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Curtain up on Málaga Film Festival: British director strikes a 'deal' this year
MÁLAGA'S famous annual film festival kicked off last night and will find the Costa del Sol capital replete with celebrities for the next 10 days.
A homage to Spanish cinema, the competition will feature 13 full-length feature films including those of experienced directors Antonio Hernández (Matar el Tiempo, or 'Killing Time') and Joaquín Oristrell (Hablar, or 'Speak'), Isabel Coixet (Aprendiendo a Conducir, or 'Learning to Drive'), and Alfonso Albacete (Sólo química, or 'Only chemistry'). The latter two will be hors concours, and an additional documentary will be shown of Coixet's personal and professional life from the beginning until the present day. Among the up-and-coming male directors is Zoe Berriatúa with Los Héroes del Mal, or 'Heroes of Evil', a gritty coming-of-age tale centred on a group of teenagers, dealing with the intensity of young adult friendship and first love set against a backdrop of violence. Other relatively new but promising film directors include Daniel Guzmán (A cambio de nada, or 'In exchange for nothing'), Jonás Trueba (Los exiliados románticos, or 'The romantic exiles'), and Leticia Dolera (Requisitos para ser una persona normal, or 'Requisites for being a normal person'). Films on the programme also include Sexo fácil, películas tristes ('Easy sex, sad films') by Alejo Flah, Asesinos inocentes ('Innocent assassins') by Gonzalo Bendala, El país del miedo ('Country of fear') by
April 2015
New York Times picks two Spanish streets among 'best in Europe' in the Basque Country, has seen its C/ 31 de Agosto chosen because of its wealth of bars where the region's typical cuisine can be enjoyed.
Francisco Espada, Techo y comida ('Shelter and food') by Juan Miguel del Castillo, and Tiempo sin aire ('Time without air') by Andrés Luque Pérez and Samuel Martín Mateos. A British film director is part of the lineup this year – Barney Elliot's La Deuda ('The Debt', but for which the official title in English is Oliver's Deal). Co-produced by film-makers in the USA, Spain and Perú and starring USborn Steephen Dorf, Spanish-Argentine Alberto Amman who won a Goya for Cell 211, and Spaniard Carlos Bardem, it centres on political and commercial corruption involving government bonds and blackmailing rural landowners, a truelife situation in the 1960s which Elliott investigated in full after being told about it by a friend close to the action. Featuring Wall Street investment sharks and their contacts with corrupt powersthat-be in Latin America, La Deuda was shot on location in New York, Huaraz in the Peruvian Altiplano, or Andean 'high plains' and the country's capital, Lima. Honorary awards will be granted to longrunning cast, crew and directors including Paco León (Carmina), who will receive the Eloy de la Iglesia Prize; photographic director Kiko de la Rica, due to get the Ricardo Franco Prize, and actress Julieta Serrano, who will be the first person to be awarded the Biznaga City of Paradise Prize. thinkspain.com
TWO streets in Spain have been named among the 'best in Europe' by the New York Times based upon their design, facilities and ease of access. In fact, Spain is the only country on the list which has more than one street featured. Madrid's C/ Zurbano has been picked because of its location and the fact it 'links the modern Chueca and Salesas districts in the centre' with the 'business and skyscraper district in the north', as well as for its spectacular buildings, some of its restaurants, and its museum dedicated to the Val e n c ia -b o r n 19 t h - c e n t u r y landscape painter Joaquín Sorolla.
The other 10 streets featured in the article include one from the UK - Pimlico Road in London - and roads from two of Spain's neighbouring countries, France (Rue de Charonne in Paris) and Portugal (Rua Nova do Carvalho in Lisbon). Others are the Grosser Muristalden in Bern, Switzerland; the Rüdesheimerstrasse in Berlin, Germany; the Ripa de Porta Ticinese in Milan, Italy; the Itfaiye Caddesi in Istanbul, Turkey; the Akerselva River in Oslo, Norway; the Kärtnerstrasse in Vienna, Austria, and the Krysmká in Prague, Czech Republic.
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This week’s movie releases
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Liam Neeson and Spanish director Jaume Collet-Serra team up to ‘Run All Night’ ‘Shaun the Sheep’ serves up a delightful dose of stop-motion slapstick
There’s no denying Spanish director Jaume Collet-Serra has got a good thing going with Liam Neeson. Their two previous collaborations, thrillers Unknown and Non-Stop, form an interesting, twistfilled sub-genre within the sub-genre that is the by-now-familiar nuts-and-bolts Neeson actioner, which began back in 2008 with Taken. Now, their latest drops the mind games for the same brand of straight-up, efficient action. Run All Night has Liam as a regretful, drink-soaked former Irish mob hit man forced to clean up his act and save his estranged son from his old boss (Ed Harris), chiefly by punching and shooting his way around NYC. Vincent D’Onofrio plays the detective doggedly following his trail, while rapper Common is a ruthless rival contract killer. The new film from UK stop-motion specialists Aardman Animation, Shaun the
missing farmer.
Sheep marks the big-screen debut of the fluffy ovine star of the children’s TV series – itself a spinoff of the studio’s Wallace and Gromit franchise. The nodialogue adventure, which has received glowing praise for its slapstick comedy, sees Shaun and his friends head off to the big smoke to bring back their
Given a rough ride by critics, Lost River marks the directorial debut of Drive star Ryan Gosling. Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks plays a single mom trying to protect her toddler and teenage children in a grimly fantastical version of Detroit. With Iain De Caestecker, Matt Smith, Saoirse Ronan and Eva Mendes. Havana good time? French director Laurence Cantet (The Class) travels to Cuba for his latest dialogueheavy drama, Return to Ithaca. Set on a Havana rooftop, the Spanish-language production follows the conversations of five middle-aged friends as they sip rum, reminisce and reflect about how their country has failed them. elpais
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First golf school for disabled opens in Mallorca
MALLORCA'S first-ever golf school for the disabled has just opened at the Maioris course thanks to the Handisport Foundation, allowing residents and tourists to continue to practise their favourite activity even where accident or illness leaves them with mobility problems.
Founder and current chairman of Handisport, Rafa Winckelmann explains the Maioris Golf Club was chosen because it is 'fairly flat', which 'for paragolfers is very important'. And Winckelmann says extra facilities and equipment can be hired to help players get the best out of their experience. A golf buggy has been designed which 'tips' players onto their feet from a sitting position when they cannot do so themselves, and is replete with sensors, control panels and head and back supports to ensure total comfort and safety. They are 'very safe and stable', Winckelmann reveals - if they run the risk of tipping over, they are programmed to reposition themselves to be able to remain upright. And they do not damage the green because their wheels have been designed not to leave tracks. Numerous fund-raising events have been held to supply equipment, which includes clubs designed to be used with one hand for players who have lost a limb, and training sports coaches to meet the individual needs of disabled players. Winckelmann says the ultimate aim is to get a team together to compete nationally and even internationally, but that the school is also focused on boosting tourism as well as sports facilities for residents. So
far, the majority of customers have been expatriates and holidaymakers. "We want to make as many sports as possible accessible to everyone as well as promoting Mallorca as a destination where everyone can enjoy their favourite activities on holiday - but without forgetting the people who live here, of course," Handisport's founder explains. The Foundation provides all equipment needed for paragolfers and works closely alongside coaches to help them get the best out of their pupils. "Golf is not just a sport - it can also be therapeutic, and it helps people with disabilities to get on with their lives in the same way as those without are able to," Winckelmann concludes. He set up the Foundation in 2007 and, since then, it has worked towards offering a vast variety of activities for people with physical and mental disabilities. Light aircraft flying, sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, hiking, golf, 'blo-karting', diving, horseback riding and driving, and many other sports are on the list and are well-established in Mallorca for para-players. elpais
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Spain pupil with crossbow kills teacher in Barcelona
A Spanish student reportedly armed with a crossbow and a knife killed a teacher and wounded four others at a school in Barcelona, police and witnesses said Monday. The unidentified boy, who local media say was 13, was detained by police as a suspect after the attack that also saw two other teachers and two students injured.
ort
The deadly incident, which took place just after 9.30 a.m., sowed terror in the high school in a working class neighborhood of Spain’s second largest city. School attacks are extremely rare in Spain. “We were just starting the class and suddenly we heard screams,” said student Gemma Jarque. “So we shut ourselves inside our classroom in order to be safe.” A regional police spokeswoman said the teacher killed was attacked with a weapon that had a blade, but would not say what exactly was used. She spoke on condition of anonymity because of police regulations that prevented her from being identified by name. Spanish National Television and other Spanish media reported that the boy had a knife and a crossbow when he entered the school. Authorities did not disclose details of how the attack played out, but Jarque said she and others hid in her classroom after hearing the screams and left along with other students only after a fire alarm sounded. “We saw the teacher, lying on the floor in a
news
pool of blood,” she said.
Another student, Paula Amayuelas, said she knew the suspect and that he “didn’t have problems but he was kind of a loner. Other students would pick on him.” The two wounded students and one of the injured teachers were taken to Barcelona hospitals for treatment while the other injured teacher was treated at the scene and did not need hospitalization. After the attack, parents and students gathered in stunned silence outside the school for students ages 12-16, hugging each other. Students said the teacher killed was a substitute working at the school for about a week. A spokesman for regional police said it was too early to determine whether the attack was an attempt to copycat the April 20, 1999 attack in Columbine, Colorado killed 12 students and one teacher. Police in Barcelona did not identify the suspect because of his age. In Spain, children under age 14 are not held legally responsible for crimes and cannot be jailed or placed in juvenile detention centers. They can be sent to mental health institutions, said a spokesman for Spain’s Justice Ministry who spoke on condition of anonymity because of ministry policy. A national police spokesman could not recall any fatal school attacks in the country’s recent history. afp.com
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New Mediterranean migrant distress calls as EU meets
New distress calls have been received from migrant boats in the Mediterranean, as EU ministers met in Luxembourg to discuss the crisis. Italy and Malta said they were working on rescues of at least two boats in distress with hundreds on board. The EU is under pressure after scaling back its rescue efforts last year. An extraordinary summit of EU leaders has now been announced for Thursday. Hundreds of migrants were feared drowned in a capsize on Sunday. Italian PM Matteo Renzi said on Monday that his country was working with Malta to rescue at least two boats in distress. He said one of the vessels was a dinghy off the Libyan coast with about 100-150 people on board. The other was larger boat carrying 300 people. The Maltese navy told the BBC that there were a number of new incidents involving rescues being coordinated off Libya by the Italians. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) also said it had received a distress call from a boat sinking in the Mediterranean with at least 300 migrants on board. The caller said about three boats needed help in international waters and 20 people had died. But IOM spokesman Joel Millman told the BBC the organisation was still trying to verify the details and it was unclear whether the call was related to the Maltese and Italian rescues. Earlier, the Greek coastguard said a vessel carrying dozens of migrants had run aground off the island of Rhodes. Three people were killed and 80 rescued, it said. Some EU ministers argue that patrols have
UK Prime Minister David Cameron said it was “a dark day for Europe”, adding that “search and rescue is only one part. We need to go after traffickers, help stabilise these countries” BBC.com
1 million fewer children in Spain in 2023: Unicef (24 Jun 14)
Another reason for Spain's increasing lack of young people is the brain drain the country has suffered since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008.
lower
Spain's
Spanish people can expect to live longer than their European counterparts, according to a new Eurostat study, with an average life expectancy of 82.5 years.
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“The Mediterranean is our sea and we have to act together as Europeans... The European Union was built and is built around the protection of human rights, human dignity and the life of human people - we need to be consistent in that.” The EU has been criticised since the rescue operation, Mare Nostrum, was ended last year amid concerns over cost and fears it was encouraging more migrants. It now runs a more limited border control operation called Triton. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was “appalled” by Sunday’s disaster and wanted Europe to find “answers”, her spokesman said.
having children because they leave home so much later than those in other EU countries; the average age at which young Spaniards leave home is the highest in Europe, with 27.9 years old for women and 29.8 for men.
The benefits of a healthy Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh fish and vegetables and olive oil, have long been known.
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Either you have to prevent people leaving in the first place, or you have to rescue them when the people-smugglers have cast them adrift. Ahead of the Luxembourg talks, the EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Europe had a “political and moral duty” to act on the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
A new study has revealed that Spaniards live the longest in Europe, to an average of 83 years old, while Spanish mothers are the oldest on the continent, delaying having their first child until they reach 30.
Working mums' woes birthrate (25 Jul 13)
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to be expanded again, that funding should be increased. Others suggest that camps could be set up in North Africa to allow migrants to apply for asylum before they have to cross the Mediterranean.
But while Spaniards might be living longer, they are also waiting longer to have children, the study reveals. Spanish mothers, like those in the UK, give birth to their first child at the average age of 30 years old, while first-time mothers in all the other EU member states have an average age somewhere between 25 and 29. Spain has one of the lowest fertility rates in the EU, along with Portugal and Poland, at 1.32 births per woman and a Spanish region - Asturias - is the European region with the least children (only 23.6 percent), according to the study. Spain has the lowest fertility rate for women under 30, with 0.60 births or fewer. Perhaps Spanish women are delaying
Thousands of young Spaniards have travelled abroad in search of work, fleeing Spain's crippingly high youth unemployment rate of 50.7 percent. thelocal.com
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April 2015
Why You Can’t See the Milky Way in the Spring Night Sky Now that the bright moon has moved out of the evening sky, skywatchers have a great chance to view the early-spring stars. And yet, even stargazers who are far from the scourge of light pollution will notice that there is something missing from the current view of the Northern Hemisphere sky. It's the Milky Way. Even under dark and pristine skies, you would have great difficulty seeing it, as it now appears to run almost completely around the horizon. Normally appearing as a faint, irregular ribbon of light spanning the sky, the Milky Way usually can be seen at most times of the year, provided that the night sky is very clear and moonless. (However, it can never be seen in brilliantly lit big cities, such as New York.) Now that the bright moon has moved out of the evening sky, skywatchers have a great chance to view the early-spring stars. And yet, even stargazers who are far from the scourge of light pollution will notice that there is something missing from the current view of the Northern Hemisphere sky. Coma Berenices up, Milky Way down There is a good reason Coma Berenices is highest in the sky when the Milky Way appears at its lowest. From our Earthly vantage point, every star that we see in the night sky is part of our galaxy — the Milky Way. The sun and our solar system are situated in one of our galaxy’s spiral arms and are located about two-thirds of the way from the center to the
far edge of the main part of our galaxy. The Milky Way is shaped like a disc, and most of its mass and stars lie in the relatively flat “galactic plane.” The two points that are farthest from the galactic plane are called the galactic poles. As it turns out, the north galactic pole is located very close to Coma Berenices. So, when Coma Berenices is highest above the horizon, as is the case now, the galactic plane (sometimes also referred to as the galactic equator) runs more or less around the horizon and is usually hidden by low-lying haze. So that’s why the Milky Way runs low when Berenice’s Hair rides high. Or, as the late popularizer of the sky Hans A. Rey wrote in his popular guidebook, “The Stars: A New Way to See Them” (Houghton Mifflin, 1952), “No hair can ever get into the milk, celestially speaking.” http://www.space.com
Goce gravity boost to geothermal hunt Hellisheidarvirkjun geothermal power plant Iceland is famous for its geothermal power stations, but the resource globally is under-developed The hunt for sources of geothermal energy is getting a boost from new observations of the Earth made from space. Information about variations in gravity across the planet could help prospectors find promising locations where sub-surface heat can be exploited to generate electricity. The data comes from Europe's Goce satellite. It mapped Earth's gravity field from 2009 to 2013 at high resolution. This keen sensing is now expected to narrow the search for prime spots to put future power stations. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released the information in a special global atlas. In parallel, Goce scientists have been discussing the work here at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna, Austria. Down below Although a large potential resource, geothermal currently accounts for less than one percent of the world’s electricity generation. Part of that comes down to the huge costs of exploration. But Goce's maps are expected to shortcut some of the effort by pinpointing regions of the world with the best characteristics, such as where the continental crust is at its thinnest. As it flew around the planet, the satellite was able to observe very subtle differences in the pull of gravity from one place to the next – a function of the uneven distribution of mass beneath it. This variation in the gravity signal is most obvious over large mountains and over deep ocean trenches. But by processing Goce's data in special ways, scientists can also tease out details of the different rock layers and structures within the Earth. Free air The Free Air anomaly map contains information about the rock structure beneath the surface For IRENA, Goce researchers have provided two types of gravity model: one called "Free Air" and one called “Bouguer”. The Free Air gravity map gives insights into particular structures that might favour geothermal energy. The Bouguer map, on the other hand, details crustal thickness. Prospectors will still need other types of information to find the heat reservoirs – but the new
espresso maker
The International Space Station is about receive perhaps its most important upgrade to date: a microgravity espresso maker! Until now, the crew of the orbiting outpost have been restricted to drinking coffee of the freezedried instant variety. But now that the experimental ISSPresso machine has launched to the space station (on Tuesday afternoon by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket), the astronauts and cosmonauts will have access to a freshly percolated bag of hot, fresh coffee whenever they feel the urge for a caffeine boost. This is especially good news for NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko who have just begun their year-long stint on the space station.
portal should be a good place to start, especially in some countries where local geological surveys may be very difficult to conduct and are therefore incomplete. Carla Braitenberg from the University of Trieste has done much of the work to prepare the Goce maps. She told BBC News: "Bouguer tells you where you have crustal thickness variations, and where the mantle is coming up to the surface. For geothermal, you want a thin crust because this is where the temperature gradients will be highest. "Free Air helps us understand the structures, because to have an exchange of high temperatures at low levels and the surface, you want to use existing fractures, and these fractures are found at contacts between different rock types. Free Air helps us map these contacts." Bouguer The Bouguer anomaly map provides information on crustal thickness Geothermal prospectors have long used gravimeters in the field to aid their search for the right subsurface characteristics. But these are point measurements. Goce now provides the information across the globe and at a resolution never before achieved at that scale. Rune Floberghagen was the European Space Agency’s mission manger on the satellite. He said: "With Goce, we see the gravity anomalies at a resolution of between 70 and 80km. Towards the end of the satellite's life, we lowered its altitude to improve the resolution, and I’m really pleased we did. This geothermal application shows that it paid dividends." The prime mission goal of Goce was to acquire gravity field information to investigate how ocean currents move. It has proven to have many solid Earth applications as well. bbc news
As part of a joint venture between the Italian coffee company Lavazza, the engineering firm Argotec and Italian Space Agency, the ISSPresso was revealed last year. When on board the ISS, the machine just needs to be strapped to the interior wall of a space station module using bungee ropes. According to a September 2014 Space.com article, the machine will produce a brewing temperature of 167 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) and will replicated the water pressure of an Earth-based espresso machine. Lavazzo will supply the station with capsules of coffee year-round so they never run out Details of how the machine works and the cost of the project are scant as some of the mechanisms are propriety to the companies involved. Lavazzo thinks that the machine will be operating for several years in orbit. Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti will be the first to try out the space station’s brand new coffee machine when it gets powered up. The ISSPresso was originally destined to be launched to the space station on board the Orbital Sciences Cygnus resupply vehicle, but an Antares rocket launch explosion in October curtailed Orbital’s access to space and resupply missions had to be transferred to SpaceX. The SpaceX unmanned Dragon capsule launched Tuesday (April 14) at 4:10 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., where in addition to sending 4,387 lbs. (2,015 kilograms) of food, supplies and the ISSPresso to the outpost, the Falcon 9 first stage made a third attempt at a vertical touchdownon one of the private spaceflight company’s floating landing barges in the Atlantic Ocean
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Driving theory test candidate arrested Nobel writer Vargas Llosa backs Islam for complex ‘digital’ cheating system critic
TWO Chinese men have been arrested in Palma de Mallorca for cheating in their driving theory exam.
One of them took the test in the main exam hall and filmed the questions, transmitting them in real time to the other, who sat in the hallway. Each time the man in the hall went to answer a question, his complex gadgets beeped or vibrated at a very low volume to alert him of which were the right answers on the multiple choice paper, via the man in the corridor who was looking them up and tipping him off. The candidate in the exam room had reportedly paid €2,000 for the other man’s
help to cheat in the test.
He is said to be an undocumented migrant. Examiners became suspicious when they saw Y. X., aged 43, holding his question paper in an unnatural way to read it.
Nobel-winning writer Mario Vargas Llosa on Sunday praised Somali-born Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a women's rights advocate and leading critic of Islam, calling her "one of the most valuable" adversaries of "Islamic fanatics". Somalia in 1969, Hirsi Ali later fled to the Netherlands in 1992 to escape an arranged marriage.
After the test, they looked more closely at him and saw he had a micro-camera attached to his jacket, a tiny device for picking up a Wi-Fi signal, an interactive biro, a mobile phone and a gadget which was linked to the pen and caused it to vibrate or beep if he went to write the correct answer, but remained silent if he was about to choose the wrong one.
She obtained political asylum, followed by Dutch nationality five years later. Hirsi Ali left the Netherlands for the United States in May 2006 following a bitter row which broke out when she admitted lying about her age and name in her Dutch asylum request.
thinkspain In a column in top-selling Spanish daily El Pais, the Peruvian hailed Hirsi Ali's latest book "Heretic" in which she argues for a major overhaul of Islam, akin to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. "Islamic fanatics wanted to bring her to an end and they have not managed to do so, it is not impossible that they will keep trying as she is one of the most articulate, influential and valuable adversaries which they have in the world," Vargas Llosa wrote. "How extraordinary that it is a Somali, who was educated in Saudi Arabia and Kenya... who defends with such conviction and passion the culture of freedom, the West's best contribution to the world, before an apathetic and sceptical Western audience," he added. Born into an orthodox Muslim family in
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She says she broke definitively with Islam following the September 11 attacks in the United States and has since become a fierce defender of secularism and Muslim women's rights. Her outspoken criticism of Islam turned her into a target for extremists and she has received death threats. Vargas Llosa, 78, one of the most acclaimed writers in the Spanish-speaking world, received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2010. A journalist and prominent public intellectual as well as a novelist and playwright, he is best known in the English-speaking world for novels such as "The Time of the Hero" and "The War of the End of the World". thelocal.com
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April 2015
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Adding a New Courtyard If your home is already built, add a courtyard onto the existing house structure. The only costs you will incur are for one wall (the one that will no longer be shared with the rest of the house) and maybe a hallway required to connect the new structure to the existing house. You can then enclose the courtyard using a fence or dense hedge; then, of course, there is the cost of the courtyard itself. If you plan to add a courtyard, consider how it is oriented to the sun and how you will enter and exit from the house and garden. The more entries, the more you are likely to use the space. Be sure the courtyard paving, no matter the material used, drains away from the house. Also consider ways to provide a partial canopy by extending the rafters of the roof over the new structure.
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Courtyard Living
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A courtyard is the garden living area that comes closest to being a true outdoor room. These elegant spaces provide the ultimate in privacy.
Enhancing an Existing Courtyard
is more visual than literal. A vine-covered trellis or a hedge may close in a small space (perhaps less than 10 feet square) without making it feel claustrophobic. An open roof or canopy adds even more sense of enclosure. Whatever structure you use should allow plenty of light into the courtyard so there is no mistaking its feeling of welcome. A retractable awning is one way to add enclosure. A temporary roof that covers the courtyard completely in winter also extends the time you can use the area and protects the plants within.
If your home is already built, plan a courtyard when adding onto the house. This may not add as much cost to the project as you might think. For example, when adding a study, extra bedroom, or even an attached garage, you can add the same structure 15 or 20 feet from the house. The additional costs you will incur are for one wall (the one that will no longer be shared with the rest of the house) and the hallway required to connect the new structure to the existing house. You can then enclose The style and look of the courtyard is to some extent the courtyard using a fence or dense hedge. Then, of course, there is predetermined by the walls that define it. However, these walls can the cost of the courtyard itself. be altered to create the setting you want. If you plan to add a courtyard, consider how it is oriented to the sun and how you will enter and exit from the house and garden. The more : An aspect of design you do have control over is entries, the more you are likely to use the space. Be sure the courtyard scale. The absence of a roof makes the space feel bigger than it paving, no matter the material used, drains away from the house. Also is. A grouping of tables and chairs that feels comfortable on an consider ways to provide a partial canopy by extending the rafters of open patio may look cramped in a walled courtyard. Scale also the roof over the new structure. comes into play when selecting plants. In terms of both design and
Styles: Scale
horticulture, it works better to have fewer, larger pots than many Consider the following design little pots that dry out quickly and blow over. aspects when refurbishing an Views: The main concern for a courtyard is usually the view existing courtyarD: into it rather than out of it. As you design, examine views from Enclosure: A distinguishing characteristic of a courtyard any windows (including those overhead) and doors that enter the
is having the space feel as though it has four “solid� walls. Solid courtyard. Also, if you have an attractive view from the courtyard,
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April 2015
The Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir April Tour to Albir and Alfaz de Pi
The Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir has just completed a highly successful three concert tour to Albir and Alfaz de Pi where they thrilled audiences with the excellence and vitality of their singing. Conducted by their internationally famous musical director Nigel Hopkins the choir sang a selection of well loved songs ranging from Verdi to Rogers and Hammerstein. Venues ranged from the Residencia Anneke, the Forum Mare Nostrum to the Fundacio FRAX where the choir received a standing ovation. Nigel Hopkins has been visiting Albir and Alfaz de Pi for ten years, formally with his English based choirs. This is the second tour of the area by the Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir. During these visits Nigel’s choirs have raised considerable funds for the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer and this tour has raised well in excess of 2000€ to the delight of Pamela Dawson Tasker who coordinated the venues for the tour. The choir has
many more exciting events planned with two joint concerts with the original Chivenor Branch of the Military Wives Choir, made famous by Gareth Malone on the BBC at the Ecumenical Church, La Zenia, on Saturday 25th April. The choir will then be hosting a visit by the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir on 31st May when they will be performing a joint concert at La Zenia Church. Tickets can be purchased at The Ponderosa, La Zenia for all of Nigel’s concerts. To join this excellent and dynamic choir contact Nigel on 96 677 5976 or come along to La Zenia Church at 11am Thursday mornings.
Welcome GO SATELLITE!
g a reliable and informative company is vital. 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
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
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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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Things are definately going well for this time served Barber with over 20 years experience running businesses both here and in the UK, Darren can offer a wide range of cutting styles from the latest modern cuts to traditional male Barber cuts using top quality products. The Barbershop offers a relaxed and friendly welcome, set in a modern, air-conditioned comfortable surrounding, so why not pop in for a chat and a trim up soon The Barber Shop is Open Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm (out of hours are available on request) with a walk in service, no appointments n e c e s s a r y . With Cuts starting from as little as 5 Euro, why not pop along and . Hedge Cutters visit Darren the Barber for a tidy up soon at . Garden Vac NEW & USED WHEELCHAIRS, The Quesada Country Blowers SCOOTERS & MOBILITY Club Barbershop, 16 EQUIPMENT . Jet Washers Calle Toledo, Ciudad RENT OR BUY . Strimmers Quesada, postcode SCOOTER SERVICING & . Chainsaws 03170 for sat nav´s. REPAIRS . Water Pumps Further information BATTERIES can be found by visiting . Ladders & WE BUY GOOD QUALITY USED the facebook page Scaffold WHEELCHAIRS & SCOOTERS ht tps://w w w. . Industrial f acebook.com/ Heaters quesadacountr yclub. TEL: 966 786 225 barbershop?fref=ts
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Feel Great
Tel: 950 121 936 sales@soltimes.com 7 Steps to Treating Hypoglycemia others. You want to make sure that doesn't happen. carbohydrate-containing snack unless a meal is less
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a scary side effect of the disease that requires fast treatment. When someone with diabetes begins experiencing low blood sugar symptoms, any delay increases the chance that the hypoglycemia could escalate into a life-threatening illness. Left untreated or not treated 5. Wait, then verify promptly, hypoglycemia can result in seizures, coma, treatment is working. permanent damage to the nervous system, and Don't keep eating, as death. you might over-treat and Here are the steps you need to take if your diabetes cause your blood sugar management plan has failed and you begin to have level to go too high. the low blood sugar symptoms that indicate an Instead, wait about 15 minutes and then test episode of hypoglycemia: your blood sugar level 1. Recognize the symptoms. The symptoms of again with a meter. If hypoglycemia vary from person to person, but it's still too low, then eat anyone taking insulin or diabetes medication should another 15 to 20 grams know what they are. Low blood sugar symptoms of sugar or carbohydrate. include: Repeat until your blood • Weakness or fatigue sugar level is at 70 mg/ • Cold sweats or clammy skin dl or higher. Once you've • Confusion or fuzzy and unclear thinking reached that level, • Dizziness or light-headedness eat a more nutritious, • Blurred vision • Hunger • Nervousness, anger, or irritability • Headache • Rapid heartbeat • Numb or tingling skin at the • Difficulty speaking • Shakiness 2. Make yourself safe. If you or a family member with diabetes begins to have any of these symptoms, take immediate safety precautions. Pull over if you are driving a car. Sit down right away if you are walking down steps. Hypoglycemia could cause you to lose consciousness and cause harm to yourself or
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7. Take long-term steps. If you have recurring hypoglycemic episodes or even one severe case, talk with your doctor about adjusting your diabetes management plan to better fit your lifestyle. You also should ask to have a glucagon injection prescribed to you, so that a family member or friend can administer it if you pass out or experience a seizure from another severe case of hypoglycemia. Being prepared and knowing what to do about hypoglycemia is an important part of a good diabetes management plan.
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6. If your body doesn't respond, seek medical help. If you haven't responded to the carbs or if you've passed out or had seizures, you probably have a case of severe hypoglycemia and need medical attention. If someone in your family or at your workplace is aware of your condition and has been trained to give emergency glucagon injections (a substance that quickly raises blood sugar levels), they should do so immediately, even before calling to get help. A diabetic treated with glucagon should respond quickly and be able to eat some food within 15 minutes.
Low blood sugar symptoms need immediate attention. Here's what you should do to handle this potential emergency.
4. Get some carbs into your body. A diabetic undergoing an episode of hypoglycemia needs to bring blood glucose levels up quickly. Fast-acting carbohydrates, especially simple sugars, can accomplish this. If you are taking insulin or diabetes medication as part of a diabetes management plan, you should always have on hand a bit of quick-fix food equal to 15 to 20 grams of sugar or carbohydrates. Some foods that can provide this amount and quickly raise your blood sugar level include: • 4 or 5 saltine crackers • 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy • 2 tablespoons of raisins • 4 teaspoons of sugar • 3 or 4 glucose tablets • 1 serving of glucose gel • 1/2 cup of fruit juice or regular soda • 1 cup of milk • 1 tablespoon of honey or corn syrup
than one hour away.
n-332 cartagena Punta Prima Rounabout Corte Chino
3. Test your blood glucose levels. In most cases, providing that symptoms are still mild, test to make sure you actually are having a hypoglycemic episode. Use your blood glucose meter to check. A reading of 70 mg/dl or lower means you need to take quick action. If symptoms are too severe to manage the testing or you can’t get to your glucose meter quickly, move on to step 4.
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April 2015
Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer and you can easily Bytes. Do you use Google calender to toggle their visibility keep a track of your day-to-day activities? on and off via the What possible sense can it make to have little box next to them. an online calender? Are there any tricks Conversely, you can that can make it work better for you? always unsubscribe Here is a better question! Can Google later from the be trusted having a proven track record Interesting Calendars of selling your information to the highest tab. bidder? In short, the answer is NO! A 2. Quick Add an Event more complete answer would be:- No you There are a few ways to create an event don’t trust them that is why you keep less important things on your Google Calender in Calendar. However, the easiest way and the truly important meetings and may not be the most apparent. In the toparrangements, on a different calender in left corner, if you click the little triangle next the CREATE button you’ll prompt the your pocket (Just can’t beat paper!). Why then, have a google calender? Quick Add box. Here, you can just type in plain language For me the answer is simple! I have several devices (tablet, smartphone and an event you’d like to add (i.e. “Dinner with computers) that rely on all being up to Karen tomorrow at 7:15 p.m.” or “Visit date (being a mobile ‘Mr Computer Fix John at the Meeting Place Next Tuesday”), it’) with what I am doing and where! then hit Add and it will appear in your For that reason only, an online calender calendar. Calendar is surprisingly good at is extremely helpful! Whenever I go parsing natural language structure. somewhere that has WIFI, my phone 3. Share Your Calendar (Even to People updates, and is updated by, the calender. Not Using Google Calendar) What can you do to make it better? Well If you want to share an existing calendar, here are a few tricks that might help. click the triangle next to the sub-calendar 1. Add Holidays and Other Helpful Info to you’d like to share under My calendars and Your Calendar Want to know when your team’s playing then click Share this Calendar. Then you next, how many weeks are left in the year, can add the email addresses of individuals or if it’s a national holiday in Azerbaijan? you would like to share them with. If you want to share an uneditable Well, lucky for you, Calendar supplies a number of stock overlays filled with just version of your calendar to friends who aren’t using GC, click the Calendar Detail this type of helpful information! If you want to add these datasets to tab to the left of the Share this Calendar your calendar (or just peruse the library of tab mentioned above. Here, you will have available data), click the little expand arrow the ability to find the “Calendar Address” to the right of the Other calendars header by clicking on the icon representing the in the left panel and then click Browse different formats: XML, iCalendar (for all Interesting Calendars. This prompts a new your Apple ecosystem products), or even page where you’ll find three tabs worth of plain old HTML. People can then use this “Interesting Calendars”: Holidays, Sports, address to add your calendar info to nonand More. GC clients. Next to each “interesting calendar” you That’s it for today so for free advice can hit the Preview link to try before you concerning your computer, or to arrange buy (term of phrase—they’re all free!) or the Subscribe button to add to your an appointment, contact me at the address or phone number below. general calendar. Once subscribed, For further information or advice on you’ll find it nested computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or under your Other canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk calendars section
Laos part 2
The ‘Secret War’ during the wider Vietnam conflict had both the main adversaries infiltrating Laos for their own gains. In the Orient people are renowned for taking the long view; the North Vietnamese began building the Ho chi Minh trail in Laos back in 1958 as they planned to retake the south in the years to come. North Vietnam defied the 1954 Geneva Accord when they agreed not interfere in Laos by taking over the border areas and then forcing local Laos people to help with the trail’s construction. America for its part recruited the Hmong tribe as their proxy army and used all the technology at their disposal to disrupt the ever growing supply routes from Hanoi in the north. America never officially had any boots on the ground in Laos. On one occasion however a CIA spotter plane ran out of fuel and the crew landed in Laos to refuel. The American Ambassador almost choked on his Ferrero Rocher when he found out. Over two million tonnes of bombs were used in Laos between 1964 and 1973. Cluster bombs were used extensively by the Americans with
LEGAL CORNER
WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com www.daviessolicitors.com
Q. A solicitor spoke the other day on television about the new directive 650/2012 explaining that is was essential that people retired in a country different of their country of nationality within the European Union revise their wills. What is all this about? A. This regulation of the EU 650/2012 deals with different things, but the reason English citizens need to look at their will is that this new Regulation of the EU establishes that: When a person dies resident in one country of the European Union but national of another, the law applicable to his inheritance will be the one that he/she has established expressly in his will and not the one established by the International Norms of each country (which may be in conflict). This is good news because an English national living in Spain can establish that he/she wishes English Law to rule his/ her inheritance and this will avoid any possible risk of claims from children against the spouse on the basis of the system of obligatory heirs established in Spanish law, which has always caused worry and concern in the case of children from different marriages etc. If a person passes away after the 17th of August of 2015, unless he has said differently on his will the legislation applicable to his inheritance will be that of his country of last residence. This is very important for English people living in Spain, because under Spanish law you cannot leave everything to your wife as 2/3 of the estate have to be left to children. In other words if you are
resident of Spain, have children and do not establish on your will that you wish English Law (your national law ) to rule your inheritance your Spouse will not be allowed to receive his/her full inheritance as it would contradict the Spanish rules of obligatory heirs which would be applicable automatically because of the new regulation. Consequences: 1. If you have children but have made a will leaving all assets to your spouse, make sure that you have clearly stated on your will that you wish your national law (English law) to rule your inheritance. If you have not, then you need to speak to a solicitor about this new European directive and add this statement to your will. 2.If you are married and you have been concerned with possible claims by your spouses children against your estate this risk can be completely removed by your spouse stating on her/his will that it should be English law that rules the inheritance. Conclusion: The new regulation has given much more strength to the testators /testatrix, letting them choose between English or Spanish Law, which is good, but precaution is a must because under the new regulation if nothing is said and you are a resident in Spain automatically the law applicable will be Spanish law which does not permit that spouses leave everything to each other if there are children. To avoid nasty surprises visit your solicitor and ask if you need to change the wording of your will due to the new Regulation of the EU. 650/2012.
Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.
Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to www.findmeahome.eu 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: info@findmeahome.eu Telephone: 636 266 641
270,000,000 being dropped. Of these an estimated one third failed to explode. That’s 80 million left in rivers and fields or lodged in tree tops and cliff faces. The manufacturers of these ‘bombies,’ designed and painted some of them to look like fresh fruit or drinks cans. Since 1973 over 50,000 people have been killed or maimed by these lethal remnants. 40 years later and still over 100 people are year are blown up. The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) was adopted in May 2008; countries were invited to sign the treaty on the 3rd December at a conference in Dublin. Laos was one of 94 countries to sign up immediately. The United Kingdom also signed and the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown declared all Britain’s stockpiles would be destroyed. Many countries refuse to sign the treaty; America and Israel now find themselves as bedfellows with China, Russia, North Korea and Pakistan as countries opposed to the ban. The Pentagon’s policy is that these awful weapons are humane. In 2006 Barack Obama voted to restrict the use of these weapons while
Hillary Clinton voted to keep using them. The first CCM meeting was held in Laos in 2010; as recognition of its horrific cluster bomb history. The charity MAG, have been clearing Laos land since 1994. In the past ten years over 10,000 acres have been returned by MAG to Laotians to farm and nearly 200,000 bombs destroyed. From July to December last year almost 90,000 people were helped by MAG to start farming again. It will take decades more as all 17 provinces were affected with approximately a quarter of the country still contaminated. Another charity POWER set up by Briton Mike Boddington has worked in Laos for 20 years supplying prosthetic limbs. Mike was awarded the MBE in 2010 for his work. In all there are over a dozen humanitarian missions trying to return Laos to normal. Its estimated it would cost $16bn to make Laos safe; at today’s prices America spent $60bn doing the damage in the first place. Laos is one of only five communist states; yet international markets are opening and a stock exchange is
now open. The country has massive water resources and is investing in hydroelectric schemes to sell half its generating capacity to Thailand and Vietnam. Vietnam still has a big influence and it’s alleged that most illegal logging is done by the Vietnamese People’s Army or companies they own. Tourism is big business growing from 80,000 visitors in 1990 to about 2 million now. Europe named Laos as the world’s best tourist destination in 2013. There are ancient temple complexes, wild tigers and the increasingly rare Irrawaddy dolphin swims in the Mekong River. Laos’s cuisine is also highly revered and the national beer is BeerLao with a new brand called Lan Xang launched recently in honour of the original name of Laos – Million Elephants!
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April 2015
n i a p S n i l e v a r T g n i n n a l P r o f s p i T
during winter because they are the warmest. The Costa del Sol has balmy weather during summer. Almeria hardly gets any rain during the year. Nights in Granada are always cool because it is high up in the mountains. The central 1. Buy a book about travel to Spain. Read it and decide plateau gets weather extremes during summer and winter. what parts of Spain interest you and which cities you want There are many weather sites that will give one the to visit. average temperatures by month for every city in Spain. 2. Get an idea of the geography of Spain. This is a good It is best to check them before making travel plans. Be careful of traveling during winter, especially if you are article from Wikipedia: driving. Many mountain passes get closed and having http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geograph... chains is very important to have in a car. Be aware that Spain is the second largest country in It makes no sense to travel to places like Leon, Burgos, Western Europe (after France) and one of the most Vitoria, Pamplona, and Logroño during winter. They get mountainous (after Switzerland). The central meseta is a very cold and have much snow and ice. Not all of Spain is highland plateau and Madrid is on this meseta. Be aware of sunny all year long. Check the weather for each place you distances between cities. Google Maps or the Via Michelin want to visit before making travel plans. The following site website can tell you what these distances are. will give one average temperatures by month for each city. 3. The best time to travel in Spain is spring and fall h t t p : / / w w w . w u n d e r g r o u n d . c o m / c g i - b i n / f . . . because that is when good weather occurs. The months spain&wuSelect=WEATHER of April, May, June, September, and October are very good for travel. Summer is quite hot, especially in inland 4. During fall, many resorts in the north of Spain and cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Madrid. The months of along the Mediterranean have many of their stores and July and August are very crowded in resorts along the restaurants closed for the season. This may happen in Mediterranean, so early reservations for hotels are the middle of September. This never happens in the Costa del Sol, which is always open because there are many required for these areas. northern Europeans who migrate during this time and If one want to visit cities in northern Spain near the spend winter in the area. Atlantic, such as San Sebastian, Oviedo, and Santiago de It is also a fallacy that most stores and restaurants close Compostela and the rest of Galicia, the months of July and up during summer in big cities. Madrid is a city of 5 million August are the best. Barcelona, the Costa Brava, Valencia, and most stores and restaurants are open all year long. and the Balearic Islands are best from May to September. 5. Madrid is in the geographic center of Spain. King Felipe The Costa del Sol and Almeria are the best places to visit II chose Madrid to be the capital of Spain for this very reason. The best way to travel from Madrid to other cities is by the high speed train, the AVE. It beats air travel because it is more comfortable than the plane, because you can move around in the train and go to the cafeteria car to eat snacks. Airlines like to restrict movement of passengers within the Death is an issue which most people dislike talking about – and frankly it is plane. Spain is now the something we would all like to avoid. However we know that at some time, some European country with the place, we will make our last journey. largest network of high speed trains. If you have With informed planning you can make life simpler for those left behind. never traveled on a high However, as with any other form of planning you need to know you are dealing speed train, you will enjoy with an ethical, reputable company. the travel on the AVE. Here at Iberian Funeral Plans we answer all your main questions on our website, Read Buying Renfe Tickets in our leaflets and through our representatives. This is not the case for some Online. Study the map companies in the funeral plan business. which shows what cities So, before you make a decision about your prepaid funeral plan, make sure that that the AVE goes to. You you know that you are talking to the right people. may be able to get the web discounts if you buy early. Ask yourself if you are satisfied that the company is fully legal and licensed to do business in the country in which you are living. If one is to travel between extremities of Spain, such Is the money you will pay for your prepaid funeral plan held in a ring-fenced as Malaga and Barcelona, Funeral Directors’ Account? then the plane is better Is the company contracted with a professional Funeral Director? because the time will be Is the company’s business policy ethical and not hard selling? much shorter than the train. Does the company publish the rates for its plans? Be aware that the AVE still does not go to Granada, so If you are concerned about the answers to any of the above questions, then you the best way to get to this are not talking to a reputable company. Iberian Funeral Plans can answer YES to city may be the plane or the all of the above questions. bus. Iberian Funeral Plans and its representatives take your concerns seriously and A Rail Pass will be more will never attempt to sell you a plan that is not suited to your purpose. expensive than buying You may already have been approached by a salesman more suited to double tickets at Renfe directly. You glazing sales than prepaid funeral plans. Don’t be put off – we are not all the cannot get the discounts same: at Iberian Funeral Plans we care. that Renfe gives. www.iberianfuneralplans.com info@iberianfuneralplans.com 6. Do not plan to see too Contact any of our offices in Spain for further information: T: 952 595 691 much of Spain at one time. Many want to see one new T: 952 490 690 T: 965 993 498 T: 951 203 994 T: 971 576 607 T: 959 877 757 city every day. They may be
A SIMPLE GUIDE TO A DIFFICULT DECISION
unaware of the distances between cities and one does not want to be traveling every single day. It is best to stay in cities for at a minimum of two nights, preferably three. That way one can see a city in depth and remember it. Spain has to be savored slowly with time for one to sit at a sidewalk cafe, eating tapas and drinking a glass of wine while one sees the passing parade or contemplates a monument. 7. Most travelers will want to experience Andalusia. From propaganda in foreign countries, Andalusia will be more like what a tourist expects of Spain, being the image of Spain, with women dancing flamenco, and with flowers in their hair. There are many monuments in Andalusia, such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the No. 1 tourist attraction of Spain, getting 3 million visitors a year. If you plan to visit the Alhambra, read Buying Alhambra Tickets Online. Cordoba has the Mezquita, and Seville has its Cathedral with the Giralda Tower and many other monuments. Do not forget Malaga, which has many monuments and museums, as well as its beaches and the best weather in Europe. 8. Many say that Spain's best invention are its tapas. About 30% of visitors say they come to Spain for gastronomy. In most places in Spain one can eat marvelously. One can eat tapas instead of having lunch or dinner and enjoy a wide variety of food. Read the top question in the Trip Advisor forums for each city you want to visit to see if there are articles about good restaurants and tapas places. 9. The best way to get euros is to use an ATM machine. Spain is the European country with the most ATM machines and every block in cities has an ATM machine. Be sure to contact your bank that you will be using your ATM in Spain. The back of your ATM card will show what networks your bank is tied to, so using an ATM machine with the same network will minimize any currency charges. When you use an ATM machine, try to find one inside a bank for better security. Most banks will have an ATM machine inside the bank and another on the sidewalk. You may want to opt to not purchase Travelers Checks. There very few exchange locations and rates are high. You could lose a great deal in the exchange. Spanish banks will not accept Travelers Checks, nor will businesses. If you do not have an ATM , your best option is either to buy euros from your bank (the rate of exchange + % they add per dollar + flat order and shipping fee), or take dollars to Spain and exchange them at a bank (the rate of exchange + % they add per dollar or some banks will offer flat fee exchange rates per x number of dollars for euros exchanged). Spanish banks also close for the day typically by 2:30 p.m. While you can find other exchange locations open after banking hours, exchange rates will be higher. 10. If you plan to rent a car and drive, read the Driving Guide for Foreigners. You will need an International Driving Permit. Be aware that it is almost impossible to find free parking on the street in cities. In big cities a commercial parking garage will cost between 18 and 30 euros a day. Hotels with parking will charge about 11 to 12 euros a night for parking. For Andalusia, check the top questions for parking guides for different cities. Rental Cars are available at any major airport with offices of the big international rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar...Some local companies received a lot of negative feedback such as Record Rent a Car. 11. You can see Spain with a group tour. However be aware that most tours of Spain will try to allow you to see the most monuments and cities, so they do not leave one with enough free time. One cannot dawdle with these tours. For many older travelers, they may be too fast paced and one may develop health problems because of this. Most of them go by bus, so it is not much fun to be traveling by bus all day. One can see Spain on one's own without a group tour if one plans properly. One is perfectly safe in Spain by going alone. If one is mature one does not need a chaperone or guide to tell him what to do all day long. http://www.tripadvisor.com/
PROPERTY supplement
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17
SOLTIMES PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT
THE ONLY PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!! LOOKING TO BUY OR RENT? FIND YOUR DREAM HOME INSIDE!
Home Rental Prices Fell by 0.5% in March The price of rental housing fell by 0.5% in the month of March, which is one tenth less than a month earlier, and only two tenths below the general index (-1.1%). The Spanish National Statistics Institute confirmed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose four tenths in March, over that
Andalucía (-0.8%); Castilla-La Mancha (-0.7%) and the Basque Country (-0.7%), while Extremadura and Ceuta remained in line with the national average (-0.5%).
Forecasts for Spain’s Tourism Sector Revised Upwards
Below this average stood the regions of: Aragón (-0.4%); Castilla y León (-0.4%); Asturias (-0.3%); Cantabria (-0.3%); Galicia
Exceltur (Alliance for Excellency in Tourism), the non-profit group formed by the Chairmen of the 22 leading Spanish tourist companies in Spain, announced earlier this week that it has revised upwards its growth forecasts for Spain for this year, due to the recovery of domestic tourism and the greater influx of international tourists in the first quarter. registered the previous month, and stood at -0.7%. Thus, El Economista reported that, according to data released by the Institute last week, rental housing prices have accumulated nearly two consecutive years of declines. With respect to Spain’s regions, the greatest declines were registered in: Murcia (-2%); La Rioja (-1.6%); Navarra (-1.5%); Valencia (-1.2%); Madrid (-1.2%);
(-0.3%) and the Canary Islands (-0.2%). In contrast, increases were recorded in Melilla (+1%), Catalonia (+0.3%) and the Balearic Islands (+0.1%).
According to El Economista, Exceltur now predicts growth in the sector for 2015 of 3.4%, which is eight tenths more than the original estimate of early January.
Finally, in the section on home maintenance and repair costs, prices climbed by 0.3% year-on-year, over a half a percentage point more than the general index, and remained virtually stable compared with the previous month.
In 2014, the sector increased by 2.9%, taking around 49,000 million euros in foreign currency for the national economy. With the new increase planned for 2015, foreign revenues could amount to some 51,000 million euros for Spain, estimated José Luis Zoreda, the Vice President of the
keyero.com
Association. The new growth will be supported not only by the favourable economic situation but also by external factors such as the weakness of the euro, the decline in the price of oil and the new outbreak of instability in rival destinations in North Africa. In the past, tensions in countries such as Egypt or Tunisia have resulted in temporary increases in tourist inflows to the Spanish mainland and the Canary Islands. Last year, the number of international tourists visiting Spain grew by 7.1%, reaching a new historical record high of 65 million. In the first two months of 2015, some 6.6 million tourists arrived in Spain, representing an increase of 4.5% over the same period of 2014. keyero.com
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PROPERTY supplement
Spain Expected to Receive Over 17.9 Million Tourists in Q2
Forecasts contained in the Coyuntur report for the first quarter of 2015, prepared by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, predict that Spain will receive more than 17.9 million international tourists in the second quarter of the year. In addition, the total spending generated by these tourists is expected to exceed 16,279 million euros in the second quarter, which is 8.5% more than the expenditure figure for the same period last year, and with greater growth in the number of foreign tourists. The report indicates that the United Kingdom will remain one of the most important tourist markets due to the strength of the pound, while the numbers of Scandinavian tourists visiting Spain will continue to decline. In contrast, the report forecasts considerable growth in the number of visitors from Switzerland, with an increase in German, Belgian and Dutch tourists from central Europe. Diariosur reported that, in southern
Europe, visitor numbers from Italy and Portugal are expected to increase, with France maintaining a good rate of growth, while in eastern Europe, the number of Russian tourists visiting Spain is predicted to decline due to the fall in the price of crude oil, causing the depreciation of the ruble.
April 2015
Average House Prices Have Fallen by 41.4% Since 2007
Real estate appraisal company, Tinsa, reported earlier this week that average house prices in Spain registered a decline of 2.8% year-on-year in March, compared with a decline of 3.6% registered the
Islands registered a decline of 1.7%. Only the Mediterranean Coast registered an increase in prices in the third month of the year, with a rise of 0.2% compared to March 2014.
previous month, and has now accumulated a decline of 41.4% since the maximum values reached in December 2007, before the start of the crisis.
Since the peak levels reached in 2007, average house prices have fallen by 48.7% in the Mediterranean Coast, by 45.4% in the Metropolitan Areas, by 44.9% in the Capitals and Large Cities, by 35.1% in the Other Municipalities and by 32% in the Balearic and Canary Islands.
With regard to visitors to Spain from North America, the United States represents a changeable market, but the appreciation of the dollar against the euro (similarly affecting Canada) is likely to result in an increase in visitor numbers. The Peruvian and Colombian markets are set to decline due to the suppression of Schengen visas to nationals of these two Latin America countries from the second half of the year. However, the forecast is positive for markets such as Brazil. In the Asia-Pacific markets, the forecast is positive overall, with increases especially in tourist numbers from China, India, Japan and South Korea. keyero.com
Thus, the price of housing has accumulated a year-on-year fall of 0.4% in the first three months of the year, moderating by twotenths the decline registered in the same period of 2014, of 0.6%. According to Tinsa, the current price level is similar to that of the summer of 2003. With reference to the areas analysed by Tinsa, El Economista reported that the biggest year-on-year declines in prices were registered in the Metropolitan Areas (-5.3%) and for the smaller towns that are included in the ‘Other Municipalities’ category (-3.8%). In the Capitals and Large Cities, the price of housing fell by 2.1% in March, yearon-year, while the Balearic and Canary
Top 5 tips for buying a house abroad Reduce the risk of legal pitfalls and bad property investments with this guide to buying property abroad. Many people who have travelled abroad have felt the temptation to purchase property overseas. For example, UK residents often consider buying overseas property in nearby European countries like France or Spain, and real estate agents often locate near popular tourist attractions to sell property to such visitors. Sometimes the price of foreign real estate can seem very attractive due to the foreign exchange rate favouring the prospective buyers' currency. Tourists can also become enamoured with a delightful travel destination, perhaps leading to an interest in buying overseas property as a way to spend more time there. Still others might be interested in investing in undervalued overseas property based on the view that it will appreciate substantially over time. Whatever your motivation for buying overseas property, the following top five tips can help assure that you have a more positive experience in doing so. 1: Investigate the market thoroughly Although global property price trends do occur, real estate markets in different locales can go through cycles of rising and then correcting lower, which can be independent of each other. In other words, just because property values are rising in
your neighbourhood, does not mean that they are also rising in Spain or France. Such trends are especially important for investors who will typically want to buy near the bottom and sell near the top of a cycle. Furthermore, some countries prevent or limit real estate ownership by foreigners, so you will want to make sure that you have the legal right to purchase real estate in that country, and under what conditions you can do so, before handing over any money in order to avoid scams or disappointment. Basically, it really makes sense to do your homework about the real estate market in the country you are considering making a purchase before putting up your money. This includes checking the currency exchange rate and stability in the country you wish to make a purchase (Free currency exchange tools can be found on Expatica). 2: Obtain professional purchase assistance Great deals can certainly be had when buying foreign real estate directly from owners. Nevertheless, if you are unfamiliar with the foreign real estate market, then purchasing through a professional real estate agent or from a reputable property developer can provide useful guidance that can help you avoid many pitfalls when buying overseas property. Such professionals typically have an obligation to see that you are properly informed about the details of the purchase. They will also usually make an effort to complete the deal and assure your satisfaction with it. 3: Hire a legal representative Although real estate deals in your country of residence
For Tinsa, the March data confirms the price stabilisation process initiated in the second half of 2013, although they believe it is still “premature” to say that it has already bottomed out. In their opinion, the evolution of these prices will depend very much on the progress of the economy and employment, but they stressed that if the forecasts announced in recent months of increased economic growth come to fruition, then the reactivation of housing transactions will be confirmed and the average house prices could bottom out in the coming months. KEYERO.COM
generally do not require the services of a lawyer, having an independent professional attorney representing your interests and watching out for potential legal problems can be invaluable when buying overseas property. 4: Have key documents translated Before signing any documents relating to a potential real estate transaction, make sure that you have them professionally translated if they are written in a foreign language, such as French or Spanish, that you are not entirely comfortable reading. In general, you need to know exactly what you and the seller are agreeing to in words that you can clearly understand. 5: Saving money on mortgage payments Once you have read, understood and agreed to the terms of an overseas property purchase, you will then need to make arrangements to pay for it. When transferring funds denominated in your domestic currency to either make a payment in full, a down payment, or a series of smaller mortgage payments, you will probably want to find a better foreign exchange solution than simply visiting your high street bank. Such local banks typically provide poor forex services, which often involve very wide dealing spreads and limited transaction sizes. Fortunately, you can usually do much better by changing your money through a regular payments service. http://www.expatica.com
PROPERTY supplement
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Just Dream & We’ll Make Your Dreams Come True
19
We need new properties for rent and sale!
office: +34 950 43 82 21 / 636 205 070 Spanish Antonio +34 661 90 41 19
Los Carasoles - Zurgena (04661) ALMERIA -SPAIN
opening Times 9:00h to14:00h
www.newhorizonvillas.com
newhorizonvillasalmeria@gmail.com info@newhorizonvillas.com
for sale for sale for sale for sale Villa in Los Carasoles
house in Overa
Cortijo in Rambla Aljibe (Lubrín)
Villa in Los Carasoles
VILLAS FOR RENT & FOR SALE URGENTLY REQUIRED New Horizon Villas also provides the following services: All types of building work reforms, plumbing, electricity, painting & excavation works. Estimates at no cost!
3 bed, 2 bath, fitted kitchen, lounge, conservatory, big terrace, spacious plot and fully furnished. Nice quiet area.
164,000€
Two story semidetached house on a 300 square meter fenced plot with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fitted kitchen, lounge, storage room, garage and patio.
FOR rent Cortijo in Arboleas 500€ monthly
8 bed, 4 bath, fitted kitchen, 2 fireplaces & 2 living rooms, 1 terrace, garage, big porch and 1 shed, 2 swimming pools (one splash pool)
95,000€
3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lounge, kitchen, patio and 100 square meter plot. It is just 5 minutes from the village of Lubrín. Very quiet area
55,000€
3 bed, 2 bath, lounge-diner, fully fitted kitchen and storage room. It has got an 8m x 4m pool and completely fenced plot. Views are very nice.
135,000€
For total peace of mind leave your property management to us, we will handle everything for you.
for rent
FOR rent
FOR rent Villa in Alfoquia 350€ monthly
Cortijo in Llanos del Peral 200€ monthly
4 bed, 3 bath, 3 spacious terraces, covered porch, patio, garage, 200 square meters approximately of land, and just a short walking distance to the beach.
3 bed, 2 bath, lounge-diner, fitted kitchen, built-in wardrobes, large terrace, porch and completely furnished. Very quiet area and with nice views.
Cortijo with 150 square meters of land. This property has two floors, 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, fitted kitchen and lounge.
Villa in Mojacar 650€ monthly
www.immo-carlos.com email: info@immo-carlos.com Address: La Plaza Nueva, No 10, Albox (Opposite the Donkey Statue)
Office: 950 102 191 • Carlos: 648 505 938 • Gavin: 671 293 942 Rambla De Oria, A nice 2 bedroom house. with a terrace in walking distance to a bar.
Arboleas, Spacious townhouse with 3 bed, 1.5 bath and a roof terrace with nice views.
39.950€
94.950€
Arboleas, Nice villa with 2 bed, 2 bath, private pool & pool house and a garage.
Partaloa, Spacious villa with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms on a plot of 2.900m².
135.000€
135.000€
Properties Urgently needed in all areas
PROPERTY supplement
20
April 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
€95,000
2 bed / 1 bath south facing Apartment with sea views set on small community with gardens & pool near beach and amenities. Ref.1513
Mojácar playa
€120,000
Nice southeast facing 2 bed / 1,5 bath Townhouse with sea views near promenade & amenities. Large sunny terrace. Ref. 1572
mojacar Playa
€199,950
Mojácar playa
€80,000
2 bed / 1 bath ground floor Apartment set near Titos beach & promenade. Terrace 43 m². Need updating. Ref.1631
Palomares
€85,000
Fantastic 3 bed / 2 bath furnished Townhouse with underground garage, terraces and roof solarium near amenities. Ref. 1629
DUE TO INCREASE IN SALES WE URGENTLY NEED PROPERTIES IN MOJÁCAR, GARRUCHA, VERA AND TURRE. CALL US NOW ON 950 472 430 Or 610 053 563
FREE VALUATION Mojacar Playa
€199,950
Mojácar playa
€200,000
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 detached Villa near beach, amenities & promenade. Air con & fire place. Car port . Partial sea views. Ref.1560
3 bed / 2 bath Townhouse with underground garage on small gated community with pool & gardens Sea views. Ref.1511
Mojácar playa
Mojácar playa
Turre
€249.950
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
€250,000
Amazing sea views. 3 bed / 2 bath Villa with garage, utility room, roof solarium & terraces on plot of 417 m² near beach. Ref.1062
Marina de la Torre €90,000
1 bed / 1 bath fully furnished Apartment with underground parking place and store room. Lift & heated pool. Ref. 1626
Mojácar playa
€112,000
3 bed / 1 bath furnished Apartment with store room & private parking on nice complex with pools, tennis court & lift. Ref.1609
Agua Nueva
€149,000
2 bed / 1 bath nice detached Villa with pool on plot of 400 m² near amenities. Roof terrace with views. Central air con. Ref. 1620
Bedar
€230,000
3 bed / 2 bath detached Villa with amazing views, terraces, roof solarium and pool on plot of 400 m² in El Pinar. Air con. Ref 1628
€299,999
Fantastic opportunity! 4 bed / 4 bath Villa with pool & basement on plot of 10.648 m² near village. Mature garden. Ref.1551
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.
21 PROPERTY supplement Spaniards ‘happy with their homes’, especially Luxury Mobile Homes of the super rich location, light, size and comfort Some of the world’s most affluent in there.
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individuals who live in the world’s most expensive homes, and drive the most expensive cars worth multi-million dollars also spent a handsome amount to keep themselves at comfort while on the move. And, they do so by not only owning state-of-the-art private jets equipped with all the facilities, but also with their mobile homes which are as luxurious and beautifully designed as their bespoke homes, boasting lavish bedrooms and baths, kitchen, and living rooms featured with all the high-end amenities. Speaking about the celebrity lifestyle and their discerning tastes, we have earlier seen the classic rides of the celebrity car collectors besides the custom cars of the rich and famous. Now, check-out the luxurious mobile homes owned by the wealthy. Will Smith's Mobile Home - 'The Heat'
Defined to be a gargantuan, 1,150 square feet double-decker movable mansion, Will Smith’s ‘The Heat’ is larger than most two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments. This specially designed 22-wheels mobile home weighing around 30 tons boasts a lounge, a movie room with a 100-inch screen, marble floors throughout, offices for his assistants and writing staff, a large bedroom and all-granite bathroom. And, this gawdy creation can double its height with the push of a button is a product of Anderson Mobile Estates. On the inside, it features a full-service kitchen with arched windows, and matched-grain Italian cherrywood cabinetry, and there’s even a space for Smith to have his makeup and wardrobe done. Lakshi Mittal's Mobile Home Laxmi Mittal, Britain's richest man and the world's biggest steelmaker Lakshmi Mittal owns a moving palace on wheels. The Indian-born tycoon with a net worth of $20.7 billion has a lavish lifestyle to match. Besides owning several real estate properties, including a mansion on "Billionaires Row" near Kensington Palace, the steel magnate also owns a mobile home for when he is away from home. His super-luxurious recreational mobile home comes well equipped with all the luxury features, including a massive kitchen, a well furnished compact bathroom, an owner’s suite with a screen for complete entertainment, the living room that also plays the role of official meeting hall, king size bedroom and a huge screen hall for proper entertainment of owner and guests. Vin Diesel's Mobile Home Renowned as dashing macho actor with well toned physique, deep voice with bald and rough look, Vin Diesel owns a $1.1 million two-storey mobile home. Designed by Ron Anderson, the owner of Anderson mobile estates which manufacturer unbelievable custom trailers for the likes of noted Hollywood celebs, this mobile home comes equipped with 3D flat screen televisions, lavish private office space, the kitchen featured with granite counter tops. While the two-storey mobile home’s top floor has been designed as a playing area for his children, as the actor prefers to relax
Katie Price's Pink Horse box 34-years old glamour model, Katie Price owns this luxury horsebox crafted by EquiTrek. With shockingly pink exteriors and ultimate classy and luxurious interiors, the mobile home has a capacity to serve as luxury home for four people. On the inside, everything has been crafted out of maple wood and hand-dyed leather. The ride also boasts a kitchenette, shower, bathroom, and Sky TV. Powered by a 170 HP motor, this 7.5 ton vehicle costing $185,560 boasts a personalized KP number-plate, and took about threemonths for the customization as per the like of Katie Price. Notably, Katie Price also owns some of the world's finest pink cars. Shahrukh Khan's Mobile Home Especially designed by the ace car designer Dilip Chabria, this high-end, made-to-order and hugely spacious mobile home of Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan is bigger than any other in the Indian Film Industry. Based on the world’s longest Volvo chassis and with set of axles in the rear, this steel grey in color ride comes with finest bespoke interiors in chrome, steel, white and black stark colors. Defined to be palace on wheels, this technologically well equipped ride boasts a lavish living room, resting rooms, and a workout room featuring all kinds of latest gym equipment. Matthew McConaughey's Caravans Renowned for his love for caravans, acclaimed American actor Matthew McConaughey who owns three in total, took a great deal of pleasure in renovating one of his trailers with the Smithsonian interiors. Heartthrob’s Aistream is a 2010 ‘Timeless’ model, which has been fully customized by New York’s GSM Vehicles to his tastes. The van now boasts a dining area which has been especially created to host fabulous dinner parties. Further, there’s a 7ft by 4ft window that opens up over the galley to the outside, and outside there’s a bar that rises up.
MORE than eight in 10 Spaniards are ‘very happy’ with the homes they live in, particularly their location, natural light, and size, according to research carried out by DIY and decoration chain Leroy Merlín.
important to the 25 to 34 age-group with children and living in large towns or cities of between 50,000 and half a million inhabitants than to any other segment interviewed.
The majority - 82.3% - gave their homes a rating of 7.69 out of 10, with over a third saying they most liked the area their property was situated in, just under a quarter saying its amount of natural light was what made them happiest about their houses or apartments, and one in five putting its size top of the list of its assets.
With the economic crisis, Spanish homeowners are becoming more practical and willing to get their hands dirty - 41.2% are more inclined to carry out DIY than call in a trader, with women in general concerned with home decorating and men seeking to improve practical aspects of the property.
Comfort was most valued by 17.3%. Main concerns when choosing a home to live in included, in two-thirds of cases for each, the fixtures and fittings working properly and being in a good state of repair, and its insulation against noise and smells, whilst 59.2% were most conscious about how safe the property is. What the property is like for actual daily living, including being pleasing to the eye, has become one of the top concerns when choosing a new home with 28.5% saying the decoration scheme was important to them, 26% basing their choice on how comfortable the house or flat is, and 12.6% looking at practical aspects. For six in 10 Spaniards, the relationship between their home and the environment has come into focus more in the last five years - nearly a third have taken steps to save energy and natural resources such as water. Environmental
aspects
are
more
In terms of type of property, for nearly half of those surveyed - 48% - the different life-stages of their children influenced the home they would choose or renovations or repairs carried out in it. The birth of a first child had the greatest impact on home choices, with 22.7% admitting this would condition the type of property they sought to buy or the work they carried out in it, and children leaving home in second place, at 17.8%. Additionally, selling a home and buying a new one, is likely to be caused by having to take care of a dependent relative in 38.7% of cases. The financial crisis has led to a greater consciousness about saving electricity and water, and 54.8% say they carry out as much of their own repairs, renovations and redecorations as they can rather than paying an outside contractor to do so. thinkspain.com
CAMPING LOS GALLARDOS
MOBILE HOMES for sale or rent
Ashton Kutcher's mobile home by Anderson Mobile Estates Equipped with an advanced automated double-storey mechanism, Hollywood superstar Ashton Kutcher's 70 tons mobile estate by Anderson Mobile Estates boasts a total space of around 1,100 square-feet, of which 340 sq. ft is on the upper retractable floor, while the 603 sq. ft is on the main lower deck. The upper floor which takes just 30 seconds to raise boasts collapsible oak-wood walls and foldable furniture, along with amenities including bedrooms, 2 lavish baths, living area, conference space, the state-of-theart kitchen, and a retractable Hollywood style spiral staircase which connects the floors. Completely secure with camera giving 360 degrees views of what’s happening, this miniature mansion boasts royal ambiance on the inside with its extensive polished oak-wood work on the walls, and the generous polished granites and marbles in the kitchen counters and the bathroom insides.
fully equipped mobile home on secure site with bowling green, bar/restauarant, supermarket, swimming pool. Top entertainment on a Saturday evening.
Sunday carvery 1.00 - 4.00 pm fish and chips all day friday.
Why not book for one of our Special weekend breaks to" try before you buy!" from 95€ inc Saturday entertainment & Sunday carvery|
ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON! VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY phone Shirley 679970399
PROPERTY supplement
22
April 2015
COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE First-time buyers in a better position COMPLETE RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE
We urgently need more properties for sale & rental for waiting clients Properties of the week
Ref: CM/RB Secluded 3 bed, 2 bath, det. & parking, 126 m2 build, 540 m2 plot.
Ref: VA/TL Beautifully presented modern 1 bedroom/1 bathroom apt, private underground parking, private large lock-up store room
MOJACAR PLAYA - €239,000
MOJACAR PLAYA REDUCED €64,950
Ref: PM/TW - 2 bedroom, 2 bath/ shower room, first floor, furnished apt, a/c, large terrace with spectacular views
VC/DB - Large, beautifully finished, 4/5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, detached villa, private pool, ladscaped gardens, garage, 270m2 built area in 3027 M2 plot, in countryside next to Vera. REDUCED €350,000
villa, nr centre of playa, gardens, terraces
MOJACAR PLAYA €109,950
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
First-time buyers’ ability to purchase a home now is 11 per cent better than during the last General Election, according to the Hamptons International’s latest Ability to Buy index published today. buyFirst-time buyers have 46 per cent of their income left after tax, national insurance, spending on essentials and a mortgage, compared to 41 per cent at the 2010 General Election. Lower mortgage rates have helped but raising a deposit is still the big hurdle for first-time buyers, especially when house prices are growing faster than earnings. The ability of first-time buyers has, however, dropped by 2 per cent in the past year. The overall ability to buy of aspiring homeowners in the UK is 2 per cent higher in 2015 than five years ago, the research shows. But again, in the past year there was a drop in people’s ability to buy, of 3 per cent. London stands in stark contrast to the rest of the country, as here people’s ability to buy has deteriorated by 77 per cent in the past five years. Affordability in the capital is being hit hard by growing house prices, increasing childcare costs and decline in personal income. In 2014 alone, ability to buy in London dropped by 73 per cent, as house prices jumped 17 per cent, childcare became 9 per cent more costly and average incomes shrank by 1.6 per cent. The only other region where the ability to buy a home has deteriorated are the West Midlands. The ability there was 4 per cent lower at the end of 2014 than a
O
MOJACAR PLAYA
year earlier. The South West (9 per cent), Wales (4 per cent), Yorkshire and Humberside (1 per cent) and the North West (1 per cent) all saw an improvement in ability to buy since last year. The biggest improvement was in the South West, which reflects a more modest growth in prices of 5.5 per cent, the largest wage growth in the country (4.5 per cent) and lower spending on food and transport. Ability varies based on household type The ability to buy a home for a working couple without children was 3 per cent better than at the time of the last election. Lower house prices and interest rates means this family has 78 per cent of its income left after tax, national insurance, essentials and paying a mortgage compared with 76 per cent at the time of the 2010 General Election. A working family with two children and one parent working part time saw ability to buy fall by 5 per cent in the last five years. This reflects higher childcare costs, rising house prices and slow earnings growth. This family is left with 41 per cent of its income after tax, national insurance, essentials and mortgage payments, 42 per cent at the time of the last General Election. Ability to buy for both the childless working couple (minus 1 per cent) and the family with two kids (minus 6 per cent) have declined in the past year. whatmortgage.co.uk
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
Casa Los Calistros IA 1713 Albox
Cortijo Ayén IA 1705 Velez Rubio
Country house for renavation. Ground floor: kitchen, bath & 2 beds. 1st floor: 1 bed & kitchen. Next to the house a piece of land & one in the front. Good access & beatiful views of natural landscapes
Farmhouse detached For ronovation, with 6 hectares of land. It features 3 beds, bath, rooms, lounge with fireplace. Electricity & water connected. Beautiful views of the natural landscape with many trees almond.
Casa Amarilla IA 1529 Albox
Villa Tarai IA 1008 Arboleas
50,000€
60,000€
OLV143
This characterful village house is tucked up one of the pretty back streets of Bedar village. The property boasts three bedrooms and a good sized roof terrace with great views of the village and the coast. Now reduced!
145,000€
Beautiful villa, newly built. Built with quality materials & finished to a high standard. 620m2 plot fenced gravel & pool. 3 beds, wardrobes, en suite to master bed, a bath Amazing views over the mountains.
144.999€
Plaza Nueva, 9 Albox (Almería) Telf. 950 120 406 info@inmobiliaria-almanzora.com www.inmobiliaria-almanzora.com
OLV911
ANTAS Los Raimundos
This very spacious village house has been restored to a high standard. It has 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and is situated between Bedar and Antas in a small village. The property also includes a small piece of land with fruit trees. A real bargain!
NOW 79,950€
NOW: 85,000€
OLV688
Big house nr Albox, quiet area. Private garden with walls & BBQ area. Ground floor living room with fireplace, kitchen, 2 beds, fitted wardrobes & bath.Upstairs :2 beds, 2 baths, 2 terraces & a living room
BEDAR
...it’s all in the detail
Lubrin
OLV747
SORBAS Gaffarillos
A superb newly reformed single storey house, in an area of outstanding beauty, finished in December 2012. This fabulous 3 bed property has an additional large annex and a large ruined house on the 2 hectares of land. An incredible buy.
This 3 bed, 2 bath detached, country villa is a rare
NOW ONLY 129,950€
Recently reduced 135,000€
find situated in a beautiful and scenic location, just a 25 minute drive from the stunning coastal resort of Agua Amarga in the Cabo de Gata National Park.
www.soltimes.com
Barbeque Care
Gas Care
Important LPG Safety Tips Store cylinder in a well ventilated area Use a cylinder sealing plug or a Gasfuse to reduce danger from leaks Always keep cylinder upright Have your cylinder safety inspected every 10 years Connecting The Gas Cylinder Before connecting the cylinder, inspect the hose, fittings and rubber seals If there is any sign of splitting or wear, have the hose replaced
PROPERTY supplement
23
Home Sweet Home Property Services CALL 950 121 936
EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM
BUY SELL RENT MAINTAIN
Make sure all connections are tightened with a spanner and then conduct this simple test: Turn the gas on at the cylinder without turning on the cause static electricity to build up barbeque Do not light a flame or cigarette close to the cylinder Brush soapy water on all the connections Always keep bottle upright and protected from falling If bubbles appear, then there is a leak
Alternatively use a Gasfuse to conduct this test quickly and more thoroughly Keep the hose free of knots & kinks To prevent gas leaks connect a Gasfuse to cylinder Transporting a Gas Cylinder Ensure cylinder has been leak tested Do not store cylinder in a plastic milk crate as this may
over Drive with the windows open Do not leave the cylinder unattended in a vehicle Do not expose the cylinder to direct heat or sunlight in a vehicle or exposed area Drive slower and with care www.barbequesgalore.com.au
VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL
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
RENTALS?
Short and long term lets available, in & around Camposol. More properties also needed.
For more info, contact Tracey Tel: 0034 699107072 Email: camposolvillas4rent@yahoo..co.uk Web: camposolvillas4rent.co.uk
TREE SURGEON & GARDENER EST. OVER 25 YEARS Tel: Nick (+34) 634 396 327 (+34) 699 107 072 Email: rockatree@hotmail.co.uk
detatched cortijo reduced
bargain
â‚Ź125,000
20 mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views.
649 186 107
or email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com
3 bed park home for sale
price â‚Ź59,000
Situated a short walk from the village of Los Lobos, the property comprises of 3 bedrooms, 1 with en suite bathroom, a large lounge/diner, fully fitted kitchen, shower room, private garden and parking. The rear terrace benefits from a spacious lifestyle enclosure with mountain views.
Tel: 634 351 907
PROPERTY supplement
24
April 2015
BP taking more oil from Iraq
BP has been lifting more crude oil cargoes in the past couple of months as payment for its work in southern Iraq, and is comfortable with that level of shipments, a senior executive of the oil company said on Monday.
Low oil prices and the fight against Islamic State have forced Baghdad to delay billions of dollars of cash payments which it owes to international oil companies (IOCs), so they have been allowed to take oil shipments instead. Michael Townshend, BP’s president in the Middle East, said current total production from Iraq’s giant Rumaila field was about 1.4 million barrels per day and was expected to remain steady in 2015.
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“In terms of the position we have on Rumaila, the payments have picked up and I’m comfortable where they are,” he told reporters in Abu Dhabi. “We get paid by liftings...either out of Ceyhan or out of the south...We certainly got more liftings in the last couple of months.” He did not give details of the liftings.
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BP has also extended an agreement with Iraq’s Ministry of Oil to help arrest declining production at the huge northern Kirkuk oilfield, Townshend said. Kirkuk is currently disputed between the central government in Baghdad and Iraq’s Kurdish region. “We had a letter of intent, which was for a year, and we extended that until the end of this year because there was a time last year where we couldn’t do anything productive.” Under the deal, BP works on the Baghdadadministered side of the border with the Kurdish region, on the Baba and Avana geological formations. Kirkuk’s third formation, Khurmala, is controlled by the Kurdistan regional government. BP, along with other IOCs, is in talks with Baghdad cover the technical service agreements under which they develop Iraq’s southern fields. Investments in the fields are made by the foreign firms, which are then supposed to receive perbarrel fees. But low oil prices have made this arrangement difficult for the financially strapped Baghdad government. Iraq’s finance minister told Reuters in March that Baghdad was planning to change the way it operated exploration and production contracts with companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, BP and Exxon. This may eventually move Iraq for the first time to production-sharing contracts, in which revenues are divided, from service contracts in which oil firms are paid a set fee. Townshend said IOCs had presented the Ministry of Oil with some proposed amendments to their contracts. “They’ve asked for our ideas - they’ve asked all the IOCs for ideas,” he said, declining to comment on whether the ministry had responded. Reuters.com
viewpoint
John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu
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No Entry
The Krypton Factor
With the democratically elected government once more in control of the Remitroot crop Alquerian affairs settled into their usual dysfunctional state. Manuela’s affairs however became more numerous, inventive and exhausting, so much so that she neglected her ministerial duties. The assistant Prime Minister took control of the decision making mechanism, unfortunately Loco Paco was that assistant. To say that Paco was a ‘loose cannon’ would be an understatement, a loose regiment of heavy artillery would be nearer the mark. Loco Paco decided unilaterally to design and implement a one-way road system in Alqueria. Manuela was unaware of Paco’s attempt to justify his salary by tampering with the Republic’s transport system. She was more interested in being tampered with by her retinue of male friends. Alqueria’s roads were in need of attention however, a system of loosely connected potholes was how one astute motorist described them. The white lines down the road’s centres had long since been worn away. Not that they were of any use as it is necessary to zig-zag across the road’s centre to avoid the ever more numerous craters. Some sections of the road system looked as if they had been freshly shelled by some belligerent howitzer battery. Paco burnt the midnight oil. While poring over maps of the Village he made copious notes on the backs of numerous cigarette packets. Eventually when he was satisfied with his jottings he armed himself with a shovel, loaded a score of one-way signs into a wheelbarrow and set off in the dead of night on his self-styled mission. As the morning sun rose over Alqueria’s terracotta roofs so the extent of Paco’s
handiwork became obvious. An itinerant guinea pig gelder drove past the first oneway sign and was directed up a narrow thoroughfare where his vehicle became irrevocably wedged. He was a resourceful man however and simply painted his car white and proceeded to live in his now permanently stationary vehicle. The morning Valium delivery van was already on a stretch of road when the signs were erected. He found it impossible to leave the oneway system and drove in circle after endless circle before running out of petrol. Abandoning his truck he now sits twitching and muttering in the Bar La Casa Devante drinking neat Remitroot whisky through clenched teeth. Manuela was soon dragged from her bed by numerous complaints, a unique experience for her as she is usually dragged to it. She acted immediately fearing her bed and its occupants would soon cool. She simply set fire to Paco’s lovingly erected signs. Paco was put where he couldn’t do any harm as Alqueria’s Minister of Defence. What damage could a clinically insane individual who has completely lost his grip on reality do in this job? After all people with Paco’s shortcomings occupy similar posts the world over.
EDUCATION MATTERS!
For those of you with children over here who would like to keep your children up to date with the requirements of the UK national curriculum the following article aims to provide you with some tools and information on how do so. There have been a lot of changes to the primary curriculum in recent year with a new primary curriculum coming into force in September last year. The emphasis of which was the slimming down the curriculum with the exception of English and maths. One of the main changes meant that children will have to cover subjects particularly in maths and science up to two years earlier than their peers in top performing nations. Education the UK is divided into Key stages they are as follows: The Early Years’ Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum Key Stage 1 Ages five to seven (Years 1-2) Key Stage 2 Ages seven to eleven (Years 3-6) Key Stage 3 Ages eleven to fourteen (Years 7-9) Key Stage 4 Ages sixteen to
nineteen (Years 12-13) This article deals with primary education, Key Stages 1 and 2. Pupils in year 2 and year 6 will sit this years exams in May 2015 based on the previous requirements. New tests will be brought in force in 2016 for the current Year 1 and Year 5 pupils. For examples of the new requirements visit https:// w w w.gov.uk /government / collections/national-curriculum. An example of this would be that children are now expected to know their 12 times tables by age 9. The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils, develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the disciplines biology, chemistry and physics. This sounds a lot like what my secondary school would have expected. An example is that children in year 6 when studying electricity are required to: “compare and give reasons for variations in how components function, including the brightness of bulbs, the loudness of buzzers and the on off switches”.
If it’s not one thing it’s another - as soon as one animal-based problem is resolved another looms over the horizon! In fairness the latest upset is not of their doing; it’s all to do with sleeping arrangements. We sleep in the bedroom with the door open, so that the dog, who sleeps in the living room, can alert us (well, me) if she needs to go out during the night. The cats have the kitchen, and a very expensive cat flap. They can come and go as they please throughout the hours of darkness, and they do – I hear the flap clack periodically during the night. All fine, except that a stray cat has taken to coming into the kitchen. He comes after we have gone to bed, and leaves before we are up in the morning, but I know he has been because he leaves his odorous mark behind. I don’t know why he comes in – there is no food for him to finish, but he still comes in. The cat flap can work on a magnet, so that it will only open for the cat that is wearing the magnetised collar. As yet they have no collars, magnetised or otherwise, so we bought them collars. These were bought fastened up, so the first thing we had to do was open them – no problem, the label said, easy opening. It seemed straightforward. Pete and I took a collar each. All we had to do was push the sides and they should pop open. But they didn’t. We pushed. We pulled. We turned
Another significant requirement is for children to learn coding, you may have seen the Barclays advert showing children changing inputs to change the movements of a character. try this link https://scratch. mit.edu/starter_projects Here there are several opportunities for the children to try. Not all schools have to follow this curriculum academies with freedom from local authority do not have to follow the curriculum but still sit the tests. The majority of state schools follow this curriculum. For examples of the requirement try the TES website https://www.tes.co.uk/ primary-teaching-resources/ Once registered you will get regular e mails with resources. This is only a start to looking at how to help your children, future articles will look at different Key Stages in more detail and feature subject specific advice. by Steve Conroy recently retired primary Head teacher
25
By Jos Biggs
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk them the other way around and jiggled them. We turned them inside out. We pushed the middle instead of the sides. We investigated whether there was a hidden clasp within the material of the collars. There wasn’t. By now I was out of collar tolerance. ‘Easy opening – Pah!’ I said as I went off to do something easier, like memorising the periodic table whilst riding a unicycle. But Pete stuck at it. He pushed it, he pulled it, he jiggled it, he turned it every which way, he worried at it like terrier after a postman’s leg. Then he got the paperknife and jammed it in the catch, and presto! One open collar! He had passed our own Cat Collar Krypton Factor, which I had failed. We put the collars on the cats, and we all, cats included, hated them. They are off again now, and Plan B is being implemented.
National Garlic day has just passed but heres 5 Garlicy facts
1. YOU CAN EAT MORE THAN JUST THE STANDARD GARLIC CLOVE -When you think “garlic,” you inevitably picture garlic cloves, but despite the ubiquity of that particular image of the plant, it’s not the only part you can eat. Hard-neck varieties of garlic produce “scapes,” green shoots that can be especially delicious and tender when they’re young. Think of them as garlic-flavored scallions. They also make a wonderful addition to pestos, soups, and butters. 2. CHINA PRODUCES THE MOST GARLIC - Garlic is native to central Asia and has long popped up in European and African cooking, too. But it’s China that currently holds the record for most garlic grown. Per a 2012 study, China grows a staggering two-thirds of the world’s garlic, believed to be around 46 billion pounds per year. 3. AVERAGE CONSUMPTION OF GARLIC IS BELIEVED TO WEIGH IN AT AROUND TWO POUNDS PER PERSON - Even with just two pounds, that means eating roughly 302 cloves per person per year, as each clove typically weighs about three grams. 4. GARLIC’S HEALTH BENEFITS ARE MYRIAD, INCLUDING AN ABILITY TO REDUCE CHOLESTEROL - The best way to release the health-happy power of garlic is to cut it, which then turns garlic’s thio-sulfinite compounds into allicin, an antibiotic and antifungal that is believed to reduce “bad” cholesterol, as it inhibits enzymes from growing in liver cells. 5. ALLICIN IS ALSO GOOD AT COMBATING HEART DISEASE - Allicin helps nitric oxide release in the blood vessels, relaxing them and thus bringing about a drop in blood pressure. Keeping blood vessels relaxed and lowering blood pressure is good for the heart and the rest of the vascular system (and it’s tasty).
puzzle pages
26
The X Factor Live Tour 2015
April 2015
The Open 2015
Michael McIntyre Happy & Glorious Tour Following the successful “Showtime” tour 2013
Now is your chance to see The X Factor live
Experience The Open at the Home of Golf. Practice day tickets from £10
BOOK YOUR TICKET PLUS MUCH MORE - LOG ON TO WWW.SOLTIMES.COM
sol picture quiz ! can you name these famous Painters?
1
2
3
4
5
wordsearch Les Misérables
Find and circle all of the names and items from the novel Les Misérables. The remaining 47 letters spell a secret message.
ANSWERS
1. Edouard Manet 2. Claude Monet 3. Salvador Dal 4. Vincent van Gogh 5. Pablo Picasso
on this day april 23
1348 – The founding of the Order of the Garter by King Edward III is announced on St. George’s Day. 1521 – Battle of Villalar: King Charles I of Spain defeats the Comuneros. 1661 – King Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland is crowned in Westminster Abbey. 1927 – Cardiff City defeat Arsenal in the FA Cup Final, the only time it has been won by a team not based in England. 1985 – Coca-Cola changes its formula nd releases New Coke. The response is overwhelmingly negative, and the original formula is back on the market in less than three months.
soltimes cRICKET Quiz
1. Which three counties did Ian Botham play for?...................... 2. Which country do Donald, McMillan and Cronje play for?..
soltimes moon Quiz
1. Which album spent a record 741 weeks in
3. What was the result of the
the US album chart?.....................................
1995-96 Test series between South Africa and England?........
2. The dwarf planet Pluto has three moons.
4. What does the abbreviation
Name one....................................................
‘st’ stand for?...........................
3. What are members of the Unification
5. Who was the first batsman
Church called?..............................................
to score 10,000 runs in Test
4. In Star Trek, what is the name of the earth
cricket?....................................
colony on the moon?....................................
6. The Oval is the home of
5. In the 1964 film The First Men in the
which county?..........................
Moon, the first lunar astronauts are shocked
7. Which county did Jack Hobbs
when they find which flag already on the mo
play for?...................................
on?..............................................................
8. Who won the county
6. Who is the Greek goddess of the moon?...
championships in every season
7. What are the first 8 words to the song Age
Answers
CRYPTIC crossword
7. When the moon is in the 7th house 8. Moon Unit 9. 12 10. When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie
CROSSWORD
1. Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd) 2. Charon, Nix and Hydra. 3. Moonies 4. New Berlin or Neu Berlin 5. Union Jack 6. Selene
SOLUTIONS
wordsearch answer
9. Who did Ray Illingworth replace as England’s chairman of selectors?............................. 10. At which ground did Malcolm take nine wickets in a 1994 Test innings?....................
Answers
squiggle SUDOKU
happens?.....................................................
standard SUDOKU
10. In the song, ‘that’s amore’ is when what
easy SUDOKU
?..................................................................
PATRON-MINETTE PRISON RECONCILIATION REDEMPTION REVOLUTION RUE PLUMET SEWERS SOLDIERS STUDENTS SUICIDE THE SEINE THENARDIER VICTOR HUGO WEDDING
LES MISÉRABLES IS ONE OF THE LONGEST NOVELS EVER WRITTEN
9. How many men have walked on the moon
FRANCS FRENCH GAVROCHE GORBEAU HOUSE INNKEEPER INSPECTOR JAVERT JEAN VALJEAN JUNE REBELLION MARIUS MAYOR MERCY MONTFERMEIL NOVEL PARIS
5. Sunil Gavaskar 6. Surrey 7. Surrey 8. Surrey 9. Ted Dexter 10. The Oval
8. What did Frank Zappa name his daughter?
from 1951 to 1958?...................
ARGOT AZELMA BARRICADES BISHOP MYRIEL BREAD CONVENT CONVICT COSETTE DOLL ENJOLRAS EPONINE FACTORY FANTINE FEANCE
1. Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham 2. South Africa 3. South Africa won 1-0 4. Stumped
of Aquarius?.................................................
puzzle pages
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27
SUDOKU PUZZLE s
Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
standard
ACROSS
easy
squiggle
1 Maker of vehicles starts to set up Zimbabwe-United Kingdom ideas (6) 5 If you want to go places, you’ll need this to hand over drink! (8) 9 Some gruff lot - ill and fleet (8) 10 Irritable etc, taken in by thy... (6) 11 ...shattering production - tidy! (10) 12 You start with what you use to hear for a period of time (4) 13 One insisting on the details trickles out (8) 15 Crude part of meal, we hear (6) 16 Mistakes are back, outside of animal (6) 19 Get Al with opening line, covering many problems (5-3) 21 Dynasty with a flavour? (4) 22 Japan’s first cake shared out with China for martial arts actor (6,4) 25 Joined in friendship by German song after a long start (6) 26 United Nations fellow returns den without a crew (8) 27 Mostly sense Shanghai’s first gun could lead to comfort (8) 28 Cure most of the well-being (6)
Down
2 In France, a bed is dark (5) 3 Extreme part of long-haul trade (5) 4 I will create gale - it’s outlawed! (7) 5 Use this to cover a cut on the wall? (7) 6 Evil destroys, as I can’t (7) 7 A bit of money for domesticated animal - shy cat, perhaps (5,4) 8 Hears “genuine” outside practice (9) 14 Waterproof canvas to pitch Mr McCartney in (9) 17 Rowing a river, going with turn for nothing (7) 18 Decide commercial arbitrator (7) 19 16, maybe, as Chinese Union leaders crash with Spock! (4-3) 20 Dodgy MP I hurt with victory (7) 23 Dance seen in “Falcon Games” (5) 24 Ward off a former soldier, without final war (5)
FOOD & DRINK
April 2015
ng ssi re D on m Le i ill Ch A ith W d la Sa on lm Sa ed ok Hot-Sm starter redients:
cumin. Serve These fritters are lightly spiced with as a starter or nibble
Ing
300g raw peeled king prawns 340g can sweetcorn, drained 2 tsp cumin seeds 100g self-raising flour small pack coriander, chopped bunch spring onions, chopped g sunflower or vegetable oil, for fryin
Method:
rn, half the cumin seeds, Put half the prawns, half the sweetco e seasoning into a food all the flour, 100ml water and som tip into a bowl. processor. Whizz until smooth, then and add to the mixture Roughly chop the remaining prawns cumin seeds, the coriander with the remaining sweetcorn and and spring onions. Mix well. oil to come 1-2cm up the In a large pan or wok, heat enough blobs of the mixture into the side of the pan. Spoon walnut-sized n and cook for 1-2 mins spoo hot oil. Squash down a little with a will have to do this in (you crisp and each side until golden brown serve warm. batches). Drain on kitchen paper and
Life-Enhancing Reasons to Eat Fish
You know fish is a great source of lean protein and nutrients, but a slew of new research has uncovered more amazing reasons to go fish Fish has a reputation for being low calorie, high protein “brain food,” thanks to the long strands of polyunsaturated essential omega-3 fatty acids (popularly referred to as “omega-3s”) found in fish oil. The human body can’t naturally produce omega-3s, but yet they’re needed for a healthy body, inside and out. Although the link between omega-3s and heart health has long been known, several new studies present even more evidence
week can help preserve gray-matter neurons Improve Skin and Hair: One of the biggest If the heart-health-boosting, waist-slimming properties drawbacks to a low-fat diet is you often deprive weren’t reasons enough to eat more fish, here are seven your skin and hair of the healthy fat it needs, more ways adding a dose of fish to your diet can improve leaving it dull and dry. Boost Brain Development: The EFA omega-3 found your health. in salmon and other nutrient-rich fish are essential Prevent Heart Disease: A Danish study of 49,000 women nutrients for children because they contribute to that was published Monday in Hypertension: Journal of brain development. the American Heart Association found that women who Stronger Sperm: A recent study of 188 men found ate little to no fish had 50 percent more heart problems that those who ate more fresh fish — along with than those who ate fish at least once per week. other healthy foods had stronger swimmers than Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk: Eating fish as little as once a those who ate unhealthy diets. that fish high in fatty acids is essential for total-body wellness.
Hot-Smoked Salmon Salad With A Chilli Lemon Dressing
This delicious salad is thrown togeth er in minutes to make a fresh, seasonal dish that’s stylish enough for entertaining
Ingredients:
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/
500g new potatoes, halved 200g pack asparagus tips 250g bag mixed salad leaves (including young beetroot leaves and watercress) bunch parsley & mint, leaves picked & chopped 140g radishes, thinly sliced
8 x hot-smoked salmon steaks, skin removed 4 spring onions, sliced For the dressing 3 tbsp lemon juice 125ml olive oil 1 tsp wholegrain mustard 2 red chillies
Method:
Main
Boil potatoes in salted water for 10 mins unti asparagus tips for the final 2 mins l tender, adding the of cooking. Drain and allow to cool. Whisk toge ther the salad dressing ingredients. then season to taste. In a large bowl, toss together the potatoes, asparagus, salad leaves, herbs and radishes. Add two-thirds of the dressing, thor oughly mix thro spread the salad over a large platt ugh the salad, then er. Break the hot-smoked salmon into large chunks, then scatter over the top along with the spring onions. Finish by pouring remaining dressing over the top.
FOOD & DRINK... FOOD & DRINK...
FOOD & DRINK... FOOD & DRINK...
28
Frozen Cheesecake With Baileys & Chocolate Dessert
always have a show-stopping Make this on a rainy day, and you’ll for an unexpected sunny one! dessert tucked away in the freezer
Ingredients:
250g unsalted butter 2 x 250g packs digestive biscuits dark or milk chocolate, grated For the filling
500g soft cheese 200ml double cream 100g caster sugar 500g tub vanilla ice cream
200ml Baileys 50ml shot espresso, or strong coffee, cooled
Method:
food microwave. Put all the biscuits in a Gently melt the butter in a pan or with bash and ag ble-b dou (or , but not too fine processor and pulse until crumbled bs. crum the into a rolling pan). Stir butter a tomed or spring-form tin and line with Take the base out of a 20cm loosebot in. back base the put you re the sides, befo large sheet of cling film to come up and parchment. Tip in the crumb mixture ng baki of e circl a with Line the base e whil set to ze base and up the sides. Free press down firmly and evenly on the you make the filling. soft, whisk in a large bowl until nice and Beat the soft cheese with an electric ice the Put my. beat until smooth and crea then add the cream and sugar and with , y-bit bit-b ure, mixt in the soft cheese cream into your largest bowl and fold e into the prepared tin, cover with mor Tip oth. smo l unti e coffe the Baileys and th. Freeze for 3 hrs, or up to a mon cling film and place into the freezer. of the zer 20 mins before serving. Lift out Bring the cheesecake out of the free e serv to olate choc ed grat with and top tin, using the cling film to help you,
Spanish Wines History
29
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FOOD & DRINK
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the appearance of a village around the monasteries was normal, ad with time many turned into wine cellars and wineries. The monks also brought new types of vine (different from the Spanish classes of vine) and new techniques. The Reconquest also reopened the wine exportation business and the city of Bilbao positioned itself at the head of it. Most of the wines sold at this time went to the English markets, where they were as highly valued as French wines. All in all, it was a great time for wine history in Spain.
Viticulture has been a part of Spain for what seems like forever, and that is not an exaggeration. There's evidence to prove that vines were planted in the Peninsula so far back as the Tertiary period (65 million to 2.6 million years ago!), long before the Phoenicians founded Cadiz and established it as a trading post, around 1100 b.C. The Carthaginians improved the wine Spanish wines in the New World making techniques of the Phoenicians when they arrived in the Peninsula, The discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus opened up the but the real wine history and culture began after the Romans won the Punic Wars against the Carthaginians and the Peninsula became part of the Roman exportation options, and the Spanish conquistadors took Spanish vines with them in order to start wine production in the new Spanish colonies. This was Empire, who named it Hispania. the beginning of wine history in the New World. By this time Spanish wines Wine history from the Romans to the Reconquest had reached such wordly fame that some of the biggest wine producing cities, The time Hispania spent under the like Cadiz, were being sacked for their wine. Also, wine production in the Roman rule was a golden age for colonies was so common that it started to affect Spanish exportation, which is Spanish wine. The level of exportations why Philip III banned the expansion of vineyards in Chile, a decree that was never ceased to climb, and soon it mostly ignored. was a product coveted by everyone. The 15th and 16th centuries saw a huge rise in the popularity of Spanish The two main production areas were wines, which were being produced in almost every area Tarraconensis near Barcelona in of the Iberian Peninsula. The Canaries the north and Baetica in the south (which are now called Tarragona and had just been conquered and wine Andalusia). After the decline of the production there had also started to Roman Empire, the barbaric tribes become popular, mainly thanks to the from the north of Europe invaded the islands strategic location in terms of Peninsula, and there is little information trade and climate. Canary wines, as that accounts for the viticulture and they were called, made a name for wine history during these times. Most themselves in every reign around probably, these tribes drank some kind the world and in wine history of rustic beer, and any wine they had for their excellent quality. Their downfall started with the came from trades or loots. Navigation Acts established Spanish Wine - Spanish wine history in 1661 and the creation of Things picked up again when the Muslims moved in. Even though the the "Canary Company" in Quranic laws forbids them from drinking any kind of alcohol, wine culture 1665, through which the improved in the Peninsula during their stay, specially because many never English sold Canary prevented Christians from producing their own wines. In fact, the Muslims wines at a lower like to eat the grapes that grew on the vines, and it was also quite common cost, successfully to dry them out and consume them as raisins. establishing a monopoly The Middle Ages brought monks from different orders from all over the on the wine. world to Spain, like the Cluny monks and the Cistercians. They played a very www.spanish-wines. important role in the establishment of the better places to produce wine. org In fact, many of the current DOs had their origin around this time, because
30
April 2015
A research team led by Shree K. Nayar, T.C. Chang Professor of Computer Science at Columbia Engineering, has invented a prototype video camera that is the first to be fully self-powered--it can produce an image each second, indefinitely, of a well-lit indoor scene. They designed a pixel that can not only measure incident light but also convert the incident light into electric power. The team is presenting its work at the International Conference on Computational Photography at Rice University in Houston, April 24 to 26. "We are in the middle of a digital imaging revolution," says Nayar, who directs the Computer Vision Laboratory at Columbia Engineering. He notes that in the last year alone, approximately two billion cameras of various types were sold worldwide. "I think we have just seen the tip of the iceberg. Digital imaging is expected to enable many emerging fields including wearable devices, sensor networks, smart environments, personalized medicine, and the Internet of Things. A camera that can function as an untethered device forever--without any external power supply--would be incredibly useful."
technology Computer Vision Laboratory, Columbia Engineering
A camera that powers itself!
Apple Watch To Smash Smartwatch Sales Record In First Week It’s been Apple Watch week and while the usual iHysteria queues won’t materialise outside stores due to the pre-order and appointment system the Cupertino giant has set up for its tech timepiece, smartwatch excitement is certainly at an all-time high. And, if analyst forecasts are to be believed, the Apple Watch is easily set to be the biggest selling smartwatch of all time – even going by the most modest guestimates. Slice Intelligence estimated 957,000 people in the US pre-ordered the Apple Watch when the online sales portal opened up on 10 April. Its report even stated the average devices per order was more than one, indicating that some Apple fans were happy to splash their cash on multiple models.
A leading researcher in computational imaging, Nayar realized that although digital cameras and solar panels have different purposes - one measures light while the other converts light to power - both are constructed from essentially the same components. At the heart of any digital camera is an image sensor, a chip with millions of pixels. The key enabling device in a pixel is the photodiode, which produces an electric current when exposed to light. This mechanism enables each pixel to measure the intensity of light falling on it. The same photodiode is also used in solar panels to convert incident light to electric power. The photodiode in a camera pixel is used in the photoconductive mode, while in a solar cell it is used in the photovoltaic model. Nayar, working with research engineer Daniel Sims BS'14 and consultant Mikhail Fridberg of ADSP Consulting, used off-the-shelf components to fabricate an image sensor with 30x40 pixels. In his prototype camera, which is housed in a 3D printed body, each pixel's photodiode is always operated in the photovoltaic mode. The pixel design is very simple, and uses just two transistors. During each image capture cycle, the pixels are used first to record and read out the image and then to harvest energy and charge the sensor's power supply--the image sensor continuously toggles between image capture and power harvesting modes. When the camera is not used to capture images, it can be used to generate power for other devices, such as a phone or a watch. Nayar notes that the image sensor could use a rechargeable battery and charge it via its harvesting capability: "But we took an extreme approach to demonstrate that the sensor is indeed truly self-powered and used just a capacitor to store the harvested energy." "A few different designs for image sensors that can harvest energy have been proposed in the past. However, our prototype is the first demonstration of a fully self-powered video camera," he continues. "And, even though we've used off-the-shelf components to demonstrate our design, our sensor architecture easily lends itself to a compact solid-state imaging chip. We believe our results are a significant step forward in developing an entirely new generation of cameras that can function for a very long duration--ideally, forever--without being externally powered."
The average of 1.3 watches resulted in an average spend of $503.83 per device. The cost of the muchanticipated wearable ranges from $349 for the 38mm Apple Watch Sport to $12,000 42mm Edition model that features 18-Karat Rose Gold and premium leather. In total, there are 38 Apple Watch designs, in various shapes and sizes to choose from. The Slice figures indicate that the 42mm model was the most popular size option, with 71 per cent of buyers ordering the bigger Apple Watch and that the Space Gray aluminium case (40 per cent) was the most popular finish.
Bomb Squad Robot Delivers Pizza, Saves A Man's Life
Sometimes, a kind hand holding out a pizza is enough, even if that hand is attached to the mechanical arm of a bomb squad robot. Last Monday, California Highway Patrol responded to a man standing with a knife on a San Jose highway overpass. After a five-hour standoff, the man left alive, thanks in no small part to the bomb squad robot. Police robots are traditionally used to inspect and, if need be, disable explosive devices. But they can also be disarming in other ways. Once it became clear to police that the man was armed and at risk, rather than confront him with officers they sent out a robot with a phone and a pizza.
However, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has stated the roughly 1 million pre-order forecast is on the low side, and has forecast worldwide shipments of 2.3 million devices by the end of May, based on the current delivery times. Kuo states that 85 per cent of people chose the cheaper Apple Watch Sport model when pre-ordering. His figures, which were reported initially by Apple Insider, are based on the full output of the current Apple Watch production setup, which he claims began in March. He states Apple will be able to hit 2 to 3 million units produced per month following the pre-order period. This difference in pre-order predictions reflects the wide discrepancies that we’ve already seen with regards to the overall sales and shipping forecasts of Apple’s debut wearable.
Sergeant Chris Sciba of the San Jose Police For example, back in November, Morgan Stanley Department told IEEE Spectrum reporter Tekla Perry: estimated up to 30 million Apple Watch sales in 2015 – [Because] delivering food is a way of encouraging based on 10 per cent penetration of the 300m+ iPhone someone to do something we want them to do, we sent user base. In contrast, last month Bank of America pizza with phone. We [instructed the subject] that if he Merrill Lynch, lowered its forecast for Apple Watch wanted the pizza released, to pick up the phone. The sales “to reflect a slightly more conservative view in robot was holding the pizza, it released the pizza once the near term” to just 9 million. the subject picked up phone to talk to negotiators. What is clear, is that the device once referred to It took several hours for the robot to get there, but about an hour after the robot (and the pizza) arrived, the man dropped his knife and calmly w a l k e d a w a y from the overpass. Disarming the situation
on rumour mills as the iWatch has been a long time coming – not just for Apple fans but for the smartwatch industry as a whole. With the Pebble considered a smartwatch success story after around 1 million sales, and Android Wear causing only a minor blip with its estimated 1 – 1.5 million device sales across its multi-branded range in the platform’s first year of existence, the Apple Watch could be the benchmark-raising saviour of a slowburning new tech genre. By Paul Lamkin, editor-in-chief of Wareable.
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Tel: 950 121 936
Talks & Workshops
MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s - Sewing Group Every Mon Fortuna Taking place every other Monday at Urb. Las Kalendas from 14:00. For further information email: mabsmurciane@gmail.com
Archaeological Museum
Every Day, Open from 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-20:00. Closed Monday mornings. At C/ Conde de Aranda. Tel: 968 493 287. Entry: Individual €1.20 Groups €0.60
A parkinsons Support Group
On Tuesdays at 11am At bobbie jo·s, los montisinos For a chat and a cup of tea For further information contact wally Williamson On 966 770 871
CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA & ALMERIA Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950
956 166 / 687 250 860
pals events
New reduced price. 450 Euros half board PORTUGAL 7 days 6 nights LISBON, OPORTO, FATIMA, OBISDOS and SALAMANCA on the way. 14th.>20th May. Pick ups in Mazarron area. Last few places Contact 626 460 465
fast events
Saturday May 9th Spring Dance at Marianos Restaurant with Barrington Tickets 6 euros Wednesday June 17th Coach Trip and tour of the 43 Factory Cartegena 18 euros To reserve seats/tickets visit us at our bookstall the 2nd and last Friday of the month on Camposol B outside Euronics or telephone Jean 646 737 479 0r Brenda 680 174 499.
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
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welcome events
Wednesday May 20th - Monthly dance with the popular Woody and the Peckers. €8. Wednesday June 17th - Ladies Day at Camposol Golf Club House. Stalls, fashion show, bingo, cold buffet, and dancing to Woody. €10. Wednesday June 24th - Summer Ball at La Cumbre Hotel, Puerto De Mazarron. Champagne reception, 6-course meal with all drinks, and dancing to Rob Sweeney. €27. Coach available at €5, and rooms at €50. 2015 TRIPS Wednesday December 2nd - Christmas shopping in Gibraltar, staying 3 nights half-board at Hotel Mac Puerto, Benalmadena. Full day in Gibraltar with all the British shops, 1 day in Malaga, and Ricky Levazza’s Christmas Show. Reserve now as this is selling fast. €175. Christmas in Benidorm, leaving on December 23rd for 4 nights 5 days full board at Hotel Helios. €250 including gala Christmas Day lunch. Valentine’s Weekend 2016. Following the success of this year’s trip, we’re going again to Hotel Mac Puerto, Benalmadena, for 3 nights half-board. More details when available, but including 2 trips. €170. For more information, call Rosemary on 620 105 179.
The APAH Dog Show
31
is on Sunday 26th April. It will be held in a small sports centre on Urbanisation Balcon de la Costa, just off the CV 95 outside San Miguel de Salinas. The urbanisation entrance opposite the Ford Garage will be signposted on the day to show where to turn off the CV95. The gate opens at 12.00pm and there will be an hour for the registration of dogs by their owners into the various classes. The judging starts at 1.00pm (or 1.15pm) if an hour turns out not to be long enough. There will also be various stalls for people to browse on and buy things. Some are APAH stalls, but there are quite a few businesses who are coming along with a variety of goods on offer. There will also be hot and cold food and drink available for people to buy. The entrance/registration fee for dogs/owners is 10 euros (unlimited class entry) and for spectators 1 euro (under 12yrs are free) and there will be programmes on sale with the chance to win a food hamper, which is drawn after the presentation of the Best in Show Trophy. All the information is on our web site www. apahrescue.org our Facebook site www.facebook. com/ApahRescueSanPedro or by calling 677 808 856.
Roman Catholic Church , Saladillo
Holy Mass Saturdays at 4.30 PM in English learn to paint Sundays at 4.30 PM in Latin Every Mon, Fri - Using watercolour, pastels or Eucharistic Adoration: last Saturday of the month at acrylics these are small classes on Monday and 3.15 PM. Further Information please call Friday afternoons at Playa Paraiso, La Manga. For Father Octavio 676 219 445 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
Ex-Servicemen’s Association Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006) EVENTS - 2015
Friday 8th May The Clubhouse Camposol “C” AGM and Lunch. Wednesday 10th June Costa Celebracion Rooms Mazarron Town Summer Dinner Dance and Grand Raffle Music with Martin RossWednesday 8th July Restaurante Ramonete, Lugar Las Librilleras, 30876, Lunchtime Menu, RM332 towards Aguilas. Membership and enquiries, Ian 629818611 or esamd_espana@yahoo.co.uk
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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Advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section Any single item up to 300€ is free of charge email:
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pool tables
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snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts. Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com
GOLD WANTED
Brother Punchcard knitting
IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT
machine in full working order with lots of xtras, can be seen working. Torrevieja Tel: 634 332 040 Teka
electric
fan
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oven with grill in white, timer for convenience. In as new condition
or EMAIL us Send your
April 2015
used rarely in holiday home, can deliver
and
install
reasonable
distance (qualified electrician). 125€, Motorcycle Helmet, full face/open by Caberg in silver 40€. Frank Thomas gloves 10€, Frank Thomas leather boots size 45/46 calf length 25€, The lot for 65€. Tel: 606 075 644 Kit to motorise up & over garage door, 75€, Tel: 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio)
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,
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electricians
Electrician available for all works Small or large.
Call Dave 693 251 562
davendonc@aol.com
TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE DELIVERED TO DOOR PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE
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English jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins
Call Peter
664 890 990
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Jake Jake was found wondering in the woods around La Marina, He is a very handsome Male Lab Mix, aprox 4 1/2 year old, neutered and house trained. Friendly obedient Dog a real joy to have around Please contact K9 or PHONE: 600 84 54 20 for more info
www.k9club.es
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
Dino is around 18 months old and was had been living on the streets for 2 weeks until he was finally caught. He is still a little shy but is getting more confident each day and is great with other dogs.
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
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Kiko is a beautiful 3 year old Yorkie and was rescued from a Perrera. He is a very friendly little boy and weighs around 4.4 kilos but is still very underweight. He is good with other dogs and would suit an older family.
Call: 645 469 253 info@petsinspain.info
www.petsinpain.com
33
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Phone Kate on 950 121 936 removals
James & Son Removals / Storage
UK, France & Spain personalshoppingfromtheUK (Argos,Screwfix,Wickesetc) Pet Transportation & Competitive Rates
0034 627 968 434 0044 7874 638 330 Email: jsinternational@mail.com
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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Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain
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
spas euro spas Spas at factory prices. Used & Ex display models. Spares & repairs. Part exchange Telephone 650 722 905
motoring section 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
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Knitmaster knitting machine in working order, please telephone, Torrevieja Tel: 683 058 558
wigs Salon Mar garetha 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.
situations vacant
SOLTIMES newspaper group are looking for a Bright, enthusiastic entrepreneur
Send your CV to cmm@soltimes.com or rob@soltimes.com
We have a business opportunity in our costa blanca area
semi skilled/skilled mechanic required full time position good rates of pay plus contract for the right applicant for more information
Do you enjoy a fast paced working environment? Do you want to manage your own time & business? Do you want to manage your income? please telephone If you have an outgoing personality with terry on bags of enthusiasm & enjoy the pressure 966 116 954 or of weekly deadlines then we would love to hear from you 696 650 430
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Looking for a car
We have a good selection of LHD & RHD vehicles for sale or exchange Quality cars purchased Telephone 600 726 221 or 965 687 976
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Vehicles registration
wanted
“RE-PLATE” MATE
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We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!
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Don’t take a chance! Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates 490€ plus Road Tax plus CO2 emission if applicable WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:
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wanted cars for cash
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tel: Tim on 662 211 993 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
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34
April 2015
animal corner
To advertise here call : 950 121 936
What our pets are trying to tell us
When your cat lies on its back and shows its tummy, does it want it stroked? Why does your bunny tremble all the time? And is there something about the way Fido wags his tail? video film that you can then slow down – as the researchers did – to make the difference visible to the naked eye, but other dogs can. Of course, dog owners have always felt that their canine companions are as subtle, complex and sensitive as any human – if not more so – and not the slavering, witless, genital-licking beasts they seem to be, but now they know.
Cats
We are – or so we like to tell ourselves – a nation of animal lovers. And like most lovers, it turns out that we are perennially obtuse and perpetually baffled by what the objects of our affection are trying to tell us. A plethora of recent studies have attempted to explain what various types of pet are trying to tell us:
Dogs
The latest research – from the University of Trento, Italy – claims that dogs wag their tails slightly more to the left when they are sad or apprehensive and slightly more to the right when they are happy. You may not be able to pick up on this without a protractor or
APAH
Space for a little one? Due to the neglect of her owner, Ellie a Labrador X lost one of her legs. It doesn’t stop her being a very lively and friendly dog wnho loves e v e r y b o d y. Living in the APAH kennels, she deserves a second chance in a home where people will love and care for her. To meet Ellie, please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.
Ellie
Not much more than a kitten herself, when she was rescued beautiful Goldie was pregnant and living on the streets. She’s now in APAH’s care and looking for a loving home. She is a sweet, affectionate cat and would be a joy to whoever adopts her. To meet Goldie, call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850
Goldie
www.apahrescue.org
A video put together by the Cats Protection charity (it wastes no funds on apostrophes) unmasks the true meaning of a cat showing you its tummy. It doesn't want it scratched – it's just a way of showing trust. Repay that gift by rubbing the cat's head instead. This may lessen by some infinitesimal fraction the almost infinite contempt in which your pet customarily holds you. Then again, the video also says that four out of 10 people believe their cat intentionally sheds hair to mark its territory, meaning that at least 40% of cats are entirely correct in their disdain.
Rabbits So cute! So fluffy! So quiveringly lovely! Yes, well – they're quivering because somewhere deep in their primal brains, they are aware that they are prey animals and are programmed to assume that everything, everywhere, is out to get them. So when you or a well-meaning child looms over them, they fear the worst and react accordingly. Better, according to rabbit experts, to interact with them at ground level and resist petting them too much.
Guinea pigs
No recent studies on these, but I take any excuse to remind you of my favourite fact from our resident guinea pig expert Emine Saner: the term for when these freakish fur lozenges run around and twist up into the air is "popcorning". You're most welcome.
Fish
Nobody knows. There was a study ages ago that claimed goldfish are quite happy swimming around in a tiny bowl with just a plastic castle and some blue gravel for company because they only have a threesecond memory. It sounds too good to be true and probably is. As with life, so with fish. http://www.theguardian.com/
Dog groomer makes pooch look like a lion with this hilarious haircut
T h a n k f u l l y, the groomer had left Stains with a This is the hilarious moment a pet dog arrived back massive fluffy from the groomers looking like a completely different mane - which animal - a lion. surrounded After going for the chop with a whole body full of fur, his face and Stains the dog returned feeling a little bit lighter, after ears - giving having most of it completely shaved off. him the air of a killer big cat. One pet owner was left in shock after bringing his dog back from the groomers to discover it had a whole new look
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Dog Groomer - Lion DogBald: Stains had his back completely saved, leaving him with a glorious fluffy main. He also had a unique looking fluffy tail, that contrasted hilarious with his bald body. And it seems Stains' good natured owner found the whole scenario hilarious, as he was unable to stop laughing throughout the entire thirty-six second clip. The laugh-out-loud footage was uploaded to YouTube on April 10 and has now clocked up more than 53,600 views. http://www.mirror.co.uk/
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35
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Film Review
The Hundred Foot Journey
“Food blends cultures and allows us to have just a little peek into someone else’s life. It’s about a hundred foot divide between cultures.” (Oprah Winfrey)
Hassan Kadam ( Manish Daval) is the “boy who knows.” Put it another way to give you a clue. “He has it.” He has a gift. Okay…The Kadam family flee their hometown of Mumbai after their restaurant was firebombed by a mob over an election dispute. Their livelihood is destroyed and tragically, their mama perishes in the fire. They seek asylum in Europe heading to London for a short while. They leave England disappointed and head into Rotterdam, gateway to Europe after Hassan’s remark to the Immigration officer that “the vegetables have no soul, no life,” in England. So much for English food. Dismissed like that. Mama Kadam had groomed him to replace her. “You cook to make ghosts. Spirits live on,” she had told him. The family reach the south of France, travelling by van, not the most roadworthy of vehicles, five children and papa. The brakes fail whilst driving close to the edge of the cliffs mid-Pyrenees, with breath-taking scenery. A knight in shining armour, or in this case, a young and attractive French sous-chef stops and offers assistance (Charlotte Le Bon). Stubborn papa (Om Puri, East is East & My Son the Fanatic) spots an abandoned restaurant for sale and seems determined to buy it against all odds. His children warn him it is unwise because the restaurant 100 feet opposite is a classy French restaurant called: Le Saule Pleureur (The Weeping Willow) in a traditionally French region. Who wants Indian food here? It doesn’t take long before an imperious and obnoxious Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren) comes snooping in her arrogant and contemptuous way with the intention of closing them down. To her refined way of thinking they represent “the death of good taste.” She takes a menu away then makes a shopping sweep of all of the crayfish, salmon and mushrooms that they need for their opening night. When the Kadams arrive at the market they leave almost empty-handed having to improvise. Papa is so incensed he declares war against Mallory. The story is based on Richard C. Morais’ 2010 book and is directed by Lars Sven (Lasse) Hallstrom ( Dear John 2010 and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen 2011). Two very different cultures and culinary tastes. “Indian cannot become French and French cannot become Indian,” spoken emphatically by papa Kadam. Will they ever be able to get on? Can both cultures be fused together so that the Maison Mumbai can co-exist alongside Le Saule Pleureur? Madame Mallory aspires towards gaining a second Michelin star and then potentially a third. We are told by Marguerite, the sous-chef who works for her that two stars is amazing but three is only for the Gods! So, explain why Hassan is instrumental in achieving Mallory’s
second star after such fierce rivalry. Hassan is certainly a star with his original and innovative approach, but there’s a little bit of romance thrown in for the sentimental measure. Have a heart. “And now the Gods will take him.” Not bad for a lad described by the media as someone who has emerged from the gutter (caniveau). Bastille Day is celebrated the restaurant is closed. Mumbai remains open. This highlighting the tension nationals towards the the main chef working France and unfortunately, French.” For the second Kadams find themselves restaurant is firebombed to stop the French men Consequently he is badly continue cooking until his the climax is reached and truce.
by the French and However, Maison is seen as sacrilege, felt by the French Indians. Jean-Pierre, for Mallory is loyal to racist. “France for the time in their lives, the struggling when their and Hassan attempts from destroying it. burnt and unable to hands heal. At this point the warring factors call a
Once the sparring ends we have unexpected romance and dancing to Charles Aznavour’s Yesterday When I Was Young. A new beginning. I suppose the author wanted the characters and readers alike to gain an understanding of what it’s like to be someone else. It’s what Atticus told Scout that you never quite understand a person until you step into his shoes. Differences create obstacles to friendship and harmony. Perhaps we should be looking for similarities? In the end, surely it is compassion that binds us together as a human race. Isn’t this what humanity is all about? Thank Morais for reminding us. The two restaurants may be 100 feet apart, with a main road dividing them but the journey taken by Mallory and the Kadams, mainly Hassan and papa is as the title implies, hard just like adopting a new culture and repressing your native culture. If you want a film that makes you feel good with the world, with differences reaching happy resolutions and a few nice surprises at the end then you might be as delighted with the film as I was.
REVIEW it by Carol Naylor. www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com - naylorcl@hotmail.es
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36
April 2015
Home & Garden
Porches and Patios We'd Love to Relax On
HOUSE CLEARANCE BAR CLEARANCE
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How to Turn Porches and Patios into Living Spaces Using basic interior design strategies, you can make your porch and patio into a second living room. To maintain continuity with the interior, use the same style, especially if a porch or patio is visible from the living room or family room. On the other hand, you may create a completely different mood, making your secluded porch or patio an exotic retreat. Weather drastically and rapidly affects your porch and patio furnishings, so buy outdoor furniture. Outdoor summertime furniture can withstand moisture and extremes of temperature. Wicker needs the protection of a porch roof in summer and must be stored indoors in winter. Metal furniture can withstand light summer rains but needs protection from winter weather in most areas. If in doubt, ask your furniture salesman. When decorating your porch or patio, keep these tips in mind: •Accessories: Potted plants — especially those that bloom — are a natural outdoor accessory. Pile a bunch into a child’s red wagon,
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antique wicker pram, or old wooden boxes. Hang lanterns (they look like paper but are made of weatherresistant plastic) surrounding electric light bulbs or votive candles. Painted wooden fruit and vegetables, dried or painted gourds, and marble fruits and vegetables are also festive for this outdoor environment. Flooring: Stone floors are a natural for the outdoors and usually need only an occasional hosing down to look great. Slate is a popular patio and porch choice, laid with grout or with moss or grass. Wooden floors on porches benefit from a good coat of paint (and perhaps a couple of coats of polyurethane). Choose a color that’s compatible with the color of your house’s exterior walls — maybe a color that matches the existing shutters. Area rugs create an unexpected but desirable indoor ambiance for outdoor areas. •Furniture for seating: Don’t put indoor upholstery on a porch because sun, rain, and dust will damage it. Instead, use wicker, teak, aluminum, wrought iron, or any material that can stand up to the elements. For comfort, choose cushions covered in special outdoor fabric. It’s washable and, stuffed with fiberfill, designed to stand up to the weather. The new versions of outdoor
cushions are plush and comfy, adding a certain luxe look to porch, patio, terrace, or balcony Arrange seating just as you would indoors, in close conversational proximity. Add tables for snacks, beverages, books, and magazines. If your children play here, provide a toy box for storage. Consider a hammock for extra seating and a great place for a nap. •Lighting: Porches have protective roofs and come equipped with overhead lights or wall sconces for evening use. Make sure your porch and/ or patio is adequately wired. You’ll need to plug in floor and table lamps (choose those engineered for outdoor use, with heavy-gauge cords, shatterproof bulbs, and shades made of outdoor fabrics). •Shelter: On porches, treat openings between porch posts with hangings that block sun and rain. Consider installing louvered shutters, painted to match the walls or other shutters on the house. Custom awnings are another option (but they can be a bit expensive). Or substitute wash-andwear sheets for awnings. You can add cotton tiebacks, held by cup hooks, which secure the curtains when you don’t need privacy or shelter from mild breezes. When it rains, you can undo the tiebacks and let the sheets blow dry. Shelter for open patios and terraces may come in the form of umbrellacovered tables, awnings, or freestanding tents to shield the area from sunshine or showers. •Walls: Porch and patio walls are usually the same color as POOL CLEANING your house’s exterior walls to YEARLY CONTRACTS keep continuity. But you can decorate them with hanging URBANISATIONS, REPAIRS, planters, ceramic tiles or MAINTENANCE & SERVICE plates, painted wooden plaques, a collection of FULLY LEGAL & INSURED decorative bird houses, and other appropriate items that 722 733 612 neither sunshine nor rain will damage. Email: premierpools1966@yahoo.co.uk http://www.dummies.com
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sport & motoring
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Bradleys Breakers
Bradley Breakers are the only English speaking breakers yard in the Costa Blanca area who have recently relocated from Los Montesinos to Catral. The much larger premises can hold thousands of second hand spare parts available for almost all vehicles from 1990. Bradley Breakers have been established for over 10 years. From the smallest part to a complete engine, they can find it quickly since all their stock is catalogued and available off the shelf. Everything has been fully tested prior to being sold and a warranty is offered. New stock arrives daily, so you are bound to find what you are looking for. The team speak many languages and are there to help you and offer advice and assistance where needed. Bradley Breakers are also specialists in scrapping vehicles, travelling anywhere in the Valencian area back to their premises using their grua and arrange all the paperwork to legally and correctly scrap your vehicle and pass onto you the ‘baja’, which shows the vehicle has been legally scrapped and so no longer liable for the annual SUMA bill. Even if you are missing a document, Bradley Breakers can get a duplicate for you, thus allowing everything to be done properly They also sell second hand cars and can carry out the owner transfers as well as offering a breakdown service. Find them in Catral, take junction 730 from the AP7 head towards Catral, then turn right at the roundabout, right again and you’ll see them. Tel: 965 723 270
607 848 332
619 986 934
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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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38
Open Day Success-despite the weather
Contrary to popular belief it is not always sunny and warm in Spain and the weather clearly demonstrated this on April 9th, which was cloudy and cold with very strong winds. Despite this, the SAMM Open Day proved extremely popular with over 70 visitors, English, Irish and German. They came from as far afield as Totana, Mazarron and Catral, all about an hour’s drive away; arriving at CTD in Los Narejos to find out about SAMM’s sailing activities, talk to the club members and see their boats. Among them were experienced, but lapsed sailors, keen to take up the sport
complete novices wanting to ‘test the waters’ and a young girl on holiday with her grandparents. Unfortunately the strong winds prevented some boats being moored on the
EUROGOLF SOCIETY THURSDAY 16 APRIL
On a dull, overcast Thursday morning, 60 members of the Eurogolf Society competed in the monthly Stableford competition along with playing for the Easter Cup trophy, at our home course La Marquesa. However, it didn’t take long for the sun to come shining through for a good day’s game of golf. Scores were very close today resulting in the winners being decided on count back. Congratulations to Paul Manning our monthly Stableford winner and winner of the Easter Cup trophy, coming in with a score of 36 points. Full results as follows: Gold Division: 1st Paul Manning 36 pts 2nd Bob Buckeridge 36 pts 3rd Pino Perito 36 pts Silver Division: 1st Franz Berndt 34 pts 2nd Gloria Manning 34 pts 3rd Morag Turner 34 pts
jetty, so the visitors could only be shown photographs and nobody could be given a trial sail. Everybody left their contact details and will be personally invited for a trial sail when the weather improves. A further Open Day is planned for the autumn. To find out more about SAMM please visit their web site www. sailingmarmenor.
a g a i n ,
April 2015
com
Stableford competition played on Tuesday were as follows: Competition Winner: Marilyn Eckersall 39 points Gold Division: 1st David Gregson 35 pts 2nd John Barraclough 34 pts 3rd Malcolm Foskett 32 pts 4th Sue Gillett 31pts Silver Division: 1st John Holland 36 pts 2nd Gordon Bourne 36 pts 3rd Dave King 35 pts 4th John Fairhurst 35 pts Bronze Division: 1st Marilyn Eckersall 39 pts 2nd Brian Heard 37 pts 3rd Ken Brett 37 pts 4th Gill Gordon 37 pts N.T.P’s 5th Sue Gillett 11th Clare DayeGretton 15th Tony Hitt 17th Mike Gillett Best front nine Hedy Paehlig 18 pts and best back nine Mike Gillett 21 pts
Bronze Division: 1st Gill Gordon 34 pts 2nd Eamonn Devine 34 pts 3rd David Valentine 33 pts Best front nine: Graham Cheetham 17 pts Best back nine John Hill 20 pts Nearest the Pins: 5th Ian Pegg 11th John Fairhurst 15th & 17th Dave Nicholls Football drawer winners: Joy Gray, Ken Enever, Morag Turner, Sue Gillett The results of the TOFFS weekly
More information about our friendly society can be found on our webpage www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk
Spanglish Golf Society
Spanglish Golf Society (in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Font del Llop on 15th April 2015. This was the fourth meeting of the new year for the Spanglish Golf Society and a group of 17 players visited the established course at Font Del Llop taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services. The weather forecast was for rain and we did get wet for 3-4 holes but later it was pleasant and sunny although the course was busy and the pace of play was very slow. The winners on the day were as follows: 1st – Brian Proctor – 37 points 2nd – Bob Hewitson – 34 points 3rd – Mike Probert – 33 points 4th – Chris Butland – 32 points Nearest the Pins – Mike Probert and Chris Butland
After the game we returned to the Spanglish bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a welcome meal prepared by the bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their support. Unfortunately less than 50% of the players returned to the bar(disappointingly without prior notification) and we used the prize fund to pay for meals that had been prepared and not used. Our next fixture is at Vistabella on on Wednesday 20th May 2015 and visitors and guests are welcome because this is very much a social golfing group rather than a formal golf society. If you are interested in joining the group call Paul Cawte on 966731223 or better still pop into the bar. Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at www. costa-blanca-greenfees.com.
25’95 €
39
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San Javier Golf Society Captain’s Dinner Friday 17th April, 2015 With a retiring Scottish Captain in Alex McLennan hosting his Captain’s Dinner having handed over the position to fellow Scot Roger McGeagh it looked at times more like a Burns Night dinner with the number of kilts on view. The other nations were not to be outdone and responded with a fine array of evening wear from both ladies and gentlemen, all of which got the evening off to a flying start. Add in an excellent meal and first class service from all involved at Crystals Restaurant, La Fuente, Campoamor, a few glasses of vino and a memorable evening was guaranteed.
MAZARRON FC 7 ESPINARDO ATLETICO 0
Mazarron further strengthened their play-off prospects with a restaurant patrons who had quickly remarkable 7-0 home victory over got into the spirit of the evening play off rivals Espinardo Atletico. and were most happily joining in the Fielding a strong line up Mazarron took the lead after 15 minutes when fun. Tolo’s cross was swept into the net A thoroughly good time was had by Alfonso. A minute later Alfonso by all and thanks go to Crystals for scored his second goal again from the meal and excellent service and Tolo’s cross. Espinardo were still in the game at this point and Carrasco to various members of the Society in the Mazarron goal had to be at who, led by Mick Hardy, made the his best with a number of important saves. evening an undoubted success. their guests but a number of other
Alfonso was causing all sorts of problems for the Espinardo defence and completed his hat trick after 33 minutes when he converted Liders cross with another fine shot enabling Mazarron to go into half time with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Following the excellent dinner, Alex McLennan made a short speech and a number of presentations were made to the winners of the season’s major competitions. Mick Hardy read out a note from Linda Herbert whose husband, and previous Captain, Roy had sadly passed away during the year. Following the presentations it was back to the music and the dance floor was soon awash not only with San Javier GS members and
Tel 902 750 190
In the second half, the game continued in similar fashion with Alfonso hitting the bar soon after the restart. After 55 minutes following a foul on Stalin, Tolo’s free kick was blocked and he fired the rebound over the bar. But Espinardo’s relief was short lived when Alfonso was fouled and his free kick was fumbled over the line by the keeper to give Alfonso his and Mazarron’s fourth goal of the game.
A minute later it was 5-0 when Tolo’s cross was volleyed into the net by substitute Manu. Alfonso was substituted after 68 minutes to rapturous applause from the Mazarron supporters but the action continued when Manu ended a fine run with a firm shot past a disconsolate Espinardo keeper to make it 6-0. The only surprise was that leading scorer Tolo, who had led the line well, was not on the scoresheet. However, this was rectified 15 minutes from time when he scored his 28th goal of the season to finish off a resounding victory for Mazarron who moved up into fourth position in the league as a result. Team: Carrasco, Lorca, Dani; Andreo (Juanillo); Juan Andreo; Enrique (Manu);Alfonso (Antonio Clares); Liders; Tolo; Stalin (Diego); Mateo. Man of the Match: Alfonso
Sergio Ramos, James and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the goals against a bold Málaga side who failed to make the most of their chances in front of goal. Real Madrid picked up three more points in the Santiago Bernabéu to keep the pace with Liga BBVA leaders FC Barcelona. Their 3-1 win over a bold Málaga CF on matchday 32 leaves the title race wide open in the remaining weeks of the season.
real madrid 3 malaga 1
The first 45 minutes of the game witnessed plenty of chances for both sides. Carlo Ancelotti’s side dominated at the start and took the lead on 24 minutes, when Sergio Ramos headed home Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick at the far post. Málaga could have equalised before the break but could not make the most of their chances, with Sergi Darder and Nordin Amrabat both going close. At the other end, Málaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni made a couple of fine saves to prevent Madrid from taking an unassailable advantage into the second half. The second half was even more open, and exciting. The Andalusians
looked to find an equaliser from set plays, while Madrid tried to score on the counterattack. They could have doubled their lead from the penalty spot but Cristiano Ronaldo struck the post. The game then took a new twist, bearing witness to two goals in two minutes. First James Rodríguez widened Madrid’s lead with a great shot into the far corner, but Málaga replied almost instantly through Juanmi’s header. However, Ronaldo finished the visitors off in injury time, converting Javier Hernández’s cross at the near post. The defeat leaves Javi Gracia’s side seventh in the table, while Madrid remain second, still well in the title race. lfp.es
Suárez and Messi kill off Valencia The Uruguayan scored the opener after just 60 seconds and then the Argentinian scored with the final kick of the game to give Barcelona a 2-0 win.Goals from Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi gave the three points to FC Barcelona in a mouth watering clash with Valencia CF at the Camp Nou, which the hosts ended up wining 2-0. The Uruguayan scored in the first minute to grab his 11th goal in the Liga BBVA, and then the Argentinian scored in stoppage time to notch his 400th goal for the Catalans. The first half made for compelling viewing. The Catalans took the lead in just the first minute thanks to a goal from Luis Suárez, who smashed the ball home inside the area after a pass from Lionel Messi. Despite this
disastrous start, Valencia dominated the first half and created a number of chances to score, but could not take any of them. Captain Dani Parejo had the best chance to level when his side were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute as Rodrigo Moreno was felled by Gerard Piqué, but the midfielder’s spot-kick was saved by Claudio Bravo. Barça improved in the second half and began to dominate the match. Messi, Neymar and Suárez got close to scoring but lacked a bit of fortune in front of goal, as Valencia struggled to reproduce their attacking flair of the second half. However, Messi sealed the points for Barcelona in the final seconds of the match, netting his 400th goal for the Catalan club. lfp.es