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German Canaries blaze suspect remanded
A German man who allegedly sparked a deadly forest fire in the Canary Islands by burning toilet paper has been remanded in custody, a court spokesman said Saturday. The blaze, which has torn through a wooded, mountainous area of La Palma, one of the lesser-known islands of the Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa, claimed the life of a park ranger shortly after it was started on Wednesday. Around 2,500 people have been evacuated from their homes to escape the fire, which the 27-year-old told police he had sparked accidentally. "The person suspected of having provoked the fire on the island
of La Palma, Scott Verdini Stump, will be remanded in custody," said a spokesman for the Canaries' High Court, Gonzalo Perez Ponferrada. He said the suspect was "being investigated for causing a forest fire through gross negligence". More than 350 people have been battling the blaze around the clock. A dozen helicopters and planes have also been dropping water above the affected area which continues to burn. Married father-of-five Francisco Jose Santana died battling the flames overnight on Wednesday. thelocal
August 2016
The top 5 offences drivers get done for during the summer Summer’s here, a greater number of drivers are on the roads and hopefully everyone has more time to get out and about and have fun. It is also during the hottest months of July and August that the Guardia Civil step up their safety campaign on the roads and are even more vigilant when it comes to safety regulations. According to Tráfico, last summer a total of 8.1 million car journeys were carried out on our roads. There were 200 car accidents and 225 people lost their lives as a result. In a bid to reduce the number of accidents, the DGT has put harsh sanctions in place. These are particularly punishing for the infractions that are repeated the most, some of which are detailed below. Speeding As much as 39% of all drivers fail to adhere to the speed limits in this country. For those that are caught, they face a sanction that ranges from 100 euro to 600 euro. A severe offence can result in the loss of up to 6 points from your license. Alcohol and drugs Between 6 and 12 June this year, a total of 2,283 drivers were reported by the Guardia Civil for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is after 145,636 tests were carried out. The majority tested positive for alcohol (1,616), while 667 were found to have driven with drugs in their system. With regards to the sanctions, those that were caught driving under the influence of alcohol were fined a minimum of 500 euro and lost 4 points from their license, although the most severe fines reached 1,000
euro and 6 points. For drugs, offenders received sanctions of 1,000 euro and lost between 4 and 6 points. Mobile phone This is one that you see on a daily basis yourself while driving around, and when people say that they’ve never broken the law; they probably have. This year, the DGT decided to install 150 new state-of-the-art technology radars that are capable of detecting whether a driver is talking on his mobile phone whilst in motion. This type of infraction is punished with a 200-euro sanction and 3 points from your license. Driving wearing flip-flops Although this may be an instinctive action during the summer, one that you do without even thinking twice about, it is actually illegal to drive a vehicle wearing flip-flops or any type of footwear that doesn’t do up at the back. This is obviously for safety reasons, as your shoe could slip off at any time and impede the correct use of the car’s pedals, therefore causing an accident. It is also prohibited to drive barefoot, or without wearing a T-shirt, as the latter could cause serious burns to the skin during an accident. Any of these three infractions could lead to a fine of 200 euro and the loss of 3 points from your driving license. Vehicle maintenance If your car is not kept in tip-top condition, you could be faced with a fine of 200 euro. Examples include lights not working, poorly visible license plate, worn down types or an out-of-date ITV sticker. Source: www.eleconomista.es
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Spain’s security forces begin discreet deployment in Mediterranean resorts
Heavily armed officers are now patrolling seafronts in Catalonia as well as access points to resort areas With the country on a level four terrorism alert in the wake of attacks in France and Germany, Spain is stepping up security throughout its Mediterranean coastline, with armed patrols and drones being rolled out to protect the millions of holidaymakers that will flock to its beaches over the next month. The attacks in France, as well as the situation in Turkey, along with the attacks last year in Tunisia, have prompted many vacationers to change their summer travel plans in favor of Spain, and particularly Catalonia. Catalonia’s regional government is aware of the danger and the impact any kind of attack would have on Spain’s tourism industry. In response, they have assigned large numbers of regional Mossos d’Esquadra police officers armed with submachine guns and assault rifles to resorts such as Roses and Lloret de Mar, where they are patrolling sea fronts and controlling access to beach areas. Jordi Jané, Catalonia's interior
airports and government buildings. Drones for Benidorm Further down the coast in Alicante province, Benidorm, one of Spain’s most popular resorts, is being patrolled by a drone.
minister, said that his own security services had warned of an attack in France. In June, the US State Department issued a travel alert warning its citizens about “the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation.” “The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events,” said the note. Following the attack in Nice on July 14, Catalonia’s regional premier, Carles Puigdemont, met with anti-terrorism officers. Jordi Jané, the region’s interior chief, said that his own security services had warned of an attack in France. At that point, armed units were deployed to resort areas as well as train and bus stations,
“We were pioneers, but other towns are now using drones,” says Carlos López of the Benidorm local police, and one of four officers responsible for the surveillance craft. The drones are mostly used for detecting swimmers in trouble, vessels which have gone adrift and smoke that could be a sign of a forest fire, a common occurrence in the summer months. But they are also useful in the detection of many other kinds of risk situations, said the officers. Over 18 million tourists visited Spain in the first four months of 2016 alone, representing a 13% rise from the same period last year. The country broke a record for international tourist arrivals last year with over 68 million visitors, of whom 1.5 million came from the United States, according to official figures elpais
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Health authorities reduce price of 14,500 medicines, saving families €14.6m
OVER-THE-COUNTER and prescription medicine has gone down in price, potentially saving Spanish households up to €14.6 million a year. Stomach protector Omeoprazol, anti-inflammatory Ibuprofen, and sleeping pills Lorazepam – also marketed as Orfidal – and Trankimazin are among the 14,479 types of medication which have reduced in cost. In total, pharmacies will save €126 million, since the
end price to the customer is lower when drugs come on prescription and the regional health authorities refund the difference to high-street chemist's outlets. A total of 11,735 different types of pills which have reduced in price are sold in pharmacies, and the other 2,744 are administered in hospitals. Not all of them are available without a prescription, although some, such as Ibuprofen, can be bought over the counter. In Spain, medicines cannot be bought off the shelf, except for vitamin pills and natural dietary supplements – painkillers such as aspirin and paracetamol, or cough, cold and 'flu remedies, are only available at the counter in registered chemist's outlets. thinkspain
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The ancient Olympic Games were primarily a part of a religious festival in honor of Zeus, the father of the Greek gods and goddesses. The festival and the games were held in Olympia, a rural sanctuary site in the western Peloponnesos. The Greeks that came to the Sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia shared the same religious beliefs and spoke the same language. The athletes were all male citizens of the city-states from every corner of the Greek world, coming from as far away as Iberia (Spain) in the west and the Black Sea (Turkey) in the east.
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Olympos was the home of the greatest of the Greek gods and goddesses. The ancient Olympic Games began in the year 776 BC, when Koroibos, a cook from the nearby city of Elis, won the stadion race, a foot race 600 feet long. The stadion track at Olympia is shown here. According to some literary traditions, this was the only athletic event of the games for the first 13 Olympic festivals or until 724 BC. From 776 BC, the Games were held in Olympia every four years for almost 12 centuries. Contrary evidence, both literary and archaeological, suggests that the games may have existed at Olympia much earlier than this date, perhaps as early as the 10th or 9th century BC. What’s that, you ask? A series of bronze tripods have been found at Olympia, some of which may date to the 9th century BC, and it has been suggested that these tripods may in fact be prizes for some of the early events at Olympia. The marathon was NOT an event of the ancient Olympic games.
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The marathon is a modern event that was first introduced in the Modern Olympic Games of 1896 in Athens, a race from Marathon northeast of Athens to the Olympic Stadium, a distance of 40 kilometers. The race commemorates the run of Pheidippides, an ancient “day-runner” who carried the news of the Persian landing at Marathon of 490 B.C. to Sparta (a distance of 149 miles) in order to enlist help for the battle. According to the fifth century B.C.ancient Greek historian Herodotus, Pheidippides delivered the news to the Spartans the next day. The distance of the modern marathon was standardized as 26 miles 385 yards or 42.195 km. in 1908 when the Olympic Games were held in London. The distance was the exact measurement between Windsor Castle, the start of the race, and the finish line inside White City Stadium. NUDITY AT THE GAMES? There are two stories relating to the question of nudity at the ancient Olympic Games. One story states that it was a runner from Megara, Orsippos or Orrhippos who, in 720 B.C. was the first to run naked in the stadion race when he lost his shorts in the race. Another tradition is that it was the Spartans who introduced nudity to the Olympic Games in the 8th century B.C. as it was a Spartan tradition. It is not clear if
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the very first recorded victor at Olympia, Koroibos, who won the stadion race in 776 B.C. wore shorts or not. It seems fairly clear that by the late 8th century nudity was common for the male contestants. FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN Although the ancient Games were staged in Olympia, Greece, from 776 BC through 393 AD, it took 1503 years for the Olympics to return. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. The man responsible for its rebirth was a Frenchman named Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who presented the idea in 1894. His original thought was to unveil the modern Games in 1900 in his native Paris, but delegates from 34 countries were so enthralled with the concept that they convinced him to move the Games up to 1896 and have Athens serve as the first host. THE OLYMPIC FLAME The idea of the Olympic torch or Olympic Flame was first inaugurated in the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. There was no torch relay in the ancient Olympic Games. There were known, however, torch relays in other ancient Greek athletic festivals including those held at Athens. The modern Olympic torch relay was first instituted at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The Olympic Oath was introduced in 1920.
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August 2016
The Harry Potter and the Cursed Child script has become the fastest-selling book in the UK this decade. It has sold more than 680,000 copies in its first three days alone, beating Fifty Shades of Grey
which sold 664,478 in a single week in 2012. At its current rate, it is on track to become the second biggest single-week sales for a book since records began. That title is currently held by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, according to The Bookseller. The final novel in the Potter series sold 1.8 million copies - as well as 780,000 copies of the version aimed at adults - in its launch week in July 2007. ‘Phenomenal’ sales Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has also become the fastest-selling script book, said publishers Little, Brown. Meanwhile, the script has also sold more than two million print copies in North America in its first two days, according to publishers Scholastic. Reviewers have complained the script is an “incomplete experience” as the
harry Potter and the Cursed Child is fastest selling UK book this decade story “demands to be seen”, but theatre critics awarded the play five-star reviews. The stage production in London’s West End is currently sold out, but a new batch of 250,000 tickets is being released on Thursday. Written by Jack Thorne and approved by Potter author JK Rowling, the production focuses on Harry and Draco Malfoy’s sons - Albus and Scorpius. Kate Skipper, buying director at Waterstones, said she was certain the script would be the chain’s “biggest book of the year”. She said: “Our sales for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child script book have been phenomenal. We saw our biggest first day figures since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released in 2007 and after just two days’ sales Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is already our biggest-selling hardback since Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol in 2009. “By the end of this first week, we expect to exceed The Lost Symbol sales and to match the lifetime sales of our bestselling script book ever, An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley.”
MOVIE NEWS S
uicide Squad is a movie so spectacularly awful that it’s tempting to see it as a malignant singularity. But in the context of a summer that’s produced a nearly unbroken string of lackluster-at-best blockbusters, it looks more like a perfect storm, the product of everything that’s wrong with studio filmmaking happening at the same time. Like the movie’s “Team X,” which gathers together the world’s most notorious criminals, “Suicide Squad” is the worst of the worst — but it’s not alone, and that makes it indicative of a larger problem. As Kim Masters points out in her account of the movie’s troubled production in The Hollywood Reporter, the tempestuous backstory “barely stands out in today’s landscape.” Perhaps more alarming than Warner Bros.’ last-ditch attempts to salvage “Suicide Squad” are all the similarly uninspired summer tentpoles that apparently failed to set off alarm bells. “Independence Day: Resurgence,” “X-Men: Apocalypse,” “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” “The Legend of Tarzan,” “Jason Bourne,” “Warcraft“: This is what plays at the multiplex in Hell. What’s different this summer is that audiences as well as critics are giving big summer movies a pass: Of the year’s Top 10 domestic grossers, only three were released after Memorial Day, and none later than the middle of June. “Star Trek Beyond” and “Ghostbusters” may have some life left in them, and “Suicide Squad” would be guaranteed a big opening weekend if the movie were nothing but two hours of Margot Robbie in hot pants, but after that, there’s not much in the way of bright spots on the horizon. Help us, “Pete’s Dragon”: you’re our only hope. Perhaps audiences saturated in the apocalyptic rhetoric of the presidential campaign don’t feel like watching yet another movie about the end of the world, which might explain why children’s movies about talking animals comprise fully half of 2016’s biggest movies. (Four of the other five are comic book movies, and one is “Central Intelligence,” Hollywood’s latest excuse
to be surprised that people of color buy movie tickets.) But look at the string of duds through the bile-green lens of “Suicide Squad,” and the problem isn’t just that people aren’t in the mood. It’s an industry that now treats movies as extensions of intellectual property, not just first, but second and third; that neither knows how to create new stars or to use the ones it’s got; one that’s all but abandoned the middle ground where filmmakers aren’t hamstrung by budget limitations but aren’t spending so much that the studio can’t leave them alone. Watch “Jason Bourne” or “Apocalypse” or
“The Legend of Tarzan,” and you’re struck by their sense of purpose — or rather, their lack of one. They are the worst arguments for their own existence. “Bourne” has some memorable scenes, and “Legend” has half an idea about rewriting a colonialist fantasy for the postcolonial era, but the reasons they were made lie in quarterly earnings reports and licensing agreements, not artistic expression or even the desire to tell an involving story. The phrase that keeps coming back to me is from Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” when Arthur Dent asks why his house is being bulldozed to make room for a new highway: “It’s a bypass. You’ve got to build bypasses.” Plenty of great, or at least solidly entertaining, movies have been made for less noble reasons: “Captain America: Civil War” is no less a product of corporate imperatives than “Suicide Squad” — “The Sony deal closed, so can we get SpiderMan in here somewhere?” — but they’re filled
with enough grace that the pandering isn’t a big deal. There’s nothing wrong with giving people what they want, but you have to understand why they want it, and try to give it to them in a way they don’t expect. It’s more exciting to unwrap a present when it doesn’t look like a bicycle covered in wrapping paper. With a pre-existing fanbase who will see just about anything with a familiar logo upfront, these movies aren’t even products to be sold so much as imperatives to be obeyed. They’re not made for people; they’re made for robots. As Mark Harris pointed out in his 2014 essay, “The Birdcage,” Warner Bros.’ Kevin Tsujihara is the first person to ascend to the position of studio chief with no experience in filmmaking: His background is in “brand extension and ancillary divisions,” and according to Masters’ “Suicide Squad’ article, what really upset him about “Batman v Superman’s” reception was “the damage to the brand.” When branding is all you care about, branding is all you get: Actors striking fetching poses and rattling off trailer-ready lines rather than building actual characters; a company that specializes in two-minute trailers consulting on a feature-length film; movies like toy chests so stuffed full of action figures they won’t close. Something else you get: People staying home, or lining up to see movies starring Helen Mirren and Sally Field, or weirdo allegories about loneliness in which Paul Dano rides Daniel Radcliffe’s farting corpse like a jetski. Tsujihari is right to worry about brand fatigue, but the brand that’s in danger is event movies as a whole, the ones studios count on people feeling like they need to see no matter what. As the producer Keith Calder wrote on Twitter, “Bad movies piss in the pool that we’re all trying to convince audiences to return to. A bad movie is a hostile act against the film industry.” There will always be people young, foolish, or bored enough to see what marketing tells them to see, but taking them for granted is the best way to assure that their numbers will dwindle. http://www.indiewire.com/)
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The Original Copper Heeler® took 18 months to develop. The design is so important. It has to be ultra thin, moulded to the shape of the foot, and light-weight for maximum comfort. Initial trials proved tremendously successful in providing relief from Arthritis and joint pain and the company experienced incredible results and testimonials. Worldwide, more than 9 million people are using heelers to relieve their pain.
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August 2016
NEWS FLASH
breaking news....breaking news....
11
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Windows Tools to Remember Part 1
setting to get you surfing again; Correct when a windows update goes wrong. This is a short list of things that can be put right by windows itself. The Disk Defragmenter is the tool to maintain organisation. We all understand that windows can’t help but get fragmented files. In defence of Microsoft, they have rules and technologies that minimise the problems of file fragmentation, and have had them since DOS (remember that???). Since Windows 7 they have a built in, automatic scheduled defragmentation, which looks after the most of this and minimise the need for “Defrag-ing”. One word of warning! Don’t defrag Solid State Drives (SSD’s) as these wear out much faster than normal ones and because of their incredible speed, I doubt that you would be able to see the increase in speed after it was done! System Restore is one of those “Must haves“! There will be times when the only option is to go back to a previous day before a problem happened and reset the machine. I had someone come to my house with computer locked with “Ransomware”. I restarted the computer, got into the System Restore, restored it to an earlier date (no data is lost during the operation) and ‘Hey Presto’ problem gone. I did run a malware scan on it afterwards to find and removed the offending malware. Next week I will conclude the windows “must have” tools and why you need to know about them. So until next week, have a really wonderful week, avoid sun / heat stroke (both are different but just as dangerous), drink plenty of water (beer is acceptable but less of it :-) ), and basically enjoy the weather that we have come out here to enjoy. Contact me with whatever computer related problems you have. Until next week :-)
Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. If you need professional computer help, you can contact me at make to appointment at my workshop or clinic (which is at Maloan’s bar in Albox). There are hidden Windows tools that can prolong your PC’s life and save you if disaster strikes. We tend to take it for granted that our PCs “just work”. It’s easy to forget that (like any piece of technology) they need regular maintenance and fine tuning to prolong their life and keep them working smoothly. A number of often overlooked Windows applications can help you keep your computer up to speed. Some of the tools mentioned will rectify a problem. Others have features that are worth using immediately because they’re good preventive measures to ensure you’re protecting your PC, just in case! These tools are “TroubleShooting” (which is what I do), “Disk Defragmenter”, “System Restore”, “File History Backup”, “Windows Reliability Monitor”, “Windows System Image” and “Resource Monitor”. Trouble shooting is my favourite for a number of reasons. The first and foremost reason is that a group of people have found a number of common issues that arise with computers (Printer or Internet can’t be found, ‘Lost CD drive’, and more). The reason I like these tools is because the people who wrote these wizards (step by step guides to helping you resolve the problem) are obviously well trained in computer hardware diagnostics (which requires a deep understanding of how electrical components interact). You can find the troubleshooter in the “Control Panel”. In it there are options to help programs that were designed for a previous windows to work under the new one; Finding out For further information or advice on why the sound has stopped working; computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk Restore internet
A Kodak Moment
Remember the good old days when out dining in a restaurant; someone would whip out their 35mm camera and photograph their dinner; then once the film was finished it would be sent off for processing. A few weeks later with the photos back they would then visit their friends’ houses to show them the photos of the dinner they had eaten a while back? I suspect nobody ever did the above, and other diners would have looked on agog if someone had. What we of a certain age do recall though is that sense of excitement and trepidation from using a film camera. Unless using a Kodak Polaroid camera there was no way of knowing how any picture would turn out. The finished roll was posted off in a special envelope or taken down to Boots the Chemists. Only when the fat envelope thudded onto the doormat or was picked up from the processing lab would the results be known. A commercial photographer could get a sneak preview at the lab but for us mere mortals we’d no idea what results would slide out of the envelope. Nowadays it’s all so different and the word ‘Selfie’ has made it
A HISTORIC REFERENDUM On Thursday June 23, the people of Britain voted for a British exit, or Brexit, from the European Union in a historic referendum. This decision has prompted jubilant celebration whilst sending shockwaves through the global economy. Over the next two years or so, Britain will negotiate its exit under article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER BRITAIN EXITS THE EU Through the withdrawal negotiations, nothing will change for British expats in Spain because the UK will remain part of the EU during this transitional period. However, what happens after Britain has left the EU and how this may affect you is still unclear. LEGAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE Whilst many questions remain unanswered, Línea Directa would like to remind all its customers that its Legal Assistance service comes as standard in all their insurance policies. If you have a query you can call one of our lawyers. They offer information and advice on a wide range of matters such as taxes, purchase and rental of property, inheritance, family etc. As the Brexit negotiations
evolve, our legal team will keep abreast of all the latest developments relating to events occurring in the Spanish territory and those to which Spanish legislation is applicable. 24-HOUR ASSISTANCE FOR EMERGENCY LEGAL CONSULTATIONS Should you require an immediate legal consultation, which due to the gravity of the matter in hand cannot wait, we offer a 24-hour legal advice service. Regardless of the time of day, we can provide immediate specialist legal advice for emergency incidents relating to you, your family or your home. IN ENGLISH The service is entirely in English. From the drafting and revision of legal documents to negotiations with third parties and or opposing parties. We can’t provide all the answers to the questions raised by the Britain’s exit of the EU, but we can provide sound legal advice for our expatriate customers living in Spain. We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Línea Directa please call 902 123 461 More information on Línea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com
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
into the dictionary. Oh, and some people insist on photographing their dinner. Usually there were 24 or 36 frames on a roll of 35mm film; sometimes the number reel on the camera kept going and an extra shot or two could be taken before having to hand wind the film back into its cartridge. Simple pleasures eh! In the early 70s Kodak launched its Instamatic brand using a 120 cartridge which didn’t need rewinding. Coincidentally the 120 cameras were relatively slim line, not unlike the size and shape of many mobile phones today. 120 was a hugely successful format and Kodak only stopped making the cameras in the mid-80s; then the film cartridges a couple of years ago. Smaller niche manufactures have now taken over the reins for the many camera buffs out there. Until around 2000 film cameras were the norm rather than the exception. Then as technology leapt forward the digital era stormed the world of photography. In 2003 Kodak launched the EasyShare camera; it was the first camera to have an AMOLED
display screen, the forerunner to the screens used on many phones and tablets nowadays. Kodak had conducted extensive market research discovering that women especially didn’t like the inconvenience of getting photos printed. So the camera was designed to plug straight into a Kodak printer. But, year later they stopped producing film cameras and laid off 15,000 employees. A sad end as the World’s first commercial digital camera was made by Kodak and sold under the Apple label in 1994. Even earlier in1986, the Kodak boffins created the first megapixel sensor; it was capable of taking a 7x5inch photo with its 1.4 megapixels. Even though their R&D was excellent Kodak’s bosses didn’t believe that digital would ever replace film; though their competitors did. Minolta, Sony, Nikon and Fuji were so much better at exploiting the new technology and making more stylish and importantly cheaper products! Kodak went from being a major player in the digital camera market and having 27% of the market in
1999 to filing for bankruptcy in 2012. What also didn’t help Kodak was that as this century grew up, mobiles and then tablets started to get better cameras attached. People kept the devices that did the most. I wonder what would have happened if a Kodak boffin had added a phone attachment to a camera 25 years ago. Kodak also ceased production of their Kodachrome film in 2010 which was something Kodak execs never thought would happen. Kodachrome was introduced in 1935 and was the first commercially available colour film, responsible for many of the iconic images of the 20th Century. Steve McCurry took this shot in1985 for National Geographic using Kodachrome film, it’s known simply as ‘Afghan Girl!
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Britons fear home demolitions in Spain after bulldozers move on 214 flats and chalets newspaper El Pais.
Illegally built homes are demolished on the Spanish island of Tenerife in 2008. Illegally built homes are demolished on the Spanish island of Tenerife in 2008. Credit: AFP Hundreds of Britons are worried about demolition orders being imposed on homes they bought in Spain, which were subsequently ruled to be illegal. Bulldozers have begun demolishing 214 homes that were illegally built on Spain’s northern coastline of Cantabria. The flats, apartments and chalets on a mountain called el Alto del Cuco were built at the height of the Spanish housing boom in 2004 when town halls frequently reclassified protected land to allow construction. The demolitions, which began on Friday, are expected to take six months. “Finally it is clear that anything built breaking the law gets knocked down”, said Carlos Garcia, a spokesman for the Cantabrian environmental association ARCA, according to the
In all, there are 600,000 demolition orders against homes in Spain. Environmentalists and Cantabria’s regional government argued that the illegal buildings, which overlooked the coastline and sand dunes, ruined the landscape. The Supreme Court agreed and ordered their demolition. The homes were never occupied and had deteriorated after the company responsible for building them, Fadesa, filed for bankruptcy. But other homes subject to demolition orders are inhabited by families who have spent years worrying about whether the bulldozers will arrive and whether, in that event, they will be fully compensated Last year, an amendment to Spain’s penal code gave judges the power to stay the execution of a demolition order until compensation had been provided to the property owner, as long as they could demonstrate they bought the house in good faith. Many foreign buyers complain that estate agents and even town hall officials failed to inform them of the legal situation during the purchase process http://www.telegraph.co.uk
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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
QUESTION: I am trying to help my mother who has very bad health and wishes to move back to the UK but has not managed to sell her Spanish property yet. From a legal point are there any matters to take care of before she comes back? ANSWER 1. Make sure her Spanish will is in good order. There have been some changes to the laws recently which make it convenient to have a solicitor take a look at it. 2. Locate the title deeds to the property and their NIE numbers. 3. Make sure internet banking is set up on her Spanish bank account. 4. Your mother may wish to consider signing a power of attorney for you to deal with her Spanish assets (in case a buyer is found and
she does not wish or is not able to visit Spain). 5. Look in to the advantages/disadvantages of selling quickly now versus holding on and waiting for a better price. From a tax point of view, if she is a resident and over 65, there is a certain advantage to selling before she loses her resident status in Spain, as she is entitled to a 100% exemption from capital gains tax. 6. Meet her solicitor before you leave in case you later need to deal with things remotely. Depending on your circumstances there could be other things to do, but I would at least cover these items.
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. are experts in their field and will discuss, face to face, the cover you require and guide you through all the features and benefits of every policy that you take out, as well as explaining the ‘small print’ so you get no startling surprises.
Full Alarm System Full CCTV Fully Insured You are welcome to visit our premises to view before parking
Liberty Seguros is the No. 1 expatriate insurance provider in Spain with over 175,000 international clients who are cared for by over 300 agents and brokers offering expert advice about the high quality insurance products available. The beauty of choosing Liberty Seguros, apart from their competitively priced insurance packages and flexible pricing structure, is the advantage of placing all your insurance needs with one company. Their products include: Car, Home, Life, Marine, Business and Commercial, Personal Liability/ Accident, Leisure (for example Golf), Pet and Communities Insurance. Almost everything you could need to be sure that you are covered for the unexpected. Additionally, Liberty Seguros has a great affinity for the expat abroad and provide their services in many languages with an extensive network of English and German Brokers, plus others that also speak Dutch, Scandinavian and French. Documentation is also available in English and German if required. All Liberty Brokers and Agents
Liberty Seguros is simplicity, convenience and efficiency combined; that set them apart from other insurers. The simplicity of taking out insurance with all the necessary guarantees included for your peace of mind. The convenience in having a 24hour assistance service every day of the year. The efficiency in quickly and clearly resolving any claim, thus avoiding unnecessary procedures. Incorporated in 1912, Liberty Seguros is part of the giant Liberty Mutual Group who is one of the world’s largest insurance and financial institutions. The company has been insuring millions of people over 5 continents for over a century so its strength and foundations are unsurpassable. Liberty Seguros – The Expats No.1 Choice. For more information or the name of your nearest broker call 902 255 258 or visit the web site at: www.libertyexpatriates.es
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14
August 2016
SOLTIMES PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT THE ORIGINAL PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!!
LOOKING TO BUY OR RENT? FIND YOUR DREAM LOCATION INSIDE! Home Sales Rise by 19.4% to Register Most Transactions in 3 Years
Data published earlier this week by the National Statistics Institute revealed that home sales in Spain increased by 19.4% in June, compared with the same month of last year, to reach a total of 36,856 transactions. According to the agency’s Statistics on Transfer of Property Rights, this is the highest figure registered since January of 2013, when a total of 39,920 transactions were recorded. With this latest increase, home sales have accumulated five consecutive months of year-onyear increases. However, the June increase is lower than the figure recorded in May, when home sales climbed by 23.6% year-on-year. The Institute reported that the second hand market and, to a lesser extent, the market for new homes were responsible for the rise in sales in June. Specifically, transactions on second hand homes increased by 24% year-on-year, reaching a total of 30,270 transactions, while sales of new homes rose by 2% over last year, to 6,586 transactions. The Ministry’s data also shows that another
factor related to the increase in the number of transactions is the geographical location, with home sales increasing more in coastal locations than in inland areas. Thus, the regions which registered the greatest number of transactions per 100,000 inhabitants are the Balearic Islands (136), Valencia (128) and the Canary Islands (118). Andalucía is the region to register most home sales, with a total of 7,496 transactions, followed by: Catalonia (6,000), Madrid (5,441), and Valencia (5,012) while at the provincial level, most transactions were recorded in: Madrid (5,441);
Barcelona (4,145); Alicante (2,620); Málaga (2,535) and Valencia (1,797). Some 90.6% of the homes sold in the sixth month of the year were free housing and 9.4% were subsidised housing. Sales of free housing rose by 20.6% year-on-year in June, to a total of 33,390 transactions, while those carried out on subsidised housing increased by 9.2% year-on-year, to a total of 3,466 transactions. ABC news reported that, in the six months to June this year, home sales accumulated an increase of 16.4% over the same period of 2015, reaching a total of 207,593 homes sold, thanks to a 22.2% increase in the number of transactions on second hand homes (166,509), since transactions on new homes registered a decline of 2.5% (41,084 transactions). Moreover, the statistics show that month-onmonth (June over May), sales of homes in Spain increased by 1.2%. kyero
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Real Estate Experts Say House Prices Won’t Fall Further
propert y services
The Professional Association of Real Estate Exper ts (Apei), which currently brings together a net work of some 1,300 real estate agencies throughout Spain, considers that this is a good time to buy a home because, in their opinion, second hand housing prices will not drop any fur ther. However, they also warned of risk s if the political uncer taint y in the countr y persists, saying it will cause delays in the recover y. Óscar Mar tínez, President of Apei, pointed out that the housing market has been ‘moving’ for t wo years and that the rise in prices has been widespread. According to Mar tínez, “ there isn’t much new construc tion, and this will raise prices fur ther”, and he believes that, af ter the summer, and if unemployment continues to fall, the recover y will continue, although at a slow pace. Eurostat ’s latest data shows
that housing prices climbed in Spain by 6.3%, the highest rise registered since 2007, and by 4% in Europe. In line with these data, Mar tínez predic ts that second hand housing prices will not drop any lower and that the trend will be that they will “remain stable or rise slightly”, especially in areas where housing is scarce because of the lack of new construc tion. El Economista repor ted that, according to Apei, well appointed housing prices, in general, are somewhat higher than in 2013, when prices at the time were reduced by some 45% compared with the height of the housing bubble in 2007. The average price per square metre of free housing stands at around 1,600 euros, compared with 2,085 euros in 2007, which is ver y similar to prices recorded in 2004, according to data from the National Statistics Institute. k yero
We will move it!!
Pets, boats, caravans, trailers Full and part loads. Full roof-rack for long loads 3 long wheel-based vans/twice per month Travelling to South/North UK Based in Mar Menor, Murcia
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coast2coasttransport@hotmail.com www.coast2coastremovals.com
DAVID THE PLUMBER
The Plumber
Prompt and reliable service, no job too small. Full bathrooms or just makeovers and handyman service. 24 hour call out Boilers: 80 litre fully installed from 160€
Call David on 634 286 590
Paul
Call Paul for a FREE no
General Plumbing Obligation Quote on: 634 326 804 Bathrooms Kitchens Find us on Water Heaters Facebook /paul_theplumber Tiling
Email: paultheplumber@hotmail.co.uk
NICK THE TILER Call Nick for all your tiling & laminate floor requirements.
Tel.. 605 305 405 NEW BUSINESS? 2 WAYS TO ADVERTISE CALL 950 121 936 OR EMAIL YOUR ADVERT TO blancasales@soltimes.com
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sM060
SOL Y MAR New listing
Arboleas
139,000€ near albox
This property is in a very quiet location away from the main road in in the residential area of Los Llanos which is some 3 Kms south of Albox. Near the Asian Restaurant of “Happy Garden” and a bar. Further south, just 2 Kms, there is the Amigos Bowling alley, a petrol station and a few tapas bars. The Villa has two gated entries. One for vehicle and the other a personal entrance. Outside to the front is the main entrance with a staircase leading to a roof terrace. To the rear there is an 8 x 4 swimming pool with a roman end and an outside shower. The pool area is paved with a metal Gazebo. The rear of the property is part enclosed with an aluminium fly screen enclosure. Inside there are three generous bedrooms, two bathrooms, one en-suite and air-conditioned, a large lounge with installed wood burning fire and air-conditioning. Next to the lounge is the kitchen with modern fitted units and white goods.
SM033
sM059
Modernised Cortijo, Low price
El Margen, near oria
Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394 New listing
84,950€
Traditional and fully renovated two storey cortijo with elevated views across the countryside. Features 2/3 beds and 1 bath. This home is in an ideal location based in a small hamlet of homes with elevated views across the rambla yet is only a 10 minute drive to the many amenities of the market town of Albox. This house has many original features including a stable style split door entrance, traditional fireplace with log burner, beams on the ceilings and many others. Downstairs there is a decent sized double bedroom, bathroom, separate dining room and a fully fitted modernised kitchen with a belfast sink. Upstairs there is a larger double bedroom and an open upper mezzanine area that could be easily converted into a 3rd double bedroom at very little cost. Enjoy fantastic elevated views across the rambla from the large rear terrace. Recently renovated and repainted this home also features a new roof, repainted throughout and two separate cave rooms that could be used for additional outside storage. Must be viewed to appreciate the setting, original features and value for money.
SM020
immaculate home with guest accomodation
60,000€ almanzora
Traditional refurbished cortijo with many original features retained.The house is set in the heart of the village with stunning views, and features 3 bedr0oms, 2 bathrooms. To the front of the property there is a parking space and to the side a courtyard, also to the front is approx 400m2 of very fertile land currently used for growing vegetables. Overall the property has been finished and maintained to a high standard. Fantastic value for money.
August 2016
200,000€
Detached two storey house set in the lovely village of Almanzora close to the shops and bars. This villa has two separate entrances, one from the top and one from the bottom.The lower area has a separate living space, ideal to rent or for guests. In addition both properties have 2 large double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and own luxury kitchens. The house also features under floor heating and air conditioning throughout. Must be viewed to appreciate.
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Avenida 28 de Febrero Nº 44, Albox Email: info@solymarspain.com │ www.solymarspain.com SM010
two for one opportunity
almanzora/Arboleas
sol178
85,000€ near albox
Two for one opportunity. Unfinished houses ideal project in beautiful setting of 3000m2 of land with fantastic views. Prime location between Almanzora and Arboleas.
former b and b
62,500€
This spacious, beautiful country house with large garden and pool formerly a B&B is only a ten minute drive from the centre of Albox. 250m2 (Build Size) Full of original features and charm this would only need very minor cosmetic work to restore to it’s original glory.This home features 6 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms making it an ideal income opportunity as it could easily be turned into a B&B again. In addition there is a private courtyard with a large, walled and gated garden beyond featuring an above ground pool.
RENTAL SECTION mar973
arboleas
stunning home for short term rental
rsM027
from 650€ PCM RENTAL limaria
This Stunning unfurnished fully air conditioned 3 Bed 2 Bath Villa is located in a privileged elevated position, 30 Minutes from the golden sandy beaches of Vera, Garrucha and Mojacar, The property benefits from panoramic open views of the distant mountainous skyline and idyllic surrounding countryside. The living accommodation is very spacious, the rear of the property there is both an enclosed, covered porch and separate fly free area. The 3 Bedrooms are located off the lounge and are all good-sized doubles. There is also a terrace enclosure with, suitable for al fresco dining and is home to the 10 x 5m pool. The villa also offers a roof terrace, landscaped gardens with mature planting and a workshop Property available to rent from August 2016 to April 2017 only, pets are welcome.
country home close to amenities
500€ PCM RENTAL
Detached country home on the outskirts of Albox Features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, unfurnished, stunning views, large plot, very private setting yet short drive to all amenities. Available ASAP for long term let, pets welcome.
WE URGENTLY REQUIRE LEGAL PROPERTIES FROM COAST TO COUNTRY WE ARE LOOKING FOR ALL TYPES OF PROPERTIES FOR RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES. CLIENTS WAITING CALL US 950 064 584
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August 2016
calida homes
calida homes
T h e N a m e Yo u C a n T r u s t Established In Arboleas since 2000 Avenida Almanzora, Arboleas
Price 149,000€
cla 6805
Bargain 2 storey villa within walking distance to Arboleas. Plenty of room for a pool.
Price 120,000€
cla 6801
3 bed, 2 bath apartment in Vilaricos, popular development, easy walk to beach and all facilities, communal pool.
Price 184,950€
cla 6800
Top Spec Villa in Arboleas. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool and walking distance to village.
Price 229,000€
cla 6712
Stunning 4 bed, 2 bath villa in Arboleas. Detached garage, 10x5 pool, roof terrace, easy walk to village, lots of extras.
Due to an exceptionally busy June and July. We urgently require fully legal villas in all areas of Arboleas, Cucador and Zugena. Low commissions guaranteed for a quality professional service.
calidahomes@hotmail.com www.calidahomespropconsult.com
Office: 0034 950 430 763 - Richard: 0034 634 302 801 Andrea: 0034 697 875 717
“Too many agents selling your property” We Offer Exclusivity with our VIP Service Contact our office for advice Quesada, 3 Bed Det. Villa, 2 Bath, Ind Kitchen, Furnished, Space for Private Pool. €149,500 PM779
Quesada, Quad Villa 3 Bed, Family Bath, W/c, Ind Kitchen, Furnished, Com Pool. €134,500 PM784
El Raso, Det. Villa 2 Bed, Family Bath, American Kitchen, Spacious, Com Pool €125,000 PM775
Lo Crispin, Det. Villa 5 Bed, 3 Bath, American Kitchen, Spacious, Com Pool. €135,000 PM781
Quesada, Townhouse 2 Bed, Family Bath, W/c, Ind Kitchen, Sun Room, Terrace, Com Pool. €99.500 PM780
Guardamar, Apartment 2 Bed, Family Bath, Ind Kitchen, Furnished, Balcony, Com Pool €84,500 PM782
Avda. de los Naciones 1/C, No. 10, Ciudad Quesada, 03170 Rojales, Alicante
www.pmpropertiesspain.com
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Room With A View UK real estate capital values fall by 3.3% in July
UK real estate capital values fell in July, according to CBRE’s Monthly Index. The 3.3% fall was widely expected and pulled year-on-year growth down to 0.4%. Heightened economic uncertainty – especially for financial services firms – hit offices in the City of London, shrinking capital values by 6.1%. Miles Gibson, head of research at CBRE UK, said: “Capital value growth was always expected to falter at some point during 2016, as global economic uncertainty cast doubt on the likelihood of the strong growth seen in previous years persisting for much longer.” The UK’s Brexit vote, he said, “crystallised that expectation, though it is not the only driver of it”. “It’s reassuring to see rental values have held firm in the face of this heightened uncertainty, a positive sign the UK occupier market remains strong, sustained by record levels of employment
and low borrowing costs,” Gibson said. “It will be some time until we understand the full impact of the Brexit decision, but the Bank of England’s base rate cut and more quantitative easing are likely to be supplemented by a similarly supportive fiscal stance in the autumn.” CBRE said that, overall, capital value decline in the central London office market was the same as for offices across the UK, down by 4.1%. Capital values in the retail sector fell by 3.6%, while the industrial property segment was more insulated with a lower fall of 2.2% for the month. Rental value growth dipped to zero in July from 0.2% the month before, holding steady across office and retail sectors, including central London offices. http://realestate.ipe.com/
Avenida Costa Calida, 10 Edificio Bahia Mar Blq. 14, Esc.2.Bajo 30860 Puerto de Mazarron (Murcia)
For the best selection of coastal and country properties Phone: _34 868 058 750 Email: info@filbeeshawrealestate.com www.filbeeshawrealestate.com
EVERYTHING WE TOUCH inta sun TURNS TO SOLD! Avda. Justo Quesada, 33 03170 Rojales (Alicante)
T: +34 966 290 781
Typical Spanish Home Buyer: 38 Years Old in Full Time Employment
According to a recent study, the typical home buyer in Spain is 38 years of age and, in 51% of cases, has full time employment in the private sector. In addition, this “Home Buying Process” report, published last week by property portal, fotocasa, highlights that the home purchases are quite balanced with regard to the gender of the purchaser, with 53% of the purchases being made by females and 47% by males. The report also shows that, although to a great extent the typical homebuyer has full time employment in the private sector, the second group of buyers are those who have stable work in the public sector. In terms of the average income of the buyers, 25% of those surveyed revealed that they earned an annual salary of between 20,000 and 30,000 euros, while 24% earned between 10,000 and 20,000 euros and 21% indicated their income was between 30,000 and 50,000 euros per annum. It is worthy of note that a further 16% of the respondents earn more than 100,000 euros. Moreover, receiving financial help from third parties such as relatives or friends is fairly common practice when it comes to buying a home, the survey showed, with four in every 10 home purchases being made with third party support, and the amount borrowed representing, on average, 25% of the total purchase price of
the home. According to the survey, some 56% of potential home buyers actually initially consider both new and second hand housing, although buyers mainly end up acquiring a second hand dwelling. Specifically, 69% opted for second hand homes, while 31% bought new housing. Fotocasa’s head of research, Beatriz Toribio, attributes these percentages to the fact that prices for second hand homes are more attractive as there is more potential for discounts, there are less taxes involved, more second hand homes on offer, and that these homes are usually located in central and better connected areas than new housing During the purchase process, only 23% of the respondents considered both purchasing and renting, while for 77% of the home buyers, renting was not, and had never been, in their plans. Looking at the characteristics of the homes most sold, some 69% of the purchases related to apartments, with an average area of 92 square metres, followed by 21% which were for villas (with 195 m2 on average), penthouse apartments accounted for 7% of the purchases (100 m2), studios accounted for 1% (43 m2) and 2% of the purchases were for other types of housing , with an average area of 126 square metres. kyero
Alicante Dream Homes, your Inland Property Specialists
For your dream Spanish Villas, Country Fincas, Alicante country houses, Murcia Villas and Costa Blanca property Contact: Spain tel: (+34) 645 746 176 or UK tel: 020 3695 8977 Email: alicantedreamhomes@gmail.com Apartado 256, Pinoso, 03650 Spain
advertise your business in our room with a view feature contact paulette on 950 121 936 or sales@soltimes.com
20
August 2016
public & trade sales Calle Mar Cantabrico, Sector VIII San Fulgencio, 03177, Alicante (Off the N332 between Guardamar and La Marina near Lidl, next to Iceland)
San Javier Under new management we speak english & spanish
Calle Mallora, 42, Poligono Industrial, Alto del Villar, San Javier 30730 (behind Mercadona facing the AP7, Near Junction 784, San Javier)
C/Jose Carreras, Torrevieja 03184 (on the CV905 next to Sara’s Petrol Garage, opposite the ITV & La Hoya Hermosa Light Shop
air conditioning suppliers - trade and public. for great prices please contact us.
Trade enquiries welcome
3 wheeled scooter from 695€ We supply a wide range of Batteries for mobility scooters
Pellets & Briquettes in Stock
Wheelchairs self propelled and transit
FROM 195€ * NICO 29B
2 Seater Mobility Scooter Range 45km
3300€
over 25 different models in stock special offer electric bikes
from 895€
Top Of The Range Mountain Bike
now in stock cast iron & pellet fires
* Scout Mobility Scooter
Easy to Assemble Range 13km Max user weight 130kg
1050€
* NICO 38
SR013 6kw to 6.5kw 325€ SR031-2 13kw to 6.5kw 720€
e in or rom l h f g Cblets 5€ k 5 Ta 1
we supply public and trade including Retail we are the official distributor
pellet fires, various models available
SR0032 12KW 580€
kg ne 25 ori from l s Ch let 5€ b 6 Ta
WE ARE THE BIGGEST MOBILITY SCOOTER DISTRIBUTOR ON THE COSTA BLANCA OVER 200 MOBILITY SCOOTERS IN STOCK! WE OFFER 2 YEARS GUARANTEE AND A FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE UNBELIEVABLE QUALITY, THE BEST ON THE MARKET. WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE!
13km/h Mobility Scooter Range 30km
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ON SELECTED PRODUCTS
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1800€
Battery testing & rejuvenating Mobility scooter servicing from 40€
Head Office: TORREVIEJA OFFICE: 865 670 022 - Open Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm - Sat 10am -2pm SAN FULGENCIO: 966 728 199 - Open Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm - Sat 10am - 2pm SAN JAVIER OFFICE: 968 193 267 - Open Mon - Fri 9:30am - 6pm - Sat 9:30am - 2pm www.homesandgardenimports.jimdo.com-homesandgardenimports@gmail.com
John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu
August 2016
Manuela, Antonio Poyato and Loco Paco sweated as they ‘burnt the midnight oil’ searching for ways to wrest control of Alqueria back from the evil dictator Rodriquez. Rodriquez had lost no time in stamping his mark on Alqueria. The income from the first quarter’s Remitroot crop had been spent of a twice life sized statute of Rodriquez in bronze sculpted by the renowned Catalan artist ‘Crazy Chisel’ Pepe. Rodriquez is depicted mounted on a large well endowed stallion with raised sword, Rodriquez not the stallion At the horse’s feet a plaque simply reads, ‘Rodriquez: liberator of Alqueria’. Street names had been changed. A confused postman tried to cross reference the old names to a mystifying collection of Calle Rodriquez, Avenida Rodriquez, El Plaza Rodriquez and for some inexplicable but fitting reason La Alcantarilla Rodriquez. Rodriquez was becoming more unstable by the hour his delusions of grandeur knew no bounds. He took to wearing a beribboned nineteenth century field marshal’s uniform complete with sword and spurs. He even implied t h a t he had spoken to God. When asked to show his telephone bill as proof he replied t h a t God had phoned
El Jefe
viewpoint
him.
On hearing that Rodriquez had declared himself to be immortal, Manuela suggested she could prove him wrong very quickly and in a very messy fashion with the aid of a ‘Waiters Friend’ cork screw. The man had to be stopped and surely only Manuela, Antonio Poyato and Loco Paco could stop the unbalanced tyrant. Rodriquez was to be his own undoing however. For Rodriquez was not very bright. He thought he was exceedingly clever but in fact he had only one neuron and that had a pronounced limp. His downfall came as he reached the peak of his self-obsession. With control of the Remitroot crop and its resultant products Rodriquez had a ‘copper bottomed’ product. It was known worldwide, only grown in Alqueria and a large proportion of the World’s politicians were addicted to it, hence it flowed easily and freely across borders and trade zones. Rodriquez in his misguided wisdom renamed it ‘Roddyroot100’, why ‘100’ no one knows but there were precedents. (Those in a certain carpet town of East Devon will understand). Remitroot had been known since Roman times and Rodriquez had destroyed two thousand years of goodwill overnight. People simply didn’t know what Roddyroot100 was nor did they care. Sales slumped. The Alquerian coffers emptied at an alarming rate and Rodriquez failed to keep up the leasing arrangements on his field marshal’s uniform, he was last seen wearing a brown paper bag. Who will save Alqueria? Wait and see.
Both Ends of the H
Hospital Inmaculada in HuercalOvera is built like an enormous H, and my brand new boob was due to be checked in Paritorio, (Delivery) at the extreme bottom right of the two arms of the H. Pete came too, as he feels that he has a proprietary interest in my breasts, both homegrown and implanted. Feeling a little out of place amongst so many extremely pregnant ladies I gave in my piece of paper. Nursie looked at it, and instructed me to go to Gynocologia, at the extreme top left of the H, where I would find Dr Delgado. Together we trudged the miles of marble corridors and arrived at the lift that would take us to Planta 2, Gynecologia, just as it was about to leave with its white-coated occupant. Seeing us approaching the lift with all the speed and determination of a pair of racing snails heading for a photo-finish he held back the doors for us to enter. ‘Dr Delgado?’ I queried. ‘Sí.’ He replied cautiously. I handed him my paper. ‘Planta 2, Gynecologia.’ He affirmed. ‘I’ll be there in a minute.’ He said as he stepped out on Planta 1. Planta 2, Gynecologia was so deserted that it would have made the Marie Celeste seem overpopulated - the only evidence of human life was an emphatic handwritten notice on the door stating that ‘If you want Gynecologia today, go to Paritorio’. Paritorio was where we had just come from, and to where we
21
By Jos Biggs
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk would have returned baffled, but for our confidence in the word of not only Nursie, but of The Man Himself, so we sat in solitude and waited, ruminating on the coincidence that brought us to the lift at the exact moment when the doctor I needed to see was in it – 2 seconds earlier or later we would have missed him, and probably wandered the corridors forever like two geriatric Flying Dutchmen. In minutes he came, pronounced my boob to be nearly good enough to be included in the list of the Modern Wonders of the World, we had a short chat, and that was it! ‘How did you know that the man in the lift was him?’ Pete asked. ‘Because I remember him. He sorted my leaky blood drain out in Urgencias on Christmas Day.’ One tends to remember a doctor who attended one’s medical needs on Christmas Day! The next time I see him it will be on my birthday!
SolPUZZLES
22
August 2016
pub quiz
1. What country is Pecorino cheese from?............................................... 2. Which vegetable is in fact the
sports quiz
flower of a large thistle?...................
3. Which food additive is made from
1. Perform a Rudolph and
the bones & skin of animals?............
a Randolph......................
4. What name is given to a dish
2. Throw stones at
originating from France primarily
houses............................
made from aubergines and green
3. Use a mashie or niblick
peppers in a tomato sauce?..............
4. Stand at silly point.......
5. Which type of pasta name means, ‘Little worms’?..................................
5. Start at the south stake
6. What seafood is known as
6. Sit in a sulky................
Norwegian lobster?...........................
7. Employ the O’Brien
7. Which drink is Worcestershire sauce traditionally added to?............
shift................................
8. Which Food of the Gods is said to
8. Win the Sam McGuire
bestow immortality?.........................
Trophy.............................
9. What is the name given to beef
9. Abide by the
Omelette Arnold Bennett? ...............
Answers
STANDARD CROSSWORD CLUES
10. What type of fish is in an
ACROSS 1 Used to spin yarn (7) 5 Atomic (7) 9 Stamping (9) 10 Delineated (5) 11 A public speech (7) 12 Of little importance (7) 13 Stardom (9) 15 Gapes (5) 17 Amounts of medicine (5) 19 A style of physical comedy (9) 22 Complain (7) 25 Every evening (7) 26 Permeate (5) 27 Craft (9) 28 Misbeliever (7) 29 Able to see (7)
DOWN 1 Varnish (7) 2 Dummies (9) 3 Annoy (7) 4 Widespread outbreaks of disease (9) 5 Not daytime (5) 6 A deliberate thinning of a herd (7) 7 Boredom (5) 8 Brain-teasers (7) 14 Prolonged unfulfilled desires (9) 16 Vest (9) 17 Like a canine (7) 18 In school, math or English (7) 20 Autographing (7) 21 Paddled in a type of boat (7) 23 Medium to dark brown (5) 24 Moral principle (5)
Cartwright Rules.............. 10. Trim your sheets.........
Answers
1. Trampolining 2. Curling 3. Golf 4. Cricket 5. Croquet 6. Harness Racing 7. Shot Putt 8. Gaelic Football 9. Baseball 10. Yachting
cooked in puff pastry?......................
SUDOKU PUZZLE s
10. Smoked haddock
5. Vermicelli
9. Beef Wellington
4. Ratatouille
8. Ambrosia
3. Gelatin
7. Tomato juice
2. Artichoke
6. Scampi
1. Italy
squiggle
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.
squiggle SUDOKU
standard SUDOKU
CROSSWORD
SOLUTIONS
standard
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CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA & ALMERIA
Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950 956 166 / 687 250 860
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
TABLE TENNIS AT PILAR DE LA HORADADA
costa calida football
I have established a football club on the Costa
Calida called F.C Roda 06. Because of the varying ages that have joined we subsequently have three teams, a youth team, a senior team, and a veterans team. We are actively seeking other amateur 6/7/8 a side teams to play against with the prospect of establishing a league whereby we can play home, and away matches. Can you please enquire through your newspaper if any other teams would be interested in playing against us. Kind regards. Neil Youngs, F.C RODA 06 Director of football.
Sports Centre every Monday at 10am Five tables equipment supplied, coaching given if necessary, all standards welcome. Contact George on 965 326097 or Gordon on 966 848304 or e-mail drewgeorge49@ Tel 637 290 149 or emailneilyoungs67@msn.com yahoo.com.
St. Nicholas Ecumenical Church
welcome events
A parkinsons Support Group
Thursday September 22nd. We are pleased to present, for the first time in this area, a fantastic band Ges Rogers Union Gap. Tickets are going fast for this fab show. €10
Roman Catholic Church
Wednesday October 5th. - Ladies evening at Mariano’s with Fashion Show, Stalls, Bingo and dancing to Woody. Come along and support 3 local charities - Age Concern, MABS and MAD. €4
We hold services each week at 10.30am on Welcome Group Events Camposol, Mazarron. Everyone is welcome to join Please note there will not be a us. For further details, CALL the church on 665 302 Welcome dance during July and August. 019 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 Saladillo, Mazarron ( close to Camposol) Mass in English every Saturday at 4.30 pm Mass in Latin every Sunday at 4.030pm For further information please contact Father Octavio on 676 219 445 or Father Carlos on 628 824 555.
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
Ex-Servicemen’s Association
Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006) events 2016 Wednesday 10th Aug PEKIN 5, PUERTO DE MAZARRON 7.30 pm for 8pm. Wednesday 14th Sept RESTAURANTE VIGOS, PUERTO DE MAZARRON
1.30pm for 2pm Membership and enquiries, esamd.espana@gmail.com
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
Wednesday October 19th.- This month we welcome the return of the popular trio Vice Verse Her, great music to listen and dance to. €8 November 9th. We are off to Benidorm Market for a morning of shopping and then on to the Rich Bich show for an afternoon performance. More time for shopping and dinner before returning home. ONLY €15 November 24th. Madrid & The Races. Staying 4 nights at the city centre 4* Tryp Cibeles on B&B. Shop on Black Friday for bargains and enjoy a trip to the horse races on Sunday. Also included a trip to the beautiful Palace of San Lorenzo on Saturday. €350 p.p. December 23rd. Welcome Christmas at The Helios Hotel Benidorm. Join us for 4 nights on full board including a Gala Christmas Lunch. Don’t be lonely or worry about cooking this Christmas. Coach travel included. €260 p.p. For more information or to book your tickets, call Rosemary on 620 105 179
SAMARITANS IN SPAIN -
In 2016 we aim to expand our teams of listeners around Spain. If you are resident in the Mazarrón área and would like to hear how you can join us as a Listener or spare a few hours a week to help with fundraising / other events held in the area please contact our General Manager stephenrbaker@outlook.com to register interest in attending an initial group meeting locally. www.samaritansinspain.com Also on Facebook and Twitter. (Volunteer positions are unpaid but certain expenses can be claimed)
CHATTERS SUMMER BREAK
23
Owing to the hot weather and holidays there will be no Chatters in August. The next Chatters will be on Wednesday 21st September at the Pasty Shack (near to the Mercadona), Rio Nalon in Los Alcazares. There will be the usual complimentary refreshments between 10.15 am and 10.45 am followed at 11am by the usual quizzes and games with the opportunity to win modest prizes. The speaker will be a return visit by the popular local historian, Antonio Zapata, who will continue telling us about the history of Los Alcazares. Everybody is welcome. This meeting will also be the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the Chatters Christmas Carvery Lunch which will be at the Pasty Shack on Wednesday 14th December. Last year was a sell out so be sure to buy your tickets early. Chatters is a monthly informal group allowing people to meet old and new friends. Sponsored by Help At Home, a local Charity which provides help and support in their own homes to people needing a little temporary help following ill health or other issues. HAH make no charge for this help and rely on Fundraising and Donations to cover costs. Follow Help At Home on Face Book or find out more at www.helpathome.es The Mar Menor is a huge (135 square kilometres) salt-water lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean by the 24 kilometre long La Manga del Mar Menor (The Strip). The average depth of the Mar Menor is four metres and at its maximum it is seven metres which means that the seabed slopes very gradually and you have to get several hundred metres in before the water is of any depth. The Mar Menor’s salinity provides buoyancy so it is, supposedly, one of the safest places to swim in the world. The mineralrich waters are said to have therapeutic effects and because of this the area has a significant spa tourism industry. The sludge in the salt pans is also credited with beneficial effects on the
health, so there are often dozens of mud people wallowing in it at any one time. Playa Paraiso beach on a summer weekend. The beach at Playa Paraiso is very popular, partly because it has road access right onto the beach. On summer weekends it will be packed with Spanish families, who move most of their house onto the beach. The sea is very shallow, with netted off areas to exclude watersports, fishing and jellyfish. The jellyfish are mainly harmless and much reduced in numbers from previous years, apart from the summer of 2006 when they were back with a vengeance. Playa Honda beach During the week the beach is quiet.
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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24
August 2016
food & entertaining Tel: 950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com
summer desserts METHOD
INGREDIENTS
350g mixed berry, fresh or frozen (we used raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants, blueberries and strawberries) 2 tbsp golden caster sugar zest 1 lemon Sunflower oil, for greasing 3-4 slices slightly stale white bread, crusts removed To serve 2 tbsp extra-thick double cream 2 tsp icing sugar, sifted
Individual summer puddings A traditional, low-fat dessert with strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, blueberries and blackberries set in mini basin moulds
Tip all the berries, apart from the strawberries, into a saucepan . Sprinkle over the sugar and stir. Set over a low heat and cook until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit has started to release its juices. Increase the heat, bring the mixt ure to the boil, then simmer for 2 min s until the fruit is soft and you have lots of deep red juices. Quarter the strawberries and stir into the berr ies, along with the lemon zest. Remove the pan from the heat and strain the fruit through a siev e, reserving the juices. Meanwh ile, lightly oil 2 x 175ml dariole moulds (or 2 large teacups) and line with cling film. Using a pastry cutter, stam p out 2 small circles of bread to fit in the base of each mould. Dip one side into the reserved juices while still hot, and place, juice-side down, into the bottom of the lined mould. Cut another 2 larger circles from
the bread, and slice the remaind er into 2.5cm-wide strips that are the same height as the mould. Dip the strips into the juices and use to line the sides of the moulds in the sam e way, pressing each piece in place and overlapping slightly. Pack the strained fruit into the bread-lined moulds, reserving som e fruit and juices for serving. Fold over any strips of bread that protrude from the mould, then dip the fina l2 circles of bread in the juices and top the puddings to seal. Cover with cling film and push down firmly with the palm of your hand. Pop in the fridg e to chill for at least 4 hrs, preferab ly overnight. When ready to serve, whip together the cream and icing sugar. Turn the puddings out onto plates, top with the reserved fruit and juices, and serve with the sugared cream.
Make your strawberry ripple cheesecakes portable by packing them into jam jars, then enjoy on a summer picnic
Ruby’s
URBANISATION EL RASO, CAMPO DE GUARDAMAR, JUST OFF THE CV895 LEMON TREE ROAD, 03140
TEL 622 434 912
Opening times 10am till Late Tuesday - Sunday
Full Main Menu 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch Available 2pm - 7pm 3 Course 9.95€ / 2 Course 7.95€ Happy Hour 4pm - 6pm Wednesday is quiz night with Nick Marshall with our great 5€ meal deals for quiz players PLUS Karaoke with guest singers Last person standing, winner takes all
GREAT FUN NIGHT OUT
INGREDIENTS
200g buttery biscuit (we used Fox's Butter Crinkles) 200g cream cheese 200ml double cream 6 tbsp icing sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 500g strawberry Strawberries , halved or quartered You will need 8 jar with lids
METHOD Blitz the biscuits to crumbs in a food processor or in a bowl with the end of a rollin g pin. Divide the biscuit crumbs between the jars. In a large bowl, whisk the cream chee se, cream, 5 tbsp icing sugar and the vanilla extract until softly whipped. Tip half the strawberries and the remaining sugar into another bowl and crus h with a fork to a purée. Ripple the purée through the cream and divide between the jars. Top each cheesecake with remaining strawberries, secure the lids and chill until ready to pack up. Transport in a cooler bag.
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com
Strawberries & cream cheesecake jars
25
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F O K TAL N W O T E H T This Years Olive Harvest
There has been good and bad news recently for those whose livelihood depends on Spanish olive oil. Only a few weeks ago one producer won an award and was presented with their prize in, of all places, Italy (see earlier post). That went down badly in Rome! Spanish olive oil is now popular the world over. But now comes the news that the harvest of olives in Andalucia is down nearly 60%. Spanish agricultural union Asaja says it now expects Andalucia’s harvest this season to total just 560.000 tons, down nearly 60% on last year’s record total of 1.36 million for the region, and its worst since 1999. Asaja Seville spokesman José Vázquez said earlier this week that prices had not yet risen as much as expected due to factors including lack of liquidity, and the financing needs of cooperatives and countries like Greece, “which are selling in haste”. In general Spain’s olive oil stocks are up 77% on the average for the last four seasons, standing at 583.100 tons
at the end of November. The vast majority is in mills in Andalucia, but bottlers also hold stocks of 160.100 tons. The current harvest is set to be the worst in Andalucia worst for thirteen years which, when you consider the region is one of the leading producers in the world, is bad news for all concerned. Not just the producers, but for those who buy oil. Retail prices in shops are likely to rise. Sales volumes from mills selling oil within Andalucia are low and the average price at December 2012 is €2.56/kg. Olive Oil Agency (AAO) figures for the first two months of this production season, October and November, show production equalled 88,200 tons - half of that at the same time a year ago and similar to 2010/11 levels. About 588, 500 tons of olives have been processed, with a yield of 14.98%, down from 16.67% last season. Exports for October and November total 135.000 tons and domestic demand is down 5% on last year to 75.600 tons. As I live in Andalucia I know only too well how much the local economy depends on the olive oil harvest.
Landowners around me have continued to be busy bringing in the olives from their copious trees and sending them off for production. There was a prolonged period of heavy rain in the autumn which did not help the olive growers. That was followed by an unseasonal fortnight of hot weather in December. It was difficult for the olive growers to know when to bring in their harvest. Some chose to do so earlier than others, while some are only now shaking their trees and netting the olives. There are so many varieties of olive that, even at the best of times, timing of the harvest can vary considerably, even at the best of times. The disappointing figures for the latest harvest have to be put into perspective. The yield in Andalucia last year was a very good one.A record breaker. One thing that will not change, whatever the weather, is the popularity of Spanish olive oil, which is now such a regular inhabitant of kitchens the world over http://www.thetapaslunchcompany.co.uk
Live Entertainment every Sunday from 6pm All Food Homemade
tblueshouse@outlook.com The Blues House - Bolnuevo Avd. Pedro Lopez Meca. 26 Bolnuevo, Puerto de MazarrÒn
654 949 084 or 968 150 967
Open 7 Days a Week 12noon till 10pm All Sports Covered Homemade Food Cakes & Pastries Karaoke Weekly Clubs OUTsIDE sUMMER EVENTs CaLL IN BaR foR DETaILs
QUESADA FISH & CHIPS
Menu of the Day 12noon till 5pm
Cod or Haddock Chips, Peas, Bread and Butter
€7,00
Sunday Special Fish, Chips & Peas
€6,00
All Day
Takeaway Also Available Quesada Villamartin Plaza
966 719 136
966 764 441
26
SOL CLASSIFIEDS For sale
personals cont...
ADVERTISE YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS UP TO 300€ FOR FREE EMAIL:SALES@SOLTIMES.COM BY TUESDAY 5PM
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
pool tables snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts.
Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com
Sgt Pepper Beatles Album, without sleeve with original cover, Beatles Abbey Rd, with sleeve and original cover, The Carpenters, Singles Album with sleeve and cover, Bob Dylan, Nashville Skyline, with sleeve, Queen, Greatest Hits 11Dble Album, all in good condition or playing order. Make me an offer Tel:605 063 165 Mazarron Area. Genuine Headlights for a Citroen Berlingo Multispace LHD. Brand new, still in box. 90€, Computer desk with glass top and chair. Would suit small area. As new, 25€, Electric oil filled radiator. Hardly used 30€, Tel: +44 754 965 1043 Quesada area. Delongi Stretto 2500 w., oil filled radiator on wheels with thermostat. 25€, Rointe Royal TM wall radiator, 700 w. Thermostat range 17 to 27 degrees. Daily, weekly time controls or Manual override 30€, Sherwins Model HAS 2800 Garden Shredder 2800 w. shreds up to 45 mm. excellent condition full manual. 50€, Child Car Seat, Babyauto, instruction manual, excellent condition.
25€, Baby Booster seat, Creates a High Chair when installed on normal dining Chair. Excellent condition. 15€ Tel: 966 712 200 (Benijofar). One Electro Western style guitar, natural finish, very good cond with slider volume, tone, balance controls, ideal for beginner or accomplished Player, with lead, carry cover, capo, tuner. 55€OVNO, Round table in red varnish finish, very nice, in good cond. 4 matching cushioned chairs 40€ Tel: 605 063 165
personals “Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”
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
alternative power
www.ecocorpshop.com are you getting frustrated at ever increasing electricity bills do you want a clean, reliable energy alternative
Pets- Transport
Pet transportation service UK|Spain|UK
r Doo Kennels & Cattery Passport service-DEFRA authorised Fully insured- Vehicles inspection certificates www.trans-pet.co.uk sharon@trans-pet.co.uk removals
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removals
Transport Services Monthly Visits - Spain - UK - Spain Removals, Part Moves, Single Items
Find us on FACEBOOK
Tel: 965020350 . 633730505 or UK 07930 932232
sidneysauctions@outlook.com www.sidneysauctions.com
UK-SPAIN-UK fortnightly service SPAIN: 914 143 164 UK: 01773 513 013 www.britonsremovals.com britonsremovals@ic24.net
0044 7519 186 355. or email:
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
van.man@hotmail.co.uk
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electrician
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It’s hard to say what it is about animals that we love the most – their cute or beautiful looks, their natural innocence or the emotional reactions that they elicit from us. But whatever the case may be, one of these 30 happy animal facts is bound to bring a smile to your face. A lot of these facts also underscore the similarities and emotional connections that people can share with animals, which raises a broader and more interesting questions – what is it about animals that we love so much? According to scientists at the California Institute of Technology and the University of California at Los Angeles, humans experience an emotional reaction to animals (both cute and dangerous) in a very old and basic part of their brain called the amygdala. The amygdala is involved with emotion, emotional learning and the formation of memories. So it could be that our
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appreciation for animals stems from an ancient need to evaluate whether these animals were friends or foes. And it could be that they react in just the same way to us. 1. Sea otters hold hands when they sleep to keep from drifting apart. 2. Squirrels plant thousands of new trees each year simply by forgetting where they put their acorns. 3. When playing with female puppies, male puppies will often let them win, even if they have a physical advantage. 4. Turtles can breathe through their butts. 5. Cows have best friends. 6. Gentoo penguins propose to their lifemates with a pebble. 7. A prison in Washington pairs up “death row” shelter cats with select inmates as part of a rehabilitation program. It seems to be a pretty wonderful thing for both the inmates and the cats. 8. Macaques in Japan use coins to buy vending machine snacks. 9. Norway knighted a penguin. 10. In China, killing a Panda is punishable by death. 11. Rats laugh when tickled. 12. Spiders can’t fly. 13. Sweden has a rabbit show-jumping
competition called Kaninhoppning. 14. Pigs’ orgasms last for 30 minutes. 15. Dolphins have names for each other. 16. Puffins mate for life. They make their homes on cliff sides and set aside room for their toilet. 17. A study measuring the effects of music found that cows produce more milk when listening to soothing music. They produce the most when listening to R.E.M’s “Everybody Hurts.” 18. Oysters can change gender depending on which is best for mating. 19. Japanese Macaques make snowballs for fun. 20. The closest relatives to the elephant shrew are actually elephants, not shrews. 21. A cat version of the corgi exits: the munchkin cat. 22. There is a program that makes prison inmates responsible for training and raising seeing-eye dogs. Many reported that they felt like they were making amends for their past actions by working with the puppies. 23. Seahorses mate for life, and when they travel they hold each other’s tails. 24. Before chicks hatch, they can communicate with each other and their mother through a system of 25. Dogs’ nose prints
Memphis – one of 4 kittens approx 6 weeks old. If you want to share your home with a true feline then these kittens will suit you. These four kittens could be descendants from those cats worshipped by the Ancient Egyptians, they are sleek with large ears set on triangular heads, they are really amazing to look at. If you would like to adopt one or more of these gorgeous kittens then call us.
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are as unique as human fingerprints and can be used to identify them. 26. Turritopsis nutricula Immortal jellyfish is the only species known to live forever. 27. Long-time bird watcher and nature writer Candace Savage has observed that crows are so intelligent they can play pranks on each other. 28. Butterflies taste with their feet. 29. There have been studies that show that goats, like us, have accents. 30. Squirrels will adopt other squirrels babies if they are abandoned.
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August 2016
Contact 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com
No fuss: Titchmarsh’s tips on growing hibiscus
Is it dead? That’s the question I frequently hear in relation to one particular shrub. It’s a beauty that you might have seen on holiday in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean – or at least you might have seen its near relation. Hibiscus is not that tricky to grow, provided you have a warm, sheltered, sunny spot in well-drained soil; but it is rather late in coming into leaf, hence the frequent question. It may be as late as June before it starts to unfurl its bright green foliage, but from then on it shows its true worth as a late-flowering shrub. The species that grows in the warmer countries is Hibiscus rosasinensis, which is too tender to grow outdoors in the UK. Our winters would rapidly see it off. But Hibiscus syriacus is altogether tougher, and is available in a wider colour range than its softer counterpart. ‘Blue Bird’ (above) – or ‘Oiseau Bleu’ if you are feeling all continental – is a rich lavender blue. ‘Red Heart’ is white with a pronounced crimson “eye”. And the favourite, ‘Woodbridge’, is deep rose pink with a mauve “eye”. The habit of these hibiscus shrubs is upright and fairly stiff, so they need
nothing in the way of support. Nor do they need much pruning since they are relatively slow-growing and unlikely to grow so large that they become a nuisance – not before many years have elapsed, at any rate. In time they will make shrubs 6ft tall and 3ft across, which means they can fit into the smallest of gardens and, come late summer, when many other blooms have given their all, your hardy hibiscus flowers will be a welcome refresher. Buy a plant in full bloom right now so you can see what you are getting and position it in the sunniest spot possible in soil that does not stay soggy. When pruning you can go easy with secateurs. It needs no regular attention, other than the removal of any badly placed shoots or any that die back. But that’s looking on the black side. Given the right spot the hibiscus is one of the most trouble-free shrubs I know, provided you can be patient enough to resist digging it up if those leaves are slow to open. Believe me, the plant will make up for it later. express.co.uk
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Film Review
Magic in the Moonlight.
www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com - www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com - naylorcl@hotmail.es
“The world may or may not be without purpose but it’s not totally without some kind of magic.” Whether you’re interested in science or logic is there a place in your heart to believe that magic can and does exist? Sophie Baker (Emma Stone The Amazing Spider Man 2012) quotes Nietzsche as saying that we need our illusions to live. Stanley’s response is categorical: We can’t go round deluding ourselves.” More importantly, what about deluding others? “Magic” is regarded as being a lightweight American romantic comedy by Woody Allen. It is not considered one of his finer films although it has been described as being accomplished and worth watching for the two main characters when they are sparring. Imagine chalk and cheese. It’s just like that. Insults bounce off each other like a ball constantly hitting a brick wall. Meagre attempts at philosophising which just skirt around the meaning of life and the purpose of existence. Not altogether convincing but entertaining to watch. Stanley is so set in his ways, a stubborn man who always has to be right. The film attempts to explore illusions, trickery, deception however you want to describe it just like A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Colin Firth (The King’s Speech, The Railway Man) plays an obnoxious but world-famous illusionist and the film opens with Wei Ling Soo performing to a Berlin audience in 1928, mesmerised when he makes an elephant vanish into thin air. This is Stanley Crawford, an arrogant, bitter, stuffy, egotistical and priggish man. He patronises the stage hands calling them Neanderthals and Assassins. The conductor is a blithering idiot and for the autograph hunters they are mental defectives. Watching the performance in awe is fellow illusionist and so-called friend, Harold Burkhan (Simon McBurney) who visits Stanley’s dressing room to congratulate him. His compliments are double-edged: “A genius with all the charm of a typhus epidemic.” Is this a friend speaking? Howard persuades Stanley to travel to the south of France with him, the Cote d’Azur, to abandon his fiancee Olivia and the promise of a holiday to observe a mystic who is preying on wealthy families like the Catledges. Stanley is notoriously regarded as the “greatest debunker of fake spiritualists” and he is delighted for this invitation to expose this sleezy fraudster. Visiting Provence also allows him the opportunity to visit Aunt Vanessa (Eileen Atkins), sharp-tongued and full of sarcasm for Stanley who welcomes him with the innuendo of being “boring to the point of
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perfection.” We do learn that Stanley had an unhappy childhood which he compares to a dark cloud that has followed him dogging his life. His life is shallow and meaningless until his beliefs are challenged by Sophie, another lost soul subjected to a poor childhood who has found an opportunity to break free of this poverty trap with her mother to lead a life of luxury with one milksop of a man, Brice Catledge who sees her as the bees’ knees! “Sophie sees all, she can predict the future. She’s a visionary and a vision.” Is she really? Not according to Stanley! He is absolutely besotted with her and serenades her tempting her with a life of luxury: yachts, expensive designer clothes, travel around Europe. The sky’s the limit. Sophie is tempted. Allen’s views on atheism come through solidly with Stanley, a bit of a contradiction himself. Acting out of character, he attempts to pray to God for a full recovery for Aunt Vanessa who has had a serious car crash, left in a critical condition. On reflection he rejects God and admits the act of prayer is twaddle. So we are back to where we started with Stanley believing that if God doesn’t exist, Sophie must be a charlatan. Interestingly, both sell illusions but in different ways. And that’s probably where the similarity ends. They spend time together and Sophie starts to develop some romantic feelings for a man who is unable to feel emotions in a similar way. And yet, he is the one who experiences an epiphany although vulnerable and susceptible to trickery, something he should understand well. His lifelong rationalism and cynicism have been misguided. Is this what he decides? Yes his world is turned upside down but can he come out of the experience a better and wiser person? “I’m a rational man who believes in a rational world. Any other way lies madness.” Apply his logic. If you believe in magic, if you ever delude yourself you inflict insanity upon yourself? Hopefully not. Allen’s ideals are not water-tight so enjoy the contrived romantic comedy and solve the riddle. How can a match made in heaven ring true for an atheist like Stanley or Allen?
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No Tax On the Sun! (Real Decreto 900/2015 Boe 243 10th October 2015) Now that the government have passed the new laws with regard to solar energy, there is no better time to subsidize your electricity bills. Our systems can be scaled to suit your energy requirements so as you attain the fastest payback. All systems meet EU and Spanish requirements for connecting to the grid and there is NO TAX to pay!
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San Miguel Golf Society at Villamartin. August 3rd, 2017.
August 2016
Sports shorts by TONY MATTHEWS
• Last weekend Adam Peaty became the first Brit to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming for 28 years since Adrian Moorhouse in 1988. Peaty (21) won the 100m breaststroke final and now holds five titles in this event: British, Commonwealth, European, Olympic and World. • Also in Rio, Jaz Carlin won silver in the women’s 400m freestyle. • Unfortunately GB cyclists Lizzie Armistead, Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Adam Yates, swimmer Hannah Miley and the Murray brothers in the tennis doubles, all failed to win a medal. • Novak Djokovic and the Williams sisters (in the women’s doubles) were also knocked out in the first round of their tennis events. • The domestic football season began last weekend and there were wins in the Championship for Norwich, Bristol City, Fulham (v Newcastle), Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, QPR (3-0 v Leeds) and Sheffield Wednesday (1-0 v Aston Villa) while in the SPL Celtic won 2-1 at Hearts and Rangers, back in the top flight, were held 1-1 at home by Hamilton. • The English Premiership kicks-off on Saturday with reigning champions Leicester visiting Hull. • Last Saturday, almost 90,000 fans saw Liverpool crush Barcelona 4-0 in the ICC at Wembley and 24 hours later, a similar attendance saw Manchester United beat Leicester 2-1 in the Community Shield, Zlatan Ibrahimovic heading the winner on his United senior debut. • England (297 and 445-6 declared) beat Pakistan (400 and 201) by 141 runs in the third Test to go 2-1 up in the series with one game remaining. This starts at The Oval tomorrow. • American Jim Furyk created history last Sunday by becoming the first golfer to card a round of 58 in a PGA tournament, doing so n the Traveller’s Championship in Connecticut, USA.
Villamartin was SMGS’s monthly visit to this popular venue with 25 members and 4 guests. Whilst greens were relatively slow, as they seem to be at most tracks at the moment because of the intense heat, the course was in excellent condition and with most tee’s near the White plates only 2 players managed to break par. The day’s stableford competition results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 4th Norman Padmore (27), 3rd Brian Mulligan (32), 2nd Keith Stevenson (33), and 1st, Ian Parkinson 34 points. Silver Category: 4th Brian Staines (32), 3rd Matt Newman (33), 2nd Eva Pettersson (33) and 1st, Ken Flaherty with 37 points. Gold Category: 4th Tony Smale (30), 3rd Barry Roehrig (31), 2nd John Osborne (32), and 1st, Steve Higgins with 35 points. Best front 9 and not in the prizes went to Roy Willing with 18 points, best back nine to Marge Birtwistle with 15. The Abacus was won by Mick Roscoe. Nearest the pins on the par 3’s (open to all) went to Graham Temple (6), Brian Staines (9), John Osborne (13) and Theo Boelhouwer(17). The two best guest prizes went to Phil Sully (35), and with the best score of the day playing of 3 Graham Temple with 38 points. Our thanks go to the staff at Villamartin golf course for their contribution to an enjoyable day. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www. smgs.org or simply give Barry Roehrig a call on 966 731 033 to find out more about the society and its • Today: synchronized diving; rowing; cycling (time trials); shooting; weekly golf get-togethers. Next week we will be at gymnastics. Roda. • Tomorrow: swimming finals (early hours); golf, rowing (men’s pairs &
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lightweight fours); canoeing (men’s slalom, double C2); track cycling; women’s 78kg judo, all-round gymnastics final. • Friday: men’s swimming 200m individual medley and women’s 100m freestyle finals (early hours); rowing finals; women’s heptathlon; Equestrian dressage final; table tennis; cycling (men’s team pursuit). • Saturday: rowing finals; tennis; keirin/team pursuit events (women cyclists). • Sunday: men’s long jump and 10,000m finals; women’s 100m final; heptathlon ends (early hours); then golf, tennis (men’s final); sailing, gymnastics; sprint cycling. • Monday: women’s triple jump final and men’s 100m & 400m finals (early hours); open water swimming; Equestrian (dressage); sailing (men’s laser); men’s omnium cycling final. • Tuesday: men’s 800m & women’s 400m finals (early hours); sailing; gymnastics; cycling (various finals); diving (men’s 3m springboard). • Next Wednesday: men’s high jump final (early hours); golf; sailing and Equestrian team jumping final. DID YOU KNOW? Fifty five years ago, in August 1961, LOS DOLSES S.L Johnny Haynes of THE ONE STOP CAR CENTRE Fulham and England BEST became the first PRICES £100-a-week PAID CARS FOR CASH footballer. And QPR Call Spencer on 637 090 665 have played a home MECHANIC WORKSHOP football match on 15 PHONE JAMES on 672 532 758 different grounds!
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VW California Edition 2.0 TDi, Auto, 2016, Delivery KM €69,950
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•fiat ducato glucksmobile motorhome, 2014 43,000km............. .....................................................................................................€36,950 •toyota fj cruiser 4.0l petrol, auto, 2009, 87,000km.........€poA •vw transporter t4 camper Van, 1998, 1.9Tdi..................€14,950 •nissan qashqai 1.5dci, acenta, white, 2010, 110,000kms..€13,450 •Toyota yaris 1.3 V VTi, 2012, 40,000KM.................................... €12,950 •citroen c4 1.6hdi, auto, 2013, 77,000KM................................ €12,950 •opel astra st, 1.7 cdti, 2013, diesel, estate, 113,000KM.................. ....................................................................................................................€12,450 •hyundai i30 1.4 Crdi 2013, 5-doors, silver........................... €11,950
lotus evora 1 owner, 2010 €39,950 BMW 428 COUPE luxury, auto, 2014, 17,000 kms €36,950 Mini Cooper d clubman Diesel, 2016, €32,950 Hyundai Tuscan 1.7 CRDi, 2016, New, €23,950 mercedes clc 200 1.8CDi (Diesel) 2008, 89,000 kms €13,950 Toyota Yaris 1.3 V VTi, 2012 40,000km €12,950
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32
SOLTIMES august 2016
FIRST BRITISH GOLD
Adam Peaty won gold and Jazz Carlin claimed a silver as Great Britain secured their first medals of the 2016 Olympics on day two in Rio. This swimming champion was scared of water Peaty had a fear of water as a young child but is the first British man to win Olympic swimming gold since Adrian Moorhouse in 1988. “I did it for my country and that means so much for me,” the City of Derby swimmer told BBC Sport after victory watched by parents Caroline and Mark. The world, European and Commonwealth champion completed a full set of titles as he led from the start with a blistering performance that left him more than 1.5 seconds clear of the field. Peaty’s grandmother Mavis, the self-styled ‘Olympic Nan’ who has become a hit on social media, hailed the swimmer and his coach Mel Marshall He began the Games as the world record holder with a time of 57.92 and has lowered it by 0.79, having also set a mark of 57.55 in his opening heat. After earlier near-misses for fencer Richard Kruse and swimmer Hannah Miley, victory brought Britain’s first medal of Rio 2016. Within minutes, there was another medal on the board thanks to Carlin, who took silver as the USA’s Katie
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Ledecky won in a world-record time. The 25-year-old Welsh swimmer held off American Leah Smith in the final 50 metres to claim second. “I can’t believe it. I’m on the edge of tears,” said Carlin, who missed out on selection for the London 2012 Games. “I was in the pool room watching Adam and I had goosebumps on the block. “To see your team-mate achieve a new world record and become Olympic champion right before you swim definitely got me pumped up.” Phelps wins 19th gold Michael Phelps won a record 19th Olympic gold as the United States clinched the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay. Tennis Novak Djokovic was knocked out in the singles by Juan Martin del Potro, the Murray brothers lost to unseeded Brazilians and three-time champions Serena and Venus Williams were beaten in the women’s doubles Cycling Britain’s Lizzie Armitstead was fifth in the women’s road race won by Anna van der Breggen after leader Annemiek van Vleuten suffered a horrific crash. Judo First gold for Kosovo - Majlinda Kelmendi became Kosovo’s first Olympic medallist, winning the women’s -52kg judo. www.bbc.com
Olympics Fun Facts
The early Olympic Games were celebrated as a religious festival from 776 B.C. until 393 A.D., when the games were banned for being a pagan festival (the Olympics celebrated the Greek god Zeus). In 1894, a French educator Baron Pierre de Coubertin, proposed a revival of the ancient tradition, and thus the modern-day Olympic Summer Games were born. Host Greece won the most medals (47) at the first Olympic Summer Games in 1896. The United States has won more medals (2,189) at the Summer Games than any other country. The five Olympic rings represent the five major regions of the world – Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceana, and every national flag in the world includes one of the five colors, which are (from left to right) blue, yellow, black, green, and red. Up until 1994 the Olympics were held every four years. Since then, the Winter and Summer games have alternated every two years. The first Olympics covered by U.S. television was the 1960 Summer Games in Rome by CBS. No country in the Southern Hemisphere has ever hosted a Winter Games. Three continents – Africa, South America, and Antarctica – have never hosted an Olympics. A record 202 countries participated in the 2004 Olympic Summer Games in Athens. Only four athletes have ever won medals at both the Winter and
Tel 950 680 007 Summer Olympic Games: Eddie Eagan (United States), Jacob Tullin Thams (Norway), Christa LudingRothenburger (East Germany), and Clara Hughes (Canada). Speed skater Bonnie Blair has won six medals at the Olympic Winter Games. That’s more than any other American athlete. Nobody has won more medals at the Winter Games than crosscountry skier Bjorn Dählieof Norway, who has 12. Larrisa Latynina, a gymnast from the former Soviet Union, finished her Summer Olympic Games career with 18 total medals—the most in history. The United States Olympic Committee established the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983 to recognize outstanding American Olympic athletes, however, a plan to build a hall has been suspended due to lack of funding. The Summer Olympic sports are archery, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, canoe / kayak, cycling, diving, equestrian, fencing, field hockey, gymnastics, handball, judo, modern pentathlon (shooting, fencing, swimming, show jumping, and running), mountain biking, rowing, sailing, shooting, soccer, swimming, synchronized swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, track and field, triathlon (swimming, biking, running), volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling. bbc.com
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