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SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

News

News

Museum unravels Goya’s tapestry sketches A Prado visitor admires ‘La gallina ciega’ (The blind hen) from 1778. / bernardo pérez In 1774, at the age of 28, having already made a name for himself in his native Zaragoza and traveled throughout Italy, Francisco Goya moved to Madrid at the invitation of German

mainly for the Royal Tapestry Factory, producing huge sketches, or cartoons: preliminary paintings for tapestries that would hang on the walls of two royal residences, the Escorial monastery and the Pardo palace. Goya would continue working with the Royal Tapestry Factory on and off for the next two decades,

painter Anton Raphael Mengs. There he would spend the next five years working

producing around 63 cartoons at the same time as establishing his position

as painter to the Spanish court.

Taking advantage of refurbishment work in the second-floor galleries of the Prado Museum’s south wing that house Goya’s cartoons and part of its collection of 18th-century Spanish paintings, the Prado has organized Goya in Madrid, an exhibition of the cartoons scheduled to run in its temporary exhibition galleries until May 3.

These are not simply templates for tapestries, but complex masterpieces in their own right” Miguel Zugaza, the Prado’s director, says the exhibition shows the cartoons as works of art: “These are not simply templates for tapestries, but complex masterpieces in their own right,” he says. The exhibition’s curators, Manuela Mena and Gudrun Maurer, have brought together the series – which is not complete: El pelele (The straw mannequin) and El alabañil (The laborer) are on loan – across 15 rooms. The works explore a number of themes: hunting, dreams, the four seasons, music and dance, childhood, and the open air, which is underscored in the final gallery by a background recording of the wind. and realism, freshness, The imagination of Goya’s work is illustrated by the inclusion in the exhibition of pieces by his contemporaries at the Royal Tapestry Factory, including Mariano Salvador Maella, Luis Paret, Matías Téllez, and the Bayeu brothers, Francisco and Ramón, to whose sister, Josefa, Goya was married.

The exhibition also highlights some of the influences Goya took from the great masters. The use of mythological figures in La gallina ciega (The blind hen) from 1778 draws on Rubens’ Dance of Italian Villagers, which is placed next to it, while the posture of the figure in the foreground of Partida de caza (The hunt begins) from 1775, has echoes

British-Spanish Gibraltar dispute

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A British-Spanish territorial dispute over Gibraltar threatened to block implementation of agreement by European Union member states on Wednesday to merge national air corridors to create shorter flight paths and cut costs and carbon dioxide emissions.

The Single European Sky initiative, launched in 2004, would merge corridors into transnational “blocks”.

But Spain wants Gibraltar airport excluded from EU aviation law until a dispute about sovereignty over the isthmus, a narrow strip of land connecting Gibraltar to Spain, is resolved.

“The Council has not taken any position on the application of this proposal to Gibraltar airport,” the Council of the European Union, comprised of the EU’s 28 member states, said in a statement.

Ana Pastor Julian, Spain’s minister of public works and transport, described the airport, situated on the isthmus, as “an area which is being illegally occupied by the United Kingdom”.

Britain says that under a 2006 between agreement Cordoba

of Jacques Saly’s 1751 sculpture Faun Holding a Goat. Goya’s figure of a young man smoking in El juego de pelota a pala (Bat and ball game) was possibly inspired by one of Michelangelo’s portraits of Lorenzo de Medici, says Mena.

She added that the huge cartoons – rich in detail, multilayered, and making use of perspective to invite the viewer into the center of the composition – are proof that Goya was “much more than just a recorder of the traditions and daily life of the people of Madrid” and that these pieces are works of art.

Portraits of Felipe IV, Carlos III and Carlos IV, painted as hunters by Velázquez, Goya, and Mengs, welcome visitors into the world of mid-18th century Spain. The cartoons were commissioned by the Royal Household and were then converted into tapestries that were used as visual metaphors for how they intended to rule: good government was associated with the hunt, while reforms were illustrated by games. The exhibition also draws on the benchmark biography of Goya by Janis Tomlinson, using part of her text to explain how the painter came to live in Madrid, and the circumstances that led to him being commissioned to create the cartoons. Hunting is the subject of many of the cartoons seen in the exhibition.

Among the highlights is Cazador cargando su escopeta (Hunter loading his shotgun), which Ramón Bayeu had left unfinished. This has been restored as Goya would have conceived it, with the part added in 1933 – at which time it was believed to be entirely Bayeu’s work – now removed. www.museodelprado.es

London, Madrid and the Gibraltarian government, Spain agreed to stop seeking the exclusion of Gibraltar airport from EU aviation measures.

“There is absolutely no reason at all for Gibraltar to be excluded from continuing participating in these measures,” said Robert Goodwill, British under secretary of state for transport.

Under the current air corridor system, responsibility for airspace belongs to each country, which usually manages its flight paths and charges navigation and terminal fees, estimated by the Eurocontrol air traffic agency at some 8 billion euros a year.

Gibraltar, a rocky outcrop off Spain’s southern coast ceded to Britain in 1713, has been an increasing source of diplomatic tension since the current Spanish government took office in 2011.

Spain claims the whole of Gibraltar, but views the isthmus as a distinct question. According to Spanish diplomatic sources, it was not included in the treaty ceding Gibraltar to Britain three centuries ago, so has always been Spanish territory.

Wednesday’s agreement will need to be finalised in discussions with the European Commission and EU lawmakers - probably next year.

However, until the wrangle over Gibraltar’s airport is solved the updated airspace reform proposals cannot be implemented. www.reuters.com

SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

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News

bank robber tried to flee with €120,000

The nickname El Escayolista (The Plasterer) kept cropping up in the police files of the 1980s in the Galician city of Vigo. His rap sheet included several violent robberies and petty drug dealing.

In fact, law enforcement workers had to go back to these old paper records to find the name of Enrique Lago Fariñas, the 50-year-old bank robber who died in a shootout with police last Friday. One officer died on the spot and another one remains in critical condition after sustaining extensive lung damage.

El Escayolista displayed the classic techniques of three decades ago, when branches handled large amounts of money Since July 1994, when he walked out of prison, authorities had not heard from him again. The prison director back then, Jesús López, remembers him as “a grey, solitary type who did not join any groups and hardly ever talked to anyone.”

When he suddenly reappeared last Friday at an Abanca bank branch in the Vigo neighborhood of O Calvario, El Escayolista displayed the classic techniques of three decades ago, when electronic transactions were

just getting started and branches handled large amounts of money.

Still, Lago Fariñas did manage to walk out with €120,000 in cash, according to investigation sources.

The same sources said that the robber was a ruined entrepreneur with a terminal disease who felt he had nothing to lose, which made him particularly dangerous.

The old-fashioned robbery began with El Escayolista walking up to the teller and stating: “I am ready to kill.

If you behave, nothing will happen to you.” Then he produced a bag from under his jacket and waited for the safety box to be opened. As he was about to walk out, he looked out the window and glimpsed a police officer outside. That was when he decided to take the deputy director with him as a hostage.

When he stepped outside, 36-yearold officer Vanessa Lage tried to talk him down. “Calm down, it’s OK,” she told him in an attempt to open a negotiation.

But the robber shot his gun in the air once, then opened fire on Lage and Deputy Police Inspector Vicente José Allo, neither of whom were

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Witnesses report hearing more than 30 shots in the course of the next two minutes. At the end of it, El Escayolista and Lage lay dead, Allo was seriously injured, and the deputy bank director had been shot in the arm.

Police sources said the robber’s reaction was suicidal and that he never had the slightest intention of negotiating.

“He wasn’t carrying a weapon just to intimidate people. Either things turned out right or he just didn’t care about anything anymore,” said Agustín Vigo, spokesman for the Federal Union of the Police.

No bulletproof vests The Interior Ministry said it would investigate “all the facts” in connection with the shootout. bolnuevocars@msn.com Asked why the officers who were Unable to get to the office dispatched to the scene were not collection can be arranged wearing bulletproof vests, State Available 7 days a week Secretary for Security Francisco Discounted Long rentals Martínez replied that “all the facts Good selection of Ford cars petrol/diesel are going to be investigated” and Airport transfers can be arranged that “all measures that need to be No fuel payment up front taken will be taken.”

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SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

IMPORTANT INFORMATION MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

As you may be aware, the forthcoming municipal election is scheduled to be celebrated on 24th May 2015, i.e. some 6 months away.

The aim of this article is to inform you of what you need to do to ensure that you are able to exercise your right to vote during the forthcoming municipal elections. It is very important that you are aware that being registered “empadronado” at the local council does not automatically give you the right to vote and therefore, if you would like to exercise your right to elect your local government, as most of us do, then you must first register your intention to vote on the electoral roll.

Despite what many people think, registering your intention to vote is a quite straight forward process and it can be done in 3 different ways: 1. By post: At the end of October the Electoral Office sent out communication to all EU nationals

that had been on the municipal “padron” from 20th September 2010 and that had not already formally informed them of their intention to exercise their right to vote. If you have received such communication by post with all your details already printed on it, etc. all you have to do is check your details, confirm your intention to vote, sign, date and post it back to the Electoral Office. There is no need to affix any stamps. You can also do it online using your NIE and the unique password provided – see below.

2. By Internet: you can only register online if you have been provided with a password or have an electronic id issued by the administration. Your electronic id will be associated to your NIE. The website that you need to access to perform your intention to vote is: https://sede.ine.gob.es - at the top of the right hand side of the screen you can elect to navigate in

Omelete record attempt fails in the basque country

Opposition demands explanations over alleged failure of €45,000 event in Vitoria A Guinness record attempt to make the world’s biggest ever Spanish omelet has cooked up a huge row in the Basque city of Vitoria.

With official confirmation of the achievement still pending, the feeling is taking root that the event was a failure and opposition groups in the local Popular Party (PP)-run government are demanding those responsible to be held to account.

Meanwhile, the PP administration has asked its legal services to look into the matter.

The Basque Nationalist Party, Bildu and the Basque Socialists believe Vitoria has made a “fool” of itself

by having failed to get into the book of Guinness World Records with its attempt to make a giant Spanish omelet in the city’s Plaza de la Virgen Blanca in August.

Their accusations have been echoed in a story published on website Norte Exprés that reported Guinness had rejected Vitoria’s application to claim the title of the world’s biggest Spanish omelet because it did not accept the way in which it was made “in precooked portions,” before being put together “like a puzzle.”

The opposition believes Vitoria has made a “fool” of itself by failing in its Spanish omelet record attempt Vitoria Mayor Javier Maroto, of the PP, said he had received no notification from Guinness that the

English. Alternatively, if you want to land straight into the site in English this is address: https://sede.ine.gob.es/ censo_electoral_en Please note that for the system to work, the details on your electronic id therefore, your name and NIE details must match those on the electoral register otherwise the system will state no data. However, if you have an electronic certificate and cannot validate your intention to vote for whatever reason, you can still register your intention to vote online by logging in with your NIE and password received by post. Here is the internet address in English to register your intention to vote online by using your NIE and password: https://sede. ine.gob.es/manifestacionVotoCere/ accesoNiexCTT 3. At the town hall. You must go in person with your NIE or Residence Certificate and passport and fill in the form (mod. DFA). If you are not yet on the register “padrón” you need to get on it first and to be able to do so you must also bring to the town hall a copy of you deeds and a utility bill if you own the property you live in. If you rent, then you must take with you a copy of your rental contract with at least 6 months to run and a copy of a utility bill. If you don’t own or rent a property then the owner of the property you live in must authorise you to register using his / her address.

A letter of authority signed by the owner of the property you are using to register must be presented to the town hall together with copies of the

owner’s id and a utility bill for the said property.

Please note that to be eligible to vote you must be on both “padrón” and the electoral register by 30th December 2014. If you are eligible to vote in the municipal elections and find that you are not getting anywhere with registering your intention to vote, please get in touch with your Town Hall as soon as possible. Please note that the entitlement to vote in the municipal elections is not only awarded to EU nationals. You are also entitled to vote in the local elections if you live here and are a national of the following countries: Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Chile, Colombia, Corea, Equador, Islandia, Norway, New Zealand, Paragua, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago. Unlike EU nationals though, the extra requirement here is that you must have been living here for at least 5 years at the date of application (3 years at the date of the election if you are a Norwegian national). The forms to those under this category and who are already on the register “padrón” are being sent out by the Electoral Register this month and registration starts on 1st Dec 2014 and ends on 15th January 2015.

application had been rejected but Belakortu, of Bildu believed that the attempt to break Vitoria councilor Nerea Melgosa, of the record was in itself a “positive” the Basque Nationalist Party, said the event that had been worth the event had undermined the prestige effort. of the city and only served as a City Hall sources told news agency “show” for Mayor Maroto.

Efe that the attempt formed part of Meanwhile, Bildu councilor Antxon the events to mark Vitoria’s status Belakortu condemned the “great as this year’s Spanish Gastronomy lie” that the record attempt was and Capital, that the association knew said that “if what the PP wanted was how to make the omelet and said the for [Spanish TV station] Telecinco to record would be “possible” to break. come so they could appear on TV, Mayor Maroto has said that Vitoria they didn’t have to create this circus would not pay €50,000 it still nor give €45,000 to a specific chef.” owes Spanish Gastronomy Capital Basque Socialist councilor Patxi organizers if Guinness fails to admit Lazcoz said news of the attempt had the record. This amount does not been reported in “73 press and 311 affect the €45,000 already paid to online outlets, as well as on the main chef Senén González for coordinating regional and national TV stations, the event. and even on a TV station in Kuwait.

City Hall sources also pointed out “And now what are we going to tell that the record attempt had been them?” he asked. an important promotional event for elpais.com the city and that sections of it had even been filmed by director Juanma Bajo Ulloa to be included in his new movie Rey Gitano.

If what the PP wanted was for Telecinco to come, they didn’t have to create this circus” Javier Maroto Vitoria city councilor Antxon Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz

SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

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News

Putin’s Illegal Boat Rides

Russian President Vladimir Putin is a sneaky guy, and the new book “Putin’s Kleptocracy” by Karen Dawisha includes more evidence of the Russian president’s intrigues.

One story involves Putin allegedly taking secret boat rides to the house of a Russian oligarch in Spain, as described by Anne Applebaum in The New York Review of Books.

This tale involves a construction company linked to Putin that reportedly received money from the budget of the city of St. Petersburg, where Putin was a close advisor and then deputy mayor from 1991 to 1996. The company subsequently bought property in Spain to construct villas for Putin’s friends, reportedly using Russian army labor through Spanish contractors. “These kinds of reports led Spanish police to become suspicious of Russian activity in Spain, and in the 1990s they began monitoring the Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky, as well as several wellknown leaders of Russian organized crime, all of whom had houses on the southern coast of Spain,” Applebaum writes. “In 1999, to their immense surprise, their recorders picked up an unexpected visitor: Putin. He had arrived in Spain illegally, by boat from Gibraltar, having eluded Spanish passport control.”

At the time of the secret visit, Putin was serving as the head of the FSB (the post-Soviet successor to the KGB). Spanish papers said he crossed into the country on forged documents as many as 37 times altogether. The former KGB lieutenant colonel became Russian prime minister in August 1999

and president in May 2000.

Interestingly, it was Berezovsky who is credited with playing kingmaker when Putin was pegged to succeed an ailing Boris Yeltsin as Russian president.

“Putin was Berezovsky’s creation,” former Berezovsky acquaintance Owen Matthews wrote at The Daily Beast, noting that “Berezovsky thought he’d found a safe pair of hands” for the elite created in the wake of the Soviet Union’s immediate demise.

But as Dawisha and Applebaum detail, Berezovsky’s place at Putin’s table was not safe.

“Soon after taking over, [Putin] made it clear that he intended to remove the Yeltsin-era elite and to put a new elite in its place—mostly from St. Petersburg, equally corrupt, but loyal exclusively to him,” Applebaum writes.

In her book, Dawisha notes that “there were also separate allegations that Putin visited Spain on forged documents during the period 19962000 in connection with business meetings between himself, Boris Berezovsky, and Russian crime figures.

Both these sets of allegations would follow him into the presidency.”

Berezovsky fled Russia in 2000 and told Matthews in 2005 that he was ready to finance revolutionary change in Russia, adding that “the regime could only be changed through violence.”

Berezovsky was found dead in his London home in a reported suicide in March 2013. www.businessinsider.com

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Madrid health chief sacked after criticism of Ebola victim

The health chief for the Madrid region, Javier Rodríguez, has been sacked from his position, regional government sources have told EL PAÍS. Rodríguez had come under fire for his handling of the Ebola crisis in Spain, during which he made highly critical comments about Teresa Romero, the Spanish nursing assistant who contracted the virus.

Speaking on Wednesday to the Europa Press Televisión news agency, Rodríguez was confident that he would be continuing in his post, saying that if he “had done things badly,” Teresa Romero “would not be talking.” He added that were it not for his management of the Ebola crisis, “Spain would continue to have that disease.”

The country was this week officially declared free of Ebola by the World Health Organization.

Rodríguez had been confident about continuing, saying if he “had done things badly,” Teresa Romero “would not be talking” Romero became infected with Ebola while treating two Spanish missionaries who had been repatriated from West Africa. She managed to survive the virus, and has since explained that she has no idea of when or how she could have contracted it.

Initial reports had suggested that she may have touched her face when removing her protective clothing.

Rodríguez caused a public outcry at the onset of the crisis in October with his criticisms of Romero, which many interpreted as an attempt to shift the blame for the infection on to the nursing assistant and away from the regional health authorities.

During a TV interview, he expressed doubts about Romero’s professional abilities, saying that “you don’t need a master’s degree to learn how to put on a suit.” Some have “better abilities to learn than others,” he concluded.

Rodríguez also insinuated during an interview with radio network Cadena SER that the nursing assistant had lied about her condition before being admitted to Carlos III Hospital in Madrid. When faced with criticism for the regional authorities’ handling of the crisis, he stated that “if I have to resign, I will resign,” adding that he had come “into politics with my affairs already in order.” He emphasized that he was not “bound” to his position within the regional government given that he was a doctor, and “fortunately” has his “life all sorted out.”

The statements prompted the husband of Teresa Romero, Javier Limón, to begin legal proceedings against the now ex-health chief.

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SOLTIMES december 2014

2014

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ Class Info 635584 431

week 11 This weeks show was a little different to previous weeks in that in addition to the normal dance, there was also a dance competition in the form of a Waltzathon where all couples had to take to the floor at the same time and compete as in a Ballroom dancing competition.

For this the judges would add 6 points to the winner down to 1 point to the 6th placed couple. As this years show is still too difficult to call, it was all down to the dance performed and if it suited the celebrity.

Opening the show this week were Simon Webbe and Kristina with their American Smooth. Simon was Mr Cool with nice transitions between the Foxtrot to the American Smooth lifts and solo chorographical parts.

For me even though he has a good frame his left arm sits too low for my liking, it should be nearer to the height of his eye and not almost on a level with his elbow. Apart from a slip going into one of the lifts where the dress got into their way it was a great performance and I awarded them 9 and the judges 35. Next to dance were

Caroline Flack and Pasha with an Argentine Tango. Even though this was a great performance, I felt the choreography was lacking in the intricate foot-ology that we normally see. That said there were some great clean lifts and transitions. I gave her 9 and the judges 39. Pixie Lott and Trent were next with a Cha Cha Cha. This piece of music for me was more suited to Salsa and as such had quite a few Salsa moves.

The Cha Cha Cha parts done were a bit stiff and Pixie’s legs weren’t quite right, in parts too stiff and in others too bent so this wasn’t her best dance. I awarded her 9 and the judges 35.

Mark Wright and Karen were next performing a Foxtrot with super characterisation and a great frame.

I found the piece of music a bit fast which marred the smooth glide a little but I must say I preferred his frame to that of Simon. Another 9 from me and 35 from the judges.

Jake Wood and Janette danced next a Charleston with a circus theme.

An unusual choice of music but this suited Jake’s quirky nature to a tee. They showed some very tricky

lifts unfortunately a couple of them didn’t quite come off but nontheless an excellent performance. Again a 9 and the judges 38. Closing this weeks part of the show were Frankie Bridge and Kevin and a Salsa. Unfortunately Frankie didn’t capture the essence of this dance at all. Despite making the most of the hip rolls and shimmies within the dance there wasn’t enough armology and Salsa for me and the whole thing was a bit stiff. I gave her 8 and the judges 34.

The second part of the show involved the Waltzathon where all 6 couples were on the floor at the same time. I’m afraid that due to the TV editing, I couldn’t really judge this as you have to be able to see all the 6 couples at the same time to compare one against another directly, something the cameras couldn’t really show. That said the bits I did see, I wouldn’t have come up with the result the judges did. Jake received 1 point, Mark 2 points, Caroline 3 points, Simon 4 points, Frankie 5 points and topping the score Pixie with 6 points.

This left Caroline in 1st place with Pixie second at the other end, Mark at the bottom with Frankie, Jake and Simon all tied next. The public came up with a surprise result with Simon and Pixie in the bottom 2.

After the dance off I thought Pixie did more than enough to win, but after a split decision awaiting Len’s casting vote he put Simon through to the semi-final leaving Pixie out in the cold. So for me one of the strongest performers out of this years show!! Shock Horror!!

What will happen next week? I would think that with this result many of you will have lost your winner? Who will make the final?

Who can raise that glitter ball trophy this year? We’ll have to tune in next week and with them all having to perform 2 dances the heat is most definitely on!! In the meantime, come and keep up with the ‘strictly’ gossip at one of our classes until then - Keep Dancing!

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News

police chief praises rescue centre New police chief praises horse rescue centre for saving yet another pony A lame pony abandoned on a piece of wasteland late last month has been saved by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, run by Sue and Rod Weeding in Rojales.

Local police called them to the scene on November 28, where they found the two-year-old pony riddled with worms and suffering leg deformations.

“The pony didn’t have an identification chip so unfortunately we cannot find out who abandoned him,” Sue said. He is now resident

at the Rescue Centre.

“It appears his hooves have never been trimmed and he is lame on his left front leg and showing deformities in his joints. We will do x-rays on him to determine his problems and how we can help.”

New Rojales Policia Local chief Inaki Esparza visited the centre on December 2 with local councillors Lourdes Lopez, Marie Pierre Dubois and Derek Monks, who all praised the Weedings for their animal protection work.

“The new police chief was very impressed with what we were doing and said he’s happy to work

with us because he considers it items purchased from the charity part of his job to protect animals shops. EHCRC is also looking for from abuse,” Sue said. volunteers to staff its shops for “With local elections coming a few hours or days each week. up next year, I urge anybody Please contact the charity shop that cares about animal welfare hotline on 652 021 980 for more in Spain to vote, and also to ask information about furniture pickthe parties about their animal ups and volunteering. welfare policies. It’s important The Easy Horse Care Rescue that animal welfare becomes Centre opens to the public on part of the agenda for the next the first Sunday of every month election, as this is the only way between 1pm and 4pm. The centre we are going to progress things is located just outside Rojales at here in Spain.”

Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more The Easy Horse Care Rescue details and directions, please visit Centre welcomes any donations www.easyhorsecare.net. and sponsorships to help support their important work.

Every single cent at the donated to EHCRC or spent in their eight charity shops across country club the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of Modern & Traditional Gents Hairdressing the more than 80 horses, ponies and Call Darren The Barber donkeys that live at Tel: 616 592 887 the centre.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am- 5pm Large donated items OUT OF HOURS BY REQUEST such as furniture can be collected from your Drive through Quesada Arches up main street, take left fork at Parque house and each store Acuatico sign. Continue to Consum sign and turn right onto Avenida Azul, continue uphill and take right turn onto Calle Toledo. also offers a delivery Costa Country Club / Barber is 200mtrs on right - Look for Childrens Play Area. service for large

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foliage plants for all year colour

There is no doubt that gardens are getting smaller, and gardeners are looking for plants that provide year round colour and interest.

Fortunately, there are some fabulous foliage plants around that will do just that. I have previously written about Callas, Cannas, and Strelitzias which all have great foliage, but some other good varieties that are worth a second look include: Dracaena reflexa may also be called Pleomele and is commonly called ‘Song of India’. It is native of Madagascar and Mauritius and is valued for its lance-shaped, dark green leaves with creamy white margins. It grows to a height of about a couple of metres or so.

Cordylines are particularly popular, and come in a range of colours and patterns. They are easy to grow, drought tolerant and grow best in a well drained organically rich soil. These plants like a protected, partially shaded spot as the colours can sometimes fade a little when exposed to the full sun.

Crotons, Codiaeum spp. are lovers of the warmer climates. They like full sun for the best colour, but they do grow in dappled shade and need a good, rich, well drained soil. These plants are often dismissed as old fashioned, because they are sometimes found in old and

neglected gardens and this attests to their hardiness.

Calatheas are a diverse group of plants emanating from regions as far flung as Mexico to northern Argentina and are made up of evergreen, tuberous or rhizome rooted perennials. They often have bold and strikingly marked elliptical foliage.

Moses in a cradle is one that suffers from an identity crisis because it was always known botanically as Rhoeo discolor, then Rhoeo spathacea, now.

Tradescantia spathacea. It is a short stemmed clumping perennial from southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize and has rosettes of broadly speared leaves that are dark green and purple underneath.

This is a really hardy Soft Furnishings & Re-Upholstery plant that grows in full sun or part shade and its only demand is that it has a well •39 years experience in soft furnishings & re-upholstery drained soil.

•FOAM (All densities) superior quality cut to For some reason it has earned a any shape & size reputation as being a •BESPOKE CURTAINS AND BLINDS all made to measure bit on the weedy side •All types of RE-UPHOLSTERY but I am not aware of •EXQUISITELY MADE LOOSE COVERS tailor-made to fit as any gardeners who have experienced good as upholstered furniture indoor and out any difficulty in this •Hundreds of fabrics to choose from regard. But, having Opening Hours Mon-Fri 10am to 4:30pm Sat - 10am to 1:30pm All our work is professionally made in our premises in The Interior Centre said that, it is worth keeping an eye on it 1 Calle Portugal Las maromas Pol. Ind Estate. Almoradi 03160 to see that it never Contact Kim & Rick on: 625 716 063 Email: fabricflair.kb@gmail.com gets out of hand. fabricflair.kb@gmail.com

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Jersey travel guide That is how Victor Hugo, the French poet, referred to the Channel Islands.

We discover this at Jersey’s Living Legend Village where a fascinating video featuring Tony Robinson, John Nettles (who played Bergerac, Jersey’s famous detective) and other celebrities provides an insight into Jersey’s past.

From smuggling through to German occupation, this is a land rich in history.

Suffice to say it is difficult to get out of the hotel itself before midday.

Walking rather than driving does help introduce the visitor to the true feel of a place. There are a rich variety of accents and while a few islanders do speak French it is difficult to actually pinpoint the true native patois. A great many Europeans are drawn to Jersey including the Spanish and Polish. For instance, at the Seafish Café where we enjoy crab cakes During our long weekend we spend and posh fish and chips: cod, haddock, time in St Helier salmon and a Tempura not least because king prawn, our waiter we stay at the emigrated to the four star Hotel island from Madeira de France. The 26 years ago. “There wonderfully are so many more decorated hotel opportunities here,” he used to be a tells me. It does have French chateau. the reputation of being Hotel de France There is refreshing a tax haven too and artwork from while we mooch along sculpture to St Helier’s streets a new Lambourghini figurative paintings. roars past us. But that is the only super Our family room at the back of the hotel car we see during our stay. The balcony is far enough away from other guests for location of our enjoyable Sunday lunch them hopefully not to hear the shrieks at Sumas Restaurant overlooking fishing and screams from highly strung daughter boats and the coastline provides the Heidi. Nothing is too much trouble for the opportunity to savour the views around friendly hotel staff who provide a mobile St Martin. The emphasis at this restaurant phone charger because we forgot ours. is very much to relax and enjoy. Despite They also source a dividing curtain to help our two daughters who cannot seem to our little daughters get to sleep at night… sit still for more than five minutes, we and us. It is the hotel’s hearty breakfast do actually achieve this. We start with that really scores highly, a choice of a Bucks Fizz and then a few glasses of continental or full English, which does set Rose Pinot Grigio. As it’s Sunday we try you up for the day. And then we discover the Roast Angus and Yorkshire pudding; the softly lit luxurious swimming pool; the largest Yorkshire pudding I have the best we have ever swum in – it is so well designed, warm and not too busy.

9

seen for some time.

Village www.jerseyslivinglegend.co.je

That certainly goes down well with Harriett and Heidi.

Jersey Lavender www.jerseylavender. co.uk We visit the above attractions with The Jersey Pass, which can be bought in advance from £42 for two days and allows access to 11 attractions on the island. www.jerseypass.com

But it is the chocolate brownie and ice cream that truly captures their attention.

Harriett gets a little nippy on the balcony and so the fleece blankets that are provided to all diners out here are very useful. Harriett quickly wraps herself up to the amusement of fellow diners.

Afterwards we drive to Jersey Lavender where we see Maillette lavender imported from Provence and planted here in 1996.

There are also other types from Norfolk and even their own homegrown variety, Elizabeth. Those with a keen interest in lavender should enjoy a trip to the distillery where they can see the process in action together with samples to test.

I didn’t know that lavender had so many uses but it can always be relied on for a good night’s sleep.

There are only two ways to travel to Jersey: air or sea. We opt for Condor Ferries, sailing from Poole to St Helier.

The journey takes around four hours. In Club Class it feels as if we are in a cosy coffee shop, with waitress service.

We sit in comfortable reclining leather seats where there are chocolate biscuits and cakes waiting for us together with tea and coffee as and when required.

The children’s video room is certainly much appreciated by our daughters as is Mr Colours, the resident balloon maker, on the return journey. He makes Harriett a purple poodle, which she is very impressed by and for the first time this holiday, is lost for words.

Restaurants: Seafish Café, Liberty Wharf, St Helier www.seafishcafe.com Sumas Restaurant, St Martin www. sumasrestaurant.com Travel: www.condorferries.co.uk Jersey Tourism www.jersey.com Three Jersey facts: Speed limit: 40mph High value residency scheme: individuals must show worldwide earnings of at least £625,000, upon which they will pay 20 per cent tax then one per cent on all worldwide earnings in excess of it, a minimum tax contribution of £125,000.

There are no wealth taxes such as capital gains tax or inheritance tax in Jersey.

Jersey pullover: Jersey has been associated with knitting for nearly 400 years. In the 16th century many articles of knitted apparel were exported from Jersey to England and France. The name ‘Jersey’ became synonymous with knitting and all knitted articles.

Attractions: Jersey’s Living Legend

Seafish Cafe

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OTHER SERVICES Go Satellite not only provide television but are also able to provide internet and telephone services. Packages are available to suit all with a switch on/off service available for non residents.

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News

CAN NEW DRUG HELP EL NINO CHANCES RISE FOR N. HEMISPHERE WINTER PARALYSED TO WALK AGAIN?

The U.S. weather forecaster on Thursday projected a 65 percent chance of El Nino conditions during the Northern Hemisphere winter and into spring, up from a 58 percent chance predicted early in November.

The Climate Prediction Center, an agency of the National Weather Service, said in a monthly report it is on watch for the El Nino weather phenomenon.

The heightened alert comes just days after the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said there is a 70 percent chance of an El Nino event arriving by February.

El Nino, a warming of Pacific sea-surface temperatures that occurs every four to 12 years, can trigger drought in some parts of the world and cause flooding in others.

Last month, the CPC slightly lowered the likelihood of El Nino occurring in the Northern Hemisphere winter to 58 percent.

Source: Reuters

Study says daily injection of a newly-developed chemical compound can repair spinal cord injuries Thu 4 Dec 2014 The Week A drug that can repair spinal injuries is being developed by US scientists has raised hope that paralysed people may be able to walk again.

An “unprecedented” study using rats discovered that some movement and bladder control can be restored using the medication, which comes in the form of a daily injection of a newly-developed chemical compound, the BBC reports. The study is published in the journal Nature.

The drug is said to disrupt the “sticky glue” that normally prevents nerve cells from growing during an injury. The team at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine were thrilled by the results of their study. “It was amazing,” said lead researcher Professor Jerry Silver.

Spinal injuries block the flow of electrical signals from the brain to the body. This can lead to the sufferer becoming paralysed below the location of a serious injury.

According to The Independent, there have been a succession of recent discoveries which have offered renewed hope to people paralysed by spinal injuries. Earlier this year, doctors revealed that a man in Poland with a severed spine was able to walk again as a result of treatment with an implant of regenerative cells.

The charity Spinal Research said that the latest announcement shows that “real progress”

RULING CONSERVATIVES MULLING GRAND COALITION WITH SOCIALISTS ANGLICAN CHAPLAINCY OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, TORREVIEJA The certainty that the era of absolute majorities has come to an end in Spain is being made in the field.

is triggering the first major movements among political parties.

For the first time, the ruling conservative Popular Party (PP) has expressed a willingness to enter into a grand coalition with the main opposition Socialists (PSOE) if either side fails to secure an absolute majority at the next general election.

The mere proposition would have been unthinkable at any other time in democratic history, and the fact that it was made at all highlights how Spanish politics is shifting from the old two-party system to one where other players could gain a significant parliamentary presence.

The proposition highlights how Spanish politics is shifting from the old twoparty system Speaking on the privately run Telecinco TV network, PP secretary general María Dolores de Cospedal said on Tuesday that her party would “contemplate” a German-style “grand coalition” with the PSOE if it failed to secure an absolute majority at the next general election.

Cospedal’s statement immediately drew the question of whether such a groundbreaking coalition between political foes would be aimed at neutralizing Podemos, a new leftist party that broke on to the scene at the May European elections.

Cospedal replied that a grand coalition was “not aimed at neutralizing anybody but meant to guarantee the governability of the country.”

“We need to think about citizens in more generous terms,” she added.

Such a coalition – or at least a Socialist abstention – would favor the PP without taking a significant number of voters away from the conservatives.

But siding with the PP would sink the PSOE, which is already struggling with the certainty that Podemos is making a big dent in its voter base.

Something similar happened in Greece, where the center-right New Democracy teamed up with the socialists of PASOK to stop the new leftist Syriza two years ago; PASOK has since plummeted.

For now at least, the Spanish Socialist Party will not even hear of it.

“No, no and no,” said Socialist Organization Secretary César Luena by way of comment. Party leader Pedro Sánchez insisted that there would be no deal with the PP because it was “the party of corruption.”

The PP denies that a grand coalition with the Socialists would aim to stop Pablo Iglesias’s Podemos. / EL PAÍS Both the PP and the Socialist Party recently admitted that political corruption was at the heart of Podemos’ meteoric rise in voter intention surveys. The new grassroots group views all existing mainstream parties, whether left-wing or right-wing, as “a caste” of corrupt, self-serving oligarchs who must all be ousted to give Spain a fresh start.

The message has touched a chord with many Spaniards who are just emerging from a seven-year economic crisis only to find themselves faced with case after case of political graft.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2014

In addition to the normal Services (see below) the following special Services are planned over the Advent and Christmas period:

LA SIESTA

Sun 30 Nov 14 Advent Sunday - Choral Evensong 6:00pm Mon 8 Dec 14 Interdenominational Carol Service 6:30pm Wed 24 Dec 14 Midnight Mass – Holy Communion (to be confirmed) 11:30pm

LOS BALCONES

Sun 30 Nov 14 Advent Sunday – Christingle Service 10:30am Thu 4 Dec 14 Carol Service 7:00pm Thu 25 Dec 14 Christmas Day – Holy Communion 10:30am

LAGO JARDIN

Sat 13 Dec 14 Carol Service with Holy Communion 6:00pm Sat 27 Dec 14 Holy Innocents – Holy Communion 6:00pm

LA MARINA (SAN FULGENCIO)

Sun 14 Dec Service of Nine Lessons & Carols 6:00pm Thu 25 Dec 14 Christmas Day – Holy Communion 10:15am Sun 28 Dec 14 Holy Innocents – Morning Prayer 10:15am

CAMPOVERDE

Sun 30 Nov 14 Advent Service and Evening Prayer 6:00pm Sun 21 Dec 14 Community Carol Singing in the Rusty Nail 6:00pm (Replaces service in Campoverde Church) Wed 24 Dec 14 Midnight Mass – Holy Communion 11:30pm Sun 28 Dec 14 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 6:00pm

LA MANGA

Fri 12 Dec 14 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 6:00pm Wed 24 Dec 14 Christmas Eve – Holy Communion 6:00pm

CRISTO RESUCITADO (LA ZENIA)

Sun 28 Dec 14 Holy Innocents – Holy Communion 6:00pm

HONDÓN DE LAS NIEVES

Mon 8 Dec 14 Carols with Holy Communion 11:30am For more information on the workings of the Chaplaincy - and other planned activities and events – please view their web-site: http://c-of-e-torrevieja. com/ The specific location of the various Church Centres together with their normal Services can be found here: http://c-of-e-torrevieja.com/where.php Also follow them on their Facebook pages too: https://www.facebook.com/ChaplaincyOfStPeterAndStPaul?ref=hl The Anglican Chaplaincy extends a very warm and friendly welcome to all denominations who live in or are visiting our area and our Church Centres

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SOLTIMES december 2014

BE BEAUTIFUL THIS XMAS Whether you’re driving home for Christmas to see family, or heading out to glitzy parties to see old friends over the festive period, no doubt you’ll want to look your best.

With these top seven Christmas beauty tips you’ll be looking gorgeous for those under-themistletoe moments.

Party make-up Party make-up has to be right if you want to look beautiful at Christmas.

The key to looking great for your Christmas party is to put on your eye shadow first. Then apply your foundation and any other make-up you want to wear. This way you know that any loose eye shadow won’t fall in those places you don’t want it.

Simple up ‘do Christmas is such a frantic time There’s something for everyone at Avon this Christmas that it can be difficult to find the Whether you’re dressing yourself, the tree e n e r g y or the dinner table, fuss to over hair Avon has all you need this Christmas! styles. Yet Cosmetics for you, gifts for the kids, if you want his & hers fragrances and look to everything that sparkles. fantastic Get your order to Claire by 17th December then one of the best for delivery in time for Christmas. beauty tips can you mas te r Call 691 987 454 or is the art email avonfromclaire@yahoo.es of simple hairdos. If you want to put your hair up, try twisting

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one section from the front of your hair; once twisted pin into place at the back of your head. Repeat with the other side. Then take the remainder of your hair and tie a messy bun. This look is elegant, simple and more importantly quick.

Glittery lips Nothing says Christmas like glitter, and slathering some sparkly goodness on your pout will definitely bring you some Christmas cheer this year. To master the look, line your lips with a light coloured lip pencil and add foundation to the corners of your mouth. Then apply a creamy lipstick using a lip brush before using a flat brush to add on your glitter. You can finish with a gloss. To glam up your lips even more add some clear lip gloss. The one thing to bear in mind if you’re considering having glittery lips for a Christmas do is that drinking, eating and kissing may be off limits; so weigh up your priorities before donning a glitter pout.

Combat alcohol Although you may like sipping a tasty mojito or cosmopolitan, your skin doesn’t. Alcohol dehydrates you and can leave your skin dry, grey and dull. To make sure your skin glows despite the endless flow of alcohol over the festive period your moisturiser won’t be enough.

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SOLTIMES december 2014

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Feel Great WINTER HAIR TIPS

Look Good

Now that the winter months are upon us and the days are much colder, it’s time to start thinking about ways to protect our hair from the damage that the winter elements can cause.

Here are five tips that will help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair this season.

1. One very simple tip is to wear a hat when out as it keeps your hair covered from the wind, rain and snow. But as we all know, no woman wants the “dreaded hat hair.” A great way to avoid this is to wrap your hair in a silk scarf before putting on your cosy, wool beanie. This helps to protect your hair from damage caused by the hat rubbing against your hair and it also cuts down on the static.

Another great way to combat static is to use a good heat styling product for blow-drying such as the Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Heat Protect and Shine Spray. This can also be used on dry hair before using a curling iron or flat iron.

hair looking good in the winter is to invest in a humidifier. I know you’re thinking that humidity equals frizzy hair, but when you have the heat

Monica Algañaraz Over 40 years experience in physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment. General postural assessment and holistic health checks available English spoken

on, the air in your apartment becomes very dry and I find the humidifier helps stop your hair and skin from feeling dry. The main problem with the humidifier is that they’re not very nice-looking. I recently found a great one by Middle that looks chic and works great.

2. During the winter months, it’s a great idea to treat your hair once a week to a deep conditioning treatment. This will help to replenish the moisture, which tends to get depleted from things such as the dry heat in your apartment CLINICA DENTAL MOJACAR and the cold winter air. I recommend something PARQUE COMERCIAL MOJACAR-LOC.53 like the Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Moisture MOJACAR PLAYA-04638-ALMERIA Lock One Minute Mask or Bumble & Bumble 950 47 85 34 Quenching Masque. These products are quick email: clinicadentalmojacar@hotmail.com and easy ways to lock moisture back into your DR. GERMAN R. HUSSING BULLRICH hair.

DRA. ALICIA M. VIDAL TALMON DRA. LUCIA HUSSING VIDAL An alternative is to use hair oil like Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil after you’ve shampooed your hair. It’s like liquid gold for dehydrated or colour-treated hair! This benefits consultancy can be used on wet hair Do you suffer from mobility problems, to blow-dry in or as a breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? smoother and shine oil Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision? on dry hair.

PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT MONICA ALGANARAZ: 695 355 381 Email: monica@centrophysis.net www.centrophysis.net EAST VALLEY (A7 Exit 529 Golf Course - Business Centre) Very near Garrucha, Turre, Los Gallardos Mojacar-Vera, Albox

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3. I also find if you can keep washing your hair to a minimum, say two to three times a week, this will prevent your hair from drying out too much. And always make sure you dry your hair before leaving the house. Not only because you will get a cold, but the moisture in your hair combined with the cold air, will add further damage to your hair by making it more brittle and dry.

You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain

For advice or to book a consultation call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

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4. Regular trims are a great way to keep your hair in good health during the winter months as well -- every six to eight weeks, just get a light dusting of the ends to help reduce the chance of dry, splitting ends.

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14

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES december 2014

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. As part of the absolute beginners series of articles, we have looked at the box and in the box; examined the desktop and the truth that you will have to try extremely hard to break it. I think that now you will have enough confidence to face the beastly computer and defeat it.

To finish off this series of articles I would like to show you a few tricks on copying.

These tricks will work for your emails, documents and files! These tricks will include “Windows Shortcut Keys” and are key combinations that can make your copy and pasting much faster.

As far back as I can remember (which is too far!), Microsoft Windows has used these key combinations for the sole purpose of copying and moving blocks of information in and between applications. As with all things Microsoft, there is always an alternative which is one of the reasons that it is a well-loved and long lasting OS (Operating System).

To start with, I suggest using the method that Windows is famed for – The drop-down menu! You will have seen this but maybe didn’t realise that it had a name! Open your internet browser and go to http:// canducomputing.comoj.com/malware.html this is my web site and is just convenient for these examples. Open Notepad then go back to the web site.

Before we start the first exercise, you need to know that when I say “mouse button” you can also use the same button on the pad on your laptop, if your using one.

I want you to click the cursor on the first letter of the first paragraph, press and hold the CTRL key and the left hand mouse button, while dragging the cursor to the end of the paragraph, then release the mouse button and CTRL key. This is called ‘Block Selection’ because you are highlighting an entire block of text. When it is

highlighted, place the mouse pointer over the highlighted text and click the right-hand button on the mouse.

Next you will see a drop-down menu with a number of choices. Some of them will be greyed out because you can’t use them at this time. The choices that are available will be ‘Cut’ and ‘Copy’. If you try to cut the contents of the web page nothing will happen, so use the ‘Copy’ option.

Now go to your document page and left click near the top of the page. A similar menu will appear and the option to ‘Paste’ will now be printed in black. When you click on the ‘Paste’ option a duplicate copy will appear on your page. Simples!

Now I want you to go to the end of the text that you have just ‘Pasted’ and press the ‘Enter’ button to put in a blank line and then press the left mouse button again and again select the ‘Paste’ option. Surprise, it pasted the same text below the original text!

Now for the hard part. I would like you to go back to the web page and highlight another paragraph of text BUT this time I would like you to:- Press and hold the Ctrl Key and press the letter ‘c’, done that? Go to Notepad, move to the bottom of all the text and click on the page. Now press and hold the Ctrl Key and then press the letter ‘v’. What happened? You should now see new text below the work you have already done! Is it there? Then Success and congratulations!

If not, repeat the instructions very carefully and see where you went wrong (we all do it some times!!).

If you would like personal tuition on any of the subjects that I cover or just at you witsend because your computer / tablet isn’t doing what it should, then ring or email me for more information any time between 10 in the morning to 10 at night! Help is never that far away but for now I’m now off to Jack’s Bar in Albox for my Friday afternoon computer clinic! See you there :-)

For further information or advice on computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

Put another record on!

With record sales experiencing a modern resurgence; the history of the 12 inch disc starts back in 1887. Even earlier; in the 1850’s two Frenchmen both separately discovered that varying air pressures could be transcribed onto a cylinder using a stylus. The only slight problem was they hadn’t worked out how to reproduce the sound in the recording.

Along came Thomas Edison who filed a patent for a phonograph machine in 1877. He was researching ways of making his new-fangled inventions the telephone and telegraph more efficient; so he attached a stylus and rotating paper drum to the diaphragm on a telephone to make an etched recording of what was said. He heard static rather than his voice when he played it back but knew it was only a matter of time till he cracked it. Once he started using a tin foil coated drum to etch the recording on he could faithfully replay the sound. The world’s first ever sound recording was of Edison reciting ‘Mary

Appeal to locate Liverpool man

Appeal to locate Liverpool man wanted in connection with huge drugs plot and murder of a British national in Spain The National Crime Agency is appealing to the public to help find a suspected member of a Merseyside based organised criminal network that plotted to smuggle up to 40 tonnes of drugs into the UK. Paul John Scott, aged 32, from Liverpool, is wanted for questioning in connection with the plot to import cocaine from South America hidden inside tins of fish and wooden pallets. The Guardia Civil in Spain would also like to talk to Scott about the murder of British national Francis Brennan in Alicante earlier this year.

Scott is believed to be in Europe and has links to Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. An appeal for information relating to Scott was to be broadcast on BBC One’s Crimewatch programme on Thursday 4th December at 21.00 GMT. The appeal for Scott precedes the sentencing on 5th December at Liverpool Crown Court of his criminal associate Kevin Jennings, aged 51, from Huyton, Liverpool, for conspiracy to import cocaine. Jennings was arrested in May 2014 by NCA officers while walking his dog in Walton.

Twenty-four members of the highly sophisticated international criminal network were jailed for more than 250 years in October 2011.

Greg McKenna, North West Investigations Branch Commander, said: “Paul Scott is the last man outstanding in our investigation into the plot to flood the UK with huge quantities of drugs. He is also wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Francis Brennan.“We are working closely with Merseyside Police and the Spanish authorities to locate him but we need the help of the public too.

“If you have information on the whereabouts of Scott, no matter how small or trivial it seems, please contact the NCA or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone in Spain with information can call a special freephone number - 900 555 111 - which will be answered in the UK by Crimestoppers’ call agents. A translation service is available upon request.

Source: Simon Montague | Director of Communications | British Embassy Madrid | Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana 259D, 28046 Madrid simon.montague@fco.gov.uk | TEL: 00 34 917 146 363 | FTN: 8360 6363 | MOB: 00 34 659 453 761

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there too...and they’re a bit longer too! Findmeahome are always looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.es Telephone: 636 266 641

had a little lamb.’

Although Edison further improved the system in 1886 by using a wax coated cylinder his ever enquiring mind shifted his attention to something else; his light bulb! A competitor; Chichester Bell Company improved Edison’s original phonograph and came up with a machine called the Graphophone. Then a businessman called Jesse Lippincott almost commercially destroyed the new technology by cornering the market and buying up all the marketing rights to the machines. Instead of allowing people to buy them, Lippincott only rented them out as dictation devices.

Lippincott became ill (luckily) and in 1890 Edison took over the business; he mass produced the machines selling them as entertainment devices. They were popular as fairground attractions and were the forerunner to the jukebox. The big drawback was that the cylinders only held two minutes of recording time with no way as yet to mass produce them. The poor artistes

had to record the same song over and over again to get enough copies to sell.

By 1901; Edison had invented the gold master cylinder and the wax cylinder recordings could be mass produced.

In 1887 a chap called Berliner discovered a way of recording sound waves onto a flat disc and importantly; the way to mass produce them. The older phonograph had better sound quality but the new flat discs or gramophone records played for much longer. The new gramophones were originally powered by clockwork motors.

Using gold master discs, records were produced in higher numbers and entertainers of the time such as Caruso and Dame Nellie Melba recorded the first commercial records. In 1900 His Masters Voice record label came into existence, at one point releasing an edition of a Verdi opera made up of 40 single sided 12 inch discs.

The phonograph slowly lost market share but its demise slowed as the

first jazz recordings were released in this format. By 1913 Edison had discontinued production in favour of the gramophone. Movies had originally been ‘silent’ unless accompanied by live music but the advent of the gramophone meant soundtracks could now be recorded.

The first was by Warner Bros in1926 with their film Don Juan. The musical score and sound effects were played on a record though the characters voices were still silent and shown as subtitles.

In 1927, movies changed forever; The Jazz Singer starring America’s Al Jolson was released and was the first film ever to feature spoken dialogue.

Not only did it make Warner Bros make the then huge sum of $3.5m but the film got an Academy Award (Oscar) to commemorate this achievement.

Eventually magnetic tape would be used for sound recordings but that’s another story.

SOLTIMES december 2014

www.soltimes.com

News

15

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Ranks of unemployed fall Jobless claims down and Social Security contributors up, confirming “a change in trend”The State Secretary for Employment, Engracia Hidalgo, and the State Secretary for Social Security, Tomás Burgos, announced the November job figures on Tuesday morning.

Spain’s labor market posted positive figures in November, with jobless claims down by 14,688 people and 5,232 new additions to the Social Security rolls, which is taken as a measure of new workers.

The figures released by the Labor Ministry show there were 4,512,116 individuals registered for unemployment benefits in late November, while 16,695,752 were contributing to the national welfare system.

Compared with other months of November, which is historically not a good month for job figures, the drop in jobless claims was the

largest since 1996. As for new contributors to Social Security, this last month registered the biggest rise since November 2007.

The numbers encouraged the state secretary for employment, Engracia Hidalgo, to say that Spain’s job market is experiencing “a change in trends” that continues to consolidate month after month.

Tomás Burgos, the state secretary for social security, called the November figures “a drastically positive change” compared with recent months of November and said the year-on-year numbers reflected affiliation growth rates “similar to those prior to the economic crisis.”

According to the National Statistics Institute, Spain’s unemployment rate in late September was 23.67%. http://elpais.com/

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16

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES december 2014

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant)

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A lovely, deceptively large semi-detached property in great original condition with lots of character that requires updating. Set is beautiful countryside and just a 10 minute drive to the pretty village of Lubrin. This is a large property with 6 bedrooms all of generous size, the garden is large enough to make a pool and the setting is very tranquil and scenic.

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BEDAR

This attractive 1 bedroom townhouse is situated adjacent to all local amenities including the local swimming pool, health centre and town hall. It boasts lots of original features and a large roof terrace with great views over the pretty village and towards the coastline. This would make a fabulous holiday home.

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SORBAS (Mizala)

This unique 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom property is located in the beautiful Mizala valley, minutes from the village of Gaffarillos,( Sorbas) 20 minutes from the stunning coastal resort of Agua Amarga in the Cabo de Gata and just 30 minutes from Almeria airport .The dwelling consists of two separate 2 bedroom properties, beautiful gardens and a larger than average garage.

185,000€

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MOJACAR(El Pinar)

Duplex 300m from beach in Mojácar. Downstairs is a large open plan lounge-dinner with A/C, fitted kitchen, toilet with shower. Upstairs 3 beds with fitted wardrobes, a bathroom & 2 terraces. Enclosed rear patio leads out to an open rear patio & approx.

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“Sorry – I can´t help you with that” How many times have you heard that sentence lately?

Maybe you are experiencing problems with your current private medical insurer, medical staff not speaking your language, not fully understanding your Sip card entitlements, or how you may be able to qualify for a Spanish health service, which after the latest reforms is experiencing further serious cuts on health care costs causing long waiting lists for consultations, diagnostics and surgeries. Whatever your problem, if ASSSA can help – we will! Why would ASSSA insurance company be prepared to give impartial and non-obligatory advice, you might ask?

The answer is simply because our good name depends on it!

ASSSA - Experience, Expertise & Customer Service

Our personal service is unique. Our friendly, multi-lingual employees are pleased to inform you of both our achievements and policies without any obligation to purchase. Our philosophy is to answer all client queries fully and with complete honesty. Many of our clients join us on recommendation from existing ones, which is a clear indication of our unique service. After contacting ASSSA you are allocated a personal advisor who speaks your language and assists with any questions that you may have. In order to achieve this superior customer service and customer proximity, we have set up a chain of customer service offices along the coast.

Doctors and Hospitals

Our policies offer an extensive directory of private clinics, GP´s and Specialists working from some of the best private healthcare hospitals.

We have many English speaking medical professionals under contract with ASSSA.

Quality insurance

We provide flexible levels of HEALTH INSURANCE – which meets the needs and requirements of all clients. There are a number of flexible plans which range from top-up insurance (starting from 46€ per month) to comprehensive cover (starting from 80€ per month.) During the current economic crisis we are pleased to be able to offer lifetime discounts up to 30% for adults and 50% for accompanying children up to 16 years. We are currently offering an amazing 25% lifetime discount on our FUNERAL INSURANCE premiums – plus, the option to pay in installments at no extra cost. In addition we have discounted our very popular Dental Insurance.

Insure your health!

ASSSA offers a variety of unique, written, contractual guarantees: The premium does not increase due to increased age. In addition, ASSSA provides protection against policy cancellation from the first day of insurance. Contracts with ASSSA are of course, in your native language as transparency is important to us.

Visit us for a chat and without any obligation. Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09: 30-13:30, later appointments or home visits by arrangement.

We look forward to your visit!

Customer service office: Vera: Tel: 950 392 487 Email: vera@asssa.es María Dolores Castaño

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SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

www.soltimes.com

Winter Skincare Tips

Do you suffer from mobility problems, breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles?

Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision?

You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain

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Get soft skin in winter It’s everyone’s dream in the dead of winter: to have dewy skin that’s immune to the effects of icy temps, whipping winds, and Sahara-like heating. Good luck with that, right?

Here, just in time: a guide to protecting your most moisture-starved parts so you can stay soft and smooth all season long.

Smooth as you soothe Extra-dry skin like on dry upper arms can trigger a flare-up of keratosis pilaris, that annoying rough skin.Try a lotion with salicylic acid to exfoliate dead cells around your hair follicles and reduce the appearance of bumps.

Handle with care To prevent chapping parched hands, embrace wipe-off, soap-free cleansers and alcohol-free hand sanitizers. They’re less drying than washing repeatedly with soap and water, it’s the wet-dry, wet-dry that really sucks the moisture out of your skin. When you do wash, choose a moisturizing soap-free cleanser or a hydrating antibacterial gel, then slather on lotion right away.

Just add honey To soften stubborn dry patches on rough elbows and knees, opt for a rich, hydrating scrub. Use a simple mix of honey and sugar. Studies show that humectant honey reduces inflammation, and sugar (applied topically) increases circulation in skin. This can be especially helpful in winter when blood flow is typically diverted from the skin to keep your core warm.

Exfoliate lightly It’ll brighten your skin, and your moisturizer can penetrate better if you don’t have a 50-car pileup of dead cells.Pick super-gentle exfoliators when using for chest and back like tiny, rounded polyethylene microbeads.

Treat feet at night For roughed-up feed, before bed, gently buff away calluses with a hydrating scrub or pumice stone, and apply a thick, buttery moisturizer while feet are still damp. (If this doesn’t help, you may need an OTC or Rx cream containing glycolic acid or urea that exfoliates while it moisturizes.)

Then wear socks overnight. If you do that religiously for a month, the changes will be magical.

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There are various electronic accessories that can be paired with hearing aids to enhance reception.

The most common is the remote control. In its basic form this can be used as a volume control to make all sounds louder or quieter in any given situation or to swap from one programme setting to another (ie speech and noise, music, outdoors, etc).

The more advanced and sophisticated remote controls can also act as a relay device enabling mobile phone conversations to be played directly through the hearing aids into both ears and also transmit voice back to the mobile phone giving a hands-free effect. Other aids can be paired with an interface via Bluetooth to mobile phones, so you can hear the phone conversation in both ears directly through your hearing aids whilst at the same time have your hearing aids’ microphones pick up your own voice and transmit it back to the mobile phone. Next time you see someone ‘talking to themselves’ they may just be having a telephone conversation through their hearing aids.

Other transmitters can be plugged directly into your television, stereo or computer and, via a separate interface unit, can play all of these devices directly into your hearing

aids at a level suitable to you without affecting the listening comfort of anyone else in the room. The same interfaces can also accommodate signals from remote microphones.

Thus in an auditorium a remote microphone can be placed on the lectern and the speaker’s voice played directly into the hearing aid wearer’s ear; this also applies for business meetings, group dinners, or even one-to-one communication over a distance (length of a bowling green).

By placing the remote microphone directly facing the speaker, the voice is relayed direct to the hearing aid wearer without encountering any of the outside/ background noises in between.

This microphone operates in the same way as a loop system does in a church or a bank, a theatre or a cinema.

All these devices help to eliminate the noise of the outside world and play the sounds you want to hear clearly directly into the hearing aids.

If you have any questions about this week’s topic, you can e-mail digitalhearing@hotmail. co.uk, contact Michael Burke at Digital Hearing, Quesada Business Centre, Calle los Arcos 7, Ciudad Quesada – tel 698 418 642, or visit us on-line at

www.digitalhearingspain.com.

18

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES december 2014

News

Home owners could cope with rate rise, says Bank The majority of people with mortgages could cope with a rise in interest rates, the Bank of England has said.

Just 4% of mortgage holders would need to take action if interest rates rose to 2.5% from their current 0.5% historic low, according to the Bank’s annual survey of household finances.

However, the calculation assumes a 10% rise in household incomes.

If incomes did not rise, it said, 37% more mortgagers would need to act in response to a rate rise.

“These results do not imply that increases in interest rates from their currently historically low level would have unusually large effects on household spending,” the Bank of England said in its report.

The Bank also said an interest rate hike would increase the number of households with mortgage repayments of more than 40% of

their gross income, putting them at greater risk of falling into arrears.

It said the number of households having trouble paying their home loans would increase by a third to 480,000 in the event of an interest rate hike to 2.5%, assuming household income rose by 10% at the same time.

However, this figure increases to 660,000 if pay stays the same.

Despite this, the Bank said that the number of people falling into arrears on their mortgage should be fewer than in 2007.

It should also fail to top the total of the early 1990s, when the UK suffered its worst property crash since World War Two. The Bank emphasised in its latest Inflation Report that when interest rates do rise, the pace of increases is likely to be gradual.

Source -www.bbc.co.uk

Islamic State threat: Coalition pledges more troops for Iraq The US-led coalition fighting Islamic State (IS) militants has pledged to send an additional 1,500 troops to Iraq, a top US commander said on Monday.

Lt Gen James Terry who is coordinating efforts against IS said the soldiers would be in addition to 3,100 US soldiers already promised.

He did not say which coalition nations would provide the extra troops.

Coalition members are meeting at a conference in Kuwait.

Gen Terry also told the conference that air strikes against IS were taking a toll on the militants’ campaign in Iraq and Syria.

The US state department says nearly 60 countries belong to the coalition, although most play no direct role in the air strikes.

It is hoped the deployment of

additional soldiers will increase the effectiveness of the Iraqi army, much of which proved ineffective under an IS onslaught last summer.

“While [the Iraqi security forces] have a long way to go I think they’re becoming more capable every day,” Lt. Terry said.

Meanwhile, the Combined Joint Task Force announced that USled coalition forces carried out 15 air strikes in Syria and 31 in Iraq between 3 and 8 December.

IS controls large areas of Syria and Iraq, imposing a rigid version of Sunni Islam and persecuting or killing non-believers.

Source www.bbc.co.uk

AMAZING OPPORTUNITY!

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The property has on the ground floor an entrance hall, a large living room with fireplace, a separate dining room, a large kitchen, a bedroom / study with fireplace and en suite shower room, a laundry room, a porch and a large terrace.

On the first floor it has 3 large bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and terraces. All the rooms in the property are well proportioned and hence the massive built area of 255.98 mts2 built on a fully fenced plot of 10,648 mts2.

The property benefits from a huge under built / basement area which is accessible from a stairwell from one of the side terraces.

On the grounds there are a very good sized swimming pool with a capacity of 42.83 mts3 and a large tiled pool decking,

mature garden, walkways, 2 driveways and car ports.

All in all a fine residence for those who like the privacy of life in the countryside but yet would like to live within a short drive away from services and amenities. This is a must see property.

For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact us via phone or e-mail.

Ref: 1551

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

property group

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk

SOLTIMES december 2014

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Sales & lettings inmobiliaria

Almeria Property

Agency

tlf: +34 850 993 099 Mob: +34 606 281 865 info@almeriapropertyagency.com

www.almeriapropertyagency.com

Season’s Greetings The staff at Almeria Property Agency would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

APA1495

Area: Arboleas

APA1480

Area: Garrucha

APA1410

Area: Arboleas

Pristine modern villa on 653m2 corner plot in a popular urbanization located short drive from Arboleas. Entering this detached villa you go into a hallway leading to bright, airy lounge with feature fireplace, A/C, fully equipped kitchen incl white goods, 3 dble beds, master has fitted wardrobes, A/C, en-suite shower room & patio doors to mature gardens. Also a good sized family bathroom plus an 8m x 4m kidney shaped pool with a gazebo.

2 beds, 1 bathroom apartment located in thriving seaside town of Garrucha, province of Almeria, located only 200m from beaches & harbour. South east facing, has small terrace where you can sit & have breakfast & lunch in the sunshine. Inside is a spacious living room/dining room, fully fitted kitchen including white goods, 2 beds and a bathroom.

The main bedroom also has air-conditioning, there is a private communal swimming pool and garden, plus each apartment has underground car parking.

123m2 villa set on a large 900m2 plot of land only 10 mins from amenities, on a well maintained urbanization with mountain views in Limaria. The property has a large porch, open plan kitchen incl white goods, dining room, living room with wood burning fire & A/C, 3 double beds, master with ensuite & family bathroom. It has a well maintained garden with plenty of patio area and space to relax in the wonderful Spanish sun shine. Plus an 8m by 4m swimming pool , a shed, and a car port.

Price: 164.950€

Price: 75.000€

Price: 159.950€

We will be closed on the following dates for Christmas Holidays:

Wednesday 24th – Thursday 26th December Thursday 1st January; Tuesday 6th January

Office next to Cajamar bank in Arboleas village

19

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SOLTIMES december 2014

Camposol B Holiday Lets from €800 pw

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•3 Bed/2 Bath First Floor Apartment.

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Man attacked by lions at Barcelona zoo

A Spanish man is recovering in hospital after entering the lion enclosure at Barcelona zoo, and being dragged into a tunnel by the pride.

A Spanish former policeman is in hospital after he jumped into the lions’ enclosure at Barcelona zoo, and put up no resistance to an attack which lasted more than 20 minutes.

Justo José Mira, 45, dropped into the enclosure on Sunday – falling four metres into the pen in front of shocked families who were visiting with their children.

Mr José, who was also in the Spanish army and spent 13 years as a civil guard, spoke in an interview last year about his battle with depression. He had taken up the fight against abortion, and was arrested for graffiting the local police station with anti-abortion slogans. He was also detained for dressing in Nazi uniform during the October 9 celebrations for Day of Valencia’s Community.

Zookeepers tried to get the lions off the man, who did not shout or raise his arms against the animals.

They tried to lure them away with meat, or throw rocks at them, but all efforts failed until the firemen turned up and sprayed the animals with water.

Mr José was taken to Vall d’Hebron hospital, where his condition was described as serious but stable. He was expected to survive.

“The intention wasn’t to kill him,” said Ignasi Armengol, director of Barcelona municipal services. “They just played with him.”

Family Have Just Decided To Come For Christmas After All Just when you had got use to the Another popular idea is a Bunk Bed

Which brings to mind where will everyone sleep? Don’t worry I have some ideas to help you.

You can buy an under bed and mattress to slide under your existing beds. What about a fold up guest bed?

Humanists of Murcia Walk

Thirty-nine walkers met up in Librilla in Bar Santa Lucia for a coffee before the walk and a short drive across the A-7 autopista.

Audrey led the walkers up to the canal that takes water to Lorca.

The walkers divided into two groups. The Fast Trackers went straight up the hill, while the Amblers went east along the canal to la Rambla de Algeciras.

They turned left and strolled along the rambla for 30 minutes before heading up the hill to the mirador.

It was a wide smooth track through the trees.

At the mirador above the Embalse, they met the Fast Trackers admiring the fantastic view of the damn and the “badlands” (amazing landscape of chalk and limestone mini hills).

Carmen Gomez, who was at the zoo

With a change of mind set, time to get a move on and get into the bedrooms with your paint and brushes. I know you were hoping to do it in the spring ready for the summer onslaught visitors. But everything has to be perfect for Christmas, come on guys it does not matter if you are in jolly old blighty or Spain the rules are the same. Perfection at Christmas!

News

with her two children and husband, told Spanish news agency EFE: “The man – dressed in camouflage clothes, very tall and slim, crawled along a ridge and a lioness jumped up, grabbed him and took him into the tunnel.”

Wearing camouflage clothes and with a rucksack on his back, Mr José, who was diagnosed as being bipolar and left his work a year ago, was pounced on by two of the three lions, who dragged him into a service tunnel.

idea you would go out to dinner with friends to a restaurant and have no cooking or washing up to do and put your feet up and have a relaxing time watching the old T.V. in charge of the remote control. Lets face it with grandchildren coming, you will be lucky to see it let alone use it.

21

with double bed below and a single on top. This allows Mum and Dad to sleep on the bottom bunk and a child on the top bunk or sleep 3 kids. This can be used for those summer visitors as a double room or as a twin room too. Always helps to think ahead.

Let’s not forget the Paris Day Bed which is a single bed with a metal frame around it. Put a throw over it and line the frame with cushions to make a sofa effect which has another single bed underneath to roll out. Just put it up on it’s legs and it all becomes a double bed or two singles.

Good tip: you can move this to any room in your home, so if the grandchild is naughty can always put it out on the naughty terrace (Well it won’t fit on the naughty step will it!)

One last word of warning to the men / Grandad’s, don’t get too merry after all your hard work or you could be joining your Grandchildren on the naughty terrace.

Written By Chris of Furniture Plus, Centro Comercial La Piramide (above Mercadona Opp. Lidl) Puerto de Mazarron, Tel. 968 153 907

Rhian gave the group a brief talk about Humanism before the combined group meandered down the direct route to the cars.

The lunch was in Restaurante Pagan on the edge of the A-7, where 42 people sat down to lunch. Jon is still trying to workout where the extra four diners came from. It was a great meal, served by efficient and friendly staff.

They even managed to produce a surprise birthday cake for Liz who was celebrating her 39th birthday again.

Cotton tablecloths, two veggie meals, and plenty of knives and forks and gallons of red wine.

For more information about the Humanists go to www.bolnuevo. com/Joomla/evolutionists

Tulip solar power system

For five years now, a Tulip concentrating solar power plant has been operating at a kibbutz in Israel. In January 2012, a second one sprouted in Spain. While both plants have been successfully pumping out electricity ever since, they were also both built as research and development exercises. Soon, however, the world’s first commercial Tulip plant will be built for a paying client, in Ethiopia.

Created by Israeli company AORA, the Tulip system is certainly unique.

It incorporates a central tulip-like tower, surrounded by an array of sun-tracking mirrors on the ground.

Those mirrors turn to track with the sun, reflecting and concentrating its rays onto the tower’s top-mounted “bulb” throughout the day. This causes the air inside the bulb to heat to temperatures as high as 1,000ºC (1,832ºF). That ultra-hot air is then used to run a turbine generator, thus creating electricity.

At night or in cloudy weather, the plant’s generator can also run on fuels such as diesel or natural gas, allowing it to supply electricity 24 hours a day.

The new plant is being built for the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, as part of that country’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy. It will have an output capacity of 100kW of electricity along with 170kW of thermal power, while occupying less than 3,500 sq m

(37,673 sq ft) of space.

Additionally, unlike some other concentrating solar power systems, Tulips don’t require water as a heatcarrying medium or for cooling.

This is an important consideration for a partially-arid country such as Ethiopia.

Construction on the new Tulip is scheduled to begin next year.

Assuming it performs well during its trial period, plans call for a series of other plants to then be built in underserved off-grid locations across the country. All of them will be run by local people, who have been trained

by AORA staff.

Source: AORA

22

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SOLTIMES december 2014

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eurozone growth According to the second estimate published on Friday by Eurostat, which is in line with Bloomberg’s expectations and confirms the preliminary data published on 14th November, the gross domestic product (GDP) in the eurozone grew in the third quarter of the year by 0.2%, compared with 0.1% in the previous three months.

Between July and September the eurozone economy registered an increase of 0.8%, compared to the same period in 2013, in line with the year-on-year growth figure for the previous three months, and the economies with the greatest rates of expansion among the euro countries in this period were Greece, Slovenia, Slovakia and Spain.

In the third quarter of the year the European Union (EU) as a whole experienced growth of 0.3%, compared to the second quarter, when it grew by 0.2%. Year-on-year, the EU economy grew by 1.3%, compared to the same period last year.

Among the countries of the eurozone whose data were available, the largest GDP increases registered were for Greece (+0.7%), Slovenia (+0.7%), Slovakia (+0.6%), Spain (+0.5%) and Latvia (+0.5%), while the only declines in activity were recorded for Cyprus (0.4%), Austria (-0.3%) and Italy (-0.1%).

El Economista reported that, among the major economies of the eurozone, of particular significance were the figures for Germany, which registered GDP growth of 0.1% following the 0.1% decline recorded in the second quarter, and France, which posted growth of 0.3%, after falling by 0.1% in the previous quarter.

In contrast to the weakness of the recovery in the eurozone, during the third quarter of the year the economy of the United States managed to grow, quarter-on-quarter, by 1%, following growth of 1.1% in the second quarter, while the United Kingdom grew at a rate of 0.7%, following growth of 0.9% in the second quarter.

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News

Former Bankia chief denies wrongdoing in flotation of lender

There was no intention to mislead

anyone, nor was there any possibility that we could have misled anyone.” That was how the former chairman of nationalized Spanish lender Bankia, Rodrigo Rato, answered accusations of fraud regarding the bank’s merger and stock market listing.

Speaking on radio station Onda Cero on Friday, Rato was responding to a report that has been drawn up by judicial investigators into the bank’s flotation NEW BUSINESS? and state bailout.

3 WAYS TO ADVERTISE The document, which was made public RING 966 719 647 OR yesterday and has been over to High EMAIL YOUR ADVERT TO handed Court Judge Fernando questions the blancasales@soltimes.com Andreu, validity of Bankia’s accounts and suggests that hundreds of

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thousands of small investors were swindled. In his interview, Rato argued that the bank was not acting “alone” and that it was “completely supervised” during its creation – which resulted from a merger of Caja Madrid, Bancaja and a number of other Spanish savings banks – and during its stock market debut in July 2011.

“This was not a conspiracy. We listed [on the stock exchange] in very difficult circumstances,” Rato argued, explaining that the Bank of Spain sent letters to all of the merging lenders with its “vision and numbers on the situation and the expected losses.” These letters are included in the judicial probe, but the former Bankia chairman does not believe that they have been taken into account by investigators.

Rato described the report as “highly debatable” and pointed out several contradictions between its conclusions and the actions of the Bank of Spain.

With regard to alleged irregularities in the listing of Bankia shares, Rato claimed that “purchase orders had not been inflated,” and offered as evidence the fact that the share price held steady after the flotation and that the number of foreign investors doubled in six months. The report found that a significant percentage of the buy orders at the listing came from companies linked to the bank, as well as clients whose operations had been refinanced or who were behind on their debt repayments.

Some of these investors immediately

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resold their shares, which, the report says, throws into doubt the interest they had in participating in the operation.

The document quantifies the damage caused to investors at €3.092 billion. The judicial investigators also questioned Deloitte, which was in charge of auditing Bankia’s accounts. Rato responded by describing the firm as the “number one financial auditor in Spain,” and pointed out that it had signed off its reports on Caja Madrid and Bancaja “with no exceptions.”

Rato, who is also a former International Monetary Fund chief, also spoke about the Caja Madrid “black cards” scandal, related toundeclared personal expenses totaling €15.5 million that executives and board members at the bank racked up over 10 years.

He told his interviewers that calling these cards “opaque” and “black” was mistaken as there was “nothing less black than a credit card made out to a specific person.” As he did when he appeared before the judge investigating the use of the cards, he argued that he was under the impression that the money available to him via the credit card formed part of his salary.

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Diana - Film Review

“Love is a garden. If you can’t smell the fragrance, don’t come into the garden of love. Somewhere beyond right and wrong there is a garden. I’ll meet you there.”

Rumi. Yet another film panned by the critics both sides of the Atlantic. Remember Grace starring Nicole Kidman? That was hammered too. Diana is biopic only in the sense that it covers some aspects of her final years from 1995-1997 particularly her relationship with the heart surgeon, Hasnat Khan and her humanitarian work.

Oliver Hirschbiegel of “Downfall” fame, an incredible film based on Hitler’s last days, directed Diana. Based on Kate Snell’s 2001 book: Diana: Her Last Love. The script was written by Stephen Jeffreys. Naomi Watts played the title role alongside the attractive Naveen William Sydney Andrews, a British Indian actor (Sayid Jarrah in the tv series Lost, Kip in The English Patient and Sanjay in the 2002 remake of Rollerball). This role suited him well and I loved his philosophical touch, quoting from Rumi a 13C revered Persian poet. You’ll see some good on-screen chemistry between the two and amusing moments of childish pranks when they can escape the paparazzi (which is not often).

The film begins and ends in the same way. It shows Diana with Dodi Fayed in a Parisian hotel in the lift with the press amassing outside. Whilst walking down

the corridor, Diana is tense. She stops at one point and looks over her shoulder in anticipation of something. But what is it?

The same sequence is replayed at the end and yes, it makes sense. That important phone call that she is waiting for. However, Diana has left her phone in her bathroom and it seems that she has given up on the chance of a reconciliation.

The film then takes us back two years and we are reminded of her separation from Prince Charles. Her meeting with the surgeon is by chance and she is hooked from the start with this self-assured man, determined to save people’s lives. “You reach a place inside of yourself where time has no meaning. You don’t perform an operation, the operation performs you.

And when it’s over, reality is a bit flat.”

Surprisingly Diana seemed to be excited by the fact that Khan wasn’t star-struck by the most famous woman in the world which we are reminded about far too many times! She finds it a novelty in the way he treats her-not as a Princess in awe like everyone else. Hasnat admits to following no-one hence the self-assured, confident man so different from the insecure Diana whose nightmare concerns recurrent bad dreams of falling with no-one there to catch her. She has therapy sessions and talks through her insecurities. She confides in Oonagh, her therapist that she sees herself as a little girl waiting on the

doorstep for her mother to return which never seems to happen.

At the start of her relationship with Khan she is interviewed by Martin Bashir for the BBC over Charles’ infidelity: “There were three of us in this marriage and so it was a bit crowded.” The interview caused a rumpus with her staff and the Palace as you would expect. Patrick, her rock, tended his resignation. “I’d like to be queen of people’s hearts. In people’s hearts.” She was asked if she thought she would ever become Queen: “I’m a non starter. I do things differently. I don’t go by a rule book because I lead from the heart not from the head and albeit that’s got me into trouble with my work but someone’s got to go out there and love people and show it.”

It was impossible for them to have a normal relationship without being constantly hounded by the press but they did try. Diana bought a dark hair-piece and borrowed her butler’s car in exchange for her Audi. At one time she was hidden in the boot of the car. There seemed to be genuine love and affection with moments of happiness and longer stretches of frustration. “If I marry you I have to marry the whole world as well. We can’t simply be a man and woman. When you fall in love, you just keep going despite the warning lights.”

The inevitable break-up happened and

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Diana tried to manipulate the press over her alleged affair with Dodi to make Hasnat jealous. The truth? We don’t know so blame the writer and director for being rather creative in assuming they knew what was going through Diana’s mind and Hasnat’s. This is where the critics went to town!

As well as the affair, we see Diana in an extraordinary good light with her humanitarian work, especially highlighting landmines and visiting victims, particularly the young children whose lives had been seriously blighted by the mines. In Huambo province, Angola, one young girl had her intestines blown out. For this work Diana was branded a loose canon as if she was aligning herself to Labour!

We know the ending but it is still a tragedy and seeing all those flowers paraded in front of her palace reminds us of how loved she was. Hasnat leaves a poignant message and walks away bereft and full of despair.

“Where you are, death will find you even if you are in towers built up strong and tall.” Quran.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor. www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress. com naylorcl@hotmail.es

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SOLTIMES december 2014

To advertise in this space

Contact our sales advisors on 950 121 936 or email: sales@soltimes.com

SolPUZZLES

soltimes trivia

4. Imran khan played cricket for Worcestershire and which other English county?.............................

5. Which relatively new water sport was added to the Olympics in 1984?.......

6. In which sport did Wilt Chamberlain and Alton Byrd achieve fame?...........

7. What is the last event of the Decathlon?..................

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9. Which was the first country to win the Football World Cup?........................

10. Which sport is enjoyed by the Leander club?.........

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

standard SUDOKU

wordsearch answer

8. In cricket, who scored England’s first test century?............................

TOY TREE ORNAMENT

easy SUDOKU

CRYPTIC crossword

3. Who was Olympic Boxing Light heavyweight Gold medallist in 1960?.....

CHRISTMAS CAKE

10. George Best Portugal, Switzerland 9. Eire, Sweden, Spain, 8. Stupa 7. Bauhaus

CROSSWORD

2. Who was Wimbledon Womens Singles champion in 1994?............................

6. Basketball

1. 1994 2. Yuri Gagarin 3. The Steppes 4. Narcissus 5. Pantomime 6. Audrey Hepburn

SOLUTIONS

Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining 13 letters spell an additional Christmas gift idea.

1. In 1994 the Chinese sporting World Champions Lu Bin and Yang Aihua tested positive for drugs, in which sport?..................

7. 1500m

Brain Teasers Answers

Christmas Gift Ideas

soltimes sport quiz

8. WG Grace

1. In which year did the following events take place: Norway rejected European Union membership, Inauguration of the Channel Tunnel, Brian Lara broke four cricket records, First women priests ordained by the Church of England?.......

2. Which former cosmonaut died in a plane crash in March 1968?...................

3. What is the name of the large area of temperate grassland in the Soviet Union?..................................................

4. Which beautiful youth pined for the love of his reflection?.............................

5. Which traditional British form of entertainment combines harlequinade and burlesque?......................................

6. Which actress played Marion to Sean Connerys Robin in the film Robin & Marion?.................................................

7. Walter Gropius was the founder of which school of Architecture?................

8. What is the name given to a Buddhist burial mound?.......................................

9. Name five European nations that remained neutral during World War II?...

10. In the 1970s who was accused of stealing a passport and a fur coat from Miss World?...........................................

9. Uruguay

soltimes quiz

wordsearch

10. Rowing

to what is believed to be the remains of Britain’s oldest house. The structure would have been 3.5 metres wide, and dates from around 10,000 years ago, when Britain was still joined to the rest of Europe................................

‘Big Ben’ doesn’t refer to the famous clock at London’s Houses of Parliament, but to the bell inside. The building itself is called the Elizabeth Tower.....................

The one-and-a-half mile journey from Westray to Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands is the shortest scheduled flight in the world. The trip takes less than two minutes.

The skies above Lavenham in Suffolk inspired the song, ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’. Written in 1806 by 23year-old poet Jane Taylor, who lived in Shilling Street in the village..........................................................................

1. Swimming 2. Conchita Martinez 3. Cassius Clay 4. Sussex 5. Synchronised swimming

Star Carr near Scarborough in North Yorkshire is home

SOLTIMES december 2014

www.soltimes.com

online Booking Now Available!

27

Go to our web site for all our excursions. Costa Blancas No1 Tour Operator for day trips, city breaks, cruises through to Christmas & New Year.

Across 1. Knowledgeable person in a particular field (6) 3. Receive something offered (6) 8. Circuitous (7) 10. Luxury craft (5) 11. Prominent (5) 12. Out of the ordinary (7) 13. In front (5) 15. Felt pain (5) 20. Frequent patron (7) 22. Mindful (5) 24. Once more (5) 25. Imbue (7) 26. Firstborn (6) 27. Request for a sum of money (6)

Down 1. Oar (6) 2. Not at any time (5) 4. Aquatic South American rodent (5) 5. Leave out (7) 6. Aggregates (6) 7. Progeny (5) 9. Last letter of the Greek alphabet (5) 14. Emaciated (7) 16. Item of furniture (5) 17. Colonnade (6) 18. Juicy fruit (5) 19. Breakfast food (6) 21. Parts of a chain (5) 23. Die away (5)

STANDARD CROSSWORD

STANDARD CROSSWORD CLUES

Book online or call us direct, either way one of our operators is waiting to take your call or visit www.coachtripsonline.com for more info

SUDOKU PUZZLE s

Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

standard

easy

squiggle

ACROSS 1 Few find car at start of road, wrongly positioned, but this person might! (7,6) 8 Failed on entry into ‘German Energy’ (4) 9 Do less damage in church work, where you need to be in union (6,4) 10 Narrow strip of water with second identifying feature (6) 11 Intended to teach a court, in charge after policeman finally died (8) 12 Being in a dazed state at intervals? (6,3) 14 State of mind over inescapable ruin (4) 15 Enjoyment without a mythical creature (4) 16 Crooked w-when nearly shifted into small boat (4-5) 20 Agonised about city (3,5) 21 Horrible lout with a Welsh criminal (6) 23 Waste outside of Thailand cut and left to be unorthodox (3-3-4) 24 Python not in use (4) 25 Unit lay about with tidal lake parallel to the equator? (13)

down 1 Dance that sounds overly plain (3-4) 2 A headless bird at a place of great activity (5) 3 Cut a jewel to confront Edward (7) 4 Tastelessly bright bird in one’s family - note, that is where you’ll find over-optimistic people! (5-6-4) 5 You must make this to compensate (6) 6 Nearly dress beneath container with which you might wash or dry (9) 7 Element of witchcraft in polonium, with half gone missing (7) 13 Overthrow of French central state following a masterstroke (4,5) 15 Loud and long complaint is very bad (7) 17 Try to win the support of the French, wearing Liberal new garment (7) 18 Weakness of 22 going wrong in the outskirts of Filey (7) 19 With regard to man, one governing temporarily (6) 22 Attempt to get King and Emperor in most of story (5)

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

28 SOLTIMES december 2014 INGREDIENTS

Spanish Christmas Menu Prawns wi th Pi nk Sau c e Menú de Noche Buena L an g o s t i n o s con

1 1/2 lbs. raw Langostinos or large prawns, heads on 2 quarts water to boil Salt to taste Salsa Rosa PREPARATION

Salsa Rosa

This prawns with pink sauce makes 6 servings.

1. Rinse prawns (langostinos) and let drain.

2. In a medium to large pot, pour water and 1 tsp. salt. Heat water on high until it boils.

PINK SAUCE

INGREDIENTS Once water boils, place prawns in pot. Allow 3/4 cup prawns to cook only until they turn pink. Remove mayonnaise immediately and allow to drain.

1/4 cup catsup 3. Chill prawns in refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours.

1 tbsp brandy 4. When ready to serve, arrange prawns on a large 3-4 drops of Tabasco platter and serve with Salsa Rosa -Pink Sauce sauce Source: http://spanishfood.about.com/ 1 tbsp lemon juice Salt to taste PREPARATION This pink sauce recipe makes 4 servings Measure all ingredients LOOK AT into a mixing bowl and mix with a fork or wire whisk until smooth and everything to make a CAKE creamy. If you like a sauce with more bite, thestore.danoes@hotmail.com add more Tabasco Tel: 634 305 144 sauce.

www.danoes.com

In Spanish, Christmas Eve is called “La Noche Buena,” literally translated as “The Good Night.” In Spain it is celebrated with a large family feast, which is eaten late in the evening and can last a couple hours. Some families attend midnight mass before or after, although many families are still finishing dinner around the table at midnight! In Spain, Christmas Eve is a time for celebrating in neighborhood bars and cafes, and around the table with family and friends. It is not a time for gift exchanges or Santa Claus. That must wait until January 6th, which is Epiphany, another religious holiday.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup rice 1/2 cup olive oil 1 yellow onion 1 carrot 1 tomato 2 bay leaves 1 fish head for broth (ex. salmon heads) 12 littleneck or Venus clams 1 lb. shrimp (20-25 per lb.)

1 cup white wine Salt and pepper to taste 6 Servings

oup S h is llf e h S d Fish an do y a sc e P e d a p o S Marisco

PREPARATION 1. In a medium sauce pan or pot, pour 4 cups of water, bay leaves, fish head and clams. Simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Add the shrimp and simmer another 5 minutes.

2. Chop the onion, tomato and carrot.

Heat the olive oil in a large open frying pan. Add the onion, tomato and carrot when hot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, then add the wine and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Pour the vegetable-wine mixture in a large pot. Strain the broth and pour

Source: http://spanishfood.about.com/

Sunday Roast served 1pm - 4pm €6.95 incl. dessert

All Day Breakfast Tuesday - Saturday from 10am

Only €3.50

Open X Boximas Day For ng Day & dr 12 -3 inks pm

Kitchen open Friday Evenings from 7pm - 9pm Entertainment at ‘The Bull’ FRIDAY 12TH DECEMBER SINGER DAVE HENRY FROM 8.30PM SUNDAY 21ST DECEMBER 3-COURSE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MEAL SERVED BETWEEN 1PM & 5PM BOOKINGS ONLY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY OPEN HOUSE – FREE ENTRY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LIGHT BITES AVAILABLE WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

Tel: 950 930 550 / 634 357 455

into the pot. Stir.

4. Now that you have removed the shrimp and fish head, shell the cooked shrimp (optional) and set aside. De-bone the fish head and set the fish meat aside. Discard the bones. Place the pot on the stove and turn heat on medium high.

5. When the soup starts to boil, add the rice and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. When ready to serve, add back the fish meat and shrimp.

Serve in wide soup bowls with bread.

mixed gre en salad INGREDIENTS 1 head Iceburg or Romaine lettuce 2 tomatoes, cut into 8 pieces 1 cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/2 cup green olives, stuffed with anchovies 1 can white asparagus 1 red or yellow pepper, sliced in long thin strips 1/4-1/2 yellow or red onion, sliced 1 carrot, grated 1 6 oz can tuna, drained 2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and cut into quarters red wine or sherry vinegar extra virgin Spanish olive oil

salt to taste PREPARATION This Spanish mixed green salad recipe 4-6 servings.

Hard boil the eggs. Allow to cool in cold water. Then, peel and cut into quarters, or slice in thick slices.

Cut the lettuce head in half. Rinse the lettuce under cold water and allow to drain. While lettuce is draining, cut the tomatoes. Peel and slice cucumbers and slice the red peppers.

Grate the carrot.

Open the cans of the other ingredients and drain each one.

Break up the lettuce into small pieces for a salad. Make a bed of lettuce on a large platter. On top of the bed, place the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers and carrots. Then spread out the tuna around the bed of lettuce, breaking it up into small chunks with a fork first. Place the egg slices, asparagus, olives and baby corn ears and artichoke hearts on top.Dress with oil and vinegar and sprinkle with salt to taste.

Tel: 950 121 936 sales@soltimes.com food & drink

SOLTIMES december 2014

29

Source: http://spanishfood.about.com/

aLSO TAKE AWAY AVAILABLE bra

Cocos Chicken

The Corner Shop

Ibex Insurance

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l Ru

e de

Call

BP

mercadona

Mesón de

Irene

#



kitchen hours: 12 - 15.30 & 18.30 - 21.30 - Bar is open all day ljam

or vegetable shortening until it melts.

If you prefer, use a small bowl and heat in microwave oven.

Heat oven to 400F. 2. Rinse the lamb and pat dry. Trim off excess fat and discard. Place lamb in roasting pan or other oven proof dish. (Traditionally, the Spanish use large, open clay dishes.) Rub the PREPARATION lamb with salt and baste with the Note: Although the traditional melted lard. Place in oven to roast. method for roasting lamb includes Occasionally baste with large and rubbing the lamb with lard or turn until lamb is golden brown on vegetable shortening, extra virgin the outside and meat is tender. olive oil is now often used instead.

3. Roast potatoes are a great 1. In a small sauce pan, heat the lard accompaniment to this dish. To roast potatoes, peel 8-10 small potatoes and cut in half. Place in the roasting pan around the lamb. Baste with large when you baste the lamb.

Note:The amount of time that the lamb spends in the oven will depend on Free Bottle of wine how thick the piece(s) of meat are. A good rule per couple to take away of thumb for a bone-in after having our night menus leg of lamb at 400F is to allow about 30 minutes Valid only with this voucher roasting time per pound dinner 19.00-22.00 until 31st december of lamb.

de A

INGREDIENTS 1/2 suckling Lamb approximately 9-11 lbs.

6 oz. lard or vegetable shortening, melted (substitute olive oil if desired) Salt to taste Yield: 8-10 servings

MENU - TAKE AWAY

WHAT can we tempt YOU with TODAY? selection of meals FOR ONLY 7.50€ inc. dessert & a drink

ino

Source: http://spanishfood.about.com/

RESTAURANT

Cam

mb Spanish Roast La echazo L r o o d a As o r e Cord

FREE COCKTAIL WITH THIS VOUCHER ON ANY MEAL COSTING 7,50€ OR MORE VALID UNTIL 31/01/2015

winter crazy offer

see our Facebook page or arboleas forum for more info

free

from

8.95€

el Cucador

Pre-Christmas Menu

t Available in the Restauran STARTER

Homemade Soup lba Toast Festive La Vida Pate with me Garlic Mushrooms

MAIN COURSE

Traditional Roast Turkey Beef Cobbler Fillet of Hake

le Vegetarian option availab

HOMEMADE DESSERTSauce

dy Christmas Pudding & Bran an in its Fru ed ak So Liqueure mb Bo am Cre Ice th Custard Homemade Fruit Crumble wi COFFEE & MINCE PIE € pp Lunch: 12:30 to 4:00pm - 12 pp Dinner: 6pm to 9pm - 15€

wine per couple) (Dinner includes a bottle of PARTIES PRE BOOKING ESSENTIAL for

Tel: 950 634 562

lavidacucador@gmail.com Open every day 12pm - late

CHRISTMAS new years eve party luncheon 35€ twilight shadows 6 COURSE MENU WITH WINE

35€

from 12.30pm

1 - 2pm cava & canopy 2pm - lunch 4pm - Live Music with

North/South Country Boys just a few tables remaining book now

D ia

menu del

party into the New Year to include Hot & cold buffet Cava & Grapes Tables going fast Book yours now

from

6€

2 Courses served at Lunchtimes

12.30- 3.30pm

from

5.95€

12€ from

FRIDAYS 12.30pm - 9pm

To include a large selection of Delicious Homemade starters and puddings.

Our main menu includes a selection of Roast potatoes, yorkshire pud, fresh vegetables, homemade gravy and includes a FREE glass of wine, tubo or soft drink booking recommended

5€

bar specials from 6pm Mondays: Chilli & Rice

Tuesdays: Cod & Chips

Cod & chips

traditional Sunday lunch

Wednesdays / Thursdays: Selection of homemade pies, chips & gravy

LIVE PREMIER FOOTBALL

We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Huercal Overa

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30

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES december 2014

animal corner

HOW DOG FOOD CAN HELP MANAGE PANCREATITIS

Pancreatitis is a scary and confusing disease for any pet parent to encounter. For veterinarians, it’s maddening.

Pancreatitis is often difficult to diagnose, difficult to identify its underlying cause, and sometimes resistant to treatment. To fully understand why, you must know what exactly pancreatitis is.

What is Pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a small organ that is located between the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. It has two main functions: the production of the hormone insulin and the manufacture of digestive enzymes. Pancreatitis develops when the organ becomes inflamed for any of a number (or no particular) reason.

The symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs can be rather vague. Most dogs have some combination of poor appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain, but others seem to have forgotten to read the textbooks.

A definitive diagnosis of pancreatitis can require some combination of a blood chemistry profile, complete cell count, urinalysis, fecal examination, specific tests for pancreatitis (fPLI or SPEC-FPL), abdominal X-rays and/or ultrasounds, and even exploratory surgery.

How is Pancreatitis Treated?

Treatment for pancreatitis is essentially symptomatic and supportive. The goal is to keep the patient comfortable and otherwise healthy while interrupting

the inflammation-tissue damage-more inflammation cycle. Most dogs are hospitalized so they can receive fluid therapy, pain relievers, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics, and sometimes plasma transfusions. Once a dog’s condition is stable and he can drink, eat, and take his medications by mouth, he can go home to finish his recuperation.

Dogs that are being treated for pancreatitis, or are at high risk for the disease, should eat bland, low-fat, easily digestible foods. The goal is to provide the dog with nutrition while simultaneously resting the pancreas as much as possible.

Dogs that are vomiting are typically held off food and water until they have not done so for 12 to 24 hours. Research is showing that the sooner dogs can eat again, the better they do, so aggressive anti-nausea treatment is very important.

Dogs that cannot hold down food within a reasonable amount of time (a few days generally) may need a feeding tube.

Many dogs that have a single episode of pancreatitis recover uneventfully and never look back. In more severe cases, however, pancreatitis may be acutely fatal or become a chronic and/or recurrent problem. Chronic pancreatitis can result in the destruction of enough pancreatic tissue that insulin and/or digestive enzyme production becomes insufficient, leading to diabetes mellitus and/or pancreatic enzyme insufficiency respectively. Do what you can to protect your dog from pancreatitis. Limit treats, snacks, and other “extras” to only 10-15 percent of his total daily caloric intake and make sure your offerings are low in fat. Source - pawnation.com

Mountain View

Cat hotel Hondon de las Nieves/Frailes

Centrally-heated houses with large individual runs Love and care will be lavished during your cat’s stay My 29 years of experience in animal and veterinary care will give you piece of mind

Space for a little one?

Little Emily and her brother were rescued

by APAH when they were puppies. Lucky George now has a home and a family, but Emily is still waiting. Could you make a little girl happy by giving her a home in time for Christmas?

To meet Emily please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

Telephone: 966 195 816

Answerphone - we will call back: Mobile 654 155 473

www.mountainviewcathotel.webs.com

Animal Welfare Centre San Miguel de Salinas

Whether they are pointy or floppy, long or short, dogs’ ears are a sensitive part of their bodies. Unattended ear infections can lead to serious problems and possible hearing loss. If the ears smell bad, your dog is scratching at them or shaking his head, or if he acts in pain when you touch them, it could be a sign of an infection and the time to call your veterinarian. Also, just like the warnings for human ears, dogs’ ears are no place for cotton swabs.

Dogs have no interest in having their ears cleaned. You’ll want to have all your supplies handy so you can devote your full attention to the dog and not get distracted looking for the wayward cotton balls. Your vet’s office can provide you with a safe ear cleaner, and you’ll want several cotton balls close at hand.

Clean hands (so as not to cause additional problems) or gloves and treats are a must. If your dog is squirmy, a

APAH

Pick up & delivery service offered for coastal areas

Finca La Castellana

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DOG’S EARS

BERRY

APAH currently has over 80 beautiful cats and kittens being cared for in its Cattery.

Some of them have lost their loving home, many have never had one. Can you give one of their cats a happy life and loving home?

They have every variation of colour and personality, so there’s sure to be one for you! To arrange to visit APAH’s Cattery please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

EMILY

These babies are 9 weeks old and have had there first puppy vaccination.They will be medium sized. The mum is 45 cms at the shoulder. Two white boys and two brown girls.

Email: lasthopedogrescue@ouitlook.com.

Tel 634 065 540

www.apahrescue.org

second person is a huge help. One person or two, you’ll want to close the dog into a small room like the bathroom.

Starting from the outside and working in, you’ll clean out all areas of the ear that you can reach. Wet the cotton ball with the cleaner and wipe down the inside surface of the dog’s ear flap (the part that you can easily see).

Once that is clean, get a new cotton ball wet with the cleanser and clean the inside part stopping when you feel resistance.

Pushing further than the ear wants you to go can cause damage. If the cotton balls are very dirty, it may be time to schedule a check up with your veterinarian. When you’re finished cleaning, it is time for lots of treats and praise!

Source - pawnation.com

All they need is a loving home !

can you help?

Mimi is in need of a new home, she is around 5months old and weighs 10.5 kilos so will be medium/large when fully grown. Mimi is good with other dogs, house trained, chipped and vaccinated.

pets in spain Call: 645 469 253 www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info

SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

www.soltimes.com

COMMUNITY NEWS image: www.ddgworld.com

The Costa Cálida (Spanish pronunciation) “Warm Coast” is the approximately 250 km stretch of Mediterranean coastline of the Spanish province of Murcia.

This region has a micro-climate which features comparatively hot mean annual temperatures (and hence its name, “Warm Coast”) and a relative degree of aridity (precipitation averaging less than 34 cm annually).

The Costa Cálida extends from El Mojón in the north near the province of Alicante, to near the municipality of Águilas in the south bordering on the region of Almería province.

The northern end of this coastline includes the Mar Menor (“Little Sea”), a coastal saltwater lagoon

FAST Forthcoming Events

Wish your Friends or Loved Ones Happy birthday, Anniversary Christmas Party with Barrington on Friday 5th or just send them a special message.

December at The Clubhouse Camposol Golf, Tickets Send details to 15 euro’s including buffet production@soltimes.com Tickets available from our stall outside Euronics Camposol B every Friday 10 until 12.30

welcome events

Wednesday 10th December - Christmas Party Night Tickets available from our stall outside Euronics with Ricky Levazza and Sandy Fitzpatrick. €12.

Campsol B every Friday 10 until 12.30pm or phone New Years Eve - Dance with Rob Sweeney, Dan Davey Jean 646737479/Brenda 680174499 and our own Christine. €20 to include cold buffet.

Wednesday 7th January - Games Night. Always good Talks & Workshops fun with beetle drive, bingo and quiz. €3.

MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s - Sewing Group 2015 TRIPS Every Mon Fortuna Taking place every other Monday at Urb. Las Monday 11th May - 3 night trip to the ancient city of Kalendas from 14:00. For further information email: Cordoba for the “Patio Of The Flowers” festival, staying B&B in a 4-star hotel. See all the patios in the old mabsmurciane@gmail.com city dressed with displays of colourful flowers. €260 including a trip to Ubeda.

Archaeological Museum Wednesday 27th May - Cruise around the Mediterranean Every Day, Open from 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-20:00. aboard Royal Caribbean “Vision Of The Seas.” Overnight Closed Monday mornings. At C/ Conde de Aranda. in Valencia then on to Barcelona for 12 nights aboard, Tel: 968 493 287. Entry: Individual €1.20 Groups visiting Villefranche, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples, €0.60 2 days in Venice, Ravena, and Kotor, Montenegro. All outside cabins.

HOT NEWS - Monday 14th September - trip to A parkinsons Support Group On Tuesdays at 11am At bobbie jo·s, los montisinos Salamanca, staying 2 nights at Hotel Exe Hall, close For a chat and a cup of tea For further information to city centre, 2 nights at a 4-star hotel in Leon city centre, with a trip to Astorga, and 1 night in Valladolid. contact wally Williamson On 966 770 871 All B&B. €295.

For more information call rosemary on 620105179.

CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA & ALMERIA Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950 pals events 956 166 / 687 250 860

MARKET DAYS IN THE AREA Monday - San Pedro del Pinatar Tuesday - Los Alcazares / Alhama de Murcia Wednesday - Santiago de la Ribeira / Fuente Alamo / Totana Thursday - San Javier / Camposol Sector A / Lorca Friday - Isla Plana (Summer only) Saturday - Mazarron Pueblo / Aguilas Sunday - Puerto de Mazarron / Mar Menor / Cabo de Palos

14th December tickets moving for the annual supermeal 8 courses including drinks and with Martin Ross entertaining 29.50 Euros pp why not make up a table and have your own party within a party. Costa Costa Hotel, a chance to dress up and be merry.

1st January Annual Swim from Bahia Beach sponsorship forms available silly dress is expected.

16th/20th March BENMIDORM full board at helios.

160 Euros covering St Patricks and san Jose Cancellation list in existance 14th/20th May Coach trip to PORTUGAL half board and visiting fabulous locations 510 Euros pp sharing double.

For information please call 626 460465 or visit www.pals.sm4.biz or see us at La Ratatouille on a wednesday from 1 till 3 or at The Trevi on a Saturday 11 till 1.30pm

31

which at around 170 km2 is Europe’s largest. The Mar Menor is separated from the Mediterranean by a 22 km-long spit of land called La Manga, on which most of the tourism development for the region has been constructed.

Cartagena and Mazarrón are two other important coastal towns in the region.

Golf is a popular pastime for visitors and residents. There are many PGA championship courses such as El Valle which hosted the PGA European Seniors Tour in June 2011, Hacienda del Alamo which is the longest golf course in Spain and the famous La Manga Club.

Read more: www.wikipedia.org

learn to paint

Every Mon, Fri Using watercolour, pastels or acrylics these are small classes on Monday and Friday afternoons at Playa Paraiso, La Manga. For further information contact Bee Tel: 968 564 416 or 670 353 738

St. Nicholas Ecumenical Church

We hold services each week at 10.30am on Camposol, Mazarron. Everyone is welcome to join us. For further details, call Rev. Maureen Kent 968 970 637

TELL THE SOLTIMES ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENTS CONTACT

EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM WITH FULL DETAILS

Luz del Sol

new properties s.l.

Call us on 968 199 068 www.luzdelsol.co.uk

Centro Comercial #34, Sector A, Urb. Camposol, Mazarron 30875, Spain

SolTimes

Have A Drop Off Point Here For Payments Private Or Trade Advertisers, Birthdays Or Other Announcements

32

SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

SOLTIMES 950 121 936 www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

TELEPHONE 950 121 936

Monday to Friday Between 10am & 5pm

or EMAIL us Send your advert or lineage to

sales@soltimes.com

DEADLINES All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

PAYMENT VISA ,Paypal, bank transfer & Cheques made payable to

MATHEWS mEDIA s.l

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES Call Kate on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 330 or email: sales@soltimes.com

for sale

INVALID BUGGY: plus Galvanised Ramp, plus Invalid Shopping Trolley 299€ the lot, new gel batteries (good for flights), and tyres an absolute bargain, must be sold as owner gone back to UK. Tel: 966 700 397/660 646 674 or photo neave2@live.com N.Johnson BROTHER KNITTING MACHINE and lace carriage, good working order.

Extras include ribber and sack of yarn.

85€ ono, Brother Embroidery Machine fraction of new cost includes two embroidery cards and & large hoop, recently serviced by Brother €250€, Brother PE-Design V6 embroidery digitizing and copying software with USB writer box and card. fraction of new price 199€ Tel: 865 779 402

pool tables

snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts. Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com 70€ for the pair or 40€ each if sold separately. Tel: 965 725 995/639 919 813.

LG RHT497H/RHT498H Multi region DVD HDD recorder Freeview Digital DMI as new used once 175€, 4 Pine dining chair good condition 20€,Childs safety gate extends all sizes 15€ Tel: 966 190 619

ELECTRIC, OIL FILLED RADIATOR, Codel 2000w, 9 fin, roll along 30€ Tel: BROTHER INDUSTRIAL SEWING 659 009 506 (Camposol) MACHINE on stand with single phase motor in excellent condition, Brother Industrial sewing 100 needles and lots of accessories. machine on stand with motor, lots of accessories inc.100 needles 275€ o.n.o Tel: 865 779 402 250€,Knitmaster/Silver 700 punchcard OAK NEST OF FOUR TABLES, knitting machine with lace carriage suitable for use with table lamps or as ribber and table, excellent condition side tables, vgc – 80€ Tel: 646 444 second machine,120€, Brother Chunky 942/968 199 913 260 punchcard knitting machine with CENTRAL HEATING RADIATOR ribber, Intarsia carriage and table, 750mm x 400mm double convector gift at 120€, Bellinky knitwear linker/ with top grill & side panels vgc 10€ sewer, easy to use. Boxed as new 39€ Tel: 693 059 558 ono Tel: 965 724 183/616 883 103 SHORT BLONDE LAYERED STYLE WIG WITH STAND. As new Make: Camaflex by Coiffures Paris (Cost 160€), 40€ Tel: 965 724 183/616 883 103

3 SLIMLINE Wall Panel Heaters & fittings.600 x 600, Can be painted, cheap to run can be put on timers, 100€ ono Los Montesinos Tel: 691 571 610

COUMBIAN 300 BOWLING BALL Office table 140 x 70 cm cherry 12lb made in USA with carry bag,10€ wood with 3 drawers on the right side neat and well maintained 60€, Tel: ono Tel: 965 724 183/616 883 103 693 007 490 Quesada EXECUTIVE DESK, curved with locking drawers, matching filing Unused gift. 16 inch HP laptop cabinet with 2 wide lockable drawers, computer. 3 months old with Windows good quality, teak & black finish, 8 in English. Still boxed cost 450€ executive chair in black upholstery. accept 300€, Tel: 634 334 532 Bargain at 190€ ono Tel: 966 190 2 x single beds complete with 695/620 600 562 good quality mattresses with matching modern 2 BUTANO GAS BOTTLES 40€, protectors, Single phase deep submersible water headboards in medium green and 2 pump (as used in a domestic well), small matching pictures (All cash paid can be seen running 100€, Tel: 634 will be be paid to Help 4 homeless 334 532 (Murcia region) Veterans (Registered)) over the Christmas period. 35€ ono, Tel: 966 ELECTRIC GOLF TROLLEY, choice 789 063 of two a Powakaddy Freeway black and an Energy/Lucas also black, both Three story dolls house, fully are in good working order, but neither furnished, 150€. Excellent condition. have a battery and charger included Tel: 966 785 459 (both require a 12v 24amp battery) Mazarron area. These are both very business opportunity reasonably priced at 45€ each, Tel: 691 646 606 SINGLE SIZE FOLDING GUEST BED(Z-BED) unused in dust cover 50€, Artists folding easel including brushes and paints and pallet.

Unused, would make lovely Xmas present. 30€. Both items can be delivered locally. Tel: Pam 0044 7974 567 927 STAINLESS STEEL INSET SINK 780 x 430 right hand drainer with roco mixer tap, as new condition 30€, also one the same good condition 20€, Chrome towel rail 500 wide by 800 high for house with central heating or hot water system , new, still with box cost 120€ will take 45€, (ordered in error as were all electric).Camposol Area. Tel: 676 028 725 2 MATCHING CEILING LIGHTFITTINGS Ornate blue metal design, with 4 pretty glass shades in cream and pale blue, in as new condition,

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SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

www.soltimes.com Toyota Prius By Tim Saunders

Forty per cent of AA call outs are for battery related issues.

So says the patrolman who attends the flat battery of the Toyota Prius Plug in I am testing.

This test has been fraught with complications.

The reason I try the Prius Plug in is because it’s one of the few cars to supposedly escape the London Congestion Charge. But it doesn’t. No matter what vehicle is driven the driver has to part with money it seems. Transport for London (TfL) charge £10 just to register a vehicle even if it’s a low pollution type like the Prius Plug in. They take a minimum of 10 days to inform the driver whether

they need to pay the daily congestion charge. I wasn’t informed of this when I booked my trip earlier in the year and so with no time to inform TfL it was necessary to pay £11.50 a day to drive in London during the day, Monday to Friday. I could’ve been driving any other car because they are all charged this rate.Then there is a flat battery, not the fault of the Prius but of my little button pushing daughters. Despite my checks I miss the fact that the internal rear light has been left on and so having left the car in the secure car park in Bloomsbury Square on the Friday night I try to access it on the following Monday only to find that the electronic keyfob does not work.

Fortunately, there is a key inside the keyfob, which allows

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access to the vehicle in such situations. So at least I can put my luggage inside and then tackle the flat battery problem later in the day.

On my return the helpful Secure Parking attendant offers to phone the AA for me and an hour and 10 minutes later (it is Monday rush hour) a patrolman arrives. The car park has a height restriction so the AA van cannot access it but that doesn’t pose a problem because he brings his bag of tricks with him and somehow is able to charge the battery and get the car started. “A standard 10amp interior light will drain a car battery over the course of two days,” he informs me. It’s an easy mistake to make because the underground car park is lit and this distracts the motorist from any lights that are left on inside the vehicle. The Mercedes parked next to us also has its interior light on. Despite this the Secure Parking attendant tells me: “There’s only one breakdown every two months here.”

Of course, that problem could have happened in any car.

For the owner of the Prius Plug who lives in London and has registered their Prius for £10 and does not pay any further congestion charge, they are smiling because as Toyota claims it will travel over 15 miles on a fully charged battery which is adequate for most journeys across the capital. It is so silent that on our arrival in the city a professional looking woman who should know better simply walks straight out in front of it without looking. A few moments later a parcel delivery man walks up the centre of a side street seemingly oblivious to the fact that the Prius is behind him. We end up in this side street after the sat nav has recalculated the journey to Drury Lane from Southampton for the umpteenth time after I do not follow its instructions to take me down a one way street. There are certainly a lot of challenges to the motorist when driving in London. When there is a heavy downpour on the return journey visibility becomes increasingly poor in the dark of night and it is surprising how confusing the many traffic lights can become coupled with incredibly poor road signage. But overall the sat nav is an aid that does see us escape the capital along the A4. It is not long before we rejoin the M3 and within a few hours are all happily tucked up in our beds.

With regards comfort, the Prius scores highly and it is even equipped with heated front seats.

There is ample room inside for all of us and although it is only a hatchback our cumbersome tandem pushchair fits, which is just as well because we do a lot of walking in London and our little daughters can only walk so far. It is frustrating that when we park in the Secure Parking underground car park that it is quite low so that on opening the boot, it actually touches the ceiling, marking the boot regardless of how careful you are.

In town it is economical and on the motorway it is surprisingly fast.

Facts at a glance

Price: £33,395

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SOLTIMES december 2014

Not To Be Used By Children

I know what I want for Christmas Day! Forget the North Pole, Santa, reindeer etc.

Forget Ferrero Rocher, J’Adore, and don’t even think about Ann Summers!

As we meandered past the Bakery section in Lidl’s Pete asked whether we needed bread.

As usual, I had no idea how much bread was in the deep freeze, so to avoid possible starvation I picked up a small crusty loaf.

It was then that I saw it – actually, Pete saw it first, and called me over in urgent tones. ‘Have you seen this?’And there it was – gleaming, enticing, fascinating, and completely irresistible!

I succumbed instantly and without a struggle; I had to have

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

a go! My innocent little loaf became a sacrificial lamb as I placed it cautiously and with precision on the shining steel altar, selected Medium and Go. What happened next was a mixture of dread and awe, terror and magic! The altar, complete with its virgin offering, lowered while 4 eye-wateringly sharp steel mechanical fingers emerged from the machine’s interior, spread themselves wide into an allconsuming maw, and with slow menace bore down and grasped the unsuspecting loaf in a lethal hold.

They then pushed it into a position of no escape against a steel plate. No sooner was my harmless little loaf pinioned than a circular blade appeared at the speed of light, and with a satisfying Tchwing it severed off a slice.

The dreadful hand pushed the beheaded loaf along, another Tchwing and another slice was separated from its parent, so fast that it was impossible

to predict its next attack.

In the blink of an eye the loaf was sliced, the blade receded into its lair, the steel hand gathered its fingers together and retreated from whence it came, and all was eerily silent around the perfect symmetrical slices.

Gingerly I lifted the lid and rescued the transformed loaf from its torture chamber.

However, I had not fully mastered the retrieval system; I was so over-excited by the whole procedure that I missed the fact that the bread was supposed to be slid into a bag of suitable size; I dropped a couple of slices, which I had to retrieve surreptitiously from the floor!

The experience was so much fun that I would have bought and sliced another loaf, if only I had had space in the freezer to put it in!

That machine should carry a warning: Not to be used by children, even if the children are nearing the latter end of their 60s!

The Other Christmas Spirit It’s that time of year again when things start to change from the usual routine. The nights draw in, but the streets are festooned with bright decorations. The weather turns colder, but the restaurants and bars are packed with revelers. Yes, it’s that time – Christmas. However for most of us expats, Christmas means something very different to its meaning in the UK. Generally we are older and aging more, and the exuberance pouring out from the children doesn’t reach us here in the same way. We tend to spend the approach to Christmas in a more sedate manor with dinners, rather than the manic party going of our childhood and younger days. But as we age, we also notice more, and at this time of year, that is so important.

We notice more those around us; just the normal people we see every day; but more so now. The little old lady two doors down you haven’t seen for several days; a colleague who seems to be behaving differently; the old man sitting on a bench in the park staring at nothing for hours; the lady sitting drinking endless cups of tea in the cafe. Why not just approach them with a smile and ask how they are. They may really appreciate this small gesture, so often just having someone

notice them and listen to them can transform their whole day.

You don’t need to help, or even know how to help, as so often just someone to listen is all that is needed. If, as you listen to them, you feel that they could do with extra, you could guide them towards more personal support such as family, confidant or close friends or even towards professional help which they may never have considered.

This could include a priest, doctor, nurse, counsellor, therapist, mentor, and so many other ways.

By simply approaching someone who appears lonely with a smile and asking how they are could make all the difference to them, and to you.

It could show that this time of year isn’t just the commercial event it seems to have become; rather it is as it really should be; a time for caring and sharing.

But Christmas isn’t just about others, however important they are, it is also about YOU. This time of year can be very lonely for so many people, for so many reasons.

The same advice holds good for you yourself; seek out that listening ear, smile, be open to others just as much as to yourself. As André Alexis once said, “The group of people in front of her was jovial and paid

John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

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35

viewpoint

The Illustrious Career of Anselmo Adamso

After an easy walk west from Alqueria’s Castle Square one arrives at the home of Anselmo Adamso in the Calle Mirador. A house in the old style with living quarters above and a stable below.

The stable has long been converted into a photographic studio where Adamso practises his art and regales his clients with stories of his glory days as a photojournalist.

Jostling for space on the studio walls is a collection of framed photographs.

These depict explosions, burning military vehicles and men running, crouched as invisible projectiles fly menacingly overhead. By contrast a series of portraits showing young ladies with unlikely blemish free skin and even more unlikely hairdos stand on side tables. These serve to demonstrate his present area of photographic interest.

A close study of Adamso’s career and his photographs of conflict show that the first is fake and the second plagiarised from more courageous individuals. He has lived the lie for so long that he is now unable to distinguish reality from the veil of fantasy he has wrapped around himself. He now sees himself as some latter day Robert Capa who risked life and limb in order to portray the truth in support of a noble cause.

He did however visit a theatre of war, by accident. It was during a holiday to central Africa. Leaving the hotel to go on a day trip to the Uppyourz Game Park he got on the wrong bus. A bus full of mercenaries.

He thought their Armalites and AK47s

her no attention. The group behind was much the same. She was alone without being alone.”

If you feel alone, even in a crowd, there is a less intrusive service; Samaritans in Spain, who offer a free totally confidential listening service by phone 24 hours a day 365 days a year on 902 88 35 35, by email on pat@samaritansinspain. com or at their shop and dropin centre at Punta Marina Centre.

Their motto is “You talk, we listen” so you or your friend would need to do just that, talk. A trained listener is on call right through the holiday period, so please, if you feel you need someone to just listen to you, then call Samaritans in Spain at any time.

The current costs of calling the Samaritans 902 number is 9 cents Connection, plus 4 to 8 cents per minute depending on time of day.

Sadly, the mobile prices differ with

were protection from the more vicious residents of the game reserves.

When he realised his mistake he had a bowel movement and broke the four minute mile getting back to the hotel.

His mind has become so befuddled he sometimes forgets just why his clients are there. Recently he greeted the village matriarch who wanted a photograph to remember her eightieth birthday with the words “Just pop your clothes on the chair and lay on the rug”. The lady being equally befuddled obliged and Adamso got some rather disturbing shots, in fact he is still having nightmares.

Last year he found himself in the middle of one of the many Alquerian riots. He thought his chance had come for a real action shot. Unfortunately the result was a blurred confusion of figures. Although his camera had been on F5.6 Adamso had been on Remitroot Whisky.

Anselmo Adamso was never a great photojournalist he spent most of his time photographing lampposts. He however is humoured by the dysfunctional folk of Alqueria.

Adamso is simply an untalented amiable buffoon and fits snugly into the Alquerian order of things.

each mobile phone company, but can cost a staggering 40 to 80 cents a minute, so wherever possible try to use a Telefónica landline or call box.

Enjoy this festive time of year, but remember that should you need the Samaritans, they are available 24/7.

Lubbertus

36

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

sport & motoring

Some of the lads are suppose to be getting their legs waxed for donations, so we need someone to come down and do it.

Other things are guess the sweets in the jar, raffle prizes, games for the kids, a few of the lads will be auctioned off to do 2 hours cleaning with a special twist, and of course music.

Our aim is to get teams into the league next season for the juniors and seniors.

All ages, gender and nationalities are welcome and also beginners to experience players the more the merrier as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport, and also bond after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be.

For more information about the club contact Saul on 634 042 913 or myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242 or come and see me at Zoco market on Sunday, third row in form the main road at the far end. Also for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals and Cotton Traders shirts, all great Xmas presents.

BARBARIANS NOW ON TRAINING PITCH

This week DS Barbarians RFC started training at their new training ground in Daya Vieja, after the council allowed us to use their facilities. This is after just 6 weeks of setting up the new club from scratch, which is based on the old traditional ethics of the sport.

We have an excellent group of novice and experienced players work hard together, with new players coming along each week, and all nationalities, a true Barbarians team.

Training will be on the same days, Monday and Wednesday, but at 20.30 until 22.15 and is on artificial grass so no studs allowed, but will make a big difference for the training and hopefully will attract more people. We already have local people from the town coming to start on Monday.

Also we will be holding a fund raising evening on 13 December at the Steakhouse in Rojales starting at 19.00.

The Vega Baja Premier Golf League third series of matches of the 15th season was back to the first Friday Friday of the month at the IRM Nike Golf resort course El Valle, although a little on the chilly side, it was glorious sunshine that greeted the 64 players, to play on the very well prepared course, that was in very good condition but according to the players the pin positions were in tricky postions.

Las Ramblas G.S. took on the Club25 Serena team that always seem to put in a strong team and in the mix at the end of the season but Las Ramblas were smarting from the last time out and came out winners this time 3 – 1 and have only 5 points from three matches.

The usually strong La

MAZARRON FC 1 THADER ALCANTARILLA 3 Mazarron lost further ground in the race for promotion with a dismal home performance against a team which had lost 3-1 at home the previous to the team at the bottom of the league.

On a playing surface which is an embarrassment to Mazarron, Thader were always in control of a game in which the home team were tactically inept relying once again on the long ball in the hope that leading scorer Tolo would beat the opposition on his own.

Thader started strongly but it was Mazarron who took the lead after nine minutes. Manu’s left wing cross was met spectacularly on the volley by Tolo whose shot screamed into the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season.

Liders and Enrique both had shots off target for Mazarron before Conejo had to dive to his right to save well following a Thader attack in the 25th minute. Four minutes later Thader almost equalised after a goalmouth scramble but the resultant shot went just wide. Then Liders went close for Mazarron when he latched onto a pass from Tolo but his shot was diverted for a corner.

Thader were coming more into the game and equalised after 35 minutes when a right wing cross was hammered home at the near post giving Conejo no chance.

Manga Residents total points of the day.

Davies (Rockets G S) seem to be out of The fourth round of sorts again and matches is on the third RESULTS they struggled Friday 23rd January, this La Ramblas G S 3 (132 allows the chrsitmas and against Rockets going down by 2½ points) vs. Club25 Serena G new year revellers to get to 1½ and are now S 1(127 points) back from their respective well entrenched at Rockets G S 2½ (129 holidays and it’s at one the bottom of the points) vs. La Manga RGA G of the top 100 courses in table with a solitary S 1½ (119 points) Europe ,Las Colinas Golf point from the two Paddy’s Point G S 1(130 with a two Tee start at matches played. It points) vs. La Manga North 09:30. The fixtures always was aloso the first G S 3 (137 points) throw up some fascinating time Rockets have duels, this month it third EuroToffs G S 0 (111 taken the bonus points) vs.Don Cayo G S 4 against second place, Las points.

Ramblas versus Don Cayo (125 points) Paddy’s Points You will also be able to Bonus points went to:took on the strong La Manga see updated Vega Baja Las Ramblas G S, Rockets Premier North team whose highest Golf League handicap is a 12.o all the G S, La Manga North GS fixtures, tables, and news rest are in single figures and and Don Cayo G S on the website www. they always mean business The well set up El Valle vegabajapremiergolfleague. and today was no exception course definitely provided com and on Facebook, winning 3 -1 but in all four a challenge for the teams throughout the season matches there was only of the league when only For more information ever 3 points difference. two pairings managed to on the Vega Baja Premier EuroToffs had an off day break Par and only then by Golf League, contact The against the well travelled one point, they were John Secretary; Don Cayo team and Wheeler and Phil Herrington Ivie Davies 669 211 410 obviously the journey men (Las Ramblas G S) and and women are not affected Malcolm Anderson and Mike or golfdavies@gmail.com by the kilometres TEAM PL W D L B T from Altea LAMANGANORTH 12 8 1 3 9 34 to Murcia LASRAMBLAS 12 8 1 3 6 31 as they DONCAYO 12 7 2 3 6 29 w h i t e 12 6 1 5 6 25 w a s h e d PADDYSPOINT 12 5 1 6 3 19 t h e i r ROCKETS 12 4 1 7 3 16 opponents CLUB25SERENA 12 4 1 7 3 16 4 – 0 in EUROTOFFS the lowest LAMANGARGA 12 1 2 9 0 5 overall

Thader started the second half well and took the lead after 62 minutes with a soft goal. A right wing corner was headed goalwards but Alfonso and Conejo got in each other’s way and the ball trickled over the line.

Two minutes later, Tolo burst through the Thader defence but his fierce shot rebounded off the post. Thader went further ahead in the 68th minute when a cross field ball was driven goalwards but deflected into his own net by Lorca.

Cristian was finally introduced after 70 minutes and combined well with Tolo whose shot was well over the bar. At the other end Conejo had to be alert to smother an attack from Thader before the ball rebounded goalwards off Lorca and Conejo had to come to the rescue again.

Mazarron were unable to put together any meaningful attacks until a free kick from Alfonso was volleyed just wide by Cristian in injury time. After a promising start to the season the long suffering Mazarron fans are again having their hopes dashed and action is urgently needed to improve both results and the style of play.

Team: Conejo, Alfonso, Andreo, Dani, Lorca, Manu, Liders (Juanillo), Enrique, Monty (Cristian), Diego (Israel), Tolo.

Man of the Match: Tolo

Navas reveals pride

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas has spoken of his pride after he obtained Spanish citizenship on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old, who joined Real Madrid in the summer following an impressive World Cup with Costa Rica, pledged an oath of allegiance to the King and his obedience to the constitution.

Navas moved to Spain in 2010 and had spells with Albacete and Levante before signing for the European champions.

LFP Get tough on fans

Spain’s professional league (LFP) has moved to show it is serious about tackling violence and abuse by vowing to report Real Madrid fans who sang insulting chants about Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and the Catalan club.

The referee did not mention the chants in his report on Real’s La Liga game at home to Celta Vigo on Saturday, but Javier Tebas, the LFP president, said the league would refer the fans to the Spanish federation’s (RFEF) competition committee. Clubs, the football authorities and the government have pledged to crack down on violent and abusive fans, known as “ultras”, after a Deportivo La Coruna supporter was killed in apparently organised fighting near Atletico Madrid’s stadium late last month.

SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

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SPORT & motoring

actually comes from Manchester, Ian Fogerty on C/B. In third place with 28 points was Suffolk boy Rod Day. In the Silver Division another close finish with Yorkshireman Brian Airey just pipping Lancastrian Dave Tupman on C/B on 31 points. In 3rd place was Brummie Ray Lee with 30 points. The Best Guest was Mark Brooks and the winner of the “Roy” for the most shots played was Chris Nield who got his value for money.

The nearest the Pin winners were, Brian Airey, Mark Brooks and David Hayward and young buck Ryan Rogers who both got birdies. This leads us on the 2’s competition with David and Ryan sharing the very healthy “roll-over” pot between them.

After the game the players returned to the society base at the Quesada Country Club for the presentations, a drink or two and a tasty hot and cold buffet kindly provided by mine hosts David and Anita.

The final game of 2014 is at Altorreal on Wednesday 17 December. Anyone in the Quesada area looking to join a very friendly golf society and play golf once a fortnight at a wide variety of courses at very reasonable cost, should contact the membership secretary Les Pancott on 966 716 723.

Quesada Golf Society Last Wednesday the society returned to Las Colinas for the fourth and final time this year for the final round of the Eclectic competition for 2014 and also a Singles Stableford competition with 2 divisions. There was a near full turn-out to play what is arguably the best golf course on the Southern Costa Blanca.

The course was as usual in first class condition with the weather being fine with little wind so there could be no excuses from the players if they didn’t perform except for “I just had a bad” day. There were the usual nice touches provided by the course management team. A free coffee before the game, a free pyramid of balls on the practice range, a free “Las Colinas” pitch repairer and momento to affix to your golf bag and a bottle of water.

By all accounts everyone had a very enjoyable day. The winner of the Gold Division was the ever consistent David McSweeney with 31 points who just pipped one of the Man Utd fans who

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This makes remapping a motor home a fantastic and economical way of upgrading your pride and joy.

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Ten Pin Bowling League

League leaders Med Bistro & Bar El Raso took on bottom team The Dreamers and, with Tony Ray rolling a 236 scratch game, MBB ran out comfortable 8 – 0 winners.

Lucky Strike had hoped to continue their winning ways but found Los Bandidos too strong. With two steady games, LB looked to be heading for an 8 – 0 win but, LS rallied to take game three and steal 2 points.

Team of the season so far Crazy Pinz, continued their rise up the league with great 6 – 2 win over Mixers. Eero Lento of CP bowling a 598 scr and 667 h/c series, to take the honours on the night. Splash were looking to stop their slide down the league, when they took on Right Move Insurance.

But with Dave “Hoss” Cartwright finding his feet, RMI came out 6 – 2 winners. In a closely fought match, Los Lobos found Belgas Torrevieja 2 in determined form.

With Denis Vertongens 595 h/c series, BT2 fought back after losing the first game, to gain a fine 6 – 2 victory. Juan’s Warriors

37

had hoped to gain ‘some points’ against Caballo Negro but CN were in no mood to give an inch. With all three bowlers contributing, CN finished the game with all 8 points and, move up four places in the league table.

Game of the night pitted Split Happens against Team Finland. With ‘new boy’ Keijo Hikanen joining Markku Maata and Kari Savolainen, TF swept the nightly team awards and, condemned SH to their first 8 – 0 lose of the season. Even with SHs Sue Walsh bowling a great 191 scr game, SH couldn’t overhaul TF. It means that Team Finland are now second in the league, with Split happens slipping to 4th.

The first week of our ‘Christmas Turkey Shoot’, sponsored by Med Bistro & Bar El Raso, started with 23 tickets being handed out for the draw, which will be held after bowling on the 16th Dec. The Committee would like to thank all raffle prize donors for their contributions and, congratulations to all the winners.

SOLTIMES newspaper group

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38

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SOLTIMES decemBER 2014

SPORT & motoring TMGS Match Report, Las Ramblas, 3rd December

One this day in history in 1820Thomas Beecham – the inventor of Beecham’s pills was born and in 1894 Robert Louis Stevenson died.

Today at the Marmite course which was in fairly good condition (tee boxes excluded) and the colder weather has reduce the distance the ball flies and maybe this had something to do with the fairly low scores, but then again, this is Ramblas!

Only 3 of the 4 NTP’s were claimed and their reward was a sleeve of TMGS golf balls which went to John Hagen, Steve Higgins and Andrew Mills.

The “Two’s” pot was won by one

QUESADA GOLF SUPER LEAGUE LO ROMERO GOLF 1ST DECEMBER 2014 Match 3. This is the important match of the season being the middle game.

Will San Miguel A be able to hold their position at number one without playing in this game. Obviously San Miguel B will be looking to overtake with a big score, but of course this is the pivotal match for the whole league.

With this intriguing format we shall see at the end of the game what unfolds. First tee was at 10.32, this was going to be a long drawn out first tee as there was no 1st and 10th or shotgun start so it was going to take an hour to clear the first tee from start to finish. Administration at the course reared its usual ugly head as the left hand never seems to know what the right hand is doing. Never mind, with the cold wind blowing and the sun starting to come out we were set for a good days golf. The course looked in excellent condition as normal which the players reported back as being just so. At the end of the day the scores somewhat denied a good days golf in places and as you will see from the results San Miguel A managed to hold off everybody without playing this match. We shall see what happens at the end of the season. Our hosts back in Quesada was The Sportsman’s new Clubhouse at The Galleon Bar with Tracey, mine hostess, serving an excellent chilli con carne which everybody enjoyed. Many thanks to her and her staff for their hospitality and providing wine for the nearest the pins. Results as follows: Nearest the Pins: 5th Carol Firth (Sportsman); 7th Gary Strowger (Claptons); 12th Shay Cunningham (San Miguel B); 15th Theo Boethouwer (San Miguel B).

lucky shot on the 10th by Joe Dean who managed to sink the putt and claim the 16€ on offer.

The Best Visitor was A Mills with 30 points The Silver mob struggled a little and it only needed 27 points for a very surprised Robbie Rea to claim 3rd spot. Roger Nilsen’s 30 saw him take the runners-up slot and the bragging rights in the Rea/Haubner household belong to the fairer one of the two, Olga Haubner who took the top slot with 31 points.

The Gold Division was a much tighter affair and a countback saw Alan Rickers take 3rd spot with 30 points. The runnersup slot went to Steve Higgins with 32 points and Darren Hancock, playing off of 4, scored 33 points to take the top slot and best score of the day. Photo: Gold Category winners.

Our next game, Wednesday 10th December 2014, see’s Hi Everyone, For our monthly stapeford we travelled up to El Valle on a bright and sunny us at La Finca golf December morning to fine the course in great condition and pin placement done by a joker course for our 2nd Medal Trophy match as trying to keep the ball near the pin was harder then trying to put in to the hole. Every pin was placed right on a slope so if you where only where the Gold Division a few inches out you where 30 plus feet off the must play Medal and the Silver Division (and green such fun. guests) play Stableford; So if you fancy a game Scoring on the day was low with the top score in just look at our website Division 1 been 29 which was scored by 3 playwww.tmgs.org or call ers with Mick Hardy winning on count back from the Fixture Secretary Paul Newman and Paul Hamlin. In Division 2 we on saw the best score of the day from the winner 966 719 604.

Christine Flanagan with 30pts well done in sec-

San Javier Golf Society

ond place was Barry Butterworth with 27pts.

Whilst writing this i have just be told the very sad news that our Captain from 2011/2012 Roy Herbert as passed way. Roy was a great society man and will be missed by everyone in the society. We also send our condolences to his wife Linda and all is family. Roy we will miss you my friend.

SOL TIMES

COSTA BLANCA

KATE- : 902 750 190 (EXT: 330) email: blancasales@soltimes.com

COSTA CALIDA/MAR MENOR PAULETTE : 902 750 190 (EXT: 332) email: calidasales@soltimes.com

Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent publications. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Murcia & Blanca. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement.

Deposito Legal Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010

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