Issuu

ISSUE NO. 1698

18 - 24 January 2018

MALLORCA

War on plastic Government serious about sweeping green bans Sweeping green reforms will be discussed this week, as attempts to be more environmentally friendly turn up a notch in the Balearic Islands, according to reports. Plastic waste and non-recyclable materials will be phased out entirely under the regional government’s draft proposals, while food and drink outlets will be forced to serve tap water. If implemented, the new

legislation would see countless plastic items banned completely over the coming years. With plastic bottles seen as particularly harmful, singleuse bottles will be banned imminently. Even vending machine owners will be obliged to install a source of free drinking water nearby - or sell reusable bottles. The law, called the Waste and Soils Polluting Bill, aims to increase recycling rates by

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PLASTIC WASTE: Blights Mallorca’s beaches.

up to 50 per cent in two years and cut waste by up to 10 per cent. Single-use plastic objects including plates, trays, straws, cutlery and coffee cups - will be heavily restricted, before the majority become prohibited entirely by January 2020, if the plans are implemented.

Selling standard plastic bags would be banned by January 1, 2019. Outlets would instead be encouraged to provide reusable bags instead. Mallorca has a serious problem with plastic waste, which blights beaches, waterways and the environment. Worldwide, plastic in the

ocean is leading to the deaths of sea creatures who ingest tiny particles of the material. Scientists believe that plastic is now so widespread in the oceans that it will remain in the food chain for decades and could affect human health… Turn to Page 2

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Thief nicked GUARDIA CIVIL officers have reportedly arrested a Calvia resident on suspicion of three violent robberies of businesses in Santa Ponsa early last year. The man allegedly carried a fake gun during the incidents.

Missing man A 73-YEAR OLD man who went missing on Tuesday in SantAntoni, Ibiza has become the subject of a police search. The man is reportedly around 1.73 metres tall with a moustache, glasses and grey hair.

Alcudia fire A FOREST fire that broke out in Alcudia was put out by firefighters at around 10am yesterday. The blaze was fuelled by intense winds in the area.

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Free leftovers AN innovative new law will reportedly see restaurants obliged to let customers finish the leftovers of fellow diners. The measure is one of a number expected to be included in the draft ‘Contaminated Waste and Soils of the Balearic Islands’ legislation. Diners who ask for the remains of unfinished plates o f fo o d w ill b e g iv e n t he leftovers if the law passes, according to reports. The reform is an attempt to cut food waste. Other ideas include not allowing food to be thrown away when in good condition - with canteens, hospitals and other catering outle ts e n co u ra g ed to g i ve u n w an ted fo o d to s oup kitchens. The exact logistics of the p ro p o s a ls a re n o t ye t known. The legislation, fully published in the coming days, aims to massively reduce

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WASTE NOT: Restaurants in Mallorca will soon be obliged to let customers finish other diners’ leftovers. plastic waste and encourage recycling. If give n the go-a he a d, plastic bottles, bags and single-use items will be all-but universally banned in the next few years on the Balearic Islands.

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Full plastic ban proposed From Front Page

Plastics also often trap animals and impact tourist hotspots. In October, Spain became the 32nd country to sign up to the UN Clean Seas campaign, which aims to ‘turn the tide on plastic.’ Plastic use globally continues to grow dramatically, with some eight million tonnes being discarded into the oceans each year, according to the UN. On Tuesday, the European Union announced plans to make every piece of packaging reusable by 2030. From 2020, the proposed laws would prohibit the use and distribution of certain types of lighters, razor blades, cartridges and printer and photo-

copying toner. The broad-sweeping legislation reportedly ranges from cotton buds and lollipop sticks to building demolition. Companies caught flouting the new regulations will be heavily punished by fines of up to €1.75 million - for very serious infringements - according to reports. Serious offences would incur charges of up to €300,000 and slight infringements would result in fines of between €300 and €9,000. Companies that produce waste will also be obliged to send the government a study of how they are minimising their waste every four years. The first draft of legislation will be published in the coming days.

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TV GUIDE Your weekly guide to the UK’s best television

SPECIAL FEATURE

LETTERS

As the Spanish water crisis deepens, David Noon asks what can be done to stop the drought in its tracks.

Readers’ views on eclectic topics in print and online. P28

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Young drivers YOUNG drivers in the Balearic Islands are among the worst in the country for minor accidents, according to data from the car insurers. The islands join Las Palmas, Cadiz, Sevilla, Pontevedra and Almeria who all fared poorly according to a report from the Insurance Business Association.

Shops robbed THREE men who allegedly broke into and robbed two shops on Sunday have been arrested by police in Manacor. The men, one of them a youth, were caught after calls were made to police reporting loud crashing from a stone thrown through the shops’ windows.

Genoa fire A FIRE started in a rubbish container in Genova yesterday follows a spate of similar fires in neighbourhoods across Palma. The cause of the fire, which affected nearby restaurants on the Calle Virgen de la Bonanova is currently unknown. National Police are investigating it, according to reports.

Bank merger A MERGER between two leading banks puts up to 400 jobs at risk on the Balearic Islands, the union representing workers has said. Bankia and Banco Mare Nostrum will close 35 branches and the UOB union said they hope negotiations with them will reduce job losses.

Driver walks LOCAL POLICE in Palma say they have a r r e st e d a m a n n e a rly fo u r times over the drink drive limit. After stopping the driver on the Paseo Maritimo, police filmed him failing to walk in a straight line. He could be jailed for up to six months.

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MOTORING

If there’s one thing Spain isn’t lacking, it’s cathedrals. From the classics to more modern designs, Kat Ashton explores some of the most interesting and beautiful ones the country has to offer.

THERE are over 90 official cathedrals in Spain, many of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. As the architecture and history of these religious buildings reflects the Christian reconquering of Spain following the Moorish period, it is hard to determine which the oldest cathedral in Spain is as several were built as mosques, while the 10th century basilica in Foz, Galicia is no longer classified as a cathedral, although it was in the past. Every major town and city has its own stunning masterpiece, to the point where ‘cathedral fatigue’ is apparently a recognisable condition amongst tourists. While they are all beautiful, there are so many that share similar features, they can start to blur into one. However, there are some true stand-outs that are always worth a visit.

Sevilla Cathedral The biggest gothic cathedral in the world, the sheer size of Sevilla’s cathedral is awe-inspiring in itself. Covering over 11,500m², the cathedral has undergone many significant transformations since it was first built in the 15th century. Its first dome collapsed early on and part of the cathedral had to be rebuilt, but the new dome was destroyed by an earthquake in 1888. It is also the resting place of Christopher Columbus, who is buried there.

Tour schism SPAIN’S minister for tourism has blamed tourists for congestion and overcrowding in the Balearic Islands, according to reports in the

PLUS THE REGULARS News 1 - 16

MODERN MARVEL: Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Finance 19

Leapy 25

Time Out 30 - 31

Health & Beauty 33

The Mezquita, Cordoba Right in the historic centre of the southern city is this unusual landmark, which is also one of the oldest buildings still standing in Spain. Part of Cordoba’s cathedral belonged to the old mosque which was converted into a Catholic church when the city returned to Christian rule during the Reconquista in 1236, but its Arabic origins are still apparent. The mismatch of different cultures and religions has blended to create a work of unforgettable architecture. Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza Situated in the city halfway between Madrid and Barcelona, the cathedral sits on the banks of the river Ebro, making the site picture perfect with the reflection in the river - especially at night. Legend says the Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle James as he was praying at that spot by the river, and the cathedral is revered throughout Spain for this reason.

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ALL THE LATEST CAR NEWS PLUS OUR WEEKLY TEST DRIVE

SPANISH FACTS OF LIFE...46

See, pray, love

Social 35 - 36

Property 38

Pets

STUNNING: Zaragoza cathedral.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral The final destination of thousands of pilgrims who take on the ‘Camino de Santiago’ each year, the cathedral is the site of the tomb of Saint James (Santiago). The building is essentially Romanesque in design but also has also been influenced by the Gothic and Spanish baroque styles. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Last but not least - while not technically classed as a cathedral, the Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly one of the most famous churches in Spain. Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the building is still being completed, despite the fact it was started 135 years ago. The Sagrada Familia is one of the city’s most popular tourism attractions.

Spanish media. Alvaro Nadal also reportedly rubbished claims that “tourismphobia” is becoming more promine nt a t a c onfe re nc e of tourism industry leaders earlier this week.

120

Classifieds 42 - 43

Boats 44

Sports 46

The total number of news and features which appeared in Issue 1697 of the Euro Weekly News Mallorca edition, including 32 local stories.

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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NEWS

POLL OF THE WEEK Have you taken up the Dry January challenge? LAST WEEK’S POLL: Will you be shopping in the January sales?

Yes 19%

EWN online this week

DRONE’S EYE VIEW: The shot was taken from the sky.

Eye in the sky THIS incredible aerial image has bagged third prize in the ‘People’ section of the International Drone Photography Contest. Taken from a drone, the shot shows revellers taking part in the La Vijanera festivities in Cantabria, northern Spain. Originally celebrated in a number of nearby valleys, it is now observed only in the hamlet of Silió - population 620 - on the first Sunday of every year. It is said to be Europe’s first carnival of the year and has been declared a fiesta of National Touristic Interest due to its preRoman roots in pagan rituals practised by ancient tribes. During the festivities, 60 Vijaneros, colourful male characters, among them a dame, a young man, the trappers (with

suits covered in plants and mosses), a bear and its owner, a gentleman, a doctor and a farmer parade through the village in colourful costumes. Each symbolises an aspect of life, including the passage of time, fertility, man’s conquest of nature, good and evil. But it is the zarramacos - the messy ones - who are the real stars of the show. Dressed in sheepskins and pointed hats, with their faces painted black and jingling bells attached to their bodies, they are responsible for warding off evil spirits from the year ahead. At noon an animal horn is blown and a small group of Vijaneros heads to the woods to ‘capture’ the bear, after which the entire group marches to the edge of town, drawing a line in

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the ground to warn neighbours not to mess with them. Celebrations continue with Las Coplas, humorous rhymes recounting the previous year’s news from local to international level. Events reach their climax with la Preñá, a comedic scene depicting the ‘birth’ of the new year, followed by the killing of the bear, symbolising the triumph of good or evil. And the latter scene is that pictured above by a snapper identified only as ‘feelingmovie.’ Overseen by Paris-based photo sharing community Dronestagram, with sponsors including National Geographic, Kodak and Lowepro, it is the fourth time that the contest announcing the 20 best drone pictures of the year has been held.

129.220 Page views Top 5 stories

COSTA DEL SNOW: Carvajal beach

pictures: Spain’s Costa del 15,186 InSnow explain new cabin baggage 5,005 Ryanair policy of woman washed up on Costa 4,891 Body del Sol beach the January blues with new 2,635 Beat flights between UK and Spain slides to a halt as snow grips 2,424 Spain country views

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*For week 8-15 January

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FOR COMMENTS FROM EWN ONLINE TURN TO LETTERS PAGE CORRECTIONS At the EWN, we pride ourselves that reports are accurate and fair. If we do slip up, we promise to set the record straight in a clear, nononsense manner. To ask for an inaccuracy to be corrected. Email: editorial@euroweeklynews.com

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k/T w

IT is cold and snowy in her native Bradford. But Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe, 35, dodged the winter chill by jetting to Tenerife with Geordie Shore boyfriend Greg Lake, 33, and their seven-monthold son, Daye. The bombshell flaunted her incredible post-baby figure in a mismatched bikini before slipping into tight gym gear as the family took a stroll in the sun.

er itt

POP megastar Lady Gaga kicked off the European leg of her Joanne World Tour in Barcelona. The 31-year-old was greeted by 15,600 screaming fans as she belted out a string of hits including Poker Face, Alejandro and Just Dance. Among those cheering on at the Palau Sant Jordi arena was Colombian songstress Shakira. The Hips Don’t Lie siren, 40, lives in the Catalan capital with footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique, 30. But it was the headline act - real name Stefani Germanotta - who stole the show in spectacular fashion after appearing in a series of racy outfits. It comes after the Grammy award-winning singer last September cancelled the European gigs due to ‘trauma and chronic pain’ which she said were preventing her from living a ‘normal life.’ She is known to suffer from fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

Fun in the sun

HOT MAMA: Jennifer Metcalfe.

WOWING THE CROWD: Lady Gaga.

Photo credit LowLoaderKing/Twitter

KNEE BOTHER: Edurne Garcia.

De Gea’s stunning WAG bedridden SHE’S the long-term girlfriend of Manchester United shot stopper David de Gea, 27. And Spanish pop singer Edurne Garcia, 32, is set for her own injury lay off after undergoing knee surgery. The stunner shared pictures of herself in hospital with her left leg wrapped in bandages on social media. Although she didn’t tell her 900,000 followers why the procedure was needed, she did confirm it had been planned as she

wrote: “I begin the year with an operation on my knee that was pending!! “It went very well and will be just like new in no time!! Thank you all for the messages of love!” Edurne represented her country at Eurovision 2015 and once described Manchester as “uglier than the back of a fridge,” but that is unlikely to stop her squeeze penning a new contract which will reportedly see him become the club’s best-paid player.

Celeb focus Tonsil tennis!

Photo credit Twitter

Back with a banger

Photo credit Edurne Garcia/Instagram

HE’S currently LOVED-UP: Sandra ranked number and Feliciano. 38 in the world. And after winning at Queen’s Club last year Spanish tennis star Feliciano Lopez, 36, showed he’s on a roll after jetting off to Dubai for a sun-soaked luxury break with new love and model Sandra Gago, 22. The pair have been rumoured to be dating for months and have now spent their first holiday together.

French bliss SHE’S the singer and model who became First Lady of France. And fans turned out in their droves to greet Carla Bruni Sarkozy as the 50-year-old arrived to perform a concert in Spanish capital Madrid. The French-Italian performed at a number of venues in Spain to promote her fifth studio album French touch.

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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NEWS EXTRA

Junk system LOCAL Popular Party politicians demanded the withdrawal of the rubbish collection system in Palma yesterday. Margalida Duran and Lourdes Bosch said the system had failed to meet its objectives.

Exams online PARENTS will now be able to view the exam results of their children online through a web portal created by the Ministry of Education. Teachers will decide on whether results go on the portal.

Sea rescues MORE people were rescued at sea in the Balearic Islands than any other region in Spain, according to data from the Spanish lifeguard federation. Statistics show 740 people were rescued last year.

Rapper’s free speech case goes supreme MALLORCAN rapper Valtonyc who was sentenced to three and a half years in jail for offensive lyrics - says he will have his appeal heard by the Spanish Supreme Court later this month. The country’s highest court will reportedly meet on January 30 to consider the sentence, which was handed out for allegedly glorifying terrorism, humiliating victims, slander, inciting violence and serious insults to the monarchy in songs. Valtonyc, real name Josep Miguel Arenas Beltran, was sentenced by the National Court in February last year. At the ruling he was told that his songs glorified the terror groups ETA and GRAPO, incited hatred and showed contempt for terror victims. Valtonyc, in his mid-20’s, was also fined €3,000. His lyrics include the phrases

Photo by Josep Valtonyc Beltran/Facebook

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THAT’S A RAP: The singer’s case will go to the Supreme Court later this month. ‘The king has a date in the town square, a rope around his neck,’ and ‘police w***e, bitch monarchy, see if ETA puts a bomb,’ according to translated Spanish reports. The artist’s case is well-known across Spain and has gathered support from a number of popular politicians, including Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias and the Mallorcan politician Biel Barcelo. Born in Sineu, the rapper’s defence revolves around freedom of

speech but he also says the case is political since he is a radical leftist. In court, he reportedly said he was only a poet and that his lyrics were only metaphors not intended to humiliate victims. The court said freedom of expression is ‘limited’ when it conflicts with other freedoms. Comparing his alleged crimes with the actions of others, Valtonyc is reported to have previously said: “only the poor go to jail.”

Former priest who assaulted young girl found guilty A FORMER priest who reportedly assaulted a 12-year old-girl in his home in 2015 has been found guilty at a court in Palma. The court heard the 74-year-old, who worked in Selva, was with the girl in his home when she said she was afraid to sleep alone. She then went with him into his bed where he began touching her abdomen, hip and groin area before the girl nudged him to stop. The priest tried to touch her again until she nudged him a second time. The court found him guilty and he now faces three years in prison. This is the second trial in Mallorca since 2016 involving a priest accused of sexual assault. Pere Barcelo, a 42year-old former priest from Can Picafort, was sentenced to six years in prison in July 2016. He was found guilty of raping a girl under 10 several times in the late 1990’s.

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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OUR VIEW

Truth will out THE family of tragic holidaymaker Kirsty Maxwell, who died while on a hen party in Benidorm, are to be applauded. Not content with what they viewed as an insufficient police response to the death of the 27-year-old, husband Adam and parents Brian and Denise have successfully won their fight for answers. After months of battling the authorities, their tenacity and persistence has paid off, and it is to be hoped that a new probe will reveal what really happened that night last April. Spare a thought for these brave souls who have remained dignified throughout what must have been an incredibly traumatic few months. Hotel death probe - page 14

Time to count the cost? SPAIN is expected to be crowned the world’s second most popular tourist destination behind France. The number of visitors last year rose to 82 million, 8.9 per cent up on 2016, while spending now accounts for 11 per cent of the Spanish economy. But there is a flipside. Charities and activists have lamented the lack of affordable housing in holiday hotspots as rents skyrocket, while some cities have seen protests over uncontrolled mass tourism. On the Costas, the road network is unable to cope, and natural sites including Mar Menor have become lifeless and polluted. Perhaps it is time to regulate the number of people entering the country so it remains an attractive holiday destination for decades to come.

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HIDDEN CAMERA: The sports centre locker room.

SORDID: The man secretly recorded youths in the Son Moix sports centre.

Man who paid boys for sex jailed A 70-YEAR-OLD man who convinced a child to have sex for money and recorded footage of children from a locker room in a sports centre has been jailed. A court in Palma heard the man, who admitted to recording the footage, had previously tried to convince two of the boy’s friends to sell sex to him. He tried to convince the boys to have sex with him by impressing them with money and expensive cars around the end

of 2016. The man admitted he began by offering a group of children money and marihuana before taking their phone numbers and messaging them proposing sex. One of the boys, who received multiple instant messages persuading him to go to the mans house, was forced to perform oral sex and see pornography on the man’s phone. The man then took nude photos of the boy and offered him money if he

took pictures of his friends, the court heard. The court also convicted the man of secretly recording youths as they changed in the Son Moix sports centre, Palma. These images were found by police when they raided his home. He faces a reduced sentence of five years in prison following his guilty pleas. The court ordered victim compensation of €20,000 and he cannot go within 200 metres of the child.

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18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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Youth in bar theft A YOUTH has been arrested after allegedly robbing cash from a bar by forcing a door open in Manacor. Police found the youth after they found the bar ’s till on the road. They then saw the youth crouched in a doorway next to the bar soon after. He reportedly then threw the bag of money away and fled after police tried to stop him. He was caught following a chase through the town centre, arrested while reportedly still carrying money from the bar and put in the custody of the Balearic youth

BUSTED: Stolen artefacts from the cash register. crime office. Police patrols have been increased in Manacor fol-

lowing a spike in the number of robberies at bars and shops.

Locals don’t get money’s worth SALARIES in the Balearic Islands are 11 per cent lower than the national average, according to data out this week. Average salaries for workers in the islands stood at €20,294, compared to the national average of €22,793.

Income decreased nationally by 0.21 per cent. Data also showed that GDP has grown by more than 3 per cent year-on-year. Inflation reportedly stood at 1.5 per cent during the period analysed.

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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Pepsi plant to close PEPSI has announced their bottling plant in Marratxi is to close, leaving 27 workers at risk of losing their jobs. The company have said the plant, which opened at the end of the 1970’s, will close in February. They are currently in talks with Marratxi Council’s finance representative and Is-

Booze tourism boom ‘Drastic action’ demanded RESIDENTS and businesses have demanded authorities in Palma take ‘drastic’ action over drunken tourists before the start of the holiday season. Local authorities passed measures to curb anti-social behaviour in the city in 2014 but these were struck down by the Balearic High Court in 2016. The court ruled local authorities had exceeded their legal powers when they passed the civic ordinance. An association of residents and hotels now wants authorities to pass new measures

BOOZE CRUISE: Tourists party hard on Mallorca’s high seas that send a clear message to holidaymakers that ‘booze tourism’ will not be tolerated in the town. “Anti-social behaviour

prevents peaceful coexistence between tourists and residents and damages the image of the area,” the group said.

Jeweller thief arrested A 58-YEAR-OLD man who allegedly robbed a pharmacy and jewellers in Palma was arrested by National Police on Monday.

The man, who has numerous police records, was arrested one hour after allegedly committing the second robbery at around 1pm.

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abel Castro, director general of the Ministry of Labour, over the plans. Pepsi is also in talks with representatives of the affected workers and are offering them early retirement, redundancy payouts or transfers to other plants. The company follows Coco Cola who closed their plant in Mallorca in 2014.

Manhattan's Santa Ponsa/Facebook

He reportedly committed the first robbery on Sunday when he entered a pharmacy in the centre of the city at around 2pm. He threatened an employee and told them he had a gun hidden in his jacket, before making off with €525. The man then broke into a jewellers on Calle Aragon where he told staff he had a knife under his scarf. He made off with €50, according to police. Police are still seeking to prove previous accusations against him.

Pine climb POLLENSA’S traditional pine climb took place yesterday with the town’s mayor banning the use of a live cockerel in line with animal welfare laws. Concerns remain that a live cockerel may still be snuck in.

Cough up A PALMA court has reportedly ruled that an insurance company must pay a compensation package of nearly €150,000 plus interest following the death of a patient operated on in one of the city’s hospitals.

Business hit BUSINESS confidence in the Balearic Islands reportedly plummeted by 6.6 per cent in the last quarter, compared to the national average of just 0.4 per cent. The data is linked to the National Institute of Statistics.

FEATURE

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A sluggish market Commentary by Moneycorp THE pound had a quiet Christmas. Figures on public sector net borrowing for November were less than expected and most of the third quarter GDP numbers were in line with or ahead of forecast. Britain’s economy expanded by 0.4% in Q3 and by 1.7% in the year to end-September. The announcement of a steward’s enquiry into the lack of Brexit impact reports appeared to have had little effect on the sluggish market during the period between Christmas and New Year. Sterling did then put its best foot forward at the start of 2018, strengthening by an average of 0.6%, adding a third of a euro cent and nearly one US cent on the first day of trading in 2018. This occurred despite reports of a UK manufacturing PMI of 56.3 against expectations of 58. The IHS Markit report on UK manufacturing did strike a positive note - showing an increase in new business due to export sales and rates of expansion in the sector remaining comfortably above long-term trend rates. Later in the week, however, a shortfall by a much smaller margin on the construction PMI - 52.2 against a forecast of 52.5 - did contribute to putting the pound under pressure. Other factors had already contributed to gather-

ing pressure on the pound during the week, and on Wednesday the pound declined by an average of 0.6%, thus losing all of the year’s early gains. The euro had a similar experience to the pound, with performance somewhat defying the implication of the stats. Strong manufacturing PMIs were recorded across Euroland, with Germany taking the top spot with a reading of 63.3. France managed 58.8 and Italy 57.4; the overland figure for Europe was 60.6 for December, unchanged from the previous month. Employment stats have also been released; Norwegian unemployment is steady at 4%, Germany met the 5.5% expectation and in Spain it went down by 62k in November. The US dollar may provide the key to understanding the sometimes counter-intuitive performance of both the pound and the euro. The euro and the pound star the year in technically-interesting situations relative to the US dollar. Both find themselves in major support/resistance zones that could make the difference between a continuation of last year’s trends and a reversal of those gains. Since the euro’s inception the $1.16-$1.20 zone has proved difficult to cross. The euro is now at the top of that range and, apparently, finding it difficult

Clarisse Musselwhite is Moneycorp’s Account Manager for Mallorca

She can be contacted on Tel: +34 902 887 243 Mobile: +34 687 932 472 Email:mallorca@moneycorp.com

902 887 243 mallorca@moneycorp.com to break higher. For sterling/dollar the equivalent barrier is $1.35: it provided support in 2001 and 2008 but failed after the Brexit referendum. Both the euro and the pound are now on the cusp, at $1.20 and $1.36. A number of stats were released by the US over the festive period. Updated GDP figures left third quarter growth unchanged at a respectable 0.8%. US durable goods orders were disappointing, with a monthly increase of 1.3%. So was the Michigan consumer sentiment index, nearly a point lower on the month at 95.9. The Case-Shiller index of US house prices was up by 6.4% on the year and the

Dallas Fed’s manufacturing index was more than 10 points higher at 29.7. The level of political turmoil continuing in the Trump administration and the release of December’s US Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes this week are doing nothing to help the US dollar, and all eyes are on the controversial tax bill due to be passed this month. The week will conclude, however, with employment stats from the US; nonfarm payrolls are forecast to have risen by 190k. Across the rest of the world, Canada fared better over Christmas. After disappointing data for the previous month, a 1.5% increase in retail sales and a pick-up in inflation from 1.4% to 2.1% combined to make the loonie a top performer. Between Thursday’s opening and Friday morning it added one US cent and went up by a cent and three quarters against sterling. As the new year dawned, Canada’s manufacturing PMI was a couple of ticks higher on the month at 54.7. Employment statistics for Canada are due later today; the forecast is a net increase of 1,000. The GDT price index put milk prices 2.2% higher than a fortnight ago after a 3.9% drop, giving a brief boost to the New Zealand dollar. By contrast, the Australian dollar struggled to come back from poor trade balance figures.

Moneycorp is a trading name of TTT Moneycorp Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of payment services. All customer funds are safeguarded in segregated client bank accounts.

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NATIONAL

Hotel death probe Progress for family as case goes on MADRID: At least 26 people were injured.

Nightclub horror EMERGENCY services in Madrid have confirmed at least 26 people were injured when the second-storey floor of a nightclub gave way on Saturday night. At least 11 people were later taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries following the incident in the city’s Carabanchel neighbourhood. Police have now opened an investigation to find out the details of the accident and find out what caused the floor to collapse.

Portuguese earthquake AN earthquake in Portugal has been felt in parts of Andalucia according to emergency services. With a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale, the quake which hit the Evora region was felt in Huelva, Sevilla

and Cordoba according to 112 emergency phone line, who received calls from distressed residents in those areas. No injuries or damages were reported when the tremors were felt at around 12.50pm last Monday.

By Matt Ford FIVE British men questioned in the wake of a tragic hotel accident may be ordered to return to Spain. Kirsty Maxwell, 27, from Livingston, West Lothian, last year plunged to her death from a Benidorm hotel balcony. She fell from a 10th-floor room in which the men were staying after apparently entering by mistake. The incident came after the Scot flew to Spain for a hen party alongside 19 friends. And the legal team working on behalf of the newlywed’s family have now requested the investigating judge to order a full reconstruction of events leading up to her death. It comes after lawyer Luis Miguel Zumaquero managed

to overturn an earlier decision which blocked husband Adam and parents Brian and Denise from knowing what DNA tests had been carried out on the clothes she was wearing when she died. He claimed in a written document submitted in court that Mrs Maxwell was fleeing “a sexual attack,” and demanded to know if DNA belonging to any of the five men who were in the room was found on the clothes. The appeal was accepted and the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Alicante, where the post-mortem examination took place, must now provide full details including the location of the clothes, which the family have been battling to find for months. Police must also reveal what was done to find and interview potential witnesses, after a report concluded that many hotel guests were not spoken to. A source close to the family told UK media: “The family and her lawyers are concerned that the five men under investigation will not come back to Spain if they are ordered to stand trial and feel they should be remanded in prison. “All the weight of the investigation has fallen on her

MYSTERY: Police have so far failed to reveal where Kirsty’s clothes are being kept. family and those assisting them because of the passive attitude of the police and state prosecutors, who have not requested any tests or examinations which could clarify what happened.” Kirsty, who married Adam in September 2016, had been

out partying before going to bed in her ninth-floor room around 4am on April 29, 2017. She later woke up and left the room fully-dressed before being let into the mens’ room one floor above after knocking on the door.

NATIONAL

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

A BRITISH conman suspected of cheating a woman out of her life savings worth nearly €1 million may be using a false name and Swiss passport to cover his tracks. According to UK media sources, Mark Acklom may be on the run using the alias Marc Long. He is believed to have taken on the name while in Switzerland back in 2014, where he was able to obtain an official passport and Swiss residency permit. Both the passport and residency permit are believed to be still valid. Acklom, aged 44, is currently in hiding with his Spanish wife, Maria Yolanda Ros Rodriguez, aged 47, and their two daughters, aged six and eight. He is accused of scamming Brit Carolyn Woods out of her life savings worth more than €953,000 after promising to marry her. According to Ms Woods,

Rebecca Williams/twitter

On the run Photo credit Shutterstock/La Rambla Mutxamel/Twitter

HOLY MOLY: A bearded dragon is blessed by a priest on Saint Anthony’s Day.

Playing with fire Horse festival sparks outrage WANTED: Mark Acklom was accused of cheating a woman out of her life savings. Acklom told her he was an MI6 agent and Swiss banker and tricked her into lending him her life savings, before fleeing with the money. It is also believed he is being investigated over other allegations, including failing to pay an architect more than €5,600 for work he had commissioned in Bath.

The conman is wanted under a European arrest warrant which is not valid in Switzerland - and has also been arrested three times in Spain in separate charges. Acklom was last seen in May sitting in a cafe in Geneva, Switzerland, talking to a fellow fugitive, Spaniard Jose Manuel Costas Estevez.

A CONTROVERSIAL festival has taken place in central Spain. On the eve of the Day of Saint Anthony, the country’s patron saint of animals, the Las Luminarias celebrations see revellers ride their horses through roaring bonfires to the sound of drums in order to purify and protect them. Taking place in the town of San Bartolome de Pinares in Avila Province, Castile and Leon, the annual event is claimed to be 200 to 500years-old. The riding ends at midnight, when the eating and drinking begins. But animal rights groups are up in arms over the tradition, with the ‘animalist’ political party PACMA referring to it as “clear animal mis-

treatment” on its website, while it has also been slammed by international media. Organisers say the horse come to no harm, with one rider telling Spanish media that the ritual is “more than a tradition, for us it is a feeling. “There was an epidemic that killed all the horses in the town. “Since then, we have done this to purify them, to keep them from any evil by asking for the protection of the saint.” It comes as pet owners prepare to take their animals to church for a blessing, with dogs, cats birds, mice, cats, rabbits and even fish, lizards and turtles sprinkled with holy water.

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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SPECIALNEW

Nation’s water crisis set to deepen unless action is taken

The rain in Spain is proving a real pain As southern Spain faces a sandy future, David Noon delves deeper into the water crisis that is threatening to make certain areas inhospitable and asks what can be done to stem the depleting supplies.

T is hard to believe that just over 12 months ago, thousands of people were returning to their sodden homes and businesses to clean up the mess left behind by almost a month of relentless rainfall.

just 72 hours. Chiringuitos were left strewn across the sands of Andalucia and cars were carelessly abandoned as roads were transformed into rivers in the blink of an eye. But in reality it was just a snapshot downpour in what is becoming an increasingly drier country. In fact, reservoir levels have hit such extreme lows that some 70 per cent of Spain is at risk of becoming desert land. According to a government report, the whole of Andalucia is in danger of facing an unwanted sandy future with the average global temperature predicted to rise by 3.2 degrees over the next

600 leaks identified in Malaga over eight months

Homes were flooded, roads w e r e c o m p l e t e l y c u t o ff a n d buildings were damaged beyond repair as vast swathes of southern S p a i n w e r e l e f t s u b m e rg e d b e neath the worst flooding in 25 years. Two lives were claimed in the storms during the final few weeks of 2016, as southern Spain was pelted by 300 litres of rain in

90 years. Reservoir levels are already at their lowest level since the 1990s - and this is in spite of recent rains - with yet another drought warning issued throughout the country, the second in the space of five years. According to the latest available figures, the reservoirs are around 38 per cent of their total capacity, 10 per cent less than at the same time last year. These levels don’t look set to improve any time soon as Aemet, the State Meteorological Agency, does not predict a high amount of rainfall in the coming weeks and months. The current drought comes quick on the heels of Spain’s worst drought in

10 days, the average time to repair a leak

Spain told to get serious on Paris pledge SPAIN has been told to buck its ideas up over its pledge to the Paris Agreement, created to tackle global warming. Director of the European Climate Foundation Laurence Tubiana insists there needs to be a joint debate about which carbon emissions scenario Europe wants to be in by the midcentury and has urged Spain to get on board. Tubiana the French diplomat that led the Paris Agreement talks, said that Spain ‘needs a plan in hand how to decarbonise the economy, like most other world powers have.’ Decarbonisation strategies for 2050 were a part of the Paris Agreement and the European Commission has asked the EU member states for the same by

150 years, which took place in 2014. That year saw less than 100 litres of rain per square-metre in Alicante (the average is 336), with more than 180,000 almond trees perishing under the staggering heat. And baring the odd flash storm the nation’s dreary often brown countryside hasn’t had a good drink since. Since 2014, production o f o l i v e o i l , c o u rg e t t e s and avocados has been hit by back-to-back dry years. In 2017 it is estimated that some 1.4 million hectares of crops were impacted by lack of rainfall, while 40 per cent of vineyards were affected by a barren 2017. Last year also saw an increasing number of wildfires rip through the Spanish countryside. In 2017, some 105,000 hectares of land were razed; making it the third most destructive year in Spanish history. I t c a m e a f t e r S p a i n s u ff e r e d one of the longest heatwaves, c a l l e d L u c i f e r, i n h i s t o r y w i t h temperatures well into the 40s along the Costa del Sol, the Balearics and inland. A total of 40 per cent of the fires took place in northwest Spain with 30 per cent ripping along the Mediterranean coast. It is the same story every year, with thousands of gallons of water used to tackle the blazes.

2018, so that it can determine whether short and mediumterm investments are in line with emission reduction targets. The ECF director added that the Spanish government ‘should clarify when it will make its decarbonisation strategy and open it up to wider debate than just a simple inter-ministerial discussion.’ “It is necessary because we are talking about a way forward that doesn’t just encompass public investments, it’s about private investment and collaboration with regional and local government”, she explained. “It is imperative that Spain promotes a joint national exercise with all the actors involved in decarbonisation, so what has been agreed will happen.” STERN WORDS: From Tubiana.

Doñana disaster THE situation at the Doñana National Park is nothing short of a tragedy. Home to the largest nature reserve for migratory birds in Europe, the UNESCO world heritage site is under threat. The aquifer that feeds the park’s marshes is drying up at an alarming rate. It is so worrying that the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)said that the aquifer would need between 30 and 60 years to recover. And the effects are clear to see. The number of wintering ducks that rely on a healthy marsh - such as the endangered marbled teal - are in decline. Temporary lagoons, one of the natural features that makes Doñana unique in Europe, are drying up and as a result, 40 per cent of the species of

WS FEATURE

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

DRYING OUT: Spain’s countryside could soon be desert.

70% of Spain at risk of becoming desert

8% of total reservoir capacity is full

TRAGEDY: Donana National Park. dragonflies that lived in Doñana have been lost. And this is not a natural occurrence due to soaring temperatures. The real tragedy is that Doñana is drying up is because of the current over-exploitation from illegal farming. According to the WWF report more than 1,000 illegal wells drilled by farmers are accelerating the park’s destruction. Eva Hernandez, a spokesperson for WWF, said: “Doñana’s biodiversity has eroded over the past 40 years and we are reaching a point of no return. We could do things to recover the park and some things are being done - but the pressures from private and public companies are becoming unbearable.” Spain must quickly decide whether it wants to protect its long term ecosystems or continue down its current path of ecological destruction in return for shortterm gains.

105,000 hectares of land hit by wildfires in 2017

And with temperatures set to steadily soar for the foreseeable future, so too will sea levels leaving coastal cities including Malaga, Cadiz and Alicante at risk of flooding. The Islands off Spain’s mainland are also set to be hit by rising tides, with many of the largest cities such as Palma enjoying a close proximity to the coast. But it is not just a warming climate and a lack of rainfall that is threatening the Spanish countryside. More worryingly - and easier to fix - is the amount of water lost to burst pipes, poor water systems and a lack of foresight to save and store supplies for a notso-rainy day. In Malaga alone, 600 leaks in the city’s water pipes were detected between April and December by smart meters. That is around 75 leaks each month. The exact amount of water lost in the leaks has not been disclosed, but if each city in Spain is experiencing a similar amount of monthly leaks, then you can bet your mortgage that a fair few litres of water are literally going down the drain every single day. Installed to reduce Malaguenos’ water bills, the 41,663 meters should also go some way to saving the region’s ever-depleting supply of water. But that is just one measaure taken in one city. A lot more must

I T is an ine vitable s ight w itnessed year-on-year: firefighters by the dozen pointing their hoses at wildfires in the Spanish countryside as helicopters and fire planes dump thousands of gallons of water on the burning brush from above. Drive along any motorway in Spain during the late s umme r for long e nough and you w ill e ve ntually c ome ac ros s a plume of ominous smoke rising from the s hr ub lands. Last year alone, 105,000 hectares of land were hit by wildfires. A large majority of it is rural countryside but a fair proportion is vine yar ds , c our ge tte plantations and olive groves. And yet, while the loss of vegetation is a tragedy, the amount

115 water measures drawn up in Andalucia

be done and the first thing must be introducing smart meters across all cities and towns in Spain. In Malaga, the council explained most of the leaks identified were small and would have been hard to find if not for the meters. Wa t e r s u p p l i e r E m a s a s a i d most clients fixed their leaks within 10 days of being told about them, proving how quick and easy it can be to plug the cracks. And the Junta de Andalucia is

Fire, Fire! HEATING UP: Firefighters tackle a wildfire. of w ater used t o t ackl e t hese blazes is another catastrophe. In total, it is estimated that around 500 gal l ons of wat er needs to be poured on to a wildfire every minute for an average time of two hours to sufficiently tackle the blaze and stop it from spreading.

taking more action to try to stem the flow of its leaky pipes. In fact, the local authority has drawn up 115 measures to restore water to the region. New water plans include recommencing plans for a pipeline from the Iznajar reservoir in Cordoba to the Antequera area, which was supposed to have been built two years ago. M a r b e l l a ’s L a C o n -

If i t i s part i cul arl y wi ndy then this number can easily be doubled, as can the length of time it takes to extinguish. Cal cul at i ng exact l y how much water is used to put out fires each year is almost impossible, but certainly millions of gallons.

ception reservoir will nearly triple in size and a pipeline running along the Costa del Sol to the Axarquia region will allow water to flow from the wetter western region to the drier east of Malaga. Similar measures will need to be taken around the country to avoid a total wipe-out in the south of Spain. If action is not taken quickly, then the sands in Spain will not be reserved for the beaches.

3.2 degree temperature rise by 2100

FINANCE

STAT OF WEEK

business & legal

Trains on trial TRIALS have been launched on what is claimed to be the first main line passenger train in Europe to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The project is a joint venture between train operator Renfe, Gas Natural Fenosa, and Enogas, and reflects the government’s drive to develop vehicles with alternative energy (VEA). The trials began in Asturias on January 8.

A LEADING Spanish investment bank is looking to move its headquarters to London because it believes the capital will keep its place as the centre for European finance. Madrid-based Alantra Partners SA oversees £3.3 billion (€3.7 billion) of assets and employs 350 staff across 21 countries. Two insiders told Bloomberg that the company is considering how many employees to relocate to the UK if the move goes ahead. However, any plans are unofficial at present and a spokeswoman for the

Socialist Party plans to rob banks lion euros in revenue. The PSOE’s economy and jobs spokesman, Manuel Escudero, said that the proposals were not about “class revenge” but about “social justice.” However, banking professionals have told Spanish media that the “extraordinary” measure would be counter-productive. Economy Minister Luis de Guindos dismissed the proposal and said that growth, not higher taxes, were the solution to the pensions problem.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Having a gas SPANISH energy company Repsol is considering the sale of its 20 per cent stake in national utility Gas Natural to Luxembourg-based private equity firm CVC Capital, with the deal set to be worth around €4.1 billion should it go ahead.

Capital gain THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) is to move its global hub to Spanish capital Madrid, with the expanded offices to handle the operations of 280 airlines and 50,000 travel agencies selling 315 million air tickets annually.

Blast off ROCKET company PLD Space - headquartered in Elche, Alicante - has received a €2 million grant from the European Commission for development of two launchers designed for small satellites, boosting the total raised to more than €9 million.

E-money move for phone giant TELEFONICA is to issue domestic bonds worth €200 million. It comes as the Spanish broadband and telecommunications giant announced that part of the transaction will be handled using Blockchain technology, a ‘digital wallet’ used to process Bitcoin and other virtual currencies. The operation, which will be performed by the

multinational’s German subsidiary Telefonica Deutschland, has a maturity period of just over a year. The company said in a statement that it would “demonstrate the capabilities of the Blockchain technology in combination with a traditional financing process and with a greater number of investors.”

EWN

The number of new jobs created in Spain during 2017, with the country currently second to Greece in the European ranking for the fewest unfilled employment vacancies. A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION | WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM/3.0.15/FINANCE

bank declined to comment. A number of large banks have spoken of plans to leave London in the event of a no-deal Brexit, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Deutsche Bank AG and Bank of America Corp. Last year Sam Woods, CEO of the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority, warned up to 75,000 banking and insurance jobs could be lost if no agreement can be reached. Alantra went public with its merger with Dinamia Capital in 2015, ignoring Brexit fears to take over Londonbased advisers Catalyst Corporate Fi-

SPAIN is growing in a strong, balanced and sustainable way, intensively generating employment, regaining competitiveness and showing good prospects for the future.” Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

ROBIN HOOD TAX: Sanchez’s proposal has upset financiers.

THE Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) has proposed a radical new measure to rescue Spain’s faltering pensions system that it would fund via an 8 per cent corporation tax increase on banks. Speaking in Madrid on Tuesday, PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez announced the €1 billion policy which was swiftly dismissed by the banking sector. Mr Sanchez said he would also like to see a financial transaction tax order to collect another several hundred mil-

611,000

London calling Spanish

Photo by Wikimedia

Quote of the Week

Mallorca

18 - 24 January 2018

nance last October. Executive Chairman Santiago Eguidazu justified the move by labelling Britain the most important mergers and acquisitions market in Europe. Currently financial institutions in the UK are granted ‘passporting’ rights which allow them to do business with any other firm in the European Economic Area without red tape. The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has previously insisted that British banks will no longer have those rights after Brexit.

Economy on the upswing PRIME MINISTER Mariano Rajoy has announced that the Spanish economy grew by 3.1 per cent in 2017. He added that the political crisis in the autonomous region of Cataluña was “the only shadow looming over the economy.” Speaking at an investment forum in Madrid, Rajoy added that 611,000 jobs had been created in the country last year. Government forecasts predict that up to 2020, the annual growth for the economy will be at 2.5 per cent.

E W N 18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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LONDON - FTSE 100

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 15

PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY Anglo American 1,772.00 3.80 Associated British Foods 2,843.50 18.50 Admiral Group 1,887.75 0.75 Ashtead Group 2,101.00 -4.00 Antofagasta 1,045.00 13.00 Aviva 534.30 0.70 AstraZeneca 5,108.00 -24.00 BAE Systems 593.50 3.90 Barclays 196.71 2.21 British American Tobacco 4,990.25 22.25 Barratt Developments 624.40 3.20 Berkeley Group Holdings 4,138.50 13.50 British Land Co 672.60 -0.40 BHP Billiton 1,645.60 -1.80 Bunzl 2,041.00 1.00 BP 532.55 -2.25 Burberry Group 1,786.00 -5.00 BT Group 274.45 -0.45 Coca-Cola HBC 2,407.00 7.00 Carnival 5,050.00 10.00 Centrica 143.90 0.75 Compass Group 1,553.25 2.75 Croda International 4,397.50 -11.50 CRH 2,695.00 -9.00 DCC 7,725.00 25.00 Diageo 2,625.00 -16.00 Direct Line Insurance Group 371.80 0.80 Evraz 375.85 0.85 Experian 1,673.25 -3.25 easyJet 1,531.00 1.50 Ferguson 5,570.00 90.00 Fresnillo 1,455.25 18.75 G4S 289.80 2.90 GKN 428.50 8.50 Glencore 410.50 2.95 GlaxoSmithKline 1,342.50 -10.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,822.50 9.00 Halma 1,288.50 1.50 Hammerson 518.30 2.10 HSBC Holdings 785.30 -6.40 International Consolidte Airs Gr 668.20 -0.60 InterContinental Hotels Grp 4,782.00 2.00 3i Group 955.10 4.50 Imperial Brands 3,140.00 -20.00 Informa 745.60 -0.60 Intertek Group 5,202.00 -10.00 ITV 171.30 3.30 Just Eat 798.00 -0.40 Johnson Matthey 3,211.00 47.00 Kingfisher 349.50 1.40

% CHG. NET VOL 0.21 24,836.38 0.65 22,364.80 0.04 5,419.73 -0.19 10,487.86 1.26 10,174.04 0.13 21,411.64 -0.47 64,982.49 0.66 18,785.88 1.14 33,182.47 0.45 113,947.68 0.52 6,289.61 0.33 5,585.88 -0.06 6,715.48 -0.11 34,794.27 0.05 6,856.36 -0.42 106,200.68 -0.28 7,592.46 -0.16 27,275.10 0.29 8,815.63 0.20 10,558.48 0.52 8,016.81 0.18 24,549.65 -0.26 5,793.11 -0.33 22,683.98 0.32 6,868.47 -0.61 65,661.40 0.22 5,101.25 0.23 5,370.20 -0.19 15,420.52 0.10 6,075.30 1.64 13,631.82 1.31 10,585.48 1.01 4,451.52 2.02 7,213.41 0.72 58,665.77 -0.78 67,081.04 0.50 8,601.77 0.12 4,885.98 0.41 4,099.80 -0.81 158,303.92 -0.09 13,697.35 0.04 9,081.53 0.47 9,248.17 -0.63 30,138.09 -0.08 6,148.73 -0.19 8,411.68 1.96 6,762.69 -0.05 5,428.75 1.49 6,123.40 0.40 7,528.17

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

Land Securities Group 984.75 Legal & General Group 275.00 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 70.44 London Stock Exchange Grp 3,690.50 Micro Focus International 2,281.50 Mediclinic International 604.70 Marks & Spencer Group 310.40 Mondi 1,937.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 229.05 National Grid 843.65 NMC Health 3,076.00 Next 4,990.50 Old Mutual Group 230.15 Paddy Power Betfair 8,415.00 Prudential 1,976.50 Persimmon 2,654.00 Pearson 725.30 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,812.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 300.70 Royal Dutch Shell 2,563.25 Royal Dutch Shell 2,598.25 RELX 1,655.75 Rio Tinto 4,171.50 Rolls-Royce Group 856.80 Randgold Resources 7,380.00 RSA Insurance Group 627.00 Rentokil Initial 309.40 Sainsbury (J) 252.20 Schroders 3,633.50 Sage Group (The) 809.20 Segro 575.70 Shire 3,574.00 Smurfit Kappa Group 2,530.00 Sky 1,008.75 Standard Life Aberdeen 441.20 Smith (DS) 501.30 Smiths Group 1,652.75 Scottish Mortgage Invstmnt Tr 468.60 Smith & Nephew 1,262.75 SSE 1,328.25 Standard Chartered 822.70 St James's Place 1,243.00 Severn Trent 2,046.00 Tesco 205.55 TUI AG 1,586.00 Taylor Wimpey 198.68 Unilever 3,995.50 United Utilities Group 771.10 Vodafone Group 227.93 WPP Group 1,359.75 Whitbread 3,935.00

CHANGE(P) 10.35 0.30 -0.06 -9.50 3.50 -0.30 1.20 13.50 0.95 1.35 -26.00 0.50 1.35 -45.00 3.00 7.00 2.30 10.00 -1.70 -10.25 -4.75 -3.25 1.50 -4.00 78.00 0.00 -1.60 -0.50 8.50 -2.20 1.10 -7.00 -4.00 -1.25 0.10 -1.70 0.75 0.60 -3.75 7.25 -10.30 0.50 31.00 0.65 -1.00 0.83 11.50 5.30 -1.42 5.25 34.00

% CHG.

NET VOL

1.06 0.11 -0.09 -0.26 0.15 -0.05 0.39 0.70 0.42 0.16 -0.84 0.01 0.59 -0.53 0.15 0.26 0.32 0.15 -0.56 -0.40 -0.18 -0.20 0.04 -0.46 1.07 0.00 -0.51 -0.20 0.23 -0.27 0.19 -0.20 -0.16 -0.12 0.02 -0.34 0.05 0.13 -0.30 0.55 -1.24 0.04 1.54 0.32 -0.06 0.42 0.29 0.69 -0.62 0.39 0.87

7,224.69 16,367.83 50,740.93 12,829.26 9,920.37 4,460.33 5,023.71 9,339.63 5,373.38 28,496.63 6,341.23 7,270.94 11,286.05 7,154.99 51,057.91 8,175.43 5,786.40 47,872.79 36,180.84 118,307.30 97,495.02 17,632.10 56,310.08 15,926.61 6,869.47 6,413.18 5,714.11 5,534.69 8,193.31 8,774.01 5,762.82 32,579.32 6,001.80 17,362.07 13,140.09 5,371.55 6,537.58 6,573.85 11,084.65 13,400.97 27,461.57 6,573.79 4,760.80 16,784.61 9,321.83 6,480.42 49,073.60 5,221.90 61,177.58 17,201.24 7,155.49

0.88968

1.12471 Units per €

US dollar ..............................................................1.22299 Japan yen ............................................................135.287 Switzerland franc..............................................1.18005 Denmark kroner ..............................................7.44979 Norway kroner ..................................................9.67189 currenciesdirect.com/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 15

COMPANY 3M AMERICAN EXPRESS APPLE BOEING CO CATERPILLAR CHEVRON CISCO SYSTEMS COCA-COLA DOWDUPONT EXXON MOBIL GENERAL ELECTRIC GOLDMAN SACHS HOME DEPOT IBM INTEL CORP J.P.MORGAN CHASE JOHNSON & JOHNSON MC DONALD'S CORP MERCK AND CO. NEW MICROSOFT NIKE PFIZER PROCTER AND GAMBLE TRAVELERS CIES UNITED TECHNOLOGIE UNITEDHEALTH GROUP VERIZON COMMS VISA WAL-MART STORES WALT DISNEY CO

PRICE 244,470 100,9700 177,090 336,210 170,300 133,60 40,870 46,15 75,41 87,52 18,7600 257,03 196,4200 163,14 43,2400 112,6700 145,7600 173,5700 58,66 89,600 64,67 36,5400 89,610 134,73 136,58 228,64 51,86 120,09 100,8700 112,4700

CHANGE% +0,89% +0,24% +1,03% +2,47% +0,65% +0,78% +1,92% +0,24% +0,25% +0,68% -1,37% +0,74% +0,89% -0,65% -0,39% +1,65% +0,67% +0,10% +1,84% +1,73% +0,59% -0,05% -0,60% +1,81% +1,18% +1,44% -0,48% +0,21% +0,85% +1,33%

CHANGE VOLUME(M) 2,160 145.435,59 0,2400 87.381,18 1,810 900.816,89 8,090 199.429,47 1,100 101.162,51 1,03 253.148,75 0,770 201.156,47 0,11 196.715,01 0,19 175.772,81 0,59 370.153,59 -0,2600 162.506,20 1,90 96.578,70 1,7400 232.381,98 -1,06 151.604,63 -0,1700 202.082,40 1,8300 388.713,36 0,9700 392.017,01 0,1800 138.279,81 1,06 159.883,58 1,520 690.031,50 0,38 83.803,78 -0,0200 218.012,87 -0,540 227.298,76 2,39 36.773,78 1,59 108.900,98 3,25 220.676,04 -0,25 212.008,54 0,25 217.346,54 0,8500 299.511,58 1,4800 169.019,06 M - MILLION DOLLARS

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 15

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. Performant Financial Corporation Tintri, Inc. Astronics Corporation Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Synaptics Incorporated argenx SE Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Tuniu Corporation Mid Penn Bancorp

$ 28.25 $ 2.31 $ 6.81 $ 47.35 $ 5.60 $ 5.72 $ 49.76 $ 70.52 $ 15.60 $ 8.54 $ 37.50

6.10 ▲ 27.54% 0.37 ▲ 19.07% 0.94 ▲ 16.01% 6.38 ▲ 15.57% 0.69 ▲ 14.05% 0.68 ▲ 13.49% 5.86 ▲ 13.35% 8.13 ▲ 13.03% 1.75 ▲ 12.64% 0.93 ▲ 12.22% 3.645 ▲ 10.77%

$ 16.63 $ 20.15 $ 8.58 $ 5.90 $ 2.90 $ 7.80 $ 2.09 $ 11.65 $ 8.38 $ 2.24 $ 2.70

6.27 ▼ 27.38% 7.53 ▼ 27.20% 1.24 ▼ 12.63% 0.70 ▼ 10.61% 0.30 ▼ 9.38% 0.71 ▼ 8.34% 0.18 ▼ 7.93% 0.87 ▼ 6.95% 0.62 ▼ 6.89% 0.16 ▼ 6.67% 0.19 ▼ 6.57%

Most Declined Xunlei Limited Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Videocon d2h Limited Famous Dave's of America, Inc. TRACON Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Pain Therapeutics, Inc. Axovant Sciences Ltd. Sientra, Inc. ChemoCentryx, Inc. Enphase Energy, Inc. ChinaCache International Holdings Ltd.

E W N 18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Clean air spotlight AUTO INDUSTRY GOING CLEAN AND GREEN THE Spanish automotive industry has showcased the importance of technology to reduce CO2 emissions. During a meeting in Brussels hosted by Pilar Ayuso MEP, several representatives from Spanish-based companies including Bosch, CIE Automotive and Valeo presented their ideas. These included thermal management, engine efficiency and weight reduction of components. Upcoming CO2 legislation for cars and vans was highlighted as an opportunity to take all technology options into account. The European Parliament and Council of Member States are forming legislative plans to reduce car emissions in the 2020-2030 timeframe. The reforms will have a significant impact on the European automotive industry, but Ayuso is optimistic about the future. “Spain has a proud history as a prominent automotive country in Europe, with manufacturing plants rooted all across the country fostering innovation and providing high-skilled employment. It was very interesting to learn what technology can do, and how Europe can build on the strengths of its industry to tackle environmental issues.” Sigrid de Vries, Secretary General of CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers) added: “CLEPA asks the legislator to maintain an open mind for all technology options and provide a policy framework that positively accelerates innovation in Europe. There is no ‘one-fits-all’ solution to achieve society’s energy-efficiency and CO2-emissions reduction targets: cars, vans, bikes, buses and trucks serve different mobility purposes, and customers must have the choice to pick the technology combination that fits their needs best.” However, CLEPA does view the new CO2 proposals for cars as highly

EXHAUSTING ALL OPTIONS: Companies are brainstorming to reduce car emissions.

challenging and emphasises that focus should turn to how the targets should be met while minimising disruption to economy and society. It was acknowledged that electrification, hybrid technology, eco-innovations and alternative and synthetic fuels all have a role to play in increasing energy efficiency. An integrated policy approach encompassing market incentives, energy mix and infrastructure is also essential. Spanish Automobile Suppliers contributes significantly to the Spanish economy due to its size and interaction with other sectors and exports. The automobile industry in 2016 generated revenues in Spain of more than €34 billion, totalling 343,500 direct and indirect jobs. Due to its strong technological base, it invests 4 per cent of its turnover to R&D and innovation.

ONLINE FRESH FOOD SHOPPING LAUNCHED AMAZON is aggressively expanding its fresh food sales in Spain. It comes after a pioneering trial in Madrid, where the online giant last year agreed a deal with the La Paz market to sell fresh produce via its Prime Now platform. And the move proved such a success that plans are now afoot to launch the scheme in other Spanish cities. The first beneficiaries are set to be residents of Barcelona and Valencia the country’s second and third biggest cities by population where Prime Now is already operational - with the Catalan political crisis reportedly leading the ecommerce company to launch in the latter first. An Amazon official confirmed that the retailer aims to forge ties with tens of partner markets, and that it has already received proposals from across the country, but that it intends to take ‘small steps’ and will first concentrate on major cities. When launching the agreement with La Paz market in 2016 the firm said that it aims to “offer its customers ultra-

Photo by Wikimedia

Supermarket shakedown

ONLINE ORDERS: La Paz market, Madrid.

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fast delivery of fresh products from local stores.” The Prime Now platform used to order the groceries offers customers thousands of food, beauty, electronics, sports, toys and home products to Amazon Prime customers, and pledges to deliver orders free of charge within two hours, or one hour for an extra payment of €5.90. A Prime subscription costs €19.95 per year with the Now service currently

available from 8am-midnight in the Spanish capital and 10am-10pm in Barcelona. Orders from La Paz market must be a minimum of €19. Amazon has also linked up with Spanish supermarket brand Dia, with customers already able to order from its La Plaza chain of fresh food specialist stores in Madrid, and this arrangement is also set to be rolled out in other cities. The company in June 2017 paid an estimated €11.1 billion to acquire upmarket US food retailer Whole Foods - which employs 87,000 people in 465 stores – in an all-cash surprise deal. And industry experts have predicted an all-out assault on traditional supermarkets, with the first Amazon Go cashier-less supermarket already operational in US city Seattle. The shop scans customer’s mobile phones as they enter and uses specialised sensing technology to keep track on what they remove from shelves, before charging them as they leave.

Baby milk outrage over food poisoning A RECALL of baby m i l k products over a salmonella scare has been extended to 83 count r i es, i ncl udi ng Spain. Emmanuel Besnier, president of French dairy company Lactalis, said that more than 12 million boxes of infant milk will be recalled. The order comes after salmonella was detected at the firm’s factory in Craon, northwest France, in December. The firm’s brands include Picot and Milumel, and the crisis has seen angry parents l aunch l egal act i on af t er dozens of children fell ill. At l east 35 cases have been r epor t ed i n Fr ance wi t h ot her s i n Spai n and Germany. Lactalis has annual sales of around €17 billion, with 246 si t es i n 47 count r i es producing well-known brands including President butter and Societe roquefort.

Carillion collapses THE liquidation of British construction and support group Carillion has left tens of thousands of jobs at risk. It comes after the firm which handles a number of major government projects issued three profit warnings since last July. Rumours at the time suggested that Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial could step in with a takeover bid, but an offer never came. Carillion is involved in the HS2 high speed train line and is the second-biggest supplier of maintenance services to Network Rail, as well as managing schools and prisons. It has 43,000 staff worldwide, thousands of whom have money in company pension funds, which have run up a debt of almost €674 million.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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FUEL PRICES: Rose slower than expected.

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THE cost of living may not rise as rapidly as previously thought after inflation decreased to 1.1 per cent last December. The figure, which was the lowest it had been all 2017, was 10 per cent less than forecast, although experts believe inflation will rise to 1.6 per cent this year. Prices of gasoline, diesel and electricity rose less than expected while holiday package price hikes also slowed. However, despite the good news, overall inflation resulted in

0.85 per cent loss in purchasing power for retirees. Spain’s unions have now criticised the government, claiming more needs to be done to help struggling workers. The Union General de Trabajadores (UGT) explained wage increases agreed in December 2017 only reached 1.43 per cent, lower than the average inflation rate of 2 per cent. The UGT is calling on the government to raise salaries to cover the increased cost of living.

Pensions income rises by 30% WHILE Brexit may have done little to help the Pound against the Euro, there is some good news for retired expatriates. According to a survey carried out by Prudential, those retiring this year expect to receive €2,027 (£1,800) more a year from their pensions, savings and investments than those finishing work last year. That represents a 10 per cent rise in one year, and is a 30 per cent increase from five years ago. Strong stock market performance and financial markets have contributed to the rise, according to Prudential, adding a new flat rate pension will see pay outs rise to €185.08 (£164.35) a month from April this year from a previous €179.67 (£159.55). Average retirement incomes hit a low in 2013 at an average of €17,229 (£15,300) but are expected to rise to a 10-year high of €22,409 (£19,900) this year. Vince Smith-Hughes, a retirement income expert at Prudential, explained, “the new record high for expected retirement incomes is good news for people planning to retire this year highlighting how saving for the future is paying off.” He added, “the 10 per cent rise from last year is more impressive given the economic and political uncertainty savers are having to cope with.”

The expert revealed it was not all good news, explaining, “uncertainty is impacting the confidence of nearly half of the Class of 2018 who fear they aren’t financially well equipped.” Indeed Prudential’s survey revealed despite income growth, retirees were concerned about their futures with only 50 per cent believing they will have enough money to be comfortable. Minister for pensions and financial inclusion, Guy Opperman, explained, “it’s fantastic news that more and more people can look forward to a financially secure retirement,” adding, “but there is still more to do to ensure that everyone is building up good private pension savings, which is why we are increasing automatic enrolment contributions in April 2018 and April 2019 and have just announced a package of measures to ensure even more people will benefit.” Financial experts say pension auto-enrolment schemes have also helped savers, with 0.8 per cent of pay automatically being diverted into a pension pot. This figure is set to rise to 2.4 per cent in April and to 4 per cent next year. At the same time, employers will be asked to contribute more to their staff’s pensions until the total minimum contribution between employer and employee reaches 5 per cent from April this year and 8 per cent from next April.

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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FEATURE

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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How many pockets have been lined? LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT TO my mind, in theory, apart from his actual adjective use, last week’s statements of Donald Trump were absolutely correct. I reiterate a previous example of mine. If I manage to build a mansion in a town of cardboard houses, I don’t invite all those that dwell in them up to my mansion. That would be tantamount to madness. What you in fact do, is try everything possible to assist those not so fortunate in building their own mansions. Why should successful, functioning civilised societies be expected to take in large influxes of people from highly dysfunctional areas which are usually chaotic, often run by violent and uneducated despots and generally complete failures in democratic and economic affairs? There is nothing racist about it. It’s sheer common sense. In general, large numbers of immigrants from these places do nothing positive for the recipient country, they simply begin to demolish the mansion. “Why can’t we take in immigrants from places like Norway?” asked Mr Trump. Once again there is nothing racist in this remark. He

BAD BUSINESS?: The new American embassy and (inset) Donald Trump. simply means that it is more beneficial and constructive for a country to import people from successful modern communities. Nothing wrong with that. The problem is that most people from these countries are quite happy where they are, so not much joy there. Unfortunately

Trump shouldn’t have cited poor beleaguered Haiti, but then he often opens his mouth before he puts his brain in gear. And so, to the American Embassy furore. One again Mr Trump is absolutely right. Despite the righteous indignation of Battersea’s

local council and the reversed racism of Mayor Khan, the site of the new American embassy is not in the same prestigious area as its predecessor. A Grosvenor Square property in the middle of London’s Mayfair is far more desirable and worth a great deal more bucks than a similar construction south of the Thames. Whether the new Embassy building is safer or more easily accessible is a different matter altogether; from a business point of view the deal has been a bad one. Lord only knows how many pockets have been lined, or palms greased in the whole ‘hand rubbing’ billion dollar operation. Trump is above all a business man and whatever one thinks of him, he is CEO of one of the world’s largest corporations. Keeping his eye on the finances and business dealings of his ‘firm’ is both necessary, intelligent and indeed his duty. One thing that has certainly emerged from Trump’s statement is that it has given thousands of ‘talking heads’ the opportunity to state quite categorically and publicly, what many of them have been babbling for years! - I know, I know; me too. Ah well. Keep the faith columnists@euroweeklynews.com

Love Leapy leapy lee2002@gmail.com

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

TECH FOR THE TIMID APPARENTLY it’s only those of us with a diminished shelf-life who still make actual telephone calls. Millennials in particular think calls are too intrusive, when a text will do nicely instead. Today more than 35 per cent of our interactions are digital. Last year, for the first time, texting, tweeting and other social media, chat and other ‘indirect’ contacts overtook the traditional voice call. Given what happens to us when calling, I’m not too surprised we’re finally backing away from a technology which was, after all, invented in an era when an instant message was one which reached its destination by Morse code in less than a week. Actually call a company and there are receptionists who tell you to hold, then go away forever. There’s piped music which sounds as though it’s being played through an electric razor and will put you off Vivaldi forever. There are voicemail boxes because people don’t want to take your call, and people pretending to be voicemail boxes because they don’t want to take your call. Telephones did make enormous inroads into our traditional communications. One

ET tweet home? Is 150 years of traditional telephone calling heading for disconnection, Terence Kennedy wonders

LORD OF THE RINGS: phone inventor Alexander Graham Bell prominent businessman I knew sat tall and proud behind a desk rampant with telephones, six in all, each in a different colour. The idea, I assumed, was to lend dignity and importance. But the effect was instead comic whenever a phone rang, as he scrabbled to pick up each one in turn to discover which of the six it was.

A friend once dialled a wrong number and was told so by the voice at the other end of the line. “Are you sure?” asked my friend. Quick as a flash came the reply: “Have I ever lied to you before?” Another example of wrong-number repartee had a lady asking the answer voice: “Has June arrived yet?”

A pause, and then the droll reply: “No lady. I don’t know where you’re phoning from, but here it’s still May.” If this purported telephone dialogue is true I’ll eat my non-existent directory: “Hello, is that two-two-two-two?” “No, this is double-two doubletwo.” “Oh ... sorry to have troubled you with a wrong number.” “That’s okay, the phone was ringing anyway.” Ah yes, happy days, now heading for history. Today the telephone call is the new handwritten letter: an antediluvian remnant of a disappearing past as text becomes king, in whatever form. And I love the contemporary cartoon of a helpful little lad taking the hand of an elderly lady on the streetcorner as he says: “Would you like help texting while crossing the street?”

Phonophobia PHONING will soon be the one thing we don’t actually do with our phones, if the statistics are correct. One survey shows millennials check their phones 150 times a day. But there is a social downside: four in 10 adm i t t hey i nt eract m ore with their smartphones than they do with their significant ot hers, parent s, f ri ends, chi l dren or coworkers. Most t roubl i ng of al l i s the enormous spike in lonel i ness am ong t eenagers. Young peopl e go out wi t h their friends less than they did 10 years ago; they interact l ess f ace- t o- f ace, and they get less sleep. And when you real l y know things have changed? When you get an automatic call response like this one from my nephew: “You’ve reached [……..]. No one answers phone calls anymore, send me a text.”

E W N 18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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OPINION & COMMENT

YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION Letters should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com

Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

Prexit: Our pets may be affected by Brexit WITH all of this talk backwards and forwards about Brexit, it seems to me that we are overlooking some of the more relevant questions that we should be asking. Will quarantine for pets and animals in general, return to the UK after Brexit? If they will no longer permit the free passage of people and goods into the UK, presumably pets will not be allowed to travel with their owners either. I personally couldn’t care if my passport is lime green with pink polka dots but I do care to know if I can take my pets with me when I go on holiday. Lynn Hopkins, Fuengirola

Hello Leapy AFTER meeting you for the first time recently in London and having my first Christmas in Spain, I picked up my first ever copy of Euro Weekly News in Marbella. It was a wonderful surprise to come across your column and an unexpected delight to read it.

HAVE YOUR SAY

I remember how Christmas used to be in my youth. As you said the Sally Army on the streets and Carol singers knocking on your door. Making paper chains to decorate your home and silver tinsel strung over your Christmas tree, with lights that never worked very well... Happy Days, we shall not see their like again. Reg Starkey, UK

Horrific accident A defining moment? A CAR leaving a remote mountain road to crash down the mountainside with potentially tragic consequences is sadly a well-known possibility, particularly when the weather is very bad and if there are no safety measures on the road. However, one might be horrified to learn, the same event could happen on an urbanisation; but that is exactly what happened recently on the Urb Monte Pego, situated between Denia and Pego in the Alicante Province on October 18 last year. The history of this urbanisation is key to the understanding of this event. Pego Town Hall gave permission in 1974 to a private com-

LUCKY ESCAPE: The next crash could be fatal. pany to begin the project. It expanded into Rafol and Denia areas and over the years has grown now to some 1,300 dwellings. But when the time came for the urbanisation to become public there began a legal dispute between the town halls involved and the developer over whether the urbanisation had been completed to the correct standard. Accidents are just waiting to

All letters by email or post should carry the writer’s address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published.

happen. Residents have even documented the safety concerns and shared them with local and regional mayors, but nothing changes. The driver miraculously escaped with minor injuries only. The suspicion amongst residents is that if history is a pointer nothing will change, lives will still be at risk and this will not be a defining moment. Mr Rae, Pro Monte Pego Association, Pego

Readers who have missed correspondence can see all letters - which can be edited before publication - posted on: www.euroweeklynews.com.

Plane skids off runway You’d think they’d have plane proof crash barriers? Susan Poole How did he manage to turn left instead of right? Bill Newall Understatement of the year? Pegasus Airlines said the plane “had a Runway Excursion Incident during landing” Euro Weekly News

Surprise tornadoes rip through Almeria That is quite amazing. Pauline Mitchell It also caused a lot of damage when it hit Fort Bravo near Tabernas. Sheila Fearon

Three-year-old dies from meningitis The main message is to act fast. Meningitis can kill in hours. If a child seems a little more poorly than you would expect for flu, get it checked immediately. Also if the pupils of their eyes are different sizes, rush them to hospital as the disease is already progressing. Mary Bolger

Comments from EWN online So glad they tell you on here that there isn’t always a rash, and if there is it’s the last thing to come up. June and Maurice Johnson

Flight diverts due to ‘drunk’ passengers Personal accountability is the way to go here, not banning and nanny-stating. What happens when someone causes problems after having drinks before they board the craft? Alcohol-free airports too? Breathalyser tests for anyone wishing to board? Would you ban hungover people from flying? Those who have had a small sherry after lunch etc etc? Personally, I think that those who have caused problems with their fighting should be responsible for reimbursing all the other passengers for the delay. That would be a lesson they ‘forget in a hurry. Jace T Adams

Why divert flights for drunks! Chain them into their chairs until landing and hand them over to the police to be arrested and fined! (And a bloody big fine too!) Julie Jones Peel Why do people feel it is necessary to get so drunk? They are selfish and put others at risk with their behaviour. Christine Booth I blame the staff, why were they allowed to board the plane? Mo E Dalton

Ryanair explain new cabin baggage policy Still free, take literally five minutes to get your bag from the carousel. No mad panic trying to get on the plane first. When you get on just go straight to your seat. When you get off just get off. Best idea they ever had in my opinion. Darren Briddon This isn’t about making boarding quicker. It would be far more logical to board in row order instead of the current free-for-all, but there’s no money in that. And if it was about speeding up boarding, why not check in the bags at the desk instead of at the gate so that we could take toothpaste and other useful items? Because that would cost money. Andy Funnell

Salvation Army READING Leapy’s comments re the Salvation Army in the UK was very sad to hear, BUT the good news is that here in Denia the ‘Sally Army’ is still going strong. If your readers look up Camp Saron in Denia on Google they will find info on services for all expats, be they Brits, Dutch, German, even American! Look us up; be glad to see you. Ray Ward, Alcalali

Flu outbreak IT has become apparent that this year the outbreak of flu in Spain and the UK is particularly dangerous and has been identified as ‘Aussie Flu’ which is considered to be the most virulent outbreak in the past 50 years. Those who suffer from breathing difficulties and the elderly are particularly at risk, so whether you are registered with a Spanish clinic or have to pay for your treatment, it is so important to consider being vaccinated, even now. Brian, Estepona

Crash witness I WITNESSED the air crash last week at the aero club Alicante. I was travelling on the AP7 towards Benidorm and saw the helicopter coming in low across the motorway and the red bi-plane was behind and above the helicopter travelling in the same direction towards the landing strip. I can only assume the pilot of the biplane had not seen the helicopter due to a blind spot of the plane whilst looking down. As the helicopter was coming in to land the plane which was travelling faster suddenly dipped lower and flew into the helicopter’s tail rotor thus breaking the wing off the plane. In no way was the pilot of the helicopter to blame as it was the pilot of the plane who came in too close, as he obviously didn’t see the helicopter! John Rook, UK

E W N 18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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Quick

Across 1 Juicy fruit, penny apiece (5) 4 Our entering the animal enclosure requires nerve (7) 8 Charlton Heston and George Raft’s imaginary nonsense started the embarrassment (7) 9 Draws back the turf (5) 10 Material needed by witness at inquest (5) 11 Nasty communist returned to wander about (7) 12 Lied terribly about direct debit cheat (6) 14 Insubstantial silver found in lake (6) 17 Reverse, but not on the road (7) 19 Loses one's temper when shown photographs (5) 21 Declare Namibia is hosting sports venue (5) 22 First I nail it by mistake (7) 23 Red brings Smee back and reclaims ownership (7) 24 Second vehicle learner abandoned, it’s regretful (5)

(5) 7 Having red nose, turned back (7) 12 There's no hope of being praised, anyhow (7) 13 Water lost, lake restored over time (7) 15 Iced liquid? Could be great eclair (7)

Code Breaker

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FACING PAGE

16 Ask Einstein to include Hanks (6) 18 Starting tax returns every night, daft craze (5) 19 Mistakes made on the cricket field (5) 20 Spread out and point before drama (5)

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 10 represents W and 18 represents P, so fill in W every time the figure 10 appears and P every time the figure 18 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.

CROSSWORD PAGE

Cryptic

Down 1 Chooses heavy tools (5) 2 Tape Dad modified (7) 3 Bird swimming in Rhone (5) 4 Entertainment that's a nice change with mother (6) 5 Steal the show from the back of the theatre (7) 6 A hospital room success symbol

TIME

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Across 1/11 Solidified carbon dioxide (3,3) 3 Formal agreement (4) 5 Measure of land equivalent to 4,840 square yards (4) 6 Exchange (4) 8 Pompous or pretentious talk or writing (4) 11 See 1 12 Move fast (4)

15 Settee (4) 16 Pull, as against a resistance (4) 17 Voracious freshwater fish (4) 18 Take in solid food (3) Down 1 Expensive (4) 2 Spun thread (4) 3 Annoy persistently (6)

English - Spanish

Across 1 Hablar (5) 4 Seals (animal) (5) 10 Entrar (5) 11 Playa (7) 12 Younger (person, animal, wine, country) (3,5) 13 Húmedo (clima) (4) 15 Noventa (6) 17 Color (6) 19 Salvia (4) 20 Chemist's (shop) (8) 23 Recibir (7) 24 Nidos (5) 25 To cough (5) 26 Wall (interior) (5)

4 Extreme end of something (3) 7 Totals (4) 9 Lowest female voice (4) 10 Speech of violent denunciation (6) 13 Strong restless desire (4) 14 Indirect suggestion (4) 15 Drink by taking small mouthfuls (3)

The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.

Down 2 Ducks (birds) (5) 3 Aeropuertos (8) 5 Buttonhole (4) 6 Godson (7) 7 Stepbrother (11) 8 Cenizas (5) 9 To wake up (11) 14 Storm (8) 16 Business (7) 18 Walk (stroll) (5) 21 Swan (5) 22 Sabio (acción, decisión) (4)

LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

BONUS BALL

IRISH LOTTO

‘ IF THE WIND IS THIS BAD ON BURNS NIGHT, KEEP THE PIPERS INDOORS. ’ 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 R) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

Nonagram

Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.

BONUS BALL

EURO MILLIONS Tuesday January 09

BONUS BALL

TARGET: • Average: 12 • Good: 17

• Very good: 25 • Excellent: 32

Friday January 12

BONUS BALL

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

4 6

alar aria aril barn birr bran lair liar lira rail rain rani rial bairn brail brain briar naira LIBRARIAN

EL MILLON: VZT29699 LA PRIMITIVA

Sudoku

Thursday January 11

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.

BONUS BALL

44 0

JOKER: 4 807 239 Saturday January 13

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

YOUR STARS

BONUS BALL

40 8

JOKER: 5 053 EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) A feeling that you should totally commit yourself to something or someone this week should be avoided. You will come up against a brick wall if a situation is forced. Time is all that is required to see things change for the better.

A situation could become complicated if you do not plan ahead. With a little thought and planning, matters can be kept simple which is always desirable. Be choosy about the company you keep because a bad character could taint by association.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23)

There may not be enough time to do everything you want, so why can't you just reorganise your life so there is? Not as easy as it sounds, Pisces, unless you learn the magic word: no. Know your limits and stick to them.

A lost cause tries to demand your attention, but you must try to see the situation for what it is. Sentimentality should not come into business or be allowed to upset your home life. What is past should remain so, do not torture yourself. Bring your mind and spirits up by looking forward to summer holidays.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Extra pressures at work leave you feeling less than energetic. Check on your health and don't go overboard with the physical activities. Set out to become more active, socially, and maximise on relaxation. With an eye to the summer and holidays, start planning a getaway. Who will you take with you?

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Social activities are likely to change at the last minute. If energy levels are not as high as normal, use this week for planning. With holidays in mind, the summer seems far away but maybe a weekend trip will fill the gap. Spending time with an old friend reminds you of how things used to be.

Sunday January 14

5 26

BONUS BALL

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

ENGLISH-SPANISH

CRYPTIC Across:

1 East, 3 Preacher, 9 Tecnico, 10 Carro, 11 Ahora, 12 Easier, 14 Clavos, 16 Statue, 19 Wallet, 21 Beers, 24 Arrow, 25 Enemigo, 26 Handsome, 27 Noon.

Down: 1 Entrance, 2 Sacro, 4 Reopen, 5 Arcos, 6 Harvest, 7 Roof, 8 Higado, 13 Teaspoon, 15 Azafran, 17 Tables, 18 Stream, 20 Lawns, 22 Erizo, 23 Bath.

1 Core, 3 Calypsos, 8 Message, 9 China, 10 Trite, 11 Descent, 12 Regret, 13 Waster, 16 Vestige, 18 Tyrol, 20 Rolls, 21 Inexact, 22 Elevated, 23 Beds.

Down: 1 Comet, 2 Risking, 4 Agenda, 5 Swine, 6 Scatter, 7 Daredevils, 9 Casualties, 12 Reverse, 14 Terrace, 15 Recite, 17 Solve, 19 Lotus.

QUICK

KAKURO

Across: 2/18 Rip off, 5 Dace, 6 Lead, 7 Ale, 8 Dell, 10 Asia, 13 Pail, 16 Aids, 19 Bars, 20 Apex, 21 Ear.

Down: 1 Bare, 2 Real, 3 Plea, 4 Sari, 8 Dip, 9 Lei, 11 Ski, 12 Ass, 14 Ajar, 15 Lose, 16 Afar, 17 Deep.

CODE BREAKER

LEO (July 24 - August 23)

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Although health should be good, energy may be a little low. A bit of a mystery surrounds a close friend and your opinion may be sought. Hold fire until all the facts are known and you are sure a person has been honest with you because someone may try to keep you in the dark to get the right answer.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) The temptation to run round like a headless chicken is strong this week. There seem to be so many demands on your time that things become confusing. Be sure you are getting enough rest because this time of the year can be fraught for you.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Ruts are awful things to get into but even more difficult to get out of. Being cosy is one thing, but getting bogged down, mentally and physically, is another. All you need is to keep your optimism alive and use your imagination. Perhaps you are spending too much time with an older person or someone who has a dim outlook on life.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Are you suffering from winter blues? Although it is a common feeling at this time of the year, keep optimistic. There is so much to look forward to, in fact, that you are spoilt for choice. Although your social life may be in a bit of a rut, some sparkling moves from you will get things moving. Bring people together for a little party with music and good wine.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Recent events have perhaps left a gap in your social life that is hard to fill. Patience is needed because it would be foolish to rush into something new if your heart is involved. Concentrating on work and other people will alleviate any loneliness.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) A loss of patience with a situation shows this week but is not to your advantage. Whatever you feel, be subtle in your approach. Try to see your position clearly and the result will be that you realise you have more control than you thought. Seeking advice while being honest and telling the full story serves best.

QUIZ: ENDS IN X 1. According to Greek mythology, what was the name of the river in Hades across which Charon carried dead souls? 2. Also called varicella, which infectious disease is caused by the herpes zoster virus and mainly affects children? 3. Are You Experienced (1967), Axis: Bold as Love (1967) and Electric Ladyland (1968) were all UK Top Five hit albums by which iconic American rock guitarist/ singer? 4. Born on July 31, 1974, which English actress is best known for her role as Dr. Nikki Alexander on BBC crime drama Silent Witness? 5. Derived from the French for ‘sweet note’, what two word name is often given to a personal letter to a loved one expressing affection? 6. In humans and some other mammals, what is the name of the tube-shaped sac attached to and opening into the

lower end of the large intestine? 7. What is the trade name of the neurotoxin prepared from botulin that is used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralysing facial muscles? 8. What was tthe name of the Belgian instrument maker who invented the saxophone in 1840? 9. Which Dutch football team won the European Cup (Champions League) in 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73 and 1994– 95? 10. Which is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City? Not a lot of people know that... Ceefax was the world's first teletext information service. It was started by the BBC in 1974 and ended on October 23, 2012, in line with the digital switchover being completed in Northern Ireland.

Answers: Answers 1. STYX, 2. CHICKEN POX, 3. JIMI HENDRIX, 4. EMILIA FOX, 5. BILLET DOUX, 6. APPENDIX, 7. BOTOX, 8. ADOLPHE SAX, 9. AJAX (Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax), 10. THE BRONX

Across:

FOR NEXT 7 DAYS

Saturday January 13

Kakuro

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VIEW ON LIFE

MADDOCKS’

OUT

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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HEALTH BEAUTY Not so minty fresh? IF you find you are reaching for the toothbrush or chewing gum throughout the day, you might be surprised to know it could be mints that are to blame for bad breath. Dentist James Buchanan has told one publication that far from solving breath issues, sugary mints could actually be the cause. He explained, “mints are a popular way to expel bad breath,” adding, “however, mouth bacteria turns the sugar in mints to acid, which wears down teeth and causes bad breath. It is best to use a sugar-free gum.” The professional advises yoghurt, celery and apples are a more effective way to freshen breath. Buchanan also recommends using a soft bristled toothbrush, rather than a hard one.

Mallorca

18 - 24 January 2018

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Andrés Román Romero, Store Director, Specsavers Opticas Santa Ponsa DURING the ski season I receive lots of questions about eye care so I’ve put together the most commonly asked questions to allow everyone to enjoy the sun safely on the slopes this season.

How does this affect my eyes? Although people know how important it is to keep skin protected from the sun, few realise how damaging UV rays can be to the eyes. The UVB rays can irritate the surface of the eye, causing a painful form of sunburn of the eye (called photokeratitis). You may not even be aware whilst out in the snow, as the effects can take six -12 hours to develop.

V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E W W W. E U R O W E E K LY N E W S . C O M

Ask the Optician: Ski Eye Care Why are my eyes more at risk when I’m skiing? The atmosphere on the slopes is very clear and the reflection of sunlight on the slopes is very strong. These two factors combine to be potentially damaging to the eyes and could lead to long-term effects.

EWN

Long-term exposure to UVB can cause cataracts and even ocular tumours. How can I protect my eyes whilst out on the slopes? All you need is good sunglasses, but make sure you choose the right ones. Always read the label carefully and choose the maximum protection factor available. Remember that eyes will be exposed to high levels of UV even if it’s not sunny. Choosing sunglasses without the right protection, could damage the eye by causing the pupil to dilate, increasing the amount of UV light filtering into the eyes, so always keep this in mind when selecting your eyewear.

Specsavers Opticas is currently offering free eye tests. The Specsavers Opticas store in Mallorca can be found at Avda. Rei Jaume 117, Santa Ponsa. Find your nearest store www.specsavers.es.

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

TV Couch Critic

www.euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Wedding Day Winners, I don’t think so!

WHAT on earth are Lorraine Kelly and Rob Beckett doing accepting BBC1’s offer to host Wedding Day Winners on Saturday evenings? If you haven’t caught this weekend horror show, well done, I wish I hadn’t stumbled upon it. The concept, format and execution are truly terrible. Apparently, we all want Lorraine as our Boss, but even she looks alarmed at some of what she is asked to do and at other times she looked bemused by what Rob is doing. The format pits couples and their families against each other to win (some pretty uninspired - a food mixer, really) presents and ultimately a wedding live on TV and a honeymoon. Thankfully the honeymoon isn’t live on our screens. The show is a cross between It’s a Knockout, The Generation Game and Take me Out. The couples, bridesmaids and guests are made to humiliate themselves on primetime TV, with Rob and Lorraine constantly trying to convince everyone that they are all having a wonderful time. They night be, I didn’t. In a completely different space to Wedding Day Winners, I hope that you are following Hard Sun on BBC1. This is a thriller set against the backdrop of a solar storm set to destroy the world in five years’ time and naturally the government wants to keep it all secret. Agyness Deyn and Jim Sturgess star as DI

Photo by BBC

‘WEEKEND HORROR SHOW’: Lorraine Kelly and Rob Beckett host Wedding Day Winners. Renko and DCI Hicks - just a thought, but couldn’t Agyness have been the senior rank? This week our hero duo persuaded a journalist to publish the solar storm story and the government is forced to deny anything is wrong, turning the story into a joke. Separately, Hicks tried to catch a multi killer. Given the amount of blood spilled I hope that this storyline doesn’t continue much longer and given that the clock is ticking for everyone, fin-

gers crossed it doesn’t. Don’t take this one too seriously and it makes a solid round off to your Saturday night. ITV1 are showing Transformation Street on Thursday evenings. Hats off to them for this one. The programme doesn’t patronise or shock and is all the better for it. There are some surgical scenes but these are correctly dealt with as day to day elements of individual Transformation Journeys. There is a

positive approach to sometimes painful stories, without any apology for the refreshing way this programme educates and shows us the highs and lows of a diverse range of journeys. I will continue to watch. EastEnders, BBC1 weekdays, is leading the Soaps New Year Charge. Tamzin Outhwaite has returned to The Square, bringing Mel Owen back to the East End after an absence of 16 years. Mel’s return was via a ‘nice to be back’ to Ben Mitchell, who probably had no idea who Mel was, 16 years is a long time to your average young man. Mel looked shocked at just how much weight ex-husband Ian has accumulated, throw away anything with a horizontal stripe Ian, but Mel really only had eyes for the diamond necklace around Kathy’s neck. Mel’s return looks set to be slow burn rather than explosion, but it will build as the days slowly get longer I’m sure. Channel 4 and Penelope Keith are currently guiding us through the search for village of the year. The team gallop us through four villages each day and we get to know which will make the semi-finals from the Western Zone (where did Regions go I wonder...) on Friday January 19. Sadly we can’t nominate Spanish villages, or I would be putting mine forward immediately. Critique - AWL, Casares, Costa del Sol

Why is he still President? Mike Senker

In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man ONCE again, Donald J Trump has managed to come out with some of the most outrageous racist comments I’ve ever heard from a POTUS. He asked, “Why are we having all these people from s******e countries coming here?” The countries he was referring to are mostly populated by black and Latino people. Countries like El Salvador, Africa and Haiti. The White House hasn’t denied he said it and some people that were there have, in fact, confirmed it. So how does he get away with it? Well, I think the problem is that he doesn’t care and he has a base of followers that don’t care either about what he says or does because basically they agree with him. This to me is pretty unbelievable. It means that there are an incredible amount of Americans that are so fed up with the alternative they would rather see this piece of scum run the most powerful nation in the world. He’s always been racist from when he accused Obama of not being born in the USA to claiming Mexicans are rapists and murder-

ers. You know you are doing something wrong when the head of the Klu Klux Klan starts endorsing your tweets. Sure there is fake news out there but surely this can’t continue? Night after night I see most news stations, with the exception of Fox News, call him out over something and experts giving similar opinions. Are they all wrong and Fox News right? The man claims to be a genius, but to me he is ignorant of practically everything. This week he cancelled a trip to the UK because of Obama not selling the American Embassy for enough and moving it. Well, firstly it wasn’t Obama who decided to move it - it was Bush and secondly, it’s not theirs to sell. The property is owned by the Duke of Westminster! I’m sorry he’s not going because I’d love to see the people turn out and give him the reception he deserves. And yet another woman - this time an actress from the world of adult entertainment - has said she was paid $130,000 to keep quiet about stuff that went on with Trump back in 2006. I’ve lost count of his accusers but surely they can’t all be liars. So why is he still President? The answer to that actually scares me and makes me sad and angry too and very, very grumpy! columnists@euroweeklynews.com

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com.

OCIAL

Mallorca

Update on food, drink, entertainments, what’s on and weekly happenings

Award winning singer Rozalen

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A mix of pop and opera Photo by Jaume Servera i Nicolau

Photo by Victor Ullate Ballet

SCENE

18 - 24 January 2018

SENSUAL: A scene from the new Carmen.

A sensual new version of Carmen / http://splash.rozalen.org

TALENTED: Rozalen trying to perform. SOCIAL ACTIVIST and singer-songwriter Rozalen who has released three albums will be playing in Palma as part of her Spanish tour. She has recently returned from South America and is currently touring around Spain and will be at the Palma Auditorium on Friday February 16. Having studied music at college, this talented award winning singer and guitarist has collaborated with a number of popular Spanish artists and is particularly respected for her representation for charities involved in helping the sick or disadvantaged. Alert to the need to be as inclusive as possible, she is generally accompanied by a specialist in sign language to interpret her songs for those who are deaf. Tickets for the performances cost from €28 to €38 and may be obtained from the auditorium box office.

MORE than a century after its premiere, the opera Carmen has been re-imagined by the Victor Ullate Ballet and is presented as Carmen in the 21st century. The entire concept has been stripped back and brought up to date with images and costumes that are almost sado-masochistic in their design. The company explains that they wanted to recreate a timeless context unburdened

by traditional concepts to ensure no boundaries stand between the audience and the main character. The music from Carmen by Victor Ullate also updates the score, introducing new compositions that reveal a bolder, more modern reading of the mythical female character. Symphonic sounds, ethnic percussion and Japanese drums come together with more popular tunes in order

to tell the story of this contemporary and eternal Carmen. Added to this are special audio-visual effects which complement the music and the updated telling of the story. If this new version appeals to readers then they can purchase tickets which cost from €32 to €45 for the single performance which takes place at the Palma Auditorium on Saturday February 24.

CLASSY: Voicello on stage. VOICELLO a local duo formed by the singer Carme Gari and the cellist and composer Gabriel Fiol is playing in Mallorca to promote their first self-titled album. Both musicians are graduates of song and cello, from the Superior School of Music of Catalonia and in the Conservatory of the Balearic Islands respectively. By combining pop and opera, they hope to attract a younger audience to classical music and their performance will see them accompanied by a trio consisting of pianist Miquel Brunet, flutist Tomeu Estaras and Miquel Marques on drums. The first concert which takes place at the Estudis Ona in Bunyola on Saturday January 27 at 8pm offers free admission but reservations must be made by sending an e-mail to info@voicello.es. There will be additional performances at the Teatre Mar i Terra in Palma on Friday February 2 and Teatre del Raval Gandia on Saturday February 10. More information on the latter gigs may be found at http://www.voicello.es.

English language screening of Lion in Winter EACH year the Balearic Association Amigos de las Bandas Sonoras (Friends of the Sound tracks) organises a screening of a different film with soundtrack

by the late John Barry. This year, the seventh memorial to the composer sees a screening in English of The Lion in Winter at Centre de Cultura Sa Nostra in Palma

starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday January 30. The star studded cast led by Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, John Castle and Timothy Dal-

ton is set at Christmas 1183, when Eleanor of Aquitaine, following years in prison by order of her husband Henry II, King of England, meets him at Chinon Castle in

France to argue over which of their three children should be successor to the throne. This screening is not considered suitable for children under 13 years of age.

E W N 18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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SOCIAL SCENE Photo by Foundation Studium Aureum

Under the Tuscan sun BACCHUS CELLAR by Lorenzo Barbareschi THERE is more to Chianti than the now rarely used classic bottle in a straw basket known as a ‘fiasco’ - that was made famous by Italian restaurants in the ‘70s. An Italian red wine, Chianti derives its name from the Tuscany area known for its landscapes, art and food where different types of soil and micro-climates result from rolling hills with altitudes of 250 - 610 metres. To retain its name it must be produced in the Chianti region and made from at least 80 per cent of Sangiovese grapes, with possible blends of Cabernet, Merlot or Syrah to soften the finished wine. Following the Second World War, with an emphasis on quantity over quality, the reputation of Chianti plummeted. But over the last 30 years it has been revived with the introduction of modern and innovative wine-making techniques. Today, most Chianti falls under two major designations: basic level and the Chianti Classico DOCG which produces the largest vol-

CLASSIC: Chianti collage, Italy. ume of DOCG wines in Italy. Basic level Chianti has medium-high acidity and tannins with minimum alcohol level of 11.5 per cent and juicy fruit notes of cherry, plum and raspberry. This wine reaches peak drinking quality between three and five years after vintage. Chianti Classico can age from six to 20 years with a predominant floral and cinnamon spicy bouquet and aromas of tobacco with minimum 12 per cent alcohol and seven months ageing in oak. Other higher end versions are: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Riserva and Superiore. Chianti’s acidity makes it flexible with food pairing, particularly with Italian cuisine that features red sauces as well as beef, lamb and game. It can range in price from €3 to upwards of €30 for high-end versions. Happy tasting.

MUSIC MARVEL: Scene from a previous concert.

Tchaikovsky in Mallorca THE Foundation Studium Aureum is sponsoring two concerts of Russian music in Mallorca over the next few days. Entitled Russian music for string orchestra the 20-piece ensemble will feature work by Tchaikovsky and Arensky. The Serenade for string orchestra by Tchaikovsky is one of his most beloved works and since its immediate success when premiered, it became a major work of any string orchestra repertoire. The Andante for solo cello and strings by the same com-

poser is a work of delicate and great lyricism and is inspired by a popular melody that in its repetition gradually changes the accompaniment to achieve a really exquisite climax. The variations on a theme of Tchaikovsky by Arensky are considered to be full of contrasts and atmospheres, which leads to and incorporates a beautiful and inspired melody. Under the direction of Carles Ponseti Verdaguer and with soloist Dmitry Struchkov this one hour con-

cert will be held in Manacor and Palma. The first concert takes place this Saturday at the Auditorium in Manacor and starts at 7pm with tickets costing €13 from the auditorium box office or online. The next concert will be presented the following day (Sunday) at the Conservatori Superior de Musica de les Illes Balears in Palma, starting at 8pm with a short talk from composer Merce Pons and tickets costing €20 or €10 for students.

E W N Mallorca

18 - 24 January 2018

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PROPERTY www.euroweeklynews.com

German buyers leading the way. The housebuilder, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2018, has seen a 12 per cent increase in sales on 2016, with the operating profit significantly improved as a result. “The order book increase shows that even in challenging environments, the right property in Spain is still very much in demand,” says Marc Pritchard, Sales and Managing Director. “Spain really does offer everything that a second homeowner wishes for: sunshine, spacious properties in traditional

SITTING PRETTY: Taylor Wimpey is opening a new development in the Costa Blanca. Mediterranean styles, affordable flights, b e a u t i f u l b e a c h e s - i t ’s a l l h e r e . Wi t h record levels of tourists coming to Spain

last year, we expect even greater demand for our homes in 2018.” The holiday hotspot of Costa Blanca has been a particular favourite, with reservations for houses in the area increasing by 5 0 p e r c e n t . I n d e e d Ta y l o r Wi m p e y i s ready to provide a range of new homes across the ‘White Coast,’ beginning with new development Arenal Dream. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t Ta y l o r Wi m p e y o n 0 8 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 o r v i s i t www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Residents outside of the UK will need to call +34 971 706 972.

Hotel Coffeefornia Grupo Cappuccino to open first hotel in Spain PREMIUM restaurant and café chain Grupo Cappuccino is to open its first hotel this spring at the heart of Palma’s historic quarter, Plaza De Cort. Hotel Mama has been designed by renowned Parisian interior designer Jacques Grange, whose credits include the beautiful Palazzo Margarita in Italy and The Mark Hotel in New York. The 19th century building will be a palatial and elegant setting of five star luxury. All of the furniture has Grange’s stamp and the 32 exclusive rooms have five bespoke styles: Marella, Celadon, Garden, Oriental and Roman. The four-storey property will also contain a Cappucine cinema, rooftop pool, gym, and restaurant, while a spa is scheduled to open later this year. A formidable art collection will be displayed around the hotel, including works from David Rochline, Eva Jospin, Wendy Artin and Sean Scully - all favourites of Grupo Cappuccino owner Juan Picornell. The hotel will also house a stunning Café Mama, offering a traditional brunch menu and classic cocktails. The Japanese restaurant, Inu Japanese will serve popular dishes including Halibut and Saikyo Miso. Grupo Cappuccino had previously made its name with a string of stellar restaurants and cafés in exotic locations such as Mallorca, Madrid, Ibiza, Marbella and Jeddah. Room prices start from €219 per night and bookings are available from March.

Phot by Grupo Cappucino

LEADING housebuilder Taylor Wimpey has announced that 2017 has been an excellent year, and that the Spanish market is in robust health. In their trading statement the company reported continued growth, with a total order book of 329 homes. In fact December 2017 saw the sixth consecutive month of growth in sales, despite Brexit uncertainty. Spain has been a favoured second home destination for international buyers for many years, and 32 nationalities bought with Taylor Wimpey Espana last year, with

Photo by Taylor Wimpey

Swift work for Taylor

MAMA MIA: The luxurious new hotel to be opened by Grupo Cappuccino.

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Lovely lavender lavishes the heavenly scent of the Mediterranean GRAEME TYRRELL EVERYBODY knows the scent of lavender. It was one of the first plants of the Mediterranean to have its oils extracted for perfume in ancient times and was exported as a valuable commodity to other regions of the world. Its qualities as a herb are culinary, medicinal and therapeutic. The fragrance induces relaxation and has been known as the love inducing herb. Growing lavender is easy if you have the right soil type and climate so, being a native to the Mediterranean, it is ideal for the Spanish climate. If you have the characteristic stony native soil prevalent to the Mediterranean it is almost certain that they can thrive in your garden. It may just take a few amendments to ensure their success. Usually gardens are made from disturbed soil that may be subsoils or have other additions that can affect the quality of the natural top soil. Too heavy a soil will not permit lavender to grow well. If you have tried and failed it may be that you

PURPLE POWER: Lavender is a beautiful plant with a superb scent. need to add plenty of compost and sand to mix into the soil if the soil is very heavy. The main failure of lavender is from wet feet or root rot due to lack of drainage and/or overwatering. Once established lavender needs very little watering except during prolonged dry periods or when in pots and containers. They tolerate full summer sun but can have partial shape so long as they have at least around six hours of sunlight. Planting lavender close to

PERMACULTURE EDUCATION SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Telephone: 666 33 33 35 info@permamed.org http://permamed.org/

buildings that give prolonged shade can make them lanky and weak, so it is best to grow them in the open on their own

or amongst other shrubs of a similar size, but not under trees that prohibit direct sunlight. The traditional long time

companion of lavender is rosemary. Rosemary has the same growing requirements and colour contrasts and complements wonderfully with lavender. Autumn to early spring is the best time to plant so they can establish, without the need for too much care during their first summer. They live for many years and the main maintenance they require once established is just some pruning after they finish flowering in autumn. The flowers and stems for use as decoration or herbal uses can be taken all summer long, as the plant can rejuvenate from this light extraction. Pruning however means removing about a third of the growth and removing any dam-

aged branches so that the plant can recover with a thicker form rather than become scraggly. For hedges or groups the plants can be placed about 50cm apart, although dwarf varieties can be closer to 30cm apart and larger varieties about 60cm. There is a lot of different varieties so check with your local nursery and neighboursâ€™ gardens to find what is the best for your area. Growing your own lavender will enable the fresh scent of lavender to grace your home simply by harvesting a bunch of flowers and leaves, tying with a ribbon or string and hanging them upside down wherever you wish the fragrance to permeate and provide its relaxing properties.

18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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Home is where the heart is AMONG other interior trends making their presence known this New Year is ‘wellness decorating.’ The fashion sees people putting more emphasis on the effect our home environme n t s h a v e o n o u r mood s, t a k i n g st e p s to make their living space calmer and more productive. A cc o r d i n g t o i d e a l home.co.uk, furniture giant Hillarys has teamed up with health and beauty expert Liz Earle to put together some ideas for how to make your home a more restful place. First on the list is letting more light into your home a s t h i s h a s b ee n shown to increase ‘enerINDOOR PLANTS: May gy, creativity and propromote wellness. ductivity.’ So why not throw open those shades and s o y o u c a n c ontrol how let the sun in this year? To reduce much light is getting in. glare from the strong Spanish sun, Next, the team suggests using more think about installing Venetian blinds

wood in our homes as this brings nature inside, pote ntia lly inc re a s ing our well-being. The website s ugge s ts ma king a de s k ‘from reclaimed scaffolding boards and simple trestle legs,’ to be ‘eco-friendly.’ Another way of incorporating more nature into your home is by adding plants. A c c ording to ide alhom e . c o.uk , ‘it’s be e n prove n plants in the workplace can reduce stress levels and increase productivity,’ adding ‘opt for green, leafy plants like ferns or ivy, avoiding cacti whose spikes can create the oppos ite of a re la xe d feeling.’ Finally the site suggests removing or concealing clutter, which can be ‘depressing and distracting.’ This does not necessarily mean spending hundreds on storage, Liz Earle explains, “I’ve used softy, floaty voile curtains to cover up a shelving unit.”

HOMES & GARDENS

Growing in pots IF you have limited space in your garden, or want to prot ect som e of your pl ant s when temperatures drop, it’s wor t h i nvest i ng i n som e stylish pots. Pot t ed pl ant s r eal l y brighten up a space and all ow you t o have a gar den t hat bl oom s al l year round. You can use them to grow anything from climbing and flowering plants to vegetables and herbs. They al so al l ow you t o have a portable garden, as t hey al l ow you t o br i ng plants which are susceptible to frost inside during colder months. Generally speaking, the bigger the plant, the bigger t he pot but you need t o make sure that it drains well and won’t over heat your plant. You can also get creative,

by using anything from old teapots and welly boots to wooden barrels. Also make sure you keep in mind what the downfalls m i ght be of usi ng pot s which are made from certain containers. Al t hough cer am i c pot s drain well, they also dry out quickly, especially under t he hot sun, and r equi r e constant watering. The soil you use in pots is al so ver y i m por t ant . You shoul d avoi d usi ng soi l from your garden as it is oft en t oo heavy and coul d contain diseases or insect pests. However, because speci al i sed pot t i ng soi l t ends t o be l i ght er, you wi l l al so need t o check your plant’s moisture levels more often and make sure they’re receiving enough nutrients.

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Over the weeks a few people have called to ask me a question sweet, but very overweight really would not be able to jump up on a chair! Leslie:- My dog likes to eat cat faeces and in fact most faeces, why does she do this? Faeces is not a dirty thing to a dog, they smell each other in the anal area to identify, however the subject of eating is quite simple. A dog is a scavenger, will eat any faeces they consider has not been digested, so in fact it is food to them and

Find pet-sitters online for your holiday Adorable dogs in Alicante needing a sitter in March - is that you? Find free pet-sitters for your pets ONE way to find checked house-sitters and pet-sitters is by joining the HouseSitMatch network as a ‘homeowner.’ It’s easy to build a profile with details of your pets and what you need the sitter to do. You can post the dates of your holiday, general details of your property and pets to be cared for, we keep all your contacts securely hidden so your real identity is veiled. House-sitters with experience will apply. They will be vetted with backgrounds checked so you can rest assured you are matched with suitable people. What do you need to do? • If you have pets and need house-sitters - Register on our site as a ‘homeowner’ and provide photos and general information about your loca-

Arrange pet-sitters. tion and your assignment. If you register as a Premium Homeowner for £75 per year we help you at every step. • If you have experience with home and pet care and want to house-sit in Spain or abroad - Register as a ‘housesitter,’ build a profile with photos and describe how you think you can help homeowners with pets. Choose a Premium plan for £75 per year you can build a large profile with more prominence online. Save Hurry! Join now to secure

2017 prices being held through January 2018. Who are the pet-sitters and why will they want to housesit for free? Most of the pet-sitters and house-sitters who join HouseSitMatch are looking to spend time in a new location and exchange their service for free accommodation. It’s a working holiday with agreed requirements on both sides. Client testimonial Diana, Pet owner in Granada, Spain It was such a relief to know that I can tap into this ready-made network of petsitters, with experience. I have nine dogs, four cats, it isn’t easy finding sitters. Thanks to HouseSit Match, I registered and was organised with a sitter and a back-up within a few weeks! (See more reviews in Trustpilot)

Do you need a house or pet-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner now with a 20 per cent off introductory offer using coupon code PERFECT20. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HouseSitMatch.com call Lamia on 00 44 (0) 777 214 2742 or email admin@housesitmatch.com

very yummy! Sheep, cow, horse faeces... they will go after it to see if that has not been digested. Here comes the problem: one does not know what an animal has eaten and not digested, so its food could also be contaminated and the result - you could have a sick dog. Any questions send to me davidthedogman@gmx.co.u k and if the editor has space these will be answered. Happy New Year!

JUMPING BEAN: Build your wall high if your dog is prone to jumping.

Much ado about purring IF you’ve ever wondered why your cat purrs, you might be in for a surprise. Research carried out by pet nutritionists Purina has revealed that cats purr when they’re distressed or afraid, not just when they’re happy. While purring is a method of communication among cats, especially needed by kittens to communicate with their mother and littermates because they are born blind and deaf, it’s also shown to be a defence mechanism and a way to keep calm in stressful or painful situations. A cat’s purr has a low frequency which causes a series of vibrations inside the body; that can act as a form of pain relief and heal injuries, ease breathing and build muscle. However, it is believed that humans could also benefit from these good vibrations, as studies have shown spending time with cats and hearing their purrs lowers blood pressure. Therefore, those who own cats have a 40 per cent lower risk of having a

Photo Credit: Unsplash

David THE Dogman LISTEN to David on TRE on Saturdays 10am to 11am Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9fm, 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 columnists@ewnmediagroup.com

STUART:- I have a female mongrel that can jump over any wall, is there a way to stop her? To stop a dog jumping any wall of any height build the wall a few feet higher but at 45 degrees at the top. Take a look at any prison, police kennel, etc you will find from 45 degrees to 90 which means the dog must jump to the bend and then crawl upside down which they cannot do. I met Stuart a few days ago he had a lovely nine year old

PURRY FRIEND: Cats don’t only purr when they’re happy... heart attack. The researchers also identified a new kind of purr called the ‘solicitation purr,’ which sounds more urgent not dissimilar to a crying

baby - so owners instinctively come to their aid. So the next time you take your purring cat to the vet, it may be more stressed than you realised.

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On the Mercedes CLS55: “Braking in this car is so brutal, it would be less painful to actually hit the tree you were trying to miss.” Some might say...

Introducing the future Credit: Twitter

KIA has revealed concept images of the brand’s brand new Niro, a zero-emission SUV with futuristic technology. The Niro EV concept is a battery-electric small SUV with a 150kW (201bhp) electric motor powered by a 64kWh lithium polymer battery pack. One of the most eye-catching features of the Niro EV concept is its range. It is predicted to have a 238-mile range, with the ability to charge up to 115 miles in just 30 minutes. While no performance figures are currently available, it is expected to be close to the Chevy Bolt’s 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds. Another interesting feature is the concept’s Active Pedestrian Warning System (APWS). Due to the almost silent running of the car’s engine, the APWS combines front view cameras, front speakers and object recognition technology to provide an alert to pedestrians or cyclists, crossing in front of the Niro, to the car’s presence. A futuristic interior has a digital display in front of the driver, and another in the central dash, which seems to wrap around both the driver and the passenger sides. The brand new interface allows passengers to adjust audio and heating controls by touch or just gesturing at the screen, while

the driver can also swipe parts of the steering wheel to make adjustments to the same settings.

The Korean car giants have also announced plans to launch a staggering 16 electric vehicles globally by 2025.

FUTURISTIC: Images of the Kia Niro EV Concept were released at Las Vegas’ Consumer Electronics show.

ROAD TEST by Nick Fletcher

Ford Ka + Zetec THE Ford Ka+ is a slightly more spacious version of the earlier Ka, and is based on a Fiesta platform which gives it a practical edge over more cramped city-car rivals. It can seat five occupants, has decent boot space, and with prices starting at €11,056 (£9,795) it can compete with smaller city runabouts such as Peugeot 108, Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo. All Ka+ models get a 69 hp 1.2 litre petrol engine though an 83 hp unit is optional on Zetec versions, and both have five-speed manual transmission. The smaller engine has a 0-100 kph time of 15.3 seconds and a top speed of 159 kph (99 mph). Fuel economy is 20 kpl (56.5 mpg). On the road, the Ka+ drives smoothly and while its 0-100 kph time of just over 15 seconds looks slow on

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paper, it really doesn’t feel that slow in actual use, and has a nice easy feel to it which makes it a pleasure to drive, particularly on urban streets. With imp r o v e d springs and dampers and a stiffer front anti-roll bar, the Ka+ rides and handles well, and extra sound-proofing helps it seem more refined than main rivals. Standard kit on the entry Studio model is rather limited, but does include electric front windows and mirrors, Bluetooth/USB and a device to enable mobile phone connectivity. The Zetec test model, at €12,184 (£10,795), is the likely choice of eight out of

ROOMY: The Ford Ka+ has more space than the earlier Ka.

10 buyers says Ford. It adds desirable features such as alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, DAB radio and enhanced connectivity. The Ka+ cabin looks good, taking styling cues from the Fiesta, and trim materials look better quality than in most city cars. A taller roof line ensures good headroom in the rear, and the boot space at 273 litres

is among the biggest in the class, and it expands to 849 litres with the rear seats down. There are also 21 different storage places for small items, a bonus for family usage. Overall, the Ka+ proves to be a pleasing small hatchback offering more interior space than most in its class and with smooth driving dynamics.

E W N 18 - 24 January 2018 / Mallorca

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Confidence in Newcastle - Benitez UKSPORTSCENE with Andrew Atkinson remain realistic,” said Benitez, linked with ex-Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez who joined West Ham from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. Premier League fixtures: Saturday: Brighton v Chelsea; WHU v Bournemouth; Everton v WBA; Burnley v Manchester United; Leicester City v Watford; Stoke City v Huddersfield; Arsenal v Crystal Palace; Manchester City v Newcastle.

Sunday: Southampton v Spurs. Monday: Swansea v Liverpool.

CONFIDENCE: Benitez is confident in his side.

MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola has been warned they’re not yet in the Carabao Cup final as their second leg against Bristol City looms. “It’s not over,” booted Bristol gaffer Lee Johnson, after losing the first leg 2-1 against City in a dramatic tie at the Etihad Stadium. “It’s only half time, we’re still in this tie,” said Johnson, after City gained a win with Sergio Aguero’s stoppage time winner. Championship club Bristol have knocked out four Premier League clubs in Manchester United, Watford, Stoke and

SPORTSCENESPAIN with Andrew Atkinson JACK HARPER joined Malaga CF a year ago this month in a move from Brighton, missing out on the Seagulls promotion to the Premier League last season. “I had a complicated injury when I joined Brighton and I wasn’t sure how long I was going to be out at the time,” said Harper. Harper, 21, a former Scottish youth international who signed a two-year contract deal with Malaga CF, was promoted to the first-team ahead of the 2017-18 La Liga season. Harper has been absent in under fire Michel’s struggling first team squad, with La Liga relegation worries, after a poor campaign, being in Malaguista coach, Manel Ruan’s reserves. Harper made history last February - when becoming the first Scot to score a hat-trick in Spanish football for 107 years - in Atletico Malagueno’s game against Alhaurin de la Torre. Harper became the first Scot to net a hat-trick in Spanish football since Glaswegian George Pattullo netted 41 goals in 20 games for Barcelona in 1910. Harper, a prodigy of Real Madrid’s youth as a teenager, prior to their C team being disbanded, said: “I grew up as a Spanish boy, and played at Fuengirola.

Guardiola gives Pep talk to underdogs Crystal Palace on the road to the semi-finals. “Pep Guardiola said we played better than the majority of the Premier League teams that come to Man City,” said Johnson, ahead of the second leg on January 23. Along with the Carabao Cup and the

Premier League, City are eyeing other silverware: “Without spirit you can’t win trophies - in any competition - including the Champions League,” said Guardiola. Arsenal and Chelsea meet in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on January 24 after a goalless first leg: “It was a good draw and we have to finish the job,” said Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. “Not to concede a goal at home could be very important for the second leg - to play at the Emirates Stadium is not easy - but we are ready,” said Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.

LIVERPOOL travel to relegation threatened Swansea in the Premier League with Swans’ new boss Carlos Carvalhal hoping he can turn the tide. “Nobody has many expectations of Swansea, but we can change things and improve the players,” said Carvalhal, who replaced Paul Clement at the Liberty Stadium. Ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss Carvalhal, who unexpectedly left The Owls on Christmas Eve, said: “I like difficult challenges. “People say Swansea need a miracle to stay in the Premier League, but I don’t agree.” L i v e r p o o l ’s n e w £ 7 5 m s i g n i n g Vi rg i l v a n D i j k , and fit-again Adam Lallana are set to line-up against Swansea on Monday. A n f i e l d b o s s J u rg e n Klopp is linked with signing Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, 21, in the transfer window.

Jack awaits Scottish dream Credit: @MalagaCF_en/Twitter

NEWCASTLE UNITED travel to Premier League leaders Manchester City at the weekend with Magpies gaffer Rafa Benitez having confidence in his squad. “The Premier League is very tough, quite difficult, but I still have a lot of confidence in the team,” said Benitez. Newcastle lost 1-0 against City in December and Benitez said: “We knew it was going to be a difficult game, but we were in it to the end.” City’s win at St James’ Park saw Blues boss Pep Guardiola criticise Benitez: “We deserved to win - by far - it’s not easy when the opponent doesn’t want to play,” rapped Guardiola. Benitez expects only to be able to sign loan players in the January transfer window, in the wake of Newcastle takeover talks stalling. “I don’t know what our budget is exactly in the window. I will keep working to try and get our targets,” said Benitez. “I’m happy with the squad, but looking for more players. It is difficult to sign players, but

Swans in a flap

AMBITIONS: Harper in action for the Malaga academy. “Madrid then showed an interest. I was close to a move to Sevilla - Madrid intercepted - I couldn’t say no.”

Hit with injury during his spell at the Bernabeu, Harper’s woes continued at Brighton, with injury keeping him on the sidelines. Brighton play Chelsea at the weekend and Seagulls boss Chris Hughton said: “Jack arrived at Brighton with an injury - which initially didn’t help - it took him a while to get over that.” Having returned to his hometown club Malaga CF last January, Harper starred in the Atletico Malagueno team with eye-catching displays in the Spanish fourth tier. Harper’s progress was kept on radar in Scotland, with the national side selecting him in Scotland’s under-21 squad. Scotland under 21 manager Scott Gemmill said: “Since going back to Malaga in January, he has been in such good form.” Malaga-born Harper, whose parents are Scottish, called up to the Scotland U21 squad in March, said: “Everyone was really kind to me at Brighton.” Harper was called up to the U21 squad 11 months ago having been left out in the cold after featuring in the qualifying stage for the U19 squad in Lithuania. “It’s great to represent Scotland - to be called up was a dream come true - it’s still my dream to play for Scotland seniors,” said Harper.

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REAL MADRID and Spain captain Sergio Ramos has been the subject of social media ‘trolling’ after posting an image of himself in a bright blue outfit to his Instagram page. The 31-year-old was watching Madrid lose to Villarreal in La Liga after missing out through injury.

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Credit: @SergioRamos/Instagram

Nadal battles through to Australian Open third round RAFAEL NADAL is through to the third round of the Australian Open after a battling 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) victory against Argentinian Leonardo Mayer in the second round. After the Mallorca-born blitzed through his first round match against Victor Estrella Burgos, he was being pushed hard by Mayer, who was unlucky to be on the end of a three set defeat. Nadal made light work of the first set, with Mayer producing several unforced errors, and seemed to be going the same way in the second as he broke serve in the first game. But Mayer battled back into the game and pushed the 31-year-old to produce some of his best tennis, before Nadal eventually took

the set 6-4. T h e A rge ntine pus he d the ATP World Number One to a tie-break in the third set, but the Spaniard used all of his experience to produce some wonderful shots to take the match 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). Speaking to media after the match, Nadal said: “An important victory for me. Always a tough opponent. I had to hit some great shots in the tie-break. I wish him all the best in the season. Happy to be in the third round after a while without being in competition. “This tournament is my favourite of the year so I want to stay as long as possible.” Nadal will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Damir Dzumhur in the third round tomorrow (Friday).

THROUGH: Nadal will play in the third round tomorrow (Friday).