Roquetas 524 by Sol Times

ISSUE 524

roquetas & almerimar

17 - 23 feb

SolTimes

’ NTIAL WEEKLY ‘PICK ME UP est. SINCE 2005 SE ES UR YO Property management Sales & Rentals

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Relaxed, friendly bar and restaurant serving great food, drinks and tapas

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walking trails Page 10

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In the Urb of Roquetas de Mar, just off Avda de Mediterraneo in the square near La Gamba Toscana & Theos

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February 2016

Expats are being frozen out on Europe

If the UK votes to leave in the EU referendum, two million British citizens could possibly lose their residency, employment and pension rights overnight – but no one is talking about it. The UK is acknowledged to be the country in the EU with the highest number of its citizens living abroad. No one knows exactly how many UK citizens have taken advantage of free movement, but estimates are that there are more or less the same number as EU citizens in the UK (about two million.) A lot of us work and take advantage of public health systems and social benefits in our adopted countries. There are some 800,000 retired UK citizens in Spain alone, who are free to use the Spanish health system (and therefore don’t take up valuable NHS beds). If, as seems increasingly likely, the UK votes to leave the EU, no one seems to have considered the situation we, as British citizens, will find ourselves in, practically overnight. If the UK denies EU workers the right to work in the UK, why on earth would our adoptive countries maintain our rights to do precisely the same thing? We will suddenly become non-EU citizens with the same residency and work entitlements as, say, Americans or Australians. No one seems to have thought of contingency plans if we all have to come home. On top of this, those of us who have been living aboard for more than 15 years don’t even have the right to vote in a referendum that will affect our lives infinitely more than most of those who can vote. “If Britain does

withdraw from the EU, two million of us will be stranded and no longer have equal rights as the citizens of the countries we live in – overnight.” It’s true that over the last few years the UK economy has been stronger than the Eurozone. Economics do however fluctuate over the years. I left the UK for France at the beginning of the 80s after the winter of discontent. I also had more personal reasons to move. Being gay I didn’t want to live my life in Britain, which at the time had Section 28, banning any promotion of homosexuality in public. I moved to a country which was at the time much more open. If we vote “leave”, we will be denying young people the right to free movement for all kinds of reasons. The Swiss (not in the EU and often cited as a model by the “leave” campaign) have recently had their rights to take part in EU research and Erasmus programmes drastically curtailed. Their newspapers are full of young people complaining about this. If Britain does withdraw from the EU, two million of us will be stranded and no longer have equal rights as the citizens of the countries we live in – overnight. Other EU countries are not going to grant hundreds of thousands of us nationality. We are UK citizens and yet very proud to be Europeans, our lives having been greatly enhanced through free movement. All of a sudden it seems more than likely that we will lose a lot of our rights, and find ourselves in a legislative limbo. It would be nice if someone would mention us! Alex Taylor - Telegraph.co.uk

www.soltimes.com

The Almería Community Forum 1st Birthday Party

The Almería Community F o r u m Celebrated its first Birthday recently at Maloan’s Bar in Albox. The Forum was founded by Gary Bastin and has more than 500 members and it achieves more than 300,000 page views per month. The Forum pages are maintained by volunteers and all monies raised are donated to charity. This first year of success for the Forum was celebrated with a grand Birthday party. Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by superb singer “Atlantis” and “Carrie’s Dusty Boots” in conjunction with “Grupo Arbuli” who performed Pirates of the Dusty Carrie-bean, to music from the Johnny Depp film, Pirates of the Carribean. Colourful costumes, scenery and the use of a smoke machine and above all fabulous dancing, went towards making an entertaining exhibition. A beautiful buffet was provided by Andy Slater and the Staff of Maloan’s Bar, and was paid for by Gary Bastin, so as not to take any monies away from what had been raised for charity. There was also a grand 1st

Anniversary Charity Raffle Draw, with over €1,000 worth of prizes, all of which had been donated by local businesses. The first prize of a complete TV system including 1 years full Sky Package was won by Georgia Jerwood. The highlight of the afternoon for many was the presentation of a cheque for €500 to F.A.C.E. (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for Everyone). This was presented on behalf of the Forum by Gary Bastin to F.A.C.E. President Adele Wrigglesworth and several members of the F.A.C.E. Committee who were in attendance at the event. To join the forum please contact www.arboleas.eu

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Once again, The Royal British Legion in Spain is indebted to the wonderful generosity, not only of our expat community but to all nationalities who contributed to the 2015 Poppy Appeal. The final total was an incredible 171,543.43€ and this was achieved in spite of the difficult financial times in which we live.

Our grateful thanks goes to all the Branch members, friends, local businesses, Churches, Consulates and Embassies, as well as the many clubs and individuals who have contributed to this amount. At the Legion’s Annual Conference on 29th January awards were presented including the Recruiting Award to Pinoso Branch, the Poppy Award (for the highest amount per member raised for the Appeal) going to Gran Alacant and La Marina Branch for their efforts of in excess of 345€ per member. Welfare caseworker scrolls went to two members of Orihuela Costa and District Branch for their work over and above what would normally be expected.

For further information on F.A.C.E. Please contact Adele Wrigglesworth on telephone number 667 255 094 or check out the F.A.C.E. Web Site at www.face-charity.com or take a look In the coming months the work of the Legion at the F.A.C.E. Facebook page.

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in Spain, as well as how the welfare money is spent, will be included in press articles. If you would like to know more about the Legion or find a Branch in your locality, please contact the secretary on secretary.rbl.dns@gmail.com, or ring 648 860 251 For all welfare enquiries, the number to ring is 676 451 780 Our website is www.britishlegion.org.uk/ counties/spain-north. Our photo shows Robin Hargrave, the District Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator revealing the final amount raised Peggy Wyatt, Public Relations Officer.

February 2016

Ex Spanish minister testifies in televised graft inquiry

A former minister and high-ranking member of Spain’s ruling Popular Party (PP) testified in a televised corruption inquiry on Friday, in a first for the conservative party. Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s party has seen graft case after graft case smear its image during its four years in power, at a time when many Spaniards suffered the effects of tough spending cuts sparked by an economic crisis. Esperanza Aguirre, president of the PP in the Spanish capital region and a former education and culture minister under former prime minister Jose Maria Aznar, was questioned over alleged embezzlement by members of the Madrid chapter of the party. She has not been charged with any misdemeanour but was called to testify at the commission of inquiry created in October by

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the regional assembly to probe alleged wrongdoing in Madrid. “As far as I know, there is no illegal financing at the PP in Madrid,” the 64-year-old, who was regional president for nine years, told local lawmakers Asked how she could have ignored the alleged illegal practices at her party, Aguirre responded that she had supervised annual budgets worth 17 billion euros ($19 billion) and could not have known about the activities of every single member. This is but the latest case affecting the PP. On Thursday, Spanish police raided the party headquarters in Madrid over the alleged awarding of multi-million-euro public works contracts in exchange for illegal commissions. Acting Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz

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de Santamaria was also forced to announce the resignation of one of her main associates in connection with a corruption scandal at a state-run water company he once oversaw. And PP members are also due to be questioned by a judge over how exactly the hard-drives of former party treasurer Luis Barcenas, who is in jail for embezzlement, were wiped clean before investigators were able to see them. Corruption was one of the issues that cost the PP votes in December elections, which the party won but without the absolute majority it got in 2011 polls. It has since failed to put together a coalition government, forcing Rajoy to stand aside and let the Socialist Party seek to form an alternative administration. thelocal.es

Two Spanish teenagers face jail time over cheating in exam

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Two young men in Almeria could face one year in prison after one was caught pretending to be the other to take an entrance exam. The students in Almeria in southern Spain were caught attempting to cheat an entrance exam for vocational studies when one showed up to take the test pretending to be the other, Europa Press reported on Friday. Public prosecutors have accused the boys of committing a crime of falsifying public documents because the one that went to the exam had to use the other’s ID card and took the test under the other boy’s name. The prosecution is seeking a sentence of one year in prison for each as well as a fine of €6 to be paid each day for 12 months. One of the students’ defense

attorney argued that the proposed sentence is “barbaric” and out of proportion with the act, saying that the exam should not be considered as an official document. “They have not harmed anyone and even though this conduct was reproachable, it does not create social alarm enough to have them sent to prison,” attorney José Carlos Segura said. “That this case is going to trial is already disproportionate and I believe it could be solved with an administrative fine or sanction of academic consequences,” he continued. “This kind of punishment threatens them with a loss of liberty and records them permanently as criminals.” thelocal.es

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Dogs allowed on Madrid metro

DOGS on leads are now allowed on all public transport in the Greater Madrid region – subject to a maximum of one animal per person and so-called 'dangerous' breeds being muzzled. Regional government president Cristina Cifuentes (PP) has changed the rules, which currently only allowed small pets in closed baskets, guide dogs, or 'therapy' dogs in schooling accompanied by their trainers with reflective coats in the case of the latter to identify them. Now, ordinary family pets can accompany their owners free of charge on the metro and outer suburban lines, but must be microchipped and registered on the 'dog census' of their local council – identity requirements already in place across Spain for all canines. Leads must be no longer than 50 centimetres (1'7.5”), and passengers with dogs must ride on the last coach of the train. They cannot use the moving escalators for safety reasons,

since dogs can become injured, but are permitted to use fixed staircases and lifts. Dogs may still be limited or banned during periods of heavy human traffic for their own safety, and for this reason must not ride the metro during the rush hours – from 07.30hrs to 09.30hrs, from 14.00hrs to 16.00hrs, and from 18.00hrs to 20.00hrs. No hourly restrictions apply at weekends, on bank holidays or during the months of July and August when workers are more likely to be out of town on their annual leave and fewer commuters use the trains. Owners are responsible for ensuring their dogs do not cause inconvenience to other passengers by obstructing their movement, nor by their behaviour, barking or smell. All excrement must be cleared up immediately from platforms or any other parts of the station, and owners and their pets should get off the train at the next stop if their dogs need to relieve themselves, since they must not do so on board. Guide dogs and therapy dogs in training or working, plus small domestic pets in baskets are still allowed on the metro, all trains and buses at any time of the day or night, with the identification or reflective jackets still required for guide or therapy dogs working or being schooled. thinkspain.com

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Car full of firearms searched at French border as second vehicle escapes into Spain A CAR loaded with weapons and thought to have been involved in a hold-up on a casino in Aix-en-Provence has been intercepted at the French-Spanish border, but a second one managed to get away and enter the country, say National Police. French authorities say a group of men burst into the premises and held the owners up at gunpoint, causing panic to break out among members of the public who thought it was a terrorist attack. About 15 people were injured in the crush as they tried to escape. This was in the early hours of yesterday (Saturday) morning, and at around 15.30hrs border police found two pistols, two shotguns, a bullet-proof vest and two hand grenades in a vehicle they pulled over at the border in La Jonquera (Girona province). It was one of two Frenchregistered vehicles police

suspected of being loaded with weapons, but the second one fled over the border into Spain. A Moroccan man with a French passport – which is being checked to see whether it it real or forged – has been arrested. Spanish police are now searching for a grey Rénault Mégane with a French number plate, but do not know for certain whether it was travelling in convoy with the other car pulled over. The vehicle stopped and searched had been stolen the day before in Nice, France, and the arrested man has an existing criminal record in the country for handling stolen goods. Spanish police do not believe the occupants are terrorists, but suspect them of belonging to an organised criminal gang. thinkspain.com

'Sexist' advert for barmaid slammed online by hundreds

AN ADVERT for a job in a bar in the province of A Coruña, Galicia has sparked so much outrage that the regional government has issued a statement condemning the wording. The sits vac post went viral on social networks within minutes of being released due to the wording being 'blatantly sexist'. Working conditions were very favourable – a fulltime salary of €1,500 a month with a permanent job contract given on day one, which is very rare, and the option of accommodation for staff members who had to relocate. But the required worker was described as: “Hard-working female

offering friendly customer service essential, very attractive and a bit tarty.” The bar has not been named but was described as 'an hour from Santiago de Compostela, and 15 minutes from Arzúa and Órdenes'. Hundreds of furious comments accompanied the re-posted advert under the hashtag #elmachismomata ('sexism kills'). Socialist MP in the Galicia regional government, Carmen Gallego, publicly criticised the advert for being discriminatory and damaging to women. or a matter of minutes before the flood of fury led to its being taken down. thinkspain.com

Viola Beach killed in car crash in Sweden

The four members of British indie band Viola Beach and their manager have died in a car crash in Sweden. Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and Jack Dakin and manager Craig Tarry were killed when their car plunged more than 25m (82ft) from a highway bridge into a canal. The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday near Stockholm. Mr Tarry's family say they are grieving his loss and "for the other families involved in this tragic accident". In a statement, issued via the UK Foreign Office, they said they were "devastated", adding: "Craig was a warm, loving person who had worked tirelessly to achieve success

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and follow his dreams within the music industry. "He will be sadly missed by his family and his colleagues." The Foreign Office earlier confirmed the deaths and said it was supporting the families. 'Swings and Waterslides' The band were part of the lineup for Swedish music festival Where is the Music? on Friday and were due to play a gig in Guildford in Surrey on Saturday. A musician who played at the same gig in Sweden said "they were fantastic people to be around". John Olsson, from Swedish band Psykofant, said: "They were a great band. I was standing in the audience thinking I will be able to say I

hung around with Viola Beach before they made it big." The Boiler Room - the Guildford venue they were due to play - said it was "saddened and devastated" to learn of the deaths. Blossoms, the band that was meant to be headlining the gig, tweeted: "Absolutely devastated for the loss of Viola Beach and Craig Tarry. Our thoughts are with their friends and families." http://www.bbc.com/

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February 2016

publish your special events here. Charity/ community groups events also published FREE of charge. in Roquetas & Almerimar:

contact: sales@soltimes.com

50 participants in the first walking trails organized by the Youth Area

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CINE CLUB

Wednesday, February 17 “The gang” by Santiago Mitre (Argentina, 2015). 103 minutes. Location: Municipal School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Time: 20:30 h.

LIBRARy READING CLUB Collaboration: Centro Andaluz de las Letras. Reading “Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka, “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown and “A WORD YOURS” Elvira Lindo. Location: Municipal Library Aguadulce. This past Sunday, February 7 the first output of 2016 hiking program organized by the Youth Council, and was attended by 50 fans of this type was held. The particular route was to Cortijo Blanco Fuente Vieja in Dalías, 17 kilometers and where clear landscapes enjoyed a good day The next departure is March 6 and will be the GR-244 path between Tahal and Senes, in the Sierra de los Filabres, 13 kilometers and medium difficulty. For registration or more information is juventud@ aytoroquetas.org email and phone 950- and 950- 338 608 338 593 h t t p : / / w w w . aytoroquetas.org/

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THEATER Thursday, February 18 Adult theater STABLE THEATRE AMATEUR PROGRAM Roquetas de Mar (PETA) “” Diary of a Madman “Dromoscopio Group Theatre. Location: Municipal School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Time: 21:00 h. Collaboration: FEALTA. Donation: 5 €.

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Old wives tales were a simple way to impress upon someone the importance of doing (or not doing) a particular thing, in a manner which would be remembered and easily passed on from one generation to the next.

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Sometimes you have to interpret the hidden nuggets (ie. maybe salt stopping evil in its tracks was code for pest control, or the dire warning of accidentally boiling over the milk was more about taking care of precious food stores). The stories could be regionally important, culturally significant, spiritually necessary (in the minds of those who repeated them), or vital to the health of the household budget (remember there was a time when the prices of salt and other pantry items were quite dear). If a home is in disarray on New Year’s Day, the housewife will struggle with clutter and dissatisfaction throughout the year. If it’s tidy and clean, the home will be easy to manage. Laundry should never be done on Sundays for there will surely be a terrible stain, tear or worse in the week ahead. Above ground crops (such as tomatoes) should be sown in the wane of the moon; underground crops (carrots, potatoes, parsnips, etc.) at the change of the moon. The best day of the year to plant cabbage is on St. Patrick’s day. The best time to plant flowers is in the increase of the moon. A mild winter lies ahead if

onions dug from the garden at harvest time have thin skins. Any women who desires to have order in her home must allow sage to flourish in her garden. Stir cake from you and you will stir your troubles away. A cake baked in the morning will rise, a cake baked in the afternoon will drop. To make cake light, it must always be stirred the same way. Pastry must be rolled an uneven number of times otherwise it will be tough. Every scrap of pastry must be baked or there will be an unwanted expense. Cold hands and a warm heart make the best pastry. Stabbing needles through yarn balls will bring bad luck to anyone who wears something made from that yarn. A thunderstorm will addle eggs and sour any milk that’s been left out. Before a young girl bakes her first loaf of bread, her hands should be rubbed in sugar so that she may always make good, sweet bread.

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Stir bread away from you for good luck, trouble will come if you stir toward you. Evergreens should be taken down on Old Christmas Day (January 6th) or illluck will follow. When making the bed, don’t interrupt your work or you will spend a restless night in it. A clean pot should be kept in an empty oven, this will ensure there will always be at least a little food to cook in it. http://tipnut. com/old-wiveshomemakers/

February 2016

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Surprising Beauty Uses for

Coconut Oil Go nuts for coconut oil by Chelsea Burns You may have already made the switch to coconut oil in the kitchen, but did you know you can also swap out some of your beauty products for the wonder oil? This do-it-all ingredient can be used to moisturize skin and remove makeup, but that's just the beginning. Here are all the ways you can incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine (until we discover more!).

Hair mask Coconut oil is a creamy solid at room temperature, and turns to liquid when heated to 76°F. While in the shower, melt your coconut oil by running the jar under the warm water. Then, after shampooing, apply a generous amount of the oil to wet strands and twist hair into a bun. Let it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing to add moisture and shine back into limp locks.

Body oil As a solid, coconut oil’s creamy texture makes it the perfect light moisturizer to slather all over. Apply a quarter sized amount right after you get out of the shower so it can sink into your warm skin. The light tropical scent that lingers after it’s applied. Add in a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil for a massage mix.

Lip balm Chapped lips don’t stand a chance against ultra-hydrating coconut oil. Scoop some into a spare contact lens holder and throw it in your purse so you can dab it on with your finger throughout the day. Feeling fancy? It’s easy to create your own pretty package.

Cuticle softener Get double duty from your new DIY coconut oil lip balm case and say goodbye to ragged cuticles. Using your finger, swipe a small amount of the oil onto each of your cuticles and allow it to sink in. The coconut oil will strengthen your nails and hydrate the delicate cuticle skin, making your hands look more youthful.

Under-eye cream

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The skin under your eyes is thin and delicate, making it prone to fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. If you hate the idea of dropping big bucks on expensive eye cream, then sub in coconut oil. Just rub a pinch in between fingers to warm it up before patting it underneath your eyes.

Frizz fighter Rub a pea size amount of coconut oil between your fingers to warm it up, and then apply it to the bottom couple inches of your hair for all day frizz protection. If you have thicker, coarser hair, apply the coconut oil from mid-shaft to ends for added frizz control. Bonus: It also leaves hair extra shiny and soft!

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dead skin cells. The result: skin that’s baby soft. Add a little Highlighter Glowy, fresh skin is in! But if that doesn’t come naturally more salt or sugar for the extra tough skin on your feet and for you, just dab a little liquified coconut oil onto the tops of elbows. On its own, you’ll step out of the shower with a faint your cheekbones, cupid’s bow (the dip above your upper lip) tropical scent, but you could also add lavender oil. and just above eyebrows for hydrated skin that looks lit from Shaving cream within. Makeup remover Ran out of shaving cream? Coconut oil to the rescue! Just warm Just a teaspoon (or less) can take off a day’s worth of the jar under the water and smooth onto legs makeup with ease, no matter the staying power. Massage a before shaving. Your razor will glide smoothly, dollop of warmed, liquified coconut oil straight onto skin and allowing for a super-close shave, a n d your legs will be moisturized from the oil in the process. Tip: shave outside the shower. The oil is very slippery, so you’ll have an easier time holding onto your razor if your hands are dry. http://www.health. com/

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watch as makeup melts away, then rinse with warm water. To make your own coconut oil makeup remover wipes, melt 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per round cotton pad in a microwavesafe container. Then, lay the cotton pads in an even layer and let them soak up the oil overnight. Store them in the same container or in a plastic baggie and throw them in your carryon or gym bag for easy makeup removal on the go.

Body scrub

Mix a half cup of sea salt or sugar with an equal amount of melted coconut oil, and then use your hands to rub it over any rough patches of skin. The scrub moisturizes while removing

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February 2016

The Trip leaves BBC2 & heads to Spain

Last week we talked about the simple you can try resetting the things that you can do to check and fix entire printing system. printer problems with the Apple family. This will remove your This time we need to talk about the, slightly, more advanced steps to fix list of installed printers, clear your print problems that refuse to be fixed by the queue (including any previous jobs), simple methods covered last week. and erase any presets or other settings Step 1. Ensure you have the latest you’ve configured for the printers. drivers for your printer. This doesn’t It’s a last-ditch option that will wipe work like it does on Windows, as Mac OS X will automatically install the correct everything so you can start over from drivers for the printer when you add the scratch. printer to your system. Driver updates To do this, open the System Preferences will arrive via the normal software and click the “Printers & scanners” icon. update process. Hold the “Control” key down on your To ensure you have the latest printer drivers, click the “Apple” menu on the keyboard and click in the list of printers. menu bar at the top of your screen and You’ll see a “Reset printing system” select “App Store”. Click over to the option — click it to reset your printing “Updates” tab and ensure you have the system. You’ll have to add your printers latest software installed, particularly from this window after you do so. and operating system or printer support If your printer has a status screen with software. If it’s an AirPrint-enabled printer and a physical control panel on it, you may you’re printing via Apple’s AirPrint, you need to use that control panel to see a might need to update the firmware more detailed error message, or just to with a manufacturer-supplied firmware press “OK” to agree to an information update to fix issues. Step 2. You may be able to make your message and get it printing again. printer work properly by removing it This screen may also provide access to from your system and re-adding it. information about the printer’s ink levels This may be necessary if it’s a network and functions like head-cleaning, too. printer and something’s changed with If you see a more specific error the network configuration. Mac OS X message on your printer itself, perform a will also detect the printer and install the appropriate drivers when you add web search for that error message. This the printer, so this is also a way to have should point you in the right direction so your Mac attempt to detect the printer you can identify your problem and find and install the appropriate drivers again. out how to fix it. This will recreate its print queue, too, so So there you have it! Windows makes it’s also a way to fix a corrupted print fixing problems easier BUT Apple are queue. To do this, open the System Preferences more thorough! At home I use Linux dialog and click “Printers & Scanners”. which is based on Unix which is what Select the current printer by clicking it and click the “-” button at the bottom of Apple’s Operating System is based on. the list to remove it. Then, click the “+” Just a thought if you don’t like Windows button and use the add printer dialog to and Apple just feels wrong :-) locate and add the For further information or advice on printer once again. Step 3. If nothing computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk else is working,

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

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are taking their fine dining, gentle bickering, ruminations on getting old and endless impersonations of Michael Caine to Sky TV. After two highly successful series of The Trip on BBC2, the third series will be broadcast on Sky Atlantic. The series, created and directed by Michael Winterbottom, has seen Coogan and Brydon travel on restaurant tours of northern England and Italy. This time, the destination is Spain. Coogan said: “Having thought long and hard about yet another sojourn into culinary distractions and middle age, I have reluctantly agreed to Eviva Espana. Coogan and Brydon play semi-fictionalised versions of themselves in the improvised comedy, although it is never exactly clear how blurred the line is between fact and fiction. In the last series, Coogan talked mournfully about the doubleedged success of Alan Patridge, calling him an “albatross around his neck”. Interestingly, Sky also has Partridge on its books, again poached from the BBC, with the second series of Alan Partridge’s Mid Morning Matters due to begin on Tuesday night. Winterbottom, who last year made a documentary about Russell Brand’s anti-capitalism campaign, said of the new series: “It has been more than three years since the last Trip, and travelling with Rob and Steve is always enjoyable – so it seemed like a good idea to go on another journey together – before they get too old.” Zai Bennett, director of Sky Atlantic, said The Trip was “as close to perfection” as you can get in comedy. “It’s a rare chance to watch comic masters, totally authoring their work with creative freedom. It’s an absolutely perfect fit for Sky Atlantic.” Fliming will begin later in the year, with visits to top restaurants in Cantabria, the Basque region, Aragon, Rioja, Castile-La Mancha and Andalusia. theguardian.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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February 2016

WE HELP PEOPLE THROUGHOUT SPAIN EVERY DAY

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February 2016

MASSIVE FINES FOR ESTATE AGENTS ADVERTISING PROPERTIES WITHOUT ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES BY CATALONIAN GOVERNMENT

The “Generalitat de Catalunya” Catalonian Government (Catalonia is located north of Valencia), through the Catalan Consumer Agency (ACC ) has officially published (12th of January of 2016) that disciplinary proceedings have started against 42 Real Estate Agencies for advertising properties without having the obligatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). We are waiting to receive confirmation if these fining processes are also to be extended to the property owners. The Public Department informs that inspections found these Agencies advertised properties without the obligatory Energy label, in violation of the Law and the rights of consumers. In some cases, Estate Agents have been advertising that the certificate is

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“pending”, as a mechanism to avoid the obligation. But authorities informed that the 42 fining processes started subsequently after the agencies failed to demonstrate that the certificate was being processed, according to sources of the ACC. Please visit the official information at the Government website following this link: http://bit.ly/1Q94D1m Please be aware that ultimately the responsibility of having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is down to the owner of the property (fines depend on the kind of infraction: marketing without an EPC, falsifying an EPC or not using a competent technician to issue the document). So if your Estate Agent is advertising / marketing your property without an EPC (to sell or rent) please be advised they are risking themselves to be fined and also potentially risking their clients and owners to receive a fine. Also be aware you have the right to choose a technician to have your EPC done, so please contact Martinez de la Casa Architects and we will provide you with your property’s EPC guaranteed within a strict 48 hours deadline after our survey, a prompt and trouble free service for only 121 € all inclusive of IVA, official registration with the authorities and the registration tax. The same fixed price applies to any size build and is valid for 10 years. We also offer substantial discounts for Estate Agents or group visits, so please ask your Estate Agent to contact us to get the most competitive rate possible for your EPC. Only Martinez de la Casa Architects can guarantee all services within a stated deadlines and fixed prices. With over 4,000 clients in South East Spain including the most reputable law firms and Estate Agents, Martinez de la Casa are considered one of the most prominent and respectable architecture practises. We also offer unbeatable discounts services combining your EPC with Habitation Licences (from 118 € IVA Inc included, Town Hall fees not included) or Certificates of Antiquity/ Retrospective Licences for pools (190 €+IVA) and extensions (270 € +IVA). For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www. martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive ever growing list with of over 150 testimonials by different clients.

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Second Hand House Prices Rose in January

The average price of second hand housing in Spain registered a monthon-month increase of 0.3% in January, to stand at 1,623 euros/m2, according to data published by property portal, fotocasa, while year-on-year prices fell by -0.3%, continuing the trend of recent months in terms of slight year-on-year price adjustments. Since registering their record values in April of 2007, of 2,952 euros/m2, average second hand housing prices in Spain have accumulated a decline of -45%, which is equivalent to a reduction of 1,328 euros/ m2. In fact, a total of 12 of Spain’s 17 regions have registered price declines in excess of -40% since the maximum prices reached nine years ago, with the most significant decline being registered in La Rioja (-54.7%), followed by: CastillaLa Mancha (-52.2%); Navarra (-52.1%); Aragón (-51.4%); Murcia (-50.1%); Valencia (-47.8%); Catalonia (-46.6%); Asturias (-45.6%); Madrid (-44.7%); Andalucía (-42.7%); Extremadura (-41.6%) and Cantabria (-40.1%). In January, some 10 regions registered increases in the average price of second hand homes. The greatest increase was registered in the Canary Islands (2.1%), followed by: Aragón (1.2%); Valencia (1%); Andalucía and Catalonia (both 0.9%); Castilla-La Mancha, Navarra and La Rioja (all 0.8%); the Balearic Islands (0.2%) and Asturias (0.1%). In contrast, Extremadura

registered the greatest decline in second hand house prices in January (-1%), followed by: the Basque Country (-0.9%); Galicia (-0.6%); Cantabria (-0.5%); Castilla y León and Murcia (both -0.4%), and Madrid (-0.2%). The Basque Country remains the most expensive of Spain’s regions, with an average price of 2,730 euros/m2, followed by Madrid (2,197 euros/m2) and Catalonia (2,064 euros/m2), while the regions with the most economical second hand housing prices are Castilla-La Mancha (1,058 euros/m2), Extremadura (1,100 euros/m2) and Murcia (1,145 euros/m2). Month-on-month, some 30 of the 50 Spanish provinces recorded price rises over December, with the increases ranging from 2.6% in Las Palmas to 0.1% in Asturias. In Burgos second hand house prices remained stable over December 2015, while the 19 remaining provinces registered price declines, ranging between the decline of -3.3% registered in Ourense to -0.2% recorded in the province of Madrid. kyero.com

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SM042

SM005

CANTORIA

February 2016

Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394 360º VIEWS

109,000€

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SM034

COUNTRY HOME

COUNTRY CORTIJO - FANTASTIC PRICE

ALMANZORA

100,000€

Spacious 3 bed 4 bathroom detached traditional cortijo with much charm and character and many original features. Most attractive and desirable location as short drive to the nearest village and just off main access road. This large property offers scope for minor renovation hence the fantastic price. This home comes with many extras including 4 outbuildings, garage and a new fitted kitchen. Set in a small hamlet of country houses in a setting yet so close to amenities. A short drive to the traditional village of Almanzora with all amenities you would require including bars, cafes, medical centre and banks. Only 10 mins drive to the nearest main market town of Albox.

CLOSE TO ALBOX

149,950€

Main property is a detached villa with 2 large bedrooms. Large master bedroom with ensuite with bath and separate shower. The second bedroom is large and has sufficient space for two double beds if desired. Partial air con. Large fitted kitchen / diner, lounge has inset log burner with a traditional brick fireplace surround. Adjacent to the main entrance is a large patio area with plenty of room for alfresco living and dining from here there are views over the extensive garden and the above ground pool. Next to the pool is a separate annexe that could have various uses including store, studio or guest accommodation. Further down the garden there is a 4 berth caravan in good order, perfect for overspill of summer guests.

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Avenida 28 de Febrero Nº 44, Albox Email: info@solymarspain.com │ www.solymarspain.com sM041

PARTALOA

new listing

169,950€

Large detached 4 bed villa with extensive grounds and log cabin, in a quiet location. Ample parking. Large walled patio with fixed BBQ, great views of distant mountain range. Large enclosed porch forms summer living room and dining. Large lounge with pellet burner, doors to the covered porch. Fully furnished kitchen. 4 double bedrooms two with fitted wardrobes. A/C & CH radiators in most rooms. Good quality log cabin with lounge/kitchen, bathroom, double bedroom and loft space could provide sleeping for another two. Outside is a porch overlooking the pool and country views. The pool is set in its own private walled patio with country views. Fully walled garden has many aspects affording a variety of views and peaceful spots where you can enjoy life in Spain.

sM026

TRADITIONAL MANY UNIQUE FEATURES

NEAR ALBOX

106,950€

Impressive and highly individual traditional semi detached home with many original features. There is parking to the front of the property. This home has 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, two of the bedrooms are cave. Situated in a semi rural location with mountain views yet close to all local amenities. This property is finished to a very high standard. Beautiful internal courtyard and roof terrace with stunning views across the rambla and countryside. Move-in condition. The house is situated in a small hamlet of homes and only 10 mins drive to Albox.

RENTAL SECTION rsm009

CANTORIA

TOWN CENTRE

310€ PCM RENTAL

Traditional attached cortijo in the centre of town, walking distance to all amenities. Has many original features, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and small courtyard to the side of the house. This house is available immediately for a long term let. The property comes fully furnished including all white goods, off street parking and satellite TV. It is in a prime location as literally walking distance to town. Cantoria is a lively bustling town with many bars and cafes, banks, supermarkets, medical centre and all local amenities you may require. Only 10 minute drive to the market town of Albox.

rsM015

LAS POCIcAS

STUNNING COUNTRY HOME

550€ PCM RENTAL

Well presented and newly refurbished semi detached country home with 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. This house is in a beautiful semi rural setting in a small hamlet of homes with views of the mountain backdrop. Features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1000m2 of fully fenced land, large roof terrace with stunning views and swimming pool. This home is available immediately for long term let, furnished to a very high standard in immaculate order. Combines country living with access to amenities. Located 5 minute drive to Las Pocicas with a medical centre, shop & swimming pool. Only 15 minutes drive to the busy market town of Albox.

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February 2016

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Second Hand House Prices Rose in January

The average price of second hand housing in Spain registered a month-on-month increase of 0.3% in January, to stand at 1,623 euros/ m2, according to data published by property portal, fotocasa, while year-on-year prices fell by -0.3%, continuing the trend of recent months in terms of slight year-onyear price adjustments. Since registering their record values in April of 2007, of 2,952 euros/m2, average second hand housing prices in Spain have accumulated a decline of -45%, which is equivalent to a reduction of 1,328 euros/m2. In fact, a total of 12 of Spain’s 17 regions have registered price declines in excess of -40% since the maximum prices reached nine years ago, with the most significant decline being registered in La Rioja (-54.7%), followed by: Castilla-La Mancha (-52.2%); Navarra (-52.1%); Aragón (-51.4%); Murcia (-50.1%); Valencia (-47.8%); Catalonia (-46.6%); Asturias (-45.6%); Madrid (-44.7%); Andalucía (-42.7%); Extremadura (-41.6%) and Cantabria (-40.1%). In January, some 10 regions registered increases in the average price of second hand homes. The greatest increase was registered in the Canary Islands (2.1%), followed by: Aragón (1.2%); Valencia (1%); Andalucía and Catalonia (both 0.9%); Castilla-La

Mancha, Navarra and La Rioja (all 0.8%); the Balearic Islands (0.2%) and Asturias (0.1%). In contrast, Extremadura registered the greatest decline in second hand house prices in January (-1%), followed by: the Basque Country (-0.9%); Galicia (-0.6%); Cantabria (-0.5%); Castilla y León and Murcia (both -0.4%), and Madrid (-0.2%). The Basque Country remains the most expensive of Spain’s regions, with an average price of 2,730 euros/m2, followed by Madrid (2,197 euros/m2) and Catalonia (2,064 euros/m2), while the regions with the most economical second hand housing prices are Castilla-La Mancha (1,058 euros/ m2), Extremadura (1,100 euros/ m2) and Murcia (1,145 euros/m2). Month-on-month, some 30 of the 50 Spanish provinces recorded price rises over December, with the increases ranging from 2.6% in Las Palmas to 0.1% in Asturias. In Burgos second hand house prices remained stable over December 2015, while the 19 remaining provinces registered price declines, ranging between the decline of -3.3% registered in Ourense to -0.2% recorded in the province of Madrid. kyero.com

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Legal & Finance

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NEW RULES FOR HOME LETTING

Mario Draghi seeks to calm fears over European banks

European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi has sought to calm fears about the health of European banks after a "sharp fall" in their share prices. European banking stocks have lost almost a quarter of their value since the start of the year. But Mr Draghi said banks were now better protected from a collapse than before the financial crisis. Individual banks and the financial system as a whole are more resilient, he told European Parliament members. His comments come as stocks including Deutsche Bank and Societe Generale fluctuated wildly last week. "The sharp fall in bank equity prices reflected the sector's higher sensitivity to a weaker-thanexpected economic outlook," Mr Draghi said. Investors were also worried that banks would be hit by low commodity prices, tighter regulations and low interest rates, he said. However, Mr Draghi said banks had better "capital buffers" than they did during the eurozone banking crisis four years ago. "In the euro area, the situation in the banking sector now is very different from what it was in 2012," he said. Speaking in the European Parliament, Mr Draghi also said the ECB was "ready to do its part" to strengthen the wider Eurozone economy: "We will not hesitate to act." He hinted at further monetary stimulus

“English spoken”

next month as the eurozone battled weak investment, sluggish manufacturing growth, geopolitical risks and heightened uncertainty about the health of the global economy. The euro fell nearly 1% against the US dollar to $1.1141 following Mr Draghi's comments. Asked about this week's crucial summit on the UK's EU renegotiation, the ECB boss said the ideal outcome would be to "anchor the UK in the European Union", adding: "Both have to draw benefits from this." Meanwhile, the ECB is examining the possibility of abolishing the €500 note, Mr Draghi said, describing the note used by savers to hoard tens of billions of euros as an instrument also used by criminals. He said savers would not be penalised and could use the €200 note instead to hold their cash. Mr Draghi told MEPs: "The €500 note is being viewed increasingly as an instrument for illegal activities. It has nothing to do with reducing cash." Money exchanges in the UK have not been permitted to sell the €500 note since 2010. The Serious Organised Crime Agency said at the the time that the note had become the currency of choice for criminals who wanted to hide their profits. - BBC News

Deborah Cubel fisher 7 years experience in this area

The regional government of Andalusia has just approved a new law regulating the short term letting of homes. If you are a landlord who lets out your home for short or medium term lets in an urban centre then you are most likely affected by the new law, and have just three months to register. The legal term for these types of rentals is “vivienda turistica” (tourism home). It is defined in law as that which is sited upon residential grounds and offers sleeping accommodation in a regular manner to tourists via the establishment of a regular tariff, and which is advertised. So anyone renting out an apartment, villa, house or even just a room via online portals such as AirBnB or similar will also be affected. The intention of the new law is to provide a decent, clean and safe environment for tourists in Andalusia, and eliminate clandestine rents. You have to register your offer in the tourism register of Andalusia (RTA) within three months, or you will be classified as a “clandestine tourism destination”, facing heavy fines of up to €150,000. Once you’ve registered, you then have up to one year to carry out any structural reforms that may be required. You also have to have a register of visitors, which includes registering your guests at the Guardia Civil station on the day they arrive and leave. A level of minimum quality is required. This means you have to have permission from the local council (licencia de ocupación), air conditioning if you rent between May and September, furniture, linen and towels, a qualified cleaning service, and a telephone number for guests to call should they have problems during their stay. Although the law distinguishes between the rental of rooms in a home (the owner of the home must be in residence during the stay) where up to six people can stay and the rental of the entire home, where up to fifteen people can stay, there is a maximum capacity of four people per room. The tourism inspection force of Andalusia is being orientated towards the detection of clandestine rentals this year, which means you face fines of between €18,000 and €150,000 if caught renting without a permit, or without adapting your home to the new law. But not everyone is regulated under this new law. Rentals of over two months are regulated under the standard law of rentals, and are considered to be long term rents. Rentals in rural areas are likewise exempt. And if you aren’t charging your renter anything (ie, if you want to do a flat swap) you’re exempt. Occasional rents which only take place at a certain time of the year are also exempt under the new law. The new short term rent does distinguish between types of homes. So, for example, there’s a new category called cave houses which has different requirements from an urban flat. If you’re planning to rent out your home contact Cervantes Alarcon Consulting for more information. You’ll have to ensure your home adapts to the law, and you’ll have to file your personal taxes, so bearing in mind the Law will be investigating such rentals over the next couple of years, make sure you have an advisor you can trust!

Your friendly English speaking registered and regulated accountancy & gestoria in Garrucha. Services offered:

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legal & fiscal advice for residents & non-residents, Tax Payments and refunds • Wills and Inheritance process • Purchase / Sale private contracts • Land property and Catastro registration licenses • Conveyancing / Notorial documents

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February 2016

Oil extends rally on prospects OPEC could act to counter low prices

FOR BUSINESS MOBILE VEHICLE VALETING PART & FULL VALETS - T CUTS & POLISHING - INTERIORS UPHOLSTERY CLEANING - SOFAS AND RUGS

Oil prices rose on Monday, extending a rally triggered last week by speculation that OPEC might agree to cut production to reduce a supply glut that has pushed prices to the lowest in over a decade. Brent crude futures LCOc1, the global benchmark, were up 46 cents at $33.82 a barrel at 1232 GMT. U.S. futures CLc1 traded at $30.02 a barrel, up 58 cents on Friday's close. Trade is likely to be thinner than usual on Monday due to the U.S. Presidents Day holiday. "Some traders still think about the chances of an OPEC plus Russia (production) cut and close their short positions," said Frank Klumpp, oil analyst at Stuttgart-based Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg. The United Arab Emirates' energy minister said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries was willing to cooperate on an output

cut, the Wall Street Journal reported last week.

And Nigeria's oil minister told Reuters the mood inside OPEC was shifting to a growing consensus that a decision must be reached on how to prop up prices. Non-OPEC member Russia said on Monday it wanted to see improved relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia at a time when joint action is needed to influence global oil prices, according to the RIA news agency.

Iran is exporting 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, and will be pumping 1.5 million bpd by the start of the next Iranian year on March 20, a vice-president was quoted as saying on Saturday.

“The fact that the market has reacted so strongly certainly indicates that these comments are being taken seriously,” said analysts at Frankfurt-based Commerzbank.

Iran will load 4 million barrels of crude oil on tankers destined for Europe in the coming 24 hours, a senior official was quoted as saying.

However, many analysts, including the International Energy Agency, are still sceptical OPEC will cut a deal with other producers to reign in ballooning output. “We continue to believe that if prices were to

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Cuthbertism

Sacerdote del Semblante Lánguido arrived in Alqueria as a young man full of hope, piety and optimism. As a young and energetic priest he was committed and idealistic. It wasn’t to last. His grandiose plans for the spiritual salvation of Alqueria came to an abrupt end one Friday afternoon in January. Manuela asked the worthy priest to take her confession. He simply wasn’t ready for it, few people are, in fact no one is. His hair turned white, he was unable to process the information and began a frantic search for understanding. His search took him to the teachings of Nietzsche and Sartre, which he preached from the pulpit much to the annoyance of the church establishment. A bishop was duly despatched to Alqueria where he suggested that Existentialism was perhaps not a fit credo for his congregation. Semblante was past caring. Existentialism relieved him of any responsibility to his congregation. How could he be blamed if nothing made sense? Why should things make sense? It simply didn’t make sense for things to make any sense. Semblante was ‘off the hook’. He needed to find a framework in which to weave Existentialism into a worshipable faith within his newly formed ‘Church of Alqueria’. He already had the building and congregation, such as it was, all he needed was a ‘creation myth’. His studied those of ancient China and Greece and after a vivid

viewpoint

if not troubled dream he drafted his creed. Cuthbert was the superior being singled out for worship by the Church of Alqueria. Cuthbert, according to Semblante lived in a ‘semi’ in the celestial suburbs. One rainy day in February he was preparing a paella after consuming rather too much wine, in fact he was totally ‘wasted’. Making a complete ‘hash’ out of the paella he accidentally created the universe. His wife, Mrs Cuthbert was furious, “How can I feed our children on that universal, it’s meaningless” she screamed and threw a plate of stale Boquerones at him. She missed and the Baroqueness were sucked into the newly formed universe thus creating life. Now Cuthbert, realising that his universe was indeed meaningless and totally devoid of any intelligence whatsoever flushed it down the loo, this is why of course the galaxies are in the form of spirals. The Sunday observance in the Church of Alqueria is to the ‘Holy Paella’ and the ‘Boquerones of Genesis’. They pray for a cosmic plumbing failure so the universe as we know it, or as least as Semblante knows it can be saved. The established churches were quite happy for the spiritual well-being of Alqueria to be taken out of their hands and so accepted the teaching of Cuthbertism into the mainstream of world religions where of course it justly deserves to be.

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 MENTIONING A TRUST ON A SPANISH WILL IS ASKING FOR TROUBLE. SOMETIMES WHAT IS LEGALLY POSSIBLE AND WHAT IS PRACTICAL IS NOT THE SAME THING. THIS IS A PRIME EXAMPLE. Question: I had a Spanish will made out for myself and my wife some time ago. We have recently hired a solicitor to handle a conveyance and he has taken a look at the wills and told us they are not good and that we should make new ones. We are now uncertain of what to do. We have attached the wills for you to take a look at them. Our instruction to our original solicitor in Spain was for him to do exactly what we did in the UK on our English wills. He said that since the Directive 650/2012 this can be done. Answer. As my granny would always say: a little knowledge can cause a lot of damage. There is no doubt, the will is dreadful. You must change it. I doubt the person who prepared your will has ever dealt with probate in Spain and in fact I doubt the person is even a solicitor. ( I say this because any solicitor I know would tell you that your will is asking for trouble). The will essentially translates the English will you handed over and sets up a trust to protect your children versus your second wife. Even though Directive 650/2012 allows English law to be applied (by choice of the testator) to how an estate is distributed in Spain, using institutions like trusts will cause endless problems and expenses for your heirs because Trusts are not understood in Spain the same way as in UK. So Certifications of English law (which are very expensive) will be required to help wind up the estate (by explaining the content of English law). To this you

will have to add a lot of problems with Spanish Inheritance tax (remember Directive 650/2012 has no effect on the taxation of the estate). In Spain it is the beneficiary that pays inheritance tax and not the estate. Descendants and spouse in Andalucía are exempt if they each receive less than 175,000€. In this case the trustee is a non-family member and as he has faculty to dispose of assets, the Spanish tax office could interpret that he is in control of the estate and is the person who owes the tax. As non-family he would receive a large tax bill. (This could all be battled out but it would be a mess.) Conclusion: Keep things sensible and uncomplicated. In this case achieve what you want using methods that are common practice in Spain. (Even though with the Directive it is possible to have the will run under English law you must remember that probate will need to be obtained in Spain, so making a will that nobody understands in Spain is not a good idea It would be up to your heirs to prove what UK law says and I can tell you from plenty of experience that dealing with Trusts in Spain is nightmare scenario.) In this case leave the life possession of your property to you wife and the residual value to your children. With the values you have sent me the estate will be exempt, probate will be simple and both your children and your wife will be fully protected as you asked for. Michael Davies. Abogado.

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.

And As For Answering

I am not the only one suffering the high-minded whims and peccadillos of the Smartphone. It extends its over-engineered perversity to any innocent person who may wish to get in touch with me via the ether. When anybody rang me on Stupidphone all I had to do was open his lid and press the symbol of a phone to make the connection. Stupidphone carried all the information necessary to make and receive a call right there in plain sight. His sole effort towards obfuscation was to offer choices, such as Message, Contacts or Missed Call, all of which could easily be found by tapping Options. This was all I needed – a phone is for making phone calls, isn’t it? Not so Smartphone! Should someone ring me he plays what he considers to be an appropriate jingle, accompanied by a vigorous and rather unnerving vibrating action. I capture him and clasp him tight, fearful lest he might elude my grasp and jump onto the floor in an expensive act of suicide. I open his fashionable turquoise jacket, squeeze the tiny button on his side that opens communication between us, and wait. Eventually his screen lights up in psychedelic greeny-yellow, and displays a green symbol of a human head in the bottom corner. Common sense suggests that a tap on this symbol will establish contact, but Smartphone despises anything so straightforward and logical – I have to swipe it! And not just swipe it, but swipe it in a manner acceptable to Smartphone.

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk It has to be neither too hard not too gentle, and in the exact right place and direction; should I not contact the exact centre of the symbol, or not angle my swipe at the precise angle he favours, then he continues to ignore me while the unfortunate person at the other end of the call wonders what the heck is taking me so long. Should I miss a call, no doubt due to procrastination by machine, he suggests that maybe I would like to re-dial, simply by pressing the green button. That is an absolute, bare-faced lie! There is no green button ANYWHERE on the phone’s blank face! Neither can I look to see whether I’ve missed any calls –there is no facility for viewing missed calls – so if you called me and didn’t get an answer, you’ll just have to call again! Sorry. In short, don’t call me – email me – much less complicated and almost certainly quicker!

puzzle pages

February 2016

To advertise in this space Contact our sales advisors on 950 121 936 or email: sales@soltimes.com sol picture quiz!

Winter

Find and circle all of the Winter related words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a Japanese proverb.

3. Which sporting term possibly stems from the poorly pronounced translation of the word ‘egg’?................................................. 4. Which natural phenomenon is responsible for the creation of fulgurites?.... 5. Cape Agulhas is the southern most point of which continent?..................................... 6. Similiar to samosa’s, what are the small Spanish stuffed breads or pastries called?... 7. 75% of all the countries in the world are found where; north or south of the equator? 8. Which colourful comic book hero is the Lone Ranger’s grandnephew?......................

Answers

9. Plaster of Paris

4. Lightning

8. The Green Hornet

3. Love in tennis

7. North of the equator

2. China

6. Empanadas

1. Anne Hathaway

CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC crossword

10. Cuban cigars

5. Africa

SOLUTIONS

ICE FISHING ICICLES KNIT CAP LONG UNDERWEAR MITTENS OLYMPICS PARKA SCARF SEASON SKATES SKI DOO SKI PANTS SKIING SLED SLEET SLIPPERY SNOW CASTLE SNOW PLOW

wordsearch answer

standard SUDOKU

10. Just before signing the United States trade embargo against Cuba in 1962, President Kennedy instructed Pierre Salinger (his press Secretary) to buy what?..

easy SUDOKU

name?.........................................................

BLACK ICE BLIZZARD BOOTS CARNIVAL CHRISTMAS COLD EGG NOG FIREPLACE FIREWOOD FOG FREEZE FROST GLOVES HAIL HEADBAND HIBERNATION HOCKEY HOLIDAYS

SNOW SHOVEL SNOW TIRES SNOWBALL SNOWBOARD SNOWFLAKE SNOWMAN SNOWSHOES SOLSTICE SOUP STEW STORM SWEATSHIRT TOBOGGAN VACATION WIND CHILL WOOL SOCKS

ONE KIND WORD CAN WARM THREE WINTER MONTHS

9. The better known name for calcium sulphate hemihydrate contains a European capital city. What is the better known

soltimes sport Quiz

1. London hosts/hosted the 2012 Olympic Games. In which previous years have London hosted the games?................... 2. In the 1994 Winter Olympics, how many athletes represented Israel?...................................... 3. How old was Linford Christie when he won gold for the 100m in Barcelona (a record age)?..... 4. Which Olympic sport is played with stones and brooms?................................... 5. Which racket sport made its Olympic debut in 1992?............ 6. What colours make up the Olympic rings?......................... 7. Considering that India has a population exeeding one billion people, how many gold medals did India win at the Beijing games of 2008?............ 8. How many national Olympic committees exist (Plus or minus five)?............................. 9. The first disabled athlete to compete in the Olympic Games was American George Eyser in 1904, he had one artificial leg. In which event did he compete? 10. Which track athlete won the gold medal in both the 200 and 400 metres in gold shoes at the 1996 Olympics?..................

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

wordsearch

Red, Yellow & Green 7. One 8. 204 9. Gymnastics 10. Michael Johnson

2. In which country would you be if you found yourself at the furthest point from any ocean?..................................................

1. 1948 & 1908 2. One 3. 32 years old 4. Curling 5. Badminton 6. Blue, Black,

1. Which modern Hollywood actress shares her name with Shakespeare’s wife?.............

Answers

soltimes Quiz

IDENTIFY THEse FAMOUS actors

1. Ed Begley Jr. 2. Bruce Willis 3. Benny Hill 4. Charlton Heston

on this day 18th February

1478 – George, Duke of Clarence, convicted of treason against his older brother Edward IV of England, is executed in private at the Tower of London. 1885 – Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is published in the United States. 1978 – The first Ironman Triathlon competition takes place on the island of Oahu and is won by Gordon Haller. 1991 – The IRA explodes bombs in the early morning at Paddington station and Victoria station in London. 2013 – Armed robbers steal a haul of diamonds worth $50 million during a raid at Brussels Airport in Belgium.

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puzzle pages

UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

across

STANDARD CROSSWORD

8 Cry loudly (4) 9 Shot from a bow (5) 10 Fake (4) 11 Zodiacal twins (6) 12 Ability to read and write (8) 13 Remembrances (8) 15 Adorned (furniture) (6) 17 Anagram of “Deserts” (7) 19 Self-importance (7) 22 Pre-built (6) 24 Imagines to be true (8) 26 Bells in a tower (8) 28 Difficult to detect (6) 30 Final (4) 31 The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5) 32 Heroic (4)

Down

1 Ebb (4) 2 Chicago’s state (8) 3 Large North American deer (6) 4 Uncultured (7) 5 Hitting swiftly (8) 6 Stellar (6) 7 Ketch (4) 14 Mistake (5) 16 A small picture inserted within another (5) 18 Occlusion of a blood vessel (8) 20 Shook (8) 21 Inane (7) 23 Swoons (6) 25 A yellow-and-black Eurasian finch (6) 27 At a distant place (4) 29 Placed (4)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

squiggle

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Saturations in 10 places, reportedly (11) 7 Take action against woman (3) 9 Amusing funnyman (5) 10 Surprisingly re-enlists those hearing a radio programme (9) 11 Meddle in the heartless referee, missing a couple of Egyptian leaders (9) 12 Even floor (5) 13 Foes see me in trouble (7) 15 Refuse of French New York (4) 18 Account about unit of area (4) 20 Fix the others mineral (7) 23 Sound on return is echo (5) 24 Odd Essex vice is over the top (9) 26 Helper organised satanists (9) 27 Fruit oil disturbed - very English (5) 28 Bind in the nineties (3) 29 Communities of strange nettle stems (11)

Down 1 Leaning incorporated in LED outside (8) 2 Fruit to mother extremities (8) 3 French resort river is more pleasant (5) 4 I will half-need ship disease (7) 5 Alternatively move Diane outside street (7) 6 Single LP’s arranged for the organisations of letters (9) 7 Arm of garment in aisle, even... (6) 8 ...as I hid in Ely without difficulty (6) 14 Goes up in wrinkles (9) 16 Place returns? No - it is operation (8) 17 Officials about - free sulphur outside England (8) 19 Graceful and a gentle organisation (7) 20 Channel Islands Tango in real performance (7) 21 Supporter in broken tin baby (6) 22 Time with offspring for type of paper (6) 25 Violent weather in West or Midlands (5)

famous birthdays on this day

standard

1609 – Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, English historian and politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (d. 1674). 1959 – Jayne Atkinson, English actress. 1975 – Gary Neville, English footballer and coach. 1985 – Anton Ferdinand, English footballer.

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February 2016

NIGEL SLATER’S CAULIFLOWER RECIPES

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

Whether creamed or spiced or crisped, cauliflower is enjoying its moment of fame. It’s time you got reacquainted from www.theguardian.com

bar restaurant Fully Air- Conditioned, Eat In Comfort Open 7 days a week, 12noon - 3:30pm, 6pm - late Closed Monday Lunchtime Menu del Dia: 12noon - 3:30pm Tuesday-Sunday Menu del Noche: 6pm - 7:30pm Sunday, Monday, Thursday

Spend over 21€ and get a free bottle of wine to take home free delivery within 6k radius takeaway available Booking Recommended

Avda Lepanto, Albox Tel: 632 454 505 or 602 198 970

V ENTA EL GUARDUCHA

Scrub the carrot and cut into long thin, matchstick pieces. I use the coarse grater attachment on the food processor for this. Pour the vinegar into a small saucepan, add the coriander seeds and peppercorns and bring to the boil, then stir in the carrots and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside, tossing the carrots from the time to time. Cut the cauliflower into large florets, then put in a medium-sized saucepan with the milk, bay and peppercorns. Bring the milk to the boil, then lower the heat and leave the cauliflower to simmer for 15 minutes or so, until tender to the point of a knife. The texture should be softer than you would like it as a side dish. Break the romanesco cauliflower into florets. Cut the salami into short, pencilthick pieces. Warm the oil and butter in a frying pan and add the salami, letting it sizzle over a low to moderate heat, then add the romanesco. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, until the romanesco is just tender and the salami golden brown. Process the cauliflower and milk in a blender or food processor until smooth. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, scatter with some of the pickled Free Bottle of wine carrot, then add the per couple to take away fried romanesco and after having our night menus salami, trickling over some of the pan juices Valid only with this voucher or a little fruity olive oil over the surface. dinner 19.00-22.00 until 29th february

Mesón de

Irene

Cauliflower Soup With Pickled Carrot And Salami

INGREDIENTS Serves 4 carrots 150ml white-wine vinegar 100ml coriander seeds 2 tsp black peppercorns 1 tsp white peppercorns 1 tsp cauliflower 1, medium milk 500ml bay leaves 2 romanesco cauliflower 1, small salami 100g olive oil 2 tbsp butter 40g

winter crazy offer

Now serving English Breakfast

Restaurant ● Daily Menu Celebrations & Special Events, Open Everyday 9am - Late New Chef from the best restaurant in Barcelona. New A la Carte Menu Specialises in: Meats cooked over firewood, Roasts and Tapas

950 132 048

Sally Sally

WE ARE NOW OPEN Formally Gastronomia

Come And See Us This Week. Try Our Freshly Prepared Homemade Pies & Pasties, Scotch Eggs & Pork Pies Cold Meats & Cheeses, Cakes & Fresh Cream Scones

Menu del dia & Menu del noche with a wide variety of dishes. One Bottle of wine per couple free when you dine with us.

Free WiFi zone for clients

618 366 773 English speaking Tel: 622 582 538 Paraje Los Castejones s/n Albox ventaguarducha@gmail.com www.ventaelguarducha.wix.com/venta-el-guarducha

Winter Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 3pm Local 29, Las Buganvillas (Next to Paws)

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FOOD & ENTERTAINING... INGREDIENTS Serves 2 as a main dish, 4 as a side cauliflower 1, medium to large groundnut oil 4 tbsp fresh ginger 30g green chillies 2 garlic 2 cloves

Roast Spiced Cauliflower Preheat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6. Trim the cauliflower and cut it into large florets. (If you intend to cook it whole, hollow out the stem.) Steam or boil the florets for 7-10 minutes, until almost tender. Pour the oil into a pan, not too deep, and large enough to take the cauliflower, with just enough room for you to get a spoon in to baste. Grate the ginger finely into the oil. Finely chop the chillies, discarding the seeds if you wish, then add to the pan. Peel, crush and add the garlic, then place over a moderate heat and let the spices and aromatics cook for a few minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the mustard

seeds and continue cooking until the garlic has softened, then add the garam masala, turmeric and salt. Pour the coconut milk into the spice mixture, stir well and season with a little ground black pepper. When it starts to bubble gently, turn off the heat, place the drained cauliflower in the dish then baste it with the coconut-spice mixture. Bake the cauliflower, basting occasionally with the spiced sauce in the roasting tin, for 40-45 minutes. If it has caught a little on top, then all to the good. Chop the pistachios and the coriander, then scatter over the top as the cauliflower comes from the oven.

Organic farming 'could be key to feeding the world as global warming takes hold'

Organic farming – long held to be irrelevant in tackling world hunger – could be key to feeding the world as global warming takes hold, one of the biggest studies ever to be carried out into the “contentious” practice has concluded. The research, which has reviewed hundreds of studies stretching back over four decades, not only overturns conventional wisdom but contradicts Britain’s official Food Standards Agency, which has repeatedly attacked chemicalfree agriculture. It adds to emerging evidence that it may be more productive and profitable than conventional farming in the long term, especially in developing countries, and says it can provide an “ideal blueprint in addressing climate change”. Published this month in the leading journal Nature Plants, the study admits that “organic agriculture has a history of being contentious” and is still considered by its many critics as “an inefficient approach to food security and a farming system that will be become less relevant in the future”. It adds that the practice is regarded as “ideologically driven”, with “many shortcomings”, not least because it “relies on more land to

yellow mustard seeds 2 tsp garam masala 3 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp sea salt flakes a scant tsp coconut milk 400ml shelled pistachios 2 tbsp coriander a handful of leaves FEB OPENING HOURS

Mon - Fri Evenings 6pm - 11pm Sat & Sun - All Day 10am - 11pm Closed Tuesdays

New Tapas Menu

Quiz Night Monday Evening starts 9pm FRIDAY NIGHT KARAOKE Come Along And Join Us

friday 26th February

Come help us celebrate our 8th anniversary at el sitio rod stewart tribute act with steve fisher 8:30pm to latE Menu del Casa 3 Courses €12

Sundays Roast Lunch

Calle Mayor, Los Gallardos Tel: 950 398 799

produce the same amount of food as conventional agriculture”, And it quotes a 1970s US Agriculture Secretary, Earl Butz: “Before we go back to organic agriculture in this country, somebody must decide which 50 million Americans we are going to let starve or go hungry”. Yet, the study – led by Professor John Reganold of Washington State University – goes on, “organic food and beverages” are now “a rapidly growing market segment in the global food industry”. Worldwide sales increased fivefold to US $72bn (£50bn) between 1999 and 2013, and are expected to double again by 2018. The practice is certified in 170 countries and the current US Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, describes it as “one of the fastest growing segments of American agriculture” driven by “growing consumer demand.” The research also acknowledges it produces lower yields than chemically driven agriculture, but at 8 –25 per cent, the reductions are less than often supposed. Another mammoth study – at the University of California 14 months ago – found that the deficit could be more than halved by rotating crops and avoiding monocultures: for leguminous produce such as beans, peas and lentils there was no difference at all and overall it could be “a very competitive alternative to industrial agriculture”. But it is climate change that may give organic farming the edge. As the new research underlines, “organically managed farms have frequently been shown to produce higher yields than their conventional counterparts” during droughts, because the manures they use retain moisture in the soil. And severely dry conditions “are expected to increase with climate change in many areas”. As other studies have shown, organic fertilisers also increase the amount of carbon in the soil, while intensive agriculture denudes it, increasing erosion and reducing its fertility. Wheat, for example, has traditionally produced much higher

Pizzas to eat in or takeaway

Inside and outside dining areas All major Sports shown

yields in conventional than in chemical-free farming, but these have now stagnated for some 20 years after almost tripling during the previous 50 years. Losses of organic matter from British soil now cost the country £82m a year and the Government admits that this is “not sustainable in the long term”. But it has done little about it: there is not even any countrywide monitoring of soil health. Organic techniques, moreover, are even more effective in developing countries, where most farmers cannot afford to buy much artificial fertiliser or pesticide. One UN report which looked at 114 projects, involving nearly two million African farms found that they more than doubled yields. Chemical-free farming is also more profitable in both developed and developing countries, the new report adds: four decades of studies covering 55 crops grown on five continents found they yielded a 22-35 per cent better return than conventional produce. This was, of course, due to the premium organic producers can charge, but even slashing the price differential several times over would still leave them better off. And they employ more people. More predictably, the report finds that organic farming is better for nature and wildlife and reduces exposure to toxic pesticides both on the farm and in food. And it adds that 80 per cent of major studies into its nutritional value have suggested that it is better for consumers, contradicting the position of the Food Standards Agency. It stresses that “no one farming system alone will safely feed the planet”, but calls for “the untapped potential role” of chemical-free agriculture to be realised by blending it with the best practices of its conventional counterpart.The Independent

February 2016

FOOD & ENTERTAINING... French supermarkets banned from throwing away and spoiling unsold food

Supermarkets in France have been banned from throwing away or spoiling unsold food by law. The stores are now required to donate unwanted food to charities and food banks. To stop foragers, some supermarkets have poured bleach over the discarded food or storing binned food in locked warehouses. It will apply to any supermarket with a footprint of 400 square metres or larger. If companies flout the law they could incur fines up to 3750 Euros. Jacques Bailet from Banques Alimentaires, a network of Food banks, told the Guardian: "Most importantly, because supermarkets will be obliged to sign a donation deal with charities, we’ll be able to increase the quality and diversity

of food we get and distribute "In terms of nutritional balance, we currently have a deficit of meat and a lack of fruit and vegetables. This will hopefully allow us to push for those products. "That is very important for food banks because this is a real source of quality products, coming straight from the factory." Mr Derambarsh is now looking to get an EU-wide law banning supermarket food waste. He said: "The next step is to ask the president, François Hollande, to put pressure on Jean-Claude Juncker and to extend this law to the whole of the EU. "This battle is only just beginning. We now have to fight food waste in restaurants, bakeries, school canteens and company canteens."The Independent

& g n i n i a t r e t n e t u o b a d n a t ou

his rtise on t e v d a o .t .. 936 950 121 ll a c e g pa

The Yellow Stone Bar

Thursday, Friday & Saturday Homemade Pizzas Eat in or takeaway. choice of 8 toppings From just 6€, come along and try call maggie or sue to book or more info Closed Monday

Email: ysb1@albox-online.net

sat nav to bar N37.38742, W002.20080 Tel: 634 332 228

find us on facebook

Menu del Dia 10€ Selection of Tapas English Speaking Everyone Welcome Friendly Atmosphere

Bar-Restaurante

LA PALMERA

La Cena

Restaurante

Albox

menu del noche €10.95

WINTER OPENING HOURS Monday & Tuesday: 6pm til Late Wednesday: 9.30am to 10:30am Keep Fit Thursday: Closed day y Fri hips r Friday: 10am to 11am Dog Training Saturday e v E & C l 8, h i t s P 27th Fi 5pm way. BAR: 5pm til late Tourn ool a from or take a Saturday: 4pm til late n at 5p ment eat i m Sunday 12noon-5pm

t Nigh y, Quiz her Frida ot is every ext one th n 9 1 y Frida ruary. Feb

Saturday 20th: Fun Race Night with our own Dodgy Dave the Bookmaker. Enjoy our Pie, Peas, Chips and Gravy for just 5€

Sund El ay 21s 2pm Teatro C t & 28th and 3 arver pm s y itting s

Come along, enjoy and play on our brand new pool table, dartboard or our petanca lane. Fancy watching sport? we have an 11’ x 8’ screen with Sky. Free WIFI and play station area for the children. New table tennis and pool tables.

LOCATION ON GOOGLE MAPS UNDER EL TEATRO CALL AMANDA /STUART ON 642 103 893 / 642 520 714 FOR RESERVATIONS OR FURTHER INFORMATION

Includes a carafe of wine per couple 11 starters, 10 mains & 9 Desserts Full A La Carte also available Monday - Saturday 7pm - late. Closed Sunday

Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm

Find us across the old bridge from Palza Mayor Albox, opp Bar Wassy

Avda Lepanto, 43 Opposite the BP Garage 04800 Albox-Almeria Tel: 950 430 993 Mobile: 659 056 082

La Cena

would like to invite you to sample the exciting new additions to the already successful menú of the night. With 4 new additions per the 3 course taking it to 11 starters 10 mains, and 9 sweets. With additions to include more choice for the high volume of gluten free people. Still priced at the value beating 10.95€ for 3 courses, including a carafe of wine for 2 people. Full al-carte still available. Please call for reservation.

Open 7 days a week 7.30 am – late. Closed between 4pm-6pm Fresh Baked Bread, Snacks, Lunch Time Menu, Tapas & Homemade Authentic Pizzas Served Daily. Full English Breakfast Large 4.50€, Small 3€

Friday Fish And Chips 6€ Saturday Homemade Pie Chips & Gravy

from 3.95€ different exciting fillings each week, take away available.

Sunday roast

Just 7.95€ for two courses

Come celebrate Dia de Andalucia 28th February with paella in the plaza.

Horse riding special

2 hour trek plus paella just 20€, non riders paella just 5€

Free mini bus service available call for details. Free wifi BT and Sky Sports Call Linda for more information Tel: 642 947 182 Follow us on facebook plazabarpartaloa for up and coming events Plaza de Constitucion S/N Par taloa

roquetas de mar community news

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call SALES on 950 121 936

nOTICE bOARD

Roquetas Bridge club Meets on Monday’s at 3pm at The Bahia Serena Hotel For more info please contact Alison Ferguson 950 349 749 Sue Barlow 950 333 344 Susan Nielson 950 333 266

tell the world about your clubs / events or associations! the soltimes can tell your local community what is going on and where. send details to editor@soltimes.com covered, Horse riding stables from single treks to full riding schedules, livery services, riding lessons for beginners and opportunities for improvement for the more experienced rider. The horse riding centres of Almeria have their own dedicated websites which provide comprehensive details of their quality horses, unique riding routes and other equestrian services.

Horse riding in Almeria and surroundung areas The natural landscapes of the Almeria and surrounding areas supply the foundation for horseback riding in the province and a source of wonderment along the boundless horse riding trails.

desert canyons, experience the mountainside tracks, and views, or gallop through the open valleys abundant with almond blossom and orange groves. The allure of the natural parks are enticing in their diversity, from the pine forests of Sierra Maria in the north of the province, to the volcanic hills of Cabo de Gata by the Mediterranean sea, the vistas really cannot be improved upon

From the coast to the mountains the ever changing scenery will surprise and delight, take a ride across a secluded beach, or an evening canter in the

Useful Spanish words Hipico - Equestrian Riding Stables in Almeria There are numerous horse riding stables and horse riding centres in Ameria province and between them practically every conceivable equestrian service is

All live Sports shown

19 Feb – Paseo Del Golf (19th Hole), Playa Serena (near Manhattan nightclub). 26 Feb – Bar Lady Lay, C/Sierra Nevada, in the Urb. 4 Mar – Mar Y Sol, opposite Hotel Playa Luna, in the Urb. 11 Mar – Bar Cullar, (Red Chairs) opposite Margar Supermarket. 18 Mar – New York NY, Av. Playa Serena, in the Urb.

27 Calle

RTS NO1 SPO

BAR

SAT 3PM KO’S

SPORT FREE WIFI.....LIVES WEDS €7.95 IB FOOD DAILY...R .95 + QUIZ 9.30 FRI FISH & CHIPS €5 ST €2 MINI SUNDAY ROA0 light bites €1.5 es - Sun Open from 1pm Tu 8 36 4 82 TEL 618

sdays Bingo 3pm Tue ht steak day/nig € 5 thursdays 7.9 raoke a K t h ig N y a d Satur

Bingo 3pm tuesdays Mahou large 2€ small 1€ & large glass house wine 2€ small wine 1€

Caballos - Horses

FTG Notice

PUB CHAPLINS Roquetas a, ad ev N ra Sier

- See more at: http://choose-almeria.com/

but what better way to enjoy them than from horseback.

The ‘Friday Tapas Group’ meet each Friday somewhere in the Urbanisation at 13.00hrs and, venues for the next few weeks are:

Anyone is welcome to join the happy bunch and have a laugh, exchange views and ideas. The more, the merrier and the bar owners enjoy it too!

Many of the stables and horse riding centres offer horse riding holidays in Almeria, with options for accommodation.

Opening Hours

Tues,Weds,Friday, Sat & Sun1pm til Late Thurs 6pm til Late, Closed Mondays

estampa Tapas Bar tdoor u o y n n u s s Spaciou seating 24 terrace TV SKY

Tapas/Snacks English Breakfast Fish & Chips Coffees & Cakes Sangria

FREE WI-FI

all sports now shown

Open 9.30am - late (Closed Tuesday)

Next door to Zurimar 678 202 160

Find us in the Paseo Maritimo front line beach Near Free Zoraida Park and Gardens hotels Wifi Tel: 950 099 400

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NOTICE FORTHCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS IN 2016 ROQUETAS DE MAR SUB-BRANCH 3569

Poppy Appeal In Almerimar On Behalf Of The Rbl, I Personally Would Like To Thank The Following Establishments For Their Help And Support In Raising Funds And, For So Generously Donating Prizes For The 2015 Poppy Appeal Ankara • Macgowan’s • Stumble Inn La Plaza • Leo’s • Mario’s • D/Bar • Golf Shop Charity Shop • Alamar Shop Bonnie & Clyde Hair Dressing Baobob Shop • American Bar Pauline Hair Dressing (In The Hotel) I Would Also Like To Thank The People Of Almerimar For Making This Year’s Poppy Appeal, One Of The Best We Have Had For Many Years. Gerry Storey, For The R.b.l., Almerimar.

32 Customers can now pay for advertising in our New Drop in Sol Times office located within Sol y Mar

air con

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

MDS.L

City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified

25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

SOL CLASSIFIEDS for sale

advertise your unwanted items up to 300€ for free email: sales@soltimes.com by thursday 5pm

Garden table and 4 chairs, mahogany, strong and robust in good condition, 120€, For all your installation or service Terreros area, Tel: 634 MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest info@md-aircon.com 312 365. telephone P ortable 950 432 110 / 607 364 917 24volt heavy duty emergency light/lamp email: info@md-aircon.com md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es unit with spare charger and extension lamp, San Juan area. solosat a/c services call 55€. Tel: 634 312 365 699 909 737, 950 528 334 or emaiil Gyproc plaster 135mm cornice, 6 solosat@gmail.com packs of 6 @ 3mtrs long totalling 180 linea mtrs. 120€ San Juan area Tel : 634 312 365. Air Conditioning Services A luminium door, white, 210cm based in Mojacar & all areas X 80cm, hinges on with 10 years experience covered right opening in, all new door and glazing We offer competitive affordable rates seals, lock and keys, can send email photo, 85€ San Juan area. visit Tel: 634 312 365 www.digitalvisiones.com GRUNDIG 37in. Flat screen HDMI. TV email: info@digitalvisiones.com .3yrs old ,bought from Pablo. Vera. 250€ Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081 Di Ex con. Tel: 950 369 015. ajero / alternative energy P Montero 2.8 diesel full engine gasket

not a jack of all trades

607 364 917 or 950 432 110

Digital Vision

Solar Wind Power Solutions. Over 15 years installation experience. established 12 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices 636 261 240 email:info@sunergy almeria. com www.sunergy almeria.com

www.ecocorpshop.com are you getting frustrated at ever increasing electricity bills do you want a clean, reliable energy alternative if so call ecocorp on 671 716 597 or 950 930 187 for a no obligation quotation

airport services www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Cheap

Airport Parking

set, fuel, oil Filters, viscous fan unit, drive shaft boot, Haynes workshop manual, 100€ the lot or will split,Oval mirror, bevel edged 68cm X 53cm Mahogany framed, excellent condition, 35€, Cupboard, white malemine, 80 X 180 X 42 cm, divided into random storage compartments, can send email photo. 35€ Terreros area Tel: 634 312 365 Bamboo Unit, 3 Drawer 66cm x 30cm 15€ phone 680 357 748 Desktop PC, High Spec,Multiple fittings,recent 500 GB hard disc, Powerpack, keyboard, mouse, very good condition, clean, installed Windows 10, large screen & much more. Best offer over 225€. Contact: chrisandbettytaylor@ gmail.com to make arrangements to view Arboleas Area. Bamboo Unit, 3 Drawer 66cm x 30cm €15 Tel: 680 357 748

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baby equipment hire

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Everything for the visiting baby Car seats, high chairs, stair gates, cots etc 950 436 581/666 375 688

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To Advertise your business in the

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• Emergency Drain Cleaning • High Pressure Water Jetting • CCTV Surveys • Drainage Repairs • Location of Cesspits • Qualified Engineer • Expert Reports

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potty finca services professional tree felling & pruning,

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health & beauty

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insurance

albox insurance Award winning agent For all your Insurance Needs Please contact Glenn & jayne

ELAINE ’ S WOOLS Quality 950 121 943 UK Wool & infoalbox.libertyseguros@ Accessories. gmail.com Come & view my DISPLAY. Also iron/metal Available at CAT The Metal works Services & Total Grills, railings, gates of all types, security/sliding/roller, rejas, Enter tainment concertina doors etc. Call 667 273 889 Tel: Keith Wood 638 900 949. elaineswools@ gmail.com

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Curtains 3 Matching pairs, 1 long, 2 short pairs, 75€, call for details of design. Tel: 617 744 991 Huercal Overa area. P hillips R espironics CPAP machine with C-flex technology (for sleep apnea sufferers) and mask etc. very nearly new. New price £680; sale price 300€ono. D rive attendant wheelchair with 20 inch seat 130€. Drive 4-wheel walking aid with seat and bag. Brand new 60€. Tel: 606 614 569. F ully reconditioned Singer sewing machine, with solid carry case. Never used since purchase 80€ Tel: 606 614 569. Sofas - 2 Seater & 3 Seater, orange colour ex. Con.150€ the pair Will sell separate. Can deliver Tel: 634 337 185.

February 2016

Cont...

For All Your Plumbing Needs LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying Blocked Drains • Installation of new septic Hi Pressure tanks with certificates Cleaning Camera • Repairs to existing pozos Search • CCTV Camera Diagnosis Inspection Pool Cleaning. Call: Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587 620 112 193 Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net

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locksmith

Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

Logs load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €165 load of mixed Olive some roots €145 load of eucalyptus, no roots €165 all loads 2 tonnes Arboleas & surrounding areas Call Lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

LOGS FOR SALE

Pets

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Tel Phil: 634 328 779 phoyle@hotmail.es mobile homes We buy, sell, store, remove all types of mobile homes. We pay cash and cover all of Spain. For more information please call Suzi Caley Tel 616 250 727 / 951 063 059 Or email suzicaley@gmail.com

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SOLTIMES have a vacancy at the office of Los Carasoles

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February 2016

are you a trade Business? advertise in the classified section & reach over 30,000 potential customers

Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word Deadline 5pm Thursday Contact Paulette on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332 motoring section

For Sale

Silver Grey Citroen Xsara Picasso 2007, Diesel, 1600, 35,000KM, 4,000€ ono. Call 676 389 592 wanted

WANTED Roof Rack, Ford Focus 1.9 Diesel Hatchback Tel: 660 072 171

garages

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animal corner

To advertise here call : 950 121 936 Tips For Caring For Your Pet This Winter ABC Vets has moved to new and larger

premises. Just a couple of hundred yards from their old site, just across the square and church. They have ample car parking facilities for all customers, so pay them a visit for all your veterinary needs soon. Where the staff are always happy to help you.

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones living in one of the balmier states, you've felt the cold chill of winter arrive. For some of us, cold weather is regarded as a mere nuisance; for others, it’s a fun time filled with snowboarding, skiing and other winter joys; and still others will find this time of bone-chilling weather and huge piles of snow a veritable nightmare to endure.

Cats for Re-Homing

Centro Veterinario ABC Vets: K. Parry, M. Aguilar y A.Saez c/Huelva nº 1 Plaza Virgen del Carmen C.P: 04661. La Alfoquia ZURGENA (ALMERIA) 950 449 064 608 336 713 (English) 617 516 115 (English) 638 289 275 (Spanish)

2 Cats (1 Black & White/ 1 White) desperately in need of a new home due to their elderly owner being hospitalized contact Ann Tel. 617 583 182

Whatever your viewpoint on winter, one thing remains the same for all of us with pets: it’s a time when our beloved babies need a little extra care. Luckily, PetMD has compiled a list of tips to protect your pet from the dangers of winter. In or Out? Does your pet spend most of the time in the backyard? You might want to keep her indoors during the freezing months, especially if you live in bitterly cold areas. No one wants an icicle for a pet -- they’re simply not that cuddly. Bare Naked Truth If you must keep your pet outdoors, consider this: Would a fur coat alone (even if it is faux mink) keep you warm against the elements? No? Well, your pet’s fur coat isn’t enough protection for your pet during winter, either. Be a pal and provide your dog with a warm, dry, and draft free shelter outside; the shelter should also comply with any state laws that apply. No More Frozen Dinners! Because it takes more energy to stay warm when it's cold, outdoor animals eat more during the winter. Likewise, fresh, running water is vital for maintaining your pet's health. Keep an eye on the water bowls and make sure they haven’t turned into little skating rinks for fleas (boo, fleas!). While ice pops might be a fun treat, your pet really doesn’t want to have to lick a frozen lump of ice to get his water. Joy Ride Cars are particularly attractive to animals in the winter-time, especially frigid cats that love to climb up under the hood and curl up on the warm motor. This, as you can imagine, has led to many mishaps when motorists start their car … ouch! Avoid such accidents by tapping your car’s hood before starting the vehicle. Sure, you may wake Kitty from her deep slumber, but she’ll thank you in the long run. http://www.petmd.com/

Ken & Jackie Dog & Cat Sitter service

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Film Review

The Counsellor

www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com - www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com - naylorcl@hotmail.es

“To aspire to the stone’s endless destiny. Isn’t that the meaning of adornment? To enhance the beauty of the beloved is to acknowledge both her frailty and the nobility of that frailty.” Star-studded actors: Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz and of course husband, Javier Bardem, wonderful scenery of Texas and California from the acclaimed writer Cormac McCarthy who made his screenwriting debut here with his wit, dark humour and a nightmarish scenario with graphic images more akin to horror. Well it is an 18 and not suitable for children. McCarthy is seen as one of the greatest American living authors. You may remember “No Country For Old Men” (2007) which left me cold, also starring Bardem as the baddie, Anton Chigurh who embodied pure evil. “The Road” (2009) was just as bleak. McCarthy’s trademark is the frequent use of graphic violence which includes disturbing details and I mean disturbing. Directed by Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner and Gladiator fame). Scott’s brother committed suicide during filming and the film was dedicated to the memory of Tony Scott. The plot is straightforward and touches on themes connected to morality, love, ambition savagery and man’s greed for power and wealth. If you are a McCarthy fan you probably belong to an educated, elitist group, lost in translation springs to mind adapting the novel into a screenplay/film. The film isn’t successful in spite of these famous actors, too many things happen behind the scenes and the characters are thrown together to deliver philosophical statements about the nature of mankind, greed or simply, bloodlust, monologues that you might see in Shakespeare, out of place here. “Greed really takes you to the edge, doesn’t it?” spoken by the Femme Fatale, Malkina, unconvincing as the lover of an eccentric playboy Reiner. Cameron Diaz represents pure evil ; she will kill for drugs equating to wealth. She hires her hitmen of course, indulges in kinky sex with a Ferrari and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. The scene at confession when she tries to turn the young Priest on is creepy. She gets turned on

Special Offers Visit:

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by watching her two pet cheetahs chasing jackrabbits in the desert: “ The hunter has grace, beauty and purity of heart to be found nowhere else.” The cheetahs or Malkina herself? The Counsellor, Fassbender is a lawyer with a beautiful girlfriend, Laura (Penelope Cruz) and he travels to Amsterdam to buy a beautiful diamond ring for his beloved. We are meant to believe that he aspires to the playboy image and suffers the sin of avarice. Unfortunately, he is naïve and gets involved with Reiner, Westray (Pitt, meant to be the shifty facilitator) and dubious and dangerous business associates in drug trafficking from Mexico to the USA. Very dangerous and risky. He fails to listen to some sensible advice and things turn out really nasty with double dealings and betrayals. This could have been a Greek tragedy. His flaw is his greed to finance his burgeoning lifestyle. A fatal flaw, no less. Four drums are loaded onto a truck containing 625 kilos of drugs (cocaine) worth about 20 million dollars. In one of them is the decaying corpse of an illegal immigrant, put there as a sick joke. These barrels of cocaine are hidden in a full sewage tanker but when the vehicle is sabotaged it leaves in its wake plenty of bloody corpses. Se Fue. Reiner, Westray and the Counsellor are on their way down, actually on their way out. “Headless body baffles police.” If you think this scene is gruesome involving The Green Hornet wait until you see the Bolito in action in the streets of London. It can cut a person’s head off-the wire cuts through the carotid arteries. Not a pleasant sight. Be warned. Mexican cartels had a vicious reputation and a lust for blood and guts. Monsters are created. McCarthy’s world shows a nihilistic bleakness; it certainly comes across as a bloody tale of betrayal and retribution, it explodes with violence from start to finish. Don’t try counting the dead, mutilated bodies. It’ll give you nightmares.

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February 2016

Chinese New Year celebrations in Spanish colours

Year of the Monkey

2016 (on the Chinese calendar) is a year of the Monkey, starting from February 8 (Chinese New Year), and ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).

What a Year of the Monkey Is

The Monkey is ninth of the 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Every 12 years there is a Monkey year. (Interestingly, Monkey years are all multiples of 12 — from 12 AD, through 1200 AD, to now in 2016.) 2016 Is a Fire Monkey Year — What ”Fire Monkey” Means People born in a year of the In Chinese astrology, each year Monkey are called “Monkeys” is associated with a Chinese in China. Usually, if born in a zodiac animal sign and one the multiple-of-12 year, like 1980, Five Elements: Gold (Metal), you’re a Monkey. Water, Wood, Fire, or Earth. Both Howev er, Monkey years are the sign and element of your generally dated by the Chinese birth year are said to affect your lunar calendar (starting on personality and destiny. ElementChines e New Year), so if you sign combinations recur every 60 were born in January or February years: check below for whether you’re a Monkey.

Are You a Monkey?

The Lucky and Unlucky Things for "Monkeys"

Lucky numbers: 4 and 9 Lucky days: the 14th and 28th of any Chinese lunar calendar month Lucky colors: white, blue, gold Lucky flowers: chrysanthemum, crape-myrtle Lucky directions: north, northwest, west Lucky months: Chinese lunar months 8 and 12

CHINESE nationals all over Spain have been celebrating their New Year this weekend, with some major cities featuring huge, colourful parades. The Year of the Monkey kicked off today (Saturday) with a bright and flamboyant procession in the Usera neighbourhood of the Spanish capital – Madrid's 'Chinatown', since the vast majority of its residents are Chinese and businesses Chinese-run – with locals proud of their thousand-year-old culture showing off their patriotic side. But they are equally proud to be living in Spain, as was seen by the red and yellow satin suits and banners. And spectators, who filled the pavements several rows deep, were of numerous nationalities, mainly Chinese and Spanish but also tourists from elsewhere in the world. Bright-yellow dragons, men and women in traditional costume, and children in yellow and red flying flags brought the neighbourhood to a standstill and attracted whoops and cheers, plus crowds of all nationalities taking selfies and convincing the

and tenth Chinese lunar months. Monkeys may have difficulty in relationships in 2016. Monkeys' relationships will be rather colorless in 2016. The more they long for a relationship, the harder it will be for them to get one. They may encounter a romantic relationship if it happens naturally, especially in the seventh and twelfth Chinese lunar months. They will have a happy ending if they seize the right opportunities.

The Monkey's Traits: Sharp, Smart...

People born in a year of the Monkey are witty, intelligent, and have a magnetic personality. Personality traits, like mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness, make them very naughty. Monkeys are masters of practical A Year of Health Risks, Especially jokes, because they like playing most of the time. Though they don't have any bad intentions, Traffic Accidents their pranks sometimes hurt the feelings of Monkeys will suffer from minor illnesses; others. Monkeys are fast learners and crafty however, they will not come to much harm if opportunists. they are careful. If they take their medicine, the How "Monkeys" Should Keep Healthy symptoms will lessen. They should be aware Usually Monkeys are very healthy, partly due to of traffic safety as they go about their daily their active lifestyles, and wanting to experience routine, and never take risks. Great attention the flavors of life. If they do experience illness, it is usually of the nervous or circulatory system. should also be paid to food safety to ensure People born in a year of the Monkey often spend illness is avoided. Their health horoscope is more time at work. Therefore Monkeys need to never above neutral, but worst in the fourth remember to take breaks to save their energy

paraders to pose with them. Chinese citizens have become one of Spain's largest national communities among its expatriates – along with Moroccan, German, British, Romanian, Ecuadorian and Colombian – and even the smallest towns have at least one Chinese restaurant. In fact, the obligatory Chinese bazaar in nearly every town has taken over from the Todo a cien, or 100-peseta shops in the last 15 years or so, selling cheap and cheerful household necessities ranging from coat-hangers to tights, mugs and plates to shower curtains, and pots and pans through to extension wires. thinkspain. com

during their busy schedules. Since Monkeys usually do more outdoor activities, they should pay attention to safety, and while traveling or driving.

The Best Jobs and Careers for Monkeys When it comes to their careers, Monkeys work very hard. They can adapt to different working environments. Good career choices for monkeys are accounting and banking, science, engineering, stock market trading, air traffic control, film directing, jewelry, and salesmanship.

Love Compatibility: Compatible with You?

She/He

Love compatibility within the Chinese zodiac takes into account the unique characteristics of each animal. Only those whose characteristics match each other well can be good partners. See below the compatibility of the Monkey with other animals.

Best with: Ox or Rabbit Worst with: Tiger or Pig

www.soltimes.com

review

New Seat Ateca crossover in pictures: Spanish rival for Qashqai SUV

It's been a long time coming, but Volkswagen's Spanish outpost has finally jumped aboard the fast-moving crossover bandwagon: meet the new Seat Ateca, named after a Spanish town and due in UK showrooms in September 2016, priced from around £18,500. That's half a year after its formal debut at the Geneva motor show in March, but they're in no mood to rush this launch. It's a major plank in Barcelona's expansion plans, as it seeks to cast off the shadow cast by supersuccessful sister brand Skoda: the Ateca is Seat's first fully fledged SUV (barring curios such as the Altea 4Track we last drove in 2007) It’s aimed squarely at the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and the market-leading Nissan Qashqai. Despite being shorter than Nissan’s pioneering family crossover, the Seat has a considerably bigger boot at over 500 litres, the company claims.

Ateca: the key to unlock future Seat growth

No surprises for guessing why this car is so important. Chairman Luca de Meo predicts the crossover segment will grow by a further 25% in western Europe: this additional model stretches the brand into more familyfriendly niches - perfect for those trading up from a Leon hatchback. And the car will be followed by a smaller SUV, based on the forthcoming VW Polo-based Juke rival being cooked up in secret test labs of Wolfsburg, as well as a larger off-roader Based on a platform related to that underpinning the new VW Tiguan, the Ateca harnesses the power of the Volkswagen mothership’s MQB architecture, here dubbed MQB-A1. That means that most models will be front-wheel drive, but the 4Drive badge on the car pictured in our photo gallery signifies that a Haldex parttime 4wd system is available on higher-spec diesels. It’s clearly not going to challenge a Land Rover Discovery Sport for off-roading class honours, but the torque-shuffling, all-wheel-drive ability means it can scramble out of a gymkhana mudbath and up a snowy drive with minimum drama, vows Seat R&D chief Matthias Rabe. He also told CAR that the Ateca could easily adopt a hybrid powertrain in future, although there are no current plans to launch this technology.

37 the range available in the Leon - and the Ateca becomes the second model after the Ibiza to sport the group’s new 1.0 TSI three-cylinder petrol engine with 113bhp. The most powerful model boasts a brawnier, more Cupra-esque 187bhp. Both 1.6 and 2.0 diesel engines will be offered, the latter with the option of 4wd (badged 4Drive). Key stats are: CO2 emissions From 112-141g/ km Claimed average fuel economy 47-66mpg Petrol engines 113bhp 1.0, 148bhp 1.4 (CO2 from 123g/km) Diesel engines 113bhp 1.6, 148bhp or 187bhp 2.0 (CO2 from 112g/km)

Prices, on-sale date

side when ignoring the Highway Code and reversing out onto a main road; a bird’s-eye view panoramic camera; foot-waggle-to-open electric tailgates for mums in a rush; and wireless charging of suitably specced mobile phones There’s no denying the familiarity of the Golf/Octavia/A3/Leon-alike interior (or exterior, for that matter). But that’s the price you pay for leveraging group scales of economy. Both Seat and Skoda are piggybacking the Tiguan for quick-fix SUVs to plug gaping holes in their product portfolios. And, make no mistake, the cabin is an impressive place to sit: it’s very roomy, in both rows, and you get the excellent 8in touchscreen, which controls most of the car’s impressive connectivity functions. Apple CarPlay features, as does Mirrorlink and Android’s system for hooking up your mobile phone. The boot’s big, too, at 510 litres (shrinking to 485 for 4wd models), and there are nifty levers in the luggage compartment to flop the back seats flat without you lifting a finger. You can spec an electrically hidden towbar and the powered tailgate will be a boon to busy Gadgets, features and spec That MQB foundation brings a host of clever-clogs parents. Engines largely reflect equipment: cameras to check behind you and to the

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

Seat will open the order books on Seat.co.uk from 11 February 2016, and the Ateca will roll into dealerships in time for the new 65-registration number plate in September. No word yet on cost ahead of the Geneva motor show, but insiders vow it’ll be competitively priced against the Qashqai et al. Our best estimate is for sticker prices to kick off from £18-19,000. http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/

February 2016

Valencia 2 Espanyol 1

Urcal Golf Society

It was a blustery day at Albaron on Saturday the 13th Febuary, but it did not deter the 2 9 players who competed for the Almasol Cup. Format : Individual Stapleford. Results : First Division First Place Dave McGuick (guest) 33 points Second Place Barry Kilby 28 points on countback Second Division First Place Dave Rowley (guest )

35 points Second Place Bob Warmsley 28 points Overall winner Trevor Nicholson 31points Nearest the Pin : Trevor Nicholson 17th Hole, 2s, Dave Rowley Longest Drive : Dave McGuick hole 7 Congratulations to our winners, see you all in a fortnight at Lorca. If you would like to join us please contact our Captain Les Brice at 634 - 219 -174

Pat Garrigan continues his good run

Forum Golf Society’s first pairs competition of 2016 was a better ball stableford at Aguilon on February 5th, and a field of in excess of 40 players enjoyed a course in superb condition, none more so than the winning pair of Pat Garrigan and Bob Cowan who’s score of 43 points was just enough to edge Brian Gyer and Geoff Hebb into second place by one point. Mike Thomas and Stan Whitty were third with 41 points, followed by Keith Jackson and Peter Tinsley in fourth on 40 points, one better than fifth placed Kevin Bircher & Malcolm Sibbons The day’s results also meant there was a change at the top of Forum’s Claret Jug League, with Pat Garrigan moving to the top, the leading players are now

Gary Neville was relieved to earn his first league win as Valencia manager but said there would be no celebration as he still has a big job to do. Valencia claimed their first win in 10 games under Neville with Saturday’s 2-1 victory over struggling Espanyol. “I’m happy with it, but it’s just one small step forward. Relief is probably a good word,” said Neville, 40. “Fans and media have been within their rights to say the things they are saying. I’d have said the same.” Espanyol had lost their last eight away league games but went ahead through a Oscar Duarte header after 52 minutes, continuing Valencia’s record of never having led a league game under Neville. The home side equalised when substitute Alvaro Negredo scored with a deflected effort in the 71st-minute. And on-loan Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev then headed the winner as Neville’s side moved seven points clear of the relegation zone. England coach Neville admitted this was a game he needed to win after overseeing four defeats and five draws in the league since taking on his first managerial position in December. The former Manchester United captain had come under pressure from supporters following the poor run of results and a 7-0 loss at Barcelona in the

first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Valencia finished fourth last season, but had not won in the league since 7 November going into Saturday’s game. “The fans were incredible tonight, especially when we went 1-0 down,” said Neville. “They stayed with every single player, and me, and I am grateful for that. “The game tells us that football is not about putting on the best performance. But today we got the result. “It’s not a night for any celebration whatsoever, not to get carried away. We’ll gain some confidence from the result. There’s a good feeling from the dressing room and we’ll take things forward.” Meanwhile, Neville has added former Liverpool and Valencia assistant manager Pako Ayestaran to his coaching team. Ayestaran will supplement Neville’s existing staff, which includes brother and ex-Manchester United team-mate Phil Neville. Ayestaran, 53, was Valencia’s number two between 2001-04 before filling a similar role for three years at Liverpool under Rafa Benitez and has since managed in Israel and Mexico. Bbc.com

Stacey´s Gymnastics

Pat Garrigan 43 points, Adrian Foster 40 points, Joy Blake 32 points, Richard Price 31 points, Fran Elam 30points. Forum´s upcoming fixtures are: 19th February Double Par Medal

Stacey´s Gymnastics at Sophia´s are proud to congratulate these gymnasts on passing their awards. Their Coach Stacey said “I’m over the moon with them; I know I keep saying it, but they are improving constantly. Since Christmas, the gymnasts are achieving, black flicks, free forwards walkovers and cartwheels, back and front somersaults and are now working on upstarts and back hip circles on the bars. For some of these gymnasts, they only train a couple of hours a week, its incredible” The gymnasts have no time to rest, as Fiesta season will soon be upon and they will be working hard on routines for the displays. Its all go in the world of Gymnastics at Sophias. If anyone is interested in more information, in regards to the club, please call either 622 129 702 or 950 449 451 or follow us on facebook “Gimnasia Artistica con Stacey en Sophias” based in Arboleas.

at Aguilon, 4th March Stableford at Alboran, 18th March Team Lone Ranger at Aguilon. For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847840

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SPORTS SHORTS.... by Tony Matthews

•L ast Sunday Liverpool inflicted upon ‘hopeless’ and seemingly doomed Aston Villa their heaviest home defeat for 81 years with a 6-0 victory in ‘Brum’. •A rsenal (third) scored late to beat leaders Leicester 2-1and Tottenham (now second) won by the same score at Manchester City. • 24 hours earlier, Chelsea whacked Newcastle 5-1 andSunderland stunned Manchester United 2-1. •W BA (at Everton), Stoke City (at Bournemouth), Southampton (at Swansea) and Watford (at Crystal Palace) also won away last weekend, while West Ham drew at Norwich. • Hull City, 2-0 victors at Blackburn,are top of the Championship. • Burton Albion and Northampton Town lead Leagues 1 and 2; Celtic head the SPL, and Barcelona, with a club record 30-match unbeatenrun under their belts, are in pole position in La Liga after smashing Celta Vigo 6-1 with a Luis Suarez hat-trick. •T he first leg of the Champions League last 16 tiebetween Chelsea and PSG was played last night; Roma play Real Madrid this evening. •T omorrow, it’s Augsburg v Liverpool, Fiorentina v Spurs, Midtyjllandv Manchester United and holders SevillavMolde in the first legs of the round of 32 in the Europa League. • There are eight 5th round FA Cup-ties coming up: Arsenal v Hull, Bournemouth v Everton, Reading v WBA and Watford v Leeds on Saturday; Blackburn v West Ham, Chelsea v Manchester City and Spurs v Crystal Palace on Sunday and Shrewsbury v Manchester United on Monday. •T he top FL1 games on Saturday areSouthend v Burton and Walsall v Wigan. • Adam Johnson has been sacked by Sunderland after the England international pleaded guilty to child abuse charges. •E x-Real Betis star Trifon Ivanov who won 77 caps for Bulgaria, has died, aged 50. •A nd on Saturday, Newcastle United playLillestroem in a friendly at the La Manga golf complex (free admission). •T he latest Six Nations matches saw England win 40-9 inItaly, Wales beat Scotland 27-23 and France stun reigning champions Ireland 10-9. • Saracens lead the Aviva Championship and Ulster, likewise, the pro-12 League. •S uper Leaguer leaders Hull scored seven tries in their 38-10 win at Catalan Dragons. • England’s cricketers, despite centuries by Joe Root and Alex Hales, lost the fourth and fifth ODIs and with it the series by 3-2 in South Africa. There are now two T20 matches to play. • Mark Cavendish won the first ‘big’ cycle race of the year – The Tour of Qatar. • And did you know that the oldest footballer to appear in a League game is Salvador Reyes who played for Mexican club Chivas against Pumas in 2008 aged 71

AGUILON GOLF MEMBERS REPORT RESULTS

The new year has brought an influx of new members and combined with the great condition of the course and lots of visitors the fairways are being well used.

Wednesday February 3 - Monthly Medal A good turnout on what started as a warm day before a sea mist descended along with a cold breeze and the jumpers went on, credit to our winner who turned in a creditable score of two under par. 1st George Holland 79-10=69 2nd Rabbe Thun 80-9=71 3rd Roy Bishop 83-11=72 Twos: Glyn Ombler 8th and Chris Baker x2 12th & 17th Wednesday February 10 The players set out for an individual stableford in very windy conditions, however after 4/5 holes with trollies being blown all over the course, golf balls being blown off the greens and players having difficulty in standing up, it was clear from a safety point of view that the competition would have to be called off, so the “levante winds” were the days winners!! Guests and visitors are welcome to join us on a Monday and Friday, prior to visit please contact Derrick 636240726 or Les 634641199 or visit our website at aguilonmembersclub. com

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Spanish football insider: Man United could land this superstar striker in the summer

NEYMAR is 'leaving all options open' over his future and would prefer a move to England, says Spanish football expect Guillem Balague. The Brazilian superstar has been the subject of intense transfer speculation recently with Barcelona struggling to keep hold of their elite

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issues meaning they may be unable to offer the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez new contracts, United are hoping to pounce. Real Madrid are also being mooted as potential suitors for Neymar. But, while Balague admits it is a long shot that the 24-year-old will come to the Premier League this summer, he says the striker would favour such a move over joining Barca’s great rivals Real. Balague also claims that Neymar would consider leaving La Liga at the end of the season, music to the ears to United’s top brass. He told Sky Sports: “Does Real Madrid want him? For sure (in fact, Florentino decided not to sign him when he realised the real cost of the player). “Does he want to go to Madrid? I don’t think so. “Barcelona cannot afford the new contracts of Neymar, Messi and Luis Suarez and keep a competitive team in other parts.

line-up due to finical problems. Neymar is a key summer target for Manchester United, with the club reportedly willing to shell out an eye-watering £144m to secure his signature. With Barca’s current

England.

“So Neymar leaving is the option open. If, and it is a big if, he leaves, I think it will be to

“But his priority is, first, to leave all the options opened, and two, to stay at Barcelona.” http://www.dailystar.co.uk/

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Real Madrid fall further behind in title race after Betis draw

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez c o m b i n e d to score an a u d a c i o u s penalty as La Liga leaders B a r c e l o n a thrashed Celta Vigo to move three points clear. With Barca leading 3-1, Messi nudged the spot-kick forward and to his right for Suarez to run into the area and side-foot in to complete his hat-trick. Messi opened the scoring with a sublime free-kick before Celta striker John Guidetti drilled in a penalty to level. After Suarez's second-half treble, Ivan Rakitic and Neymar sealed the rout. The defending champions still have a game in hand on nearest rivals Atletico Madrid, with Real Madrid four points adrift of Barca in third. Stylish Barca extend unbeaten run Barcelona had not been beaten in 29 previous matches in all competitions before the visit of a Celta team which had won two of the past three meetings between the sides. Celta, who Luis Enrique left to manage Barca in May 2014, earned a surprise 1-0 win at the Nou Camp last season and thrashed their former boss’s side in a 4-1 home success in September. And they will have been quietly confident of causing another upset as they held their hosts 1-1 at the break. Barca failed to find their rhythm in the first half, giving no indication to the virtually silent home supporters of what excitement would unfold in the second half. Suarez clipped in Messi’s pass to put Barca back in front just before the hour and bundled in Neymar’s cross on the goal-line for his second. The Uruguay striker completed a 22-minute hat-trick by converting Messi’s audacious penalty, before substitute Rakitic’s lob and Neymar’s cool finish extended their unbeaten run to 30 matches. Selfless Messi delays landmark goal If Messi had converted the penalty, it would have been his 300th La Liga goal for Barcelona. But did his selfless act in teeing up Suarez mean that he would gain an unwanted statistic - another ‘missed’ penalty? It was a tongue-in-cheek question posed by former Spanish

referee Eduardo Iturralde on Twitter, where it was spread to a wider audience by Guardian football writer Sid Lowe.

“Messi goes down as having a penalty not scored and an assist,” confirmed football statisticians Opta. Was it meant for Neymar and not Suarez? That’s what Brazil forward Neymar claimed afterwards. “We practised the penalty - it was for me, but Luis was closer and scored,” he said. “It doesn’t matter, he scored so it worked well. “We love each other a lot and that friendship is the most important thing, no matter who scores the goals.” I would have trodden on the ball - Luis Enrique The penalty evoked memories of when Barca legend Johan Cruyff played a one-two with Ajax teammate Jesper Olsen to score from the spot in 1982, plus a less successful attempt by Arsenal pair Robert Pires and Thierry Henry in 2005. “We all remember Cruyff’s goal,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique. “I wouldn’t dare to do it because I would tread on the ball. “Some will like it, some won’t, but as Barca players and members of the club, on top of winning titles we try to enjoy our football in a spectacular way.” Atletico stay in touch Second-placed Atletico Madrid briefly moved level with Barcelona following a 1-0 win at Getafe earlier on Sunday. Spain striker Fernando Torres tapped in Yannick Carrasco’s low cross from the left after 61 seconds - and that proved enough for the visitors. Diego Simeone’s team moved back into second at the expense of Real, who host their neighbours at the Bernabeu on 27 February. http://www.bbc.com/

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