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FREE GRATIS - FREI - GRATUITEMENT - VAPAA Every 2 weeks, Edition 26, 9th July - 22nd July 2010
Fire, Water, Magic & Charm
Page 5 Photography Marathon
Page 7 Canarian Character
Page 12 A Study of the Danes
The 23rd June is the shortest night of the year, and in Spain it is the night before San Juan. Traditional dictates that every corner of our mainland and islands light up with the glow of burning fires. Fire, together with water, is used in ancient customs to purify our souls and eliminate all negativity collected during the long winter months. Rituals take place on the most magical night of the year where Pagan and Catholic traditions mix and live in harmony. You may have noticed both children and adults carrying their old furniture and wood to a given spot; collecting it days before the night of San Juan, and in some municipalities such as Arucas the residents even hold a bonfire competition between themselves. When night falls all the fires are lit, slowly but steadily, one by one they will
start appearing on all corners of the island, some so large they light up the horizon.
not disappointed as the end of this included active participation.
It is true that many farms and rural households take this opportunity to burn their unwanted items and so taking a more practical side than the traditions elsewhere.
As always the local political figures were present and of course congratulated all the ‘Juanes and Juanas’ of the island. The show lasted the good part of an hour and was quite spectacular, but this was only a taster of what this special evening represents.
This year I decided to attend the celebration organised by the Ayuntamiento of San Bartolome de Tirajana in the world famous Playa del Ingles, but unfortunately, for legal reasons, a big bonfire could not be made on the sand - something I believe we will all miss very much! However they did put on a great show, with a number of actors and extras who using fire, put on a theatrical show with witches, magical creatures and fantasy. The thousands of people who congregated on the sand were
Canarians take the night of San Juan very seriously and proof of this is the fact that whole families will venture down to the beaches of our island, small children, adults and the older more mature members of the family will all join in the celebration, and in most cases carrying portable coolers filled with food and drink which helps to make the night more enjoyable. Continued on page 16 ...
Page 16 Train Update Gran Canaria
Page 20 Milan Fashion Week
2 Island Information
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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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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.
Distribution Points Just to remind our advertisers and readers that our distribution network covers all of Las Palmas, including tourist offices, Marks and Spencer, large hotels, main shopping centres, the museum, schools and colleges, the Spanish National Health hospital, private clinics, together with smaller private businesses, such as bars and restaurants. The Canary News can now be found in Santa Brigida at the main Spar supermarket in the town; an area which we will be expanding in the future. Other distribution outlets cover the coastline from Las Palmas down to Puerto Mogan but we are always looking for additional, good public places to leave copies of the newspaper. And don’t forget you can always read the newspaper online at www.thecanarynews.com For further details please contact Brian on 667 994 351.
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 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
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FOR PROPER USE. Quiet, one-bedroom bungalow with two bathrooms, two large terraces and private garden with whole-day-sun. Very good and tastfully furnished and with high standard equippement. Private parkinglot. Monthly communityfee only 80.- euro. Price: 144.000 euros
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Fiestas and Upcoming Events 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!
Saturday 31st July: Romería en Hornos del Rey - Telde Saturday 31st July: Romería de Taidía, en honor a la virgen del Carmen - San Bartolomé de Tirajana
1st Santa Lucia Tapas Route Till 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.
Canarias Jazz Festival & Mas Heineken 2010 11th July, 21.00 hours SHARRIE WILLIAMS & THE WISEGUYS and YUL BALLESTEROS QUARTET. Free Entrance, for more info: http:// www.canariasjazz.com/index.php Plaza of San Fernando, San Bartolome de Tirajana.
Romerias For July: Saturday 10th July: Romeria terrestre Nuestra Sra. del Carmen en Arguineguín, Mogán Saturday 10th July: Romería del Risco Blanco, San Bartolome de Tirajana Saturday 10th July: Romería de La Milagrosa, San Lorenzo, Las Palmas de G.C. Friday 16th July: Romería marítima desde Arguineguín a Mogán y vuelta. Saturday 17th July: Romería de Santiago de Los Caballeros en Gáldar Saturday 17th July: Romería de Santiago “el Chico” en Santiago de Tunte, desde El Pinar hasta Tunte. Saturday 17th July: Romería en honor a Nuestra Señora del Carmen, La Isleta Saturday 17th July: Romería del Agua, Teror
Fiestas in honour of Santiago Apostol. 11th till 25th July Tunte, San Bartolome de Tirajana. See local tourist office for more information on programme.
Trek to Santiago de Tunte 14th July, 19.00 hours From Ayagaures Teleclub to Tunte. For more info call: 626732855 Make sure you take a good flashlight with you! 1st Beach Rugby Tournament. 24th July Playa del Ingles. For more info: www.rugbylasplamas. com Painting Exhibition “Canvas Moons” Every day Hotel Neptuno, Playa del Ingles.
A Safe Summer Means A Happy Holiday
Most of us will be looking forward to a well-deserved break this summer. However you spend your (hopefully!) sunny months, I’ve got some top tips to staying safe and enjoying yourself. Back to blighty. I’m sure some of you will be returning to the UK with your fingers tightly crossed that their good weather lasts. Though I hope your trip is trouble-free, it’s worth making sure you’ve got the right health cover for your holiday. As a UK pensioner, you can apply to the UK for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and if you claim a Spanish pension or work here, you can apply for your EHIC (or Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea – TSE - in Spanish) from Spain. If you aren’t entitled to an EHIC then you still shouldn’t be refused treatment; you can get NHS care if you have lived in the UK for a 10 year period at any time in your life. Travelling abroad. Within the EU, you can follow the same rules for EHICs as above, but remember the EHIC doesn’t cover all treatment. To ensure a more complete cover, or if you are going outside the EU, I’d strongly advise taking out travel insurance and checking carefully the conditions and exclusions of your policy. If you shop around you should find a good price and the right product rather than opting to travel without cover. Is the back of your passport blank? It will take 2 minutes to fill it in with details of your next of kin, but it could save lots of time in the future. Also, have a look at the FCO pages, www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-bycountry, to find out about local laws and customs – you don’t want to get caught out! Hosting guests. No doubt there’ll be friends and family who don’t want to take the risk with British weather and decide on a Spanish holiday. If so, suggest they get their travel insurance and EHIC sorted before they hop on the plane. Once they’re here, remind them to take good care of their passport especially as they may need to have it to hand for identification purposes. They may also like to know that alcohol measures might be bigger than they’re used to back in the UK so to take it steady! Watching the footie. If you’re happy where you are and will be watching England go all the way (well, maybe all the way…), remember there might be other fans around. Like the rest of us, the Spanish take their football very seriously and they’re hugely proud of their national team. You’ll find that if you show respect to Spanish supporters you’ll get respect in return. Don’t forget that drinking on the streets is illegal in some parts of Spain and you could be heavily fined for doing so; stick to the bars and the terraces to be sure. Come on England! Attending festivals. I really hope you have a great summer break. For more detailed travel advice you can see the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk/travel. Remember if you or your guests do lose a passport or are the victim of crime in Spain then you can contact my team at the British Consulate. Happy holidays! Matthew Vickers British Consul
4 Local News Thomson & First Choice Keep Working for Greener Holidays The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
In our last issue we reported on these two leading tour operators carrying out an initiative in conjunction with the Ayuntamiento of Mogán which coincided with the World Day for Clean Beaches; an initiative which took place on the beach of Veneguera.
The representatives who decide to help in this initiative were; Niel Hayhoe, Joe Jordan, Lisa, Murfet, Matt Alexander, Sharon Fay, Paul Gilliam, Andy Joyce, Ben Hamblin, Bianca Anderson, Carrie Bell, Marigold Hollihead, Garreth Hines, Gary White, Jenna Craven, Jenny Cooper, John Simpson, Karen Patterson, Kelly Parker, Laura Smith, Matthew Reynes, Michelle Stevens, Paul Lindourne, Scott Brown, Sean Owens, Steven Bray, Vikki Mattews, Donna Marshall, Laura Jenkins, Craig Clifton, Rachael Mytton, Stephanie Garrett, Stephanie Walker, Mandy Medland, John Gontyedge, Laura Hill.
On that day a team of representatives from both companies joined forces with Mogán workers to clean and tidy up the beach, and we are happy to report that they have done it again, except on this occasion they went up into the mountains of the Municipal of San Bartolome de Tirajana. Again Joe Jordan headed the expedition which travelled to Molino de Agua located in the picturesque village of Fataga - a total of 35 volunteers made up the work force and on 17th June keenly made their way up the mountains. Molino de Agua has recently change management and is now run by Fernando Lorenzo who invited the team up for a thorough cleaning of the main gardens and recreational areas which this fantastic place has to offer. In addition the initiative had the full support of the Forestal group in charge of taking care of our forests. They not only gave the team all the necessary advice
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on how to carry out their tasks, but also provided them with trees and bushes which they would later plant around the gardens. Upon their arrival at 17.00 the team immediately grabbed the necessary tools and started to work. It was not an easy job ahead of them, and the heat of the day, which at times can be overwhelming at these altitudes didn’t help. But undeterred they ploughed along with good humour knowing they were doing something positive for the community and for our tourist visitors.
Once the job was finished Fernando could not let them go without a reward and organised a barbecue with drinks for all the workers, and as you can imagine this went down a treat with those who attended. What started off as a difficult but worthy cause, ended in a fabulous day out for the volunteers not only because the enjoyed a great barbecue but also knowing they had done something very positive. Congratulations once again and may many others follow your example. By Tito Cabral
Xacobeo Year in San Bartolome de Tirajana Galicia, Spain, where St. James the Great was buried. 2. Recite some prayer (at least the Credo, Our Father and pray for the Pope’s intentions). It is recommended to attend to mass.
throughout the year, with pilgrimages and treks in honour of Santiago, and various events and activities in which everyone can participate and are obviously welcome to do so.
3. Receive the Sacraments of Penance (it may be between 15 days before and 15 days after) and take Communion.
This year two fiestas will take place, the first Santiago Apostol will take place between the 11th and 25th July in honour of the Saint, and the second in honour of the patron saint between the 16th and 24th of August.
In summary, the jubilee grace consists of a plenary indulgence in order to forgive the punishment that the sins deserve. The patriot Saint of Tunte, San Bartolome de Tirajana, is Santiago Apostol, St James, and the fiestas which surround this day which falls on the 25th July, are massive in the region of Galicia and of course in Tunte too. But before we go any further we have to understand what Xacobeo is all about, its origins and what has to be done; Año Santo Jacobeo (or in Galician language Ano Santo Xacobeo) is the holy year of St. James. It takes place the year when the 25th of July (day of St. James) is a Sunday. This happens during a fixed period of 6-5-611 years which implies that there are fourteen ‘Años Santos Jacobeos’ every century. During the St. James’ Holy Year the Catholics can get the bula, jubilar or jubileo - jubilee indulgence. In order to obtain it they must: 1. Visit the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in
The first Año Jubilar or Jubilee Year was granted by the Pope Calixtus II in 1126. The last Jubilee Years were in 1993, 1999 and 2004. The next ones will be in 2010 and 2021. The period 6-5-6-11 of the años jacobeos or Holy Years has its explanation in the frequency of the leap-years and in the fact that the week has 7 days. If there were no leap years then we would have año jacobeo every 7 years. If there is any modification in the sequency of leap years automatically the cadency of st. james holy years is modified as well. That happened in the Gregorian Reform in the year 1582 and therefore happens in the years that are multiple of 100 but not multiple of 400. In Tunte as mentioned before the Saint of the village is Santiago Apostol (St James) and therefore the local fiestas revolve around this fact, with a larger emphasis on the Xacobeo years. During these special years the events and activities are increased and take place
I have great memories of these fiestas as at one point they were my favourite, the atmosphere was always something that I remember with great joy although nowadays I cannot say, but I will defiantly be there to report on what is going on and hopefully enjoy it as much as I did back in those days. By Tito Cabral
Local News 5
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Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
Photography Marathon a Total Success profession, nationality and of course age is simply irrelevant.
3º PRIZE; Carlos Kengeter Armas Otorga Albert Joyeros 4º PRIZE; Carlos Aitor Macías Artiles Otorga Pomodoro
As in many cases several categories are available in the contest giving all participants the chance to expand on their creativity, and in a way a certain guideline of what to be looking for when taking their pictures. The area covered is obviously the Mesa Y Lopez shopping street along its whole length, with the added difficulty that they have to capture the photo they are looking for in a given time spam. This year’s winners were:
PRIZE FOR MOST VOTED BY VIEWERS; Andrea Sánchez Rivero Otorga Litografía González.
Last month the Association of Businesses of Mesa y Lopez Street in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria organised their seventh Photographic Marathon, which again proved to be a total success. On the 26th June the organisation committee displayed an exciting exhibition of nearly all the entry photographs and participants for all to enjoy.
Senior Category: BEST SERIES; Alfonso Elvira Medina Otorga Asociación Mesa y López y Arte Digital 7 Islas. BEST PHOTOGRAPH 1ST THEME; Prudencio Torres Padilla Otorga Maya. BEST PHOTOGRAPH 2ND THEME; Javier Martínez Otorga Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de G.C. BEST PHOTOGRAPH 3RD THEME; Antonio del Pozo Lagneaux Otorga A&M Edita. BEST PHOTOGRAPH 4TH THEME; Sergio Macías González Otorga Islas Canarias. BEST PHOTOGRAPH 5TH THEME; Víctor Manuel Fleites Escobar Otorga La Caja de
This year the Mesa y Lopez Association managed to attract well over 375 participants between 5 and 75 years of age, making this one of the most diverse photographic competitions on the island. Everyone is of course welcome, whether they carry the latest reflex camera or simply a compact model - background,
Canarias. BEST PHOTOGRAPH 6TH THEME; Brenda Llamas Cabrera Otorga Hotel Fataga. Junior Category: 1º PRIZE; Aída Martín Rodríguez Otorga Nova 2º PRIZE; Tara Van Calster Otorga Octavo Arte
I feel these initiatives are fantastic especially considering that they are organized by private associations and although what they are trying to do is to attract people to their businesses, they are at the same time giving something back to customers as well as an unusal event option for a Saturday morning. By Tito Cabral
New Abortion Law Challenged
THE Spanish government’s more liberal abortion law is under fire from the conservative opposition party, just days before it is scheduled to be enforced. The legislation, which was also strongly opposed by the Roman Catholic Church, was approved by parliament on 24th February 24 and is set to take effect on Monday. But the country’s highest court agreed last Wednesday to hear a challenge from the Popular Party. The new law allows abortion on demand up to the 14th week of pregnancy, and up to 22 weeks if it risks the mother’s health, or if the foetus has serious problems. The law is in line with most of the European Union countries. But the Popular Party called on the Constitutional Court on 1st June to strike the new law, saying it violated article 15 of the Constitution, which recognises that “everyone has the right to life”.
Now, the court has given the government and the parliament three days to present their cases in favour of the law.
Equality Minister Bibiana Aido was in no doubt last Wednesday that the new law was “completely constitutional” and would take effect on schedule next week.
Last year, according to the Health Ministry, some 115,000 abortions were carried out in Spain, many on the grounds that the woman’s mental health was at risk. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Madrid last October to condemn the government’s latest stand on the abortion laws in the overwhelmingly Catholic country. The initial draft of the new law allowed girls as young as 16 to terminate pregnancies without their parents’ knowledge. But the bill was watered down, and the amended text approved by parliament obliges minors aged 16 or 17 to inform their families of a decision to abort, unless they face “a clear risk of family violence, threats, pressure or mistreatment”. The previous law, introduced in 1985, allowed abortion only in cases of rape, foetal malformation and when
a pregnant woman’s mental or physical health was deemed to be at risk if the pregnancy went to term.
6 Local News
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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Another ‘Local’ Boy Makes Good PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Growing up in the Canary Islands, Rafael Cabrera-Bello dreamed of playing in major golf championships. This month, Cabrera-Bello — a 26-year-old Spaniard ranked 204th in the world — finally earned his way into one, the 2010 at the Pebble Beach Rafael Cabrera-Bello, who shot 70, arrived in California on Sunday. His clubs didn’t. Excited to play professionally for the first time in the United States, he arrived in California on Sunday so he could get in some practice rounds. He made it to Pebble Beach that same day. Unfortunately for him, his clubs made it only as far as Philadelphia. “So on Monday morning, I just had to walk around the course and try to imagine shots,” Cabrera-Bello said. “I couldn’t wait to get here, and now I’m here, but I am walking around without clubs. I tried to make the most of it, and I laughed at myself a little.” Cabrera-Bello may be onto something when it comes to pretournament preparation. Thursday, he posted one of the best first-round scores, a oneunder-par 70. His first day at a major championship included a long, enduring stay on leader boards all around the course.
“I kept looking at the boards and laughing,” Cabrera-Bello said. “I was saying, ‘What’s my name doing up there?’ ” Cabrera-Bello’s travel travails were not limited to his misplaced golf clubs, which were reunited with him Monday night. He was also delayed 24 hours in Madrid because of a visa problem. He spent the night at his uncle’s house, waiting for clearance. “It was a Saturday and the embassy was closed so I was worried,” said Cabrera-Bello, who speaks fluent English. “But it got fixed.” He flew to Philadelphia, then connected to a flight to San Francisco. Then came the long wait at baggage claim. “No one likes that feeling when you are standing there and everyone else has already left with their bags,” he said. “It turned out the airline had not lost my clubs. They just forgot them in Philadelphia.”
Cabrera-Bello, who related every episode of his journey — figurative and otherwise — with a wide smile, took up golf when he was 8 years old because the garden of his Canary Islands home backed up to a golf course. His sister, Emma, is also a professional golfer who plays on the Ladies European Tour. Cabrera-Bello has been on and off the European Tour since turning professional in 2005, although he won his first event last year when he shot 60 in the final round of the Austrian Open. He qualified for this year’s United States Open at a European qualifying tournament, earning a spot when he shot four-under par during the final seven holes. Thursday, he was part of the second group to go out, teeing off at 7 a.m. “Not too many people were watching, and maybe that was good,” he said. He birdied the first hole he played, the fearsome 10th, then made five consecutive pars. Another birdie on the 16th preceded bogeys on the 17th and the 18th holes. On his final nine holes, he steadied himself, breaking par for the
round with two birdies and a bogey. He hit 12 of 14 fairways and 10 greens in regulation and had just 27 putts. “I just tried to enjoy myself and not think,” he said. Afterward, surrounded by reporters, he wondered aloud if maybe he did not give Spanish sports fans some good news after their crushing World Cup soccer loss to Switzerland. “I have been hearing a lot about that game even on the golf course,” he said. “People were asking me, ‘What happened to Spain?’ ” Eventually, Cabrera-Bello was asked the inevitable question put to all littleknown golfers who make a surprising appearance on the first-round leader board of a United States Open: What does he expect from here? “I mean, absolutely nothing,” he answered. “I would make a fool of myself if I expected anything from here. It’s my first major, something I dreamed of when I was 10 years old. I just want to learn. I’m going to try and have fun tomorrow, too. That is the only way to go about this.” Rafael trains at our own Lopesan Meloneras golf course. By Bill Pennington, New York Times
Viva España! Spain won the game 1-0 and will now play the Netherlands in Sunday’s final at Soccer City. Spain deserved their victory after controlling huge periods of the match. Del Bosque’s team improved on their scrappy performance against Paraguay in the previous round but still struggled to carve out clear openings. The winning goal came when Puyol showed great determination to atone for a poor first-half miss by heading home Xavi’s corner with 17 minutes remaining. Germany had invited pressure by adopting an increasingly deep defensive line as the match wore on and may regret not taking the game to their opponents more while it remained goal less. Spain coach Del Bosque chose Wednesday’s tie to drop the out-of-form Torres, drafting in Barcelona’s lively young forward Pedro and deploying David Villa as a lone striker. Spain did occasionally pick holes in the German defensive structure, with Pedro playing in Villa only for keeper Manuel Neuer to deny him after only five minutes.
Puyol headed over from a firm Andres Iniesta cross, wasting an excellent chance, while a raking cross-field pass from Xabi Alonso found Sergio Ramos in space, only for the Real Madrid fullback to drill his ambitious shot wide. Germany did not have the opportunity to launch a counter attack until the 22nd minute, but that broke down after a mis-communication between Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski. Alonso twice shot wide from distance, as did Villa with a low effort he tried to curl across goal, but the impressive Pedro did force a sharp save from Neuer. The first saw Villa come within inches of converting a low Iniesta cross, while Ramos was likewise agonisingly close to converting from Alonso’s angled pass. Loew brought on Marcell Jansen and Toni Kroos for Jerome Boateng and Trochowski as he tried to change the game in his team’s favour. And Kroos forced a save after a deep cross from Podolski, but shortly afterwards Puyol struck and Spain were able to close out the match to seal their place in the final and ensure that the World Cup will have a first-time winner in 2010.
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Canarian Character 7
Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
Canarian Character
My name is Carmelo Santana Peña. I lived in London for over 25 years and I have written a book about it. At the same time, I would write articles for La Provincia/Diario in Las Palmas. So, I know about and read many different newspapers. The reason I am sending you this email is to tell you about some good news that I think you will like. Actually, it has to do with my youngest son, called Christian. He studied English Philosophy, and attended universities like Oxford where he completed his PhD on William Shakespeare. Talking about this PhD, he recently published a book called «Shakespeare: un mundo de amor y locura» - this is the first book dealing with Shakespeare to be written in the Canary Islands) and he presented it on 26th May the ‘Gabinete Literary’. The event was attended by over 245 people (as you will see from the photo). Then, he was invited to the Feria del Libro de Madrid for a book signing session (see photo).
We normally interview our ‘Canarian Character’ ourselves, but as we received the following email we felt it would be nice to share this particular one with our readers, and have adapted it slightly to make for easier reading.
So, even though he is my son (and, of course, I care very much about him) I send you this information and photos because maybe you would like to publish it for your readers. of course.
I am also sending you a photo of the book which contains information about Christian’s life, studies and of course the main topic of the book, Shakespeare. Honestly, thank you very much for your attention, I hope I am not wasting your time. Good luck and congratulations for your work! Kindly provided by Carmelo Santana Pena
8 Letters to the Editor
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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Editors Column
The Canary News reserves the right to edit your letters and accepts no responsility for readers’ opinions.
Letter of the week Dear The Canary News, I am German, but I can read the English language and when I have been in Gran Canaria I take your newspaper. I have a house here and for some months spend the winter so it is with great joy I read about what is happening. When I am home I look at the newspaper on the internet to keep up with everything. We also like to take our meals out and your new restaurant news is very welcome. I enjoyed the Simon Spit writing, it is funny and also we need to know where we can eat. It is not good to hear about many places who charge high prices and do not give you good service as you would have in Germany. I am looking forward to hearing what he says about good and bad places. I like your newspaper. Herman from Playa del Ingles and Munich As this is a new section your feedback is very welcome. Simon Spit will be visiting restaurants and bars all over the island and will provide us with his hilarious comments on his experiences, so thank you. Ed. BRAVO to The Canary News. You have put together a special community newspaper that seems to get even better with each passing issue. In particular, I thoroughly enjoy your marvellous mix of columnists: Tito Cabral and his consistently informative articles relative to our unique Gran Canarian community; Nina Blaafjell highlighting the contributions of our Scandinavian neighbours; Theresa Coe with her truly palatable Spanish lessons (not an easy thing); the inimitable Barrie Mahoney and his spot-on observations of ex-patriot life in Paradise; the contagiously upbeat and positive missives of the lovely Kay Owen; Danny Alcock’s on and in the water reports from our glorious littorals. And lest we forget, the many useful hints and insights for living in Gran Canaria from computer technology, to legalese and The British Consulate, from health, fitness and sports, to touring, shopping, and gourmet delights. And now I read that TCN management is rolling up its sleeves, offering to help our struggling business community promote itself by organising an out reach exhibition, about the myriad of products and services available in Gran Canaria. Congratulations to The Canary News team. Working together we can make Gran Canaria the Paradise we all see just below the surface of our workaday world. Muriel Alberta Mae Well what can I say, The Canary News team please take a bow! Thank you. Ed.
Having just returned from 4days in Nerja on the Costa del Sol, my eyes have been well and truly opened. After living here for 6 years I now realise that all GC has to offer is the weather in winter. Not once was I pestered to eat here every 5 metres, and to buy time share. The resort was alive with tourists, of all nationalities, restaurants were busy, people still eating at midnight, and prices so much cheaper. Tapas bars everywhere, 2 of us had 4 small beers each and BIG tapas with each beer, 12 euros 50,brilliant value. Property so cheap you won’t believe. Afraid this island is only heading in one direction, and I think we all know what that is. Brian G. Tauro You wouldn’t believe the amount of emails and letters we receive from people complaining about prices on GC. I really don’t know what the answer is. The Canary News has tried so hard to make people ‘sit up and listen’ but apathy seems to be the ‘name of the game’. Maybe the ones who can make a change know something we don’t? Ed. Dear Editor I am an avid reader of the Canary News which I find both extremely interesting and informative. I noticed in issue 25, dated 18th June - 8th July, a very interesting article on page 12 titled Join the Club. I have been the Comunidad President for a large development in Tauro for nearly 3 years and, as with many other Communities, am suffering from an ever growing problem of owners failing to meet their responsibilities in paying their Comunidad fees. In your article, paragraph 3, you state ‘’The Community President can apply for a court order which allows the debt to be seized from the debtors bank account in as short a time as 30 days’’. I also noticed a similar article in the monthly magazine issued by Solbank. However, when trying to find out how this procedure works, both my administrator and legal representative have struggled. They are both completely unaware of this new law that apparently came into force quite recently. Can you please elaborate on the steps that need to be taken in order to be able to apply for such a court order which will allow assets to be seized from a debtors bank account in 30 days.I represent 125 owners who at the moment are being held to ransom by just a handful of 7 large debtors and would greatly appreciate your help on this matter.Thanking you in advance for your assistance Steve Barber, President Dear Steve, We were sent the article by a feature writer of ours and after doing some digging like yourselves no one seems to know the exact procedure. It appears that there is a never ending list of court cases waiting to be heard for non payment of community fees, especially on the mainland. I am going to forward on your email to Rivero & Mendoza, who write our legal questions and answers page to see if they can supply us with the right and speedy way to go about this. Thank you for your kind comments about The Canary News, we are always pleased to receive readers’ comments. Ed.
I have chosen a fairly generic subject for this edition which affects us all – Canarians and British ex pats alike. It’s a subject dear to the hearts of many; how do we survive the coming years when governments are making cuts left, right and centre? The UK government has announced drastic measures as we all know, but a few stand out more than the rest when it comes to people living abroad. The strict conditions concerning claiming disability allowances, a more difficult assessment system for British nationals who wish to return to the UK, after being unable to continue with their hitherto good lifestyle in the sun, and finally the ‘jobseekers’ allowance. You now need to report into your local office on a regular basis. Gone is the ‘one off’ signing on and then the ‘dole’ money being transferred into your bank account whilst you look for suitable ‘work in the sun’. And for those who think they can just up and go back and be welcomed with open arms, house, phone and loads of money just waiting, think again! After discussing this subject with an employee of the DSS who was out here on holiday, he told me that you have to wait for at least six weeks before the financial handout becomes a reality, and then it’s not a sure thing, again it’s a personal assessment of your situation. And this was before the latest cutbacks! Why are so many of us choosing to leave the island of our dreams, and return to the dark, dreary days which are all too frequent in our homeland? It’s simple, Gran Canaria’s bubble has finally burst. Foreign businesses are closing at an alarming rate, shops left empty and keys are being thrown back at banks because the property owners cannot afford the mortgage repayments. The longed for tourists are just not coming back anymore, and this year the wealthy Scandinavians are being offered great deals for the dreaded all inclusive holiday. The great ‘north/south divide is very evident on Gran Canaria, with many Canarians from Las Palmas owning second homes in the south. Every weekend they flock down here to spend their well deserved two day break by the sea. But alas, they also arrive laden down with shopping which they have brought with them – Las Palmas is far cheaper than the south. Weekends are filled with the sounds and smells of families enjoying their outdoor barbecues in the comfort of their holiday home. You may ask what effect this will have on the Canarians? after all they don’t spend any money down south. But just stop and think about it, they too have suffered cutbacks as reported by Tito in our last edition. They own second homes down here, but if the tourists are few and far between, the government has made cutbacks and many businesses are closing down, what will it be like to live here, even if it’s just for the weekends and a couple of months in the summer? – abuela looking after the grandchildren. So what is the answer? I honestly don’t know - well I do really but it would probably mean me having to the leave the island or being thrown into prison by so called ‘government representatives for the people’. Life is hard for most of us at the moment, but let’s think positive, understand that there are millions who are worse off than ourselves, put a smile on our face and try our very best – no one can ask any more. Editor
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Finance 9
Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
Sterling/Euro Reaches New Highs The peak for sterling during 2009 was the €1.19 it achieved in late June. Prior to that the last time it saw €1.19 was during its precipitous tumble almost to parity with the euro in November 2008. Now it is back up there, having a serious look at an upward break that could set it on its way to the mid 1.20’s. It is possible? Or will the gravity that has troubled it for nearly three years drag it back to earth once more? On the face of it, this should be a no-brainer. Euroland is displaying all the worst traits of a currency union that applies a one-size-fits-all interest rate to a group of 16 different countries. Britain, meanwhile, seems to have accidentally elected a coalition government blessed with the ability and commitment to set right a national debt that will have doubled in the space of a handful of years. Sterling is sure to be the winner? Right? There can be little doubt that, if the leaders of Euroland were to sit a GCSE in financial crisis management, there would not be many A-stars on the list of results. The Greek crisis had been looming for years, ever since the country fudged its accounts - ably assisted by Goldman Sachs - to cheat its way into membership in the first place. On at least three occasions this year the euro zone leaders put their heads together to come up with a suitable financial safety net to bail out Greece and hold the currency union together. The first few efforts, each with a successively higher price tag, failed. The agreement reached at the beginning of May had to work; if not, Greece would have had to default on repayments in the middle of the month. The €750 billion stabilisation fund was massively bigger than its failed predecessors because the delay had added the names of Portugal and Spain to the danger list.
So far, the bailout has done its job. Greece has not gone bust because the EU and the International Monetary Fund have filled its funding gap at an affordable price. But there are rumours of two ‘secret clauses’ in the agreement. One apparently says that if the bailout is proved to be unconstitutional in any European court it will be scrapped. The other says the nations providing the money do not have to do so at a loss; if they cannot raise cash at less than the interest rate charged to Greece (or Spain or Portugal) the programme grinds to a halt. Neither clause would be ridiculous but the possibility of their existence raises doubts about commitment, especially on the part of Germany which is up for €145 billion of the money. Britain’s new coalition government, meanwhile, had been making the right noises. Savings and wasteavoidance is supposed to save £6 billion this year and along with Mr Camaron and Mr Clarke saying they will not take their ministerial pensions Britain is on to make some gains but this is just the low-hanging fruit. The real meat of the strategy was revealed on the 22 June and the youngest chancellor did his job, his confident approach and the fact that he made it abundantly clear what was in store for Britain have helped investors overcome their fear for the pound. In the meantime sterling has gained good ground against a weak euro to break the €1.22 benchmark. Thankfully Britain’s AAA credit rating was not reviewed and it has managed to maintain its 3A rating and this all helps with the market view of the pound. So in the UK mixed views as always with budgets that have deep impacts upon what Brits take home, the
good news of course is that Brits do not have to pay any more for their booze so with less in their pockets they can still afford to drown their sorrows.. Will your UK house increase in value? As normal this will depend what postcode you have in the UK but there is a general expectation to see a continuing increase in mortgage applications and providing lenders do their job we could start to see an increase in demand for property. Let’s hope the lenders realise what a positive impact they can have upon the Brits. Stimulating the market in the UK can always have a positive impact for us here in Spain as Brits thankfully are still in love with the thought of lying in the sun and escaping the pressures of home.
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10 Family Life
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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Creating Self-Esteem Healthy self-esteem is a child’s armour against the challenges of the world. Children who feel good about themselves seem to have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. They tend to smile more readily and enjoy life. These children are realistic and generally optimistic. In contrast, children with low self-esteem can find challenges to be sources of major anxiety and frustration. Those who think poorly of themselves have a hard time finding solutions to problems. If given to selfcritical thoughts such as “I’m no good” or “I can’t do anything right,” they may become passive, withdrawn, or depressed. Faced with a new challenge, their immediate response is “I can’t.”
new things, and may frequently speak negatively about themselves: “I’m stupid,” “I’ll never learn how to do this,” or “What’s the point? Nobody cares about me anyway.” They may exhibit a low tolerance for frustration, giving up easily or waiting for somebody else to take over. They tend to be overly critical of and easily disappointed in themselves. Children with low self-esteem see temporary setbacks as permanent, intolerable conditions, and a sense of pessimism predominates.
Here’s how you can play important role in promoting healthy self-esteem in your child. What Is Self-Esteem? Self-esteem is the collection of beliefs or feelings we have about ourselves, our “self-perceptions.” How we define ourselves influences our motivations, attitudes, and behaviours and affects our emotional adjustment. Patterns of self-esteem start very early in life. For example, a toddler who reaches a milestone experiences a sense of accomplishment that bolsters self-esteem. Learning to roll over after dozens of unsuccessful attempts teaches a baby a “cando” attitude. The concept of success following persistence starts early. As children try, fail, try again, fail again, and then finally succeed, they develop ideas about their own capabilities. At the same time, they’re creating a selfconcept based on interactions with other people. This is why parental involvement is key to helping children form accurate, healthy self-perceptions. Self-esteem also can be defined as feelings of capability combined with feelings of being loved. A child who is happy with an achievement but does not feel loved may eventually experience low self-esteem. Likewise, a child who feels loved but is hesitant about his or her own abilities can also end up with low self-esteem. Healthy self-esteem comes when the right balance is reached. Signs of Unhealthy and Healthy Self-Esteem Self-esteem fluctuates as children grow. It’s frequently changed and fine-tuned, because it is affected by a child’s experiences and new perceptions. So it helps to be aware of the signs of both healthy and unhealthy selfesteem. Children with low self-esteem may not want to try
Children with healthy self-esteem tend to enjoy interacting with others. They’re comfortable in social settings and enjoy group activities as well as independent pursuits. When challenges arise, they can work toward finding solutions and voice discontent without belittling themselves or others. For example, rather than saying, “I’m an idiot,” a child with healthy self-esteem says, “I don’t understand this.” They know their strengths and weaknesses, and accept them. A sense of optimism prevails. How Parents Can Help How can a parent help to foster healthy self-esteem in a child? These tips can make a big difference: • Watch what you say. Children are very sensitive to parents’ words. Remember to praise your child not only for a job well done, but also for effort. But be truthful. For example, if your child doesn’t make the soccer team, avoid saying something like, “Well, next time you’ll work harder and make it.” Instead, try “Well, you didn’t make the team, but I’m really proud of the effort you put into it.” Reward effort and completion instead of outcome. • Be a positive role model. If you’re excessively harsh on yourself, pessimistic, or unrealistic about your
abilities and limitations, your child may eventually mirror you. Nurture your own self-esteem, and your child will have a great role model. • Identify and redirect your child’s inaccurate beliefs. It’s important for parents to identify children’ irrational beliefs about themselves, whether they’re about perfection, attractiveness, ability, or anything else. Helping children set more accurate standards and be more realistic in evaluating themselves will help them have a healthy self-concept. Inaccurate perceptions of self can take root and become reality to children. For example, a child who does very well in school but struggles with math may say, “I can’t do math. I’m a bad student.” Not only is this a false generalization, it’s also a belief that will set the child up for failure. Encourage children to see a situation in its true light. A helpful response might be: “You are a good student. You do great in school. Math is just a subject that you need to spend more time on. We’ll work on it together.” • Be spontaneous and affectionate. Your love will go a long way to boost your child’s self-esteem. Give hugs and tell children you’re proud of them. Pop a note in your child’s lunchbox that reads, “I think you’re terrific!” Give praise frequently and honestly, without overdoing it. Children can tell whether something comes from the heart. • Give positive, accurate feedback. Comments like “You always work yourself up into such a frenzy!” will make children feel like they have no control over their outbursts. A better statement is, “You were really mad at your brother. But I appreciate that you didn’t shout at him or hit him.” This acknowledges a child’s feelings, rewards the choice made, and encourages the child to make the right choice again next time. • Create a safe, loving home environment. Children who don’t feel safe or are abused at home will suffer immensely from low self-esteem. A child who is exposed to parents who fight and argue repeatedly may become depressed and withdrawn. Also watch for signs of abuse by others, problems in school, trouble with peers, and other factors that may affect children’ selfesteem. Deal with these issues sensitively but swiftly. And always remember to respect your children. • Help children become involved in constructive experiences. Activities that encourage cooperation rather than competition are especially helpful in fostering self-esteem. For example, mentoring programs in which an older child helps a younger one learn to read can do wonders for both children.
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Feature 11
Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
12 Scandinavian Scene
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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A Study of the Danes with Nina Blaafjell As Nina is on holiday in her native Norway, she is unable to provide us with her fortnightly updates on what is happening in the Scandinavian community here on Gran Canaria, so we have trawled the ‘net’ and found a good article on why the Danish people are so happy with their lot in life.
with life satisfaction. Denmark is the number one country in Europe with regard to marriages, but the divorce rate is correspondingly high, giving Denmark a leading position in the EU second only to Belgium (Statistics Denmark,). When it comes to children, Denmark is among the EU countries with the highest fertility. Recent Danish research, however, suggests that children beyond the first child decrease life satisfaction, especially for women.
Nina will be back for edition 27 and perhaps can regale us with what she got up to whilst over there. Danes are unrivalled in satisfaction with life. The University of Leicester published the World Map of Happiness with Denmark as number one. For more than 30 years this country with five million inhabitants has ranked first in Eurobarometer surveys. More than two thirds of Danes are “very satisfied” with their lives according to these surveys. In no other Eurobarometer country has this proportion exceeded a half, and for most of the countries the proportion is less than a third. To explain Danish contentment we sifted through literature, statistics, and common knowledge. We focused on accounting for why life satisfaction in Denmark substantially exceeds that in Sweden and Finland, the two Eurobarometer countries most similar to Denmark. We have ordered our hypotheses roughly from most to least implausible. Hair colour—It may indeed be the case that “blondes have more fun.” This hypothesis was launched in the 1950’s by a commercial slogan for a hair dye and was cemented in popular culture in 1978 by rock musician Rod Stewart’s album of the same title. Sweden, however, has a higher prevalence of blondes than Denmark.
Institute). A remarkable feature is the oscillation in life satisfaction during the year in Denmark, with as much as 38% higher in Spring than Autumn. Native tongue—The Danish word “tilfreds” may have a subtly different meaning than the English “satisfied” or the Swedish “nöjd.” A millennium ago the three languages were close relatives, but today they differ considerably with English evolving from the rich merger of Germanic and Latin sources, Swedish developing into an effeminate sing song, and Danish faithfully preserving the guttural grunts of the Vikings. The root meaning of the Danish “tilfreds” is “at peace” and it can be translated as the English “contented” as well as “satisfied.” Alcohol and smoking—High levels of smoking and drinking are associated with low wellbeing, but Danes
Genes—Genetic factors might influence differences in life satisfaction within a country, and Danes might have a special genetic constitution. Genotypes in Sweden, however, are similar to those in Denmark because most Swedes were Danes until the 17th century. Food—Meals in Denmark can be politely described as unmemorable. “Danish cuisine” is an oxymoron, except perhaps the open faced “butter breads” that accompany the beer and aquavit Danes consume for lunch. Older Danes satisfy their hunger with potatoes, gravy, and a bit of pork, and younger ones devour hotdogs, hamburgers, and Baltic-style pizzas. Danish cuisine has some similarities with food from Switzerland and
Climate—Danes bask in a somewhat colder and cloudier version of the balmy English weather. In 2004 there were 1539 sunshine hours in Copenhagen compared with 1573 in London and 1821 in Stockholm, not to mention 2538 in Rome (Danish Meteorological
Welfare state—Cross national studies show that a prosperous economy and a well functioning democracy are associated with a high level of wellbeing, although longitudinal studies of life satisfaction do not indicate any stable changes as a result of a higher income Denmark ranks number one in the Gini index, which is a measure of income equality, but is closely followed by Sweden, which is second in Europe. Virtually all historically Protestant societies show relatively high levels of subjective wellbeing. But again, Denmark does not differ much from Sweden and Finland in infrequency of church attendance or latent paganism. Exercise—There are more than 1.6 million memberships of sports clubs in a country of 5.4 million inhabitants (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark). Furthermore, Danes use bicycles to a great extent for transportation, a feature they have in common with another high ranker in life satisfaction, the Netherlands. Prowess in sports—Guidebooks to Denmark correctly assert that winning the 1992 European Championship in football by beating Germany 2-0 in the final put Danes in such a state of euphoria that the country has not been the same since. This would explain the high plateau of life satisfaction in Denmark after 1992 (figure).
are among those with the highest consumption in Europe. This is reflected in causes of death and low life expectancy. Marriage and children—It is well documented that marriage and having children are both associated
Austria, the second and third happiest nations according to the World Map of Happiness; this suggests that the consumption of comfort foods may be important for life satisfaction.
General health—Good health is associated with life satisfaction. If self reported health is considered, Danes do well. When measured objectively, however, by diagnosed physical conditions and performance, the health of Danes is mediocre.The life expectancy of Denmark falls 13th among the 15 old EU countries.
The key factor that differentiates Danes from Swedes and Finns seems to be that Danes have consistently low (and indubitably realistic) expectations for the year to come. Year after year they are pleasantly surprised to find that not everything is getting more rotten in the state of Denmark
Horoscopes 13
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Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
LIBRA Sept 24 - Oct 23 You’re about to discover that what you see as a source of vulnerability is actually a tremendous asset... while steps that you have taken in the past in an attempt to protect yourself have actually put you at a distinct disadvantage.
ARIES Mar 21 - April 20 You think you know what’s ‘allowable’ and what’s not in your life? But since Jupiter and Uranus arrived in your sign, nothing has been certain. This month, that uncertainty begins to work dramatically in your favour.
CANCER June 22 - July 23 Most of us are so busy judging each other that we simply don’t notice how much of our energy and positivity this all eats up. Why would we want to love the folk that we disapprove of?
TAURUS April 23 - May 21 Rarely have the planets been so powerfully aligned. They’re a favourable influence now for anyone who is willing to reach within for strength, insight, guidance and inspiration.
LEO July 24 - Aug 23 You’ve got the power, in July, to rewrite a piece of your history and reshape the future you have been envisaging for yourself.
Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 It is becoming clear that you don’t have the full picture about someone or something. Information is either being withheld from you or new information is cropping up and you don’t yet understand what it means.
GEMINI May 22 - June 21 Expect an event that may prove briefly stressful but will ultimately be liberating and inspiring. Meanwhile, a rare, powerful alignment touches all our lives.
VIRGO Aug 24 - Sept 23 Your perspective on life is about to alter dramatically. Prepare to feel able, at last, to stand back from something you’ve been too close to and regain strength, faith and comfort.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 22 All we have to do is be less resentful of the problems life poses to us, and more grateful to the gifts it brings us. Hang out a little food for the bluebirds to fly to in July.
CAPRICORN Dec 23 - Jan 20 Of the many folk on this planet, you are amongst the most straightforward and self-aware. But, er... in one particular area of life this month, you might just be kidding yourself a little.
AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 The outcome of an ongoing saga in July may not match your expectation, but if you stand back and look at what it’s leading to, you will find that you’re glad of what you got into.
PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 If you really want to know where to place your trust, begin by trusting what you feel in your heart of hearts. Meanwhile, a rare, powerful alignment touches all our lives.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY “ Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world; it is the difference between non-existence and excellence.”
14 ‘Twitters from the Atlantic’
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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by Barrie Mahoney
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.
Fax Machines and Bureaucrats
Expats living in Spain will quickly become aware of how much Spanish officials adore reams of paper and boxes of rubber stamps. Well, closely, allied to this obsession is the heady adoration of that once wonderful, but now antiquated technology of the past the fax machine. Yes, I have to admit that I used to be fascinated by the thought that a piece of paper could be put into one of these machines in London and yet, almost in real time, it would pop out from another very similar machine in New York. If you think about it, it really is a very clever process. However, times have moved on and we now have the Internet, emails and text messages, and somehow the humble fax machine looks like something rapidly destined for a museum of 1970’s technology - or is it? Since moving to Spain I have come to realise that it is essential to have a fax machine at home or at least to have ready access to one. Its use is still demanded by the many faceless officials oiling the wheels of the
Spanish bureaucratic machine. Without it, the newly arrived expat will undoubtedly face a life of complete misery and degradation. “What, you don’t have a fax machine?” I can hear the bureaucrats spluttering, as they tuck into their mid-morning breakfast at their desks, a ham filled bocadillo in one hand and mobile phone in the other.
A few days ago I decided to change the bank that I use to pay one of my direct debits. My initial thoughts of a quick phone call to the company concerned to change the bank details proved not to be the case. Several hours later I am still trying to achieve what would be, in the UK, a very simple procedure. My initial telephone call earlier this morning was greeted with astonishment that I should even want to consider the process of changing a bank, followed by a request that I make another request, this time by fax, confirming what I wanted to do and giving the necessary account details. Surely I could send an email? No, it had to be a fax, Maria, the lady at the end of the phone insisted politely.
My hastily typed and faxed letter was then followed up by a return phone call from Maria. Did I really want to change the bank details? Yes, I confirmed. Well, in that case, would I send a send a letter or a document from the new bank confirming my account details? This, of course, had to be sent to Maria by fax. Once again, I plugged in the fax machine, and this time sent another letter, together with a letter from the new bank confirming the account details. This was followed by another phone call from Maria, who was now sounding a little more aggressive, complaining that although she had received my letter and the letter from the bank - the faxed letter had omitted to include my full name and fiscal number. Would I send them another letter, preferably the front page of my cheque book, which would include both my name and account details - once again, by fax. Oh, and by the way, could I fax them a copy of my passport and residencia certificate at the same time? Three hours later, and as I type this, a simple process that should have been dealt with in a few minutes, is still grinding on. Once again, Spanish bureaucracy is beginning to wear me down and Maria will be spending all her day changing my one direct debit and I won’t get any writing done. Maybe I won’t change banks after all! © Barrie Mahoney
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
Spanish Lesson
Lesson 21 Take a Number Quiero dar las gracias a nuestro lector Sani por sus recomendaciones. I want to (give) thanks to our reader Sani for his recommendations. Como dice, necesito incluir la pronunciación de los números en español. As he says, I need to include the pronunciation of the numbers in Spanish. 1, 2, 3: uno [OOH-noh], dos [doss], tres [tres] 4, 5, 6: cuatro [KWAH-troh], cinco [SIN-koh], séis [SEH-ees] 7, 8, 9, 10: siete [see-ET-eh], ocho [OH-choh], nueve [noo-EH-beh], diez, [dee-EZ] 11, 12, 13: once [ON-seh], doce, [DOSS-eh], trece [TREH-seh] 14, 15: catorce [cat-OR-seh]; think: 14 cats, quince [KIN-seh]; think: 15 kings. 16, 17, 18, 19: dieciséis, diecisiete, dieciocho, diecinueve These aren´t as hard as they look, because from 16-19
you literally say ‘ten and six’ or ‘ten and seven’ etc. E.g: diez y séis [dee-EZ ee SEH-ees].
1000: mil [meel], 10,000: diez mil, 100,000: cien mil, a million: un millón [oon mee-YON]
20, 21, 22: veinte [BEN-teh]; think of Ben turning 20, veintiuno [Ben-tee-OOH-noh], veintidós [ben-teeDOSS] etc.
Try to learn the numbers in pairs or sets; for example, as I lay them out in this column. It helps that the tens such as 40, 50 and 60 all rhyme (ending in –enta) but don´t forget to pronounce your v’s as b’s. If you go blank on a number, start at a lower one and count up in order to see if it comes to you.
30, 40, 50: treinta [TREN-tah], cuarenta [kwar-ENtah], cincuenta [sin-KWEN-tah]. Devise tricks to help you recall key numbers. Perhaps ‘thirty trains’ (train is tren in Spanish) for treinta, ‘40 years in quarantine’ for cuarenta, ‘sinning at 50’ for cincuenta, or in Spanish ‘without count’ (sin cuenta) if this is the age to stop counting! Often if we can remember how a word starts, the rest will follow automatically. 60, 70, 80, 90: sesenta [seh-SEN-tah], setenta [sehTEN-tah], ochenta [oh-CHEN-tah], noventa [nohBEN-tah] 55: cincuenta y cinco (fifty and five); 99: noventa y nueve (ninety and nine). Try not to confuse nueve (nine) with nuevo (new). 100 is cien [see-EN]. However, 101 and 102 are ciento uno, ciento dos etc [see-EN-toh dos] then, for example, 155: ciento cincuenta y cinco (one hundred, fifty AND five). 200, 300, 400: doscientos, trescientos, cuatrocientos (literally: two hundreds, three hundreds etc) 500 is the odd one out: quinientos [kin-ee-EN-toss] Would 500 kings jog your memory on this one? 600, 700, 800, 900: seiscientos, setecientos, ochocientos, novecientos.
Quizás puedes jugar al Bingo en español con tu familia o los compañeros de trabajo. Maybe you can play Bingo in Spanish with your family or work colleagues. ¿Puedes decir frases con los números para practicarlos? Can you say phrases with numbers in to practice them? For example, when shopping: ¿Cuánto queso deseas? How much cheese (do) you want? - Doscientos cincuenta gramos, por favor. 250grams, please. ¿Cuántos plátanos te doy? How many bananas shall I give you? – Pues…séis o siete de los grandes. Er…six or seven of the big ones.
¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños?
When is your birthday? El mio es el 13 (trece) de octubre. Mine is the 13th of October. Note that a date is also a day (un día) and so is ‘masculine’, and that a normal number is usually given – in this case, the thirteen, not thirteenth of October. Unlike in English, days of the week and months don´t start with capital letters. Month-by-month enero, febrero, marzo, [eh-NEH-roh, feh-BREHroh, MAR-zo], abril, mayo, [ah-BREEL, MAH-yoh], junio, julio, agosto, [HOO-nee-oh, HOO-lee-oh, ah-GOSS-toh], septiembre, octubre, noviembre, diciembre [sep-tee-EM-breh, oc-TOO-breh, noh-beeEM-breh, dee-see-EM-breh].
If you have any questions or comments relating to this column or the Spanish language in general: Please email theresacoe@gmail.com
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Your Questions Answered 15
Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
‘The Canarian Lawyer’ New Road Laws cont from Ed 26. (C) Involves the loss of three points are the following: 1. Change of direction in breach of the provisions of this law and the terms set out according to the rules. 2. Lead using helmets, headphones or other devices that reduce attention to driving or manually use mobile phones browser or any other communication device. According to the advancement of technology, the devices included in this section shall be defined according to the rules. 3. No to use the seat belt safety, child retention, helmet and other elements of protection systems. Points for speeding retirement will occur in accordance with annex IV. Sanctions and points for speeding excess: Violation on speeding captured by the control machine (shown in table). Limite = Limit Exceso Velocidad = Speeding Excess Grave = Serious Muy Grave = Very Serious
Now in Mogan every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30am to 1pm
Edificio Mercurio, Torre 1, 3.º A 35100 Playa del Inglés GRAN CANARIA -----------------------------------Avda. de Pescadores s/n Playa de Mogán TLF: +34 928 730 161 Mobile: +34 679 762 983 +34 649 874 490 CANARIA GRAN CANARI Fax: +34 928 779 928 info@riveromendoza.com
Web and Computer problems? info@thecanarynews.com
Now, look on the front of the Z, X, C, V, B or N keys. Unless you are on a laptop, you will see the words Undo, Cut, Copy, Paste, Bold and New. Preceding these words there is an asterisk (*) and on the Ctrl keys there are also an asterisks (*). What this is trying to tell you is that if you hold down the Ctrl key and press the C (Copy) key, that whatever you have highlighted will be copied to the clipboard.*** NOTE: Not all Windows keyboards will have these words on the front of the keys. Many economy keyboards may not have them. But, even if the words are not printed on the keys of your keyboard, the functions still work. (See the Shortcut Keys item in the left menu of this page for more keyboard shortcuts.) Q. I am trying to create a new email contact, but cannot copy and paste the address as there is no menu item to facilitate that. Can you copy and paste another way? A. Actually, there are several ways to copy and paste an item. One of these ways is probably so close to your hands that if it were a snake it would have already bitten your fingers off. Most all modern keyboards are Window keyboards meaning they have special keys and key marking to facilitate Windows functions. Look at your keyboard to see if there is a key between the left Ctrl and Alt keys. This key will have the Windows logo, and possibly be labeled Start. This key is referred to as the Windows key, Windows Logo key, Super key, Winkey, Start key, and sometimes more rarely the Flag key. Since most keyboards since the introduction of Windows 95 have this key I suspect there will be one on your keyboard. Here is a picture of that section of a Windows keyboard.
Similarly, if you hold down the Ctrl key and press the V (Paste) key, whatever you just copied will be pasted at the location of your cursor. This cut and paste sequence will work in almost all if not all Windows applications and programs. Note that there are other keys that perform special functions when pressed while the Ctrl key is depressed. Y (Redo), U (Underline), I (Italics), O (Open), P (Print), A (All), S (Save) etc. Of special value is the A (All) key. This allows highlighting/selecting everything in a document or folder with just these two key presses. NOTE: Although these words rarely appear on the front of a laptop keyboard, they still perform the functions when used in conjunction with the Ctrl key. Another way to copy and paste that also works in almost all Windows applications is in the Right click menu. If you highlight an item, word or group of words, then
right click on the highlighted item, the menu displayed will have the choice among many others to Cut, Copy or Paste. So, to copy an item, highlight it, right click it and select Copy. Then place the cursor where you want the item pasted, right click on it, and select Paste. Either of these two ways to copy and paste is usually much easier and faster than looking for the menu and making the copy and paste selection from it. While we are talking about the Windows keyboard, I suspect that there are other special keys that most never know about or use. Unless you are on a laptop, between the right Alt and Ctrl, are two keys that contain the Windows logo, and possibly the word Start and the menu icon. The Windows/Start key function here is the same as the left Windows/Start logo key. The Menu key when pressed will always display the same menu that would be displayed if you used the mouse to right click the item. NOTE: A laptop keyboard may also have a Menu key, but its location could be anywhere. There are many other key presses that perform special functions when pressed in conjunction with the Windows key, Ctrl key, Alt key, Space bar or a combination of these. *** For those that don’t go back to the days before Windows 95 when the contents of the clipboard were viewable, the clipboard is like a storage buffer available to Windows and all running applications. It allows pieces of information to be temporarily stored and then retrieved later by another application.
16 Feature
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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Fire, Water, Magic & Charm Continued from front page ...
also lit; water is used by single women not only to attract a husband but also to find out more about their future partner - a name or even profession. It’s a known fact that when people are suffering hardships the tend to rekindle or reinforce superstition, luck and hope, and to be quite honest with you I don’t see anything wrong with this.
The custom which is more than 500 years old has evolved from a mixture of Pagan and Catholic rituals but they both come together on this night only. Once the fire has been lit up and then died down a little people are supposed to jump over it, hoping that all negative vibrations are left over it to burn.
Groups of young friends congregate on the sand and I was very happy to see a large number of tourists also venturing out onto the sand to enjoy the night.
However after this people have to wait until midnight and then go down to the seashore, then at the edge of the water and at 12 o’clock on the dot you are supposed to go into the water with your back turned to it. Never leaving sight of land! I’ve been told you should count seven waves whilst entering the water and then jump in order to purify yourself.
But I have been reading a lot about the different customs which take on this magical evening and they are so varied and diverse it would be very difficult to list them all. People even throw offerings into the sea in the shape of fruits, coins and flowers, Candles are
The atmosphere is simply great, people are there to have a good time and nothing else. Some still have a very strong belief in the magic of this evening and the purification power it has on them. But there is no space for aggressiveness which today unfortunately has taken over some of our more traditional fiestas.
Once the bathing ritual is over the main spots of the island will end the evening with a fantastic fireworks display which for a few minutes illuminate the sky and coastline. Children and adults alike watch fascinated at the thousands of multicoloured sparkles and blasts of these pyrotechnic works of art, and of course Playa del Ingles was no exception. After this and for the enjoyment of all, a concert took place encouraging everyone to dance and continue the party until the early hours of the morning. I found it fascinating to watch as whole families ventured into the water together as one body with these beliefs in mind, or even just for fun as most of the youngsters do today!
And all this in a healthy and good way, sharing with others a night to remember, which is a very nice change as it’s considered so magical and purifying. By Tito Cabral
Local News 17
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Malvasia Dulce de Teneguia, La Palma, chosen best Canaria Wine 2010 The best Canarian wine in 2010, is the Malvasia Dulce form Teneguia in La Palma, as was officially communicated this week in Tenerife. The event was presided over by Pilar Merino, Consejera of Agriculture, Cattle, Fisheries and food of the Canarian Government. In addition Stratus Diego 2009, a wine produced in Lanzarote was awarded the best image. And as the Consejera commented, “This award is especially deserved due to the number of adverse conditions which this particular producer has been put through. Last year their land was particularly affected by the fires which devastated Fuencaliente and even then they have managed to produce a product of exceptional quality”.
Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
of July, Elena Martinez started her unique expedition, accompanied by 21 volunteers, at 13.35 hours on the base of Mount Teide. By 17.00 hours the group reached the refuge of Altavista from where they continued the climb to finally reach the peak at 12.52 on Sunday. Elena managed to see one of her biggest dreams come true and shares with other mountaineers the satisfaction of reaching the top of Spain’s highest mountain. By reaching the top of mount Teide, she has managed to prove that with strength and determination physical disabilities can be overcome in order to achieve ones’ dreams. Very well done Elena!
The Canaries Loose 1,000 self employed in 6 months
Overall the whole of Spain and it’s islands managed to collect 237,449 kilos of food, which was handed over to the 52 Spanish food banks located throughout our land. The aim of these food banks is to help the needy from charity initiatives such as this one. The Spanish Federation of Food banks has donated more than 69 thousand kilos of food over the last few years and depends not only on the donations of individuals and large companies but also on economical help from the European Union.
It seems things are not getting better on the islands, as almost 1,000 self employed workers have ceased their activities in the past 6 months. This brings down the current figure to a total of 105,202 self employed workers across the Canaries. We do have to take into consideration that a lot of these have simply stop paying taxes and continue with their activities. Spain is considered to be one of the most expensive countries in Europe to open and run a business, so it’s understandable that these workers have to take drastic measures in order to make a living.
Train Up Date
AENA will invest 6.15 million in Improving Navigation Systems AENA the Spanish Airports and Navigation systems will invest a total of 10 million Euros for improvements in Spain; 6.15 of which will be invested in the current navigation systems in Gran Canaria.
The company subcontracted to carry out the job is Indra Sistemas, and they will be installing the new voice controlled communications system for the navigation control centre in Gando - the works are expected to last 30 months. This new improved system will facilitate Canarian controllers in their communication between the pilots of all the aircrafts flying in Canarian air space and between other controllers.
Disabled Woman Climbs Mount Teide in Wheel Chair The association “Montaña para Todos”, the “+ Accessible” programme of the Ayuntamiento of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Cajacanarias and the Cabildo of Tenerife have joined forces and enabled a woman in a wheelchair to reach the ceiling of Spain. On the 3rd
However this year the first one is between Arguineguin and Mogán and will take place on the 18th of July. All the parades will start at 10.30 in the morning. I highly recommend you all try to attend as the atmosphere is unique and as far as fiestas are concerned it is a very special one indeed. The ideal situation is for you to try and get yourselves and your families on a boat but I do understand that this is not as simple as it sounds. Nevertheless do travel to Arguineguin anyway as the atmosphere on land is exceptionally good and I’m sure you will be eager to join in the excellent party mood!!!! Do get there early as it will get pretty packed with the locals and visitors! By Tito Cabral
Carrefour Gives 15,500 kilos of Food to Gran Canaria Food Charity The Solidarity Foundation of Carrefour has handed over 15,500 kilos of food to the Canarian Food Bank during the month of May; all collected in four of its hypermarkets located on the island. During the campaign several tables with employees of the supermarket chain were placed at the entrances of their massive shops and handed out bags to their customers explaining their aim and asking for support.
del Carmen. You may recall that I wrote about the massive boat parade which follows the Virgin of El Carmen from Mogán to Arguineguin.
On 30th of June the administration council of Gran Canaria Trains granted the geotechnical project to the UTE, formed by the alliance of three companies, Inuterna, Subterra Ingenieria and In Situ Testing. This means a new development on the Cabildos intentions of managing to receive financial backup from the Spanish government in order to carry out this ambitious project, as communicated by the vicepresident Roman Rodriguez. The total contract is worth 502,024 Euros and has been awarded to this alliance of three companies based in Madrid which specialise in geotechnical studies for train rails, high speed trains and motorways, and who have carried out numerous similar projects on the mainland and in South America. The next step to take is to sign the agreement with the Fomento Ministry, then grant the physical building of the tracks and tunnels, which will be divided into seven stages. After this the Cabildo will order the building of the eleven planned train stations located between Las Palmas and Maspalomas, and finally the carriages themselves.
El Carmen is Here Last year when I started writing for the Canary News one of my very first articles was about the fiesta
18 Restaurant Critic with Simon Spit
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
It’s so much fun skipping to the sound of a live Canarian string quartet playing outside Café De Paris, as I passed these talented bundles of joy I couldn’t resist but to sing along with them and have a little dance – oh what a glorious sound we made and all the customers there seemed to enjoy my singing so much!
it p S n Simo Restaurante Centrum, 2nd Floor of Yumbo Centre
I couldn’t stay long though as my legs wouldn’t stop skipping… skip skip skip they went skip skip skip, they were so full of glee and happiness! My bag was swinging and my whole body was just full of life and glory – so much looking forward to a delicious riveting and extraordinary supper! I appeared at the entrance of the traditional Canarian brasserie known as Centrum (a rare find I dare say in this day and age on Gran Canaria) and the happy host was so pleased to see me – he said he always enjoyed watching me skip, he says I make him smile.
Sponsored by only yesterday (in my Dior sunglasses, baseball cap and covered from head to toe in disguise from the paparazzi) and whilst tapping away at his calculator Bruno suggested “Have you ever thought how sexy you would look if you had pink hair?” my ears perked up and my right eye brow shot up, I stopped in shock and my head partly turned as I thought for a second, shadowed by the Puka Pies and I said “Nnnyyeessss… I do see your point – but don’t you think I’m already too much of a stud? I might cause havoc if I make too many heads turn don’t you think?” and Bruno insisted I should always look my best and recommended the perfect salon to do the work. Hey hey hey! Now I really do make heads turn! Spanks to Bruno for the tip which really has made me look so totally gorgeous! I will bake him some of my special fairy cakes as a thank you! Hahahahahahaha! Nnnyyesssss…..
Awarded 4 stars (out of a possible 5) ****
My sincere apologies, she rings me all the time in between cleaning at the hospital, if it’s not one thing it’s something else. Anyway we had a wonderful time at supper last night, it was a rare occasion because it was at The Yumbo Centre – yes that’s right we had a marvellous dining experience at the Yumbo Centre! Nnnyeess well there is a lot to be said for many establishments but I really have discovered a jewel in the crown! It’s called Restaurante Centrum! He was a man who skipped his way through life, singing and smiling with every hop and sway he fulfilled. When he was seen walking the streets of Gran Canaria the neighbours covered their faces and turned away, not because they didn’t want him to recognise them, not because his garments were flowing and fabulous – simply sensational, not because he would sing for joy when people greeted him, but because his glorious light was so bright with hope and prosperity they simply couldn’t see when they looked in his direction. As he skipped to The Yumbo Centre for his supper, the traffic stopped, the pedestrians fled and the cats screeched (yes the cats really did screech) and he sprung along the pavement through the car park and into the most famous entertainment centre the Canary Islands has ever seen! What will they do? How will they feed him? Will they get spat by Spit? I can’t bear the suspense any longer, let’s see what happens next…..
a fantastic starter at around 6 euros but to be honest I find the main courses so good I usually skip course one and dive in at the deep end. My recommended main courses are: Catch of the day Usually Seabass or Guilthead Bream. These are fairly substantial in size and are grilled with a tiny bit of garlic olive oil (but you can ask for the fish to be cooked however you like, some people prefer butter or no fats or oils at all). The fish is served ‘on the bone’ but you can request it to be filleted if you prefer. It is served with salad/ tomato salad or mixed vegetables and you can also choose between jacket potato, Canary potatoes with the infamous mojo sauce, chips or boiled potatoes. I enjoy the jacket potato because they are straight from the oven and the skins are “scrumptious!” Price varies on size of fish but is around 13 euros
“Yes, Nyess, Nyessss… Mavis you are probably worrying over spilt milk, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a dress. What do you mean there’s evidence on the phone bill? Dorothy Perkins? Maybe he’s been ordering you a present? Nnnyeessss, noooo, nnnyeesss, noooo, anyway Mavis can’t stay long on the phone as I’m about to start telling the people of Gran Canaria all about Restaurante Centrum, remember last night? What drain? A stain? Yes it was tasty, nnyesss we did leave a tip, no we didn’t see your husband in a dress – it was your imagination, ok see you at supper time, Adios Amiga!”.
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Grilled Sole This is a massive fish served on the bone, easy to eat and doesn’t have lots of little bones. It is cooked with some sea salt, garlic and a little olive oil under the grill. The outside is crispy and the fish on the inside is moist and succulent! It is served with salad or veg and a potato of your choice. Excellent value for money. Price: Just over 10 euros
Before I had a chance to thank him, whilst holding my hair in place, for his praise Mavis was trudging along in a new dress (looked like a size too small. Maybe her husband had bought her a present after all), clutching onto her phone bill and looking rather depressed (I feel like shaking her sometimes – life is for being fabulous and happy not gloomy all the time). The host escorted us to our table, gave us our menus and took drinks orders, they speak several languages so he understood me in English and Mavis in Dutch – perfecto! A chef is stationed outside on the terrace at the flambé stoves tossing copper pans in the air with spectacular alcohol enlightening flames! The aromas coming from the food made my mouth water. The great thing about this place is it isn’t trying to be something it’s not, it’s an honest place to be and it doesn’t have the false feeling some of the other eateries eminate. It is a rustic style place to eat. Our table overlooked the square so we could see all the action happening and then we realised everyone was looking directly at us! I quickly checked to make sure Mavis’s boobs hadn’t popped out by accident again, no they were firmly safe behind her wonder bra. Oh well it must be me and my amazing good looks making heads turn again! Shrek!! Maybe it’s my hair? I was in Bruno’s British Supermarket opposite Hotel Neptuno in Playa Del Ingles buying my British essentials
Now listen to me - I’ve been back to Centrum a few times since I have been on the island because I am getting fed well, now I don’t say these things lightly you know. I see lots of tourists returning time after time and the local Canarians can’t keep away either because of the owner’s commitment to driving standards up up up! One regular customer, the manager at Yumbo’s Joyeria Nest said “The owner of Centrum is very passionate about serving excellent quality, the food is really special and the service has to be the best which is why I take my family there every week for dinner”. The kitchen is squeaky clean, the food is stored well in fridges (yes I did have a sneaky peek) and the chefs are just good at what they do. I went to a restaurant near Selfridges in London with Robbie Williams a few months ago and the kitchen was so horrendous I had to hold a hanky over my face the whole time and called the Food Hygiene people in from the council to sort them out. We left via the back door and ended up at The Savoy instead – Williams was getting me drunk so he could try and steal my infamous treacle tart recipe, but he didn’t even get close! I’m far too clever for that sort of thing hehehehe! Back to here and now and Centrum - Looking at the menu, everything is reasonably priced and when your food is delivered you will find the portions are enormous! So excellent value for money! Sizzling Garlic Prawns make
Beef Stroganoff: Cooked by the flambé Chef, I saw my stroganoff from start to finish on the terrace and could smell it being cooked which I found a lovely experience! It is made with onions, peppers and other secret ingredients to give it a unique tasty flavour in a rich tasty sauce with tender pieces of steak. This is a dish I adore and highly recommend to anyone who likes beef because you will love this dish. It is served with rice or a potato of your choice, it also comes with salad or vegetables. Price: Just over 13 euros and worth every penny
Chicken in Mexican Sauce It’s a big chicken breast flattened and grilled, served with a delicious home made Mexican sauce accompanied with vegetables or salad and a potato of your choice. It is a substantial good quality healthy balanced dish. This dish is excellent value for money. Price: Just over 6 euros, so perfect if you are on a budget
Cookery 19
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Dessert Choices
Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
served with ice cream! Price: At around 6 euros a good value Canarian dessert Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce A great end to a spicy wholesome meal, my personal choice and excellent value. Price: Just over 3 euros for a big bowl full and a wafer! My conclusion
Bananna Flambe with Ice Cream The sweet Canarian bananas are cooked in the flambé pan with fruit juices, sugar and alcohol and are simply delicious
The service is excellent and the waiters very clean, attentive and friendly (especially to customers with big pink hair) – I am always seeing them wash
their hands (I think regular handwashing is very important). At the end of the meal they bring you a complimentary glass of honey rum on ice and some times (if you’re a very regular face and lucky) they have been known to offer a drink of choice or a dessert on the house as well!
Congratulations Centrum! Hooray Hooray Hooray!!!
Simon´s Guide Restaurante Centrum, Yumbo **** Grand Italia, Meloneras **
Centrum really is a good experience and well worth a visit, it is undoubtedly an excellent place to eat! Get yourselves in there, you’ll love it! They have been awarded 4 Spit Stars for their achievements!
Atun Embarrado – Marinaded Tuna Ingredients: 1 kg of tuna 1 cup of olive oil 3 cloves of garlic 1 pinch of saffron 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 pinch of oregano 1 pinch of rosemary 1 sprig of thyme 750cc red wine Paprika Salt
Method: Crush together the garlic, paprika, oregano, rosemary, thyme, cumin and salt in a mortar, then gradually add oil and a little wine, but not all of it. Pour this mixture over the fish so that it does not lose its aroma and leave to marinade for 24 hours. After 24 hours, put it into a pot with the remaining wine and oil. Leave it to simmer until the tuna is tender. Serve with small roast potatoes and asparagus sprinkled with parmesan shavings.
Mazapan – Marzipan with Summer Berries Ingredients: 2 kgs almonds 800gr sugar 1 or 2 lemons 1 egg yolk Butter or magarine Fresh or frozen mixed summer berries to decorate
Method:
Put the almonds into boiling water to soften the skin. Take the pan off the cooker and leave to cool then peel the almonds and leave them to dry for a few minutes. Crush the almonds with the sugar and add grated lemon peel and the egg yolk. Kneed well until it is a good dough. Put this into a round mould or tin ring to make the shape. (these normally have no bottom) Make a few cuts on the top as decoration then place the tin or mould on an oven tray which has previously been covered with grease proof paper, and on which
you have smeared a little butter or magarine. Place into a pre-heated oven at 150 degrees for approximately one hour 45 mins. Once browned, take out and leave to cool then remove the mould or tin ring. Decorate with mixed berries.
20 Fashion
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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Milan’s Fashion Week for Men Escapism has been a running theme this season, but Giorgio Armani knows that guys still have to work. For spring, he served up a lightweight wardrobe that was varied, of-the-moment and – above all - effortless.
With a summertime city slicker in mind, the designer combined classic with casual in just the right doses. The first look out - a crisp double-breasted jacket in linen worn with roomy trousers – set the tone for a breezy take on tailoring. Sport coats – mostly two-button and cut short and tight in classic cotton blends, weightless jerseys or slightly iridescent fabrics - flaunted Armani’s sophisticated, yet light touch. He brightened up his signature palette of beiges and grays with cool blues and touches of citrus yellow, which he applied to suede desert boots, belts, ties and sporty blousons in tech-y fabrics.
young jetsetters hopping between Rome and Marrakesh, an appealing concept that united urbane sophisticates with luxe bohemians. Suede shorts, embroidered cotton shirts and oversized, loose-weave sweaters evoked an extended Saharan holiday. Sharp faux-denim suits of silk-mohair blends were accessorized with crushed silk scarves, Berber-inspired jewellery and streamlined horsebit loafers. Shoes also included a more casual loafer with an extended sole, a moccasin and a rope-sole sandal.
Leather and suede jackets came in safari and motorcycle styles, heightening the sense of wanderlust. For evening, Gucci’s equestrian icons formed patterns in silk jacquard jackets, worn with white trousers and velvet loafers. Giannini’s escapade delivered a clear message of craftsmanship, heritage and savoir-vivre.
Like an eclectic record collection, Moschino’s youthful spring line up went from rock to pop, and racked up a number of fashion hits. These included trench coats and windbreakers in vibrant colors and slim, lightweight suits with bright piping for well-dressed groupies on the go. Dan and Dean Caten set their stage as a swank bachelor pad, having picked “American Gigolo” as their theme — not in reference to the iconic movie’s fashions, but channeling the pricy lifestyle and cocky attitude of a highend hustler. Buff and tan models strutted in tight trousers, pointed loafers and unbuttoned shirts of slinky silk. Jeans came with a higher waist and a slight flare.
While some trousers – set high on the waist - boasted his signature pleats, the silhouette seemed slimmer. The finale to this succinct show was a squad of crisp, cool jackets, buttoned-up shirts and easy trousers, giving men a host of reasons to look forward to the weekdays.
The hint of sleaze felt a bit passé at times, but the collection was undeniably upbeat and well merchandised, with ample colour and swimwear.
Reveling for a second season in Gucci’s Seventies heyday, Frida Giannini conjured
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Sabrina from Lopesan Golf requested a meeting to sign a further six month contract on behalf of the club. She says they are wanting to take the’ payment in advance’ plan, as this is good for all of us - The Canary News gets the money on time, Lopesan Golf are assured of placement on the golf page so everyone is happy!
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Beautiful Lips
Some of us have less perfect lips than others. But don’t despair! There are plenty of tricks of the trade to help make your lips more balanced and beautiful. Some of the most effective solutions: * The best lip colour fixative? - A thin layer of Chapstick. The formula holds lip colour like crazy as it heals and protects.
before you apply the matte colour. * For evening special-effects, apply a sheer lip gloss in silver, gold or an iridescent shade over the lip colour.
sunk a little before you go on to step two, otherwise your lip liner won’t work.
Lip Plumper Tips:
Get a natural lip liner, and carefully draw around the very rim of your lips. If you get a wobbly line, don’t panic (and don’t think nobody will notice it)... just carefully remove it and start again! When you have a firm line fill in the rest of your lips with the same colour.
* Powder lips also gives lip colour or gloss something to cling to for longer, smoother wear. * For longer wear, blot lips after applying lipstick to set colour and remove excess. Add a thin layer of loose or pressed powder, then apply colour again. * Turn down too much shine by holding a single-ply tissue to your lips and pressing a little loose powder through it - just enough will sift through the tissue to adhere to colour and reduce the shine. * Turn up the shine with a thin layer of clear lip gloss over lipstick or alone. * For high-voltage shine and colour, try a lip lacquer over lipstick or alone. * For fuller, poutier lips, spotlight lip gloss right in the center of your mouth. * Keep matte lip colour from drying your lips - use a lip primer or lip colour fixative
Health and Beauty 21
Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
Step two: Line and define
Step three: Now add some shine!
Do you sometimes think that you would kill for beautiful full lips? Sure, you could get Collagen implants, or tattooed outlines around your lip... But it’s a little bit excessive, I’m sure you’ll agree! There are other cheaper, and much more practical, ways of achieving a similar affect. Here’s how to get beautiful full lips in four easy steps... Step one: Lip balm babe Prepare your delicate lips with a generous slick of lip balm in advance. Nobody likes cracked and frayed lips! Hot and cold weather makes lips dry out very quickly. Make sure that the lip balm has
Here comes the glamorous bit, the lipgloss! Again, keep the colour natural. Forget lipstick that’s too dark or too light. One thing you have to remember though, gloss looks better but doesn’t have the staying power of lippy. Make sure you keep it in your purse and re-apply during the day. Step four: Plump them up This is the hard bit. But actually it’s not! All you’ve got to do, (after you’ve completed steps one through three), is dot a white shimmery product like eye shadow or an eyebrow highlighter in the
very center of your lips. Start slowly, and blend very carefully. What you are looking to achieve is natural looking shading, with your lip colour being lighter where your mouth opens. This will create the illusion of beautiful full lips. Oh, one last thing. Remember, people always want what they haven’t got, so don’t fret... just make the best of what you’ve got. And you know what they say; if you’ve got it, flaunt it! So pucker up, and be sweet!
22 Health
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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Top Tips tp Living Longer! By Ann Mather, Celebrity Nutrition Advisor , Famouslyfit.com All of us are interesting in living healthy, active lives for longer. Here are my top ten tips: Eat a Healthy Diet Eat natural whole foods, eliminating or drastically reducing the consumption of grains, sugars and dairy products. Consume Anti-Oxidants With incredible anti-aging properties and protection against disease and cancer, this is a must. Start eating more cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, gojo berries, etc
Get in Those Special Fats Omega 3 fish oils are the building block for developing cell membranes, and also has huge protective qualities from many diseases
Beef Up DNA Repair Keep your blood sugars constant, and take natural reservatrol regularly – found in raspberries, mulberries, grape skins and seeds, ad peanuts.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise Moderate to vigorous exercise has repeatedly been shown to prevent or delay the onset of so many diseases and it has the added benefit of pushing up the feel good factor
Stress Busters Learn how to cope with stress - however you can – meditation, prayer, exercise.
Avoid Pharmaceutical Drugs These actually kill thousands of people prematurely so unless it is absolutely life saving, make sure your doctor explores natural remedies and cures before writing out that prescription. And don’t forget, if you actually do live a healthy lifestyle, you won’t be in need of them anyway! Avoid Chemicals, Toxins and Pollutants In our modern society it is impossible to eliminate these. Start with your food – don’t go near processed foods. Then start to look at all the other chemicals in your living environment – things you breath in, things you put on your body. Can you do without them? Is there a natural alternative? Use Olive Oil or Coconut Oil Use these oils in place of all other oils, margarines, butter and shortening. Versatile and healthy!
South Africa UK Health & Fitness Partnership USN & FamouslyFit.com sign a ‘Fight for Britain’s Fitness’ Deal South Africa’s number one selling sports nutrition brand USN and UK’s FamouslyFit.com have committed to a 2 year deal in which the companies will work together to fight for better fitness in Britain. USN will be joining forces with Famously Fit to ensure the online facility continues to provide free quality sensible information to people who need to understand their bodies and how to live healthy lifestyles. Fully qualified personal trainer Lee Latchford Evans, star of former pop group Steps, founded FamouslyFit. com in 2009 to provide a free health and fitness resource for the public to engage with to shape up and adopt healthier living and is delighted with its ever growing popularity. Lee says ‘I am thrilled with the continued growth of www.FamouslyFit.com and am delighted to be working with USN to drive the message home that fitness isn’t just about vanity, it’s about living a longer, healthier and happier life’.
South Africa has a lot to teach us. They take the route to fitness very seriously and this has been proven in this year’s World Cup. We are witnessing some surprise results and seeing the ever growing African Nations stand strong against the best of the best. USN Director Jason Oakley says: ‘In South Africa sports nutritional supplements are widely used to improve energy levels, increase wellbeing, reduce obesity and promote a healthier lifestyle. We are pleased to be able to work with FamouslyFit and Lee to make a positive impact on Britain’s approach to health and fitness. See www.usn.co.uk for details on USN business.
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Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
23
24 Community
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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Words! Words! Words! Kay Owen, Comfort Corner When Professor Higgins endeavours to turn a Cockney flower girl into a lady by teaching her ‘proper’ English, he relentlessly pounds her with elocution lessons. “The rine in Spine fawls minely in the pline” we all recognise Eliza Doolittlespeke for, “The rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain”.
And my own favourite - from the song whose chorus begins, “You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille” and continues: ♣ “Four hundred children and a crop in the field” (Four hungry children and a crop in the field.) However, do foreigners learn our language with all its nuances, irregularities and colloquial expressions? I know now that rather than the Cymraeg (Welsh) stream, I should have chosen the Classical option at school. Learning Spanish would have come easier via the Latin root, and when I trained as a clinician what a shock to discover that all anatomical terms were expressed in Latin and not Welsh. Fancy! I could have kicked myself in the gluteus maximus upon that revelation.
Then there’s the immortal Morcambe and Wise play written for the actress Glenda Jackson. Voice heavy with disgust at the ungrammatical lines, she squeezed out the classic, “Nobody has got talent like what I have got”! Language, dialect, accent etc (if one is not too zero-tolerance-purist) can be so colourful and such fun. Words fascinate me – especially the idioms and idiosyncrasies peculiar to the various regions in the UK, from which sunny shores I pen this missive. Here are a few of my favourites.
Recently my husband ‘phoned his Canarian assistant, a pretty and diminutive chica (who is struggling to learn English) and asked her:
Whilst very much missing ‘Hola guapa’, I have been variously greeted: ‘Hello me old duck’(Norfolk); ‘Bore da cariad/Good-morning darling’(Wales); ‘Ayeoop lass’ (Yorkshire) and ‘Wotcher cock’ (London) - to name but a few.
“Daniela, can you please, pick me up at 11 and drop me at 2?” To which the puzzled young lady replied, “Paul, lo siento, but maybe you too heavy for me to pick up, no?”
In Wales I was asked, “Where you from then?” “Gran Canaria”, I replied. “Oh, there’s lovely isn’t it”, came the reply, in that soft incomparable Welsh lilt. “You’ve come a tidy step” (a fair distance). It brought back memories of the multiplicity of usages for the word ‘tidy’ in my childhood Cardiff home. Our mum spoke Wenglish: “Talk tidy please”; “they’ve a tidy bit in the bank”, and in answer to “how much?”, “a tidy few” was part of everyday lingo. I received this SMS from a friend who comes from the north of England, a charming man, proud to be a northerner but self-deprecating enough to enjoy a joke at his own expense. The text reads: “This bloke goes tut vet and says ‘Aye-oop cocka, me cat’s badly’. The vet says “Is it a tom?” “Nah, I fetched it wi’me”, the man replies. Which for those who hail from south of Doncaster (tho’ Lady Chatterley understood the game-keeper alright didn’t she?) roughly translates: MAN. “Good morning sir, my cat is a little unwell”. VET. “Is it a tom?” (Is it at home?) MAN. “No, I brought it with me”! I recently heard a recording of former House of Commons speaker, Betty Boothroyd, interviewed by Sue Lawley on ‘Desert Island Discs’. Sue remarked that Betty had lost her Yorkshire accent. Removing the plum from her mouth Miss Boothroyd said “Oh no. When I go home and sit down to breakfast with my family I soon lapse into the vernacular. Toast on my plate I say broadly, ‘Pass t’ boo’ah will yer luv?’ Plum replaced, she proudly added “You see Sue - you can take the gal out of Yorkshire but you can’t take Yorkshire out of the gal”. And long may that be the case, say I!
Well I never ... hecky-thump ... I’ll be blowed. “Forgive me, Daniela, I must seem as nutty as a fruitcake,” stuttered my dear spouse … which no doubt made everything mucho clearer! Then there’s texting via the mobile ‘phone. Using predictive mode I sent a dear friend an SMS saying, “All really ACE here in UK”. Next day reply reads, “Soz 2 hear that K. Whatever wrong? Am worried. Been 2 church n lit candle for you”. A quick look at my sent-box revealed the first intuitive word brought up for ACE is the word BAD. So my friend actually received, “All really BAD here in UK”. Oh dear, very sorry to have alarmed you Mary - but I do appreciate your loving concern (a prayer is never wasted). That’ll teach me to read ’em through before I press ‘send’ in future though!
And finally, looking to book a fishing trip, I spotted this unpunctuated advert: ‘Lady Jane – fast fishing boat specifically designed for anglers with a 4½ metre beam.’ I barely qualify! No wide-angled lens cameras aboard please!
Then of course there is what we hear as opposed to what was actually said, either having been misheard, or perhaps having become distorted en route - so called Chinese Whispers. A good example of the latter is the oft quoted, “Send reinforcements, we’re going to advance” which apparently was received as, “Send three and four-pence, we’re going to a dance”. Similarly, whilst browsing a health education leaflet I came across a paragraph which talked of commonly misunderstood lyrics in famous songs ... and not just for the hearing impaired either. I really like these: ♣ Sleep in heavenly peas. (Sleep in heavenly peace) ♣ She’s got a chicken to ride. (She’s got a ticket to ride) ♣ Donuts make my brown eyes blue? (Don’t it make my brown eyes blue?)
It gives a whole new connotation to, “Does my bum look big in this?” Back soon ... meanwhile a very British TTFN to you all.
Golf 25
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Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
Golf Update and Some Useful Tips to Help Your Game Mark McGeehan, PGA Golf Professional, Lopesan Meloneras Golf Firstly, I would like to congratulate Rafa Cabrerra Bello, attached to the Lopesan Meloneras Golf Resort, for putting in such a first class performance at Pebble Beach playing in his first major championship. After round one, he was in second place, which was an amazing start, but Pebble Beach provides a tough challenge for golfers and the third round derailed any serious chance of Rafa Cabrerra Bello winning the championship.
However, a solid bounce-back performance on the last day resulted in him finishing 47th, and so many good experiences will have been gained from playing in his first major. My tips nearly came in with Tiger finishing tied 4th, the same as his Masters tournament, which just shows that he is not a player that is struggling, so pundits should stop criticising his swing. Dustin Johnson, who led the tournament for most of the way, had a complete meltdown on the last day by scoring an 82, and the tournament was there for the taking. Graeme McDowellin showed good form from his win in the previous week, and stormed through the field to win his first major.
in a team event to compete for a cheque for £50,000 that will be presented to a charity. It is a great shame that the iconic Seve Ballesteros will not be able to travel to St. Andrews, following advice from his doctors during his treatment for his brain tumour, and we all hope that Seve continues to make a full recovery. There are two key shots that will be played around the links at St. Andrews, and these shots will also help you play in the wind at the Meloneras Golf Academy. The first is the knocked-down wind shot, which will take any unwanted spin on the golf ball and prevent it from ‘ballooning’ high in the sky, and being blown generally out of control in unwanted directions. If this sounds familiar, try this technique. Take one more club than you would usually use for a desired distance, then play the ball back in the stance and hold the club down the grip by about 1 1/2”. The swinging motion should be low and slow to the ground, and with very little wrist action, so no hinge. The shoulder turn governs both the move and through, and the wrists will be very firm throughout. The shot provides a crisp strike, and with the hands very much in front of the ball at impact.
So now we look ahead to the Open Championship at St. Andrews to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the tournament. It certainly will be a celebration of golf, with 27 of the past champions playing
The follow through will be curtailed due to the lack of wrist hinge, and this
will send the ball boarding through the wind with a low trajectory and therefore under greater control. Watch and learn from the star players at this year’s Open, because this will be a technique used frequently. The second shot technique is to use the utility club, otherwise known as the rescue club, when faced with a long chip shot and there is no hazard between you and the pin. This is best played when the ground
is hard, as the ball will run, and again a shot that is often used on the links. It is also a consistent shot, when well practiced, and removes the ‘duff’ chip, because the sole of the rescue club is flat, so the leading edge will not dig or get snagged when playing from a tight angle. Have fun working and practicing these two new shots, and if you would like to perfect your technique and lower your scores, then consult Mark McGeehan PGA AA Qualified Professional at the
26 Sport
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
Goal-Line Technology
Manufacturers of ball-tracking systems say England’s disallowed World Cup goal underlines the need for goal-line technology (GLT). Hawk-Eye and Cairos, who make rival GLT systems, say Fifa needs to rethink its current position. “We are using technology that is 100% accurate and adds fairness to the game,” Christian Holzer of Cairos told BBC News. Fifa has consistently refused to entertain the idea of using GLT. “Technology should not enter into the game. It was a clear statement made by the majority of the IFAB (International Football Association Board),” said Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke in March. But not everyone agrees. There have been calls from players, managers and coaches for a number of years, prompted by a series of controversial refereeing decisions. British based Hawk-Eye, which uses a camera detection system, and German firm Cairos, which utilises chip technology inside the ball, both say that new technology would assist referees and make their job easier.
beat me today if he had been there, because I really did a good sprint.” The opening road stage of this year’s Tour de France got under way in Rotterdam with the riders rolling over the Erasmus Bridge and through the streets of the famous port town.
the Fifa executive - have been opposed to GLT. David Davies, a former executive director of the Football Association, told BBC News that the English FA had been pressing Fifa for GLT for years. “The reality is that English football has been in favour of GLT for over a decade, but found itself a lonely voice in the football world. The two main rival systems have been used by other sports for some time. Hawk-Eye - which uses a number of different cameras to track the ball - is now part of the adjudication process in both cricket and tennis. First used during England and Pakistan’s Test series in 2001, the technology is now an accepted part of the game to determine leg before wicket (LBW) calls. Its use in tennis was prompted by controversy. Serena Williams was knocked out of the US Open in 2004. TV replays showed that some of the umpire calls were wrong and although the decisions were not reversed, the HawkEye system was installed for use in 2006.
Petacchi sprints to dramatic Tour de France stage win
“The decision was unfair to the English team. Had it gone 2-2 at half-time, it would have been a very different match,” said Mr Holzer, managing director of Cairos. The issue of GLT has dogged Fifa for more than a decade. The “rules of football” are determined by the IFAB, which consists of eight voting members. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have one vote, with “the rest of the world” (ie the Fifa executive) holding the remaining four.
Hawkeye System. How it could work Six cameras positioned on the bylines, above and just in front of each goal. Cameras operate at a rate of 500 frames per second to capture very fast moving balls. Images are processed by computers in real time. If ball is judged to have crossed the line, a signal is transmitted to the referee via a watch or earpiece within 0.5 seconds. The Football Association of Wales and the Irish Football Association - in addition to
Italian Alessandro Petacchi won a sprint finish into Brussels on the first stage of the Tour de France after a chaotic finale marred by crashes. Mark Cavendish was unable to contest it after being involved in the first crash before a huge pile-up 500m from home. The Manxman’s lead-out man Mark Renshaw ended up taking second place ahead of Cavendish’s green jersey rival, Norwegian Thor Hushovd, in third. Swiss Fabian Cancellara retained the yellow jersey after his prologue win. A philosophical Cavendish, who is hoping to add to his 10 stage wins in the race, declared himself “OK” after the incident, adding: “It is just life, isn’t it?” . The veteran Petacchi, who took his fifth Tour stage win, and his first since 2003, said: “I’m not sure that Cavendish could
Within metres of the official start, an attack by Dutch rider Lars Boom (Rabobank) saw him go clear of the main bunch with Maarten Wynants (Quickstep) and Alain Perez (Euskatel). The three were allowed to escape by the field and quickly established a lead that stretched to over seven minutes at its peak. Behind them a nervous peloton remained grouped despite the strong North Sea crosswinds which it had been predicted would cause splits. Instead it was a family pet that caused the first major incident of the race when a dog ran into the road, bringing down Britain’s David Millar (Garmin-Transitions) and yellow jersey contender Ivan Basso (Liquigas). Among the other riders to fall on the stage, Adam Hansen (HTC-Columbia) was the worst injured with a broken collarbone which did not stop him finishing the stage. As the race crossed the cobbled streets of Mechelen with 32km to go, the Belgian Wynants attacked his breakaway companions, and was joined by the Moldovan champion, Alexander Pliuschin. The pair stretched their lead to one minute but were never likely to stay away from a peloton set on a sprint finish. With 15km remaining several teams fought for control of the peloton with Lampre, Cervelo, Garmin and HTCColumbia all vying to position their sprinters for a sequence of tight turns which would be instrumental in the final result. A further crash in the closing metres saw Farrar also ruled out and AG2RLa Mondiale’s Lloyd Mondory angrily gesturing as he was separated from his bicycle. Petacchi was able to stay ahead of the incidents to finish ahead of Renshaw and Hushovd. The crashes occurred within the final three kilometres, meaning that the riders involved were all credited with the same time as the winner. As a result Cancellara - who was also caught up in the biggest crash near the finish - retains the yellow jersey with a 10-second lead over Martin and 20 over Britain’s David Millar in third. “Right after the crash I tried to brake but then I somersaulted over the handlebars and landed on the tarmac,” said Cancellara, who won Saturday’s prologue in Rotterdam. “I didn’t feel anything at the time but my whole left side is sore now. It was madness all day.
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gambling scandal that has engulfed the sport. It is the first time NHK has not shown a tournament live in over 50 years. The decision comes two days after sumo authorities dismissed a top wrestler and coach from the sport. The two had admitted being involved in illegal betting on baseball - an alleged source of funding for Japan’s “yakuza” gangsters. Dozens of members of the sumo establishment have been caught up in the scandal. In a survey last month by the Japan Sumo Association (JSA), 65 of its 700 members admitted involvement in illegal gambling on baseball, cards, mahjong and other games. It is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the sumo world - which traditionally demands high standards of behaviour and ethics from its wrestlers. Governmentrun NHK has televised each of the six annual sumo tournaments since 1953.
But it said it would not transmit live broadcasts of the Nagoya tournament, which runs from 11-25 July, because of a flood of complaints from viewers. It will instead show a delayed and shortened highlights programme each day. “This is a very significant and regrettable issue,” NHK chairman Shigeo Fukuchi said. “We have received very severe opinions from our viewers every day.” A number of sponsors had already pulled out from the tournament over the scandal. On Sunday the JSA dismissed a top wrestler, Kotomitsuki, and a coach, Otake, from the sport over the scandal. The JSA chairman, Musashigawa, has also agreed to step aside temporarily in favour of a sumo outsider, former top prosecutor Hiroyoshi Murayama. More than 10 others wrestlers who were also implicated were suspended from the Nagoya tournament. The BBC’s Roland Buerk, in Tokyo, says that sumo had already been damaged by earlier revelations of the sport’s connections to the underworld. It emerged that prize front-row tickets to last year’s Nagoya tournament had found their way into the hands of members of the Yamaguchi-gumi, Japan’s biggest crime syndicate.
Japan broadcaster halts sumo coverage over scandal
The gangsters wanted to be visible in television broadcasts to cheer up their colleagues watching from prison cells, our correspondent says.
Top wrestler Kotomitsuki was fired on Sunday for illegal gambling. Japan’s state broadcaster says it will not show the next sumo tournament live because of a
Other scandals have already seen the reputation of the sumo world, which is beset by recruitment problems, plummet.
Sport 27
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Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
The “Wimbledon” of Windsurfing By Danny Alcock The “Wimbledon” of Windsurfing comes to the island. The 2010 PWA Windsurfing World Championship in Gran Canaria. From the 6th until the 9th of July, Pozo Izquierdo will host the PWA Grand Slam World Championship in what is described as “The Wimbledon” of the PWA Windsurf World Tour circuit.
Where? On the coast by Vecindario - if going by car, take the signs for Pozo Izquierdo as you leave the highway for Vecindario. The road doubles back on itself and takes you right to the coast. The best seats in the house are in the “El Viento” bar where the massive windows give you a cinema style view of the action.
The best windsurfers in the world come to the island to battle it out in Pozo Izquierdo, in the Southeast of the island, for important points in the world circuit. Its proximity and dramatic wind and wave conditions make it a real and awesome spectators’ event.
Last year, the event was won by wonder kid Philip Koster. Aged only 15 years, Philip created history and eyes will be on the young local to see what he can show the world and what he can do in his own back yard.
Apart from its incredible conditions (extreme wind and constant swells) for windsurfing, the location has made its way into history as a highlight of the PWA world tour due to it’s amphitheatre-like qualities, its atmosphere and it’s tendencies to produce legends and history. Windsurfers come from all around the world to sail and train at this famous spot. When? 6rd - 9th July 2010 – Please remember that this is a wind dependant event, so if there is no wind some days the contest will be put on hold! Have a look on the internet first before you come - www.cutre.com and click on webcam. This will give you wind strengths and a webcam showing if there is any windsurfing or not.
Pozo is an extremely special stop on the tour. To win at Pozo is a number one objective for most pro windsurfers and has been described as up there with winning Wimbledon for a tennis player, or winning at Monaco for an F1 driver. Gran Canaria has bred a number of world champions over the years, most notably Bjorn Dunkerbeck, the twins Daida and Iballa Ruano and Marcos Perez and there will be plenty of local talent in amongst the top pros this year, taking advantage of their local knowledge in their training ground.
right in the “acceleration zone” of the island where the wind speeds past the island at its fastest rate.
Living in Gran Canaria, we are very lucky to be host to this incredible event, so take advantage! For any help finding out what’s going on with the contest, head over to the windsurf shop “Cutre” and the guys there will be only too happy to help you out.
Head over and soak up the electric atmosphere of a world championship windsurf event and if it is anything like last year, maybe you will see some history in the making.
Why Pozo?
By Danny Alcock
Why Pozo Izquierdo? Have you ever wondered why it is so windy in Vecindario, particularly in summer? It is
28
The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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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, Cafe Florin, British Bruno’s Supermarket. See ads for locations. Email: sales@thecanarynews.com or Tel: 928 774 818
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PROPERTIES FOR SALE AGENTS
Mogán, Playa and Puerto Apartment, 1 bed(s) !Situated in the famous Puerto de Mogán! 92.000 Euros 21758-TB ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** 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*** Maspalomas, San Fernando Duplex, 4 bed(s) Two storey house in a quiet residential area 190.000 Euros 21755-LM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico Apartment, 2 bed(s) Property in first line 185.000 Euros
21455-MV ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico, Center Duplex, 3 bed(s) Family house - Excellent opportunity! 155.000 Euros 21470-LM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Maspalomas, El Tablero Apartment, 2 bed(s) Nice Building 169.000 Euros 21556-SW ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico, Center Duplex, 2 bed(s) 129.000 Euros 21650-LM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico, Amadores Apartment, 2 bed(s) 95.000 Euros 21673-MV ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Playa del Cura Apartment, 1 bed(s) Fantastic sea view 98.000 Euros 21745-TB ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico, East Hill Apartment, 1 bed(s) Apartment with nice views 55.000 Euros 21763-LM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or
BRITISH MEDICAL CLINIC Bungalows Martinica 19 , Puerto Rico (0034) 928 56 00 16 DR PAUL BERESFORD-‐JONES Clinic Hours: Mon -‐ Fri 9-‐1.30, Tues and Thurs 4-‐5.30 Phone lines open: Mon -‐ Fri 8.30-‐5.30
The ONLY British Doctor on the Island
visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** —------------------------------------
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, LARGE BUNGALOW WITH PROPER GARAGE. Plot: 250 m². Livingarea: 110 m². Consisting of: living, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, seperate built-in kitchen, study, terraces and garden. Completely furnished and in perfect condition. Price: 450.000 euro. 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 swimm arge plot for construction. Is sold with or without project for a fine chalet. If wanted immediate realisation is possible. Price: 360.000 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 PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, NEAR BEACH PROMENADE. One-bedroom apartment with livingroom/ kitchen, bathroom
and a large double balcony with access from living- and bedroom. Complex with pool, restaurant and supermarket. Price: 98.000 euro. 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 Brand new family home with beautiful pool area and views over Puerto Rico. This secure residential complex boasts a pool, children’s pool and baby pool as well as jacuzzi and communal gardens. The house has never been lived in and has marble floors, utility area, large patio, fitted bathrooms and fitted kitchen with appliances included Ref. PR699. Price: €198,322. Tel. 928141202. www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Playa del Inglés Two bedroom apartment situated on the top floor of a very popular complex on Avda. Tirajana in Playa del Ingles. Very near the Yumbo centre, shops and restaurants. Nicely kept complex with a communal swimming pool. The apartment has had new floors throughout and is very well presented. The main bedroom has fitted wardrobes and there are sea views from both the bedroom and the livingroom balcony. Very well priced! Ref:PI698.Price:€130,000. Tel: 928141202. www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Playa del Inglés Apartment for sale in Playa del Inglés. Very centrally located right next to the comercial centre Yumbo and only a few minutes from the beach. Closed-in balcony. Apartment is fully furnished and ready to move in to. Ref. PI696. Price: €105,250. Tel: 928141202. www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com San Agustín Beautiful apartment for sale in San Agustín. The complex is on the hillside of San Agustín and from the apartment you have a great view over the sea and the Maspalomas Sanddunes. The complex has a communal pool and a parking space is included in the price. Ref. SA665. Price: €95,000. Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www.
dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Playa del Inglés Beautifully refurbished one bedroom corner apartment for sale in Playa del Inglés. The apartment is close to the CC Kasbah and only a few minutes walk from the beach. The complex has a communal swimming pool and Pool bar. Ref.PI657. Price: €95,000. Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com ---------------------------------------
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
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Beautiful 1 bedroom 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, www.ksrgrancanaria.com, Tel. 928 766 684 PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Near the promenade and Tropical shopping center, beautiful 2 bedrooms apartment (85 m2), with 4 balconies fully furnished, off-road parking, tennis. 176.400 Euro (Ref. 1.013D). INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ ksrgrancanaria.com, Tel. 928 766 684 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, C/. Escorial, Edif. Danubio, Tel. 928 766 684 PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Unique position over looking dunes and Atlantic, cornerbungalow with 2 bedrooms (facility for converting in 3), 60 m2 covered terraces, roof terrace, tastefully equipped with an eye
for the detail, 645.000 Euro (Ref. 4.028). INMOBILIARIA KSR, www.ksrgrancanaria.com, Tel. 928 766 684 SAN AGUSTIN Terrace house with wonderful sea view, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, living and dining room, open kitchen, 70 m2 sunny terrace, completely furnished, carport, INCLUDE in the price a Suzuki Vitara Cabrio. 298.000 Euro (Ref. 4.804P). INMOBILIARIA KSR, C/. Escorial, Edif. Danubio, Tel. 928 766 684 SAN AGUSTÍN A dream front line to the Atlantic: top-quality apartment (52 m2) with bright rooms tastefully, modern 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, Tel. 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.). 125.000 Euro (Ref. 3.810B). INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ksrgrancanaria.com, Tel. 928 766 684 SONNENLAND Spacious Family home built 2006, living space approx. 130 m2 on two floors, plus approx. 115 m2 souterrain (own entrance) and garage, two large terraces (BBQ+Jacuzzi), high standard equipment with newest technology. Privileged and very quiet location. 595.000 Euro -FORM OF PAYMENT NEGOTIABLE- (Ref. 8.009C) INMOBILIARIA KSR, www. ksrgrancanaria.com, Tel. 928 766 684 MONTAÑA DE LA DATA Exeptional Villa with los of possibilities on 1.300 m2 fenced ground, peaceful and quiet place with amazing views towards Maspalomas and the Atlantic, 384 m2 living space (plus enormous terraces), include 2 separat apartments, each with 2 bedrooms, wonderful garden, pool, BBQ house, 1.100.000 Euro (Ref. 6.300C). INMOBILIARIA KSR, Tel. 928 766 684, www.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
Contact us to share your news and celebrate your anniversaries. See page 31 for more information
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with all comfort. 135.000 Euro (3.509K2). INMOBILIARIA KSR, C/. Escorial, Edif. Danubio, Tel. 928 766 684, info@ksrgrancanaria.com --------------------------------------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. Prices from: 65.000.-€ 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT OVERLOOKING AMADORES BEACH, Spacious apartment, in a quiet residential complex. Large terrace, with fantastic views over Amadores, Teide and the ocean. Ref: 1013B. Sale price 84.000.-€ GREAT VALUE!! 2 BEDROOM DUPLEX, PUERTO RICO, VERY CENTRAL COMPLEX. Private or with rental contract. Ref: 10043. Sale price: 126.000.-€ PUERTO RICO LUXURY VILLA on a private plot of 950 m2. Fantastic sea views. The villa (250 m2), consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, WC, living-dining room, kitchen, & 2 rooms with 2 bathrooms for service. Several terraces, gardens, sauna and private swimming pool, plus a separate 160 m2 apartment in the garden. Ref 10133 REDUCED!! 850.000.-€ ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com
PROPERTIES FOR RENT PRIVATE Beautiful Bungalow Campo de golf Maspalomas 2 bed, garden, terrace, airconditioned and swimming pool. Situated in a very quiet small complex. 750pcm all bills included. Tel: 618 647 027 COSY SIMPLE TWO-BED APT. Camping Pasito Blanco. Two rec/rooms, terrace, views, quiet. 450pcm bills included. theresacoe@gmail.com or 653 309 304 (Spanish-speaking).
PROPERTIES FOR RENT Agent San Fernando Beautiful new house in San Fernando. Close to all amenities. Nicely and tastefully furnished.
Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
Garage for up to two cars. Direct access from the garage to the house. Third floor is now used as an office but can be turned into another bedroom. Ref:SF688a.Price:€1000/month. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Playa del Inglés. Bungalow with two bedrooms in excellent position only mins from the Yumbo centre in Playa del Inglés. Situated close to the off-street parking. Large terrace to the front and the back. Totally refurbished throughout. Large awning and solar panel provides all hot water. Communal swimming pool. Ref:PI686a.Price:€850/month. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Playa del Inglés 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. Ref. PI685. Price: €550/month Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com San Agustín Dúplex for rent in San Agustín. Only a few minutes walk to the beach in San Agustín. Very secure and gated complex. Streetball court and three communal swimming pools. Rental price includes all bills. Ref. : SA678a. Price: €600/ month Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Sonnenland Beautiful family home with four bedrooms. The house is very spacious and is very nicely decorated. There is also parking for up to three cars included. Private swimming pool. Very secure complex of villas in the popular residential area of Sonnenland. Only 5 mins from the beach and 5 mins into Playa del Ingles. Excellent long-term rental property. Ref. SN670. Price: €2.500/month Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com --------------------------------------ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com STUDIOS, ONE & TWO BEDROOMS APARTMENTS AND BUNGALOWS, in Puerto Rico and Playa del Cura, long term lets. Prices from 440.-€ / month. AMADORES BEACH, FOR
LEASE, 50 m2 unit and 37 m2 terrace, fully fitted as a bar restaurant, very popular with tourists and locals. Rent 2.400.-€/ month, Traspaso: please enquire. Ref: 15207. 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
EMPLOYMENT
International Marketplace. All 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
Cafe Florin Calle Alfreces Prov. 29 (opposite Hard Rock cafe)
BEAUTICIAN / NAIL TECHNICIAN WANTED FOR BUSY PUERTO RICO SALON
626 962 301 FOR SALE
JaguAR ´S´ TYPE 3.0 Litre V6, UK specs. RHD. Aqua blue metallic, biege hide. 2000 REG. MOT Sept. 10. Immaculate 8500€ Tel: 0044 (0) 7769 694 945 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 - 99.000€ 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 149.000€ 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 159.000€. 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
Removals
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
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together with a companion. 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
Animales.org. FACEBOOK: Tara Animal 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
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 0800 - 1400 Across from TARA Animal Charity Stores. Pino Seco Park, Arguineguin. Great Buys & Ambience Call - 607 671 617 or www.Tara-animales.org TARA Annual Members Meeting Saturday, 7 August, 1300-1500 hrs. 63&67 Calle Tanausu Arguineguin, Mogan RSVP 607 671 167 TARA Animal Welfare Charity Needs Donations 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 TARA Telephone: +34 607 671 167. WEBSITE: www.Tara-
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
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The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
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, including vet and kennel fees and re-homing dogs
Problems on Your Mind?
928 798 662
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Issue 26 - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - The Canary News
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)
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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
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
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
We Buy and Sell Second Hand and New. Call Mandy: 637 163 434 Ancora Centre No. 82 Arguineguin.
‘face book’ wall!
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
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
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The Canary News - Friday 9th July - Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Issue 26
VISIT OUR NEW OFFICE IN PUERTO RICO! FIND US ON THE MAIN ROAD NEXT TO THE WATER PARK OR CALL US AT 928 90 68 90
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