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SOL News

Corden: Chat Show Debut Will Be A Disaster

James Corden has told Sky News he is “terrified beyond belief” of making his debut as host of the US chat show The Late Late Show.

Speaking at a gala screening of his new film, the musical Into The Woods, the actor joked that presenting the daily programme was “going to be a disaster”.

The Gavin And Stacey star will take over from comedian Craig Ferguson to present the CBS show in March.

Ahead of his new role he has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to Drama.

“I feel very proud to be recognised in such a way but I’m not stupid enough to think for a second that I deserve

it and I’m well aware that there are people who deserve it a lot more than I do,” he said.

Corden plays the male lead in Disney’s adaptation of Broadway musical alongside Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep, who are both nominated for Golden Globe awards for their performances.

On attending the ceremony with her 29th nomination Streep said: “For me they’re important in that now I’m so old I’ve worked with everyone in the room, so it’s like a reunion without being a funeral.”

Associated Free Press

AirAsia Plane’s Tail Recovered

Search teams looking for wreckage from the crashed AirAsia flight QZ8501 have pulled the tail section from the sea - but it is not clear if the black box recorders are inside.

TV footage showed a part of the tail being lifted on to a ship, two weeks ago after the plane went down in the Java Sea, killing all 162 people on board. The Airbus jet went missing in stormy weather on 28 December as it flew from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore.

The tail was found in the seabed 30m (100 feet) below the surface and was lifted on to a ship using giant floating balloons and a crane.

Manahan spokesman Navy Simorangkir said: “We have lifted the tail on to the ship. It’s red and white and a big part of the AirAsia logo can be seen.” The black boxes, which could provide vital information about why the jet came down, are normally in the tail section.

An initial search of the wreckage failed to locate them.

Pings from the boxes were detected on Friday, but at a location away from where the tail fin was found.

SB Supriyadi, a director with the National Search and Rescue Agency, said they most likely had been dislodged.

“Last night, our divers had opened the door of the tail cabin, searched around but found nothing,” Mr Supriyadi told AFP on Friday morning.

“But the boat above detected faint ping sounds believed to be from the black boxes about one mile (1.6km)

southeast of the tail... and covered in mud.”

He said a full examination of the fin would take place to determine if the boxes were inside or not. In the meantime, the divers would continue searching the area where the pings were heard.

“There’s a team examining the tail again to see if the black boxes are not there,” he said.

“But the chances they might find anything there are slim. We still strongly believe that the black boxes are in the sea and our divers are still searching for them.”

Meanwhile, the search is continuing for other parts of the plane’s wreckage, as well as for the bodies of the passengers and crew.

Just 48 bodies have been found so far. All of those on board died. One Briton was among them. meteorological Indonesian The agency has said weather was the “triggering factor” for the crash, with the most likely cause being ice damaging the engines of the Airbus A320-200.Before take-off, the plane’s pilot, Captain Iriyanto, had asked for permission to fly at a higher altitude to avoid a major storm.

The request was not approved due to other planes flying above him, according to Indonesia’s air traffic control. orange.co.uk

Over 600 Islamist Fighters Return to EU

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Upward of 600 Islamist fighters have returned to Europe from Syria and Iraq, Spanish Minister of the Interior, Jorge Fernandez Diaz, said Friday.

“There are hundreds of those who are right now in Europe, and they can intensify their activities any moment as individuals or as members of offshoots [of the terrorist organizations] or minimally structured groups, and can conduct such tragic attacks as we have seen day before yesterday in Paris,” he said in an Interview with the Spanish Telecinco channel.

The statement came in the light of the recent Charlie Hedbo terror attack in Paris, allegedly carried out

by Islamic extremists.

According to Diaz, approximately 3,000 Europeans have joined different extremist groups in the Middle East of late. About 80 percent of them were fighting for Islamic State (IS), whilst others joined various offshoots of al-

Qaeda.

Some 70 Spanish fighters went to Middle Eastern countries and nearly 10 of them have already returned. About a half of them have been detained in Spain or Morocco, the Minister of the Interior stated.

Concerns over the danger posed by foreign fighters returning from the Middle East to their countries of origin have been raised by a number of European leaders. Since the beginning of the civil conflict in Syria in 2011, some 15,000 foreign fighters have entered the country to join different extremist groups, according to UN estimates.

UK-based the by Research International Centre for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence revealed that one in five foreign fighters in Syria came from Western Europe. http://sputniknews.com/

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The Oracle returns We last saw The Oracle (aka Geoff Maltby) when he left Benidorm in 2010. Now he’s back at the Solana, holidaying with his elderly mum Noreen (Elise Kelly). What made you want to come back?

“I really missed being involved with the Benidorm gang so I loved being back after four years. It was initially strange - it was like, ‘Where did those four years go?’ But it’s lovely being reunited with so many friends.”

So is The Oracle any different this time around?

“Things have changed a bit. He’s got a young son and a mail-order bride!

His mother’s on to the bride, though, knowing she’s out to exploit her son.

He just sees it as his mother not wanting him to be happy - he’s quick to blame her for everything that goes wrong in his life.”

We first see The Oracle when he and Noreen enter a quiz and darts competition at Neptune’s. Do things go well for the self-proclaimed quiz king?

“He’s built up this myth of who he is in his own mind, but to everyone else he’s

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an arrogant idiot. He’s acquired lots of information, but has zero knowledge and he’s emotionally arrested. When he lets his guard down, he’s far more likeable, but it’s very rare he reveals himself that way.”

How would you describe the relationship between mum and son? He still calls her his ‘PA’ doesn’t he?

“She’s often killing him with kindness by allowing him to get away with the way he behaves so she’s the buffer that stops him taking a long hard look at himself. He’s addicted to his relationship with his mother. Like any addiction, it’s about denial. He’s in denial that his life hasn’t gone to plan, and he’s loathe to admit his dependency on Noreen.”

Do you think he’ll ever make the break from his mum?

“He’d be lost without her. I love doing scenes with Elsie Kelly as Noreen. I’ve got a very nice chemistry with her.”

Johnny comes back into Benidorm on Friday 16 January, 9pm, ITV whatsontv.co.uk

Fabled Atlantis metal ‘found’ in Med shipwreck Archaeologists have found 39 strange metal ingots, described

by Plato as originating in the lost city of Atlantis, in a sixth century Mediterranean shipwreck just off the Sicilian coast.

The ingots are allegedly made of a fabled red metal alloy believed to be ‘orichalcum’, which the ancient philosopher explained was highlyprized in the legendary city of Atlantis before it was destroyed.

According to Plato, this alloy was second only in value to gold in Atlantis

‘Music of the Night’ concert at Orihuela Costa Resort ‘Let It Go’ from Frozen. KARISMA will perform specially written arrangements of songs from Les Miserables, A Chorus Line, Sound of Music and others.

As usual the whole show will be accompanied by a professional band flown in from the UK, conducted by Nigel Hopkins, and will contain several special features and surprises. Tickets for the two shows (2pm and 8pm) are available from La Ponderosa Gift Shop at La Zenia (but NOT from the Orihuela Costa Resort Hotel which is closed until the show).Photo: KARISMA (left to right): Elise MacGregor, Janelle Gaskell, Holly Neeson, Gemma Gamble Garcia

The biggest show of 2015 will take place at the ORIHUELA Costa Resort Concert Hall, La Zenia on Saturday 31st January. It is entitled ‘Music of the Night’ and is presented by singer/conductor Nigel Hopkins. The show features the impressive 60-strong Melody Makers International, and the amazing talented youngsters of Cantemos!

Youth Choir. Special guests will be the new girls’ harmony singing sensation, KARISMA (pictured) who are the four senior soloists of Cantemos! and who received so many rave reviews on their debut in November of last year The programme contains a mixture of popular musicals, such as Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sound of Music and Pickwick, as well as special arrangements of songs from such artistes as Barry Manilow, Frank Sinatra, and the Bee Gees. The Youth Choir will perform a fully-staged medley from the musical Annie, as well as a selection of Disney songs including

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and was mined all over the long-gone island.

Professor Sebastiano Tusa, one of the archaeologists, said of his team’s find: ‘Nothing similar has ever been found, we knew orichalcum from ancient texts and a few ornamental objects.

‘The wreck dates to the first half of the sixth century.

‘It was found about 1,000 feet from Gela’s coast at a depth of 10 feet.’

The metal alloy found is made up of copper and zinc with traces of nickel, lead and iron.

Whether the ingots are orichalcum is not definitive as experts cannot agree on the exact composition of the legendary alloy. bbc.co.uk

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SOL News

Colliding black holes!

A team of prominent researchers has discovered what appears to be the start of two massive black holes at the centers of their own galaxies beginning to collide.

Such an event should come as no surprise, considering that there are up to 200 billion galaxies in the universe (according to Space.com), so two of them are bound to bump into each other from time to time.

In fact, astronomers have already observed the merging of galaxies (as seen in the image above), but they’ve never before witnessed the end-stage process of galaxy commingling, which results when investigative the two central black holes smash

ort Spain’s Princess Cristina

loses tax fraud trial appeal

Princess Cristina, the king’s sister, is the first member of the Spanish royal family to face charges in court since the monarchy was restored back in 1975. Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images Princess Cristina, the king’s sister, is the first member of the Spanish royal family to face charges in court since the monarchy was restored back in 1975. Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images A judge has rejected an appeal by lawyers for Spain’s Princess Cristina against his decision to put her on trial on charges of tax fraud.

Cristina, 49, was indicted last month as part of a four-year investigation into her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, who faces charges ranging from moneylaundering to fraud.

She is the first member of the Spanish royal family to be ordered to stand trial since the monarchy was

restored in 1975.

President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman on Friday dismissed media reports that the Russian leader owns a luxury Spanish villa where he is planting a vineyard.

A report on Thursday on Britain’s Daily Mail website alleged that the 62year-old Russian president is planting a vineyard to produce his own exclusive wines on the grounds of a multi-million-euro mansion outside Marbella.

The Daily Mail cited its own sources and a report in an English-language news website in Spain, Olive Press.

“No, this is not the case, it’s an unoriginal joke,” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Echo of Moscow popular radio station. “This doesn’t correspond to reality.”

Peskov added that the reports discredited a “respectable publication”.

“Unfortunately journalists lately have

not been showing their best side...and do not demonstrate high professional qualities when they write,” Peskov said.

Putin, who last year declared an income of just over $100,000 (at the exchange rate of the time) and property limited to a 77-square-metre flat (828 feet), is regularly reported to have luxury property and a massive hidden fortune, claims angrily denied by the Kremlin.

In 2011, a businessman alleged that a lavish holiday complex was being built for Putin’s private use on the Black Sea coast, although government officials denied this.

Western sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine have targeted officials and businessmen from Putin’s inner circle, including billionaire energy trader Gennady Timchenko, who is ranked by Forbes as Russia’s sixth richest businessman.

Source thelocal.es

Palma de Mallorca magistrate Jose Castro rejected her appeal today.

Doppler effect,” Eilat Glikman, study co-author and assistant professor of physics at Middlebury College in Vermont said in a statement.

“With quasars, you typically have one emission line, and that line is a symmetric curve. But with this quasar, it was necessary to add a second emission line with a slightly different speed than the first one in order to fit the data. That suggests something else, such as a second black hole, is perturbing this system.”

If the theory is correct, study coauthor S. George Djorgovski of the California Institute of Technology told The New York Times that when

The trial is expected to take place later this year.

The indictment comes as Cristina’s brother, King Felipe VI, has been trying to improve the family’s image after his scandal-plagued father abdicated last year.

The princess’s lawyer, Miquel Roca, lamented the decision but said they did not plan to file a complaint.

A court spokeswoman said that on renouncing this option, the way was into each other, releasing some cleared for the trial to be held.

Press Association

Putin slams talk of Spain vineyard as ‘joke’

pretty violent cosmic fireworks that could warp space-time itself.

The researchers, including scientists from Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, have theorized that an unusual light signal they’re seeing from quasar PG 1302-102 - essentially a black hole emitting light from the superheated particles swirling around its gravitational drain -- is being caused by the cosmic dance between two black holes in the system, each located less than the length of our solar system apart.

The theory was published this week in the journal Nature.

the two black holes collide, they could release the energy equivalent to 100 million supernova explosions, which would rip apart the galaxy in which they’re floating. The collision would also release gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of spacetime predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity, Djorgovski told the Times.

Unfortunately, astronomers hoping to witness such an event are out of luck, as the predicted union won’t take place for about another million years -- a long time in human standards, but not cosmic ones.

Of course, the universe itself

While other cosmic phenomena could explain the light signature, the scientists became confident that their theory is the most likely after analyzing the quasar’s light spectrum.

“When you look at the emission lines in a spectrum from an object, what you’re really seeing is information about speed -- whether something is moving toward you or away from you and how fast. It’s the

already knows whether the theory is correct because the light we’re seeing from this system, located in the Virgo constellation, comes from 3.5 billion light years away -- meaning everything we’re witnessing already took place billions of years ago. But until we come up with our own way to warp the space-time continuum, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. cnet.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

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Lions Roar over the K9 Kennel opening festive period

Once again the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club have had a successful fund raising festive period. Their annual prize draw featuring prizes of gallon bottles of spirits has been well supported by local bar owners and their customers. Bottles were placed in various locations throughout the area and draws were made over the festive period. In all over 800.00 euros was raised by the Lions with these prize draws and when added to the very excellent sum raised on La Zenia beach on Christmas Day, Lion President Iain Bennett is delighted to announce that the sum of 2,800.00 euros will shortly be donated to ALPE Torrevieja to help them furnish their new sensory room. Thanks go to the staff and customers of Marabu Lounge, Lo Marabu Bar Restaurant, Bar Monte, Monos Bar, The Hideaway, Quesada Fish and Chips, Quesada Mini Golf and all the Christmas Day revellers on La Zenia Beach.

On Saturday ,3rd January K9 saw the official opening of the kennel and run kindly sponsored by Pia Seymour-Morris. The event started by the public having a general walk around the site and meeting all the animals which K9 have at their main kennels off the Elche/ San Fulgencio road.The President opened the ceremony with a speech thanking everyone for their support and good wishes. The kennel managers, Alan and Heike were thanked for all their hard work , in particular the extra building work which they have done themselves to enable K9 to take in more animals. Pia Seymour- Morris was thanked not only for her support and generous donation but also for her interest in the running of K9 for which she frequently offers advice and her friendship.

Pia then made a speech in which she praised K9 for all their hard work and in particular they way all the animals were kept, which was due to K9 really working well together and raising funds to enable the excellent standard of care they have.

The kennel which Pia donated is large enough to shelter 2 maybe 3 large dogs and provides them with both an indoor and outdoor area along with a large tree which,as you can imagine, the dogs love. Pia was honoured for her generosity by unveiling a brass plaque with the words “ Give Me Shelter”, this was at her request and meant a great deal to both herself and K9.

Drinks and nibbles were available afterwards and people once again wandered round and played with the animal especially the dogs who were given presents by Jane and Steve consisting of “ Doggie Treats” and many toys,much to their delight.

The whole afternoon was an amazing event and K9 would like to thank all those who attended and had tremendous fun with all the animals.

The Aftermath Of Paris

by Martin Shortland

Al Qaeda is plotting to massacre huge numbers of civilians in Britain and other western countries, the head of Mi5 has warned. Andrew Parker, director general of the security service, told a select group mostly from the Royal United Services Institute at his London headquarters that while the so-called Islamic State is the newest threat to the West and that selfstarted lone wolf plots are hard to foil, Al Qaeda still has ambitions for something more spectacular.

He said, ‘We know that terrorists based in Syria harbour ambitions towards the UK - trying to direct attacks against our country, and exhorting extremists here to act independently.’ But this was in addition to newly identified plans from al Qaeda to revisit their traditional style of operations. He added, ‘We still face more complex and ambitious plots that follow the now sadly wellestablished approach of Al Qaeda and its imitators: attempts to cause large scale loss of life, often by attacking transport systems or iconic targets.’

Al Qaeda experts are known to have moved from Pakistan to Syria, where they may be able to draw on British volunteers to conduct attacks in the UK. Their mission is entirely focussed on plots against the West. They are known to be led by Muhsin al Fadhli, an expert bomb maker wanted by the FBI who has a £5m price on his head.

He moved to Syria two years ago and was unsuccessfully targeted in a coalition air strike last year.

It is also known that British citizens

are in the ranks of al Qaeda in Syria and could be used in a major atrocity back home. The domestic spy chief spoke hours after the UK’s COBRA committee ordered a boost to national security. Home Secretary Theresa May said, ‘Following the attacks in Paris we took the precautionary step yesterday of increasing security at the French-UK border. The UK threat level, which is set by the independent Joint Terrorism Advisory Centre, remains at severe; that means a terrorist attack is highly likely and the public should remain vigilant.’

Extra police have already been deployed at British ports and stations serving the Eurostar. Lone wolf plots aimed at the police and military have surged over the last year and these have combined with the Paris killings to cause unease among officers.

A British hate preacher backed the Paris massacres just hours after the bloody events unfolded and told his followers ‘Britain is the enemy of Islam’. Cleric Mizanur Rahman, of Palmers Green, north London, defended the brutal murder of 12 people at the Charlie Hebdo offices, saying ‘insulting Islam…they can’t expect a different result.’ Experts have warned the sermon, which backed the jihadists who killed 17 people over three days in the French capital, could incite further killings.

Speaking to an audience in London which was streamed online to thousands of his followers, Rahman praised Al Qaeda and said ‘Britain is the enemy of Islam.’ Sam Westrop,

director of counter-extremism group Stand for Peace told the Sunday Mirror: ‘His kind of rhetoric is not an echo of Islamist terror and extremism – it is a driving force behind it. It is truly reprehensible for him to speak like this, especially so soon after Paris.’

Paris and large parts of France are still under a state of high alert with thousands of troops, police and Special Forces agents on duty at airports, stations, motorways and high profile buildings across the country. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said ‘exceptional measures’ were being taken to try and prevent further attacks, including deploying snipers on roofs.

At the huge march on Saturday attended by over 40 world leaders, Home Secretary Theresa May was among those scheduled to meet Mr Cazeneuve before the march to discuss the threat posed by Islamic militants. French President Hollande also met leaders from Paris’s Jewish community at the weekend, who are still in shock following the atrocity at the kosher grocery store.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage came under criticism following a string of radio and TV interviews he conducted after the Paris attacks. He blamed the UK’s immigration policies for allowing what he called ‘extremist factions’ to move freely between European countries, saying there was a so called fifth column actively operating in Britain and Europe with the sole intention of bringing about attacks such as the ones in France.

He was condemned by members of all political parties for a “sickening” attempt to exploit the atrocity for his

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SOL News

own political benefit. Conservative party chairman Grant Shapps said: “At a time when it’s important to calm tensions it’s irresponsible to be inflaming the situation. “There is no basis in any faith for this kind of atrocity. Our energy should be spent on capturing the killers and preventing others.”

In Spain, a similar level of heightened security exists at border crossings, airports and rail terminals. President of the government Marion Rajoy has called for extra vigilance in what he called, ‘this extremely worrying time for the safety of democracy in Europe.’

Spanish people still have a vivid memory of the horrifying train bombs which killed more than a hundred people in Madrid seven years ago.

The question on most peoples’ lips is how does one prevent similar attacks from happening in the future?

The simple answer is that it’s very difficult. Security agencies across the world spend vast sums of money in a continuous effort to track down terrorist cells and whilst they are sometimes successful, the chances of them preventing an attack like the ones in Paris are slim. The very nature of the way small, fanatical extremist groups operate makes it almost impossible to gain access to their plans.

In the past week, we have seen yet again what a handful of terrorists can do, not just in terms of cold blooded murder, but in the capability of bringing a country – a continent to a standstill. Most frighteningly though, we have been reminded yet again to what ends those who are driven by shear hatred are capable of carrying out in the cause of Islam.

6

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

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DO YOU HAVE TIME! - TO SEE IF YOU ARE OWED MONEY? Keep Calm and Claim PPI Stress Free From Your Chair In Spain Last summer I had enforced time at home recovering from a broken ankle. I was far from impressed with this latest disaster of mine and finding daytime T.V. really did not do it for me so I decided to catch up with some personal paper work, which was long overdue to say the least.

I had some forms for different companies regarding PPI claims I could make from when we were in England, but these forms were stating claims from only 8 to 10 years. I felt it was going to be a waste of time and ink completing these forms as we had been here for 10 years plus.

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This company look into your loans, mortgages and credit cards going back 20 years or more.

That’s more like it! They do it all for you, chasing any companies you have been involved with whilst you were in the U.K. All you do is put your feet up and let them take the stress, right up my street.

Since then I have spoken to friends who have tried to get their PPI Claims sorted themselves

with no good results to boast about. They have been told it will be dealt with, but they’ve had no response and one company never even bothered to send the required forms. One was told that now you live in Spain you cannot claim, so they have filed their paper work away again.

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Protest vote pushes Podemos to top of poll

Spain’s left-wing Podemos party has once again topped a major poll of voter intentions but almost half of the people who said they would cast their ballot for the group don’t actually support their policies.

The poll in Spanish national daily El País is the latest to give the antiausterity party the number one position when it comes to voter intentions for general elections likely to be held at the end of 2015.

A total of 28.2 percent of people surveyed said they planned to vote for the party led by political scientist Pablo Iglesias, nearly five percentage points ahead of the 23.2 percent of people who said they planned to cast their ballot for Spain’s opposition socialist PSOE party.

The ruling conservative Popular Party, meanwhile, is now a distant third with 19.2 percent, the poll shows.

The results show once again the fragile state of Spain’s two-party system with the scandal-hit major parties polling less than 50 percent between them.

However, the El País poll also found that almost half of all the people who

said they would vote for Podemos didn’t support their policies

The diocese of Bilbao has warned its congregation not to give alms to beggars because of their disruptive behaviour around some of the city’s churches.

The decision was taken after a number of problems arose between churchgoers and beggars, reported Spanish newspaper El Diario.

The move was triggered by an incident at the Church of Our Lady of Carmen (Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen) in the Indautxu neighbourhood of Bilbao.

In a statement released online, church authorities said: “Last Sunday we had to suspend 9am mass due to the disruptive presence of a man who was talking and shouting in a loud voice in the middle of the mass.”

According to church authorities, the man had stolen several bags as well as the Christmas charity collection and was

pestering people as they entered and left the church.The statement described how church authorities had “reached their limit” with the disruptive behaviour of beggars around the city’s churches.

“We cannot encourage beggars”, the church said, “most of them still young, who do not want to improve their situation.”

The church added that if people did want to give money, they should donate to institutions such as the Catholic charity Cáritas “which distributes the money and helps people who want to get out of this deplorable situation”.

This is not the first confrontation between the church and beggars in the Basque region in recent times. In November 2014 a beggar surprised the bishop of San Sebastián by bending down as if to kiss his ring, then stealing it from his finger.

This suggests that much of the backing for the party which rose to prominence when it won five seats at European Union elections in May is a protest vote against the country’s traditional parties.

Podemos plans to renegotiate Spain’s debt-paying commitments to mitigate the impact of austerity policies on the population, and also supports a basic living allowance for all citizens as a poverty reduction tool. A Podemos government would halt evictions of mortgage defaulters while pushing for a more equitable European Union.

The party, first formed in early 2014 has been criticized as naive, opportunist and populist by critics but has won widespread report among Spaniards frustrated by the country’s long economic crisis, spending cuts to health care and education, and perceived high levels of corruption on the part of Spain’s major parties.

‘Don’t give money to beggars’: Bilbao church

Read more on: thelocal.es

The Vega Baja Garden Club

7

The December meeting of the Garden Club was the Christmas meeting. The meeting was very well attended and great fun was had by all! Members brought along festive buffet food for lunch, and the party atmosphere was quite evident!

The Garden Club very much enjoys its annual Christmas quiz. This year it was compiled

by Ron Harris and the winning team was delighted with the prizes!! The special Raffle was also very much enjoyed.

The next meeting will be held on Monday 2nd February at 2.15 for a 2.30pm start, at a new venue for the Garden Club, Bar Trasgu, Formentera del Segura. If you are interested in gardening and would like to come along please do so, the at the Club is always pleased to welcome new members.

Meetings are held on the country club first Monday of the month, with a summer break.

Speakers are often invited to attend, and members Modern & Traditional Gents Hairdressing also speak to the Club about their own interests.

Call Darren The Barber General gardening tips Tel: 616 592 887 are shared, and question Opening Times: and answer sessions Mon-Fri 10am- 5pm often help with difficult OUT OF HOURS BY REQUEST or obscure problems.

For further information, Drive through Quesada Arches up main street, take left fork at Parque please contact The Vega Acuatico sign. Continue to Consum sign and turn right onto Avenida Baja Garden Club at Costa Azul, continue uphill and take right turn onto Calle Toledo. vegabajagardenclub@ Country Club / Barber is 200mtrs on right - Look for Childrens Play Area. gmail.com

quesada Cuts from

5€

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

n e d r a G Home & Creations of Gardens and Re-style Garden Maintenance Construction of Pergolas Fencing Terraces Gazebos Many Pots and PlantsSoils - Compost - Abon’s

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616 214 713

A well-designed bedroom can not only provide a calm, tranquil environment in which you can escape the pressure of modern living, but also add value to your property through its appeal to potential buyers.

The emphasis in any bedroom is on relaxing and sleeping, but depending on what else you what you want to do in your own space – working, watching TV, etc. – there may be other elements that you wish to incorporate into your bedroom design.

You have the choice, of course, of fitted or freestanding bedroom furniture. Fitted furniture allows you to create your own, coordinated look, and can be useful if your bedroom is an odd shape, or there are awkward areas to be filled. Fitted wardrobes also usually extend from floor to ceiling, creating extra storage space for bedding, etc. that needs to be stored separately from your clothes, shoes and accessories. You do need to exercise a little caution when planning fitted furniture, however, as filling more than one of your bedroom walls with fitted wardrobes may make the room feel a little claustrophobic. If you prefer the flexibility – in terms of being able to rearrange various items, at will – of freestanding furniture, you can mix and match pieces that suit your needs, both externally and internally. If you wish to store long winter coats, or party dresses, for example, you’ll need the full height of a wardrobe to hang them in, and don’t forget drawers and shelves, for sweaters, shoes, etc..

The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, of course, and dressing the bed is as important as your choice of furniture. The trend in bed linen this year is likely to be towards brighter and warmer styles, which are reflected in colour and texture in curtains, blinds and other soft furnishings to create a sense of style in the bedroom.

The easiest and most straightforward way of opening up any room is to whitewash the walls.

White helps to redefine the space available in a room by distorting the mind’s perception of where the boundaries actually lie – in effect, white walls can make a small room look spacious and airy.

In contrast, dark walls have the effect of closing the boundaries in considerably, therefore giving the impression of less space than there is in reality.

Nevertheless, refreshingly white walls ought to be complemented by bold bedroom furniture colours.

The bed in particular must be a focal point in the room, therefore it is advisable to opt for rich, deep colour schemes with vivid and imaginative patterns that will instantly draw the eye’s attention.

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The Mosquito Screen & Window Co

Serving the Coast and Inland for over 10 Years

Manufacturers & Installers of Insect Screens, Aluminium & UPVC Windows & Doors Tel: 966 716 329 or Spanish Mob: 722 763 055 email: the.mosquito.screen.company@gmail.com

Find us at Moncayo Market on Saturdays & we are pleased to announce we are now at Lemon Tree Market on Sundays

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

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Soft Furnishings & Re-Upholstery

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Furthermore, it is essential that the bedroom is clutter-free and, unless it is absolutely necessary, electrical equipment in the room should be limited to a radio alarm clock and television – peace is essential.

And, when it comes to bedroom furniture, a cabinet with multiple drawers or a chest or ottoman placed discretely at the end of your bed can provide crucial extra storage. You need not be restricted solely to bedroom furniture either; bookshelves and/or a small desk area in a guest bedroom, for example, can be an excellent method of using the available space to maximum effect.

Mon-Fri 10am to 4:30pm Sat - 10am to 1:30pm All our work is professionally made in our premises in The Interior Centre 1 Calle Portugal Las maromas Pol. Ind Estate. Almoradi 03160

Contact Kim & Rick on: 625 716 063 Email: fabricflair.kb@gmail.com

fabricflair.kb@gmail.com

Welcome GO SATELLITE!

g Getting British TV here in Spain can be a confusing and daunting task and findin about us GO SATELLITE was set up 10 years ago by husband and wife team Ian and Deborah. Ian has more than 20 years experience, having spent 10 years with SKY In Home Services in the UK, where he worked on the specialist heights team as well as SKY´S Prestigious VIP Team which caters for the “stars”, therefore the quality of his workmanship is extremely high!

After leaving SKY, Ian set up his own business in the UK and ran this very successfully for 5 years before moving to Spain.

SERVICES WE OFFER We are here to help!!!! We can arrange Installation of TV direct from the satellite with no monthly subscription. We are able to make repairs to existing satellite systems, potentially saving you from additional costs. We are

a reliable and informative company is vital.

suppliers of Sky and humax receivers direct from the UK. You will find we are the cheapest on the Costa Blanca.

Ask us about Sky cards and subscriptions as well as Al Jazeera cards for bars enabling viewing of Premier League Football matches.

WHERE ARE WE? GO SATELLITE is based in Ciudad Quesada and covers most of the Costa Blanca.

WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT? Ian said “Being a small company has its advantages. We offer a personal service and get to know all our customers by name. It’s important to us that people fully understand and are happy with the service we are providing. We realise that the technology involved can be confusing but we are happy to spend time with our customers to ensure that they get the best system for their needs”.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Any concerns or queries are dealt with in a clear and professional manner and clients can call Ian at any point if they have any queries. This ensures that all of their customers have complete peace of mind throughout the lifetime of the service. Added to that is the fact that GO SATELLITE is a fully legal, Spanish registered business that provides individual, company and community installations with a free no obligation site survey.

Go Satellite is going from strength to strength!

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS! Over the past 8 years the company has installed hundreds of satellite TV systems for individuals, companies and

3 49€

USUAL PRICE 399€

communities. The Go Satellite system uses highest quality Portuguese-manufactured dishes and requires NO monthly payments. Packages are available to suit everybody´s requirements and budget. GO SATELLITE offer expertise, reassurance and a proven track record, which can be backed up by many a satisfied customer.

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.

COME AND MEET US! We have an office in the Business Centre Calle Los Arcos No7 Ciudad Quesada, so you can now come and meet us and we will endeavour to help you with all of your TV queries.

DISH ISSUES? Here at Go Satellite, we use only Top Quality Portugese dishes and Invacom LNB’s. Sky Packages are also available. If you do not have room or do not wish to have a dish, give us a call as we have a solution!

At Go Satellite, we will endeavour, to provide TV for everyone.

So, if you are fed up of missing your favourite programs or you have lost your TV signal and do not want to lose out any more, then call on 965 725 670 or call into our office to find out more about GO SATELLITE and its services. Alternatively check out the website:www.freetvspain.com

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Come and visit us in our office based at: Calle Los Arcos No 7, Ciudad Quesada Open: Monday – Friday

Tel: 965 725 670 www.freetvspain.com all major credit & debit cards accepted

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

SOL News

EU hasn’t moved on Schengen changes: PM

European leaders have yet to decide whether to restore border controls within the Schengen zone, Spain’s prime minister said Monday, after Madrid made a push for the visa-free treaty to be modified in the wake of France’s terror attacks.

“No decision has been taken regarding the question of whether or not to change the Schengen treaty,” Mariano Rajoy said during an interview with Cadena Ser radio.

“If the question is posed it will be debated but I think that everything that helps the fight against terrorism must be done, as long as it does not harm other things. I think that everything is perfectly compatible,” he added.

Spanish Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz said in an interview published on Sunday that Madrid wants the 1995 treaty modified to check the movements of Islamist militants returning to Europe after fighting in the Middle East.

“Those people over whom there is a well founded suspicion or risk that they may be terrorists or who are susceptible of being terrorists, should not use this freedom of movement to the detriment of our freedom and security,” the minister told daily newspaper El País.

His comments were made just before EU and US security ministers met at France’s interior ministry on Sunday to work out a joint response to the threat of jihadist attacks

Varieties of Window Blinds With so many different types of blinds available, here’s a quick guide to find the best one for you; it’s easiest to distinguish them by their construction and the types of materials that they use.

Venetian Blinds These are what most people think of when they hear the word blind.These blinds are constructed with slats, most often made from metal or plastic.

When bamboo or wooden slats are used they are called either bamboo or wooden blinds instead of Venetian blinds.

The widths of the slats can vary, but they are most commonly about 50mm.

Wider slats look better on larger windows. There are a couple of variants to the Venetian blind which have become very popular – mini blinds and vertical blinds.

Mini Blinds ~ The slats of these blinds are never more than 19mm. They get their

name from their very narrow slats.

Vertical Blinds ~ The slats of these blinds hang vertically instead of horizontally, as their name implies. The slats of these blinds are often constructed from stiffened fabric.

Solid Blinds These blind open and close by pushing and pulling. These types of blinds have a solid piece of material instead of slats.

Holland Blinds These are blinds constructed using woven wood. They open and close by being rolled up using the attached strings.

These are great at controlling sunlight and thus very popular in tropical locations. They provide a tropical ambience wherever they are used.

P l e at e d Blinds T h e s e blinds are constructed using pleated fabrics. They can be pulled up to open and usually contain a recess at the top to hold the material.

Honeycomb Blinds Due to their unique construction, honeycomb blinds are known for their superior performance.

Honeycomb blinds are also referred to as cellular shades and are made with two panels of pleated fabric shades have become one the most popular window treatments. The two panels of fabric form air pockets, or cells, which are honeycomb shaped, thus giving these

following days of carnage in Paris by three gunmen claiming to act on behalf of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

The Schengen agreement has been signed by 26 countries, 22 of them EU members. It imposes border controls on individuals entering and leaving the zone, but none on travels within the bloc. The treaty cannot be changed unilaterally.

The agreement nevertheless already allows member countries to temporarily reinstate border controls if deemed necessary for security reasons, such as big sporting events like the Olympic Games or to address temporary threats.

Spain is also pushing for the swift adoption of European legislation requiring airlines to provide data of passengers entering or leaving the EU. Adoption of the Passenger Name Record Directive was suspended by the European Parliament late last year because of concerns about data protection.

The wanted partner of one of the gunmen behind the terror attacks in France, Hayat Boumeddiene, crossed into Syria last week after arriving in Turkey on a flight from Madrid, Turkish authorities said on Monday.

Read more: thelocal.es

Blinded By The Light

While blinds do an excellent job of blocking out unwanted light, they are also great at providing privacy. In the hot summer months blocking out sunlight also means blocking some of the heat. Venetian blinds are by far the most popular types of blinds, although there are several other types on the market. blinds their name.

When raised the honeycombs collapse and expand when the blind it is released.

Because the honeycombs or cells form a vacuum and trap air, they provide energy efficient insulation and sound absorption. Due to their unique construction, honeycomb blinds are known for their superior performance. With their soft textured fabrics, however, they bring a sense of luxury to any room.

Honeycomb blinds come in single, double, and triple honeycomb design as well as a variety of pleat sizes and colored fabrics to offer anyone a customized look. Depending on the thickness of the fabric will determine the degree of light control within the room.

So, when it comes to purchasing blinds for your home, you’re bound to find one to suit!

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

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11

opening hours

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

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Look Good

Feel Great

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SOL FEATURE

Tel: 950 121 936 sales@soltimes.com

Kim Clar k



in mA ZARRON d e r i u q e staff r

AREA

CorteChino





Norovirus, sometimes known as the winter vomiting bug because it is is more common in winter, though can be caught any time of the year.

The virus is highly contagious. It can affect people of all ages and causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

There’s no specific cure for norovirus, so you have to let it run its course. It’s usually mild and shouldn’t last more than a couple of days.

The period from when you’re infected to when you start to show symptoms (the incubation period) usually lasts between 12 and 48 hours.

You may be infectious to other people during this time.

Although having norovirus can be unpleasant, it’s not usually dangerous and most people make a full recovery within a couple of days without having to see their Doctor.

The first sign of norovirus is usually suddenly feeling sick followed by forceful vomiting and watery diarrhoea.

Some people may also have: • a raised temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) • headaches • painful stomach cramps • aching limbs Symptoms usually appear one to two days after you become infected, but they can start sooner.

The only way of diagnosing norovirus is benefits consultancy Do you suffer from mobility problems, to test a stool sample breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? in a laboratory.

Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision?

However, this isn’t You could be entitled to extra income by usually necessary claiming UK because treatment is sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain the same for all causes For advice or to book a consultation of stomach bugs. call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com If you have a sudden



Norovirus

Preventing Norovirus spreading.

Norovirus is easily spread. If an infected person doesn’t wash their hands before handling food, they can pass the virus on to others. You can also catch it by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

Follow the measures below to help prevent the virus spreading.

• wash your hands frequently • don’t share towels and flannels •d isinfect surfaces that an infected person has touched Outbreaks of norovirus in public places, such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools, are common because the virus can survive for several days on surfaces or objects touched by an infected person.

If you have norovirus, you may continue to be infectious for a short period after your symptoms stop. You should therefore avoid preparing food and direct contact with others for at least 48 episode of vomiting and diarrhoea, it’s likely hours after your symptoms disappear. you have norovirus.

You can get norovirus more than once. The virus is always changing, which means your body is unable to build up resistance to it.

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Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. Quite a while back we talked about internet TV, android boxes and the program that is generally used on them. For those who don’t remember or never read the article, shame on you :-), but it was the back end of May last year. The program that I talked about was called XBMC or XBox Media Centre. When I wrote the article The program was on version 13 codenamed ‘Gotham’ and was becoming the standard base for the Android TV boxes.

When I started my Linux Laptop today, one of the many updates was for XBMC, although now it’s called Kodi? Surprisingly it simply overwrote the previous version and kept all my setting and options (this is a good thing).

So, me being me and in the interests of trying to break it, I started testing it.

Well under the ‘videos’ section, the first thing that I want to access is my UK TV and the best button to press is ‘F.T.V.’. Now F.T.V. has ‘FilmOn Demand’, ‘Fav Channels’, ‘UK TV LIVE’ and many, many more – even something for the (grand)kids. In fact, over Christmas and the New Year, this was what I used to watch ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and surprisingly, it didn’t buffer over the entire period. I would suspect that had more to do with people buying new satellite dishes, pointing them to a different satellite or just going back to cold, wet, miserable Blighty for the Christmas period.

I have to admit to being a little disappointed and at the same time elated! I was disappointed because there seems to be a number of faults that where not there in the previous version. For example, A film or tv program search didn’t provide the keyboard that it always has done and wouldn’t let me type into the search box! The only way I found around it was to use the ‘Advanced TV Show Search’.

Why was I elated? There are few things that give a ‘Cracker’ (note: Not Hacker) a buzz is being able to break break or by-pass something that someone else has created,

and I made it fall over. This now means that I have to contact the creators of ‘Kodi’, tell them what I have found and how I got to the problem. Being one of these incurably curious people, I wondered if there might have been a fault in the installation, so I uninstalled the program and re-installed it. I installed it on my Window 7 computer and It still didn’t work properly. Despite using tricks learned through long years of experience and error I had to admit defeat.

I did manage to find one that did seem to work and that was called ‘KodiBuntu’. It is based on a cut down version of Ubuntu Linux with Kodi installed. When I installed this version onto my computer is told me that it was a previous version called a ‘Release Candidate’ and I should update it. It worked for several hours before I decided to ‘update it’ and guess what! It stopped working again!

Go figure.

The upshot of this tail is to let you know that now isn’t the right time to update to ‘Kodi’ – the software formally known as XBMC. Just as soon ar they release a copy of the program that works properly I will let everyone know :-) So until that time I would like to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year and remind you all that I’m never too far away to resolve whatever problems that your computer throws at you.

Tip of the Day: Don’t pick you nose in the car everyone can still see you! Learn the shortcut keys that window have provided for the past 20 years and make your job easier.

If you can’t find them on the internet then contact me for a copy.

I’m now off to Jack’s Bar in Albox for my Friday afternoon computer clinic!

LOST WITHOUT YOUR SMARTPHONE? HERE’S WHY...

Do you feel like you’ve lost a limb when you accidentally leave your phone at home? Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that people who are separated from their smartphones can suffer from strong psychological and physiological effects.

The study examined 40 smartphone users to find out how their cognition, anxiety and physiology were affected when they were denied the chance to answer their phone. The participants, who were under the impression that they were testing a new wireless blood pressure cuff, were asked to complete two word-search puzzles. After the first puzzle, some were told that their phone was interfering with the experiment, and it was placed at the opposite end of the room.

During the second puzzle, the researchers rang the participants’ phones. Those who were unable to pick up the call were found to suffer from an increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as feelings of anxiety and general ‘unpleasantness’. They also scored lower in the word-search puzzles than those who had not been separated from their phones.

According to the team, young adults aged 18–24 send an average of 109.5 text messages per day, and check the phone’s screen 60 times a day.

“Our findings suggest that iPhone separation can negatively impact performance on mental tasks,” says Russell Clayton, lead author of the study. “Additionally, the results from our study suggest that iPhones are capable of becoming an extension of ourselves such that when separated, we experience a lessening of ‘self’ and a negative physiological state.”

Researchers have even coined a term for the fear of being separated from your smartphone - ‘nomophobia’ (a shortening of ‘no-mobile-phone phobia’). So an apple a day may keep the doctor away, but overusing your phone may bring him closer!

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

By The Grace of God Franco part II Generals Mola and Sanjurjo were instrumental in the original uprising against the Spanish Republic in 1936.

Unfortunately for both of them they died in separate ‘accidental’ air crashes soon after. Luckily and entirely coincidentally Franco was the most senior officer left and was promoted to Generalisimo of the Nationalist Army and somewhat presumptuously as Head of State.

The Civil War lasted almost 3 years, ending with victory for Franco on 1st April 1939. During the war up to 200,000 people were executed by both sides; the Republicans were no saints by any means being responsible for 40,000 of these but most were carried out by Franco’s forces often in acts of revenge. After the war ended another 20,000 were summarily executed, with others put into forced labour and concentration camps. Up to 200,000 people died in these camps over the next five years.

Hundreds of thousands fled or were deported from Spain. Many unlucky enough to get to France were herded into concentration camps with no food or shelter. Later the survivors were sent

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

back to Franco’s Spain and imprisoned in ‘purification’ camps. Once WWII started and the Vichy regime controlled southern France, Marshall Petain ordered the rounding up of any remaining Spanish Republican soldiers and sent them to Mauthausen concentration camp in Germany. 5000 died before the American Army liberated them in 1945. In fact when the Americans arrived the brave Republicans had already killed the guards, seized their weapons and were in charge of the camp.

Although Franco secretly signed a treaty of friendship with Hitler in 1938; initially he declared Spain neutral at the beginning of WWII. In 1940 he changed this to ‘non- belligerent’ as he saw how fast Hitler had overrun northern Europe.

This allowed German planes to use Spanish airstrips and its Navy to use Spanish ports especially Algeciras. Hitler and Franco talked about Spain joining the war but never agreed terms. Instead as revenge for Stalin’s support of the Republicans in the Civil War; Franco sent 18,000 soldiers to the Eastern Front to fight alongside the Germans

against the Russians.

By 1942 the Allies had the upper hand and landed at Casablanca. Franco did another about turn, withdrew his forces from the East and declared Spain neutral. By 1944 Spain Franco moved again, becoming benevolently neutral (to the Allies) and a formal agreement was reached. Spain stopped supplying Germany with Tungsten for its armaments, closed the German Embassy in Tangiers (Morocco was under Spanish control then) and expelled all the German Spies. Allied planes were allowed to operate within Spain and in return the Allies propped up the Spanish economy with oil and other goods. Escaping POWs via France could now escape via Spain.

In summer 1945 at the Potsdam conference; Stalin argued that Spain should be invaded to destroy Franco. Winston Churchill and Harry Truman resisted; in part as they feared a left wing Spanish Government would help Russia. Instead Spain was banned from joining the United Nations whilst Franco re-

mained in charge and Spain got no aid via the Marshall Plan which was rebuilding the rest of Europe. Franco shrugged his shoulders and got help from Argentina instead. Then he attacked the communists who he blamed for Spain’s isolation.

As Russia got stronger in Eastern Europe, American pragmatism saw the advantage in keeping Franco sweet; his anti communist policy sat well with their early 1950s McCarthy inspired communist witch-hunt practices. Soon the UN embargo was lifted and America was supplying aid to Spain. By 1953 America was building military bases on Spanish soil and over the next few years $1.5bn in aid (worth $20bn today) was sent in aid. In 1955 Spain joined the UN. European countries were less forgiving and banned Spain from joining NATO. Not until Franco was long cold in the ground and a democratic Government was in power did Spain join NATO in 1982.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

New Wind Turbine That Looks Like A Tree Is Coming To Paris

One of the biggest criticisms against wind turbines is that they aren’t usually nice to look at, but that may be about to change thanks to the French company NewWind. Their new device, Tree Vent, is an array of vertical wind turbines that look a lot like a tree.

Though the tree looks like a piece of modern art that would fit in at any urban area, it also provides a very important function. Each tree has a current power output of 3.1 kilowatts, which might not be able to power much on its own.

However, using several of the trees together as landscape features in a park or along a roadside would make more of an impact to the homes and buildings nearby.

The trees are 11 meters (36 ft) tall, and 8 meters (26 ft) in diameter at its widest point, which makes it about the same height as many urban trees. The white frame of the tree is made out of steel, and it can hold 72 turbines that sit vertically. This orientation cancels out noise, allowing the turbine to spin silently.

Wind turbines are typically very tall in order to reach the altitude where the wind is stronger, but these vertical turbines are able to spin with wind blowing as low as 7 km/h (4.4 mph), making this twice as sensitive as traditional turbines. However, they are durable enough to withstand Category 3 winds, which can reach 178 - 208 km/h (111-129 mph).

Each turbine “sheet,” called an

Aeroleaf, is constructed out of lightweight plastic. The plastic has been treated with a resin which protects it from weather conditions such as humidity and salt (for areas close to the sea). The turbines are wired in parallel so that if one stops working for whatever reason, the others will not be affected.

Anxious to check one of these out?

NewWind will be testing a tree in Paris’s Place de la Concorde between March 12 and May 12 of this year, allowing the public to see how the turbine functions in a normal setting. About 40 more units are due to be installed around the country in September.

For those wanting a Tree Vent for themselves, you are going to have to wait a bit longer. They aren’t due to go into mass production until the summer of 2016 and will initially only be available in France and other proximal European countries.

There is no word on when or if they plan to extend the product into the United States. The approximate price of each tree will be about €29,500 (US$35,000), though that price will hopefully decrease as production becomes less expensive and the technology is further developed.

Source www.iflscience.com

Computer program ‘perfect at poker’

Scientists have created a computer program they say is the perfect poker player and never makes a mistake.

The developers told Science journal

they had “solved” the two-player game Fixed-limit Heads-up Texas Hold ‘em.And the algorithm had a strategy so close to optimal “it can’t be beaten with statistical significance within a lifetime of human poker playing”.

The poker-ace algorithm is also now available online for people to test, query and even play against.

‘Perfect information’ Since scientists first started to develop game-playing artificial intelligence, there have been a series of famous cases where computer algorithms developed strategies better than the very best

Microsoft condemns Google for revealing another Windows 8.1 security bug

Windows vulnerabilities and security concerns are nothing new, but the latest 8.1 User Profile Service exploit discovered could spark a serious corporate war. Google and Microsoft find themselves at odds again, this time disagreeing on bug disclosure timing.

A contributor for the Google Security Research program going by the nickname of Forshaw brought the glitch

to Redmond’s attention on October 13 2014, filing it under medium for severity. As per Big G’s protocol, MS was given a 90-day deadline to issue a satisfactory fix before the confidential bug report would automatically go live for the whole world to see.

In response, Microsoft confirmed it was aware of the problem, and initially estimated a universally working patch would be ready for primetime by February 2015. When informed there was no bending of the rules, and no possible way to extend the threemonth due date, the Windows 8.1

repairmen promised a fix for January.

But Google wasn’t willing to wait a minute past the 90 days, and less than 24 hours ago, the issue’s description and details were posted. It didn’t take long for the search giant’s archnemesis to snap at the reveal, which they described as a “gotcha” moment rather than a matter of principle.

Microsoft Security Response Center, Chris Betz, claims January 13, i.e. tomorrow, would have seen the vulnerability put to rest, regardless of whether Google released the sensitive information.

And there’s no reason to suspect that’s not true, since January 13 is the month’s second Tuesday, also known as Patch Tuesday for its traditional bug-treating qualities.

It’s hard to argue with Microsoft when accusing Google of putting its enterprise interests ahead of those of the customers, given the same mysterious “Forshaw” dug up and ultimately published a separate Windows 8.1 exploit on December 29. s for the specifics of the two bugs, they’re a little too technical and complicated to explain in a nutshell, so let’s just forget they even existed.

As long as they’re both squashed by Wednesday, that is. If not, we may need to side with Google on this. digitaltrends.com

Google Translate to challenge Microsoft’s Skype Translator

human players.

In 1997, for example, IBM Google has plans to add realsupercomputer Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry time automatic speech translation capabilities to its Translate tool in a move that would put it in direct competition with Microsoft’s Skype Translator. According to the New York Times, the additional functionality will be rolled out in Google Translate’s next update.

Google had originally touted the service in 2010, but it appears it has taken the search giant longer than predicted to develop.

In its current mobile and web app form, Google Translate is limited to automatically translating written text only. While the update will challenge Skype Translator, Microsoft’s product does still have the advantage of Kasparov. But these machine providing audio translations as well victories have been in what are as text-based ones. termed “perfect-information games” Google has seen more than 100 - where all players are informed about million downloads of its Translate everything that has occurred in the app on Android, and claims to have game before making a decision.

500 million active users of the tool This is not the case in poker, where per month. players do not know which cards Currently, Skype Translator only have been dealt to other players. offers English-Spanish translations This new poker-playing program has - two of the most spoken languages taught itself to overcome this. in the world - but support for more It has played trillions of hands of languages is planned for the future. poker and been designed to learn by For text messages sent via Skype, “regretting” and remembering every the service can instantly translate decision that does not lead to the them to and from 45 different languages. optimum outcome.

Google Translate offers nearly Bbc.co.uk

double that, with the ability to translate 80 languages, including relatively obscure ones like Welsh.

Indicating the search giant has a sense of humour, Google Translate also includes the ability to translate made-up languages such as Klingon and “Pirate”.

Google Translate is built into its Chrome browser, which can translate the text on a webpage into a language of the user’s choice, while Microsoft’s Bing Translation engine is featured in social media platforms Twitter and Facebook, giving both services a massive base of users.

Neither of the companies has detailed how they aim to address issues such as idioms and regional sayings that fail to translate directly into other languages.

However, Google Translate uses machine learning, so it should theoretically deliver better results the more it is used.

V3 contacted Google for more details on its plans for Translate, but the company has yet to reply.

While the update to Google Translate is yet to be officially confirmed, Skype Translator is currently available for anybody to download. v3.co.uk

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

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17

r e t f a k o o l Let us s i h t e m o h your winter Clear-Up Fall Leaves

Tidy the Garden

FALLEN leaves are a constant nuisance in gardens at this time of year; they clog ponds, clutter corners of patios, make paths slippery, and smother tiny treasures growing on raised beds and rock features.

If left for long, a blanket of dead leaves can even turn your lawn yellow.

Leaves need raking up regularly in autumn and early winter, but instead of burning them or taking to the tip, turn them into leaf mould – a valuable free resource that’s worth its weight in gold.

Strong gales and rain have seen gardens across Britain engulfed by leaves Collecting leaves Gather leaves that accumulate on top of small plants by hand to prevent damage; do this every day or two so plants aren’t killed by fungal disease or lack of light.

A rubber rake is the very best tool for gathering leaves from lawns, paths and paving, but a spring-tined lawn rake or even an ordinary garden rake can be used. If you like power tools, use a leaf blower to huff leaves into heaps.

Clear fallen leaves once a week through the autumn, and continue in early winter if leaves blow into your garden from the street.

Large plastic grabbers (like extended hands with long fingers) make it easy to

Established 40 years in the UK

lift piles of leaves all in one go, into a barrow, sack or tarpaulin.

To make leaf mould If you have only a few leaves, mix them with other ingredients and add them to your compost heap.

For larger quantities it pays to compost fallen leaves separately.

Most deciduous leaves take a year to become good leaf mould.

Beech and oak leaves contain more tannin and take two years to rot down properly, so if you have large quantities of these, keep them separate from other leaves.

The sack method Pack leaves into large perforated black bin liners as you collect them.

If they are dry, dampen them with a hose first.

Tie the necks of the bags, stab them with a fork to let in a little air and stack somewhere out of the way while they rot down.

The cage method Make a leaf mould cage. Hammer four 5ft (150cm)long wooden posts into the ground to form a square measuring about a yard in each direction.

Tack wire netting round all four sides. pool covers, heatpumps & safety fencing Tip fallen leaves into the cage as you collect them; dampen thoroughly, tread down well and cover the top of the heap with a sheet of plastic (this speeds the rotting time).

Keep adding new layers till the supply of leaves runs out, then cap the

heap with a 1in layer of soil.

Using leaf mould Leaf mould’s unique properties make it invaluable for some gardening uses.

It’s a good source of fibre that helps soil both retain moisture and improve drainage, making it especially good as a soil improver where you want to grow choice dwarf bulbs, unusual woodland plants, and for alpine plants in raised beds.

It’s also a favourite ingredient (along with loam and grit) for making specialist composts mixed by enthusiasts for growing alpines in containers.

You can also use leaf mould to enrich soil in raised beds, rock features, the veg patch and your usual compost in patio containers.

When used in pots or other containers it’s advisable to pass leaf mould through a course riddle or large garden sieve to remove twigs and coarse or undecomposed material first. www.express.co.uk

Britannia

Every year a small percentage of children that go on holiday drown in pools in spain. Not because of negligence or that they are unsupervised.

The safety fencing that we offer will give you peace of mind against accidental drowning of children or even pets.

The fence is a removable, transparent mesh that can be rolled up and put away once you are confident with your children around the pool.

So give us a call for a free no obligation quote.

Contact Ian at Britannia Pools for more prices & trade enquiries information - 966 765 378 : 664 367 512 welcome www.britanniapoolcovers.com www.poolsafetyfencing.es

Be Sure Alarms • Authorised Yale Installer • Grille Alarms • Wire Free Specialist • Window Locks • I.P.Wifi Cameras • Servicing Dial up available with NO monthly fees Paul 645 495 484 Matthew 655 624 299 www.besurealarms.com info@besurealarms.com

Member of

TRADEcall

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18 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015 SOL PROPERTY FEATURE

O

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant)

Tel: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

Olive

Email: info@olivehouse-es.com

www.olivehouse-es.com

Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

Sales office now open in Bedar

OLV786

Antas (Los Chopos)

This quaint 1 bedroom Cortijo set in lovely surroundings and has fabulous grounds of 4000m2. This property is immaculate and has been finished to a high standard. There is also a large storeroom of 30m2 that could be converted for extra accommodation.

99.950€

Lubrin

OLV843

This fabulous 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom villa is set in a beautiful valley just a 5 minute drive from the pretty market town of Lubrin. The property boasts 5000m2 of land and a 10x5m pool with great views all around.

114.950 €

...it’s all in the detail Bedar

OLV833

This wonderfully renovated 3 bedroom village house is located in the beautiful and picturesque village of Bedar, this unique property boasts 3 bedrooms, a wonderful roof terrace and a charming courtyard garden with terraces and fruit trees.

COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE COMPLETE MOJACAR PLAYA

RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE

We urgently need more properties for sale & rental for waiting clients

Ref: SP/LS - Beautiful, furnished 2 bed apart with aircon, private parking, pool & gardens. Terrace, mountain views, spacious lounge/diner with UK satellite channels.

Ref. OA/RJ – Stunning 3 bed, 2,5 bath, 130 m2, duplex in renowned complex Oasis del Mar 1, terraces & solarium with sea views, fantastic pools/gardens, private parking, a/c.

Ref. CB/SK - Beautiful, modern, 3 bed, 2 bath villa with garage & large terrace with Jacuzzi with outstanding panoramic views of Mojácar Playa beach and mountains.

Ref. ALB/MB/14 - Beautiful & modern, 2 bed, 2 bath apart. Private com pool, terr with sea views, air con, private parking space.

MOJACAR - €99,950

MOJACAR – REDUCED - €249,950

169.950 €

Vera

OLV814

A rare opportunity to purchase a large and established detached property just minutes from major road links and 2 minutes from the historical town of Vera. The property boasts 3/4 bedrooms beautiful gardens and private pool.

365,000 €

MOJACAR PLAYA - €149,950 Mojácar REDUCED- €275,000 Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo) Tel: 950 478 612 / 610 808 631 

info@almeriaholidays.com

www.almeriaholidays.com

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast !

API-SJ0110 229000€ Villa SAN JUAN Chalet on a plot of 966 sqm 3 bedrooms & 1 bathroom reformed Sea views & mountain views Tropical garden Removable pool Garage

API-M0118 119950€ MOJACAR 2 bedrooms & 1 bathroom 193 sqm plot Spacious terraces & roof terrace with sea views Aircon in master bedroom Chimney NO community fees 700 m to the beach API-V0152 69900€ VERA PLAYA 1 bedroom & 1 bathroom Terrace with garden views Fully furnished aircon Comunal parking & pool 100 m from the beach In the center of the naturist area

www.almeriapropertyinvestments.com

API-V0163 169000€ VERA PLAYA 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms Terrace of 135 sqm & roof terrace Semi basement floor of 151 sqm incl double garage outdoor pool close to Mercadona & bilingual school

sold

Looking for coastal properties to sell API-A0100 155000€ ANTAS townhouse (4bed/3bath) on a 247 sqm plot Seperate 3 bed & 2 bath apartment Terraces, private garden Garage & Private pool 15 min to the beach HUGE HOUSE

ann@almeriapropertyinvestments.com

RONDA DE LAS BUGANVILLAS nº 42 (next to Luces & Bar Cactus) ANN 666 260 792

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

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19

SOL PROPERTY FEATURE

Almeria Property Agency

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

www.almeriapropertyagency.com Office located next to Cajamar bank in Arboleas village

APA1495

Area: Arboleas

A pristine modern villa on a 653m2 corner plot in a popular urbanization located a short drive from Arboleas. On entering this detached villa you go into a hallway that leads to a bright and airy lounge with feature fireplace and A/C, a fully equipped kitchen including all white goods, 3 double beds, the master has fitted wardrobes, A/C, an en-suite shower room and patio doors out to the mature gardens. There is also a good sized family bathroom plus an 8m by 4m kidney shaped pool with a gazebo.

Price: 164.950€

APA1413

Area: Arboleas

A Lakes Vega built 3 bedroom villa, a short drive from Arboleas village in the established hamlet of El Chopo, the property includes 2 large double bedrooms, one with en-suite plus an extra bedroom currently being used as an office. One family bathroom leading onto large hallway. The property has a unique feature: a circular lounge on two levels with open plan kitchen-living area, including feature log burner. he villa is situated on a large plot with an 8m by 4m swimming pool to the rear of the property.

Price: 134.950€

APA1480

Area: Garrucha

A 2 beds, 1 bath apartment located in thriving seaside town of Garrucha in Almeria, 200 meters from beaches &harbour of Garrucha. It is south east facing and has a small terrace where you can sit & have breakfast and lunch in the Almeria sunshine. Inside you will find a spacious living room come dining room, fully fitted kitchen incl white good, 2 beds & bathroom.

Main bedroom also has a A/C, there is a private communal swimming pool & garden, plus each apartment has underground car parking

Price: 75.000€

APA1509

Area: Arboleas

Spacious detached villa in popular urbanization of El Prado, walking distance of a shop, bar & restaurant in hamlet of La Cinta. Property has a build size of 106.13m3 set on a 625m2 plot of land that has been well designed to offer off road parking, established gardens & a private terraced patio to the rear of the property where the 8m x 4m swimming pool is located. Fully equipped kitchen with utility, lounge with pellet burner, entrance hall & 3 double beds, the master with en-suite and a family bathroom.

Properties Needed

Price: 157.500€

APA1410

Price: 159.950€

APA1502

No 3 Plaza Constitucion, Open Monday- Friday 10am to 5pm Saturdays 10am to 2pm

Area: Arboleas

Pristine detached villa in the Los Requenas established urbanization a short drive from Arboleas village. Includes large drive, car port, casita, store room, private 8m by 4m swimming pool, fully ducted air-conditioning, Internet, water softener, fly screens and satellite TV. Inside you will find a entrance hall, spacious lounge with log burner, fully equipped kitchen and utility, 3 double bedrooms, the master with en-suite shower room plus a family bathroom. A must see property at a very realistic price.

Price: 159.950€

I f you are selling a fully legal property we offer a no sale no fee 3% commission rate with no marketing fees at all.

• Rental villas with pools in the Arboleas area wanted for long term rental.

•

Area: Arboleas

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

20

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

property group

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk You can find us on Mojácar Playa

€79,950

3 bed / 2 bath Apartment with nice sea views in Marina de la Torre. Front covered terrace. Fully furnished. Ref. 1559

Mojácar Playa

€115,000

Beautiful sea facing 2 bed / 2 bath Apartment with private parking. Terraces of 25 m² & 6 m².

Fully furnished. Ref.1595

Mojácar Playa

€130,000

2 bed / 2 bath south facing Apartment with large terrace & beautiful sea views within 300 m from promenade. Lockup garage. Ref.1612

Mojácar playa

€155,000

Valle del Este

€85,000

Immaculate 2 bed/ 2bath fully furn townhouse, front private garden, patio & roof terrace.

Parking place. Communal pool. Ref.1555

Cantoria

€110,000

Charming 4 bed / 2 bath Villa with pool and garden on walled plot of 2.620 m² on tranquil setting near village. Ref.1517

DUE TO INCREASE IN DEMAND WE URGENTLY NEED PROPERTIES IN MOJÁCAR, GARRUCHA, VERA AND TURRE. CALL US NOW ON 950 472 430 O 610 053 563

FREE VALUATION Mojácar playa

€199,950

Mojácar playa

€225,000

2 bed / 2 bath Apartment, large terrace, store room & under parking. Nice community with lift, pool & gardens nr promenade. Ref. 1556

3 bed / 3 bath semi detached Villa with sea views on small community with pool near amenities. Terraces & solarium. Ref.1137

3 bed / 2 bath Villa on plot of 500 m² within 200 meters to beach & amenities. Terraces &car port. Ref.1560

Mojácar playa

vera

Mojácar Playa

€275,000

3 bed / 2 bath newly renovated Villa with pool . Plot of 246 m² within 1 min to beach. Air con.

Roof terrace with sea views. Ref.1610

€344,950

Well designed Villa with pool and garage on fully fenced plot of 10.000 m² near village.

Many extras. Ref.1010

Mojácar playa

€112,000

3 bed / 1 bath Apartment with private parking, store room & large terrace with partial sea views near promenade. Ref.1609

Vera playa

€115,000

Ready to move into. Fully furnished 2 bed / 1 bath Apartment with sea views. Terrace & private parking. Communal pool. Ref.1597

San Juan

€130,000

2 bed / 2,5 bath Apartment with a large terrace with sea views & lockup garage in Beverly Hills complex. Pool & tennis. Ref.1546

vera

€240,000

Opportunity! 3 bed / 2 bath Villa +1 bed / 1 bath Annex. Plot of 5.851 m². Few mins to town.

Landscaped gardens & olive grove. Ref.1200

€445,000

High standard! Amazing 3 bed / 4 bath Villa with pool & garage on plot of 1.057m². Panoramic sea views. Many extras. Ref.1611

Please visit our office or refer to our website for more “bargains”. Vendors: If you are seriously considering selling your property please visit our office to discuss effective ways of achieving your goal.

As per decree 218/2005 the “Documento de Información Abreviada” (D.I.A) for any property sold

by Veritas Homes is available at our office.

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

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21

SOL PROPERTY FEATURE

Property Sales and Relocation Specialists

Properties required both coastal and inland.

We do not charge any commission up front!

Our promise is to negotiate a low and fair commission to be paid ONLY when the job is actually done.

If you have a legal property for sale that you would like to list with us or would like a free no obligation valuation please contact us on the details below for more informaion.

Please call and speak to Simon or Tim to see how we can get your property sold.

FEATURED PROP - REF ARB3VRJ01 - €159,950

Immaculate 3 Bed 3 Bath Villa of 154m2, 602m2 Plot, located 5-6 minutes from Arboleas, 8 x 4m Private Pool, private aspect, air-con and upgraded kitchen. A simply superb high quality property in a fantastic location near Arboleas village.

REF: RORIA4C01 REDUCED to just €129,000 Fullyreformed3bed1bathfarmhousehouse with2bedannexeon22,000m2oflandin RambladeOria.Lovelysettingandviews, detachedgarage,fullofcharacterthroughout andtheoriginalhouseisover100yearsold.

REF: ARB3VC10 REDUCED to €149,950 3bed2bathvillajustoutsideArboleasvillage withan8x4metrepool,fullywalledandgated plotwithprivateaspect,airconinallrooms, awnings,coveredterrace,detachedcasita, and a 660m2 plot.

REF AGU3V01 - Price €199,950 3bed3bathdetachedvillaof183m2buildandaplot of2000m2ontheoutskirtsofAguilas.Justa10min drivefromthebeachfront.Superbmountainviews, 10mx5mprivatepool,largegarage,air-con,long coveredporchesandadetachedcasitastore.A bargain at this now reduced price!

REF GAL3VJ05 - Price €114,950 Asemidetached3bed2bathbungalowinLos Gallardoswithahugeroofterrace.Abargain homewithcornerplot&privategarden, communalpool,air-con,undergroundparking, flyfreediningareaandamazingmountain views. A must view property

REF PAM3V07: – Price €169,950 Alarge4bed4bath,165m2buildandaplot of2635m2detachedvillanearPartaloawith simplystunningviews.Includesadetached garage,8x4mprivatepool,extendedterraces, twocoveredporches,fullair-conandmuch more.Alovelyhomewithcommandingviews.

REF: ARB3VGL04 - €182,950 Astunning3bed3bathdetachedvillaclose tothevillagecentreofArboleas.Includesa self-contained1bed1bathdetachedguest annexe,garage,privatepoolwithraisedseating area,coveredterracewithdiningareaand8seat Jacuzzi,1425m2plotwithfruitorchard,air-conetc.

REF: GAL3T10 - €123,950 A large andextremelywellpresented3bed3bath villagehomeinthecentreofLosGallardoswith front&rearterracesandroofterracemountain &villageviews.Fullair-con,modernfullyfitted kitchen,underbuildgarage,communalpool andasuperblocationinthevillagecentre.

REF CAN4TP01 - €84,950 Ahuge140m2villagehomejustoutside Arboleaswithgreatruralviewsandagenerous gardenof700m2.Thehomehas4bedrooms and2bathroomsandissetinasmallSpanish hamletgivingyouatruetasteofSpain.Ahuge bargainruralpropertyandhastobeseen.

REF ANT7T01 - €154,950 Thisisa7bed5bathvillagehomeinAntasthat hasfantasticB&Bpossibilities.Inessenceyou havealarge4bed3bathtownhousewitha separate3bed2bathapartmentunderneathwith garden&privatepool.Justreducedandastealat thisnewprice.Just15minutestothebeaches.

REF MOJ2A12 - €114,950 Frontline2bed1bathapartmentinMojacar. frontterrace&solarium,modernkitchen,open fireplace,100mfromthebeach,greatsea views. Air-con and private parking.

NO COMMUNAL CHARGE! A must view bargain property!

REF ALB3V08 - € 174,950 AlargedetachedvillaontheoutskirtsofAlbox withmagnificentviewsoverAlmondgroves andlotsofprivacy.Plotof2500m2andabuild of154m2.Includesalargegarage,private pool,solarium,casitastore,hugedayroom, air-con etc. An impressive home!

REF ARB4VGT01 - €199,950 A4bed2bathdetachedvillanearArboleas village.Thisisastrikingpropertyandpresentedin showhomecondition.Includesa10mx5mpool, solarium,conservatory,casita,air-con,luxury kitchen,carport,watersoftener,superviewsetc.

Thisisaveryhighqualityhomeineveryway.

For more information, property viewings or no obligation valuations please call 950 469 592 mobile 697 640 681 email info@colespain.com or go to www.colespain.com

22

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

SOL PROPERTY FEATURE

Looking to sell?

We can sell your property for you.

Properties needed in all areas

API Bancario Bank Property Agent

Tel + 34 637 309 092 - www.indalocasas.es info@indalocasas.es Palomares

Mojacar

€169,500

A 90m², 3 bed, end duplex with a large garden, situated just 300 meters from the beach in Mojácar.

Downstairs there is a large open plan lounge-dinner with A/C, a fitted kitchen, and a toilet with shower.

Upstairs it has 3 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, a bathroom and 2 terraces. There is a front porch, and an enclosed rear patio leading out to an open rear patio. There is approx. 300 m² of private fenced garden. There is the possibility of a large basement.

The urbanization has well-kept gardens with tennis courts and two pools.

The property has private parking.

€59,000

Albox

€36,500

A large, 173 m² village house, for restoration, situated in a small hamlet, 5 minutes from town.

The property has an entrance hall, a large lounge, a kitchen with an open fireplace, 1 bedroom, a bathroom and sitting room with open fireplace downstairs. Upstairs there is 1 very large room and 2 smaller rooms. There is a large enclosed rear patio and a small side garden. Mains electricity and water are easily re-connected.

Fabulous 65 m², ground floor, 2-bed apartment situated just 800 metres from the beach. The apartments have 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 bathrooms (one being en-suite), a lounge-dining room, an open style kitchen and a large front terrace with nice sea views, an inner courtyard, A/C preinstalled, a private underground parking place and a large storage room included in the price. This very nice, gated community only has 14 apartments and has nice communal pool. It is located just 800 metres from the beach and close to the village centre.

Arboleas

€155,000

A 90 m², 3 bed detached chalet set on a 880 m² plot with a pool situated just a few minutes from the village and 25 min from the coast and various golf courses. The property has a lovely arched front porch, an entrance hall, a large lounge-diner with a gas “Living Flame” fireplace, a fully fitted kitchen with white goods, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, (the master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom). The property has A/C in the lounge and 2 bedrooms. The plot is completely fenced and gated and there is an 8 x 4 “Roman Head” swimming pool, a decent sized store room and the gardens are well established with trees and bushes.

Tel + 34 637 309 092 - www.indalocasas.es - info@indalocasas.es

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

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23

WANTED - 2 / 3 / 4 BED VILLAS & COUNTRY PROPERTIES IN THE HUERCAL -OVERA, ZURGENA, LA ALFOQUIA & TABERNO AREAS FOR OUR MANY DUTCH & BELGIAN CLIENTS.

READY FOR A BUSY 2015!

Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele & Steve would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and we look forward to selling your properties.

HERE ARE JUST SOME OF OUR RECENT PROPERTY SALES BER

SOLD

IN DECEM

VH623 €155,000 SOLD Urcal (Huercal-Overa)

SOLD

OFFER UNDER BER NOVEM

IN

SOLD

VH584 €65,000 UNDER OFFER La Alfoquia

ER

B ovEM

IN n

VH710 €39,000 SOLD Las Norias (Huercal-Overa)

OFFER UNDER BER NOVEM VH538 €169,000 Los Carasoles (Zurgena)

IN

OFFER UNDER BER NOVEM

VH647 €99,000 SOLD La Alfoquia

IN

VH525 €119,000 UNDER OFFER Huercal-Overa Countryside

OFFER ER UNDER EMB c e d VH688 €179,950 Cucador (Zurgena)

IN DECEM

BER

IN

OFFER UNDER BER NOVEM

IN

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

Brent crude oil price in further 5.6% fall

The price of Brent crude oil has fallen, further shale gas industry would be held up. taking it to a new six-year low.

The oil price has now fallen by more than half The price of a barrel of the North Sea benchmark since June, when the price stood at $110 per dropped by 5.6% to $47.27, its lowest level since barrel. early 2009.

Production from North American shale companies US crude oil was also at its lowest level since has increased the supply of oil and gas, helping to that time, down by 4.8% to $46.01 a barrel. depress prices.

The cost of petrol in the UK is being cut in Also undermining the price of oil are slowing response to the recent falls, with one Birmingham global economic demand and a rising dollar garage selling petrol at 99p a litre. against a range of other currencies.

Asda said on Monday it would be cutting its The latter can flatter the oil price, which forecourt price by a further 2p a litre to 103.7p. nonetheless can remain the same price in a local Diesel will be 110.7p. currency that buys fewer dollars.

Slow Winners Meanwhile, a leading investment house drastically cut its three-month forecast for Brent crude from $80 a barrel to $42.

In another development dampening the oil price, two fires broke out over the weekend at refineries in Ohio and Pennsylvania, which will not now be able to process their normal flow of crude oil.

Goldman Sachs said the price would stay close to $40 for most of the first half of this year, at which price the firm said investment in the US

The oil producing countries’ cartel, Opec, tends to respond to falling prices with a cut in output, a move that typically boosts the price.

However, at its most recent meeting in November, the group failed to agree on price cuts, with the dominant producing country, Saudi Arabia, preferring to retain current oil output.

There were signs over the weekend that its stance may be shifting, after fellow member Venezuela said in a statement it had agreed with Saudi Arabia to work for a recovery in the oil market and oil prices “with state policies” from the two countries.

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However, this statement gave no details as to how this would be achieved, and would mark a change in policy for the world’s biggest oil producer, which ignored pleas from its fellow cartel members to reverse the slide in prices.

Certain business sectors are expected to benefit from the situation.

Airlines are one obvious industry. On Monday, Lufthansa said it expected its fuel bill for this year to be 13% lower than previously forecast, as a result of the low oil price.

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25

viewpoint The Pool Competition Dog v Cats

The elders of Alqueria had thought long and hard about the disruptive, expensive and exhausting barrio rivalry and in particular, how to end it. It doesn’t require a vast intellect or expansive imagination to realise that any scheme proposed by the elders would be inept, inane and totally ineffectual, they didn’t disappoint.

They were to hold a pool tournament.

Believing that the spirit of sportsmanship and friendly competition would somehow bring about a spontaneous and unprecedented change in the mass psyche of the villagers. This reasoning was of course fundamentally flawed but that hadn’t stopped the implementation of similar schemes in the past. Preparations were duly started.

The venue was to be the function room of the Bar La Casa Devante. The contestants were to be made up of four teams, one male and one female from each of the two barrios.

The passive sexism of the organisers came to the fore and the ladies’ matches were set to go ahead first. The thinking being that they would be an anticlimax to the supposedly more skilful rounds played later by the men.

All went well, that is until the first ball was struck. It was Manuela’s blow for the Hill People. Whether she was conscious of her actions isn’t clear however from past experiences one assumes she was. Just why she found it necessary to lean so far over the table in a dress completely unfit for the purpose is perhaps not a great mystery. For the aficionado of pool the reason for her caressing the cue in such a sensual manner might not have been appreciated. It was however appreciated

by the men-folk of Alqueria. The sound of the balls being driven home by Manuela’s skilful use of the cue was too much for some causing them to flee the hall shaking, muttering and sobbing.

Unfortunately the powers that be didn’t take into account the extreme emotions felt by one section of the community when the other starts to have lustful thoughts about their women folk. If anyone is going to inspire lustful thoughts then it is Manuela.

A misguided but well directed grab for Manuela’s nether regions signalled the end of peaceful competition and the start of hostilities.

Pool balls flew with remarkable accuracy flooring belligerent after belligerent. The ladies fenced with cues, parrying and lunging as they attempted to force the coup de grâce. It was a scene of complete chaos and continued until exhaustion, unconsciousness or intoxication laid the assailants low.

Manuela alone remained standing and surveyed her handiwork with satisfaction.

New Year Revolution

Now here’s a thing. I’ve decided to be flippant; not just for a day, or a week, or even a month.

No. This whole new year of 2015 will be devoted to flippancy. When did I decide on such an act of such outrageous devotion? Well about ten minutes ago. I suddenly felt . . . flippant. And that’s what’s prompted me to indulge in a whole year of it. I’m already excited at the prospect and importantly, starting to plan delicious moments of flippancy. Rather like the Chinese devote a year to an animal, I shall do the same for my own chosen cause – how flippant.

I was about to start this sentence by saying, ‘But to be serious for a moment, what brought me to

this brave conclusion?’ No need to explain, I’ve got twelve months of flippancy ahead of me – Da, da!

No need, no need. ‘Yes but . . . ,’ I hear my sensible side saying, ‘Slow down a minute.’ Well sorry sensible side, I don’t have to qualify what I’m doing, or thinking, or planning to do or think. You, my sensible companion for most of my life are out of a job. Redundant. Side (excuse the pun) lined. Put out to grass. No longer required. Ha! Right, that’s my sensible side sorted . . . Easy. But hang on. Who’s this creeping into the metaphorical picture? Oh Lord, it’s nagging doubt. Nagging doubt is the more worrisome cousin of my sensible side. My sensible side just presents

I was sitting at the laptop in the kitchen. The kitchen door was wide open, and the sun was streaming through, warming the whole house and creating a patch of pure hedonism on the doormat just inside the kitchen door. In this prize spot on the doormat The Queen of Darkness, Sayyida al Hurra, was reclining regally, the sun’s rays glinting off her jet black fur.

Lucy, the Dog That Is Not Ours, arrived from the living room, passed through the kitchen, and came to a dead halt in front of the doormat.

‘Oi, Cat.’ she said. ‘I want to sit there.’

The Queen gave no outward sign of having heard her. ‘Oi Cat.’ Lucy repeated. ‘Are you deaf? Get up, I want to sit there.’

The Queen languorously turned her head, opened her almond eyes and favoured Lucy with an imperious citrus green scrutiny.

‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ she said, and twitched her tail.

‘It’s my mat.’ Lucy stamped her front feet, to emphasise the point.

‘And now it’s mine.’ Sayyida yawned and stretched sumptuously.

‘It’s my mat because I was here first. It’s always been my mat.’

‘And today I was here first.

Therefore it’s my mat.’

Lucy looked at me for support. I became completely engrossed in the laptop. This was not my argument.

‘It’s my mat, and always has been.

I was here ages before you and that

the facts in a clear and succinct manner and then goes away, leaving me to make the decisions; I could live with that. What you see is what you get mentality. I knew where I stood with my sensible side. Nagging doubt on the other hand operates in a different way.

It creeps around in the shadows of my sub-conscience, slipping wily, cunning, crafty little thoughts into my mind without me realising where they came from. Yes, nagging doubt is a nasty customer and one to be wary of. But hang on, get a grip Paul, this is your year.

Your chosen name for this year is Flippant, so who cares about nagging doubt, or sensible side or any of the other hundred and one hang-ups that rule my life. Do what it says on the tin. Be flippant. But wait a minute . . .

Ha, fooled you there, that was

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk little upstart of a kitten arrived. It’s my mat, now get off it - it’s not fair, you cats think you rule the place.’

‘Not think, my dear deluded dog.

We know. And I’ll trouble you not to call my son a little upstart.’

‘Whatever. Now are you going to move, or am I going to have to make you move?’

Sayyida stood up. ‘We both know you won’t do that! You’ll be in trouble if you do.’

‘But’ she added after a pause, ‘If you are not going to go away, and as it is so tedious talking to a dog, I think I will seek a quieter spot in the sun, where I can meditate without interruption from a lower life form.’

With that she stalked off, all dignity and a waving tail. Lucy snuggled down on the mat and looked up at me, grinning from ear to ear. ‘Got my mat. It is my mat, I was here first.’

‘Actually’ I said, ‘As I bought and paid for it, technically it’s my mat.

But you may sit on it.’

my little joke, I was being flippant.

Testing the water, getting a feel for my forthcoming year of irreverence, of cheekiness and impertinence.

Giving up smoking, or drinking or chocolate or any of those annual declarations of willpower are for the feint hearted, the light weight new year resolution makers. I have more serious thoughts on my mind. I’m not giving anything up, instead I’m taking something up. And already I’m beginning to feel the pressure of sensibility and doubt, uncertainty and hesitation, lift from my shoulders in a joyous release of new found flippancy.

What a year it promises to be.

By – Paul Martin

26

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

SOL PUZZLE PAGE

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

wordsearch

Capital Cities of Europe

Find and circle all of the European capital cities that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

5. At what other sport did cricketer WG. Grace Captain England?..............

6. Who led Sweden to its first Davis cup victory in 1975?................................

7. Why did Lester Pigget never ride the same horse in two consecutive Derbys?.............................

easy SUDOKU

wordsearch answer

MONACO MOSCOW NICOSIA OSLO PARIS PRAGUE REYKJAVIK RIGA ROME SAN MARINO SARAJEVO SKOPJE SOFIA

STOCKHOLM TALLINN TBILISI TIRANE VADUZ VALLETTA VATICAN CITY

8. How many inches from the ground are the bails of a wicket?...........................

9. Who was world heavyweight boxing champion from 1937 to 1949?................................

10. Why didn’t Arkle go to stud? ...............................

Answers

VIENNA VILNIUS WARSAW YEREVAN ZAGREB

squiggle SUDOKU

CARDIFF CHISINAU COPENHAGEN DUBLIN EDINBURGH HELSINKI KIEV LISBON LJUBLJANA LONDON LUXEMBOURG MADRID MINSK

standard SUDOKU

AMSTERDAM ANDORRALAVELLA ANKARA ATHENS BAKU BELFAST BELGRADE BERLIN BERN BRATISLAVA BRUSSELS BUCHAREST BUDAPEST

THE MOST POPULOUS CITY IN EUROPE IS MOSCOW WHICH HAS OVER EIGHT MILLION PEOPLE

9. 1991

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6. Bernard Lee

1. Tsar CRYPTIC crossword

4. How many players are there in a rugby league side?.................................

7. Horses only run in

10. 67 CROSSWORD

3. Who, at 18, became the youngest player to win the world amateur snooker title?.................................

the Derby once

5. Sade

SOLUTIONS

2. Who did the New York cosmos buy for $4.5 million?.............................

8. 28

Brain Teasers Answers

1. Who was the controversial bodyline bowler of the 1930s?.........

9. Joe Louis

1. Ivan the Terrible was crowned today in 1547; he was the first Russian ruler to assume which title?..................................

2. Tyres, hotel guides and culinary excellence are linked to which French industrialist, who was born today in 1853?.......................................................

3. The mistress of Lord Nelson died today in 1815, who was she?..............................

4. The 18th amendment to the US constitution came into effect today in 1920, outlawing the manufacture, transportation and sale of what?..............

5. Your Love is King, Smooth Operator and Sweetest Taboo were all hits for which singer, who was born today in 1959?........

6. Which actor, who died today in 1981, played M in eleven James Bond films?......

7. Whose expedition found the magnetic South Pole on this day in 1909?................

8. 33 today, Preston is the singer with which British band?..................................

9. The first Gulf War began today in which year?........................................................

10. How old is former world snooker champion Cliff Thorburn today?................

soltimes sport quiz

10. He was gelded

soltimes quiz 16th january

SolPUZZLES

1. Harold Larwood 2. Pele 3. Jimmy White 4. 13 5. Bowls 6. Bjorn Borg

soltimes trivia Language

It has been estimated that the number of actively spoken languages in the world today is about 6,000...........................................................................

There is no word that rhymes with orange................

Pinocchio is Italian for “pine head.”..........................

The most common letters in English are R S T L N E..

There is no word that rhymes with purple.................

Did you know that the word “typewriter” is the longest word in the English Language that can be spelled with the the top of the keyboard?.................

You speak about 4,800 words a day..........................

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2015

The History Of Soup

It is somewhat difficult to trace the history of soup back through the “dark ages” of cookery which preceded the eighteenth century, and it is extremely doubtful if prior to the Renaissance the juice of meat was generally used for such a purpose. It is true that the early Italian novelists have spoken of “capon broth with flour paste,” and that tradition has told us of the black soup which was eaten by the Spartans, yet as we know that the soup of the heroes in the Iliad was nothing more than white onion broth, and that the jura and juscula described by Apicius were merely mixtures of oil, acids, spices and vegetable juices, one is inclined to believe that these boasted soups of the ancients could no more be compared to the delicious liquid foods of this day than could the hell-broth of the witches in Macbeth, with its toads, its tongues of dogs, its lips of Tartar, and its nose of Turk. (more) The most celebrated cooks and epicures have long been advocates of the claims of soup to be recognized, as Careme says, as the provocative agent of the good dinner, while Grimod de la Reyniere goes still further. “Soup,” he says, “is what a portico is to an edifice. It is not only the first object of attraction, but, if it is well combined, it gives a true foretaste of the temple itself, just as the overture of an opera shadows forth the subject of the work.” And while the masses may not have held such an exalted idea of the purpose of their soup, they were not tardy in recognizing its merits from an economical point of view. Oxtail soup, for example, although now regarded as a national English dish, was unknown in England prior to the abrogation of the Edict of Nantes, having been invented by the French Huguenot emigrants because of the cheapness of the little used ox tail.

So, too, in a great degree, nearly all the soups which have come to be known as “national” are just a combination or cheap and readily available material. The Scotch mutton and barley broth, the hoche pot, the cherry soup of North Germany, the Russian tschi or cabbage soup, the sopa of Spain, or the caldo of Galatia, not to mention many others, are foods whose economical features have had much to do with their popularity, and yet it is these soups, rather than the more expensive combinations of many kinds of flesh and vegetables, which have found a place in history and literature.

Where is there a reader of books, for example, who does not know the broths of Scotland, or the cuscus of the Arabs, while Théophile Gautier’s descriptions of the olla podrida and gaspacho of Spain are scarcely less familiar. To Gautier olla possessed merits that were undeniable, even though it was more of a stew than a soup, but of gaspacho he could not speak disparagingly enough.[1] Less difficult to prepare are the onion soups of which both history and literature make such frequent mention, for soups of which the basis is the onion have been the delight of the bravest and wisest men since the day when soup was first invented. The Homeric heroes dined well upon it, Stanislas, King of Poland, loved it so dearly that he gave it his own name, while the great Dumas spent days in the invention of an onion soup which, to his taste, surpassed all his previous efforts.

If one is in search of new culinary sensations, he cannot do better than follow the guidance of Dumas, for no soups are more delicious than those which he has taught us to prepare. Select his mussel soup, or if time presses too closely to permit of spending five or six hours over a single dish, his onion soup, which requires but a few minutes of cooking.

In the entire category of soups, however, there are none that to the loyal Englishman can compare to those which have made the name of Birch’s a household word. This establishment, which was opened in 1711, was long one of the most popular of London eating houses, and its spring soup, so lauded

by Walker, and its mock turtle soup, for the making of which the famous Dr. Kitchener left such explicit directions, received the highest praise from “The Committee of Taste,” that company of the elite of the grand gourmands and wits of that day who met with regularity at the doctor’s table to test his recipes and pass judgment upon the merits of all new dishes.

Read Soup And The Clouds By Charles Baudelaire.

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Parsnip soup with steamed clams Ingredients

8 slices streaky bacon, roughly chopped 1.5kg/3lb 4oz clams, cleaned (discard any clams that remain open after rinsing) 175ml/6fl oz white wine salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp chopped fresh flatleaf parsley 50g/2oz butter 1 onion, peeled, roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled, finely chopped 500g/1lb 2oz parsnips, peeled, roughly chopped 2 fresh sprigs thyme, leaves only 750ml/1pint 7fl oz chicken stock 75ml/3fl oz double cream 1 tbsp olive oil 4 thin slices baguette, rubbed with a little oil and toasted

Method

Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and fry half of the bacon for 1-2 minutes, or until golden-brown.

Remove from the pan, using a slotted spoon, and set aside to drain on kitchen paper.

Meanwhile, heat a lidded frying pan over a medium heat. Add the clams and white wine, cover the pan with a lid and steam the clams for 2-3 minutes, or until all of the clams have opened. (Discard any clams that have not opened during cooking.)

Strain the clams through a colander and reserve the cooking liquor. Pick the clam meat from the shells, place into a bowl, season, to taste, with freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the parsley and cooked bacon and set aside.

Heat half of the butter in a saucepan until foaming and fry the onion, garlic and the remaining half of the bacon for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Add the parnsips and thyme and cook a further 2-3 minutes.

Pour in the reserved cooking liquor from the clams, bring the mixture to the boil and cook until the volume of the liquid has reduced by one-third.

Pour in the chicken stock and return the mixture to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender.

Stir in the double cream and blend the mixture in a blender until smooth.

Pass the blended soup through a sieve into the saucepan and return to the heat. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and whisk in the remaining 25g/1oz butter.

To serve, spoon some of the clams into the middle of each of 4 serving bowls. Ladle the soup around the clams and top with a slice of toast. bbc.co.uk/food

eating etiquet te (how to eat... CLAMS) Table manners for eating clams. Hold the shell with the fingers of one hand and a shellfish fork (or smallest fork provided) with the other hand. Spear the clam with the fork, dip it into the sauce, and eat it in one bite. Alternatively, take a bit of sauce on your fork and then drop it onto the clam. If a part of the clam sticks to the shell, use your fork to separate it from the shell.

Table manners for crackers and horseradish. If oyster crackers are served and you’d like to mix them with your individual serving of sauce, crumble them with your fingers before mixing. Horseradish, too, can be mixed in, or a drop can go directly onto the shellfish if you like the hot taste. Table manners to eating raw clams. When you order raw clams at a clam bar or eat them at a picnic, it’s fine to pick up the shell with the fingers and suck the meat and juice right off the shell.

Table manners for eating steamed clams. Don’t eat any steamed clams that haven’t opened at least halfway; they may be spoiled. Open the shell of a good clam fully, holding it with one hand. If the setting is casual, pull out the clam with your fingers or a seafood fork. If the clam is a true steamer, slip the skin off the neck with your fingers and put it aside. The holding the clam in your fingers, dip it into the broth or melted butter (or both) and eat it in one bite.

If no bowl is provided for empty shells, deposit them around the edge of your plate.

In a more casual setting, it’s okay to drink the broth after you’ve finished eating th clams. In a more formal setting, follow the host’s lead.

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Method

l e n n e f h it w m a e r b Sea and orange salad Ingredients

For the orange dressing 3 oranges, preferably blood oranges, 1 peeled and segmented, 2 zested and juiced 2 tbsp white wine vinegar 100ml/3½fl oz olive oil Fennel fronds (see below) For the fennel and onion salad 2 fennel bulbs, thinly

sliced, fronds reserved 1 red onion, peeled, sliced 75g/2½oz black olives, stones removed, quartered lengthways 25ml/1fl oz olive oil 1 tbsp white wine vinegar For the sea bream 3 tbsp vegetable oil 2 whole sea bream, fillets removed

For the orange dressing, heat the orange juice in a small saucepan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the volume of the liquid has reduced by two-thirds. Stir in the zest, set aside to cool and then leave to chill in the fridge.

Technique: Zesting citrus fruit Zesting citrus fruit Put the orange segments into an airtight, heatproof plastic bag (sous-vide bag). Place the bag into a small saucepan of boiling water for 10 seconds.

Carefully remove the bag from the water and gently press apart the segments with your fingers to make orange ‘pearls’.

Segmenting citrus fruit Add the orange pearls to the chilled, reduced orange juice. Stir in the white wine vinegar, olive oil and half of the fennel fronds. Set aside.

For the fennel and onion salad, place the sliced fennel and red onion into a bowl of iced water and set aside for 10 minutes. Drain, pat dry using kitchen paper and place into a large bowl.

Add two-thirds of the olives, the olive oil, white wine vinegar and remaining fennel fronds to the bowl and season, to taste, with salt. Stir until well combined and set aside.

For the sea bream, score the sea bream 4-5 times on the skin side and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the fish, skin-side down, for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Remove the fish from the pan and set aside to rest for

Scientific name: Sparus Auratus Family: Sparidae Species: Sparus Auratus Description: Gilthead Sea Bream is found along the Atlantic coastline from Cape Verde and Canary Islands up to the britsih Isles during summer, but is primarily to be found in the Mediterranean Sea and only rarely in the Black Sea. Sea Bream lives in shallow waters (usually less than 30 metres) and during spring it often enters into brackish water, coastal lagoons or estuaries where it performs very well.

SeaBream is feeding on small fish, shellfish including oysters and mussels which it is able to crack with its very strong jaws.

Sea Bream is one of the most highly prized fish due to the sweet flavour, the moist but firm texture and the rosy-white colouration of the meat. Most of the fish are sold and prepared as dressed where the Sea Bream undoubtedly is keeping its very best characteristics.

two minutes.

To serve, drizzle some dressing around the edge of each of four serving plates. Place a sea bream fillet, skin-side up, in the middle of the plate and top with the fennel and onion salad. Scatter over the reserved olive pieces. bbc.co.uk/food

d n a s r a e P d e c i p S Pomegranate

Pomegranate: superfood or fad?

Pomegranate and its distinctive ruby-red jewel-like seeds have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

The Middle Eastern fruit is claimed to be effective against heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammation and some cancers, including prostate cancer.

Pomegranate is a good source of fibre. It also contains vitamins A, C and E, iron and other antioxidants (notably tannins).

We’ve teamed up with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) to examine whether the health claims made about the fruit are supported by the evidence.

The evidence Prostate cancer One small study from 2006 found that drinking a daily 227ml (8oz) glass of pomegranate juice significantly slowed the progress of prostate cancer in men with recurring prostate cancer. This was a well-conducted study, but more studies are needed to find the evidence to support these findings.

Carotid artery stenosis A good quality study from 2004 on patients with carotid artery stenosis (narrowed arteries) found that a daily glass of 50ml (1.7oz) of pomegranate juice over three years reduced the damage caused by cholesterol in the artery by almost half, and also cut cholesterol build-up. However, these effects are not clearly understood and the study did not say what the results mean for conditions such as stroke.

Heart disease A well-conducted trial from 2005 on 45 patients with coronary heart disease demonstrated that a daily drink of 238ml (8.4oz) of pomegranate juice administered over three months resulted in improved blood flow to the heart and a lower risk of heart attack. The study did not say what the results mean for conditions such as heart attacks, and with such a small trial the positive resultsreported could be down to chance.

29

Ingredients 3 pears - peeled, cored and cut into wedges 1 pomegranate, seeded 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons light brown soft sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons finely chopped almonds (optional) 4 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Method Place the sliced pears and pomegranate seeds into a bowl. Toss with lemon juice to coat. Combine the brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon in a small cup or bowl, then mix into the fruit. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to blend the flavours. Serve in individual dishes, and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped almonds and a sprig of mint. http://allrecipes.co.uk

30

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SOLTIMES january 2015

animal corner up outside the shop and go into the shop, most dogs will panic so it must have been very, very distressing for him watching his owners walk away.

“He’s settled into the centre not bad and he seems very people-orientated, but it’s certainly not the right manner to leave any animal in.”

The charity said abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Scores offe to adopt r dog left at station More than 100 people have offered a new home to a dog left a railway station with a suitcase containing his belongings.

that so he will be with us for the next three to four weeks,” a spokeswoman for the charity, which is based in Glasgow, said.

The Scottish SPCA had calls from people as far away as California and Tennessee after the story of shar-pei crossbreed Kai being abandoned at Ayr station in South Ayrshire made the papers all over the world.

Kai, who is aged between two and three, was found tied to a railing outside the station with the case containing items including a pillow, toy, food and a bowl.

The animal welfare charity hopes to rehome Kai once he has had surgery to his eyelids, which are curled under meaning his eyelashes touch his eyeballs.

“He needs surgery which is quite a common procedure. He won’t be able to leave till he has had

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

Alan Grant, a senior animal care assistant at the Glasgow centre, said: “It would certainly have been very distressing for him at the time he was abandoned.

“He has been tied up to a fence and watched his owners walk away and leave him, and that’s distressing for any dog, even if you just tie your dog

Telephone: 966 195 816

www.mountainviewcathotel.webs.com

LUCYLOU

EMILY 2

This is ARCHIE he was found in a derelict house with his mum and siblings ,He will be medium sized .His mum can be seen , Can you give this wee boy a home , He is fully vaccinated and will soon be passported etc , Contact lasthopedogrescue@outlook.com.

Tel 634 065 540

Woman shocked by huge snake in toilet A Californian officer worker got the shock of her life - when a 5ft snake slithered out of a toilet bowl.

Stephanie Lacsa, who works for a marketing firm in San Diego, thought the toilet was blocked and got to work with a plunger.

Not the most pleasant job in any event but she couldn’t believe what she disturbed with her efforts to free the ‘blockage’. “I thought my eyes were deceiving me,” she explained. “But as soon I saw the flicker of its tongue, I definitely knew that it was in fact a large snake heading straight towards me.”

“I ran out of the bathroom screaming louder than I’d like to admit and taped the door. The animal control officer said that she had never witnessed anything like this in her career.”

San Diego’s Animal Control team eventually captured the Colombian Rainbow Boa and they are investigating how it got into the building’s plumbing. The snake, which experts said was underweight, is currently being nursed back to health as the team attempts to find its owner.

Space for a little one?

Answerphone - we will call back: Mobile 654 155 473

Animal Welfare Centre San Miguel de Salinas

Read more on: www.orange.co.uk

APAH

Pick up & delivery service offered for coastal areas

Finca La Castellana

The dog was sold on the Gumtree website in 2013 and the charity is appealing for information to help trace whoever bought him.

S w e e t natured and af fectionate, Lucylou is one of over 80 cats and kittens living in APAH’s Cattery, many of who have never known a loving home.

Can you make this year the year of a new and loving life for one of them? To arrange to meet Lucylou and the rest of APAH’s cats, please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

Lovely little Emily was rescued by APAH with her brother George. He was lucky to be adopted, could you start a happy new year for Emily in her first loving home? To arrange to meet her, please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

www.apahrescue.org

All they need is a loving home !

can you help?

Jessy was found at just 5 days old and has been bottle fed in a foster home. She is now around 11 weeks old and in need of a forever home. She has been brought up with other cats and dogs and is very affectionate.

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

SOLTIMES january 2015

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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

Tickets available from our stall outside Euronics 2015 TRIPS Campsol B every Friday 10 until 12.30pm or phone Monday 11th May - 3 night trip to the ancient city of Cordoba for the “Patio Of The Flowers” festival, staying Jean 646737479/Brenda 680174499 B&B in a 4-star hotel. See all the patios in the old city dressed with displays of colourful flowers. €260 Talks & Workshops including a trip to Ubeda.

MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s - Sewing Group Wednesday 27th May - Cruise around the Mediterranean Every Mon Fortuna aboard Royal Caribbean “Vision Of The Seas.” Overnight Taking place every other Monday at Urb. Las in Valencia then on to Barcelona for 12 nights aboard, Kalendas from 14:00. For further information email: visiting Villefranche, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples, 2 days in Venice, Ravena, and Kotor, Montenegro. All mabsmurciane@gmail.com outside cabins.

HOT NEWS - Monday 14th September - trip to Salamanca, staying 2 nights at Hotel Exe Hall, close Archaeological Museum to city centre, 2 nights at a 4-star hotel in Leon city Every Day, Open from 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-20:00. centre, with a trip to Astorga, and 1 night in Valladolid.

Closed Monday mornings. At C/ Conde de Aranda. All B&B. €295.

Tel: 968 493 287. Entry: Individual €1.20 Groups For more information call rosemary on 620105179. €0.60

A parkinsons Support Group

pals events

14th/20th May Coach trip to PORTUGAL half board and visiting fabulous locations 510 Euros pp sharing On Tuesdays at 11am At bobbie jo·s, los montisinos double.

For a chat and a cup of tea For further information For information please call 626 460465 or visit contact wally Williamson On 966 770 871 www.pals.sm4.biz or see us at La Ratatouille on a wednesday from 1 till 3 or at The Trevi on a Saturday CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA & 11 till 1.30pm ALMERIA Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950 956 166 / 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

Mazarrón Ex-Servicemen monthly lunch

14th January Mazarrón Ex-Servicemen monthly lunch Ex-Servicemen’s Association of Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006) Each month the Mazarrón Ex- Servicemen’s Association hold a sociable lunch for members to enjoy the company of fellow ex-service personnel and to offer new residents in the area the opportunity to learn more about the work undertaken by the association and their activities.

Booking is essential.

Forthcoming Events:

Wednesday 14th January 2015

Costa Celebracion Rooms, Mazarron town, Winter Dinner, and Grand Raffle.

Music by TERRY JAY

Wednesday 11th February 2015 Spice Villa, Camposol A

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

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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

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

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for sale

pool tables

snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts. Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com CERAMIC PENDANT LIGHT FITTING. Spanish design includes long chain. Brand new, never used, not suitable for our casa. 20€, Gig Bags for guitar and bass guitar. Ritter brand, v.g.quality, new, 30€ each, Microphone stands, new, heavy duty, good quality. Surplus to requirements 20€ each. Tel: 968 484 151 Near Totana.

2 SINGLE BEDS with clean mattresses, 2 pine wood headboards, 50€ the pair, Quesada, Tel: 966 716 710 KING SIZE MATTRESS firm 200/ 156 as new 80€ o.n.o. Tel: 966 718 805 CRYSTAL GLASS SET: 6 flutes, 6 wine, 6 brandy, 6 port, 8 liqueur, 55€ Tel: 966 700 397 KARRITE ODYSSEY 580 LTR ROOF BOX BY THULE. Perfect for large 4x4, SUV’s & estate cars. high strength ABS and Duotek. Used twice 200€ ono, Tel: 965 037 964 PACE 2600 SKY DIGIBOX, remote and leads, Ideal fringe areas 50€, Tel: 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio) “ STAINLESS STEEL INSET SINK.780 X 430 with mixer tap, good condition, can email photo 20€, Camposol area Tel: 676 028 725 WROUGHT-IRON FIRE BASKET 50cm (wide) x (45cm deep) complete with log-effect electric “glow” brings instant cheer to your room for Christmas. Complete with wroughtiron fire guard. Make your room homely by a realistic log-effect fire to pop into that empty fireplace, 50€ o.n.o. complete,2 washable duvets snuggly warm, Immaculate condition 25€ the pair Matching single duvet covers, with p/cases and toning fitted sheets, one cream/jades - the other set cream plus traditional florals in pinks/greens with frilled p/cases and duvet edgings. Each bedding set 20€ Tel: 965 326 817 Ann or Ron (Playa Flamenca area).

UNUSED GIFT. 16 INCH HP LAPTOP COMPUTER, 3 months old with Windows 8 in English. Wi-Fi. 4GB memory. Still boxed cost 450€ accept 285€ Tel: 634 334 532 GENTS BLACK LEATHER JACKET worn 3 times only. Classic style with zip, size 46. 60€ CURTAINS, SWAGS, TAILS AND TIE BACKS. 3 pairs approx 260cm drop x 140cm width. Gold with green stripe, silky material. 30€ per pair or 80€ for 3. Quesada Tel: 966 713 707 KENWOOD INDUSTRIAL FOOD MIXER with book and tools area los altos 50€, Panasonic fax machine with two phones, 20€, los altos Tel: 669 172 982

INVALID BUGGY: plus Galvanised Ramp, plus Invalid Shopping Trolley 299€ the lot, new gel batteries (good for flights), and tyres an absolute bargain,. 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

Advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section

Any single item up to 300€ is free of charge email: blancasales@ soltimes.com electricians

Electrician available for

BROTHER INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINE on stand with single phase motor in excellent condition, 100 needles and lots of accessories.

275€ o.n.o Tel: 865 779 402

all works

OAK NEST OF FOUR TABLES, suitable for use with table lamps or as side tables, vgc – 80€ Tel: 646 444 942/968 199 913

Call Dave 693 251 562

CENTRAL HEATING RADIATOR 750mm x 400mm double convector with top grill & side panels vgc 10€ 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 COUMBIAN 300 BOWLING BALL 12lb made in USA with carry bag,10€ ono Tel: 965 724 183/616 883 103 EXECUTIVE DESK, curved with locking drawers, matching filing cabinet with 2 wide lockable drawers, good quality, teak & black finish, executive chair in black upholstery.

Bargain at 190€ ono Tel: 966 190 695/620 600 562 2 BUTANO GAS BOTTLES 40€, Single phase deep submersible water pump (as used in a domestic well), can be seen running 100€, Tel: 634 334 532

business opportunity

“Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & More Without Any Previous Experience” If you would like to start earning extra money now! Then the internet is definitely the place to do this. You can earn money whilst relaxing by the pool or even earn whilst you’re sleeping. This is the reality for people that are making money online.

Read why you should be cashing in on today’s booming economy and discover for yourself how you can turn your passion into a large monthly wage, every single month.

For Free Information Visit

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Small or large. davendonc@aol.com insurance

asssa medical

insurances Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, 968 153 396

mazarron@asssa.es jewellery

GOLD WANTED English jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter

664 890 990

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

personals “Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”

Spanish lady Playa Flamenca near new Carrefour before La Florida. 37 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, prices from 40€. Full discretion. Tel: Ana 865 646 437 ELEGANT slim, sexy, naughty italian lady available home/house visits.

Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco & Mazarron, Quesada plus all other areas.

Escort available home & house visits. Tel: 693 357 526

SOLTIMES january 2015

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Call Kate on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 330 or email: sales@soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com pets

pet taxi

property for sale / rent

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT

SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE DELIVERED TO DOOR PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE

(0034) 667 235 205 (sp) (0044) 7850 575862

Alf

Alf is a terrier cross, He is about 2 years old.

Very placid and about the size of a spaniel so is a medium to small young man.

Alf really is lovely and would make someone a very loyal companion.

Please contact K9 or PHONE: 600 84 54 20 for more info

www.k9club.es

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment FOR SALE Apartment

(Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi, Costa Blanca

bargain 4 BED, 2 BATH, Large Terrace overlooking Plaza, separate kitchen and utility room, lift, furnished incl. white goods, UK TV. 105m². Close to the town ‘s attractive central square and all other amenities. 10 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar and close to La Finca Golf.

Reduced price 72,950€

(0034) 676 534 978

Only 15€ per week!

plasterer

property for sale / rent detatched cortijo reduced

bargain

20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas,kitchen&diningroomaswellas aworkshop,courtyardfront&back& room forapool.Mountainviews. €125,000 ono 649 186 107 oremail thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

for sale

mojacar playa front line apartment 1 bed apt with private, gated parking & gardens. Communal pool. Walking distance to amenities, shops and restaurants. Opposite beach. Sea views.

€69,000

T: 646 844 708

want to know whats in the news?

go online: www. SOLTIMES.com

wigs

removals

De Lima’s

removals Local, National & international REMOVALS & STORAGE Quality Second hand furniture showroom

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Fri: 10am-3pm sat 10am-2pm Tel: 950 615 364 Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

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fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

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uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk

+44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389

ENGLISH PLASTERER internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. fully legal in spain. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_pettit@hotmail. co.uk

lineage from only 45c per word sat/tv services Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region.

Contact Matt or Alan on 686 358 475 or

rainbowsats@gmail.com translation services LOOKING FOR A QUICK

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EMAIL YOUR TEXT TO:

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33

LWB Sprinter van going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044 7519 186 355. or email: van.man@ hotmail.co.uk

SOL TIMES

spas euro spas Spas at factory prices.

Used & Ex display models.

Spares & repairs.

Part exchange Telephone 650 722 905

Salon Mar ga r et h a s 24 years in Torrevieja hair / wig specialist for medical illness and hair loss problems.

We offer different hair replacements, top fillers, hair prostheses, toupees & wigs. Natural & artificial hair & much more. Also fashion /festival accessories.

TV/TS are welcome to our service.

Call Margaretha on 966 921 846 for an appointment.

want to know whats in the news? go online

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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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SOLTIMES january 2015

www.soltimes.com Detroit Motor Show 2015 All the latest live news from the 2015 Detroit Motor Show as it happens As 2015 sets off what looks to be a great year for new cars, the Detroit show is the first port of call for manufacturers debuting their latest offerings.

Call Kate on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 330 or email: sales@soltimes.com teaser slightly roofline gives it a lower, sportier stance it’s even p o s s i b l e Mercedes GLE Coupe to see the The new Mercedes GLE Coupe has been revealed ahead of its shape of the launch next year, and we’ve been granted early access to the wheelarches car designed to steal sales from the BMW X6. and the stretched headlights

Audi Q7 The North American International Auto Show is underway and our reporters are on the ground bringing you unrivalled live The seven-seat SUV will the first model on the VW Group’s new MLB 2 platform. Following official pictures that leaked coverage direct from the show floor. onto an Italian blog site earlier today, Audi has fully revealed We’re expecting all-new models from several major the all-new Q7. Scheduled to make its public debut at the manufacturers, with Mercedes hogging the limelight with five Detroit Motor Show in early January, the Q7 marks a fresh new models. Brands such as Ford, Honda, Volkswagen, Lexus styling direction for all Audi SUVs, and sits on an all-new MLB and Audi will also showcase either its latest production models 2 platform that will also underpin the next Porsche Cayenne or brand new concepts. and Bentley SUV.

Detroit Motor Show 2015: the key cars New Honda NSX

The long-awaited new NSX will will take pride of place on Honda’s stand at Detroit. This is our first glimpse at the production version of the eagerly anticipated, mid-engined Honda NSX. Revealed in teaser images and a video, the Audi R8 rival will make its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

The concept car that previewed the NSX gave us a strong indication of what we can expect from the showroom model, and there are no real surprises thrown up by the teaser images with LED headlamps, bonnet vents and muscular haunches all carried over from the original concept. By lightening one of the

The most striking change from its predecessor is the three-dimension single-frame grille, finished in silver on this S-line model. Lower, slimmer LED headlights and larger air intakes underneath give the front end a more aggressive look. Sharper, more squared off creases over the wheel arches, shoulder line and along the sills give it a more chiseled profile, while a more tapered

mobile auto electrics

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fault Finding & Repairs Engine Diagnostics Air-conditioning Re-gas & repairs Starter Motor & Alternator Repairs

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For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1000 vehicles will put you on the right side of the road.

605 319 889 or 966 753 375 www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com

Axel Heix, Mercedes’ programme director of SUVs and SUCs, told us: “The main idea of this car was to combine the best of two worlds – the best of the SUV world, and the best of the coupe world. You can see this in the body and proportion of the car.”

New MINI JCW is the most powerful MINI ever with 228bhp, covers 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and costs from £22,865 MINI is re-entering the performance market with a JCW version of its latest three-door hatch, revealed here for the first time ahead of its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

Powered by a 228bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, it’s the most powerful production MINI ever, and comes with upgraded suspension, steering, styling and brakes.

Read more autoexpress.co.uk

on:

SOLTIMES january 2015

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Book Review

“The sense of simple joy was so poignant it was almost pain.

She would not let herself think of tomorrow when all this would only be a dream. This was today.”

Ever heard of Winifred Watson? She wrote six novels from 1935-1943. Five of them contained either a rural or historical setting based around the north-east of England and because of their romantic nature, Watson soon developed a strong female following before Catherine Cookson. But it was the book written in 1938, initially rejected by her publishers as being too risque that proved the most popular of her books. A musical version had been planned with Billie Burke playing Guinevere but Pearl Harbour ended all hope of this although it eventually inspired the 2008 film starring Frances McDormand as Guinevere, Amy Adams as Delysia and Mark Strong as Nick.

The book is charming and funny “pure Cinderella fantasy, farce with beaus, bounders, negligees and nightclubs” more like watching a Fred Astaire film or an Oscar Wilde play. Satirical and entertaining. But like Cinders it might also hint that Guinevere gets her Prince and lives happily ever after.

Who knows?

Guinevere Pettigrew is an ordinary character who is accidentally catapulted into an exciting adventure that lasts for a day. A dream come true. She is in her late thirties but could be in her forties. Watson is vague on this. She works for an agency as a governess but the sad thing is that she admits to Delysia La Fosse (formerly

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson

Sarah Glubb), a glamorous actress/ singer that she hated working as a governess, she couldn’t manage children and that without this kind of work there would be no future left than to seek refuge in the workhouse.

She’s in an unenviable position. Without family or friends to support her she’s out on a limb, very much the outcast. And don’t we like an underdog? She is behind with her rent and if she doesn’t get a job, she knows she’ll be booted out of her flat into the workhouse.

A common theme running through Watson’s novels supports women having second chances. There we have it, a happy novel in spite of Guinevere’s precarious personal circumstances at the start.

Another spoiler? Well, okay. Hint. The wheel of fortune might turn in her favour…..

She turns up at the agency. We can’t have a destitute heroine can we? It is 9.15.a.m. on a cold, grey, foggy November morning. Guinevere felt the situation to be hopeless before she is told there have been two requests: one for a maid, another for a nursery governess. Miss Holt at the agency disliked our heroine and it seems possible she wanted her to come unstuck by giving her the wrong booking on purpose, hoping to get rid

of her for good.

A self-conscious Guinevere, wearing her non-descript, shabby, even ugly clothes, a symbol of faded gentility in spite of her unimpeachable virtue found herself at an exclusive and opulent London address: Onslow Mansions.

A shocking contrast between wealth and poverty. Her potential employer was a beautiful and desirable woman called Delysia La Fosse, a young, unmarried but rather promiscuous artist with three gorgeous and exciting lovers who were insanely jealous of each other. Her maid has just left and she is unable to run a house-cook, clean the usual stuff.

So, Guinevere’s arrival is a God send. She doesn’t question the girl and Guinevere is so desperate to earn a living that she gets started with breakfast and seems to fit in so perfectly.

She is alarmed at experiencing this wicked, corrupted existence where one lover replaces another and she(the mistress) falls into bed with ease with one after the other. Just like the cinema. Guinevere gets drawn into this new and exciting world with the Phils, the Nicks and the Michaels. She becomes a marriage counsellor and

Infrastructure has come up with a list of 200 installations that need to be protected.

Security will also be increased in commercial areas that attract a lot of people, as well as at sporting events and concerts.

Government beefs up security Since the government raised the terror level threat this week, a large contingent of riot police and Civil Guard officers have been deployed to patrol areas and secure sites that could be potential targets of terrorist attacks.

on Wednesday following the attack in Paris on the French weekly Charlie Hebdo, which left 12 people dead and several others wounded.

Interior Minister Jorge Fernández on Thursday said he could not specify how many officers have been called out, because they will be used depending on needs. The National Police’s Intervention Unit and the Reserve and Security Groups of the Civil Guard are the largest forces now patrolling the streets across the country.

Francisco Martínez, secretary of state for security, has issued instructions to beef up security in crucial areas until the terror alert is dropped.

Spain announced a level three alert, out of a maximum of four,

35

Security will be increased in commercial areas, as well as at sporting events and concerts

Security will remain tight around facilities and areas that could be targeted by jihadist terrorists, especially at crucial points such as air and sea ports, rail and bus stations, power grids and nuclear plants.

The National the Protection

Center for of Critical

The Spanish interior minister will travel to Paris on Sunday to attend an emergency meeting called by France to discuss antiterrorism measures.

Fernández will meet his European counterparts as well as top US officials, including US Attorney General Eric Holder.

Fernández maintains that there hasn’t been a specific threat made against Spain by jihadists.

But anti-terrorism experts said they were “very worried” because Spain is frequently mentioned in comments posted in jihadist websites, and the Islamic State repeatedly refers to Spain as Al-Andalus in its propaganda videos, a reference to the parts of modern Spain and Portugal that fell under Islamic rule during medieval times. Islamic State followers have called for the reconquest of Al-Andalus.

Elpais.com

becomes so absorbed into Delysia’s love life that she takes on the role of caring parent. At times she is more like the battle-axe, fending off the lovers and giving them ultimatums.

Wonderful satire.

A frumpy Guinevere is transformed into a vampish, seductive and sophisticated woman by Edythe Dubarry, another friend of the actress, another loose woman who vamped the boss, seduced him into marrying her and when he died, after a short marriage, she inherited the best beauty parlour in London and wealth. She makes our heroine look fastidiously elegant so that when she appears at the Ogilveys cocktail party she is the belle of the ball, the toast of the theatre crowd of London. Like Eliza Doolittle tales soon spread that she is a first-class mimic, a future star with a promising career on stage. A dream come true. Or make believe?

Remember what happened to Cinderella when the clock struck twelve? Will the same fate befall Miss Pettigrew and is there a happy ending in store for such a delightful character as Guinevere? Tonight she was Cinderella but what about tomorrow and the future? Aha! Wonderful fantasy. Recommended by 1001 books you must read before you die. I loved it!

Publishers: Persephone Classics.

ISBN: 978-1-906462-02-4.

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

pause for thought I guess we all tend to subconsciously compare ourselves with others, setting our behavioural standards at a level where we think we’d pass, whilst those around may fail.

But St Paul, in his letter written in the first Century AD to Christians living in Galatia, prescribed standards that depressingly few of us could hope to attain, as he lists a variety of behaviours, apparently common in the World of his time, that his readers were urged to avoid. And reading it today, that list, compiled some 2000 years ago, can seem amazingly topical, up-to-date and relevant to our own culture as he warns against “adultery, fornication, debauchery, crudity, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, quarrelling, jealousy, anger, conflict, divisiveness, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness and orgies”.

An interesting mix. And difficult to explain the order in which they are listed. Few would be too surprised at Paul’s disapproval of adultery, fornication, debauchery, idolatry, drunkenness or orgies, which seem fairly normal targets for Church criticism, but strange perhaps that these are treated with the same level of censure as murder, which most would consider to be far worse. And it may seem stranger still that such apparently minor failings as quarrelling, jealousy, anger, conflict, divisiveness and envy (faults we probably all share) are similarly lumped together with all the rest, with no suggestion that they are considered any less serious.

But in God’s sight there really is no difference. Any imperfection, however minor we may consider it, is still a failure to live up to His standard, so there’s no place for complacency or judging others. I need to keep checking myself and just myself against these absolute standards and recognising that my anger at the stupidity of others; my envy of all those abilities and possessions others have; my bitter arguments or attempts to persuade folk to take my side in a disagreement, all miss that mark just as much as someone who murders, commits adultery or practices witchcraft. We’re all just as bad in God’s eyes and equally in need of a saviour.

Details of a number of English Language Churches are given in Sol Noticeboard for any wishing to Worship, whilst additionally, further information about the Anglican Church in this area may be seen on the web site www. mojacarchurch.org Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com

36 SOLTIMES january 2015 SOL SPORT & MOTORING

petanca players 3 kings parade Did you ever wonder what petanca players get up to when not playing?

Wonder no more..

We all know that in Spain the most important date of the Christmas period is 5/6th January. The evening of the 5th is when all towns, villages and hamlets welcome the arrival of the 3 Kings.

Families, especially with children, line the route the Kings will take in the hope of receiving sweets thrown by the Kings and then they can dash home to open any presents they may have been given.

All local associations and groups are encouraged to take part and for the past 3 years various petanca clubs have taken part -- in a mixture of brilliant disguises!!!

The Orihuela Costa parade was the one chosen by 4 members of Costa Knights, Peter and Susan Ward, Liz and Moss Davies, 1 member of Los Bandidos, Linda Haymes and 1 member of Pumas, Liz McPherson and oh a Crazy lady named

Diane.

Our little group were inspired by a suggestion of a member of Costa Knights - Janice - to wear ‘onesies’ being readily available and warm, it was a marvellous idea. So, as you see the animals on parade were - parrot, kangaroo, lion, penguin, zebra, giraffe and a bear.

Each year the parade gets better and this year was no exception and the fireworks were a splendid highlight.

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES What can one say when over 20 golfers turn up at La Finca, as per the calendar and start sheets on our website to find out that this isn’t the day we were supposed to be playing at that course?

Yes, unfortunately, our Match Secretary suffered a senior moment and dare one say a brain fart?

Anyway, to give him his due and thanks to his standing in the golfing world in this area, he was able to hastily get us booked in at La Marquesa where an enjoyable days golf was had by all and once again, the course was in very good condition and the service that they afford you is second to none; so one must say to Joe dean, well done on getting us a game.

The 4 NTP’s were all won and the recipients of a sleeve of Srixon Soft Feels were Steve Higgins, Shelia Dean, David Qualey and Olga Haubner who had great delight in taking the NTP from the man that suffers the “Senior Moment”. However, he was to claim revenge by taking a share in the “Two’s” pot with Steve Higgins whom both took home the massive sum of 8€ each.

The Best Guest of the day was J. Hettrick

with 22 points.

The Silver Division was a fairly tight affair with the exception of one player. In 3rd spot, Jenny Morris only needed 30 points, 3 points ahead on 33 was our Austrian member “meine Schatz” Olga Haubner and way out in front with the best score of the day and a certain handicap cut was Alan Rickers with 38 points.

The Gold Division was even tighter and the top 3 all recorded 35 points. In the past, we have resorted to the count-back system, but the committee decided that as we play under EGA rules, we should follow those rules in their entirety and the count-back system was replaced by the EGA’s system of ‘lowest playing handicap’ John Eyre was placed 3rd, Jamie Rorison 2nd and the winner of the Gold Division was Steve Higgins who “suffered” a 1.2 cut in his handicap at that committee meeting. Photo: Nearest the Pin Winners Our next game, Wednesday 14th January 2015 is at La Serena for a 2 Ball Better Ball competition, so if you fancy a game just look at our website www.tmgs.org or call the Match Secretary on 966 719 604.

We had a lot of fun, its such a happy occasion. Brandy, walk, brandy what could be better!

Thank you to all who supported the parade and the hard work the Ayuntamiento put in. Any petanca players who wish to take part next year, get in touch with Susan Ward (Costa Knights).

See you all in 2016

Car of the Year 2014: Peugeot 308

It takes something pretty special to become the Car of the Year.

And this is what the Peugeot 308 achieved in 2014.

It’s certainly a striking family hatchback and its side profile reminds me a little of the Mercedes A-Class, which can only be good. However, it’s obviously far better than that and during my time with it I have been surprised on many fronts.

Firstly, you would be forgiven for thinking that you were driving a sporty 1.8-litre or 2-litre but it is only powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine. The engineers at Peugeot have worked overtime getting as much as they possibly can from this tiddly little unit, which produces a sporty 130bhp.

Needless to say it’s a joy to drive and the smooth six speed automatic gearbox can even be driven like a manual should the mood allow.

This is a feel good car; one in which the driver is equipped to tackle any challenges the open road throws at him. If extra oomph is required simply press the sports mode located to the left of the gearbox. While it doesn’t provide lightning performance it does increase the revs and a little ‘s’ appears on the dash. If conditions become icy there’s an ice mode to the right of the gearbox giving the driver extra security that the vehicle isn’t going to slide down the road.

With its comfy seats and bags of technology this is certainly a driver’s car. Many of the controls can be found on the centre console, home to the sat nav and the reversing camera. The heating controls for instance are operated from here. This is all very well but it is actually slower than the traditional manual dial I find. I still find that there is a delay when engaging the auto box and the electronic parking brake, which while easy to use, is not as attractive to me as a traditional handbrake.

The panoramic glass roof, a £500 option on the test model, is a fantastic addition because it makes the cabin light and airy. There’s an electric cover, too. We all agree that this roof should also be a sunroof because sometimes you want the option of being able to open the roof up.

As cars become wider some speed bumps that are meant to be the width of a car forcing drivers to slow down are actually not wide enough for the 308, which for the driver is a joy but defeats the object of sleeping

TMGS Match Report; 7th January 2015 – La Marquesa policemen.

The Pug is a versatile car looking the part no matter what the plan; family or business. It will transport a dishwasher to the tip, collect a load of logs and swallow enough luggage for a family get away.

“If you’re on the hunt for a family hatchback then the new Peugeot 308 needs to be on your list,” writes Parkers, the car experts. “There isn’t one particular stand-out reason for this but a host of smaller reasons that add up to a compelling case for the new 308 as your next new car.

As any family knows you need great practicality, low running costs and a real value for money price tag. The 308 is claimed to have the biggest boot in its class, and it can stow significantly more luggage than the popular Ford Focus and company car favourite, the VW Golf.“Running costs are kept low thanks to frugal and low-emission diesel and petrol engines, with the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel particularly kind to wallets.

The 92bhp diesel has an official average figure of over 78mpg so high 60s should be possible in everyday driving. However, it’s the arrival of the new petrol and diesel engines in Spring 2014 that promise even lower costs with a new 120bhp, 1.6-litre diesel with an official fuel consumption of 91mpg on average.”

New price range: £14,995 - £25,945, Top speed: 124mph, 0-60mph: 9.8secs, Power: 130bhp, Economy: 54mpg.

Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz - By Tim Saunders

37 SOL SPORT & MOTORING SOLTIMES january 2015

www.soltimes.com

Elche cause an upset

Goals from Víctor Rodríguez and Fajr gave the visitors a vital victory, despite Mikel San José cutting Athletic’s deficit in the second half.

Elche CF beat Athletic Club 1-2 on Liga BBVA matchday 18. The result means that Fran Escribá’s men earn three points that are crucial for their quest for safety, while the Rojiblancos have now played five matches without a win.

The visitors stamped their authority after 17 minutes by taking the lead through Víctor Rodríguez. It was a hammer blow that left the Basque side shell-shocked and they were unable to produce much that might turn things around. Elche held on to their lead and dug deep to defend the result,

although Aritz Aduriz was on the brink of equalising before his shot whistled past the past just before half time.

It was a similar story in the second half. Fran Escribá’s men, well aware of what was at stake, pressured the home team and Fayçal Fajr found a second soon after the restart. It looked like the match was over, but Athletic rallied and Mikel San José cut the deficit in the San Mamés with a superb strike. The Rojiblancos had their visitors blocked in for the dying minutes, but in the end Elche held on and sealed a hard-fought A smaller than normal turn out at victory that leaves them just a few Saurines on Thursday for our first game points away from safety. of 2015, understand there were a few lfp.es members who were ill, and decided to give the game a miss.

It started off cold but once the sun came up it became a very nice day no clouds and big blue sky. Saurines was again looking In good condition but apparently the greens were very fast and pin positions a bit of a challenge.

Congratulations to Erine Wilson who won his singles Matchplay Championship game against the much fancied Jeff Luke, this game when on a further two holes to decide the winner. Ernie seems to like the low handicapper players last year he knocked out Stuart Whyte who played off 1.

We played full handicap stableford, 2 N/t/p’s, and the usual twos pot . Results were pins. No 6 Ray Pryce. No 18 Henry Steel.The two’s pot was not won this will roll over to next week. Winner on the day was Steve Woods with 34 pt’s There was no raffle this week.

la zenia golf society

Suárez, Neymar and Messi on target for Barça

Barcelona’s big guns stopped an Atlético who were forced to defend and fight for a comeback in the dying minutes.

It was night for celebration in the Camp Nou, and not just because Leo Messi received the trophy for the top goal-scorer in the history of La Liga. The defending champions, Atlético Madrid, were visiting Barcelona on matchday 18 of the Liga BBVA, and FC Barcelona played their best football of the season in a match that finished 3-1.

Despite the Rojiblancos’ solidity early in the game, the Azulgrana strikeforce doused the hopes of Diego Pablo Simeone’s men in the 12th minute. A shot from Neymar across Miguel Ángel Moyà’s goal opened the scoring and

gave Barcelona even more confidence.

Later it was Luis Suárez, thanks to a great move led by Messi, who increased the lead over an Atlético who were hanging on for the break to try and find something.

Find something they did; after the restart the side from the capital scored their first goal with a penalty that was converted by Mario Mandžukić. The goal made it 2-1 and breathed new life into the match and into the Rojiblancos, who were challenging for every ball in order to fight back. However, the game ended with a goal from Messi in the 88th minute. The 3-1 result was enough for Barcelona to send a message to an always-tricky opponent.

Lfp.es

25’95 €

Full Alarm System Full CCTV Fully Insured You are welcome to visit our premises to view before parking

Thanks to the staff at Gogarty’s for their great hospitality. All future games and dates are now updated on the website, this normally be done by Sunday night after the Saturday games.

You should have had an e mail with the details, any problems contact me. The match play details are now on the web site, also the details are on the notice board in Gogarty’s.

Just to remind you all if you are planning to go away to Benidorm with us April Next year Ernie Wilson will be Gogarty’s Thursdays after our games to collect deposit money for the Trip.

All meeting times are 1 and 1/2 hours before tee time at Gogarty’s. Guest’s are invited to all our games, clubs can be hired.

All information on the notice board outside Gogarty’s.

Contact numbers Eric 667 196 178, Maurice 690 268 711

38

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

SOLTIMES january 2015

SOL SPORT & MOTORING

LO CRISPIN GOLF SOCIETY

Here we are at the start of 2015, and where better to start than at La Finca.

The first stableford of the season and probably one of the hardest courses in the area. That said it is also one of the favourites, shown by members fresh from the UK wanting to play. Thirty four of us gathered at the course suitably dressed for the 8 degree temperature, with only one or two braving it with short sleeves and shorts. As it turned out their optimism was justified as the sun finally came out just before play began and after nine holes the jumpers came off.

The course was in fine fettle with evidence of recent work on clearing out ditches and around the lakes, whether this helped is another thing.

George Stewart played the best out of everyone carding just a couple over

par on the back nine, but as always there is one shot that gets away and this was the same with George who missed a very very short putt for a 2.

No doubt the scissors will be out! The winners follow: Gold Division: 1st George Stewart 38pts,2nd Harry Wilcock 29pts and 3rd Brian Coultate 28pts Silver Division: 1st Norman Potter 31pts, 2nd Rod Day 29pts and 3rd Tony Ellis 28pts Bronze Division: 1st Paul Carter 30pts, 2nd Bill Croft 27pts and 3rd Janet Candlin 25pts NTPs: Brian Coultate hole 3, George Stewart holes 6 and 16, Bob Berry hole 13.The 2s club was a rollover from the previous game, so the three lucky winners were very happy, they were Stan Earl, Bob Berry and Meirion Roberts. Finally to make his day, Gordon Cobb´s name was drawn out for the free game draw. Thanks to the Lo Crispin Tavern who took care of the `inner man` on our return finishing off a good day out.

CD Montesinos 1 Sporting Orihuela 1

A much awaited encounter between 2 evenly matched sides was overshadowed by a comical inept refereeing display that had both camps in dismay.

Sporting started the half the brighter with their number 22 causing Fernando problems on the right wing.

Monte rode the storm and got back into the game with Marcos shooting wide and their own speed merchant Carlos causing them similar problems. The away side withstood this and Monte´s vulnerable defence got lucky when a good move seen a header hit their own bar. Sporting finished the half the stronger side but it was all even at half time 0-0.

The second half was the talking point for the 215 fans when a great run and cross by Carlos seen Vaz go close but minutes later a great nod on by Carlos put Vaz in to make it 1-0.

A clash of heads seen Monte´s M&A

SOCCER SHORTS by Tony Matthews

• The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion, is the highest Football League ground above sea level in the UK (551 ft).

• Ex-England goalkeeper Peter Shilton is the only footballer to have appeared in over 100 League games for five different clubs: Leicester City, Stoke City, Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Derby County. He won a record 125 caps at international level.

• Villa Park has staged more FA Cup semi-finals than any other ground.

• Steve Bull scored over 100 goals in two seasons for Wolves in the late 1980s: 50 and 52.

• Seven Arsenal players lined up for England against Italy in an international match in 1934.

• Only two teams, managed by Jose Mourinho, have conceded five goals in a game - Real Madrid, beaten 5-0 by Barcelona in 2010, and Chelsea, defeated 5-3

by Tottenham recently.

• Birmingham did not compete in the FA Cup competition in 1921 - the club secretary failed to submit the required entry form!

• Arsenal climbed into the First Division in 1919 without winning promotion! They finished sixth in Division Two in 1914-15 and when they top flight was extended from 38 clubs to 42

require a full head bandage which made him look like the phantom menace.

The debutante keeper Cesar pulled off some great saves to keep Monte in the match.

Juanpe subbed Marcos in place of Rubio to sure up the mid field he then subbed Carlos for Yonhi who came off to a standing ovation. with immediate effect the comical referee who had both benches annoyed by his decisions gave a penalty to Sporting as the last man was brought down by keeper Cesar, Monte fans were resigned for a straight red card to everyone´s total amazement only a yellow was shown. Sporting duly converted the kick to make it 1-1, this is how the game finished.

The match sponser was Dave Winder next week Monte are away to Almordi B date and time to be confirmed.

For more information email thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com or website cdmontesinos.com

for the first post WW1 season, the Gunners were handed a place in the top flight - and they’ve been there ever since!

• The entire Ecuador team - all eleven players were sent off in an international match in 1978.

• Because of a colour clash, the ten outfield players of Blackburn Rovers wore white evening dress shirts for their 1890 FA Cup final encounter with The Wednesday.

• In May 1950, Blackpool signed a young player called Willie Wright from a local junior club … for a set of tangerine jerseys.

• Archie Thompson scored a record 17 goals in Australia’s 31-0 World Cup qualifying victory over American Samoa in 2001.

• FC Cafuento full-back José Ramirez conceded three own-goals in 55 minutes during an Argentine League game against Perosa in 1968.

• Ex-England goalkeeper Tim Flowers, playing for Blackburn Rovers, was sent off after just 27 seconds of a Premiership game against Leeds United in 1995.

• WG Richardson of WBA scored four goals in five minutes at the start of a League game at West Ham in 1931.

• Five penalties were awarded in the Crystal Palace v Brighton League game in 1988-89. Each side scored once but Palace missed the other three.

You can read more soccer facts and figures in my book - FOOTBALL ODDITIES, published by The History Press, Gloucestershire and sold by Barnes & Noble. ISBN-13: 9780752493763

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

39 SOL SPORT & MOTORING SOLTIMES january 2015

www.soltimes.com home only for the goal to be ruled out for offside YECLANO DEPORTIVO B 2 fire by the linesman. Yeclano came more into the game MAZARRON FC 3 without really troubling the Mazarron gained another important

win away to lowly Yeclano Deportivo in a game they should have won more comfortably.

Yeclano were first to show with a shot which went well wide of Conejo’s goal but after 6 minutes Diego and Tolo interchanged passes before Tolo shot just wide. Then a Tolo volley was blocked by a defender and the same player raced clear of the home defence only to be flagged offside. Play went straight to the other end of the pitch and slack marking in the Mazarron defence allowed Yeclano to take the lead after 18 minutes.

Mazarron equalised on 22 minutes when Monty was fouled in the penalty area and Tolo stepped up to place the spot kick clinically into the corner of the net. Mazarron were now dominating the game with Tolo causing all sorts of problems for the Yeclano defence and youngsters Andreo and Stevens combining well on the right hand side.

It was that combination which saw Mazarron take the lead with the best goal of the game five minutes before half time. Andreo’ s short pass to Stevens saw the right winger racing from the half way line leaving two defenders in his wake. His perfect cross was steered home at the far post by the irrespressible Tolo.

Mazarron started the second half on the front foot and a superb through ball from Andreo found Tolo who raced down the left and crossed for Diego to

Mazarron defence until the 65th minute when Tolo single handedly took control of the game.

First he cleverly lobbed the Yeclano keeper from 25 yards only to see the ball sail just over the bar. He then latched on to a long throw from Alfonso and volleyed just over. Another lob was caught by the keeper before he finally turned the home defence inside out, beating two defenders and rounding the keeper twice before slotting the ball home for his second hat trick of the season against Yeclano.

Toni was denied a debut goal when he ran from just inside the Yeclano half and placed the ball past the keeper only to see his celebrations cut short by the linesman’s flag. Yeclano pulled a goal back in the 85th minute following more slack marking by the Mazarron defence after a free kick and this set up an anxious last few minutes for the travelling Mazarron supporters.

Team: Conejo, Alfonso, Mateo, Dani, Ismael, Stevens (Gabi), Monty, Liders, Andreo, Diego (Toni), Tolo (Juanillo) Man of the Match: Tolo

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY THE ROYAL MARINES TROPHY

EUROGOLF SOCIETY AT LA MARQUESA On Thursday 8 January, 52 members of Eurogolf Society played in the first competition of 2015. To gently ease us into the start of the year, after the festivities of Christmas and New Year´s celebrations, we played a team game of `Yellow Peril`. A few teams had to play with a ghost due to last minute cancellations from a number of members suffering from the flu virus.

Congratulations to the winning team of Paul Manning, Geoff Evans, Jan Shorley and ghost scoring 143 points.

In second place were the team of Nico Baken, Ken Brett, Cindi Green and ghost 139 points.

Third place went to the team of Malcolm Foskett, John Holland, Alec Relph and Mary Sanderson 137 points.

N.T.P´s winners: 5th Gordon Bourne 11th & 15th Malcolm Foskett 17th Tony Hitt Football draw winners: Dave Nicholls, Robin Richards, Peter Sanderson, Ian Turner The results of TOFF´s Stableford

petanca players

The las salinas winter petanca league has now reached the half way stage with more surprises.

The window for signing on new players is now closed. In the 1st division buccaneers with a good win away at Dominos dragons go top of the league, closely followed

by Amigos Belgas 1 and Rocajuna, who had good home wins. In the 2nd division Breeze bar cannons were surprised at losing to peacocks red. A good win for Los bandidos now puts them at the top of the league. Also a good win for XPS keeps them in contention. In division 3 a hard fought win for Amigos 2 keeps them top of the league, but Bagul 1 are hard

competition played on Tuesday 6 January were as follows: Gold Division: 1st David Gregson 36 points 2nd Sue Gillett 33 points 3rd Tony Stead 33 points.

Silver Division: 1st Alan Venables 37 points 2nd Harry Armstrong 35 points Hedy Paelig 35 points.

Bronze Division: 1st Brian Heard 38 points (overall winner) 2nd Alec Relph 35 points 3rd Sandy Holland 35 points.

Nearest the pins: 5th David Lewis 11th Joe Ogden 15th John Jones 17th David Gregson Best front nine Ian Turner 20 points and best back nine Alan Marshall 20 points Player of the Month December (5 games Aggregate Scores) Male: Franz Berndt 160 points Female: Bev Fairhurst 144 points For more information about our friendly society go to www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk on there heels with a good win againstt Breeze bar hurricanes. The 4th division leaders pumas had a strong win against San Miguel tigers, but Amigos Belgas 3 keep up the pressure at the top with a good away win at Torre Bears 2 .

In division 5 league leaders Guardamar should have had a hard match away at Falcons but came away with a good win.

Dominos mcoys kept up the pressure with a good win away at escorpiones. In division 6 Bagul 2 have now won every match they have played and look good for promotion with rocajuna lions Thanks to our sponsors Rapid repairs, casa manuel ,kosta kitchens dominos bar, EDP (electric)

DS BARBARIANS RFC NEW TRAINING TIMES We gathered at the BonAlba course to compete in the annual “Royal Marines Trophy” which is a 4 club competition, kindly sponsored by ex-Marine Eric Edwards.

A cold start which developed into a lovely warm sunny day and by noon most were down to shirt sleeves.

Winner of the Trophy for the 3rd year in the last 4 ,with a score of 30 points was Secretary Alan Craig.

The longest drive prize was won by Bill Stobo who also won nearest the pin on a Par 4.

Many thanks to Eric for providing the prizes and it was good to see him compete ,despite his recent medical problems.

Nearest the pin prizes were won

by Elspeth Craig, Alan Craig and Tim

Ruse.

We look forward to our next game at Alicante Golf on 22nd January ,10a. m. start.Cost is 40Euros including buggy,insurance,coffee and tostada.

On Tuesday 27th January we are holding our first Bingo Quiz of the year ,cost 8 Euros with a meal of either Steak Pie or Fish and Chips. Please let Elspeth know your requirements asap on elspeth4mcd@yahoo.co.uk or tel.965 077 204.

New members are always welcome at a cost of 15 euros p.a. Please contact Alan Craig on the above number if you are interested.

Finally many thanks to Paulo for opening up the La Marina Club during his well-deserved Winter break and providing us with a good spread.

As from 12 January 2015 DS Barbarians RFC have new training times hoping to attract more players as the council have now given us times for the juniors to train separately from the seniors.

The training times for the juniors as from this week are on Monday from 19.00-20.30 and on Tuesday from 18.0019.30, while the seniors will be training on Monday and Wednesday as usual from 20.30-22.30.

We are looking at getting a few U10’s down training as well this week and hoping that this will attract more juniors down to train, as this will help the club to move forward.

Also we are looking at holding an open day at the beginning of March so that people can come on down and see what the club has to offer and come along and do a bit of training with the players and see what the sport is all about.

All ages, gender and nationalities all are welcome, from beginners to experience players the more the merrier as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport. So come along and join the newest rugby team on the Costa Blanca, also team bonding after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be.

So get those boots out and come on down to Daya Vieja sports ground and join in the rugby revolutions of 2015, with the Rugby World Cup to look forward to as well, get into this great sport.

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

www.soltimes.com

Tel 902 750 190

new fords available

Calle Mallorca, San Javier Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511

40 SOLTIMES january 2015

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