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In this issue... costa celebrity
6
Cover story
Max Clifford Exclusive Interview
costa business, charities & events
34
costa getaways
12 16
Cover story
El Chorro
Ronan’s Challenge: Scuba Diving in Gibraltar
costa lifestyle
22 23 24 26 28 30 32
What Men Want What Women Want Men’s Stuff Work out tip Cover story
The Mediterranean Diet Beauty tips & secrets Dominic James Does lipo really work? Health News A round up of this month’s health news
Local Business Reports plus Charities and Events News
costa homes
42 48 50 54
Interiors Home Comforts Guide... to obtaining a mortgage in Spain Financial News Lazy days! by Simon Hill
costa stuf f
56 58 62 64
Ants by Peter Harrison
66 68 72 74 76 77 78
The Animal Pilgrimage Camino dogs walk for ADANA Formula 1 Report Auto News DVD Reviews Showbiz Whispers & Gossip Fashion Show at Aztec Strange But True & Challenge
58
Cover story
Costa Cuisine What’s new on the BBQ! Bytes & Pieces Spiritual Thought
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Hello and welcome... Editor Sharon Holdsworth Consulting Editor Harvey Mann Design and Production David Philliskirk Advertising Sales Ronan Holdsworth IT Advisor Dave Howard Web Master Mike Wilkinson Contributors Peter Harrison Simon Hill Elio Howard Dominic James Annika Jonsson Jan Morley Annette Riggall Gayle Russell Russell Vaughan Company Director Ronan Holdsworth Partner Barrie Shearman Images courtesy of Costa del Sol Tourist Board PR Shots Rick Warne
Deposito Legal MA-0054-2004
to issue 50, our double July/August issue, yes, we have made it to the half century after 5years hard work and determination. It’s been a long hard slog but its been worth it. We have had a fantastic response to the new format and look of the magazine and have gained some new clients in Marbella, which is great. In this edition our celebrity interview is with PR king Max Clifford who we met at the”Max Clifford Celebrity Golf Challenge” in June. In addition to meeting Max we met a host of other celebs including Chris Eubank, Craig Fairbrass, Bill Murray, Stan Boardman, Bobby Davro plus many more. It was great fun and a good experience to meet people you normally see on T.V. and get to know them in the flesh as it were. Our interview with Jean Christophe Novelli last month was well received and we hope you enjoy the piece on Max Clifford. This month we have started a new feature called “Ronan’s Challenge” where yours truly is going to be trying out some of the different activites to be had in Andalucia. Some safe and some not so safe! First up is Scuba Diving which was great fun, once I had got over my fear of water. A big thank you goes out to the guys at One 2 One Diving in Fuengirola who looked after me so well. We also visited El Chorro again, which we do whenever we can, it’s a wonderful part of Andalucia and if you have never paid it a visit you don’t know what you are missing. If you are looking for somewhere different to go this summer, give it a try, I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s so chilled out and you can’t help but relax. Mike Wilkinson is still very ill, but he was sincerely encouraged by all of you who got in touch to send him your best wishes and he says a big thanks. September 5th fast approaching for our 4th “Change a Life Ball” at the Tamisa Golf Hotel and we need your attendance people! It’s for a good cause; Age Care Association and as always promises to be a great night out. Anyone can come so when you have checked out the details on the opposite page get in touch and book a couple of seats or even a table for you and your friends or for your company. It’s only 40 euros per head so it’s great value. It’s been a hard slog this year and I think by the end of the summer we will all need a good night out. Book your seats now, see you in September.
Reproduction of this magazine in whole or part without the written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited. The views expressed by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within this magazine, the publishers can accept no liability.
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The Charity‌ Age Care Association Age Care Association is a non profit making charitable organization run by volunteers. The majority of the work is dealing with older English speaking people who live in the province of Malaga. They offer welfare information and advice, practical support and emergency help and back up when needed. All too many senior Ex pats find themselves alone and vulnerable in later years of life and Age Care offers invaluable assistance and care at these vital times. Emergency telephone hot line 691 761 088
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>> costa CELEBRITY Maxwell Frank Clifford was born in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey in 1943. His parents were Frank Clifford, an electrical engineer and mum, Lillian. Born into a working class family where life was always a struggle, Clifford was the youngest of four children. After working in newspapers for a few years, writing an occasional record/music column and running a disco Clifford replied to an advertisement and joined as the second member of the EMI press office in 1962 under Chief Press Officer Syd Gillingham. As the youngest and the only trained journalist in a team of four, Clifford was given the job to help launch an unknown group called The Beatles at the start of their career. After Dillingham left EMI he asked Clifford to join him at Chris Hutchins’ PR agency. Among the artists they represented were Paul and Barry Ryan, who introduced Clifford to their stepfather, impresario Harold Davidson, who handled the UK affairs of Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland In 1970 aged 27, and after Syd Gillingham retired, Clifford left Chris Hutchins and started his own agency named Max Clifford Associates. Based in the offices of Joe Cocker’s manager, he started off by representing Sinatra, Cocker, Paul and Barry Ryan, Don Partridge, and Marvin Gaye. He later also represented Mohammed Ali and Marlon Brando. Over the years he has represented a multitude of stars, companies and unknowns who all have had a reason to employ Max Clifford’s expertise in the world of PR and publicity. Whether it is handling world wide media interest for a wide and ever changing range of individuals or for sextuplet families or protecting the private lives of famous people he has established himself as the most well known PR in Europe, if not the world.
Max
Clifford
ention the business of publicity and promotion to anyone and ask them to come up with a name associated with this line of work and 99 times out of 100 you will hear the name Max Clifford. Always in the news either promoting or protecting famous people, companies or those who have a story to tell Max Clifford has established himself as the King of PR.
M
Next year he celebrates 40 years since he started out on his own as Max Clifford Associates and he enjoys a successful business and lifestyle. To him, mixing with the rich and famous is literally a day at the office. 6 costa life
Clifford has represented various clients, including: David Copperfield, Mohamed AlFayed, Freddie Starr, whose ‘‘Freddie Starr ate my hamster’’ story on the front page of the Sun became one of the most famous tabloid headlines ever, Simon Cowell, brain-damaged boxer Michael Watson, Liverpool left-wing politician Derek Hatton, for whom Clifford created an affair in order to change his image, former MI6 officer Richard Tomlinson, Norfolk farmer Tony Martin, who was imprisoned for fatally shooting a burglar, Rebecca Loos, when she negotiated with the press about her alleged affair with England football captain David Beckham, Celebrity Big Brother 2007 winner Shilpa Shetty and Jade Goody, in the period of the reality star’s illness and death plus may more. A traditional Labour supporter, Clifford openly vowed to bring down the government of John Major because he personally felt, due to family reasons (his
costa CELEBRITY >> being assassinated by the British media who unjustly linked him to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, which he quickly proved, was totally untrue. He gave free advice and guidance to families of detainees at Guantanamo bay, who were held and tortured for over 18 months with no representation or legal advice. Incarcerated and punished with no trial and no evidence being revealed against them, Max believed there was nothing remotely democratic about that and therefore was wrong, a message he successfully got out in the British media. He also received death threats when he represented O.J. Simpson, who had previously been a client, during his trial.
Freddie Starr only daughter suffers from juvenile idiopathic arthritis), that the National Health Service was mismanaged. In light of Clifford’s view of the deteriorating state of the NHS, and the moral difference with members of the John Major government, Clifford worked to expose stories to help the Labour government in to power. Although not instrumental in exposing David Mellor’s affair with Antonia de Sancha, Clifford’s battle in representing de Sancha against the contrived post-spin story of the ‘‘family man Mellor’’ handled by counter PR Tim Bell ultimately derailed John Major’s ‘Back to Basics’ agenda. Clifford invented the story which claimed Mellor made love in a Chelsea F.C. football kit, though he was blocked from mentioning it in his memoirs. Clifford also helped to expose Jeffrey Archer’s perjury in the 1980s during his candidacy for the post of Mayor of London. Although a supporter of the Labour party, Clifford’s approach in dealing with the Blair government was similar to that which he employed with Major’s preceding Conservative government. The first instance of this was the story of Welsh Assembly leader Ron Davies. Then Clifford was accused by David Blunkett at the beginning of November 2005 of having a role in his second resignation. This derived from claims made on behalf of a much younger woman, who had become involved with Blunkett, over Blunkett’s business interests, which were published in The Times.
His more recent major work was as press agent for the late Jade Goody who died on 22 March, 2009 of cervical cancer. His very public work, in conjunction with Goody, is credited with improving the uptake of cervical smears in the UK and of changing the public perception of her in the year that he represented her. Although there has been much criticism leveled at the ongoing media circus surrounding her final months. Clifford married Elizabeth Louise Porter at St Barnabas Church in Southfields, London on 3 June 1967. Elizabeth died in Sutton, Greater London, on 8 March 2003 after a nine month battle with lung cancer; the pair had been together for 40 years. On 17 April 2008, Clifford announced on ITV1’s This Morning show that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer six months previously. Next year he will not only be celebrating 40 years running his own business but also 10 years since he brought the Max Clifford Celebrity Golf Challenge to Spain, in aid of the Rhys Daniels trust. A regular feature on the coasts golfing calendar the tournament attracts a host of celebrity golfers, all of whom turn up to support the charity started by Barrie and Carmen Daniels. On June 11th-14th 2009 the 9th event came to the Costa del Sol at the La Cala Golf resort with the Butterfly Ball at the
Puente Romano Hotel in Marbella being the highlight of the weekend’s entertainment. This annual event has become one of the most prestigious in the Rhys Daniels Trust fundraising calendar and the 2009 event was bigger and better than ever raising a record-breaking £160,000. The event kicked off with a Welcome Dinner where guests were entertained by Bobby Davro, Kenny Lynch, Stan Boardman and Des O'Connor and celebrity players including Andy Gray, Bill Murray, Gary McAllister, Jean-Christophe Novelli, Craig Fairbrass, John Gregory, Chris Eubank, plus a host of others. 39 golf teams played two courses over two days competing for the coveted Rhys & Charly trophy amongst other prizes. Max is vice patron of the charity and through the Max Clifford Celebrity Golf Challenge has raised over 1,000,000 pounds for the charity. We met Max throughout the weekend of the golf tournament and the week after we met at his home in Marbella to have a chat about his life and career. R How did you get involved with the Rhys Daniels Trust in the first place? MC It was just an idea I had, I was doing Pr for the people who owned La Cala Golf, the Irish Pension Group, and it was a way of combining my job and my role as patron of this particular charity, (I am patron of many other children’s charities) and by getting stars down here playing golf I knew that it would attract publicity for La Cala, so it was good for La Cala and very good for the Rhys Daniels Trust. Initially it was a one off, I got journalists down here to write about it and get it in the National papers and it was so successful that the following year we did it again and it got bigger, initially I think 40 people played and last weekend there was about 160, so it gets bigger and bigger every year and every body seems to have a great time.
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On 4 May 2006, Clifford announced his intention to expose politicians who fail to abide by the standards expected of them in public office. He called his team of undercover investigators ‘‘a dedicated and loyal bunch.’’ Clifford also has a record of representing individuals who attempt to defame rival publicist Simon Fuller or his clients. In 2001 he came to client Simon Cowell’s defense when Fuller's 19 Entertainment attempted to sue for copyright over X factor’s similarities to Pop Idol. Clifford also acted for the already mentioned, Rebecca Loos when she was negotiating with the press over an alleged affair with David Beckham, another of Fuller's clients. Clifford sometimes works for no payment. He worked to clear the name of Robert Murat who was
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>> costa CELEBRITY R When you say you’re a patron of other children’s charities is that an affinity you have towards children's charities more than any other kind of charities? MC Mmm, I suppose so, I am involved with other charities but the Royal Marsden Children’s cancer unit, Children with Leukemia, Rhys Daniels trust, the Chase Children’s Hospice, and the National Children’s Hospice movement are 5 of the charities that I'm either a patron of or am very much involved with.
Bill Murray
R And next year will be the 10th anniversary of the Max Clifford Charity Golf Tournament here in Spain which also ties in with the 40 year anniversary of Max Clifford Associates. It’s a long time to be in business, you started in 1970, and you started your company very young? MC I went out on my own at 27; I started in the business when I was 19 at EMI records. I was lucky, right time, right place. R I read that it was your brother, Bernard who got you your first job in the press? MC Yes, it was as a messenger for Hulton press. R And was that something you wanted to get into or was it just a job at the time? MC No, it was just a job. R And then you got the bug for that business? MC No, not really, it was just one opportunity after another, it was a natural thing, I never sought it, I was just very lucky the way it all worked out. R Going back to those days was it easier to get access to famous people at that time?
Kenny Lynch
Craig Fairbrass
MC Yes it had only just started, there was no public relations, we where press officers’ in the press office, of course we where young and of course that was our music, The Beatles, Cliff, Adam Faith, so we kind of launched all of them, and the senior people there didn’t really understand it, they were into Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald and people like that. This whole rock and roll thing was totally foreign to them so it was just a case of the right time, right place, just very, very lucky and then 3 or 4 years later in 66, we launched Tamla Motown, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson came over from Detroit, and we launched in Europe Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye, all these people, we were very, very lucky. We were right in the middle of all of this and learning as we went along. R Was it the beginning of a new initiative for PR? MC It WAS the beginning of PR, no one had heard of public relations. R Who did you learn from then?
Stan Boardman and Bobby Davro 8 costa life
MC Nobody, because there was no one to teach you, it was a whole new thing, and the chief press officer at EMI would be the first one to say ‘‘the Beatles? What’s that all about?’’ so we just took off and did it and I suppose that was the best way for me. I kind of grew with it and did my own thing my own way and have done so ever since. Because of their success, the Beatles and people like that, every body had to come to us initially in the EMI press office so my part in their success, really, was
non existent but for me they where a huge help because I was building contacts all over Britain and then all over the world, in 5 minutes, of course it was a much smaller world then. By the time the 60’s went to the 70’s PR was really starting to become established in Britain and I was at the heart of it. So when I went out on my own in 1970/71 it was perfect timing. R It must have been tremendous fun; it was a whole new business to be involved with? MC Oh yes, it was incredible, loved it and still do. It’s changed tremendously, obviously. In the early days it was all about promotion. Now the biggest part of my job is protection, for all the stars and organizations and companies, its protecting them from the excesses of the media, which can be so damaging R Which do you enjoy most promoting or protecting? MC The whole thing, you never get two days the same, it’s always different. R You must have some really good staff that you trust. Of course, you are the figure head of the company but you can’t do it all yourself? MC No, it’s only a small business, a small company. There are only 10 of us and the girls, they all work on their own accounts; health, fashion, beauty, television, obviously I oversee and of course people like Simon Cowell and the big stories I tend to handle. They have all been to university, have degrees in media studies and communications but when they join it probably takes me 3, 4, 5 years to teach then the realities of it. They’re a great crowd. And we have many different types of clients. We don’t just look after pop stars and celebrities. We look after companies like Harrods and Pimlico Plumbers, who have been hugely successful over the last 2/3 years, who we got massive publicity for. It’s something that people don’t realize but we are in the middle of more and more. Private Jet companies, property companies etc. R What is a publicist? MC I’m not a publicist, the main difference between a publicist and a PR is a publicist is there to get maximum publicity for every thing and everyone he is involved with. The PR is there to get maximum controlled publicity but also maximum protection and often with a major star or major company its 80% protection and 20% promotion. Simon Cowell does 1 interview for every 200 requests, in the first year or two when he first came to me as an a unknown he was doing loads of interviews but now its keeping things down and keeping him away from the excesses of the media. R How do you look at someone like Simon Cowell who is already successful in their own right and get your angle on how you can improve their image? MC It’s instinct mainly and its teaching them the media game, and I suppose the most important thing to me with anybody I have ever represented is if I don’t know more about you then anybody else I can’t do my job. Whether you’re Frank Sinatra, Mohammed Ali, Marlon Brando, whoever, because protection is such an important part, if I don’t know about it how can I stop the media
costa CELEBRITY >> much money as I possibly can to look after their future, give them an education that I never had, and then at the same time I want to warn people about cervical cancer’’. And she was successful in all of those goals. R What about the criticism about Jade going public and the media circus around it?
Simon Cowell finding out? Which is again an important reason why I have never had to pitch for business, people come to me and we get involved or we don’t. (The phone goes, again!) R I Guess your phone is going constantly? MC Always … because we are in the middle of so many things worldwide, this blokes just been released from the terrorists in Nigeria, he’s on the phone, can we look after him, he’s just arrived back in Liverpool. The couple that are in Dubai, the wife’s been in prison for adultery, they came to me, can we help them, the couple in Belfast just had six babies can we help them, fine ok, people come to you all the time because they want people who can help them to control the media as apposed to the media controlling them. R Talking about the excesses of the media, the Susan Boyle thing …perfect example? MC Yeah, I don’t advise her, Simon is my client and obviously because he is so closely connected I’m guiding him. This week there should be a big spread in the Mail because he was attacked in the Mail, exploitation etc, so he has got to answer it. So this Saturday you should see the whole thing. To answer back to the people who have seen this really critical piece. Susan Boyle is very delicate, she's gone from total obscurity to world wide fame in seconds, and it doesn’t happen like that. R This whole celebrity thing has gone crazy, what with all the reality T.V. shows, people can get famous for nothing. MC There are people who are desperate to get famous and talent does not come into it. When I started out most of the people I represented were talented, are talented, now it doesn’t matter any more. R Does that bother you? MC No …I’m not much involved with that, and I’m the last to comment. But I suppose with Kerry I was involved and then of course with Jade, obviously I was involved, but I had different agendas. R I was going to ask you about Jade, I would of thought that out of all your years in the business that must have been one of the most delicate………….. MC It was one of the most demanding because here was a young woman who was dying, it was dreadful and worse of course because of the negligence of the hospitals missing the problem for 2 or 3 years. But she was amazing considering what she was facing up to and the way she handled it, it was incredible. She was concentrating on looking after her boys and it was a case of ‘‘I want to do a few interviews, get as
MC I answered that by saying that; people attacked her for going public but she only ever did three, four interviews: one television, one newspaper, one magazine, the wedding, what ever, so in three or four months that’s all she did. Friends did the television programme, friends did OK magazine and they all paid a fortune which all went to the boys in a trust. It gave her something to focus on other than dying, and also it served as a huge warning to young women all over Britain and hundreds of lives have already been saved purely because of Jade Goody and there will be hundreds and thousands more in years to come. Cervical cancer screening went up by 60% in Britain because of her. That’s why she did what she did and I’m very happy, indeed proud to have played a part in it and get that message out there. R Did you represent her before she became ill? MC Since about last April, just about 12 months in total, she came to me when every thing was at rock bottom, after Big Brother, I knew she wasn’t racist. Shilpa Shetty was one of my clients, she herself said that Jade wasn’t racist, and it was a class thing not a race issue. She wasn’t racist, she was a sacrificial offering for the ratings of Big Brother and you can see how they put the whole thing together and stirred it up and you can understand her reaction. Shilpa Shetty was brought up with servants, everything was done for her. Jade, by the time she was 6 was kept at home by both of her parents both of whom where drug addicts, doing washing, cooking, ironing, doing everything for them, so it was the total opposite and that's what she was reacting to, some of her best friends are black. So I was happy to get involved and try and lift her, and we did. It was starting to go really well again when unfortunately the diagnoses of cancer came along, but when she died she had a funeral that was just unbelievable. Thousands of people from all over Britain came down, cheering, clapping, crying, so she achieved an awful lot to be proud of.
Brother and then we all found out she had cancer, on television, in India, on big brother, it was just a national thing. Everybody had an opinion on it. And at the end of the day who is right and who is wrong, I read that she had started to read the bible? MC She was reading the bible and also had her boys Christened so there was a line between her and them and Jesus, they was her beliefs and thoughts. She did everything she could financially, spiritually and from an educational point of view to provide for their future. She has done what she set out to do which was to give them as much help in life as she could do. R I read the comment you made …Enough is enough; let’s stop it now, kind of thing. MC It was a combination of things you know; you’ve done what you set out to do, just go home and rest in peace. R Was that one of the most challenging things you have ever had to deal with? MC Jade Goody was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to handle because it was so emotional and there where so many personal things, she was being treated at one time in the same hospital, in the same room that my wife died in, there where so many factors to it. R I believe you had prostrate cancer? MC Yes, but most people know someone affected by cancer, I was very lucky. I had a very good doctor who told me to keep an eye on it, I was a likely candidate, when it happened I had nine weeks in radiotherapy and fortunately everything was sorted out very quickly, that was about fourteen months ago. R Your wife died in 2003 of cancer? MC Yes, that’s right, lung cancer, I think it was within eight months of being diagnosed, one of those terrible things, she had stopped smoking many, many years before. It’s a horrible thing, awful.
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R I think the whole thing, not just the raising awareness of cervical cancer for women, which was fantastic, but the whole thing just affected everybody in so many different ways. I mean, her whole rise to stardom, celebrity big brother etc, and I don’t mean this in the wrong way but in a sad way you couldn’t have written it……….. MC No you’re absolutely right, it was a real human tragedy played out, and then all this stuff that she was going to die in public, no she wasn’t, never, she died at home in private in the last 2 or 3 weeks of her life totally alone with her mum, husband Jack and close people which she was always going to be. R I think it pricked people in a lot of different ways. MC Yes I think that’s right. R You know, people gave her a hard time after Big
Jade Goody
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>> costa CELEBRITY R A very painful time, you were married for nearly forty years. It’s funny how life goes with things like that, and as we have already said, you just have to get on with life. You have a new fiancée now, Jo?
MC I suppose so, and that’s why it’s worked so well, although I said there has been a lot of luck and being in the right place has played a huge part but you still have to deliver.
MC Yes we have been together for the last 3 years and we are getting married next year.
R I suppose depending on what’s going on at the time you must be very busy with interviews and contacts with people?
R And from when you started out at 27, all those years ago are you fulfilled in what you have achieved in your business life? MC I am fulfilled in as much as I count myself incredibly lucky to do something that I love, to be so successful and have such a great way of travelling the world and experiencing all kinds of wonderful things. What I do is mostly common sense but as I have got older I have realized that common sense is quite rare in most people and in most situations. R Would you say that women have more common sense than men? MC I wouldn’t necessarily agree with that and when you are dealing with stars they have big egos which they can trip over if they’re not careful. R When you say about the stars egos and getting carried away with themselves, it sounds as though when you represent them there is more to it, it’s like you put them through a boot camp of media studies? MC Yes, I think it is just reality. I take them to the children’s hospice and show them children of 4 and 5 who won’t be alive much longer. If you are going to start taking yourself too seriously take a look at them. Before you start worrying about someone not clapping in the third row or you haven’t sold enough records think about these kids who have done nothing and aren’t going to be here much longer. I have always done things like that because of all the charities I have been involved with. R So it’s like a reality check for them? MC Yes it is. R When you represent your clients’ do they mostly come to you? MC They all come to me, not most, every single one.
MC All the time, today I have done 7 interviews of one kind or another, but when I was looking after Jade I was doing 60-70 interviews every day, 7 days a week, it can be very hard work. R How many clients do you have at any on time? MC At any one time about 15, some come and go and some are with us for a long time, on average we will take people on for approx 6 months. I am in a very fortunate position and we are constantly dealing with things going on all over the world. We do a good job and we can help in many different ways, sextuplets from Belfast, come to us, can we help deal with the media world wide? Then somebody comes to us with another problem, the first case of swine flu in the UK came to us, can we help? The couple in Dubai, can we help them? We probably get 20 calls per day from completely different people. Some famous, some not, caught up in the middle of things worldwide who need our help and/or protection. And then of course that puts us in the very fortunate position of having all the very succulent dishes that everybody wants! R That’s a nice way of putting it, finally Max, Do you think you will ever retire? MC No, never, I love it too much, it’s such a varied job, no two days are the same. I have led a very fortunate life and still do. I see some people who retire after being in the middle of things for so long and they seem to age 10 years in ten minutes, I think I would find it very hard, if not impossible to let go, I enjoy it too much. I enjoy the challenge, the variety and the excitement of every day. Of course sometimes you get your moments but overall it’s been amazing. R Well it’s been a pleasure to meet you, and thanks for your time. MC My pleasure.
R Being in the media industry for so many years, since the 70s has it got more aggressive and more intrusive? MC Oh yes, more ruthless, and it’s ever more about sensation and less about substance, particularly with the tabloids. R Bad news sells. MC Yes, and good news doesn’t, if they can’t get an interview they will make something up. R Do you deal with everybody the same, you know, the way you talk to them, deal with them, of course you deal with big stars and not so big stars? MC I have no time for big stars, who think that they’re it and whatever, that’s not for me, like I have said; treat people how you want to be treated. It helps of course, if they need you more than you need them. That’s always given me a lovely position to work form. R And that’s the hub of your business isn’t it, you are the man to know?
10 costa life
Just another day at the office!
I found Max to be a very pleasant but very direct guy, always courteous and polite, but always in control. Watching him over the weekend he commands respect and to be fair seems to call the shots with all around him, but like he says he has been in a very fortunate position for many years. He has a cheeky look in his eyes which tells you he knows things. Always in the media spotlight and invariably mixed up in controversy, Max Clifford has become a master of PR and spin. His feet are firmly on the ground which of course they have to be to do the job he does, constantly dealing with who knows what on a daily basis. He is very calm and seems to go at one pace, Max’s pace, and nobody will speed him up or slow him down. Next year he celebrates 40 years as Max Clifford Associates and it would appear that he has no intentions of letting go of the helm. And I am sure its an assurance that many companies, stars and celebrities will be grateful of.
Favorite colour…Blue 3 favorite foods …fish and chips, Barnsly chops which are double lamb chops and Halibut. Football team …Arsenal Favorite noise …kettle boiling Least favorite noise…mosquitoes Favorite phrase or word …treat as you want to be treated Least favorite…I’m only doing my job Job you would love to do… manage a premiership football team Job you would least like to do…politician If there is a God what would you like him so say to you when you arrive at the pearly gates …Well done
Images by Rick Warne Tel 666 291 990 www.rickwarne.ifp3.com
>> costa GETAWAYS
El
Chorro N
ow I know that long term readers of Costa Life Magazine will have, over the last few years read before in our magazine about one of our favourite places in Andalucia. El Chorro has been very popular for many years although there are still many on the coast who have never ventured up to this beautiful part of Spain. In need of a well earned break we visited our favourite inland haunt in June and as always were captured by its beauty and totally tranquil setting. The area itself is surprisingly but gratefully untouched and is almost the same as when we first visited the area over 5 years ago. We love it and it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to chill out and forget about the coast, work and stuff. It’s only an hour and a quarter away by car but be assured it’s a world away from the coast. You can have the best of both worlds if you want to chill and enjoy activities at the same time. El Chorro is a limestone gorge, through which passes the Guadalhorce river. It was dammed in 1921, forming three reservoirs which are flanked by pine forests.
It sits next to the 700m high Desfiladero de los Gaitanes pass, and is famous for the very dangerous path called Caminito del Rey (King’s pathway). The path across the Gorge was built to enable the dam workers to get to work quicker. The path took its name because it was officially opened by Alfonso XIII of Spain. However official access to the path was removed in 2000 after a tourist died trying to cross it. According to a tourist leaflet, four tourists died during the two years before the closure. Yours truly was supposed to be making the walk last year but bottled it, however under the duress of the words ‘‘coward and chicken’’ ringing in my ears for the last twelve months I have decided to give it a go and hopefully you will be reading about it in the next issue of Costa Life in September! If you fancy it yourself then let me know and maybe we can do it together??? Yeah right, I hear you saying, send me a postcard!! I am planning to do it dome time in August. E-mail ronan@costalifemagazine.com if you want to come along. If it is something you have thought about doing in the past then you better hurry up as 300,000 Euros has been allocated to rebuild the walkway to allow people across safely and
the work is supposed to be starting next year, 2010 with completion in 2012. Be warned though, it is dangerous and even though the walkway is pinned most of the way around it is a fair old drop, a guy fell in June 80ft and was, I would say, a partaker in a small miracle as he escaped with no more than a broken hip! At present the walkway is accessible by climbers only (full protection gear recommended) but there are professional climbers who will guide you across and to be fair they do it every day so it cant be that bad!!?? Who am I trying to convince, me or you? El Chorro was the setting for the exciting end sequence of the 1965 film Von Ryan’s Express starring Frank Sinatra and Trevor Howard (Sinatra’s fake blood is still on the railway track……………..only joking!) Rumour has it that the old boy who used to own Hotel La Garganta (The Throat) used to ferry food up to the actors on his donkey. But El Chorro is famous for many other reasons. As already said it's perfect for chilling out but the
Railway Bridge El Chorro 12 costa life
costa GETAWAYS >>
Von Ryan’s Express was filmed on these tracks area is one of the most popular places in the world for Mountain climbing; Tom Cruise is reported to have climbed here regularly. In the world of mountain climbing El Chorro has been called a brutal but beautiful area since it and the surrounding countryside are dry, steep and almost inaccessible. To get to most of the crags you have to make your way through railway tunnels. The routes are mostly hard climbs which is why El Chorro attracts climbers from the whole world. Rock climbers from Great Britain, Germany, America, France, Holland, Australia and Scandinavia travel there in the winter to soak up the sun and the climbing. With almost 700 bolted routes in an area accessible on foot El Chorro is an El Dorado for climbers. The best climbing months are October through till May when the weather is cooler and you will find hundreds of climbers from all over the world here in the height of the climbing season. Don’t worry if you are a novice either. If climbing is something you have thought of doing before there are professional climbers and instructors available who can offer climbing classes for beginners. There is also a mountaineering shop for the hire of equipment.
Bobastro ruins
Not too far away in Abdalajis you can hang glide and paraglide, the sloping mountains and perfect weather have established the area as one of the best in the world for these two sports, claiming some of the best thermals on the planet. In addition there are numerous walks and mountain biking routes all over the area, plus the lakes at Ardales are less than twenty minutes away so you can have a fun filled holiday or a complete rest or indeed a mixture of the two if you so wish. There is more to Andalucia than beaches you know! The ruins of Bobastro are only 20 minutes from El Chorro. Bobastro is an ancient village so don’t expect to find any people living there today! The site commands exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. The legend of Bobastro goes back to the time when the Moors ruled Al Andalus. The fortified village was the headquarters of Umar ibn Hafsun who led a revolt against the caliphal government at Cordoba between 879 and 918 AD. By 899, he had converted from Islam to Christianity and some time in the early tenth century, he commissioned the construction of a church.
Fancy a walk
The church which is the highlight of the ancient village is a church cut directly out of the rock. Its primitive structure can still be seen as three sections separated by horseshoe shaped arches. The church is perfectly orientated towards the East and measures about 16.5 metres long and 10.3 metres wide. The ruins are located in an area known as Las Mesas de Villaverde between the hills called Tintilla, Castillón and Encantada and well worth a visit. While you are up there get to the top of the mountain and you be able to look down on El Chorro and if you are really lucky you will spot some magnificent Eagles and Vultures that live in this area. They can be seen often from below circling the top of the mountain but we were lucky enough to se them at the top. Excellent! The area of El Chorro can offer a wide and varied break and whether you want activities, just want to sleep and chill or want to mix the two you will never be disappointed with this fabulous place. What are you waiting for? Enjoy. To get there, take the university turn off at Malaga and head inland, come off at Alora and go through Alora and take the signs for El Chorro. From Fuengirola it takes 1 ¼ hours.
The Gorge
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>> costa GETAWAYS Where we stayed Although El Chorro itself is a small area there is plenty to choose from accommodation wise. From Camping to luxury villas there is something for everyone. For our choice we don’t think you will find any better value and comfort than The Olive Branch. The Olive Branch is set on the top road in El Chorro or Alto El Chorro and if you are going to visit this most excellent of inland destinations then rural is your best option to enjoy the full effect of the area. The Olive Branch is rural, rustic and earthy all at once. You will receive a very warm and family welcome form Gary and Mel who have been running the Olive Branch since December 2008. They have five beautifully decorated and tastefully furnished en-suite bedrooms, some with enclosed tiled showers
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and one with a wet room, and all with towels and bedding provided. They offer a variety of breakfasts and also snacks and lite bites throughout the day. You can also make use of the kitchen yourself if you are totally self sufficient. You can eat out on one of the two terraces in warmer weather and take in the awesome views. The terraces overlook the mountains and valley below and also have a lovely view of the beautiful swimming pool. Across the other side of the property they have a separate self-contained 3 bedroom guesthouse available. You have the option of individual bed and breakfast bedrooms or renting the entire house for exclusive use. The house has an open plan kitchen, dining and living room and a bathroom with a shower and a bath. Upstairs there are 2 small adjoining single bedrooms and 1 very large double/family/bunk room. The house can sleep up to 8 people with towels and bedding provided.
The gardens are rocky and are on a natural hillside full of olive trees and the swimming pool is beautiful, somewhere you can relax and enjoy the sun whilst taking in the breathtaking scenery. The Olive Branch comes highly recommended if you are looking to enjoy the countryside in an authentic rural property that offers a true rustic, Spanish environment and ambience. There is no T.V. and no radio plus you will be lucky to get a phone signal. great!! It’s the perfect choice if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life on the coast. If you are looking for a quiet, tranquil retreat away from it all then The Olive Branch is perfect. And the best thing is the value; a double room for two with breakfast comes in at a fantastic 50 Euros per night for TWO people. From personal experience you will love it!! Contact them now and book your room for a summer break on 951 312 598 or mob 686 669 359 or email melanielbyrne@yahoo.com
costa GETAWAYS >> Where we ate La Garganta Restaurant There is not as much choice In El Chorro when it comes to eating out as there is with accommodation but there are a couple of restaurants and typically Spanish tapas bars in the area. By far the best and most popular is the restaurant at La Garganta Hotel which is run by Maggie and Elio Howard. Like the rest of El Chorro, it’s pretty impossible to look in any direction and not capture a fantastic view and this is also the case at La Garganta restaurant. Overlooking the Lake and surrounding mountains La Garganta offers a wide choice of traditional Spanish dishes and a selection of international favourites. During the day you can enjoy a breakfast or choice of snacks and lite bites. Here you can relax on one of the terraces or in the restaurant and enjoy an aperitif before enjoying such dishes as Chicken in creamy garlic sauce, grilled rabbit (a favourite in this area of Andalucia), succulent Sole or the chef's speciality, slow cooked leg of lamb for two people to share. These are just a few suggestions from the extensive menu and there are specials every day. All of this can be followed by a choice of home made desserts including the very scrummy chocolate ‘‘brownies’’ or the exquisite ‘‘Baileys’’ cheesecake. Mmmmm!
All this can be taken with a bottle or three of fine Spanish wine, such as a full bodied Rioja or a crisp Chardonnay, then finishes off with a fine brandy. The staff are pleasant and professional and will look after you to make your visit to Restaurante La Garganta a most enjoyable experience. They cater for individual guests, groups and coach parties. There is also an upper salon with private terrace where they can cater for large private parties such as weddings (for which they hold a full license - ceremony and reception), confirmations, and birthdays or for any other special occasions. If you are in the area for some time, just trying something different or for that very special occasion, they are able to cater to your individual requirements including accommodation in Hotel La Garganta, an exceptional hotel where they can negotiate good rates for long or short stays. If it is a special occasion why not stay overnight to make the most of this unique experience. Restaurante La Garganta is open every day.
Weddings at La Garganta A Wedding with a dif ference Imagine the backdrop of the beautiful Andalucian Mountains captured in your wedding photos for all time. Your guests will be astounded by the views of the majestic El Chorro gorge and Dams and the weather will never let you down.
Choose between a casual ceremony performed on the beautiful terrace or a more formal one at the tiny Spanish church in El Chorro village with perhaps a horse drawn carriage ride back to the restaurant for the reception. For the more radical, how about a Hang gliding ceremony or a mountain climb while you tie the knot! It's possible! Whatever the ceremony you decide on, Restaurante La Garganta can cater for you from a small intimate party or up to 100 guests. Their wedding coordinator will be pleased to discuss your personal requirements with you to make it the most special of days. Their associate hotel, (Hotel La Garganta), on the same complex, is able to accommodate your guests. The air conditioned rooms vary from doubles to apartments, some with private terrace or Jacuzzi bath and all are decorated to the highest standards. There is a large pool with its own sun terrace for the use of all hotel guests. This is a beautiful location for that special day and offers a delightful alternative to coastal weddings, enquire for more details. For bookings or more information call 952 495 043 or mob 679 010 026 or email maggielagarganta@yahoo.co.uk
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>> costa ACTIVITIES
Ronan’s Challenge: Scuba Diving in Gibraltar with One2One Diving 16 costa life
In this months issue we are beginning a new piece called Ronan’s Challenge, an initiative, might I say, of my wife Sharon. It came about when we were discussing yours truly accepting an invitation to go Scuba diving with the guys at One 2 One Diving in Fuengirola. At the time we were also discussing me chickening out of doing the Kings Walk in El Chorro last year. ‘‘I know’’ she said ‘‘why don’t you do a piece in the magazine on the various and numerous activities there are on the coast, and to make it more interesting you go and do them and write about it’’ not a bad idea I thought. She continued ‘‘yeah, you could do hang gliding, parachuting, Para gliding and maybe even go to El Chorro and do the Kings Walk like you should have done last year.’’ Now at this point I began to have slight concerns about my dear wife’s true intentions, no mention of mountain biking, hiking, or canoeing was offered, only
extremely dangerous sports and challenges to pursue! After I had gotten over my initial concerns and after she reassured me that she was only thinking about the quality of the read for our dear readers I agreed to give it a go. So here we are with our first ‘‘Ronan’s Challenge’’; Scuba Diving. Now Scuba diving is something that many people look at as something that should be on your Bucket List along with the aforementioned parachuting and such stuff, but for me, not necessarily so. I have to admit that I am not the best when it comes to anything to do with water. Don’t get me wrong, I am the first down to the pool every year and I stick it out till the end of October, but when it comes to swimming out in the sea or even going out in boats I am not at my best. I love the beach but will only swim out so far before I start to think ‘‘turn back’’!
costa ACTIVITIES >> Gibraltar is really good for wreck diving as there are so many sunken vessels around the rock. Chris has been in Spain teaching diving for 15 years and is a fully trained PADI instructor. All the instructors here a re fully qualified. When we arrived at Gib we were split into our different groups and allocated to instructors. When I say different groups this is because we were also with experienced divers and also a father and son who were here to snorkel, young Gary was below the legal age of 12 in Gibraltar for diving so he was going snorkeling with his Dad, Gary senior. I was put with 14 year old Jordon from Leeds who, like me, had never done this before and who, also like me, was more than a little nervous about the whole thing. I didn’t show it though, well how could I? He was only 14! I may have been a bit scared but I wasn’t about to wimp out in from of a 14 year old. Our instructor was Eddie who firstly proceeded to sit us down for 15 minutes and give us both a thorough debriefing on the do’s and don’ts of scuba, how the equipment works, how to equalize, hand signals, how the day was going to go etc. After this we proceeded to get the clobber on; wet suit, boots, flippers or fins as the pros call them, weight belt and finally the tank which was surprisingly heavy. We waddled off down to the shore and into the water. By now I was panicking, but Eddie was great, very calm and relaxed, reassuring us all the time. He went through the instructions again, checked our equipment and then the moment of truth.
Gibraltar wreck Steven Spielberg has a lot to answer for to be honest, Jaws was always a great film but I can’t help thinking that when I am in the sea on my Lillo that if my legs are dangling in the water they may get bitten off at any moment. Sometimes I think the same if I am in the pool! I know, I know, I am being silly but I can’t help it. And when I watch those guys who just swim further and further out in the sea, I think they must be mad, but they’re not, I know, it’s me! So when Chris and Kate from One 2 One diving suggested I go out with them and learn how to Scuba dive, I decided to face my fears and give it a go. So packed up with my lunch, camera, passport and swimwear, I met the guys at their shop on the Paseo in Torreblanca at 8.15 on a warm Friday morning in June and off we went to Gibraltar to learn Scuba diving. There are many different dives along the coast from Nerja down to Tarifa. And depending on where you go they all have something different to offer.
The first thing we had to do was put the mouthpiece into our mouths and put our heads in the water to get used to the sensation of breathing underwater. It is a very strange feeling and takes some getting used, of course you have to breath through the mouth only otherwise you will suck youR mask on to your face and if you CAN get it off you will forever have an outline of it impressed on your face! And if you breathe out through your nose then you will let water in so mouth only! To be fair though, it doesn’t take long to get used to. Take long deep breaths in and out, as Eddie says. The tanks we had should last for two 35-40 minute dives but if you are a rapid breather and/or panic breath your dive may be cut short but that is up to you to control your intake as you get used to it. After we had got used to the breathing we then had to slowly move out and get deeper! Another thing to be aware of is pressure, it was amazing how only a few feet under the water your ears started to hurt like on a plane. So it’s important to swallow and hold your nose and blow which is
Gary senior and Gary junior
Gary learning to snorkel what we did and the pressure started to subside, however the further we went we had to stop and do it again, which is what we were told. Another important factor with Scuba is achieving neutral buoyancy. You know when you see scuba divers on T.V. and they just seem to glide through the water, neither sinking nor floating up? Well this is because they have neutral buoyancy. A buoyancy compensator (or buoyancy control device, BC or BCD) is a piece of diving equipment worn by divers to provide life saving emergency buoyancy both underwater and on the surface. It also gives the ability to adjust and control the overall buoyancy of the diver and the diver’s heavy equipment allowing the diver to achieve neutral buoyancy, remaining at a constant depth, or to descend or ascend in a controlled way. There are different types of BCD’s but the principle is the same, once you are
>>
The legal age for diving in Spain is 10 years and in Gibraltar and the UK 12 years. The legal depth for diving in Spain is 40 metres.
Between Benalmadena and Gibraltar there is believed to be millions of euros worth of sunken cargo on dozens and dozens of ships. One of the main reasons for the 40 metre limit is because most of these wrecks are far out at sea and the government knows you must dive deep to get to them. costa life 17
>> costa ACTIVITIES in the water you need to let air out of your jacket so you can sink under the water and then when you come up to the surface from being underwater you don’t add air to the BCD to bring you up, otherwise you would come up too quick and cause decompression sickness and we don’t want any of that. So to get up to the surface you must swim up slowly at a maximum speed of 18 mtrs per minute and let air out of the BCD. When you hit the surface then you can inflate the BCD. Only short bursts one way or another are required to help you move up or down and as you go deeper you will need to let out more air. To control the BCD you have a low pressure inflator hose by your side which has two buttons, one to let air in and one to let it out. To let it out, of course, you need to hold it above the height of the tank or it won’t release any air, I had to be advised of this, and physics was never my strong point at school! Anyway, we went under and then had to perform a couple of tasks for Eddie to show that we had listened to his instructions, this was only a foot below the surface, once he and we were happy we proceeded to move into deeper waters, slowly though, equalizing as we went and finding our feet, or should I say fins. The secret to good Scuba, Eddie says, is your pace. To enjoy it you need to take everything slowww. Your movements and breathing all need to be slowed right down to get the full effects of a good dive. I have to be honest and say that I thought at first I was going to struggle, firstly because I was finding it hard to get used to the breathing and secondly because my ears were really hurting, I do have a problem with wax and the pressure was quite intense but Eddie was excellent, he was with us both all the time and was constantly supporting us. I tried to pinch my nose and blow gently against it to equalize the pressure in my ears and eventually the pain started to go and at the same time I started to get used to the breathing. And then, all of a sudden I was away! We went to about 5 metres and hey, what d’ya know, yours truly is a natural, well a slightly cumbersome natural but nevertheless a flippin natural, excuse the pun.
Chris joined us and beckoned me to follow him and off we went, about five of us headed off a bit deeper and we came upon a wreck, which had obviously been there for a long time as it was encrusted with barnacles and the like, there were fish all around, what types I don’t know as I am not a fisherman but they were fish for sure! It was quite clear also, we could see for about 6 or 7 metres in front and even though it was a bit choppy up top it was surprisingly calm down below. Eat your heart out Cousteau, I was bobbing up and down, round and about, it was great. I can honestly say that in about 30 minutes my fears of the water were gone. I know that they were unfounded but that’s not the point. We all have those silly little fears which are invariably linked to some childhood experience and like it or not for most of us they never leave us or we never deal with them, but I have a completely different approach to it now. I was under for about 35 minutes which was a good time apparently, and I had air left so I wasn’t wasting my air. After my initial concerns I was fine, and I really enjoyed it, it was a great experience and one that I would certainly like to do again. It is definitely a bucket list item and am so pleased with myself for having a go and conquering my fear of deep water. The guys at One 2 one diving were great, they love what they do and they are focused on making sure everything is done correctly and that you get the most out of your diving experience in the safest and most enjoyable way. They are open for diving all year round and as already said Chris is a fully trained PADI instructor so if you want to get your PADI certificate they can train you up. To book your Scuba adventure contact Chris or Kate, Paseo Maritimo Rey de Espana, no 124, Edifico Promosol, Local H, Torreblanca, Fuengirola Tel / Fax 0034 952 196 090 Mob: 0034 617 016 738 Email: info@one2onediving.com or visit www.one2onediving.com
Debriefing with Eddie
What are these for?
A job well done!
The term SCUBA (an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) arose during World War II, and originally referred to United States combat frogmen’s oxygen rebreathers, developed by Dr. Christian Lambertsen for underwater warfare. The first commercially successful scuba sets were the Aqualung open-circuit units developed by Emile Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau, in which compressed gas (usually air) is inhaled from a tank and then exhaled into the water, and the descendants of these systems are still the most popular units today.
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Chris, Kate and the guys from One2one
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>> costa LIFESTYLE >> Be seen Quicksilver red boardshorts > Burton
What Men Want...
White boat shoe > Burton
This Months Men’s Must Have’s Pink polo and light 82 biker jeans > Next on line Wood and metal bead charm necklace > Burton
Pink NRC polo shirt > Next on line
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>> Be out there
>> Be bold
Fred Perry skinny plimsolls > Topman
Black floral print shorts > Next on line
Yellow lace up pump > Next on line
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>>Store Locator
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costa LIFESTYLE >> >>Sizzerling summer look
What Women Want...
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>>Stay cool
Denim belted turn up shorts > Dorothy Perkins
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>> costa LIFESTYLE
>>Work stuff out tip
men’s
Hard and fast is best. The quickest way to burn fat and build fitness is with the Tabata Protocol, which is a Japanese exercise technique that involves bursts of intense activity and short rests. It works with body-weight exercises, sprints, or exercise bikes. Less time, better body.
>> Health tip Remember to laugh. Find the humour in life. You'll be happier, and so will those who love you.
>> Get the balance right
Do you find that you become tired more frequently, lose patience easily? Has the fun completely gone out of your life? Are you stressed, moody and have you lost contact with your friends? Don’t have time for yourself, put others needs before your own? This is a recipe for ill health and it’s time to sit down and determine how to live a balanced life. Sometimes you need to be selfish, stop concentrating on others and start on yourself. Your mental and emotional state has more to do with this balance within than you realize. The first step to a balanced life is to think about you and your needs. If you fall apart, you won’t be of any use to anyone. Worry drains us, yet we can’t seem to control it. Confront the problems head on, worry about the things you can control. Keep control of your space and protect it, when someone crosses that line just walk away. Love yourself; look in the mirror every morning and acknowledge the unique person you are. It’s time to take charge of your life.
>> Funny tips A foolish man tells a woman to stop talking, but a wise man tells her that ‘‘she looks extremely beautiful when her lips are closed’’. One good way to reduce alcohol consumption: before marriage - drink whenever you are sad after marriage - drink whenever you are happy
>> Avoid procrastination People procrastinate for a variety of reasons, such as fear of failing or succeeding; poor organisational skills; and sometimes, a lack of self-esteem. Ask yourself what you’re most afraid of; the task, the requirements needed to fulfill the task, the outcome or the possibility of failure. Perhaps it goes even deeper; maybe you’re afraid you will succeed. Fear of rejection can be another cause for clinging to procrastination. Don’t be afraid of what others might think, confidence in your own abilities is the key to overcoming rejection. Motivate yourself to do the smallest of tasks. Your confidence will grow, you will feel more positive about what you can accomplish, and you will be less likely to avoid the next task on your list. The secret is not to overload your mind with tasks that neither you nor anyone else can handle.
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Gymnasium fully equipped gym with both fixed and free weights crosstrainers + bikes treadmills + rowing machines professional instructor available only gym open at 8 am
Classes
over 56 fitness classes every week step aerobics, aerobics, yoga, bums & tums, latest reebok decks new from Finland “gym stick� suitable all ages pilates room with pilates reformer beds individual spin bike room with 40 bikes individual aerobics and exercise room with sprung floor Goshin Ju Jitsu plus Capoeira
Facilities
fully air conditioned - lockers high powered showers - hair dryers mens & womens saunas - jacuzzi sun beds
>> costa LIFESTYLE
The Mediterranean diet
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costa LIFESTYLE >> A well-planned diet plays a major role in keeping the body fit and preventing illness. If you’re looking for a hearthealthy eating plan, the Mediterranean diet might be right for you.
>> The Mediterranean diet includes: Eating generous amount of fruits and vegetables Consuming healthy fats, such as olive oil and canola oil Eating small portions of nuts Drinking red wine, in moderation, for some Consuming very little red meat Eating fish on a regular basis Eating fish a few times per week benefits the Mediterranean people by increasing the amount of ‘‘Omega3 fatty acids’’, something that the rest of the developed societies don’t get enough of. Eating red meat sparingly seems also to benefit health .There is a consensus among health professionals that the Mediterranean diet is healthier than the northern European and American diet because more grains, spaghetti, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and olive oil are consumed.
>> Olive oil For centuries, the people of the Mediterranean have recognised the nutritional and cosmetic benefits of olive oil. Olive oil was used to maintain skin and muscle suppleness, heal abrasions, and soothe the burning and drying effects of sun and water. Olive oil was administered both internally and externally for health and beauty. Recent research has now provided firm proof that a Mediterranean diet that includes olive oil is not only generally healthy, but that consuming olive oil can actually help lower harmful cholesterol. Olive oil contains antioxidants that discourage artery clogging and chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
of the olive, is extracted without using heat (a cold press) or chemicals, and has no ‘‘off’’ flavours, is awarded ‘‘extra virgin’’ status. The less the olive oil is handled, the closer to its natural state, the better the oil.
>> Red wine Recent studies show that drinking one glass of red wine every day may have certain health benefits. Research indicates that moderate red wine consumption may help protect against certain cancers and heart disease, and can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
>> Moderation is the key The key to reaping the health benefits of red wine seems to be moderate consumption. Drinking one glass a day for women and up to two glasses a day for men may decrease the risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke. Excessive or binge drinking, however, doesn’t produce the same benefits. In other words, when it comes to red wine: more is not better.
>> Healing powers of antioxidants The compounds found in red wine that are responsible for its healing powers are antioxidants. Red wines contain several antioxidants beneficial to good health. Different antioxidants have different functions, but the key feature of all these antioxidants appears to be one of protection and prevention of disease.
>> Health benefits of red wine
Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL (‘‘bad’’) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (the ‘‘good’’ cholesterol) levels. Olive oil is very well tolerated by the stomach. In fact, it has a beneficial effect on ulcers. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than prescribed drugs. Consequently, it lowers the incidence of gallstone formation.
Red wine is believed to suspend the possible progression of dementia, especially in older people.
Studies have shown that people who consume about 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil daily for 1 week show less oxidation of LDL cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidant compounds in the blood. Olive oil is clearly one of the good oils, one of the healing fats.
Prevents certain cancers. Many people who are prone to the ‘‘Big C’’ are using red wine as a health drink because of the wonders brought by resveratrol in it. Experts believe that regular but moderate consumption of red wine can help fight possible cancer cells from developing and so help prevent the development of the disease.
>> Types of olive oil
Reduces the harmful effects of food poisoning. Another noted benefit of red wine is that it can lessen the toxicity brought by spoiled food. The properties in red wine can help cleanse the body of toxins. Serves as blood thinner. For people with high blood pressure, red wine is an ideal health drink because it contains blood pressure loweringsubstances and compounds that are effective in lowering high blood pressure.
Generally, olive oil is extracted by pressing or crushing olives. Olive oil comes in different varieties, depending on the amount of processing involved. Extra virgin - considered the best, least processed, comprising the oil from the first pressing of the olives. Virgin - from the second pressing. Pure - undergoes some processing, such as filtering and refining. Extra light - undergoes considerable processing and only retains a very mild olive flavour. When buying olive oil you will want to obtain a high quality, extra virgin oil. The oil that comes from the first ‘‘pressing’’
Good for the heart. The antioxidant properties of red wine can help in the reduction of bad cholesterol. When cholesterol levels are decreased, there is less chance of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
Provides healthy skin. For people who are after maintaining youthful skin, red wine can be a good health drink option because the number of polyphenols present in an average glass can prevent the damage brought by cell oxidation processes. Once you experience the delicious and healthy choices the Mediterranean diet has to offer, it just might become your favourite diet.
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>> costa LIFESTYLE
tips & secrets
>> Go bright this summer with neon nails
beauty
Summer’s usually a time when cosmetic colours brighten up, even if it is just in the direction of traditional pastels. If you normally stick to darker shades, now is the perfect time to showcase your neon nails. Bright pinks and oranges will enhance your holiday tan and brighten up your post-winter fingers. Keep your nails short and make sure nails are clean and buffed to perfection before you paint. Don’t forget the tootsies because the bright colours look great with sandals, too - just make sure your nails are in good nick because you’ll certainly attract attention with such eyecatching colours.
>> Celebrity fragrances continue to be big news > Kate Moss - Summer Time…A breezy floral fragrance, it represents the femininity and sensuality of the model through notes of English rose, peony, wisteria and bluebell.
> Halle Berry - Halle…A woody oriental, has top notes of bergamot, fig leaves and pear blossom over a heart of freesia petals and hibiscus flowers. > Sarah Jessica Parker - Covet Pure Bloom…a greater range of tropical notes than the original, it includes Indonesian pikake flower, coconut, jasmine and plum, as well as tuberose and jasmine over creamy musks.
>> The natural look Try to look for a bronzer with less shimmer and resembles a pressed powder. Save the more shimmering one for the night time. Loose powder is always going to be harder to manipulate and apply. If you go with loose pigment make sure to always tap your brush or rub it in the palm of your hand before touching it to your face, in order to get rid of excess powder.
Don’t put a lot of shine in the centre of the face, instead, when applying put the bronzer on the area that is most consistent with colour and texture, on the outer of the face along the hairline and forehead, the cheekbones, places that have natural movement. If you want to opt for the self tanner then apply on the face and body to add a softer glow to the skin and get a bit of colour, then layer the bronzer on top. The bronzer is just there to complement that colour.
>> Top tip Reduce puffiness…While you are sleeping lying flat for hours can cause fluid to accumulate in your face, especially around your eyes. To minimize puffiness keep your head elevated on at least two pillows and skip salty foods for dinner.
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>> costa LIFESTYLE
DOES LIPO REALLY WORK? Many people today decide to take the easier route in order to lose unwanted body fat, but does it really work in the long term?
The goal of this process is to have a more toned appearance and to get rid of fat in areas like the back of the legs or the stomach. While this may work on these areas, eventually fat begins to creep up in unwanted regions in other parts of the body. When you have liposuction, you get rid of fat cells in certain areas of the body. The good news is the fat cells do not regenerate, so once you get rid of them in that region, they don’t come back. The bad news is that if you are eating a daily, weekly or monthly calorie surplus, that energy has to be stored somewhere. Eventually, you begin storing body fat in weird places on your body. Food that isn’t burnt off has to be stored somewhere on the body. In some cases, this excess energy can be stored in your arms or face - not a nice sight. Basically, liposuction is a temporary quick fix. Instead of spending thousands on liposuction, you would be better off getting a nutritionist and a personal trainer. This way, you can learn about healthier ways of losing weight safely and keep it off permanently. Unfortunately, our society has been plagued by ‘‘quick fix’’ solutions. We should really think about what is going to be the best in the long term. A healthy diet and exercise program will not only help you to shape your body, but will also help you to be healthier and stay younger. Remember, you are what you eat. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: > Drink lots of water. > Eat 80% of your carbohydrates from oatmeal, vegetables, fruits and beans. > Eat enough protein. > Eat 5-6 small meals per day.
>> Some tips while shopping > Use a list when you shop, and stick to it. > Plan ahead. Decide on your meals, and the ingredients you will need. Plan for meals such as lunches you take to work. > Always eat before shopping. Shopping while hungry increases the tendency to put extra items in your trolley. > Learn to read labels. > Avoid convenience foods. Most have extra calories and fat. > Plan meals. Cook from scratch. Not only will you enjoy meals more, but having to prepare a meal helps prevent you from indulging yourself with a quick and easy snack.
>> The importance of breakfast If you want to keep metabolism revved up all day long, breakfast is a must. Eating breakfast in the morning is what gets your metabolism started. Don’t skip breakfast and wait until midday your metabolism will run slower and won't burn off any extra fat. Your metabolism is a fireplace that will burn fat all day long for you, if you allow it. When you eat breakfast you are basically throwing a log on to a fireplace to get it started. Eating breakfast will stop those cravings you may have later on in the day. Eating breakfast will also keep you energised throughout the day and lower stress levels.
Dominic James - Personal Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist 686 55 44 88 www.personaltrainingmarbella.com 30 costa life
>> costa LIFESTYLE A round-up of some of this month’s health news...
health
>> Spice up your memory Eating a curry two or three times a week could help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, reveals an expert. According to Professor Murali Doraiswamy, the magic ingredient is curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric. Curcumin prevents the spread of harmful amyloid plaques found in the brain of Alzheimer’s sufferers, he said. These plaques are thought to play a key role in symptoms such as memory loss and mental impairment.
>> Steam Your Broccoli
>> Top tip To prevent osteoporosis we should all be going outside three or four times a week for a brisk walk or getting at least 30 minutes exercise also exposing about a fifth of our body to the light for 20 minutes each day.
Italian researchers recently discovered that steaming broccoli increases its concentration of glucosinolates (compounds found to fight cancer) by 30 percent. Boiling actually lowers the levels.
>> The dieters dream A food ingredient which helps you feel fuller for longer could help solve the obesity crisis. Scientists have developed an olive oil-based mixture which, when added to milkshakes, dramatically reduced appetites. They are now planning to add the ‘emulsion’ to processed foods to see if it has the same effect. The mixture, developed by engineers at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich, is based on olive oil, water and stabilisers used in the baking industry. Tests showed one particular blend kept those tested feeling fuller for 12 hours after eating.
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>> Rest is not the cure Experts believe that working out at the gym 4 times a week will improve mobility rather than relaxing and putting your feet up. The research casts doubt on the widely held assumption that
resting will reduce chronic back pain - suggesting this weakens muscles and could make the problem worse. Resistance training with weights brought dramatic improvements in quality
>> Mobile phone elbow Users who hold the phone to their ear for long periods are at risk of developing a painful condition in their arm. By bending their elbow too tightly, and for too long, they could overextend a main nerve. As well as being painful, this can lead to tingling or numbness from the elbow to the fingers. They are advising mobile users to switch the handset from hand to hand every so often to prevent it. The problem centres on the ulnar nerve, which extends underneath the funny bone and controls the ring and little finger. If stretched repeatedly the nerve, which travels through the forearm and branches into the hand, can become weakened and scarred. Blood flow to the nerve can also be restricted, resulting in the tingling.
of life in only a few weeks. Those exercising four times a week reported 28 per cent less pain and 36 per cent less disability than the patients who rested.
Nature’s Philosophy Health & Beauty Salon Retail of Natural Products
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm Sat 10am - 2pm Appointments can be arranged out of hours
Clinical Aromatherapy - Reflexology - Reiki Raindrop & Vitaflex Nail & Beauty Treatments Genie Complete
Calle Málaga, 39, Mijas Pueblo Tel: 952485172 www.naturesphilosophy.net
>> costa BUSINESS, CHARITIES & EVENTS
LOCAL Business Reports PLUS Charities and Events News Business
Work
Events
Charities At Costa Life we dedicate more space to business editorial than any other publication on the coast. It is important to us to introduce information to you about our new clients and remind you on a regular basis about existing ones. We are a free magazine and we only exist because of our clients and we therefore feel it right to
EVENT John Wright (F.R.S.A., N.D.D., A.T.D.) Now, for the first time ever, you can meet John Wright , talk to the artists, and see their work and how they work at the John Wright Class of 2009 Open Studio Day on Friday 24th July
dedicate a section of the magazine to promoting to you, our readers, the people, both new and old, who make Costa Life possible. If you need to make use of the services or products promoted in this section or indeed throughout this issue please let our clients know that you have seen them in
2009 at the International Club of Estepona, Bahia Dorada 5, Estepona from 10am until 2pm. John is much more than just a painter. In 1968 he was awarded the Medal of the Town of Arles for a documentary film and, in 1969 he won the Montera d'Or, the highest award at the M o n t p e l l i e r International Film
Festival. He is also a founder governor of the National Film School. In 1969, he was invited to assist Lord Snowdon designing the interior of Caernarfon castle, scene of the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales His paintings have been shown in many exhibitions in Wales, London, the U.S.A. and Canada.
CHARITY
Costa Life Magazine. In addition we also offer space to charities, clubs and associations so they can inform you of their activites plus any up coming and recent events news. Please support your local charities and clubs, they do great work. Thank You.
EVENT The Andalucian
>>
Rescue Centre for Horses (ARCH) It was a night to remember when The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses (ARCH) held their Midsummer Music Fiesta in the grounds of La Finca Restaurant on Saturday 20th June. Hailed a great success, due to the full hot and cold buffet provided by the proprietor Juan Perez for over 150 people and a spectacular horse display by Juan and his team. There was dancing until the early hours to music by ACE FM 106.8 combined with a karaoke under the stars. Total proceeds from the event, dedicated to ARCH, exceeded 1,500 euros. Many current and potential sponsors showed their interest at our future planned events for the remainder of this year which include a 'Hoe down' night with BBQ, a Golf Day, ARCH in conjunction with CHAIN (Charity for Animals in Need) holding another street party and the ever popular dog show.
CALAHONDA LIONS The Calahonda Lions organised a very successful Golf Day on Sunday 7th June at Santa Maria Golf & Country Club and would like to thank all the players, Santa Maria Golf, all the sponsors for their support and of course the local media. The â‚Ź2,500 raised at the event will be given to Aspandem, a charity for handicapped people based in San Pedro.
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EVENT Doesn't time fly! It isn't that long ago since we 'crowned' the winner of the first Wow Factor competition and after the unprecedented success of last year, the organising committee, comprising Talk Radio Europe, Steve Shappelle and Cudeca, wishes to announce the official launch of the
WOW FACTOR 2009 This year the competition is going to be bigger and better and will be held in three locations, i.e. Benidorm, Gibraltar and the Costa Del Sol. In each
location there will be a heat followed by a semi-final the following day which will produce four contestants for the grand final to be held at the Sala Fortuna in the Torrequebrada Hotel, Benalmadena. This year the contest is open to solo singers and vocal groups, such as Girls Aloud, Westlife, etc. but not to bands, and we will retain our minimum age of fifteen at the time of the heats. Details of dates and venues will be announced in the very near future. TRE Radio continues to help to give life to days at Cudeca Cancer Care Hospice.
costa BUSINESS, CHARITIES & EVENTS >>
SUMMER OFFERS WITH SPECSAVERS Specsavers in Fuengirola has now been open for more than 2 years. With over 1,000 stores internationally and voted the UK´s most trusted optician for the past 8 years (Reader´s Digest) the next logical step was to open up in the Spanish Costas. The vibrant expat community knows and trusts the Specsavers brand. The Costa del Sol has been hit hard by the recent credit crunch and the poor exchange rate has made life very difficult for many here. Specsavers has responded quickly to this with all our frames now reduced. Complete single vision glasses now start from an amazing 25€ including Pentax scratch resistant lenses. Our 241 offer is now available from our 75€ range and above. These frames are £75 in the UK, so we are now even more competitive. Our 241 offer also includes a free suntint in the 2nd pair. With our beautiful all year sunshine on the Costa del Sol we must not forget to protect our eyes from the potentially harmful uv rays. If you would perfer not to change from clear glasses to sunglasses, then you could choose to have reactions in just the one pair. The new reaction generation 6 lenses react faster to sunlight and also clear quicker than before, so the one pair of glasses may be all you ever need. You will also be spoilt on frame choice as there are nearly a thousand different styles and colours, including designer frames such as Jasper Conran, Missoni, Red or Dead, FCUK, Tommy and our own popular Specsavers brand Osisris. Our optometrists, husband and wife team Amrik Sappal amd Judy Borland are both fully UK qualified and you can expect to receive a thorough and comprehensive eye examination. It is important to have you eyes examined regulary, not just to make sure that you are seeing as well as you are able to, but also to have the health of the eyes checked at least every two years. Eye conditions such as glaucoma (where the eye pressure is at a level that is deterimental to the sight) give few or no symptoms in the early stages, so that many patients are very surprised to hear that they have glaucoma. The good news is that it is fairly easily managed and treated in the early stages with eye drops. So, not only can you come to Specsavers in Fuengiola to take advantage of our fabulous offers in store, but you can also take the opportunity to have the health of your eyes checked too. If you would like to make an appointment, please call 952467837 or come and see us at Avenida Ramón Y Cajal, 6 Fuengirola or go to our web site www.specsavers.es
Annoyed with large electricity bills? Sick of having to heat up the oven for just 1 item or do you even find yourself cooking on the hob or microwave to save electric, even though you know your food would taste better coming from the oven? Well, The Yorkshire Linen Warehouse have the answer…. The JML HALOGEN OVEN!! It's instant halogen heat defrosts, bakes, roasts…. In fact do anything that you can do in an ordinary oven but in the speed of a microwave! Totally portable, you can even use it on your terrace if you enjoy alfresco dining and best of all…. The self cleaning function. Come in store and see for yourself!! For more information call 952 197 577 Or visit www.yorkshirelinen.com
CHARITY Snooker star starts charity fun run Willie Thorne is to start the Smile Mile Charity run at Club La Costa on 29 July 2009 with all proceeds going towards the €3 million ADIMI Hospital project. There will be live music, local bands, barbecue, bar, loads of fun, games and rides for the whole family. Willie Thorne is the official race starter for the second Smile Foundation Smile Mile charity run to be held at Club La Costa's resort in Mijas Costa on Wednesday 29th July at 20:00 hrs. Entertainment includes a barbecue and outdoor bar and the kids can enjoy bouncy castles, bucking bronco and surf board rides. There's live music from two local bands, the U2 inspired Traffic Jam, and Abba tribute band Take a Chance on Us. Entrance to the run costs €7 and runners receive a Smile Mile T-shirt and a certificate of participation from Willie Thorne. If you don't want to run then just come along and enjoy the evening, and bring your friends and family with you. Event Organiser, Alastair Fitchett, said: "We're asking people to run a mile in support of this worthy cause and we have a great evening's entertainment lined up. The race starts at 20:00 hrs with the fun following on into the late hours". All money raised will go towards the €3,000,000 ADIMI Cruz Dias Hospital, which will offer respite care and specialist support for local families with disabled children. Full details on how to enter can be found at www.clublacosta.com/smilemile. Or simply register to run on smilemileregistration@clublacosta.com For further information: contact the event organisers Alastair Fitchett on 952 66 99 00 ext 70321, or Antonia Hagelen-McIntosh on 952 66 99 66 (direct line).
DESEOS FLORIST After many years on the coast, the Deseos Florist, situated on the roundabout before the Puerto Banus Bullring, has a new owner. The shop still supplies fresh, cut flowers and beautifully wrapped bouquets for any occasion and a large assortment of potted indoor and outdoor plants. There are also a variety of Orchid plants available. Lisa, the head florist and Karen the new owner, can provide wedding or party consultations to suit any budget. They also supply flowers for restaurants, boats and social events. There is an Interflora and home delivery service as well. Deseos has a large selection of greeting cards and gifts to make someone feel special and appreciated. If you would like to liven up the occasion with helium filled balloons or party supplies, call in too. You can always say it beautifully with flowers, a card or a gift from Deseos. Tel: 952 811 301
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>> costa BUSINESS, CHARITIES & EVENTS MAYFAIR INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY A good education is the best gift you could ever give your child Inaugurated in 1997 by the Countess of Coventry, Mayfair International Academy has grown from a small, private, secondary school to a complete educational establishment offering seamless education from Reception all the way through to Upper Sixth Form. The small classes guarantee individual attention and an excellent team of fully qualified staff, most of whom have been teaching at Mayfair Academy since its early years, ensure that all students are given the opportunity to excel.
David Bentley, owners Clare Strutton and Ian Radford and Holm from Exxact Vodka
EVENT Buddha
Beach Summer Party marks the start of the season! The Marbella Summer Season officially began with one of the most eagerly awaited events on the coast, the Buddha Beach Summer Party. Over 600 of the crème de la crème of Marbella's glittering social scene were joined by international sports stars including Tottenham Hotspur and England international David Bentley, who is a part owner of the club, as well as fellow professionals Shay Given, Carlton Cole, Jermaine Jenas and Sevilla's Jesus Navas. Guests at the glamourous gathering sipped Mumm champagne and Exakt Vodka cocktails, and were also able to enjoy a mouth watering selection of bite sized versions of some of the most popular dishes from Buddha Beach's acclaimed menu. The partygoers, who also included owners Ian Radford & Claire Strutton, Bobby & Zoe Strutton as well as British Consul Steve Jones and other stars from the world of football included Liam Ridgewell, Stephen Warnock, John Gregory, Ledley King and Stephen Hunt, were soon enjoying Buddha Beach's famed atmosphere, while the live DJ kept the music coming. Sky Sports TV also interviewed several of the stars at the party, including Argentinian football legend Claudio Caniggia, and the local press were also able to get shots of both David Bentley and Jesus Navas at a busy photo call during the evening. The party marked the official beginning of a busy summer at Buddha Beach, Marbella's boutique beach club. This year Buddha Beach will be staging regular events including the popular Sunday Sunset Sessions, Limelight on Thursday and Sintillate on Friday The highlight of the summer will be special intimate dinner performance by R&B superstar Alexander O'Neal on July 24, while The Drifters are due to perform on August 15. Budda Beach, Urb. Villa Marina, Nueva Andalucia Tel. 952 81 38 82 www.buddhabeachanus.com
As Primary schooling sets the foundation for life, Mayfair primary teachers strive to widen and deepen children's understanding by firing their imagination and interest in learning. Specialist teachers tutor the children in Spanish, Music and PE, and swimming lessons, with an ASA qualified Swimming Instructor, continue throughout the year in the heated indoor pool. The Secondary department at Mayfair Academy covers years 7 through to 13 with a choice of curricula from year ten onwards. Students following the Sports curriculum now study towards 8 GCSE subjects alongside an NVQ Level One, Assistant Gym Instructor but the icing on the cake must surely be the options offered at Sixth Form where students can choose between a range of A Level subjects alongside NVQ levels 2 and 3, which are not only professional qualifications but also carry tariff points towards university. The facilities at Mayfair Academy include a state of the art computer suite, a fully equipped science laboratory, a complete fitness centre, a heated indoor swimming pool and an outdoor swimming pool. School buses run from Duquesa and Elviria. For a limited time, there is no enrolment fee for new students. Tel: 95 2784923 www.mayfairacademy.com e.mail info@mayfairacademy.com
EVENT Over 50s Show
Following the huge successes of the 2007 and 2008 events, this year's Over 50s Show, the lifestyle event for the Coast's seniors, will according to the organisers, be the 'biggest, best and most feature-packed yet'. The event will again by held at the Palaccio de Congresos, Estepona on the last weekend of November (Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th) and will again be the 'ultimate showcase' for the region's older people, with all the proven attractions EVENT La Cala de Mijas Lions as well as many new elements. For antique buffs the good The next event to be held by the La Cala de Mijas Lions is the Presidents news is that Eric Knowles, known to millions for his appearPresentation Ball, at the Tamisa Hotel on Saturday 12th September, starting at ances on The Antique Roadshow, will be back at the show, 7:30p.m. for 8:00p.m. offering free valuations on the Bonhams stand. There will There will be drinks & canapés on arrival, followed by a 3-course dinner, with an also be a dedicated homes and gardens section. And plans open bar for beer and wine, plus live entertainment by Two Brass. are also in hand for an extensive involvement from Dunnes During the evening, Tony Bellamy who is president of the La Cala Lions, will present Stores, as well as a fashion show. There will also be a procheques from monies raised during the past year, to various charities. The proceeds gramme of cookery demonstrations by some of the Coast's raised at the ball will be donated to Positively Pink, which is a local charity that is top chefs. aiming to set up a mobile breast-screening clinic. If you are interested in exhibiting at The Over 50s Show, you Tickets will be 45 euros, and will be available to buy from the Lions Shop, the Tamisa can get details by contacting the organisers at Hotel or directly from 902 003896. Or email: john@slp.ie Joy (952471457)
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costa BUSINESS, CHARITIES & EVENTS >>
WELCOME TO HOT OFF THE PRESS SERVICE - QUALITY - COMPETITIVE PRICES
Leak detecting and pool repairs If you think your pool is loosing water the simplest way to check it is not evaporation is to put a bucket of water at the side of the pool - if it is evaporation both the level of pool and bucket will go down the same amount. Once you have established your pool has a leak - call us at Splash and we will make an appointment to visit you with our specialist leak detecting equipment - imported from the States. We have both sonic and helium leak detecting machines which will normally find where the leak is within an hour when a pool is very large it may take longer. Leak detecting costs 60 € per hour & iva - once we have determined the problem we will then give you a costing for repairs. The most common problems are broken pipes and skimmers, faulty light fittings and the structure of the pool itself. When the pool itself is cracked the only way to repair it successfully is to take off all the old tiles or paint - then mesh the cracks and cover the whole pool is a coat of specialised rubber cement before re-tiling with new tiles. The structure of your pool will then be waterproofed and look like new ! Splash and our employees are all covered by public liability insurance and pool renovations are covered by a 5 year guarantee . Once the renovations are complete we will maintain your pool FREE of charge for ONE MONTH - to ensure we are completely happy with the work. Splash Swimming Pools are based at the entrance to Urbanisation Doña Pilar on the Carretera de Mijas ( Just below Restaurante Valparaiso ) We are open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday TEL : 952 591 053 Email: splashpools@electronbox.net www.splashmijas.moonfruit.com
Hot Off the Press is the first British dry cleaners and laundry service on the Costa del Sol and most importantly, the only dry cleaning outlet in Southern Spain using a unique cleaning system, Green Earth Solvent from the USA. Hot Off the Press offers two types of garment cleaning: wet laundry cleaning and dry cleaning. Other services include garment alterations and repairs. Our Dry Cleaning Charter: Our products and equipment are environmentally friendly. Our services leave a brighter finish on your clothes leaving garments looking as good as new. No smell (odour-free) finish. A softer feel and finish on all your garments. Absolutely no shrinkage. The most competitive prices for this high quality service. 25 years of experience in the dry cleaning industry in the UK. A four hour* rapid VIP service is available on request. Next day collection guaranteed. We are the leading stain removal experts on the coast! FIND US AT C.C. Calahonda, KM 197, NEXT TO Mercadona Tel 952 930 392 Open 9am - 7.30pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 9am to 2pm
EVENT Festival Arte-Sano 22 & 23 August 2009 Playa La Salida Paseo Marítimo de San Pedro de Alcantara The second edition of this alternative beach festival is being organized in conjunction with the Ayto. de San Pedro and is sponsored by new Andalucian initiative ¡Soy Eco! www.soyeco.com The festival aims to promote alternative ways of living and a better quality of life through natural health, artistic and cultural expression and the importance of improving sustainability and the integration of cultures in Andalucía. The festival will be open from 12 noon to midnight each day with free talks and workshops, an active and dynamic marketplace which will bring together organic and eco product sellers, alternative therapies, crafts, concerts, dance, drama and a platform to encourage the exchange of ideas and share experiences in the field of Arts, Health and Ecology. For children there will be a host of games, workshops and fun activities on offer. Festival Arte-Sano, 22 & 23 August, Playa La Salida, Paseo Marítimo de San Pedro de Alcantara. For further information Tel: Phil Speirs on 951 165 092 email: arte-sano2009@hotmail.com
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>> costa BUSINESS, CHARITIES & EVENTS Salon Varieties perform in Republic of Ireland:
Salon Varieties Theatre, Fuengirola
Salon Varieties is celebrating 25 years on the coast in 2010 and after this years season is clearly going stronger than ever. With a wide selection of plays, musicals and reviews over the past 9 months Salon Varieties continues to shine on the coast as the most popular theatre for Expats and visitors alike. To think that this theatre has spanned a quarter of a century through no more than the sterling efforts of mostly unpaid management and actors is a great testament to their love of the theatre and the determination of all involved over the last twenty five years both young and old, new and established, to keep theatre alive on the Costa del Sol. And every now and then something special happens which serves to encourage all involved to keep going and stay involved. Stephen Burns, a long time member old the theatre invited his friend and director Matt Murphy to come to the theatre from Southern Ireland to direct a play. A great admirer of play write Arthur Miller, Matt decided to accept the invitation and put on a performance of ‘‘A View from the Bridge’’ A gritty and powerful play set in the depression years in New York a view from the bridge is a play that demands the very best from all involved and Matt knew that he was going to have his work cut out to put on a performance worthy of this classic play. After weeks of intense rehearsal and seriously hard work for all concerned the play opened on Saturday 4th April for five nights and although the cast and crew knew that all the hard work was hopefully going to pay off nobody expected
With Justice minister Dermott Ahern
the response that this performance received. After the first night many people stayed behind just to speak to cast and crew about how powerful and professional the performances were. It was a great reward for all involved to receive such a response. Many people had said that it was one the best plays ever at Salon Varieties. After five successful nights the cast thought that that was that until Stephen Burns discussed the possibility of taking the play to The Arts Festival in Dundalk for a one night only performance. After many of Matt’s peers and friends came over from Ireland to see the play and went back singing its praises the invitation was offered, the date was booked and off to Dundalk they went. On arrival they had one rehearsal at the new venue and the set was built in a day and a half by Tony Rice, his daughter and anyone else who would lend a hand. Bearing in mind that this was nearly 8 weeks after the play had finished in Fuengirola the cast kept their lines by meeting once a week for a run through. All were exhausted but in spite of this and with tensions running high the play went up to a full house and was an outstanding success. The local papers and radio went mad for the performance and delivered critiques worthy of any West End production. The cast were escorted around the town by the locals and even met the Justice Minister Dermott Ahern. Matt Murphy who has won many awards in theatre in Ireland was delighted with the performance and has been invited back next year to direct another play of his choosing at Salon Varieties. All in all a
Mama Rosa Indian and Italian Cuisine
No more family feuds about where to eat! As we all know the two most popular dishes in the UK are Indian and Italian. But the dilemma has always been when dining out that when you might want a Lasagna your partner may want a chicken Korma or even worse
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Director Matt Murphy
great time was had by everybody and another type of bridge was built between theatre goers in two countries which hopefully will lead to further relations and performances in the future. If you would like to get involved in Salon Varieties give them a call. The box office opens on September 1st so put it in your dairy and book some tickets to support your local theatre. BOX OFFICE: Telephone (+34) 952 47 45 42 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 10.30 - 13.30 and 19.00 - 20.00
Cast (In order of appearance) Louis Graham Cherry Mike -Trevor Squire Eddie - Geoffrey Stansfield Alfieri - Stephen Burns Catherine - Brianna MacPherson Beatrice - Bobbye Aaron Marco -Ronan Holdsworth Rodolfo -Peter Geldard Immigration officer 1- David Vincent Immigration officer 2 - John Pyne The Liparis - David Radford and Wendy Smith
Production Team Director - Matt Murphy Producer - Stephen Burns Stage Manager - Gloria Harding Assistant Stage and props - Pauline Naylor Set construction -John Pyne and Tony Rice Lighting Engineer - Dave Carney Sound Engineer - Dave Steve Mills Wardrobe - Sian Hopkins
when you and your loved one agree on a curry after an extended discussion and you concede (the fella that is) the kids step in and say "I want a Pizza!" What to do? An enjoyable family night turns into a food fight, not literally of course! I am sure we have all encountered this problem on more than one occasion. But now, thanks to Mama Rosa's Curry House everybody can be happy and eat their favourite food. What a simple idea, take the two most popular kinds of food and offer them in one venue. That's exactly what's now available at the recently opened Mama Rosa Curry House in Los Boliches, Fuengirola. Gulfam Raja who originates from Norway and has recently moved here says he wants to provide the best quality Indian and Italian food in one restaurant. To achieve this he has employed one of the most popular Indian Chefs on the coast Amjad who is known from his work all over the coast, in particular Torremolinos has 30 years experience in cooking Indian food and Luciano, who has over 20 years experience is an Italian chef who has appeared on T.V. here in Spain such is his popularity.
>>
costa BUSINESS, CHARITIES & EVENTS >> Both are professional chefs in their own type of cooking and offer the finest recipes from both countries. The restaurant is an impressive size and can cater for parties and celebrations, with seating for up to 100 people comfortably. The ambience is delightful and you can watch the world go by as you enjoy a lovely evening overlooking the Mediterranean. The venue has also been refurbished to a very high standard as you can see from the pictures here. The menu is extensive and offers the finest Indian and Italian cuisine. For example from India all your most popular home made starters like Pakoras, Onion Bahjis, Samosas, Chicken, lamb and fish Tikka, Seekh Kebabs to less well known dishes like Prawn Puri, Chicken Shashlik and Paneer Tikka. Main courses include Madras, Vindaloo, Bhuna, Jalfrezi, Masala, Mughlai, Dupiaza, Patia and many more so whether you prefer mild, medium or hot there is something for everyone, in fact there are over TWENTY starters to choose from and over FIFTY Indian dishes to choose from. The Italian menu is no different with over 20 varieties of Pizza to choose from and 20 pasta dishes to choose from. Gulfam also wants to offer the finest wines so you can choose from an extensive wine list that offers the very best white, rosé and red wines plus of course all your favoruite beers, spirits and soft drinks. Prices are very reasonable, the staff are very pleasant and accommodating and the food is terrific, washed down with a nice wine and overlooking the
What is BodyCopia? Imagine having a perfect replica of your beloved child´s hand or foot that, in years to come, will be a joyful reminder of how tiny they used to be. Imagine having a three-dimensional copy of your pregnant belly, maybe with your hand feeling those first gentle kicks. Your lover´s kiss; holding hands in celebration, maybe a wedding, anniversary, perhaps simply to say I love you; an intimate moment; or just a part of yourself that is your partner´s favourite - all can be captured for ever as a wonderfully personal piece of art. BodyCopia is truly personal art. A sculpture that is actually a part of you or a loved one, beautifully mounted or framed. You choose the finish, the colour, the setting. Recently, in part thanks to the special-effects industry in Hollywood and partly thanks to the medical profession needing a method of developing better prosthetics, new casting materials have made the casting of "life" possible; in fact, not only possible, but easily affordable to everyone - a magical celebration of a moment in your life that can be treasured forever. How´s it done? It is actually a very pleasant experience.
Med what more could you ask for? And of course no more family feuds! Mum and Dad can enjoy the finest international cuisine and the children can enjoy pizza or even something from the children's menu. Everybody's happy!! Mama Rosa Curry House is open every day from 12 till late. Call 951 916 048 for more details or to book your table.
How? Well, it depends on which body part is being cast. Small areas such as lips, nipples and baby hands or feet for example, are usually cast using fast setting casting alginate. Areas such as faces and larger body parts use a special slower-setting casting gel against the skin with supporting layers of warm plaster bandage. After the mould has been created, it is then filled with an extra hard form of plaster which, when dry, can be sculpted and decorated into the desired final form. All materials used are well-proven to be medically safe and allergy-free. Casting time varies between a couple of minutes and half-an-hour depending on the size of the area to be cast. A few days later, your finished sculpture will be ready for collection or delivery. One important point to note is that BodyCopia are very experienced with children and find they generally enjoy the experience. You can see an actual baby casting video on their website, (http://bodycopia.com/life-cast-baby.htm).
Who does it? Michael Lindsay Orr and Annette Vohns are sculptors with many years of professional experience. Michael has a British Royal Charter
in design and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 1979. Annette is a renowned sculptor in plaster and bronze who has successfully exhibited in Germany and Spain. Something new…especially for kids! Every youngster's dream is to be a famous sports´ star or Superhero. For kids from seven years and up, BodyCopia will uniquely cast and decorate your child in the strip of their team or Superman or their favourite dressing-up character. There is no age limit, by the way, so great big, grown-up kids can also be made into Premier League superstars…
Where are they? Their studio is conveniently close to the A340 in Fuengirola and, unusually for the area, has easy parking close-by. Naturally, if you just want a beautiful piece of art to hang on your wall, you can always buy one of their superb exhibition pieces. A BodyCopia lifecast so much better than a photograph MEMORIES THAT YOU CAN TOUCH ! Telephone 654 14 36 11 or
606 959 226
costa life 39
>> costa BUSINESS, CHARITIES & EVENTS
CHAIN & JK’s Summer Street Party The CHAIN Gang and JK’s would like to thank everyone who came along to the Summer Street Party on Sunday 7th June 2009. It seemed that most of Coin had turned out to enjoy the sunshine, drink, food and entertainment. The event raised €1500 towards the new ‘‘Vet in a Van’’ project from CHAIN which aims to buy a mobile vet unit for the Malaga Province. CHAIN Fashion Show with Irenes Dragsters
Claire King officially opened the event after a short video about the work of CHAIN that brought tears to the eyes of the audience. But these were soon replaced with cheers and laughter as Claire helped to referee Coin’s Strongest Man Competition, admirably won by Tony from ARCH who pushed the 4 wheel drive across the finish line in under 10 seconds. He was rewarded with a Trophy from Claire, a pint and the largest blister on his foot that any of us had ever seen!
Why Vet in a van?
Claire watching the CHAIN video
‘‘Models’’ replaced muscles as the CHAIN Fashion show got under way. Outfits from the CHAIN Charity shop were on display with every costume costing under €5. Some of the braver men donned wigs and stockings for the occasion but were much in need of a leg wax! The final challenge was a gladiatorial match on the giant inflatable arena. Andy Gold FX, a DJ from 106.8 Ace FM, saw off every challenger to become the undisputed King of the Ring!
Dave & Steve from Ace fm Wendy from Chain and Claire
Jousting
Finally the 2 live bands Costa Rock and Im and Er kept everyone dancing until the late hours with tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
Our vision is to fund a fully equipped, surgical vet van that will travel across the Malaga Province providing neutering and other vet services for animal charities and the local community. We need €20,000 to cover the cost of the purchase and initial operating costs. At less than €55 a day we think this is a valuable investment for our community.
CONTACTS:
So once again a BIG thank you to everyone who worked on and supported the event, same place next year?
Kelly Thirwell president of CHAIN
40 costa life
When you find an abandoned animal it’s a dilemma. You don't want to leave them to an often prolonged and painful death or to cause injury to someone else by straying into the road, but you can’t take them home with you. You call on the already overcrowded refuges. If we can help to reduce the stray animal problem with an effective neutering campaign then everyone benefits!
Throughout the day there was a live radio broadcast and commentary from 106.8 Ace FM with requests coming in from people listening on the internet back in the UK. Children had their faces painted and ran around playing on the bouncy castle and enjoying many games such as Splat the Rat and Pick a Ping Pong Ball. Adults competed on the Golf Challenge and Tombola’s and enjoyed food from a BBQ, India, Israel, Spain and the UK.
CHAIN supports many local animal charities and we know the pressure that they are under to re-home animals and raise funds to cover food, water, vet's fees etc. The problem seems never-ending. Those animals that are rehomed are soon replaced by new ones abandoned at the door of the refuges or dumped on roads or at bins, often injured in the process.
Kelly (Animal Adoption and Issues): 672 399 323 Bev (Vet in a Van Fundraising): 651 444 908 Wendy (PR:) www.chaininspain@hotmail.com Web: www.chaininspain.com 106.8 Ace FM: 951 161 161 JK’s Matchroom: 951 31 85 16
Swimming Pools S.L.
Providing quality service here since 1985 Professional Pool Maintenance from only 70â‚Ź per month (exc.chemicals & iva) FREE pool analysis - bring a small sample in & we will test it and advise you on the spot Specialists in leak detecting and repairs Quality new builds and renovations Efficient heat pumps Safety covers Jacuzzis. Salt water chlorinators Chemical and equipment supplies Quality pool furniture Toys & games Open 8am to 4pm Tel 952 591 053 www.splashmijas.moonfruit.com splashpools@electronbox.net We are situated at the entrance to Urb. Dona Pilar, Next to the Octagon Bar & just off the Careterra de Mijas
>> costa HOMES
I
f you are going to choose a new interior design or to reform your house/flat in any other way, keep in mind that the word home is not just a word that describes a place, it’s also a way of living. It is very important that your house is not just a house, but a home, and the home should be yours, not just anybody’s. >>To make your home the relaxing and cosy place you want, you have to think about how you use different spaces in a way that’s significant to your way of living. The demands of natural light, fresh air, privacy and warmth; colours that create the atmosphere you want; furniture that mirrors your taste; the need for quietness in a world full of all the noises we are surrounded by all day long. >>You should feel safe and relaxed in your home. There are many different things that together will give you the right feeling: the smell of your favourite fresh flower; the colours that give you comfort; the old kettle that you inherited from your grandmother that gives you warm memories; the little drawing from your child that makes you smile, and much more.
Home Comforts by Annika Jonsson BLOND of Scandinavia
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costa HOMES >> >>It is often true that you can guess a person’s personality from looking into their home. No home looks the same; we all have different tastes, and that taste is very personal. To be able to create this feeling of comfort, the key is to trust yourself. When you look in interior design magazines, you might think the houses look wonderful and you would like your own home to look like them. My advice is, stop just there. Put that magazine away and start to think about what you really want and what you really like. You can, of course, get a lot of ideas from magazines and design ‘‘gurus’’. There is nothing wrong with that, but, and this is important, you should never try to copy somebody else’s taste. You wouldn’t think of copying somebody else’s personality, would you? Take the ideas and try to transform them so they suit you. Whatever you do in your home, think about it in the light of comfort and well-being, and do not forget practicality. All those things you do every day like cooking, eating, relaxing, sleeping, even cleaning are best made in a harmonious atmosphere. Your home should suit you and your needs. >>Everybody needs a place where they can escape and not be disturbed. You might think that this is a very selfish way to behave, but I can assure you that if you ask your husband, your wife or your kids they will agree with you wholeheartedly. How many of you women, by the way, have a husband who escapes to his ‘‘secret’’ shed in the garden, building his model railway or writing the ultimate new novel?
Your home should suit you and your needs >>If you have teenagers, they go to their room and shut the door, often with a bang, which means that they want to be left alone. So what about you? Maybe you don’t want a shed (or maybe that’s exactly what you do want), but there are many other ways of getting your own private space. If you don’t have a lot of space you can, for example, put up one of those folding screens and, behind it, place your favourite armchair. In your garden, you can put up a hammock in the shade. The most important thing is that the rest of your family are aware of, and respect, your private space! It is not a lot to ask for.
>>The opposite of private space, is space for entertaining. Most of us love having good friends over for a meal. For example, a BBQ in the summer is the perfect way to have a good and relaxing time with your friends. It’s not just that you are outside; it is also that the cooking area, the BBQ, is usually surrounded by your guests, talking, drinking and having a good time while you are preparing the meal. This is exactly the reason that I love open plan kitchen-dining areas. It is like having a BBQ inside, except the smoke. I don’t like it when the host disappears in the kitchen for hours to prepare the food, and when dinner is over she/he disappears for another hour to do the washing up. This is, in my book, not the way to entertain your friends. I know that, back in England, it is very common to have a separate kitchen and dining room. I have reformed many houses in London and always made them open plan. Once, a buyer told me that she didn’t like the open plan area. She said: ‘‘The smell from the kitchen will be all over the place!’’ To which I replied: ‘‘I am sorry, but it all depends on your cooking. Good food smells wonderful!’’ Needless to say, I lost the client. >>The bedroom is another very important area where you should be able to relax. Colours in the bedroom are more important than anywhere else in your home. A soft green or blue give a calming effect. (By the way, do you remember in school, a long time ago, that blackboards were green? The reason they were changed to black was because the pupils got sleepy, influenced by the green colour!) A soft yellow reflects the warmth of the sun and expresses hope and reassurance. Strong colours in a bedroom are usually not a good choice but, on the other hand, the vibrant red has its pros! You spend a lot of time in bed, so it’s probably no news that the mattress is the most important purchase for your bedroom. Good bed linen is also essential. There is nothing as pleasant as getting under a well-ironed, crisp sheet and putting your head down on a soft pillow with a little scent of lavender. Obviously, the choice of smell and colours are yours, but give it some thought. The next time you go to bed, think about whether this is exactly how you want it to be. >>There is one room in every house where you always have privacy: the bathroom. One thing that is very important in your bathroom is the
lighting. You should always have a dimmer switch. Candles are also a good idea. Most women I know take a long, soaking bath with the bathroom lit by candles; they have soaps and bath foam that smell lovely; and they can relax and disappear into their own little world for a moment. I think the reason behind this is probably because most women don’t have a shed to escape to!!
Colours in the bedroom are more important than anywhere else in your home. A soft green or blue give a calming effect PS. My cat, Kaiser Otto, wants to have a word again (I think he is a little jealous because I am the one who writes the articles and not him). Anyway, he says that he has heard that there are many humans who say that cats smell bad. He says: ‘‘This is not true! We are the cleanest species on earth! We cats have three important things to do every day. Eat, sleep and clean ourselves. We don’t need perfume or anything else to make us smell good, unlike you humans! And I tell you what - there are a lot of you humans out there who smell extremely bad, trust me! And one more thing: you are going on and on with your tips on how to create a good feeling in your homes. Don’t forget the most important thing of all. There is nothing, I repeat, nothing, worth calling a HOME without a cat!’’ This time, for once, I have to agree with Kaiser. I often pick him up just to smell him and yes, he smells wonderful every time. And yes Kaiser, my home wouldn’t be the same without you.
costa life 43
AP592: A 3 level townhouse recently renovated located in a sought after and quiet street of Alora. At ground level there is a lounge/dining room with air conditioning, a fully fitted kitchen, w.c. and porch. On the 1st level there are 3 bedrooms and a family bathroom. On the upper level there is the master bedroom with fitted wardrobes. There is also a covered roof terrace of 35m2 with magnificent views of Alora and a utility room. This renovation has been completed to a high standard with new floors, windows and it has been replumbed and rewired. Easy access with street parking available. Mains water and electricity is connected. This property is an ideal family home.
specializing in
Fincas Country Villas Townhouses Cortijos Ruins Plots Rentals
952 498 454 mobile: 609 454 409 tel:
enquiries@aloraproperties.com www.aloraproperties.com Plaza Fuente Arriba s/n Alora
PRICE: 168,000€ €
AP594: A large Merchants townhouse located in the most historical part of Alora. The property has been restored but retains much of the original character. At street level is a 2 bedroom apartment with open plan lounge/kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and patio. Upper street level there is a very flexible open plan living space with a large kitchen/dining room with terrace, library area and bathroom. Upper level is a further large lounge with wood burning stove, the master bedroom with bathroom and dressing room. French doors leading to a terrace and a staircase to a glorious roof terrace with stunning views of Alora. 360m2 built.There is also a large garage. Mains water and electricity is connected.
PRICE: 345,000€ €
AP590: An unusual former olive mill with endless potential in Alora. The property is surrounded by lemon groves and within walking distance to shops, bus/train with excellent access and stunning views. Accommodation on two levels. Upper level has been restored to provide a stunning lounge/dining room, 4 bedrooms, utility room, modern fully fitted kitchen, bathroom, cloakroom and dining terrace. The street level has approx. 256m2 of space ready for restoration to provide more accommodation. 558m2 built. There is a garden, an 8x5 mt swimming pool, patio and store-room. Sold fully furnished. Mains water and electricity is connected. Ideal as a very large family home or as a small hotel business. This property is unique.
PRICE: 375,000€ €
AP471: Charming ruin on the outskirts of Alora which has a full renovation project and permission to build a 2 level, 145m2 house. When renovated it would offer a lounge, separate sitting room, kitchen/diner, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and separate w.c. Set in 10,000 m2 of semi flat land with almonds, oranges, lemons and pomegranades. Mains electricity and well water is connected. An ideal location for an accessible rural retreat with stunning views to the Sierra de las Nieves mountains. Being sold at a good price, don’t miss out on this opportunity to build your own place in the Sun.
PRICE: 90,000€ €
Say it beautifully with flowers, cards and gifts from Interflora Florist Home Deliveries Offex Easimail Point Edif. La Rotonda, Local 4, Avenida Manolete, N. Andalucia, Marbella Tel: 952 811 301 mob: 670 635 201
www.deseosflorist.com info@deseosflorist.com
MOB: 618 743 513 - e-mail: office@theblindmansl.com - web: www.theblindmansl.com
MACP: 475 Alhaurin el Grande 575,000 € €
Bedrooms: 4, 3 in the main and 1 in the casita, Built Area: 280m2, 350m2 including the two loft conversions, Bedrooms: 4, 3 in the main and 1 in the casita, Bathrooms: 5, Kitchen dinner in the main and a small separate kitchen in the other house, Separate self contained little house on two level with 40m2 beautiful studio or extra bedrooms, Garage at present covered into a games room, ample parking within the villa grounds or on the street. A great opportunity to purchase the only villa which is for sale on this new exciting urbanisation. The villa is in the country but walking distance to Alhaurin el Grande town. The location of this property is fantastic; being next to the town and close to all amenities. A mortgage is in place.
MACP-375 Alhaurin el Grande
199,000 € €
MACP-523 Alhaurin el Grande
250,000 € €
A wonderful little property on private plot with views of Alhaurin el Grande and the beautiful Spanish countryside.There is a terrace looking over pool area and a very private roof terrace with panoramic views of Alhaurin, coin and beyond. Built Area:65m2, Land Area: 522.30, Bedrooms: 2, Bathrooms 1, Swimming pool.
MACP-335
Monda
299,000 €€
Built Area: 166m2, Bedrooms: 3, 2 with fitted wardrobes, Bathrooms: 2 fantastic penthouse in the best part of Alhaurin with spectacular views. The property is situated looking over the swimming pool, charming gardens, golf course and country side. The penthouse is of a very high standard,extremely spacious with loads of light. There is a wonderful private roof terrace and lower terrace that would make a great BBQ area.
Built Area: 170 m2, Land Area: 233 m2, Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 3, Lounge: 2, Kitchen: 2 This lovely house is situated on the ONLY urbanisation in Monda, which has only about 24 houses all of different design, which makes this property very unique indeed. Anyone who lives in Monda or visits this lovely village will agree that it really is very beautiful and pleasant place to be. The house itself is split into two levels each with 2 bedrooms and a kitchen, it is very spacious and has great views over the countryside the village and Monda castle.
MACP-427 Alhaurin De La Torre 367,5000 € €
MACP-525
Just reduced from 599,000 € €
Built Area: 400m2, Land Area: 3,600m2, Bedrooms: 6, Bathrooms: 3 New on the market only renovated to very high standard a year ago. This property is on the outskirts of La Alqueria a village between the 2 Alhaurin’s. This is a large family home with all the extras - full oil fired central heating, log burning stove, air con. Newly decorated and fitted out this is a superb home that needs to be viewed to fully appreciate. It is situated in a very quiet lane but still within 10 minutes of 2 major towns.
Alhaurin el Grande
578,000 €€
BRAND NEW ONTO THE MARKET VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Built Area: 390m2, Land Area:1,500m2, Bedrooms: 3 all doubles, Bathrooms: 3, bathrooms one en-suite, plus a WC A beautiful property on a sought after great location. This lovely villa, really is one to be viewed property has 180m2 all one level and a further 210m2 on the lower level which is all totally legal and on the title deeds. In The country but walking distance to town.
MACP-282 Alhaurin De La Torre 375,000 € €
JUST REDUCED FOR A QUICK SALE BY 100,000 € € A absolutely exquisite villa on a popular urbanization. This beautiful villa is fully fenced with a nice drive and electric gates. The property comes with heating ,air-conditioning double glazing and is gorgeously decorated throughout .The property is spilt into two levels with both having 2 bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, and could be converted into a large family home. Built Area: 170m2, Plot Area: 2000m2, Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms 2/Half, Large Converted Outbuilding
MACP-456 Alhaurin el Grande
299,000 €€
JUST REDUCED FROM 350,000 € € Built Area: 133m2, Land Area: 168m2, Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 2 Pool: Community A beautiful, immaculate house, with private garden on an exclusive gated urbanisation.
MACP-530
Alhaurin el Grande
625,000 € €
Built Area: 300m2, Land Area: 1,500m2, Bedrooms: 6 or 5 with an office, Bathrooms: 4, Lounges: 2 Kitchen A beautiful property in immaculate condition in a sought after area, walking distance into Alhaurin town. This large property is currently used as a spacious family home but could quite easily accommodate two families as there is two levels with equal bedrooms, lounges and kitchens etc. Originally Spanish built and owned is very light with big windows, very roomy and comfortable. Well maintained and totally landscaped grounds, there is also a beautiful orchard, with orange, lemon avocado and apple tress.
>> costa HOMES
guide
to obtaining a mortgage in Spain
W
ho of fers mortgages?
Mortgages are available from most High street Spanish banks and saving banks[Caja] and International lenders in Gibraltar. Most Developers will have a loan scheme in place on ‘off-plan’ purchases, but you need to be aware that these are only available on completion and will not cover any stage payments i.e. normally 30% deposit. Resale properties are also sometimes offered for sale with a mortgage in place that can be easily transferred.
>> What is the cost of arranging a mortgage? The cost of a Spanish mortgage varies greatly from lender to lender and also from broker to broker. Generally you should allow between 2-3% of the purchase price of the property.
>> Why is it so expensive? The up-front costs on a Spanish loan are much higher than in the UK for a number of reasons. Firstly the Bank itself will charge an arrangement fee ranging from .75% - 2% of the loan depending on the loan to value and the complexity. The higher fees are generally charged for ‘non-status’ lending or bridging finance and for a normal mortgage you should not pay more than 1.25% There is also mortgage tax of 1% of the value of the loan and 1% of the interest due to be accrued over the term of the loan e.g. on a loan of €100,000 over 25 years at 3.5% the total interest payable is approx. €50,990 making the tax payable €1000 + €509.90 As a Spanish mortgage is attached to the property and not the owner it has its own
title deed. You will have to pay for the deed to be produced and also land registry and notary fees. The cost of this varies from area to area and on the value of the property. Valuation fees vary depending on the value of the property and the valuation company but start at about €200 for a small apartment. Lastly you have the services of a mortgage broker and again this can vary tremendously. Some charge nothing and just rely on the commission the banks pay them whilst others charge up to 1.5% of the loan. It is recommended that a broker is used if income is hard to prove as they will know which lenders are the most flexible and can save valuable time. The break-even point for a Spanish loan as opposed to a UK loan or remortgage is approximately 5 years, so if you are considering paying the loan off in full before that time you need to think long and hard about which way to proceed as it may be cheaper to raise the funds at home.
>> How much can I borrow? As general guide a non resident will be able to borrow 70%-80% of the valuation of a property, whilst residents can borrow up to 100% of the valuation. The key to obtaining the maximum mortgage offer is in achieving the maximum valuation, which is the job of the Tasador [valuer]. Most Banks will accept valuations from 1 or 2 Tasadors whilst a few employ their own. Your income is the other determining factor and the monthly repayments have to be covered by up to 40% of your NET salary, but most banks will only accept 35% Land purchase is limited to 60% of valuation by most lenders, as is lending on ‘Finca Rustica’ property. If you already own land and want to build then construction loans are an option. The bank will lend up to 70% of the projected completed value which in most cases will be more than enough to cover 100% of the build cost.
>> Which Currency should I borrow in? Mortgages are available in most major currencies. You should be aware that if you borrow in a currency that does not have a fixed value against the euro, currency fluctuations could make your borrowing more expensive or less expensive depending on whether your chosen currency weakens or strengthens against the euro.
>> What Interest rate will I pay? Interest rates again will depend on the currency you choose to borrow. Interest rates for mortgages in euros are based
48 costa life
on the European Inter Bank Overnight Rate, or EURIBOR for short, which has largely takeover from the older MIBOR. The lenders rate will be a margin over EURIBOR generally EURIBOR +0.75% to 1.5% but individual circumstances can dictate higher or lower rates. Fixed rate mortgages are available at slightly higher interest rates. Some lenders offer a lower Start up interest rates for the first year or part interest only mortgages, ideally suited for funding new construction.
>> How often will interest rates be reviewed? Usually once a year, fixed rate mortgages are available at higher interest rates.
>> What is the maximum repayment period? Mostly commonly, 15 or 20 years, but up to 35 years can be arranged.
>> What information will the bank require: Banks vary in the amount of information that they require, but in general the more you can provide the easier the loan is to procure. Ideally the following would be good
>> If you are employed: Last 3 wage /salary slips. Latest P60. Last 6 months bank statements. Reference letter from your employer confirming date of employment, proof of income and position and prospects within the company Bank reference (The lender may have to apply for this themselves depending on who you bank with) Some lenders require an experion credit check to be carried out Copy of passport/residencia.
>> If you are self employed: Last 2 years tax returns. Copies of accounts for the last 2/3 years Chartered accountants copy report, confirming your annual personal drawings from the company Copy of your passport/residencia 6 months personal bank statements Bank reference letter
>> You will also need: In relation to a specific property, the nota simple from the property registry, offer letter or sales purchase contract. If you are applying for a construction loan then you must provide the Escritura for the land. The plans stamped by the College of Architects and a 10 year building guarantee. An NIE number from the local police station, which you or your lawyer can arrange. You will also need to open a Spanish bank account and it is advisable to use the same bank as your mortgage is with.
VILLA MARKETING Established for 26 Years
Since 1983
NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9577 Villa on one level, situated in a central position, in a gated community, within walking distance of supermarket, restaurants and sports facilities. In need of some refurbishment, 4 bedrooms, mature garden, large garage. Exceptional price at: 650.000 Euros
NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9600 Exceptional villa in a gated community at an exceptional price. Reformed to a high standard. 4 bedrooms, large modern kitchen, lounge/dining room leading to terrace area and onto the pool. Mature garden and garage. Price: 675.000 Euros
NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9312 Apartment with sea views in a very central position within walking distance to shops, restaurants, beach and Puerto Banus. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, WC, underground garage and store room. Complex is gated with cameras and 24 hr. security. Price: 395.000 Euros
BEACHFRONT PENTHOUSE Ref. 9466 Los Granados Playa, situated between San Pedro and Estepona, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, spacious living. Opportunity: 599.950 Euros
NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9598 Frontline golf apartment with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a gated community. Situated in a peaceful area with magnificent golf views. The price of this property has been reduced for a quick sale. Price: 215.000 Euros
NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9465 Central position, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, beach and Puerto Banus. Spacious apartment with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, underground garage space and 24 hour security. Price: 179.950 Euros
Sales office: Casano 10-B, Nueva Andalucia (Pass the Bullring, beside BBVA bank)
Tel: 952 810 695
www.villamarketing.com Sales - Long & Short Term Rentals - Property Management
>> costa HOMES
>> El Pocero
financial
news report
The entrepreneur known by the popular name as ‘El Pocero’ has said that he is not going to complete the building planned at the Madrid dormitory town of Seseña. A service road is still to be completed and more high tension power lines and better water infrastructure are reported as needed, but Francisco Hernando, has said he is to move his interests elsewhere, with projects in Guinea. How he obtained the license to build the massive complex remains the subject of a legal investigation with the Ex Socialist Mayor, José Luis Martín, alleged to have accepted backhanders in exchange. Only 5,000 of the planned 13,000 homes at the site have been completed.
>> MySpace to make large numbers of its staf f redundant in Spain The internet social network site ‘MySpace’, which belongs to the media group, NewsCorp, directed by Rupert Murdoch, is about to announce a significant ‘readjustment’ of its workforce in Spain. The company has already served various members of its staff with redundancy notices and the official news of its redundancy plans which will affect most of its staff and collaborators in Spain is expected to be announced today. Nevertheless, a spokesperson for the company indicated that this was not a closure of the company’s activities in Spain and that MySpace España would continue to operate from its own office. However, the spokesperson avoided answering questions regarding the redundancies and repeated that the official news would be broadcast by NewsCorp today. The reorganization of the MySpace office in Spain forms part of the process of restructuring announced by the company and it is expected that up to two thirds of its international workforce, around 300 employees, will be affected. It is also expected that in addition to redundancies 4 of its offices outside the US will be closed.
>> Unemployment set to increase The European Central Bank is forecasting that the deterioration in the labour market will intensify, and that recovery will start in the middle of next year after a time of stabilization. It comes after the bank left EU interest rates at 1% last week. Meanwhile an EU report has said that Spain is responsible for 40% of the unemployment created in Europe since last October. The study says the unemployment rate here is double the European average, and has placed the number out of work at 4.2 million.
>> And finally Beer consumption in the bars of Spain has fallen by 10%, while sales in supermarkets are up 2.4% according to the data for the first quarter of the year compared to last. It shows how consumers are changing their habits in the face of the recession and spending less, and also shows how sales are affected by the lower tourist numbers.
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NewsCorp acquired MySpace in 2005 at a cost of 580 million de dollars (432 million Euros), at a time when it was considered to be the principal social networking site operating on the internet. However its leadership is now in question given the success of the 2 other major social networking sites - Facebook and Twitter.
>> Spain launches 9 billion bank fund Spain has launched a 9bn euro ($12.7bn; £7.7bn) fund in case any of its troubled banks needs rescuing. Finance Minister Elena Salgado said the money could be used for capital injections, mergers or restructuring. She said the Fund for Ordered Bank Restructuring would start off with 9bn Euros, but that the size of the fund could rise to 90bn Euros. In March, the Bank of Spain took over a regional savings bank in the country’s first bail-out of the current crisis. ‘‘We think this is a very good time to carry out an orderly process of restructuring our country’s financial system, or at least starting it,’’ Mrs. Salgado said. Many Spanish banks invested heavily in the country’s property markets and expanded rapidly. Now that the value of most housing has fallen substantially, many banks have been stuck with rising amounts of bad loans. Caja Castilla La Mancha was rescued in March, and concerns about the health of the banking sector have hit the share prices of banking giants such as Santander and BBVA this year.
>> BBVA announces closures The BBVA bank has announced the closure of 170 of its offices in Spain and the transfer of 500 employees. The bank says it is reacting to lower levels of activity and the closures represent 5% of their branches.
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>> costa HOMES
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Hemerocallis ‘Crimson Pirate’
Lazy J Days!
uly and August are the two hottest months of the Spanish year and I find it difficult to enjoy anything other than lazing next to a pool or going into exile on one of the beaches along the Costa. Yet for gardeners these two months can be 'make or break'. Sometimes, because of my own laziness, a plant or shrub may keel over and die from lack of water. All of those plants I put in the ground at the last minute in late spring had little time to get their roots down into the already hard soil. Unfortunately, few of these will get through summer without a daily check and extra watering when necessary.
By Simon Hill 54 costa life
costa HOMES >> Ironically, here inland with a plentiful supply of low cost irrigation water that we are now free to use, economic circumstances have halted the plans I made earlier in the year to upgrade and improve my garden irrigation system. In the long term, this would go a long way towards saving water, making more efficient use of it when it flows through our supply pipes. Over the years I have been writing, I have often criticised Garden Centres for not providing a wider range of plants and shrubs, particularly those that do well in our Mediterranean climate. I am glad to say that things are improving, slowly but surely. Unusual plants suitable for our climate are becoming easier to obtain. This has largely been helped by the expansion of companies who supply nurseries in our region. Now, fewer of the plants we see for sale come from Holland! Only recently has it become possible to buy a broad selection of grasses. I say ‘grasses’ but, while true grasses usually tolerate very dry conditions, there are many ‘grass-like’ plants that have very different needs. For example, plants labelled Juncus, will normally require a fair amount of moisture to survive and thrive. In other words, to do well they need a patch of bog, which is not common in Andalucía with its sundried clay soils. Plants labelled Carex are more difficult; some species need wet conditions but others are remarkably tolerant of summer drought.
sites. However, we should not make the mistake of believing that these plants are as robust as Cacti. This is rarely true, and newly planted grasses are particularly liable to desiccate if they have not had time to establish a good root system. One of my recent purchases was a Calamagrostis x acutiflora, one of the most handsome grasses that I have seen in some time. It has an upright growth habit with handsome panicles of flowers on stalks standing proud of 50cm dark green foliage. At the moment of flowering these panicles open out, moving beautifully in the slightest breeze. How could such a handsome plant ever disappoint! As with most grasses, if your purse will allow, planting it en-masse will produce the greatest effect! It is far from being happy with dry conditions, and for the best results with this most regal of grasses, plant in well-drained, fertile soil and water regularly.
Misleading labelling is widespread, along with ignorance among Garden Centre staff, who may not be familiar with many of the new plants coming on to the market. If in doubt, delay buying a plant until you have done a little research either using books or through the thousands of garden pages available on the Internet. ‘Googling’ a plant name will usually provide a selection of pages covering a plant and offering guidance for growing.
Recently I stumbled upon another plant that I was unfamiliar with. According to the label this plant was a Hemerocallis, or Day Lily (a long list of alternative names in Spanish!). However it was like no Day Lily I have ever seen! The nursery staff must have misidentified it. Not being able to resist the temptation to buy it, in spite of its huge price, I at last arrived at a correct identification via a combination of books, friends and internet. Not at all a common plant, it turns out to be a species of Habranthus, a Rain Lily. It is a bulbous plant with stunning pink tubular flowers borne singly on 30 cm stems, each lasting over a couple of days. This Rain Lily is native to Argentina and Brazil where there is a dry period in the summer. To maximise the flowering period in cultivation they say it is important to allow the plant to drain and dry out before watering again, soaking from below. In no time a fresh flower or two will appear above the dark green strap-like leaves. In my own garden, I hope that these Rain Lilies will thrive in well-drained humus-rich soil in dappled shade - but only time will tell!
My own knowledge of grasses has been limited; in order to learn more about these now fashionable garden plants, I have spent money on new books as well as relying heavily on web
Plants of Hemerocallis are usually for sale, in flower, in garden centres from May through to July and have a similar flowering time if planted in the garden. They are unmistakable in their
Hemerocallis ‘Cartwheels’
appearance; no other plant produces such strikingly large red, bronze, orange or yellow trumpets standing tall above grass-like foliage. There is a huge range of named varieties with different heights and flower patterns and colours. Flowers appear in succession on the flowering stems, each lasting only one day - hence the common name. After flowering in our dry conditions, Day Lily plants usually die back, to reappear the following spring. There is some debate as to drought tolerance. My own attempts at growing Day Lilies have shown that, with regular watering, a good quantity of flower stems will be produced. Without any summer watering, I usually get few or no flowers and the foliage quickly dies as the soil dries out. However not all varieties behave the same. A Day Lily I was given by a friend with very fine leaves has much smaller flowers and very thin narrow leaves. This seems much easier to grow and flower in my dry conditions than the larger cultivars. Another plant that looks good in my garden in July/August is Ceratostigma a low-growing herbaceous perennial with clusters of beautiful deep blue flowers resembling those of Plumbago. I grow it in combination with dwarf lavender and a small-leaved foliage plant, Helichrysum petiolare. Ceratostigma is cheap to buy (I saw plants recently at €1.20!), easy to grow in welldrained soil, and will tolerate infrequent watering. Excellent value when planted in the border or in large planters or tubs! The aim of every gardener in our area should be to have as little as possible to do during the heat of summer. Try to grow plants that are well adapted to our conditions and can largely look after themselves. Make sure your irrigation system is in good working order, and do any hand watering in the cool early morning or late at night. Then you can maximise enjoyment of your sun-drenched garden - and keep your days truly lazy! Please contact Simon Hill with questions or for advice: FINCAROSABLANCA@telefonica.net
Hemerocallis ‘Moonlight Masquerade’
Habranthus costa life 55
>> costa STUFF
I
magine a question in a quiz game: ‘‘Which is the world’s strongest animal in relation to its size?’’ I believe most people would vote for the badger; all muscle with stocky legs …yes they are powerful. The correct answer may come as a surprise. The correct answer is the ant... yes, the common ant, which we find fascinating in its place. But their place is not on the breakfast table as you enjoy the food on the terrace, nor is it on your arm. The lifting capability of the ant is amazing; it is equivalent to a man lifting a fully-grown elephant over his head. In Egypt, I watched an ant carry a matchstick up the wall of my room. Halfway up he or she decided a rest was in order so stopped for five minutes and then continued by turning around and, instead of pushing the object, the ant pulled it as he reversed up the remaining distance. That was quite a feat. Erny and I have just returned from Australia and New Zealand. Australia lays claim to having more ants than any other continent. I am always
surprised at such statistics and am cynical. Do they have a guy counting the ants in Australia, and others doing a count in Africa, America and Europe? ‘‘I have nine hundred trillion. How many do you have George?’’ ‘‘Eight hundred and twenty-six trillion.’’ Let us say that Australia has a lot. Certainly, we have seen some substantial colonies. One claim Australia can make is that it has a species of ant, from over 1200 species in the world, which has incredibly good eyesight. Most ants have poor vision or are blind, but the Bulldog ant with its bulging eyes has been found by scientists to have exceptionally good sight, and we saw a small colony in the Wildlife Centre in Sydney. Ants are found all over the world except in Antarctica, and colonies vary in size from huge seething mounds to a group of just a dozen or so which set up a lonely existence in a crack in the wall. Large or small colonies exist as a unified entity, collectively working together for the good of the community. There are fertile females called queens, workers - which are sterile
Ants by Peter Harrison
‘‘The lifting capability of the ant is amazing; it is equivalent to a man lifting a fully-grown elephant over his head’’ 56 costa life
females, and winged males. Keeping watch as security guards are soldier ants with their large fierce looking jaws. Their main method of communication is by pheromones, a chemical substance that they emit. The queens can live for up to thirty years, workers for up to three, while the poor old males only have a few weeks. No sexual equality here!
The queens can live for up to thirty years, workers for up to three, while the poor old males only have a few weeks. No sexual equality here!
costa STUFF >> Ants do not hibernate, but when the weather gets cold, they go into a torpid state. They are rarely short of food for they are omnivorous, but they seem to have a passion for my homemade marmalade, which I greatly enjoy and have no wish to share.
reaction of ants. I wish there were. So much could have been learned, and when we saw the devastation caused in Penang when visiting last month, I regretted that more data had not been collected. I fear that the next tsunami will again catch the world unprepared.
Ants have an extraordinary sixth sense. In the 1966 Tashkent earthquake it was noticed that several days before the disaster ants had quit their hills and moved to new locations. The Geophysical Institute of Moscow noticed this phenomenon and now uses ants as a system of precognition of earthquakes. With the world experiencing some seven hundred quakes of magnitude four or more, ants could do a great deal in preventing both damage to property and loss of life. More recently in the tsunami disaster, the strange reactions of animals were observed during the previous week. Elephants in Sri Lanka, living peacefully in low-lying water-filled land, suddenly moved en mass up to the hills. Regrettably, there is no report available on the
Although fascinating to watch and having a great deal to offer the world, these six-legged creatures can be a nuisance, especially when they invade the food we put down for our pets. There is an answer to this problem, and it lies in the fact that they cannot swim. Put the pet food on a heavy bowl in the middle of a plate of water, to create a moat. That stops the ants. Keep them in their place and we are all happy. Keep an eye on ants and study their behaviour, but if you are sitting down to think about them, make sure that the conveniently placed mound of earth does not have an uncomfortable surprise in store for you.
Winged male ant
costa life 57
>> costa STUFF
costa
cuisine by Jan Morley
The balmy summer evenings are just the perfect time to while away with friends, share some good food and indulge in a few bottles of local wine. As the temperature reaches melting point, and we can only summon the energy to throw something on the BBQ, and then serve with some delicious salads, here are a few recipes to tickle the taste buds.
What’s new on the BBQ! An interesting appetizer to serve with your aperitifs is baked Camenbert. Simply unwrap the round of cheese and make a parcel with tin foil, sprinkle with fresh thyme, slivers of garlic, a little sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Replace the cheese into the box it came in, and gently bake until melted in a moderate oven, approx. 10 minutes. Serve with bread sticks and strips of carrot, celery and pepper, to dip into the melted cheese. It’s a bit like a rustic fondue!
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58 costa life
For a fish course, this luscious prawn recipe from the Catalan region is typically Spanish, with a spicy dipping sauce.
BBQ prawns with romesco sauce Serves 4 24 raw king prawns 3 tbsp olive oil Lemon wedges to serve For the sauce 2 large ripe tomatoes 4tbsp olive oil 1 onion finely diced 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 canned pimento, chopped Pinch dried chilli flakes 75ml fish stock 30ml white wine 10 blanched almonds 15ml red wine vinegar pinch of salt and pepper > Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute, then immerse into ice-cold water, peel the skin, roughly chop the flesh > Heat 30ml oil in a pan, add the onion, 3 chopped garlic cloves and cook over a medium heat until soft
> Add the pimento, tomatoes, chilli, stock and wine > Simmer for 20 minutes > Toast the almonds in a dry frying pan, grind coarsely in a blender or with a pestle and mortar > Add the tomato sauce, process until smooth, season to taste with salt and black pepper > Remove the heads from the prawns, make a slit through the shell along its back, pull out the black vein, wash under running water > Pat dry, toss in the olive oil, the bbq for 2-3 minutes, until pink, serve with the Romesco sauce as a dip Serve with fresh crusty bread.
costa STUFF >> For the main course, choose some pork fillets, chicken wings and some ribs. These can be marinated or prepared earlier, ready to finish on the BBQ. Chicken wings are inexpensive, cook well on the BBQ, try eating these without licking your fingers!
Sticky chicken wings Serves 4 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons runny honey 4 tablespoons tomato ketchup 4 tablespoons Worcester sauce 2 teaspoons English mustard 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce 12 chicken wings, tips removed > Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the garlic and oven, cook till soft
> Add the honey, ketchup, Worcester sauce, mustard and Tabasco, simmer for 2 or 3 minutes > Dip the wings in seasoned flour, brush liberally with the sauce, leave to marinate for 30 minutes (at least) > Place on a baking tray in the oven for 20 minutes, allow to cool ,keep in fridge, until ready to re-heat on BBQ.
Here are a few salads recipes to accompany the main courses:
Mediterranean pasta salad Serves 4
Pork kebabs with a double mustard marinate Serves 4 350g pork tenderloin, trimmed and cubed Fresh sage leaves 2tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard 50ml apple juice 2 tbsp cider vinegar Salt and freshly ground black pepper > For the marinate, simply finely chop 1 tbsp sage, stir in the mustards, cider vinegar, apple juice, season with salt and pepper, add the cubed pork
> Leave in fridge for at least 1 hour, to allow the flavours time to infuse into the meat. > If using wooden skewers, pre-soak in cold water, to prevent burning on BBQ, and then thread the meat onto the skewers, BBQ for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes.
175g pasta bows 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4 sun-dried tomatoes 225g cherry tomatoes 2 spring onions shredded 50g cubed feta cheese Approx. 10 fresh basil leaves, shredded 10 pitted olives For the dressing, 2 dessertspoons red pesto 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Salt and ground black pepper
costa life 59
TIMMY’S BAR RESTAURANT Opp Fuengirola Park Hotel 500yrds From Torreblanca Train Station Tel 951 262 176
This Isn’t Just Anybody’s Food….. This is… TIMMY’S FOOD Choose from the A la Carte Menu and Buy One Get One Free Mon-Sat On ANY Starter...(from €4.50) eg. Goats Cheese in Filo Pastry
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>> costa STUFF
computer
bytes & Free calls pieces to the UK If are still looking for a telephone this could be your answer, if you are looking to seriously lower your phone costs without upsetting Telefonica or any other Internet company read on:
> Voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) In simple terms it is the way your telephone conversation is converted to use the Internet to route your telephone call.
> What do you need to get started? A high-speed Internet connection: although in theory a dial up can work! A VOIP box: An adapter that lets you connect your phones to the network. An account with a VoIP provider: You must sign up with a company that provide Internet telephony.
> A method of paying online Until recently companies like Skype, dial pad, MSN and many other internet telephone providers have been the leading players offering software and handsets that plug into your computer and give you the ability to call computer to computer free, call landlines and mobile phones worldwide for a small fee. My brother in the UK has Skype on his mobile phone and when I call him from my computer or a Skype phone the call is free. As internet speeds have risen there has been many new devices (VoIP adaptors) that allow you to plug an ordinary telephone into your existing internet connection and get seriously cheap calls, I pay nothing (ZERO) to call UK landlines!! On my phone plan I can call mobile phones here in Spain for as little as 6c per minute. My calls to landlines in Spain are free, in fact I can call landlines in most of the countries in Europe for free. With an internet connection and a VoIP adaptor you plug the box into the internet and begin making calls if you subscribe to a service that offers incoming phone numbers (951 is an Internet phone number) your phone is always on, so there is no need for your computer to be left on. If you go on
62 costa life
holiday you can pack your VoIP adaptor, plug it in when you get to your destination and continue to send and receive cheap calls via the Internet connection. Local and International companies alike are all competing for new VoIP subscribers, most providers offer free calls with some companies offering such low prices you wonder how they can stay in business. Before you jump in compare the local and international offerings, look at the places you call and select the company that offers you those calls for the least monthly cost. Then try the service, not all Internet providers are equal, an Internet Phone service that runs well on a Telefonica ADSL connection may not run well on a wireless or satellite service and vice versa, so try out a couple of VoIP providers. The best ones will give you a free minute or two for testing purposes or if you are passing Alhaurin el Grande you are welcome to visit me at our office and claim 1 free phone call to a landline in the UK. What a great way to test VoIP hear the quality and really see free calls in action. Enjoy the cheap calls and get in touch if you need some help. Russell Vaughan - Mintmicro Computers http://www.mintmicro.com
By Russell Vaughan Mintmicro S.L 952 596 346 or 665 016 374
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>> costa STUFF
Summer on the Costa Del Sol! Isn’t this a beautiful part of the world? To many holiday makers escaping from grey weather and a depressing environment or boring humdrum of their city lives, this is a paradise! The blue skies day after day, the vibrancy and excitement of Spanish life and the breathtaking views of the mountains and Mediterranean. What more could you want?
But have you noticed how quickly everything changes when strong winds blow, thunder and lightning starts crashing around us and a violent storm disturbs the peace and tranquillity of the scene before us? Have you seen the calm blue sea erupt into wild raging waves crashing against the rocks? Any small ship hastily heads for the nearest harbour to escape the violence of the storm. What about our lives? We all know the fear that tries to grip us when storms hit and our calm steady lives erupt into complete chaos and waves of despair start crashing about us. What do we do? Well, different people try to cope in many different ways. Are you in a storm right now as you read this? Has your partner left you, or your children abandoned you and you feel utterly alone? Or your business has gone, your finances have disappeared, your savings have dwindled down and you can’t sell your home? Panic is trying to take hold of you as you continue to put on a brave face with all your acquaintances. Perhaps you still meet up at your local bar as always trying to hide the turmoil inside you. Or have you retreated into your shell to avoid the inevitable questions? For you, the paradise of the Costa del Sol is not touching your life as you struggle to come to terms with your changed circumstances. You may have been told you have a sickness or disease that has frightened you and you simply don’t know how to cope. This does not fit
64 costa life
in with your plans for the future made when you were enjoying robust health. What about those around you? Could they be facing a storm in their lives that you know nothing about? What can we do? Well, there is something I can recommend that will change your life forever. Many years ago some friends were in a fishing boat in the middle of a lake when a sudden storm began and the boat started filling with water as it was tossed to and fro. As they desperately started bailing out the water, someone else saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. He came to them walking on the water but looked as though he was about to pass by them. They were terrified and screamed in terror when they saw him because they thought he was a ghost. But he spoke to them at once. ‘‘It’s all right.’’ he said, ‘‘I am here! Don’t be afraid.’’ Then he climbed into the boat and the wind stopped. Have you ever asked this person to get into your boat during your particular storm? He is the same today as he always was. He is ready to reach out and save you and give you peace right now. Who is he? Those friends long ago asked the same question. ‘‘Who is this?’’ they asked themselves. ‘‘Even the wind and waves obey him.’’ God Himself is still calming storms, rescuing people and blessing them with his peace. ‘For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord? What mightiest angel is anything like the Lord? The highest angelic powers
stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than those who surround his throne. O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, Lord? Faithfulness is your very character. You are the one who rules the oceans. When their waves rise in fearful storms, you subdue them.’ And this same God cares about you! ‘God showed how much he loved us by sending his only son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God but that he loved us…..’ Ask him to rescue you today! Annette Riggall Scriptures: (New Living) Mark 6:4851; Matthew 8:27; Psalm 89:6-9; John 4:9,10 The Evangelical Christian Fellowship ‘‘an oasis where the Word of God is preached and the love of God is shared.’’ Sundays 4.30pm Iglesia San Miguel, Calahonda Tel/Fax: (0034) 952 93 02 75 E-mail: tecfellowship@gmail.com Website: www.calahondachurch.com Pastors Peter and Annette Riggall
>> costa STUFF
The Animal I
had never realised the relativity of ‘‘time’’ as I have now, after our pilgrimage with the dogs to Santiago. Seven weeks of walking, day in and day out the same routine, and yet no day was like the last. 49 days of getting up at sunrise and of falling into bed completely worn out in the evening. The dogs woke every morning as soon as they heard my voice and drummed with their paws impatiently; so open the cages quickly and take them for a widdle walk, after that quickly prepare a power breakfast, special dry food for the ‘‘sporting dog’’ with fresh olive oil to make it taste better. Before we start we check the paws and treat them with a special cream so they don’t get sore. One dog for each pilgrim, a bottle of water and a plastic bag and away we go, walking on average 25 kilometres. No doubt the dogs are the champions! No blisters on their paws, no getting tired, no bad moods when the day was too long, the way too wet, the accommodation too primitive. The daily routine was only interrupted by school visits, where our four-legged friends were thoroughly petted, press conferences and meetings with other animal protection organisations. They were great, our ‘‘chicos’’, genuine heroes on the Camino. Bravely and inexhaustibly they walked the long way from Estepona to Santiago. They became ambassadors for all the other animals, bearers of hope for a better future, and they carried out their task with dignity, wagging tails and infectious joy.
>Three cheers for the Camino dogs! A mixture of all races, colours and characters. Each of them has his own story and his own personality. The giant baby Alfie, who wiggles and rolls on the floor with pleasure when he gets petted, little Rompe, who always gets somebody to play, shy Moro with his amber eyes, Harpo who wants to be big and play watchdog, faithful and beautiful Uno, Perrie who struts in like a princess, Rambo the white prince, Paca the mouse hunter ... they all have won our hearts. And it is not the ‘‘heroic deed’’ to have walked 1200 kilometres which makes them so special, they have enjoyed it even more than we have. It is their individual personality which makes
66 costa life
costa STUFF >>
Pilgrimage them so lovable. They have shown the people what a few little dogs can do, dogs without master or pedigree. When they get a little attention and are treated well they will walk with you to the end of the world.
> Gentle Hills, precipitous mountains It is impossible to compare the gentle hills of the Dehesa in Extremadura with their succulent meadows, where cows and sheep are grazing and can find shadow under the ancient gnarled oak trees, with the precipitous mountains and deep valleys of Andalusia, which were so difficult for us in the first few days. The beauty and variety of the landscape on our way would be reason enough to make the journey again. And I would do it in the spring again, not least because of the pleasant temperatures; it is easier to walk with a cool breeze than in the blazing sun. But there is also the variety of colours, of blue lavender next to gleaming bloom, pale pink blossoming trees and the snow covered mountains in the background. North of Zamora dying villages dominate the picture, with houses entirely built of stone - even the roof tiles are of slate, with narrow lanes through which the icy winds of the highlands blow, and very often only a handful of inhabitants with an average age of 70. And finally the succulent green meadows and crystal clear creeks in Galicia with their stone walls around the fields, their stone houses and the Galician language which sounds so strange that sometimes I got the feeling that we had crossed the borders of Spain. ‘‘Who exhausts the body makes the spirit free’’, A member of our pilgrimage explained to me once. It is not the spiritual inspiration you seek but that wonderful feeling of having cleared your head. Perhaps a pilgrimage with 30 feet and 60 paws is not the right moment ‘‘to find yourself’’, but I noticed that we learned to appreciate the simple things in life. Dangling your tired feet in a cool creek, a hot shower, a cold beer, you suddenly notice and enjoy these things instead of taking them for granted.
Like a present from heaven an unannounced participant joined us. When I started to organise this project it was my greatest wish to take a donkey along with us, but for reasons of logistics this was not possible. But the donkey came by himself and in the company of a very experienced pilgrim who enriched our group not only with his donkey. Narziso from Chipiona (Cádiz province) attached himself to our group just after Seville. His quiet and calm way of walking the Camino almost made some of the pilgrims envious as, with Patrick as leader, they bravely endured the 5 kilometres per hour, breaks included. Narziso left each day before us and arrived after us. On the way we usually found him having his siesta, Moreno, the donkey freed of his burden and grazing and Narziso comfortably snoozing in the shadow of a tree.
> The colourful mix of personalities, nationalities and languages not only enriched our group, it also impressed the press and the town halls. The fact that people from all over the world - altogether nine nationalities walked together through Spain to attract attention to the rights of animals has given some of them food for thought. If we could measure the situation in Spain by our experiences on the Camino we could believe we live in a wholesome world. The people who came to us are not those who are mistreating animals - they did not show! But they are there, and they will still be there after the end of the Camino. We cannot change the world overnight, and we know it will be a long way before we reach our goal, but we have started something that cannot be stopped so easily. El Camino - The Way has become a symbol for many animal protection groups. We have made a start to go on this road together. We can only hope that the President of Extremadura keeps his promise, but the fact alone that he received 15 dogs and a donkey in his presidential palace emphasises the importance he places on animal protection in Extremadura. And this is exactly what we wanted to achieve, to attract attention, to encourage discussion, and not to leave the protection of animals to the animal protection groups. The protection of animals is important to all of us, we are all responsible for the animals because animals
are living creatures and we share this planet with them. > Each journey is an experience, and if you travel with your eyes open you can learn a great deal. The numerous meetings with the local animal protection groups were very enlightening. On this journey I have realised many things, and especially painful was the realisation that we protectors of animals sometimes are the reason that nothing changes. If we solve the problems of the town halls instead of admonishing them to do their duty we effectively prevent their action. Animal protection groups like ADANA, which has looked after abandoned dogs and cats for 20 years without any support from the authorities, are many. Along the way we visited many animal shelters and associations, all these groups are struggling with the same problem, a handful of volunteers sacrificing themselves to do something for the animals. Their whole energy goes into looking after a growing number of dogs. There remains no time for political work and education programmes. > El Camino was the beginning, the beginning of a way we must go together. We must learn from each other, must go forward together and incite change, otherwise all our strenuous work makes no sense. Our arrival in Santiago de Compostela, at which we were accompanied by about 200 members of animal protection groups and at least as many dogs, was a great experience. When after seven weeks we finally stood in front of the imposing cathedral we hardly could contain the tears. We hugged each other and everything was forgotten, the blisters on the feet, the snoring in the lodgings, the rainy days and the exhaustion. We had made it! I wish the whole world could have heard the words of Padre Francisco during the following mass and blessing of the animals in the church of San Francisco, right next to the cathedral. His words would have made many a person who mistreats animals blush with shame. Never before have I heard anyone express so wonderfully clearly and from the heart what is so important: that we share this planet with the animals and that we are all part of the same creation.
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‘‘On Track’’ by Elio Howard
Formula One - Off Track Following the last Grand Prix there seems to be more unrest within the teams over the decision by the FIA to introduce new rules for 2010, or the manner in which they were introduced. Ferrari took their arguments to the French courts for clarification, however these were dismissed. Ferrari had objected to FIA plans to give increased levels of technical freedom to teams accepting a voluntary £40 million budget cap, claiming it will create a ‘two-tier’ championship. The world champions also claimed that the FIA did not have the right to introduce such changes without the team’s agreement. The Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris found that Ferrari had no valid reason to block the FIA plans. Ferrari is now one of a number of teams who have suggested they will not compete in the 2010 season if the planned rules are not changed.
Ferrari release statement following board meeting The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile during an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on 29 April 2009 took the decision that, for the first time ever in Formula One, the 2010 season will see the introduction of two different sets of regulations based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters. The Ferrari board considers that if this is the regulatory framework for Formula One in the future, then the reasons underlying Ferrari’s uninterrupted
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participation in the World Championship over the last 60 years - the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950 - would come to a close. Ferrari trusts that its many fans worldwide will understand that this difficult decision is coherent with the Scuderia’s approach to motor sport and to Formula One in particular, always seeking to promote its sporting and technical values.
Renault follow and issue a team statement The decision of the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) to introduce two sets of Formula One technical regulations for the 2010 Formula One season has caused the Renault Group to reconsider its entry in next year’s FIA Formula One World Championship. There is frustration that FOTA’s constructive proposals, including major cost saving measures to be adopted progressively between 2009 and 2012, which were carefully constructed by FOTA members, have been completely ignored without any form of consultation by the FIA with the teams which has led to the statement below. ING Renault F1 Team Managing Director, Flavio Briatore, commented: ‘‘Our aim is to reduce costs while maintaining the high standards that make Formula One, one of the most prestigious brands on the market. We want to achieve this in a coordinated manner with the regulatory and commercial bodies, and we refuse to accept unilateral governance
handed out by the FIA. If the decisions announced by the World Council on the 29th of April 2009 are not revised, we have no choice but to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of 2009.’’ It seems that the FIA decision to introduce these new rules strikes at the heart of F1 itself and I for one believe this will damage F1 as we know and love it. I can understand the FIA are doing this in what they think is in the best interest of the sport but to run a series without such teams as Ferrari and Renault would not (in my opinion) be in the best interest of F1. There is more to F1 than money and politics’. There is Passion, something that every true enthusiast will understand. This cannot be disregarded. Let’s hope sense prevails and all parties can come to some agreement soon. F1 cannot afford more disruption off the track. Let’s please, focus all our attention on what really matters, great racing with incredible cars, on the track. The other main talking point of the coming 2010 season is that up to 15 names (teams) have been put forward for entry into the series. Umongst them, Brabham, Team Lotus and Lola. All great teams with good racing heritage. This could open the grid to as many as 40 cars. Would this be great or not !! Think Monaco with twenty cars then double it. Wow !! I believe that three teams will be chosen for the 2010 season, making 26 cars on the grid but which ones we will not know until later. All I can say is watch this space ! !
costa AUTOS >>
Monaco 2009
Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo) >> Qualifying Jenson Button’s rivals failed to keep him away from a crucial fourth pole position of the season at Monaco. But he’ll have to work hard to keep Kimi Raikkonen behind him - the KERS-equipped Ferrari driver lines up second on the grid. Lewis Hamilton, however, lines up 16th after throwing away his chances of a good result with a session-stopping crash in Q1. Sebatian Vettel was fastest of the first batch of runners, but it was close - Nico Rosberg and Rubens Barrichello were both within a tenth of a second of his first effort. Button found himself fourth ahead of the final round of laps and went quickest with a 1’14.902. That knocked back Kimi Raikkonen - who’s resurgent Ferrari was only 0.025s off the pole time. On the second row of the grid are the two drivers who most badly needed to keep Button off pole position - Rubens Barrichello and Sebastian Vettel.
>> The Race It was another vital victory for Jenson Button who stretched his 2009 win record to five from six starts on a day when simply no-one could touch him. Any concerns Button might have had about Kimi Raikkonen passing him on the run to the first corner vanished when the red lights went out. Rubens Barrichello made a perfect getaway from third on the grid to pick off Raikkonen for second. It was the only position change in the top ten as the race got off to an orderly start. Barrichello’s lightning start was thanks in part to his decision to use the super soft tyres. Button had done the same, and the pair quickly left Raikkonen behind. Sebastian Vettel, fourth, had also started on the super soft tyres but soon hit trouble. By lap five he’d already dropped six seconds behind Raikkonen and Felipe Massa was starting to make moves to pass at the chicane.
Another victory for Button
On lap six Massa out-braked himself and cut the chicane. It put him ahead of Vettel but Massa quickly acted to give the position back, wary of getting a penalty. But he reckoned without the opportunistic Nico Rosberg. The Williams driver latched onto the rear of Vettel’s Red Bull and followed him past Massa, who was powerless to respond. Four laps later Rosberg got past Vettel on the run towards the chicane, and Massa followed him by. As Heikki Kovalainen demoted Vettel further, the Red Bull driver came in for an early pit stop. Up at the front, Barrichello was also struggling with the super soft tyres, his rear tyres having started to grain. By lap 12 he’d fallen 7.5s behind Button and
had Raikkonen all over his gearbox. Rosberg was 16.5s adrift thanks to his delay behind Vettel. Vettel’s race had started poorly, but with his super-soft stint out of the way he at least had the potential to progress later on. But it didn’t work out that way - on lap 16 he carried a little too much speed into Ste Devote, lost the rear of the car, and spun into the barriers. It ended his race - and may have ruined his championship chances as well. This was the second drama of the day at Ste Devote. Earlier on Sebastien Buemi out-braked himself and shunted Nelson Piquet Jnr out of the race. Raikkonen made his first pit stop on lap 15 and took another set of soft tyres. Brawn reacted by bringing in Barrichello on the next lap to cover, and kept the Ferrari behind. Button came in on lap 17 and, like Barrichello, switched from super-soft to softs. It allowed Rosberg briefly into the lead, but only for one lap before his pit stop. Williams took a gamble on Rosberg, electing to give him a long middle stint to limit the amount of time he would have to spend on the supersoft tire later on. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out too well for him. Barrichello made some progress in reducing Button’s lead during their second stint shaving off two seconds between laps 23 and 46, but that still left Button 14.5s ahead. Plus, Barrichello had less fuel on board, so he had to pit earlier, leaving Button comfortably in control. Lewis Hamilton made his final pit stop a few laps later on the 53rd tour, taking on a new front wing as well as fresh tyres. His race had begun poorly as he tried to make progress on a shortfuel strategy that was hopelessly unsuited to the tight confines of Monaco. He was, at least, still in the race, which could not be said of team mate Heikki Kovalainen. He lost his car at the entry to La Piscine, much as Massa did in qualifying yesterday, except he made it as far as the barrier… Raikkonen was the first of the leaders to switch to the super-soft tyres, pitting on lap 53. That left him with 25 laps to complete on the unfavorable rubber, when other drivers had struggled to manage a dozen earlier in the race. However the increased build-up of rubber on the track surface meant the super-soft now coped much better. This was bad news for Rosberg, who made his final stop 12 laps later than Raikkonen but wasn’t able to capitalize. Having run fourth, he fell to sixth by the finish. His team mate failed to see the chequered flag, as he under-steered off at Mirabeau, crashing into the barriers. He joined the three other drivers who had crashed out of the race plus Robert Kubica, who retired in the pits on another miserable day for BMW. The Brawn pair took their third one-two of the season with no such dramas in the closing laps. Button did not make a
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>> costa AUTOS single error until after the race had finished, when he parked his car in the pits instead of on the start/finish straight, as is traditional at Monaco. In a remarkable display of fitness, he sprinted down the start/finish straight seemingly oblivious to the 78 laps and 1hr 40 minutes of racing he had just been through. Barrichello finished second ahead of the resurgent Ferrari duo, Webber salvaging some points for Red Bull with fifth. Rosberg was sixth ahead of Fernando Alonso, and Sebastien Bourdais scored the final point.
Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul) >> Qualifying The first run of lap times produced a top three covered by 0.067s: Vettel headed them, with Trulli second and Button third. Webber took up fourth ahead of Alonso but the Ferraris were down in sixth and seventh, 0.6s slower than the fastest drivers, suggesting heavier fuel loads. Also surprisingly far down the top ten was Rubens Barrichello, setting a 1’29.623 to split the Ferraris. Pole position turned into a Brawn-versus-Red Bull shoot-out, with Trulli unable to do better than fifth with his final effort. Webber went fastest to begin with, only to be pipped by Button who was then joined by Barrichello, threatening an all-Brawn front row. But Vettel’s final lap put him back at the top and, crucially, up at the front for the race.
>> The Race As was expected, Vettel held onto his lead at the first corner with little difficulty. But it only lasted as far as turn nine - where the Red Bull driver slewed off the track, letting Button past. Making matters worse, Red Bull compounded Vettel’s mistake by failing to deviate from his high-risk three-stop strategy. That allowed his team mate Mark Webber into third. Rubens Barrichello bogged down badly, slumping to 13th on the first lap. Jarno Trulli scorched by into third place, but lost that to Webber after running wide at turn seven. Behind them was Felipe Massa, who had forced Kimi Raikkonen to swerve out of his path on the run to the first corner. Raikkonen briefly held seventh behind Nico Rosberg, before Fernando Alonso squeezed past the Ferrari. Raikkonen clipped the Renault, damaging the F60’s front wing. Barrichello now tried to make amends for his poor start by getting stuck into Kovalainen’s McLaren. But he discovered the frustration of battling a car equipped with KERS - whenever he got close enough to pass, Kovalainen jabbed his power boost button and quickly pulled away. Barrichello was also hampered by the lack of a sixth gear - a legacy of his
start line drama. Frustration eventually got the better of him and Barrichello launched his car into the side of the McLaren at turn nine. Kovalainen escaped unscathed - Barrichello, spun, lost more time and resumed 17th behind the other McLaren of Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton’s McLaren had 31kg more fuel on board than Kovalainen’s and Barrichello was able to make it past on lap eight. One lap later he took Nelson Piquet Jnr. But his next passing attempt - on Adrian Sutil at the final turn - went all wrong, and Barrichello had to limp back to the pits for a new front wing. While Barrichello supplied the entertainment very little else was happening. Button had a 4.6s lead over Vettel by lap 11, who in turn was 4.9 ahead of Webber. Alonso was the first to pit for a scheduled stop on lap 13, having been the only driver to use the unfavorable soft tyre for the first stint. Two laps later Vettel was for a short stop as he stuck with the three-stop plan, mirroring Lewis Hamilton’s efforts at the same track last year. But while Hamilton had been able to pass then-leader Felipe Massa on the track, Vettel could not do the same to Button. Jenson never looked like cracking under the pressure, except for a brief moment when he ran wide at the final corner. The pair flashed across the line separated by 0.2s. But even then Vettel stayed his hand, not even so much as feigning an attempt at passing the leader, who would surely have been at pains to avoid a collision had Vettel risked a move. That not only decided the contest for the lead, but also second place. Unable to clear Button, Vettel had no chance to extend his lead over Webber, and after the final round of stops found himself behind his team mate. Despite rapidly catching Webber, Vettel was soon instructed by his team not to overtake. Whether he would have been able to is another matter, of course. Trulli lost fourth place to Rosberg at the first round of pit stops - but re-passed the Williams at the second round. Felipe Massa’s run of consecutive Istanbul victories came an end, the Brazilian finishing sixth. This time a year ago Robert Kubica had just won his first Grand Prix and taken the lead in the drivers' championship. At Istanbul he finally broke his points duck for 2009, finishing seventh. Timo Glock rounded off the point’s finishers having been soundly beaten by Trulli who, at one point, yielded position to his team mate as they ran conflicting strategies. Barrichello’s drove into the garage ten laps from home, the first time a Brawn has failed to go the distance. Afterwards the unhappy Brazilian compared his startline problems to those he had suffered in Australia, and voiced concerns that such problems don’t seem to happen on the other side of the garage. What (if anything) is going on there.!!!
Hamilton still struggling finished 12th in Monaco
Turkish Grand Prix World championship standings Drivers Standings (after 7 races)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 10
JENSEN BUTTON RUBENS BARRICHELLO SEBASTIEN VETTEL MARK WEBBER JARNO TRULLI TIMO GLOCK NICO ROSBERG FELIPE MASSA FERNANDO ALONSO KIMI RAIKONNEN
Constructors Standings (after 7 races) 1 BRAWN-MERCEDES 2 RBR-RENAULT 3 TOYOTA 4 FERRARI 5 McCLAREN MERCEDES 6 WILLIAMS TOYOTA 7 RENAULT 8 BMW SAUBER 9 STR FERRARI 10 FORCE INDIA
96 56.5 32.5 20 13 11.5 11 8 5 0
Formula One - Off Track Stop Press Three new teams for F1 in 2010 and he return of Cosworth
The FIA statement in full: 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship Entry List Following the completion of the applications process for teams to compete in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship, the following teams have been confirmed.
TEAM SCUDERIA FERRARI SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO RED BULL RACING AT&T WILLIAMS FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM CAMPOS GRAND PRIX MANOR GRAND PRIX TEAM US F1 VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES* BMW SAUBER F1 TEAM* RENAULT F1 TEAM* PANASONIC TOYOTA RACING* BRAWN GP FORMULA ONE TEAM* *These five teams have submitted conditional entries. The FIA has invited them to lift those conditions following further discussions to be concluded not later than close of business on Friday 19 June!!!! we will not know until later. All I can say is watch this space ! !
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61 35 29 27.5 19.5 13 11.5 11 11 9
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auto
news
>> Q3 production coming to Spain
>> Scrapping plans boost Spain, France June sales
MADRID/PARIS, New-car sales improved in both France and Spain in June, thanks to government subsidies aimed at giving life support to the automotive industry during the economic crisis. French new-car sales rose 7.1 percent in June from a year earlier and in Spain the rate of sales decline eased to 15.9 percent last month from 38.7 percent in May. In Spain, economists said that the economy could be showing signs of hitting the bottom of its deep recession, but industry associations in both countries worried sales could slump again once government subsidies run dry. As of mid-June, around 200,000 new-car registrations in France, or 20 percent of the total, were linked to a scheme offering cash payments for traded-in old vehicles, Xavier Fels, president of industry group CCFA, told a press conference. Spanish car sales were still around half the levels recorded before the financial crisis and the collapse of a housing bubble shoved the country into a recession expected to slice about 4 percent from national output this year. ‘‘What is probably happening is that the economy has fallen to such depths that it is beginning to stabilize at low levels,’’ said Nicolas Lopez, of M&G Valores in Madrid.
>> Pain when subsidies end Industry groups in both countries warned of renewed pain when subsidies run dry around the end of the year. ‘‘We’re still a long way from the end of the year (when the scheme is due to end),’’ said Fels, ‘‘and everyone is conscious of (the issue). We’re sending the authorities a message of caution and it’s up to them to decide the best way to play it.’’ The Spanish government does not have much finance in reserve to extend consumer incentives. The government has launched one of the world's largest fiscal stimulus packages set to push up the ratio of public debt to GDP by 15 percentage points to 60 percent by the end of 2010. The Bank of Spain has warned it has no room for further fiscal stimulus. In France, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen saw a 12.7 percent increase in sales in June, with the Citroen brand posting a 15.1 percent rise and Peugeot branded vehicles up 10.5 percent. Renault group sales rose 10.3 percent in June, with Renault brand sales up 5.6 percent and Dacia sales rising 87.7 percent. PSA shares were up 1.8 percent around 1213 GMT, while Renault shares were up 2.8 percent. The DJ Stoxx European Autos Index <.SXAP> was up 1.71 percent.
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Although BMW will be the first to enter the baby luxury car segment with its upcoming X1, it isn’t the only German automaker looking for a piece of the projected action: Audi has now officially green-lighted its competitor, the Q3, for production. In a blow to U.S. workers, however, Audi has chosen to produce the vehicle in Spain instead of Tennessee. Production of the 2012 Audi Q3 will begin at the automaker’s Martorell, Spain plant, with initial capacity of 80,000 units. It was predicted that Audi might use Volkswagen's Tennessee plant to produce the vehicle. ‘‘Having agreed that the Q3 will be manufactured in Spain, a decision about production in the USA has been postponed,’’ a press release reported. Rupert Stadler, the Chairman of the Board of Management at Audi, said in the release that the automaker ‘‘will systematically explore our options in the context of the current market crisis. Audi is in a good position. There is currently no need to select additional sites.’’ Spain lobbied heavily to receive the vehicle. According to Reuters, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Audi's move would save 7500 jobs in a country that has lost 1.3 million jobs in the last 12 months. Workers at the Martorell plant accepted a two-year pay freeze to ensure production of the Q3.
PARIS -- Renault will boost production at its Palencia, Spain factory starting in September to meet strong demand for its three-model Megane range. The French carmaker will add 200 units of daily production to the Palencia factory, boosting output of the Megane hatchback, coupe, and wagon from 1,120 cars today to 1,320 cars from September. Renault plans to hire about 350 temporary workers to facilitate the production boost at Palencia. The Palencia factory employs about 3,200 workers, who manufactured just over 164,000 Megane cars during 2008. The factory has been fully dedicated to producing the new thirdgeneration Megane models since Renault launched the hatchback in late2008. Renault has sold about 70,000 Meganes since last November, when it launched the new hatchback. The Megane coupe launched in early2009, and a wagon was added in June.
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JULY 3RD GRAN TORINO After the death of his wife, Korean War vet/ex-Ford employee/racist grouch Walt (Clint Eastwood, who also directed) has little to do but grumble about kids these days, people on his lawn and the various minorities who have taken over his Detroit neighborhood. After his teenage Hmong neighbor flubs a gang initiation by failing to steal Walt’s prized ’72 Ford Gran Torino, Walt gradually warms to the boy and teaches him how to be a man. It’s not as sentimental as it sounds. ALSO THIS WEEK: CHE & REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
JULY 10TH MARLEY AND ME After their wedding, newspaper writers John and Jennifer Grogan move to Florida. In an attempt to stall Jennifer’s ‘‘biological clock’’, John gives her a puppy. While the puppy Marley grows into a 100 pound dog, he loses none of his puppy energy or rambunctiousness and gains no self-discipline. Marley’s antics give John rich material for his newspaper column. As the Grogans mature and have children of their own, Marley continues to test everyone’s patience by acting like the world’s most impulsive dog. ALSO THIS WEEK: THE INTERNATIONAL & PRISON BREAK SE 4
By Simon Galley from Box Of fice Video Club
AUGUST 1ST WATCHMEN A team of masked, self-made, superpower-free superheroes has hung up their tights and tried to immerse themselves into everyday society after President Nixon orders them to cease their violent vigilante justice. But in 1985 when one of their own is murdered, the team straps on the spandex/metal/etc. and springs back into action. Starring Billy Crudup as the gigantic, blue, mutated physicist Dr. Manhattan, Malin Akerman as Laurie/Silk Spectre II, Patrick Wilson as Dan/Nite Owl II, Matthew Goode as Adrian/Ozymandias, Carla Gugino as Sally Jupiter and Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach, the creepiest of the bunch, who growls more than a little like Batman. ALSO THIS WEEK: THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT & ROSS KEMP IN SEARCH OF PIRATES
AUGUST 7TH KNOWING As if numbers didn’t already bear enough bad news lately. Astrophysics professor John (Nicolas Cage) discovers a 50-year-old numeric sequence that has accurately predicted the date, location and number of victims for all of the world’s major tragedies-from hotel fires to 9/11-and forecasts more to come. While John tries to prevent terrorism and environmental collapse, John’s son Caleb (Chandler Canterbury) communicates with ‘‘The Whisper People,’’ a group of weirdoes who hang out in the woods and are somehow tied to what’s happening. ALSO THIS WEEK: LESBIAN VAMPIRE KILLERS & THE DAMNED UNITED
JULY 17TH DUPLICITY
AUGUST 14TH 17 AGAIN
MI5 agent Ray Koval (Clive Owen) and CIA operative Claire Stenwick (Julia Roberts) shared a night of passion in 2003 before she double crossed him the next morning. Five years later they cross paths again when they're both working for corporate CEO Richard Garsik, stealing business secrets from Garsik’s rival Howard Tully. But it turns out Ray and Claire have their own plan to screw over both companies so they can make off with millions, and each other. ALSO THIS WEEK: DONNIE DARKO 2 & ASHES TO ASHES SEASON 2
Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry) was a high-school basketball star with a bright future. But he threw it all away to marry his girlfriend and raise their child. Almost 20 years later, Mike’s marriage has failed, his kids think he’s a loser, and his job is going nowhere. He gets a chance to correct the mistakes of his past and change his life when he is miraculously transformed back into a teenager (Zac Efron), but in trying to fix his past, Mike may be jeopardizing his present and future. ALSO THIS WEEK: PAUL BLART, MALL COP & DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION
JULY 24TH CADILLAC RECORDS In 1950s/’60s Chicago, Chess Records founder Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody) helps break artists like Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright), Little Walter (Columbus Short), Chuck Berry (Mos Def) and Etta James (Beyonce Knowles). Many of their songs tested and sometimes broke racial boundaries, but the historic artists also had plenty of personal issues, and writer-director Darnell Martin’s drama tells little pieces of everyone’s story. Co-starring Gabrielle Union as Muddy’s girlfriend, Geneva, and Cedric the Entertainer as songwriter Willie Dixon, who narrates the film seemingly so he can explain the basic concept of race relations to anyone who never knew it was an issue. ALSO THIS WEEK: A HAUNTING IN CONNETICUT & HOTEL FOR DOGS
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AUGUST 21ST OUTLANDER In the year’s most action-packed sci-fi adventure, James Caviezel stars as a futuristic soldier who crash lands on Earth with a hellish, fire-breathing monster in a time of warring Viking tribes. Fusing advanced technology with Iron Age weaponry, he must unite the fierce Vikings and hunt the bloodthirsty beast before it kills them all. Outlander is ‘‘visually spectacular’’ combining stunning special effects, fast-paced action, and a fantastic story to explosive effect. ALSO THIS WEEK: IN THE LOOP & I LOVE YOU MAN
AmberNight DVD and book store Specialists in UK and US TV series box sets Wide selection of books, both fiction and non-fiction Latest movie and book releases Large range of old and cult TV series Selection of musicals Variety of BBC & ITV Network series Now stocking a selection of Spanish books & DVDs DVD and book orders taken Open 10.30-8.30 Mon - Fri Sat 11-2.30 AVDA Jesus Santos Rein, Fuengirola Near Horses Head roundabout
Tel: 952 467 785 ambernightspain@aol.com
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whispers & gossip
>> Leo left shoeless by thieving fans According to the New York Post, Leonardo DiCaprio was the victim of some overzealous, thieving fans during a recent trip to a Japanese temple. The Titanic star was visiting a hilltop shrine in Kyoto when he was approached by some fans, American fans, who asked to pose for a photo with them. When he politely declined, pointing out that photography is forbidden on the shrine’s premises; they waited until he took off his sneakers so he could go inside. And while he had his back turned, the spurned fans ran off with his shoes! ‘‘They just ran off with them,’’ the paper quotes a source as saying. ‘‘The poor guy had to leave the place barefoot.’’
>> Jane Fonda: Michael’s ‘‘Meltdown‘‘ death discussion Jane Fonda may not be the person who automatically comes to mind when you think of Michael Jackson. Ms. Fonda blogged that she knew Jackson ‘‘during the time before he did The Wiz and up through Thriller.’’ Like so many, she admits she never fully understood the King of Pop. She recalls a time when they took a walk around her Santa Barbara area ranch... ‘‘I pointed to a spot where I told him I wanted to be buried,’’ Fonda writes. ‘‘Michael had a meltdown right then and there when he heard this. He shrieked and bent over and said, ‘No, no, no.’’’ When she asked him what was wrong, Jackson answered, ‘‘Don’t ever talk about your dying. Don’t ever think about it.’’ Fonda thinks it’s a good thing that Jackson died so quickly. ‘‘Massive heart attacks that you don’t recover from are quick. You don’t know what hit you,’’ she writes. ‘‘That’s probably the kindest death for Michael. It’s hard to imagine him being happy as he aged.’’ Fonda also didn’t know what to make of her friendship with Jackson. ‘‘I couldn’t pretend to understand him. There were so many complicated signals,’’ she writes. ‘‘Did he want me to be his ‘older woman’ friend? He gravitated to older women. For solace? Succor? A beard? Did he want me to teach him the ropes? I never could quite figure it out.’’
>> Gwyneth Paltrow loves Spain
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>> Jude Law set to play hamlet on Broadway Jude Law will play Shakespeare’s melancholy Dane on Broadway.
The ‘‘Sliding Doors’’ actress recently told press how much she enjoys spending time in Spain and called the country ‘‘a second home.’’
The 36-year-old actor will star in ‘‘Hamlet,’’ at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York for a 12-week engagement.
She explained, ‘‘It is so different from the United States. It seemed to have a history, and the buildings are years and years and years old. Here in the United States an old building is about 17 (years old), and over there it’s from 500 B.C., it's incredible.’’
The critically acclaimed production comes from London’s Donmar Warehouse. Law will be joined by the rest of the British cast.
Paltrow continued, ‘‘Also, the way people live over there. They seem to enjoy life a little bit more. They aren’t running around as much as in New York. They enjoy time with the family. They don’t always have their BlackBerry on.’’
It will be Law’s first Broadway appearance since 1995, when he appeared in ‘‘Indiscretions’’ with Kathleen Turner, Cynthia Nixon, Roger Rees and Eileen Atkins.
costa STUFF >>
Fashion show at the Aztec A very successful fashion show in aid of Age Care Association was recently held at the Aztec Country Club, Riviera del Sol. An ‘al fresco’ buffet lunch was served to the guests in the outdoor restaurant whilst the models were able to display the numerous outfits provided by Karen’s Fashions against the backdrop of the Country Club’s swimming pool. Various volunteers and friends of Age Care Association modelled the attractive clothes which were shown to their full advantage on this gloriously, sunny day. This was followed by the raffle draw which offered many exciting prizes. The main
Brady. Students from Aztec Hair Academy helped style the hair of the models and were applauded for their efforts by the audience. The event was very well supported and funds were raised to help the association provide the care and advice for which it is known on the Costa del Sol. Age Care Association is a fully registered, charitable organisation and is run entirely by
Right to left - Norman & Bruce McIntyre, Eileen & Charles Betty, Baroness Llin Golding
volunteers. It provides help and information for older English-speaking people living in Spain. We need more volunteers, some with specialised knowledge such as nursing or caring skills, but also people who are just willing to help visit sick or housebound Costa residents. If you are a car driver we always need help with trips to the hospital, doctors and
for shopping. We also desperately require people who are able to act as interpreters when needed. Just helping out in a neighbourly way is another skill that is always welcome.
article and some images supplied by Heather Roache If you would like to help as a volunteer; or are in need of information or help please contact us on 691 761 088/655903182 or visit our website at www.agecarecosta.org Images supplied by Rick Warne Tel 666 291 990 www.rickwarne.ifp3.com
prize was drawn by the President of Age Care Association, Charles Betty, who on that day was celebrating his birthday. The second and third prizes were drawn by the patrons of Age Care Association, respectively Baroness Llin Golding and Mr Bruce McIntyre. The finale of the fashion show followed with the models wearing a stunning variety of evening dresses. These fashions were complemented by the hairstyles which were provided by the salon Hair@Aztec, under the management of Helen
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>> costa STUFF
Strange but True >> John Travolta John, the youngest of six children (all actors) born to Salvatore, a semi-pro football player and tire shop owner and Helen, a drama teacher, produced plays in the family living room and, despite quitting school at the age of 16, won his parents’ approval to seek his fortune as an actor in New York. As an ‘‘indulged’’ child, he could do no wrong. ‘‘The famous story,’’ he once recalled with a laugh, ‘‘is that I was taking out the garbage and my mother said to Ellen [his oldest sister], ‘Look at him - he’s a borderline genius!’’’
>> Arnold Schwarzenegger During the Cannes Film Festival one year, Arnold and Maria were invited to attend a party aboard a luxury yacht. As they approached the party in a smaller boat, Maria began to feel terribly seasick. ‘‘Darling, please be a grown-up,’’ Arnold snapped. ‘‘What’s a little rough sea?’’ Once they were safely aboard the yacht, Maria found her sea legs and soon felt fine. And Arnold? He turned green (in front of about eighty guests) and had to be helped off the ship and hurried to shore.
>> Funny celebrity quotes
>> A few amusing quotes Peter Harrison picked up on his recent trip
When I was growing up, there were two things that were unpopular in my house. One was me, and the other was my guitar. Bruce Springsteen
In Bangkok during the recent demonstrations a protestor was shot in the arse by police.Our columist Peter Harrison was amused to read in the Bangkok Post that his name was Mr Sitwell. ‘‘Now is his chance to live up to his name’’ Peter comments
I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. They wake up in the morning and that’s the best they are going to feel all day. Frank Sinatra
In Penang when discussing NATO with a taxi driver he commented ‘‘Oh I know NATO ...it stands for NO Action. Talk Only’’.
It’s not true I had nothing on. I had the radio on. Marilyn Monroe, asked if she really had nothing on in a calendar photograph.
Overheard in a market in Muscat, Oman, Lady tourist sniffing the air ‘‘That reminds me, George, we must get some incest while we are here’’.
Letter from UK resident wanting to visit New Zealand to NZ tourist board ‘‘When we arrive in New Zealand how do we know how to find north?’’ The reply was sent ‘‘When you arrive find south, turn 180 degrees and you have north. If you have problems finding east and west please contact this office on arrival’’.
>> My Paul Newman story A (supposedly) true story. A woman walks into an ice cream shop, steps up to the counter and orders a cone. After paying, she swings around and finds herself face to face with Paul Newman. He says hello and she nods, unable to speak. Moments later, as she makes her way down the street, she realizes she doesn’t have her ice cream cone. She returns to the shop and as she opens the door she again meets Newman who asks, ‘‘Are you looking for your ice cream cone?’’ ‘‘Yes,’’ she concedes. He smiles and motions, ‘‘You put it in your purse with your change.’’
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>> Sign in a store window ‘‘We would rather do business with 1,000 Al-Qaida Terrorists than with one single British soldier’’. This sign was prominently displayed in the window of a business in Campbeltown Scotland and you are probably outraged at the thought of such an inflammatory statement, However, we are a society which holds Freedom of Speech as perhaps our greatest liberty. And after all, it is only a sign. You may ask ‘‘what kind of business would dare post such a sign?’’ Answer: A Funeral Home no sense of humour!!)
(Who said morticians had
costa STUFF >>
sudoku
Sudoku answers for Issue 49
9 8 7 2 6
6 8
3 2 4 9 4 3
9 9 8 2 4 5 6 1 5
4
3 7
8 2 6 4 9
The rules of Sudoku: place a digit from 1-9 in each empty cell, so every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9.
challenge Across 9. Not proper (13) 10. Weep (3) 11. Necessary (7) 12. Underground part of a plant (4) 13. Agitate (4) 15. Monetary unit of Saudi Arabia (5) 17. Corridor (7) 19. Accustom (5) 21. Finish first (3) 23. Long (5) 24. Against (7) 25. Chaff (5) 27. Membership fees (4) 28. Goad (4) 30. Capital of Iraq (7) 32. Contend (3) 33. Prekindergarten (7,6)
Down 1. Written history of a person's life (9) 2. Courtyard (5) 3. Duration (4) 4. Beer made at home (4-4) 5. Cunning (6) 6. Metal fastener (4) 7. Pruning shears (9) 8. Aviator (5) 14. Threads (5) 16. Speaks with impediment (5) 18. Something stated (9) 20. Tolerable (9) 22. These days (8) 26. Tattered (6) 27. Sofa (5) 29. Hinge (5) 30. Obstructs (4) 31. Wharf (4)
crossword
Crossword answers for Issue 49 costa life 79
>> costa STUFF
Useful numbers & information >> Transport
>> Emergencies
>> Airports
>> Local Police Local Police Alhaurin el Grande Alora Antequera Arroyo de la Miel Benalmádena, Málaga, Marbella & Ronda Cartama Coin Estepona Fuengirola Local Fuengirola Municipal Nerja Torremolinos
092 952 491 074 952 496 468 952 708 104 952 562 142 092 952 422 211 952 453 267 952 800 243 952 580 900 952 197 090 952 521 545 952 376 000
>> National Police National Police
091
>> Guardia Civil Guardia Civil Alhaurin el Grande Alhaurin del la Torre Alora Cartama Coin
062 952 595 830 952 960 067 952 496 020 952 422 639 952 450 138
>> British Consulate Calle Mauricio Moro, Pareta, 22nd Floor, MÁLAGA. Open 08:30 - 13:30 Enquiries 952 352 300
Malaga Gibraltar
>> Fire Brigade Benalmádena, Málaga & Mijas Coin Estepona Fuengirola Marbella Torremolinos
080 952 455 020 952 804 483 952 461 046 952 774 349 952 381 414
>> Medical Services Emergencies
061
>> Ambulance Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Málaga & Marbella
902 505 061
>> State Hospitals Benalmádena & Fuengirola Emergencies only Málaga Marbella Torremolinos Torremolinos (Centro de Salud) Health Centre
902 505 061 951 290 000 951 976 669 952 386 484 951 924 100
>> Taxis Benalmádena Estepona Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga Marbella Mijas Costa Portillo Customer Service Direct Line Algeciras Alhaurin Benalmádena Coin Estepona Fuengirola La Linea Málaga Marbella San Pedro Torremolinos
The Coastal Service stops at every major town between Fuengirola and Málaga from 06:45 and 22:30 from Málaga Call 902 240 202
>> Lost/Stolen Credit Cards
>> Tuesdays
>> Size Comparisons
Benamagosa, Fuengirola (Feria Ground), Nerja weekly market (Calle Chaparil)
Don’t let being unsure about sizes impare your shopping sprees...
Shoes
>> Wednesday Benalmadena Parque de la Paloma, La Cala, Estepona, La Linea, Rincon de la Victoria
>> Thursday Alhaurin el Grande, Pizara, Frigiliana, Inside La Trocha, Coin, Torremolinos, Velez Malaga, San Pedro, Torre del Mar
>> Friday Benalmadena Tivoli Gardens, Casares, Cartama, Aguamania, ctra Cartama, Las Chapas
>> Saturday Fuengirola, La Cala, Ojen Pueblo, Coin, Competa, Puerta Banus near bullring
>> Sunday Estation de Cartama, Fuengirola near the mosque, La Trocha, Coin, Malaga near the football stadium, Sabinillas, Estepona, Sotogrande, Nerja car boot sale
>> Tourist Information Alhaurin de la Torre Alhaurin el Grande Alora Antequera Cartamar Coin Benalmádena Estepona
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952 410 005 952 491 275 952 495 577 952 702 505 952 422 126 952 453 211 952 442 494 952 802 002
SP 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
1619516500 2890330099 2072229633 1383738866 1604230230 1252513500 1132345678 1514721110
Men’s Wear UK 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SP 44 46 48 50/52 54 56 58
902 143 144 956 654 304 952 490 709 952 443 563 952 450 366 952 802 954 952 475 066 952 172 396 953 350 061 952 764 400 952 781 396 952 380 965
>> Train Stations
Alora, Marbella near the football stadium
>> Mondays
952 441 545 952 802 900 952 471 000 00350 70027 952 327 950 952 774 488 952 476 593
>> Bus Stations
Abbey National Allied Irish American Express Bank of Scotland Barclays Bank Diners Club First Direct Girobank
>> Market Places
952 048 844 00350 73026
UK 34 36 38 40 42 44 46
Halifax Lloyds TSB Mastercard Nat & Provincial Nationwide Natwest Yorkshire Bank
8457203099 1702364274 1383621166 1274331522 1793543888 1132778899 1132424800
Men’s Shirts SP 35 36/37 38 39/40 41 42/43 44
UK 14 14.5 15 15.5 16 16.5 17
Women’s Wear SP 36 38 40 42 44 46 48
UK 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
>> Spanish Facts >> Telephone: to make an international call from Spain, dial 00 and then add the country code (UK 44; USA 1; Australia 61; Canada 1; Irish Republic 353; New Zealand 64) and the rest of the telephone number minus the first zero if there is one. To call Spain from abroad, the country code is 00 34. >> Business hours: the normal opening hours for shops are Monday to Saturday from around 10am until about 1.30 / 2pm. After siesta they reopen from around 5.30pm until 8pm or 9pm. Large stores usually stay open all day. Most places are closed on Sundays. Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga Marbella Mijas Nerja Torremolinos
952 467 457 0350 774 982 952 213 445 952 771 442 952 485 900 952 521 531 952 374 231
>> Town Halls Coin
952 453 020
>> Banks: generally open from 9am to 2pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to midday or 1pm on Saturday. Hours may vary in summer. >> Customs allowance- importation from Gibraltar into Spain 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% or 2 litres of wine 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gms tobacco Goods brought in Gibraltar may only be imported into spain between 0900 hours and 2100 hours Estepona Foreigners Dept Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga Marbella Mijas Nerja Torremolinos
952 801 100 952 589 440 952 589 300 0350 774 902 952 135 000 952 761 100 952 485 900 952 548 449 952 379 400