IslandConnections Edition 632 by Island Connections Media Group

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1984 - 2010

The Canary Islands’ biggest fortnightly English newspaper read by thousands of tourists & residents 17th - 31st December 2010

Breast cancer charities

Record breakers P

re lunch sunbathers along the southern Tenerife coast were startled off their sunbeds recently as, to the thunderous rhythm of a batucada drum band, around 1,500 people strolled, swam, marched and sambaed along the sea front in aid of breast cancer projects run in Tenerife by the charities Ámate and AECC.

credit Phil Crean

Financially this was the most successful Walk for Life so far, raising over €13,600 to date and grateful thanks go to everyone concerned. Members of the tourism initiative centre, CIT Sur, turned out in force to support the event, physically and financially as did local councillors from Adeje and Arona and both the boroughs’ mayors. As always a fun and upbeat mood ruled the day and there were some weird and wonderful costumes with a special mention for the brave lady survivor of breast cancer with a double mastectomy who was body painted by members of Ámate to spread the word – Walk for Life. More photographs on page 2.

/ 1.80€ at Newsagents / www.islandconnections.eu / www.newscanarias.net

Callao Salvaje

Early Christmas present T

hey came to witness, after years of empty promises. Residents and regular visitors to the resort village of Callao Salvaje in South West Tenerife had been promised a beach for so long that when the council finally said it would happen few believed. So when, on December 14th the Madrid government’s senior representative in the Canaries, Carolina Darias, arrived to ‘lay the first stone’, though work in earnest won’t begin until January they turned up to bear witness. Darias said the tur nout “proved how important this project is to Callao Salvaje”, adding that it was an indication of the commitment the Spanish government has “to the Canary Islands and specifically to Tenerife”. She told those in attendance, “the government has currently promised €35 million in various projects in

Season’s greetings We would like to wish all our readers and clients all the best of the holiday season and look forward to a happy 2011

Credit: Gerard Zenou

Edition # 632 /

Tenerife”. There was a huge sense of celebration on the day, with residents, business owners and tourists, the curious and those with a huge vested interest, making sure they were there to make sure it was really happening. “We’ve been waiting for over 30 years for this”, restaurant owner Paco told Island Connections, “this is hugely important for the area, everyone will benefit”. Nestor, a resident for over 45 years said he was delighted this day had finally arrived, and it would be a huge help “for local bars, restaurants and businesses”. German bar owner Michael agreed. “How many people do you see waiting at the bus stop to leave the village to go to a beach – now they’ll stay”, he said. Adeje mayor José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga said the beach was “fundamental” for Callao Salvaje, and publicly apologised to the residents for having to wait so long. “People have waited for a long time, and we

The Adeje mayor looks on as the Spanish government’s senior representative here, Carolina Darias, cements the ceremonial first stone in place

thought we were ready to go ahead but there was a hitch…I didn’t want to announce it until I was sure”, he told Island Connections, adding that the beach would represent an enormous boost for Callao Salvaje, and was just the beginning of a new phase for the zone, promising that soon he hoped to announce the opening of the local church, a cultural centre, the plaza and sports area. He also confirmed that now the money was promised and the project up and running it wouldn’t be affected by the local elections in May. “This has nothing to do with the elections; once the project has been approved and decided it goes ahead”. Though he might have stayed in the background on the day, Adeje’s tourism minister Miguel Ángel Santos couldn’t hide his delight that work on the beach was at last about to begin. “I’m extremely happy. We’ve been waiting for years, it’s vitally important for the area, the beach can be the economic motor for Callao Salvaje, one of the oldest parts of Adeje. I hope to be here to open it officially in June”, he told us.

Christmas 2010

Advent Calendar Still loads of prizes to win in our Advent Calendar

Air strike fall out

Centre Pages

Paying the price:

The air traffic controllers dispute Page 4

Pages 21-36

Guide

Pages 8-9

The Sports Megastore 8.000m2

Motorway Santa Cruz La Laguna, Exit “Las Chumberas”. La Laguna, Tenerife. Tel: 922 62 79 00, Fax: 922 82 11 07

www.decathlon.com

7Islands

EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Credit Philcrean.com

OPENING

This exciting new Artesan Market will be open daily from 4pm to 10pm in a spacious covered area beside the Torviscas beachfront walkway.

APPLY FOR YOUR PLACE

NOW

Applications can be collected from

or E-mail

Island Village Reception, San Eugenio Alto paula.nicol@crowngroup.es

Publisher & Proprietor Tina Straub, Joe Schacher

Island Connections S.L. C.I.F: B-38748315 Printed by Artes Gráficas del Atlántico S.A. Dep. Legal: TF-287/93

Is published and printed fortnightly by ISLAND CONNECTIONS S.L. Adverts, texts, photos or other parts of this publication are property of the publishers. They may not be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any other form or means without the prior written permission of the publishers. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for the contents of articles supplied by our contributors or advertisers claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish adverts, texts or advertising features. Advertisements once contracted cannot be cancelled and have to be paid in full. The publishers can not be held responsible for variation on colour printed in this newspaper. Advertising conditions are to be obtained in our offices.

SOON ...

Walk for life 2010

Titsa

Security cameras on Titsa buses

Tenerife’s bus company, Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife (Titsa) has approved the introduction of security cameras on its buses for the safety of drivers and passengers.

anager Juan Carlos Pérez Frías also stated that new buses which would join the fleet next week already contain these cameras, while they would be incorporated into the remainder of the fleet at a later date.

enerife Cabildo councillor for economy and competitivity Carlos Alonso explained that this measure has been demanded by Titsa employees who wish to strengthen certain aspects for the benefit of clients, such as frequency of services, punctuality and safety both on board buses and at bus stations. Private security guards are already present in some cases, but company representatives explained that it is difficult

to have one on each vehicle. However, their presence is increased at times when there are usually more incidents, such as Carnaval and Christmas, and on some nighttime bus services, the drivers are protected by a screen

the father prevented what could have been a dangerous situation.

Christmas message

Meloneras

Meloneras hotel 10th birthday

‘Hostage’ incident

Quick thinking tourist

A Gran Canaria hotel that was the biggest in Europe when it was built celebrates its tenth birthday this month.

A potentially dangerous hostage incident was resolved in the centre o f S a nt a C r u z b y a quick-thinking tourist whose son was grabbed by a syringe-wielding woman.

he Costa Meloneras Grand Hotel, which opened on 1 December 2000, has organised a series of events to mark its birthday and success over the past decade since it revolutionised the hotel sector in the south of the island. Despite its massive size (over 1,130 rooms), the Meloneras has posted an impressive 90 per cent occupancy rate throughout thanks largely to its popularity with German holidaymakers, who account for around 60 per cent of the seven million guest nights recorded thus far. The hotel recently broke into the Top 10 world hotels on the Holiday Check rating site, with a 92 per cent recommendation rate.

ccording to witnesses, the woman threatened to infect passers-by on the busy Calle Castillo with AIDs using the syringe and when police approached her she seized the young boy and held the syringe to his neck. His father inter vened immediately, punching her in the face to free his son. The 35-year-old woman, believed to be a foreign prostitute, was taken into custody although not before she bit one of the arresting officers. Police said the rapid reaction of

From the President of the Tenerife Cabildo

It is Christmas again, the most dearly loved time of the year, and I would like to share with you a few moments of reflection. Because, above all, that is what Christmas is about: showing our willingness to help others and strengthen the most solid values in an exchange of joy and hope. Only with hope shall we be able to face difficult situations. With spirit and determination. Christmas awakens our need to be closer to our loved ones, our family and friends with whom we share a special sense of togetherness. It is these good intentions which make us reach out to the people who need our help and support. This is why we should have confidence in the future and in our own ability to succeed… together. I wish you a very merry Christmas. Ricardo Melchior

la gomera

Image polishing By Barbara Belt

abildo president and mayors alike have expressed their “satisfaction” at the positive answer from the central government in Madrid regarding improvement works at the island’s two main tourist

Los Cristianos – La Gomera Playa Blanca – Corralejo Corralejo – Playa Blanca

Agaete – S/C de Tenerife S/C de Tenerife - Agaete Los Cristianos – La Palma

La Palma – Los Cristianos Los Cristianos – El Hierro El Hierro – Los Cristianos V. Gran Rey - Playa Santiago - S. Sebastián

07.30(BCH); 07.45 (BEX); 11.30 (BCH); 13.30

(BEX); 16.50(BCH); 17.30 (BEX)

08.30(BCH); 09.00 (BEX); 14.00(BCH); 16.30 (BEX);18.30(BCH); 19.00 (BEX)

07.10; 08.30; 10.00; 14.00; 16.00; 18.00 07.45; 09.00; 11.00; 15.00; 17.00; 19.00 08.00; 13.00; 16.00; 18.00 08.00; 13.00; 16.00; 18.00 19.00 (Via La Gomera)

06.00 (Via La Gomera) 09.00 (Via La Gomera) 12.00 (Via La Gomera) Normal timetable

DISCOVER SIMPLE SAVINGS FROM THE BANK YOU KNOW.

Saturday, 25th December Saturday, 1st January

07.30 (BCH*); 11.30 (BCH*); 13.30 (BEX); 16.50 (BCH*); 17.30 (BEX) *only 25/12/2010 08.30 (BCH*); 14.00 (BCH*); 14.30 (BEX); 18.30 (BCH*); 19.00 (BEX) *only 25/12/2010 16.00; 18.00 17.00; 19.00

18.00; 19.30 18.00; 19.30 No sailings

12.00 (Via La Gomera) No sailings No sailings No sailings 1st January Normal timetable 25th December

BCH – Benchi Express BEX – Benchijigua Express

La Gomera – Los Cristianos

Friday, 24th December Friday, 31st December



Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

Fred Olsen ferries / Holiday timetable Route

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010

resorts, Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago. Funding of nearly seven and a half million euros will be made available for “...improvement of beaches and maritime promenades in the two towns”, according to Cabildo chief Casimiro Curbelo. “This announcement comes from Madrid at an especially opportune moment, given the current economic crisis. It constitutes a real boost for these two municipalities, whose main source of income is undoubtedly tourism”, continued Curbelo, who went on to underline the, “...hard work over several years that we have put in to obtain this funding, which was finally agreed upon at a recent meeting between Regional and Central Government representatives in Madrid”.The money will be spent on improving access and use of coastal areas in the two southern towns, with both locals and tourists in mind. Adjacent roads will be pedestrianised and open air rest and

relaxation zones provided, with the objective of “...improving and exploiting the image of both Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago”. Mayor of Alajeró (Playa Santiago), Manuel Ramón Plasencia, echoed Curbelo. “It’s ver y important that we are sensitive to the demands for tourism places on the town. A lot of jobs here depend on the continuing presence of tourists and we must be competitive”. Ruymán García, Valle Gran Rey’s mayor, spoke of the, “... many people from all over the world who come to Valle Gran Rey on holiday. We’re going to provide improved swimming options from the valley’s various beaches and build a pedestrian only zone beside the sea, lined not only with quality buildings, but also children’s play areas and gardens”. Whilst we may tremble at “quality buildings” in place of our present green banana plantations, we hope for the best.

A.P.R.*

Fixed rate 100 day deposit. *A.P.R. (Annual Percentage Rate) corresponds to Annual Interest Rate. Effective Interest Rate: 2.968%. From €6,000 to €20,000.

Invest new funds in our deposit account for 100 days and earn a 3% A.P.R. with a fixed return on your capital. Enjoy this offer now. Available until January 31st 2011. Lloyds Bank International has brought together the best of Lloyds TSB in Spain and Banco Halifax Hispania to offer you a wide range of products and services to meet all your banking needs in Spain.

Visit your local branch in Tenerife at: Centro Comercial Fañabé Plaza, 2nd Floor, Costa Adeje Merry Christmas from Lloyds Bank International

902 024 365 or +34 91 484 81 81 from UK lloydsbankinternational.es Lloyds Bank International, S.A.U., with registered office at C/ Anabel Segura, 16, Alcobendas, 28108 Madrid, Spain. Reg. Mer. Madrid, T.6799, L.0,F. 108 Sec.8ª, H.M-110714, Inscrip. 1ª - N.I.F. A-80481765

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EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Strike fall out

Sack all controllers, urges Rivero C

anarian president Paulino Rivero has added his voice to the growing calls for much tougher action against Spain’s air traffic controllers for holding the countr y to ransom yet again.

Speaking at the height of the wildcat strike that brought chaos to Spanish and European airports during the long holiday weekend earlier in December, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded, Rivero said the time had come for a no-nonsense approach, including a repeat of the action taken by former US President Ronald Reagan in similar circumstances in the early 1980s. “Reagan did not back down and replaced the controllers. We should do the same here. Sack all of 2,400 of them immediately for the damage they have caused yet again to Spain and the Canaries in particular”, said the furious president. Rivero revealed that the Canarian government intends to file criminal proceedings against the controllers, whom he described as a “sect” which has been untouchable for far too long.

Strike fallout

Costs of chaos

Hotels consider claim against controllers

Hotels in the Canaries may seek damages from air traffic controllers over the loss in revenue caused by the wildcat strike earlier this month.

ernando Fraile of the FEHT hoteliers’ federation says members are taking legal advice to see whether a collective claim is feasible to recoup the heavy losses sustained during the biggest bank holiday weekend of the year. “We were anticipating 90 per cent occupancy across the Canaries during the five-day break

Strike fallout

but the cancellations caused by the flight chaos led the figure to drop to around 60 per cent in many hotels” explained Fraile. Several leading hotel chains here, including Dunas, are also exploring the possibility of filing individual claims based on the fact that the controllers went on strike without giving prior notice, in breach of union legislation. The hotels say that the extra nights generated by passengers who could not leave the Canaries due to flight cancellations and delays did not make up for the lost business.

The Tenerife authorities calculate that every hour of the chaos triggered over the bank holiday weekend at the start of December by striking air traffic controllers cost the island’s economy one million euros.

reliminary studies of the impact on a range

of sectors hit by the crisis reveal that the cost were at least €17 million, without taking into account what the authorities say is the “incalculable impact” on the island’s image. An estimated 96,000 passengers were affected by the crisis in the Canaries, say the authorities. In Tenerife alone, accommodation had to be found on Friday night, the busiest of the week, for approximately 6,000 holidaymakers who were prevented from leaving due to the closure of Spanish air space.

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010

Inter-island rivalry

CabildoNews Traditions

Craft day November 22nd has been unanimously declared Tenerife craft day by the island council. The councillor for this area of economic development, Efraín Medina asked all the island’s institutions, political and private to join in with this initiative and create tinerfeñan craft prizes in the various areas of development, maintenance, support and execution etc.

New wine

Corking time An impressive and cosy gathering of around 900 people celebrated the opening of this year’s wine vintage at the Casa del Vino in El Sauzal.

Bickering could hinder US investment

he eternal rivalr y between Tenerife and Gran Canaria is an accepted fact of life in all sectors here but it could prove a hindrance to investment by US firms, according to the head of the US Chamber of Commerce in Spain. Interviewed by the Diario de Avisos newspaper earlier this month, Jaime Mallet, who accompanied US Ambassador Alan Solomont on a fact-finding

visit to the Canaries in September, said the rivalry between the two is “not understood” across the Atlantic. “Instead of always thinking that the other island’s gain necessarily has to be your loss, which is what tends to happen here, each should focus on what it has to offer US investors, who are interested in a range of possibilities from logistics to telecommunication hubs” explained Mallet. However, despite the media hype of

recent months, the influential Chamber boss played down the prospects of significant direct US investment in the Canaries, due to the small market size. “American businesses would see the islands more as an opportunity to work with Africa than for direct investment here. The Canaries definitely have a niche in that respect and should capitalise on it” he added. US Ambassador to Spain, Alan Solomont

Soria

Teachers lose ‘honour’ Toasting the vintage

This year’s San Andrés prize for work in the wine sector fell to Rafael Armas Benitez, who has been a stalwart in the Tenerife, El Hierro and overall Canarian wine sector for over three decades. The island councillor for agriculture, José Joaquín Betancourt, underlined the months of hard work that culminates in the production by the Tenerife residents of, “one of the great heritages of our island – our wines”. He called for support from all those involved in the industry from the farmers and transporters to those who sell and serve the finished product and made a call for unity. “Only together can our wines cross boundaries and make our way forward, which is how we of the islands have always progressed.” His call for unison was supported by the President of the island council, Ricardo Melchior. Both men were talking in terms of the need for a united D.O. (guaranteed quality level) label and marketing the Tenerife wines together at home and abroad.

British Consul

Adios Mathew, welcome María

L-R, Matthew, María and Ricardo

The Tenerife Cabildo president, Ricardo Melchior, recently met with the outgoing and incoming British Consul to the Canary Islands. Matthew Vickers, who has been posted to Madrid, expressed his delight at how well and warmly he had been treated during his time in the Islands. Joining them was María Leng who takes over in the Consulate.

eachers in the Canaries have failed in their bid to have the region’s former vice-president convicted for libellous claims that they are lazy. José Manuel Soria hit the headlines last year when he announced a series of changes to sick leave provisions for civil servants and quipped that “the days

Taking the hump

Camel milk U-turn

The owners of an animal park in Fuerteventura have had to rectify a widely-publicised media article in which milk produced by its camels was attributed extensive medicinal powers.

he feature, which included a picture of people milking one of the Oasis Park camels, listed the multiple health benefits of the milk but was followed a day later by a statement from the attraction in La Lajita pointing out that some of the information may have been misleading. “The person who wrote the article mistakenly stated that camel milk is an alternative to daily insulin injections, although it is true that there is recent scientific evidence suggesting that the milk can have anti-diabetes effects. Similarly, it was wrong to state that drinking camel’s milk is a good treatment for tuberculosis, hepatitis and osteoporosis” said an Oasis Park spokesperson, who insisted that information supplied for the feature article had been ‘misinterpreted’.

of teachers lying on the beach while on sick leave for things like depression are over”. The remarks, widely quoted in local papers, prompted a furious reaction from teacher unions, one of which (STEC) called on him to retract the allegation, or face a day in court, if he could not name the culprits. The case was heard by a Las Palmas

court recently and Soria was cleared of offending the honour and reputation of the teaching profession. In its ruling, the court said that for the remarks to be considered libellous, Soria needed to have identified specific individuals by name and to have tarnished their reputation in public. The union was ordered to pay Soria’s legal fees and court costs.

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EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

o see one of the nicest ‘belenes’ (nativity scenes) in Tenerife you should pop down to the Centre for Older residents, or Centro de Mayores on the bottom floor of Adeje’s cultural centre and have a look.

The belenes are much more than just a traditional manger, and tend to include village scenes and be well populated with figures and homes. Here this belén has been created and built from scratch, with each detail handmade by the group of older Adeje citizens who regularly attend the centre. From the buildings to the small ‘papas arrugadas’ (made from plasticine and tights!), each element has been carefully manufactured. “it encourages and helps dexterity and everyone is working together”, explains councillor Carmen Rosa, whose remit includes the activities and concerns of the borough’s older residents as well as equal rights and protection of women. She is at pains to stress that this day centre for older residents, whose doors appear to be open pretty much all the time, is for everyone over 60 in Adeje who is registered in the town hall, regardless of country of origin, and “language is never a problem”, she adds. In fact during my visit I met two extremely contented Italian ‘swallows’, who love to call to the centre on a regular basis, to meet and make friends, play a board game, read….it’s a social focus point as much as anything else. “People can often feel lost when they retire, wonder ‘what do I do now?’” but through the centre and via the Club de Mayores de Adeje (a separate but linked association, residents need to apply for a Carnet de Mayores (like a pensioner’s card)) an incredibly busy agenda is arranged annually. From days out, spa treatments, workshops, theatre, mountain walks, cultural visits,

teem and independence - a life beyond the house. The council is also actively involved in the establishment of an equality body that encompasses all the south Tenerife boroughs, which is in the process of being set up, and is a project very close to the mayor’s heart. For women under threat the council offer a complete

Adeje

Services without barriers and trips abroad as well as a healthy concentration on local culture and folklore, all comes easily under the ongoing theme of ‘convivencia’ or co-existence – yet again that welcome theme of integration, activities for all. People have something to look forward to, busy days, and new friends to make. The council have also recently taken over a day and residential care centre in El Galeón which was previously in private hands to offer Adeje senior citizens a home from home at subsidised rates– while places are limited (10 day places and 11 residential), Carmen Rosa stresses that it’s a move in the right direction and the council is also on hand to help those who cannot get a place

there (it’s currently full with a waiting list) to find somewhere as close to their family in Adeje as possible. One of the activities that has developed into an annual tradition is the ‘Sabores de la memoria’ (tastes of the past) in conjunction with the Hotel La Plantación. It began as an invitation to older residents to come to the hotel and prepare a traditional recipe, the best of which would then be incorporated into the hotel’s menu. The idea has taken off and is now one of the highlights of the senior culinary calendar in the borough.

Equality and protection The other area within the remit of Carmen Rosa, equally

range of protection and legal services, without precondition – in other words if a woman is abused or hurt in the home she can go to the council for help and, while they would prefer that she report her abuser, won’t make it a condition of any help they offer - a fear of many women who won’t seek personal help. Carmen Rosa points out that if a woman does have the courage to report her abuser it opens up a whole range of legal resources that can and will be used to protect her and her family. Any woman who approaches the of fice will be listened to, cared for, and the council also have some safe houses for battered women and their children. Obviously that location cannot be revealed here. “What is important to remember is that there is no prototype male in domestic abuse cases”, the councillor stresses, “they can be any age, from any social class, any culture”. She adds, “many women don’t realise the help we can offer, and again language is not a problem”.

important and equally open to anyone in the borough, are the services offered to families and to women who are in danger or on the receiving end of domestic violence. Within the world of equality the council offer a series of activities designed to promote understanding of roles within the family and encourage family activities, such as rural walks which even the smallest son or daughter can undertake, and even a couple’s challenge with a range of tasks that couples who enter have to undertake (ironing, fitting a plug, sewing on a button, making a soup….) together, with a prize for the winning household. For women there are a range of activities designed to encourage self es-

Jamón Serrano, always at the party

Reserva

...Celebrate Healthily

Gran Reserva

Ibérico

7Islands

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010

Storm

Data published

ecently opened, Cervecería 100 Montaditos, in the church square, is the latest ‘in’ place for food and drinks in Los Cristianos. In typical bar style, the interior has white marble table tops with high bar stools, or you can sit outside. Ideal for business people, workers, visitors and residents, food is served during all opening hours, from 8am to 2am, with breakfasts available from 8am to 12.30pm. It’s the place for breakfast, coffee, lunch, snacks and drinks, with or without alcohol, to eat in or take away. Owned by Vicente Benítez Baute and Domingo Tomás Díaz, this is a franchise of a company which has grown to more than 170 restaurants in Spain, France, Portugal, the US and Mexico since 2001. The varied menu, in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian and Portuguese, is based on ingredients with the traditional Mediterranean diet flavour, and at unbeatable prices. If you only fancy nibbles, then order aperitifs, chips (choose from four sauces), crisps or mouthwatering cheesy nachos. More hungry than that? Order a healthy salad (five varieties) or the speciality – Montaditos. This is a term for a type of sandwich or roll, and there are no less than 100 fillings to choose from, hence the name of this wonderful establishment. The secret of Montaditos is the bread, with several varieties to choose from. All are light with crunchy crusts, and at €1

Fuller details of the ferocity of the three-day storms that hit the Canaries between 2830 November have emerged from the regional Met Office, including figures for the number of bolts of lightning that hit the ground at the height of the storms.

he Office says that a maximum wind speed of 191 kmh was recorded in the early hours of 29 November in the mountains at Izaña (near Mt Teide), with San Juan de la Rambla and Puerto de la Cruz posting speeds of 142-162 kmh around the same time. More than 500 bolts of lightning were recorded as reaching the ground in the islands, making the storms among the most active in terms of cloud to earth discharges in recent times.

Los Cristianos

Cerveceria 100 Montaditos to €2 each, Montaditos really are value for money because when you buy one, you can also purchase a half litre of beer for just €1 (on Wednesdays, a large beer for €1), and for dessert, try a delicious ice cream for only €1. Have your personal card signed every time you purchase, and when the card is full you could be invited for a free breakfast (choose from toasted ciabatta bread with a choice of 10 fillings, croissants, muffins or doughnuts, plus a

drink). The wonderful coffee is 100 per cent natural, you can buy wines by the glass or bottle, and children’s parties can be catered for. In fact, 100 Montaditos can cater for all ages from six months to 99 years! If you’re in a hurry, the staff can move fast, if you have time to relax then you will be served in a relaxing manner. This is not exactly a self-service restaurant, the system is quite different. What you have to do is write on your copy of the

menu, the number of each item you wish to order, put your name at the top, tick the box if it is to take away, and give the completed menu to the staff at the bar. Within a maximum of five minutes, your name will be called and you can collect your order from the bar where it says ‘recogidas’. They are open every day, closing at 4pm on the 24th and 31st December,

Fuentes

Back at work

The doctor at the centre of the doping allegations that have rocked Spanish athletics was back at his desk in Las Palmas, just hours after being released by a Madrid court on bail. and opening from 1pm on the 25th December and 1st January. On January 5th, they will stay open until the end of the Three Kings fiesta, no matter how late that is! Make a date soon to visit 100 Montaditos where they are always baking something new – you won’t want to leave a single crumb on your plate!

r Eufemiano Fuentes is among 14 people, including top athletes, arrested in raids recently as part of Operation Greyhound. He is charged with supplying performanceenhancing substances. Fuentes appeared as usual at his surgery in the capital, to the surprise of waiting patients, who had expected him to lie low until the storm blows over.

SPAR FAÑABÉ

SPAR COLUMBUS

SPAR EXPRESS STARCO

C.C. Fañabé Plaza (opp. Hotel Jacaranda)

C.C. Hotel Columbus, Playa de Las Américas

C.C. Starco, Playa de Las Américas

COSTA ADEJE

ARONA

EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010

TenerifeGeneral

EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Beverly Hills Club

Inset: Miriam, Nikki and Susana Club who dressed up as pirates, Magi, Father Christmas, a giant crocodile and Santa’s helpers. They also took care of decorating the club rooms and entrances with sails, skull and crossbone flags and a pirate ship. Even the cups and plates were in theme. All the facilities were free, those who didn’t want to dance with the animators could play pool or basketball, have a go at bowling or use the bouncy castle and the kid’s climbing frame and ball park before watching the magician and queuing up for their gift. Everyone in-

Merry little Christmas K

ids from three local children’s homes enjoyed the party of a lifetime recently thanks to some charitably minded folk. Resort Properties and Excel Hotels and Resorts staff and clients all chipped in generously as always, as did Taylor’s Bar and Angelo. Viajes Teide pro-

vided free coaches, Lineker’s never fail to support, Max Mart supported and David the magician and his partner, Yasmín, gave all those present an outstanding and astounding free show once again. Susana Thraves pulled it all together, Cecile Laniel used some of the over €3,000 raised to shop for and wrap the spe-

cial present that each child had asked for in their letter to the three kings, and the rest of the cash will be split between the three centres. Miriam worked tirelessly, as did Nikki Lamberti and her truly amazing team of around 30 supercharged animators and senior members of staff from the Beverly Hills

volved volunteered their time and even the contents of the buffet were donated. Lots of organisers’ children joined in the festivities with the 75 kids who are in care, an absolutely unforgettable day was had by all and the Beverly Hills Club have already volunteered their help for next year when an even bigger party is planned.

Storm damage

Aid for stormhit farmers ‘urgent’

Hundreds of farmers throughout Tenerife whose crops were devastated during the storms a few weeks ago should be granted urgent financial aid by the Canarian government, says the island Cabildo. Initial damage estimates paint a bleak picture for many of the farmers, particularly in the La Orotava, San Juan de la Rambla and Icod areas, where recently-planted crops, as well as others about to be harvested, have virtually disappeared due to the effects of the storm. Cabildo experts reckon between 75-100 per cent of the fruit and vegetables grown in the area have been lost and the majority of the plastic greenhouses used have been destroyed. The picture is slightly less serious on the other side of the island but the Cabildo says that the farmers will not survive unless an aid package is approved quickly by the regional government. The destruction caused by the gale-force winds, which exceeded 140 kph in several agricultural parts for three days, could lead to major price increases in the coming months due to the vastly reduced supply of essential fruit and vegetables.

TRIANA 8 / CC MUELLE / MELONERAS KIOSCO 35 / CC LAS ARENAS – GRAN CANARIA CC SAFARI SHOPPING CENTRE - TENERIFE

TenerifeGeneral

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010

Los Realejos

Deeds received The time it takes to obtain the deeds after buying property has long been a bone of contention but the situation of a group of home owners in Los Realejos must be a record of some kind. Over 40 families who have been living in the Cruz Santa district for almost half a century have finally received the deeds proving they are legiti-

mate owners. Ironically, many of the houses, which were originally built to rent to less well-off families, have since been pulled down and replaced with newer ones after structural problems were detected. The families were offered the chance to buy their rented properties due to the length of time they had lived in them as tenants but only now have all

the formalities been completed. Many of them, including old couples, have spent years worrying that legal complications caused by the demolitions and replacements might impede formal recognition of their ownership entitlement but all ended well earlier in December when the all-important deeds were handed over at a ceremony organised by the council.

san isidro

Removing barriers The Granadilla council have allocated €137,000 for work to improve access to those with mobility difficulties in particular zones in san Isidro.

part of the Cabildo’s plan to improve commercial zones in the island, was completed, with major improvements to Avenida Santa Cruz and Calle Arzobispo José González Rivas. The plan seeks to introduce measures in urban areas to strengthen the potential business for small and medium enterprises, given their importance to the socio-economic life of the particular urban zone in question.

Stung for €5,000 Victims of a timeshare scam in Tenerife lost up to €5,000 each, say the police’s Organised Crime Unit, which arrested 26 people in connection with the massive fraud.

t is still unclear how many people were conned out of their money by the wellorganised gang, which accessed details of timeshare owners and contacted them to offer to sell their weeks for about €25,000. Duping their victims with an elaborate range of documents on headed paper and even bearing notary seals, the gang extracted sums of between €3,000 and €5,000 as down payments for the administrative costs and work involved in selling the timeshares.

oncerned owners contacted the authorities after months went by and the sales failed to materialise, by which time the ghost firms had disappeared. The arrests were ordered earlier in December after a painstaking investigation lasting several months by the Organised Crime and Cyber Crime Units

Tenerife Select

Tenerife Targets jet-set

Te n e r i f e ’s t o u r i s m authorities hope the recent participation in a luxury holiday fair will pull in more top-end visitors to the island.

he island’s tourist board sent a delegation to the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), held in Cannes between 6-9 December, to advertise Tenerife’s attractions for the niche. José Manuel Bermúdez from the Cabildo says this seventh participation in the event aims to raise Tenerife’s profile among select travellers by highlighting its four and five-star hotels, limousine tours, spa facilities and yacht charters. “We are gaining a name for ourselves increasingly in this segment thanks to the creation of our Tenerife Select brand, which currently comprises 24 members, from golf courses to luxury restaurants” said Bermúdez.

La Florida

New Football pitch

A new football pitch built in La Orotava is at the centre of a political row after it emerged that the total cost is expected to exceed 3.5 million euros.

he facility in La Florida should be finished early next year, four years after it was begun, and completion has only been possible thanks to an extra injection of €700,000 by the local council. etails of the full cost have triggered massive criticism among opposition parties in La Orotava, who say the money could have been used for other projects. Manuel González, of the PSC party, says that a pitch is necessary for La Florida “but not at any price”. González complained, “this is costing more than our main street and two new community centres put together”. The local IPO party says the cost is entirely due to the poor choice of location, which necessitated the building of expensive foundations and reinforcements to protect the perimeter.

www.torreswines.com

©Copyright Miguel Torres S.A.

Over the next five months work in the zone will include lowering the level of footpaths at certain points and where there are pedestrianised roads to allow wheelchair users access to all streets in the town. According to the Granadilla

mayor, Carmen Nieves Gaspar Rivero the plans have been drawn up to meet local demand and the needs of those who have an equal right to use the streets of the town despite their mobility challenges. San Isidro has been at the centre of major roadworks in recent times, and the mayor promises these latest changes won’t be as disruptive. Just a few weeks ago the upgrade of the town’s commercial zone,

Timeshare resale victims

of the Spanish police. Just over a year ago a similar scam run by a group of French nationals in Tenerife was also smashed by police.

Tenerife & SouthWest

EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

SW / playa san juan

News in brief

Isabel Canino

Making a difference

Los Menores

Road repairs

Night repairs are being carried out on the road surface of the TF 82. The area being mended is the section of this busy road near the Los Menores bridge. Breeches in under the road water and waste installations caused this area of the road to sink and made for a bumpy ride. Work is being carried out between 10 pm and 6 am to avoid causing delays on this stretch of road which carries the majority of the traffic from the Atalaya roundabout to Guía de Isora, Tamaimo and beyond. The repairs are expected to be finished by December 20th.

School holidays

‘Christmas school’ in Arona

Parents in the Los Cristianos area who need to work over the holiday period can apply to leave their youngsters at the two Little Christmas schools organised by Arona Council. The two primary schools (Cho-Parque de La Reina and Chayofa-La Camella) will remain open throughout the Christmas

Recycling Christmas

“Others involved in murder” says sister

The sister of a Tenerife woman who was murdered in 2009 has urged the authorities to broaden the investigation into the killing because she is convinced more than one person was involved.

These recyclers used plastic bottles for their tree

As part of an ongoing local initiative, Adeje Recycles, the councillor for youth, Nayra Medina Bethencourt has been working with local youth groups and centres and the borough’s waste disposal company, UTE Ascan Torrabonaf to recycle Christmas. Young people from different town’s youth clubs, from Miraverde, Las Nieves,

period (23 December until 7 January) from 7am to 4pm and will offer play and educational activities for children aged 3-14. 140 places are available in all and registration takes place at the Los Cristianos Cultural Centre.

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Armeñime, Tijoco and the Los Olivos Occupational Centre chose a range of materials to work with in preparing their decorations and of course the all important Christmas tree. They used bottles, cans, plastic and paper. According to Nayra Medina Bethencourt all those taking part were active in developing the design ideas, sourcing the materials they wanted to use,

Santiago del Teide

New signposts

Santiago del Teide is boasting new signposts as part of an overall facelift for the town. Other embellishments include restoration of building fronts, placing information panels in strategic points of the old town centre, the marking of ‘places of interest’ and the opening of a tourist information office.

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and of course creating the final product, the tree being the most important. There were prizes for the best trees, with first prize of €600 and second prize of €300. The money goes to the winning centres.

Salvador Morales, a former boyfriend of Isabel Canino, is due to go on trial in the spring for her murder and faces a 23-year jail term if convicted. However, Isabel’s sister Eladia says Morales, who was not arrested until two months after her disappearance, has hinted several times he did not act alone. “We know from statements made by him that someone else knows a lot about how she died and we want it all to come out in court, no matter how painful the details might be”, said Eladia. Bus-driver Isabel’s disappearance in March 2009 sparked an island-wide hunt, with posters put up on all TITSA buses at the time. Her decomposed remains were found in a septic tank at a house owned by her ex-boyfriend which he rented to students in La Laguna.

Tenerife Sur Lions

Paradise pledge

All Saints’ Church

Events roundup

Over 80 guests gathered for the Shipwreck fun evening at the end of November.

hen the ship went down, the captain was still holding his bottle of port, the prize for best turned out costume. Volunteers made sure the evening was ship shape and Bristol fashion and the food was first class. Sadly the ship was sunk and the guests were left adrift. A drunken sailor with his cask of rum was awash and two ladies, one in her nightwear and curlers and the other in her evening dress were also washed ashore and won prizes. The NLI was on hand to those that floundered – thanks to John Hughes who came to the rescue with his lifeboat on wheels. The ‘Cod Fishers’ performed the finale. Bill, Mike and Brian arrived by raft to sing a medley of sea shanties – they will not be booked again!!

he Grand Christmas car boot sale was a wonderful day with over 1,000 people shopping and enjoying the good food available. Father Christmas made an appearance, handing out presents to the delight of the children. The next car boot at the Church is on Saturday February 5th at 12.00.

Norman Goodall, MBE and Nino Riobo

Paradise Park Hotel, Los Cristianos has been supporting and co-operating with the Tenerife Sur Lions Club for the last fifteen years and it was appropriate that Club President Norman Goodall MBE presented the Commercial Director Nino Riobo with an award commemorating this alliance. The Hotel Director pledged their ongoing help to the club in continuing their many charitable activities in the local community here in the south of Tenerife.

Muñeco de Nieve

No clean-up for snowman

One of Santa Cruz’s most controversial sculptures is in the news again, this time because the city council refuses to pay to have it cleaned up to remove the graffiti that has accumulated on it in recent years. The statue of the giant Snowman, which sits on a busy roundabout that is widely taken as marking the boundary between the capital and La Laguna and is visible from the TF2 road linking the island’s two motorways, was designed by Czech-born Jiri Dokoupil and placed on the roundabout despite opposition from locals who objected to the idea of a snowman in Tenerife. In recent years the snowman has been a favourite target for vandals and graffiti artists but the council’s culture department says it has not been included on the general clean-up list because it was not part of the series of street sculptures commissioned for two artistic events back in 1973 and 1994. The news was received by locals with disbelief, with some complaining that “we never wanted the snowman in the first place and now that it has been forced on us we can’t even have it cleaned properly”.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010

Business NEWS

Dementia costs add to the demographic time bomb

Another challenge to global economies

By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks

ementia will cost the world £388 billion in 2010, the equivalent of one per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP), the World Alzheimer Report 2010 on the Global Economic Impact of Dementia reveals.

The cost will soar as the number of sufferers doubles by 2030 and more than triples by 2050. Governments around the world will have to find extra billions to fund dementia alone, on top of other expensive issues related to longevity, such as the cost of pensions and longterm care. The report issued on World Alzheimer’s Day by Alzheimer’s Disease International revealed that the costs of caring for people with dementia are likely to rise even faster than the prevalence, especially in the de-

veloping world, as more formal social care systems emerge and rising incomes lead to higher opportunity costs. It warned: “World governments are woefully unprepared for the social and economic disruptions this disease will cause.” In a repor t by the International Monetar y Fund on Long-Term Trends in Public Finances in the G7 Economies, director of the IMF’s fiscal affairs department Carlo Cottarelli, also warned that reforming healthcare systems for developed economies would be “the fiscal challenge of the 21st century”. Major additional pressures on public finances are arising from pension and healthcare spending but the nature of these pressures is often misunderstood. “There has been a great deal of emphasis on pension spending, but much less on the rising trend in healthcare spending,” the IMF report stated. Governments would find it hard enough to deal with the

increasing longevity costs at the best of times, but coming on top of the financial crisis it is an even bigger challenge. In its quarterly Sovereign Monitor published in August, Moody’s warned that “genuinely adverse debt dynamics were only expected to materialise in 15 to 20 years. The crisis has ‘fast forwarded’ history, eroding all the time available to adjust”. It explained that after the Second World War the young economies were able to outgrow the debt spikes but this time the threat lies ahead as the aging crisis drives up pension and health costs on a static tax base. “While the current stock of debt is large, it is dwarfed by the accumulation of future liabilities if policies do not change”. Governments need to find the funding for soaring healthcare and pension costs, which may involve more tax increases, additional taxes and spending cuts. Individuals also need to prepare to part finance their health and social care in later life and, if required, to find

Governments need to find the funding for soaring healthcare and pension costs ways to increase their income in retirement to keep them in a comfortable lifestyle. A strategic investment programme can provide a regular income and capital growth as well as tax planning opportunities, and give you peace of mind for the future. A tax and wealth planning specialist like Blevins Franks will advise you on the appropriate structures for your specific aims and objectives.

*To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website: www.blevinsfranks.com

Business FEATURE

EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Mongolian BBQ restaurant

Heart and soul T

he Mongolian BBQ restaurant opened very recently, but this new concept restaurant has become an instant hit with residents and visitors.

To the delight of its creators, Emanuele Mechilli and Oscar, who also runs the restaurant on a day to day basis, people are already hopping into taxis and asking for it by name. “Thank God we’re very busy,” Emanuele beamed. However, instant hits need a lot of behind the scenes work and a great deal of research. It’s by no means the first eatery that this pair has been involved in starting and everything that they have created has something in common, each restaurant has its own individual and authentic identity, or as Emanuele put it, “a soul”. They were looking around for a new challenge and a new gastronomic style and direction around four years ago, when a Chinese friend mentioned the Mongolian BBQ restaurants in Asia and Europe. Legend has it that the Mongolian nomad warriors of Ghengis Khan heated up their shields and used their swords to toss the food over the heat and the Mongolian BBQ

Emanuele and Oscar

restaurants mimic this style so that a meal there is not only good on the taste buds, it’s also flamboyantly entertaining. They began researching on the Internet and then began to travel. Emanuele headed to Europe to investigate in London, Hessen, Amsterdam and Stockholm whilst Oscar went East to Taiwan and Hong Kong. They were thrilled by

what they saw and putting their hearts into the project they began to source materials and personnel. Their total zeal to get everything perfect, “we only want the best for our clients,” may have been expensive, but it has paid off. Emanuele found no difficulties in explaining to the European restaurants where he was based and obtaining help, after all, they

weren’t aiming to set up a rival establishment next door. Oscar had more problems in the Far East however, the majority of people he spoke to didn’t know where Tenerife or the Canary Islands were, so he ended up saying he was from Barcelona, famous all over the world for its football team, “it was easier” he laughed. Two adjoining empty premises were found in a popu-

lar location on the corner of the Avenida San Francisco and Avenida Amsterdam, in front of the Apartamentos Reverón in Los Cristianos. Work began to merge them to create a spacious and comfortable area which even has elegant patio heating fitted in case it’s needed. A special round hotplate that heats up to 600ºC was ordered from Germany and an industrial

sized water filter fitted, which supplies the whole restaurant, so that the purist water is used not just for the contents of the dishes, but also for washing the plates and all parts of the food preparation chain. Furniture

902 107 111

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010

Business FEATURE

We offer a variety of legal services to English- speaking visitors and Expats alike, including:

SPANISH LAW (MATTERS WITHIN TENERIFE / SPAIN)

Corvus Corax from Germany played on the opening night

for the spacious terrace came from Bali and a designer and decorator was hired to perfect the combination of the clean and minimalist look they wanted for the interior, white and brushed stainless steel, with the exotic, elegant and cosy oriental terrace. A multinational team was hired who can communicate in English, German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Chinese, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Japanese and Mongolian if required. Gradually all the threads were drawn together but with one month to go to the inauguration, they were still waiting for the chefs to arrive. One was coming from Taiwan and through contacts made there, more were sourced in Europe but they were still, “on their way”. There was a frisson of panic in the home camp, but it all turned out well in the end and by the time the doors opened, there were ten chefs on call to prepare the major Chinese cuisines as well as Thai, Japanese and Mongolian dishes. Initially getting used to the ‘sword and shield’ technique

took some time and there were some delays in the preparation time, but now each of them can manage two or three sets of the metre-long ‘swords’ at a time and the service has speeded up accordingly. One of the chefs was especially brought in from Madrid to prepare the 18 sauces

Instant hits need a lot of behind the scenes work and a great deal of research that guests can choose from and which cover the full gamut of spice and piquant desires and include Teriyaki, Satay, Sweet and Sour, Oyster and Black Bean, a spicy Mongolian Curry and Kung Pao. He even makes his own soy sauce from scratch and the restaurant staff also grow their own beansprouts and prepare their own Naan bread

in their Tandoor oven. From a gastronomic point of view, the flavours are authentically Asian rather than the usual European version of Asian food. Feedback from clients so far has been ver y positive. They enjoy the idea of being their own chef and choosing their own ingredients from the range of top quality fresh meat, fish, shellfish and al dente vegetables, which are then accompanied by the subtle spicy sauces which enhance the prime material rather than mask the flavour. The finished result is a credit to their efforts with a wide variety to suit all pockets. The premises can easily accommodate 160 people and as Oscar pointed out, there is a choice of three kinds of food, the Mongolian BBQ, the extensive à la carte menu (130 dishes) and the sushi bar, so all tastes are catered for. And, fully aware that not all kids enjoy the more exotic flavours, they are currently working on creating a more prosaic children’s menu, which will be available by Christmas, to make the restaurant even more suitable for family enjoyment. Surprises are promised for the holiday period, although this is not a place for noisy music (exept on opening night)or televised football, the essence of the Mongolian BBQ is the food and the ambience. However, there will be no special menu, they are more than happy with the one they offer every day. They will also be open every day, including Christmas and New Year’s Day from 5pm to 1am, but reservations are recommended for this busy time (922 750 036). Emanuele grinned as he told us, “we’ve seen a lot of Asians peering over the wall and taking note of how busy we are and it wouldn’t surprise me if there are soon many more Mongolian BBQ restaurants in the Canaries, but although they can try and copy us, we will always be

• Property Sale and Purchase / Conveyancing • Spanish Wills • Translation of Spanish Documents • Family Law and Divorce • Legal Disputes & Debts • Contracts • Timeshare Issues • Business Law

ENGLISH LAW (MATTERS WITHIN ENGLAND & WALES)

• Witnessing / Swearing documents • Family Law & Divorce • Landlord & Tenant • Disputes & Debt Recovery • Wills & Probate • Company Law • Business Start-ups Experience legal services the way you expect them. Call Tenerife Solicitors now on

922 71 78 45

for a no-obligation quotation or to discuss your needs.

Alternatively, visit our website

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info@tenerifesolicitors.com Club Atlantis, San Eugenio Opening Hours: Mon - Thu: 9.30am - 1.00pm / 2pm - 6pm Fri: 9.30am - 1pm / 2pm - 5pm. Sat / Sun: Closed Tenerife Solicitors is a trading name of HATRICK & CO SOLICITORS, who are regulated by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England & Wales (www.sra.gov.uk) and the College of Abogados (Lawyers) in Tenerife (www.icatf.es). We also hold separate Professional Indemnity Insurance Policies for £2 Million GBP in England and €3 Million EU in Tenerife in the unlikely event of a professional claim against us.

EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Health

HouseCalls

Health News

Dr. De La Flor

healthytenerife@gmail.com

Placebo effect?

Dear Dr. De La Flor

No funds for homeopathic cures Credit: AELTC

Dear Dr. De La Flor, I recently had mono but am starting to finally feel better. How long do I need to wait before I can I get back to my regular activities?

Buenaventura Fernández San José, who is also a doctor, said that they would continue to “solely finance treatments that have been scientifically proved to work and, further, are the most effective”. The remarks have added to an ongoing discussion at regional level about the efficiency of homeopathic treatments and who should finance them. The director general said, “we have looked again at all the scientific evidence and there are no studies that prove that homeopathy does any more than advance the placebo effect”, adding that in other countries the inclusion of these kinds of treatment under a public finance scheme was a decision made wasn’t a scientific argument but one regarding the boundaries of authority.

Sincerely, Jeff

Dear Jeff, This condition got some attention a couple of years ago when Roger Federer had to take several weeks off the ATP Tour due to ‘mono’. It’s a common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months. Mono goes away on its own, but lots of rest and good self-care can help you feel better. It is most often seen in adolescents and young adults. Mono can be spread through contact with saliva (also nicknamed the ‘kissing disease’) and mucus from the nose and throat. As soon as you get over mono, your symptoms will go away for good, but you will always carry the virus that caused it. The virus may become active from time to time without causing any symptoms. The most common symptoms are a high fever, a sore throat, swollen glands and tonsils, and fatigue. Usually only self-care is needed for mono. Plenty of rest is vital. Gargle with salt water or use throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat. Ibuprofen can help you

The director general of the department of Pharmacy in the Canarian Health Service has insisted that they will not include homeopathic medicines in the public finance remit.

tinpalace

Roger Federer has suffered from Infectious mononucleosis/mono

reduce fever and relieve the inflammation. During the infection your spleen may be enlarged, and impact or straining could cause it to burst. Therefore, please avoid heavy lifting or contact sports for about four weeks after you become ill with mono or until your doctor says it is safe. Best wishes!

Dear Dr. De La Flor, I’m experiencing missed or irregular periods Sincerely, Sophie

Dear Sophie, Most women have between 11-13 menstrual periods each year. Missed or irregular periods must be looked at in terms of what is normal

for you. Periods are often irregular during the first few years after menstruation starts. It may take several years for the hormones that control menstruation to reach a balance. Menstrual periods also may be very irregular at the other end of the menstrual years. Many women realise that they are approaching perimenopause and menopause when their otherwise regular periods become irregular. If you are not pregnant, (pregnancy is the most common cause of a missed period) other causes of missed or irregular periods include: excessive weight loss or gain or increased exercise; eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia); emotional stress; birth control methods; hormonal problems; recreational drug use; breastfeeding. Some diseases such as liver disease and diabetes can cause missed or irregular periods, although this is rare. But if any of these diseases

are present, you will usually have other symptoms besides menstrual irregularities. If you’ve skipped a period, try to relax. Restoring your life to emotional and physical balance can help. Make sure you have a talk with your GP and/or Gynaecologist to go through your medical history in detail and rule out any underlying illness.

Coaching Corner :: By Dr. De La Flor

Success

“T

he victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting goals and achieving them. Even the most tedious chore will become endurable as you parade through each day convinced that every task, no matter how menial or boring, brings you closer to fulfilling your dreams.” Og Mondino. We can take advantage of the feeling of renewal and excitement (I hope!) as we look to 2011, a new beginning, a new opportunity, a sense of excitement for making changes or adopting new habits. Let’s focus on being successful at one goal, only one goal this year—and that is accomplishing one or two small goals we know we can accomplish. I say start small so we can build the confidence and strength to do more. After all a mighty flame starts with a tiny spark!

Resolution: For the next two weeks, let’s set small goals, and let’s make sure we enlist the help of someone close to us. It’s essential to have some support, encouragement and a system of accountability. Work together and create synergy to help each other, and make sure you don’t feel bad about failures because we are all made of the same stuff and what’s key is to stand up and fight! I wish you a Mer r y Christmas and a purposeful 2011, full of physical, emotional and spiritual renewal and health. You have the potential for greatness in you! Go for it! Start small. Make a promise and keep it! Talk to you next year! Dr. De La Flor, licensed G.P. Holds certificates in coaching, nutrition and medical exercise from Berkeley University and the American Council on Exercise. His medical approach is highly influenced by Positive Psychology; an empowering, encompassing way of approaching patients through the study of their strengths and virtues to enable them to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, accept the past, find happiness in the present, and hope for the future. You can reach the doctor at 0034-697.888.666 to schedule a consultation in his surgery or in your home/business

American Medical Association

Predicting heart attacks According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, a blood test can predict the likelihood of someone having a heart attack, up to six years in advance. Following a study conducted by the University of Maryland involving 4,000 people in 1989, an American team has adapted a blood test which is normally used to determine if someone is actually suffering from a heart attack. It can now identify proteins in the blood which signify that heart cells have been dying in seemingly healthy people. If the protein, Troponin T, was present, the patient was seven times more likely to die from heart disease within the next six years. The test could also predict heart failure, where the heart fails to pump strongly enough. This development could reduce the number of deaths from heart disease by allowing high risk patients to take action in time, adopting a healthier lifestyle and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010

Describing your symptoms

I have a pain (here) Tengo dolor (aquí) I have stomach ache Tengo dolor de estómago I have chest pain Tengo dolor en el pecho I have a sore throat Tengo dolor de garganta I feel sick Tengo nauseas I feel dizzy Tengo mareos I have a temperature Tengo fiebre I have diarrhoea Tengo diarrea I have cramps Tengo calambres I have sunburn Tengo quemaduras del sol I have something in my eye Tengo algo dentro del ojo I have difficulty breathing Tengo dificultad en respirar I am sick a lot Vomito mucho It itches Me pica I get pain when I pass urine Me duele cuando orino

Existing conditions I am allergic Soy alérgico(a) I’m diabetic// Soy diabético(a) Asthmatic Asmático(a) Epileptic Epiléptico(a) I’m pregnant Estoy embarazada I have anaemia/arthritis Tengo anemia/artritis I have high blood pressure Tengo hipertensión I have low blood pressure Tengo hipotensión

Looking for health care Buscando asistencia sanitaria

I need a doctor / dentist / midwife Necesito un médico / dentista / matrona

Where is the nearest hospital/doctors’ surgery / dentist / out of hours chemist? ¿Dónde es el hospital / clínica / dentista / farmacia de guardia más cercano?

Can I get treatment on the national health here? ¿Puedo recibir atención aquí por la Seguridad Social? Please call an ambulance. Por favor llame a una ambulancia

Frequency & type :

Sometimes A veces All the time Todo el tiempo A lot Mucho A little Poco Stabbing p�� ain Dolor punzante

Hospitals USP COSTA ADEJE HOSPITAL Urbanización San Eugenio, s/n, 38660 - Adeje Tels: • 922 752626 • 922 791 000 • 900 112 111 Hospital La Candelaria Carretera Del Rosario 145 Santa Cruz de Tenerife 922 602 000 hospitaldelacandelaria. com Hospital Universitario Carretera Cuesta-Taco San Cristobal de La Laguna (Tenerife), 922 678 000 www.huc.es HOSPITEN SUR Playa de Las Américas Arona-Tenerife Tel.: 922 75 00 22. Fax: 922 79 36 18 HOSPITEN C/ Pescadores, Edf. Discovery, Carretera Gral. La Cuesta. Taco 38108 La Laguna Tel.: 922 626240 Fax: 922 614355 HOSPITEN BELLEVUE C/ Alemania, 6 Urb. San Fernando. Puerto de la Cruz Tel.: 922 38 35 51 Fax: 922 37 03 12 HOSPITEN TAMARAGUA C/ Agustín de Bethencourt, 30 Puerto de la Cruz Tel.: 922 38 05 12 Fax: 922 38 08 50 HOSPITEN RAMBLA Address: Rambla General Franco, 115. 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Tel.: 922 29 16 00. Fax: 922 29 10 88 Hospital San Juan de Dios Ctra. Gral. del Norte, 53. Santa Cruz. Teléfono: 922 64 55 11 Fax: 922 64 93 52

Physiotherapy PHYSIOTHERAPIST / OSTEOPATH Officially registered Nº967 Philippe Hoogstoel Home visits Tel: 677 818 661 English, Spanish, French, German spoken

Emergency

080 092 091 062 016

South: C/ Amalia Alayón, 11, 1º D, Los Cristianos. Tel. 922 78 83 28 North: Plaza del Charco 6, 2nd floor, Puerto de la Cruz. Tel. 922 38 13 47

domestic violence

Missing Children> 116000

Chemist Farmacia de Guardia

24H Service

Dr Michael Theis Calle La Hoya 55 Puerto de la Cruz In the south on Saturdays at Hospital Las Americas Tel 922 370 897 Specialist in gynaecology

Hospital Dr. Negrín

C/. Barranco de la Ballena, s/n. 35020 Las Palmas. Tel. 928 450 000 Fax: 928 449 100

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) South:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5.45pm, Friday at 11.45am. 1st Floor Apolo Centre, Los Cristianos (next to bus terminal).

630 478 448 (24 hrs).

Alcoholism, Low self-esteem, Eating Disorders.

 Action Plan, Attitudinal Training designed to meet your needs and empower you to achieve greater health & happiness.

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Mar de Siberia 1 Urb. Meloneras 35100 MaspalomasMeloneras Tel: 928 063 600

C/ Buganvillas 1 35100 San Agustín Las Palmas. Tel. (0034) 928 76 90 04 Fax: (0034) 928 76 12 48

Avda. de Tenerife, 24 Centro Comercial Kasbah Playa del Inglés Tel: 928 762 992

Home care or home help in your hotel or apartment from 1 to 24 hrs. Dementia care a speciality. Rates start at just €7. Tenerife Nursing and Care S.L.

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DENTAL CLINIC FAÑABÉ PLAZA

FREE check-up and X-ray Emergency Phone Line (for Bank Holidays & Weekends)

687 744 225

Tel: 922 714 225 • Fax: 922 724 130

C.C. Fañabé Plaza, Avda. Bruselas 2nd floor (in front of Hotel Jacaranda). Playa Fañabé, Costa Adeje, Tenerife Sur www.tenerife-dental.com

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Counselling

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Plaza Doctor Pasteur 35020 Las Palmas. Tel. 928 313 033

Enter the website of the Federation of Canarian Chemists: and click on ‘farmacias de guardia’ at the top right of the page.

Lic. 06089

Hospital Insular

Clínica Roca

www.fefarcan.com

De La Flor

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The various chemists in the Canaries take it in turns in each area to make sure that there is access to medicine all over the islands.

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Fire Brigade Local Police National Police Guardia Civil

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Health Directory Useful Vocabulary

health directory

MOTORWAY EXIT 79

Tel.: 922 78 10 03 Mobile: 637 81 93 18 (24h)

EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

living lifestyle All photos: Primark

Primark

for partywear

Primark, who opened their store in C.C. Las Arenas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in October, and their second in C.C. El Mirador del Valle, Jinamar at the end of November, have a great selection of clothes and accessories for men, women and children, including partywear for the forthcoming festive season. All at prices to suit your pocket.

living & lifestyle

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 632 :: 17/12/2010 - 31/12/2010 Beauty News

HealthFitness

info@bfit.es

Christmas

Eat, drink, be merry Shellac

Nail the look By Diana Clavijo

Say hello to Shellac, 14-Day Wear, Zero Dry Time, Mirror Finish and say goodbye to chips, nicks and smudges. If long lasting wear and polish-like application don’t draw you in, the removal certainly will. “Is this just like another soak-off gel?” Those were my first words at the CND (Creative Nails Design) Stand on the trade beauty exhibition in Madrid, last October. Have you ever worn those colour gel nails that look thick and fake and that have to be removed roughly? I have, and definitely I’m not a fan. Now let me introduce you to Shellac. Shellac truly is a hybrid of traditional nail polish and UV gel polish. Unlike soak-off gels it comes in a polish bottle and unlike traditional polish it cures/dries under a UV lamp. Shellac paints on like polish – base coat, colour, top coat – and is cured in a UV light so there is zero dry time. The colours are hypo-allergenic, and ‘3-Free’– no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP. Shellac was launched in a range of 12 varieties of shades, from pretty French pinks and whites, to siren red and rich darks. The formula is thin and flexible like polish, so it not only looks natural, it provides strong natural nail protection with a resilient mirror finish that resists dullness and chipping, even during the most rigorous activities. Shellac will last 14 days (or even longer!); however, you will notice a line of demarcation as your natural nails grow away from the cuticle. Fast and safe removal is the big whoop on Shellac: no soaking, drilling or filing. Nails are wrapped in individual Shellac Remover Wraps -integrated cotton pads that limit finger and skin exposure to acetone by keeping it pinpointed on just the nail. Ten minutes of time in exchange for two weeks of perfect colour is all it takes. Say goodbye to manicure frustration and hello to pure manicure satisfaction. Another great thing about Shellac is that there’s no dry time. It dries under UV light in just two minutes. Completely! With this new technique you are going to be able to leave the salon without being worried about taking your keys out of your handbag, having to wash your hair right after your manicure, cook, clean, shop or work. Twist your hair, close your buttons, send hundreds of e-mails, and then look at your nails: you’ll be surprised. Isn’t this great for the Christmas period? Isn’t it great having your nails done just a while before having to go home and get ready for the party without waiting for them to dry? So, whether you have given up nail polish or you love getting a manicure, or you love your own natural strong nails why not give Shellac a try? It definitely will make a difference and your manicure will win a “wow” every time you show it. Available at Zhen Estetica C.C Passarella Oasis, local B-8

eck the halls with boughs of holly! It’s time to be merry, eat and drink with your loved ones, even the ones that belch and fall asleep after the turkey!

Deck the halls would appear to be one of the few Christmas traditions that isn’t German in origin, and in fact comes from Wales. We all know that the Christmas tree itself was imported by Prince Albert for his beloved Queen Victoria, but did the Advent Calendar start in Germany and was a German immigrant in the United States that invented the Christmas card… but enough of pub trivia and the answers to questions from your newspaper’s quiz! It is Christmas time and it’s also the time that we see one year out and bring another one in. So I say, eat, drink and be merry… not what you expect a fitness guru to advise, and it’s not a cynical ploy to get you to put weight on now so that you have to come to see me in the New Year to lose it. I am not even going to say that you should do anything in moderation or try and be your finger pointing mother. Instead let me tell you, one of the things you should always know about being healthy is how and when to enjoy yourself and relax. Just as your muscles need to take a day’s rest from hard exercise in the gym for them to rebuild and be stronger, the body as a whole also needs to take a break from the routine that we have developed for

pudding (not at the same time!)

Eat, drink and be merry

ourselves. Whether you are a work-at-home mother or a 9 to 5-er we all need a break that’s more than just a weekend. Time away from work and the routine means more time for ourselves and our loved ones and therefore however you look at it a time for our spirit… mine is, naturally, Jägermeister!

On the flip side of Christmas with all the excesses, let’s go through the joys

Cranberry One of the oldest remedies known to man for helping with your blood system in preventing cholesterol and also cleaning the pipes, and should be promoted as more than a sauce with one meal a year. Nuts! Nearly all nuts have essential and beneficial oils that the body craves (probably why they are so more-ish.)

Turkey Of course one of the best meats you can eat, full of protein and very little fat (if you don’t like eating the skin), also containing lots of iron for blood, riboflavin B2 – among other things very useful for processing fats, zinc helps the metabolism and prevents many ‘biological’ problems,

Leire Pajín

B6 for metabolism and B12 for the nervous system – and overall turkey is great for the muscles.

Swede Is a great source of vitamin C and also fibre, Chestnuts help prevent colds and flu, carrots keep you sane and I’ll even let you indulge in a potato or two if you promise to eat the skin. So that leaves us with the two big ones - sprouts and

Sprouts Are a much abused vegetable that always gets bad press. Sprouts are your friend at Christmas as studies show that eating them, or more the glucosinolates they contain, helps you prevent cancer, both breast and colonic. Though what will be of more interest to you, at this time, will be that fact that those little green gas bombs, that most kids hate, actually help the liver break down highly toxic poisons… so maybe that’s why we naturally have more of them at this time of year as we consume more poisons! Pudding Then there is the pudding. Well, to be completely honest, there is nothing healthy about the Christmas pudding – even if you add your thick yellow custard or cream to it but one thing I can tell you is that it is really yummy, so give your taste buds a holiday too. Until 2011 then, I will leave you with the following good news, we will of course have a discount offer for all Island Connections readers who want to keep their New Years promises but if it makes you feel any better, I expect to put on about five kilos myself over the next few weeks, so don’t panic as you always have the one day diet (see the last issue on-line for that).

Keep healthy and happy and have a great Christmas.

Away in a manger…

Drop in abortions Premature celebrations?

The number of abortions carried out in Spain in 2009 was less than in 2008, the first time there has been a drop since 1999.

ccording to the Minister of Health, Leire Pajín, there were 111,482 terminations in 2009, a drop of four percent on the previous 12 months, and the figures from her department also show that fewer teenagers requested an abortion in the last year and a half than before. The minister was speaking at a New Economics Forum and referred to the wider availability without prescription of the morning-after pill, a factor in the drop in the number of abortions, as “a very effective move”. “I believe we are moving in the right direction; what is important is the prevent of unwanted pregnancies and sex education” she told the forum.

It has not been uncommon in some cultures to try and make sure a baby is born in a certain month or year but here in Spain there are many parents who are hoping that babies due between the end of December and the start of January (over 44,000 according to records) will be born before January 1st 2011.

n fact many mothers-to-be are adopting all sorts of habits to try and advance their birth date, and all because the government’s €2,500 baby cheques will cease to exist at the end of the year. In the past being the first baby of the new year has been a cause for celebration, making news headlines, but maybe this time celebrations will be less lively!

adventcalendar2010

Christmas events

Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife. Port of Santa Cruz. Entry free

Events in Arona: Church services:

All Saints’ Church Puerto de la Cruz December 16 ,6.30 pm Carol Service followed by mince pies and wine December 24,11.30 pm Midnight Mass December 25, 9.30 am Holy Communion (traditional). 11.00 am Sung Eucharist December 26, 9.30 am Holy Communion (traditional), 11.00 am Sung Eucharist

Entertainment:

December 20, Christmas concert at El Marqués, 7pm in aid of the Lions Club, Santiago del Teide. €6 per person with the option to buy a delicious buffet on the night for just €13. Tickets from The Dive Centre, or call Mary or Sheila, 607 435 267 and 637 819 204 respectively.

Events in Adeje:

December 18, 6.30 pm to 11 pm, Christmas in Calle Grande with traditional market, children’s area, food tasting, storytelling, Christmas personalities, mime and much more December 18, 7 pm, concert: United for Christmas, performed by the Escuela de Música de Adeje and folklore groups. Plaza de España December 19, 8 pm, Christmas concert by Los Sabandeños and the Escuela de Música de Adeje choir. Jardín Botánico August Park, Las Nieves December 23, 5.30 pm, street puppet theatre, Plaza Piedra Rodonda, La Postura December 23, 9 pm, inauguration of the living nativity scene and carol singing, Fañabé village December 31, 11 pm, New Year’s Eve party with live music by Wamampy and La Fortaleza, to be transmitted live by TV Canarias. San Sebastián. La Caleta

Events in S.Cruz:

December 25, 10 pm, Christmas concert by the

Christmas street processions. 6pm to 10pm: December 14, Las Galletas, El Fraile, Parque de la Reina December 16, Arona, Valle San Lorenzo, Buzanada December 21, Cabo Blanco, Los Cristianos December 18, 8 pm, Festival of Canarian Christmas Traditions with carols and traditional dancing. Cultural Centre, Los Cristianos December 19, 5 pm, Christmas chess tournament. Civic Centre, Cabo Blanco December 23, 9 pm, Christmas concert by Ramón Domínguez and friends. Plaza de la Iglesia, Los Cristianos December 31, 10 pm, New Year’s Eve Party with live music by Sensación Gomera and Deliciosa, Plaza del Pescador, in front of the Cultural Centre, Los Cristianos Christmas activities for children with inflatable castles, workshops, puppets and more, all between 5pm and 8pm: December 13, Plaza de Centro Cultural, Parque de la Reina December 14, Calle Flor del Sur, Guargacho December 14, Urb. Virgen del Carmen, Guargacho December 15, Rambla, Las Galletas December 16, Plaza de La Camella December 17, Plaza de Guaza December 18, Plaza de la Iglesia, Cabo Blanco December 19, El Palmar December 20, Plaza del Valle San Lorenzo December 21, Plaza de la Iglesia, Arona December 22, Plaza de la Iglesia, El Fraile, December 23, Plaza de la Iglesia, Buzanada

Dining & celebrations:

December 31st, ‘Moulin Rouge’ New Year’s Eve party, acrobats, dancers, singers, red carpet.Hotel Bahía del duche

01 Zhen Estética

Little Treasures

Prize: Luxury Firming Diamond Facial

Prize: 40 euro voucher

Angelina Gräb

Prize: Medical foot care or foot reflexology massage

Venus Fashion

Prize: 40% discount voucher

Prize: 2 tickets

Prize: Ticket for 2

13 Liquid Shop

Prize: 1 electric cigarette

18 Divine VIP

Prize: 2 drinks packages

21 Tenerife Off Road Centre

Prize: VIP double ticket

17 Rock Story

Loro Parque

Prize: 40 euro voucher

Freebird

Prize: Sunday carvery for 2

Prize: Round of drinks for 4

Koala Sur

07 James’ Brasserie

Mogu Lounge

Prize: 2x35 min Excursions (Quad or Buggy)

22 Tenerife Sunshine

Prize: Jet Ski Safari for 2

23 Hotel Puerto Azul

Prize: Weekend with bed & breakfast for 2

14 DAY GUIDE

17th - 30th December 2010 :: BBC1 / BBC2 / ITV1 / Channel4 / Channel5 / Skysports1 / Skysports2

Programmes and timings are subject to change at the Broadcaster’s discretion.

Entertainment >

A Night of Heroes:

The Sun Military Awards

A host of famous faces join forces to pay tribute to the bravery and heroism of Britain’s armed forces. Presented by Phillip Schofield and Amanda Holden.

ITV1 / 17th December, 9:00pm

soap >

Eastenders As the residents of Walford celebrate Christmas, Janine carries out her final, devastating act of revenge against Stacey.

BBC1 / 25th December, 8.00pm

Documentary>

is Christmas on the Comedy ItCosta Blanca and the

Garveys are staying with Mel and Madge in their luxury hilltop villa - but will Mel make it back from a business trip in time for Christmas dinner?

ITV1 / 26th December, 9.00pm

Benidorm N

Live Aid:

oreen finds a travel companion, but he may not be all he seems. There is confusion at the Solana when Donald and Jacqueline check in with a group of close personal friends - including king of the swingers Marvin. Madge is left in charge of the Christmas Spectacular at the Benidorm Palace but when star of the show Su Pollard takes an unexpected detour via a Spanish nudist camp it looks as if the event will be left without its big finale. Can Donald and Jacqueline’s famous friend save the day?

Rockin’ All Over the World

Documentary telling the story of the day that music rocked the world. Bob Geldof recalls how, after 12 weeks of manic preparation, the big day finally arrived.

BBC2 / 26th December, 10.45pm

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TV22

IC TV GUIDE

/ Friday 17/12/2010 BBC1 / Comedy

17th December - 9.30pm Live at the Apollo

Scottish funnyman Kevin Bridges presents the comedy show from the Hammersmith

one 6:00 Breakfast 9:15 Rip Off Britain 10:00 Homes under the Hammer 11:00 Real Rescues 11:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 12:15 Bargain Hunt 1:00 BBC News at One 1:30 BBC London News 1:45 Doctors 2:15 Escape to the Country 3:00 BBC News 3:05 Horrible Histories 3:30 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 3:50 Shaun the Sheep 4:00 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 4:30 M.I. High 5:00 Newsround 5:15 The Weakest Link 6:00 BBC News at Six 6:30 BBC London News 7:00 The One Show 7:30 A Question of Sport 8:00 EastEnders Glenda vows to uncover the identity of her attacker, while Ronnie is troubled when a lucrative job offer takes Jack abroad. And as Ryan’s life hangs in the balance, will an oblivious Stacey find him in time? 8:30 QI Stephen Fry asks unanswerable questions about Holidays, with Bill Bailey, Rich Hall, Rob Brydon and Alan Davies. 9:00 Have I Got News for You 9:30 Live at the Apollo Scottish comic Kevin Bridges introduces sets from Shappi Khorsandi and Jack Whitehall. 10:00 BBC News at Ten 10:25 BBC London News 10:35 The Graham Norton Show 11:20 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 11:30 Severance Darkly-comic horror. A team-building weekend in the mountains of Eastern Europe goes horribly wrong for the sales division of a multi-national weapons company. 1:00 Weatherview

TWO

6:00

11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 1:45 2:15 3:00 3:45 4:30 5:15

6:00 6:30 7:30 8:00

9:00 10:00

10:30 11:00 12:05

Children’s Entertainment Programmes include The Pingu Show and Bob the Builder: Project Build It. In the Night Garden Animal Park The Daily Politics GMT with George Alagiah Due South Car Booty Ready, Steady, Cook Murder, She Wrote Flog It! Ten of the Best Pointless The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off Special guest, actor Neil Morrissey, plates up his Moroccan mangler; and the seven-minute supper. Celebrity Eggheads Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two Mastermind Natural World Britain’s butterflies have never been so threatened, three quarters are in decline. A search for butterflies leads to some of the most beautiful parts of Britain. It opens up the intriguing possibility that a passion for butterflies could help us preserve the landscapes that we love. John Sergeant on Tracks of Empire Never Mind the Buzzcock David Tennant hosts a special Dr Who-themed show with team captains Phill Jupitus and Noel Fielding. Guests include Dr Who stars Bernard Cribbins and Catherine Tate, plus platinum-selling jazz artist Jamie Cullum and Radio 1’s Jo Whiley. Newsnight The Review Show The Gigolos Comedy with Sacha Tarter and Susannah York. Sacha is a male gigolo plying his trade around London’s Mayfair, with the assistance of pimp/valet/organiser Trevor.

6:00 8:30 9:25 10:30 11:25 11:30 12:30 1:30 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00

Daybreak Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning ITV News This Morning Loose Women ITV News & Weather House Gift Dickinson’s Real Deal Midsomer Murders The Alan Titchmarsh Show 6:00 London Tonight 6:30 ITV News & Weather 7:00 Emmerdale Accusations fly when Alicia and Leyla realise that Jacob is missing. Hazel experiences a miracle on Main Street. The factory girls tease Lisa for flirting with Derek. 7:30 Coronation Street As another funeral takes place, a secret is finally uncovered. Pressure mounts on one resident as the explosion is investigated further. Becky continues to struggle with the burden of her secret. 8:00 Countrywise Kitchen 8:30 Coronation Street Emotions run high at the funeral as the truth is revealed. Steve’s suspicions of Becky grow. Will friendships survive as residents start to point the finger of blame? 9:00 A Night of Heroes: The Sun Military Awards A host of famous faces including David Beckham, Stephen Fry and senior members of the Royal Family join forces to pay tribute to the bravery and heroism of Britain’s armed forces. 10:30 ITV News & Weather 11:05 Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome Hero Max enters the savage, rough-hewn precincts of Bartertown. Forced to fight for his possessions, he breaks the only rule of the city and is banished. He is rescued by a tribe of feral children who see him as a prophesied saviour. 1:00 The Zone

5:55 6:40 6:50 7:15 7:45 8:10 8:35 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:05 12:20 1:20

3:25 4:10 5:00 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:25 7:30 8:00 9:00

10:00

10:30

11:05 11:40

Brothers and Sisters The Treacle People Yo Gabba Gabba! Freshly Squeezed Everybody Loves Raymond According to Jim Frasier One Tree Hill Friends Double bill. Glee Channel 4 News Summary River Cottage Bites Iron Chef Ivanhoe Saxon hero Wilfred of Ivanoe, who sets out on a quest to raise the ransom to free KIng Richard the Lionheart, imprisoned in an Austrian castle. Countdown Deal or No Deal Come Dine with Me Four in a Bed The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News 4thought.tv Teen Undertaker The Million Pound Drop Live The Event President Martinez confronts the traitor in his administration but is blackmailed with threats that the cover-up of Avias Air 514 will be exposed. Peep Show It’s the day of Mark’s baby’s christening and he arranges to pick up Jeremy, the baby’s godfather, from Zahra’s flat on his way to the church. But unfortunately the lads get locked in the hallway. Robert’s Web Robert’s Web offers an alternative take on the week’s online news and happenings - scouring the internet for the funniest tweets, the most talkedabout uploads, the weirdest new Facebook groups and the best celebrity websites. Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights The Morgana Show

6:00

9:15 10:45 11:45 11:50 12:45

1:45 2:15

2:50 2:55 3:10

5:00 5:30

6:00 6:25 7:00 7:30 8:00 9:00

10:00

11:55

Milkshake Programmes include Thomas and Friends and Roary the Racing Car. The Wright Stuff Trisha Goddard Five News CSI: New York CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Grissom visits a small Nevada town to investigate the death of a man whose severed head was found by a dog in the woods nearby. Neighbours Home and Away Sid finds it difficult to break the news that Marilyn will be moving into their house. Robertson prepares to leave Summer Bay after his investigation comes to a standstill. Your Sport Meals in Moments I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus Festive family fun based on the traditional song of the same name. After learning that his best friend’s parents are getting a divorce, a young boy fears for his own family. Five News Neighbours Sam encourages Paul to persuade Donna to attend the trial. Still coping with her loss, Donna does not want to go. Home and Away Live from Studio Five Five News at 7 Zoo Days Emergency Bikers The Mentalist The CBI team launches an investigation into the National Society of Authentic Santas when one of its members is found murdered. Law and Order: Special Victims Unit Double bill. The body of a partially clothed boy is found after a disastrous stunt and video evidence exposes his best friend as the culprit. Cops in Crisis

6:00

Ashes Cricket Australia v England on day two of the third Ashes Test from the WACA, Perth. 10:00 Test Cricket Australia v England on day two of the third Ashes Test from the WACA, Perth 4:00 Ashes Highlights 5:00 Barclays Premier League World 5:30 Football League Weekend A look ahead to the weekend’s games in the npower Football League, including all the latest stories, features, team news and player interviews. Presented by George Gavin. 6:30 Barclays Premier League Preview 7:00 World Darts Championship Day two of the World Darts Championship from Alexandra Palace in London. 12:00 Take it Like a Fan 12:30 Barclays Premier League Preview

6:00 9:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 5:00 6:00 7:00

8:00

10:00

10:30

11:00

59 | December 2010

LIFESTYLE GUIDE FOR THE CANARY ISLANDS

Good Morning Sports Fans Ringside The Rugby Club Ashes Highlights WWE Special WWE Raw NFL Tight Lines Test Cricket South Africa and India at Newlands, Cape Town. The Ashes Australia v England on day two of the third Ashes Test from the Western Australia Cricket Association. Take it Like a Fan The Sky Sports football quiz filmed at Premier League, Football League and SPL grounds. Barclays Premier League Preview A look ahead to the weekend’s Barclays Premier League games. Football League Weekend

IC TV GUIDE

TV23

/ Saturday 18/12/10

ITV1 / Music

18th December - 11:20pm Sting

Highlights of Sting’s Symphonicity world tour in September 2010

one 6:00 10:00 11:30 12:00 12:10 12:15 1:00

Breakfast Saturday Kitchen Live Nigella’s Kitchen BBC News BBC London News Football Focus Sports Personality of the Year 1:40 Olympia Clare Balding presents highlights from the Puissance at the London International Horse Show. 2:45 The Game Plan Family sports comedy about a successful football player who has to sacrifice his career to look after the seven-year-old daughter he never knew he had. 4:30 Final Score 5:10 BBC News 5:20 BBC London News 5:30 Total Wipeout 6:30 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson Ant calls the police when Dec goes missing for five minutes, Boris Johnson apologises a lot, and Bill Gates meets Ricky Gervais in The Microsoft Office. 7:00 Strictly Come Dancing 8:00 The National Lottery Saturday Night Draws 8:15 Casualty Lenny resorts to desperate measures in order to find a suitable donor match for his sister Helen, drafting in Yuki to illicitly test patients as they come into the ED. 9:05 Strictly Come Dancing Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly present a two-part Grand Final as we find out who will dance off with the Glitterball trophy. The remaining couples again perform to earn high scores from the judges as well as viewer votes. 10:05 BBC News 10:25 Match of the Day Gabby Logan presents highlights from the day’s Premier League matches, including Liverpool’s game against Fulham. 11:45 The Football League Show 1:05 The Apprentice

TWO

6:00

11:00 11:30 12:00 12:35 1:50 2:20 2:45 3:30 4:30 5:30

8:00 8:40

9:15

10:00

10:45