RECIPES - FOOD - DRINKS - INGREDIENTS - TIPS
Pork Chop With A Mushroom Garlic & Sage Sauce With Danish Blue Cheese This Pork works really well with this Danish blue cheese sauce, I used a pork chop, but you can use any cut you wish. INGREDIENTS (serves one) 1 pork chop 1 cup milk 1 knob blue cheese about 70 grams 1 knob butter about 50 grams 1 tablespoon flour, Salt & pepper seasoning 1 garlic glove cut small 1 medium size mushroom chopped Pinch of dry sage 2 tablespoons cream ½ cup dry white wine METHOD Grill your pork chop to your liking & season it with salt & pepper while it's grilling. While your pork chop is cooking, you can make the sauce.
Add a pinch of salt & pepper to the sauce for taste. Put to one side. In a frying pan, saute your mushrooms & add the garlic for about 30 seconds. Then, add your wine, your bechamel sauce, your blue cheese, your sage, & bring it to a boil. Once it has reached a nice thick & creamy texture, switch off the heat. Next, stir in the cream. Place your pork chop (which should have grilled nicely while you were making your sauce) onto a plate & pour your sauce over it.
First, make your bechamel sauce. Melt your butter in a small saucepan. Add the flour while still on the heat & mix well with the melted butter. Then, add your milk slowly. Whisk vigorously while adding & keep whisking until boiled. The consistency should be nice, thick, & creamy.
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Online Reader Survey Many of you may be aware that over the last few months we have been gathering feedback from readers and advertisers through our online ‘Daxi Magazine’ survey. Thank you to all those that took the time to respond. All responses were automatically entered into a FREE prize draw to win an excursion for two.
The lucky winner of the excursion is Carolyn White from Paralimni....Congratulations! Over the past 7.5 years Daxi has consistently grown and evolved and is now a household name in Eastern Cyprus. Part of the reason for this is that we are always looking to improve our product and to take on board reader and advertiser feedback as well as ideas for new content. Wherever possible we try to incorporate these suggestions into the development of the magazine.
Results
One of the most exciting things we have discovered from your feedback is that Daxi is still a much loved resource for the community and overall is considered to be the best FREE English written magazine in Eastern Cyprus as well as having consistently achieved results for our wide range of advertising companies. We are delighted with this feedback as it is a sure sign we know our market and are still heading in the right direction with advertiser and reader needs at the forefront of our company strategy. Once again thank you to all those that took part.
96% of people surveyed have purchased products or services as a direct response to an advert they have seen in Daxi!
73% of people surveyed said they pick up Daxi because it has lots of advertisers promoting products and services they might need!
When looking for a specific product or service 52.04% of people surveyed said they would look in Daxi first before considering ringing a friend or looking on the internet or on Facebook!
Now With Over 20,000 Readers Every Month!
Thank you to everyone that took the time to respond to our online survey!
82% of people surveyed say Daxi is by far the BEST English written magazine in Eastern Cyprus!
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Wabi Sabi – What on Earth’s That? Wabi sabi is a bit of a buzz word in interior design circles – and for once this might not be a new bandwagon to get you to buy more stuff! Originating in Japan in the 15th century as a reaction to over-the-top lavishness and ornamentation, it is the art of finding beauty in imperfection, and of revering authenticity. Broadly, wabi-sabi is everything that today’s sleek, mass-produced, technology-saturated culture isn’t. It’s flea markets, not shopping malls; aged wood, not swank floor coverings; up-cycling, not throwing away. I first really noticed the Wabi sabi concept when pictures appeared on Pinterest of old white tiles where the cracks had been filled with gold and turned into an object of beauty. The gold option probably isn’t open to many of us, but the outside shower that has seen better days might benefit from a coloured or sparkle grout and become an object of interest - if not necessarily beauty. I once suggested to a neighbour who was bemoaning a jutting crack in his new wall that he painted it a colour that toned with the plant next to it. He wasn’t convinced but then, it was a conservative sort of a garden and perhaps the ‘unexpected’ would have jarred. (Our garden has a stone dog tethered by its lead to an old gate – we like the unexpected!) Up-cycling is certainly an appreciation of imperfection. If the table’s legs are battered, you can paint them different colours. Sew patches in different colours and with big stitches over a rent in curtains, upholstery or sun umbrella and you will have a wabi sabi talking point (as well as putting off the inevitable replacement to sometime in the future). As Leonard Cohen put it: "Forget your perfect offering/There's a crack in everything/That's how the light gets in". If wabi sabi reveres authenticity, handmade objects of all kinds will fill the bill, and mismatched china and cutlery will find a new place in your world. You will suddenly see beauty in a chunk of bark or an old piece of wood and they become table decorations or ornaments. They say wabi sabi is a state of mind, a way of being; the subtle art of being at peace with yourself and your surroundings, a state of acceptance of the imperfections in life and appreciating them as beautiful. I guess we all stress way too much over things not being as we want them
Kindly Written by Corinne Twining - Interior Designer. For more information on this or to find out more about the interior design services Corinne offers, call: 99326883 or visit www.facebook.com/cypruslivingspaces/ Find me on Houzz UK. A great site for interior design research, https://goo.gl/m5p4s8 Email: design@cypruslivingspaces.com
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Old Seeds - Can I Still Plant Them? You often find an old packet of seeds that you have forgotten all about, most packets of seeds have an expiry date on them but this does not mean that the seeds will not germinate and grow, it is just a guide. They may not look like it but the seeds are very much alive. To help find out if old seeds are still alive try the water test. Place your seeds in a glass of water for about 15 minutes, if they sink they are still viable but if they float they most likely will not grow. Testing seeds that are a couple of years old is quite easy, place a few seeds on some moist paper towel and then cover with cling film, place them in a warm spot and if the seeds are fertile you will see some of them sprouting. Seeds left in a damp storage space will become mouldy and rot, dry air containers are a good storage container. Some seeds that were found on an archaeological dig in Israel dated back 2,000 years! Scientists planted them and they started to grow, the seeds were from a date palm. Seeds in very dry lands can stay dormant for many years waiting for the rain to burst them into life.
Compost Corner How to Grow Avocado Trees from Seeds In the centre of an avocado is a very large seed which can be great fun to grow, here is what to do: Remove the seed from the fruit and wash it so that it is clean. Around the seed is a very thin shell which you have to peel away to help the seed to grow. When the shell is removed you will see some grooves on the seed, this is where the seed will split apart. You will need a glass and three cocktail sticks. Fill the glass with water, take the seed and find the top (the top is usually fatter). Stick the cocktail sticks into the seed an equal distance apart around the centre avoiding the grooves and balance the stone on top of the glass using the cocktail stick to hold it in place, just in the water. Then you just wait for the roots to grow. When you have a good root system, re-plant in a good quality compost. Thanks to Ginny Malloy of the Potting Shed for supplying us with this information. In addition to supplying plants, succulents & cacti, they also deliver fresh bouquets of flowers around the Famagusta region. Tel: 96532138. Visit: www.agapanthusflowershop.com. If you have any gardening related questions, please e-mail your requests to: info@daximagazine.com.
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SALES - RENTALS - DEEDS - MORTGAGES - LEGALITY - ADVICE
Rental Investment Returns As the end of the season is fast approaching, a very hot topic this year has been the sheer amount of tourists and consequently the lack of long term rental accommodation in the area. Over the last few years most of the property sales have been to Cypriots, buying homes for holidays. Consequently the ‘stock’ of available rental property has dropped. As there is a lack of available property, rental agents are reporting increasingly that they are able to be selective about the tenants that they accept and that good quality properties are attracting rents 10-15% up on last year. 2017 was a great year for tourism in Cyprus with record numbers of overseas visitors. We have also seen many new hotels, extended capacity hotels, new restaurants and businesses springing up and, of course, all of these businesses require staffing. Staff require accommodation and many people do not wish to ‘live in’ and are seeking reasonably priced apartments and houses. It is very apparent as we drive through the East of Cyprus that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of empty abandoned properties that could, with a lick of paint, be made into lovely dwellings to assist in the housing shortage (and at the same time give their owner some income). We are aware of recent cases where apartment committees have been contacting owners of abandoned properties and offering to make them habitable and rent them in order to cover outstanding communal fees and to return some money to the owners. This is an excellent idea and proving very successful. This programme has all round benefits, improving the condition of complexes and making the properties more valuable for sale. Focusing on the last point above, it is an excellent time to buy for investment purposes. The season is extended for holiday rentals and increased demand for accommodation from tourists will result in rental yields improving still further next year! Thanks to Island Homes for contributing this article. To find out more about island Homes call: (+357) 23 811870. Email: info@islandhomescyprus.com or sarah@islandhomescyprus.com. Visit: www.islandhomescyprus.com or see advert opposite.
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Communal Property Advice While there are many benefits to owning a property in a communal building, development or resort, there are also additional concerns. Your fellow owners and neighbours become part of your investment, almost as if they were indirect partners. They can negatively affect your investment as much as a bad business partner can affect a business. This is why it’s essential, when owning a property with communal facilities, that you properly understand the unique aspects relating to communal property ownership. In case you missed it, in last month’s article, I discussed how to calculate the communal fee. In this article I will discuss the importance of giving your building’s roof a health check before winter arrives.
This Issue: Pre-winter Roof Inspections The summer is starting to come to an end, and while we are very fortunate for the high number of sunny days year-round, before you know it the ‘rainy season’ will start. We desperately need the rain this year, but preferably in the dams and not our living rooms. It’s important to take this last opportunity to do a pre-winter health check of your buildings roofs to spot potential issues before they become major problems. Key Items to check: • Flat Roof Condition Over time cracks can appear in roof felt and sealants, it’s important to visually inspect the roof to look for signs of wear or accidental damage. If it’s just a few small sections of damage you can easily treat the sections with a paint-on sealant. If the problem is more widespread it may be worth getting a specialist in to quote for a complete resurfacing. While expensive, the repairs to damage caused by a leaking roof can be far more costly. • Blocked Drains Sitting water will find that 1mm hole in your flat roof and cause a surprising amount of water damage. It’s important to make sure that your drains are clearing the water quickly from the roof. If your drains block easily or cannot keep up with the rain you should consider upgrading them to a larger drain. • Missing/Damaged Tiles Visually inspect any pitched roof sections for missing/damaged roof tiles, pay close attention to the ridges and where the roof pitch meets the vertical walls for damaged/missing sections of flashing. Be safe and don’t climb on roof sections, if in doubt call a professional. • Unsecure Roof Doors One of the most surprisingly common ways for water to get into your building is through an open roof door. Check all your doors, close and lock properly and put up signs to remind owners the importance of keeping these doors closed. 58
Do you have any questions you would like answered about the above article, or looking for FREE expert advice on the many aspects of Communal Property Ownership? Visit the online resource with advice and information on all aspects of Apartment and Communal property ownership www.CyprusCommunalGuide.com or email advice@CyprusCommunalGuide.com Want to view the complete set of regulations? A high resolution, indexed copy of the Property Regulations can be downloaded at www.Download-IPA.com or on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06WLPZG35/ Author: Russell Flick, www.CyprusCommunaGuide.com/ www.RussellFlick.com This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. ©2017 Russell Flick. All Rights Reserved.
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Anthony Seacole - Sunset
George W Parker - Wagon Wheel
Paula Pearce - Flower
Pauline Howath - Green Dragonfly
George Georgiou Seacaves, Ayia Napa
Phil Parker - Beach at Alaminos
Daena Skinner Cats at Sultan
Paula Pearce - Sunrise
Florentina Arvanitaki Ayia Napa
Marie Kilgour Garden Visitor
Paula Pearce - Sunset
Peter O'Hara New Resident
Alan H Tite - Ship at Larnaca Port
Thank-you to everyone who has taken the time to send photos for The Gallery. Open to Amateurs and Professionals. Each month we will feature a selection of reader’s pictures in our gallery and possibly select one for our front cover. Send your pictures in high resolution to: info@thedaxigroup.com. Don’t forget to include your name, what the picture is of, where it was taken and your website or Facebook page if you are a professional photographer.
George W Parker Birds of Prey
George W Parker Askas Village
Ros Bratton Kingfisher at Mazatos
Ian McCann - Pernera
George W Parker View from Cavo Greko
George W Parker - Askas Village
Andrew Fowles - Orange Tree
Lee Metcalfe Fishing Boat & Tail Lights
Lee Metcalfe Trinity Beach Church
Lee Metcalfe Sunset at Famagusta
Phil Parker Sculpture Park Ayia Napa
Phil Parker - Larnaca Marina
Nick Phillips Oleander Hawk Moth
Phil Parker Lavender & Thistles CyHerbia
Phil Parker - Dragonfly
Amy Olivia Braithwaite Protaras 61
LAW - FINANCES - YOUR RIGHTS - INVESTMENTS - ADVICE - GUIDANCE
Advantages of Company Registration in Cyprus Cyprus is one of the most popular locations in Europe for registering companies. A combination of factors, such as the favourable tax legislation, the straightforward corporate legislation and the country’s stable tax policy has led Cyprus into becoming an attractive jurisdiction, in which thousands of new companies set up with the Registrar of Companies every year, making the country a significant international financial centre. Cyprus has an effective and developed legal system and, as a former British colony, it is a common law country with business legislation similar to that of the UK. As Cyprus is a European Union member, a company registered in Cyprus enjoys all the advantages of operating in an E.U. country. Furthermore, the island has well educated, well trained and professional staff who speak English fluently, while Russian is another popular language for business.
Favourable Corporate Tax Legislation
The main reason why Cyprus has become a great attraction as a business location is the business-friendly tax system that offers many advantages to companies that are based in the country. The key benefit of a resident corporation is the uniform 12.5% corporate tax rate which is one of lowest in Europe. However, the country does not carry the disadvantages that the tax haven countries have, as Cyprus complies completely with the E.U. legislation. Furthermore, it is included on the OECD white list. Creating a holding company or any other type of company in Cyprus is a quick and straightforward procedure. A company is considered to be a taxed resident in Cyprus if its business is managed and controlled in Cyprus. However, there is no restriction in relation to the residence and the nationality of the owner, meaning that the owner of the company does not have to be a resident of Cyprus, while the company does not have to limit its operations to Cyprus. Apart from the low corporate tax rate (12.5%) the Cypriot tax law provides multiple tax benefits compared to other European countries. There is 0% tax on interest income, dividend income, and profits from disposal of shares, bonds, debentures or other securities. No tax is paid for corporate re-organisations, such as divisions, transfer of assets and exchanges of shares with the exception of capital gains related to immovable property in Cyprus. The same applies for profits earned from subsidiaries abroad, subject to certain restrictions. There are more tax incentives of the Cypriot legislation. For example, royalties paid from Cyprus to non-resident companies are not taxed (with minor exceptions about intellectual property used in Cyprus). The same applies for capital gains and income from the liquidation of a Cypriot holding company. Furthermore, as for all EU members, imports from and exports to other EU countries are completed without VAT.
Double Tax Treaties
Companies registered in Cyprus also benefit from the double taxation avoidance treaties that have been established between Cyprus and around 45 other countries. There are double tax treaties in effect with multiple European countries (in and outside the EU) and a number of Middle Eastern countries and, in their majority, the treaties follow the OECD model. As a result, foreign investors do not have to pay additional tax in their home country.
Registering a Company
The procedure for registering a company in Cyprus is simple, straightforward and fast and this is an extra advantage of Cyprus compared to other countries. The first step of the process is the approval of the name of the company by the Companies Registrar. It only takes 2 or 3 working days for the approval of the name. After the approval, the required documentation must be filled to the Registrar of Companies, and from that date, it takes around 5 working days for the procedure to be completed. Thus, Cyprus provides also the advantage that bureaucracy is kept to a minimum. 62
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Citizenship by Investment in Cyprus
Cyprus offers the opportunity to acquire citizenship in Cyprus through investment. A Cypriot citizenship gives to foreign investors all the advantages that an E.U. citizenship has, namely the right to live, work and move freely within all E.U. countries. The minimum required investment is EUR 2 million. Creating or purchasing companies in Cyprus is the simplest way of investing. A second way of investing is through real estate. Another means of obtaining the citizenship is by investing in alternative funds, bonds, debentures or other securities registered and/or issued in Cyprus. Finally, a combination of the above three ways can be used. The program does not require from the investor to live in Cyprus in order to obtain the citizenship, while the citizenship can be obtained by the spouse of the applicant and their children if they are under age (or until the age of 28 for children who undergo education). Parents of the applicant can obtain the citizenship also if they buy a house at a minimum of EUR 500,000 excluding VAT.
International Trusts
Another advantage of registering a company in Cyprus is that the Cypriot law allows investors to retain their anonymity and hold their property under an international trust. Thus, an investor can be the beneficial owner of a Cyprus company, but it does not need to be also the registered shareholder of the company. In this way, a local person, or company, can be the nominee shareholder who holds the property under their name for the benefit of the true shareholders, who prefer to retain their anonymity.
Highly Developed and Efficient System
Cyprus is also well known for the high level of corporate services offered by professionals, such as lawyers and accountants who are very experienced and highly skilled. In addition, Cyprus provides a modern banking system and financial sector which can support the operation of international firms, offering a secure environment for business.
Conclusion
Despite being among the world´s smallest countries, Cyprus is one of the most significant financial and business centres. The trustworthy legal system, the favourable tax legislation, the double tax treaties that Cyprus has signed, the highly developed corporate services offered and the fast and straightforward procedure of registering a company in Cyprus, has led Cyprus into becoming during the last years one of the most popular places for investment worldwide. Written By: Danos & Associates info@cypruslegalservices.eu
Sponsored by:
www.lawyersincyprus.com
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Halloween Halloween wasn't widely celebrated in the UK when I was a child, I don't remember anyone 'trick or treating' or the shops being full of costumes. It was starting to become a thing in my late teenage years, I suppose once our generation was getting old enough to be able to choose to celebrate without having permission! I went to Halloween themed pub nights but my first proper party was a children's party here in Cyprus, thrown by my Halloween made friend Sam. It was really for our benefit I suppose, as our kids were only 1 and had no idea what was going on. We made it spooky rather than scary with cartoon ghosts and Disney themed decorations. We've been to Halloween events, Cyherbia Halloween events are always worth going to, they beat any themed night I used go to in a pub, even without the kids! We've also had a few small parties at home, a bit of trick or treating (agreed in advance with a few willing neighbours) and few games, party food and music. Last year we hadn't planned to actually have a party, Halloween coming right at the end of a busy season for us seems to sneak up on us but as we had invited our friends for lunch I couldn't help but put a bit of a spooky theme on it. Of course I should have know that Sam would have the same idea and our lunch date turned into an impromptu party after all. She arrived with some Halloween themed snacks, which added nicely to the spread and a couple of games to keep the kids (us big kids included!) happy. It meant of course that our children wanted to go trick or treating again but as I'd not forewarned the neighbours this time I was reluctant to bother them, I needn't have worried, they know us too well and had already prepared for the kids arrival. A quick rummage through the dressing up box and we were all decked out to go door knocking! I know many people don't like the idea of celebrating Halloween but it's great excuse to have a celebration and doesn't have to be a full on party. With minimal effort you can still have a great time, a few simple games - pinterest is a great source of inspiration of course, and a few changes to a normal lunch, you've got a special afternoon for the kids to enjoy, oh and a bucket load of sweets of course!
Emma Martin writes an online blog ‘A matter of choice’ about random thoughts & views of an expat Mum in Cyprus & is the founder of the Famagusta Parents Network. To read more visit: www.emsyjo.blogspot.com. 70
Pet of the Month Linda is Husky Mix Pointer mix German shepherd. Certainly, a very unusual looking dog. She was born in approximately 2015 and measures 55cm shoulder height. Linda is ready to have a home. She is active, sociable and loving and just wants to please. Cats she does not like but other dogs and people are good! She has one blue eye, one brown eye and some husky texture on her fur but not long and thick. Everyone who sees her thinks she is stunning and looks like a wolf or fox. Her coat is chocolate brown with some light brown also. Linda is spayed and fully vaccinated and looking for a loving family home.
‘Animal World Day’ - 4th October Since 1931 its been the mission to raise the status of animal’s rights in order to improve the welfare standards around the globe. Have we come far? Has the situation of neglected and stray animals and their rights improved during these 85 years? Maybe a fraction of what would have been expected of an 85-year struggle. Now I’m going to share the piece I wrote specially for this day a few years ago, most of you have read it before and a few of you will be reading it for the first time. But I will keep sharing it in the hope that even if one person a year stops their acts of cruelty towards animals then it will be worth it. The sad part is most probably only animal lovers will be reading this. Never the less this was not written with the intention to offend anyone. When God created earth he first made the hills, the trees, the grass, the beautiful flowers, the streams, the rivers, the mountains, the sea, the sun, the rain, the fish, the birds, all creatures great and small, the animals! And on the 6th day he looked back upon his work and smiled to himself, everything was perfect. Except for one thing. He had forgotten to give the animals a voice! So lastly and although very doubtful he created man. “Oh well, what the heck” he thought to himself. Who’s going to notice if he made one imperfection amongst so much perfection! Ironic and sad. Gina is the Veterinary Nurse at Saint Modesto’s Animal Hotel & Veterinary Clinic in Deryneia. Tel: 23824321. Ask Gina Write in with your pet related questions to Gina our resident Veterinary Nurse. Send your questions to: info@thedaxigroup.com 72
Linda can be seen at Argos Animal Sanctuary Ormideia which is open 7 days a week from 11am until 3.30pm. Or telephone 99853470 for any information about Linda or if you want to adopt a dog or cat. More dogs and cats looking for homes on Argos webpage www.argossanctuary.com and Facebook page Argos Animal Sanctuary.
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A MUST READ!
By Natalie Reed
By now many of you will have heard of the book Cyprus Dog Tails, the story of 9 abused and abandoned dogs who found their forever home living together in Cyprus. To give you a taste of what you can look forward to reading when you buy the book here is an extract from Charlie's Story - Chapter Five.
Chapter 5 A RIGHT CHARLIE There were seven of us in my litter, four boys and three girls. We were born on the streets, well under a dustbin actually. Our mother had been on the streets all her life and had been hit by a car on two separate occasions so she limped everywhere she went, not able to use her back legs properly. Because she was slow and not in the best of health we were left to fend for ourselves from the beginning. Sadly, two of my sisters and one of my brothers didn’t make it past a few weeks old through disease and lack of food. At about two months old I knew I had to leave the litter. There was too much competition for food even between by brothers and sister and me. Mum was really weak and couldn’t help us. I told her I was leaving; she was very sad and said she was worried she would never see me again. I told her I was going to find food and better shelter and that I would come back for her and my brothers and sister. I spent weeks wandering the streets, following my nose, fighting both dogs and cats for whatever scraps I could find. I learned about roads and cars and how dangerous they were after a couple of near misses and became aware of people and never missed any opportunity to put on my cutest face and beg for food. After what must have been a couple of months, I followed my nose back to where I had left my mum and the rest of my litter. I had found better shelter for us all in an open garage not far away. No food yet but I was working on it and I had learned a lot of new skills of how to find food while I had been away on my adventure. I was confident once I got my family somewhere safe I would have no problem sourcing food especially if I took my brothers and sister out hunting with me. As I approached the bins where we were born I could see my mum laid out in the sun. I started to run towards her, I hadn’t realised how much I had missed her and couldn’t wait to tell her the good news about our new place to live with lots of room and shade away from the sun. I got in close and snuggled my nose underneath her chin as I had always done from being a pup but she didn’t respond so I started gently biting her ears to wake her up but she still didn’t move. I thought she was playing a game with me and pretending to be asleep so I tugged on her ears a bit more and ran around her in circles barking loudly for her to wake up as I had good news to tell her. It took me another few minutes before I realised that she was never going to wake up. She had been so weak after giving birth to us all and I knew her health was bad but never did I think on the day that I left her that it would be the last time I ever saw her. At first I was numb and in shock and I searched around the area calling out for my brothers and sister but couldn’t
see them anywhere. By this time, I could feel myself getting upset, if only I hadn’t left her maybe she would be ok, I could have looked after her and helped her. I got mad with myself, pacing up and down looking at my poor mother and thinking about the tough, horrible life she had been through. I felt so exhausted, disappointed and alone. Eventually I gave in to all my hurt and sadness and curled up in a ball forcing myself underneath my mum’s front paw and cried myself to sleep. That was the moment that made me become tough and fearless. I stayed there with my mum’s body, searching around for my brothers and sister for three more days but finally resigned myself to the fact that they were gone and I had to take care of myself. I snuggled under my mum’s chin one last time and licked her goodbye before taking off up the road. I knew that I had changed forever and that I needed to be tough and fearless if I was going to survive on my own. I knew I was only small and most dogs and even some cats were bigger than me but what I lacked in size I made up for with my growl and my bark. I feared nothing and no-one!
To find out what happens next to Charlie and all the other dogs in this book see advert below
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C O M M U N I T Y
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C H A R I T Y
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To Shake or Not to Shake - That is the Question As he works in the blazing sun, Darron our pool man carries a litre bottle of water containing a teaspoon of salt with orange juice, topping up his fluids. It’s the same with young ‘tellyfixing’ Jimmy who leaks generously as he beavers away as Cyprus hits the forties. Neither hold back when salting their chips and salad, yet according to the EU and the World Health Organisation, they should be taking the salt cellar off the table and cutting right back - for the good of their health. Dining out at Potamos the other evening, a young mother was religiously dressing the salad with vinegar, oil, lemon and lashings of salt. Yet in some circles that would have brought sharp intakes of breath and dire warnings about heart disease. So who is right? The scientific world is in a dilemma over salt because the latest research suggests that decades of advice to cut back are based on flawed theories. Curiously, the EU Salt Reduction Framework has the same ‘reduce it’ advice whether you live in the snowy Arctic Circle or sunny Cyprus. When the medical world gets it wrong is it’s like trying to do a U-turn in a supertanker. Reputations have been built and official guidelines inhabit every pore of the medical profession. Even GP training doesn’t include lifestyle theory. However, a book published this year, ‘The Salt Fix’ by American, Dr. James DiNicolantonio brings us up-to-date. A cardiologist and pharmacist, and associate Editor of the British Medical Journal, he started his ten years of research by uncovering how the idea that salt was the enemy really took hold. He believes that it’s too little salt that does the damage, and our bodies have a salt-regulating system that shunts excess into the urine. One unproven idea was that salt would overwork the kidneys, but as these marvelous organs continuously purify your blood, they handle nearly 3kgs every day, so what’s an extra teaspoonful? There are however, just a small number of people who are super-sensitive to salt. Evolution says we came from the sea, and eons later we find the salt concentration in our bodies is still about the same as in sea-water. In fact, all creatures share the same concentration in our blood, that’s fish, snakes, geckos, birds, elephants, chimps and humans. We know the story that Roman soldiers were issued salarium as part of their payday, hence the word salary and at one time if you wanted a guest to feel unwelcome, you left the salt off the table. It’s forty years ago, when heart problems were increasing in Westernised society, that the low salt guidelines joined the US Dietary Goals. The theory, never proven by science, suggested salt made you thirsty, so you drank water, which entered the bloodstream and pushed up blood pressure. That turns out to be wrong. New randomized trials, involving thousands, on normal, high and low salt diets demonstrated that the biggest danger was too little salt. In earlier research some low salters ended up in hospital and one died. In one New York marathon a runner died through lack of electrolytes through overdrinking plain water, which washed out all the essentials of life. Low salt raises the heart rate as the body holds water to retain salt. Lick your arm and you know salt is washing out all the time. A consequence of reducing salt is that since iodine is added by law, there are now 54 countries iodine deficient, leading to thyroid problems. Meanwhile, the real culprit for the rise in heart problems is sugar. Once marketed as ‘pure energy’, it turns out to be the main contributor to a whole range of diseases, especially obesity and diabetes. So how much salt is Ok? Official advice is to cut down to a maximum of a teaspoonful a day, about five grams. A study of 1,000 Cypriots showed they probably consume between 5 and 8 grams a day. Dr DiNicolantonio says to follow your instinct. If your body demands salt, it will let you know. The more you will crave it. But whatever you do, don’t cut back, for your body will cast aside any excess. Millions of years of evolution have already solved the problem so, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Dave Ketteridge 78
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BUSINESS AND SERVICES
EMPLOYMENT
FATCATZ MOBILITY SHOP Advice, Sales and Rentals of Disability Equipment. Certified First Aid Courses. Also, Giant Games For Weddings and Parties For Hire. 31 Elefterias, (opposite SNOB) Deryneia. Open 10-1 and 4-6 Weekdays, Wednesdays pm Closed. TEL: 99297750
Argos Sanctuary Volunteer Homing Officer is retiring. She is giving plenty of notice in the hope that there is someone in the Eastern side of Cyprus who would like to be the volunteer homing officer for the dogs at Argos Sanctuary. Full training as well as 8 years’ experience and full support for a few months will be given. Job satisfaction guaranteed and certainly a chance to make the difference to many dog’s lives. The person must be confident handling dogs, capable of taking photographs and videos on a camera and downloading them to a computer. Be calm, organised, computer literate and with good administration skills. Tel: 99853470
CHIROPODIST - FULLY QUALIFIED -THROUGHOUT EASTERN CYPRUS Mandy Psaras MSSCh. MBChA. - Treatment of corns, callus, fungal Infections, Ingrown nail, Orthotics, Verrucae. Diabetic Footcare, Footcare Products & Free Advice. TEL: 99401903 or e-mail: chiropodycyprus@gmail.com MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND ENGLISH, All - AGE, PRIVATE TUITION Highly qualified, British teacher. Students enjoy hands - on activities, helping them to remember. One to One, and small group sessions. Phone now, book your place for the new term. Tel: Beverley on 99818089 - OROKLINI MARIANNE KNAI MAOURI - QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED MUSIC TEACHER Piano, Lute, Guitar (Classic and Electric), Bouzouki, Music Theory and Music for Kids Crescendo Music School, Located near the traffic lights in Deryniea Tel: 99538868, E-mail: mariannas60@hotmail.com
FOR SALE FOR SALE - Mitsubishi Colt, 1400cc. Mechanically extremely good, and in good condition, apart from needing rear bumper, and a few cosmetics. Can seat 6. Fold down rear seats. Latest front lights. Recent MOT and taxed.5150 current mileage. Genuine reason for sale. Offers around £4000. Tel: 97803579 FOR SALE - Full size, brand new spare wheel & tyre plus jack etc. For Citroen Cactus size 195/65R15. Told will fit other cars. Cost €125 - Selling for €75 Tel: 99095756
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HAIRDRESSER Hairdresser wanted to join our team at Beauty by Liz in Protaras. Tel: Liz on 96491480 or call into the Salon SALESMEN/WOMEN LOW COST seeks Salesmen/Women for it's new offices in Larnaca . TELSALES POSITION Excellent Package. Please email info@lowcostfx.com or call Chris on 99971022 GRAPHIC DESIGNER REQUIRED We are looking for a Graphic Designer for our company, 'Colour Drop, Signs & Printing Ltd', in Paralimni. Must know how to operate CorelDRAW Design Programme. TEL.: Pavlos 99481699
OPPORTUNITY International writer wishes make contact with young English language highly competent I.T. female, Larnaca area, for two specific short-term projects. Genuine interest more vital than pecuniary gain. Kindly reply to 99858858
FOR RENT HOUSE FOR RENT In Nicosia, Dasoupoli Area by the Police Head Quarter, 5 Andrea Charalampidi Street. 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Toilets, Living - Dining Room, Laundry Room, Kitchen, Garage. Full Size Plot, Equipped and Furnished. €1100 per month. TEL.: Andreas 99304539
Meet Up Club – Paralimni Area If you’re on your own, do you want to meet some likeminded people for pleasant and social gatherings, at various restaurants and outings. Any age or nationality welcome. Phone or text: 99225498