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FREE GRATIS - FREI - GRATUITEMENT - VAPAA Every 2 weeks, Edition 23, 21st May - 3rd June 2010
Gay Goes Gaga
Page 4
Gun Smoke to Ashes
Page 9
A Man Amongst Men
Page 12 Norwegian Day
At some point or another we have all heard about the Maspalomas Gay Pride, celebrated in the south of our island; thousands of gay men and women travel from all over Europe to celebrate their sexuality without fear of prejudice or taboos. This year the organisation celebrated the 9th edition, which today has become one of the top events in Gran Canaria. For me it was all a new experience, which created mixed feelings, a touch of excitement and even curiosity, but as I always do when travelling to any event I was willing to absorb the whole atmosphere, party with the best and enjoy it. After reading the whole programme I decided to
go and see the drag Queen Gala and the next day to the Grand Gay Pride Parade, which we have all heard about and which I was sure would really represent the essence of this celebration. My immediate impression of the organisation was taken to its highest level from the very first moment I arrived. As you know, I travel around the island all week visiting many kinds of events and have therefore encountered many different set ups for the media workers who assist. I can safely say that this time the people have got it right; a massive area was provided for the press, as well as a very comfortable working space in front of the stage for both photographers and camera crews. As if this
was not enough, a free bar was also available for all of us who were working and covering the events. I only wish the Press Offices of all the other ‘Ayuntamientos’ had been present to see how to treat the press. Thank you! As far as the Drag Queen Gala was concerned, this was as spectacular and as colourful as the many others I visited this year, but the show which accompanied was more elaborate, more entertaining and a lot more fun to watch. I was very fortunate in being able to count on the help and support for this event on both Andy and Tony, two of the partners of Sparkles Show Bar from the Yumbo Centre. Continued on page 16 ...
Page 16 Gay Pride Maspalomas
Page 22
Lee Completes London Marathon
2 Island Information
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
BUS TIME TABLE
Las Palmas Airport: 928 579 000
Sea Rescue 900 202 202 & 928 467 757
Sweden - 928 260 884 Switzerland - 928 293 450
Emergency Line: 112 Police, Fire Brigade
Consulates: British Consulate Consul: Matthew Vickers Edificio_Cataluna,_C/Luis Morote 6, 3rd Floor, Las Palmas Opening hours: Mon to Fri 8.30am to 1.30pm Telephone 928 262 508 www.ukinspain.com
Taxis: 928 154 77 or 902 192 019
Ambulance: 928 492 112 Fire Brigade Las Palmas 928 446 444 Maspalomas 928 762 671 Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, San Bartolomé de Tirajana 928 762 671 Local Police Province - 092 Las Palmas 928 304 600 Maspalomas 928 764 000 Guardia Civil Province 062 Las Palmas 928 762 898 Puerto Rico 928 736 817 S. Bartolomé 928 750 222 National Police Las Palmas Masapalomas 928 764 000
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Deadline Adverts, copy changes, classifieds, clubs and editorial copy: Friday noon for the following Friday’s edition to air your views. Letters on any subject are welcomed by the Editor for publication and must arrive by 12 noon on Friday for consideration for the following Friday’s edition. Priority will be given to letters dealing with local issues. We reserve the right to amend or shorten letters. The Canary News accepts no responsibility for readers´comments. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service you can write to Edificio Mercurio Torre 1, 2ºE, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, España.
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International Pension Centre 0044 191 21 87777 www.thepensionservice. ov.uk Bereavement Benefit 00441912183847 Medical Benefits 0044 191 2181999 (www.dh.gov.uk) HMRC Chemists: Maspalomas 928 141 552 Playa del Ingles 928 762 173 San Fernando 928 771 625 Arguineguin 928 151 339 Puerto Rico 928 560 661 Mogan 928 565 504 Age Concern España 902 003 838 (www. acespana.org) Swimming Safety Red_flag: No swimming Yellow_flag:Swim with care Green_flag:Safe to swim
Health Centre Appointments 012
Markets in Gran Canaria Agüimes In front of the municipal swimming pool Thursdays 09:00-14:00 Arguineguín La Plaza Negra: Every Tuesday 08:00-14:00 CC Ancora Every Thursday 08.00-14.00 TARA Second Hand Market, Plaza de Pino Seco, Arguinegín Every Saturday 9.00 onwards Arucas Calle Francisco Gourier: Every Saturday 08:00-14:00 Gáldar General Market Plaza de Santiago de Apostól: Every Thursday 08:00-14:00. Gáldar Collectors’ Market Guaires, 26, Tel: 928.55.21.40 Ingenio En el Ejido: First Sunday of every month 09.00-15.00 Jinámar Ramblas de Jinámar (Telde): Sundays 9:00-15:00 Las Palmas Rastro Terrace on top of the bus station Every Sunday 8.00-14.00 Maspalomas Second Hand Market CC Faro 2, Campo Internacional, Maspalomas Sundays 10.00 onwards Maspalomas Artisans’ Market Next to Global Bus Station Meloneras Mercadillo en Meloneras: Every Thursday 10.00-17.00 Mendizábal Calle de Mendizábal, Vegueta, Las Palmas Third Saturday of every month Moya On top of the bus station: Every Sunday 08:00-14:00 Playa del Inglés Artesan market, at Parque Europeo, (next to the Minitren) Everyday except Sunday 19.30-23.30. Puerto de Mogán Traditional craft market Plaza del Parking, Puerto de Mogán: Every Monday 09.00-14.30 Puerto de Mogán General Market El Muelle Deportivo: Every Friday 08:00-14:00 San Fernando San Fernando Municipal Market, Maspalomas. Every Wednesday and Saturday: 08:00-14:00 San Fernando Municipal Market Skating ring in San Fernando Every second Sunday 09:00-14:00 San Mateo Every Saturday: 08:00-20:00 and Sundays 08:00-15:00. Santa Brígida Underneath the municipal park in Villa de Santa Brígida. Every Saturday 08:00-20:00 and every Sunday from 08:00-14:00 Santa Catalina Mercadillo in Las Palmas de G.C. Art Gallery of Parque de Santa Catalina Every Sunday between 08.00-14.00.
Santa Lucia Mercadillo de Santa Lucia: Every Sunday 8.00-14.00 Santa María de Guía Plaza del Casco Historico Every Tuesday and Sunday 10.00-14.00 Telde Plaza de San Gregorio, by the bus station Every Saturday 08:00-14:00 Teror Around the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino Every Sunday 08:00-14:00 Valleseco Mercado Municipal : Every Sunday 08.00-14.00 Valsequillo Calle Isla de la Gomera : Every Sunday 08:00-14:00 Vecindario Agricultural Market Recinto Ferial Every Monday 08:00-14:00 on La Karpa, Avda. de las Tirajanas Every second Saturday 08.00-14.00 Vecindario General Market Recinto Ferial Every Wednesday 08.00-14.00 Vegueta, Cultural and Craftsmanship market Plaza del Pilar Nuevo, Las Palmas de G.C. Every Sunday of every month (except July, August and Sept.) 10.00-14.00.
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The Canary News does not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers, either in advertisements or advertorials, nor can it be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or the non appearance of advertisements or advertorials. This publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors as a result of poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or nonappearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsiblity for claims or opinions in the same. Reproduction of any part of this newspaper without the consent of the publisher is prohibited E & O E. Edita: JDC Canaries SLU, Imprime: Canarias7, C/Mimosas, s/n-Parcela 131-1ª Fase-Manzana V 35119 Pol. Ind. Arinaga, Villa de Agüimes, Gran Canaria, España.
Events 3
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Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
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PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS,
2º Beachline Avenida Madrid. Excellent 1 bedroom apartment with a large balcony, livingroom, full-fitted kitchen and bathroom. This apartment is recently refurbished, tastfully furnished and equipped with all extras.The very well maintained and beloved complex has a large swimmingpool. PRICE: 139.000 euros
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, BEACH PROMENADE Luxurious two-bedroom-apartment with large balcony and direct view to the sea and dunes of Maspalomas. Situated in a small, private, quiet complex with heated pool. Unique property !
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Very spacious, luxurious bungalow with large livingroom, fully equiped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and large terrace. Central location. Forms part of a small quiet private complex with pool. Close to the beach and several shopping centres. Community fee only 70,- euros/month. PRICE: 350.000 euros
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
Apartment at the street down to the beach! This furnished apartment consists of: One bedroom, bathroom, livingroom, separate kitchen and balcony. Low monthly community fee. Complex with pool and parkinglots. At 2 minutes walking to the beach ! Price: 69.000 euros
Beautiful completely renovated and furnished apartment with 54 m² living area. It consists of one bedroom, livingroom with kitchen, bathroom and balcony. Complex with large pools and proper parkinglots. Low community fee !! PRICE: 98.000 euros
PRICE: 390.000 euros
TOP FLOOR. Bright, furnished three room apartment with balcony. Central. Quiet. Near Yumbo. Only three minutes walk to the beach. Heated Pool ! Price: 114.000 euros
SELLING PROPERTIES FOR 24 YEARS !!! Fiestas and Upcoming Events
HERE WE give you some of the most relevant dates during which something of general interest is happening on the island. Don’t be afraid to visit these events or even to actively participate in them, most are open to everyone and anyone. When wanting to visit a fiesta, always remember that most activities take part during the morning and then restart from about six pm. We are in Spain and both lunch and siestas are almost religious customs which all Canarians take extremely seriously. Also take into account that the big days will inevitably be during the weekend. Be adventurous and enjoy the Island like one of the natives! 1st Santa Lucia Tapas Route Now until 31st August 1 tapa and a drink for 3€ in participating bars and restaurants Avenida de Canarias in Vecindario and Santa Lucia Village For more info contact your local Tourist office Romeria de San Fernando 22nd May San Fernando, San Bartolome de Tirajana Europsy 2010, Sporting and Nautical Activities 20th May Next to Red Cross Building In Anexo II, Playa del Ingles
Pilgrimage From Galdar to Tunte 31st May, 5.30 Hours 12€ including bus transfer and lunch in La Haciendo del Molino in Tunte Contact Kiko on 666837480 III Feria Agroalimentaria 29th and 30th May, 10.00 to 21.00 hours Agricultural Fair with products from our farmers and local producers Santa Catalina Park, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 49th Gran Canaria Island Rally 21st and 22nd May, all day Organised by Escuderia Maspalomas, check web site for routes Michel Camino “Piano Solo” 24th May, 20.30 hours Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, Las Palmas Dia de Canarias (Canarian Day) 28th May in Castillo de Romeral 30th May in Las Palmas and Mogan Check local tourist office for programmes
British Embassy gets active for Age Concern España and Cruz Roja
Members of the British Embassy and British Consulate-General Madrid took part in the Sport Relief Mile on Friday 16th April. The money they raised from sponsorship will be donated to Cruz Roja Española and Age Concern España. Rising to a challenge set by Olympic gold medal winner Steve Redgrave to Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff around the world, members of the British Embassy in Madrid held a Sport Relief Mile on Friday. The sun came out just in time for runners to get warmed up and on the move around the Parque del Norte, beside the impressive Torre Espacio. The run, which was completed by British Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman LVO and Deputy Head of Mission, Emma Boggis, was followed by traditional Sports Day events such as egg and spoon and relay races. The British Embassy in Madrid has chosen to donate the money they have raised to Cruz Roja Española and Age Concern España. Both organisations have ongoing relationships with the British Consular Network in Spain. Adam Kettle-Williams of the Consular Network, who helped to organise the event says: Both of these charities offer fantastic services to local communities in Spain and we often rely on their support in providing assistance for our customers. Today has been an opportunity for us to give something back to them. Over 70 FCO posts have held local Sport Relief events across the globe. British Embassy staff in Astana, Kazakhstan claim they held the coldest ever Sport Relief Mile when they braved -10°C temperatures last month. Cruz Roja Española promotes integration and wellbeing through their various social intervention programs across Spain. Age Concern España provides advice and social assistance for over 15,000 British nationals a year in Spain. The charity relies on donations to fund its national telephone information line and to provide training for volunteer caseworkers. Note to editors Photos of the event, which are available for use, can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ ukinspain/sets/72157623869121538/ For more information on this press release please contact: Sally Aston, Consular Communications Officer, British Embassy Madrid, 917 146 475, sally. aston@fco.gov.uk Sally Aston| Consular Communications Officer | British Embassy Madrid | Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana 259D, 28046 Madrid email: Sally.Aston@fco.gov.uk ( tel: 00 34 917 146 475 ) ftn: 8360 6475 http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk Visit FCO blogs at http://blogs.fco.gov.uk Promoting British Interests in Spain, with Commitment, Consistency and Confidence.
4 Local News
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
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From Gun Smoke to Ashes
When The Canary News received a phone call from Tracy, owner of ‘Big Ben’s bar and restaurant, telling us about a lady who had arrived on the island to scatter her late husbands’ ashes at Sioux City, it begged the question why? Why Sioux City, what was the connection? And so, with more than just a little curiosity, it fell to me to find out the answers.
everyone, picked up the phone to Antonio, owner of Sioux City, and arranged for the ladies to go along on Friday evening to carry out John’s last request. Roz cannot speak highly enough of Tracy – who she had never met before. It was whilst Roz and Helen stopped for a drink, that the outgoing and bubbly Tracy found out the reason why they were here in Gran Canaria, and she managed to organise everything within 24 hours, whilst still continuing to run her business at Big Ben’s.
I arrived at Big Ben’s and was introduced to Roz, who is the wife of the late John Faver, and was quite surprised at how young she was. This was my first interview about a deceased person so I was treading carefully and wondering what questions I could ask. However, Roz soon put me at ease and within minutes we began chatting like old friends. Roz told me that she had met John nearly eight years ago through an online dating service and they immediately hit it off. John had been married before producing two teenage children from the union, and Roz was quick to point out that she got on very well with John’s ex wife. This is where Sioux City comes into the picture. John and his family used to come to Gran Canaria nearly every year and never failed to visit Sioux City. He loved it; the atmosphere, the show and the general friendliness of the family owners. When he met Roz he took her too and dreamed about one day retiring to Gran Canaria – maybe to take part in the show? Sadly this was not to be as John was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder and liver. He was just 56 years old, never smoked and kept extremely fit – being a self employed domestic appliance engineer. Nevertheless, when he found out that the disease was terminal, his dearest wish was to marry Roz on Valentine’s Day.
I left Roz and Helen, two bright positive ladies with the hope that everything would go to plan and that we would be able to welcome them back next year for a real holiday. Valentine’s Day fell on a Sunday this year, so they decided to marry on Friday 12th February. Within four weeks everything was organised thanks to the enormous help and support of Helen, friend and bridesmaid of Roz, together with the rest of the family and friends. The ceremony had to be held at home as John was too ill to travel to the Registry Office, so they came to them. Unfortunately two days later John passed away, but not before asking Roz to scatter some of his ashes at Sioux City – the place he loved so much. And so Roz and friend Helen found themselves wandering around Playa del Ingles wondering how they were going to achieve John’s final wish.
So a happy ending, to what is a rather sad story. We should all be thankful that there are still people around like Tracy who are willing to offer a helping hand to ‘strangers’ she had never met before. Big Ben’s can be found in the Commercial Centre Jardin del Sol, Avda. De Gran Canaria, so let’s give something back and support Tracy’s business by giving her our custom. A big ‘thank you’ to Tracy for showing the true spirit and support our visitors can expect from many of the island’s residents. By Debbie Wenn
In true ‘cowboy style’ Tracy of Big Ben’s came to their rescue. After listening to their plight Tracy, who has been here for over 20 years and seems to know
New Political Group Inaugurate New Premises In times of world economic crisis, massive dole figures and general discontent with current political leaders and their parties, citizens have started to not trust those who lead our countries.
adapted to the changes of modern times and are still working and making old political decisions which do not satisfy our new needs. After consolidating themselves in Tenerife, they have decided to experiment in Gran Canaria and for this they have chosen San Bartolome de Tirajana; being historically the most successful municipality in Spain because of the huge pull it has had with tourism. However this municipality has not managed to renew itself, our facilities are the same as 20 years ago when money was flowing into it’s coffers. But instead of reinvesting the money in order to continue to be better, the businessmen of the time simply thought this would never run out.
Their decisions have taken our economy to uncomfortable figures, their corrective measures don’t seem to have the effect expected by all of us and as we see how our lifestyle decrease, theirs seem to be untouched. With this in mind a few years ago “Compromiso” was born, a young and fresh political group which is tired of the typical political groups which since our democratisation in 1975 have not evolved, have not
What “Compromiso” want to achieve is a new radical way of politics with the active involvement of the people, not only to vote but to participate in proposals and suggestions on what and when things should be done. What’s more they believe that it is we the people who also have to feel responsible for going forward and for the mistakes of the past, as this is the only way we will not make them again. On Friday 14th May, the group inaugurated their new premises in San Bartolome de Tirajana, which are
located in Commercial Centre Ronda in San Fernando and is open to all visitors and citizens who wish to find out more about their ideas and plans for the future, as well as their political proposals not only for the municipality but for the island of Gran Canaria. By Tito Cabral
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Local News 5
Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
First Cider Factory Opens This crushed mixture is then pressed, extracting a thick, cloudy yet very sweet liquid, which is stored in large stainless steel casks. Alternatively they could use wooden ones made from chestnut trees. Once in the casts, the liquid will undergo an alcoholic fermentation, this will occur under an ‘anaerobic’ condition (without air), when basically the sugar in the juice is transformed into alcohol. This process usually takes about 2 weeks, giving the cider an alcohol percentage of about 6-6.5. Once the cider is ‘Dry’, a term used when the sugar content has reduced drastically, a malolactic fermentation begins. I have already mentioned the Northern Village of Valleseco on other occasions, and how this area has grown around the cultivation of apples, or to be more precise, the Pippin Apple. This variety is well known amongst culinary aficionados and experts as a very special variety, which regardless of its appearance offers a fantastic flavour and immense cooking possibilities. As a unique initiative the Ayuntamiento of Valleseco have decided to build the first ever cider producing ‘factory’ on the Island; a pioneer project which I just had to visit. This small operation has been set up in a warehouse located on the top side of the village, so I went with a guide who was going to show me the installations, and who very helpfully guided me through the narrow and winding streets of this mountainous village. It is not easy to find, although I was assured that proper signage will be installed as soon as the factory is 100% fully operational. This of course will not
occur until approximately mid September, as it is then when the apples are harvested for the cider. So if you are thinking about visiting it I’m afraid you will have to wait a little longer before this happens, although once opened you shouldn’t encounter any problems.
This process means that the malic acids in the cider are converted into lactic acids, taking away the sharpness from the cider. This process varies in time according to a great number of factors, which are usually difficult to control.
Once both fermentations are complete the cider is poured into another cask, this is usually done under low temperatures in order to avoid minimum loss of carbonated gas created during the fermentation. Occasionally the manufacturer will mix ciders from different casks in order to optimise the final product. Finally the cider is bottled and ready to be sold. To begin with the plan is to sell the cider produced to the local businesses in the village, thus encouraging visitors to visit. It has also got to do with the fact that they expect an initial small production which will be insufficient to supply businesses elsewhere. But no doubt that the cider will be a success as if there is anything the people of Valleseco know extremely well, it is the apple and it’s products. Good luck to Valleseco on this new initiative. By Tito Cabral
I was particularly interested in the elaborate process which will take place on these premises, and it will go as follows: The first and most obvious step is the harvesting of the apples, these are carefully selected between the end of September and goes right through to the middle of November. Once collected the apples are classified, discarding the more ripened ones, and then cleaned. These are then placed in a grinder or crusher in order to break them down and allow the juices from the fruit to be extracted with more ease for the press which follows shortly.
One Hundred Cyclists Pedal for Health Over a hundred cyclists took part on the 16th of May in an event to celebrate “a ride on a bike for health”, which took place in the city of Telde. The event attracted both professionals and amateurs who cycled for an hour and fifteen minutes covering a total distance of 12 kilometres and which took them through La Pardilla, Las Remudas, San Antonio, San Juan, and San Gregorio. The person responsible for the event and the Project of Social Participation and Yrichen Events, Carmen Gloria Castellano, said, “The people of La Padilla are participating in greater numbers every year, because even although we are promoting and encouraging health, the cycle is an activity of great fun”. In addition to the people of Telde, some of the people who took part came from the City of Las Palmas, Villa de Ingenio, Santa Brigida and even San Mateo.
“This event is not only an activity to highlight preventon of drug use, it is also a ‘thank you’ to the neighbourhoods of Telde for their support of our organisation, Yrichen”, indicated Castellano.
People of all ages took part in this wonderful event which should serve as an example to all of us in our daily life, doing a little sport and living a more healthy life should not be a chore.
The president of Yrichen, Father Jorge Hernandez, added, “It is important to encourage the use of bicycles as a healthy element and an alternative to other forms of transport. This is why Yrichen formed this practice, as an activity which encourages a healthy and sporty way of life”.
By Tito Cabral
In addition the President of the cycle club, extended his gratitude and felt that the event was very well organised, because of the devotion of the members of Yrichen. His only regret was that a lot more people did not take part, especially political figures whom should be setting an example with this sort of activity.
6 Local News
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
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Museo de Piedra y Artesania Grando 1, Ingenio, Gran Canaria and is called ‘Museo de Piedra y Artesania’. It is a museum with a difference and has something for everyone, young and old with an abundance of tourist souvenirs to suit everyones’ pocket. It is all on one level and has wheelchair access with ramps.
(Stone and Handicraft MuseumINGENIO) Come with me through the passage of time to the Canarian Museum of Creativity in Stone and Artisan works. This is situated in the Camino Real de
The museum is situated on the outskirts of Ingenio; one of the oldest towns in the Gran Canaria. The town itself is a rural place, and is predominantly agricultural with tomatoes being its’ main crop. It was once a sugar-refining centre during the 16th century, therefore, giving it’s name ‘Ingenio’ meaning ‘Sugar Mill’.
To give you a view of the area and the scenery surrounding the Museo de Piedra y Artesania (especially for those of you who like caves, walking and nature) Ingenio has always been a rural area. It has a population of 24,439 inhabitants, 27 km from the capital of Las Palmas and 340 altitude above sea level.
Entering the museum one will see two large Canarian dogs in the entrance. These large dogs once roamed the Islands and this is where the Canary Islands got its’ name. It comes from the word ‘canine’. As we walk along you will see displays of many antique pieces of furniture, carved in beautiful, exotic shapes and covered with shell or other natural veneer, rocks and mineral cabinets. Fine lace items can be found, displayed beautifully and made by the Gil Espino family. It is not unusual to see a member of the Gil Espino family sitting comfortably creating fine embroidery. Within this section there are many hand-knitted baby garments, childrens’ clothes and hand wovenjackets. Almost everything is made by the Gil Espino family. The extended family are scattered across the seven Canarian Islands and they contribute their handicrafts, artwork, sculptures, paintings etc to the museum to be sold to the tourist. The family, Gil Espino, previously emigrated but then decided to return to their homeland and started up a ‘cottage’ industry and built it up to what it is today. Although it is a family business, they have never forgotten their roots within the community and their canarian culture and ethnic origins. This is very evident throughout the museum where they have kept the canarian spirit alive. Wander along the corridors and see the various collections of pottery, wicker, clocks, agricultural tools and machinery, functional spinning loom and much more. We eventually come to a colourful aviary and tropical gardens just before arriving at a little church hidden away at the back of the museum
Camelo Gil Espino was the only son of Don Francisco Espino and his wife Lucia. They also had three girls, and because Camelo was very religious he decided to construct a church at the back of the museum. It’s quite impressive and worth a visit to feel the ambience yourself. Don’t be put off by the dark entrance, as once your sight has adjusted, you can see the wonderful ornate altar, various glass cabinets lining the walls which contain religious displays and figurines, photographs of the Gil Espino family lace making as well as famous people who have visited the chapel. There is a particularly lovely photo of Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco with their family. The feeling one experiences is like stepping back in time to another era; just the sweet chirping of the birds in the aviary can be heard to break the stillness. In 1964, instructed by Gil Espino, one of the biggest, most impressive Christmas cribs was created. This Christmas crib is now listed amongst the principal crib exhibitions in Gran Canaria. The other two are in Telde and the ‘Belen de Arena de Las Canteras’, Las Palmas. The latter two are whole towns; background props, terraces of houses, streets, Canarian shops made of sand and water. So to conclude, the Museo de Piedra y Artesania is well worth a visit as it has something for everyone. Get to know a little piece of Gran Canarias’ past, as well as indulging in the sheer beauty of its beaches and spectacular landscape. Gilda Larkin-Sealey
Local News 7
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New Fishing Building In Mogan
Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
small wooden signs in the green areas, which will resemble growing flowers, and will contain a message highlighting the importance of maintaining these areas clean. In addition stickers will be given to all the students of the Municipal as well as the recruitment of 30 volunteers who will be handing out information leaflets to everyone. These will not only inform us about the laws concerning littering the streets but also important information about taking care of your pet and the protection of animal life.
In 2007 a fire destroyed the old building used by the Mogan fishermen for storage of their equipment and a social area. As a result the Cabildo destined a total of 799,032,77€ for the new site. Due to the last storms, which this year were especially violent on the coast of Mogan, the completion of this was delayed and the massive waves and hurricane force winds caused some damage to the new building. The new site which measures three metres high and covers a total area of 660 square metres is then divided into small storage rooms, a stairway, passages and a water tank. n a basic opening ceremony the building was formally passed to the fishing cooperative by the Vicepresident of the Canarian Government, we were informed by the Fishing Consejeria.
Campaign Against Dog Excrement The Ayuntamiento of San Bartolome have started a campaign in order to create awareness amongst dog owners to keep their pets off the streets of this Municipal which is littered with dog excrement. The Concejal of Parks and Citizen Involvement, Pino Martin Cedres, explained that the campaign consists of putting information posters in parks, public buildings, commercial centres and some of the official vehicles. Added to this they will be also placing
Finally the Ayuntamiento will provide special paper bag dispensers in strategic places which should encourage dog owners to pick up their animals’ excrement, and dispose of it in 40 specially designated wastebins.
Cultures and The Sea, New Theme for Next Carnival
Next year’s edition of the Las Palmas carnival has already been given a theme. Sea and Cultures will be the theme for our cities’ most important fiesta, and this will serve as inspiration for the thousands of participants who, each year, take part in the Carnival.
Drag Queens, Carnival Queen Candidates, Murgas and Comparsas, and more importantly the floats which take part in the parade and the thousands of citizens and visitors who actively participate, now have the main inspiration for their creations, as many will already have start to work and plan on next year’s event.
2000 Floral Species on the Border of Extinction Between 2000 and 2800 plant species from the islands of the world are believed to be on the border of extinction, and between 3500 and 6800 suffer serious threat for survival, as informed by the Canarian Botanical Garden Investigator, Juli Caujape. An investigation carried out by Caujape, in 53 different archipelagos from all over the world, and including well over 10,000 endemic species confirms this fact. The investigation has detected 13 threatening factors in 10 of those island groups, in which the Canary Islands are included, some of these threats are biological and socio-economic. Amongst these biological threats we can include the low populations of some of these species, the lack of corporation between individuals of the same species, the destruction or alteration of their habitats, the presence of foreign introduced plants, as well as the introduction of new invertebrates and vertebrates, pollution and contamination and the changes in the climate. In the socioeconomic threats we can talk about both the economic and demographic growth, the lack of protective laws, the low education and conscience on the environment, the excessive exploitation of our resources, and the lack of sustainable management of the natural environment. On the Canary Islands a total of 100 species are in an endangered situation out of a total of 610 catalogued floral plants, some of these include the Gran Canaria Drago, some species of Taginaste and the Verode.
The island with the biggest concentration of endemic floral plants is Tenerife, followed by Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Although if we take into consideration the total density of these plants La Gomera is the most populated.
Stop Press ... You may recall the advert concerning the warehouse clearance sale which was held on Saturday 15th May, the owners have informed The Canary News that this first day was very successful with at least a dozen people queuing before they opened the doors at 9am. Most of the smaller items went very quickly, and it was a surprise that the advertised motorcycle was also amongst the first to be sold. People of all nationalities came along and business was steady. There are still some items left, including tables, chairs, sofas, umbrellas etc. of which there was a large number owing to the fact that the items came from a holiday complex. So for those of you who didn’t manage to get along the first Saturday, come along on Saturday 22nd May between 9am-1pm, you won’t be disappointed. Sale held at Mudanzas Phoenix warehouse. Take the GC heading towards Las Palmas, exit at the industrial area Vecindario/Arinaga, we are next to Muebles Atlantico Norte, C/ Los Dragos.
8 Letters to the Editor
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
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Please write to us and The Canary News will award the Letter of the Week a Free COMBO meal at Fusion Restaurant & Lounge Bar in Arguineguin (See advertisement below for address) The Canary News reserves the right to edit your letters and accepts no responsility for readers’ opinions.
Letter of the week Dear Canary News, I’m writing with reference to the letter regarding the problems encountered via ‘Home Sweet Home’. Needless to say I wasn’t totally shocked to read of such an experience as I could most certainly empathise. I commenced my property search last September on the island hence I was in contact with the more highly advertised estate agents. After a number of property viewings I was horrified on occasions and then at times I wasn’t too perturbed having just sold my house in the UK and dealt with the ruthless traits of such people. I found myself being forced to view property completely out of price range and in areas I initially insisted where of no interest. It was all beginning to disillusion me and actually had me question whether Gran Canaria was an option. I was very disheartened and prepared to walk away. Then, fortunately I was introduced to a lady by the name of ‘Alex’, the proprietor of Dream Homes and what a transition. From the moment I met Alex I had a good feeling as she took the time to actively listen to what was important for me and also the contents of my checklist and advised what she deemed realistic and not. Alex remained professional, genuine and honest throughout, descriptions I never thought I would use in a positive manner regarding an estate agent. There was no glitz or glamour, just good old fashioned customer service that went the extra mile. With the hard work of Alex I quickly found my dream home in November the same year and signed on the dotted line end of December - everything went smooth as it was all above board. I can happily say I now reside in beautiful Gran Canaria very content. I will conclude by saying Gran Canaria is a wonderful island with breathtaking views and very hospitable people, which should not be tainted by those with hidden agendas. I can truly advise any individual with a concern for property either rental or purchase to contact ‘Dream Homes’ as you won’t be disappointed - I’m testament of that. Kind Regards Señorita Carmen We still haven’t received any response from Home Sweet Homes to give their views on the previous letter, but thank you for providing us with positive feedback on a good estate agent. We have always had good reports on the excellent service provided by Dream Homes. Ed Dear Editor, I just want to say a big thank you to the newspaper for arranging the Jeep Safari for myself and daughter Bella. Last year we won a raffle prize in the draw at the British School open day but could not find the time to take it. So whilst we were over here on a fortnight’s holiday at the beginning of May we phoned the number on the prize ticket but could not understand what the lady was saying (she was of course Spanish). We contacted Debbie at The Canary News and she said she would help us. We only had a few more days of our holiday left so I didn’t think anything could be
done in time. My daughter, who is only four years old, was quite excited at going on her first jeep safari and I didn’t want to disappoint her. That same evening we got a call from Debbie telling us to be outside our hotel reception at 8.30 the next day as she had arranged for someone to pick us up. What a relief, we could go after all. We were taken out for the full day, and our driver Brian, was fantastic and very patient with Bella who after all her initial excitement decided to play up a little. She had a special child’s seat for safety but the bumpy road made her feel a little sick. However she soon got over this when she saw that we were also going to have a ride on the camels. Fantastic, she loved it. We finally got home about 17.30 after a full, but tiring day for the little one. Again many thanks for this, and we will certainly be back to Gran Canaria in November. Regards John and Bella, London We are very pleased to have helped you and Bella John. It wasn’t easy as Uni Jeep Safari were not operating over here in May – they are based in Lanzarote and only come over for the ‘winter’ months. However, Debbie spoke to the owner, Salvador, who promised to arrange the trip with one of his contacts. And you know the rest! Our sincere thanks go to Salvador of Uni Jeep safari; real Canarian hospitality and friendship. Ed Dear Canary News, I was glad to read the letter in your last newspaper about rip off rental companies, but it isn’t just the agencies who rip people off. We were ripped off by private owners. To tell you our story, we decided to spend quite a few months of our time relaxing in the sunshine in Gran Canaria, so hired a car and looked around at some apartments. We didn’t really see anything we liked until purely by chance we were talking to someone in a bar and he said he had one for rent. We went to see it and really liked it. It was in San Agustin, so we said we would take it for six months. We asked for a contract and he said he would give us one when his solicitor had prepared it. We paid over our deposit of one month’s rent and moved in. To cut a long story short, we kept asking for the contract and he finally admitted that he couldn’t give us one as if he did he would have to pay tax on the rental. I wasn’t happy about this, but he seemed decent so we carried on paying the rent into his wife’s bank account. After three months, and getting to know more people, we found we were paying ‘top whack’ as we rented during the Canarian ‘low season’ so looked around and found another at half the price. We gave notice to these owners of nearly two months and prepared to move out. When we moved out we contacted them to arrange an inspection of the property in order to get back our deposit (we are very careful people and had not damaged anything). We cleaned the property including the windows and waited for the owners. They came around and immediately we knew from their attitude that they were going to squabble about this. The wife kept going on about how she could have got more money and how we had broken the contract (what contract I asked?). She found fault with everything and said she would have to get contract cleaners in!! Ok we said, even though we didn’t agree with it, deduct the money from our deposit, let’s say
70€, and give us the rest. She refused to give our deposit back. Looking back we should have kept the keys, but we were so shocked with her attitude that we just left. So I think you should warn your readers to always get a contract, don’t take people at face value, even if they seem nice at first. And by the way, talking to friends about this they say if we didn’t have a contract we could have just walked out that same day without paying another months’ rent. But we are nice people and thought we were doing the right thing. Never again, it really spoilt our time here and gave us a different view of the people over here. Yours, Very Angry, (name with held) We are sorry to hear about your bad rental experience, and yes you are right it isn’t just the agencies who rip people off. But hopefully these are few and far between. Perhaps it’s a lesson for all of us. Do things right, insist on a contract and if they won’t give you one, don’t move in. Find somewhere else. It’s a pity you didn’t meet Alex from Dream Homes (see letter of the week) Ed To The Canary News Hi, a group of us came over from Manchester for the Gay Pride and had a fabulous time. None of us had been over before, but because we were sick and tired of the bad weather back home we booked last minute on spec. There were about 20 of us altogether and although we didn’t manage to get in the same hotel, we were very close to each other. We stayed in Puerto Rico and although it wasn’t right in the middle of the ‘gay scene’ we found that taxis were really cheap compared to back home. The thing that struck us the most was the Saturday’s parade. We had never seen so many people all making an effort to dress up and have a good time. The floats were fantastic and you could see that people had really made an effort to do things properly. I wish they would in our town of Manchester, but then we only have it for one day, not one week! The acts on stage during the week were very good, although we did think it funny that the Drag Queen contest was won by a woman? We liked the Yumbo Centre and there was loads to do and see. So I guess we will be coming back next year but this time we want to stay in Playa del Ingles to be part of the fun all the time. Cheers, From Marty, Gary and the rest of the gang. Manchester Gay Pride was very successful this year with more than 200,000 spectators. Hope to see you again next year but in the meantime read all about Tito’s experience and fab photos in this edition. You can see the newspaper online at www.thecanarynews.com Ed
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A MAN Amongst Men loved ones; his wife Bharti and his two sons, and has always made sure he spends quality time with them. A ritual, which the whole family takes part in, on a daily basis is ‘tea time’. Each afternoon, they get together on the family terrace at their lovely home and discuss the day’s events.
If you have lived in Gran Canaria for a while you have probably heard the name of this charismatic man at some point or another, and even if you haven’t you probably know someone who does. Rakesh Ahuja is not only a well known business man on the island, but also a loving father, husband and a much respected man in the Canarian Indian Community.
Canarian Character 9
Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
But Rakesh’s dynamism does not end here, he believes in taking care of both the body and the mind, so five days a week he goes to the gym, most times accompanied by his eldest son Rishab. At weekends he enjoys long walks around the Meloneras area, which gives him time to not only enjoy the magnificent sea views but also meditate.
have to be related to any religion, but the mind has to be clean as he puts it. He achieves this by carrying out relaxation and breathing exercises almost every day for about 25 minutes. This has been his way of dealing with the long working hours which are not dictated by him but by the service requirements of the tourist visitors. The secret to his success is a perfect equilibrium between dedication to his work and his family, and from which he has reaped the rewards. Rakesh has honed his social skills to perfection and his great passion is to meet as many different people as he can. I am amazed at the incredible number of people who
As a matter of fact he is the President of this community and has been for the past 22 years, both in Las Palmas and then in the south. As such, he is respected and looked up to, because his many years of leadership have eased the integration and creation of brotherhood between the Gran Canarians and the Indian Community. He arrived on the island 30 years ago, full of enthusiasm and willingness to work and build a future for his family. Rakesh is well known for his numerous entrepreneurial initiatives and money making ideas, and although he has always invested much of his time in his businesses, he feels it is important to have a balance. Above all, as a family man he enjoys spending time with his
likes of Dona Sofia – Queen of Spain and even Bill Clinton, ex President of the United States.
Over the last 12 years he has participated in a weekly discussion group, which meets up on Friday lunchtime, and after a delicious meal they chat about all sorts of topics, with the exception of football and politics, as these two topics can make people become exceptionally passionate, and the idea behind these meetings is to learn and enjoy themselves. This has not only enriched Rakesh even further but also given him the chance to meet a whole load of new people from different backgrounds.
This is another quality which is a strong part of his character; his intense spirituality which he believes does not
know him or have heard about him. He is like a magnet; pulling all kinds of personalities towards him including the
For those of us who know Rakesh, we can say he is a man who feels passionate about his family; he is confident yet humble at the same time, and above all he enjoys everything which life throws at him, and his humour and optimism simply make him unique. By Tito Cabral
10 Family Life
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
A Senior Moment An elderly lady actually wrote this letter to her bank. The bank manager thought it amusing enough to have it published in The Times and this newspaper thanks him most sincerely. Dear Sir, I am writing to thank you for bouncing my cheque with which I endeavoured to pay my plumber last month. By my calculations, three ‘nanoseconds’ must have elapsed between his presenting the cheque and the arrival in my account of the funds needed to honour it. I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my Pension, an arrangement which, I admit, has been in place for only thirty eight years. You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity, and also for debiting my account £30 by way of penalty for the inconvenience caused to your bank. My thankfulness springs from the manner in which this incident has caused me to rethink my errant financial ways. I noticed that whereas I personally attend to your telephone calls and letters, when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the impersonal, overcharging, rerecorded, faceless entity which your bank has become. From now on, I, like you, choose only to deal with a flesh-and-blood person. My mortgage and loan payments will therefore and hereafter no longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank by cheque, addressed personally and confidentially to an employee at your bank whom
you must nominate. Be aware that it is an offence under the Postal Act for any other person to open such an envelope. Please find attached an Application Contact Status which I require your chosen employee to complete. I am sorry it runs to eight pages, but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows about me, there is no alternative. Please note that all copies of his or her medical history must be countersigned by a Solicitor, and the mandatory details of his/ her financial situation (income, debts, assets and liabilities) must be accompanied by documented proof.
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5-- To transfer the call to my toilet in case I am attending to nature. 6-- To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home. 7-- To leave a message on my computer (a password to access my computer is required. A password will be communicated to you at a later date to the Authorised Contact.) 8-- To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through 8 9-- To make a general complaint or inquiry, the contact will then be put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering service. While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will play for the duration of the call.
In due course, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me. I regret that it cannot be shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have modelled it on the number of button presses required of me to access my account balance on your phone bank service.
Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an Establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement.
As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Let me level the playing field even further. When you call me, press buttons as follows:
Your Humble Client
1-- To make an appointment to see me. 2-- To query a missing payment. 3-- To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there. 4-- To transfer the call to my bedroom in case I am sleeping.
IMPORTANT to REMEMBER that this letter was written by a 98 year old woman.
May I wish you a happy, if ever so slightly less prosperous, New Year.
Addendum from The Editor:
DOESN’T SHE MAKE YOU PROUD!!!
Ageing: Growing Old Gracefully Across the industrialized world, birth rates are falling and people are living longer. This will require a new focus on research to promote healthy ageing, rather than simply treating the diseases of old age.
Thomas More’s Utopia, published in 1516, describes an egalitarian paradise free from the poverty and wanton greed of contemporary sixteenth-century European society. But its fictional citizens are still haunted by old age — “which as it carries many diseases along with it, so it is a disease of itself”. Given the gross inequalities of the day, More’s idealized society required a formidable leap of the imagination. Now a small group of scientists from the unfashionable field of gerontology is urging us to consider a similarly radical leap. Today’s utopian vision, they say, should be a society in which the elderly remain fit and healthy. “People tend to associate old age with decrepitude and senility,” says Rudi Westendorp, an expert on healthy ageing at Leiden University in the Netherlands. “But we have no reason to assume that weakness is inevitable in the old.” This message is a timely one, given the steadily ageing demographic in most industrialized nations. Advances in medicine have reduced the terrible toll of infant mortality caused by infectious disease, and more recently have started to overcome the killers of middle age, such as heart disease and cancer. Life expectancy is rising, and shows no sign of levelling off. At the same time, birth rates are falling, raising the spectre of societies that are unable to generate the cash to pay for the care of their elderly. There’s an economic incentive, as well as a humanitarian one, for trying to break the link between old age and ill health.
Healthy outlook
At present, research into geriatric medicine is dominated by attempts to treat conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, that mostly afflict the elderly. But with the demographic time bomb ticking loudly, politicians and research leaders are beginning to recognize the need to investigate the genetic and environmental factors that allow some people to remain healthy and active into their eighties, nineties and beyond. The rest is down to environmental and behavioural influences. So keep your body and brain active, and remember the saying ‘You are only as old as you feel’.
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Local News 11
Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
‘I Didn’t Know’ is Not a Good Enough Reason! As I have just helped a friend of mine overcome the difficulties of the Spanish self employment system and what you can and cannot do, I have decided to write a short article on this in the hope that it will help others who may find themselves in a similar situation.
This is when she asked for my help, so we went to see her Accountant to seek advice. I was hoping he could sort it out but he told us we would have to go once again to the SS (no pun intended!) offices and negotiate with them.
The main point to remember, as with most of the official offices over here, is that you must be able to speak and understand Spanish, or take a translator with you – we are after all in Gran Canaria!
Back we went, armed with every document (copied twice) we may have needed to the San Fernando office, where a nice security guard asked us what we needed to discuss. Of course, you guessed it again, wrong office, we needed to go to Telde where the letter came from.
My friend Anna registered as being self employed (autonomo) in March 2009. She went to the appropriate Social Security offices for her region, in this case San Bartolome de Tirajana, completed the forms with her bank account details and was set to operate officially.
To cut an awfully long story short, we found the offices, filled out another form, took our ticket, waited in line and was finally seen by a lady who stamped, stapled, looked on the computer and finally produced a piece of paper which stated that Anna owed over 2,000€ in back payments, fines and interest!
The monthly amount taken by direct debit is just under 300€, which seems quite substantial for a new business, but this is the law!
Poor Anna nearly had a heart attack, so I asked the lady how we could negotiate a monthly sum to pay this. She pointed to another section of the office and told us to see someone there.
Unfortunately, Anna’s business didn’t do as well as she expected so she decided to go back to the UK to look for work. She was away for around three months with little success of finding a job and decided to return to Gran Canaria. Of course her previously rented apartment was no longer available so she found another one in the same region. She thought she had notified everyone of the ‘change of address’ for future mail, and started to look for work again. Meanwhile the Social Security office sent a letter to her old address, which finally arrived stating that she owed them money. As Anna couldn’t really understand the content she asked her Accountant who was fairly vague about the ‘labour’ laws but asked if she had ‘signed off’ from the ‘autonomo’ system. She hadn’t, as she didn’t know she had to so immediately went to see them. She explained that she had been away looking for work, had changed address etc. and was duly given a paper ‘signing her off’.
She thought this was the last of it until in January this year she received additional communication from them saying she owed a back payment of nearly 400€. Disgruntled she went to the bank and paid it. Now comes the really hard part. In April and still without work, Anna moved again into a smaller, cheaper apartment – her funds diminishing rapidly, and relying on ‘top ups’ from her family, she faithfully registered her new address, renewed her Residency and ‘Padron’ and thought everything was finally ok. A few days later she received communication from her bank telling her that Social Security had put an ‘embargo’ on her account for the sum of 650€. She phoned the bank to see if this was legal, and yes, you guessed it, it was. The bank couldn’t lift the embargo only the office who had imposed it could. Anna had received letters informing her of the embargo, but she didn’t understand the content as it was in Spanish and assumed she was ok having paid money in January.
When our turn finally came we were seen by a very nice Spanish gentleman, who sympathetically listened to my pleading on behalf of my friend. He couldn’t stop the 600€ payment as it was too late, but he immediately lifted the embargo on the bank account and asked if she could afford 68€ a month to pay off the ‘debt’. I nearly kissed him and asked what other forms we needed to fill in for the payment, but he said the paperwork would take between 10-15 days so we would have to come back. I won’t bore you with the details of how the system hadn’t caught up with new address changes etc. but he personally sat and filled in the forms, took them over to someone else and put the changes on the system there and then. He gave me his card and told us that he would personally phone to tell us when to come back and see him. They were extremely helpful in both the San Fernando and Telde offices. So hopefully it will be sorted out soon, and Anna has a smile back on her face. But the moral of this story is; ‘IT ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH TO SAY, I DIDN’T KNOW!’ By Ann Turner
12 Scandinavian Scene
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
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Norwegian National Day - 17th May with Nina Blaafjell Norway adopted its constitution in 1814, and it is this event that is celebrated on the 17th May.
At the school there was the opportunity to purchase food and drink followed by entertainment provided by the pupils. The entertainment was varied and included song and dance numbers with modern as well as traditional music, and the event concluded with a lottery draw.
The Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, held the first 17th May celebrations in 1836, and from then on the day was regarded as the national day.
As Anfi del Mar was established by Bjrn Lyng, who was Norwegian, they have always decorated the complex for the 17th May and this year was no exception with Norwegian flags all around the complex.
Here the children from the school normally hold a speech to commemorate Norwegian independence. This year the speech was given by Joachim and Maria from year seven & ten, who spoke in Spanish and Norwegian respectively. Following the speech there was music including the Norwegian national anthem before the procession made its way back up to the Norwegian School.
The first children’s parade was held in 1870 and has become a tradition. The day is of course celebrated in Norway, but also by Norwegian’s living abroad. Here in Gran Canaria the celebrations centre around the Norwegian School and the Anfi del Mar complex.
However, this year it was also nice to see that La Marea shopping centre in Arguineguin had decorated with Norwegian flags in honour of the many Norwegians who live in and visit Arguineguin.
The day starts at the school with a speech by the principal and the raising of the Norwegian flag. All the children then line up for the parade which goes from the school down to Anfi del Mar.
Animal Rescue Part 2
In the last edition of the Canary News we featured Anita Bratli, a Norwegian lady living in Gran Canaria and working tirelessly to help animals here. Last week she had to come and rescue two kittens from the Europa Centre in Puerto Rico. The kittens had been found wandering around the centre by Jamie Gubb, who works in the Cocktail Shaker. Initially she found one kitten and was not sure whom to approach or what to do with it, but having read the article in The Canary News she asked if we could contact Anita regarding what to do with the Kitten.
Anita promptly came and picked up the kitten. However, less than an hour later we had to call her back as a second kitten was found. Anita is fostering both kittens for the
time being and reports that they are both doing well. When they were found they were of course very hungry but are eating well and thriving. If anyone would like to adopt a kitten you can contact Tara on 607 671 167
Horoscopes 13
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Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
LIBRA Sept 24 - Oct 23 We see where the real mountains and valleys are in our personal landscape and how trivial life’s other ups and downs seem by comparison. This week’s revelation may stem from something as simple as a passing thought. It will yet have profound and wonderful consequences.
ARIES Mar 21 - April 20 How many miracles will you manage to work this week? While Mars and Pluto are so awkwardly aligned, you may well feel as if you now need to accomplish a great deal. Actually, though, the only big, dramatic change you require is a mental or emotional one.
CANCER June 22 - July 23 We get entrenched in attitudes and opinions. These then create psychological barriers that keep positive change at bay. If you want to make sure that you get it right, this week, you must be willing to risk getting it wrong.
TAURUS April 23 - May 21 You are just looking at a way to meet a few basic needs, to make some ends meet and to solve some very practical problems. You have tried before, with limited success. Try again now. Be creative and you’ll succeed.
LEO July 24 - Aug 23 Too much, in your life lately, has been made of too little. Now, an imbalance must be redressed. This may be happening rather dramatically, but it is a positive process.
Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 Plenty of folk rise briefly to positions of authority but the ones who remain successful are those who care more about getting it right than they do about flaunting their status. Consider the long term, this week.
GEMINI May 22 - June 21 One plan is fraught with potential problems. Another will be easier to implement but it is likely to have one undesirable side-effect. The ones you have yet to develop may seem more attractive - but that’s only because their disadvantages are so far hidden. Don’t let any of this depress or deter you.
VIRGO Aug 24 - Sept 23 If you didn’t have to make an allowance for a certain person’s needs and preferences, you could proceed a lot more efficiently. This individual, though, seems to be holding you back. Without their involvement in your life, while you might have more success, you would have far less satisfaction.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 22 You can bring yourself to be realistic about the options and choices that are available to you, you will yet start to feel very differently about some of the factors you resent. Don’t compromise an important aspiration. Do, though, look at another way to get your desired result.
CAPRICORN Dec 23 - Jan 20 There’s a reason why you initially decided to head in a particular direction. It remains a good reason. Deal in a pragmatic, sensible fashion with the difficulty that lies before you this week. Don’t start questioning yourself or losing faith in your great hope. AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 You like to feel that your life is full of choices that you are free to make as you see fit. Sometimes, though, an encounter with authority can prove profitable. It can give you the excuse you need to implement an important plan.
PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 You are keenly conscious of a fault, a failing, a flaw in some seemingly perfect plan. Others seem quite happy to take what’s happening at face value. They are allowing themselves to be fobbed off with glib excuses and dubious explanations.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY “ In life, we face difficulties and hardship because life is about striving. The people who are going to succeed are those who are able to push that extra mile, despite knowing that every sinew is at its limits. Are you willing to push that extra mile starting today?”
Brain Teasers Detective Mick Mace was called to the scene of a beach murder. Two uniformed officers were already there, piecing together the chain of events that lead to the victim’s death. “Her name is Jina Lange,” the first officer tells Mace, “a 27 year old waitress from ‘Jake’s Palace.’ She was running from someone, but they got her, all right. Knocked her to the ground hard, gashing her head open, and wrapped a belt around her neck. Tried to strangle her to death, but she didn’t die when the perp thought she did. She must have crawled 20 feet or so, but she was going toward the water by mistake. When she realized this, she was probably fading in and out of consciousness, and knew she wasn’t going to make it. Looks like she wrote the word “help” in the sand with her finger, but it has been partially washed away by the approaching tide. See there? The h is half gone already, and the p is missing the stem. We took some pictures for record, though.” Mick Mace looked down at the woman who lay dead, shuddering as he thought of what it must be like to die at someone else’s hand. What were her last thoughts? What did this woman have to say that someone didn’t want the world to hear? Suddenly, more cops arrive, with three men in tow. One, they called Jersey, was throwing a fit, his loose pants practically down to his knees in the struggle. “I wasn’t with her! I bought her a drink, but she left without even saying thanks!” The other, older gentlemen, was the club owner. “Name’s Shelby, detective. She was a great lady. This is a tragedy, but I will do anything to help. I saw her leave the club with that guy right there, but that’s all I have.” He pointed to the third man. “Yeah, so? She left with me, but only for a sec, to get some smokes from my car. She came right back, honest!” At that moment, Mace thinks of a very important clue, and knows exactly who is responsible for Jina’s death. What does he figure out? Hint - Obvious clues don’t always point to the answer. Think about it: If you were about to die by murder, wouldn’t you want to let someone know who did it? I think Jina would have too. Mace realized this. When Mace saw Jina lying in the sand, he knew she had been aware that she didn’t have much time left. So if you wanted help, why not shout out for help? What good does it do to write it in the sand? Wouldn’t she much rather finger the person who did this to her? Mace thought so, and so realized that she had not written “help” in the sand, she had written “Shelby” to finger her killer. However since they found her a bit late, some of the letters had washed away with the waves. Shelby killed her in a fit of rage, when she found out he was stealing money from his own employees at the club.
14 Spanish Lessons with Theresa Coe
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
Alternatively, by clarifying which bit you don´t understand, the person might ask the question in a different way. So if you hear:
Lesson 18 ‘What was that?’ Please don´t give up when you don´t understand something in Spanish. Instead, try out simple phrases such as those that follow, picking out and repeating each word that you don´t get in a questioning voice: Spanish person: ¿Te gustan las aceitunas? You: Perdona, no comprendo. Por favor, repite despacio [reh-PEE-teh des-PASS-ee-oh]. Sorry, I don´t understand. Repeat slowly please. SP: Claro, (of course – and they say it again). You: ‘¿A-ce-i-tu-nas?’ You can then say: ‘no comprendo aceitunas’, or ask: ‘¿Qué significa aceitunas?’ (what does aceitunas mean?). The more you use a new word, the easier it will stick. In response, the other person might show you the item, mime the action, or perhaps in this case, describe the mystery word: ‘son verdes o negras, pequeñas, redondas y populares para comer en España’ (they´re green or black, small, round and popular to eat in Spain) – ah! Olives, you realize.
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‘Qué haces?’ and you only get that the first word means ‘what’, you could say:
(what is this in Spanish?) pointing to the item you want to learn. You can also ask people ¿ Cómo se dice… ‘ham’? (How do you say… ‘ham’). When you hear ‘jamón’ [ham-ON], repeat the word and then, if you have a notepad, you could follow up with: ¿Cómo se escribe? (how do you write it?).
Perdona, no comprendo ‘haces’. (I´m sorry, I don´t understand ‘haces’).
Bueno or bien?
To which the other person might phrase things differently: ‘Ah, bueno – pues….¿En qué trabajas? Yo soy profesor’ (Um, well then…. in what do you work? I´m a teacher.)
Practice makes ‘perfecto’ Can´t remember the word you want? Look for other ways to express what you need to communicate as simply as possible. For example, here are some different ways you could ask the same question in a restaurant: ¿Hay más pan? (is there more bread?) ¿Tiene más pan? (do you have more bread?) ¿Es posible tener más de esto? (is it possible to have more of this – and point to what you want topped up), or otro más por favor (another one please!) pero no quiero esto (but I don´t want this – and point to the dirty plate or ashtray you´d like removed).
¿Cómo se dice? If Spanish people speak to you in English, try saying: ‘habla español, por favor’ (speak Spanish please). You could explain further: necesito practicar (I need to practice). You can draw shop assistants or waiters into conversation by asking ¿Qué es esto en español?
One of the most common mistakes English speakers make in Spanish is to mix up bueno (good) with bien (well/fine), and malo (bad) with mal (badly). Bueno and malo are ADJECTIVES or words that describe THINGS and must change to agree with the noun: Una comida buena (a good meal); unos niños malos (some bad children). Bien and mal are ADVERBS which mean that they describe the VERB or action and never change. Hablo bien español pero canto muy mal (I speak Spanish well but I sing very badly). Try to also avoid confusing pequeño [peh-KEN-yoh – small] with un poco (a bit). Mi cocina [koh-SEE-nah] es pequeña (my kitchen is small) but solo necesito un poco de espacio (I only need a bit of space). Finally, if you confuse muy, más and mucho, (very, more and much/a lot), think of your answer to the following questions: ¿Cómo estás? MUY bien (how are you? VERY well), ¿Algo más? Sí, ¡MAS vino! (anything more? Yes, MORE wine!) and ¿Te gusta el sol? Sí me gusta MUCHO (do you like the sun? Yes, I like it A LOT). If you have any questions relating to this column or Spanish in general, email theresacoe@gmail.com
If you have any questions or comments relating to this column or the Spanish language in general: Please email theresacoe@gmail.com
Two of Everything
I met Eva Synnove in Cafe Florin and was immediately intrigued by this calm, talented lady from Norway. Born in Oslo, Eva and her husband spend the ‘winter season’ here in Gran Canaria for health reasons. The bitter cold winters of Norway do not help Eva’s health problems, so they decided to rent an apartment for six months of the year and have been doing so for the last 3 years. Eva tells me her main role in life has been that of a housewife and mother, yet she is also a trained florist, has had experience in the travel industry and is now a very talented artist. She loves being with her family – children and grand children, and does miss them when she comes to Gran Canaria, but with her husband by her side she puts a smile on her face and gets on with life. Her one great passion is her painting. Eva started painting many years ago, and true to Norwegian
folklore, many of her painting are scenes replicating the famous ‘trolls’ of Norway. When at home in Norway, Eva has everything to hand including her oven in which she ‘bakes’ her pottery. As not only does she paint in oils and pastels, but she also hand paints scenes on pieces of pottery. She loves renovating furniture and has many special pieces which she has carefully restored to their former glory.
Talking to Eva, one is immediately struck by her positive attitude on life, her love of people and how life has been good to her. Although she doesn’t have all the things she needs to carry out her beloved pottery painting, Eva has managed to do some fantastic pastels; one of which she presented to Florin, owner of Cafe Florin, for his birthday. It takes pride of place on the cafe wall. I asked Eva what were the major differences between Norway and Gran Canaria, and she immediately responded with ‘price’. She did however hasten to add that although Gran Canaria had become quite expensive, it was still reasonable compared to Norway, and if one shopped around it was quite easy to live fairly inexpensively. She mostly shops where the Spanish go and also likes to visit the Faro Dos market occasionally to see if she can pick up a bargain. Eva loves cooking and has a typical health-conscious Norwegian diet. She uses only good olive oil and keeps
away from fatty foods. She loves cooking at home for her husband and one of her favourite dishes is, of course, meatballs and peas, but there are many times when they both can’t resist the odd tapa dish. Eva always keeps busy and has done so many things in her life that they are too numerous to mention, and yet another passion of hers is dress making for friends and family. Make-up artist, folk dancing in the Faroe Islands, amateur theatre group, reading, swimming and finally social networking. Heavens she makes me feel positively ‘lazy’! As I take my leave, Eva has one last thing to say about her life in Gran Canaria; she loves the people, the language, and for her she has two kings, two homes and two wonderful lives. By Debbie Wenn
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‘The Canarian Lawyer’ Ask for moratorium by being unable to pay the mortgage I am unemployed and with the subsidy I cannot pay the mortgage for my flat amounting to 580€ a month. I could pay it when I was working, but thanks to the fall of the Euribor, this is no longer possible. Now, because I am unemployed, I cannot pay this amount. Someone told me that I can request the mortgage moratorium so they don’t take away my apartment. What have I to do? Ask your bank or financial institution with whom you have contracted the mortgage. The ICO-Moratorium Hypothec line has been valid from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2010 and if there is sufficient available funds (EUR 6 billion) the aim is to help people temporarily with a partial postponement of the obliged payment and asking them instead for of 50 % of the amount for the years 2009 and 2010 with a maximum of 500€ mortgage quotas monthly.
Your Questions Answered 15
Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
A mortgage holder can benefit if he signed for the mortgage in order to buy his property before 1st of September 2008 as long as there were no mitigating circumstances. Beware of banking abuses, because they cannot ask you for prerequisites which were not foreseen by the law to grant the moratorium. Inheritance if they are private goods My mother-in-law has died and left all inheritance to my wife. I wonder if that inheritance counts towards the marriage assets . No. These are private goods and the rights of your wife and do not count as community property assets of the marriage. Compensate the sale of shares with losses
Can I offset gains with losses in the purchase of shares if I did the sale in December and buy again in January? No, to compensate the difference between the purchase price and sale you must wait two months. The fiscal year change does not stop the application of the obligation to wait two months between the purchase and sale of the same number and value of shares. Purchase a new flat with selling another one Do I have to pay the patrimonial increase produced by the sale of the old flat if I reinvest all in the purchase of the new flat? No, because it does not generate an increase of your patrimony as added value obtained with the sale of a flat, if all of the sale is reinvested in the purchase of another new flat. You can also deduct the total costs of purchasing this new property.
Recovery of the pension plan As heir I receive the benefits of the pension plan my husband had in the Bank. Which taxes have I to pay? The recovery of a person’s pension plan who has deceased, will contribute to the income tax because it is considered a work performance income. Therefore the benefits received by the heirs from a pension plan from a deceased person, do not tribute to the heritage tax but to the income tax. You can pay everything at once, or have it deferred or a mix of both.
Web and Computer problems? info@thecanarynews.com
Using the Command Prompt might be the easiest way to enable or disable Hibernation. This way will work in XP, Vista and Windows 7, but the process is a little different due to the permission restrictions in Vista and Windows 7. In XP, you simply click Start, then run and enter CMD to get to the command prompt. In Vista and Windows, click the Start orb and type CMD into the search box and an item “cmd.exe” will be listed under programs. Right-click on the icon and select Run as administrator. The Command Prompt then opens and you type in powercfg /h off to disable hibernation. Likewise this same command can be used to enable hibernation by using the command powercfg /h on. There are other ways to disable hibernation as well. Q. I never use hibernation on my computer so how can I delete the hiberfile.sys file and regain that hard drive space? A. If you don’t use the Hibernate mode option in Windows, you can save some hard drive space by disabling it. Hibernation mode may be useful on a laptop to save battery, but it has little use on a desktop that has power all the time. Disabling the hibernation mode will automatically delete the hiberfile.sys file and restore that space, amounting to several megabytes, to your hard drive. Note: There is no Hibernate mode on computers with more than 4GB RAM memory and since this is fast becoming the norm, hibernation mode as we know it is fast becoming a legacy feature.
Other ways to disable hibernation in Vista and Windows 7 are via the Control Panel and editing the registry. To managing hibernation via Control Panel, Click on the Start orb, open the Control Panel then click on Power Options. On the left side, click on Change when the computer sleeps and click then on Change advanced power settings. In the Advanced Power Options window expand the Sleep tree by clicking in the little + in front of Sleep and then expand Hibernate the same way. To disable hibernation, set the minutes to 0. You can also set the number of minutes the computer will wait after all activity has stopped before going into hibernation. After you’ve made your selection click Apply and Ok then close out of the remaining screens. To disable Hibernate by editing the registry, click the Start orb, and enter regedit to open the registry editor.
Note the usual warning about rendering your computer unstable or stop functioning if the wrong modifications are made and is only recommended for experienced (or otherwise daring) users. To completely disable Hibernate mode through a registry edit, browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Power and change HibernateEnabled value data to zero. To enable, set this value to 1. After you’ve made the changes close out of the Registry Editor and restart the machine. Now, if you try any of the above options to turn hibernation on but the Hibernate mode still isn’t available, then you will probably need to disable Hybrid Sleep by expanding Allow hybrid sleep and turning it Off. Hybrid Sleep is found in the same listing as was the Sleep option in the above. Then if you have disabled hibernation, you will no longer have Hibernate and Sleep as part of the power options in the start menu and they will also not be available as an option when you hit Ctrl+Alt+Del. Conversely, if you enable hibernation, these options will be available. The file, hiberfile.sys will be automatically deleted from the Windows folder when hibernation is disabled. This file is a system protected file and cannot be deleted manually, but only by disabling hibernation mode. Regaining this amount of disk space may seem like very little compared to the very large capacities of modern hard drives, but if you don’t need Hibernation, why not reclaim that space?
16 Local News
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
Maspalomas 2010 Gay Pride Continued from front page ... As corporate sponsors and performing artists, they actively participated in the show, which I must add was very good. The occasion was presided over by the famous Canarian television presenter, Roberto Herrera who had the honour of hosting the gala. I cannot think of anyone better suited to the job, he in turn was accompanied by Amor, a transsexual who became famous on one of the latest editions of the Spanish version of ‘Big Brother’. As the participants paraded one by one, performing their own choreographies and fantasies as they like to call them, the crowed grew increasingly excited to see who finally would be crowned Maspalomas Gay Pride Drag Queen 2010. And after a large number of shows, musical acts and dancers the jury made their decision which they passed to Roberto; Drag Noa came out victorious after the announcement of the two runners up. A decision which did not please all who assisted the gala, as in this case the ‘Drag’ was actually a woman, which begs the question of ‘what is drag?’
soon as the bus drove onto the Avenida de Tirajana you could immediately tell that the crowd and the party was going to be massive, people flocked towards the sides of this main street in their thousands disregarding the suffocating heat which was driving the thermometers up to 30º C. In fact this encouraged most of the participants and visitors to wear very little clothes, and as we all know, gay men like to take care of themselves and do not need much encouragement to show off their attributes.
which this particular Gay Pride held. This event which has now taken place for years always manages to attract more and more participants and they were confident that this year was not going to be different.
The meeting point for the floats was the far end of the Avenida de Tirajana, just in front of the Riu Palace Hotel, and as they lined up, one after the other, each carriage was packed
The next day, after the controversial crowning of the Drag Queen, I arose expectantly to see what the day ahead of me would bring. I had previously arranged to meet Tony and Andy from Sparkles at their float, which was a modified bus and which this year had the Lady Gaga theme. There were massive high heeled shoes glued to the sides, together with voluptuous lips and champagne glasses, elaborately made out of shiny and colourful material. Immediately I knew that colour was going to be the main theme for this parade, not only because of the huge colourful impact of the float, but also because of the costumes that the many passersby were already wearing as they had been from the early hours of the afternoon. Whilst I waited for the parade to begin, dozens of people kept coming and going bringing various items to complement the float even further - even the owners of the bus were actively participating and seemed quite excited about it, as this was their very first time in the Gay Pride parade, (they normally use the ‘float’ on 4 different Carnivals which take place all over the island). At about 14.00 hours panic suddenly took over as the owners and main stars of the float were running late and had to get ready, and believe me they do take their time, a fact which then reflects the final result. As would normally be expected, when it comes to women getting ready they are usually late but funnily enough on this occasion the women were the ones who came early! Finally we set off, the float was packed with people wearing colourful feathers, glittering dresses, and astonishingly high heels which would make any of us poor mortals suffer from vertigo; how can they walk on these? But not only did they walk they danced and jumped like someone wearing trainers. As
with people, dancing away to the loud music being played . But still thousands kept arriving, and every vehicle was soon surrounded with people in the most fantastically creative costumes of every kind. Before the parade commenced the organisation had planned a “Dragathon”, basically lining up all the ‘Drags’ in an attempt to beat the international record,
However it did not start too well, as participants were not really able to march and place themselves in line, and I believe that it was due to the huge number of people who were milling around the roundabout.
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Local News 17
Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
At one point it was announced that the record breaking attempt was not going to take place due to the lack of participants, and it was at this point that I witnessed the enthusiasm and massive influence these incredible artists can have at any given time. Andy, who was determined that the attempt should go ahead, grabbed the microphone from his float and marched around the crowd looking for each and every ‘Drag’. Taking them by the hand, one by one, he personally escorted them to the line and guess what? the record was broken one more year! Absolutely brilliant it was to watch him manage this by himself. Finally everything was ready for the much awaited parade to begin, and it has been estimated that well over 50,000 people congregated along the Avenida de Tirajana in order to watch over 20 floats, most of which local gay businesses had previously prepared to begin their journey. Each was well stocked with drinks, food and of course music, and
the ambience was of pure happiness; good vibes could be felt everywhere, people here just wanted to have fun! Although the parade only went on for 1.4 kms, a fact which made more than one complain, the line of floats took a good few hours to reach the meeting point located next to the Yumbo Centre. Here the organisation had planned a massive party, with some of the best local DJ’s together with with a huge outdoor concert, which included live performances by Patricia Kraus, Ramon del Castillo, Eva La Diva, Derrick Barry, Rich Skye, Javi Martin, and Sensasiones. I did not manage to last out the night, but I can assure you the fun was there for all to see; not only for the gay community, who simply want voice their rights regardless of their sexuality, but also for heterosexuals who were actively taking part in this colourful celebration. It was a time of bringing together everyone no matter what religion, sexual preferences or nationality they were; an integration of all communities by simply sharing good feelings and having a lot of fun. Well done to the organisers, not only for how they treated us the Press, but for the massive success of this party, which next year will celebrate its 10th birthday and which this year attracted well over 200,000 visitors to our island which desparately needs it. By Tito Cabral
18 Twitters from the Atlantic with Barrie Mahoney
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
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Barrie Mahoney was a teacher, head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands as a newspaper editor. He is still enjoying life in the sun as a writer and author.
The Week The Planes Stopped Flying The day has been silent. We live quite close to the airport and are used to seeing the many flights arriving each day with their cargos of white, pallid, passengers, released from the tight grip of a Northern European winter, looking forward to the comforting warmth of the Canarian sun. Often, we see the same passengers a week later at the airport, this time in the departures queues, looking browner and healthier, if not sadder, as they prepare for their weary flights home. Today was different. There were no queues of frustrated travellers and irritating tour representatives herding their reluctant passengers into long queues to await their turns at the check-in desks. The waiting area was empty. The glaring departures board screamed the one word that no one wanted to read, ‘CANCELLED’. The volcanic ash from Iceland has done its worst for our islands, already teetering from the effects of recession. Hoteliers, bar and restaurant owners and shopkeepers, all looking forward to the heady days of a springtime tourist revival, shook their heads as they shared and commiserated together the events of one of the worst weeks in the tourist business on the islands. The planes had stopped coming and in their hand-tomouth business, so too had the hard earned currency that would help them to keep their businesses open for another season.
Back in the airport, I spotted activity around the customer service desk of one of the low cost airlines. “I need to get home before then, my son’s medication has run out,” cried the grey haired mother with her disabled son standing silently at her side. “We’ll give you a flight back next week, but other than that you are on your own,” came the harsh reply to one desperate family, surrounded by push chairs, a crying baby and a screaming toddler. “You pay nothing and you get f**k all,” came the words of an angry young man clutching a rucksack. “I should have known. I will never fly with this bunch of cowboys again.” The customers of another low cost airline - the one with the smart orange tracksuits - fared rather better. This airline appeared to be treating their customers with the respect that they deserved. Not only were they booking passengers into alternative flights, but they were also putting them up in hotels. They may not have been where they wanted to be, but at least their clients would not have to spend a night on the beach. The local television crew arrived to film the antics and the anger outside the office of the low cost airline. The passengers instinctively turned their backs against their cameras - after all, why should their misery be the stuff of the evening’s television entertainment?
fuel guzzling machines that dominate our planet. Our reliance upon these monsters of the sky, carrying their bellyfuls of passengers to exotic destinations is something that we all take for granted. Once they stop flying, even for a few days, holidays and finances are ruined, perishable goods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, food items and flowers lay rotting in warehouses in Las Palmas, London and Nairobi and national economies begin to crumble. Maybe one day in the future the planes really will stop flying. Children will gather to hear tales of giant flying metal birds carrying people to destinations in the sun. Will we also be telling them of tales of complaining passengers, sitting in silence watching noisy cartoons on large screens, who have only paid the price of the latest best seller for a ticket to a far away destination? Will we tell them about the food and drink in plastic trays and beakers and the complaints that it is not as good as they could get in their local takeaways? What about the planes themselves? Will we visit them in museums and both admire and loathe them for the way in which they changed our planet forever? In a week of chaos and inconvenience, maybe we should be grateful for the silence, and the opportunity that the volcanic ash from Iceland has given us to reflect upon a world without these whales of the sky, and begin to imagine a flight-free world in their place? © Barrie Mahoney
I left the airport, disturbed and saddened and began to muse upon a world without the precious, noisy,
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest novel, ‘Journeys and Jigsaws’ (ISBN: 9781843865384). © Barrie Mahoney
UK TV ABROAD At last there is a UK TV System which enables you to watch live BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 along with many more. More importantly there is a 7 day Catch Up TV service which means that you do not have to miss any of your favourite programmes due to work or lifestyle commitments, or when one or more programmes that are on at the same time.
You simply choose the date and time, click and watch. This system is easy to use, the picture quality is very good and it is simply plugged into your internet Router and then to the set top box. By using this system it enables you to watch TV and use your computer at the same time unlike most internet TV which only lets you use one or the other. If your TV and Computer are not in the same room we can supply varying lengths of LAN cable to connect to the UK TV Set Top box. There is very little wiring, no dish or antenna is required. This system is not affected by adverse weather conditions.
We offer you the opportunity to see the system working in your own home or business on a free no obligation basis. So, if you don’t want to miss your favourite programmes ever again don’t delay, call today. Please see our main advert for further details.
Cookery 19
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Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
Ensalada de Murcia (Murcian Salad)
Ingredients:
3 peppers 4 medium tomatoes 4 medium onions 1 bunch of garlic 3 aubergines 3 cloves of garlic 1 cup of olive oil Juice of half lemon Salt
Method:
Preheat the oven at 200 °. Place on an oven tray peppers, aubergines, onions, tomatoes, and the garlic and drizzle with
the olive oil. Roast slowly . When at a point, with the skin almost burned, put tomatoes to one side. Wrap the peppers, onions and eggplant in a cloth for a while and then Peel. On a large tray place the aubergines and peppers which have been peeled and cut into strips, tomatoes and onions in wedges, forming groups. Sprinkle over the minced garlic cloves. Season, add oil and sprinkle with lemon juice. Add pieces of goats cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Fresh Spring Asparagus
4-6 thin slices Serrano ham 5-6 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Method:
This asparagus recipe makes 4 servings. Rinse and trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears. Steam asparagus spears for 3-5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside to cool.
Spanish love asparagus prepared just about any way – canned, white, drizzled with a vinaigrette or mixed with eggs or salad. This dish uses fresh green asparagus which is lightly steamed, then wrapped in a paper-thin slice of Serrano ham and drizzled with béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with a bit of grated parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown on top
and you have a fresh, tasty and attractive side dish for spring.
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh asparagus – about 12 asparagus spears 4 Tbsp olive oil 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup milk
Banana Pancakes Ingredients:
1/2 Kg. of bananas 3 spoons of sugar 3 eggs 1 glass of milk 1/2 glass of anisette ground cinnamon 1 lemon pinch of table salt flour
Method:
Peel the bananas, spread the lemon juice on top and mash using a fork. Whisk the egg whites, adding sugar very slowly and then introduce the yolks, a pinch of salt, anisette, cinnamon, a little bit of grated lemon rind, mashed bananas and milk. Then add the flour very slowly until it binds into a soft paste. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the pancakes on both sides using a spoon for the desired quantity of paste. You can give a special touch to this dessert if you spread the pancakes with a little bit of honey for serving.
In a large open pan, heat the olive oil over low to low-medium heat. Using a fork or wire whisk, sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly to make sure that there are no lumps. Continue stirring. Gradually add milk, continuing to stir. If mixture is too runny, sprinkle in more flour, all the while stirring constantly. If mixture is too thick, drizzle in more milk while you stir. Once the béchamel sauce is smooth, remove pan from stove. Place rack in centre of oven. Heat oven to 400F degrees. Wrap a ham slice
around a bundle of 3 asparagus spears and place in an oven-proof dish. Repeat until all asparagus is wrapped. Pour béchamel sauce over centre of asparagus spears, where ham is wrapped. Pour rest of sauce in dish around spears. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over ham slices. Place dish into oven on centre rack. Bake until cheese and sauce turn a golden colour. Remove and serve.
20 Fashion
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
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Swarovski - the magic of Austrian crystal Innsbruck. It has proved so popular with tourists that it has now become one of the most visited buildings in Austria and was designed by artist André Heller. An exceptional landscaped park bewitches one with waterworks, labyrinth and spectacular lightening. As you wander through the fantastic waterfall entrance, made in the shape of a face, you are given a ribbon to tie on one of the hundreds of trees which line the paths. Make a wish and it will come true, or so they say. As the wind blows one can hear the gentle tinkling of thousands of pieces of Swarovski crystal, which hang from the trees.
Swarovski is an Austrian success story par excellence. At the end of the 19th century Daniel Swarovski founded a company with the aim to cut crystals automatically. The company was enormously successful and soon worked in numerous fields like the production of optical products, abrasives and grinding tools, the cutting of crystals and the manufacturing of decorative stones made from crystal. Those were mostly used for the jewellery and fashion industries, as chandelier parts, as accessories and as beads and ornaments for attire and jewellery.
And as you move through each area your senses are assaulted by the soothing music, wonderful smells and ever changing coloured lights. The displays are truly spectacular with pieces created by the likes of Andy Warhol and a specially-commissioned horses’ saddle, bridle and mantle encrusted with crystal and gold, who they say, was ordered by an Arabian nobleman for his small son. A unique Mercedes car, again designed with the famous crystals takes pride of place in the museum.
Swarovski’s necklaces, pins and earrings are popular worldwide. Swarovski’s crystal beads are also used to adorn dresses, shoes and handbags. By this they have entered the realm of haute-couture, James Bond movies, Hollywood celebs and Oscar night fashion talk.
You can of course purchase items from their large on-site store; prices are the same as they would be in their suppliers’ shops throughout the world. Swarovski prepare for season of style with Cannes Film Festival and Scottish Fashion Awards
In 1973 the company produced a paperweight and a key ring as memorabilia for the 12th Olympic Winter games in Innsbruck. A year later, designer Max Schreck ‘accidentally’ started a new product line: he built a little mouse out of chandelier parts. The mouse was followed by a series of crystal animals and decorative items, among them the famous crystal lovebirds. Today, Swarovski’s figurine collection Silver Crystal is a major branch of the company. In 1995 the company celebrated its 100th anniversary by building a spectacular theme park, Swarovski Crystal Worlds (‘Kristallwelten’) in Wattens, close to
Shoppers in Aberdeen were in for a treat as on April 24th Swarovski unveiled its new collections that will adorn Hollywood film stars at Cannes Film Festival next month and on the tartan red carpet at The Scottish Fashion Awards in June, at the launch of their new Scottish store in Aberdeen’s Bon Accord Shopping Centre. Modelled by top Scottish model, and winner of Scotland’s New Face 2009, Christina Chalk wore Amanda Wakeley couture and was accessorized by Swarovski, the official jewellery to Scotland’s top fashion night of the year, The Scottish Fashion Awards 2010. Shoppers can now accessorize themselves with the same jewels and coveted clutches that stars like Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank, Eva Longloria and Kate Winslet wore to the recent 82nd Annual Academy Awards.
Also in celebration of the creative collaboration between Swarovski and the new Sex and the City 2, the Aberdeen store, along with more than 800 Swarovski boutiques worldwide, will transform their windows in May and allow customers to accessorize in the style of their favourite character from the film. Dedicated followers of fashion will also find Sex And The City 2 content on Swarovski.com. Accessorizing has never been so exciting! Finally, don’t forget that Sally Geltner of Original Designs uses Swarovski crystals for some of her unique, hand crafted jewellery (see advert on this page).
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The Dreaded Cellulite Cellulite occurs when the connective tissue pulls down on fat causing the fat to bulge under the skin. The less fat you have the less noticeable cellulite is. Diet and exercise play an important role in reducing the appearance of cellulite. If you want to reduce cellulite you need to detox your body, especially your liver and colon. Lay off nicotine and caffeine, do not consume excess salt or fat and drink plenty of water. Eat foods rich in nutrients like soya, blueberries and nuts. Make sure you get the nutrients glucosamine, B vitamins and essential fatty acids. Onions are also a wonderful food to combat cellulite, as they act as a natural diuretic releasing water build up from skin cells. Exercise to lose weight and tone your legs and buttocks. Do specific exercises to increase muscle mass in your thighs like walking, biking, stair climbing, yoga and pilates. The less fat and more muscle you have will make cellulite disappear. Muscle will stretch the skin and smooth out the dimpled bumpy appearance.
your thighs as you rinse off. There are also many commercial products that you can purchase to help combat cellulite. Some of the most popular are: L’Oreal Sublime Slim which consists of a day and a night gel to apply daily, Clarins Total Body Lift, Murad Firm and Tone Serum, Body Creator Aromatic Firming Cream, Algotherm Pulpe Activ Minceur, and Guinot Absolue Minceur home version products. If you have money to spend on your cellulite treatment, there are many good Spa cellulite reduction methods.
Cellulite may never completely disappear but at least you can minimize it and make your thighs look as good as possible when you want to put on a bikini or a mini skirt Spa Solutions for Cellulite Reduction I was once told by a doctor that nothing could be done about cellulite once you have it. Now modern science has come up with several ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I guess they realised how important beauty is and how much money they could make off women that want to be beautiful. Most of the spa treatments are pricey, but if you have the money and you want smooth thighs it is well worth it. Endermologie is one of the most popular treatments for cellulite it uses a motorized machine that has rollers which lift, stretch, spin and suck the skin. The treatment loosens the connective tissues that gives fat and skin that bumpy texture.
To increase circulation and break up the fat do daily massages to troubled areas. You can also use a body brush in the shower or bath with a body wash or exfoliating product to help increase circulation. Use aromatherapy oils in your bath to stimulate your system: sage, cypress, and juniper oils aid with cellulite reduction. You can make a body wrap at home with coffee grounds and seaweed to help reduce cellulite. Take warm coffee grounds and spread on troubled areas, wrap with moist seaweed (can be purchased at health food stores) then cover with plastic wrap. Keep the wrap on for about a half hour. Unwrap and rinse off in the shower. Massage
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Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
It improves the circulation and helps make the skin appear smoother. Cost can range from 30€ to 50€ a session with up to 14 visits being recommended. Tri-Active LaserDermology is another treatment for cellulite. It combines a machine that gives a suction massage, localized cooling, and heated laser stimulation to the skin and fat beneath. It breaks down fat pockets and increases circulation. 10 to 15 sessions are usually required and costs can range from 100-200€ per treatment.
VelaSmooth consists of radio frequency waves to break up fat pockets and infrared heat to improve circulation followed by massage to loosen connective tissue. Currently VelaSmooth is only approved in Europe and Canada. The Anushka 5 week Body Contouring Program combines personalized diet, topical lotions, muscle stimulation, inflatable leg boots, body wraps, and rollers to tone and firm thighs and break down cellulite. Look on the internet to see if there is a salon nearby. Acupuncture can also be used to treat cellulite. Mesotherapy is a treatment that injects a solution of
enzymes and detergents into troubled areas to melt away fat. The treatment was developed in France over 50 years ago and some plastic surgeons do use this therapy. Another option is a personalized cellulite reduction work out program incorporating targeted leg workouts, toning, and cardio and strength training. Adding Pilates works wonders at toning and smoothing thighs and buttocks. Cellulite can be treatable but even after treatments cellulite may not be completely gone but noticeably reduced. Regular maintenance may still be required after the initial treatments
22 Health
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
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Can You Treat High Cholesterol Naturally? By Ann Mather, Celebrity Nutrition Advisor , Famouslyfit.com Generally, when talking about Cholesterol, we talk about Total Cholesterol, HDL (often called “the good” one) and LDL (often called “the bad” one). In fact, there is only cholesterol and it is essential for good health! What makes the difference is the type of molecule that carries the cholesterol around the body – low density lipoprotein or high density lipoprotein. It is the balance between HDL, LDL and triglycerides that is important. We make the majority of cholesterol in our own body (in the liver) where it is used to make hormones, Vitamin D and to produce bile acids to aid digestion. Managing your cholesterol is a complete lifestyle issue. It is about: •Maintaining a healthy weight •Maintaining a healthy body (so you don’t need drugs and medication) •Avoiding excessive alcohol •Managing the saturated fats and trans fatty acids that you consume •Exercising •Avoiding Smoking
In the USA, food manufacturers are allowed to make positive health claims about oats and their contribution to lowering cholesterol. Oily/fatty fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies) Research has supported the cholesterol-lowering benefits of eating fatty fish. Fatty fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which not only lowers LDL, but it raises the healthy HDL – so a double benefit! Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce blood thickness and inflammation in the body, helping to reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of blood clots and protect the body from disease. Omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduce the risk of sudden death in people who have already had a heart attack Doctors recommend eating at least two servings of fatty fish a week. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, tuna and salmon. However, a word of warning. Make sure that you bake or grill your fish if you want to get the most out of it! Don’t spoil such a good thing by frying it! If you don’t like fish, there are lots of other alternatives, including flaxseed, canola oil, and of course omega-3 fish oil supplements.
If you have high cholesterol, it is not simply a matter of cutting out foods that raise cholesterol, although this is what your doctor may focus on the most when you go to see him. Research confirms that there are increasing types of foods that influence how cholesterol is absorbed and how the body handles it. Cholesterol lowering foods can be just as powerful in controlling your cholesterol as taking cholesterol lowering medication (and of course don’t have any harmful side effects) provided you take them just like you would a medication! And because their positive effect is confirmed by scientific research, they can carry the claim that they help to lower cholesterol.
Eating 10 grams of fiber each day appears to do the trick – reducing cholesterol by about 5%. 1 ½ cups of cooked oatmeal provides 6 grams of this!
I recommend getting them from the natural sources so that you gain from all of the other health benefits that you will find in fruits, vegetables, etc. Eating these types of foods regularly and on a daily basis can reduce LDL by more than 10%. Plant sterols and stanols do not appear to affect the levels of triglycerides or the HDL cholesterol. Nor do they interfere with the absorption of important vitamins such as A, D, E and K. Cinnamon A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces triglyceride and LDL (the bad cholesterol) and the total cholesterol level. Apples We have all heard it so many times – an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apples contain a pectin – a soluble fibre – that helps draw cholesterol out of the system. Also, the flavanoids in apples as a very powerful anti-oxidant that seems to block the process that leads to LDL accumulating in the bloodstream. Grapes Similarly, the flavonoids in grapes act as a powerful anti-oxidant, protecting LDL from free radical damage and lowering LDL levels. This comes from a compound that grapes naturally produce to resist mould – and the darker the grape, the better.
Start to include these as part of your daily nutrition plan and say goodbye to high cholesterol forever! Oats Perhaps a true “superfood” when it comes to cholesterol, oatmeal contains soluble fiber which appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in our intestines, and binds cholesterol thus reducing the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes.
particular fibres found in foods and, believe it or not, in wood pulp! They have a similar structure to cholesterol, but are more difficult to be absorbed and end up competing with and block cholesterol absorption. They come naturally in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. However, because the western diet is much lower in these compounds than the Asian diet, food manufacturers have now started to include them in several other types of food – including yogurts, margarines and fruit drinks.
Garlic We have known for a long time that garlic helps to kill bacteria and fungi and can alleviate some digestive disorders. It also lowers the blood clotting properties of blood. However, more notably, garlic has been receiving a lot of attention because of its possible effect in lowering cholesterol levels. It is believed that garlic’s anti-oxidant properties protect the “oxidation” of LDL, making it less damaging. Olive Oil Olive oil contains a great mix of antioxidants that can lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol but leave your “good” (HDL) cholesterol untouched. Some research suggests that the cholesterol lowering effects of extra-virgin olive oil are even greater. This oil is less processed and contains even more anti-oxidants. Olive oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats. It is so easy to incorporate olive oil into your diet on a daily basis. Saute or roast your vegetables in it, use it in all of your marinades, add it to lemon juice or vinegar for your salads, and substitute it for butter just like the Mediterranean’s do! Avocado Much like olive oil, avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats. Avocado can easily be made into a guacamole, sliced and used in salads or simply spread on toast. Sterol- and Stanol-fortified Foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds) These are rather complicated names for
Don’t forget that other lifestyle changes are also important to improve cholesterol ratios, including 2030 minutes daily of moderate exercising, such as a brisk walk, and sticking to healthy guidelines on alcohol consumptions (two-three units daily for women and three-four units daily for men). Lee Latchford Evans, one of our favourite celebrities of FamouslyFit, completed the London marathon in support of his charity Outward Bound Trust. Lee, pictured below, has been training hard incorporating as many sequences of his fitness programme articles previously published in The Canary News. Well done Lee!
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Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
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24 Community
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
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The Best of Both Worlds Kay Owen, Comfort Corner When training for my clinical vocation, one lecturer told the class never to be drawn into talking about politics, sex, or religion when treating patients: “Stick to the three great British favourites - the weather, food and health”, he advised .
it plays in the wonder of creation. So the next time I am wet and shivering, caught out in a sudden deluge, the sort where you can’t see the woods for the umbrellas (I foolishly tend to leave mine on the hall table at such moments) I will look for the promise of the rainbow, listen out for the voice of our summer herald, the song thrush, and consider it all a blessing!
I am in the UK for a short spell and thought perhaps a mini update on Old Blighty would be appropriate for this issue – so despite the fact that we are suffering the political post-election post-mortem, and I’m sorely tempted to comment, I will stick to the possibly less controversial weather/food/health formula.
On to gourmet considerations. What do I miss when in GC food-wise, that I make a beeline for when we arrive on our shivering shores? My Welsh appetite sees me scurrying to Swansea market in search of shiny ‘black’ laver-bread (a seaweed delicacy), cockles, lamb shanks and duck eggs.
Of course I would be denying my roots if I failed to start with the weather! Currently the temperature in bonny Yorkshire is 9ºC daytime and minus 1ºC at night, hard to imagine if you are wallowing in the briny on your local playa or sitting in your favourite air con bar endeavouring to cool off in what I am told is 32ºC over there! Let me try and help you. This morning I awoke at 8am to what is fast becoming the rather familiar sound of a regular and frequent pitter-patter outside my window. And no, ’twas not the scattering of cucurachas - to which we have become more accustomed ! This is England remember. Come on you expats; it’s that stuff you came to GC to escape from. I’ll give you a clue: it’s wet, cold, heavy and horizontal (due to accompanying gale force winds). Yes, that’s right - it’s that quintessential British element - RAIN. Now when we arrived, post the first volcanic dust cloud scare, we were in “O to be in England now that April’s there” mode, so quite expecting that there would be showers, as in “though April showers may come your way they bring the flowers that bloom in May”. Although a little late, the darling buds of May finally broke out and the countryside became awash with a multiplicity of flora. This is more like it! Daffodils, bluebells and primroses in full bloom, and the trees (particularly magnolia, cherry and almond) heavy with exquisitely perfumed blossom. Next week when I visit the Land of my Fathers
(though there may well be rain sweeping down from our glorious Welsh mountains), nostalgia to the fore, there will be sunshine in my soul and a song in my heart when I catch my first glimpse of ‘the green, green grass of home’—wet or dry! Such is the effect of the moods of nature - reasons for seasons - and surely this helps us keep things in balance, particularly when we indulge in that great British pastime, ‘weather bashing’ ! Clouds may herald rain, which few of us here enjoy in large doses, but ‘every cloud has a silver lining’. Rather than moaning about my most recent soaking and wondering if global warming has indeed bypassed Pontefract, I have vowed instead to focus on the part
Cultivated by marriage, the ‘oop North’ part of my stomach craves tripe, pork pies and ‘best in the world’ Barnsley black pudding. No café or chippy would be seen dead without mushy peas - aka Yorkshire caviar, on the menu. Dining out climaxed with a fortuitous happenstance when I encountered Betty’s famous eatery and sampled one of their renowned manna–from- Harrogate cream teas –a typically British afternoon feast (the quality is reflected in the price, so take your cheque book!). Now that I have indulged for the past two weeks, it’s time to STOP. Tonight sees me popping off to join “Weight Watchers”. Why? Today I met a friend I had not seen since my svelte days – several moons ago. I was so excited that she still knew me and said so. “Oh” says she, “It was actually your voice I recognised”! Healthwise I decided to have a full fitness MOT whilst I am here, much needed it after all that food you may be thinking. Well, I am happy to report that my GP, having checked my BP, cholesterol, lung function etc, pronounced me “disgustingly healthy”. (He is not around in my house every morning when I have to put my glasses on in order to locate my hearing aids . . .). Still, it was only a physical check after all! On an even more comical note, yesterday I met an old patient of mine who used to visit my foot clinic regularly. “How are you these days Mrs Heckingbottom?” I enquired. “ Ee lass, only fair to middling,” comes the reply. “I was in a lot of pain last year and it only got better after I’d spent six months under the doctor,” she adds. It is commonly quipped over here that if you sit on a bus long enough it will not be necessary to go to the doctor. By the time you get off, you will know all there is to know about illness, and will have enough info to analyse your symptoms and do your very own diagnosis! Enough! I know full well, that in another few weeks time I shall be ‘homesick’ for Gran Canaria and desperate for a bit o’ sun, sea and sangria. To say nothing of missing all my wonderful friends there, especially the MAD team and the Faro Dos gang! How blessed I am to have half my heart in the UK and the other half in GC. Definitely the best of both worlds. See you all soon mis amigos. Kay Owen May 2010
Golf 25
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Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
Why Golf is the Best Sport Ever! Mark McGeehan, PGA Golf Professional, Lopesan Meloneras Golf For those golf lovers watching the US PGA Tour, you will have been looking in horror as Brian Davies had a very unfortunate situation. The ‘sudden death’ shoot-out effectively ended when the Englishman alerted a rules official to the possibility that he may be liable to a two-stroke penalty for moving a loose impediment in a hazard on the backswing of his third shot on the first extra hole.
Golf tests you to every level of patience and sometimes the unthinkable happens. You can prepare, practice and feel as if it going to be your week, and then something happens! That is how hard it is to win in professional golf, and for that matter at any level. The honesty required from each individual playing the game of golf is unique in modern sport. I believe that it is the only sport that is played with such dignity and respect. It is a game with so many rules and varying scenarios that it would be so easy to possibly break these rules and cheat, however this is looked upon by all playing the sport as unforgivable and, if found guilty, they would never be regarded in the same way again. This respect for the rules of the game goes beyond professional golf and travels to all clubs worldwide. The
governing bodies for golf including the R&A (Royal & Ancient), USPGA and The PGA of Great Britain are proud of having so many rules that ensure the game of golf is played in such a way that it is fair to all playing the sport, no matter what level. From complete beginners to the tournament professionals, and for all playing the sport it is necessary that the rules are understood, and it is not acceptable to use the excuse that the player did not understand.
There will be penalties incurred or disqualification in these situations. Brian Davies, although costing himself a huge amount of money, in the region of one million dollars and exemption from major tournament golf, including next year’s Masters, but his honesty will be respected by his fellow professional golfers and sponsors. Nobody else may ever have found out without his honesty, but reports say that he could not live with himself if he had not called the penalties upon himself. This integrity is the way that the game is played, and to win in the wrong way certainly would have had more devastating consequences than just the initial loss. It would bring the game into disrepute and golf would lose its creditability.
It is almost now acceptable within football that deliberate diving and committing fouls has become part of the game, and also recently snooker has been questioned about match fixing. Athletics has had problems with drug abuse for many years, and there have been many headlines for various different sports. That is why golf remains a great sport, and all playing the game have a duty to
keep it that way. So if you are playing and think about cheating - DONT! Be honest to yourself and to everybody else. Keep your true score and abide by the rules of Golf.
26 Sport
The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
Irdning Schumacher welcomes sneaks past England’s stars Alonso on last If Fabio Capello wants his players to get corner away from the pressure that’s bound to build as the World Cup edges closer, then he definitely chose the right location for the squad’s training camp.
When you travel to the village of Irdning in Austria, as I did last week, stress is not a word that immediately springs to mind. Nestled high up in the Alps, it is a spectacular setting. The team’s hotel is a converted castle which is more than a thousand years old. When you stand on the hotel’s patio you look out over a landscape dominated by snowcapped mountains. A little lower down in the valley is Irdning, a village with a population of just 2,600. So what’s the England squad doing there? The main reason is the altitude. England’s opening match at the World Cup against the United States will be played in Rustenburg, which is 1,500 metres above sea level. A two-week training trip to the Alps is seen by Capello as perfect preparation. It’s not the first time that he’s been there. Capello used to take his Real Madrid team to Irdning for pre-season training. I was only in Austria for 24 hours, but it was hard to escape the excitement that some of the world’s best-known players are coming to town. The locals talked excitedly about David Beckham’s visit with Real Madrid four years ago. One woman told me how she’d been walking down the High Street when Beckham jogged past her. Apparently that brought the village to a standstill, although that would hardly have been difficult in a part of the world where life doesn’t seem to move much faster than a snail’s pace anyway. Beckham certainly left his mark in 2006. A number of people proudly show off their photos with him. One, David Gabriel, was a teenager at the time. He got chatting to Beckham in the local nightclub (more about that later), and told me that once he’d persuaded him to pose for a picture, he cheekily asked the player if he could have a pair of his boots. “Beckham was really friendly. He told me to come down to the training ground the next day. After training he came over to me and gave me his football boots. They had his initials on them, and the names of his sons.” Many people would have kept the boots as a memento that would last a lifetime. David Gabriel had a different idea. “I decided to put them on eBay” he said. “They were sold for 3,000€. Somebody in Switzerland I think. I spent the money on new football clothes and going out.” Anyway, back to the nightclub. I’m sure that Fabio Capello will keep his players on a tight rein in Austria, and I can safely predict that he wouldn’t be overly impressed if he glanced at one of the nightclub’s flyers.
Mercedes have decided not to appeal against the 20-second penalty which dropped Michael Schumacher from sixth to 12th place at the Monaco Grand Prix. Schumacher was penalised for overtaking Fernando Alonso under a safety car at the end of the final lap. “Whilst we cannot be happy with the outcome, we are pleased the FIA recognised the reasons for our interpretation,” said Mercedes. “In the best interests of the sport, Mercedes will not submit an appeal.” The incident happened after the safety car, which came out following an incident involving the Lotus of Jarno Trulli and Hispania Racing’s Karun Chandhok, pulled into the pits at the end of the race. Mercedes advised Schumacher that once the safety car had pulled in, he was free to race from the safety car line to the finish line - a distance of a few hundred metres. Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, then passed Ferrari’s Alonso on his way out of Rascasse and into Anthony Noghes - the final corner. But race stewards ruled the move breached the rules as the race should have been completed under safety car conditions. Article 40.13 of the Formula 1 sporting regulations states: “If the race ends while the safety car is deployed it will enter the pit lane at the end of the last lap and the cars will take the chequered flag as normal without overtaking.” The penalty cost Schumacher eight much-needed championship points and Mercedes initially indicated that they would contest the decision of the FIA, the sport’s governing body. The German lies ninth in the drivers’ standings, 34 points behind team-mate Nico Rosberg in eighth and 56 behind the Red Bull pair of leaders Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel. “We believed that the combination of the race control messages and the green flags and lights shown by the marshals after safety car line one indicated that the race was not finishing under the safety car and all drivers were free to race,” explained Mercedes. “This opinion appears to have been shared by the majority of the teams with cars in the top 10 positions who also gave their drivers instructions to race to the finish line.” Alonso and his Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa insist that they had been told to stay in position at the time of the incident. The four race stewards who made the decision included Schumacher’s old rival
Damon Hill, with whom the German famously clashed on his way to his first world title in 1994. “Mercedes would like to emphasise that we fully support the inclusion of past drivers on the stewards panel and are completely satisfied that the Monaco Grand Prix stewards acted professionally, impartially and properly in this matter,” added the team’s statement.
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“The other is because of concerns over safety - if you are standing behind the goal on a permanent basis you are more stationary and you may get something lobbed at you. “We had had a little think about whether we might do it in the FA Cup but what was made very clear is that you have to do it all the way through the competition and it’s very difficult to see how you would do it for the very early rounds that would be ridiculous.
Penalty ‘feints’ banned ahead Amir Khan of World Cup Amir Khan has vowed to unify the lightPenalty-takers will no longer be allowed to halt at the end of their run-ups to try to fool the goalkeeper. The International Football Association Board has decided it is “unsporting behaviour” and made it a yellow card offence in time for the World Cup. “Feinting in the run-up to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted,” said Fifa’s Jerome Valcke. “However, feinting to kick the ball once the player has completed his run-up is now considered an infringement.” If players do feint at the end of their runup and then score, they will have to take the kick again. The IFAB has also decided to give more power to the fourth official and to extend worldwide a European experiment with goal-line officials. The fourth official, who normally oversees substitutions, off-pitch behaviour and match management, will now be allowed to rule on on-pitch incidents to “assist the referee to control the match”. “Today he’s as important as the other officials on the field,” said Fifa general secretary Valcke. The decision to allow assistant referees, as seen in the last two Europa League seasons, is voluntary. Football associations and federations around the world can implement it if they wish but must run the trial for the whole competition. However, it is unlikely to be seen in either England or Scotland next season. Jonathan Hall, the Football Association’s director of football services, said he did not think either the Premier League or Football League would be keen, and that it would not be practical in the FA Cup as the system would have to be used in the early rounds. “We probably don’t have the required numbers to do it domestically and the Premier League and the Football League have never been hugely keen on introducing it,” he said. “One reason is simply the number of officials of the relevant ability needed to provide the service and for those reasons we weren’t very keen.
welterweight division after retaining his WBA title with an 11th-round victory over Paulie Malignaggi. Khan, 23, enjoyed an impressive American debut with victory over New Yorker Malignaggi, who was outclassed throughout Saturday’s fight. “I’m making 140lb easy, I feel strong,” Khan said following his victory. “I’m not leaving 140lb until I unify the title. Until I’m number one I’m not going to leave this division.” For Khan, who has been tipped to step up in weight, it was the second defence of his WBA title, having beaten Dmitriy Salita in Newcastle last December. “It’s my first fight away from home so I’m very happy,” added Bolton’s Khan. “He was an awkward opponent, but we stuck to the gameplan and stopped him in the 11th round. “We had to break him down slowly, we didn’t want to run in there trying to knock him out because we would have got caught with shots. “I was a little nervous, I was fighting in his home town but I put in the hard work in the gym and I knew my work ethic would carry me home.” After beating Malignaggi, Khan said he was confident of defending his title again against mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana of Argentina. The big hitting Maidana boasts 27 wins from his 28 fights, with 26 stoppages and should provide a sterner test of the Bolton man’s credentials. And Khan is also targeting a unification fight against unbeaten WBO lightwelterweight champion Timothy Bradley or unbeaten WBC and IBF light welterweight champion Devon Alexander. “I want to meet the likes of Marcos Maidana, Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander to unify the titles,” said Khan. “Maidana is a great fighter, but I know I can beat him. Information provided by BBC Sports
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Sport 27
Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
Ardiel Jimenez By Danny Alcock
News Flash: Ardiel Jimenez, Canary News feature Body Boarder is surfing huge waves in South America after narrowly missing a high placing in Brazil
Due to computer failure Ardiel Jimenez has not been able to update us recently on his adventures as he continues on his Body Board World Tour title campaign. However, here at The Canary News, we have received word on how the Body Boarding star from Maspalomas has been doing competing over on the other side of the world. Ardiel says that his campaign in Brazil met an untimely end as in his heat he confronted two of the best Brazilians, plus the world rankings leader! Although not leading the heat, Ardiel was in a position of passing through to the next round in second spot then just before the clock ran out, one of his competitors
snagged a great, larger than average wave and took the second spot. Such is professional surfing. Either way a 17th in Brazil isn’t too bad. Ardiel is very philosophical and is already looking forwards to the next event in Chile where, he states, a change of chip is required as the style of wave is radically different. He is already there and says that the contest set up and the waves are by far the best of this year so far Here at The Canary News, we will be following Ardiel’s campaign, keeping you informed and wishing him the best for Chile! 16th May 2010 saw an amazing event in La Cicer, the surf beach in Las Palmas The Canarian Surf Federation put on a free surf trial for kids between 8 years and 14 to see if they like it and to spot talent. Also, the federation had another agenda; to talent scout young surfers who already surf on the island. Organizing several physical tests on the land, the children then went into the water and were watched by several key figures and coaches from the Canarian Surf Federation. The conditions occasionally became difficult for the young surfers but in general, waves were had by all. The event was spectacular to watch and it was very encouraging to see so many talented children and
dedicated parents filming on the shore! The Canarian Surf Federation came away with a far better idea of the talent pool here on the island and will be keen that the children carry on surfing as they are, even joining in with surf clubs to better their training focus. Three Canarian surfers shine at the Euro Surf Championships in Portugal Two Bodyboarders and a young surfer from Gran Canaria put on a fantastic effort to show Europe their talent This event for young surfers, bodyboarders and longboarders runs bi-annually and this year attracted an incredible level of surfing from 13 countries. ‘Stand outs’ included 3 surfers from our small island! Noemy Mendoza Hernández finished up 4th overall in the ladies Body Board and Kevin Orihuela Ruano finished up second in the Body Board juvenile category! 12 Year old Josemi Mentado Requena put on a stunning display in good waves to come 7th , in a category which saw the very highest level in Europe and with children two years older than himself! Between the results from these children and Ardiel’s performances in South America, this weekend has shown the World that Gran Canaria has some great surfing promise By DannyAlcock
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The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
To place a classified advert, simply fill in the coupon on page 31 and drop off at Property Abroad, Aladdins Cave, or Cafe Florin. See ads for locations. Email: sales@thecanarynews.com or Tel: 928 774 818 PROPERTIES FOR SALE Private
Property of the Month Costa Blanca
Apartment near
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for Sale For enquiries contact propertyofthemonth @thecanarynews.com
Playa de Mogan 2 bedroom apartment 50m2. Half k.m. to beach. Fully furnished, parking outside. 125,000€ private sale 676 985 474
PROPERTIES FOR SALE AGENTS
Arguineguín, Patalavaca Residencial Patalavaca Duplex, 3 bed(s) 195.000 Euros 21729-CG ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico, Amadores Apartment, 2 bed(s) 98.000 Euros 21673-MV ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Arguineguín, Altos de Arguineguín Duplex, 3 bed(s) Two storey house with a large basement 178.000 Euros 21696-LM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980***
***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Arguineguín, Center Apartment, 1 bed(s) 188.000 Euros 21698-AK ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** San Agustín Bungalow, 4 bed(s) SEAFRONT LOCATION 530.000 Euros 21715-CG ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Playa del Inglés Apartment, 1 bed(s) Excellent investment opportunity 68.000 Euros 21717-MV ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico, Center Bungalow, 2 bed(s) Bungalow in a well kept complex 156.000 Euros 21720-LM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Maspalomas, Sonnenland Duplex, 1 bed(s) Spacious terrace 147.000 Euros 21722-OM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** El Salobre Golf Villa, 2 bed(s) 560.000 Euros 21726-AK ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Playa del Inglés Apartment, 1 bed(s) 110.000 Euros
21727-AK ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** —-----------------------------------Apartment at the street down to the beach! This apartment is renovated and furnished. It consists of: One bedroom, bathroom, livingroom, kitchen and large balcony. Very good location only a few footsteps to the beach. Price: 120.000 Euros Europa Real Estate 928 765 813 info@europa-immobilien.com PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, OUTSTANDING BUNGALOW WITH GARAGE AT THE BEACH PROMENADE. This unique dreamhouse with aprox. 100m2 living area and largeprivate garden consists of living-diningroom, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large terrace and solarium with spectacular view to the dunes of Maspalomas and ocean. The bungalow is equipped with all luxury. Heated community swimmingpool.PRICE: 588.000, Euros Europa Real Estate 928 765 813 info@europa-immobilien.com PLAYA DEL INGLÉS: Spacious, very bright and quiet one-bedroom apartment in top- condition situated in a well maintained complex with parkinglots, swimmingpools and teniscourt and all amenities close. Price: 110.000,- euro PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, TOPFLOOR APARTMENT WITH UNIQUE VIEWS. Breathtaking seaview to the dunes and lighthouse of Maspalomas. Bedroom and livingroom have access to the exeptional large dobble terrace with whole-day-sun. The beachpromenade is at one-minut-walking distance and several shopping centres are nearby. Sufficient parkingfacilities available. PRICE: 126.000 Euros PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, BUNGALOW WITH GARAGE Excellent and quiet located bungalow on a closed plot that offers perfect privacy. It exists of: 2 bedrooms, livingroom, full fitted kitchen, bathroom, 2 large terraces and private garage. This respected bungalow complex is very quiet and centrical
situated and has a large pool and tenniscourt. Low monthly community costs. PRICE: 276.000. Euros SAN AGUSTÍN, GROUND FLOOR BUNGALOW WITH LARGE TERRACE AND SEAVIEW. This bungalow forms part of a small private complex with pool. The beach of San Agustín is only 3 minutes walk away and also the shopping center is nearby. The bungalow consists of: 1 bedroom, livingroom/ kitchen, bathroom and a terrace of 24 m2 with sea view to the beach of Playa del Inglés. The monthly comunity costs are only 40 Euros. PRICE: 138.000 Euros
Properties Abroad Estate Agents
PUERTO RICO INSURANCE, MORTGAGE & FINANCIAL ADVICE Tel: (0034) 928 562 467 Fax: (0034) 928 562 454 Email: info@propertiesgrancanaria.com Web: www.propertiesgrancanaria.com
EXCELLENT LARGE APARTMENT IN SAN FERNANDO This bright and spacious apartment of 82 m2, is completely and tastfully furnished and contains a livingdiningroom, 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full-fitted-kitchen with separate laundry room and small patio. The monthly community fee is only 17.- € Price: 175.000.- Euros VECINDARIO – CITYCENTER GREAT OPPORTUNITY Recently new built 2 bedroom apartments with garage to move into. Living-dining room and one bathroom. The independent kitchen is fullfitted and completely equipped. Construction with excellent materials. Precious building with elevator and only 6 units. Financiation Possible! Price only: 90.000,-- Euro PUERTO RICO Bungalow with panoramic seaview over the beach and harbor of Puerto Rico. 100 m² Living-area, 3 bedrooms and 2 large sunny terraces.
Parking-lot and Pool. Price: 330.000 Euros PLAYA DEL CURA, EXCLUSIVE APARTMENT WITH PANORAMIC SEAVIEW This apartment has 72 m² livingarea and a large very private terrace of 36 m² with whole-day-sun. Bedroom and bath are ensuite. Situation and the use of only the most luxurious materials make this real estate to an unique exquisity. Price: 290.000 Euros SAN FERNANDO, CORNER DUPLEX FAMILY HOUSE This very bright semi-detached house consists of: large livingroom, full-fitted kitchen with dining corner, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, several terraces with beautiful seaviews and a spacious independent (guest) studio. PRICE: 295.000,-- € SAN AGUSTÍN, DREAM BUNGALOW with beautiful view over the ocean. 64 m² Living-area, 2 bedrooms, full-fitted kitchen, bathroom and 32 m²-large sunny terrace. Parking-lot and Pool. Monthly communityfee only: 78,- Euro. PRICE: 290.000,-- € Europa Real Estate: 928 765 813 info@europa-immobilien.com ------------------------------------Puerto Rico Cosy apartment in a quiet complex with a very nice atmosphere. Parking outside the door and outstanding sea views. Pool, children’s pool, poolbar and sun terrace. The apartment is sold fully furnished and ready to move in! Ground floor and large garden area directly in front of the patio so great for sunbathing or for children! Great bargain! Ref. PR584. Price: €69,500. Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Puerto Rico Beautiful apartment for sale in Puerto Rico. The two bedroom apartment was recently refurbished and has a private terrace (20m2) with seaviews. Brand new kitchen and seperate dining area. Sold completely furnished and ready to move in to! Complex with communal swimming pool. Bargain! Ref:PR650.Price:€98,000. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Maspalomas Nice cosy duplex with garden area to the front. Completely refurbished throughout and fully furnished and ready to move into. Property of 60m2 and has one bathroom upstairs and another
downstairs. Quiet complex in a quiet residential area. Ref. MP635. Price: €132,000. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com San Agustín Fantastic bungalow for sale in San Agustín. The bungalow is totally refurbished and has air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchen even with dishwasher. Bungalow in very popular complex with heated pool, childrens area, pool bar, supermarket and tennis court. Viewing strongly recommended. Ref. SA654. Price: €137,000. Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com San Fernando Fantastic house with 4 bedrooms for sale in San Fernando. Very centrally located. Supermarkets and shops for the daily needs are within walking distance. The house is sold unfurnished. Great opportunity to buy at this price! Ref.SF614. Price: €216,000. Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com ---------------------------------------
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Near the promenade and Tropical shopping center, beautiful 2 bedrooms apartment with 4 balconies (85 m2), fully furnished, off-road parking, tennis. 176.400 Euro (Ref. 1.013D). INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ksrgrancanaria.com MONTAÑA DE LA DATA Spacious Villa/Chalet, very special location with breath taking panoramic views, 5 bedrooms, 4 bath rooms, terraces and balconies, private pool and nice garden, garage and parking space, Possibility to upgrade with separate guest apartment. 598.000 Euro (Ref. 6.300C). INMOBILIARIA KSR, 928 766 684 SAN AGUSTIN Elegant Penthouse for a high standard life style with enormous terrace (60 m2) and fantastic sea view, 2 bedrooms (one with balcony), 2 bath, fully furnished, only few minutes away from the beach. 345.000 Euro (Ref. 2.505D). INMOBILIARIA KSR,
Contact us to share your news and celebrate your anniversaries. See page 31 for more information
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www.ksrgrancanaria.com, 928 766 684 PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Near Hotel Riu Palace, very homely bungalow in well-kept complex with tropical gardens, heated pool, tennis. Generously proportioned floor plan, living and dining room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen all with access to the terrace, addition guest room. Tastefully decorated. 235.000 Euro (Ref. 3.001J). INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ ksrgrancanaria.com MASPALOMAS Near the Golf Course and short distance to the light house, quiet terraced 1 bedroom bungalow in very well kept complex with heated pool and tennis, ample parking space, nicely furnished with all comfort. 135.000 Euro (3.509K2). INMOBILIARIA KSR, 928 766 684 SONNENLAND Charming Duplex-bungalow in private complex with beautiful pool area in tropical gardens, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, separate WC, front and rear terrace, small fenced garden, the property comes fully equipped (washing machine etc.). 129.500 Euro (Ref. 3.810B). INMOBILIARIA KSR, www. ksrgrancanaria.com PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Cosy Maisonette-Bungalow, 95 m2 living space, 3 bed rooms, 2 bath, spacious terrace partly covered, roof terrace, large storage room, fully equipped, offroad parking. 275.000 Euro (Ref. 4.008O). INMOBILIARIA KSR, 928 766 684 SAN AGUSTÍN Sophisticated bungalow with guest apartment, 155 m2 living space and 60 m2 terrace with breathtaking panoramic view, top quality, very tastefully decorated and equipped with lots of extras, residential complex, carport, pool, tennis. 495.000 Euro (Ref. 5.505J). INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ksrgrancanaria.com PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Beautiful 1 bed room Apartment, very private balcony with sea view, luxuriously fitted, quiet location and well-kept complex with pools, private parking, 24hour security etc. 95.500 Euro (Ref. 1.004U). INMOBILIARIA KSR, 928 766 684 SAN AGUSTÍN A dream front line to the Atlantic: top-quality apartment (52 m2) with bright rooms tastefully designed, fully equipped, lot of storage space, complex with heated pool and direct access to the promenade, low maintenance costs. 178.000 Euro (Ref. 1.507D) INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ ksrgrancanaria.com
Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
--------------------------------------ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com STUDIOS OPPOSITE PUERTO RICO BEACH Very central location, all facilities nearby, fantastic views. Residential complex with pool. Ref: 10051 Sale price: 60.000.-€. PUERTO RICO 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS, CENTRAL LOCATION, large pool, solarium, parking, reception, lifts, sea views. Ref: 10042. Sale price from: 62.000.-€ 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS IN PUERTO, residential complex with fantastic sea views. Large swimming pool, solarium, & parking Ref: 10080. Sale price: 63.000.-€ 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT OPPOSITE PUERTO RICO BEACH. Spacious apartment, excellent location, in a quiet & very popular complex. Ref:10118 Sale price 100.000.-€ GREAT VALUE!! 2 BEDROOM DUPLEX, PUERTO RICO, VERY CENTRAL COMPLEX. Private or with rental contract. Ref: 10043. Sale price: 126.000.-€ BARRANCO DEL CURA, 2 bedroom country house, only 5 minutes from Playa del Cura, with garage, BBQ area, terraces & gardens. Plus a separate 1 bed apartment. Ref: 10125. Sale price: 490.000.-€ ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com
PROPERTIES FOR RENT Private
FLATS TO
RENT
1, 2 and 3 Bedroom flats to rent in Arguineguin and Puerto Rico from 600 Euros all inclusive Call 618 647 027
PROPERTIES FOR RENT Agent Puerto Rico Studio for rent in Puerto Rico. Nice view over the harbour and the sea. Close to all ammenities. The Studio also has a terrace and the complex offers a communal pool and parking area. All costs are included in the rental price. Ref:PR653.Price:€500/month. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Playa del Inglés Refurbished apartment in Paraiso Maspalomas. Very well run complex with various swimming pools, hairdressers, supermarket, restaurant and pool bar. Satellite TV incluiding Spanish, English and German channels. All bills are included in rental price. Ref:PI547.Price:€600/month. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Puerto Rico Spacious two bedroom flat with a balcony overlooking Puerto Rico and the water park and a rear terrace. Complex is only 4 years old and has a jacuzzi with spa jets, minigolf, swimming pool and baby pool as well as a “petanca” (Spanish bowls) pitch. There is an undergorund car park and a car parking space. Fully furnished throughout and very light and airy corner property. Ref. PR460a. Price: €700/month Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Sonnenland Large family home for longterm rental on secure residential complex. Off road parking available for residents and the complex has a very nice pool area and childrens pool. There are five double bedrooms, each of which has its own balcony or terrace. The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, 4-ring ceramic hob, fridge/freezer and a dishwasher. There is also a ultilty room with washing machine. Pets are allowed. Ref. : SN639. Price: €1.200/ month Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Tauro Newly built, modern villa near Tauro. Private garden and pool. Four spacious double bedrooms and two living areas. Marble floors and fully furnished throughout to a high Standard. Air-conditioning. Rental price includes gardener and pool maintenance. Ref. TR543a. Price: €1.700/
monthTel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com ---------------------------------------
Logistics Included. We Find Your Dream Boat & Bring It To Where You Want It! Get Twice The Boat For Half The Price Call 607 671 617
Going out
ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com STUDIO APARTMENTS, close to Puerto Rico beach. Ref: 15051. Rent: 450.-€/month ONE BEDROOM APARTMENTS, close to Europa Centre, Puerto Rico. Ref: 15203. Rent: 440.-€ / month TWO BEDROOM DUPLEX, MOTORGRANDE, Puerto Rico. Rent: 550.-€/month TAURO SHOPPING CENTRE. 12 UNITS FOR RENT. 6 on top floor with own terrace. Six ground, floor no terrace. Private parking. Ideal for gym, spa, etc. Rent: 6.000.-€/month for all. ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com
Cafe Florin Calle Alfreces Prov. 29 (opposite Hard Rock cafe) Removals
FOR SALE Princess 45 Flybridge motor cruiser 1987 spanish flag berthed in Mogán 99,000€ more information phone 676 985 474 SPORTFISHING BUSINESS Gran Canaria. Includes Everything But The Fish Established, Successful, Great Berth Location. A Very Special Offer For Only - 75.000€ Call 607 671 617 OCEAN EXCURSION BUSINESS Gran Canaria Everything Included, Boat, Client Contracts, etc. 10 years of Proven Success, Fully Documented, Put 2-3000€ In Your Pocket Every Month A Lifetime Opportunity 150.000€ Call 607 671 617 Sportfishing Business Top Boat/Top Equipment In-place Contracts/Website/ Publicity - A Proven Track Record, South Coast of Gran Canaria, No Debt, Just Profits Exceptional Opportunity for Only 160.000€. Call 607 671 617 Liberty Insurance! Complete Coverage Canary Islands and Around the World Inexpensive, Quality Coverage By A World Class Broker That Pays! Call 607 671 617 for Cars, Boats, Businesses, Homes, Health Boat and Yacht Sales/ Service - Marine Surveys International Marketplace. All
Charities Free tandem bike rides for blind people or people with any other physical disability who are unable to ride a bike by themselves. Also free excursions into the mountains in my car for people in wheelchairs together with a companion.
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Minibus trips can also be arranged at an agreed reasonable cost. For more information call Franz at 699 124 985. WANTED. Second hand books, in good condition, to be sold in support of Registered Childrens’ Charities 1) RUBBISH DUMP CHILDREN in Cambodia 2) ORPHANS/ SCHOOL projects in China. Please drop books off at Original Designs, Ancorra C. Arguineguin. donations gratefully received. Contact kay.r.owen@gmail. com Together we can make a difference Drinking Problem? International, English speaking AA meetings every Friday at the church in the Kasbah (door on the left hand side) Playa del Inglés, 8.30pm. Monday 12pm in San Fernando, behind Market Maspalomas and Tuesday 7pm at the Catholic Church (enter by the stairway on the right hind side), Behind the taxi rank next to the police station. Do you believe that you have a problem with alcohol? Perhaps you are looking or some help? Alcohol Anonymous meet in Telde on Mondays and Thursdays from 20.00 until 21.30. Call 928 202 638 TARA Animal Charity Shops. Big & Beautiful - In Arquinequin 63 & 67 c/Tanausu near Pino Seco family park Monday thru Saturday 10am till at least 4pm. All Kinds of Donated Items ON OFFER! 607 671 617 or www.Taraanimales.org TARA Animal Car Boot Sale. Every Saturday 8am 2pm. Across from TARA Animal Charity Shops. Pino Seco Park, Arguineguin - Great Buys & Ambience Call - 607 671 617 for More Information TARA Charity Dog Pension. HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Beautiful Location, Low Prices, Your Pets Cared for By Dog Lovers 607 671 617 or www.Taraanimales.org TARA Animal Welfare Charity. Needs Donated Goods To Save Animals Pick-up Service Available For Big Loads. Volunteers & Foster Homes Also Needed. Dog/Pups, Cats/Kittens Need Homes Now Call 607 617 671 or www.Taraanimales.org Tara Animal Respect Association NIF G35917004 - Register G1/S1/13980-06/GC. TARA Telephone: +34 607 671 167 WEBSITE: www.TaraAnimales.org FACEBOOK: Tara Animal
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The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23 Respect TARA BLOG: http://Taraanimales.blogspot.com/ Arguineguin Cultural Society meets every Thursday at Tío Pepe bar from 20.00 at the C.C. Ancora in Arguineguín. As mentioned previously in TCN, the group were looking for a place to build up our string puppet stage and to train people in the making and operating of string puppets. The group has now found a suitable place
in Arguineguín and if anyone is interested in joining them please call Peter on 639 229 414 and go to the meetings on Thursdays. Grupo Montañero de Mogan. Every Sunday all through the year this group arranges guided walks in the magnificent mountains and beautiful valleys of Gran Canaria. The walks are guided, and the members come from all over Europe, and also many Canarian
members. Meeting place: Commercial Centre Ancora, Arguineguin. Time 08.00. Departure 08.15. Leaving from San Fernando (Viuda de Franco) 08.00 or 08.30. For more information call before 12.00 on Fridays 689 919 580 Can you spare a few hours each week to help feed stray and abandoned cats in San Agustin? There are special feeding places, all the cats are sterilised, have names and are very healthy. Of course,
we will buy the cat food. We only want help to give the food to the cats.Please call Christina on 928770 019 for more information. Join the library in Maspalomas with your NIE number and passport and picture or residencia. No charge. English books and other European languages too. Also free internet access.!! The library hours are 8.00 am till 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 10 pm Monday to Friday. Biblioteca Municipal Maspalomas, Casa del Cultura Maspalomas, Avda De Tejeda 72 Phone 928 720 035 Amigos contra el Sida is a charity that provides support for people with HIV and Aids and has information about sexually transmitted diseases Amigos contra el Sida - Friends against Aids Av. Alejandro del Castillo, Mercado Municipal, 2º floor San Fernando Maspalomas Contact: 695578004. Timetable: Tuesday and Thursday - 9:00 to 15:00 hour. Amigos contra el Sida Calle El Escorial nº 7, Vecindario Teléfono: 928 149 570 Timetable: Monday to Friday - 9:00 to 14:00 hour. Website: www.amigoscontraelsida.org Support Maria Templeman’s Dog Rescue. You can find Maria’s stall in Arguineguin market on Tuesdays and Mogan market on Fridays. You can also find Maria in Maspalomas market next to the big, main flood light on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Money raised from Maria’s stall goes to funding dog rescue in Gran Canaria,
www.thecanarynews.com including vet and kennel fees and re-homing dogs
Wanted new owner for pointer puppys. Contact Muriel 607 671 617
Flights
Proofreading
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Issue 23 - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Canary News
Legal
FARO 2 MARKET 28th March, 1st Sunday in every month there after BOOKS sold in support of Registered Children’s Charities (Home and Abroad) Over 500 books from 1 Euro. Also book donations wanted can collect - Contact kay.r.owen@gmail.com or drop books off at Original Design in Arguineguín
Dana Ptacinsky Asrilant
LEGAL TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER C/Luis Doreste Silva 56, 6º-2, 35004, Las Palmas de G.C. Tel: 686 412 345 dptacinsky79@hotmail.com
BUY, DONATE, SWAP BOOK LIBRARY All proceeds go to The Red Cross. Cristina´s Money Exchange, Local 261, Phase 1, CC Puerto Rico MON TO FRI 10am to 8pm SAT 10am to 1.30pm For appointments please tel 928 561 771
MOTHER AND TODDLER GROUP EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 4PM ONWARDS Different activities every week in the local Puerto Rico area Meet othermums with children of all ages. Call Jo Pike on 639 153 547 You can even leave a message on their
Storage
31
‘face book’ wall!
ADDICTIONS ALCOHOL & DRUGS Let us help you overcome your problem in a painless way. Contact us for a confidential consultation It can make a real difference On your road to recovery Tel: 928 934 097 Mobile: 619 391 040 Email: addictedgc@gmail.com THE CANARIAN PRO BREASTFEEDING runs a Support Group every Wednesday from 6pm until 8pm at the C.C. Botanico, Local 135, San Fernando. Anyone needing help and support concerning breastfeeding can also call 637 564 296 (leave a message if there is no answer with name and telephone number)
SHOPPING
We Buy and Sell Second Hand and New. Call Mandy: 637 163 434 Ancora Centre No. 82
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The Canary News - Friday 21st May - Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Issue 23
Telephone: 928 141 202
Mobile: 676 406 679
Dream Homes , C.C. Yumbo Local 411/10 , 35100 Playa del Inglés , G.C. info@dreamhomesgrancanaria.com www.dreamhomesgrancanaria.com
For Sale
Mogán
San Agustin
Puerto Rico
Price: 90,000€ Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Fantastic opportunity to buy in this brand new residential complex in Mogán Village. Only 15 mins drive to Puerto Mogán with its marina and beach. Fitted kitchen and bathroom included. Finished to very high standards and with beautiful views down the Mogán valley. Excellent value for money.
Price: 284,000€ Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Fabulous roomy triplex with amazing views over San Agustin and the sand-dunes. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, jacuzzi and sauna - this house has it all. Nice community pool and also barbeque area next to the kitchen. Excellent value for money.
Price: 60,000€ Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Fantastic opportunity! Spacious apartments in excellent condition for sale. Prices from 60,000€ onwards. Complex has swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, reception, supermarket, childrens park and minigolf. Ideal location for families. Rental system already in place.
For Rent Maspalomas
Playa del Inglés
Salobre Golf
Price: 600€/month Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Price: 550€/month Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Price: 1800€/month Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Beautiful bungalow with one bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and a small terrace in Campo Internacional. Completely refurbished. The bungalow is located in a complex with beautiful gardens and communal swimming pool for adults and children. Rental price includes all bills!
Very centrally situated 1 bedroom apartment in the complex Iguazu on the Avenida de Tirajana. Available for longterm rental. Only steps from the shops and the Yumbo Commercial Centre. The monthly rental price includes community, water and electric.
Luxury frontline villa in Los Lagos. Beautiful gardens with large, heated private pool which has interior lighting in the night. The property has air-conditoning and heating. Decorated with modern furniture. The villa has outstanding views over the golf course and the lake. Beautiful property for longterm rental.
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