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ISSUE NO. 1747
27 Dec 2018 - 2 Jan 2019
ALMERIA Council is describing as revolutionary its plans to take tourism in the province beyond the offer of sea, sand, culture and outdoor activities and establish it as a science and industry destination. The provincial councilhas launched the ‘Almeria has Science’ promotional campaign, which highlights the province’s four internationally important centres of investigation: the Calar Alto Observatory, the Solar Platform in the Tabernas desert for investigating and developing solar energy, the Macael mines, and the greenhouses of Almeria. Council Vice-President Javier A Garcia said the main aim is to break with the seasonal nature of tourism in Almeria, attracting not only visitors with a specific interest in science or industry, but family tourism, adding the campaign was also aimed at Almerians themselves. “There is no other place, at least in continental Europe, which brings together all the characteristics which our province has and which makes us different from any other destination,” the Vice-President remarked. “We are more than sun and beach. We have science, and of the highest level.” He said the campaign is a “unique project in Europe” and that the provincial administration is “convinced it is going to be a revolution.” Showing off the promotional materials focusing on the four sectors which form the basis of Almeria’s scientific and industri-
COSTA DE ALMERÍA YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
Tourism revolution
DIFFERENT: The provincial government hopes the focus on Almeria as a centre of science and industry will attract new visitors. al offer, the Vice-President explained the campaign is visible in 300 locations around the country over the Festive Season holidays, including airports, train stations and shopping centres in Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Mallorca, Valencia and Bilbao. “We have chosen the most important communication hubs so
the impact this campaign has is much greater and reaches the greatest possible proportion of the public.” Macael mayor, Raul Martinez, congratulated the provincial council on the Almeria has Science initiative, commenting: “This is the first time anyone is promoting
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the province so much, and it is the first time that anyone is going beyond sun and beach and supporting the wide variety of sections making up our tourist offer. Our industrial tourism project is going to have a visibility it has not had until now.”
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
NEWS EXTRA
Celebrating castle history
State help THE government has allocated nearly €11 million from the European Social Fund to Almeria and Roquetas de Mar Council projects aimed at helping vulnerable groups in society, including the longterm unemployed and immigrants, find jobs.
Budget goal UD Almeria football club’s shareholders approved a budget of over €11 million for the current season, expecting to have a budget surplus of around €1 million; in the last financial year there was a €700,000 deficit.
Damp cure THE Junta de Andalucia has concluded its investigations into the causes of the deterioration of the Almeria City Alcazaba fortification’s south wall, and announced it is drawing up plans on correcting the damp found there.
EMBLEMATIC: The events commemorate the 500th anniversary of the construction of the municipality’s most important monument. COMMEMORATIONS of the 500th anniversary of the Marquis of Los Velez Castle in Cuevas del Almanzora have officially got underway. Cuevas mayor Antonio Fernandez, Education, Health and Festivities councillor Ana Mª Castro and official chronicler Enrique Fernández Bolea unveiled the programme of events last week. These include a series of conferences about the castle’s important role in Cuevas’ history over the last five
centuries and ‘The surprising look: something more than a century of photography in Cuevas del Almanzora 1865-1973’ exhibition, which runs until March 22 at the Antonio Manuel Campoy La Tercia hall. “Throughout its history, the castle has been the main emblem of our town, and as it could not be any other way, for a year it is going to be the nerve centre of the most important acts we are going to celebrate,” the mayor said.
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Jobs and business boost ECONOMIC growth and job creation in the Los Filabres region are the principal goals of a new business plan. Almeria Council Economic Promotion and Employment Deputy Carmen Belen Lopez presented the provincial administration’s fifth PDE Business Stimulus Plan last week, saying: “it goes beyond being a training tool, as it analyses the economic and business situation of the region with the aim of providing an effective and real answer to the local development needs of the municipalities.” The deputy said analyses of the Filabres economy have identified various economic weaknesses, among them a shortage of skilled labour and a lack of industrial structure, but also its strengths and ideas to develop. These include creating tourism packages based on natural attractions and local heritage, setting up renewable energy enterprises, promoting local produce and developing organic food production, and establishing a quality stamp which identifies the region and which includes the greatest possible number of companies. Also, making use of new technologies and social media. Eighteen municipalities are covered by the Filabres plan: Abla, Abrucena, Alcudia de Monteagud, Benitagla, Benizalon, Castro de Filabres, Fiñana, Gergal, Lucainena de las Torres, Nacimiento, Olula de Castro, Senes, Tabernas, Tahal, Las Tres Villas, Turrillas, Uleila del Campo and Velefique. Previous business stimulus plans focused on the Levante, Almanzora Valley, Alpujarra and Bajo Andarax regions.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Budget OK is given
THE BIG PICTURE Nº 46
ALMERIA City Council has given initial approval to the 2019 municipal budget of just short of €200 million. The budget passed with the votes of the governing Popular Party a n d a n o n - p a r t y a ff i l i a t e d councillor; United Left, the Municipal Socialist Group and the Citizens party voted against.
A 28-YEAR-OLD man suffered serious burns and another man was left with injuries to his hands when a fire broke out in a slum area of Los Nietos in N i j a r. T h e b l a z e a ff e c t e d around 50 homes inhabited by some 100 people, mostly male immigrants.
GUARDIA CIVIL have made three arrests in connection with the theft of an automatic cash machine containing €5,000 from a business in Tabernas in November. One of the thieves fired a warning shot during the robbery, before they made off in a stolen vehicle.
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Health & Beauty 54-55 Social
Boat tragedy
Three arrested
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News 1 - 26 Finance 28 Leapy 32 Time Out 49-52
Slum fire
MARITIME RESCUE saved a small boat in Almerian waters carrying 33 survivors and 11 bodies, one a pregnant woman, after it got into trouble trying to make the crossing between North Africa and Spain. One of the survivors later died in hospital in Almeria City.
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58-59 DANCE OFF: The Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales takes place in Malaga Province.
Albox
Song and dance THIS photograph of two dancers in full swing was taken at the Andalucia annual Fiesta Mayor de Verd ia le s co mp e tition w hic h ta ke s place tomorrow (Friday) this year. The contest, held near Malaga City, pits musicians, singers and dancers from local villages against one another as they attempt to win over judges who decide the winner. T h e c o mp e tito r s a re know n a s ‘pandas’. The festival takes its name from the Verdiales style of dance which
is believed to have originated in the Los Verdiales region north of Malaga City. It is characterised by its ‘fa nda ngo a le gre ’ (ha ppy) moves. The style began life as a traditiona l folk da nc e be fore be ing gradually brought into the flamenco family. The name itself comes from the Latin words for green and flourishing. The contest sees 25 groups compete in three categories: Almogia, Montes and Comares. Each group
is made up of about 20 performers. One dance is performed with a solo lead dancer while another sees a pair dancing together. There is another dance which features three performers. The contest is also known for lively rehearsals practised by performers between the official dances. The Spanish government awarded the festival Cultural Interest status in 2010. This year’s Verdiales will be the 56th edition of the event.
60-63 Pets 64 Classifieds 66-67 Motoring 68-70 Sport 72
Doing well T H E ‘ We a r e d o i n g i t w e l l ’ campaign focusing on the fruit a n d v e g p r o d u c t i o n s e c t o r ’s strengths, contributions to f o o d q u a l i t y a n d s a f e t y, a n d positive effects on the environment was top of the agenda at a meeting between sector body Hortiespaña and the Government Subdelegate in Almeria.
Update help HUERCAL-OVERA Council has awarded payments of up to €2,000 to five companies for modernisations to make them more competitive under a new municipal initiative to support local trade. The plan applies to small businesses which have been operating in Huercal-Overa for at least five years.
Backing education THE University of Almeria (UAL) and the Almeria Provincial Council have signed an agreement on education and research projects. Council President Gabriel Amat and UAL rector Carmelo Rodrigez rubber stamped the agreement last week, under which the provincial administration will provide €120,000 for 20 projects, notably summer courses, research scholarships and the University of Mature Students. Amat stressed the goal of the pro-
jects was to make the province an important research and study centre, and said the province should be proud of ‘having a young university which is at the same level as universities which are 100 years old.’ The UAL rector said the university aimed to carry out projects which benefit Almeria in general, commenting, “Our objective is for UAL to be an institution close to society.” UAL has this year been marking its 25th anniversary.
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Fugitive found NATIONAL POLICE in El Ejido arrested a Moroccan citizen for whom a court in Marseille had issued a European search and arrest warrant on charges of belonging to a criminal gang and drug trafficking. Officers detained the 42-year old man after recognising him while he was walking down the street. Investigations into the detained man were first launched in 2012, when the Central Office for Illegal Drug Trafficking based in Mar-
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seille gathered sufficient evidence to attribute to the individual the transport of 65 kilos of cannabis resin from Almeria to the French city. The search and arrest warrant followed in 2014. National Police in El Ejido have this year arrested 18 criminals being looked for by the justice systems in other countries, among them France, Belgium, Romania and Lithuania, and for crimes including kidnapping and being members of criminal organisations.
The total number of news and features which appeared in Issue 1746 of the Euro Weekly News Costa de Almería edition, including 99 local stories.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
A CYCLIST from Spain who undertook the arduous task of biking across Siberia in -50C temperatures had to be rescued by locals after he was found in a thin tent suffering from frostbite. Jose Andres Abian Pajares, originally from Zaragoza, was discovered on a mountain pass in the Kolyma region of Russia during freezing conditions. His rescuers took him to hospital in the town of Susuman, 400km north of Magadan from where he had set off weeks earlier, and reports claim ‘he could have died’. The 47-year-old’s journey began when he flew from Moscow to Magadan aiming to ride to Lake
Rescued explorer ‘could have died’
FROSTBITE: Jose Andres Abian Pajares was in a bad way when rescued by locals in Russia.
Watch your change NATIONAL POLICE have warned the public to keep an eye out for a coin scam going around Europe once again. Officers first warned about people being short-changed last year but have recently been forced to warn the public again after a rise in reported cases. Police are warning that everyone
Baikal near Irkutsk, about 4,660 km away, sharing his travel experiences on his ‘around the world’ blog. He has previously documented his cycling adventures from Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Romania, Iceland and Morocco, to name a few. According to British press reports, Pajares, who is now recovering, will have to spend New Year in the remote area of Siberia as there are no flights out of the region until January.
SHORT-CHANGED: Check your change carefully.
should check their change carefully after every transaction to make sure they have not been given either a Tu r k i s h L i r a , w h i c h l o o k s a l m o s t identical to a one-Euro coin, the Turkish 50 Kurus coin (looks like a twoEuro coin) Jamaican 20 Dollar coin (looks like a one-Euro coin), the Pol-
ish 5 Zlotych coin (similar to a twoEuro coin) and the Venezuelan Bolivar (very similar to the one-Euro coin). According to the National Police, these coins are very similar to the real Euro but their value is much, much lower.
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Terror networks dismantled THE National Police has investigated and disassembled jihadist terror networks in various prisons. Police infiltrated and shut down a network of prisoners dedicated to the financing of jihadist terrorism from their cells. The National Police operation went ahead after successful investigations were carried out into the alleged terrorist activities and organisations working within Spain’s prison system. The operation has resulted in the detention and imprisonment of several people for crimes against public health. The National Police claim drug-related activities from within the prison walls were being used to fund jihadist terrorist organisations which used goods transportation companies to traffic weapons and people across Europe from North Africa and Syria. One of the investigated prisoners has also been charged with the crimes of jihadist recruitment and indoctrination in prison.
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Out of work MORE than a quarter of people with disabilities in Spain were unemployed in 2017, 2 per cent less than the previous year. But the figure (26.2) is still 9 per cent higher than for those without disabilities, which stands at 17.1 per cent, according to the National Institute of Statistics. A report ‘Employment of people with disabilities, year 2017’ highlights their ‘low participation’ in the labour market. Last year there were 1.8 million people with disabilities of working age (16 to 64), of which 651,700 had jobs.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Human rights violations THE European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg condemned Spain nine times this year for human rights violations, including for free speech and fair trial violations. The cases which went before the ECHR this year included that of the trial of Arnaldo Otegi and the treatment of protesters who torched images of the royal family. Rights International Spain featured a tally of the cases in this year’s annual Balance of Human Rights in Spain report. The group said there had been no improvement in Spain this year. “The high number of Spanish human rights cases in the ECHR, is striking. “The cases seem to indicate that Spain shows a certain level of reluctance regarding an effective protection of some rights related to political dissent,” the group said. The Spanish government
CREDIT: CUP
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CONDEMNED: ECHR rulings included one of the burning of photos of Spain’s royal family in 2007. said earlier this year it was committed to protecting and promoting human rights in Spain and internationally. The case of Arnaldo Otegi saw the ECHR condemn Spain for denying him and others a fair and impartial trial. Otegi was sentenced to 11
years in prison over links to the Basque nationalist ETA terror group. His sentence was later cut to six years by Spain’s Supreme Court. The ECHR ruled on Stern Taulats and Roura Capellera, who were each fined €2,700 for burning pictures of the royal family during a demon-
stration in Cataluña’s Girona Province. The court found the fines violated their right to free expression. Other cases included a ruling that supermarket owners breached workers’ rights to privacy by installing hidden security cameras to monitor them.
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Death by neglect probe A HUSBAND has been arrested after his wife died in hospital having been admitted in a ‘state of serious deterioration.’ The 63-year-old from Bages was detained on suspicion of murder ‘by omission’ days after Catalan police learned of his 57-year-old deceased s p o u s e ’s w e a k s t a t e o f health. A n e m e rg e n c y m e d i c a l team reportedly went to t h e v i c t i m ’s h o m e a f t e r receiving an emergency call, and required the assistance of firefighters to get her to hospital. She died a few hours later. An investigation was launched, and the suspect was ‘presumed responsible’ for her condition, and consequently arrested. A court date is to be set.
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Pit closures SPAIN has signed a letter in support of an agreement which will see the closure of coal plants in Europe, while providing a system of guarantees for other technologies to support renewable energies. The letter has been signed by 12 other countries, including the UK.
MORE than 120,000 patients are using medicinal cannabis without any professional supervision or control, exposing themselves to legal and health issues. This is the finding of the Spanish M e dic ina l C a nna bis O bs e rva tory, which has criticised the lack of regulation and expressed its ‘absolute perplexity to the current situation of ther-
Cannabis controls apeutic cannabis when there are thousands of preclinical and clinical stud-
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ies which support its properties’. Whi l e acknowl edgi ng m or e r esearch is needed, the observatory notes that countries like Canada or Israel which have medicinal dispensation programmes, controlled by the government, with cannabis traced, analysed and dispensed under medical supervision, ‘are working with very good results’.
Artefact haul
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GUARDIA CIVIL offic e rs in C a s tilla y Le on have seized 257 archaeological items which date from ancient times to the 15th century and are estimated to be worth almost €307,000. Police seized the items as part of Operation Fibulas, an investigation into artefacts allegedly illegally taken from sites in the Valle del Tiertar area during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Virginia Barcones, the Spa nis h gove rnme nt’s representative in Castilla y Leon, said the investigation had helped to rec ove r ite ms w hic h belonge d in the public domain. The investigation which led to the seizing of the artefacts began in April. The probe led officers to unc ove r a s e a l, da tin g from the 15th c e ntur y
ITEMS SEIZED: Police uncovered a total of 257 artefacts. which someone in Avila Province allegedly possessed illegally. A f ur t her 256 i t em s wer e t hen uncover ed. These included a flint arrowhead and a bronze and silver coin which are believed to have been mint-
ed by the Iberian civilisat i on i n t he 1st cent ur y BCE. A f ur t her 124 Rom an coins and stone objects were found, as well as 58 ceramics. All the pieces are set to be handed over to the Museum of Avila.
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Arrests made after explosion
PEACE SHATTERED: Sleepy Benahavis was rocked by an explosion, with a suspect captured on CCTV (inset). FOUR men have been arrested in Marbella and Malmö (Sweden) accused of
attempting to blow up a Costa del Sol villa and an industrial warehouse in a drug trafficking related ‘settling of accounts’. The men have been charged with illicit possession of explosives, homicide, belonging to a criminal organisation, damages and forgery of a public document. Operation MudhikaLatvia, was a Guardia Civil and National Police jointrun project, to capture those responsible for the gang-related violence. The Swedish police were also instrumental in capturing two of the alleged assailants. On October 10, two bombs were detonated in a house in a residential area in Benahavis, and on an industrial estate in San Pedro de Alcantara. The explosions caused
great alarm to members of the public, and caused significant material damage, according to the Guardia Civil. A torched vehicle was located shortly after the explosions in Nagüeles, Marbella. Fitted with false licence plates, the vehicle had been registered as stolen several years ago in Belgium. Police in Spain allege that the detainees are members of a top criminal organisation with an operation stretching over several European countries, including Spain. Police in Sweden linked the explosions to similar occurrences in Scandinavia, incidents involving the aforementioned criminal organisation and similar explosive materials. The international police investigation now claims to
have uncovered the identities of several members of the organisation. Four house searches have since taken place, three in Sweden and one in Spain, during which the police seized bulletproof vests and anti-explosive vests.
Index table CATALUÑA ranks fourth in the Regional Competitiveness Index of Spain for the second year running. The table is the result of the analysis of seven ‘competitive axes’ - economic environment, labour market, human capital, institutional environment, basic infrastructures, business efficiency and innovation. The Index was published by the Council of Economists of Spain and places Andalucia, Extremadura, Canarias, Castilla La Mancha and Balearic Islands at the opposite end of the scale.
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THE Spanish government has been advised by experts to implement a tourist tax in resorts on the Spanish peninsula. From a financial point of view, experts have suggested that the Spanish government should apply a tax between two and five Euros per day. Despite the advice, resorts in Benidorm will not be adding the tax any time soon. Antonio Pérez, mayor of Benidorm, has told the Spanish press: “At the moment, the tourism municipalities are
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Tourist tax simply promoting VAT as a generous income for the coffers of the state.” Other Spanish destinations are currently considering the proposal. Valencia and the Canary Islands are some of the destinations which are said to be considering implementing the new tourist tax.
Cataluña (Costa Brava) and the Balearic Islands have already introduced the tax for overnight stays. The tax in Cataluña reportedly brings in around €50 million a year. The mayor of Salou (Cataluña), Pere Granados, addressed during a conference in the Canary Islands the benefits
BENIDORM: Ignoring tax advice.
Piece of history THE coat of arms presented to Christopher Columbus on his return from America has gone up for auction. The vellum parchment bearing a coat of arms was gifted to Columbus by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain when he returned to the
country in 1493. It will now be offered for sale in Madrid and is expected to achieve between €1.25 million and €1.5 million. After discovering the Americas, the explorer brought back plants, turkeys, pineapples and Native Americans for the king and queen.
of the tourist tax: “It is working fine,” he said. Granados claims that 50 per cent of the money collected by the tax remained in the municipality.
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Caught in the act
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Safe with family
A BUNGLING thief needed hospital treatment after becoming trapped in a store’s metal shutters as he was trying to make his getaway. Badajoz police officers were called after the 41-yearold’s screams for help were heard by the shop manager, and officers escorted him while he received medical attention, before making an arrest.
TRAGIC: Amy (inset) was found at Puerto de la Cruz.
Body is missing Brit A BODY found on the coast of Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife, Spain on December 4 has been identified by DNA tests as British girl Amy Louise Gerard. The Gerard family reported: ‘DNA results confirm our worst nightmare and we are devastated because Amy is not with us any more.’ In the statement posted to social media site Facebook, the
family were able to confirm the news of Amy Louise’s death. However, it remains unknown at this time the circumstances of her death: ‘The police investigation continues and there is no more information to share at this moment,’ added the family. The family have reportedly been aided throughout this difficult time by the Lucie Black-
man Foundation, which helps relatives of missing persons abroad. Amy Louise Gerard was 28 years old and worked in Loro Parque on the Canary Island of Tenerife as an animal trainer. She disappeared on November 30 after spending the night in a bar with some friends on the island. National Police report that the case is now under ‘secrecy of summary.’
BRITISH expat, Donald Wright, has been found safe in the UK after being reported missing nearly three weeks ago by his wife in Fuengirola (Malaga). H i s w i f e , Ay s l a Wr i g h t , h a s i n formed the public via Facebook that she received a call f r o m M r Wr i g h t , and was informed he was safe with a family member. Mr Wright had apparently driven through Spain and France and taken a Ferry from Calais to get to the UK.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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Drunk on a plane A ‘DRUNK’ passenger has been arrested after allegedly making homophobic remarks to a member of easyJet’s cabin crew on a flight bound to the UK from Spain. The 42-year-old man, from Guildford, Surrey was arrested on suspicion of being drunk on an aircraft. The easyJet flight EZY8706, from Tenerife, Canary Islands to London Gatwick Airport, landed at about 11pm, where officers from Sussex Po-
lice apprehended the man. Police report receiving ‘a request for assistance in dealing with a drunk and abusive passenger’ while the aircraft was in flight at about 10pm. Police tweeted: ‘Drunk passenger arrested upon landing into Gatwick Airport tonight, due to him verbally abusing a member of crew with homophobic comments during the flight. Unacceptable and we will be robust with individuals.’
HOMOPHOBIC: Drunk abused cabin crew.
An airline spokesman said: “easyJet’s cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time. “Whilst such incidents are quite rare, we take them very seriously and we do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour on board.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Failed raid THIEVES blew up a Caixa Bank ATM during the early hours of the morning, but ended up leaving empty handed. Explosives specialists Tedax, were deployed to the brqanch in Blanes, Selva, and found the cashier destroyed together with a collapsed roof. The suspects had already fled the scene.
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Nude photo acquittal A COURT in Asturias has cleared a man on trial for a s king his 14-ye a r-old da ughte r for nude photographs online after finding out it was to educate her about internet safety. The Se c ond C rimina l Court of Aviles heard from defence lawyer Marco Antonio Fe rna nde z Pinta do that the defendant wanted to a le rt his da ughte r to the risks of sharing sexually explicit photos. The court heard the man created two fake social media profiles in 2017. After making the first, he contacted his daughter and a s ke d he r to uploa d nude photos of herself, telling her that she had a ‘very good body.’ The man then made a second profile and asked the girl about her virginity and sexual orientation before sending a picture of a naked tors o of a boy. H e the n asked her to send pictures of her naked breasts.
Credit: JordiPedrosa1/Twitter
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CLEARED: The court heard the man had contacted his daughter on social media The court heard the man became concerned about his daughter ’s welfare online a fte r vie w ing vide os s he had uploaded to social media showing her drinking al-
cohol and sm oki ng m ar i huana. He also suspected she had published nude photographs but could not view her account because she had
blocked him. The court ruled the man had been motivated by the need to protect his daught er ’s wel f ar e and not by sexual desires.
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Review your finances for the new year Make sure one New Year’s resolution is to review your financial planning to check it is on track to protect your family’s long-term wealth. Preparing for Brexit Whatever happens with Brexit, those already formally resident in Spain have the right to remain and can continue receiving the same benefits as today for as long as they are settled here. If you plan to move to Spain or have not yet registered as tax resident, take urgent steps to establish your settled status before 29 March 2019. Tax planning Regular tax reviews can ensure your wealth is arranged in the most suitable way to limit your liabilities while meeting your obligations. Today, with the ‘automatic exchange of information’ regime well underway, it is more important than ever to get it right. Over 100 countries – including Spain and
By Gerald Turner, Partner, Blevins Franks the UK – are sharing data on residents’ overseas income and assets, with more joining each year. This means your local tax office will automatically receive financial information about you. Remember, in extreme cases tax evasion can result in prosecution – even if unintentional – so take specialist advice to achieve peace of mind and potentially secure significant tax savings. Savings and investments The Bank of England (BoE)
increased the UK interest rate to 0.75% in August – the first time in over nine years that rates reached over half a per cent. While some banks eventually passed on an increase to savers, rates remain relatively low – around 1.5% for easy access and up to 2.7% for locking cash away for five years.
multi-currency flexibility can help minimise exchange rate risk. Remember to review your portfolio annually to take market developments into account, address any changes in your circumstances and take advantage of opportunities for residents in Spain.
With the current rate of inflation still above the BoE’s target of 2% – as high as 2.7% last August – many savers are actually earning a negative real rate of return. British expatriates have the added concern of exchange currency risk in what is currently a highly volatile time for Sterling.
Pensions Today’s pension landscape offers more choices than ever, but this may change with Brexit. For example, it is possible that tax-free transfers to Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) may be targeted once the UK sheds its EU obligations. Carefully weigh up all your options, as well as the tax implications in Spain and the UK, to establish the best course of action for you.
Successful investing is about having a strategy based around your personal circumstances, time horizon, needs, aims and risk tolerance. You should ensure you have adequate diversification to avoid over-exposure to any given country (including the UK), asset type, sector or company. Using investment structures that allow
A world of web dwellers MORE spiders are likely to be lurking across Spain than the 1,300 recorded species, according to experts. If funding was available to fund more extensive research, scientists from Barcelona believe the list of eight-legged varieties could be far higher. A study of this particular faunal group, carried out by the Faculty of Biology and the Institute for Biodiversity Research of the University of Barcelona, the Experimental Station of Arid Zones and the University of Helsinki, examined 20,539 spiders found in national parks across the country. They found specimens of seven species which have never previously been detected in this country, and a further 11 which may be totally new to science.
SPIDER PARADISE: Spain is home to more than 1,300 species. Study director Miquel Angel Arnedo said “there are still many species of s p i d e r s t o d i s c o v e r, ” adding that results show the “lack of systematic
sampling of the arachnological biodiversity of the country and are a good example of how little we still know about our own fauna.”
Make sure you take regulated advice to protect your retirement savings from pension scams and do what is right for your personal circumstances and aims.
Estate planning In Spain, both succession law and tax work very differently to the UK, so your estate plan should be set up accordingly. If you remain UK domiciled – as many expatriates do – you continue to be liable for UK inheritance tax, so you should plan to reduce this liability for your heirs. Speaking of heirs, do not forget to take into account any new additions to your family this year! Whether it is tax, investments, pensions or estate planning, take personalised advice to establish the most suitable approach for you. Spending time on a financial health-check now can provide peace of mind that you and your family are in the best position to enjoy a prosperous 2019 and beyond.
Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.
€7.3 billion for weaponry ACCORDING to sources at Spain’s Defence Ministry, the government is ready to approve three weapons programmes worth €7.3 billion. As part of the plans, five F-110 class frigates will be constructed between 2019 and 2032 at a cost of more than €4.3 billion. In addition, 348 army vehicles worth €2.1 billion will be procured by 2025, along with €906 million in upgrades to the Eurofighter aircraft. Since Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez came to power in June, the government has also approved the release of nearly €1.2 billion in cost overruns for S-80 submarines, €1.4 billion for communications satellites, €819 million to upgrade Spain’s Chinook helicopters, and
almost €1.4 billion to buy NH-90 helicopters. In total, the government’s expenditure on defence will rise to €12.1 billion, and ministers are approving the investment for these programmes, not the contracts themselves. Construction on the frigates is expected to create 7,000 jobs over nine years, mostly located in Galicia. They are equipped with a US-developed naval weapons system known as Aegis, and will replace the Spanish Navy’s six Santa Maria frigates, which have been in service for over 30 years. The Euro fighter upgrade seeks to prevent the Spanish aircraft from becoming obsolete compared with other project members (Britain, Germany and Italy).
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
FEATURE
EXHUMATION: The government wants to remove Franco’s remains.
Franco burial appeal by Joe Gerrard SPAIN’S Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal from the family of former dictator Francisco Franco to halt preparations for the proposed exhuming of his remains. The court’s Contentious-Administrative Chamber, ruled that the appeal over Franco’s remains moving from the Valley of the Fallen should not be heard. The appeal was dismissed because exhumation procedures remain incomplete, according to court sources. The Franco family had appealed to the court to stop moves towards the exhumation while outstanding legal issues including the former dictator’s
final resting place are dealt with. The seven grandchildren of Franco have been locked in legal wrangling over his exhumation after the Council of Ministers approved the plans in November. The family want him to be buried in a crypt in Madrid’s La Almudena Cathedral while the government opposes this over concerns it could become a farright pilgrimage site. Government sources said they were preparing a decree against the plans. Efforts to deal with the exhumation plans in parliament have stumbled recently due to opposition from the conservative Partido Popular (PP) and the centrist Ciu-
dadanos. The Valley of the Fallen, near Madrid, is controversial due to housing Franco’s remains and the fact it was built by forced labour from political prisoners. In Cataluña, Barcelona City Council has passed a motion calling for Spain to ban a group which promotes Franco’s legacy. Deputy mayor Jaume Asens said the motion on the Francisco Franco Foundation was passed over concerns the group’s existence violated Spain’s Historical Memory Laws and human rights. The Foundation claims its existence is permitted under free speech laws and does nothing illegal.
Terror charge THE president of an Islamic cultural centre in Vitoria is being detained in prison for alleged links to the daesh and for spreading the jihadist ideology to attract supporters from the Basque Islamic community. The 36 year-old Algerian has been charged with crimes of training, for financing terrorism and for collaboration with a terrorist organisation.
FEATURE
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BREXIT BRIEF
Eyeing up The Rock SPAIN’S conservative opposition party has urged the government to seize the opportunity presented by ongoing Brexit uncertainty to assert sovereignty claims over Gibraltar. Members of the Partido Popular (PP) in the Senate have tabled a motion calling for cosovereignty over the British enclave. The motion, which is non-binding, outlines plans including dual citizenship for Gibraltarians and changes to the territories tax rules. Jose Ignacio Landaluce, PP Senator for Algeciras, said now was the opportune time to extract a deal on The Rock from Britain. Opponents say ‘waving a flag’ will not solve anything. PP leader Pablo Casado claimed Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wasted a ‘historic opportunity’ over Gibraltar during Brexit talks. Britain has repeatedly stated it will not compromise on Gibraltar. Spain ceded the territory in 1713 and has claimed sovereignty over it since.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
BREXIT EXTRA
New vote date By Joe Gerrard BRITAIN’S prime minister has announced a new date for a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal as doubts continue over whether it will pass and no-deal planning intensifies. The new date of the so-called ‘meaningful vote’ on Brexit, which Theresa May must win to seal her Withdrawal Agreement, has been set for Monday, January 14. The announcement comes as the government attempted to turn attention to domestic issues and post-Brexit Britain with a raft of announcements on economic and environmental policy, among others. It also comes as Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour opposition attempted to pile pressure on the government with mixed results. The government’s proposals for after Brexit, which include bolstering worker’s rights and environmental protection rules, were made in tandem with contingency planning for a no-deal Brexit scenario. Around 3,500 troops have been put on standby and €2.2 billion worth of funds set aside for government departments to
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Ireland’s plan for no-deal IRELAND’S government has unveiled its 130-page no-deal Brexit contingency plan which includes plans to make sure flights are not interrupted if no withdrawal agreement is reached by March 29, 2019.
New vote
NEW DATE: Parliament is set to vote on January 14. handle a no-deal withdrawal. Brussels has said EU officials are also preparing contingency measures and member states including Spain and Ireland have also followed suit. Britain’s Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay called on MPs to back the deal while speaking in the House of Commons. “The Brexit deal we will present to the House in the New Year is a good deal. It is the only deal. To reject this deal makes a
no-deal far more likely,” Barclay said. Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer hit back, claiming May’s deal is highly unlikely to get through parliament as it currently stood. “The majority in this house are not likely to support the Prime Minister’s deal, whenever it is put,” he said. Without substantial changes to the current deal, back up plans may soon be put into effect.
BRITAIN’S Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has said a second referendum on EU membership could be a ‘plausible’ way forward if MPs cannot agree on the terms of withdrawal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May.
Green body ECOLOGICAL groups have criticised the government’s plan to deliver a ‘Green Brexit’ by creating a new watchdog which would take over the European Commission’s role of enforcing environmental laws, claiming that the agency’s powers would be too weak.
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
A HUMAN head has been found in a cave in the Sierre de Las Villas. Three cavers, members of the Alto Guadalquivir Speleology Group, came across the gruesome find during a routine
Grisly find exploration, but have been banned from revealing the exact location until an investigation has been
completed. But reports suggest the head composed of the skull and part of the jaw. The bones were
handed over to the Guardia Civil and Judicial Police officers, who have begun an inquiry to clarify the
‘possible legal and archaeological’ implications. Tests are being carried out to determine circumstances and personal details, and missing persons’ records are being checked.
Rise in suicides DEATHS by suicide in Spain increased by 3.1 per cent in 12 months, last year, to 3,679. This figure is significantly higher than those who lost their lives in traffic accidents, which stood at 1,943 in 2017, an increase of 2.8 per cent.
Sailors killed at sea THREE fishermen died and six survivors were rescued after their boat sank in rough seas, four miles south of Cape Fisterra in A Coruña. A 10th crew member of The Sin Querer 2 vessel, based in Portonovo, Sanxenxo, was missing at the time of going to press. Two sailors who were in the area managed to pull the survivors to safety after they had jumped into the water in auxiliary rafts. They were transferred to the ports of Fisterra and Muro.
NATIONAL
CREDIT: ILMEX Illumination Global Facebook
20 EWN
STUNNING: Largest Christmas tree in Europe.
Tallest tree in Europe GRANADA boasts the largest Christmas tree in Europe and the second largest in the world. Located at the Nevada Shopping Centre in Armilla, the Ilmex Illumination creation stands at 56 metres, the height of a huge building. And according to holiday and tourism portal Rumbo.es, the festive spectacle is a huge crowd puller, with reservations in the area rising by 22.4 per cent last year in the run up to and during its debut.
Designers spent months designing and installing the tree, which is made of aluminium rods and steel wire, but consists mainly of electric standard and flash garlands and string lights - thousands of LEDs. A company spokesperson said: “For our team, the holiday season is a year round process as they gather their inspiration for the next holiday.” The biggest Christmas tree in the world is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is 84 metres tall.
NATIONAL
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THE WEEK IN POLITICS
A year of change
ALL CHANGE: A new government took power this year. AS Spain prepares to welcome the arrival of a New Year this Tuesday, it is worth taking stock of the eventful 2018 we are leaving behind. We will go into 2019 with a new government which has already made significant political moves and has also had its fair share of scandals and setbacks. Regionally, tensions show no sign of abating in Cataluña while in the south, political parties continue to wrangle over who will take power in Andalucia. Efforts to muster support for the government’s budget also look set to continue into the New Year. If they come to nought then a general election
Poll tracker: Partido Socialista (PSOE): 24.1 per cent, 102 seats Partido Popular (PP): 21.2 per cent, 89 seats Ciudadanos: 18.4 per cent, 66 seats Unidos Podemos: 16.7 per cent, 52 seats Result: PSOE largest party, no overall control. could well be on the cards at some point in 2019. One of the first big political events of 2018 saw millions of Spanish citizens take the initiative on one of Spain’s most deep-rooted issues; the treatment of women in society. Around 5.3 million women from across the country staged mass demonstrations on March 8 to demand gender equality and an end to discrimination
Women comments BEING a woman in Spain is a ‘bargain’ and the issue of gender violence is overhyped by the media, according to the new head of a far-right party’s Ibiza branch. Jaime Diaz de Entresotos, formerly of the conservative Partido Popular (PP) and now a Vox member, told a local newspaper that current gender violence laws should be repealed. He said this was due to the measures assuming that men had urges which needed to be ‘repressed instantly.’ “Spain is not the country in Europe with the highest figures, probably the least. In fact, statistics show that being a woman in Spain is a bargain,” Diaz de Entresotos said. “The topic is being exaggerated in the media. It is a serious problem which must be solved, but we cannot be bombarded with the same news all day,” the Vox leader added. Diaz de Entresotos’ comments come as Andalucian teacher Laura Luelmo was found dead after being sexually assaulted and killed, which a suspect has confessed to. A total of 61 women have been killed in Spain this year, excluding Luelmo, up from 51 in 2017.
which they claimed ran through Spanish society. Those issues have continued to make headlines since. June saw the ousting of Mariano Rajoy’s conservative Partido Popular (PP) government over the Gurtel kickbacks-forcontracts scandal. It was the first time in Spain’s democratic history that a government was deposed using the parliamentary motion of censure, or no confidence mechanism. The left-leaning Partido Socialista (PSOE), led by Pedro Sanchez, took power in its place. The party has since announced a raft of changes including confronting Spain’s authoritarian past and placing a greater emphasis on issues including climate change and gender equality. The party has been hamstrung by its minority position in parliament and has been rocked by the resignation of ministers over corruption and questions over university qualifications. More recently in Andalucia, Sanchez’s party was delivered an upset with elections thatcould put an end to more than three decades of dominance in the region. The vote was also a breakthrough for the far-right Vox party.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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NORWAY CONSERVATION workers in Helnorsk recorded four new wolf pup litter births there over the summer and another one on the region’s border, meaning that a target of four to six annually has been reached seven months before the counting date.
DENMARK
EUROPEAN PRESS
BELGIUM
Wolf births
Equality table NORWAY has come second in a ranking of the most gender equal countries in the world behind Iceland and ahead of Sweden, with the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) table marking countries on female participation in politics, economics and society.
www.euroweeklynews.com
Priest trial
Asylum places
CATHOLIC priest Alexandra Stoobrant is set to appeal against a Bruges court’s verdict which found him guilty of criminal negligence after a parishioner spoke of killing himself during a confession and committed suicide a day later.
BELGIUM’S Migration Minister Maggie De Block has announced plans to create around an extra 100 places for asylum seekers, with the decision now awaiting approval from the country’s government which has seen resignations recently over migration policy.
SWEDEN
NEW ARRIVALS: Wolf conservation efforts are on track.
GERMANY
FRANCE
Gig ruling
Vote call
A FESTIVAL billed as ‘man-free’ and held in Gothenburg earlier this year broke anti-discrimination legislation, according to Sweden’s Discrimination Ombudsman (DO) which noted individuals were not targeted but that the description excluded men.
PROTESTERS with France’s Gilet Jauntes (Yellow Vest) movement have called on the government to hold regular referendums that would overrule parliamentary votes if enough people sign a petition as demonstrations from anti-government groups continue.
Prize claims
Attack charge
THE Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize, has taken on lawyers to investigate one of its members who the body alleges leaked the names of Literature Prize winners to husband Jean-Claude Arnault who was jailed for rape earlier this year.
A COURT in France has charged a 37-yearold for allegedly supplying a gun used in the Strasbourg Christmas market attack on Tuesday December 11 after lead suspect Cherif Chekatt was shot dead by police.
Hack tests
Case dismissal
DENMARK’S Central Bank has announced plans to hire hackers who offer their services legally to governments, businesses and other bodies to test how well protected the country’s financial industry is against potential cyber attacks.
THE Constitutional Court of Germany has thrown out three complaints made by the farright Alternative for Germany (AfD) against Chancellor Angela Merkel over her 2015 refugee acceptance policy after justices deemed them ‘inadmissible.’
Migrant data
Passport row
Bankers’ pay
Taken ill
ALMOST 1,000 Somali nationals living in Denmark lost their residence permits from the beginning of 2017 to October 2018 after immigration officials said their home country was safe enough for them to return to it.
REFUGEE advocacy groups have criticised immigration officials after it emerged that Syrian refugees living in Germany have been made to deal with embassies and consulates loyal to President Bashar Assad, which they branded a ‘scandal.’
DUTCH government officials have announced plans to strengthen rules on bankers’ pay after ING, which was bailed out with public money in the last financial crisis, ditched plans to award its CEO with a 50 per cent pay rise.
A 26-YEAR-OLD man from the Netherlands has been diagnosed with yellow fever after visiting Gambia and Senegal in West Africa last month, World Health Organisation (WHO) officials said while adding the chance of the disease spreading remains ‘very small.’
NETHERLANDS
NATIONAL
Police ‘assault’ A GROUP of police officers operating in the Spanish enclave of Melilla who have been reported for assaulting a 17-year-old, have said that, in turn, they were similarly attacked by a group of teenagers. The controversy has been heightened following a video that clearly shows the youngster being laid on the ground in handcuffs and surrounded by police officers. Unions representing the police have now explained what happened leading up to the alleged assault. According to reports, as the police in plainclothes left a restaurant one evening, they were faced by the group who began to hurl stones and bottles at them. Five of them were later treated at the Melilla Hospital for cuts and bruises with one suffering from a broken finger. The investigation into the incident continues.
Death queried ASSOCIATIONS representing animal rights have asked for a full investigation following an alleged killing of a dog by a member of the Guardia Urbana in Barcelona. There are a number of contradictory reasons as to what actually happened, but the police officer said it was a reaction to him being bitten on the arm by the dog. However, witnesses to the incident said while the dog jumped up on the policeman, there was nothing to suggest it was being aggressive. Barcelona City Council defended the actions of the police officer, while animal associations have said the killing was unnecessary.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
EWN 25
Spanish fishing quotas increased SPAIN has announced that it is ‘satisfied’ with the latest distribution of European Union (EU) fishing quotas. After close to 17 hours of negotiations that finished in the early hours of the morning, the Spanish fishing industry came out with an increase in the quota of some of its catches - after
four consecutive years of cuts - and it will be allowed to keep fishing for the popular meluza (hake). According to the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, the positive changes to the quotas have been possible thanks to recent surveys
on fish stocks relating to northern hake, mackerel, sea bass and Norwegian lobster. However, not everyone is happy as environmental organisations have denounced as ‘irres p o n s i b l e a n d i n s u ff i c i e n t ’ t h e a g r e e m e n t reached by the European Commissioners to prolong the overfishing in European waters.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
NEWSDESK COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
With six editions on the Spanish Costas and Mallorca we cover the main expat areas of Spain - take a look at what is happening around our regions.
COSTA DEL SOL
Fake items destroyed A SPECIALIST group of Torrevieja’s Local Police has begun to destroy a significant amount of the counterfeit goods which have been confiscated during the past year. A total of 35,000 fake items such as watches, sunglasses, CDs and DVDs estimated to have been worth around €700,000 on the black market have been crushed. Mayor of Torrevieja, Jose Manuel Dolon, was present at the event when the material was destroyed by heavy equipment. He said: “The subject of counterfeit goods is something we take very seriously in Torrevieja as it is something that ultimately affects genuine traders.” Any items that have not been tampered with and lacking any official registered trademark, such as clothing and other accessories, is delivered to the Department of Social Services and Welfare and are then allocated and distributed to families in the municipality that are most in need.
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
Fire defence plan IN the wake of a spate of destructive forest fires in and around Costa Blanca North, Javea Council has reinforced its resources and invested in a dozen portable water cannons. Some €21,895 has been spent on 12 portable ‘Sideinfo’ portable guns that can be used
NEWSDESK
Stranger encounter A SCHOOL in Malaga City has warned parents about their children being approached by strangers after one woman allegedly tried to lure a sevenyear-old away from the centre. Local Police sources said the incident took place at the Santa Luisa de Marillac school in the Huelin district of the city last week. The mother of the seven-year- TAKE CARE: The school has warned parents about old told officers she was inside strangers. (File photo) the school when she heard her daughter screaming outside. The mother’s sister-in-law then went outside and managed to find the girl. She claimed she also saw a dishevelled woman aged between 40 and 50 fleeing the area. The seven-year-old later told police that the woman had said: “Come with me, I am going to take you somewhere.” The girl’s mother is yet to formally report the incident to police. The school has asked parents to take precautions when leaving their children outside alone.
to extinguish blazes in ‘out-ofthe-way’ places, with the water being taken from nearby swimming pools. This equipment can be quickly put into operation, and Councillor Pepa Gisbert has announced that a training session will shortly be held so that members of the Civil Protection Volunteers can learn how to operate the water cannons. This isn’t the only investment in the safety and security being carried out in Javea. The council
has recently received a subsidy of €128,000 towards the purchase of a vehicle that helps in clean-up operations after forest fires to prevent further incidents.
AXARQUIA
On trial PROSECUTORS in Malaga have agreed to investigate the president of the Axarquia Commonwealth over alleged misappropri-
ation of public funds. Lawyers will look into whether Gregorio Campos is guilty of claiming €598 in, ‘maintenance,’ payments in 2015. The prominent politician, who is also mayor of Iznate, denies the charges, saying the claims were made legitimately during the period he was acting as president of the Axarquia Commonwealth but before he began to receive his €41,000 a year salary. Politicians from the opposing Partido Popular (PP) party are
demanding answers, however, with the mayor of Torrox, Oscar Medina, calling on Campos to, ‘give explanations.’ Gregorio Campos was only last week cleared by prosecutors investigating whether he had correctly followed the law when offering public contracts. During the investigation, the politician said he had, ‘blind faith,’ in the justice system.
MALLORCA
Nadal’s aid to flood victims TENNIS ace Rafael Nadal has donated €1 million to the victims of the flash flooding which claimed the lives of 13 people in Mallorca on October 9. The 32-year-old world number 2 is from the island himself, and lent his personal support during clean-up efforts in Sant Llorenc des Cardassar a day after the catastrophe. His kind gesture was made public by the local council in an open letter. Signed by the mayor, Mateu Puigros, it said that ‘it is assistance from a person who is very special to us, someone who shows his profound love for our land and our residents every day.’ Nadal has a tennis school in nearby Manacor, which he offered to victims of the flooding as a place of shelter. The athlete’s donation will be added to the reported €1.6 million that has been raised so far. To date, almost €260,000 has been paid out to those affected by the freak storms.
COSTA DEL SOL I AXARQUIA I COSTA BLANCA NORTH I COSTA BLANCA SOUTH I ALMERIA I MALLORCA
EWN online this week 119,256 Page views POLL OF THE WEEK After the WWF accused Spain of failing to adequately protect the Doñana National Park, do you think the government could do more to safeguard the country’s natural heritage?
*For week 118-24 December 2018
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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, no-nonsense manner. To ask for an inaccuracy to be corrected. Email: editorial@euroweeklynews.com
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BODY FOUND:Police inAndalucia, Spain confirm missing teacher Laura Luelmo has been found dead
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Yes 21% No 79%
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BALCONY ‘SUICIDE’:Two men convicted of murder after student fell six-floors to her death in Spain BODY FOUND: xxxx xxxx
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STAT OF WEEK
Dubai drive THE Dubai Investment Development Agency (FDI) recently held a meeting with major industries and key investors at the Circulo Ecuestre in Barcelona, Spain, in collaboration with Senda International Company. The meeting, which aimed to further boost Dubai’s strong investment and trade relations with Spain, formed part of Dubai FDI’s efforts to showcase its competitive edge in attracting international investors. Spain’s interest is particularly strong in the tourism and retail sectors, and Dubai FDI is keen to draw their attention towards new opportunities in construction and technology.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
is the total amount of short term credit that El Corte Ingles is offering €380 million This its customers in order to boost sales over the festive period.
FINANCE
business & legal
Santander in fine mess SANTANDER UK has been fined €36.3 million by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for failing to properly process the accounts of deceased customers. The bank did not transfer funds totalling over €203 million to beneficiaries when it should have done, affecting a total of 40,428 customers directly. In addition, after it became aware of the issues, it failed to disclose the problems to the FCA. Santander apologised for the situation and said: “We have now transferred the major-
ity of customer funds and made significant improvements to our whole probate and bereavement process. “This will ensure we provide both a sensitive and efficient service to our bereaved customer representatives and those who are managing the estates of people who have passed away.” Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA said: “To the firm’s credit, once these problems were notified to the board and senior management, they were
fixed properly and promptly, but recognition of the problem took too long.” There were weaknesses in how Santander organised and controlled its probate and bereavement processes, the FCA added. This meant that the bank failed to follow-up on communications with deceased customer representatives, which increased the likelihood of cases not being closed. As a result, despite Santander being informed that a customer had died, funds would not be transferred to those who were entitled to them.
Block boost SPAIN-based multinational bank BBVA has announced that it has used blockchain technology to finalise a €150 million loan to Porsche Holding Salzburg, a subsidiary of German carmaker Volkswagen. Porsche Holding Salzburg, (distinct from Stuttgart-based luxury carmaker Porsche), is currently the largest car distributor in the European Union (EU). This is the latest transaction in a series of blockchain-based deals carried out by BBVA with corporate clients. BBVA has issued similar loans to Red Electrica Corporacion, Repsol and ACS.
EU trade strategy
» BUSINESS EXTRA
Tourism talk IRAN’S Ambassador to Spain, Hassan Qashqavi, has announced that he is exploring ways to promote cooperation between the two countries in terms of holding cultural exhibitions in order to boost tourism in Iran.
Debt ditch BUSINESS BOOSTER: EU Commissioner of Competition Margrethe Vestager is looking to strengthen the market. A TOTAL of 19 governments including Spain have proposed updating the EU’s antitrust rules in order to facilitate the emergence of European giants able to face ‘fierce competition’ from the US and China. After a meeting of ministers in Paris, the group called for a ‘new political impetus’ to ensure European industry remains competitive on a global level. As part of a new assertive strategy, the group said they will make proposals to the European Commission that will be
nominated after the EU elections in May 2019. One of their main ideas is ‘the identification of possible evolutions of the antitrust rules to better take into account international markets and competition in merger analysis,’ said the final statement. The member states agreed to identify European strategic value chains ‘prioritising those most directly linked to improving global productivity, fighting climate change, and enhancing technological development.’
SPAIN, Italy and France are likely to see demand for their debt from the European Central Bank wane next year, after the ECB announced that it would stop adding to its stock of government and corporate bonds.
New chief GRUPO Lo Monaco has announced the appointment of Costas Antimissaris as its new CEO, and Antimissaris has extensive experience in the retail sector having worked for Inditex, Douglas Spain and Marks and Spencer.
A taxing service A NEW poll carried out by independent think tank Instituto de Estudios Fiscales has indicated that more than half of Spain’s tax paying population believes the country’s public services are not providing value for money. Around 43 per cent of Spaniards’ annual earnings are taxed, just below the EU average of 45 per cent. But 65 per cent of tax payers believe pub-
lic services have not improved over the past five years, or have actually declined. Moreover, 86 per cent of those surveyed feel that tax fraud has gone up in the past decade, singling out businessmen and selfemployed people as the main culprits, rather than multinationals or politicians. Respondents said that tax evasion is accepted in Spanish society but that nobody admits to it.
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PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY Anglo American 1,716.50 -36.50 Associated British Foods 2,128.50 2.50 Admiral Group 1,974.00 14.00 Ashtead Group 1,624.50 -32.00 Antofagasta 767.70 -18.30 Aviva 372.85 3.55 AstraZeneca 6,004.50 36.50 BAE Systems 457.25 1.75 Barclays 148.55 -2.91 British American Tobacco 2,585.00 34.50 Barratt Developments 447.50 -2.70 BHP GROUP PLC ORD $0.50 1,640.70 -26.30 Berkeley Group Holdings 3,416.50 13.50 British Land Co 545.00 -4.80 Bunzl 2,380.50 -7.50 BP 496.58 -5.92 Burberry Group 1,715.50 -16.50 BT Group 250.83 2.38 Coca-Cola HBC 2,385.00 -30.00 Carnival 3,933.00 -415.00 Centrica 135.90 1.65 Compass Group 1,652.00 -18.50 Croda International 4,668.00 -55.00 CRH 1,989.50 -39.50 DCC 6,027.50 17.50 Diageo 2,811.75 4.25 Direct Line Insurance Group 310.55 4.05 Evraz 482.20 3.00 Experian 1,866.25 5.75 easyJet 1,090.25 15.25 Ferguson 4,991.00 -4.00 Fresnillo 859.40 29.40 Glencore 288.75 -5.65 GlaxoSmithKline 1,509.70 6.70 GVC Holdings 677.50 -12.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,826.00 4.50 Halma 1,313.50 -18.50 HSBC Holdings 653.45 0.75 International Conslidtd Airs Grp 610.60 1.60 InterContinental Hotels Grp 4,079.50 -85.50 3i Group 776.90 1.50 Imperial Brands 2,339.00 20.00 Informa 630.00 0.20 Intertek Group 4,814.00 5.00 ITV 126.00 -1.80 Just Eat 570.50 -18.70 Johnson Matthey 2,757.50 -11.50 Kingfisher 210.75 -3.65 Land Securities Group 827.80 -2.80 Legal & General Group 227.25 -1.45
% CHG. NET VOL -2.08 24,627.95 0.12 16,830.99 0.71 5,693.85 -1.93 7,922.53 -2.33 7,748.83 0.96 14,408.21 0.61 75,603.32 0.38 14,555.25 -1.92 25,947.01 1.35 58,502.59 -0.60 4,566.01 -1.58 35,207.00 0.40 4,390.39 -0.87 5,286.12 -0.31 8,033.49 -1.18 100,809.87 -0.95 7,125.00 0.96 24,650.98 -1.24 8,871.48 -9.54 7,352.06 1.23 7,647.39 -1.11 26,492.45 -1.16 6,217.50 -1.95 16,567.65 0.29 5,904.79 0.15 67,967.25 1.32 4,214.38 0.63 6,862.40 0.31 16,933.88 1.42 4,269.99 -0.08 11,581.01 3.54 6,116.22 -1.92 41,311.11 0.45 74,566.77 -1.81 4,014.91 0.25 8,639.71 -1.39 5,056.88 0.11 130,763.11 0.26 12,078.36 -2.05 7,941.40 0.19 7,544.34 0.86 22,117.16 0.03 7,882.74 0.10 7,761.40 -1.41 5,144.47 -3.17 4,012.39 -0.42 5,358.94 -1.70 4,527.89 -0.34 6,158.58 -0.63 13,631.93
COMPANY
PRICE(P)
Lloyds Banking Group ORD 51.12 London Stock Exchange Grp 4,070.00 Micro Focus International 1,376.75 Marks & Spencer Group 247.65 Mondi 1,627.00 Melrose 157.35 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 222.38 National Grid 793.65 NMC Health 2,711.00 Next 4,132.00 Ocado Group 761.10 Paddy Power Betfair 6,317.50 Prudential 1,407.75 Persimmon 1,911.25 Pearson 929.30 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,227.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 209.80 Royal Dutch Shell 2,279.25 Royal Dutch Shell 2,303.00 RELX 1,614.00 Rio Tinto 3,781.75 Royal Mail 276.50 Rightmove 424.78 Rolls-Royce Group 807.20 Randgold Resources 6,688.00 RSA Insurance Group 506.20 Rentokil Initial 326.80 Sainsbury (J) 265.20 Schroders 2,413.00 Sage Group (The) 592.00 Segro 601.20 Shire 4,530.75 Smurfit Kappa Group 2,101.00 Standard Life Aberdeen 252.95 Smith (DS) 297.55 Smiths Group 1,413.25 Scottish Mortgage Invstmet Trst 462.78 Smith & Nephew 1,461.75 SSE 1,078.75 Standard Chartered 595.60 St James's Place 929.90 Severn Trent 1,871.50 Tesco 192.93 TUI AG 1,140.50 Taylor Wimpey 135.45 Unilever 4,198.00 United Utilities Group 760.60 Vodafone Group 160.84 John Wood Group 500.25 WPP Group 875.40 Whitbread 4,494.50
CHANGE(P) -1.13 40.00 -28.75 -4.85 -3.00 -3.00 -0.27 16.25 -75.00 -110.00 -16.90 -32.50 -0.25 18.25 -8.70 47.00 -0.10 -17.25 -15.00 -4.00 -41.75 -3.50 -0.07 -13.40 -20.00 0.40 -3.80 -1.90 11.00 -5.40 7.20 98.75 87.00 1.85 1.45 16.25 -14.82 9.75 19.25 2.90 3.10 51.50 -0.02 -5.00 0.25 -17.00 11.00 1.38 -14.75 -16.80 29.50
% CHG.
NET VOL
-2.16 0.99 -2.05 -1.92 -0.18 -1.87 -0.12 2.09 -2.69 -2.59 -2.17 -0.51 -0.02 0.96 -0.93 0.76 -0.05 -0.75 -0.65 -0.25 -1.09 -1.25 -0.02 -1.63 -0.30 0.08 -1.15 -0.71 0.46 -0.90 1.21 2.23 4.32 0.74 0.49 1.16 -3.10 0.67 1.82 0.49 0.33 2.83 -0.01 -0.44 0.18 -0.40 1.47 0.87 -2.86 -1.88 0.66
37,178.61 14,030.77 5,921.60 4,102.91 5,986.03 7,790.21 5,272.37 26,421.46 5,800.75 5,925.46 5,432.56 5,060.29 36,495.34 5,981.34 7,326.46 43,714.88 25,289.82 103,038.28 86,820.38 31,856.18 49,289.97 2,800.00 3,796.25 15,556.15 6,333.50 5,194.22 6,094.06 5,880.73 5,429.06 6,483.37 6,020.21 40,592.16 4,777.47 6,364.67 4,054.87 5,531.25 6,952.93 12,698.27 10,876.17 19,606.61 4,906.83 4,316.35 18,896.55 6,734.41 4,430.06 49,253.57 5,111.44 42,607.05 3,509.93 11,257.97 8,199.41
0.90299
1.10591 Units per €
US dollar...............................................................1.14037 Japan yen ............................................................127.397 Switzerland franc ..............................................1,13344 Denmark kroner...............................................7,46677 Norway kroner.................................................9,90376 currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER
DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 21
COMPANY AMERICAN EXPRESS APPLE BOEING CATERPILLAR CHEVRON TEXACO CISCO SYSTEMS COCA-COLA EXXON MOBIL GOLDMAN SACH HOME DEPOT IBM INTEL JOHNSON & JOHNSON JP MORGAN CHASE MCDONALDS MERCK MICROSOFT NIKE PFIZER PROCTER & GAMBLE ST. PAUL TRV UNITED TECHNOLOGIES UNITEDHEALTH VERIZON VISA CLASS A WALGREENS BOOTS WAL-MART WALT DISNEY 3M
PRICE 98,370 161,150 319,540 124,300 107,850 42,760 47,780 70,350 171,510 166,880 115,310 45,930 127,980 98,200 176,570 73,920 103,330 69,140 42,230 91,620 119,440 113,280 244,530 55,530 131,050 71,250 88,100 108,740 189,430
CHANGE% CHANGE -0,40 -0,40 0,16 0,26 -0,00 -0,01 1,61 1,97 0,02 0,02 -0,88 -0,38 -0,25 -0,12 -0,61 -0,43 1,34 2,26 -0,41 -0,68 -0,96 -1,12 0,79 0,36 0,29 0,37 0,94 0,91 -1,45 -2,59 0,20 0,15 -0,35 -0,36 0,25 0,17 0,62 0,26 -0,15 -0,14 0,23 0,28 -0,46 -0,52 -2,31 -5,78 -0,59 -0,33 -0,16 -0,21 -2,78 -2,04 -2,71 -2,45 -0,44 -0,48 -0,28 -0,53
VOLUME(M) 201.001 2.650.644 168.391 270.335 354.336 1.870.193 836.723 1.398.588 204.438 293.038 268.742 1.548.857 719.026 1.316.600 231.982 559.584 2.901.010 414.952 1.676.403 662.404 102.352 355.974 223.127 898.004 519.728 990.741 518.244 290.564 139.762
M - MILLION DOLLARS
NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 21
COMPANY
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
Most Advanced Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc. Maxwell Technologies, Inc. FibroGen, Inc Yangtze River Port and Logistics Limited electroCore, Inc. Tilray, Inc. Two River Bancorp Overstock.com, Inc. Grindrod Shipping Holdings Ltd. XBiotech Inc. Fulgent Genetics, Inc.
$ 24.8602 $ 2.005 $ 45.14 $ 4.1401 $ 6.2679 $ 77.7173 $ 14.89 $ 14.12 $ 5.90 $ 5.8525 $ 3.50
3.1502 ▲ 14.51% 0.205 ▲ 11.39% 4.39 ▲ 10.77% 0.3901 ▲ 10.40% 0.5679 ▲ 9.96% 6.7173 ▲ 9.46% 1.15 ▲ 8.37% 1.04 ▲ 7.95% 0.40 ▲ 7.27% 0.3925 ▲ 7.19% 0.23 ▲ 7.03%
$ 4.6827 $ 20.01 $ 7.61 $ 14.33 $ 7.93 $ 14.805 $6 $ 42.11 $ 23.045 $ 16.9405 $ 5.819
9.4673 ▼ 66.91% 8.74 ▼ 30.40% 2.83 ▼ 27.11% 3.31 ▼ 18.76% 1.62 ▼ 16.96% 2.905 ▼ 16.40% 1.16 ▼ 16.20% 7.88 ▼ 15.76% 3.785 ▼ 14.11% 2.5995 ▼ 13.30% 0.831 ▼ 12.50%
Most Declined DBV Technologies S.A. G1 Therapeutics, Inc. Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Immunomedics, Inc. Uxin Limited Gritstone Oncology, Inc. Shiloh Industries, Inc. Benefitfocus, Inc. Health Insurance Innovations, Inc. Twist Bioscience Corporation Marin Software Incorporated
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Bank sells loans to Lone SPAIN’S state-owned lender Bankia has announced that it has sold a portfolio of toxic assets with a gross value of €3.1 billion to two subsidiaries of US private equity firm Lone Star. The portfolio includes foreclosed assets with a gross book value of €1.65 billion and non-performing loans worth €1.42 billion. Bankia said the deal would yield cost savings of more than €200 million before taxes over the next three years. The transaction is the latest step by the bank, which was bailed out in 2012 via a €22.4 billion rescue package, to shed bad loans built up during Spain’s economic crisis. S p a i n ’s g o v e r n m e n t c u r rently holds a 61 per cent stake in the bank, and while it has said it aims to sell that stake by the end of 2019, it has also warned that market conditions at the moment are not suitable. The deal with Lone Star
ASSET DUMP: The deal enables Bankia to shed more bad loans. will involve the creation of a new company, Lone Star Fund XI, which will hold 80 per
cent of the assets, with Bankia holding the rest. The economic rights of the
non-performing loans will be fully controlled by Lone Star Fund XI, Bankia said.
EWN 31
Unequal pay exposed SPAIN is among the worst in the world in terms of pay equality between men and women, despite being a ‘model country’ in terms of political empowerment and access to health and education. These are the findings of the annual report on the gender gap of the World Economic Forum. According to Forum executive director, Saadia Zahidi, “what is pulling Spain back is the salary parity for similar work,” with the count r y r anked 129t h out of 149 count r i es; 20 places from the bottom. Zahidi said the situation is the result of both ‘prejudices’ and by the ‘type of organisational structure which still dominates.’ She added that there is a ‘lack of progress in internal policies which allow paternity leave, have flexible workplaces and achieve promotions based on objectives and not on time in the office.’ In contrast, Spain has reportedly advanced dramatically in gender equality when it comes to accessing education and health, ranking first in gender consistency for enrolment from primary to university education. The report reveals there are, in fact, more women than men entering universities, but on the flip side, 10 per cent less females go on to enter the workplace.
32 EWN
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT I HAVE always been convinced that the British sense of humour has been one of our most commendable and enduring assets. Through the horror of two World Wars, all the disasters and conflicts which have beset us over the years, Brits have always managed to find some way to raise a smile out of even the most tragic circumstances. The skill of our comedians and cartoonists is such that the humour never sets out to undermine these situations, it merely eases their seriousness by lightening the mood and in doing so, allows those affected to hopefully surmount their problems more easily. The British sense of humour has always been a bit of a mystery to the rest of the world, something indefinable and unique, which most foreigners simply can’t get their heads around. Some years ago, I wrote that whatever the terrorists or our enemies can throw at us, nothing will ever rob us of our most commendable and enduring gift, our humour. Well I was wrong. At the time of writing that particular piece we weren’t being strangled by the despicable, destructive, and downright traitorous yolk of the PC brigade. Not content with changing their fellow citizens from a nation which prided and flourished through its policies of oratory freedom, into a herd of sheep
www.euroweeklynews.com
FEATURE
Lacking a sense of humour
BRITISH HUMOUR: Keeps us sane. watching every word they say and almost frightened to open their mouths in case they offend somebody, this utterly superfluous bunch of time and space wasters have finally managed to turn their attack on one of the most dearly loved jewels
of our culture, our purveyors of comedy. This week, the students (who else!) organising a UNICEF fundraising event, issued Konstantine Kisin, a comedian hired to appear at the event, a list of ‘don’ts’ regarding the content of his act.
When he appeared, they instructed he was not allowed to make jokes about racism, sexism, classism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, xenophobia or Islamophobia. Kisin subsequently turned down the job because it left him with virtually nothing to make jokes about! You really couldn’t make it up. What I find truly disturbing about this whole farce, is that this man is a Russian who moved to the UK to escape the censorship and suppression of free speech in his own country! What does that tell you!? We need to come to our senses and curb these dangerous idiots before Orwell’s prophecies do truly become reality. This week another bunch issued guidelines instructing schools that eight-year-olds be taught that all genders can have periods, to avoid, wait for it; ‘offending girls who identify as boys’! The directive continues by decreeing that bins for used period products should be provided in all toilets for children. Well, frankly if I had my way, I would prosecute these morons for child abuse. Unfortunately, as a member of a majority, nobody is allowed to listen to me! Happy New Year everyone. At least we’re still allowed to say that. At the moment anyway. PS: To all my Vegan remark objectors of last week, I truly do love animals, honest. Keep the faith. Love, Leapy.
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
34 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
TECH FOR THE TIMID MY elderly neighbour has a newyear’s resolution; never again to spend a tenner on yet another battery for her near-immortal Nokia 3310 from 2001. It’s astonishing just how many such venerable ‘dumbphones’ are still in use. Nokia made nearly 130 million 3310s (and indeed has recently resurrected them), and like those iconic early Casio digital wristwatches so beloved of terrorist bombers for their virtual indestructibility (except of course when you actually blow up), those original Nokias just go on and on. But now the fastest-growing converts to the online world, the so-called ‘silver surfers,’ are finally moving into the smartphone world. Why wouldn’t they; or you? There’s the benefit of always having a camera in your pocket, for one. Many phones have FM radios and if not, there’s the TuneIn app to listen free to thousands of the
Why buy a smartphone? Get smart and ditch that old Nokia, advises Terence Kennedy
EVOLUTION OF MAN: From ape to app. world’s radio stations. Or download the podcasts for later. There’s not having to get lost thanks to Google Maps. There’s Facebook for family news. Voicedialling and text readers are two more innovations invaluable to less dexterous users. Then there’s the clincher for all of us nearing our best-by dates; the instant ability to look up today’s latest ailment and e-mail or WhatsApp it for the rapturous enjoyment of all the family.
I understand my neighbour ’s long-held reluctance to give up her 3310 after her first disastrous dip into the smartphone market; a horribly complicated Nokia E72 nearly a decade ago. The world’s fiddliest operating system (Symbian) and a keypad designed for bonsai people very quickly meant her granddaughter got an unexpected hand-me-down. But we’ve moved on, with Android and Apple now so userfriendly there’s little challenge for
the geekier among us. Unless someone passes on a ‘pre-loved’ one, perhaps it’s better not to buy a smartphone secondhand. Why would you, when even €100 or less buys new these days, with a battery you can rely on? No need to get technical, but do at least try for a phone with at least 4 GB of storage to avoid the dreaded ‘phone full’ messages. Pretty much all other specifications these days will do just fine; screen size, Android or Apple version, and processor speed. Indeed phones are generally so alike now that many lament we’ve reached a ‘vanilla era’. Just do be aware of one more thing before ditching that beloved 3310. Smartphones are addictive. According to the stats, the rest of us spend 24 hours a week online, with little to show for it. You have been warned.
FEATURE
SIMple solution A FRIEND with a new phone recently e-mailed in anguish; her SIM card was too big. It wasn’t. Peer closely at a clever revelation. These days, virtually any SIM will fit any phone if you pop out the relevant section of the card. SIM too big? Then carefully push along the pre-cut lines and your large standard SIM begets a medium-sized Micro SIM which begets a tiny Nano SIM. Be sure to keep the unwanted parts of your newlydissected SIM somewhere safe, in case you ever need to go bigger again rather than smaller, though Amazon and others sell replacement adapters if needed. So one size really does fit all, as the saying goes. Despite what those anatomical e-mails in my Inbox keep insisting.
38 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
FEATURE
Gold over Bitcon Behind THE MUSIC V L James | vljcomms@gmail.com | Facebook: @vljamesinfo
Mike Senker In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man SO Christmas is over by the time you read this and we now go merrily into a new year. Of course, I don’t do merrily so I’m going to mention a couple of things which made me grumpy in the last 12 months or so and that I passed on to you. Bitcoin. I said in an article that I thought Bitcoin, and other crypto currencies, were all a giant Ponzi scheme, and at the time, asked if you had a choice of one bitcoin or 11oz of gold, which would you take. I said I’d take gold all day long. A few weeks later, one Bitcoin was worth 6 ½ oz. of gold, and guess what, your investment is now worth 2 ½oz of gold. I got a few people trying to tell me that they knew someone who knew someone who earnt a fortune on crypto currencies. Yeah, yeah. Enough said about that. The other thing I wrote about was the HS2 which is the nonsense railroad waste of space and money which gets you to Birmingham or Manchester a bit quicker than currently possible. At the time I said it would never come in on the budget of £36- £54 billion. Guess what? It’s now going to cost at least £100 billion.
Plus, the decision to approve the HS2 highspeed rail project in the first place was based on cost estimates which were hundreds of millions of pounds too low, a former senior staff member of the company has claimed. They were lied to! Blatant lies; there’s a surprise! So, Mr Grumpy called it, and I repeat, the whole idea was nonsense and was never ever going to come in on budget. Once again, the British people have been conned and if a stupid old fool like me can work it out, surely the geniuses in Parliament between them should be able to. As you all know I love my telly and Mrs S likes a bit of reality stuff. Strictly and I’m a Celeb have both just finished but there was one thing I noticed this year, which was, before every dance or task in the jungle the contestants were told by everyone to ‘go and smash it.’ Then, when they had completed their dance/task they were told, ‘well done, you smashed it.’ In fact every time anyone did anything they ‘smashed it.’ It became ridiculous and seriously annoying; they were ‘smashing’ everything. When someone cooked something they used to get a ‘thanks that was yummy.’ Now, they ‘smashed’ it. By the end it had become so crazy they actually did a segment on each programme on how many times it was said. mikesenker@gmail.com.
NWOBHM IN the late 70’s there was a strange phenomenon that I noticed at school. Kids were turning up with badges on their blazer lapels for bands I’d never heard of - Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Budgie, Def Leppard to name but a few. On reading Sounds newspaper I discovered that these bands were part of the new wave of British heavy metal. Pretty much ignored by the rest of the music press, NWOBHM started as an underground reaction to the dying embers of punk. These new bands were influenced by early British rock legends such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. With their long hair, leather and denim they would become a common sight on British streets. They would
colonise certain pubs that would have their favourite records on the juke box. I remember seeing a documentary about the movement at the time and being fascinated by an air guitar disco in a pub! The fans of these bands are still a loyal bunch with some of them going on to massive international success
HEAVY METAL: Iron Maiden were at the forefront of the new wave. and still playing sold out shows today. Some of the fans may have less hair, but they still know how to bang their heads!
Advertising Feature
Christina Sharp GLOBELINK INTERNATIONAL christina@globelink.co.uk.
IT’S worth making a list and checking it twice, whether you’re travelling, or staying home for Christmas. Keep safe, with the www.Glo belink.co.uk Ultimate Christmas Home Security and Travel Tips. Decking the halls? If you’ve decked the halls with fairy lights, check that they carry the British Standard logo or EU equivalent. They’re much less likely to be a fire risk. Switch lights off at the socket when you’re asleep or out. If installing outdoor lights, check they’re specifically designed for outdoor use. Check what you do with packaging after you’ve opened gifts. Otherwise opportunist burglars will have an easy job seeing what Christmas treats you have for them. Avoid your surname being visible in your recycling. Criminals can get your number from directory enquiries and call to check if you’re home. Avoid surefire give-away answer
How to avoid a Christmas calamity with our latest guide machine messages like ‘We’re in Barbados for Christmas, leave a message!’ Home alone? Your home unattended over Christmas? Sadly, burglaries increase by an astonishing 30 per cent, as empty homes full of gifts make rich pickings for nimble fingered burglars. Give yourself the best Christmas gift and invest in an automatic timer for lights. Don’t draw curtains while out, it can send a clear message that you’re not home. Do you have sliding back doors? Stay secure with a multipoint lock system and get an antilift device fitted so doors can’t be lifted clear from their frame from outside. Don’t leave spare keys in that clever outdoor hiding place! You can bet your last mince pie that if you’ve thought of it, so will profes-
CHRISTMAS SAFETY: Ensure you’re safe during the Christmas holidays. sional burglars. Popping out? Don’t leave a note for couriers telling them. It’s surprising how often people do! Message instructions on where to leave parcels if you’re out. Move car and door keys out of sight and nowhere near doors or windows.
Ask neighbours to collect post, open and close curtains and park on your drive for that ‘we’re home’ impression. Don’t announce travel plans on social media, or tag your location on Facebook unless your home is secure. Driving home for Christmas? Plan your route well ahead and check traffic reports on the day for unexpected events. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Your turkey, stuffing, or mince pies may be legendary family favourites, but if you’re crossing borders, check food restrictions. Also most airlines won’t allow Christmas crackers, party poppers, fireworks, or sparklers. Avoid pre-wrapping presents in
case you’re selected for security checks. Jack Frost nibbling at your nose? Check the weather at your destination and pack accordingly. Escape an unwanted Christmas catastrophe of a burst pipe, by keeping the heating on low and insulate outdoor pipes. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth Unexpected mishaps and accidents do happen and nothing will dampen your Christmas spirits like an extortionate medical bill. Ensure you and your loved ones are covered by a decent travel insurance policy. Even if you’ve left home it’s not too late! Just buy an ‘Already Travelling Policy’ from Globelink. Visit www.globelink.co.uk, or call (UK) +44 1353 699 082 or our Spanish link line on 966 265 000.
40 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
FEATURE
The day I became a Tory lackey Barry Duke ‘HEY, that’s me you’re talking about,’ I yelled at the radio, during a discussion of an affliction I’d not heard of before: imposter syndrome. This is a psychological condition in which individuals imagine they are frauds, and that their accomplishments are fake. But in my case - back in the early 1990’s - there was nothing imaginary about my phoniness and my accomplishment was genuine. I was working for a contract publishing company which was invited by the Home Office to pitch for a publication for thenPrime Minister John Major’s Citizen’s Charter initiative, aimed at improving public services in the UK. Barbara Burrows, our Managing Director, called a staff pow-wow to say that we were required to tell a bunch of senior civil servants how well we could do the job. Then, fixing me with a determined gaze, she said ‘I’ve decided that you
CITIZEN’S CHARTER: Barry sold his soul to the devil. should do the presentation.’ I strongly protested that I was absolutely the wrong person for the task because I was an unreconstructed socialist who detested the Tories; that I thought the Charter was a monumentally stupid idea, and I resented promoting a venture which was a criminal waste of taxpayers’ money. ‘Never mind all that,’ Ms Burrows snapped. ‘The contract is worth £1-
million a year to us and you have the ability to talk the knickers off a nun.’ On the morning of the presentation I swallowed three Valium, got suited and booted, and strode into a conference room to address a panel of about a dozen of Major’s cronies, all the while smiling insincerely at the ugliest man in the room. Why? Because someone once told me that repulsive individuals are generally the most
powerful in government and large corporations, and they are the ones to charm. After the presentation, trembling like blancmange in a hurricane, I sprinted into a pub nearest to 10 Downing Street and necked three large whiskeys in five minutes, thinking as I did so how much of hypocrite I had been by hyping-up something which ran contrary to all my principles.
I hated myself for having done so. I loathed myself even more when the boss lady announced that we had won the contract, and, because my presentation had been so awesome, I would be the one to edit the Citizen’s Charter monthly rag. So, with gritted teeth, I churned out Tory waffle, feeling more and more of a traitor as each day passed. Part of the Charter’s remit was to make a monthly award to a government department judged to have done a brilliant public service task. An early issue carried a report and photo of a social security team, the first award winners in the scheme. A short while later, to my absolute delight, the entire team quit en-masse when they won millions on the National Lottery. Tears of laughter and joy ran down my cheeks. Further relief and delight followed when the Citizens’ Charter collapsed after Labour took power in 1997. The Tories suffered their worst electoral defeat since 1932, and I was able to regain my lost self-esteem by taking on the editorship of a renowned atheist magazine, The Freethinker, a job I’m still happily doing more than 20 years on.
42 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION Letters should be emailed to oursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com
I WAS disturbed to read in last week’s EWN that a student was beaten up in the Basque Country for going to a meeting of students who support the unity of Spain. I remember a time when people of widely different opinions, even if they vehemently disagreed with one another, were still capable of holding a civilised debate. Incidents such as this and the rise of radical street groups on the far left and right make me wonder if we have lost the art of dialogue and if instead ‘hit first, talk later’ is now the order of the day. While I personally find nationalism petty, crass and a bit sad, I would never go and punch someone because they indulged in it. I would just tell them I disagree and we could have it out over a beer. Frank Hicks
Who to trust? LAST week you printed a letter from a reader ‘sign of the times,’ which highlighted stabbings and domestic violence. I would like to add another significant reflection of today’s society is the number of greed and power-driven politicians and police officers who appear before the courts. There isn’t a week goes without a serving or former mayor or chief inspector, for example, being arrested or investigated for some demeanour or other. And these are the people we are either asked to vote upon, or pay taxes for, while at the same time entrusting them with our futures and our safety. I agree wholeheartedly that everything possible should be done to tackle domestic violence or of any sort for that matter. That’s where our money and efforts are better placed, not having to deal with the scourge of immoral and corrupt people mistakenly placed in a position of power. Jason Berridge
Tragic loss I WAS very saddened and moved when I read in your newspaper that a young Brit has died while in Spain, and I wanted to send condolences and best wishes to the family of Nixon Smith from myself, my family and friends here in Spain. It is always awful to hear about someone losing their life so young when they had their whole lives ahead of them. It is also sad to know he died after travelling around this beautiful country that so many of us call home. I would finish by saying that in spite of possible risks and dangers we face both when travelling and in our day to day lives, it is important not to become too sheltered out of fear. It would be nice if we could take a cue from Nixon who, despite his tragic death, chose to come to Spain and to explore the country. He was clearly full of life. Janice Morris
OUR VIEW
Looking ahead
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.
Less violence, more dialogue Parc life I JUST want to pay tribWILD: The ute to Fuengirola’s Bioparc is a Bioparc which is a real nature oasis. oasis amidst an otherwise urban environment. I love how it introduces new animals as part of conservation efforts to protect endangered species. The park itself has improved out of sight in the 20 years that I have lived here, especially with the expansion of gorilla valley. Also, as someone with a keen interest in exotic birds, it is a pleasure to see such a wide variety enjoying life in a lovely leafy enclosure. I saw that the Bioparc won a Best Family Attraction award earlier this year and it was well deserved. I fully encourage people to pay a visit to a new model of zoo based on respect for nature and the preservation of endangered species. Amanda Stanley
HAVE YOUR SAY
OPINION & COMMENT
THE New Year is just around the corner and as far as news is concerned it looks as though there will be plenty to keep us occupied. Just days after people in Britain tidy up following New Year’s Eve celebrations, the country’s Prime Minister is due to face her next big test on Brexit. Theresa May has announced that the ‘meaningful vote’ on Brexit is set to go ahead in Parliament on Monday January 14, with the chance of it passing slim. A general election could well follow a parliamentary defeat. Here in Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s leftleaning Partido Socialista (PSOE) government also faces an uphill struggle to pass a budget for the country. The party has been governing as a minority administration since it took power in June. Many including Sanchez’s ally in parliament Pablo Iglesias, leader of the leftist Podemos, have said a national ballot would likely follow any failure to get the budget through parliament. Given that the conservative Partido Popular (PP) has a majority in the Senate, giving it an effective veto on government plans, this is not unlikely. Spain is also likely to remain preoccupied with three areas that have dominated the news in 2018: migration, gender equality and the environment. Each has kept politicians busy and the issues surrounding them are likely to intensify.
Now we want to hear your views. YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION www.euroweeklynews.com
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.
Readers who have missed correspondence can see all letters - which can be edited before publication - posted on: www.euroweeklynews.com.
Hopes for higher turnout in elections One less election for the UK to bother about. French president goes missing during riots, Germany gets rid of Merkel, Spain due for yet another president. We go out with no deal, better put the tourist tax up. John
COMMENTS FROM EWN ONLINE
SUPERSOL SHAME: Supermarket employees in Spain strike due to unsustainable working conditions and criminally low salaries
confined Spanish residents to a small Spanish-only section and barred them from everything else! That would be racist! How about teaming up with me Mike, to hire a lawyer and charge the TV companies with race discrimination in the European Court? Tee, hee. Brian
The real shame is that useless and some corrupt people in the central offices are still making lots of money that could go to the people in the supermarkets. Tomas
VISIT SPAIN: Don’t miss Europe’s tallest Christmas tree at the Nevada Shopping Centre Really!!!!!!!! That is NOT a Christmas tree. I wonder which forest they found it in. Renato
Why not be sensible? I enjoy reading your highly entertaining comments every week Mike. I agree completely with your item about UK TV broadcasters. I subscribe to both Netflix and Amazon Prime. I would be happy to pay the BBC and Sky too if they would let me, but they won’t! Imagine if a supermarket allowed only UK residents access to all the shelves but
Only 1,489 of the 10,816 illegal Moroccans that arrived in Spain this year have been expelled Why Ceuta? What is wrong with the ferry to Tanger?
PM
Drunk man arrested after ‘making homophobic remarks’ on easyJet flight to London
TOURIST TAX: Resorts in Spain to introduce new tourist tax as a way to bring in extra money About time the UK introduced same tax for Spain and other EU countries plus the £6 for a visa, at least we will be honest and not pretend the money is to benefit tourists. Let’s start tit for tat and see who cries first. John Already pay one to holiday in Greece so no problem whatsoever. In fact if it means we are rid of the shitty EU I’d gladly pay double, then the UK should do same too. Everyone happy. And the best part is that remoaners get to pay it too but hey that’s the Spanish democracy system for you. Maybe when they turn up and get asked to pay it they should ask for another vote cos the Spanish didn’t realise what they were voting for. Garry People coming to the UK from EU countries should be charged tourists tax, perhaps £10, like you have to pay when going to places like, Egypt, Kenya! June
Why let him on the plane in the first instance?
John
Dreamy White Chocolate Christmas cheesecake I want white chocolate cheesecake.
Megan
Smuggler’s car stopped at Spain border with an ‘unauthorised’ furry friend on board Probably stolen in Gibraltar. Hoping they pay for their nasty deed. Ken
44 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
THURSDAY - 27 DECEMBER
8:50am Match of the Day 10:25am The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! 11:50am Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa 1:10pm Dynasties 2:10pm BBC News 2:25pm BBC London News 2:30pm Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 4:20pm Revolting Rhymes 4:50pm Revolting Rhymes 5:20pm Kung Fu Panda 3 6:45pm Pointless 7:30pm BBC News 7:50pm BBC London News 8:00pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm The ABC Murders 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:15pm BBC London News 11:25pm Meet the Fockers
10:30am Great British Menu 11:30am Great Indian Railway Journeys 12:30pmWild Ireland 1:30pm Wild Ireland 2:30pm The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel 3:55pm The Heroes of Telemark 6:00pm Inside the Factory: How Our Favourite Foods are Made 7:00pm Grizzly Bear Cubs and Me 8:00pm Dad's Army 8:30pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 9:00pm Masterchef: The Professionals Rematch 10:00pmThe Snow Wolf: A Winter's Tale 11:00pmFrankie Boyle's 2018 New World Order 11:40pm2018: A Year in the Life of a Year 12:10am No Activity Christmas Special 1:00am NFL 1:50am Jimi: All is by My Side
7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am Ninja Warrior UK 11:20am Big Star's Bigger Star 12:20pm K-9 2:15pm You've Been Framed! 2:45pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:50pm ITV News London 2:55pm Celebrity Catchphrase 4:00pm Tenable 5:00pm Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 6:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 7:00pm Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule 7:30pm ITV News London 7:45pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Skyfall 11:40pm ITV News 12:05am The World According to Kenny Everett
7:35am Britain's Got Talent 8:25am Britain's Got Talent 9:15am Emmerdale 9:40am Coronation Street 10:10am You've Been Framed! Gold aZ of Growing Up 11:10am Take Me Out 12:15pm Catchphrase 1:00pm Emmerdale 1:30pm Coronation Street 1:55pm The Big Soap Quiz 3:05pm You've Been Framed! 3:35pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 4:35pm FYI Daily 4:40pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 5:45pm Ella Enchanted 6:45pm FYI Daily 6:50pm Ella Enchanted 7:40pm The Golden Compass 8:45pm FYI Daily 8:50pm The Golden Compass 10:00pm Pitch Perfect 11:05pm FYI Daily
TV LISTING
FRIDAY - 28 DECEMBER
This is BBC Four This is BBC Four Top of the Pops Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2018: Who Am I? What Makes Me Human? Norman Wisdom: His Story Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand Mark Kermode's Christmas Cinema Secrets Top of the Pops The World's Most Beautiful Eggs: The Genius of Carl Faberge Stephen Smith explores the extraordinary life and work of the virtuoso jeweller Carl Faberge. The Fairytale Castles of King Ludwig II with Dan Cruickshank This is BBC Four
8:30am Lego Masters 9:25am The Big Bang Theory 9:55am The Big Bang Theory 10:20am Dunston Checks In 12:00pm Congo 2:10pm Ever After 4:25pm A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 5:25pm The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:25pm Channel 4 News 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm The Secret Life of 5 Year Olds on Holiday 9:00pm Supershoppers Sales Special 10:00pm Travel Man 11:00pm Panorama 1:00am Les Miserables 3:45am Indian Summers It's 1935. India dreams of independence, but the British are clinging to power. 4:40am The Crystal Maze 5:35am Food Unwrapped
8:05am 8:15am 8:30am 8:40am 8:55am
Fireman Sam Shane the Chef Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Paw Patrol Floogals Digby Dragon New Puppy, New Home Friends Friends Friends Neighbours The HundredFoot Journey Mrs Caldicot's Cabbage War From Time to Time Neighbours World's Strongest Man 2018 Paddington Station 24/7 at Christmas Michael Palin in North Korea: Special Edition The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas Super Casino
7:00am Breakfast 10:00am Turbo 11:25am Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted 12:50pm Dynasties 1:50pm BBC News 2:05pm BBC London News 2:15pm Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 4:15pm Stick Man 4:40pm Zog 5:10pm Wreck-it Ralph 6:45pm Pointless 7:30pm BBC News 7:45pm BBC London News 8:00pm Take That: We've Come a Long Way 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm A Question of Sport: Merry Quizmas 10:00pm The ABC Murders 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:20pm BBC London News 11:30pm Would I Lie to You? 12:00am Sport Relief 1:00am Ariana Grande at the BBC
7:30am Dynasties 8:30am Nature's Biggest Beasts 9:30am This Farming Life 10:30am Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge 11:30am Great British Menu 12:30pm Great Indian Railway Journeys 1:30pm Emma 3:25pm Brideshead Revisited 5:30pm Inside the Factory: How Our Favourite Foods are Made 6:30pm Masterchef: The Professionals Rematch 7:30pm Grizzly Bear Cubs and Me 8:30pm Mastermind 9:00pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 9:30pm Grand Tours of Scotland's Lochs 10:00pm Made in Scotland 11:00pm Billy Connolly - A Bafta Tribute 12:10am Quartet 1:40am Ken Dodd: How Tickled We Were
4:00am This is BBC Four 7:58pm This is BBC Four 8:00pm Flying Scotsman From the Footplate 9:00pm Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2018: Who Am I? What Makes Me, Me? 10:00pm The Sound of Movie Musicals with Neil Brand 11:00pm Sinatra: All or Nothing at All 1:00am Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night 2:00am Top of the Pops Peter Powell presents the pop hart programme, first broadcast on Christmas Day 1986. 3:00am The Sound of Movie Musicals with Neil Brand 4:00am This is BBC Four
6:05am Come Dine with Me 7:00am Short Circuit 2 8:50am Lego Masters 9:50am The Big Bang Theory 10:15am The Big Bang Theory 10:45am A League of Their Own 1:15pm Mother's Day 3:35pm Sunshine on Leith 5:30pm The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas 6:30pm Channel 4 News 6:35pm The Simpsons 7:00pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast 9:00pm Eddie the Eagle 11:00pm Rob Rinder's Good Year, Bad Year 12:00am Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2018 2:00am Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 2:50am Vertigo 5:05am Food Unwrapped 5:30am Come Dine with Me
7:35am Wissper 7:40am Noddy: Toyland Detective 7:55am Thomas and Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! 8:05am Fireman Sam 8:20am Shane the Chef 8:40am Peppa Pig 8:50am Peppa Pig 8:55am Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 9:10am Paw Patrol 9:30am Floogals 9:45am The Secret Life of Puppies 9:50am Neighbours 10:15am The Cowboys 12:55pm The Alamo 4:10pm Rio Lobo 6:25pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Agatha Christie's Crooked House 8:55pm 5 News 9:00pm World's Strongest Man 2018 10:00pm Most Shocking Celebrity Moments 2018 1:00am Super Casino
7:00am Royal Stories 7:25am Columbo 9:25am Goodnight Mister Tom 11:30am Carry on Screaming! 1:30pm The Wizard of Oz 3:35pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 4:45pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:00pm Agatha Christie's Poirot Detective drama featuring Agatha Christie's celebrated sleuth Hercule Poirot. 9:00pm Vera Detective drama series based on the characters created by Ann Cleeves. 11:00pmMaigret Crime drama adapted from the novel by Georges Simenon. 1:00am Vera Detective drama series based on the characters created by Ann Cleeves. 2:55am A Touch of Frost
7:00am The Protectors 7:25am The Sweeney 8:20am The Professionals 9:25am The Professionals 10:30am Kojak 11:35am Quincy, M.E. 12:40pm Minder 1:45pm ITV Racing: Live from Kempton 4:30pm 633 Squadron 5:30pm FYI Daily 5:35pm 633 Squadron 6:35pm Hornblower 8:45pm Cannonball Run II 9:50pm FYI Daily 9:55pm Cannonball Run II 11:00pm American Gangster 12:00am FYI Daily Latest news from the world of entertainment. 12:05am American Gangster Crime drama based on the life of gangster Frank Lucas. 2:05am The Sweeney 3:05am The Professionals
6:30am Great Sporting Moments 6:45am My Icon 7:00am Total Goals 8:00am Total Goals 9:00am Cricket 1:30pm Live World Championship Darts 5:30pm Sky Sports News 6:00pm Sky Sports News at 5 7:00pm Sky Sports News at 6 8:00pm Sky Sports Tonight 8:30pm Football 11:00pm Live World Championship Darts 12:00am Cricket The third day of the second Test as New Zealand host Sri Lanka in Christchurch. 2:00am Live NBA: Boston @ Houston The Houston Rockets take on the Boston Celtics at the Toyota Center in the NBA.
11:25am Kindergarten Cop 1:35pm What Would Your Kid Do? 2:35pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:45pm ITV News London 2:55pm Celebrity Catchphrase 4:00pm Tenable 5:00pm Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 6:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 7:00pm Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule 7:30pm ITV News London 7:45pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Countrywise 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Re-Play 2018 with Richard Osman 11:00pm The Imitation Game 11:35pm ITV News 11:55pm The Jonathan Ross Christmas Show
8:45am You've Been Framed! 9:10am Britain's Got Talent 10:00am Emmerdale 10:35am Take Me Out 11:35am Celebrity Catchphrase 12:35pm You've Been Framed! 1:05pm Emmerdale 1:35pm Dr. Seuss' the Lorax 2:35pm FYI Daily 2:40pm Dr. Seuss' the Lorax 3:15pm Happy Feet Two 4:15pm FYI Daily 4:20pm Happy Feet Two 5:20pm Casper 6:20pm FYI Daily 6:25pm Casper 7:25pm Iron Man 2 8:25pm FYI Daily 8:30pm Iron Man 2 10:00pm Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:35am Family Guy
6:30am ITV3 Nightscreen 7:00am Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:50am Agatha Christie's Poirot 10:05am Goodbye Mr Chips 12:05pm Carry on Camping 1:50pm Bugsy Malone 3:50pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 4:50pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:00pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 9:00pm Vera 11:00pm Maigret in Montmartre 1:00am Vera 3:00am A Touch of Frost 4:45am Road to Avonlea 5:35am Road to Avonlea
6:10am Goodwood Revival Festival 7:00am The Chase 7:45am The Chase 8:35am Kojak 9:35am Quincy, M.E. 10:35am Minder 11:35am The Sweeney 12:40pm The Professionals 1:40pm Kojak 2:45pm Quincy, M.E. 3:45pm Minder 4:50pm The Sweeney 5:55pm The Professionals 6:55pm Hornblower 9:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 10:00pm Terminator 2: Judgment Day 11:10pm FYI Daily 11:15pm Terminator 2: Judgment Day 12:50am Rush Hour 2 1:50am FYI Daily 1:55am Rush Hour 2 2:40am The Americans 3:45am The Professionals 4:35am The Sweeney 5:25am Isle of Man TT
6:30am My Icon 6:45am My Icon 7:00am Good Morning Sports Fans Bitesize 7:30am Good Morning Sports Fans Bitesize 8:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 9:00am Cricket 1:30pm Live World Championship Darts 5:30pm Football Centre 6:00pm Sky Sports News at 5 7:00pm Sky Sports News at 6 8:00pm Live World Championship Darts 12:00am Cricket The fourth day of the second Test as New Zealand host Sri Lanka in Christchurch. 3:00am Live NBA: San Antonio @ Denver 5:30am Cricket
4:20am 7:58pm 8:00pm 9:00pm
10:00pm
11:00pm 12:00am
1:00am 2:00am
3:00am
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9:10am 9:25am 9:45am 10:00am 10:55am 11:25am 11:55am 12:25pm 12:55pm 3:20pm 5:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm
9:00pm
10:00pm
12:05am
1:00am
The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of Euro Weekly News.
FEATURE
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
EWN 45
Carry on swearing Richard Shanley WHETHER you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that Mrs Brown’s Boys is best-loved for its fourth-wall breaking and (often unintentionally) bad language. The BBC aren’t too keen on those elements of its old-school Irish charm, though, as the sitcom’s creator Brendan O’Carroll recently revealed. While speaking at a screening ahead of the show’s Christmas and New Year specials, O’Carroll admitted that the Beeb asked him to cut down the show’s swearing. Recalling Danny Cohen’s takeover as the corporation’s controller, Bren-
BLUE: Mrs Brown will not watch her language.
dan explained (via The Mirror): “I had been invited for an ‘F’ meeting. He spent the first 10 minutes telling me how lucky the BBC felt to have found me and the family, how wonderful Mrs Brown’s Boys was and how he liked that there was also pathos there and hopefully a message at the end... We were going through all of this stuff. ‘F**king bored’ with the conversation, Brendan then asked Cohen: ‘Danny, can we cut to the chase? You want me to stop saying ‘f**k’ so you can put the show on at eight o’clock’.” And he said, ‘Exactly’.” We’re guessing the answer was a resounding feck off, then. Fortunately for fans, Mrs Brown and the family will be back in all their usual sweary glory for two festive specials this year, ‘Exotic Mammy’ and ‘Mammy’s Motel.’
If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 and 106.8FM, now covering over 3,200sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.
46 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
SATURDAY - 29 DECEMBER
TV LISTING
SUNDAY - 30 DECEMBER
7:00am Breakfast 11:00am Saturday Kitchen 12:30pm Nigel Slater's New Year Suppers 1:00pm Football Focus 2:00pm BBC News 2:15pm Chicken Run 3:35pm Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 5:30pm Final Score 6:10pm Top of the Pops 7:10pm BBC News 7:20pm BBC London News 7:30pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:00pm Pointless 8:50pm Ant-Man 10:35pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:10pm BBC News 11:30pm Match of the Day 12:50am The NFL Show 1:20am Reign of Fire 2:55am Weather for the Week Ahead Detailed weather forecast. 3:00am BBC News
7:30am This Farming Life 8:30am Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge 9:30am Great British Menu 10:30am Great Indian Railway Journeys 11:30am Bill 1:00pm The Super Squirrels 2:00pm Dunkirk 4:10pm The Lake District: A Wild Year 5:10pm Attenborough and the Empire of the Ants 6:10pm Inside the Factory: How Our Favourite Foods are Made 7:15pm Kylie Minogue: Reel Stories 7:40pm Judi Dench: My Passion for Trees 8:40pm Nothing Like a Dame 10:00pm Philomena 11:30pm QI XL 12:15am Frankie Boyle's 2018 New World Order 12:55am Stewart Lee: Content Provider
7:58pm This is BBC Four 8:00pm All About the Good Life 9:00pm The New Forest: A Year in the Wild 10:00pmBlack Lake Hedda Stiernstedt, Filip Berg, Andre Eriksen, Alida Morberg, Bahar Pars, Daniel Larsson. Swedish thriller series. 10:45pmBlack Lake 11:30pmThe Old Grey Whistle Test 1:00am ABBA at the BBC 2:00am Life in the Snow 3:00am All About the Good Life What was it really like behind the scenes of The Good Life? 4:00am The New Forest: A Year in the Wild 5:00am This is BBC Four
7:15am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:05am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:30am Lego Masters 9:25am The Big Bang Theory 9:55am The Big Bang Theory 10:20am The Big Bang Theory 10:50am The Big Bang Theory 11:20am The Big Bang Theory 11:45am The Simpsons 12:40pm The Simpsons 1:15pm Baby's Day Out 3:10pm Hugo 5:35pm The Secret Life of 5 Year Olds on Holiday 6:35pm Channel 4 News 7:05pm The Secret World of Emily Brontã‹ 8:00pm Escape to the Chateau at Christmas 9:00pm Amazing Spaces Winter Wonderland 10:00pm Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues 12:20am The Inbetweeners 2 2:10am Piranha 3DD
9:10am Paw Patrol 9:25am Nella the Princess Knight 9:40am Shimmer and Shine 9:45am Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:20am Criminals Make You Laugh Out Loud 10:45am Bean 12:35pm Groundhog Day 2:35pm Ghostbusters II 4:45pm Live Premiership Rugby 7:15pm Ultimate Megastructures: Colossal Cruise Ship 8:00pm World's Strongest Man 2018 8:55pm 5 News Weekend 9:00pm Blind Date 10:00pm Gino's Win Your Wish List 11:00pm Celebrity Game Night 12:05am Greatest Celebrity Wind-Ups Ever!
7:00am Breakfast 9:00am Match of the Day 10:20am Bolt 11:45am The BFG 1:35pm Dynasties 2:35pm BBC News 2:50pm Songs of Praise 3:25pm Cinderella 5:05pm How to Train Your Dragon 2 6:35pm BBC News 6:50pm BBC London News 7:00pm Countryfile 8:00pm Spy in the Snow 9:00pm Antiques Roadshow 10:00pmLes Misérables 11:00pmBBC News 11:20pmBBC London News 11:30pmMatch of the Day 2 12:45am War of the Worlds 2:30am Weather for the Week Ahead Detailed weather forecast. 2:35am BBC News
12:35pm James Martin's American Adventure 1:05pm The Mummy 3:20pm ITV Lunchtime News 3:30pm Celebrity Catchphrase 4:30pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 5:30pm The Big Audition 6:30pm Big Star's Bigger Star 7:30pm ITV Evening News 7:45pm ITV News London 8:00pm Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 9:00pm The London Studios: Home of the Stars 10:00pm Bradley Walsh: When Dummies Took Over the World 11:00pm The Keith and Paddy Picture Show 11:25pm ITV News 11:45pm Another Audience with Ken Dodd 12:45am Our Cilla
7:25am Emmerdale Omnibus 9:45am Coronation Street Omnibus 1:10pm Celebrity Catchphrase 2:10pm I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out 3:15pm You've Been Framed! 3:45pm Ella Enchanted 4:45pm FYI Daily 4:50pm Ella Enchanted 5:40pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 6:40pm FYI Daily 6:45pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 7:50pm Minions 7:55pm Minions 8:00pm Minions 8:10pm Minions 9:10pm FYI Daily 9:15pm Minions 10:00pm Furious 7 11:10pm FYI Daily 11:15pm Furious 7 12:45am Family Guy 1:15am Family Guy 1:40am Family Guy
6:30am ITV3 Nightscreen 7:00am Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:50am Brief Encounter 9:30am Prince Harry in Africa 10:30am A Very Royal Wedding 11:55am Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy 1:20pm Princess Diana: A Life After Death 2:25pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 4:40pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 5:50pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 8:00pm Midsomer Murders 10:00pm Midsomer Murders 12:00am Maigret 2:00am Maigret 3:45am Agatha Christie's Poirot 4:45am Road to Avonlea 5:40am Road to Avonlea
6:10am Isle of Man TT 7:00am World of Sport 7:10am Silverstone Classic 8:00am The Protectors 8:30am The Professionals 9:25am The Professionals 10:30am ITV Racing: The Opening Show 11:30am The Protectors 12:05pm The Professionals 1:10pm The Professionals 2:10pm ITV Racing: Live from Newbury 5:00pm Escape to Victory 6:05pm FYI Daily 6:10pm Escape to Victory 7:15pm Apollo 13 8:15pm FYI Daily 8:20pm Apollo 13 10:00pm Rush Hour 2 11:05pm FYI Daily 11:10pm Rush Hour 2 11:50pm Saw 12:50am FYI Daily 12:55am Saw 1:55am The Professionals 2:55am Minder 3:55am The Protectors 4:20am Quincy, M.E. 5:10am World of Sport
6:30am Cricket 6:45am Cricket 7:00am Sky Sports News 8:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 9:00am Cricket 12:30pm Football 4:00pm Live World Championship Darts 5:30pm Gillette Soccer Saturday: Live Scores 6:00pm Football 8:30pm Live World Championship Darts Day 14 of the William Hill World Darts Championship from the Alexandra Palace, London. 12:00am Cricket Day five of the second Test as New Zealand and Sri Lanka meet at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
9:25am Ultimate SpiderMan v the Sinister Six 9:55am Spy School 10:25am Ninja Warrior UK 11:25am Big Star's Bigger Star 12:25pm The Mummy Returns 2:45pm ITV Lunchtime News 3:00pm You've Been Framed! 3:30pm Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 4:30pm The Big Audition 5:30pm Big Star's Bigger Star 6:30pm Paul O'Grady for the Love of Dogs 7:30pm ITV Evening News 7:45pm ITV News London 8:00pm Celebrity Chase Christmas Special 9:00pm Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens 11:35pm ITV News 11:50pm The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 2:30am Jackpot247
7:20am David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities 7:50am This Farming Life 8:50am Countryfile 9:45am Monty Don's Paradise Gardens 10:45am Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:15pm Great British Menu 1:15pm Young Winston 3:30pm Gorilla Family and Me 4:30pm Gorilla Family and Me 5:30pm Inside the Factory Documentary series. 6:30pm Porridge 8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm Dragons' Den 10:00pm Cities: Nature's New Wild 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:30pm Happy New Year, Colin Burstead 1:00am St. Stephen's Night Calvary 2:40am Home From Home: Chronicle of a Vision 4:40am Christmas at St Paul'S
5:00am This is BBC Four 7:58pm This is BBC Four 8:00pm Al Murray's Great British War Movies 9:00pm The Heroes of Telemark 11:05pm Andrew Davies: Rewriting the Classics 12:05am Blackadder Goes Forth 12:35am Blackadder Goes Forth 1:05am Jeff Beck: Still on the Run 2:35am Ice Dream: Lapland's Snow Show 3:05am Tales of Winter: The Art of Snow and Ice 4:35am This is BBC Four
6:20am Come Dine with Me 7:15am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:40am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:05am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:30am Lego Masters 9:30am The Big Bang Theory 9:55am The Big Bang Theory 10:20am Sunday Brunch 1:20pm The Simpsons 1:50pm The Simpsons 2:20pm The Simpsons 2:45pm Two by Two 4:30pm Edward Scissorhands 6:30pm Channel 4 News 6:40pm Paddington 8:30pm Britain's Wildest Weather 2018 10:00pm Big Ben: Countdown to New Year 11:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 12:00am Tin Star 1:05am The Woman in Black 2:45am The Crystal Maze 3:40am Carry on Teacher 5:10am Come Dine with Me
10:20am Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:30am Birds Make You Laugh Out Loud 10:55am Friends 3:15pm Friends 3:40pm E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial 6:00pm Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 7:00pm 5 News 7:05pm Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 8:05pm World's Strongest Man 2018 9:00pm Gallagher Premiership Rugby Highlights 9:55pm 5 News Weekend 10:00pm Britain's Favourite Chocolate Bar 12:05am What Women Want 2:15am Super Casino
7:00am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 7:25am You've Been Framed! 7:50am Emmerdale Omnibus 10:10am Coronation Street Omnibus 1:45pm The Big Soap Quiz 2:50pm Celebrity Catchphrase 3:50pm You've Been Framed! 4:50pm Monsters, Inc. 5:55pm FYI Daily 6:00pm Monsters, Inc. 6:40pm Jurassic World 7:45pm FYI Daily 7:50pm Jurassic World 9:00pm Rock of Ages 10:05pm FYI Daily 10:10pm Rock of Ages 11:25pm Celebrity Juice 12:30am Family Guy 1:05am Family Guy 1:30am Family Guy 2:00am Family Guy 2:30am American Dad! 2:55am American Dad! 3:25am Bordertown 3:55am Piranha 5:00am FYI Daily
7:00am Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:55am Agatha Christie's Poirot 8:50am Royal Stories 9:20am The Royal Wives of Windsor 10:20am The Royal Wives of Windsor 11:20am Prince Harry's Story: Four Royal Weddings 12:20pm Invitation to a Royal Wedding 1:25pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 3:30pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 5:45pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 6:50pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 8:00pm Midsomer Murders 10:00pm Midsomer Murders 12:00am Maigret in Montmartre 2:00am Agatha Christie's Poirot 3:05am Agatha Christie's Poirot 3:55am Road to Avonlea
7:00am 7:10am 7:55am 8:45am 9:50am 10:55am 11:55am 12:55pm 2:05pm 2:10pm 3:10pm 4:10pm 4:15pm 5:55pm 7:00pm 7:05pm 8:05pm 9:05pm 9:10pm 11:00pm
12:00am 6:30am 6:45am 7:00am
12:00am 12:05am 1:25am 2:25am
3:25am 4:20am
World of Sport Minder Minder The Sweeney The Sweeney The Professionals The Professionals Brannigan FYI Daily Brannigan Red River FYI Daily Red River Tobruk FYI Daily Tobruk Kelly's Heroes FYI Daily Kelly's Heroes The Silence of the Lambs FYI Daily The Silence of the Lambs Football's Foreign Legion Stuck on You: The Football Sticker Story The Professionals The Professionals
8:00am 9:00am 12:30pm 3:00pm 5:15pm 8:00pm
12:00am
1:45am 2:00am 2:10am
Cricket Cricket Cricket Sky Sports News Total Goals Cricket Live Renault Super Sunday Live Renault Super Sunday Live Renault Super Sunday Live World Championship Darts Day 15 of the William Hill World Darts Championship from the Alexandra Palace, London. Live NFL: Sunday A match from the NFL. My Icon My Icon Live NFL: Sunday
The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of Euro Weekly News.
48 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
TUESDAY - 1 JANUARY
MONDAY - 31 DECEMBER Big Hero 6 Maleficent Pointless BBC News BBC London News The Two Ronnies Sketchbook Celebrity Mastermind EastEnders Would I Lie to You? Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie BBC News The Graham Norton Show
1:50pm Death on the Nile 4:10pm Evil Under the Sun 6:00pm Mary Berry's Country House at Christmas 7:00pm Inside the Factory 8:00pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 8:30pm Ethel and Ernest 10:00pmRaymond Briggs: Snowmen, Bogeymen and Milkmen 11:00pmQI XL 11:45pmLive at the Apollo 12:15am Jools's Annual Hootenanny
4:00pm Tenable 5:00pm Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 6:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 7:00pm Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule 7:30pm ITV News London 7:45pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Spectre 11:45pmWorld Cup: Summer of Love
12:00pm Celebrity Catchphrase 1:00pm Emmerdale 1:30pm Coronation Street 2:00pm Coronation Street 2:35pm You've Been Framed! 3:40pm Casper 4:40pm FYI Daily 4:45pm Casper 5:35pm Despicable Me 2 6:35pm FYI Daily 6:40pm Despicable Me 2 7:40pm New Year's Eve 8:45pm FYI Daily 8:50pm New Year's Eve 10:00pm Bridesmaids
3:40pm 5:15pm 6:45pm 7:30pm 7:50pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm
11:25pm 11:40pm
7:58pm This is BBC Four 8:00pm The Trains That Time Forgot: Britain's Lost Railway Journeys 9:00pm Frozen Planet 10:00pmA Day in the Life of Earth 11:00pmTOTP2 New Year's Eve Special 12:10am Vic and Bobs Big Night Out 12:40am Vic and Bobs Big Night Out 1:10am Vic and Bobs Big Night Out 1:40am Vic and Bobs Big Night Out 2:10am Bros: After the Screaming Stops
9:10am Mutiny on the Buses 10:55am Lewis 12:55pm Lewis 2:55pm Midsomer Murders 4:55pm Midsomer Murders 7:00pm Midsomer Murders 9:00pm Endeavour 11:00pm Vera 1:00am Vera 2:50am Royal Stories Documentary series.
TV LISTING
8:50am Lego Masters 9:55am The Big Bang Theory 10:45am The Big Bang Theory 11:15am The Simpsons 11:45am The Simpsons 12:10pmFlash Gordon 2:20pm Vice Versa 4:20pm The Dam Busters 6:50pm Channel 4 News 7:00pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Crocodile Dundee II 10:00pmThe Last Leg of the Year 12:00am Gogglebox 2018 2:00am Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA
12:45pmWhat Women Want 3:15pm Dirty Dancing 5:15pm World's Strongest Man 2018 6:15pm Neighbours 6:45pm Pan 8:55pm 5 News 9:00pm Christmas Cruising with Jane McDonald 10:00pmJane and Friends at New Year 11:00pmJane Mcdonald: My Life Story 11:55pmJane Mcdonald: BAFTA Winning Cruise 12:55am Jane and Friends at New Year
2:00pm The Railway Children 3:45pm Planet Earth II 4:45pm The Jungle Book 6:00pm Inside Out 7:30pm BBC News 7:50pm BBC London News 8:00pm Doctor Who 9:00pm EastEnders 10:00pmLuther 11:00pmMrs. Brown's Boys 11:35pmBBC News at Ten 11:50pmBBC London News 12:00am Avengers: Age of Ultron
12:55pmMinder 1:55pm Kojak 3:00pm Quincy, M.E. 4:05pm Khartoum 5:10pm FYI Daily 5:15pm Khartoum 6:45pm 633 Squadron 7:45pm FYI Daily 7:50pm 633 Squadron 8:50pm Cannonball Run II 9:50pm FYI Daily 9:55pm Cannonball Run II 11:00pm American Gangster 12:00am FYI Daily
6:00pm Barclays Premier League World 7:00pm Soccer Am Best Bits 7:30pm Best Pl Goals 8:00pm Premier League Review 9:00pm Steven Gerrard: In His Own Words 9:30pm Edinburgh Derby Best Goals 10:00pmBoxing 11:00pmThe Debate Review of the Year 11:30pmBest Pl Goals
5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:05pm Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule 7:35pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 9:00pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Who Wants to be a Millionaire? 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:20pm Tommy Cooper Forever
3:50pm The Eagle Has Landed 6:00pm The Finest Hours 7:55pm The Archbishop of Canterbury's New Year Message 8:00pm The Snow Wolf: A Winter's Tale 9:00pm Only Connect 9:30pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 10:00pmAmazon: Earth's Great Rivers 11:00pmThe Revenant 1:25am Young Frankenstein
8:00pm New Year's Day Concert From Vienna 2019 10:00pmMark Kermode's Secrets of Cinema 11:00pmOasis: Supersonic 12:55am Britpop at the BBC 1:55am Elvis: The Rebirth of the King 2:55am Beirut: An Art Lovers' Guide 3:55am A Day in the Life of Earth 4:55am This is BBC Four
2:55pm Monsters, Inc. 4:00pm FYI Daily 4:05pm Monsters, Inc. 4:45pm Nanny McPhee 5:45pm FYI Daily 5:50pm Nanny McPhee 6:50pm Minions 6:55pm Minions 7:05pm Minions 7:15pm Minions 8:20pm FYI Daily 8:25pm Minions 9:00pm Iron Man 2 10:00pmFYI Daily 10:05pmIron Man 2 11:35pmFamily Guy 12:05am Family Guy
7:00am Royal Stories 7:25am The Secret Garden 9:25am Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express 11:55am Lewis 1:50pm Lewis 3:50pm Agatha Christie's Marple 5:55pm Agatha Christie's Marple 8:00pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 9:00pm Endeavour 11:00pmVera Crime drama series. 1:05am Vera
FYI Daily Brannigan Ben Hur FYI Daily Ben Hur Where Eagles Dare 8:50pm FYI Daily 8:55pm Where Eagles Dare 11:00pmFull Metal Jacket 12:00am FYI Daily Latest news from the world of entertainment. 12:05am Full Metal Jacket
8:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 9:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 10:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 11:00am Soccer Special Pre-Match 12:00pm Soccer Special Pre-Match 1:00pm Football 3:55pm Football 6:00pm Football 9:00pm Live World Championship Darts 12:00am Sky Sports News
1:40pm The Royal 2:40pm Heartbeat 3:40pm Classic Coronation Street 4:15pm Classic Coronation Street Vera is adamant that Joss is her dad. Jackie decides she wants to marry in a registry office. 4:50pm Midsomer Murders 6:55pm Heartbeat 8:00pm Murder, She Wrote Crime drama series. 9:00pm Endeavour The case of a missing woman leads Endeavour to an investigation on Oxford's railways. 11:00pmVera 1:00am Vera
12:45pmThe Professionals 1:45pm The Avengers 2:50pm Kojak 3:50pm Quincy, M.E. 4:55pm Minder 5:55pm The Professionals 6:55pm The Sweeney 8:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 9:00pm River Monsters 9:30pm River Monsters 10:00pmPassenger 57 11:00pmFYI Daily Latest news from the world of entertainment. 11:05pmPassenger 57 Action starring Wesley Snipes and Bruce Payne, 1992. 11:50pmHard to Kill Action drama. 12:50am FYI Daily Latest news from the world of entertainment.
9:00am Total Goals 10:00am Total Goals 11:00am Sky Sports News 12:00pmSky Sports News 1:00pm Sky Sports News 2:00pm Sky Sports News 3:00pm Sky Sports News 4:00pm Sky Sports News 5:00pm Sky Sports News 6:00pm Sky Sports News at 5 7:00pm Sky Sports News at 6 8:00pm Soccer Special Pre-Match 8:30pm Football 11:30pmSky Sports News at Ten 12:00am Sky Sports News 1:00am Sky Sports News 2:00am Live NBA: Minnesota @ Boston
8:20am Frasier 8:45am Frasier 9:10am Diary of a Wimpy Kid 11:00am The Muppet Movie 12:55pm The Simpsons 1:25pm The Simpsons 1:55pm The Simpsons 2:25pm Splash 4:40pm Turner and Hooch 6:40pm Channel 4 News 6:50pm Sister Act 8:40pm The Great New Year's Bake Off 10:00pm The Inbetweeners 12:00am The Inbetweeners
2:20pm 2:25pm 3:35pm 4:45pm 4:50pm 7:50pm
10:15am E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial 12:30pmChitty Chitty Bang Bang 3:25pm Oliver! 6:20pm Neighbours 6:50pm World's Strongest Man Final 2018 8:05pm The Morecambe and Wise Story: Look Back in Laughter 10:00pmThe Yorkshire Vet Winter Special 11:00pmBen Fogle: New Lives in the Wild UK 12:05am Most Shocking Celebrity Moments 2018
WEDNESDAY - 2 JANUARY 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Jane Eyre 4:35pm Escape to the Country 5:15pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm Luther 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:30pm BBC London News 11:45pm Match of the Day 1:20am Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
12:00pmBBC Newsroom Live 2:00pm Coast 2:25pm David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities 2:55pm Kangaroo Dundee and Other Animals 3:55pm Kangaroo Dundee and Other Animals 4:55pm Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Galapagos 8:30pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 9:00pm Tom Kerridge's Fresh Start 9:30pm The Twinstitute 10:00pmNile: Earth's Great Rivers 11:00pmInsert Name Here 11:30pmDragons' Den 12:30am NFL
8:00pm The Celts 9:00pm Sicily: Wonder of the Mediterranean 10:00pmWaco: Madman or Messiah 11:30pmMurder in Soho 1:00am Shirley Bassey at the BBC 2:00am Synth and Beyond with Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert 3:00am Sicily: Wonder of the Mediterranean 4:00am Wild West: America's Great Frontier America's high country is the land of grizzly bears and giant trees, of frigid winters and scorching summers, of tough ranchers and gold-rush fever. 5:00am This is BBC Four
12:30pmChannel 4 News 12:35pmWillow 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm A Place in the Sun 5:00pm The Secret Life of the Zoo 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Kirstie and Phil's Love it or List it 10:00pmWhat Britain Bought in 2018 11:00pmDispatches 11:35pmTravel Man 12:35am Rob Rinder's Good Year, Bad Year
12:15pmGPs: Behind Closed Doors 1:10pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:15pm The Yorkshire Vet Winter Special 2:15pm Make You Laugh Out Loud 2:45pm Neighbours 3:15pm Paint by Murder 5:00pm Friends 5:30pm Friends 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm The Yorkshire Vet 7:50pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Ultimate Megastructures: Colossal Cruise Ship 9:00pm Animals After Dark 10:00pmThe Big Fat Lies About About Diet and Exercise 12:05am Funniest Celeb Reality TV Ever!
3:00pm Celebrity Catchphrase 4:00pm Tenable 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Bradley Walsh and Son: Breaking Dad 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pmWho Wants to be a Millionaire? 11:00pmITV News at Ten and Weather 11:30pmITV News London 11:45pmGordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip 12:45am Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
12:00pmLiar Liar 12:35pmEmmerdale 1:35pm Coronation Street 2:40pm The Ellen DeGeneres Show 3:30pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:35pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:45pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 6:50pm You've Been Framed! 7:20pm Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 8:25pm FYI Daily 8:30pm Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 10:00pmPitch Perfect 11:05pmFYI Daily 11:10pmPitch Perfect 12:15am Family Guy
The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of Euro Weekly News.
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Trivia from around the world YOUR STARS soft drink. *** When St Louis held the 1904 Summer Olympic Games, events included greased pole climbing, rock throwing and mud fighting. *** Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries. *** Africa’s population will more than double to 2.3 billion people by 2050.
the other at the same time. *** The last man to walk on the moon, Gene Cernan, promised his daughter he’d write her initials on the moon. He did, and her initials, ‘TDC,’ will probably be on the moon for tens of thousands of years. *** Russia didn't consider beer to be alcohol until 2011. It was previously classified as a
*** Madame Curie’s notebooks are still radioactive. Researchers wishing to study them must sign a waiver in order to do so. *** There are more life forms living on your skin than there are people on the planet. *** OJ Simpson was originally cast to play Terminator, but the studio was afraid that no one would buy him as a remorseless killer. *** Leonardo da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with
FOR NEXT 7 DAYS AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) This being a family oriented month, much of it may be spent getting together with relatives and going over old times. Perhaps you are compiling a photo album for older members of the family or vice versa.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
DID YOU KNOW?
An exciting invitation may set tongues wagging and make a loved one jealous. You, meanwhile, are quite bemused by the whole thing. What comes out of this week is that you are of considerable value to others. The mere thought of you not being around sends ripples through your social circle.
When a member of tribes from long ago were lazy, or consumed much more than they produced, the tribe would set fire to their house while they were away as an act of showing them that that person was not wanted, and that the clan was not concerned with their survival. Hence the phrase ‘to get fired.’
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
CREDIT: Wikimedia
Being asked to take on a new and demanding task this week may see you wishing that you had been less visible.
TRIBES: Used to set fire to ‘unwanted’ tribal members’ houses.
Famous quote
Women’s wit
UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
World of English
‘
‘
I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games, 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Michael Jordan
Whatever you do, be different - that was the advice my mother gave me, and I can’t think of better advice for an entrepreneur. If you’re different, you will stand out.” Anita Roddick
IRISH LOTTO
‘
Cryptozoology - the search for and study of animals whose existence is unproven, such as the Loch Ness monster and the yeti.
An interest in technology is not something new to you. What is great, though, is that the penny has suddenly dropped. This week sees you understanding more and wanting to know more.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21)
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA
LA PRIMITIVA
EURO MILLIONS
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21)
An urge to get moving must mean that the new year is round the corner. Certainly, you are questioning where you want to be in the months ahead. A house move or work placement may be on your mind.
LOTTERY
CANCER (June 22 - July 23)
Saturday November 24
15
27
Saturday November 24
21
29
Tuesday November 20
6
Friday November 23
5
Thursday November 22
9
22
Saturday November 24
2
10
Sunday November 25
3
Please31 note that39 due to the have gone14to print 38 25 fact we 39 24 43 19 26 45 earlier than normal with this edition, 48 47 35 45 24 43 41 42 30 52 it is not possible to print the lottery results. Please check online. 8
19
30
17
32
42
BONUS BALL
10
BONUS BALL
12
LUCKY STARS
LUCKY STARS
7
3
12
10
EL MILLON: KWP75105
REINTEGRO
4
4
JOKER: 336 382
REINTEGRO
32
9
JOKER: 7 216 216
38
Be aware that not everyone is willing to work as hard as you. When approached by someone wanting you to trust them, be sure of their motives. Do what you feel is right but remain firmly in control, especially financially. It may not be the time to make a particular move, although others think that it is. There's no problem with discussing things and talking them through..
REINTEGRO
LEO (July 24 - August 23) 5
Social demands are made, but try to shuffle them to the
weekend. Be diplomatic or someone close could become irritated. Keep an eye on the small print because something fundamental may have changed in a longstanding arrangement. Suddenly, at the weekend, you are thrust into the limelight.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Be aware that leopards do not change their spots, they merely hide them. Those who demand your trust need a cool checking out and don't be afraid to say 'no' as and when necessary.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Career and home are in disharmony but a bit of compromise soon sorts things out. You don't like playing the 'bad guy', but honesty is also important to you. Speaking your mind can be liberating although, initially, you may see it as a nuisance and embarrassing.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Someone with a larger-thanlife imagination makes you smile but that was not their intention. Try to be diplomatic and steer them in a different direction. Some feelings of loneliness will not be assuaged by working more. Perhaps it is time to consider taking on a pet or giving a current pet more attention.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Sometimes, you find it hard to do things just for the pure enjoyment of it. Realise that not everything has to have a purpose or a profit. Look round this week and seek out something that will please your senses and bring a smile to your lips.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Contact with a less than ideal situation makes you realise just how lucky you are. It has been clear that the weeks are changeable and your situation at the moment far from settled. Pity those whose day-today life is completely predictable.
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TIME
Quick
Cryptic Across 1 Neat tree (6) 4 Has a go at traditional Sunday food (6) 9 To clarify matters was once simple (7) 10 Lift finally here behind schedule (5) 11 Say! It's time for Herb (5) 12 Make up your mind to do the puzzle again (7) 13 Showing concern about desecration (11) 18 Go for a walk after buying first prickly bush (7) 20 Piece of poetry veers off (5) 22 Like a made up uniform (5) 23 Print us recipe for vegetables (7) 24 Number swimming in Tyne (6) 25 Note heard by male singer (6) Down 1 Confectionery we put in sets (6) 2 Answer salesman extremely loudly (5) 3 Wine cartels are corrupt (7) 5 Starts showing love for writers (5) 6 Quietly distribute bulb (7) 7 Drunken horse that's swallowed whisky (6) 8 Incorrectly tenderising items
(11) 14 Oxygen helping speech (7) 15 Daydream about one American patriot (7) 16 Get in boat that’s rocking (6)
Code Breaker
17 Meals the queen found a problem (6) 19 No Clue 21 Rule over Niger (5)
Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 24 represents J and 26 represents W, so fill in J every time the figure 24 appears and W every time the figure 26 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.
Across Down 1 Information about recent and 2 Large wrinkled edible seeds of a deciduous tree (7) important events (4) 3 Male sovereign (4) 4 Miserly curmudgeon in Charles 5 Plaything (3) Dickens's novel A Christmas Carol (7) 7 Pressure (6) 6 Young person (5) 9 Kitchen appliance used for baking or 8 Concerned with sacred matters, religion or the church (9) roasting (4) 10 Eastern (6) 11 Salted or smoked meat from the 11 Embrace (3) upper part of a pig's leg (3) 12 Expect and wish (4) 13 Dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top (3) 14 Frozen water (3) 16 Performance using gestures and 15 Mischievous fairies (5) body movements without words (4) 17 Attractive (6) 18 Reverential wonder or fear (3)
English - Spanish
Across 7 Tinsel (6) 8 Asombrado (6) 9 Log (4) 10 Saludo (8) 11 Veneración (7) 13 Sueño (5) 15 Holly (5) 17 Miracle (7) 20 Frost (8) 21 Acogedor (4) 23 Preguntarse (6) 24 Encantador (6)
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FACING PAGE
The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
Down 1 Árbol (4) 2 Delantales (6) 3 Happiness (cheerfulness) (7) 4 Camello (5) 5 Cake (6) 6 Reno (8) 12 Acontecimiento (8) 14 Milagro (7) 16 Coñac (6) 18 Nicho (6) 19 Bufanda (5) 22 Rebaja (4)
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Hexagram
The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (FAMILY) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.
ABLATE BLURRY CREAKY DIFFER EFFACE EUREKA FAMILY (10) FILTER FORCED FOURTH FRUGAL FUNGAL HAIRDO INFIRM LATTER LAUREL MEDIAL REMAND SEAMAN
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Cobalt 2 Castle 3 Family 4 Tumult 5 Nation 6 Anyhow 7 Nimbus 8 Wisdom 9 Aplomb 10 Induce 11 Potion 12 Seamen 13 Typhus 14 Pigpen 15 Paunch 16 Beyond 17 Ensure 18 Tipped 19 Brainy.
Nonagram
EWN
Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? • The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. • Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. • No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. • No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.
Kakuro
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 A) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
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.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
TARGET:
TARGET: • Average: 32 • Good: 45
• Very good: 65 • Excellent: 84
SCORING: 4 letters: 1 point 7 letters: 5 points 5 letters: 2 points 8 or more letters: 6 letters: 3 points 11 points
Average: 10 Good: 14 Very good: 20
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Excellent: 26
push puts putt putts putty putrefy suit stir sept septs chest chests ceps tups tush titre tithe tither tithes tire tires echt exsert ires tuts tits tyre tyres trey tref there thus thug thugs pest pests rehung here hugs hues hung spec specs sphere shun sere serf suer sung snug gush gusher guns gnus frit fresh usher user
cere cert emir erne mere mire rein rent rete rice rime rite term tern tier tire tree trim citer crime enter erect inert inner inter merit meter metre miner miter mitre nicer niter nitre recti remit retie terce timer trice trine center centre cermet cretin entire ermine intern metric mincer minter recent recite rennet tenner tenrec tierce tinner enteric enticer interne INCREMENT
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
QUICK Across: 1 Gradually, 7 Leave, 8 Viper, 9/15 Kit bag, 10 Please, 14 Ocelot, 18 Tramp, 20 Ounce, 21 Dismantle.
CODE BREAKER
Down: 1 Gall, 2 Avarice, 3 Used, 4 Lively, 5 Yap, 6 Barber, 11 Against, 12 Boater, 13 Morphs, 16 Iota, 17 Cede, 19 Add.
CRYPTIC
ENGLISH-SPANISH
Across:
Across:
1 Card, 3 Pastoral, 9 Nannies, 10 Addle, 11 Rosie, 12 Sunset, 14 Terror, 16 Sensor, 19 Saddle, 21 Asses, 24 Align, 25 Salvage, 26 Elements, 27 Once.
1 Saws, 3 Ashtrays, 9 Hervido, 10 Avena, 11 Dedal, 12 Lustre, 14 Luchar, 16 Octavo, 19 Repair, 21 Mente, 24 Ounce, 25 Ciruela, 26 Dormouse, 27 Vena.
Down:
Down:
1 Concrete, 2 Rungs, 4 Assist, 5 Train, 6 Redress, 7 Lied, 8 Cicero, 13 Grasmere, 15 Realise, 17 Enable, 18 Bedsit, 20 Dunce, 22 Swain, 23 Fade.
1 Schedule, 2 World, 4 Slowly, 5 Tears, 6 Alegría, 7 Snap, 8 Biblia, 13 Bofetada, 15 Cleaner, 17 Cumbre, 18 Bricks, 20 Acero, 22 Niece, 23 Loud.
App of the week Popular Wars IF you want to know how it feels to be popular, then this app is for you! Users can gain notoriety by collecting followers from anywhere on the map. You can grab other players’ followers to eliminate them and lead hundreds of people to show them who’s the boss. The app features ‘super high tech’ swarming algorithm, a mage dynamic environment and cute faces that follow you everywhere.
QUIZ: CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 1. Christmas Crackers (1981), Heroes and Villains (1996), If They Could See Us Now (2001), Thicker Than Water (1983) and Time On Our Hands (1996) are all titles of ‘Christmas specials’ of which popular BBC sitcom? 2. In Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, what is the name of the abused, underpaid clerk of Ebenezer Scrooge (and possibly Jacob Marley, when he was still alive), who symbolised poor working conditions, especially long working hours? 3. In which 1942 musical film did the song White Christmas first appear? 4. In which year did King George V make the first King’s Christmas Message (formally His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech) on the British Broadcasting Corporation's Empire Service? 5. What did a group of four Scottish students (Ian Hamilton, Gavin Vernon, Kay Matheson, and Alan Stuart) remove from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1950?
6. What is the name of the Soviet statesman who resigned as president of the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991? 7. What is the name of the traditional German fruit bread, consisting of nuts, spices and dried or candied fruit, coated with powdered sugar or icing sugar that is eaten during the Christmas season? 8. What was the name of the English physicist and chemist who founded the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures in 1925? 9. Which Scottish singer, songwriter, political activist and philanthropist, born on Christmas Day 1954, was a member of the Tourists and the Eurythmics, before embarking on a solo career in 1992? 10. Who was Driving Home for Christmas in 1988? Not a lot of people know that... if you gave all the gifts listed in the Twelve Days of Christmas, it would total 364 gifts.
Answers: 1. ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES, 2. BOB CRATCHIT, 3. HOLIDAY INN, 4. 1932, 5. THE STONE OF SCONE, 6. MIKHAIL GORBACHEV, 7. STOLLEN, WEIHNACHTSSTOLLEN or CHRISTSTOLLEN, 8. MICHAEL FARADAY, 9. ANNIE LENNOX, 10. CHRIS REA
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
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Credit: Amazon UK
BOOKS
weather
Almería TODAY
TOMORROW VELEZ RUBIO
VELEZ RUBIO ALBOX
ALBOX
HUERCAL OVERA
HUERCAL OVERA GARRUCHA
GARRUCHA
ALMERIA RETAMAR
RETAMAR ADRA
ROQUETAS
ADRA
Malaga
Almeria
Bilbao
Madrid
TODAY: MAX 18, MIN 9-C
TODAY: MAX 17, MIN 9-C
TODAY: MAX 14, MIN 7-C
TODAY: MAX 11, MIN 0-C
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed -
17 17 17 18 18 17
9-S 9-C 9-S 9-S 8-C 8-C
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed -
17 17 17 17 17 17
9-S 9-C 9-C 9-C 9-C 9-C
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed -
14 14 13 13 13 13
8-C 8 - Sh 8-C 8-C 7-C 7-C
11 12 11 11 11 11
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed -
Benidorm
Mallorca
Barcelona
TODAY: MAX 17, MIN 9-C
TODAY: MAX 17, MIN 10-C
TODAY: MAX 16, MIN 7-C
TODAY: MAX 14, MIN 7-C
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed -
17 17 17 17 17 17
S: Sun
9-S 9-C 9-C 9-C 9-C 9-C
17 16 17 17 17 17
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Cl: Clear
10 - C 11 - Sh 11 - C 11 - C 10 - C 10 - C
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed -
16 16 16 16 16 15
C: Cloudy
7-C 7 - Sh 8-C 8-C 8-S 8-S
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed -
14 14 14 14 14 14
ROQUETAS
SATURDAY
0-C 1-C 1-C 1-S 0-S 0-S
Alicante
7-C 7-C 7-C 7-C 7-S 6-S
VELEZ RUBIO ALBOX
HUERCAL OVERA GARRUCHA MOJACAR
ALMERIA RETAMAR ADRA
Sh: Showers
ROQUETAS
Th: Thunder
Sn: Snow
Euro Weekly News strives for accuracy, but cannot be held responsible for any errors in published forecasts
BIRTHDAYS
WHAT would you do if you came across a 16-year-old girl who is sick, alone, and disoriented, on the side of the road near a remote forest? Would you drive the terrified girl to the hospital, as Suzanne Blakemore does, and make sure she’s given the care she needs? Suzanne, the wife and mother at the centre of author Sonja Yoerg’s True Places, feels compelled to help, even though she doesn’t have a second to spare in her overscheduled day. But Suzanne has become lost in her own life, and there’s something about the enigmatic girl named Iris that reaches deep into her core. As Iris recovers, questions about her seemingly feral life mount, and Suzanne resolves to take her in. The decision disrupts the already fragile balance of the Blakemore home in ways no one could have predicted, least of all Suzanne. But the relationship proves to be enlightening.
MOJACAR
MOJACAR ALMERIA
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Sudoku LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
*Salman Khan, Movie actor; December 27, *Glen Phillips, Rock singer; December 29, 47 52 The singer, songwriter and guitarist for the 90’s The Bollywood actor has starred in more than alternative rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket, 80 Hindi Films and won the Filmfare Award for has also released solo albums such as Abulum and Winter Pays For Summer. Best Supporting Actor for his role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. He set a Bollywood record by *Tiger Woods, Golfer; December 30, 42 Tiger Woods appearing in the highest-grossing film of the The champion golfer has won more than 100 year on nine separate occasions. Tour events and became the youngest player to complete *Maggie Smith, Movie actress; December 28, 83 the PGA Career Grand Slam. He won 14 majors, including four Masters Tournaments. Maggie has starred in Gosford Park, Downton Abbey, and the Harry Potter films and has won multiple Emmy *Donald Trump Jr, Business Executive; December 31, Awards in a career that has spanned more than 60 years. 40 In 1969, she won an Academy Award for her starring role Executive vice president at his father’s The Trump Organisation, is the first child of the 45th President of the in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
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.
US, Donald Trump. He began working alongside his siblings Ivanka and Eric Trump at the family firm, and is fluent in Czech. His birth mother is Ivana Trump. *Colin Morgan, TV actor; January 1, 32 The Irish actor is best known for playing the title role in the BBC series Merlin. He has also performed in several stage productions, including A Prayer For My Daughter and Shakespeare’s The Tempest. *Kate Bosworth, Movie actress; January 2, 35 Blue Crush actress Kate debuted in The Horse Whisperer and also starred in Young Americans, Wonderland, Blue Crush 21 and the remake of Straw Dogs. She wanted to become a competitive horse racer and was a champion equestrian at the age of 14.
Word Ladder MAKE
GIFT BACK
Move from the start word (MAKE) to the end word (GIFT) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
192 - Death wish Roman Emperor Commodus survives poisoning attempt by his mistress only to be strangled in the bath in assassination plot. 533 - New title Mercurius becomes Pope John II, the first pope to adopt a new name upon elevation to papacy. 1170 - Becket killed Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, is assassinated inside Canterbury Cathedral by followers of King Henry II. 1229 - Isle conquest James I of Aragon the Conqueror enters Medina Mayurqa (Palma) consummating Christian conquest of the island of Mallorca. 1460 - Duke dies Wars of the Roses: Battle of Wakefield (northern England), Duke of York killed and his forces soundly defeated by forces for King Henry VI 1801 - UK Forms The Irish Parliament votes to join the Kingdom of Great Britain, forming the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. 1831 - Naturalist trip HMS Beagle with Charles Darwin on board departs England for a survey of South America, a voyage Darwin later said ‘determined my whole career.’ 1981 - Case closed One of the largest investigations by a British police force ends when serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, the ‘Yorkshire Ripper,’ is arrested in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. 1998 - Fixed rate Exchange rates between the euro and legacy currencies in the Eurozone become fixed.
This week in history
Gifted find
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DVD
Amazing animals CREDIT: Amazon UK
E W N 27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Solution MAKE LAKE (MIKE) LIKE LIFE LIFT GIFT
52
Dynasties takes you deeper into the lives of five of the world’s most celebrated and endangered animals than ever before - the Emperor Penguin, Chimpanzee, Lion, Painted Wolf and Tiger. Travel with David Attenborough from the plains of Africa to the jungles of India, from the edge of the Sahara to the frozen wastes of Antarctica. Watch leaders battling rivals for their crown, feuds tearing families apart and parents risking their lives to protect offspring from the coldest and cruelest winter on earth. Dynasties, is hailed as the most intimate and intense stories of its kind.
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27 December 2018 -2 January 2019
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 By Sally Underwood AT one time or another, most of us have all overdone it a bit in the sun. Whether forgetting to reapply SPF, or getting caught out on an unexpectedly sunny day, most people will have been exposed to UV rays whilst unprotected at some point. While this can have worrying health consequences, sun damage can also cause cosmetic damage in the form of uneven pigmentati o n a n d su n sp o ts . L u c k ily, it is possible to treat this unwanted side effect, as well as preventing further damage. This common skin complaint, known as ‘hyperpigmentation,’ is caused by an excess production of melanin; the chemical naturally produced in the body to protect us from UV rays, which occurs when we take too much sun. These dark spots can occur anywhere, but are most common on the face, chest and hands. Lasers can be an effective way to remove these marks, working to break down the excess pigmentation and leaving an even skin tone. This can be expensive, however, and is not advisable for all skin tones. Another option is a chemical peel. These treatments create a superficial burn, removing sev e r a l l a y e r s o f s k in a n d in tu rn sloughing off hyperpigmentation. Peels can also help to treat fine lines and wrinkles for the same reason. If going for a professionalgrade peel, make sure to do your research
Not so sweet
TO READ MORE
Sun seekers
SUN DAMAGE: Can leave uneven skin tone.
THEY say a little bit of what you like is good for you, but scientists now believe sugar in our food could be causing a whole host of problems. From weight gain and hormonal changes, to acne, ageing and health problems, sugar is being blamed for many common complaints. So why is it so bad for you and what can
you do about it? Health experts warn sugar damages our health not just because of its high calorific value and low nutritional one, but also because it could contribute towards type II diabetes, heart disease and cancer. While scientists say they are yet to fully understand why it is thought to be so bad for us, they do say it
HEALTH BEAUTY
&
and select a reputable clinic or dermatologist to carry out the procedure. The strength of chemical peels can vary enormously so talk through with a professional what results you are hoping for and whether there is any downtime afterwards. Try The Ordinary’s ‘AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution’ (€7), for a 10-minute treatment which will help to even out skin tone. Another alternative is a treatment applied daily under other skin care products which will work over time to gently exfoliate hyperpigmentation and remove it. Many large brands offer these products, a n d c a n b e v e r y e ff e c t i v e . Tr y E u c e r i n ‘Even Brighter Concentrate’ (€33.50). This pack of six tubes use anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening ingredients to remove marks within five weeks. F i n a l l y, m a k e s u r e y o u prevent any further damage a n d d o n ’t u n d o a n y progress you make, by wearing a high factor suns c r e e n w i t h a b r o a d U VA and UVB protection. While it seems unnecessary in the winter, UV rays will do damage whether or not the sun seems strong so be sure to use a factor 30 to 50 daily.
can increase inflammation which can have a knock-on effect on other health problems, as well as contributing towards ageing. The good news is the main concerns relate to refined sugar, such as those found in cakes and sweets. Scientists agree these offer no nutrition and could harm us so recommend sticking to small portions on
special occasions. It is possible to still enjoy sweet foods which are less unhealthy though, by substituting with honey or naturally-sweet ingredients such as fruits. Finally, the benefits of some sweet foods like berries are thought to be huge so try sticking to a dessert of strawberries or raspberries rather than anything processed.
A-peeling FACE masks have come on a long way even in the last 10 years. Gone are the drying mud masks of yesteryear and here to stay are the hydrating and sophisticated formulas found in sheet masks and peel- off
formulas. And while this second category have a reputation for being harsh on the skin, the best peel-off masks can offer a through cleanse of the skin, lifting away grime while also nourishing.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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Eco-beauty WITH the growing popularity of vegetarianism and veganism has come an increasing trend towards ethically-sourced and ecologically-friendly beauty products as well. These products are not just for non-meat eaters too, all animal-lovers will be happy to hear there is now a long list of beauty companies who are 100 per cent cruelty-free and have committed to abiding by animal-friendly practices. Going a step further, some products even avoid all animal-derived ingredients, such as honey or beeswax, making them suitable for vegans. Many of these products are not just on trend, they can also be highly-effective and luxurious alternatives to our usual creams, serums, and oils. Company Optiat makes use of the half a million tons of coffee grounds which normally end up in landfill each year in the UK alone and turns them into a range of caffeine-infused beauty products. With their body exfoliators starting at €8, this brand could smooth your skin, smell great, and even help save the planet. For a range of products which covers the needs of both your face and body, try Pai, a brand made specifically for people with sensitive skin and which does not use animal-derived ingredients. With prices starting at €26
(from www.laconicum.com) for a complete set of skincare miniatures, Pai’s products could make a good gift for any vegan friends. For a spa experience at home using sustainably-sourced products, check out Tropic Skincare. This brand uses an abundance of natural ingredients to create an ethical, vegan-friendly line of lotions. Try the ‘Whipped Body Velvet Intensely Rich Butter melt’ (€33 from www.tropicskincare.com), which has won several beauty awards. For a product which is both vegan-friendly and helps the environment as well as making you feel good, try Haeckels. This brand uses seaweed washed up on the British coastline which is normally left to decay, in its ‘Sea Buckthorn Body Cleanser’ (€37 for 350 ml from www.cultbeauty.com). If hair care is more your concern, there is a range of vegan and cruelty-free shampoos and conditioners at The Body Shop, a brand which has famously campaigned against animal testing for many years. Finally, for the finishing touches. Vegan-friendly make-up has also grown in popularity, and again can be bought at The Body Shop. Other brands specialising in cruelty-free make-up or vegan make-up include Axiology (www.naturismo.com), and The Ordinary.
NATURAL BEAUTY: Products which won’t harm the animals or the planet.
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www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Nora Johnson
Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/nora-johnson
SCIENTISTS have uncovered five ‘tells’ in middle age which reveal whether someone will remain fit and healthy into retirement. Researchers who looked at more than 6,000 middle-aged Brits said that people in their 50’s who were obese, smoked, or were inactive, were more likely to be deemed ‘frail’ in their 70’s. Well I never! This explains why there are no inactive, obese, chain-smoking novice triathlete pensioners; I knew there had to be a reason. ‘The least frail people in this study were also physically active in their 50’s, ate fruit and vegetables at least every day, had a normal weight, low blood pressure, low cholesterol and drank alcohol in moderation.’ Nothing new here! Just how many versions of keeping active and eating a healthy diet can be published under the pretext of new research? Still, given the increasing rates of obesity, diabetes and general illhealth, the focus of these reports is to try to keep health issues in the public eye. Especially as the NHS fails to help educate Brits in prevention rather than cure, which is what they should be doing. So the main take-away is: ‘Don’t smoke,
Hey! Study uncovers yet more useless bits of research!
STAY FIT: Just do everything in moderation. don’t get fat, and don’t get poor. Plus, don’t drink much alcohol and move around a bit.’ Maybe they should put this up in all NHS waiting rooms (the bit about being poor probably best left out!). But maybe the best thing is to take all ‘studies’, reports and celebrity ‘diets’ (yes, clean eating etc) with a huge pinch of salt. The only ‘advice’ you need to follow is keep all in moderation. I find it far more concerning that interested parties use data indiscriminately to justify policies and ‘studies’ like this which are later shown to be misguided but prove financially hugely rewarding to those who proposed and lobbied for them.
So, yet another instance of not believing everything you read as carved in stone. These kinds of ‘studies’ are as scientifically rigorous as predicting tomorrow will be in the mid 70’s with scattered showers. OK, rant over! Happy New Year! Nora Johnson’s psychological crime thrillers ‘The Girl in the Woods,’ ‘The Girl in the Red Dress,’ ‘No Way Back,’ ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.norajohnson.net) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.99; £0.99) and iBookstore. All profits go to Costa del Sol Cudeca cancer charity.
The true meaning SOME years ago, when he discovered that Santa Claus was a myth and not real, my grandson, furious that his mother ‘had been lying to him all his life,’ questioned whether he could ever trust anything she told him, concluding that the Nativity story was almost certainly similarly fictitious. The result was that for most of his teenage years he entirely missed the joy of Christmas, seeing only fairy stories and magic, where we marvel at the miracles, majesty and mercy of God in humbling himself to become human, to suffer and die to restore a broken relationship. Now fortunately my grandson has worked through these doubts to accept the reality of the Christmas story, separating the truth from the many accompanying fables that are so often associated with Christmas. But I do wonder how many others have been similarly confused and disturbed by the extras that so often get mixed in with our Christmas festivities. So I’m a bit uncomfortable at events where songs about Father Christmas or other totally fictitious characters are interspersed with carols celebrating the birth of Jesus, potentially imply-
ing equal validity for each, which without explanation could lead to confusion or misunderstandings as experienced by my grandson. And yes of course it’s great to inspire and excite our children with stories of giving, of adventure and of magic at this most ‘magical’ time of year. There’s nothing wrong with Mary Poppins, the Snowman or even Peter Pan and Wendy, going back to my childhood, so long as we acknowledge these are but stories, and differentiate between these and the factual Nativity story that we celebrate at this time of year. These others may be magic, exploring and extending our imagination, but whilst the birth of Jesus was a miracle, it certainly wasn’t magic or imagination; it was agonisingly real with all manner of hardships, that certainly gave no appearance of ending ‘happily ever after.’ And this really is the wonder: that God, who could reasonably have demanded the best, demonstrates his love and humility by coming to be born in abject poverty, rejected by religious leaders and innkeeper alike, in a stable, with only animals and shepherds to welcome him.
Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida (further detail available at www.mojacarchurch.org) and may be contacted at d.burr@albox-online.net
FEATURE
LEGALLY SPEAKING
Can English law apply? Are there any circumstances in which EU Regulation Number 650/2012 applies when dealing with the disposition of a UK national’s Spanish estate? It is a small property on the Costa del Sol. The UK national was habitually resident in England, and died before August 17, 2015. If not, does Spain permit that the national law of the deceased at the time of death prevails? J G (by e-mail) You do not say whether the UK na- David Searl tional left a Will or not. This is You and the Law in Spain a key point. First, the UK person died before the EU regulation 650 regarding cross-border Wills came into effect. Second, the UK did not sign on to the regulation, so I do not see any circumstances for its application. If the person left an English Will disposing of his worldwide assets, Spain will honour its terms after it has been translated and legalised in Spain. Spain will only want to collect the Spanish inheritance tax. If a foreign property owner dies without a Will, however, Spain standardly applies all the terms of Spanish succession law. This means children or parents or other relatives are compulsory heirs.
Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana and Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.
Hallelujah by Joss Biggs
I PICKED up my nice new bag with its jolly red stripes and its Velcro’d pocket on the front. I pulled the pocket to open the Velcro - and discovered that self-adhesive Velcro self-adheres only to itself! A thick fog of gloom and despondency enveloped me while the tightrope and the jaws of Hell beckoned alluringly. I would have to sew. But what? A button or a press-stud? My sewing box was innocent of either. Should I go and try to buy a button or a press stud? Can you buy them in quantities of one? I doubt it. And I have no intention of ever repeating this tortuous challenge, nor of wasting valuable cents on buying more buttons or press studs than I’m ever going to use!
Maybe I should ignore the pocket’s gape, and the consequent lack of security for all things within it. Maybe I should simply never use the pocket? But half the reason for buying this particular bag was because of the usefulness of its pocket. The bag cost €8 in the first place, so if I don’t use the pocket, then I’ve wasted €4€. I pondered the problem, acutely aware that this was not going to end well for me. Suddenly a pinpoint of light shone through the murky depths of my despair: sometimes new clothes have an extra button sewn on inside their hem. Perhaps I could find such a button, and purloin it for my own purposes? Perhaps all was not completely lost!
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
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Update on food, drink, entertainments, what’s on and weekly happenings
SCENE
OCIAL
CELEBRITIES
he had ‘gathered his team to announce an important decision, that 2019 will be the last season of Dani Garcia the Restaurant.’ He added that ‘having reached this dream, I will take my vision of the gastronomy of Andalucia to all corners and audiences of the world.’ With more than 20 years’ experience, Garcia became the first chef in Malaga to get three Michelin stars, and only the second in Andalucia.
‘TE BOTE’ has been crowned Google’s mostsearched Spanish-language song lyrics in America. Officially the hottest track of 2018, it features artists Casper, Nio Garcia, Darell, Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny, and Ozuna. And the hit is continuing to rack up the accolades, having also ranked as YouTube’s mostwatched music video globally. Google revealed its annual Year in Search
DANI GARCIA: Star chef swaps kitchen for studio.
Hottest hit list, highlighting the top news, trends, and topics that people were searching for on the web throughout 2018. Bad Bunny’s ‘Amorfoda’ and Karol G’s ‘Culpables’ featuring Anuel AA are the other urban tracks on the list, which is primarily dominated by regional Mexican songs, or corridos.
Own goal for footie ace JUVENTUS and Portugal football star, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to accept a two-year suspended prison sentence for allegedly defrauding Spain’s tax authorities of €14.8 million, according to the national press. T h e 3 3 - y e a r- o l d f o r w a r d w i l l re portedly be formally found guilty at a hearing on January 14, but won’t actually serve any prison time. The rumoured deal with the Spanish Treasury is set to end an ongoing legal saga dating back to when Ronaldo, often referred to as the ‘best player in the world,’ played for Real Madrid. While in Spain he became Real M a d r i d ’s h i g h e s t e v e r g o a l s c o re r, netting 451 times over nine years after joining from Manchester United for a then-record £80 million in 2009. He helped Real win three consecu-
CREDIT: Christiano Ronaldo Facebook
JUST three weeks after bagging a third Michelin star, celebrated chef Dani Garcia has thrown in the towel at his Marbella restaurant and will present a daily breakfast show on Spanish TV. Garcia will take over from the popular Torres brothers in March with his own TVE programme for La 1, which will be produced by Shine Iberia, the company behind Masterchef. Announcing his decision on social media, Garcia said
CREDIT: Dani Garcia Facebook
Michelin chef gets TV show
RONALDO: Pictured with Cristiano Jr and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez. tive Champions League titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018. R o n a l d o i s a l s o P o r t u g a l ’s m o s t capped player, with 154 appearances, and record goal scorer, with 85.
Taste of home
SPECIAL: The New Trinidad’s quintessentially British steak and ale pie is made to a secret recipe. LIVING in this corner of Spain is a dream come true. But there are still hankerings for the odd taste of home: full-on Sunday roasts, pucker fruit crumbles, good old fish and chips… timeless classics in the British culinary repertoire. The New Trinidad in rural Arboleas is one venue offering the best of local and typically British food. Diners never forget they’re in Spain, the excellent tapas are one of the attractions. But British-style food features strongly
on the menus. “We don’t want people to feel like they’re in a little Britain, but we do want them to feel at home,” explains New Trinidad owner Trevor Soesman. It is the quintessentially Brit steak and ale pie made to one of the chef’s granny’s secret recipe which is probably the restaurant’s signature dish. We’re talking quality winter comfort food, the rich filling and melt-in-the-mouth pastry, a perfect example of British grub at its very traditional best.
SOCIAL SCENE
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
This week Celebrity Chef from Ready Steady Cook & Fellow Master Chef Steven Saunders, proprietor of The Little Geranium in La Cala uses up some Christmas leftovers for the in-between Christmas and New Year period!
Post Christmas delights, to keep away the blues! Steven Saunders FMCGB The Little Geranium La Cala de Mijas & Marbella
www.thelittlegeranium.com AS I grew up Christmas was getting more and more difficult to guarantee that our family came together as we all had our own families. So the days in between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve were and still are the only opportunity to invite over friends and family that we had missed on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. When I was a boy one of things I loved most about the Christmas period was making Christmas cookies with my mum. She used to make the most amazing shortbread and gingerbread men, which we would spend hours icing and decorating. Then they would come out with coffee or wine for everyone that visited in between Christmas and New Year.
Fine food hot spot ALMERIA is becoming quite the fine food hot spot. There are high expectations that the naming of the provincial capital as Spanish Gastronomy Capital 2019 will be a major boost for Almeria as a tourism destination for foodies, and this looks even more likely with the announcement that the Andalucia Academy of Gastronomy and Tourism has chosen Almeria as the host city for its annual awards next year. Some of Spain’s best known food critics and journalists are expected to participate in the event, at which awards will be presented to restaurateurs and gastronomy sector professionals. Academy president Fernando Huidobro has praised provincial cuisine, commenting, “Almeria stands out for its products from the sea. The fish is spectacular, and a lot of fish eaten in other provinces of Spain is caught here. “The fruit and vegetable production is also impressive, as are the wines of the province.”
This post Christmas period had become as important as Christmas Day itself. It was often our only opportunity to exchange gifts and sit with some wine and catch up. Things haven’t changed much and in fact they have become more difficult since I moved to Spain. Moving to Spain was my way of wanting to slow down since the business in the UK employed around 2,000 staff and the bureaucracy of it all became stressful. A small restaurant with a handful of staff somewhere in the sun sounded like a solution! Then The Little Geranium was born and hey… I work harder now than ever before! So getting away at Christmas to be in the UK with my daughters, brothers and father is difficult, so they come and see me during this in-between period. Serena my eldest daughter lands on December 27 and is here for a week, so apart from going out for meals and eating at the Geranium I have plans to make my famous Turkey and Ham pie (just like old times) and I’m going to make some gingerbread cookies with her (I tried them out with
NEW CHEF: Steven and Michele. Michele’s help last week, see picture!) Wash this down with some mulled wine after a long walk with the dogs on the beach and the feeling of Christmas suddenly hits you! That feeling isn’t totally here as you know if you live here, we all miss the Christmas feeling that we get back in the UK, so why not try out some delicious British recipes! By the way, my family says that my pie is the best meal that I make all year! I’m not sure that this is a compliment!
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Phone thief
ACTIONS: Albox will be able to carry out awareness-raising campaigns.
State help on gender-based violence ALBOX is among the local provincial councils set to receive state funding to help fight gender-based violence. The national government has approved the allocation of nearly €470,000 for projects and programmes in the province for the first half of 2019.
Municipalities in which Local Police implement the VioGen System to protect victims will receive the most. These include Albox, which will get €18,850. Among the actions which local authorities will be able to carry out are awarenessraising campaigns and infor-
mative materials. They will also be able to promote local support units, reinforce assistance and information services for gender-based violence victims, and organise ongoing specialised training for local professionals working in the field.
GUARDIA Civil arrested a man suspected of stealing 47 mobile phones from a shop in Olula del Rio with a total value of nearly €14,000. The detention followed an investigation as part of which the Guardia obtained a court order to identify the owners of the stolen phones and to clarify from where they had bought them. This led to investigations into six people on suspicion of receiving the stolen items, and to tracking down who had sold them the mobiles, identified as a 34year-old from Nijar.
Rubbish dump tax has to go TAX imposed for using rubbish dumps in Albox must go, the Andalucia High Court of Justice ruled. The €12 on the Almanzora-Levante-Los Velez Consortium per tonne of rubbish deposited in tips, does not comply with the law.
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Festive fun get-together
GET-TOGETHER: The event gave the Age Support Almanzora and Bar Lepanto ‘VIP’ guests a chance to enjoy a proper Festive Season gathering (inset), and to take home a whole bunch of gifts courtesy of FACE, Spanish Property Choice and Calida Homes. A FANTASTIC free traditional Christmas lunch and an afternoon of fun at Bar Lepanto in Albox made Christmas really feel like Christmas for 25 Age Support Almanzora ‘VIP’ guests. Organised by Age Support Almanzora Head of Welfare Vanya Ager and the charity’s Albox shop manager Hannah Taylor-Law, the event held last Wednesday afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for local elderly expatriate residents to get out the house
and get-together to enjoy great food and good company. Age Support Almanzora paid for the traditional threecourse spread, complete with after-dinner mints and crackers, and drinks, which included Cava on arrival, wine and coffee, all of which were provided at a very special price by Bar Lepanto. Sue and Vanya, along with the Bar Lepanto staff, pulled out all the stops to make sure everyone had a really good time and got right into
the spirit of the season. The Christmas quiz got brain cells whirring, and there were plenty of chances to exercise the vocal chords and the legs with music requests, sing-alongs and dancing to tunes from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. There were also Christmas gifts for everyone in abundance. Event sponsors FACE, Spanish Property Choice and Calida Homes paid for all the raffle prizes, every guest was given a raffle ticket, and there was a prize for every ticket. The final festive touch was a visit from Santa, who, again thanks to FACE, Spanish Property Choice and Calida Homes, had a goody bag with a diary, a box of chocolates, a torch, a pen and a Christmas card for everyone. The 25 VIP guests had found out about the event from the Age Support Almanzora Facebook page and on the recommendation of friends. Festive food and entertainment aside, the get-together provided an opportunity for the guests to find out more about the services and support Age Support Almanzora provides for the local elderly expatriate community, which includes a monthly lunch club.
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SPONSORED BY PLANNING your holidays for 2019? One way to enjoy authentic travel experiences is to live in real homes while you discover a new environment. House-sitting offers this rare opportunity to enjoy real experiences living in a new location without paying for a hotel room or rental. You offer your experience in pet and home care. In exchange, you care for the owners’ pets and property while you are living for free in their property. It’s a collaboration where everyone benefits. Does that sound appealing? Then get in touch. Here’s a little more about how we can help you get started at Housesit
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Travel for free while you pet-sit for someone Match.com. How we work HouseSitMatch is a housesitting network where new members register online. We ID check everyone to ensure we know who you are, and in addition sitters are police checked.
We charge for membership to ensure there is a commitment from both parties and that we can afford to manage our network online professionally. Our latest review on Trustpilot ‘Great house-sitting site. Highly recommended site for everyone looking for a housesitting assignment. Especially for beginners like us. Lamia is very caring and
helpful, and easily approached when asking for guides. Gerlyn, house-sitter, Ireland How you benefit as a home and pet-owner Our membership offers access to a secure network helping you find suitable sitters. We hide your contact details and address. You post an advert ahead of your travel dates, we publish the advert then housesitters apply.
HOLIDAYS: Look after pets and enjoy free accommodation. You can view their profiles and chat with them before you accept an applicant. If you join as a Premium member we can also help you at each stage of the process to get you started and manage your account. How you do join?
Please register online at www.Housesitmatch.com. • Choose a membership plan. • Standard (DIY option) = £49 pa. • Premium (with support at each step) = £79 pa.
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 with a 20 per cent discount using coupon code P2020 - an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com. 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.
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SPONSORED BY ACCOUNTANTS NEW SERVICE for nonresident property owners. File your yearly tax return (form 210) online from the comfort of your home. www.taxesins pain.com (281830)
CARPENTRY SUPPLIES COMERCIAL AFL Custom furniture, wooden flooring, pergalas, kitchen units, garden furniture for all your wooden needs. Contact 722 376 675 (1999)
DAMP PROOFING DAMP PROOFING. www.electro-os.com. in fo@electro-os.com. 958 656 560 / 619 666 363
DRAINAGE
CHARITIES/CHURCHES AIR CONDITIONING ZURGENA branch of the Royal British Legion hold Branch Meetings on the 1st Thursday of the month. Coffee morning 3rd Wednesday of the month. Quiz night with a hot and cold buffet last Friday of the month. We also arrange outings to places of interest and have regular lunches together. (253989)
AIRPORT PARKING AA PARKING for all your airport parking needs. We offer secure and economical parking from 1 day to 1 year with combined contracts for Alicante, Almeria & Murcia Airports. Visit our website www.AAparking.es or telephone us 950 459 208.
ARCHITECTS MARTINEZ DE LA CASA supply energy Performance Certificates for Almeria, Alicante & Murcia. Antiquity Licences, Occupation Licences & Structural Surveys. Call or Visit Our Website for more details: 665 810 411 www.mar tinezdelacasa.com (1999)
BUILDERS
GIRASOL COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mosaic Classes, Art Classes, Karate, Yoga, Thai Chi, Pilates, Health Screening every 6 weeks. For Hire 5.00€ per hour. Tel 639 089 170 COSTA Almeria and Costa Calida. Mojacar Eucharist Sunday 11am, at San Pascual. Aljambra Chapel, Albox, Eucharist, second and last Thursday of each month, 11am. Evensong, second Sunday of each month 6pm. Llanos Del Peral, Cucador, Eucharist or morning worship, Sunday 11am. Church Wardens: Pam Carter 667 947 573. Janet Smith 671 451 838. For more information go to their website at www.moja carchurch.org
COMPUTERS
ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.com
BUILDING SUPPLIES CASA CONCHILLO construction / building Supplies for all your needs. Skip Hire & Water Delivery available. Contact us by telephone on 950 430 740 or visit our website www.casaconchillo.es
ELECTRICS ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (278878)
HEALTH & BEAUTY
VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialize in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (279615)
INSURANCE
ALBOX/MOJACAR INSURANCE, Award winning Agent for ALL your insurance needs. ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943. Mojacar office: 634 323 399
GIRASOL HEALTH FOOD SHOP, Calle Malaga, Albox. For all your dietary needs, health foods, organic foods, supplements, super food powders, organic eggs and veggie box scheme. Est 2006. Tel 639 089 170
INTERNET
HOME FURNISHING
SLEEP CENTRE has now expanded to incorporate a Home Centre in their 2nd shop within Calle Malaga Albox. For More information visit www.sleepcentres pain.com or call us on 671 715 294 / 868 931 872.
MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)
BUILDERS
INSURANCE
DRAINAGE
DAMP PROOFING
LOGS FOR SALE
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INSURANCE ALBOX INSURANCE Life & Medical Policies, Car & Motorcycle Cover, Travel, Business, House & Contents, Dental, Funeral & Pets. Contact Albox Insurance on 950 121 943 / Mojacar Insurance on 634 323 399 or visit our website: www.alboxinsurance.es
For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com
CAR CLEANING
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ODONTO STETIC is an English speaking Dental Clinic based in Los Gallardos. All Dental Specialists, Flexible Appointments, Later Clinic Opening Times. All Our Treatments are Guaranteed in writing. For More Information see our main adverts or call on 950 398 993 / 722 706 732 (1999)
ENTERTAINMENT
ESTATE AGENTS
CLASSIFIEDS
INSURANCE
GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 951 386 161 or email mark.w@eurowe eklynews.com for more details.
KITCHENS ARTIZAN are British Kitchen Specialists, established 15 years in Vera. See Our Main Advert on Page 8. (1999)
CLASSIFIEDS LANGUAGE CLASSES
LEGAL SERVICES PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR Debt Collection, evictions, solicitor. Professional & discreet. 697 834 934
MOTORING
www.euroweeklynews.com PETS THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs 6 euros, medium dogs 6.75 euros, big dogs 7.50 euros, cats from 5.25 euros a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehoteltu rre@gmail.com. New opening hours Mon-Sat 9.30-12.30 and 18.00 – 19.00 Sundays 9.3010.30 (279669) WE will care for your pets at their home or ours. We have 8 years experience. References available on request. Contact us for further information 676 389 592 (1999)
VETS NEXO Vets Only clinic in Almeria with availability of CAT / TAC Scan. 24 hour emergency Service. See our main advert in the Pet Section. www.Nexomas cotas.com. (1999)
PLUMBING SERVICES KNOWLES PLUMBING. No1 for plumbing! Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 950 137 197 or 606 807 797
REMOVALS/STORAGE
REMOVALS/STORAGE www.ukspainuk.com We’ve 18+ years’ experience. New Clean Vehicles running 2/3 times monthly. ONLINE QUOTES. Insured with RSA. ANY size move. Worried who to use? We’ll look after you. Call BMC European free on Spain 900 984 960 or UK 0800 612 4677 (WhatsApp +34 622 588 222) (279154) FULLY Insured UK/Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport.com 634 33 64 68 or Freephone UK 0800 999 33 68
SATELLITE TV DIGITAL Vision is based in Mojacar, Almeria, Digital Vision provide digital entertainment services throughout the Costa Almeria. With over 10 years of experience in the audio, visual industry, along with several qualifications in electronics and consumer television products you can be confident that when you choose Digital Vision to provide and install your entertainment needs, the work is being carried out professionally and with expert knowledge. Visit our website for more information www.digitalvisiones.com or call on 950 472 081 (1999)
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019 products, real ales & ciders. Find us on Avd Lepanto or call 643 518 352 (1999)
SWIMMING POOLS ALL our pools are made with Gunite, all shapes & sizes catered for. Visit our website www.poolsur este.com or call 630 810 299 or 968 461 404 (1999)
PITSTOP OFFER Fixed Price Servicing on all makes & models. Cars also bought for Cash. Telephone 950 124 828
CARS WANTED CARS WANTED for Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries. Please call: 659 685 133 (253556)
PAINTER/DECORATOR
ARE you self motivated and hard working? We are looking for administration/telesales candidates. Experience not essential as full training is given. Applications by email with full CV should be sent to recruitment@euro weeklynews.com.
SOLAR ENERGY/POWER SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@sunergyalmeria.com
SUPERMARKETS HARRISON´S CONVENIENCE STORE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. Over 3500 Britsh products in store, fresh meat, groceries, toiletries, pet
READERS OF A SENSITIVE DISPOSITION MAY FIND SOME OF THE ADVERTISEMENTS IN THIS
Male/Female viagra, cialis, k a m a g ra j e l l y a l l a r e a s mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com
FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (278887)
TRANSPORT
WANTED
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SECOND HAND WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)
ments are able to pass such a law due to rules governing freedom of publication and printing.
SWIMMING POOL HEATERS
FULLY Insured UK/Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport.com 634 336 468 or Freephone UK 0800 999 33 68
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PET CHARITIES
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MOTORING FACT VAUXHALL’S new electric Mokka won’t be seen for the next 18 months, but it will be worth the wait. Although petrol versions will also be available, the 2020 Mokka X is all-electric with a 50kWh battery and a 200mile range, enough to keep most people going for a week between charges. There is a lot to love with a bold, futuristic design, clever use of technology, and jazzed-up wheels which create a yellow ring of light on the move. This next-gen model features Vauxhall’s new family face, best described by designer Mark Adams as a ‘visor.’ The headlights, cameras and sensors are housed behind one full-width panel. The central bonnet crease, combined with the ‘wing-signature lights’ is called the ‘compass.’ The line continues with the roof antenna and goes down to the vertical foglight in the rear bumper. Hop inside and the minimalist design continues with the widescreen digital dash, head-up display and not much else. Adams said: “We call it a digital detox. Take away all the stuff you don’t need on the outside as well as digitally inside. That means displaying information simply.
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MOTORING www.euroweeklynews.com
“Vauxhall Mokka X 2020 A window into the future
The best-selling car of all time is the Toyota Corolla, which sold a staggering 30 million before its replacement by the Toyota Yaris in 2007.
LIGHT RIDER: The Mokka X 2020 has a radically futuristic design.
“The head-up display is fantastic because you don’t need to take your eyes off the road. We are trying to make things less cluttered, less complicated and less overpowering.” The barn doors and floating seats (attached to the centre tunnel) are purely for show but the digital wing mirrors and Level 3 autonomy could easily make it on to the road car. At just over four metres long, the Mokka X has the footprint of a Corsa but with far more character and personality. “This is not over-promising,” added Adams. “This is hitting the high spots we want to deliver for our future customers, and we’re not doing it in a way which is ostentatious and over-done, we’re doing it in a way which is highquality and stylish but also restrained.”
MOTORING
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ROAD TEST by Nick Fletcher HOT hatchbacks have long been a niche market which has produced legendary models such as the Peugeot 205 GTI and Volkswagen Golf GTI but there is another top contender in the hot hatch hall of fame; the Ford Fiesta ST. While the Fiesta dates back to 1976, the sporty ST versions have been around only for the past decade and they have made quite an impression, delivering scorching performance and grippy handling at comparatively accessible prices. The latest Fiesta ST is powered by a three-cylinder 1.5litre turbo-petrol engine pumping out a potent 197hp and mated to a slick-action six-speed manual gearbox. The result is a zesty 0100kph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 232kph (144mph). Yet average fuel economy is still a respectable 16.6kpl (47.1mpg), with emissions of 136g/km. Fiesta ST prices start at
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Ford Fiesta ST-2 HOT HATCH: A lot of fun for the price.
€21,340 (£19,165) and there are three trim levels. My test version was the mid-range ST-2 at €22,816 (£20,495) with standard equipment including alloy wheels, rear spoiler, sports suspension, Recaro heated sports seats, privacy glass, premium 10-speaker audio system, touch-screen infotainment unit, connectivity fea-
STATS PANEL Model: Ford Fiesta ST-2 Engine:1.5-litre turbo-petrol Transmission: 6-speed manual Performance: 0-100kph 6.5 seconds, top speed 232kph (144mph) Economy: 16.6kpl (47.1mpg) Emissions: 136g/km
Model tested is UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.
tures, push-button start and selectable drive modes; Normal, Sport and Track. You also get plenty of safety kit including lane-keeping alert, cruise control with speed-limiter and electronic stability control. Options on the test model included LED headlights, limited-slip differential, launch control, sat-nav and a rear-
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view camera, taking the price to €26,000 (£24,165). The cabin is slightly bigger than its predecessor, though rear seating is still tight. Bootspace is adequate at 292 litres, boosted to 1,093 litres by folding the seat seats. Revised interior styling uses upgraded materials and features a leather steering wheel and carbon-effect inserts for a distinctive sporty image. The Fiesta ST has racy ground-hugging looks, large alloys and twin exhausts to underline its performance pedigree and underway, it immediately proves to be a vibrant and responsive car which pulls strongly from lower revs with a joyful growling soundtrack. Handling is pin-sharp with excellent steering feedback and the sports suspension is well-set for reassuring composure when cornering. Fiesta ST is a charismatic hot hatch and brilliant to drive and I doubt you can find a comparable car which offers so much fun for the price!
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MOTORING
Driving the team forward THE heart of the new BMW iFE.18 and the BMW i Andretti Motorsport Team which was developed for Season 5, lies the drivetrain; The Racing eDrive01. It brings together the pioneering spirit, innovation and technological expertise of both BMW Motorsport and BMW i. Work on developing the BMW drivetrain for Formula E began in early 2017. The Racing eDrive01 began with pre-development for production drive systems and was produced in the same prototype construction facilities as the next generation of BMW i series drives. As such, it benefits from the experience of the production engineers in the areas of manual and mechanical manufacturing of electric motors and their components. More than a quarter of the pre-development team is also working on the Formula E project. The first concepts
DRIVE THRU: The BMW iFE 18 drivetrain. for the Racing eDrive01 were on the test stand for the first time in mid-2017, the same test stand which is used for pre-production. After the delivery of the
test chassis and standard battery, work started on assembling the test car at the start of 2018. By the time it came to the roll-out of the BMW iFE.18 in April 2018, the drivetrain had undergone many rounds of development and optimisation during extensive bench tests. While the Racing eDrive01 benefitted greatly from the experience of production engineers during its development, the knowledge gained by BMW i Motorsport engineers in the tough competitive environment of
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Formula E flowed straight back into the development of future E-drives for BMW production vehicles. Motor racing makes it possible to test new materials, technologies and methods in extreme conditions, and without having to take into consideration restrictive factors. This way, the technology transfer between motorsport and production development comes full circle. This technology transfer is more intensive in the Formula E project than ever before in the history of the BMW Group. In particular, the fact that the BMW Group developed the fifth generation of their electric drive themselves again, thereby creating an excellent infrastructure for production and development, provides great advantages for the Formula E project. This development factory makes it possible to provide technological solutions tailored specifically to motorsport within a very short period. In the particular case of Formula E, for example, dozens of development variants were generated mathematically and via simulation almost overnight, from which the engineers could accurately select the solution perfect for the project.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019 ENGLAND’S Bronte Law broke a Ladies European Tour record by holing nine birdies in a row in the Lalla Aicha Tour School event in Morocco, with the 23year-old posting a 10-under-par 62.
APPLAUSE WORTHY: Jurgen Klopp is justifying the faith of Liverpool’s owners. disposal for most of it. Leaving behind his disappointment of missing out on Germany’s World Cup squad, Leroy Sane has really come to the fore, while manager Pep Guardiola has succeeded where others have failed in getting consistently high Credit: @LaverCup/Twitter
IT has been a typically eventful first half of the Premier League season, with some exceeding expectations, some woefully underachieving. This has been the season Liverpool fans have dreamed about since the appointment of the charismatic German Jurgen Klopp in October 2015. Their high energy ‘heavy metal’ football has been led by the world class front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firminho. However, it could be argued that the signings of defender Virgil van Dyke and goalkeeper Allisson have been the key to Liverpool’s title challenge. This is Liverpool’s best ever start to a top flight season, and they also aim to go as far as possible in the Champions League. The Reds will host the rejuvenated Arsenal this weekend in an eye-catching clash as the Gunners look to build on their impressive form under Unai Emery. Manchester City have managed to continue the kind of clinical performances that took them to the title in May, despite not having the world class talent of Kevin de Bruyne at their
Two horse race takes shape Credit: PJB PRO/Flickr
By Tom Woods
BEST OF RIVALS: Roger and Rafa have joined forces to previous Laver Cup success.
Nadal simply the best REAL MADRID president Florentino Perez has given tennis ace Rafael Nadal the highest praise by saying he is “the best Spanish sportsman of all time.” Nadal is a well-known fan of L o s B l a n c o s, a n d
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Perez added that the Mallorc a n co u ld w e ll b ec ome president of the team in the future. Meanwhile, the 17-time major winner has agreed to partner Roger Federer for the second time at next year’s Laver Cup in Geneva. Europe Laver Cup captain Bjorn Borg said: “Bringing together two of the greatest players, and rivals, the sport has ever seen together on one team is very exciting for our sport, and will give us the best possible chance to win the Laver Cup three years in a row.”
class performances from Raheem Sterling. There is a real strength in depth to City and an experience that leaves them favourites in many people’s eyes to retain the title. City will travel to Southampton on
Sunday looking to head into the New Year with Liverpool in their rear-view mirror. Chelsea remain in the conversation and while a top four place looks very much achievable, they will be hoping to hit the ground running in 2019 to get
back into title contention. England fans will be pleased to note the improvement of Ross Barkley’s form under Maurizio Sarri, while N’golo Kante has been the linchpin of the midfield. It is Kante’s glue that enables the likes of Hazard, Pedro and Willian to cut loose as they have done throughout the campaign so far. For Tottenham, manager Mauricio Pochettino is a high-class operator, as proven by his astute tactical approach in the win over Chelsea and draw against Barcelona. Whether he can take his side to the next level and become contenders is the question, but with a spine of Lloris, Alderweireld, Eriksen and Kane, Spurs have every chance of making that leap. Midfield maverick Dele Alli has begun to recover the form which deserted him last season, and although anchor Eric Dier is injured, the likes of Lamela, Moura and Winks on the bench would please any manager. Spurs host Wolves on Saturday, who are this season’s top 10 surprise package.
La Liga Preview
Barca still team to beat BARCELONA are predictably finishing the year at the top of La Liga, with star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez continuing to deliver. Perhaps a more unanticipated and pleasing surprise has been the form of forward Ousmane Dembele, whose pace and skill is leading many to compare him with PSG star Kylian Mbappe. Manager Ernesto Valverde is relatively new in the hotseat but he has already been able to stamp his philosophy on the side to trophy-winning effect. Fans expect nothing less than another title, but with Real Madrid still playing catch up it would be a brave man to bet against the Catalan side. Barca will kick the new year off by travelling to Getafe on January 6, who themselves are in contention for a Europa League spot. Real Madrid have recovered from the dreadful early season form that cost manager Julen Lopetegui his job. Under the stewardship of Santiago Solari, Los Blancos have rediscovered their mojo and are moving relentlessly up the table. Despite the loss of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in the summer, Los Blancos have seen other players like
Modric, Marcelo and Bale step up to the plate in his absence. Given their rivalry with Barca, Real will not want the league leaders to canter again to the title, but will have their work cut out to prevent it from happening. Credit: @lukamodric10/Twitter
Premier League Preview
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Real will start 2019 with a game away to Villareal, who are facing a relegation battle. Sevilla have made a very strong start to the campaign and find themselves in title contention at this stage. The loan signing Andre Silva has made a huge impact up front, and it would not be a surprise if his current employers look to offer him a more permanent contract at the end of the season. Sevilla will next host Atletico Madrid on January 6 in the weekend’s most eyecatching tie. For Atletico’s part, they have also enjoyed a solid campaign under the guidance of manager and notorious competitor Diego Simeone. It has been a breakout season for midfield maestro Saul, while star striker Antoinne Griezmann continues to show his class up front. Atletico will hope to keep up the pressure on the league leaders in the new year battle with Sevilla.
PRIZE POSSESSION: Real’s Luka Modric has won both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA men’s player of the year.