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• From the Dugout with Andy Dixon • Mind your manners • Films at Festival Park and Ocimax

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BANKIA: WORTH LESS THAN NOTHING to be woth nothing is a realistic goal for spainsH bankia!

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expropriation after all. Bankia was taken over by the state in May, triggering investor concerns over the country’s banking sector, which has been severely exposed to the real estate crash and continues to hold large amounts of rapidly devaluating land and property.

On Wednesday, the Bank of Spain warned that second-quarter results will likely confirm a deepening of the recession, following a GDP contraction of 0.3 per cent in the first three months Bankia is worth less than nothing. The value of the year. of a group made up of seven savings banks, including the once powerful Caja Madrid, has been estimated at minus 13.63 billion euros ahead of the nationalization process of 100 per cent of its parent company, Banco Financiero y de Ahorros (BFA).

This was the result of the valuation presented to the bank’s board of directors on Wednesday. This means that the seven savings banks that created BFA by joining forces are left empty-handed and without future dividends to use on their social and cultural work, traditionally a defining characteristic of regional lenders.

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The negative appraisal comes ahead of public capital injections that include 4.46 billion euros in capitalization and a further 19 billion euros requested by Bankia chairman, José Ignacio Goirigolzarri, who took over from Rodrigo Rato, a former IMF chief.

This is not the first time that a banking group has been found to be worth nothing. It happened to Unnim, while CatalunyaCaixa and Novacaixagalicia still hold on to minority shares in the nationalized banks through which they conduct their business.

But these two lenders now find themselves in further need of capital, which may lead to their complete

Colour Adds Impact and Comes as Standard!

FROM THE DUGOUT WITH ANDY DIXON Where has all the money gone? again this is my opinion, is because the people that buy the club do so because they look upon it as a business… Well it’s not! You will never earn any real money from owning a football club don’t even try, the only people who become millionaires from owning a football team are the ones who are Billionaires when they buy the club in the first place.

So back to the question where has all the money gone, well bad money management maybe but I don’t think transfer fees and wages help, is there any way the top people in the game can put a cap on these? I mean you can’t buy a half decent player today for less than ten million pounds, and the money players pick up today at top level is just crazy (maybe it always has been), Speaking to a friend this week, who is an I am going to say something now that will avid Celtic fan, and after all the joking, shock many of my readers who know me. firmly believes that without Rangers in In my day, in the game I and many of my that top league Scottish football is doomed friends loved our jobs, who wouldn’t but and that is a really scary thought, we also today there are certain players out there hear this week that Portsmouth FC have who make decisions not for football but got to sell 3 players before pre-season or for money. It appears to me that today, they will have to go into administration, for some players anyway, football means it’s a sad sad state of affairs. more to the supporters than it does to the players they are just in it for the money Years ago football clubs were owned by and people like this are bleeding the game people who knew and understood football. dry, (I write this next line with my tongue Not today though, today the people that very much in cheek) do we need players own many football clubs usually do so for like this in the game? After all, they are one of two reasons the first in my opinion is only kicking a bag of wind around. this ‘it’s their pet project’ and what happens here is just like a child at Christmas once Till next time be nice to each other they are bored with the toy it ends up in the back of the cupboard. The second, and Andy Dixon

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Can any of my readers answer this. Where has all the money gone in football? It might sound like a strange question but I would like to know the answer. Only this week another huge British club looks like its days are numbered. The club in question is Glasgow Rangers: they have been around since 1872 and due to what can only be called the incorrect management of money by person or persons unknown they are no longer Glasgow Rangers Yes they have been bought out and will be given a new name; but the club as we all know it has all but gone. The Scottish FA has now got to make a major choice and that is do they allow the new club back into the Scottish premier league or do they make them start at the bottom of the Scottish 3rd Division?

I know it’s going to a vote with the twelve teams in the Scottish Premiership but the ultimate choice will be made by the Scottish FA. The vote is a strange thing too - Twelve teams get to vote, yet officially there are only eleven teams in the league as Rangers, or Newco as the new company is known, have not yet been allowed into the league but oddly they have the chance to help vote themselves back in.

DIM ALL THE LIGHTS Spanish electricity bills rise 70% in six years

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Between 2006 and 2011, the price of electricity for Spanish consumers rose 69.9 per cent, according to Eurostat figures.

Meanwhile, in the 27 European Union countries, the average rise over the same period was 19.9 per cent. In the euro area, the rise was just 13.1 per cent.

What’s more, the companies that make up the electricity sector in Spain are running a deficit of 24 billion euros, due to the system of price fixing that is in place - a system that many say simply does not work.

One of the problems that the sector is facing is that the design of the price-fixing system was based on continual growth in the market. But due to the crisis, demand for electricity has plummeted since 2008.

The association that represents the sector, Unesa, is calling on the government to introduce reforms to the system, and to make these public “as soon as possible” in order to avoid “even greater damage” to the power companies.

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DIM ALL THE LIGHTS Charming convicted fraudster John Hirst admits ‘scam’ links

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Prosecutor Simon Bourne-Arton QC told the jury that Hirst had accepted being involved in defrauding investors through his company, Gilher Inc, which was registered in Panama and the Seychelles.

Investors were promised 20 per cent returns, but their money was never actually invested, Mr Bourne-Arton said.

“John Hirst has always given the appearance of being a successful businessman – he was anything but,” Mr Bourne-Arton said.

“Not only has every business venture he’s been involved in failed, he is, as I have indicated, a convicted fraudster.”

On Monday, Jenny May, one of the investors who lost money in the Gilher Inc scheme, said Hirst, of Brighouse, was “absolutely charming”.

On Wednesday, the court heard from boat operator Graham Orr, who said he lost £70,000 in the scheme. He said he had considered Hirst a friend and would let him hire his 10-metre vessel at a reduced rate.

Linda Hirst and Zoe Waite of Surrey, and Daniel Hirst, of Leeds, have all denied CHARMING: John Hirst. money-laundering allegations. Pollett, An ‘absolutely charming’ convicted from Dorset, denies being involved in fraudster who lived a champagne lifestyle. defrauding investors.

That is how John Hirst was described to a court which heard he had accepted The trial continues. involvement in a multi-million pound swindle.

The 61-year-old, who lived in Dewsbury and later Mirfield, in the 1980s and ‘90s, was jailed for two-and-a-half years in 1992 for obtaining money by deception.

Now a jury at Bradford Crown Court has been told that Hirst became involved in a so-called Ponzi investment scheme in Majorca after his release.

His previous conviction was revealed at the start of a trial involving his separated wife Linda, 62, his solicitor son Daniel, 35, his step-daughter Zoe Waite, 36, and 70-yearold financial advisor Richard Pollett.

MIND YOUR MANNERS The Secrets of Switzerland’s Last Traditional Finishing School

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Time have changed - but manners?

Practice makes perfect Students learn dining, serving and other customs at Switzerland’s Institut Villa Pierrefeu, which costs about $20,000 for a sixweek course If lunch at the Institut Villa Pierrefeu (IVP) often feels like a rehearsal, that’s because it is. Under the watchful eye of Rosemary McCallum, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and expert on table manners, 13 female students practice the skills they’ve studied in courses on European etiquette and table service.

As the meal unfolds in a stately dining room with corniced ceilings, McCallum gently reminds the five student servers that they must pick up champagne glasses near the bottom of the stems and offer the pear-and-Roquefort tarts from the left. Back home, four of the five women serving have live-in staff.

But the program requires them to rotate through the service role anyway so they can better train and manage their employees. Vera, a 30-year-old playing the role of hostess, steers the conversation from her work with orphans back home in Lebanon to a Mexican guest’s love of horseback riding.

All goes well until Vera’s fondness for Toblerone mousse leads her to commit a crucial error. “Your husband is still eating, and you’ve already finished,” McCallum says. “Remember to pace yourself.” Vera glares across the table at her husband, played by a female classmate from India. “Well,” Vera says, “my husband should learn to eat faster.”

For nearly 60 years, IVP — Switzerland’s last traditional finishing school — has taught women social graces, from floral arrangement and table decoration to the art of serving afternoon tea.

Updated annually, its intensive six-week course consists of 216 hours of class and, for those working toward a diploma in international etiquette and protocol, 45 exams. Daily practice brings students up to speed on how to whip up the trendiest desserts — like mascarpone mousse and balsamic cream, a fresh alternative to tiresome tiramisu — and how to gracefully adhere to local customs in 20 countries, including Mexico (where you may shake your waiter’s hand) and Japan (where you should never use chopsticks as decorations in swept-up hair).

Among those who agree is P. Christopher Earley, the incoming dean at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management and a co-author of Cultural Intelligence. Before globalization became the norm, “cultural issues were of less immediacy to businesses,” he says. “But that’s all changed in the past several decades with the flow of goods, services and information across transparent borders as well as the increasing interdependence of firms and subsidiaries.”

It’s this reality that draws midcareer executives to enroll at IVP, where they hope to gain an edge with international clients; younger students come to prepare for careers in public relations and the foreign service. Princesses and the daughters of Presidents and Prime Ministers enroll to better perform such duties as entertaining dignitaries and giving gifts while abroad.

Refinement comes at a price: a six-week course, which includes room, two daily meals and weekend excursions, costs about $20,000. Student housing consists of well-appointed rooms with bathrooms en suite and names like Rose and Violet.

THIS WEEK IN THE STARS ARIES

CANCER

This week’s scenario is highlighted by your need for a change of scenery. Travel for business or pleasure and you’ll break up the monotony. Use your finesse to get what you want. You’ll be surprised by the response you receive. Check out some of the courses offered in your community. You need to start learning new skills if you want to keep up with the never-ending technological changes at work. Don’t become involved in dubious financial schemes. Extravagance could be your downfall.

Excessiveness will result in minor illness. You need to put some time aside for rest and relaxation.

Don’t sign anything unless you understand the repercussions. It is best to hold tight and observe what everyone else is doing. You can gain some insight if you talk to those with more experience.

This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability to go into new ventures with enthusiasm and an open mind. Stay put and work on the projects that don’t require a lot of travel or communication. Take things in stride. You are best to busy yourself with personal projects. You should be thinking about a career move. Someone you work for is probably trying to hold you back. Protect your reputation and prepare yourself for unexpected changes. It’s time to take a serious look at getting into shape before summer hits and you have to shed some of those layers of clothing you’ve been hiding under. Get busy talking to those individuals who can offer you mental stimulation. You will be in a competitive mood, and any debate that comes your way will be welcomed.

TAURUS

This week’s scenario is highlighted by your need to get out and meet some new people. You need to put some excitement back into your life. Emotional blackmail will get you into trouble. Don’t blame others for your own mistakes or unhappiness. New acquaintances will show interest in you if you are happy and positive about yourself. You need to make some personal changes in your life. Don’t be depressed. You need to concentrate on your creative projects and not worry so much about what other people are saying or doing. Put your heart and soul into things you enjoy. You don’t need to overspend to impress others.

LEO

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This week’s scenario is highlighted by your efforts to help others. It will be admired by onlookers.

Someone you work with may be jealous of you.

Keep your thoughts and intentions to yourself.

Outdoor activities will be invigorating. Take care of your family responsibilities first or include the ones you love in the events you attend. Don’t overspend on those unworthy of your generosity. You may want to look into the nature of an organization before you donate or join it. Your partner will not put up with your possessiveness. Expect to get into a heated discussion. Don’t try to change loved ones.

Self-improvement should be your goal. Sudden romantic infatuations may send you for a loop. You VIRGO must take your time if you wish things to work in This week’s scenario is highlighted by emotional your favor. Be honest and direct and don’t be afraid and personal situations that will drain your energy.

Refuse to get dragged into the middle of an to ask the necessary questions. argument. Don’t take sides. Get out and socialize GEMINI with colleagues. If you can combine some work with This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability pleasure, you will gain respect and help from those to use discretion when discussing personal matters. in a position to help you get ahead. If you made a You can avoid emotional issues with loved ones by promise to your family, you must not renege. Put being affectionate, fun loving and active. You’ll be everything else on hold. Emotional problems with able to make money if you investment in yourself. family members will be disheartening. You must Your lover may not be sure of your intentions. Be listen rather than offer your opinions. Visit with discriminating when discussing work. You won’t friends who may be able to shed some light on your be able to trust some of your colleagues or clients. situation.

Keep your ideas to yourself for the time being. Find out all you can about your present position and the changes going on around you. Work hard to complete projects that might make a real difference to your professional future.

THIS WEEK IN THE STARS LIBRA

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This week’s scenario is highlighted by your innovative ideas and your energetic nature. This force will help you to push your ideas into motion. You’ll be receptive to new ideas and concepts. Friendships could develop into serious partnerships. You must act quickly if you want to meet your deadlines. Don’t hesitate to ask others for favors owed. You have more allies than you think. Don’t let boredom stand in the way of doing a good job. Put some flair back into your work or move onto greater challenges.

Attend motivational seminars that will help you to reach your potential. Don’t be angry with those who don’t show the same excitement regarding your projects. Emotional upset is likely,curb your reactions to situations regarding home and family.

Delays due to transportation difficulties may cause a snag in your plans.

SCORPIO

CAPRICORN

This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability to make changes for the better. Try to avoid the usual pitfalls and begin to make yourself happy. You need to express both your fears and your fantasies.

Once you admit to the limitations you have, you’ll be able to communicate your dreams and perhaps even make some of them come true. The world is far too exciting for petty or personal issues to interfere.

Your energy will will attract the attention of others.

They’ll stand up and take notice of you. Many may want your friendship, but few are willing to pay their dues. Question their loyalty, as secrets may surface which show you their true colors.

AQUARIUS

This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability to find satisfaction in everything you do. Your sense of humour will take control and make life interesting again. Try your best to get along with the majority and everything should run smoothly. If you sense a reluctance from others, don’t push it. If you like to help others, you can expect to have a rewarding time, this week. If you feel your patience is slipping away, you should avoid confrontation, at all costs.

Invite someone special to visit an important place with you. Share a fantasy, that way, you will be in charge of the illusion. Fun is necessary for your wellbeing, especially when it involves art and emotional issues. Your gentle yet persistent touch will help you to find new avenues of enjoyment.

This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability to open your mind and your heart to other’s. A longterm relationship will prove once again to be a source of security and delight for you. Your feelings have been mixed and you’ve been keeping them hidden.

Loved ones will sense your mood and question you.

It’s important that you keep your cool and explain how you feel. Conversations could get out of hand if you are too quick to assume what others think.

Ask the questions and you’ll get the truth. You’ll feel unsettled if you say something before you know how they really feel. Try a little harder to look at the situation from their perspective. Share your dreams PISCES and listen to theirs. You may even be able to invision This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability to set limits. Normally you allow others more room, your future. but you need to make sure that everybody is on SAGITTARIUS the same page. It’s not that you are inflexible, but This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability some assurance. If a smile and a handshake make to keep on track. Others may be concerned with you suspicious, maybe your intuition is working adding to your purpose, but you need to focus on overtime. A solid presentation of your ideas will your immediate objectives. You’re playing for keeps, generate instant success for you. Your word will be so you’ll have little patience for detours or changes accepted as the unwritten law. What’s obvious to in plans. Somebody may try to slip something past you may be brilliant to others. Your future is looking you, be aware but don’t let on. Family and old friends better all the time. Weigh the options you have and are the best company for you right now. You’ll learn ask yourself if it’s worth the trouble. You will receive an important lesson. Sharing will be necessary. respect from those in charge, for your insight.

The message will become clear and positive. Many will vie for your attention and some will insist on becoming a part of your entourage. Your popularity will soar.

CINEMA Films In English This Week Festival Park Ice Age: Continental Drift

Festival Park Moonrise Kingdom

Click on poster for Film Trailer Running time: 94 mins.

Dir: Wes Anderson With: Edward Norton, Bruce Willis and Bill Murray

Showings: Mon: Tues: Weds: Thurs: Fri: Sat: Sun:

Showings: Mon: Tues: Weds: Thurs: Fri: Sat: Sun:

17:00, 17:00, 17:00, 17:00, 17:00, 17:00, 17:00,

19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00

& & & & & & &

21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00

18:15 18:15 18:15 18:15 18:15 18:15 18:15

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Click on poster for Film Trailer Running time: 94 mins.

Dir: Steve Martino & Mike Thurmeier With voices of: Aziz Ansari, Joy Behar and Christopher Campbell

CINEMA Films In English This Week

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Festival Park Snow White and the Huntsman

Ocimax Ice Age: Continental Drift

Click on poster for Film Trailer

Click on poster for Film Trailer

Dir: Rupert Sanders With: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron

Running time: 94 mins.

Dir: Steve Martino & Mike Thurmeier With voices of: Aziz Ansari, Joy Behar and Christopher Campbell

Showings: Fri: Sat: Sun: Mon: Tues: Weds: Thurs:

16:30 16:30 12: & 16:30 16:30 16:30 16:30 16:30

Showings: Mon:

Tues:

Weds:

Thurs:

Fri:

Sat:

Sun:

12:05, 15:10, 17:00, 20:40 and 22:30 12:05, 15:10, 17:00, 20:40 and 22:30 12:05, 15:10, 17:00, 20:40 and 22:30 12:05, 15:10, 17:00, 20:40 and 22:30 12:05, 15:10, 17:00, 20:40 and 22:30 12:05, 15:10, 17:00, 20:40 and 22:30 12:05, 15:10, 17:00, 20:40 and 22:30

18:50, 18:50, 18:50, 18:50, 18:50, 18:50, 18:50,

MA LIFESTYLE Ricotta Mascarpone Mousse with Balsamic Strawberries Ingredients:

Directions:

8oz/225gms double cream

In a medium bowl, beat the cream until soft peaks form.

16oz/450gms whole milk ricotta cheese 8oz/225gms mascarpone cheese 4oz/150gms cup granulated sugar Grated zest of one lemon 2lb/1Kg Strawberries, hulled and cut into quarters 2oz/60gms cup balsamic vinegar, or to taste

In a large bowl combine the ricotta, mascarpone, 3oz of the sugar, and lemon zest. Using an electric beater, whip the ricotta-mascarpone mixture until thoroughly combined and smooth.

Gradually fold the whipped cream into the ricotta until the mixture is smooth. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours.

When you are ready to serve, fill glass bowls halfway with the strawberries and their juices.

Spoon on the ricotta-mascarpone mousse or use a pastry bag to pipe the mousse.

Vintage Santa Catalina Av. Argentina 11, 07013 Palma de Mallorca 0034 635 777 079 0034 634 363 806

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Put strawberries in another bowl. Half an hour before serving gently mix in the remaining sugar and balsamic vinegar. Make sure you don’t let the strawberries sit in the balsamic vinegar much longer than 30 minutes before serving or the acidity of the vinegar will cook the strawberries.

Aqua Golf

Planning a Pool Party?

Play ‘Closest to the Pin’ with family and friends.

Chip colourful wiffle balls from the ‘Chipping Mat’ to the ‘Floating Island Green’.

Fun for golfers of all skill levels. You don’t have to get wet.

Just retrieve the balls with a skim net.

For moe details e-mail: newideas.es@gmail.com

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MallorcaAdvertiser.com is distributed free via facebook and e-mail. It is also free for readers to distribute too!

Find Mallorca Advertiser on facebook our fb address is: www.facebook.com/ MallorcaAdvertiser

House sitter non smoker available. Mature man, 56 e-mail: johncarroll57@ hotmail.co.uk J Rustic House renovation, demolishing,difficult restauration of old fincas, buldings & gardenings etc. etc. For free quote e-mail: dml230158@hotmail.com FREE Classified ads up to 25 words. www.

MallorcaAdvertiser.com is distributed free via facebook and e-mail. It is also free for readers to distribute too!

Find Mallorca Advertiser on facebook our fb address is: www.facebook.com/ MallorcaAdvertiser Send us your classifieds before 5pm Thursdays remember 25 words FREE! ed@MallorcaAdvertiser. com The more Facebook friends you tell about us - The people see your ads.

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House sitter non smoker available. Mature man, 56 e-mail: johncarroll57@ hotmail.co.uk J Rustic House renovation, demolishing,difficult restauration of old fincas, buldings & gardenings etc. etc. For free quote e-mail: dml230158@hotmail.com