WEEKEND WORLD NEWSPAPER by ClearVision Marketing

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

EEKEND WORLD

NEWSPAPER WITH A DIFFERENCE

GIBRALTAR

Finish line for ultra-cycling challenge Page 35

Guardia Civil Twitter appeal

F FOOD & FINE DINING

Meat is the main attraction Page 76

WEEKEND WORLD - 1

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

FEARS OVER MISSING WOMEN

EARS are mounting for two women missing in Spain. Laura del Hoyo, 24, and Marina Okarynska, 26, disappeared six days ago and their families fear they may have been kidnapped or hurt by Marina’s ex-boyfriend. The two friends went missing last Thursday in Cuenca, after they were supposed to be going to visit Okarynsaka’s ex-boyfriend’s house to collect some of her belongings following the couple’s break-up last month. They have not been seen since and neither has the exboyfriend, who police say has previous convictions for

violence against women and served a prison sentence for kidnapping. Police sources say that they are interested in looking for two suspects, the ex-boyfriend “who was in prison for kidnapping another girl,” and also “another former prisoner”. A car belonging to del Hoyo was found parked nearby the ex-boyfriend’s house and belongings including her mobile phone and daily medication were found within. The Guardia Civil have now launched a public appeal for information on the two missing women.

Killer whales spotted in waters off Canary Islands

TRAVEL

Peace & tranquility at the newly opened Casa Tranquila Page 91

A pod of killer whales has been filmed mere miles off the Canary Islands, the first such observation in over three years. The pod of five orcas was spotted last week off the coast of El Hierro, the southernmost of the Canary Islands. The killer whales - one male, three females and a calf - were photographed and filmed by a group of researchers in Cetaceans and Bioacoustics from the University of La Laguna (ULL), in Tenerife.

SPOTTED

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The researchers were conducting a project into more little-known whale species when they spotted the black and white orcas, which famously featured in the 1993 film Free Willy. Killer whales are extremely rare in the waters around the Canary Islands; the species was last seen off the waters of El Hierro in July 2012. After catching sight of the group of orcas, the researchers followed the mammals

for most of the morning, as far as seven miles off the coast of El Hierro according to Spanish daily, 20 minutos. The Canary Islands are the most biodiverse area in Europe for cetaceans - marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and porpoises - 27 of the more than 80 species registered worldwide have been observed in waters off the Spanish island chain.

Killer whales are among the most famous draw of marine theme parks around the world, such as the SeaWorld chain. In 2009, a Spanish trainer was killed in Loro Park, Tenerife by a whale that was born at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. The incident was featured in the 2013 documentary about the controversy surrounding captive killer whales, Blackfish.

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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NEWS

Spanish man arrested over ‘Isis’ clothing range

PAIN’S Interior Ministry says police have arrested a man suspected of advocating terrorism and selling clothes carrying propaganda for the Islamic State armed group. A ministry statement Wednesday said the Spanish national ran a shop and an online outlet through which he sold clothes, including baby onesies, with jihadi group emblems, and T-shirts with images of Islamic State group attacks. It said he also sold T-shirts bearing an image of British hostage Alan Henning kneeling beside his suspected jihadi executioner.

PROMOTE The statement said the man, whose identity was not released, used Internet social networks to promote IS and other groups, belittle jihad victims and advocate violence. He was arrested in the northwestern town of Naron – Thus Far Spain has arrested some 50 suspected jihadi militants and recruiters this year.

REVOLT OVER VAT A

MINI-revolution is set to take place within airports across the UK after retailers were forced to admit that customers are not actually required to show their boarding passes at the till and that those who do are merely helping companies claim back VAT. Up until now many stores in airports across the UK demanded that passengers present their boarding cards at checkouts before paying for any goods. But this is not a legal requirement, and instead the information is being used by stores to avoid paying 20 per cent VAT on everything they sell to customers who are travelling outside the European Union. A saving which is used to boost the profits of their airport franchises instead of being passed back to customers. Guy Anker, managing editor of the website Money Saving Expert, said: “I have to say even I didn’t know that the reason that airport stores asked for boarding cards was so that they could avoid paying VAT. “There is an assumption that duty free means cheaper. But that is not the case. All it means is that the stores themselves are not paying the duty. And they may not be passing that on to consumers – even though they make it out to be cheaper. The important thing here is for consumers to do basic checks online to see if they really are getting value for money.”

RETAILERS Airport retailers such as WHSmiths and Boots have admitted that fliers are entitled to say no when asked to show their pass which has resulted in many fliers feeling angry that they have been misled by shop assistants in the past, who have told them that scanning their boarding pass is necessary in order to complete a sale. One of the biggest offenders appears to be Boots, who have outlets in most UK airports. Boots said in a statement released on Wednesday that, despite reaction from the public, it would not be changing its policy to ask passengers to show passes, even though many now say that they will refuse to do so. This is because it is following rules on VAT set by HM Revenue and Customs. A spokesman

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VAT revolt as thousands refuse to show boarding passes to airport shops

said that it is “claiming back VAT on a proportion of purchases made by customers flying to non EU destinations in accordance with current VAT rules set by the HMRC. A spokesman for HMRC confirmed that there was no need for stores to pay VAT on goods sold to passengers leaving the UK. “Duty free shops may treat the sale of goods to passengers intending to take them to non-EU desti-

nations as zero rated exports, provided they retain suitable evidence such as by scanning the boarding card,” he said. “There is nothing in VAT law to require the production of a boarding pass to purchase goods in airport shops, but without such evidence the supply cannot be zero-rated as an export.” He added: “HMRC cannot comment on the pricing policies of individual retailers.”

Bungee girl jumped on the ‘no jump’ command

17-YEAR old Dutch girl died on Monday during a bungee jump. It is thought she misheard instructions and jumped on the “no jump” instructiond. One of the Spanish instructors on the bridge when the teenager plunged 40 meters to her death has told police the girl jumped before her harness was clipped on to the bungee cord. An instructor told Spanish television channel RTVE that she had said. “No jump. No jump,” but that the girl may have misheard and thought she said “now jump”. Police have opened an investigation into the death, which was the second fatal bungee accident to occur in Spain in the last month. The accident on Monday evening at 8.30pm occurred on a viaduct over a dry river bed outside the town of Cabezón de la Sal, in Spain’s northern region of Cantabria.The girl, whose name has not been released was with a group of young people staying at a campsite on an organized adventure holiday with an established tour group. This tagic accident comes after the death Kleyo de Abreu, 23, from London, who was killed instantly after plunging off a bridge near the mountain village of Lanjaron last month. Guardia Civil investigators submitted a report which claimed the sole monitor for the 14-strong group ‘did not do his job with sufficient care and the necessary precautions.’

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

WEEKEND WORLD - 3

NEWS

Could France force Britain to move its border back home? W TH French security forces and police struggling to repel repeated attempts by migrants to force their way into the Channel Tunnel, calls are growing in France for a longer term solution to be found that doesn’t involve new barbed wire fences and more fierce guard dogs. While in Britain, right wing politicians and press insist Paris should pull its finger out and use its police force to get a grip of the crisis, in France focus has shifted to the “totally one-sided” 2003 Le Touquet treaty. That agreement effectively allowed Britain to move its border to the French side of the Channel. With border controls carried out on French soil it meant illegal immigrants could be barred from Britain without even making it there.Although the agreement was reciprocal, there are not thousands of migrants trying to get from the UK to France, hence the feeling that France was hard done by. Calls for France to scrap the treaty have been made by the outspoken mayor of besieged Calais, former ministers as well as by France’s national Commission for Human Rights. “This tragic situation is largely the consequence of the signing of several bilateral treaties and arrangements between France and the UK,” said the commission in a recent statement. The commission added that “tangle of treaties”, which are largely in contradiction of EU law “leads to France becoming the police arm of British migration policy.”

With the migrant crisis reaching new extremes in recent weeks there is a growing clamour in France to force Britain to move its border back to the UK. But will Paris really take it that far and is it even in their interests?

are now looking back at the 2003 treaty with incredulity that former Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy ever agreed to sign it, is the current government really intent on scrapping it, as some reports suggested? And can they? According to Professor Pierre-Yves Monjal, a public law specialist from the University of Tours, France does have the legal power to say stop. “France could use article 56 of the Vienna Convention by applying the general

EU rules (on terminating a treaty). But first we must look at whether the two countries took the initiative of including a ‘termination’ (denunciation) clause, which is certainly the case. “The last article of the treaty of Touquet grants the two signatory powers the option of ending the treaty “at any time”, simply by informing the other party in writing, via diplomatic channels. There would however be a two year delay before the change came into

SECURITY

INCREDULITY That same point was made in an editorial in the left wing newspaper Le Monde as well as by the former minister Xavier Bertrand who provoked the wrath of sections of the British last week, saying: “The British border is at Dover, not on our shores.” While many in France

effect. France also has powers to make changes to the treaty by a “simple exchange of notes” as well as taking the more drastic measure of employing its right to “take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security”. If President François Hollande’s under-pressure government chose to make what would be a hugely controversial move, “everything would depend on the executive”, says Monjal. “Parliament could be consulted but it is not mandatory. It would simply be enough if France announced to the UK that it was no longer willing to apply Le Touquet treaty,” he said. That move would almost certainly provoke a diplomatic crisis as well as a legal wrangle as London would likely challenge the decision at a national and European level. The Socialist government is unlikely to go down that route at a time when leaders of both countries have been hailing their cooperation – at least in public. A source at France interior ministery is recently quoted: “We do not consider this treaty is unchangeable, but what we are trying to do is negotiate with the UK to ensure the obligations are equally divided.” We are proceeding step by step. It is not by creating a storm in the media that we will achieve it.”

Illegal migrants attempt to take advantage of tailbacks to gain entry into the UK

DODGY DEALINGS

Spanish developers strike gold with ‘Mr Mayor’ dodgy dealings gaming app - 100,000 start lampooning poor, criticised politicians A BUNCH of young Spanish app developers have stumbled onto an unlikely hit after taking a pop at shady political shenanigans. With more than 100,000 downloads, the “Corrupt Mayor” game from MeigaLabs (with the aim to collect as much money as possible through illegal activities) has become a minor sensation. Founded last year in Ourense, the company is a small independent game and apps development studio. The new game is available in English and Spanish for Android and iPhone, and has been inspired by real-life headlines of corruption in Spain. The ‘Mr Mayor’ of the game represents the Money Party, whose political philosophy is to “trick and steal all that is possible to amass a really obscene quantity of money”. Players are encouraged to bribe, do deals with drugs lords, set up shady contacts with weapons

traders, flash money around and make a killing, all without getting caught. The game also features dozens of real political quotes, gems including “It’s time for the human race to enter the solar system”, “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully” and “when the president does it, that means it’s not illegal.” Javier Lopez Camba, one of the app’s creators, said “Every day, when we watch TV, a new corruption scandal hits,” said Camba, 26. Nearly all of the scenarios are inspired by “real facts” and the game will be updated with more examples taken from real-life corruption, he said. But the developers have been careful to include a disclaimer which reads: “Any resemblance to existing persons is purely coincidental.”

The question of money also plays a part. In September last year London agreed to hand over an extra €15 million over three years to help deal with the crisis in Calais. And last month Home Secretary Theresa May said another €7 million would be made available to increase security at the port and Eurostar terminal in Calais and only this week the UK said it was sending 100 extra border guards across the Channel. If the French ever told the UK to move back its borders, there would still be an urgent security crisis in Calais, except the British would likely withdraw their financial help. And the fear in France is that even more migrants would head to Calais if they thought it would be easier to get to Britain. A recent statement from the British Home Office tried to play down the fuss from France around the controversial Le Touquet treaty. It read: “The UK and the French governments have worked closely and collaboratively over many years to secure our common border and tackle international criminality. “The Le Touquet treaty and the juxtaposed border control were jointly agreed between the French and UK governments and work in the best interests of both countries.” Despite the growing opposition and anger in France it seems the British border police are in France for the foreseeable future.

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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GENERAL NEWS

UK worst offender in food waste THE European Union wastes about 22 million tonnes of food a year and Britain wastes the most, according to a study by European Commission-backed researchers. The study, published on Wednesday in the journal Environmental Research Letters, looked at data from six countries to analyse the water and nitrogen resources lost in the EU through consumer food waste. It found nearly 80 percent of all food waste is “avoidable” and Britain is the worst offender, wasting the equivalent of a tin of beans per person every day. Even Romania, where food waste was the lowest, wastes a lot of food - roughly the equivalent to an apple a day. Averaged over all EU citizens, that amounts to 22 million tonnes of food each year, the study said.

EDUCATING The researchers said educating people about how to shop more carefully and plan their consumption would help cut the amount they throw away, lowering food bills and limiting waste’s impact on the environment. “In some ways it’s good that this waste is ‘avoidable’, because it means we’re able to do something about it,” said Davy Vanham of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, who led the work. “A lot of food is still ‘good’ but is thrown away when it passes its sell-by date.” The study - which used data from Britain, The Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Germany and Romania - found vegetables, fruit and cereals accounted for the bulk of the avoidable food waste, partly because they tend to have a shorter shelf life.But meat also goes to waste, the study found, and that has a greater impact on nitrogen and water resources. The research team was able to study only six of the 28 EU member states properly because data from the other countries were not as reliable, Vanham said.

A banging good cake!

MOTHER, two children and husband heading to Alicante in Spain to celebrate a family member’s birthday have been left stranded at the East Midlands Airport after security staff pulled them aside believing the birthday cake she had baked for her sister was covered in Semtex, a plastic explosive. Vicky Simms, along with her family were going through customs to board their Ryanairflight, when airport staff discovered she had a home-made birthday cake in her hand luggage. Pulling her aside, security staff then allegedly noted a strong smell of almonds - a smell synonymous with Semtex - and began to question the mother further. “I understand the need for airport security but this is ridiculous” said Vicky Simms, a science teacher. “You can clearly see it’s a cake, I’m a mother travelling with my children and husband why would I have Semtex on me?” To ensure the cake wasn’t a security risk, airport staff removed the cake from its packaging and swabbed with a chemical which produced a negative result. Vicky and her children were then allowed to continue on their journey with the cake. However, by the time they arrived at their departure gate the flight had just that minute closed and Ryanair refused to let them board the flight. Unable to proceed further, staff then escorted Vicky and her family back through the terminal to the Ryanair desk where the airline then demanded that if she wished to continue to with her journey she must pay a further £400.00 to board a flight that evening. “Not only was I made to feel like a common criminal being marched through the termi-

East Midland Airport security stops family of four boarding plane after marzipan covering cake is mistaken for Semtex explosive nal, but now I have to pay for my flights all over again” said Vicky. When The Weekend World contacted an East Midlands spokeswoman, she said they do not comment on security matters.

SEIZED This is not the first time unusual items have been picked up by airport security scanners. A traveller at Newcastle Airport was pulled aside for the same reason earlier this year. Also in a similar incident last year, customs

The two children with the offending cake on their way home from the airport before they return for their alternative late night flight

The long way round M

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officers at Birmingham Airport seized a giant squash from a passenger who was trying to smuggle it into Britain from Asia. The 4ft-long vegetable, which weighed in at more than 4st. Also confiscated were 175lb (79kg) of fish and 94,000 cigarettes from Bangladesh. America’s TSA (Transport Security Administration) even has an Instagram account where it documents the weird and wonderful, and sometimes downright dangerous items confiscated at security.

EN will walk the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats or Malaga to Bilbao than rather ask for directions, a study has revealed. It may be a familiar scenario for frustrated women but the extent of a man’s ability to get lost and fail to seek help has now been measured. The average man’s sense of direction is so dire that he will clock-up 900 extra miles while lost during his lifetime. Just six per cent of men surveyed said they would ask for directions or check a map,and over twice as many soldier on regardless until they find an alternative route. The results reinforce what many have believed for years – that men are not the best navigators Ronen Gabbay, of TrekAce Some 14 per cent said they refuse to stop as “all roads eventually lead to the same place”, and over half guessed their poor sense of direction added up to 20 minutes to their

Men’s refusal to ask directions adds 900 miles to their journey through life

journey. Wrong turns mean the average man travels an extra mile and a half per month or 900 miles – the length of the British Isles – over 50 years. Navigation aid makers TrekAce commissioned the poll of nearly 1,000 British men.

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

WEEKEND WORLD - 7

UK NEWS

Is this midsummer madness? THEY say that Christmas arrives earlier every year, but shopping giant Selfridges have taken things to the extreme - by opening their Christmas Shop 143 days before the big day. Selfridges opened the doors of the shop last Monday, in what was apparently the first department store Christmas Shop opening in the world this year. In a statement, Selfridges seemed to acknowledge the oddness of opening a Christmas shop in the height of summer. They said: “its midsummer, the temperatures are set to rise over the next few days, and the summer holidays are in full swing. So it must be time for Selfridges’ flagship store on Oxford Street to go arctic and open the doors to its famous Christmas Shop.”

‘Cheaper to commute from Madrid each day than rent in Camden Town’

ESEARCH has found that living in the Spanish capital and commuting back to work in London would be cheaper than renting a flat in Camden Town with Londoners benefiting from a saving off £403 a month - £4,836 a year. This research collated by Labour mayoral candidate Tessa Jowell is based on someone travelling to work four days a week, and has been released to make a serious point - the housing crisis in London is now so severe that tenants would be financially better off making the five-hour round trip every day from the Spanish capital.

Londoners who are struggling to find an affordable flat to rent should possibly widen their net across the Mediterranean to say Madrid

CONTRAST

For anyone taking this year’s Christmas planning a little too far, the shop will be a godsend - with over 150 different lights and trees, more than 120 types of cracker, and tens of thousands of baubles on offer. The early opening of the shop will be a boon to tourists looking to take home some London souvenirs, but will probably get a much frostier reception from the capital’s Scrooges.

On average a one-bedroom flat in Camden costs £1,893 a month to rent, council tax is £111.40 and a zone 1-2 travel card costs £123.30, making the basic cost of living in London £2,128. By contrast a fully furnished air-conditioned apartment in the heart of the Spanish capital would cost £532 a month and there would be no council tax to pay as the equivalent tax is covered by the landlord in Spain. Booking flights several months in advance with a budget airline such as Ryanair means they would cost about £50 a day return - or just over £900 a month. The total comes to £1,725 a month including train travel. Tessa Jowell, who collated the figures, said:

“The housing crisis is getting worse all the time - and renters are paying the price. “Londoners are now paying so much to landlords that they could be better off commuting from Madrid than staying in London. “We’ve talked about London’s housing

crisis for too long - now it’s time to deliver the change that London needs. If I become Mayor, I’ll set up Homes for Londoners on my first day in City Hall to finally bring the housing crisis under control and get our city building again.”

Unexploded bomb found in Bethnal Green RESIDENTS have been evacuated following the discovery of an unexploded bomb in Bethnal Green. The device was discovered by builders in the basement of a building at the junction of Temple Street and Old Bethnal Green Road. The was cordoned off and specialist police officers attended the site to deal with the bomb. Scotland Yard said:

A police cordon was thrown up in Bethnal Green following the discovery of a Second Word War bomb. Picture Twitter / @Will_Sweet

“Police were called to the scene where an unexploded Second World War device that was discovered by contractors working in Temple Street, Bethnal Green, at around 12.45pm on Tuesday”.

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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LOCAL AND REST OF SPAIN NEWS

Spain is again accused of violating UK sovereignty

Spanish military police boats invading British/Gibraltar territorial waters and (inset) British Foreign Office Minister, Hugo Swire

HE status of Gibraltar is once again the subject of controversy, as Spain and the U.K. are embroiled in a dispute over jurisdiction on the tiny territory at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Last week there were again protests from the British Foreign Office for what it called “a clear violation of U.K. sovereignty”. The British Royal Navy had to once again escort Spanish police ships out of waters around Gibraltar, which the U.K. claimed as British. “Repeated incursions by Spanish patrols into the waters

around Gibraltar are a clear violation of U.K. sovereignty,” British Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire told the press on Monday. A Spanish Foreign Ministry official denied any violation, stating that “the waters were Spanish”. The Spanish police boats were reportedly chasing drug smugglers who were dumping illegal cargo as they fled. Gibraltar was ceded to the U.K by Spain in 1713, but the Spanish government has recently sought to reclaim it. There have been over 600 disputed incursions by Spanish government ships into the waters around Gibraltar over the

past two years, according to the U.K. Foreign Ministry. There have also been repeated disputes between Spain and the U.K. about managing the waters around the isthmus, as both countries have raised conservation and environmental issues with the European Commission. Gibraltar is subject to EU law, although it is not entitled to participate in all Commission programs, the customs union, value-added tax legislation, and the Common Agricultural Policy. Hence why tension over the status of the isthmus continues to rankle both Spanish and British relations to this day.

MAN DIES AFTER BEING GORED BY BULL AT FERIA

32-YEAR-OLD man died in the village of Villaseca de la Sagra in central Spain after being gored in the neck by a bull during the local village celebrations, it was reported on Monday. Town Mayor Jesus Hijosa told Spanish media the victim, named Miguel Sirerol, had been “in the path of the bull which he was filming on his mobile phone.” He was taken to a nearby hospital but pronounced dead on Sunday, prompting the town’s mayor to urge revellers to take care when attending such events. Hijosa explained the bull had “surprised him and gored him in the neck,” during the annual event when bulls run through the streets of the small town of just 1,500 inhabitants in the province of Toledo. Sirerol is the second person who died after being gored by a bull in the Villaseca de la Sagra in the past five years. Another young man was killed in the 2010 fiesta. Every year sees people die as a result of incidents with bulls in local celebrations in Spain.

The most famous bull running event in Spain is the San Fermin Fiestas in the town of Pamplona. Although this year’s event passed without any serious injuries, 15 people have died in the past 105 years at the fiesta.

Despite the crisis there are 178,000 millionaires in Spain Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

WEEKEND WORLD - 9

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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LOCAL AND REST OF SPAIN NEWS

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Pegasus flying high THE Guardia Civil Traffic Unit adds two more flying Pegasus equipped helicopters to its fleet bringing the total number in operation to eight which can videotape a driver inside the car. The two new copters are be part of the current crackdown on secondary roads and with eight craft in total it enables the Traffic Unit the possibility to cover the entire secondary road network.

CAMERAS

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Seven of the centres of the DGT Traffic Unit will have the use of a Pegasus helicopter, A Coruña, Madrid, Málaga, Sevilla, Valencia, Valladolid and Zaragoza. The Pegasus equipped helicopters contain software which controls the two cameras which can measure speed and the safety distance between two vehicles. It enables the DGT to detect anyone who is distracted at the wheel, the use of mobile phone or the lack of a seat belt and for bikers and motor bikers the lack of a helmet.

The Pegasus screen

Since the first Pegasus radar was used in March 2013 it has clocked up 1,576 hours of flying time, and monitored the speed of 31.520 vehicles resulting in 8,644 incidents for breaking the speed limit. Statistically when the driver is speeding the usual excess is 30km/h over the speed limit, and according to data from 2014, more than 7,000 accidents involved a speeding vehicle were registered and 16% of them were fatal.

Three local charities benefit ON Friday 31st July the Camerata Sotogrande had great pleasure in handing over to three beneficiaries – Adana, Cruz Roja and Hogar Betania – the proceeds of the very successful Summer By The River Concert which was sponsored by Blevins Franks and took place at the end of June. In total the concert raised some €5.400, one third of which was presented to each charity. The Camerata Sotogrande continues to pro-

vide choir accompaniment for weddings and special events in and around Sotogrande. It is very much hoped that there will be further opportunities in the next 12 months to raise money for good causes. Anyone interested in contacting the Camerata is encouraged to send an email to cameratasotogrande@gmail.com or to call directly on 660 176 955.

Photo Left to Right (Back): Ros Burns - Camerata Sotogrande, George O’Brien - Camerata Sotogrande, Álvaro García Mescua - Cruz Roja, Jessica Pozo Morales – Cruz Roja, Terry & Carole Wayne – Blevins Franks, Alma Servam Candil – Hogar Betania, Begoña Arana Alvarez – Hogar Betania (Front): Bill Fisher - ADANA

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

WEEKEND WORLD - 11

LOCAL AND REST OF SPAIN NEWS

Its official July was the hottest month ever

AST month was Spain’s hottest July on record, the country’s meteorological agency, confirmed what many long-suffering Spaniards already suspected.

A new Aemet weather summary for last month shows the average combined night and day temperature in Spain was 26.5C (79.7F). That is 2.5C warmer than usual, and above the 26.2C average experienced during the memorably hot sum-

Spain’s ‘most hated man’ gets holiday leave LUIS Bárcenas (pictured right), currently on bail over alleged involvement in two major corruption scandals, has been given two weeks ‘holiday’ leave at his mountain home. Bárcenas, nicknamed Luis el Cabrón (Luis the Bastard) in Spain, spent nearly a year and a half in a Madrid prison while judges investigated his alleged involvement in a kickbacks scheme involving top Spanish businessmen. He was then released on bail in January this year but has not been given his passport back as he is considered a flight risk. Prosecutors believe he has millions of euros hidden away in banks in Switzerland and South America, and continue to scour through financial records in an effort to prove this. But it is Bárcenas involvement in another case that transformed him into a figure who, for many Spaniards, represents all that is wrong with the country’s political system. While the always-elegant former politician has never been formally charged with a crime, he became an everyday presence in the Spanish press in 2013 after documents published in major Spanish newspapers indicated he was one of several figures behind a secret political

slush fund run by the Popular Party before they took power in 2011. Far from dodging that accusation, Bárcenas tried to turn the tables. Famously he claimed to have made underthe-table payments to top party figures including current Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during his brief stint as PP treasurer. Rajoy staunchly denied the claims, and distanced himself from Bárcenas, even refusing to use his name, referring to him instead as “that person”. Last week, though, Spanish press reported that the judge overseeing the case into Bárcenas missing millions has granted him two weeks leave at his home in the Pyrenees ski resort of BaqueiraBeret. However, as a condition of that leave the former PP treasurer will have to report to local police on a weekly basis. This is not the first time Bárcenas has been giving holiday leave. In February he spent 11 days at the ski resort in Catalonia.

Unemployment claims fall

OBLESS claims declined last month by 74,028, or 1.8 percent, to 4.05 million, the labour ministry said in a statement. The improved jobs outlook should provide a boost to conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy as he prepares for what promises to be a hard-fought re-election campaign at the end of the year. He credits his embrace of fiscal austerity and labour reforms that make it cheaper to hire and fire workers for the economic turnaround -- but the reforms have cost him voter support. The number of people without work fell in every region and across all sectors except for agriculture, although the majority of new jobs were on short-term contracts. July is traditionally a relatively strong month for the Spanish jobs market, as retailers, restaurants and other service providers bolster their staff for the busy summer tourist season. The number of registered unemployed was down by 373,584 or 8.4 percent, over July 2014. The labour ministry´s monthly figure is a different measure

The number of registered unemployed fell in Spain for the sixth straight month during July, government data has revealed from the quarterly unemployment rate, which is based on surveys and stood at 23.78 percent in the first quarter, according to the National Statistical Institute. The institute, which includes in its estimate job seekers who are not signed on for benefits, said there were 5.44 million unemployed in Spain at the end of March. Spain emerged in 2013 from five years of on-off recession. The government forecasts the economy to grow 3.3 percent this year -- more than twice the average growth rate forecast for any Eurozone countries.

mer of 2003.The 26.5C benchmark also makes last month the hottest July since Spain overhauled its record-keeping systems in 1980. The central and south-eastern parts of Spain saw the most extreme variations from the average as the scarylooking map above shows. The red areas show those zones with the greatest temperature anomalies in July. Image: Aemet While the whole month may have felt warm to people outside of relatively cool areas such as Galicia and along the Cantabrian coast, there were actually three distinct heat waves.

BAKING Those periods saw temperatures higher than 45C in the Guadalquivir basin in Andalusia and in inland Valencia. On July 6th, a baking Cordoba had to put up with 45.2C while Zaragoza airport sizzled with 44,5ºC on July 7th. Murcia notched up 43C on the same day. The coolest temperature for the month — apart from mountain stations — 8.3C on July 26th, which was registered at the appropriately named Villafría (or cold town) in the province of Burgos. Anyone hoping for a cool autumn as compensation for the blistering weeks of July, may be waiting in vain. In a long-range forecast that even Aemet admits has limitations, the agency says there is a 60 percent chance August to October will be warmer than average in most of the country.

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WEEKEND WORLD - 13

LOCAL AND REST OF SPAIN NEWS Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s ruling conservative Popular Party has taken a clear lead over rivals in a fragmented political landscape four months before a general election but looks set to fall far short of a majority to govern alone

Politicians fear political chaos A N official opinion poll released last Thursday showed the PP with 28.2 percent support ahead of the opposition Socialists (PSOE) on 24.9, both up from the last poll published in May, while the radical leftist Podemos movement and the centrist Ciudadanos lost ground on 15.7 and 11.1 percent respectively. The findings of the large-scale survey by the state-run Sociological Investigation Centre confirmed both the trend towards political splintering and greater instability, and a modest boost for Rajoy’s government from a reviving economy. But with no clear winner emerging, and a September regional vote in Catalonia expected to add fresh divisions, Spain is heading for an unpredictable autumn. In town hall and regional elections in May, Spaniards swept aside the two-party system that emerged in the late 1970s after the end of Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, ushering in an unstable new era of coalition and compromise, and this latest poll confirms that a third of voters will back upstart parties like Podemos, Ciudadanos and other splinter groups and are turning their backs on the traditionally dominant PP and PSOE, who have been tainted by corruption and seen as responsible for the worst economic crisis in decades. While the economy is now expanding at its fastest pace in more than seven years, a stubbornly high jobless rate and rising income

inequality are powerful drivers of deep political change. Although surveys are highly volatile, with one in three voters still undecided, the mainstream duo are seen jointly securing only 50 percent of the vote in the general election due by early December. Wednesday’s survey showed it may take three parties to form a stable majority as neither leftist Podemos nor pro-business Ciudadanos looks strong enough to be kingmaker alone.

MOMENTUM Rajoy has fewer coalition options, because of his party’s cultural conservatism and hardline support for the unitary state. The PP came top in nine out of 13 the regions that voted in May, but stayed in government in only four of them. With Rajoy taking a hard line on a new rescue package for Greece, Podemos has suffered in recent weeks from its close ties with Athens’ Syriza rulers, falling below 16 percent. Ciudadanos has also lost some early momentum and could suffer from Spain’s electoral law, which makes it hard for more than three parties to obtain substantial representation in the national parliament. So this ultimately leaves the situation wide open after the election. The survey also shows that Spaniards favour an alliance between the moderate left Socialists and Ciudadanos but such a coalition may fall short of

a majority, as would a PP-Ciudadanos pact. A left-wing “popular front” of the Socialists, Podemos and the smaller Izquierda Unida (united left) is theoretically possible, but both the Socialists and Podemos have said they have too many differences to strike such a deal. A German-style grand coalition of PP and PSOE would have the numbers but it would come at such a high risk for the junior partner that no political analysts seriously envisage it. Senior politicians have said they fear political “chaos” could spread to Spain as a result, a line that Rajoy and Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez are now pushing more openly in a bid to appear as safe bets to worried voters.

REPSOL ABANDONS DRILLING PLANS FOLLOWING the purchase of Talisman Energy, Repsol, one of the top 15 private oil companies in the world, with a presence in over 40 countries and a workforce of 27,000 has announced that after more than a decade of red tape and four years of political stalling that on the 20th August they will renounce their concessions to search for gas off the coasts of Mijas and Fuengirola.

STALL The multinational has informed the Industry Ministry that it will not be asking for any extension, which would have been the 5th. The concession known as project Siroco was originally granted in 2004 with the granting of an environmental impact declaration but opposition from Town Halls, political parties, businessmen, fishermen and ecologists from across Málaga

province have continued to stall the project. Repsol says it is a ‘purely business’ decision and it means they have abandoned what geological and geophysical showed a gas field some 1,600m deep which could possibly hold five billion cubic metres of methane, the equivalent of the province’s energy supply for a decade, and similar sized field is being exploited by Repsol in the Gulf of Cádiz which has been in operation since 1997. With the incorporation of Talisman, valued at 10.4 billion €, the company has increased its production level by 76% to 660,000 barrels a day, and in tandem have increased their reserves by 55%. The company claims they no longer need more production but want to make the most of the new possibilities of exploration and production.

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LOCAL AND REST OF SPAIN NEWS

CLUSTER of picture-pretty stone homes lies at the bottom of a verdant valley here in northern Galicia, where the only sound comes from wind rustling fig and peach trees. Called O Penso when residents lived here – the very last of whom left about a decade ago – the hamlet is now for sale, and includes a breadmaking hearth, several barns, and stone and wood horreos, the raised granaries typical in this part of the country. It has already stirred the dreams of potential buyers, including one American entrepreneur interested in turning it into a language school. “This is as near to paradise as I can think of,” says Mark Adkinson, who founded the Galician Country Homes real estate firm and has recently begun marketing abandoned villages. It would be the stuff of dreams were it not also the symptom of a problem clouding Galicia’s future: The area is essentially dying. The Galician statistics institute warned recently that this region of northwest Spain could lose 1 million residents in the next 35 years, or roughly a third of its population Here in this corner of the Iberian Peninsula, the business of selling abandoned villages has become something of a policy tool. One mayor is trying to give away an abandoned village in his district for free, so long as “buyers” promise to restore it and add back value – ideally drawing young people while they do so. Spain’s National Statistics Institute estimated recently that more than half of the country’s nearly 3,000 abandoned villages are in Galicia. They emptied long before the economic crisis, with waves of emigration starting in the 1950s.

ATALIA Molchanova one of the greatest free-divers of all time has been missing since last Sunday when she failed to surface after diving with her son and a group of friends two miles off Formentera. Her son, Alexey Molchanov said that his mother, 53, was not expected to be found alive and Maritime rescue services have stated that it could be days before her body is discovered, if at all. The 53-year-old Russian, who held 41 world records in freediving and could hold her breath for nine minutes, was diving to a planned depth of 35 meters (115ft) in waters two miles northwest of the port of La Savina at Poniente de es Freus on Sunday 2nd August. Miguel Felix, the head of the Balearic Islands Salvamento Marítimo who led the initial search for Molchanova stated. “Those with her saw her going down but they didn’t see her coming back up again, after 15 minutes the alarm was raised and we sent out boats and a helicopter to look for her but with there was no trace of her on the surface. He admitted that her body may never be washed up. “She was wearing weights to stop her floating to the surface – which is usual for the purpose of a dive – but it means that instead of floating up her body could be taken to the depths.”

ROBOT The rescue chief confirmed that although the official search had been called off, the family had privately hired a diving robot to make an extensive search of the underwa-

Idyllic ‘paradise’ up for sale Town leaders and entrepreneurs in Spain’s north-western Galicia region want to repopulate hundreds of empty hamlets hard hit by long-term decline.

O Penso consists of five houses, barns, an outdoor bread oven and 100 acres

No trace of freediver missing off Formentera ter area in the hope of recovering her body. “We are experts in search and rescue on the surface of the sea,” he said of the Salvamento Marítimo. “But we have no expertise when it comes to the depths below.” The family explained that the world champion, who in May set a record of 71 meters (233 feet) for a dive without oxygen, may have struggled with strong underwater currents or a sudden plunge in water temperature. “She was diving without fins to around 30 to 40m and supposedly got into a strong underwater current,” a statement released by her family said. She was the world’s most decorated free-diver of all time, having amassed 20 individual gold medals and two team gold medals from the Free-diving World Championships. Her family praised her as “an inspiration” who died “doing what she loved”. “Natalia is a proud mother of Oksana and Alexey. She loved children and was awaiting the day when she would become a Grandmother,” said the statement posted on the Facebook page of AIDA International, the international body that regulates the sport of free-diving. “She was an inspiration to all

But the economic crisis has brought even less hope that they will be revived.

Thousands of villages for ssale? Mr. Adkinson says he has identified some 400 villages in Galicia that are abandoned and could possibly be on the market if the ownership rights were determined. He currently has clients looking at five. The real estate of abandoned villages and rural properties is a passion as well as a job. But he also says he’s gratified to play his part in repopulation: “I feel fabulous, bringing people back into Galicia, taking people back to the land. In addition to O Penso there are thousands of communities throughout Spain that face a similar life-and-death struggle. Of the 3,500 abandoned villages in Spain, around 1,500 are up for sale, of these, between 110 and 120 have all the paperwork in order and are ready to be bought; the rest need the paperwork sorting out, and that will take a couple more months,” says Elvira Fafián, who runs a website called Aldeasabandonadas.com. Abandoned villages are particularly popular with American, German and French buyers, and tend to be bought on the basis of personal recommendations. So how much does a Spanish village cost? It depends - is the village abandoned, does the area need repopulation, does the area have any services and or economic resources such as agricultural land or tourism? Prices range from free with obvious conditions to €62,000 for a six house village in Lugo province, in Galicia to € 380,000 for a 1800 square meter village in La Alameda, in Segovia. At the upper end of the scale, there are villages with a €15 million price tag, and that come with already restored houses.

Commemorating the ‘forgotten army’ on the 70th anniversary of VJ Day

Missing: Natalia Molchanova one of the greatest free-divers of all time

free divers and despite being one of the fiercest competitors in the world, she was always calm and relaxed during competitions,” the statement continued: “The cause of Natalia’s disappearance is unknown, but she was doing what she loved. Natalia has a passion for freediving that burned so deep inside of her that she dedicated her life to it.”

THIS weekend the world will stop, take a breath and commemorate the 70th anniversary of VJ Day “Victory Over Japan”. Whilst most celebrate and remember VE Day “Victory in Europe” on May 8th, it is VJ Day that signals the end of the Second World War with soldiers, who fought and those who were taken prisoners of war by the Japanese, often described as ‘the forgotten army.’ For those wishing to pay their respects and remember the fallen the Coin branch of the Royal British Legion will be holding a small service at 11am at the Miralmonte in Coin.

©Photograph: Ernest H. Brooks II, « Blue in Profile », Edition Fifty Fathoms 2008

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LOCAL AND REST OF SPAIN NEWS

Mum jailed for throwing baby out of window A SPANISH woman who threw her new-born baby out of a window has been sentenced to four years in jail after a court found her guilty of attempted murder. The woman, now 37-years-old, had given birth to the girl in secret on Christmas Eve in 2013, in the bathroom of the apartment in eastern Madrid that she shared with her parents, three brothers and two other children. She cut the umbilical cord of her new-born girl, wrapped her in a pair of jeans and threw her out of a kitchen window into an interior patio from a height of 1.70 metres (5.7 feet). The woman’s mother found the baby girl, whose heart and

breathing had stopped. The child, who was also suffering from hypothermia, was taken to hospital where she spent 74 days. A Madrid court ruled on Wednesday that the woman had intended to kill her new-born when she threw her out the window and found her guilty of attempted murder, sentencing her to four years in jail. The child, who suffers from poor muscle tone as a result of her fall, was given to a foster family and put up for adoption. The court has also ordered that the mother pay €63,074 ($69,053) in compensation to her daughter for the damages caused .

CRISTIANO RONALDO PRANKS MADRID AS HOMELESS MAN

T’S Cristiano Ronaldo as you have never seen him before, disguised as a homeless man loitering in Madrid’s busy shopping area of Plaza de Callao with his begging tin and scruffy dog. For more than 45 minutes the Real Madrid striker remained unrecognized despite displaying his fancy footwork, thanks to a fat suit beneath his shabby grey tracksuit, a fake beard and an unkempt wig as well as some oversized sunglasses. He even approached different passers-by to get a reaction but was repeatedly shrugged off- including by a young woman who politely refused to give the ‘vagabond’ her phone number when asked.

SKILLS A young boy finally interacted with the Ballon d’Or winner showing off his dribbling skills only to get the shock of his life when Ronaldo peeled away his disguise to reveal his true self. The reaction on the streets instantly changed as onlookers cheered and reached for their phones to snap a photo of the 30-year-old Portuguese footballer, who earns €380,000 a week.

The stunt, which has been uploaded on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Facebook page as well as YouTube, is not designed to highlight the plight of the homeless but rather to promote #LIVELIFELOUD a new range of ROC headphones designed in collaboration with the footballer.

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LOCAL AND REST OF SPAIN NEWS

Has political clout finally brought an end to bullfighting?

PAIN’S new political map which Love it or loathe it, bullfighting is emerged from an integral part of Spanish culture the regional and local elections on 24th but it seems times are a changing May have triggered a shift to the political left which in turn is raising questions about the future of public events involving los toros – this includes anything from bullfights to the custom of chasing the animals down the street (or being chased by them) during local fiestas. Many of the new groups which have ascended to power do not look favourably upon these forms of entertainment, or upon the fact that many of them are subsidized with Alicante public money. Add to that pressure from animal rights groups and it seems more and (as mentioned above) will stop subsidizing more local councils are succumbing to the bullfights, and the new local government pressure to remove bull-related events comalso wants to hold a referendum to see pletely. whether the city should be declared completely free of bullfights. BANNED Elsewhere, the popular resorts of Gandia & Alcira have already already suspended fights A dozen municipalities, including major citand the situation is under review because of ies such as Alicante, are now planning to its “animal abuse” in other municipalites such hold referendums on whether these events as Xativa, Chirivella, Aildaya, Paiporta and should be banned altogether – The fiestas Vinaros. of El Moralet in Alicante featured a cross trial cycle race instead of the traditional bull Aragón run, while in Denia the recent ‘Bous a la mar’ event in which the objectives is to make caZaragoza officials met with neighbourhood reering bulls plunge into the sea, was met associations in the city and in rural areas to with concerted opposition before eventuinform them that there will be no more pubally going ahead. Other cities and regions lic subsidies for fiestas involving toros emare also looking at ways of phasing out bull bolados (bulls with firecrackers attached to centred events, even though the number their horns) or toros ensogados (bulls with of bull-centred festivities grew last year, aclong ropes tied to their nape). Huesca may cording to statistics released in May by the also hold a referendum on whether to ban Education, Culture and Sports Ministry. bullfights altogether. Madrid The new city government, led by Mayor Manuela Carmena of the leftist bloc Ahora Madrid, has given up its box at Las Ventas bullring. Carmena has announced that she intends to turn the Spanish capital into “an animal-friendly city” and supports eliminating all subsidies to bullfighter training schools and bullfights. Valencia The Valencian regional government said it will stop subsidizing bullfights, and in the city of Valencia, the new mayor, Joan Ribó of Compromís, said he will not encourage bullfights or subsidize anything that involves animal cruelty.

ists have already collected around 130,000 signatures asking for this ban.

control, the fights were allowed to remain because of a strong fan base).

San Sebastián The Basque seaside town is the exception to the rule, as bullfighting is back this summer. The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) recovered control of city hall in May after a fouryear stint under the radical leftists of Bildu, who had banned it (even though in the nearby municipality of Azpeitia, also under Bildu

Catalunya Bullfighting is completely banned in the whole of Catalunya. Five years ago, the Catalan assembly approved a regional ban on bullfighting. Since then, supporters of the fiesta have been seeking ways of bringing it back, but so far to no avail.

The fact that bullfighting has become a political issue seems to indicate a change in society’s attitude to animal rights however, with the sector worth millions of euro a year, councils attempting to completely ban bull related events are likely to face a backlash from businesses who benefit from them. Pamplona, for example is known specifically because of its bull runs and were they to be banned the economic impact on the city would be catastrophic.

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Galicia The mayor of A Coruña, Xulio Ferreiro of the bloc Marea Atlántica, has terminated the contract with the company that organizes bullfights in the city. Ferreiro argued that the city will save itself €50,000. Balearic Islands The leftist coalition that controls Palma de Mallorca plans to declare the city “free of animal abuse.” But the move will only be symbolic when it comes to bullfights, as the local ring is privately owned and holds a regional operating license. The city will ask the regional assembly to change its 1992 animal protection law in order to ban all forms of bull-related fiestas across the islands. Activ-

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LOCAL AND REST OF SPAIN NEWS

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Sergey with Mike & Nuria from Clive Christian Marbella Guests arriving on the red carpet

The Drumelia Dream Team

VALE Vale situated just across from the Puente Romano on Marbella’s stunning Golden Mile, was the venue for what was a wonderful night, the crème del la crème of Marbella’s society and high-end businesses attended with a star appearance from the Russian singer Valery Meladze completing the guests list. Guests arrived and ascended the red carpet into the summery courtyard where they were formal welcomed, whilst being treated to flutes of Cava and mouth-watering fruit canapés. The Drumelia team had pulled out all the stops to ensure this launch party was a success, the magazines entitled “The Address Marbella” were beautifully presented and displayed upon all the tables while a large

screen showcased a digital version for all the guests to watch at their leisure. A saxophonist played harmoniously in the background enabling all the guests to talk and mingle, however as the night continued and drink began to flow, guests soon kicked off and hit the dance-floor with Sergey Sinichkin (Founder of Drumelia Real Estate) leading the spectacle with his version of the moonwalk! The evening ran from 8pm until the early hours, ensuring an exuberant time was had by all, with Sergey Sinichkin announcing this launch party was a wonderful success and the reason he held it was “simply because he wanted to enjoy a fabulous evening with friends”.

Anna Sinichkina with guests

Advertiser and contributor Kirill Iline

Artur from Drumelia

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LOCAL AND REST OF SPAIN NEWS

Having fun as the night wore on

Drumelia magazine editor Jana (centre) with guests

Founder of Drumelia Design, Anna Sinichkina

Advertiser Zapping Digital Home

Sergey chatting with Russian star Valery Meladze

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

EGYPT’S SISI OPENS NEW SUEZ CANAL

GYPT received a show of international support last week as it inaugurated a major extension of the Suez Canal which President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hopes will power an economic turnaround in the Arab world’s most populous country. The former armed forces chief, who led a military takeover two years ago but ran for president as a civilian last year, told a ceremony attended by French, Russian, British, Arab and African leaders that Egypt would defeat the terrorism that dogged the project. “Work

did not take place in normal circumstances, and these circumstances still exist and we are fighting them and we will defeat them,” Sisi said after signing an order allowing ships to cross the New Suez Canal. “We promised a gift to the world and we accomplished it in record time - an additional artery for prosperity and for connecting civilization to enhance the movement of international trade,” he said, as the first vessel, a container ship called CMA CGM TITAN, blew its horn and passed through the canal.

Egyptian army planes perform during the opening ceremony of a new waterway at the Suez Canal in the port city of Ismailiya

The $8.2 billion project was completed in just one year instead of three on Sisi’s orders, but economists and shipping analysts question whether there is sufficient traffic and eastwest trade to meet its ambitious revenue targets. The canal expansion is the centrepiece of a grand agenda by Sisi to cement his tenure as the man who brought stability and prosperity to Egypt after he ousted elected Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Mursi in 2013 following mass protests. In economic terms, however, the expansion of the Suez Canal is a questionable endeavour at a time when the government is struggling to provide adequate services to its citizens. True, the channel is a significant source of revenue. Last year it pumped $5.5 billion into an economy weakened by years of turmoil. But both this sum and the number of ships transiting the canal have been flat since 2008. Egyptian officials claim that the $8.2 billion project, which expands capacity to 97 ships per day will more than double annual revenues to some $13.5 billion by 2023. That, however, would require yearly growth of some 10%, a rosy projection given that in the entire period from 2000 to 2013 world seaborne shipping grew by just 37%, according to UNCTAD. A recent forecast from the IMF suggests that in the decade up to 2016 the annual rate of growth for global merchandise trade will have averaged 3.4%. Before its expansion the Suez Canal was operating below its capacity of 78 vessels a day. It could already handle all ships except the very biggest oil tankers. By the estimate of one Egyptian economist, the maximum growth of revenue that the new dredging now allows from the passage of slightly bigger oil tankers amounts to just $200m a year. Boosters say more ships will flock to the canal because new bypasses permit faster two-way traffic. Economists counter that for ships that already save as much as ten days at sea by using Suez instead of sailing around Africa, a few hours less transit time through the canal will make little difference.

HUB One clear plus for the debt-strapped Egyptian government is that the project is domestically financed: thousands of Egyptians last year snapped up nearly $9 billion in special investment certificates paying 12% interest. The downside for punters is that they are in local currency, in a country where inflation is currently running at over 10%. But there may be another long-term plus. Egypt’s government plans to turn the whole Canal Zone into a giant logistical, ship-servicing and manufacturing hub. If that ambition comes true, mosquegoers will truly take heart from the government’s scripted sermon which divines “useful lessons from the Prophet’s example of innovative leadership, among them the unity and continuity of command, mutual love between the commander and his soldiers, and wariness of naysayers.”

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

HE topic of bread is not taken lightly in France. Indeed, it’s no surprise that the stereotype of the French sees them walking with a baguette under one arm - because that is often the reality. And up until this summer, officials have had historic laws ensuring that Parisians have access to their daily bread. Back in 1790 during the French revolution, authorities passed a law meaning that all bakeries would have to report to authorities exactly when they planned to close their shop in order to ensure some were always open and locals could at least get some bread.

HISTORIC RULE This rule ensured that out of the hundreds of bakeries in Paris and surrounding suburbs, roughly half would close in July and half in August, those flaunting the rules would be fined albeit a minimal amount of anything between €11 and €33. But last winter the historic rule was scrapped as part of the French government’s simplification drive aimed at cutting red tape and making life easier for businesses. This is the first summer since the holiday rule was relaxed meaning the boulangers of Paris have the freedom to take off as much time as they want, whenever they want and with August the most popular time to take a holiday, there have been concerns aired that

Good luck finding a baguette in Paris For the first time since the French Revolution, bakers in Paris have been granted the whole summer off, meaning you might just struggle to find a fresh baguette this month there won’t be any fresh bread on hand at all in the capital. Indeed, the entire city tends to go silent in August as swathes of the population leave for vacation and scores of shops and restaurants close for the month. As for bread-hungry Parisians, all they can do is hope their local boulangeries won’t be enjoying their holiday too much... or wait until September.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

GERMAN YOUTH CREATE NEW VERB ‘TO MERKEL,’

meaning to dither or to do nothing

ANGELA Merkel may be about to add yet another triumph to her glittering career and enter the German language with a word of her own. “Merkelling” looks set to be named as the Youth Word of the Year by the publishers of the famous Langenscheidt dictionary. Merkeln, or “to Merkel”, is currently leading a national poll organised by the publishers to choose the best neologism coined by young people in 2015. It is, however, not entirely complimentary to the German Chancellor. The publishers’ website gives the definition of Merkelling as “to do nothing, make no de-

From London to New York in one hour

cisions, express nothing of yourself”. It seems that German youth is less than enamoured of Mrs Merkel’s famously non-committal style of politics. An arch-pragmatist, Mrs Merkel is known for preferring to react to events rather than following any political ideology.

NEGOTIABLE “She has a strong value of freedom, and everything else is negotiable,” one of her opponents, Katrin Göring-Eckardt of the Green Party, once said of her. And one of Mrs Merkel’s own advisors told a former US ambassador: “The Chancellor’s

long-term view is about two weeks”. It’s an approach that has seen Mrs Merkel lead her Christian Democrat party to three consecutive election victories, so she can probably live with Merkelling. Other contenders for German Youth Word of the Year include Earthporn, meaning a “beautiful landscape”, and Disco Pumper, meaning “someone who only trains to look good at the disco”, and Tinderella, meaning “a female who uses online dating platforms such as Tinder excessively”. Smombie, a “composite of zombie and smartphone”, means “someone who is spellbound by their mobile phone and doesn’t look where they’re going”.

ONCORDE was an icon of its time, one of the great sights of pre-Millennium Britain as it travelled supersonic through the air from London to New York. The aircraft was sadly retired in 2003 following a disastrous crash but its producers Airbus have now unveiled what has been dubbed ‘Concorde’s son’. A patent has been filled by the firm to the US Patent and Trademark Office and relate to an ‘ultra-rapid air vehicle’ which would travel at four-and-a-half times the speed of sound, meaning a journey from London to New York could be completed within the hour. Proposals suggest the aircraft would cruise at an altitude of at least 100,000ft and could carry up to 20 passengers along distances of around 5,500 miles at a speed of 3,400 mph. In its heyday, Concorde could fly between the capital and New York in just under three hours, but the new aircraft would slash that by two-and-a-half times, if it goes into production.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

German actor plans ‘model refugee shelter’ O

NE of Germany’s best known actors has announced he wants to build a “model shelter” to house asylum-seekers as Europe grapples with a migrant crisis. Til Schweiger, who appeared in Inglourious Basterds and The Replacement Killers, said he has already secured a site for the shelter. The actor’s announcement came as a newspaper published figures showing that Germany has already hosted more than 300,000 asylum-seekers this year – even more than previously thought. “I’m going to build a refugee home together with friends,” Mr Schweiger told German Newspaper Bild. “We want to build a flagship home for refugees.” Although details are sketchy so far, Mr Schweiger said the shelter has secured a site in Lower Saxony in a former barracks named after the Second World War Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. It will offer more than just accommodation. “There will be things for children to do, workshops and a sewing room so people can work there, a sports facility

and so on,” he said. The actor is one of the biggest stars in Germany, where is best known for Tatort, or Crime Scene, a television drama that is a national institution. Mr Schweiger’s intervention comes as the debate over asylumseekers is becoming increasingly polarised in Germany. The country takes in by far the most migrants of any EU country. The German government estimates it will host a record 500,000 asylum-seekers this year. While there is still widespread public support for the countries liberal asylum policy, opposition is growing. There have been a series of arson attacks on refugee shelters, while asylum-seekers have been attacked. A local politician who supported asylum-seekers was allegedly threatened with beheading by the far-Right, while another had his car set on fire. The violence in Germany comes as Europe continues to struggle with a migrant crisis.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

ELLS tolled in Hiroshima last week as Japan marked the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, renewing fresh calls for global leaders to step up efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons. Tens of thousands of people stood for a minute of silence at a ceremony at 8:15 a.m. in Hiroshima’s peace park near the epicentre of the 1945 attack, marking the moment of the blast. Dozens of doves were released as a symbol of peace.

Survivor Sunao Tsuboi (91) (pictured above) was on his way to class at Hiroshima Technical School on Aug. 6, 1945, when the atomic bomb - the world’s first - detonated. Tsuboi remembers a blinding light, followed by a shock wave that hurled him 30 feet and knocked him unconscious. When he awoke, he was covered in burns and could barely walk. All around him was death, destruction and unimaginable horror. “Houses gone, bodies everywhere, no arms, no legs, everyone just dead. You look and you ask, were these really human beings?’ ” Tsuboi recalled in a recent interview.

SKILLS An estimated 140,000 people died from the Hiroshima bombing, and even more were killed in the attack on Nagasaki. Although Japan surrendered days later - bringing the war to a close, tens of thousands of people were injured or suffered deep emotional damage. Decades after the bombings, survivors were being diagnosed with cancer and others illnesses linked to the radiation poising. The U.S. dropped the bombs the first an atomic bomb, dubbed “Little Boy”, on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 followed by “Fat Man” three days later. Nearly everything around it was incinerated, with the ground level hit by a wall of heat up to 4,000 C - hot enough to melt steel to avoid what would

Bells toll in Hiroshima to mark 70 years since first atomic bomb City’s mayor calls for an end to nuclear weapons as tens of thousands gather to observe a minute of silence have been a bloody ground assault on the Japanese mainland, following the fierce battle for Japan’s southernmost Okinawan islands, which took 12,520 American lives and an estimated 200,000 Japanese, about half of them civilians. Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui called nuclear weapons “the absolute evil and ultimate inhumanity” that must be abolished, and criticized nuclear powers for keeping them as threats to achieve their national interests. Today the world still bristles with more than 15,000 nuclear weapons held by nine nations: the U.S., Russia, China, the U.K., France, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea.

THEN

& NOW

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

HE 2015 World Happiness Report is an annual report seeking to quantify happiness as a means of influencing government policy. “Happiness is increasingly considered as a proper measure of social progress and a goal of public policy.” But what makes people happy, and which countries have the highest levels of happiness? For the World Happiness Report, researchers ranked countries based on factors including healthy life expectancy, social support, GDP per capita, the happiness of a country’s children, social capital, the civil economy, the absence of corruption, and subjective well-being. When compared with findings from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index, we find that the happiest countries are those that build stronger social ties, better-managed commons, and a strong sense of community.

IT’S OFFICIAL Chocolate makes you happy!

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1. SWITZERLAND Switzerland is this year’s happiest country, ranking above average in subjective well-being, jobs and earnings, income and wealth, health status, social connections, environmental quality, education and skills, and personal security. There’s also a strong sense of community in Switzerland, where 96 percent of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need. The latter is the highest figure in the OECD, tied with #2 Iceland.

2. ICELAND According to the Better Life Index, Iceland ranks at the top in jobs and earnings, and above average in social connections, subjective well-being, health status, environmental quality, personal security, civic engagement, and education and skills. Icelanders also measure among the highest in general satisfaction with life, rating an average of 7.5 on a 10 points scale, which is one of the highest scores in the OECD where the average is 6.6

6. FINLAND Finland rates well in subjective well-being, civic engagement, environmental quality, housing, work-life balance, and social connections. The country also places a strong emphasis on education. The average student scored 529 in reading literacy, math and science in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which is significantly higher than the OECD average of 497.

3. DENMARK Last year’s happiest country, Denmark has dropped to third spot this year. The top country in work-life balance, with only two percent of employees reporting working very long hours, Denmark also ranks above average in environmental quality, civic engagement, education and skills, jobs and earnings, income and wealth, and personal security.

7. NETHERLANDS The Netherlands ranks above the average in work-life balance, jobs and earnings, housing, income and wealth, education, subjective well-being, health, and social connections. The country also has a strong sense of community and high levels of civic participation. Over 90 percent of people believe they know someone they could rely on in time of need, and voter turnout during recent elections was 75 percent, which is significantly higher than the OECD average of 68 percent.

4. NORWAY Norway is a well-rounded country, rating well in almost all the dimensions measured, with strong civic engagement, good social connections, environmental quality, housing, work-life balance, and more. A higher than average 82 percent of adults aged 2564 have completed upper secondary education. 5. CANADA Canadians are healthy and happy. With 89 percent of people reporting being in good health—much higher than the OECD average of 69 percent—Canada also has the lowest rate in the OECD in assaults, with just 1.3 percent of people reported falling victim over the previous 12 months. The OECD average is 3.9 percent.

8. SWEDEN The top ranking country in environmental quality, Sweden also ranks above average in education, work-life balance health status, jobs, and housing. When it comes to civic engagement, Sweden not only has a high 86 percent voter turnout, it also has a narrow gap between voter turnout between the top 20 percent of income earners in the country and the lowest 20 percent, suggesting that the country’s democratic institutions have broad social inclusion. 9. NEW ZEALAND New Zealand scored the highest in health with considerably lower than average tiny

air pollutant particles (10.8 micrograms per cubic meter vs. the OECD average of 20.1), and 89 percent of whose citizens report being satisfied with the quality of their water. New Zealand also rank well in civic engagement, personal security, education, jobs, and subjective well-being. 10. AUSTRALIA Australia ranked at the top in civic engagement and above average in environmental quality. 92 percent of people believe they know someone they could rely on in time of need. The country also has high subjective wellbeing, health status, education, and jobs. Voter turnout in Australia was an impressive 93 percent during recent elections, a figure that is attributed to the fact that voting is compulsory in Australia. AND SOME OF THE OTHERS The United States trails in 15th place, behind Israel and Mexico, with Britain at 21, pipped by Belgium and the United Arab Emirates. Spain is ranked as number 36 with France at number 29, behind Germany in 26th place. Despite the conflict raging in Iraq, that country was ranked 112, ahead of South Africa, India, Kenya and Bulgaria. Afghanistan and war-torn Syria joined eight sub-Saharan countries in Africa — Togo, Burundi, Benin, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Chad — are the ten least happy of 158 countries. The 166-page report was edited by Sachs, John Helliwell of the University of British Columbia in Canada and Richard Layard from the London School of Economics.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

O the Spanish authorities, Picasso’s 1906 “Head of a Young Woman” is a unique painting, the only example in Spain from a pivotal period in the artist’s life. Picasso is said to have painted it during the summer of 1906 in Gósol, a remote Spanish village in the Pyrenees. Art historians describe that year as decisive for the artist, preceding the birth of Cubism. Because of this, the courts labelled it a “national treasure” stating that it should not be sold outside the country. In the view of Jaime Botín, a member of a wealthy Spanish banking dynasty, the work is simply his personal property. Purchased in 1977 and displayed upon his yacht docked along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, it is said to be worth as much as 26 million euros in today’s booming art market.

Jaime Botín, of the wealthy Spanish banking dynasty

So the events which transpired last Friday in France show just how far governments will take to protect art they deem important to national heritage even though the art doesn’t belong to them! After an apparent tip from the Spanish authorities, the picture was seized by French customs officials from the yacht, which had docked in Corsica. The Spanish government contends that Mr. Botín was trying to move the Picasso to Switzerland for sale, in defiance of a court ruling invoking a Spanish law meant to shield such works of art from export. It is only the latest collision of powerful forces in the art world, where demand from the superrich has enticed owners to sell their treasures, even as national governments scramble to keep such works at home.

CONTROLS Many countries, including Germany and Ireland, are weighing new export controls for cherished artworks, like several Rubens paintings that had been selected for auction this year by the Russborough House museum in eastern Ireland. Spain has had such a protectionist law for 30 years, and the seizure of the Picasso is being closely watched as an illustration of how an attempt to protect state interests can clash with private ownership rights. Rafael Mateu de Ros, Mr. Botín’s lawyer in Madrid, said in a statement that his client would file an appeal to Spain’s Supreme Court, arguing that the painting could not have been exported unlawfully because it was purchased abroad, and its permanent address was onboard the yacht, the Adix,

At the time of going to press police have escorted the Picasso painting to Reina Sofia Musem

Are governments stealing art?

Picasso’s “Head of a Young Woman.” CreditAgence France-Presse - Getty Images and (below) it’s permanent address is onboad the yacht Adix

which is registered in Britain. “For years now, the picture has been inside a British vessel, which is foreign territory for all who that may concern, even when it is moored in Spanish ports,” he added. Spain could ultimately take ownership of the painting if it finds that Mr. Botín, 79, violated its cultural protection laws against illicit trafficking. Or it could simply fine Mr. Botín and bar him from moving it out of the country again. Infractions carry administrative penalties of up to 600,000 euros. Mr. Botín, a member of the family that controls Banco Santander, bought the Picasso painting of a longhaired woman in 1977, at the Marlborough Fine Art Fair in London, for his personal collection. Spain’s cultural protection legislation, dating from 1985, requires museums, dealers and private owners to obtain export licenses for any work over 100 years old before it can be moved out of the country. Last year, the Spanish authorities say, they received more than 14,000 requests for export licenses for

The Spanish artist Pablo Picasso

sales and exhibition loans. Seventy applications were denied, and the state acquired 27 of the works at issue. Mr. Botín’s Picasso painting was classified as a national treasure by Spain’s historic heritage department, overseen by the Culture Ministry, after Christie’s sought an export license that would allow the banking magnate to auction the work in London. In 2013, the ministry denied him permission to sell the work abroad, declaring that no similar work remained on Spanish territory. In the years that followed, Mr. Botín fought the cultural heritage designation, arguing that the artwork was not only stored on a vessel registered to Britain but that it was owned by a Panamanian company in which he was registered as a major shareholder. He challenged the government’s decision in a Spanish appeals court, which informed him in May that the Culture Ministry’s 2013 export ban would stand. Since then, the country’s Guardia Civil has monitored the movement of Mr. Botín’s yacht, the authorities say. The Spanish press reported that Spanish officials alerted French customs agents about the painting after the ship docked in Corsica in July. Vincent Guivarch, a spokesman for the French customs agency, said that agents found the carefully wrapped work in the captain’s quarters. Mr. Botín’s son, Alfonso, and an Australian captain were on board, he said, and had

been awaiting instructions from Mr. Botín for three days. Among the documents carried by the ship, Mr. Guivarch added, was the Spanish court ruling barring the painting’s export. He said that the Botíns planned to fly the work to Switzerland, although the precise destination was not known. The country is a hub for free ports, or zones where art can be privately sold and stored under the names of offshore companies.

RECOVERY At the moment, it is not clear how the Spanish government will proceed with the recovery of the artwork, which remains in the hands of the French authorities. Museum experts doubt that the government will move aggressively against Mr. Botín, who is highly regarded in Spain and known for his newspaper articles on ethics and morality, to take ownership of the painting. Meanwhile, Germany’s culture minister Monika Grütters - is under fire for proposing a similar law and Italy is considering loosening its restrictions, under pressure from dealers who want to take advantage of the hot market for Modern and contemporary art. Last year, the global art market topped 51 billion euros, according to a European Fine Art Fair report. In May, another Picasso painting, the 1955 “Les Femmes d’Alger (Version ‘O’),” brought $179 million - a global auction record for a work of art - in New York. At a budget presentation this week, Spain’s culture minister, Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, said the ministry was working with the Guardia Civil to recover the painting. “I am pleased that a work of this quality - declared ineligible for export - is returning to Spain,” he said.

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Vivienda Las Palmeras · Arquitecto: Valentín de Madariaga · Installer: Moncada Aluminium · Fotografía: Claudio Curia

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FOCUS ON HOMES

INTO THE FOLD T

HE trend in origami has been increasing over recent years with a good selection of products now on offer that take inspiration from this ancient art. Origami is the art of folding paper or other material to create form. It is an ancient Japanese art form and has always held a strong following for its fascinating results. Origami motifs and techniques have appeared on the catwalks of everyone from Issey Miyake to Gareth Pugh, and there has been an explosion in home accessories inspired by the Japanese art form.

So why the sudden fascination with this ancient craft? Paper is disappearing from our lives. Diaries have been replaced by online calendars, letters supplanted by emails. Yet even as we become increasingly digital we seem to hanker after something more tangible. At home, people are creating warm, tactile retreats from the demands of their blinking smartphones, computers and tablets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stop Playing With Yourselfâ&#x20AC;? created by Australian designers Schamburg + Alvisse is an innovative combination of puzzle and multi-purpose piece of furniture. It can be a sofa, chair, bed or just a star sculpture in your room. As a matter of fact, you may spend more time taking it apart and putting it back together than actually sitting or lying on it.

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INTERIOR TRENDS FOR AUTUMN 2015

OLOUR is the most influential characteristic when it comes to trends and with colour often leading interior schemes, it is important to get the balance right. For autumn 2015 green is making a play as the stand-out colour and the coming trend is diverse. Farrow & Ball present several options. On the dark side there is

the earthy camouflage and nature inspired shades which forms part of their breakfast room greens these would look right at home in the deepest jungle on the lighter side there are the subtle reserved greens as presented within their Light blue range and for something a little more restful there are pale pastels blended with soft pinks,

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015 BREAKFAST ROOM GREEN Breakfast Room Green feels lively at any time of day. Taken straight from nature it makes us feel safe and calm in our home environment. Its slightly botanical feel creates a fresh room when paired with complementary James White on the ceiling. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best contrasted with stronger Calke Green on the woodwork to recreate the colours derived from the irregular staining and tinting found in plants and vegetables. Complete this leafy look, with Light Gray as an accent colour in the back of shelves, on the floor, or as random stripes on the wall to create a really exciting, fashionable interior. This trend reflects a shift away from hard, graphic interiors to a softer more natural feel with a modern twist. LIGHT BLUE The use of Light Blue in the home is intended to create an interior where colours shift and change like the landscape. We instinctively gravitate towards colours that remind us of the softer side of life to make our homes into an oasis of calm away from the brashness of modern life. To create an almost transparent interior, contrast the colourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s silvery, smoky qualities with the unexpectedly cool grey Dimpse, a colour inspired by the tones of twilight. Create a feeling of relaxed movement by adding an accent of Lamp Room Gray on the floor, feature wall or furniture, and Blackened on the ceiling. PINK GROUND Pink Ground creates a humble beauty in the home, making rooms feel pretty, soft edged and accessible. Although certainly warm, this pink is not sugary or infantile, rather it feels more like a diluted plaster colour where walls look almost nude. Use with a slightly stronger colour on the woodwork, like Setting Plaster, to create a lighter room; because the tones are close the feel is almost of camouflaged beauty with no strong contrasts or hard lines. Similarly accent colours should stay cloudy and soft. Pale Powder sits perfectly alongside Pink Ground; use it on either furniture for a more relaxed feel, or on the floor to complement the whimsical pastel palette on the walls and woodwork.

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Increased demand for Spanish property could push up prices Summary: Increased interest from buyers could drive growth in prices for Spanish property, according to a new report

INCREASED demand among international buyers could push up property prices in Spain, according to new data from real estate portal Kyero. Kyero says it’s just had its busiest quarter in its history. 28% of all queries from prospective buyers concerned properties priced between €50,000 and €100,000. Renewed interest and demand for Spanish property could start to drive growth in values. A separate report from valuations company Tinsa reveals that 35 popular Spanish locations have seen price rises in the last 12 months, compared to just four areas in the year before that. Coastal locations in Spain are favoured among international buyers looking for a second home with easy access to beaches. Unsurprisingly, Alicante – home to the Costa Blanca – is the most popular province, with 31% of all enquiries. Malaga came second, with 15%. Apartments attracted 39% of buyers’ interest during the last quarter, a full 10% ahead of villa enquiries, according to Kyero’s founder, Martin Dell. Whether you’re moving to Spain or transferring money overseas, it’s important to keep on top of the currency market. For more information contact us on +34 952 906 581 or visit currenciesdirect.com

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IT’S THE PITS! Fire pits have evolved from caves and campsites to become a central part of outdoor living bringing heat and art to our outdoor environments

UTDOOR fire pits are gaining immense popularity today. They can be used in many locations, and depending on the model you choose, can be moved from place to place to suit your needs. There are several different types of fire pits to choose from. Here is a look at some of the different types of outdoor fire pits. The table fire pit is one which gets the fire pit up off the ground. It can come in many different styles to accommodate any existing décor that you might have on your patio. Table fire pits are very attractive and look more like a piece of furniture instead of just a fire pit. You can get them with grates that allow you to grill over them or just use it as a source of heat. Table fire pits can be made of many different materials. Tile is a great option that is easily cleaned and can function as

a table even when you are not having a fire. Wrought iron is another popular choice and can give a more elegant feel to your space. Gas outdoor fire pits are nice because there is a lot less mess than a traditional wood burning fire pit. You do not have to deal with cleaning up the ashes or keeping wood on hand. If you are using your fire pit to heat a room or space, a gas fire pit is ideal. They give off a lot of consistent heat and you do not need to keep adding fuel. They are easily portable and are great for taking camping with you.

STATEMENT If you are looking to make a statement with your fire pit, stone is the way to go. A stone fire pit is a very attractive addition to any yard. It is a more permanent choice than some of the other options, since stone is quite heavy and not easily moved. Often

these fixtures are cemented to your patio. It lends a great rustic feel to your outdoor living space. If you have an outdoor kitchen, a stone fire pit works really well. When you are designing your stone fire pit, make sure that you choose a stone that will compliment your garden and patio. When you are choosing your outdoor fire pit, make sure you take into consideration the size of your patio. If you have a smaller space, choose a fire pit that will not overwhelm it. A large fire pit will put off too much heat, and will make your family and guests uncomfortable. Likewise, a small fire pit in a large space will not give off adequate heat. Scale your fire pit to the size of your

space, just as you would with any other piece of furniture. If you put some thought into your choice, an outdoor fire pit can be the star of your patio. Choose a fire pit that will meet your needs and work well with your décor and the size of your space. Outdoor fire pits are a great way to add warmth and charm to your home.

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years

WITH PASSION

10 YEARS… 10 UNIQUE DESIGNS! BOCA DO LOBO CELEBRATES THEIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY A rarely seen passion for Design, craftsmanship and unique materials was the starting point of Boca do Lobo’s successful creative journey 10 years ago. Today, the luxury brand is one of the Interior Design World’s finest. BOCA DO LOBO was created to bring excellence in furniture design. Since 2005 we have been working to share the best Portugal has to offer: the knowledge of its people who design and create furniture art, the tradition of working with the noble material of wood, and the artisans and joiners who create the pieces with their years of wisdom and experience and their love and dedication to the art that they perform. It all started with Soho, one of Boca do Lobo’s most iconic creations so far. Launched in London in 2005, this luxury sideboard opened the way for Boca do Lobo’s first international steps and is still today one of the brand’s best sellers. The uniqueness of its essence

is embodied in the different techniques applied to its drawers, which go from glass to wood, lacquer in different colours to mirror and gold leaf. It is inspired by the eclectic spirit felt on the streets of the Soho neighbourhood, embodying a true cosmopolitan essence. Gold came in 2006 and represents a landmark for luxury furniture. Entirely finished in gold leaf, this contemporary screen is home jewellery specially created to adorn and embellish a contemporary living room or bedroom. Gold proves that space dividers can be statement pieces without obfuscating a room’s décor. Over time Boca do Lobo’s designs have become increasingly more mature. The luxury brand has perfected its unique concept of Emotional Design and creating pieces that actually made users create an emotional bond with them becoming more and more like pieces of artworks rather than utilitarian furniture

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

ANY dream of retirement in sunnier climes and with pension freedom the opportunity to take your savings and run is even more tempting but while Spain is still a popular destination, British Expats are seeing the number of overseas pension schemes that they can use to move their investments abroad being cut back drastically. In the UK, the tax man, HM Revenue and Customs, has removed thousands of Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) from its approved list. Globally, the number of schemes has fallen from around 3,800 to 663

CULL Australia now (one of the world’s biggest providers of QROPS) has just one Qrop, the Local Government Superannuation Scheme, remaining on the list and more from other countries are expected to be removed soon. In Ireland the number of approved schemes has fallen from 797 to 56, in Switzerland they are down from 100 to just one, in Spain they are down from 16 to two and in South Africa they have been cut to seven from 29. Canada is expected to see a cull in the coming months. A QROPS is generally regarded as an attractive option for expats who want to invest their pension but are worried about the effect of currency swings on their payments. They offer tax advantages when drawing pension benefits and can be transferred upon death. Transferring a UK pension fund into a scheme can reduce taxation and avoid UK taxation as long as the pensioner remains tax resident outside of the UK. But they are being affected by pension changes in the UK. Earlier this year HMRC wrote to overseas

FOCUS ON MONEY MATTERS

EXPATS ARE BEING LEFT WITH LITTLE CHOICE IN PENSION SCHEMES

INVESTMENTS schemes that accept UK transfers warning that they must comply with the new pension freedom rules which came into force in April. Under the new rules, which allow savers to take their whole pension pot as cash, pension schemes must prohibit members from accessing their savings before the age of 55, unless the member is retiring early due to ill health; however, many overseas schemes allow under 55s to take some of their funds early in some circumstances, such is if they are suffering financial hardship.

REQUIREMENTS They are unlikely to change their rules to accommodate the UK requirements because this would disadvantage their local members. Nigel Green (right), chief executive of deVere Group, many of whose 80,000 clients have transferred their retirement savings into an HMRC-recognised QROPS, explained earlier

Bank of England indicates interest rate hikes still far off

THE Bank of England appears to be still far from raising interest rates, after its policymakers showed more unanimity than expected by keeping the key borrowing rate at a record low. Amid concerns over low inflation and slowing growth in Asia, the Bank of England’s policymakers voted 8-1 to leave the rate at 0.5 percent for a 78th consecutive month and opted not to pump more money into the economy. The near-unanimity surprised investors and analysts, who had expected two or even three policymakers to seek a rate increase.

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Governor Mark Carney had signalled recently that the Bank of England is “moving closer” to a rate increase as Britain’s economic growth remains among the fastest among advanced economies. But last week’s decision suggests that the Monetary Policy Committee believes that moment may still be far off. Inflation is at zero percent, way below the bank’s target of 2 percent, meaning there is little pressure to raise rates - even though the central bank upgraded its outlook for economic growth this year from 2.5 percent to 2.8 percent.

this month that while many QROPS which have been withdrawn from the list are highly regulated financial vehicles, they fail the UK’s pension age test. “They allow the early pay-

ment of benefits before the age of 55 and therefore, these funds do not meet all the stringent requirements needed to be recognised by HMRC as a QROPS,” he said, adding that he is in favour of the move. This measure further impedes funds being transferred to certain destinations with the sole aim of the pension holder then being able to withdraw a large proportion of the cash as a lump sum. This is not how QROPS were ever intended to be used. They are meant to provide an income in retirement for those living outside the UK.’ He also pointed out that ultimately it means that clients are even more protected, making QROPS, with all their enormous financial benefits for expat retirees, an even more attractive option. He added that it is likely that other jurisdictions will benefit from HMRC’s new list, including Malta, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar, which have amendments that meet the UK rules.

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

LONDON • SPAIN • SWEDEN • POLAND • IRELAND • LUXEMBOURG BELGIUM • DUBAI • QATAR • SWITZERLAND

WWW.AESandalusia.es • Are you an expatriate living in Spain looking to protect your money but also receive a regular tax-eﬃcient income? • Are you receiving little or no interest on your capital in the bank? • Do you have existing investments that are not performing as you thought they would? • Are you living and working in Spain but have not started saving for your retirement? If the answer to any or all of these questions is “YES”, then you should speak to AES International.

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Secure your future Testimonials from existing clients: “Having contacted two or three Financial Advisers and waiting over two weeks for any news or advice, I contacted AES through an advertisement in a local newspaper, having checked the companys in-depth advice on the web. The response was immediate, they phoned to set up an impartial meeting to advise me what was involved and required. We met again and I was impressed with AES´s service and efficiency and would not hesitate to refer them to friends and family as Financial Advisers to trust.” Iain “I spoke with several other Financial Advisers and AES were the only ones who took the time to explain everything clearly. I am now very happy with the outcome.” Mr.H “AES wrote an article on investment in a local newspaper which impressed me with its statement of honesty in locating the investment to suit their clients. I telephoned them to obtain some further information and an interview. On meeting, I found the adviser to be truly interested in how my husband and I managed our finances and how best we could invest to provide a good return. He provided clear details, both verbally and printed, which were easy-to-follow, step-by-step, and always with backup so that we were reassured. The adviser was experienced in financial management and well qualified, as can be testified. That was very important to us too. He was not intrusive with his advice and listened carefully before suggesting how we could proceed. His attention to detail was most impressive and generated confidence.” Mr. & Mrs. G

AES International is a trading style of AES Financial Services LTD which is registered with the Comisiόn Nacional de Mercado del Valores (CNMV) and Direcciόn General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DGS) and is authorised to give investment advice under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) and insurance advice under the Insurance Mediation Directive (IMD)

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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The leader in security not only protects you when you are home: it is also there when you are away. ● ALARMS ● ACCESS CONTROL ● MOBILITY SYSTEMS

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FOCUS ON MONEY MATTERS

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CONOMIC stagnation is the new European normal, with the southern periphery the Achilles’ heel of the Eurozone. But wait a minute Spain has just posted its strongest quarterly growth in eight years and predicts 3.3 percent growth for the year as a whole – Surely something is a foot or maybe just maybe the hard-line efforts with a sprinkling of luck has helped save Spain. Fiscal control has played a major part along with a few brave, but unpopular choices that seem to be working out. The Spanish economy suffered a crippling downturn in the financial crisis, then hobbled along until 2012 without anybody doing much about it. At that point, the government applied for a 100-billion-euro rescue package from the European Union. The situation was grim. Spain’s real-estate bubble had burst, unemployment (a blight

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

HOW SPAIN IS FINALLY FIXING ITS ECONOMY on Spain for years) had climbed above 25 percent, and cascading bankruptcies further undermined confidence. The yield on 10-year Spanish bonds in July 2012 ran more than five percentage points over Germany’s, prompting the European

Central Bank to step in to save Spain from speculative runs on its sovereign debt. The Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy bowed to austerity demands, cut public-sector wages and benefits, and increased VAT to 21 percent from 18 percent. Had he stopped there,

Spain might have bumped along the bottom for a good while longer, rather than seeing the recovery it’s now enjoying. Low inflation, a cheap euro, the fall in energy prices and renewed financial stability in Europe have supported consumer spending and lifted Spain’s beleaguered retailers. Holidaymakers have favoured Spain this season, too in part because visiting Greece without bundles of cash has presented difficulties – here’s her luck. But Spain’s recovery today also owes a lot to hard reform aimed at particular failings in the economy.

PROTESTS The Rajoy government braved street protests and the rise of an anti-reform left-wing opposition and persisted in a deliberate rewiring of the Spanish economy, with an emphasis on far-reaching labour-market and tax reforms.

BRINGING BACK THE CLASSICS During their 1787 trip to the Crimea, Admiral Fürst Potemkin gave his Empress, Catherina The Great, a local vodka which she enjoyed very much. Its recipe was handed down during the ages and is still being used to make a fine Vodka. Fürst Potemkin Vodka is an elegant Vodka with a delicate taste, a pleasant palate and a smooth finish. The recipe for this premium vodka has been composed by Fürst Potemkin himself. It won him the heart of Catherina the Great.

In 2014, the government said it would gradually lower the corporate tax rate to 25 percent from 30 percent. The top marginal rate on personal income will fall to 45 percent from 52 percent. The government is limiting deductions, broadening the tax base and making a serious effort to curb evasion. Companies have been given more flexibility to set wages and working conditions. Wage growth that had run ahead of productivity has moderated. The barriers that created Spain’s notorious two-tier labour market, with its underclass of workers on temporary contracts, have begun to fall. Be under no illusion: The job is far from finished. Structural unemployment what’s left when growing demand has done all it can might still be as high as 18 percent, more than triple the U.S. figure. Tax and labourmarket reforms need to go further. The government could do more to help to match job seekers, many of them highschool dropouts, to work or training. Above all, to avoid repeating the errors of the past, it will need to be careful about maintaining fiscal discipline as the recovery boosts revenues and financial pressure subsides. BUT nonetheless, Spain proves an important point: Contrary to reports, geography and euro membership condemn no country to economic failure it’s simply the person in charge!

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

FOCUS ON MONEY MATTERS

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015 ADVERTORIAL

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SO MUCH TO WIN

Casino Marbella has a distinctive style and effervescence that creates an atmosphere perfect for a sophisticated evening out. The choice of games is second to none (including American roulette, Black Jack , Oasis Poker and Bacarat) and there is a genuine international ambience. Which we believe is down to our world-class service and attentiveness to our client’s needs. So if you love gambling and the finer things in life then Casino Marbella is the place for you!

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

WEEKEND WORLD - 67

ADVERTORIAL

MORE THAN JUST LUCK Casino Marbella is a real Jackpot paradise with over 150 modern slot machines & three gaming rooms, offering French and American roulette, blackjack & poker. Join the Paradise Slot Club and enjoy all the advantages of a very special club in which you always win: luxury dinners, tickets to the best shows, golf tournaments, and loads more exclusive gifts await you, just for using your card. Offering entertainment for every taste and a touch of the Las Vegas lifestyle!

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ADVERTORIAL

Your professional real estate partner for all types of properties in the Marbella area. We can offer you a selection of more than 15.000 properties. You can choose between brand new luxury developments, fantastic well priced resales, and attractive bank repossesions & distressed sales in all price ranges. Established on the coast since 1998

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FOCUS ON HEALTH & BEAUTY

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

OU can’t appreciate summer unless you go outside – but once outside you are at the mercy of flying bugs and insects but none are more annoying than the pesty mosquito. Mosquito seem to home in on you and their bites seem to be an unavoidable evil. While bees and wasps inject venom when they sting, mosquitoes simply bite to feed on your blood, and the bumps and itchiness that follow can be excruciating. Over the counter products like antihistamine creams work for a limited time but they don’t offer round the clock protection - So the next time you become dinner for these little bugs, don’t be so quick to make a beeline for the closest drugstore. Instead, try out one of these amazing alternatives to soothe your pain first.

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NINE GENIUS WAYS

LEMON Lemons contain natural anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic properties that make them very useful in treating mosquito bites. Simply cut a lemon into two pieces and rub the inside of one of the halves against your itchy skin for quick relief. You can try rubbing the yellow rind of the lemon over your skin too. Apply lemon juice to the bites to help reduce the chance of developing an infection. Another option is to add crushed basil leaves to lemon juice and apply the mixture onto the affected area. MINCED ONION OR GARLIC Onion and garlic help reduce swelling and soothe the itching caused by mosquito bites. Moreover, their strong smell repels insects and mosquitoes. Apply minced onion or garlic directly onto the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes, then wash it off. BAKING SODA Baking soda can effectively stop the itchiness caused by mosquito bites. Being alkaline in nature, it neutralizes the pH of the skin and hence provides relief. Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and put the cloth over the affected skin area for 10 to 20 minutes. Another option is to make a paste using witch hazel and baking soda. Apply it to the bite and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Then wash the area with lukewarm water. ALOE VERA Aloe vera is a natural antiseptic agent, which makes it a great remedy for mosquito bites. It will reduce pain, swelling and itching, as well as aid to faster healing. Cut the meaty portion of an aloe vera leaf to extract the gel. If you do not have an aloe vera plant, you can use aloe vera gel readily available in most stores.

to relieve bug bites Chill the aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. Rub it directly onto the affected site. SALT Salt is another easy remedy for mosquito bites due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Create a paste using a few drops of water and a small amount of table salt. Apply the paste onto the area. Another option is to make a paste using garlic salt, seasoning salt and water in equal amounts. Apply this paste onto the affected area. It may cause a burning sensation for a few seconds, but great relief will follow. If you live near a beach, go swimming to bathe your skin in the natural salt present in the water. ICE Cold temperature limits the distribution of inflammatory substances to the bite site and numbs the area giving you immediate relief from various symptoms. Hold an ice pack or some ice wrapped in a washcloth on the affected area for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will give you quick relief from the swelling as well as itchiness. If ice is not available, hold the affected area under a cool running tap for a few minutes. You can also hold a cold bottle of water or a bag of frozen vegetables on the bite. BASIL This spice isn’t just limited to the kitchen. Basil leaves contain chemicals such as camphor, which creates a cool feeling, similar to menthol in toothpaste. Basil has been shown to repel mosquitoes, plus it has anti-inflammatory properties, which could help the swelling. Rub a leaf of basil (not the dried version in your cupboard) onto the infected area until the leaf becomes pasty, leave for several minutes and wash off

VINEGAR

IT’S A STICKY SOLUTION!

This is a great home remedy to block itching because of its small acidic levels. Dab it onto individual spots or, if your body’s been a buffet for bugs, you can add two to three cups to warm water and soak in a tub.

Putting Scotch tape (or a bandage) on the bite will help remind you not to scratch, especially at night, as this is the worst time of all – and the harder your scratch the worse the bite becomes plus you can also damage the skin .

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FOCUS ON HEALTH & BEAUTY

WEEKEND WORLD - 71 ADVERTORIAL

PEACE OF MIND WHEN YOU MOST NEED IT

OT a cheery subject, but have you ever thought about how you would cope with the funeral arrangements if your partner passed away? Different customs, difficulties with the language and all at a time when you are grieving. It is often a subject that expats shy away from talking about but in reality the organisation of a funeral in Spain can be quite daunting and is increasing in price all the time. Another consideration is that it is quite common for bank accounts of the deceased to be frozen leaving loved ones with a financial as well as emotional burden. For these reasons you should consider buying a funeral plan. It might seem a morbid purchase but it is practical, will ease the burden on your family and sadly it will one day be used. Why not speak to Ibex Insurance. Our cus-

Making life easier for you, your family and loved ones with a helping hand from Ibex tomer advisers can put your mind at ease and go through all the benefits of taking out a Golden Leaves Funeral Plan. You will never be pressured to buy. There are three Plans available to choose from. You pay today´s prices and the funds are invested in an independent Trust Fund on your behalf. So however much the cost of a funeral rises, you still get exactly what you have planned and paid for. No medical or health questionnaires to complete and whatever your age or medical conditions are you can purchase a plan. An important question to ask yourself is ‘who will arrange the funeral and how?’ This may

fall on a family member living overseas who would probably have no idea where to start and may not speak Spanish. With a Golden Leaves Plan it is simple, it is paid for and the family just have to make a call and a Golden Leaves International Counsellor will assist from there – removing all language barriers. From the three Plans available, one even gives repatriation cover and so the funeral can take place in your country of origin, anywhere in Europe. Maybe your plans will change after losing a loved one and do not want to stay in Spain any longer. Don’t worry, your Golden Leaves

funeral plan is transferrable back to another country. There are easy payment options available rather than paying the full price, it is possible to pay over 12 months interest free or if you prefer, you can pay over 3 or 5 years. Once the plan is paid for, that’s it. This is not an insurance policy, where a premium is paid annually until death.

Ibex Insurance... making life easier!

Just call into our Estepona or Fuengirola office and speak to one of the customer advisors who can prepare a personal quotation for you. Donna, Fi or Sam on 952 887 125, Angela & Shauna on 952 581 561. Funeral plans are also available in Gibraltar. Call us on 200 44628.

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FOCUS ON HEALTH & BEAUTY

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

Swimming harms your teeth, skin, eyes & nails

HE summer pool season is in full swing – with most people making the most of a cooling dip oafter the recent hot weather. But while a quick dip in the pool or a fun afternoon with the kids seems harmless the swimming pool does present some perils – Here we look at how to combat them Enemy number one: chlorine Chlorine is an essential addition to swimming pools if they are not to become breeding grounds for all sorts of nasty germs and bacteria – although fortunately, there are a growing number of environmentally friendly options. The problem is that it dries the skin out by attacking the grease we produce, according to the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. The skin’s pH is 5.5, the water’s is seven, and that will dry skin out. These adverse effects can be mitigated by plying yourself with waterproof creams; the problem is that when everybody does so, a greasy film soon forms on the surface of

ban them from swimming in pools – which only applies to heartless parents – or you can minimize the effect of pool chemicals and products on their skin. This means using barrier creams that combine the calming and repairing properties of oatmeal extract and copper and zinc. These need to be applied 15 minutes before children bathe. At the end of the day, we then shower them using special hygiene products for atopic skins. GOODBYE TO RED EYES

the water – which is why we’re supposed to have a shower before taking a dip. The better solution, unless your skin is drying out alarm-

ingly, is to have a proper shower after your swim and then apply re-hydration creams at the end of day. PREVENTING ALLERGIES While chlorine tends to get most of the blame, swimming pool water contains a number of other substances that can irritate the skin: for example, chloramine, the result of the chemical reaction between chlorine and other organic fluids in the water, such as saliva and uric acid from urine. The tendency of young children to urinate in swimming pools means that pools frequented by kids will likely contain more chloramine, which can result in chest problems, especially in younger children. Australian Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe suffered so badly from allergies when he was a child in the 1980s that he had to swim with his head out of the water in one school competition – he still managed to win the gold, though. Much worse is the picture painted by Ernest Blatchley in the study Environmental Science & Technology, published in the journal of the American Chemistry Society. The report says that, in large amounts, chloramine can result in heart or brain damage. Needless to say, parents need to instill in toddlers that they should not urinate or spit in the pool THE DANGERS OF HARD WATER There’s water, and then there’s water. The stuff that ends up furring up your washing machine or kettle with lime scale isn’t good for the skin either, but is widely found along Spain’s Mediterranean coastline. “In regions where water reserves have large amounts of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, there are up to 10 percent more cases of eczema as a result of atopic dermatitis in young children,” says dermatologist Cristina García Millán. There are two ways of preventing skin problems among children in summer: you can

After a day in the swimming pool, our eyes often end up bloodshot. The Nuestra Señora de América Hospital in Madrid recommends using protective goggles in the water, and to use sunglasses the rest of the time. It’s a good idea to remove contact lenses when swimming to prevent bacterial infections. In the event of soreness in the eyes after a day at the pool, wash them with a sterile saline solution and apply a few drops of artificial tears. NO MORE GREEN HAIR Let’s call things by their right name. It’s not chlorine that changes hair colour. That’s done by copper sulphate, a bluish substance added to water to kill fungi. The rest is down to chemistry: blue plus dyed blonde hair equals green. So aside from keeping your hair out of the water, hair oils or a hair mask can be used to create an impermeable film. AN END TO BROWN TEETH If you’re somebody who prefers to spend most of their time sunning themselves by the pool rather than swimming or splashing about in it, you don’t need to worry about your teeth. But if you’re training to win an Olympic medal, you might have cause for concern. People who swim for more than six hours a week are exposing their teeth to large amounts of water that has been chemically treated. These products give the water a pH higher than that of saliva, meaning that the saliva proteins decompose quickly, forming organic deposits or brown plaque on the teeth. It is known as swimmer’s plaque: It mainly appears on the front teeth, giving them a yellowish-brown look, so to avoid dental erosion use fluoride toothpaste and to undergo twice-yearly treatments at the dentist. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TATTOOS If you’ve recently had a tattoo, you need to wait at least five days before swimming. To begin with, short sessions in the pool are recommended, and it is worth cleaning the area with mineral water afterwards. Then dry the skin with kitchen paper and apply a healing cream. In addition you should also keep the sun off new tattoos.

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

The perfect smile SWITCH on the television or open a magazine and there they are - perfect teeth. More than hair and definitely more than waistlines, smiles - and more importantly teeth - are often the first things you notice about someone, especially if they are bad. Americans are obsessed with their teeth. They spend more than any other country on the planet maintaining and perfecting their pearly whites. However, over the last few years this obsession has crossed the pond and now creating that perfect smile has become big business. But is a perfect smile the same as a healthy smile? Dr Anders, Cosmetic Dentists specialist of The Dentists explains: dentistry is a complex part of medicine that requires experts who are specialized in their own field to ensure that not only do you have beautiful looking teeth, but that you also have healthy teeth. Here at The Dentists we have specialists in Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Orthodontists who can offer our patients the best possible treatment and advice available according to their personal needs. People often believe that looking after your teeth is simply just about getting an occasional filling of having a tooth removed but in fact thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot more to it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just ask anyone whose suffered with an agonising toothache. But we look at why the tooth aches and erosion has occurred and correct the problem at its source. Located in the quiet area of Paniagua in Sotogrande, our clinic is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art equipment necessary to provide a fully comprehensive, highest quality service in dental health and cosmetic dentistry. We believe that by using only the best equipment can we provide the best service. And that is what our clients deserve.

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WEEKEND WORLD - 73 ADVERTORIAL

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

The Ultimate Lifestyle Experience Health, Body & Mind If you are seeking a unique atmosphere of Wellness & Fitness and a fulfilling country club experience with a friendly, intimate, active lifestyle surrounded by beautiful nature and breathtaking views then you have found the perfect place at Benahavis Hills Country Club

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EEKEND

WORLD

focuses on

FOOD & FINE DINING

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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COOKING UP MEMORIES WITH AGUSTÍN ROMÁN The Casino Marbella offers those with exquisite palates, an elaborate and delicious cuisine made from carefully selected seasonal produce highlighting the most essential flavours in Mediterranean gastronomy accompanied by an exclusive selection of wines and cavas. Casino Marbella is definitely the place for anyone who wants to enter a world of taste coupled with exceptional gaming.

TO SHARE Sliced cured “Jamon Iberico”. | Cured Manchego cheese | Sliced salmon with garnish COLD STARTERS Casino Salad Sliced duck “mi cuit” served with cheese and a quince jelly Salad of contrasts with a crisp langoustine brochette Salmon tartar with a hint of apple, citrus and a coconut soup Prawn and octopus salad with a maracuyá vinaigrette Beef Carpaccio with a hint of goats cheese with a mizuna honey and parmesan shavings White garlic almond soup with a red wine, pineapple, mango and pink pepper water ice Traditional Salmorejo from Cordoba HOT STARTERS Blackened spaghetti, with cuttlefish ink and American style king prawns Fish soup with a Pernod essence Chicken loaf with cous-cous and a spicy salsa FISH Loin of “Dorada” served with banana and a touch of beer Salmon trout served with slivers of cured ham, spinach, pine kernels and raisins Tuna loin with hummus and peppers Hake served with green beans and a Romesco sauce MEAT Beef fillet with a sweet potato gratin and asparagus Beef entrecote served with “feria” potatoes and Mojo Picon The Casino Kebab; Chicken with sweet rice and sala. Rack of lamb with a goat cheese parmentier and honeyed shallots DESSERTS Chocolate brownie with a cappuccino ice cream The Casino Dessert (an alternative way of seeing a lemon pie) Passion fruit egg yolk and sugar mousse with a smooth cheese House cakes and tarts | Homemade ice creams

Don’t forget to book your table! Phone: 952 81 40 00 Opening hours: From 9pm until 3am Visit www.casinomarbella.com Please note that it is necessary to bring your National Identification Card (DNI), Passport or Driver’s Licence to enter the Casino

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FOCUS ON FOOD & FINE DINING

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

New brasserie where meat is the main attraction E

VEN with the rise of more sophisticated dining habits there can be nothing better than a perfectly cooked steak. The smell and sight of steak cooking over charcoal is enough to entice most hungry diners into any restaurant. Meat is central to most Spanish cuisine whether it be the Beef of Navarra, Asturias & Basque Country, Sergovian Pork or the Lamb of Castilla y Leon. With this in mind the new Vovem Grill Brasserie in Nueva Andalucia is a perfect combination - it offers a new concept in meat eating, with meat as the main attraction presenting more than ten varieties of beef breeds from around the world, highlighting the Avile単aCharolais, the Galician Blonde, Friesian, the

Brown Swiss, Angus Black Nebraska, Aberdeen Angus Uruguay, national Wagyu, Japanese black purebred Wagyu (Kobe) and authentic steer berrenda colorao race and theo famous ox Bodega El Capricho, considered by the New York Times as the best meat in the world. All meats are cooked with care, respect and professionalism, and the smell of the oak, olive and vine coals are mouth-watering. To accompany your meat selection Vovem offers a menu that complements the meat, with a section rice, salads and vegetable dishes. It also offers tapas which can be savoured on the spectacular terrace as well as a number of dishes to share.

Kitchen open: Monday to Sunday: 1:00pm to 4:00pm. & 7:30pm to 11:30pm Terrace open: Monday to Sunday: 12:30pm to 1:00am. For reservations call: + 34 952 00 34 34 For more information visit: www.vovemasador.com

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FOCUS ON FOOD & FINE DINING

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

The spice of life

“To share a relaxed meal with friends or colleagues is one of life’s little pleasures”

“Sheikh rattle n roll” Sheikh is the super freindly owner. A nice guy. His food is freshly cooked. I LUURVE my indian food and my meal was excellent. We’ve had takeaways and they’re excellent too.

NO two people in the country will agree on the exact recipe of a favourite dish. Recipes are handed down from generation to generation, verbally in the kitchen and are closely guarded secrets in most cases, but all agree, a dish is well cooked when the spices blend into the well cooked meat. The spices should not have disparate flavour, or taste raw. No one spice should over-power the other and be so intrusive as to completely hide the true taste of the vegetable or meat dish being cooked. It should help maintain and enhance the character of the dish, give it colour and fragrance and leave you wanting more!. Spice Village situated on the New Golden Mile, prides itself on offering the most exotic and delicious dishes from India in a warm relaxed atmosphere. Our food is freshly made to order, so whether you prefer mild dishes such as Chicken Korma, Chicken Tikka Masala or a fiery Vindaloo or Phal dish we can ensure you’ll find the right curry to suit tantalise your taste buds.

Open Tuesday-Sunday Lunch: 13:00 -16:00 and Dinner 18:00-23.00 For reservations or take away orders please call 951 27 82 86 Urb: Guadalmansa, Edif Saliñas, Local 6, CN 340 KM 163 – 164, Estepona

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

S there a more summery drink than sangria? The answer is no. When it comes to seasonal sipping, sangria fits the bill for the fairest season of them all. Simply put, sangria tastes like a holiday in Spain and who wouldn’t want a drink like that? Whether you prefer white or red, one of these refreshing sangria tipples is sure to please. THE BASICS In sangria the fruit isn’t just for garnish, it’s a pivotal part of the drink’s flavour. Marinating in the fridge for at least a few hours is the key to getting a super fruity punch, as the fruit will absorb the alcohol, which in turn will mingle with the fruit’s oils and juices, creating a fruity depth. Change the fruit you use in your sangrias depending on the season. However the typical fruits are apples, oranges, lemons, limes and grapes. Peaches, strawberries and bananas can also work and whacking in a few cinnamon sticks won’t hurt either. WHITE SANGRIA Nothing says summer like pool parties, grilling, and pitchers of sangria, of course! Sangria, a Spanish wine punch often served in summer, is great for entertaining because you can make large batches in advance and alter the recipe according to the type of wine or fruit you have. Cool down on a warm afternoon with a glass of cold, white sangria filled with your favourite fruits. The best part about this drink is that the longer it sits, the sweeter it gets.

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Sweet Summer Sangrias What makes sangria the most loved drink of the summer? Is it the wine? The brandy? Or the stirring with love? ZEN SANGRIA This Asian-style sangria combines Sauvignon Blanc with green tea–flavoured vodka, but it can be made with plain or citrus vodka as well. The combination of flavours will have you feeling more zen in no time. EL CLÁSICO SPANISH SANGRIA Sangria is known as the summer drink of choice in Spain and Portugal. This drink is a party favourite because it can be prepared up to 5 hours in advance—enabling you plenty of time to get everything ready and mingle with guests! The classic sangria was originally created to flavour cheap wine with fruits and other alcoholic beverages in order to make a light, refreshing cocktail that is perfect for the hot weather. But despite its threadbare roots – and although sangria is often made with cheap plonk today – for the best punch, al-

ways make sure each ingredient, including the wine, is of superb quality. CAROLINA PEACH SANGRIA Be sure to use rosé, not white Zinfandel, in this cool drink. You might also want to make a double batch, since this will definitely be a hit with guests.

TONE IT DOWN As sangria is packed full of alcohol, we need something to slow this booze train down. In Spain they use La Casera, a fizzy drink which is similar to American style ‘soda’/lemonade. However, soda water, lemonade, orange juice or grapefruit juice (for tartness) and even fizzy orange drinks such as Fanta, Orangina or Tango, all work well.

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

ADD SOME SPICE TO YOUR LIFE!

F you like eating spicy foods, researchers have some good news: Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re likely to have more years to enjoy them. Compared to people who ate spicy foods less than once a week, those who ate them at least three to five times per week were 14 per cent less likely to die while they were being tracked by the international research team. In addition, those who ate spicy meals once or twice a week were 10 per cent less likely to die during the study period, according to a report published this week in the medical

journal BMJ. Scientists have long recognised that spices have beneficial health effects. In particular, capsaicin - the ingredient that gives chilli peppers their bite - has been shown to fight inflammation, high blood pressure, obesity and cancer, among other ills. Experts also speculate that the antibacterial properties of spices might improve health by influencing the community of microbes in the gut.

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FOCUS ON CELEBRITIES

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GWEN & GAVIN SPLIT Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale divorce: One of music industry’s most enduring couples announce split after 13 years of marriage GWEN STEFANI and Gavin Rossdale have filed for divorce, seeking to end a nearly 13-year marriage between two members of rock music royalty. The former couple cited irreconcilable differences for the breakup and said in a statement that they would work to raise their three sons together. Stefani, 45, is a judge on NBC’s “The Voice” and is the frontwoman for the band No Doubt, in addition to having a successful solo career. Rossdale, 49, is lead singer of the band Bush and has also worked “The Voice.” The couple have withstood intense media scrutiny over the years, particularly after very public accusations of infidelity on Rossdale’s part and DNA results in 2004 that proved Rossdale had fathered a child with Pearl Lowe 14 years earlier. “While the two of us have come to the mutual decision that we will no longer be partners in marriage, we remain partners in parenthood and are committed to jointly raising our three sons in a happy and healthy environment,” Stefani and Rossdale wrote in a joint statement. “To that end, we respectfully request privacy from the media during this time.” The pair met in the mid-1990s marrying in September 2002 they have three children, Zuma, Kingston and Apollo. The couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, meaning their combined wealth would be split 50/50 under California law.

Supertramp cancel Spanish gigs after lead singer’s cancer diagnosis SUPERTRAMP lead singer, Rick Davies, has been diagnosed with multiple melanomas for which he requires aggressive treatment. Subsequently the group, who were due to kick of their European tour on the 3rd November have had to cancel all tour dates including concerts in Madrid and Barcelona. Davies said “I was really looking forward to returning to Europe and playing with the band again and I’m sorry to disappoint everyone who has overwhelmingly supported the upcoming tour. Unfortunately my current health issues have derailed me and right now I need to focus all of my energy on getting well.” Fans who have bought tickets online via official Live Nation Spain channels will automatically be refunded, whilst those who purchased tickets from physical points of sale should return their tickets before the 15th September to get their money back.

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EVEN STARS SUFFER EMBARRASSING MOMENTS

We can’t imagine Lenny Kravitz (51) will be too ‘cocky’ about last week’s events in Stockholm when inadvertently his most private parts were placed on display for all to see. His customary tight black leather trousers worn with no underwear simply gave way exposing him at his most vulnerable.

Every one of us have experienced situations where we have done something so stupid either by accident or on purpose only to pray that the earth would simply swallow us up - So imagine to your horror the embarrassment one must feel when entertaining in front of thousands if not millions of fans

Katy Perry (30) slipped on a piece of pie while performing at the annual Latin MTV Awards 2008, the singer fell flat on her back and needed help to sit up and continue with the ‘show’. The fall of Madonna (56) at the gala of the Brit Awards last February, became ‘trending news’ around the world. The queen of pops lengthy coat became entangled between her dancers, causing her to fall from the stage.

If you’ve gotta go - Fergie (40) singer of ‘Black eyed peas’, simply couldn’t hold herself any longer and simply wet her self during one of her concerts in 2005. Fergie confessed that at the time she “just didn’t have the time to go through the urinary process before taking the stage” Classy!

Enrique Iglesias (40) suffered a freak accident during a concert in the Mexican city of Tijuana whilst attempting to catch a drone used to take pictures of the crowd cut his finger. Whilst not life threatening the blood splatter and apparent attempt by the star to draw a heart on his shirt with his own blood in a gesture his fans only made the accident appear worse than it was.

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

PET CORNER Why do cats go to the one person in the room who doesn’t like cats? When a cat enters a room full of people who are staring at him, he becomes very uncomfortable. Then he notices that one person is totally ignoring him - the person who dislikes cats for whatever reason. The cat goes to that person to seek a safe haven from those who are fawning over him or intimidating him.

Why do cats rub against your leg? When a cat rubs his head or the side of his chin against you, the furniture, or any object, he is actually depositing his scent on them as part of territorial marking. He uses his glands on his forehead and around his mouth and chin. These glands produce chemicals called pheromones, which he transfers by rubbing

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WE INVITE READERS’ COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS ON DOGS AND CATS. PLEASE SEND THEM TO: info@simplymedia-group.com

WHY DO CATS?... against objects. Cats can tell how long ago a scent was left and how much attention they need to pay to the warning.

What does it mean when my cat exposes its stomach? A rare form of greeting, the ultimate compliment that a cat can pay to a human. This body language shows how much he cares for you and how comfortable he is around you. Totally exposing the stomach reveals how secure he feels, because the stomach area is the most vulnerable body part of the cat. He can be asking for a caress, inviting you to play with him, or may want the stomach area stroked. If he sleeps on his back this way, his trust in you is in the stratosphere.

Why do cats get stuck in trees? Their claws are constructed for climbing up. When they attempt to climb down headfirst (and normally this is what they will try to do first), it’s impossible for them because the claws are curved the wrong way.

If cats are so smart, why are they so hard to train?

Why does my cat knead? That loud purring followed by the sharpening of claws on some soft spot of your body is called milk-treading. When you relax and sit quietly, you’re giving your cat the same signal he got from his mother when he was a kitten - which his mother was ready to let him suckle. A nursing kitten instinctively uses his paws to draw out the milk, gently pushing on his mother’s stomach to increase the milk flow. When older cats behave this way, it’s a good sign that they’re happy, content, and probably recalling their kittenhood.

DOG OF OF THE THE MONTH MONTH DOG ALB

D27 A 82

Eventually, a cat will figure out how to go down the correct way - shimmying down backward so that the claws will cling to the bark of the tree.

What is that noise my cat makes when it sees a bird (or squirrel, etc.)? The odd behavior that resembles teethchattering is usually produced when a cat

Sexo: Hembra

Size: Mediano

Tamaño: Mediano

Breed: Pointer

Raza: Pointer

Colour: Blanco y Beige

Color: Blanco y Beige

Year of Birth: 2009

Año de nacimiento: 2009

Arrival Date: 10/11/2012

Fecha de llegada: 10/11/2012

If you are interested in adopting Alba contact us on 952 113 467 or adoption@adana.es

Actually, cats aren’t that tough to train; they just refuse to perform for a pat on the head. They’re indifferent to the process and learn tricks only because they want to. Because they’re not renowned for their obedience, we think they’re defiant. However, if there’s something in it for them, they are quick to learn. Cats learn by association. You can’t bribe them with sweets because their taste buds don’t have any sweet receptors (as meat eaters they don’t need them). They can’t tell the difference between a sugar solution and plain water. As with all animals, coaxing them includes much love, patience, consistency, authority, repetition, and reward ... but never punishment. Dogs are trainable because they are born to follow leaders; cats, on the other hand, take care of themselves.

Friends unite to raise funds for the plight of shelter dogs on the Costa del Sol SELINE Mackenzie, on Talk Radio, mentioned the number of dogs needing homes in a local shelter and this prompted a local lady (Maria

CLINK, CLICK EVERY TRIP

Sex: Female

sees something he wants but can’t get to it. Though his mouth is slightly open (the lips pulled back and the jaw opening and closing rapidly), it’s not a form of communication. The noise made is a combination of lip-smacking and teeth-chattering as he gets more excited. He may emit small bleating noises like a baby goat. So far, none of this is believed to have any function.

CAR safety is huge and a new product from SleepyPod® helps to ensure your pet is safe in the car. The Clickit Sport is a next generation threepoint safety harness. it is light and easy to use, without sacrificing safety. In fact, their products are the only ones that are crash tested (they have doggy crash test dummies!) and safety approved by the Center for Pet Safety. It is available in Jet Black, Strawberry Red, Orange Dream, and a special edition Robin’s Egg Blue. Visit www.sleepypod.com for more etails.

Gill) to talk to friends and decide what they could do to help raise much-needed funds. The idea was conceived to hold both a golf tournament and a concert with all profits divided between Triple A in Marbella and ADANA in Estepona. Wednesday, 26th August The Marbella Golf Club have provided a privileged rate to play their course and the ladies are hoping at least 80 players will take part. The price is 75€ and this includes golf, buggy and prizes. They are looking for people to sponsor both prizes and a golf hole on the day of the event. The cost is 20€ per hole and your name will be illustrated on the hole you sponsor! This can be done either by paypal or bank transfer and details are on the poster.

CONCERT The Saturday, i.e. 29th August a concert will be held at the Torres Leonaras Ampitheatre in Benahavis. Open for picnic: 8pm, Concert: 9.15pm. This will include opera and popular songs from musicals. Prior to the concert, you are invited to bring your own picnic. If you enjoy a game of golf, music, or are simply a concerned animal lover, do support these events in any way you can. The two charities involved survive solely from donations from the public and fund-raisers such a these.

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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EEKEND

WORLD

focuses on

MOTORS

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

STON Martin’s new 2016 DB9 GT will make its global debut as part of the marque’s presence at the Pebble Beach® Automotive Week from 13 August, accompanied by a glimpse of Aston Martin’s Second Century with the DBX concept, the Lagonda Taraf and Aston Martin Vulcan supercar are all set for appearances. The DB9 GT is the luxury British sports car maker’s most compelling production ‘DB’ to date, designed to offer world-class grand touring and hand-built excellence. Claiming the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now boasts 540bhp – the DB9 GT continues a distinguished tradition of luxury, excitement and style with a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments calculated to make this the very best of what DB9 can be. Aston Martin’s ‘Second Century’ plan was announced by Dr. Andy Palmer after completion of his first 150 days as CEO of Aston Martin. A comprehensive strategy for the ongoing growth and development of the 102year old sport car maker, the plan laid out the principle mid-term actions, particularly in the area of new product development that will drive the growth of the company. The DBX concept – now confirmed for production – underlines Aston Martin’s growth plans by signalling an expansion into the luxury GT crossover market as part of a wider strategy to develop the strongest and most diverse product portfolio in the company’s history. Offering a challenge to the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment, the DBX promises stylish, comfortable, practical and environmentally responsible luxury GT travel. Styled entirely in-house by the Aston Mar-

FOCUS ON MOTORS

ASTON MARTIN’S 2016 DB9 GT GLOBAL DEBUT

tin design team led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and with a design language hinting at the next generation of Aston Martin sports cars, the Aston Martin Vulcan is powered by the most potent iteration yet of

COYS SET RECORD PRICE FOR FERRARI AT AUCTION A 1992 Ferrari F40 was sold on Saturday night (8th August) for €1,12 million at Coys auction at the 43rd AVD Old timer Grand Prix in Nurburgring, Germany. Other notable results include a 1937 BMW 328 Roadster, which was sold for €562,000, a 2000 Ford GT for €227,000, a 2003 Ferrari 360 for €182,000 and another record price of €145,000 for a 1971 Lamborghini Espada SII. Chris Routledge, Managing Partner at Coys, said: “The record Ferrari F40 is a remarkable achievement which we are really happy with, proving once again that Coys is one of the leading auction houses in Germany and Europe. This is one of the last privately owned, one owner from new F40s in the world and we were entrusted with its sale by the Italian family who bought it.” He added: “For such an important car to come to the market, it

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created interest from around the world and was in the end sold to a delighted German buyer, followed by a round of applause in the auction room.” Coys auction activity continues at the world’s most exclusive pre-1974 Porsche sale at the prestigious Porsche Classics at the Castle at Hedingham Castle in Essex, United Kindgom, on September 6th. This will be followed by their ground-breaking international auction at the Frankfurt Motorshow on September 26th.

the company’s naturally-aspirated, 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine. With a power plant developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing, this mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car draws extensively on the brand’s rich GT

motorsport experience The DBX, which made a surprise global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year has generated interest beyond expectations.

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

EEKEND

WORLD

focuses on

TRAVEL

Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

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ASTE NAGUSIA in BILBAO A great week I

T was once said that if you wanted to see what a town looked like when everyone living there had had a glass too many, then just pay a visit to Bilbao during Semana Grande – or Aste Nagusia, as they’re as likely to refer to it. Every year during nine days in the middle of August, more than 100,000 festival goers throng the streets of Bilbao for Semana Grande – partying all night to the noise of live music and extravagant fireworks displays and then watching bull fights or Strongman competitions during the day. The festival actually begins on the first Saturday following August 15th. Semana Grande is the biggest festival in northern Spain. Dedicated to the Virgin of Begoña, affectionately known as Amatxu, or Mother, to the Basques, this is a celebration of Basque heritage as much as religion.

EXHILARATING Most of the inhabitants of the city take a week off – so don’t expect all the shops to be open, or you’ll be disappointed – and simply take part in one of Europe’s most exhilarating street parties. Music is at the heart of the festival, with many free performances during the week in a variety of venues. Two of the most popular places to go are the quarry amphitheatre and the Plaza Nueva. The concerts at both these places will not start until about midnight and will keep going until 4 or 5 o’clock the next morning. There are many other places to find music, though – many of the streets are lined with tents of different societies and bars and will have live or recorded music. Bilbao additionally has a host of music bars and clubs which go on all through the night – especially in the Indautxu area of town. Also, during the day, you’ll find various flotillas and regattas along the Ría de Bilbao, the Nervión. Then again, you won’t want to miss the Bilbao Strongman Contest, held at the Are-

nal. This is the Basque version of Scottish Highland Games. For example, in the Aizkolaris men have to chop a 45 inch thick log of wood in half whilst standing on it. There are granite boulder lifting competitions and other such awe-inspiring, and terrifying, spectacles which almost defy belief. Bilbao’s bull ring, in the Plaza de Toros de Vista, has a week of spectacular corridas during Semana Grande and, although

tickets start at about €30, some of Spain’s most prominent fighters attend. Furthermore, the bulls here – just like the men – are supposed to be the bravest in the country. Lovers of Don Quijote will remember that even in Cervantes’ time, Basques had a fearsome reputation because of their strength. There are some fabulous firework displays during Semana Grande – each evening they seem to get louder and louder.

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FANCY A NIGHT ON RAMSAY STREET? Neighbours launches Airbnb competition

ANS of Neighbours are being given the chance to live like a true Ramsay Street local with a special Airbnb competition. To celebrate its 30th anniversary two lucky viewers will be selected to stay on Ramsay Street and have dinner with Alan Fletcher (Dr Karl Kennedy (pictured below) and Chris Milligan (Kyle Canning) on the backyard set.

Perhaps the best place to see the dazzling display is from one of the bridges across the river or you could even take the historic funicular to the top of the Artxanda hill and have a really spectacular panoramic view. You might have to walk back down, though, as the funicular only operates until 11.00pm.

REPUTATION Bilbao has justifiably developed a reputation as a beautiful city for weekend breaks during the last few years. The opening of the Guggenheim Museum and the development of cheap flights to Bilbao have combined to make the city one of Spain’s most popular destinations. This has come as a big boost to the north of Spain, after many years of being ignored by tourists heading for Madrid or the costas of much further south. It is a very different place, though, during Semana Grande. With theatre performances, dances, parades of floats – and, of course, some of the best cuisine in the whole of Spain – the entire city of Bilbao is simply one big celebration. You’ll need to have a strong constitution and plenty of stamina to last for the whole festival – but it sure will be fun trying to.

The studio will be equip-ped with a microwave, a mini fridge, a kettle, a toaster, snacks, a TV and DVD Player, Neighbours DVDs, films and board games to keep you happy into the early hours. What’s more, entrants will get breakfast and lunch with the cast and crew, an exclusive tour of Neighbours sets, a Ramsay Street tour and more. Winners will get return flights to Melbourne with five nights provided by Airbnb, as well as one night’s stay on the Neighbours set on September 7. To enter, fans must explain why they would like to spend a night on set in 25 words or less via Airbnb’s website before August 28.

Airbnb is an online community marketplace that connects people looking to rent their homes with people who are looking for accommodations. Airbnb users include hosts and travellers: hosts list and rent out their unused spaces and travellers search for and book accommodations across 192 countries worldwide. Airbnb has grown from appealing to both couch-surfing budget-conscious tourists and to business travellers seeking a more memorable experience that allows for a different level of collaboration amongst colleagues.

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FOCUS ON TRAVEL

IN SEARCH OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY The glorious Andalucian countryside and surrounding areas have recently been designated as a principal tourist attraction, following Richard Gilbert’s transformation of a grand hotel into a palatial private residence

ICHARD Gilbert has travelled the world and has developed many projects including The Bahamas and Brazil. However, tired of jet-setting around the world, he decided to curtail his international developments and settle and retire in Spain. On arrival in Spain, his focus was on finding peace and tranquility and after months of travelling throughout Spain, he discovered a heavenly riverside and mountain retreat nestling in Cortes de la Frontera. Cortes is located in the heart of the Andalucian countryside and seems a million miles away from the vibrant and lively Costa del Sol, which is less than an hour away. Following a complete make-over and extensive refurbishment, he aptly re-named it Casa Tranquila. Richard’s welcome retirement started there or so he thought.

ENTICING Unwittingly Richard since redeveloping this one hundred year old building, has opened up a whole new world, not only to his friends that come to stay and attracting a host of local Costa del Sol residents, but also enticing travelers from Europe, Russia and recently China, who are all unaware of this sanctuary on the doorstep of the southern coast. Richard has effectively created a new tourist route through this glorious countryside province, for the discerning traveller and visitors who prefer to explore the quieter side of Spanish life. Many living on the coast think that Marbella is the ultimate destination in which to reside or visit for a holiday. What more could one ask for than sun, sea, sand, seafood and san-

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

is when my personal journey of discovery began. I drove from the Costa del Sol, which is a mere 40 minute drive, when I stopped in the beautiful ‘Pueblo Blanco’ village of Gaucin, Andalucía for a coffee at a hillside bar boasting the most spectacular panorama of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and Africa. This would be the first of my two visits to this enchanting countryside; more about that later, with Gordon Ramsay included! Having had my caffeine fix, I drove no more than fifteen minutes to arrive at the secluded and very private Casa Tranquila. For months Richard lovingly renovated this charming and rustic hotel. The total reformation included a new roof, new bathrooms, electrics, central heating system, new floor tiling etc. The whole property was maximized to its full potential. Having been given the grand tour, I settled down for a welcome drink whilst Richard explained to me about the many short trips and attractions that are in close proximity; including cycling and walking tours, canoeing or sitting down with an easel and capturing the beauty of the surrounding area

MEMORABLE Serene views overlooking the slow flowing river

gria? That is until one discovers the breathtaking beauty of the Andalucian Countryside and the town of Cortes de La Frontera. Only fifteen minutes from the white pueblo of Gaucin, this town lies between the Alcornocales natural park and Sierra de Grazalema natural park. Overlooking the magnificent Guadiaro valley below, with a backdrop of the Serranía de Ronda mountains. It is a mere 1 hour’s drive from the coast. The location is perfect for visitors, expats and residents who would rather explore Andalucía than soak up the sunshine which is the want of many. Initially people come to the Costa del Sol for the magnificent climate, the beaches and lifestyle. However, this charming area is the absolute antithesis of this, with mountains, riv-

ers and scenery that is reminiscent of some of the glorious British mountain ranges. Richard told me, “I was introduced to this property over eight years ago by the previous owners and stayed there many times as a guest. It was like a Remington moment, I loved it so much, I bought it. The scenery out there is like the Brecon Beacons (Richard like myself is originally from that part of the world), or the highlands of Scotland. The fact it is a relatively short drive from the coast and for anybody living down here who does not know about this part of the world, are now discovering a truly magical area.” I was one of the first fortunate guests to receive an invitation to stay. Richard has been a dear friend of mine for over a decade. That

Left: Lorraine Powell President of the Art & Culture Club of Marbella having lunch at Casa Tranquila. Right: A wedding party enjoying lunch on the terrace

Casa Tranquila is within walking distance from the picturesque train station, where one can travel to historic locations such as Ronda, Granada, San Roque or to the coastal town and ‘Surfers Paradise’ of Tarifa. Wanting to make the most of my stay, I headed to the station, to visit Ronda. It was a lovely journey through the river valley and the mountains. On arrival in Ronda, I walked down to a tapas bar, near the oldest bullring in Spain. I had a memorable lunch, comprising some tapas and a few glasses of chilled crisp Spanish white wine and after reading a couple of chapters of my book, I walked back to the station and caught the returning 4pm train. Once back at Casa Tranquila,it was time for a well-earned siesta followed by a swim in the pool. The only thing to do to make this the perfect day was to head off to a fantastic dinner at La Granada Divino in Gaucin. La Granada Divino is known to most residents of the costa as a particularly well-heeled establishment and their extensive 3 course a la carte international menu is held in very high repute by gastronomes across Europe. I have since been there on countless occasions. Featured on Gordon Ramsay’s Costa del Nightmares. The restaurant critic on the scene said on completion of filming, “Without a doubt, this is the best restaurant in this area.” Richard sends his guests visitors to the restaurant on a regular basis and in return, Milan and Gina, owners of the restaurant, are now his exclusive caterers for regular events at the Casa. Feeling thoroughly replenished, I retired to my room, (one of the five luxurious double ensuite bedrooms), with traditional vaulted

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

Jessica - manager at Casa Tranquila

FOCUS ON TRAVEL ing, biking and horse riding that is available from this stunning location” “Following extensive research prior to this trip, we were more than delighted and cannot rate Casa Tranquila highly enough...we’ll be back. Now to the wedding party. Their testimonial to Richard mirrors one that he would be proud of on TripAdvisor but reflects, in a nutshell, how spectacular his private residence is, in a spectacular location. June 2015. Caroline Ragot – the bride. “We had a wonderful family time in this beautiful home. We decided to get married in Gibraltar and rent this home for our whole family, 11 people, to spend some quality time together after the Wedding. The place is stunning and even nicer than in the pictures. The village is beautiful, very small, but also located between Seville, Cadiz, Malaga and Gibraltar. The charming town of Ronda is only half an hour away. Richard has also been very helpful giving us great advice to go for lunch nearby and make the best of our stay. We will keep wonderful memories of these very special days together!”

ceilings, exposed beams and serene views overlooking the slow flowing river. The following morning I sat outside on the terrace facing east, with the sun caressing the water below and casting its golden glow into my room.This really was a special moment albeit MISSION my trip was only 24 hours, I had crammed Richard having clearly fallen in love with the a lot into my time in this extraordinary and area has now set himself a mission; that beunique region of Spain; an enlightening ing to draw in as many people as possible to experience. I felt like I had been away for a the area. Therefore, he was delighted when week, not just one day.” renowned UK based registered Senior Yoga Having spent a glorious 24 hours at ´Casa teacher Angie Beadle contacted him for exTranquila´ and being an events’ organizer, clusive use of his residence for four days as as well as a journalist, I realised that the poa yoga retreat. For the past few years, yoga tential to encourage my own clientele to visit has become increasingly popular here on the this mystical haven. Although being the Britcoast. This is another benchmark, bringing ish archetypal polite guest, I thought it probvisitors to the area especially under the guise ably best not to mention it! However, followof Angie, who qualified as a yoga teacher ing my stay, many of his at 21, making her the friends flocked to his youngest in the UK at new residence for the that time. She opened opportunity of luxuriat“Following extensive the first Iyengar Yoga ing at his new abode. research prior to Centre in Sevilla. She Word spread like wildthis trip, we were now wants to make this fire across the coast retreat a regular event (like it frequently does) more than delighted in the area. Richard and Richard’s private and cannot rate hopes that Casa Tranresidence overnight Casa Tranquila quila may be her next became a favoured relocation for another highly enough... treat, not only for many centre in Andalucía. to escape the stresses we’ll be back” Angie states on her of day to day life, but for website, “Join me for a the majority to discover wonderful short break and explore this magin Cortes de la Frontera, a small village in the nificent rural heartland. Since its reformation beautiful mountains of Andalucía. We’ll have to a private residence ´Casa Tranquila´ is now four days of yoga, good food and explore attracting rental enquiries, events bookings the local area. I’m very excited to announce and recently weddings, this is most certhis retreat as it’s the first time I’ve worked tainly not what Richard had in mind. All he like this, but think it’s going to be awesome! was craving was his own retreat away from I’ve rented a wonderful villa for our personal the public eye, however, he is happy in the use only! We will have a long weekend of knowledge that he has now brought new yoga and pranayama practiced by the pool business to the area, especially during the (weather permitting) and be served healthy, summer months. delicious food by our own, personal chef. Richard has received wonderful testimoniOn Saturday afternoon we will explore the als, the first being from friends of his; Mr. & stunning white village of Ronda, from the Mrs. Martin Buckley, who asked Richard if picturesque train station, only 50mtrs away they could stay with fifteen guests. Followfrom our villa. In addition to this there are ing their stay, Martin was quoted as saying; many beautiful walks to do in the surround“Without a doubt a very relaxing stay in a ing countryside as well as a swimming pool, property set like a jewel in the crown within outside terraces and local Spanish Tabernas this natural parkland, we now know as the for a small tapa. There is also the opportunity Cork Oak Mountains, South West of Ronda. to have a deep tissue massage in the comfort To have such an amazing property for exof your own room at an additional cost.” clusive use is amazing. With its Andalucian As recently as this month a group of 11 peoatmosphere, lovely large rooms, great terple from many regions in Spain have grouped races overlooking the fish filled river and the together to visit the area and spend time at mountains beyond, this is ´THE´ retreat to Casa Tranquila, exploring the mountainous recharge your batteries and prepare yourself countryside. Even as far as St. Petersburg to enjoy the ‘Real Spain’. 5 days wasn’t long in Russia and China, Cortes de la Frontera enough to enjoy the extensive walking, hik-

has now become a focal point to visit. For a month the Russians will be basing themselves there whilst holidaying throughout the Costa and the surrounding countryside. The Chinese people who stayed as recently as last week exclaimed, “Very nice Villa. Our family of 14 people enjoyed our trip here. Maybe we are the first Chinese who come here! Richard is very kind and helpful” Moon

WEEKEND WORLD - 95 Zhou. Andalucía Scenic Car Tours run by local residents Loretta Davies and Lorraine Powell, President of The Art and Culture Club Marbella are now looking towards holding their next event driving through the heavenly Andalucian countryside with their final destination being Casa Tranquila for a sumptuous lunch before returning to the coast.

Beautifully refurbished rooms and terraces

Richard is proud to have brought so many visitors and tourists to the region and created great hype for this hidden Andalusían jewel. There are endless possibilities for anyone visiting ´Casa Tranquila´ or to take it over as a private freeholder, but they have to keep up his good work by continuing to encourage visitors, Costa del residents, tourists and expats to patronise the area and spread the word. On a final note, Richard is determined, to ensure that the area will continue to be a magnet to all those who have not yet discovered this rural paradise. For further enquiries into this private residence please log onto www.casa-tranquila.com or for information on yoga retreats log onto www.angiebeadle.com

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

96 - WEEKEND WORLD

W TEASERS... 1

42 47 52

29 36

40 44

41 45

47 Exact duplicate 49 Confined

11 Heating chambers

38 Withdrew one’s words

51 Dancer Fred

12 “War and __”

40 Unenthusiastic

13 Miscalculated

43 Narrow cut

10 Sulk

54 Paper towel brand

21 Lessen

45 Renovates

14 Old saying

55 Inclines

23 N.L. team

48 “Put up __ up!”

15 Acting part

25 Seat for many

16 Finished; done

56 Putting to sleep before surgery

17 Singing voice

60 Emcee

26 “Shake __!”; cry to a slowpoke

50 Sierra Club’s focus

18 Types; sorts

61 Actor Alan __, Jr.

27 Etna’s output

52 Laziness

19 TV producer Norman __

63 Wall painting

28 Plains tribe

53 Single bite

64 Ending for Ann or Paul

29 Female relative

54 Swerves

32 By oneself

56 Toboggan

34 Vienna’s nation: abbr.

57 Common metal 59 Delight

65 Consumer

24 Bawls

66 Look into; investigate

25 Consecrated

67 Get rid of

35 In __ of; as a substitute for

26 Female grad

68 Little boys

36 Staircase piece

29 Requirements

69 Good judgment

30 Caesar’s language: abbr.

DOWN

31 Laundry problem

2 Elegant poems

33 Some SeaWorld performers

4 Selfcenteredness

37 __ since; from the time that 39 Vote into office 41 Clubs or hearts 42 Hydrogen and nitrogen 44 Yellow shade 46 Look at

1 Go out with 3 Breathe heavily

5 Homilies 6 Judge’s orders 7 Sock problem 8 Big game 9 Snuggle up and get comfy 10 Baked beans ingredient

9 7 5 8

2 3 4

22 Stupor

6 3

8 7 4 9

ACROSS

20 Approximate number

6 “__ You Wish Upon a Star”

Nitwits

SUDOKU Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9. As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game. If you play Sudoku regluarly, you will soon start to see improvements in your concentration and overall brain power.

45 51

24 26

51 Hearth residue

58 Arrests 62 Fresh __ daisy

Solution to puzzle from issue 4

3 6 7 2 9 4

7 1 6 7 9

9 2 3

6 8 3 5

8 2 4 3 8

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

WEEKEND WORLD - 97

W EIRD W ORLD

USA

Upon her refusal and admission she had entered the establishment without any money, but said Jesus would pay for her, the police were called. She was arrested and taken to Myrtle Beach jail where the Son of God failed to intervene.

South Carolina Police were called to an eat all you want seafood buffet after Jesus failed to pay for a female patrons dinner. It’s reported the female diner had been enjoying the banquet for over four hours before staff intervened and asked her to settle the bill.

CODEWORD Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number! To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters. 22 1 18 23 14 7 22 1 6 9 15 16 1 16 25 4 26 18 8 21 21 16 4 1 20 18 8

3 13 23 16 21 16 1 3

23 23 17 24 6 10 8 8

3 16 8 26

DENMARK

A British worker at a Danish accounting firm was fired after reportedly singing the 1952 Frank Loesser – penned hit “Wonderful Copenhagen” 36 times in a row at the firm’s annual karaoke party. During the incident, that one colleague described as ‘the most excruciating 4 hours of (his) life’ attempts were made to disconnect the microphone; however the British expat interpreted this and other body language including throat slashing gestures as a sign to continue to sing for the remainder of the evening. The workers contract was terminated after a meeting the following week held between the HR department and managers. A Texan man had to be airlifted to hospital and undergo surgery to wire his jaw closed after sustaining a bullet wound to his face whilst trying to apprehend what he believed to be someone trespassing on his property.

1 5 6 22 1

22 18 19 16 23 20 6 25 25 18

25 6 3 23 3 15 3 16 24

24 16 22 22 18

L L

12 24 24 18 15

L L

9 18 18 11

17 24 4 3

B L

23 6 4 4 5 2 4 11 16 17 26 18 8 15 16 24

19 3 8 17 18 16

8 18 26 26 16 24 8

10 6 13 16 1 6 18 26

10 24 3 3 23 7

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

Allan Banning from Dunfermline, Fife, has appealed on Facebook for anyone selling an iPhone 5 to contact him, which is nothing unusual. But what has made him an overnight star and caused his request to go viral is the fact that he admits in the post that he swapped his own iPhone 5 for a bit of pizza.

Desperate for pizza at this years T in the Park in Strathallen Castle, Allan was helped out by a passing stranger who allowed him a bite of their pizza in exchange for his mobile phone, worth approximately 280€ preowned. There has been no update as to whether or not Allan has found himself a new phone.

17 18 7 10 8 6 3 26 11

6 14 24 3 18 8

22 12 4 6 17

SCOTLAND

USA

2 6 26 23

the groundskeeper explains what is left behind ‘are too massive to be form a woman’. The club has been denied a permit to install surveillance cameras so the perpetrator may continue for some time.

6 19

WORD BLOCK From the 9-letter grid, find words of 4 letters or more. Words must contain the middle letter, and there is at least one nine-letter word. Target: 30 words

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

However the trespasser was actually an armadillo and when the man shot at it with his .38 revolver the bullet ricocheted and hit him in the face, and it’s not the first time the armadillo has fought back. During a similar incident in April another man had shot at the animal when the bullet again ricocheted, passed through a fence, the door to his mother-in-laws mobile home, the recliner she was sitting in and eventually ended up embedded in her back. She was taken to hospital and made a full recovery.

Solution to Wordblock puzzzle from issue 5 giveaways - savage - seaway - visage - waives - aegis - gives - gyves - saiga - swage - views wages - waves - wives - Vegas - ages - awes - ayes - easy - egis - eyas - gays - saga - sage - save - swag - sway - swig - vasa - vase - vegs - vies - visa - vise - wags - ways - wigs - wise - yaws - yeas - yews ywis - Asia - Ives - Sega - Yves

Solution to CODEWORD from issue 4 8 15 15 6 10 13 9

21 9 13 25 7 14 23

A L L E G R O W O R S H I P

16 9 8 18 6 8 9 13

A O

20 8 4 3 12 15 8 18 23 13 9 2 6

L A B

P R O V E

4 3 6 14 25 12 12 22

NORWAY

25 14 10 7

Norways Stavanger Golf Club has been terrorised by an unknown menace who has been defecating in the holes of their luxurious course for over 10 years!! Known as “Serieskiter” in Norwegian, the culprit has disabled the floodlights installed to catch him at his nocturnal game and even leaves behind toilet roll and is reported to have ‘a couple of favourite holes’. Staff at the course believe It to be male behind the deposits as

S I G H

25 5 4 14 16

S Q U I D

V E A L

12 6 14 4 12 13 4

11 13 14 16 10 6

F R I D G E

E X P O S E D

C A T W A L K

8 15 24 8 15 14

L S

Q D E

I I U

A L K A L I

8 25 14 5 6 6 9

6 26 23 9 25 6 16

25 6 14 6 22 8 12 21 8 15 24

2 6 8 15

12 7 4 16 8 15 18 4 17 9 3 19 26

T H U D

A L B U M O N Y X

7 3 11 15 8 24 12 19

14 13 8 5 14

I R A Q I

20 6 12

J E T

I C I N G

3 17 1 9 14 21 15 6

N M

10 13 14 1 1 15 19

G R I Z Z L Y

14 22 14 3 10

I W

22 13 14 17 25 9 3

C R I M S O N

Solution to SUDOKU puzzles from issue 4

J A U N T

5 2 8 1 9 6 4 3 7

5 9 3 8 6 4 1 2 7

6 7 1 3 2 4 8 5 9

6 7 4 1 2 5 8 3 9

9 3 4 5 7 8 6 2 1

8 1 2 9 7 3 4 5 6

2 5 7 9 4 3 1 6 8

2 4 8 3 5 9 6 7 1

1 8 9 6 5 7 2 4 3

3 6 7 2 8 1 5 9 4

3 4 6 8 1 2 7 9 5

9 5 1 6 4 7 2 8 3

4 1 3 7 6 5 9 8 2

7 3 6 5 1 2 9 4 8

7 6 5 2 8 9 3 1 4

4 8 5 7 9 6 3 1 2

8 9 2 4 3 1 5 7 6

1 2 9 4 3 8 7 6 5

Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

98 - WEEKEND WORLD

W CLASSIFIEDS... FOR ALL OUR LOCAL BUSINESS NEEDS CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM: 951 127 200 INFO@SIMPLYMEDIA-GROUP.COM n 50 cents per word n If placed in a black & white box - additional € 20.00 + IVA n If placed in a colour box (colour) - an additional € 30.00 + IVA

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

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WEEKEND WORLD - 99

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Issue 05 August 13 - 26, 2015

100 - WEEKEND WORLD

SPORT NEWS

NUMBER of factors have converged to make this particular moment in British sporting history significant and it’s hard to know which came first. It could be the England women’s rugby, cricket and football teams largely professionalising with a resulting outpouring of success. Or the visible increase in commercial backing arriving from previously sceptical businesses now run or influenced by undaunted women Undoubtedly, businesses small and large have identified the commitment and accessibility of women’s sport as an uplifting commodity in which to invest. Maybe it’s because it’s cheaper, investing in women’s sport has been estimated more than 30 times less expensive than backing the more high-profile men’s division or maybe because women’s’ sport brings out an overpowering of support from a nation. Here we present our top ten sporting SUPERstars.

It truly is a woman’s world Women’s power and influence over sport has been pretty minimal until now but with a female Sports Minister looking like she means business, women running football clubs, and the Lionesses generating a fascinated following – we can truly sense the tide turning

1 JESSICA ENNIS-HILL Athlete and Olympic Heptathlon Champion

4 NICOLA ADAMS Olympic boxing champion

Ennis-Hill is the nation’s sweetheart and current Olympic champion and British record-holder in the heptathlon and has qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, less than a year after giving birth to her son Reggie. She’s a highly visible, likeable and inspiring role model – and she took a principled stand when her local football club, Sheffield United, was considering rehiring convicted rapist Ched Evans on his release from prison. Her first political statement, it was hugely brave and proved a turning point in the controversy.

Adams is a British boxer and the first woman to win an Olympic gold in the sport when she won the flyweight division and became a poster girl for London 2012. She is now also the Commonwealth and European champ.

2 STEPH HOUGHTON Captain of England and Manchester City FC Houghton led England to third place at the Women’s World Cup last month – the best performance in their history – and became a national hero in the process. She first came to national attention in 2012 when she scored three goals in four games for Great Britain at the London Olympics. She has 58 caps to her name, plays for an integrated men’s and women’s football club, MCWFC, and is a treasured example for young girls . 3 CHARLOTTE EDWARDS Captain of the England women’s cricket team In her 18-year career as a batswoman, Edwards scored more one-day runs (8,027) than any English player, male or female, and has led the England women’s cricket team to enormous success. This year, Edwards was named ECB Cricketer of the Year. She epitomises good leadership.

5 CHRISSIE OHURUOGU Athlete Arguably GB’s most successful female athlete of all time having won 400m Olympic gold and silver, and two individual world titles, Ohuruogu has also been a critical voice on the issue of Olympic legacy for London. Having grown up in the borough of Newham, just minutes away from the Olympic stadium, she has undertaken her own legacy project visiting every school in the borough to inspire the next generation of kids.

6 KATHERINE GRAINGER Rower Won an emotional gold in the double scull in 2012 after ending three previous Olympics with silvers. Took off 2013 while she wrote her autobiography and completed a PhD in criminal law, and also helped to launch the charity Scottish Women in Sport, which aims to raise the profile of women’s sport. Has yet to commit to the 2016 Games, but will run the London marathon next month.

Baby joy for Andy Murray and Kim Sears

RITISH tennis star Andy Murray and his wife Kim Sears have announced they are expecting their first child. The couple who have been together for a decade and recently wed just 4 months ago are said to be ecstatic and are believed to have broken the news to family and friends following Kims 12-week scan. Murray had said in 2013 that they were considering having a baby after previously admitting that he treated his two terrier dogs as his children even skyping them when he was away playing tournaments. The announcement came just days before Murray’s coach, former world no1 tennis star Amelie Mauresmo was expected to give birth.

7 LIZZY YARNOLD Skeleton racer Yarnold made sporting history by winning every major title in her sport in 407 days. She is the Olympic, world and European champion, and won the overall World Cup title in 2014. A former heptathlete, she uses her platform as an Olympian to challenge “the media image of the perfect woman”.

8 CASEY STONEY Captain of the England women’s football team A defender for Arsenal Ladies, Stoney has been a key part of the national team since the 2007 Women’s World Cup in China. She captained Team GB in the London Olympics, and the next year became the first woman on the Professional Footballers’ Association’s management committee.

9 KATY MCLEAN Captain of the England Women rugby team The leader of the team that won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014. She gave a well-received speech when her side won the BBC Sports Personality Team Award. Now professional, she has given up primary school teaching to concentrate on the Rugby Sevens tournament in Rio.

10 ELLIE SIMMONDS Swimmer One of the most recognisable faces in British Paralympic sport, Simmonds shot to fame as a 13-year-old after her success at the Beijing Games. Her story – a schoolgirl with an extraordinary sporting talent - made her a household name and she became the youngest ever winner of an MBE. The four time Paralympic champion with 13 world records to her name and a string of sponsorship deals is also thought to be the most commercially successful British female Paralympian

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SPORT NEWS

Less English players than ever W

HEN the Premiership was launched in 1992 the figure was 69 per cent but foreigners now completely dominate top-flight game down south. The percentage of English players in top-flight starting line-ups fell below one third during the opening weekend of the Premier League. Of the 220 players who started for their clubs at the weekend, only 73, or 33.2 per cent, were eligible to play for England, the Times has reported. This represent a dip from last season’s 35 per cent and a steep fall from 69 per cent in 1992-93, when the Premier League was launched. This season’s opening day figures were inflated by newly promoted Bournemouth, who started eight English players against Aston Villa. But fellow new boys Watford, along with Arsenal and Newcastle United, started with just one Englishman. Champions Chelsea started with two, but one of those was John Terry, who retired from international football three years ago. Reece Oxford, the 16-year-old sensation who impressed on his debut with West Ham United, was one of just five English teenagers to start a Premier League game at the weekend. The others were Brendan Galloway for Everton, Joe Gomez and Jordon Ibe for Liverpool, and Matt Targett for South-

Number of English players in starting line-ups falls below one third during first Premier League weekend ampton. Greg Dyke (above, the FA chairman, has already warned that English football is a “tanker that needs turning”, but his efforts to tighten rules to improve prospects for home-grown players have met with resistance from Premier League clubs. The majority of club managers and chairmen feel they should not have to consider nationality when building their teams and that English players are often too expensive. Of the more than £500million spent on topflight transfers this summer so far, just over a fifth has been spent on English players, according to the Times.

OUTLAY Nearly half of that £100m outlay was due to Manchester City spending £49m to buy Raheem Sterling from Liverpool. While the English game is dominated by foreigners, the situation in Scotland is improving with clubs forced to blood more home-grown youngsters due to the lack of TV cash. A study last year into Scotland’s top flight by State of the Game found that domestic players have more minutes on the pitch than foreigners – but only just. The comparable figure for English players in the Premier League was only 19.18 per cent of minutes.

Clockwise from top left: Reece Ofxord, Brndan Galloway, Greg Dyke, Jordon Ilbe and Joe Gomez

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SPORT NEWS

LET THE GAMES BEGIN There is just one week remaining before the IAAF World Championships, in Beijing which takes place between 22-30 August begins

ANY of the IAAF’s 214 member federations have already named their teams for the most important sporting event on this year’s calendar, with approximately 2000 athletes expected to compete in the Chinese capital. The USA and Jamaica have yet to formally name their teams but it is already known that global champions such as Usain Bolt (above), Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, David Oliver, Christian Taylor, Ashton Eaton, Jenn Suhr and Brittney Reese have booked their places on the planes to Beijing. Russia named their 71-strong team in the wake of their national championships earlier this month. Other European nations to have named their teams include Czech Republic, France, Germany and Great Britain. Distance-running power houses Kenya and Ethiopia have also named their teams early and can expect to feature prominently on the medal podiums. The famous Bird’s Nest stadium, the centrepiece of the 2008 Olympic Games, will have a 50,000 capacity for the championships and the IAAF and Local Organising Committee have

The Bird’s Nest stadium, the centrepiece of the 2008 Olympic Games

been happy to announce recently that it will be full for each evening session, ensuring the world’s top athletics exponents get the audience they deserve. Sadly the event has been marred by the announcement that 28 athletes had been caught in retests of their doping sam-

ples from the 2005 and 2007 world championships. The test results were disclosed following weeks of damaging headlines for track and field’s governing body. Media outlets in Germany & Britain, citing leaked test results from an IAAF database, asserted that blood doping was rampant in the sport and the IAAF was not doing enough to stop it. In announcing the new wave of positive tests, the International Association of Athletics Federations said it was committed to using “every means at its disposal ... to root out the cheats.” The IAAF has not named any of the 28 athletes, who produced 32 positive findings in tests from the 2005 championships in Helsinki and the 2007 worlds in Osaka, Japan. The IAAF said none of the athletes will be competing in the upcoming world championships in Beijing stating that, “A large majority of the 28 are retired, some are athletes who have already been sanctioned, and only very few remain active in sport.” If athletes are found guilty of doping violations, the IAAF said it “will correct the record books and re-allocate medals as necessary.”

Manchester United demand £35m for their superstar from La Liga giants MANCHESTER United boss Louis van Gaal (left) has challenged the 10 time European champions Real Madrid to match the Red Devils’ evaluation of David de Gea (left) as the La Liga giants prepare a £25m bid this week to sign their long term target. The United boss believes that the Spaniard could stay at Old Trafford for yet another year, though the 24-year-old keeper was kept out of his squad for the opening day fixture over Tottenham at Old Trafford. United managed to win that game by a single goal to nil and summer signing Sergio Romero was quite impressive in his first competitive game since the Copa America finals. Will Real Madrid pay 35 Million for David de Gea? They are still keen on signing De Gea, though it is understood that the Premier League giants will demand close to £35m, after Van Gaal sent out a warning suggesting that he will not be sold for anything less. The Dutchman said, “We have to pay a lot of money for all the players we want, and we want the same level when we have to sell. We want to keep him of course but I’m not the most important part, that’s the player and the club who want to buy him. He’s been our best player for two or three years so we cannot let him go so easily,” Van Gaal said.

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FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS ANDRE BERTO: WAS MONEY THE DECIDING FACTOR AGAIN? FLOYS Mayweather’s choice of Andre Berto for his supposed final opponent on 12th September has been met with much criticism from fans. Britain’s Amir Khan and Kell Brook, the IBF welterweight champion plus Keith Thurman and even middleweight king

Gennady Golovkin were all hoped for by boxing enthusiasts but instead welterweight Mayweather, 38, will take on Berto, who has lost three of his last six fights. It will be the final bout of the unbeaten Mayweather’s six-fight deal with broad-

Continued from back cover The most recent loss at the All England Club, however, came on the heels of the Spaniard losing at the French Open for the first time in six years. And in January at the Australian Open, Tomas Berdych stunned Nadal in the quarterfinals finally bringing an end to his 17-match losing streak and beating the Spaniard. And all this while the injuries that have so often troubled Nadal are thought to be absent. In the past, grand slams have been where onlookers have seen Nadal at his finest, his combination of spin, fitness - and heart – have consistently seen off his rivals. Not this year, which has begged the question, “What’s wrong with Rafa?”

If Nadal doesn’t win the U.S. Open, it would mark the first time since 2004 he hasn’t claimed at least one major in a calendar year. Nadal, who turned 29 in June. Former U.S. Open champion, Andy Roddick, for one, thinks Nadal won’t end his 2015 malaise at Flushing Meadows and went even further by telling the BBC that he “probably won’t win another slam” in his career.

ADAMANT Now, two of the game’s most successful coaches, Larry Stefanki and Nick Bollettieri, are adamant that Nadal needs a new coach if he is to rebound and add to his haul of grand slam titles. They echo the thoughts of John McEnroe, although both Stefanki and Bollettieri -- unlike the outspoken seven-time grand slam winner -- wouldn’t dispose of the services of Nadal’s main coach, his Uncle Toni. Nadal, who has slipped to 10th in the rankings in June after failing to defend his French Open title, is also helped part time by Francisco Roig. “I just think Rafa needs to get a little bit of a different view point,” Stefanki said recently when asked about Nadal. Stefanki even suggested a name, Andre Agassi. The American, according to Stefanki, employed a smarter brand of tennis late in his career and won five grand slams after his 29th birthday, a feat only matched among men’s players in the Open Era by Rod Laver.This is backed up by Bollettieri, Agassi’s former mentor “I would bring in somebody that knows the type of game that Nadal has to play now to get back – Agassi would be ideal.” Nadal hinted in May at the Rome Masters that any coaching change was unlikely.”If I change someone of my team, it will not be because I’m losing or winning,” he told reporters. “It will be that there is not enough motivation from one or another (person.) “And remember, my coach is more my uncle than my coach. Family is much more important than tennis.” He said Sadly, as Nadal’s losing streak continues his opponents are losing the fear factor and unless he changes his backroom staff soon – There may just be no way back .

casters ShowTime, and the man known as ‘Money’ has also said that he would retire after the deal. Should he win, Mayweather will match Rocky Marciano’s record of 49 successive victories in his professional career.

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US PGA TEE’S OFF THE final major of the year gets under way today (Thursday 13th August) with Rory McIlroy back in contention declaring his ankle is 100 per cent ready after missing The Open through injury. Here, we bring you all the vital information you need to know: WHEN IS IT? The tournament begins on Thursday, 13 August, running through until Sunday, 16 August. WHERE IS IT? The 97th Championship is taking place at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin. It will be the third time the tournament has been held at the venue which hosted it in 2004 and 2010. It was won in those years by Vijay Singh and Martin Kaymer respectively. WHAT TIME IS IT ON? The first group tee-off is at 12.45pm BST on Thursday, with the final groups at 8pm. Play should be over by midnight every day, including Saturday and Sunday. WHICH GROUPINGS SHOULD I KEEP AN EYE ON? McIlroy has been paired in a dream grouping that features Jordan Spieth and Zach Johnson - the winners of this year’s other majors. They tee-off at 7.20pm BST. Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day and Dustin Johnson go at 13.05pm BST and Patrick Reed, Graeme McDowell and Luke Donald at 7pm BST. Tiger Woods, now ranked at 262, will tee-off at 1.15pm BST.

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WHAT’S WRONG WITH NADAL? And can he get back to his best?

WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES? Spieth, who won the first two majors of the year and Zach Johnson, who won at St Andrews, will be fancied alongside McIlroy.

Clockwise: Jordan Spieth, Zach Johnson and RoryMcIlroy

Jason Day, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler are also considered among those in with a strong chance of winning.

AFAEL has suffered head-shaking upsets at Wimbledon before, so in isolation his defeat to Dustin Brown in the second round last month wouldn’t seem overly problematic. Continued on page 103