’ smell of fast food from his local branch. The building he lives in shares a ventilation pipe with the restaurant chain.
A CAMPAIGN called ‘Stop Bild Sexism’ is growing against the newspaper’s use of pictures of topless women.
Anti-doping job
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
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inance F A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM
29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
business & legal
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STAT OF WEEK TOLL-ROAD traffic rose 2.39 per cent to a daily 16,346 vehicles in 2014. This was the first increase since 2007 but 31.5 per cent below that year’s 23,867 vehicles a day.
Telefonica still matchmaking REJECTED by British Telecom, Telefonica is still looking for a suitor for its UK mobile subsidiary O2. The Spanish company is in talks with Sky, Virgin and Hong Kong-based Hutchison Whampoa, which owns the Three mobile network. Three is currently the smallest operator in the UK but if Hutchison goes ahead, paying a possible $13.6
billion (€10.5 billion) for O2, it would become the country’s biggest mobile operator with more than 31 million customers. Were Hutchison, Sky and Virgin all to reject Telefonica’s approaches, the Spanish company would take its remaining option of floating the company on the stock market, sources said.
Spain heads up eurozone growth THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut growth predictions for all but the US and Spain. The IMF reduced global economic growth to 3.5 per cent for 2015 and 3.7 per cent in 2016 owing to a slowdown in China, probable recession in Russia and the eurozone’s continuing weakness. In its sixth consecutive upward review of Spain’s economy over the last 12 months the IMF now foresees 2 per cent growth for this year and 1.8 per cent for 2016. This will be doubly pleasing to Spain’s president Mariano Rajoy as the revised figure coincides with his own
estimate and negates the 0.8 per cent forecast from the IMF’s Director of Resarch Olivier Blanchard a year ago. Over the last two years the IMF’s predictions for Spain have been the most modest amongst the world’s biggest economies. Now the position has been reversed and Spain is at the head of eurozone growth, although at this stage the IMF foresees a slowdown in 2016. Unemployment is the only cloud on the horizon. Last October the IMF calculated that Spain would create 130,000 jobs in 2015 compared with the government’s forecast of 348,000.
B
usiness extra
Big plans for Lidl LIDL is building its largest European logistics centre in Alcala de Henares (Madrid). Work on the €70 million project has now begun and should be finished by summer 2016.
Take it easy FIVE executives of the now-defunct Novacaixagalicia will stand trial at the Madrid high court in May. They are accused of awarding themselves early retirement deals worth €18.9 million.
Comfort letter clears the air EY, formerly Ernst & Young, have now revised AENA’s accounts for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The auditors worked in record time, practically occupying AENA headquarters according to employees, working weekends and over Christmas. The required ‘comfort letter’ confirming the financial soundness of Spain’s airports operator and the accuracy of its accounts has now been
drafted, EY sources confirmed. An 8 per cent stake was sold to Corporacion Financiera Alba last November, plus 6.5 per cent to Ferrovial and 6.5 per cent to Children’s Investment Fund. AENA has now cleared the final hurdle before its stock market debut and the sale of the remaining 28 per cent to privatise 49 per cent of the company.
17
TELEFONICA: Still looking for a suitor.
18
E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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LONDON - FTSE 100
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US
C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 26
C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) 3i Group PLC 461.90 ARM Holdings PLC 1,050.00 Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 444.40 Admiral Group PLC 1,440.00 Aggreko PLC 1,527.00 Anglo American PLC 1,072.00 Antofagasta PLC 674.50 Ashtead Group PLC 1,107.00 Associated Brit Foods 3,107.00 AstraZeneca PLC 4,774.50 Aviva PLC 544.00 BAE Systems PLC 515.00 BG Group PLC 877.60 BHP Billiton PLC 1,382.00 BP PLC 426.40 BT Group PLC 434.00 Babcock International 1,052.00 Barclays PLC 240.30
CHANGE(P) -0.70 -4.00 +0.40 -3.00 -16.00 -31.50 -10.00 +14.00 +27.00 +41.00 +7.50 -4.00 -14.10 -43.00 -6.00 +2.90 -1.00 -2.85
% C H G. -0.15% -0.38% +0.09% -0.21% -1.04% -2.85% -1.46% +1.28% +0.88% +0.87% +1.40% -0.77% -1.58% -3.02% -1.39% +0.67% -0.09% -1.17%
NET VOLUME 154,848 547,399 1,465,800 54,292 168,568 1,051,046 692,103 331,835 97,378 425,038 1,612,561 1,076,322 1,341,268 2,370,511 6,696,433 2,762,831 204,861 7,949,414
See our advert on page 21
Units per €
US dollar.................................................................1.25246 Japan yen..............................................................132.998 Switzerland franc ............................................0.99820 Denmark kroner ................................................7.44534 Norway kroner ...................................................8.73333
currenciesdirect.com/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226 C O M PA N Y
PRICE(P)
C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G.
Barratt Developments British Amercn Tobacco British Land Co PLC/The Bunzl PLC Burberry Group PLC CRH PLC Capita PLC
450.50 3,795.50 832.50 1,919.00 1,786.00 1,684.00 1,089.00
+0.40 +4.50 -1.00 +6.00 +11.00 +4.00 +7.00
DOW JONES
NASDAQ
C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 26
C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 26
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 KO The Coca-Cola Co DIS Walt Disney Co 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 IBM International Business Machine... INTC Intel Corp 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 TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies Corp UNH UnitedHealth Group Inc VZ Verizon Communications Inc V Visa Inc WMT Wal-Mart Stores Inc
PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 164.02 84.13 33.37 134.62 85.61 106.85 28.21 43.31 94.72 73.79 90.89 24.48 180.49 105.37 155.87 -102.20 56.68 89.56 62.49 47.18 96.16 32.45 90.08 107.00 119.98 112.00 47.15 258.29 88.51
-1.87 -0.24 -0.42 -1.02 -1.21 -2.07 -0.29 -0.47 -0.43 -1.30 -1.98 +0.20 -1.55 -0.70 +0.48 --1.56 -0.91 -1.33 -0.10 +0.05 +0.31 -0.36 -1.54 -1.17 -0.47 -1.85 -0.65 +0.69 +0.21
-1.13% -0.28% -1.24% -0.75% -1.39% -1.90% -1.02% -1.07% -0.45% -1.73% -2.13% +0.82% -0.85% -0.66% +0.31% --1.50% -1.58% -1.46% -0.16% +0.11% +0.32% -1.10% -1.68% -1.08% -0.39% -1.62% -1.36% +0.27% +0.24%
2.2M 7.4M 25.5M 3.8M 5.0M 8.0M 21.8M 12.4M 4.7M 3.5M 14.7M 63.7M 3.1M 4.1M 4.8M 347.5K 10.1M 15.5M 11.5M 6.2M 26.2M 3.4M 26.0M 6.7M 1.9M 4.3M 5.3M 24.3M 1.5M 7.6M
1.33397
0.74963
C O M PA N Y
+0.09% +0.12% -0.12% +0.31% +0.62% +0.24% +0.65%
NET VOLUME 986,971 698,302 526,781 74,116 138,462 464,230 153,520
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
$ 7.11 $ 8.54 $ 14.94 $ 2.78 $ 16.99 $ 18.92 $ 4.97 $ 28.17 $ 6.81 $ 32.93 $ 17.88
2.06 ▲ 40.79% 2.43 ▲ 39.77% 2.95 ▲ 24.60% 0.4701 ▲ 20.35% 2.59 ▲ 17.99% 2.52 ▲ 15.37% 0.61 ▲ 13.99% 3.32 ▲ 13.36% 0.78 ▲ 12.94% 3.59 ▲ 12.24% 1.58 ▲ 9.69%
$ 5.56 $ 4.89 $ 21.29 $ 38.35 $ 13.76 $ 3.40 $ 3.66 $ 4.45 $ 14.91 $ 65.24 $ 4.13
0.84 ▼ 13.13% 0.61 ▼ 11.09% 2.57 ▼ 10.77% 4.57 ▼ 10.65% 1.59 ▼ 10.36% 0.36 ▼ 9.57% 0.36 ▼ 8.96% 0.40 ▼ 8.25% 1.32 ▼ 8.13% 5.71 ▼ 8.05% 0.35 ▼ 7.81%
Most Advanced Array BioPharma Inc. Egalet Corporation Vitae Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Burcon Nutrascience Corp Infinera Corporation Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Novatel Wireless, Inc. Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. E2open, Inc. Otonomy, Inc. TubeMogul, Inc.
Most Declined Quotient Limited Mid-Con Energy Partners, LP Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. Virgin America Inc. Home Loan Servicing Solutions, Ltd. SFX Entertainment, Inc. Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. Knightsbridge Shipping Limited Abengoa, S.A. KLA-Tencor Corporation Sphere 3D Corp
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) CHANGE Carnival PLC 3,142.00 +16.00 Centrica PLC 267.30 -2.70 Coca-Cola HBC AG 1,098.00 -14.00 Compass Group PLC 1,137.00 +5.00 Diageo PLC 1,978.50 +9.00 Direct Line Insurance 311.60 +0.30 Dixons Carphone PLC 426.30 +1.40 easyJet PLC 1,764.00 +29.00 Experian PLC 1,164.00 +2.00 Fresnillo PLC 888.00 -9.00 Friends Life Group Ltd 411.10 +4.10 G4S PLC 288.30 +1.20 GKN PLC 378.20 +2.90 GlaxoSmithKline PLC 1,500.00 0.00 Glencore PLC 242.80 -6.60 HSBC Holdings PLC 626.20 +1.40 Hammerson PLC 688.50 -1.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,010.00 -12.00 ITV PLC 230.30 +0.70 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,097.00 +6.00 InterContinental Hotels 2,763.00 +9.00 International Cnsldtd Air 554.00 +18.00 Intertek Group PLC 2,357.00 +29.00 Intu Properties PLC 366.60 -0.90 J Sainsbury PLC 265.70 -2.20 Johnson Matthey PLC 3,520.00 -12.00 Kingfisher PLC 341.50 -2.50 Land Securities Group 1,282.00 -2.00 Legal & General Group 267.50 +1.60 Lloyds Banking Group 75.32 -0.21 London Stock Exchange 2,385.00 +11.00 Marks & Spencer Group 475.70 +0.20 Meggitt PLC 541.00 0.00 Mondi PLC 1,162.00 +12.00 National Grid PLC 933.10 -3.80 Next PLC 7,200.00 +50.00 Old Mutual PLC 205.20 +0.60 Pearson PLC 1,342.00 -7.00 Persimmon PLC 1,540.00 +13.00 Prudential PLC 1,627.00 -0.50 RSA Insurance Group 465.00 +0.30 Randgold Resources 5,350.00 -70.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group 5,560.00 0.00 Reed Elsevier PLC 1,161.00 +1.00 Rio Tinto PLC 2,822.00 -61.00 Rolls-Royce Holdings 907.00 +5.00 Royal Bank of Scotland 383.90 +3.80 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2,163.50 -21.50 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2,256.00 -18.00 Royal Mail PLC 442.20 +1.20 SABMiller PLC 3,463.00 +26.50 SSE PLC 1,518.00 +26.00 Sage Group PLC/The 478.80 +0.10 Schroders PLC 2,866.00 +11.00 Severn Trent PLC 2,152.00 +5.00 Shire PLC 4,980.00 +164.00 Sky PLC 941.50 +1.50 Smith & Nephew PLC 1,191.00 +1.00 Smiths Group PLC 1,115.00 -5.00 Sports Direct Intl 724.00 +3.00 St James's Place PLC 862.50 +1.00 Standard Chartered PLC 941.70 -9.40 Standard Life PLC 405.00 +1.20 TUI AG 1,199.00 +2.00 TUI AG 1,171.00 +6.00 Taylor Wimpey PLC 133.50 +0.40 Tesco PLC 234.45 -0.85 Travis Perkins PLC 1,950.00 +17.00 Tullow Oil PLC 360.10 -11.20 Unilever PLC 2,881.00 +27.00 United Utilities Group 998.50 +3.00 Vodafone Group PLC 240.40 +0.50 WM Morrison Suprmrkts 196.70 -2.40 WPP PLC 1,476.00 -3.00 Weir Group PLC/The 1,665.00 -10.00 Whitbread PLC 5,085.00 -5.00 Wolseley PLC 4,027.00 +28.00
% C H G. +0.51% -1.00% -1.26% +0.44% +0.46% +0.10% +0.33% +1.67% +0.17% -1.00% +1.01% +0.42% +0.77% 0.00% -2.65% +0.22% -0.22% -1.17% +0.30% +0.19% +0.33% +3.36% +1.25% -0.24% -0.82% -0.34% -0.73% -0.16% +0.60% -0.28% +0.46% +0.04% 0.00% +1.04% -0.41% +0.70% +0.29% -0.52% +0.85% -0.03% +0.06% -1.29% 0.00% +0.09% -2.12% +0.55% +1.00% -0.98% -0.79% +0.27% +0.77% +1.74% +0.02% +0.39% +0.23% +3.41% +0.16% +0.08% -0.45% +0.42% +0.12% -0.99% +0.30% +0.17% +0.52% +0.30% -0.36% +0.88% -3.02% +0.95% +0.30% +0.21% -1.21% -0.20% -0.60% -0.10% +0.70%
VOLUME 45,953 1,763,549 362,741 348,472 773,092 429,561 722,590 568,413 444,286 911,380 1,067,267 327,284 557,423 1,734,484 9,855,655 3,415,421 347,206 850,201 1,440,642 357,608 71,371 2,588,870 48,743 254,438 1,523,278 126,589 1,882,096 279,363 1,355,413 22,585,227 58,832 437,894 175,987 216,156 1,704,283 69,404 954,121 492,532 128,654 512,068 284,763 99,450 204,343 534,097 935,399 1,013,934 1,412,448 1,249,884 662,315 307,246 297,697 911,236 262,903 41,696 70,670 605,854 487,142 436,362 266,818 177,597 225,615 1,987,369 706,889 93,758 88,079 3,064,498 5,534,374 122,649 1,096,636 955,325 272,396 12,099,567 3,395,117 575,305 100,144 50,433 91,300
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
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19
Free courses in customer relations MOST of us are uncaring of marketing strategies designed to shape our buying habits as we browse supermarket aisles. The ‘sheds,’ like Primark, IKEA, B&Q and ASDA, spend millions analysing our shopping penchants. Like donkeys chasing carrots we are tempted around displays. Some colours on packaging create more sales, others have the opposite effect. A well known expression in the marketing industries: ‘Blue and green should never be seen.’ The science of creating and maintaining customer loyalty is zealously studied and put into practice. Some larger organisations
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
regard good customer service as pivotal to their existence. I was reminded of this when I contacted Amazon customer service. As a publisher I had a technical question. Within hours I received a reply: “Thank you for contacting Amazon KDP. I hope you are having a
nice day. I’ll be more than happy to assist you.” As good as his word, Raul sorted my problem out. Had he been unsuccessful he would personally help me through the process. Cynics say such American salutations are insincere. I do not. But, I do know that when a neighbour calls, “How are you today?” he sincerely hopes I will not unburden myself. Some businesses are good at customer relations, some are hopeless. Disgruntled customers are a financial drain on businesses. Lack of customer empathy means one needs to constantly advertise to replace
dissatisfied clients. Revolving doors; new clients in turn will be offended by poor service. My business budget could never match that of the larger companies when analysing buying habits and customer retention. Never mind, we have ‘free’ staff courses. Let us say I am recruiting staff for a new restaurant. Having given a nod and a wink to the manager of a friendly business, I would treat my staff to a night out. I would ask only one thing of my new employees. That, throughout the dining (or shopping) experience they focus on the super service we receive. The lesson for the day is: ‘This is How I Want it Done.’
20
E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
COPYRIGHT LIGHTWAVEMEDIA
Get active and save yourself money Loose change A look at finance for females
Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com
THE start of a year can be a difficult month financially. Especially after perhaps forking out on Christmas presents, expensive New Year plans or having flown abroad to visit family over the holidays. It’s also a time of year where everyone is talking about getting into shape. And while such resolutions are predictable at this time of the year, it can be difficult to keep up momentum and stick to an exercise regime. But here are a few reasons to keep on exercising - and not just for your physical health, but in terms of your financial health too.
Save on Make-up Regular exercise is one of the best things for your skin. Sweat out all those nasty toxins and your skin will thank you for it. The clear complexion that goes along with regular exercise, helps to improve your selfimage too, so you don’t feel the need to hide your face behind a painted mask. So get moving and you won’t have the urge to fork out money every time you pass the make-up counter.
Regular exercise is one of the best things for your skin.
SAVE MONEY: Swap your coffee break for a quick, brisk walk.
Save on Mental Health Frequent exercise helps to enhance your mood. Isn’t that why they call it ‘the runner’s high’? A good running session can work just as well as antidepressants for many cases
Reader spots error in 2015 Lawbook Q. I have recently upgraded to the new 2015 Edition of ‘You & the Law in Spain,’ and this time I purchased the Kindle edition. In the Spanish Income Tax section on page 289, you give a ‘Sample Calculation’ for computing your tax. I have read this over with care, but I am at a loss to determine where your figure of €918 reduction comes from. I have copied out the relevant section here.
Sample calculation. “It works like this: If you are a married couple of pensioners with two pensions and a small investment income totalling, say, €27,442 a year, you first consult the list of deductions. If both of you are 66, your personal minimum is €5,151 plus €918, a total of €6,069 each.” Perhaps you can clear this up for me? L.T. (e-mail)
You and the Law in Spain By David Searl
A. Thank you for your letter, and double thank you for exposing an error in the book. You could not find the figure of €918 because it is not there. The €918 is the previous year’s extra exemption for people over 65-years-old. The figure for this year should have been €1,150. Oh, my. Furthermore, the personal minimum should have been €5,550 and not €5,151. Upon checking, I find that I made the corrections, but failed to mark them properly, so the old paragraph ran without change, and I did not catch this in proofreading. In practical terms, it makes very little difference, but it is indeed embarrassing.
So our ‘Sample Calculation’ should have read:
“If you are a married couple of pensioners with two pensions and a small investment income totalling, say, €30,000 a year, you first consult the list of deductions. “Your personal minimum for tax year 2014 is €5,550. In addition, you have a further deduction of €1,150 because you are over 65. This gives a total of €6,700 each. Times two gives €13,400. In fact, if you each receive income, you will make two separate tax declarations, but I am lumping them together to simplify. You are also each entitled to the wage earner’s deduction of €2,000 for ‘other expenses,’ together making €4,000, which gives total deductions of €17,400. “Deducting the €17,400 from €30,000 gives €12,600 taxable income. You look at the table and see that a tax base up to €12,450 pays at 20 per cent, so you owe about €2,500 to the Spanish tax man.”
Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.
of mild depression. So getting up and moving is a fantastic way to cheer up without having to fork out for professional help. Save on Caffeine Slouching around leaves a person with little energy, whereas an active lifestyle guarantees lots of energy. So the more you move, the less need you’ll have for a double espresso throughout the day. You could save a euro or two a day by simply swapping your coffee break for a quick brisk walk. Save on Medical Costs A healthy fitness routine will help you steer clear of having a heart attack or stroke. It helps to decrease the chance of developing chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Staying fit also strengthens your immune system, improving your body’s ability to fight infections, helping you get through flu season without needing a pricey prescription. Stay active and avoid expensive medical bills.
BUSINESS EXTRA
Slow progress UNEMPLOYMENT should gradually improve although Spain will continue to have one of the highest rates in a developed country, said the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It will remain above 21 per cent until at least 2019 when the ILO predicted 21.49 per cent unemployment, compared with 23.6 per cent this year.
Low cost THE Sandero hatchback which costs less than €7,000 with discounts is made by the Romanian firm, Dacia, that was bought by Renault in 1999. A total of 19,394 units were sold in Spain between January and November last year, representing 30 per cent of all the Renault group’s Spanish sales.
Build it up CONSTRUCTION companies asked the government for ‘legislative mechanisms’ and financial help to help the sector grow again in Spain. International ventures representing 90 per cent of business and national projects were positive, they agreed at the recent Infrastructure Sector Meeting, but help was needed to boost the domestic market.
OPINION & COMMENT
Buzz off, little ones! You are not welcome! RE the noisy children outside a reader’s house, I am reminded of the action taken by the Moulin Rouge to discourage prostitutes outside the venue. They simply installed green lighting which made the girls look ghoulish and put off the punters - job done. A similar change might work for the reader. Some years ago I read of a small device which emitted a high-pitched sound, similar to that of a mozzie that younger people can hear, but not those whose hearing has deteriorated with age. Apparently it is very, very irritating. Try Google to find it. Another ploy is to play classical music which had the same effect; choosing something soporific should work wonders. Best of luck! Richard in Crevillente (Murcia)
Lesson learnt I DEALT with a ‘noisy children’ situation quite recently, but they were under the age of 16. During the first two evenings I merely acknowledged their presence. They were obviously encouraged and so became noisier. I then decided to tell them that if they wished to sit on my wall, I would join them and give them a class in English. They smiled and left! They now wave to me from the wall of a Spanish neighbour further down the hill. Stuart Burnley has had to tolerate the situation for a long time, whereas I was able to nip it in the bud. Maybe this won’t help you, Mr Burnley, but try it! Pamela Hosey, Almayate (Malaga)
Think positive SORRY, but I don’t agree with ‘Our view’ about seasonal blues. My view is firstly that the sun was out during most of the month of December with clear days to enjoy sitting outside on
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I WONDER how many people are aware of this monument to the International Brigade in London. It came as a surprise when I encountered it on my last visit.
Peter Cochrane (by email)
terraces, looking out at the sea and mountains. Eliminate January from the calendar? April or May when the season begins are still a long way off, so why push time any faster? Rather, enjoy this tranquil and relatively quiet time to be happy and thankful for so many things, those that are mostly taken for granted! And let’s not forget, we have generally been fortunate enough to afford to celebrate the festive season in the first place. Let’s be positive all the year round including January ! Felipe, Palma de Mallorca (Baleares)
Trade-off I AM not one to reply to correspondence under most circumstances, but the blatant misrepresentation in the letter from Bill Campbell should not go without correction. Is he not aware that we do have to leave the EU to trade with the rest of the world? We are specifically banned from arranging trade deals with them by EU statutes and are not even allowed into the talks which take place. Furthermore we buy 50 per
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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cent more from Europe than we sell to them and thus would benefit from any trade restrictions in the very unlikely event of their being applied. Also is he not aware that the study, so often-quoted, was based on data up to 2011 and totally at odds with current realities? It did not take into account the massive influx of immigrants since then. Nor did it take into account the millions in family allowances paid for children not living in this country. Similarly it did not take into account the massive amounts of money transferred by immigrants to their overseas accounts. Alison Wilson, Benidorm (Alicante)
The sad problem IT is sad that people are taken in by populist but totally uninformed anti-EU UKIP propaganda. The EU would work even better if the laws thought up in Brussels were accepted by individual member states wholly and not diluted. Unless a person does a bit of travelling or a bit of business, people see improvements in this area as threatening and pressure for further EU integration, which seems to be mainstream media reactionary hype. I think people are conflating EU migration with multiculturalism and failed integration. It is a failure of multiculturalism that we have entire swathes acting exactly as they did in their home countries (forced marriages or female genital mutilation, for example). This has nothing to do with hardworking Polish bricklayers or Spanish chefs. David Charteris, Palma de Mallorca (Baleares)
Stalemate I RECEIVED my telephone and broadband service from a company who began to send the monthly statement via the internet.
EWN
23
They tended to be erratic and I did not always receive one, but I noticed a few months ago that the amount taken from my bank did not always tally with the amount on the statement. Upon telephoning to discuss this I spoke to a young lady in customer services, during which she said she could do nothing without the billing date. Her attitude was quite obstructive as I thought a look at my account would show this up. I concluded by saying that if she could not clear this up I would pay no more money. Her reply to this was that they would no longer provide the service and hung up. I fully expected her to calm down after a couple of days and to get some explanation from the company. I was therefore surprised to find some three days later that my broadband was no longer working, so it would seem she was as good as her word. I am guessing that I have overpaid up to €100 on my monthly account, but am unable to be sure because of the lack of invoices. I am unable to phone them as they have barred my phone number, so all I get is a message to say that ‘this number is unobtainable from your area’ when I try to call. I now find that they have transferred my phone to Telefonica - with no permission from me - and I have just received a bill from Telefonica for two months calls and line rental. As I am unable to contact them and as they are not replying to my emails I am at a loss to know how to proceed. Is anyone able to help? John Shannan, Turre (Almeria)
The real deal ALL this hype about Mr Darcy! Unlike reader Suzanne Stokes I’ve always found him an almighty bore and doubt that in real life he’d have been anything like Colin Firth doing his wet tshirt number. Now Lord Peter Wimsey, that’s another story. Read the description of him leaning naked out of an upstairs window in ‘Busman’s Honeymoon.’ Phwoar... Jacqueline Miller (by email)
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 29 January - 4 February 2015/ Mallorca
R
aquel Rodriguez Navarro from Inford@tox, Albox, Almeria, said: “Many of our clients are from the UK and spend long periods of time here or transfer their pensions. It is better for them to get a good exchange rate but it also benefits our businesses because they are happy to spend more money here. This is good for them, good for me, good for Albox and good for Spain.” Mark spent seven years in the armed forces learning telecommunications skills. He now brings this expertise to the
OPINION & COMMENT
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Sterling surges: what will this mean to your business?
STREET TALK
MARK: The Sky Doctor, (left), products will cost less. RAQUEL: Inford@tox (centre). JEFF: (Right) Greater spending power can only boost the local economy. KEVYN: More money to spend in bars and restaurants will help local businesses.
community of the Costa del Sol and to you, via The Sky Doctor, professional installers of IPTV and satellite systems based in Marbella and Calahonda. He remarked: “It means that Brits on holiday will have a higher spending capacity to
buy our excellent products and it will cost them less, providing even more value for money for items and services from The Sky Doctor.” Councillor for Urbanisations, Jeff Wiszniewski, based in Urbanisation La
Marina, Costa Blanca South, believed more spending power benefits the whole community. “Due to the better exchange rates, this is the best time in the last four years for Britons to buy property, particularly as house prices are still low. It also creates work for banks, estate agents and lawyers. The other effect is for those who receive pensions from the UK. With more disposable income, pensioners will spend more on new furniture, clothes, electrical goods, etc, resulting in a boost to our economy.” He added: “If the Spanish economy recovers, hopefully there will be more money available to local authorities, to improve the infrastructure in our communities.” It is all about boosting the local economy, bar owner Kevyn Noble believes. The entrepreneur who owns and runs Winnies Bar in La Cala de Finestrat, Costa Blanca North, said: “Tourists who have already budgeted their spending money will now get more for their pounds, enabling them to eat and drink out more. This is definitely beneficial to us and Spain’s industry as a whole.”
Copyright iofoto
Poisoning young minds LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
S
OMETHING really must be done about Ofsted. Their rampant rhetoric and unchecked inspections are not only becoming ludicrous, but often to my mind dangerously akin to child abuse. These misled incompetents, who profess to be on a mission to stamp out racism, homophobia and inequalities in schools, are creating the very ‘intolerances’ they purport to be eradicating. The recent report of their antics in the case of Durham Free School is a glaring case in point. An individual apparently asked youngsters between 11 and 13 if they knew what a lesbian was - knew anyone in the school who was actually gay - felt they were trapped in someone else’s body - what they would do if a Muslim came to the school - or had learned how to make a baby. If these were appropriate
MISGUIDED: Ofsted antics could plant the seeds of intolerance in schoolchildren. questions to ask 11-year-olds, then I’ve completely lost track of the plot. With this type of approach and question, I believe these jumped-up morons are actually managing to create intolerance and racism where it has in fact never before existed. The five-year-old boy, who was reported for asking, because
his little friend was brown, did he come from Africa, is a case in point. The ‘official’ hue and cry that ensued resulted in a number of things. Namely, the young lad became completely confused and traumatised because he didn’t really know what he had done wrong and what is even more
disturbing, he was of course introduced to racism. By the same token, the young lad who was asked what a Muslim was. Apparently his answer included a reference to terrorism. Well, of course, it did. With a never-ending list of highly publicised terrorist attacks by militant Muslims, does it not stand to reason that his young mind would link the two? He was subsequently accused of bigotry. Is it not obvious to any clear-thinking person that the completely over-thetop official reaction to these children’s innocent observations could easily plant the seeds of racism or intolerance in young minds? What I want to know is, who is watching the watchers? Who trains these misguided people? We don’t have to ask who pays them, of course. But frankly if someone doesn’t rein them in, they will, inadvertently or not, continue to poison our precious young minds until bigotry in our places of education could well become a part of the curriculum. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
26
E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015/ Mallorca
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OPINION & COMMENT
Better strip the dummy! Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-the-wall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.
B
ACK in the early 70s, before novelty birthday gifts like strip-a-grams became all the rage, an acquaintance from the local pub decided that he was going to hire himself out in this manner. His name was Jack. He had the build of an athlete, complete with an impressive six pack - unlike me who sported more of a Gobi Desert belly (flat and featureless) - and was always an instant hit with the ladies. Nevertheless, he was a good bloke and was well liked by most of the male patrons. He outlined his plans to us and asked if anyone had a suggestion of what he should call himself. A lot of weird drink induced handles were suggested and when I came up with my own idea, it was adopted with great enthusiasm. Thus Jack the Stripper was born. Personally I was glad to get rid of ISN’T it cold in the sunshine paradise that is Mallorca? Do you remember your first winter on the island? Were you as amazed as I was at how horribly cold it gets here? There were some moments during that first winter when my husband and I kicked ourselves for not doing our homework properly, how could we not have known how damp and downright nasty it can get here. We barricaded ourselves into the room where our log fire was and took turns cuddling the dog to keep warm. If we hadn’t been given an electric blanket as a Christmas present we wouldn’t have a daughter now, and that is an actual fact. It wasn’t that we didn’t have heating in our house; it was that it was ineffective, and expensive to run. Now a decade down the line we live in a different house, and we don’t have a dog. The cats aren’t so willing to be long term hot water bottle replacements, and also not as good. So my husband and I have to run heaters under our desks to keep warm whilst sitting still for hours on end writing witty
him on Saturday evenings. At least, I reasoned, there would be a better chance of pulling a mini skirted dolly or two with him not around. We saw less and less of him as his novel service caught on and he seemed to be travelling further afield entertaining rooms full of drunken women on birthday binges. Then he vanished completely. Somebody told us that he had a regular spot in a London strip club, so we resolved to surprise him and travel to the Smoke one weekend to catch his act. We expected some upper class establishment, but were shocked to find a seedy little uni-sex place in a back street off Soho. Jack the Stripper was the headline act according to the tatty poster outside and as we were shown to our seats, one of the supporting acts was just about to start her routine. Our jaws dropped open as an aging, very ugly woman limped on to the stage dressed in a man’s suit, complete with ventriloquist’s dummy! It was the most grotesque thing we had ever seen and long before
the old biddy had removed even half of her Burtons three piece, we were yelling for her to strip the dummy. It would have been more of a turnon. This was more than enough for us and we agreed that we had no wish to witness the depths to which our erstwhile pal might have descended; paid the extortionate bar bill and left. None of us ever saw Jack again, but we subsequently heard that he had inexplicably moved to Switzerland - the land of dodgy bank accounts and cuckoo clocks. God knows what he was doing, but I had recurring visions of him entertaining a bunch of Swiss hausfraus, covered in melted Toblerone and yodelling to the strains of Edelweiss. Cop yrigh t vis hstu dio
Colin Bird
JACK THE STRIPPER: With the build of an athlete and an impressive six pack.
F-F-F-Frio
Vicki Mcleod
Family Matters prose and photoshopping pictures. The Mallorcans used to put a heater under the kitchen table and then tuck the tablecloth around their laps, so we’ve modernised it. Which I suppose is how we managed to get an electricity bill which is 150 per cent more than our normal bill. A whopping €577 for two months. And that doesn’t include the really, really chilly month of January. When the electric bill hit the mat both my husband and I started acting like our dads, yelling grumpily at each other to “Turn that off, shut that door, don’t forget the LIGHTS!!!!” Getting such a big bill has not been conducive to a harmonious home. It’s January
FAMILY MCLEOD: Dressed in full Dragon Onesie glory. after all: post-Christmas, no fuzzy happiness, and we’re deep, deep into tax return misery. Any second now the Hacienda is going to ask us for money which we’ve already spent on our electricity bill and the ridiculously expensive autonomos bills. Have you seen
that information this week about the comparison between the costs of National Insurance in the UK and here? Six months contributions in Spain are 1,650€ and the same six months in the UK? 78€ Things have got to change: we’ve been watching the events
in Greece this week and wondering what will happen to Spain in the upcoming national elections, which we won’t be able to vote in, even though we contribute 20 per cent of our income in taxes. Another thing which has to change. Time to get happy, so let’s reach for the wine, although no, of course, it’s January so we’ve eschewed alcohol, and chocolate, and bread. Then there’s that moment when you look at each other and think “What the **** have we done?” Which is when I remembered that we own ‘onesies.’ We bought them for each other in a flash of ironic Christmas shopping excitement in 2013. So now, when I am at home this is my office outfit, it keeps me warm, it’s saving on the heating, and apart from the tail getting in the way now and again, it’s very comfortable. So if you call me and I answer the phone, I will have to try to keep the amusement out of my voice, can you guess what I’m wearing? Who cares, as long as I’m not freezing. www.familymattersmallorca.com
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E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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OPINION & COMMENT
You have the right to answers Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.
I
N Ukraine, a terrifying civil war rages. Devastation is likened to the Battle of Stalingrad as the death tolls nears 5,000. Europe’s biggest country is disintegrating. Over one million Europeans are displaced, 750,000 live in Russian displacement camps; borders sealed to stop thousands of young people avoiding conscription by escaping to Russia. EU sanctions and economic sabotage in support of the Kiev regime is said to have plunged the eurozone into recession. And for what? The Russian invasion of Crimea? Then part of the USSR, Crimea in 1954 was gifted to Ukraine by a tipsy First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev. Crimeans recently voted
overwhelmingly to return to their homeland. We have yet to see credible evidence of a single Russian army boot on Ukrainian soil despite numerous alleged invasions. Seven EU countries, so far, demand sanctions be lifted: Austria, Hungary, Italy, Cyprus, Slovakia, France and the Czech Republic. Their economies and others
sabotaged by BrusselsWashington blockades. Greece may soon give two fingers to EU membership; will Spain and others follow? The New York Observer: ‘The new Ukraine is run by Sexpots, Warlords, Lunatics and Oligarchs.’ Venerable British journalist, John Pilger: “In the Ukraine the US is dragging us into a war
UKRAINE: Europe’s biggest country is disintegrating.
with Russia” - The Guardian, May 13, 2014. Let us take a closer look at those in key positions of the EU/ US backed Kiev regime. After Washington DC bragged about their ousting elected President Viktor Yanukovych, there is little point in debating whether they did or not. Who has taken the overthrown government’s place? Get ready to squirm. Billionaire oligarch Pyotr Poroshenko is President. Prosecutor General of Ukraine Oleg Makhnitsky, the xenophobic leader of the Bandera Svoboda Party. It uses Nazi regalia and salutes. I don’t know why, as Banderistas spent their war in Nazi concentration camps. New Secretary of the powerful National Defence and Security Council, Andriy Parubiy, aka ‘The Commandant,’ is leader of the Swastika flaunting Fatherland Party. His Deputy is Dmytro Yarosh, leader of the Right Sector’s paramilitary wing. Photographs of him
and his armed henchmen wearing army fatigues and IRA type balaclavas circulate. New Defence Minister is Ihor Tenyukh, extreme rightist of the Svoboda Party. Key government positions are held by various Svoboda Party thugs such as Oleksandr Sych, one of Ukraine’s three Prime Ministers. This obnoxious party holds key government ministries such as Agriculture. The Economy Minister is Lithuanian, the Finance Minister, a US citizen. The Health Minister is Georgian who cannot speak Ukrainian. All parachuted in by Washington DC. These are the kind of people that Washington DC’s Victoria Nuland, Senator John McCain, and other top US and EU officials embrace. If you ask what the hell is going on then you have every right to ask. You also have the right to demand answers. If we fail to address this unfolding tragedy, the John Pilger war prophecy could be reality.
A happy event for Susana Diaz Cassandra Nash
A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene
S
USANA DIAZ, president of Andalucia’s regional government and - who knows? possible aspirant to the presidency of Spain, is pregnant. The baby is due this summer and the 40-year-old president will not be altering her public agenda. “Nothing will change,” said sources close to Diez. Will she follow the example set by Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, Mariano Rajoy’s vice-president and the most powerful woman in Spain? Saenz de Santamaria gave birth in November 2011 and worked up to the last day of her pregnancy. She appeared in public nine days later, on the night of the PP’s election victory and was back at work almost immediately.
You win some, and you lose some THE Partido Popular intends to wheel out Jose Maria Aznar, Spain’s president between 1996 and 2004, during its election campaigns. The idea is to attract and reassure the more conservative PP voters, but once again the party leadership is looking in the wrong direction. The far right has no other option bar the party currently headed by Mariano Rajoy, but the voters he needs to attract can choose from the PSOE, UPyD, Ciudadanos, Ganamos, IU and last but not by any means least, Podemos. On becoming president, Rajoy was wise enough to distance himself from Aznar. He might be revered by hardcore PP voters but Aznar is a monumental turn-off for the undecided majority. And those are the votes that Rajoy needs to court and convince, not lose. Diaz’s baby is due mid-July, sufficient time to recover from whatever the municipal elections might bring and to prepare for the national ballot.
As for her future political ambitions, Diaz’s domestic arrangements after the baby is born will reveal more than any statements or interviews.
JOSE MARIA AZNAR: A huge turn-off.
leave the national high court he has presided over since 2010. There is nothing sinister about his removal, which is in line with Spain’s legal system. Ironically, his place is likely to be taken by Jose de la Mata Amaya, a highranking official in the ministry of Justice during the last socialist government. Although Ruz expects to have tweaked and tied up any loose Gurtel ends, De la Mata will be taking over other sensitive cases. Will it be a case of “come back, Ruz, all is forgiven”?
Speciality act
All forgiven THE judge Pablo Ruz, investigating or ‘instructing’ the Gurtel corruption case, is due to
CAMPAIGNING politicians pledge to cut down on their special advisers. It was one of Rajoy’s election promises, but instead they increased by 18 per cent in 2013 and 151 trusties cost the taxpayer €8.3 million in 2013 with three earning more than Mariano Rajoy. Whatever their expertise, at least we know what makes them so special.
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E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
Thursday BBC ONE 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Eat Well for Less? 10:00pm Death in Paradise 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:45pm Question Time 12:45am This Week
BBC TWO 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Attenborough's Paradise Birds 10:00pm Modern Times 11:00pm Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am MH17: In Search of Truth
ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm The Kyle Files 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Birds of a Feather 10:00pm Bring Back Borstal 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Perspectives 12:40am Ade at Sea
CH4 5:00pm Deal or No Deal 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Location, Location, Location 10:00pm Cucumber 11:00pm The Mega Brothel 12:05am 24 Hours in Police Custody
CH5 4:10pm Cedar Cove 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm North Pole Ice Airport 9:00pm Benefits 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm Botched Up Bodies 12:00am Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side
SKY1 3:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 4:00pm Inside RAF Brize Norton 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm A League of Their Own 10:00pm Ross Kemp: Extreme World 11:00pm Ascension 12:40am David Attenborough's Galapagos
Friday BBC ONE 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 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 Room 101 10:00pm The Musketeers 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Graham Norton Show 12:25am Bluestone 42
BBC TWO 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Mastermind 9:30pm Food and Drink 10:00pm The Big Allotment Challenge 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:05am The Road
ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm The Martin Lewis Money Show 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Benidorm 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Shaun of the Dead 1:30am Jackpot247
CH4 5:00pm Deal or No Deal 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons) 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast 10:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 11:00pm The Last Leg 12:05am Catastrophe
CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Race to the Pole 9:00pm Ice Road Truckers 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side 12:30am Celebrity Big Brother
SKY1 3:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 4:00pm Inside RAF Brize Norton 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Show Me Your Garden 10:00pm Ascension 11:50pm Ghostbusters 1:55am A Most Violent Year Special
Saturday BBC ONE 4:00pm Homes Under the Hammer 5:00pm Final Score 6:20pm Pointless 7:10pm BBC News 7:20pm Regional News 7:25pm Weather 7:30pm Now You See It 8:00pm The Voice UK 9:30pm The National Lottery 10:20pm Casualty 11:10pm BBC News 11:25pm Weather 11:30pm Match of the Day 1:00am The Football League Show
BBC TWO 4:25pm Hidalgo 6:30pm The Great British Sewing Bee 7:30pm Flog It! 8:30pm Attenborough's Birds of Paradise 9:30pm Dad's Army 10:00pm QI 10:30pm The Secret World of Lewis Carroll 11:30pm Ginger and Rosa 12:55am The Tempest
ITV 3:10pm Who's Doing the Dishes? 4:10pm Doc Martin 5:10pm Big Star's Little Star 6:10pm Local News and Weather 6:20pm ITV News and Weather 6:30pm You've Been Framed! 7:30pm Stars in Their Eyes 8:30pm Planets Got Talent 9:05pm Take Me Out 10:20pm The Jonathan Ross Show 11:25pm ITV News and Weather 11:35pm The Shawshank Redemption 2:10am Jackpot 247
CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm The Big Bang Theory 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm The Restoration Man 9:00pm The World's Weirdest Weather 10:00pm Ted 12:10am Your Highness
CH5 3:40pm Columbo: A Friend in Deed 5:35pm Columbo: A Deadly State of Mind 7:10pm NCIS 8:00pm NCIS 8:55pm NCIS 9:50pm 5 News 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 11:55pm Law and Order 12:50am Criminals
SKY1 3:00pm Last Man Standing 3:30pm Last Man Standing 4:00pm Greggs: More Than Meats the Pie 5:00pm Last Man Standing 5:30pm Last Man Standing 6:00pm Sun, Sea and A&E 7:00pm The Fanatics 8:00pm Show Me Your Garden 9:00pm Ghostbusters 11:05pm A League of Their Own 11:35pm A League of Their Own 12:05am Hawaii Five-0
TV LISTING
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Sunday BBC ONE 3:15pm Escape to the Country 4:00pm Eat Well for Less? 5:00pm Your Home in Their Hands 6:00pm Songs of Praise 6:35pm BBC News 6:50pm Regional News 6:55pm Weather 7:00pm Animals in Love 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Call the Midwife 10:00pm Last Tango in Halifax 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm Regional News 11:25pm Weather 11:30pm Match of the Day 2 12:30am The Apprentice USA
BBC TWO 3:00pm Food and Drink 3:30pm Talking Pictures 4:00pm Ivanhoe 5:45pm Flog It! 6:15pm Ski Sunday 7:00pm The Coffee Trail with Simon Reeve 8:00pm The Motorway: Life in the Fast Lane 9:00pm Top Gear 10:00pm Dragons' Den 11:00pm True Grit 12:45am New Jack City
ITV 3:10pm Mel and Sue's Best Bits 4:10pm Tipping Point 5:15pm The Spy Who Loved Me 7:35pm Local News and Weather 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Get Your Act Together 9:15pm All Star Family Fortunes 10:00pm Mr Selfridge 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:15pm Perspectives 12:15am LV Cup Rugby Highlights
CH4 3:00pm The Simpsons 3:30pm The Simpsons 4:00pm Penelope 5:50pm Channel 4 News 6:20pm Mr. Popper's Penguins 8:00pm The Jump 9:00pm The Hotel 10:00pm Our Guy in India 11:05pm The Simpsons 11:30pm The Super Bowl: American Football Live 4:30am Superscrimpers: Waste Not, Want Not
CH5 4:25pm Hoodwinked 5:55pm Made of Honour 7:50pm Hellboy II: The Golden Army 9:55pm 5 News 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm Justice 1:00am Britain's Flashiest Families
SKY1 4:00pm Last Man Standing 4:30pm Last Man Standing 5:00pm Emergency with Angela Griffin 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Holidaymakers 9:00pm A League of Their Own 10:00pm Hawaii Five-0 11:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00am Show Me Your Garden
Monday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Inside Out 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Panorama 10:00pm Silent Witness 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Football Focus 12:30am The Graham Norton Show
BBC TWO 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great Antiques Map of Britain 8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Only Connect 10:00pm A Cook Abroad: Dave Myers' Egypt 11:00pm Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather
ITV 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Tipping Point 5:00pm Mel and Sue 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Richard Wilson on the Road 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Broadchurch 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:45am The Kyle Files
CH4 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Jump 10:00pm The Undateables 11:00pm Catastrophe 11:35pm Bodyshockers 12:40am 24 Hours in A and E
CH5 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Criminals: Caught on Camera 8:30pm Car Crash TV 9:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm 10,000 BC 12:00am Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side
SKY1 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Holidaymakers 10:00pm 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy 11:00pm Air Ambulance ER 12:00am Hawaii Five-0
Tuesday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm Silent Witness 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Count Arthur Strong 12:15am Gareth Thomas: Game Changer
BBC TWO 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great Antiques Map of Britain 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 10:00pm Inside the Commons 11:00pm Rory Bremner's Coalition Report 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather
ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Deirdre and Me 9:00pm Bad Builders Bang to Rights 10:00pm Paul O'Grady's Animal Orphans 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Benidorm 12:10am Carry on Jack
CH4 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News Includes sport and weather. 9:00pm The Jump 10:00pm 24 Hours in Police Custody 11:00pm Ramsay's Hotel Hell 11:55pm The Mega Brothel 1:00am Pokerstars.Com and Monte-Carlo Casino EPT Grand Final
CH5 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Benefits 9:00pm Costa Del Casualty 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm 10,000 BC 12:00am Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side
SKY1 4:00pm Inside RAF Brize Norton 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm Modern Family 10:00pm Air Ambulance ER 11:00pm Ross Kemp: Extreme World 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles
Wednesday BBC ONE 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Match of the Day Live 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm A Question of Sport 12:15am Film 2015
BBC TWO 5:10pm To the Manor Born 5:40pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great Antiques Map of Britain 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Alaska: Earth's Frozen Kingdom 10:00pm Wolf Hall 11:00pm Up the Women 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather
ITV 5:00pm Mel and Sue 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Midsomer Murders 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Bring Back Borstal 12:35am I Never Knew That About Britain
CH4 5:00pm Shipping Wars 5:45pm Couples Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Jump 10:00pm 24 Hours in A and E 11:00pm Bodyshockers 12:00am The Undateables
CH5 3:15pm NCIS 4:15pm Another Man's Wife 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Cowboy Builders 9:00pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm Age Gap Love 12:00am Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side
SKY1 3:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 4:00pm Harrow: A Very British School 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Fanatics 10:00pm 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy 11:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles
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MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE
Boyhood Filmed with the same cast over a period of 12 years, Boyhood was recently nominated for eight Academy Awards. The movie plots the joys and pitfalls of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason, his parents and his sister. A series of vignettes of Mason’s life from the age of five to 18 captures family meals, road trips, birthday parties, graduations and other important life milestones. A favourite to pick up the Best Picture award at this year’s Oscars. Directed by Richard Linklater, stars Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke. Run time 162 minutes. Rated R.
TODAY TODAY
ALCUDIA
POLLENÇA
CALA MILLOR
INCA
CALVIA
CALA d’OR
PALMA ANDRATX
LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF
ALCUDIA
POLLENÇA
TOMORROW CALA MILLOR
INCA
CALVIA
CALA d’OR
PALMA ANDRATX
LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF
Fri Sat Sun -
Mon - 14 6 C Tues - 14 6 S Wed - 17 6 C
21 11 C 19 8 C 16 9 S
9-Star Quiz
tars
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Someone with a romantic interest in you starts buzzing around. This is all very well if you are willing, but if not keep your distance. As thoughts turn to summer, it is not surprising that a holiday is on your mind.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Putting your thoughts and feelings on a par with someone else will help you to understand their point of view. Tthere will need to be some compromise if everyone is to be happy.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Small matters start to clog up the emotional works. You would rather be somewhere else, but grit your teeth and deal with necessary matters. Finances certainly must be watched most carefully.
LIBRA
Sudoku
(September 24 October 23) Although you may not have received the expected response to a question recently, it is no reason to brood. SCORPIO (October 24 November 22) The way to bring energy levels up this week is to spend time with energetic people. You may feel a little on the fringes initially but, at the end of the day, your spirit will be lifted.
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.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 December 21) Look ahead to see how exactly you can make this spring extra special. Making your plans clear to others means a smooth journey. CAPRICORN (December 22 January 20) There is an incredibly romantic week ahead if you only enter into the spirit of it. Let your feelings be seen and felt, showing appreciation for loved ones.
LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
UK THUNDERBALL
IRISH LOTTO
EURO MILLIONS
Saturday January 24
Saturday January 24
Saturday January 24
Friday January 23
4
8
19
35
44
49
2
8 18
9 36
1
9
12
38
43
44
BONUS BALL
THUNDERBALL
BONUS BALL
17
5
28
6
29 38
LUCKY STARS 1
8
7
14
16
36
37
47
REINTEGRO 29
2
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA 11
Fri Sat Sun -
23 45
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
Mon - 14 7 C Tues - 15 8 Cl Wed - 16 7 S
16 9 Sh 14 8 Sh 13 7 S S Sun,
14 10 Sh 12 4 Sh 13 6 Cl
MAX MIN
Mon - 9 1 C Tues - 11 1 C Wed - 11 1 C
Murcia
CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 9C MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
Mon - 17 7 C Tues - 17 7 S Wed - 17 7 C
CLOUDY MAX 14C, MIN 9C
TODAY:
Mallorca TODAY:
22 11 C 20 8 C 18 8 C
Madrid
17 13 C 17 9 Sh 16 8 S
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Mon - 12 6 C Tues - 15 6 S Wed - 13 6 C Cl Clear,
SUNNY MAX 22C, MIN 10C MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun Fog,
Sn Snow,
23 12 C 21 11 Sh 20 8 S C Cloud,
MAX MIN
Mon - 17 6 C Tues - 17 7 S Wed - 19 5 C 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 L) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
TARGET:
Average: 11
Very good: 20
Good: 14
Excellent: 25
amen, amid, amir, dame, damn, damp, dime, dram, emir, idem, made, maid, main, mane, mare, mead, mean, mend, mien, mind, mine, mire, name, perm, pram, prim, ramp, ream, rime, admen, admin, aimed, aimer, amend, amide, amine, anime, armed, denim, derma, dimer, dream, maned, media, mined, miner, mired, named, namer, prima, prime, ramie, rearm, remap, rimed, admire, airmen, dampen, damper, impend, maiden, marine, marred, median, medina, minder, primed, primer, ramped, remain, remand, remind, admirer, mariner, married, REPRIMAND
Word Ladder SNAP
Move from the start word (SNAP) to the end word (PEAS) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
41 54
REINTEGRO 7
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX 18C, MIN 12C
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
CLEAR MAX 20C, MIN 11C MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Mon - 12 6 C Tues - 14 6 Cl Wed - 12 5 C
14 10 C 13 8 C 15 8 Cl
SUNNY
MAX MIN
Mon - 16 8 Cl Tues - 16 8 S Wed - 16 8 Cl
Benidorm
Malaga TODAY:
MAX 19C, MIN 12C
19 13 C 19 12 C 16 10 S
TODAY:
CLOUDY MAX 17C, MIN 12C
Sunday January 25
Saturday January 24
30 45
LA PRIMITIVA
Fri Sat Sun -
SUNNY MAX MIN
Barcelona TODAY:
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Mutual plans are exciting but make sure that others know your needs exactly. As a Leo, you will never willingly accept second best but how can others know your standards?
Y S our
TODAY:
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) You may feel a bit like Sherlock Holmes when you solve a tricky dilemma. With your intellect soaring, it is little surprise that others come to you with their problems.
TWO’S A CROWD
MAX MIN
www.fiduciarywealth.eu
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Emotional and monetary wealth go hand in hand at the beginning of this energetic week. Someone is likely to make demands that you find unacceptable and you will need all your tact to avoid unpleasantness.
1. According to Roman mythology, which twin brothers were the legendary founders of Rome? 2. Both located in the Cairngorms in Scotland, which are the two highest mountains in the UK? 3. In terms of land area, which are the two largest US states? 4. What are the forenames of the two female members of the Swedish pop group ABBA? 5. What are the names of the two team captains on the longrunning TV panel show Have I Got News For You? 6. What were the names of the actors who played the first two ‘incarnations’ of Dr Who? 7. What were the names of the first two women (both Russian) in space? 8. What were the two former names of the Turkish capital city, Istanbul? 9. Which are the two UK newspapers with the biggest daily circulation?
Almeria
SUNNY MAX 19C, MIN 11C
PEAS
SOAR SEAR PEAR PEAS
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Even as you prepare to go on a trip or start something new this week, the future beckons. In small things there are clues to the way forward. A chance encounter brings humour and opens your eyes to a friendship lately neglected.
Alicante TODAY:
(SEAM) SEAS PEAS or SNAP SOAP
Visit the stars, for details on our expanded range of services
SNAP SWAP (SLAP) SWAT (SLAM) SEAT
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Being at the forefront of a learning experience is pleasurable this week. An unexpected offer seems small but could have a big effect. A friend in need may go over the top and annoy you.
1. ROMULUS and REMUS, 2. BEN NEVIS and BEN MACDUI, 3. ALASKA and TEXAS, 4. AGNETHA Fältskog and ANNI-FRID Lyngstad, 5. IAN HISLOP and PAUL MERTON, 6. WILLIAM HARTNELL and PATRICK TROUGHTON, 7. Valentina TERESCHOVA and Svetlana SAVITSKAYA, 8. BYZANTIUM and CONSTANTINOPLE, 9. THE SUN and DAILY MAIL
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Crosswords
29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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Cryptic
Quick
Across 1 Letters from Oscar certainly seem few and far between (6) 4 Some of Clement Attlee’s gossip (6) 9 Eat a cut cooked spark (7) 10 Post the money for a bet (5) 11 Will, from the rear, looks dowdy (4) 12 Bring down dress circle record (7) 15 On the contrary, her art is moving (6) 16 Group of ten become rotten we hear (6) 19 Spoke but spoke indistinctly first off (7) 21 Mention it's in church (4) 24 A doctor has some hesitation about the colour (5) 25 One so behind after quarantine (7) 26 Journey made by composer after end of concert (6) 27 Hate can be tested (6) Down 1 Normal sort of flag (8) 2 Appeal to an act containing a refined tart (7) 3 Bird talk (4)
Across 1 Capture (6) 4 No longer tired (6) 9 Short sleep (3) 10 Announce (7) 11 Break down (7) 12 Separate part of a whole (5) 13 Thickly packed (5) 15 Encounters (5) 20 Makes warmer (5) 22 Wailing (7) 24 Futile (7) 25 Fasten (3) 26 Fixed (6) 27 Repaired (6)
5 "A ship, your Majesty!" Ted declared (8) 6 Takes in the faulty parts (5) 7 Veer off at any time (4) 8 Some native general back in the desert (5) 13 Erase her comical practise (8) 14 Forceful? Even them, in a way (8)
17 Bring to life, I meant a modification (7) 18 Memento from more licentious times (5) 20 I bit a broken bone (5) 22 Lure one into club (4) 23 Secret message from San Francisco detective (4)
Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 4 represents J and 24 represents C, so fill in J every time the figure 4 appears and C every time the figure 24 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 Severe, 4 Closet, 8 Acrid, 10 Scope, 11 Erect, 12 Shine, 13 Earns, 14 Mason, 17 Acts, 19 Cent, 21 Lasts, 24 Bride, 25 Tails, 27 Abode, 28 Ahead, 29 Range, 30 Eating, 31 Beards. Down: 1 Swansea, 2 Verdi, 3 Redeem, 5 Listen, 6 Scourge, 7 Teens, 9 Fees, 15 Ada, 16 Out, 18 Trident, 20 Testers, 21 Leaden, 22 Shot, 23 Sterne, 24 Brace, 26 Inner. QUICK Across: 1 Lamp, 4 Peculiar, 8 Coarse, 9 Nearer, 10 Joke, 11 Startled, 13 Little, 15 Tested, 17 Reaching, 20 Rags, 21 Scheme, 23 Adapts, 24 Operates, 25 Sick. Down: 2 Apologise, 3 Perfect, 4 Press, 5 Contact, 6 Least, 7 Ate, 12 Energetic, 14 Evident, 16 Screams, 18 Cheer, 19 Goals, 22 Cap. ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Snail, 4 Shade, 7 Margarine, 10 Cod, 15 Artichoke, 17 Medio, 18 Argue.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Down: 1 Sala, 2 Arm, 3 Loro, 4 Scar, 5 Amigo, 6 Even, 9 Usted, 11 Farm, 12 Ocio, 13 Boca, 14 Bone, 16/8 Egg cup.
English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English. Across 1 Plomo (4) 3 Cuevas (5) 8 Translator (9) 9 Late (after usual time) (5) 10 Garras (de animal) (5) 12 Carpintero (9) 14 Home (5) 15 Elbow (4) Down 1 Lápiz de labios (8) 2 Después de (5) 4 Avocado (8) 5 Comer (3) 6 Wastepaper bin (8) 7 Alleged (8) 11 Sour (not sweet) (5) 13 River (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 (WREATH) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues. BITTER
PURRED
DEALER
ROARED
DESIRE
SISTER
DETOUR
STEALS
EITHER
TALLOW
ENTERS
TASTES
HUMANS
TESTED
MANTLE
TITLED
MONTHS
WREATH (10)
MORSEL
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Funagram Unscramble the name of a member of the European Union and its capital city: SILENT NATIONAL FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: NEIL ROBERTSON, ESTONIA, TALLINN
Unscramble the name of a top professional snooker player: NO TERRIBLE SON
Down 1 Yearly (6) 2 Put back (7) 3 Unhappily (5) 5 Specimen (7) 6 Subject (5) 7 Peril (6) 8 Threaded fastener (5) 14 Hang freely (7) 16 Distorted (7) 17 Heads (6) 18 Robber (5) 19 United by being of the same opinion (6) 21 Make laugh (5) 23 Squander (5)
1 Splash, 2 Ambled, 3 Shells, 4 Paltry, 5 Please, 6 Deduce, 7 Fields, 8 Cancel, 9 Titter, 10 Facing, 11 Saucer, 12 Rigour, 13 Chains, 14 Trough, 15 Corona, 16 Cruise, 17 Favour, 18 Archer, 19 Forces
34
E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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In future I must remember to take some of my own advice Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving
24th January
COPYRIGHT SYDA PRODUCTIONS
THE sunny weather and having my parents with me has been warming in all senses of the word. My sister left last week to fly back to Manila and her partner back to Singapore. It was very sad to see them go, especially my sister with whom I am extremely close and love dearly. It is hard to express how proud I am of her and just what a strong person she is. Just as well my parents didn’t leave on the same day otherwise it would have been even tougher to say goodbye to everyone at the same time. My parents and I enjoyed doing the simple things together, sharing meals, playing games with the
children, supporting their grandson on the sidelines at football matches, chatting by the fire, watching Only Fools and Horses and British quizzes which they have been starved of because they live in Mexico. Unfortunately all good things come to an end and their departure date drew nearer. The last night was spent together with my children and Jorge having a meal out and then suddenly it was time to pack up and go. Jorge drove them to the airport and parked outside the door and was allowed to leave the car there for longer than normal because of his job. Rather good having a badge to flash from time to time! We said our goodbyes and did well not to be overcome by emotion, although I have to admit to having a little cry later. It had been lovely to see them and it reminded me of my childhood. A cup of tea or a meal made by your parents is a thing to be treasured. I shall miss having them here but I am glad they are back in Mexico in much warmer climes.
IN MODERATION: A small glass of wine a day could be beneficial.
FAMILY WARMTH: It was sad to see my parents and sister leave. My parents are both cancer survivors and have fought off practically everything, but they cannot abide the cold. Thankfully the days were sunny but the nights were a little too cold for their liking in Spain. It’s understandable as Mexico enjoys a warm climate all year round. After a quick pit stop to see Jorge’s mum I headed back to my house. The week was spent fairly quietly, resting, eating well and playing word
games. My daughter in particular loves them. The Saturday football match was upon us again and I have to say that despite a sterling performance from my son, we were soundly beaten! Never mind, nothing a cinema trip and popcorn wouldn’t sort out! Next week would be my fourth treatment and I was really hoping that they would manage to get the line in first time. There was a trainee
nurse the last few times I went for my chemo and whilst I appreciate she needs to practice, I would rather she didn’t do it on me! As my veins aren’t the best I really need someone who knows what they are doing. Apart from that minor concern and a slight chesty cough, I was feeling on good form and looking forward to getting to the half way point of my chemo. A little bit like an obstacle course, you have to jump through the hoops, under the cargo netting and over the wall and charge down the other side to the finish line. Once this next session was over I would be ‘over the wall’ so to speak, which I was greatly looking forward to. Whilst I am extremely patient there is nothing you can do to speed up the process. Do the things you have less time to do when you are at full speed with a busy working life. Read a book, have a siesta and cook wholesome meals… I must remember to take some of my own advice!
A drink a day may be good for you FORGET dry January, having a drink could actually cut your chances of developing heart failure if you’re middleaged. An American study of nearly 15,000 people aged between 45 and 64, found that drinking up to seven drinks a week (such as a small glass of wine or half a pint) is linked with a 20
per cent lower risk of men developing heart failure in the future compared to people who did not drink at all and there was a 16 per cent cut in risk for women. But be strict on the one small drink a day rule as researchers found that there was an increased risk of death for those who reported consuming 21 or more
drinks a week at the start of the study. A professor of the study said: “These findings suggest that drinking alcohol in moderation does not contribute to an increased risk of heart failure and may even be protective, but heavy alcohol use is certainly a risk factor for deaths from any cause.”
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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If you want to change your life, why not use the help of Clinical Hypnotherapy? IT’S a New Year, and many of us will be attempting to make some healthy lifestyle changes. Perhaps to shed those extra pounds, quit smoking or drinking alcohol, become less stressed or exercise and eat healthily. One of the best changes you can make for both your health and your pocket is to give up smoking for good. But quite often, only a few short weeks into the New Year, many will lose determination around February and this is when a little extra professional support can help. This is where advanced clinical hypnotherapy, can change your life for the better, giving you the ability to drop unwanted behavioural patterns at a subconscious level, not just
for the moment but long term. Alexandra Swindells qualified 15 years ago and practices Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy specialising in the Austen Technique to Stop Smoking in One session. The technique developed on Harley Street, London, has a 95 per cent success rate, and Alex offers a free back up. With this technique the link between a part of the subconscious mind and the cigarette smoking behaviour will be broken, and the desire for a cigarette will be redirected to a healthier safer activity automatically. Cigarettes will become repulsive to the former smoker. Finally free from cigarettes without side effects. You do have to want to give up though.
Alexandra Swindells. Most smokers will tell you that they ‘enjoy’ smoking, yet in the same breath will probably say that they hate it and would like to give up. People generally smoke for many different reasons. In the beginning they probably were identifying with a peer who smoked, and later the habit developed as response to hunger, to stress or boredom, anxiety or when drinking alcohol or coffee. Clients require only one
session to quit smoking and do so without the normal side effects. They take up an alternative behaviour pattern, something positive and healthy to replace their former smoking habit that is more beneficial to them, and are protected from overeating or other withdrawal symptoms. Advanced clinical hypnotherapy is a natural and safe technique, and can be used as treatment for many fears, phobias and unwanted habits. Alex also uses regression to resolve and heal deep routed or unexplained trauma and emotional issues, relationship problems caused in the long seated childhood events, which go on to produce unwanted fears and phobias.
Advertising feature
Your guide to the best trends in winter eyewear
JANUARY is a great time to update your look and glasses are a quick and easy way to refresh your style and make a statement, by carrying through some of the latest trends. Natasha Gray, Global Stylist and Frame Communications Manager, from optical brand Specsavers has put together an overview of winter trends which you can apply to your glasses and accessories and start 2015 looking great. Marine Theme - This trend sees stunning marine colours applied to frames for both men and women. The great thing about blue and green frames is that they emphasise the natural colours of the iris, enlarge the appearance of the eyes, and bring them into focus in a flattering way. These shades complement a range of skin tones and will work well with most of your wardrobe, given that many colours have blue undertones.
Folk Luxe & Vintage Drama This trend is all about luxury fabrics, jewel-colours, feathers, faux fur and Native American elements. Folk art also plays a huge part in this trend. The never-ending love affair with vintage apparel and accessories is still apparent and retro designs are still emerging, from cat’s-eye to round-eyed styles. Clubmaster-inspired frames are a key trend for 2015. Digital Life Theme - This trend is all about clean lines, bright colours, layered acetate plastic and bold shapes. Multilayered acetate plastic is a really neat way of subtly showing off your style credentials. It keeps the look very smart but gives a flash of fashion inspiration. A lighter colour on the inside of the frame is often used; this allows light to illuminate, rather than darken the eye area.
From Dawn to Dusk Theme - An emerging frame trend features all the colours of the sunrise and sunset. Particularly for women, this trend includes pinks, purples, sunset oranges and flaming reds. Specsavers Opticas have a large range of designer glasses including Karl Lagerfeld, Roxy, Quicksilver, Karen Millen, Benetton and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as their own cult brands of Osiris and Aurora. Style advisors are on hand to help make the right choice for each face shape. There are stores located in Benidorm, Guardamar, Calpe, Jávea and Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca, Fuengirola and Marbella on the Costa del Sol and Santa Ponsa in Mallorca.
For more information and to find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es.
All consultations’ are private and confidential.
Call + 34 620 266 212 alexandraswindells.com
36
E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
PETS
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Ebola nurse Welcoming your new dog adopts puppy from shelter David THE Dogman
A NURSE whose dog was destroyed after she contracted Ebola has adopted a puppy from a local animal sanctuary. The news that her pet Excalibur had been put down made nearly as many headlines as the fact that Teresa Romero had contracted the deadly disease while treating an infected patient. The Madrid health authorities had ordered the destruction of the dog, described by Teresa’s husband Javier Limon, as “the child they never had” without the couple’s permission. Teresa has since been released from hospital after recovering and Javier never had the disease. The health authorities said that Excalibur could have been a health risk, but in Texas, USA, in a similar case an infected nurse’s dog was quarantined and tested before eventually being reunited with her family. Teresa and Javier have now given American Stanford puppy Alma a home. As they picked the dog up from a sanctuary in Alcorcon, Madrid, they took the opportunity to ask other people to do the same. Javier said: “Society needs to be aware of how many animals are abandoned and need a loving new home.”
Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10 thru 11. Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm
CHILDREN are always excited about a new pet. Don’t allow them to overwhelm him with attention and handling. They should be taught to play gently with him, and never to disturb him when he is sleeping or eating. Parental supervision is important. You’ve probably given your dog a new name. Use it frequently and try always to associate it with good things: affection, approval and fun. When he is first settling in, your new pet may have problems of shyness, anxiety, restlessness, excitement, crying or barking. Physical symptoms may include excessive water-drinking,
GENTLE PLAY: Set rules for your children and dog. frequent urination, diarrhoea or a poor appetite. If any of these symptoms last for more than a few days, call your veterinarian. Be consistent. Decide on the rules and stick to them. For example, be sure you and your children understand whether or not the dog is allowed on the furniture. Does that mean all the furniture or just some of
it? If you change the rules, the dog will be confused. Don’t allow him to do something one time and forbid it the next. Obedience training can be very helpful to the adult dog and to you. However, it is not the same as training a puppy with no prior training. Your dog may have learned commands other than the ones you use. Take time for him to
adjust to your commands. Most dogs adjust quickly to their new families within a week or two. Some take longer. Very few dogs are unable to adjust at all. In most cases the dog will be a well-adjusted member of the family within a month. In fact, you may find it difficult to remember a time when he wasn’t part of the family.
Pet sitters for frequent travellers at HousesitMatch By Lamia Walker of HousesitMatch THE Grays from Bristol love the Costa de Almeria, the weather, the beaches and beautiful landscape, to say nothing of the quality of lifestyle relative to the cost of living at home. As they near retirement, they find they are spending more and more time on holiday in Spain, and it’s increasingly difficult to find care for their dog, Poppy. It was easier asking relatives and friends when they popped
over for a week or so now and again, but now their trips are getting longer and more frequent, pet sitting favours are harder to ask for. They recently came across a network that allows them to tap into available housesitters with pet experience, some local to them, others remote but keen to travel and swap their pet experience for free accommodation. To Don and Susan this has provided a solution. They signed up three months ago and have
already hosted one housesitting couple and have advertised their next three sets of dates on the website. HouseSitMatch.com allows them to plan up to three trips in advance. “This is unique, and pretty darned handy for regular travellers,” they said. Download your Free Easy Guide to Housesitting from www.bit.ly/eurown001 To find a pet sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com or call Lamia on +44 (0)1865 521 508.
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Mallorca’s Got Talent preliminary round WHAT did you do last Saturday night? Were you at home on the sofa, watching television, maybe you were watching The Voice? Well, you should have been at Aroma El Toro Restaurant, listening to the ‘voices.’ Last Saturday night was the preliminary round of the fantastic Mallorca’s Got Talent competition. After last weeks’ opening night, it would have seemed impossible for the venue to be fuller, but it was!! Once again Aroma El Toro Restaurant surpassed itself, both in hosting the competition, and in the quality of the talent on show. The house was packed for the first round, hosted again by the very versatile Paul Martin. There were six extremely talented contestants, so talented that it was hard to believe that this was not the actual final! All contestants sang their first song, it was difficult to choose between them, the standard was so high. This season the entries are not
restricted to only amateurs, but open to professionals also, so the bar is set high. Midway through the evening, we were entertained by 12-yearold Alfie, a previous winner, and we are not talking Karaoke, he could belt out some serious tunes. Several of the island’s seasoned entertainers were present, no
out
doubt checking any up and coming
competition. The second half commenced with serious anticipation, all six contestants having one more chance to showcase their talents. The audience each had an opportunity to vote for their favourite performer, it was a very close run competition. Anyone who entered is able to
enter in another of the upcoming heats, which gives a fair chance to all, as it was extremely difficult to choose between them. The eventual winner, for this round, was Rebecca Parry, whose rendition of power ballads won the audience over, but it was very close. All six contestants were amazing. So this Saturday be there, and don’t be watching the ‘square’ thing in the corner!! The competition will be running every Saturday in Aroma El Toro Restaurant, until the final which will now be held at The Stadium in Palma Nova on February 28. The starting time for all rounds will be 8.00pm, at Aroma Restaurant in El Toro.
Are you a bar or restaurant that advertises with EWN? AT EWN we have our clients’ best interests at heart. Getting your news out to the public can sometimes be a struggle, but we here at EWN want to help. Have you changed your menu, recently renovated or won an award? Do you have an upcoming charity event you’d like to publicise? Do you have a new member of staff?
Maybe you’d like to take part in our ‘Restaurant’ experience? Your establishment provides a meal for two which we will review and publish with pictures - in your local edition. If you have any news of interest that you would like to get out to local readers, then please let us know. We cannot promise to publish everything, but we will do our best.
Please send your news and photos to whatson@euroweeklynews.com
To enter please call: Aroma El Toro 971 232 842 or Paul Martin on 603 289 042 email: pvmpaulm@aol.com
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FEATURE
Know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em By Iain Dempsey IT’S a sight that isn’t particularly commonplace, given its solitary nature, but it is one that routinely occurs in hundreds of thousands of homes across Spain, and forms a multi-billion-euro industry. Each night, bathed in the white luminous glow of computer screens and tablets, Spanish gamblers roll the virtual dice, fold or raise on the virtual felt, and win or lose ‘virtual’ money. But despite the dangerous lies that a gambler’s mind tells itself, the money isn’t virtual. It is real. And most gamblers are losing theirs. If the house always wins in the long run, to use the Vegas parlance, then Spanish players are paying handover-fist to the virtual house. The online gaming industry in Spain generates more than €5.5 billion each year and attracts around 300,000 regular players. It’s a lot of money for a country with nearly a quarter of the population out of work. According to the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU), the average Spanish online gambler is male, is aged between 25 and 34, and spends €1,765 a month on sports betting, online gambling or on poker sites. To put that into context, this amount is slightly above the average Spanish monthly wage of €1,615. Gambling on the internet is now the second biggest form of gambling addiction in Spain behind fruit machines, but takes less time to develop: two years instead of six or seven for more traditional forms of gambling. Of course, not everybody who has an account on an online poker site is a gambling addict. Many players enjoy the thrill of the game while not really expecting to win. They do it for a few hours’ recreation. However, there are others who consistently break the golden rule of gambling, ‘never chase your losses’, and find themselves loading more money into an account that rarely seems to grow in size. So what is it about online
ONLINE GAMBLING: Addiction can develop faster than in traditional gambling that means it only takes two years to develop a gambling addiction, as opposed to six if you frequent the traditional ‘brick and mortar’ establishments like casinos or bookies? It comes down to perception. Like using a credit card (which the gambler actually needs to finance their online account), the user tells themselves that the money isn’t real. If you can’t see it and can’t touch it, it’s just a number on a screen that can go up or down. Access to your bank account is just a simple click away and, who
depletes and they need to deposit more in order to keep playing. A quick search around internet forums throws up a sizeable amount of people complaining that when they first joined an online gambling site or poker site, they found themselves winning regularly and seeing their initial deposit grow in size, only for that ‘lucky streak’ to come to an abrupt end shortly afterwards. But by then it’s too late, they’re hooked and chasing the highs of that winning streak. A regulated industry, like it is in Spain, at least ensures that licensed gambling sites are above board and playing by the rules (there have been high profile cases in other countries where some sites weren’t). And the carrots that they dangle to get you in the virtual door and start spending money are just that: juicy enticements. You don’t have to take the bait, but many people do. The small percentage of gamblers – particularly in online poker – who do win on a regular basis, rely on the fact that most people will lose. They hone their game, memorise the necessary statistics, and use best judgement at the table to keep their accounts ticking upwards. The online gambling world is full of experts Gambling sites and sharks employ any number only too willing to of lures to reel you in. forms. take money Poker sites regularly from the match your deposit knows, you recreational with their own may pick or bad money, purely to up that pair players. of winning It’s a world get you to deposit aces on the not to get into money. next hand. too lightly, and Online gambling one that must be sites also employ any treated with caution. If number of lures to reel you in. you can afford it, are having Poker sites regularly match your fun, and are not all-consumed by it, deposit with their own money, then by all means, enjoy. But if you purely to get you to deposit money. consistently lose and find yourself “Deposit €100 and we’ll give you pumping more money into that another €100,” they frequently online account while you chase your advertise. Most players find, losses, it might be time to stop or however, that their €200 slowly seek help.
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A practical guide to Age Concern is busy your olive harvest UPCOMING VISIT: To the Quely Biscuit factory in Inca.
advised to notify Age Concern so they can cater for requirements and transport will also be available. Next up on the agenda is a visit to the Quely Biscuit factory in Inca where the famous Inca biscuits are made. Lots of free samples are sure to be on hand! Afterwards there’ll be a drive through the countryside to view the almond blossoms before a buffet lunch with a wide range of local dishes. Booking before February 7 to Jackie on 678 352 040 or 971 231 520 or acmallorca@ageconcern-espana-org.
IANAN/FLICKR
FEBRUARY is looking like a busy month for Age Concern Mallorca as they start a new project ‘Afternoon Teas’ once a month. The first Monday of every month starting on February 2 in the Coleman Hall underneath the Anglican Church will see people gather for table games such as Rummikub, chess, cards, Scrabble, draughts and dominos. Afternoon tea will be served and Age Concern volunteers will be on hand to make the afternoons memorable and fun. People interested in attending are
UNUSUAL EFFECT: The sun shines through the rosette window.
Palma Cathedral ‘figure of eight’ TWICE a year the sun shines through the rosette window in Palma Cathedral projecting a ‘figure of eight’ on the opposite wall. The effect happens on November 11 and February 2 each year. Monday is the day to visit the Cathedral and witness the effect for yourself.
Anglican Church play THE ANGLICAN CHURCH in Mallorca is launching a new venture where a small group of people from one of the churches will
rehearse and perform a one-act comedy. Called ‘Gosforth’s Fete,’ the play’s theme will be based on an unwitting announcement made over the PA system of a village fete. To find out what happens next, people are urged to attend.
Performances will take place at St Philip and James Anglican Church in Palma on February 27 at 8pm and at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Puerto Pollensa on February 28 at 7.30pm. Tickets are €10 each and include a light supper.
editorial@euroweeklynews.com
Dick Handscombe
Gardening Corner By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.
The basic needs TO ensure the maximum yields each year, subject to weather conditions, you will need to prune, feed and take precautions against potential pest attacks. We suggest that you use ecological methods and products in order to end up with high quality ecological olive oil. Pruning There are four important types of pruning: • Remedial pruning of neglected olive trees When we took over a long abandoned olive grove we needed to do 80 to 90 per cent pruning in the first year. • Regular winter pruning In the eight weeks after harvesting it is normal to cut out vertical growth which cannot be trained to grow horizontally or weeping, plus weak, deceased and dead growth. This will help channel sap to last year’s growth and stimulate new side shoots on which flowers and fruit will form. • Regular spring pruning Once the new flower buds can be seen a thinning of crowned branches and non flowering growth is made
to stimulate larger olives. Depending on the health of the tree this can be a five to 20 per cent pruning. • Removal of suckers Suckers often sprout up from the lower trunk and shallow roots surrounding the base of the tree. These need to be removed to ensure all sap flows to productive branches. The main cutting off is in the winter but they are best trimmed off throughout the year when they first appear. Having cut these off some producers, cover the base of the tree to stimulate any further shoots to develop as new roots. Feeding Two types of feeding are beneficial. Firstly a late winter root feed using well
rotted animal manures, powdered dried manures or proprietary ecological manures. Secondly ecological foliar feeds in spring, summer and autumn. Irrigation We suggest you do not water your olive trees except for recently planted young trees and during freak long dry spells. Olive trees are one of the most drought resistant trees. Spraying There are number of pests that can affect yields and the quality of fruit. Ecological products are available for each and the most convenient can be mixed together to reduce the number of sprayings required. © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com January 2015
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OPINION & COMMENT
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/norajohnson
H
AVE you been targeted by one of those ‘phishing’ scams? You know, those scam emails pretending to offer customers a tax rebate? Or worse still, think you might miss the January 31 deadline for online UK tax returns? If so, you’d better come up with a better excuse than those provided recently by HM Revenue and Customs as the worst examples people have come up with for filing/ paying their tax return late. These range from the usual “my pet dog ate my tax return… and all the
reminders;” “I was up a mountain in Wales, and couldn’t find a post box or get an internet signal” and “I was in Australia” to the “poor me” variety (“I fell in with the wrong crowd;” “I live in a camper van in a supermarket car park”; “a work colleague borrowed my tax return, to photocopy it, and didn’t give it back to me;” “my girlfriend’s pregnant”) to the truly bizarre (“Barack Obama’s in charge of my finances;” “I’ve been busy looking after a flock of escaped parrots and some fox cubs;” “I’ve been travelling the world, trying to escape from a foreign intelligence agency”). Unsurprisingly, none of these led to a successful appeal - or worthy of an award at next month’s Oscars. As HMRC director general of personal tax put it: “People can have a
COPYRIGHT JOE SEER
Tax return cop-outs worthy of an Oscar? genuine excuse for missing a tax deadline, but owning a pet with a taste for HMRC envelopes isn’t one of them."
Have you been targeted by a ‘phishing’ scam?
TAX EXCUSE: Is yours worthy of an Oscar?
To return, briefly, to ‘phishing,’ maybe the best advice nowadays is, sadly, ‘Trust nobody.’ The world in which we now live. Fake tradesmen in hi-vis jackets knocking at your door to check some phoney gas-leak/pipework ‘problem’ and walking out with your wallet. The elderly being palmed off with third-rate stuff at outrageous prices. Or a worthless plot of land as an ‘investment.’
This happens, we all know it happens. The answer may partly lie with the media: more publicity given about the punish-ment dished out to offenders to scare off those hell-bent on committing such crimes. And more, much more success in catching the offenders ... What’s really disturbing is that the police often know who the offenders are, but can’t get enough people to testify against them. Perhaps we’re all at fault here. What’s your view?
Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89;£0.79) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca.
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PROPERTY
29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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Housing website finds rents are steady in 2014 THE collapse of prices in the Spanish housing rental market is over, suggest figures from property website idealista.com. Across 2014 rents rose by 2.6 per cent, although the increase has not been at a consistent rate throughout the year with a climb of just 0.2 per cent in the last quarter. Catalonia leads the recovery as the region with the highest leap in rents, up by 9.8 per cent. Extremadura, at 3.9 per cent, also showed a higher than average increase. And while Madrid is still the most expensive region to rent a home, at a monthly cost of €10.20 per square metre, followed by the Basque Country (€10 per square metre), Catalonia (€9.20) and then the Balearic Islands (€8.10), Barcelona is by far the most expensive city. There, tenants must shell out an average of €12.50 per square metre every
RENTAL PROPERTIES: There are still many bargains around for tenants. month, meaning a small, one-bedroom flat of 50 square metres will cost €625 a month. And after rising 11 per cent last year, Barcelona rents look to be booming. Landlords aren’t rubbing their hands in glee right across Spain, however,
with prices still falling in some regions. Murcia saw the biggest drop of 4.4 per cent, and is one of the cheapest regions in which to rent, at an average of €4.70 per square metre per month. Extremadura (€4.20) and Castilla-La Mancha (€4.40) are the
Spanish cities exciting investors in 2015 AN international estate agency has picked out Valencia and Madrid as potential ‘property hotspots’ for 2015. The firm, Lucas Fox International, points to recent increases in home sales in both cities and their surrounding regions, alongside vibrant arts and cultural scenes, on top of historically low property prices following the crash, as indicators of reliable investment opportunities. Property sales in the Valencia region climbed as much as 30 per cent in 2014, compared to the preceding year, and Lucas Fox International makes reference to the area’s beautiful coast,
matched by dependably warm weather for most of the year, exciting local cuisine and covetable architectural heritage as factors that are hooks for potential investors. Spokesperson for the firm, Juan Luis Herrero, told international news service Property Wire that as Valencia, “also offers excellent accessibility to the likes of Madrid, Ibiza and Barcelona, it is no wonder that [it] is increasingly becoming a target for opportunistic overseas property investors.” The company also stated that Madrid was “back on the map as one of the best places in which to invest.”
only cheaper regions in Spain for tenants. Despite the stabilisation in prices in 2014, the astronomic rents of the high point of Spain’s housing boom are a long way off. Five regional capitals have seen rent prices crash since the beginning of the crisis by more than 30 per cent; Zaragoza is the worst affected with the average rent now slashed almost in half, dropping by 44.8 per cent, followed by Castellon (down 38.8 per cent), Valencia (-35.9 per cent), Guadalajara (-33.8 per cent) and Albacete (-31.7 per cent). Madrid and Barcelona rents by comparison have been much more stable, although still dropping a significant 17.3 per cent since their peak in 2007. So while the idealista figures suggest landlords can begin to look forward to a more prosperous year, there are still many bargains for tenants.
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Mixed fortunes for Abu Dhabi Racing yachts ABU DHABI OCEAN RACING’S former Volvo Ocean Race yacht has been destroyed by fire at a French shipyard. The VOR 70 Azzam, which finished the last edition of the Volvo Ocean Race in fifth place, was engulfed in flames in a fire at a shed in Cogolin on the French Riviera where it was being stored. Most of the hull of the Italian-built yacht was melted and only the boom remained intact after the blaze was put out by firefighters. This year’s Abu Dhabi Racing yacht is having better fortunes on the water than its previous incarnation, currently sitting in second place in the third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race at the time of going to press. Having won the first leg from Alicante, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa, Abu Dhabi Racing sits joint first with Team Brunel and Dongfeng Race Team in the 2014/15 edition of the world’s toughest yacht race. Leg four will see the six remaining competitors (Team Vestas Wind had to pull out after hitting a reef, but are aiming to take part in the final two legs) race the 5,264 nautical miles from Sanya, China, to Auckland in New Zealand, the longest stretch of the race. The next phase of the race will see the yachts depart Sanya on February 8.
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BOATING
Supersized supery MALLORCA will soon have its own 31metre luxury superyacht capable of hosting an incredible 36 guests for day charter. The super-sized superyacht is the latest edition to easyboat’s portfolio for the 2015 season and will bring an added dimension to the Mallorca boating scene and tourist trade. The Queen South is a fully-legal charter boat operating out of Club de Mar in Palma with four luxurious en suite cabins and two tenders, a jet ski, scooter and waterski with snorkelling equipment. “It’s impossible to overlook the importance of Queen South’s arrival to the Balearics,” said Lorenzo Vila, director of easyboats. “By definition a charter boat can only accommodate 12 passengers, regardless of its size, but this 31-metre holds a transportation licence which allows this figure to shoot up to 36 guests plus a crew of five. While this regulation only applies for day
QUEEN SOUTH: Superyacht capable of hosting 36 guests for day charter.
charter - it’s a maximum of 12 for overnight stays - it still opens endless doors for corporate entertainment, special family celebrations or indeed royalty and
celebrities with large entourages.” Lorenzo said that after 25 years of trading, all that could be offered beforehand was a lowbudget, mass-market catamaran or to charter multiple vessels at the same time. “In order to enjoy comfort and luxury, the second option was really the only option,” he said. “We’ve
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yacht charter
handled a corporate ‘jolly’ for the same British client several years running and charter four or five boats for the 26 to 30 guests, cruising as a flotilla from bay to bay. It works well, but not as well as having all guests on one boat - not to
mention the cost savings involved in chartering one boat over five.” The Queen South is an Italian-designed flybridge Versilcraft 100 and prices start at €14,400 per day. Visit www.easyboats.com for more information.
29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
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Yacht with rich history goes up in flames THE yacht once owned by a former US president, a movie actor and an alleged mob boss has met a sad end in the United States. The 78-foot 1953 Feadship motor yacht ‘Notorious’ went up in flames in Huntsville, Alabama, where it was being stored. The boat had to be removed from the water last August as it was taking on water and sinking at Ditto Landing. It was waiting to undergo repairs at the time of the fire. According to CHARLTON WHNT news in the USA, Notorious HESTON: has a rich history and if boats Former owner could talk would surely have many a tale to tell. Former US President of the yacht Gerald Ford once owned ‘Notorious.’ Notorious, as did Hollywood actor Charlton Heston, and WHNT news in America has reported that the boat also belonged to an alleged mob boss in the past. It’s rumoured that the yacht had a secret passage on board. Authorities are unsure if the fire was started intentionally or if it was accidental. JAMES VAUGHAN/FLICKR
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Latest sporty Lexus launched LEXUS is showing its sporty disposition with the GS F performance sedan which was revealed at the North American International Auto Show. The GS F is the latest vehicle to join Lexus’s high-performance ‘F’ line that already includes the RC F coupe. The new addition combines a refined fourdoor package with the speed and agility of a premium sports car. Although the new GS F shares the same platform as the standard GS, there are enhancements throughout, including to its engine. Under the hood will be a responsive, normally-aspirated 5.0litre V8 that produces a
The TVD features three operating modes: · Standard (default) provides a balance of agility and firmness; · Slalom emphasises nimble steering response and agility; and · Track emphasises stability during highspeed circuit driving. remarkable 473PS (348kW) at 7,100rpm and peak torque of 527Nm at 4,800-5,600rpm. This sophisticated engine uses both Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximise power and efficiency in given situations. The engine will be
LEXUS GS F: Has the speed and agility of a premium sports car. mated to an extremely responsive eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shifting capabilities. Lexus’s innovative Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), also found in the RC F, will be part of a long line of
standard equipment that will make the GS F’s handling stand out from the crowd. The GS F monocoque will also feature structural reinforcements and suspension exclusively designed to optimise the handling without
NEW LEXUS: Drivers will appreciate the stability and smoothness on the open roads. detracting from its ride quality. Drivers will appreciate the GS F’s stability and smoothness on the open roads as well as the sedan’s on challenging roads, whether they’re winding up the side of a mountain
or at a racetrack. Lexus says that the new GS F will offer drivers a very balanced sedan with genuine dual personality, equally adept at trimming lap times and the commute back home.
New CR-V ready to roll HONDA’S CR-V is already one of the most popular compact SUVs around the world. More than 750,000 units have been sold in Europe since it was launched in 1997, nearly 50,000 of them during 2014. In the first nine months of last year, the CR-V was the world’s best-selling
SUV, and as such has become fundamental to Honda’s success in Europe. Reflecting that the Japanese manufacturer is not standing still and a comprehensive range of enhancements to the fourthgeneration CR-V will now, Honda hopes, broaden its appeal. Highlights of the 2015 model CR-V include a new diesel engine and ninespeed automatic transmission that deliver an unrivalled power-toconsumption ratio; worldfirst safety technology; an all-new connectivity and infotainment system; as well as enhanced suspension and optimised
CR-V: A best-selling SUV. NVH measures for a more refined yet dynamic drive. The new-look CR-V has been developed and engineered for European drivers and will be available in showrooms from spring 2015. Available with the fourwheel drive CR-V, the new higher-powered 160 PS 1.6-litre i-DTEC fourcylinder diesel engine, from Honda’s Earth Dreams
Technology series, delivers outstanding performance and low CO2 emissions. To help customers fully exploit the latest engine’s efficiency, the new model is also available with a new efficient nine-speed automatic transmission. Allied to this automatic gearbox, the new 160 PS 1.6-litre diesel delivers one of the best power-toconsumption ratio of any engine on sale today. The 2015 CR-V will premiere Honda’s new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC) system as part of Honda’s commitment to ‘Safety for Everyone.’
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E W N 29 January - 4 February 2015 / Mallorca
SPORT
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port SDepleted Bahia RC struggle on Alonso in Jerez
FOLLOWING the hugely anticipated launch of the new McLaren-Honda Formula 1 car for the 2015 season today (Thursday), Spanish racing fans will get a chance to see their hero Fernando Alonso run the car through its paces at winter testing in Jerez on Sunday.
Mallorca’s best guide to local sport
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By Lynda Demangeat IT was a quiet weekend for most of the rugby players around the islands giving them chance to recover from injuries acquired in previous matches. Bahia RC was one of the teams with postponed matches to catch up on and unfortunately were a few players down. Nonetheless they worked hard to give visiting team RC Ponent A a tough match in the Baleares Seniors League. They even played for 20 minutes with a player missing, so short were they on reserves. RC Ponent just managed to creep ahead during the first half, leading by 14 points to six, but it was during the second half that the physicality began to tell on the home team and they were unable to add to their score,
TOUGH: Bahia RC v RC Ponent.
LINEOUT: Bahia RC and RC Ponent A aim for the ball. finally losing by six points to 37. Bahia RC hospitality entertained both teams at their pitch in S’Arraco for the after-match BBQ. The only other match played over the weekend was between
Ibiza RFC and Shamrock RC who were overwhelmed by the home team. The final score was 45 points to 0. Despite the cold, frosty weather the El Toro RC
youngsters and coaches had a great weekend in London taking full advantage of the invitation to train and play against the Mavericks, the Saracens’ junior teams. They also had the opportunity to watch the Saracens win against Munster in the European Cup match in Allianz Park and tour the sights of London.
All senior teams are in action next weekend; Shamrock RC play El Toro RC in Son Roca, Palma, RC Ponent A are due to meet Corsaris RFC in Principes de España whilst the B team go to play Ibiza RC in Can Misses. Hopefully Bahia RC will have recovered from their injuries as they are at home in S’Arraco to Dimonis RC. Agora Portals have a busy weekend as they host the seventh rugby day and the next leg in the U14 Michel Rodier Trophy. The girls’ Michel Rodier Trophy kicks off again in S’Arraco, hosted by Bahia RC, and Es Mitgjorns host the U16 Michel Rodier Trophy. Finally the U18 teams head to Ibiza RC for the second leg of their Baleares League.