The Canary News, Views & Sunshine Carnival 2015

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As the coldest winter in a decade starts to subside, after the wettest November in thirty years helped to replenish the receding reservoirs, Gran Canaria readies itself for the renewal of spring time, the celebration of fertility in this golden land and the indulgence of carnival throughout the islands beckoning the summer to return. From Las Palmas to Maspalomas, Mogán to Pico de Las Nieves, Tejeda to Telde, Agaete, Arinaga, Arucas, Amadores, Ayaguares, Gáldar to El Pajar, Ingenio, Agüimes, Arguineguín, Moya, San Batolomé, Santa Lucia and San Nicolas and everywhere between. Gran Canaria, we return again to celebrate your wonder!

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

MEETING THE MAYOR

1. Tourism He wishes to continue to capitalise on his administration’s work to encourage more people staying in the south to come and spend at least one day in Las Palmas, shopping, sightseeing, enjoying Las Canteras beach and the Santa Catalina Park area. In his time in office cruise visitor numbers have increased to more than a million, and to No matter what shade your politic, there are few who can deny that complement that growth his goal is by 2020 to have 2 out of every 3 Alcalde Cardona is fundamentally likeable. He is diplomatic, without tourists who come to the island visit Las Palmas. Effectively doubling seeming contrived, he is straight forward without appearing overly rea- current numbers. sonable, and he presents very well, without the need for spokespeople, 2. Ciudad del Mar , City of the Sea image consultants or spin doctors. Though usually pictured showing-off, He wishes to promote all activities that are to do with sea. Surfing, what may well be, a weakness for elegantly tailored suits, on this parboating, marine tourism, regattas, and concentrate on activities that ticular occasion, stood among many of his constituents and members play to the primary strengths of Las Palmas. of the public local to the CN Metropole sports centre in Las Palmas, he 3. International Geographic Situation. appeared warm and homely in his winter sweater and tie-less shirt.

Las Palmas is ideally placed as a tri-continental logistics base for Starting with an obligatory mention of just how difficult the last 4 years Western European, African and American trade, he wishes to enin particular have been economically, especially in regard to unemploy- courage further promotion of the city as a unique Atlantic reference ment numbers which are now among some of the highest in Spain, the point for forward shipping from Asia and rest of the world, oil rig maintenance, marine supply, cargo and export, iron and gold. current mayor of Gran Canaria’s provincial Capital City prudently used 4. New Technoloqy this open meeting to rehearse many of his strategic arguments for the Las Palmas has become a technology hub for new internet and mocoming run up to the elections, which are due later this year. bile applications start-ups. Young entrepreneurs are exporting their His primary focus, he said, is to improve both employment numbers and work, services and products all over the world, and attracting others the economic situation for Las Palmas and, he believes, he has some from colder climes. Cardona wants to see extra support for this new great suggestions to boost both. To his mind the capital currently has 5 industry, to promote further commerce and more new business. clear opportunities for recuperation, which he presented to us, saying 5. Film & Television Industry Incentives that if all were implemented, the results should go a long way to right- Recently several large scale productions have been attracted to Las ing the situation as it stands today and much improving the outlook for Palmas due to governmental tax incentives, each one further prothe citizens of Las Palmas motes the city and makes use of various industries from costumes, to automotive, electricians, restaurants, hotels, catering and many more besides. Cardona wishes to increase the outreach to this industry with sponsorship opportunities and collaborations to further showcase the city and the beauty of this island as a location for film.

It’s not often we see our politicians, no matter what their hue, engaging directly with their constituents in an unscripted and open forum.

So when the opportunity arose to meet the dynamic and forthright PP Mayor of Las Palmas, Juan José Cardona, The Canary team, Edward and Sanna, leapt at the chance to see this man in action & at close quarters.

Editor-in-Chief: Edward JB Timon Editor@TheCanaryNews.com

N ews ,

S unshine

Telephone: 928 987 952 / Mon - Sat 9AM - 5PM Sales:+34 620 978 709 (En/Es/S) / Sales@TheCanaryNews.com via 928 987 952 (En)

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If all five of these areas can be improved a more comfortable and friendly city, where it will, he tells us, help the economic situ- citizens, and visitors, can move quickly and ation and work of the city as a whole. He safely through a policy of sustainable urban points out that there are of course prob- mobility designed to serve the people. Prolems such as the very high unemployment tecting public space, improving road safety levels in the construction sector, and that and with special attention to keeping pethere is a limit to how many public condestrians and cyclists out of harms way. structions they can promote so the responsibility must be shared to help re-educate He also mentioned the bus network rethose workers to be able to operate in new forms which have promoted local services that connect neighbourhoods to primary areas. arterial routes in and out of the city centre, His administration has invested in new not to mention the first park and ride faciltechnologies, like the mobile app LPA Avisa ity in the city which opened last year. which allows citizens to interact with the town hall directly, raising concerns, report- Participants were able to asks questions or ing incidents and giving them the ability comment to the mayor directly with many of to send images of problems they become aware of, directly to an administrative office The Department for New Technologies and Telecommunications, have utilised the latest smartphone technology to allow citizens to report incidents and breakdowns in the capital of Gran Canaria quickly and easily, and in their first 2 years of operation, it has enabled them to process more than 6,500 incidents throughout the city in near real-time.

Of the 6,544 incidents reported since March 2013, the majority (2,549) were related to maintenance required for pavements and highways, followed by trees and green spaces throughout the city (1158), lamps and lighting (745), bins and containers (528) and sanitation (472), traffic lights and road signs (450) and children’s play areas (196). With the various other reports related to issues like railings, bollards, beaches and banks.

LPA movilidad While in office he has also focused on three key areas: mobility of pedestrians , a firm commitment to cycling as an alternative means of transport and ultimately the enhancement of the public transport network, in an effort to reconcile the different types of mobility and transport systems in this modern city of pedestrians, bicycles , cars and buses to try and make Las Palmas

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the questions revolving around issues to do with cockroaches, pigeons, dogs, dog parks and among other things, blue parking zones, and a lack of public bins throughout the capital. All effectively answered off the cuff.

We would be very interested to hear feedback on issues affecting our readers, and welcome further invitations to hear the proposals from other Mayoral candidates who will compete with Cardona later this year for the Capital City’s top spot.

One thing seems clear, they have their work cut out for them, as the current man in city hall appears to be unusually competent and presents well as a man of the people.

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El Peri贸dico Ingl茅s de Gran Canaria

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Now in its 17th year of operation, the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Cooordination Centre (El Centro Coordinador de Emergencias y Seguridad) has received almost 40 million calls for assistance since it was set up.

From their dual control rooms, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran canaria, they deal with an average of around 8,000 calls, every day, round the clock, 365 days of the year, 30% of them urgent.

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Connects you via voice, instant text messages, or video communication, to your nearest pppPublic Safety Answering Point (9-1-1, 112, 999, 066 and all other emergency communication numbers).

Private Safety Answering Point (Doctor, insurance, etc as well as Friends and family, etc).

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EMERGENCY...

Despite 13 million visitors to The Canary Islands last year, just 9,000 of those calls were from foreign nationals, which is surprisingly low when you consider that 10% of all those resident on Gran Canaria alone are non-native, and that some 300,000 tourists come to visit our island every month.

There is a possibility that many foreigners here just don’t know that, like 999 in the UK, here you should dial 112 in an emergency to be connected toll free to an operator who is trained to dispatch the right sort of help, quickly.

What’s more they offer the

service in Spanish, English, German, French and Italian.

Among their daily workload they also deal with, on average, 35 calls every day in In fact 112 is the single unified connection to domestic abuse. emergency number that works right across the European These phone based heroes Union, including the UK, and have made The Canary Islands many other countries around emergency response, one the world besides. of the best in all the world, with the lowest false alarm Here in the 112 Canarias rate in Europe, thanks to the response room, a dedicated efficiency of their processes. team of front line operators quickly discern the problem One thing you could do to and, once they have collected help keep it that way is to all the basic necessary details, make sure everyone you know can connect any caller to downloads the FRESS 112 doctors or the specialist sector free smartphone app, which teams that represent every has been fully operational level of emergency response here since 2013, a world first and advice available. producing life saving results.

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

ATTAINING EXCELLENCE

Sebastián Sansó, Gerente de Hospital San Roque Maspalomas, has a lot to be proud of as the administrator of the only Canarian private healthcare institute to have been ranked among the hundred best hospitals in all of Spain.

According to the independent assessment, the first of its kind in the country, the Health Reputation Monitor, presented at the end of last year, places The Hospital San Roque Maspalomas as the leading private institution in the Canary Islands and among the best medical centres throughout the country.

493 centres were studied to come up with the list of the top 100 (76 of which were public hospitals and 24 private). They were scored on multiple indicators analysing their human and material resources alongside their performance in various areas including surgery, length of stay, diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, Cesarian birth rate, mortality, infections and waiting lists, among many other criteria.

They are very proud to be able to say that no other private centre in the Canary Islands ranked within the top 100 institutions.

This publicly owned, but privately managed, hospital serves the entire south of the island and offers a broad range of services for both residents and visitors in one of the most prestigious resort areas in Spain.

Unable, as they were, to compete in areas like teaching and research, their success in the study is based entirely on their values when it comes to quality of care.

The MRS was an independent scientific study, unlike others conducted in Spain, it operated without patronage or subsidies so as to be able to claim complete independence, aimed at identifying the best care facilities and medical professionals entirely based on interviews conducted by Merco (the Corporate Reputation Monitor) taking into account the opinions of 2,400 doctors, nurses, patients and journalists on 186 objective healthcare quality indicators and assessments

of their overall performance. Its Advisory Board was composed of the presidents of the General Councils of Physicians and Nurses, the Patients Association and Health Journalists working alongside others of recognised standing and with extensive experience in positions of responsibility within the Spanish healthcare system.

Sansó proudly points out what a significant achievement the ranking is when compared to the situation in The Canary Islands at the end of the 90s. Long waiting lists and too many small unregulated private clinics, coupled with the fact that the only major medical facilities here were on the north of the island, meant that not only was it difficult to ensure care for the general population, but standards were very difficult to monitor. The Canary Islands government recognised the need for a major facility on the south of Gran Canaria, for residents and tourists, and helped to fund the building of the hospital in partnership with the then Clinica San Roque, which had operated one of the longest standing clinics in the capital, their doors in the south finally opening in 2006. They achieved full Hospital status in 2012.

In less than ten years of operation the new facility has been recognised for their commitment to excellence and value to their clients while fulfilling an important public health role, which is part funded through a range of private treatments, procedures and therapies, and offering top level care to the citizens of the south.

Last summer Hospitales San Roque made a significant investment in becoming the first, and still the only, hospital in the region to offer the very latest in 3D laparoscopic surgery used to find problems such as cysts, adhesions, fibroids, and infection and announcing the installation of the only 3D imaging tower in the archipelago allowing them to carry out world leading gastro-intestinal procedures, with hugely reduced risk of infection and decreased healing times while adhering to the highest levels of clinical excellence, and further reinforcing their standing on a global level, raising the bar, once more, in the group’s almost 100 years of service and outstanding medical treatment here on Gran Canaria, both public and private.

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The best private hospital in the Canary Islands (Ranking of the Spanish healthcare system)

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FRIDAY, February 13th, 2015 At the Art Gallery of the Casa Condal in San Fernando From February 13th until 25th 08:00 p.m.: Inauguration and exhibition of the Carnival Posters TUESDAY, February 17th, 2015 At the Cultural House of Maspalomas 09:00 p.m.: Traditional Carnival FRIDAY, February 20th, 2015 At Shopping Centre Yumbo 09:00 p.m.: Opening of the Carnival 2015 10:30 p.m.: “CanCarnaval Nuit“ Party SATURDAY, February 21st, 2015 At Shopping Centre Yumbo 09:00 p.m.: Election of the Carnival Queen 11:00 p.m.: “La vie en rose“ Party SUNDAY, February 22nd, 2015 At Shopping Centre Yumbo 05:00 p.m.: “Le petit CanCarnaval“ – Carnival for Children 07:00 p.m.: Election of the Children Queen MONDAY, February 23rd, 2015 At Shopping Centre Yumbo 07:00 p.m.: “Borderless” Show TUESDAY, February 24th, 2015 At Shopping Centre Yumbo 07:00 p.m.: Free Dance Workshops 09:00 p.m.: Show “In full swing” 10:30 p.m.: Drag Queen Preselection

DANCING IN THE STREETS!

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WEDNESDAY, February 25th, 2015 At Shopping Centre Yumbo 08:00 p.m.: Performances of local bands 09:00 p.m.: Election of the Senior Queen THURSDAY, February 26th, 2015 At Shopping Centre Yumbo 09:00 p.m.: Election of the Drag Queen 11:00 p.m.: Party “Tururú de Fuá.... “ FRIDAY, February 27th, 2015 TOURIST DAY At the beaches of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés 12:00 a.m.: Rescue of the Sardine At Shopping Centre Yumbo 09:00 p.m.: Tourists Show 11:00 p.m.: “Oh la la” Party SATURDAY, February 28th, 2015 05:00 p.m.: Carnival Parade 10:00 p.m.: “Oui, we CanCan” Party SUNDAY, March 1st, 2015 At Shopping Centre Anexo II in Playa del Inglés 02:00 p.m.: CanCan Carnival on the beach 08:00 p.m.: Reading of the sardines´ last will 08:30 p.m.: Burial of the sardine and fireworks

El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

This year’s annual celebration of Winter’s end and Springtime beginnings has already started with the blossoming trees up in the mountains and the extraordinary Carnival in Las Palmas which culminates in a huge parade on the weekend of February 14th before heading south for the start of Carnaval Internacional de Maspalomas which will bring this uniquely joyful celebration down to the main stage of the Yumbo centre in Playa del Inglés for an extraordinary array of shows and entertainments catering to young and old and climaxing in a Grand Parade through the streets, more than 100 carnival floats and everyone costumed to impress. This year’s theme: Can-Can Carnival!

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

€1MILLION FOR ARGUINEGUÍN

Great news this month with the announcement of a new plan to improve the main road through the southern fishing-cum-tourist town of Arguineguín, in the municipality of Mogán The town hall have set aside money to modernize and adapt the layout of the area´s main arterial route and to reduce traffic congestion at peak times.

The works are expected to last between two and five months. The Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) of Mogán has proposed the company Satocan SA for the project having chosen them from among twenty companies This first phase is for the 200 metre stretch of main road through the town, with all four phases making up the final project between the Pino Seco Canyon and the Whale´s Tail roundabout.

shopping area is to have a budget of one million euros and a lead time of about five months.

The council aims to rehabilitate “moganero” public roads so as to adapt to commercial growth in the area and to improve circulation of pedestrians and traffic.

New sidewalks, the modernization of bus stops, new green areas and the layout of the pedestrian connection between Pérez Galdós square and Luján Pérez Street, which connects the upper and lower parts of Arguineguín, are included in the long overdue plan.

In the second phase, the council will promote improvements to the main entry road to Arguineguín, while looking to study a possible extension of the entry road. The main objective is to solve the traffic congestion which now regularly The first part of the redevelopment of the occurs especially at peak times.

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News Distribution point of the month: Xtreeemz bar: Europa centre, top of the hill, Puerto Rico, round the back by the car park, pints less than a euro from midday til 6.30pm. Drinks promotions all night with top djs and shots quiz. You can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome from Emma, Chris & Alice

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

#ShapingTheOdds

Norwegian Hans Jorgen Lysglimt Johansen has been holidaying on Gran Canaria since the start of the 21st Century. An entrepreneurial internet and publishing professional, a toast master and author of Lifehacker, a guide to working smarter in the digital age, he decided in 2009 to start a Facebook fan page for his favourite holiday island, which turned out to be one of the first of its kind and several years ahead of anyone else.

social network directed traffic and utilised “likeability” to serve information across the network by identifying posts and images that users most wanted to see.

“I tried to avoid language barriers very early on” he says “I realised that the things that were most “likeable” were the posts that didn’t ask my audience to think very hard, but instead simply caused them to react to the only three options presented to them, namely ‘do I like this? Do I want to share it?

By 2012 he had gained nearly 30,000 Do I have anything to say about it?’” followers and fans and so decided to explore ways that he might put this “To test my theories I had launched some audience to good use. Along the way other pages also where I could get an idea he had learned much about Facebook’s of what was working and what wasn’t, algorithms and the ways in which the without harming my page “reputation” in respect to Facebook’s internal workings.

I found the posts that got the most “traction” were beautiful images without any words at all, which spoke to people of all nationalities, in my case about Gran Canaria.”

Realising that his page was growing exponentially, and being one of the many who for years had dreamt of being able to escape the northern winters in favour of working from a laptop somewhere sunny, he decided to pull together a small conference for anyone like him who might want to share ideas and seek business, in an environment where his family could also be happy doing holiday things while he slipped off for a few hours at a time to get some work done with other like minded business people. The result has been an inspiration.

Now in its fourth year, and supported by a small team of dedicated local entrepreneurs, Gran Canaria Business Week has grown significantly since that first event.

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“At first I wasn’t sure what we had” says Hans “I thought it might simply turn out to be an opportunity for personal development, but it seems we caught a growing wave of internet entrepreneurs who like me have no need of being tied to a desk in one locality and so from 10 people on that first day we have grown in number, and focus, with more than 100 attendees who meet the first week of every year in this beautiful sub-tropical corner of Europe. There is a wide range of people who come, they are representative of a much bigger global shift in how people work and interact. And Gran Canaria is right here at the start of it.”

It would be easy to suggest that Hans is only interested in building an audience for his personal endeavors, however there is much more to it than that.

Nacho Rodriguez is one of several Canarian businessmen who have caught the zeitgeist, diversifying his family business here on the island to launch one of several co-working spaces that have caught the attention not only of the local press, but names as prestigious

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“Unemployment here is currently running at 32%, that is three times the European average” says Nacho “among our youth it is more than 60%.” He accepts though that the average Canarian simply needs less to have a relatively high quality of life “Sure, we have near constant sunshine, carnivals, fiestas, world class beaches on our doorstep and the most beautiful mountains behind us, but nevertheless: with the tide of generations of emigration having been turned, primarily helped by 20th century tourism, we find ourselves in a 21st century economy that once again threatens to lure our youth away, as they look out across oceans to find their opportunities for a livelihood. That is why the chance to meet international entrepreneurs and to supply a global market, from right here in the sunshine, is so important for our society and its future. And that is why I am excited to help this crazy Norwegian [Hans] to promote Gran Canaria not simply as a place for leisure, but a place from which to operate business on a global scale.”

Clockwise from above: Renewable Business Cultivator Nacho Rodriguez, Entrepreneur Judith Schjørring and Photographer Bård Ove Myhr, “Freedompreneur” Aga Kopp, Mobile Technology Evangelist Andre Eidskrem, PR Shaman Karen Floyd, Digital Marketing Guru Todd Michael Heater & Hans, the Big Canary, a Viking on a mission.

as The New York Times, writing about “A Desk in Paradise”.

A burgeoning business model is quickly developing here around ideas of the “digital nomad”, hot desks, and tech hubs, where anyone can come to work with the promise of mild climates and the latest technology on offer, coupled to a steady stream of fresh graduates who have to contend with the highest unemployment rate in all Europe.

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Hans’s Gran Canaria page now has more than 100,000 fans, three times that of the government’s own tourist board, and it is growing by more than 100 ‘likes’ every day.

By partnering local media professionals, such as on this publication, and fellow Norwegians, like Bård from 45photos.com, the fan page is now approaching audience figures that rival television in numbers of views and is fast becoming a serious platform from which to promote the island. His great innovation was to realise that he is not alone in wanting to find a better way forward, and he has sought people on the ground, and from around the world, who strategise in order to “shape the odds” in their favour so as to be able to compete and succeed on a global, as well as a local level. This has attracted some amazing people to these shores, with a message; no matter what your area of business, there is always something to learn and ways to move forward while living the life you desire most, and Gran Canaria is a great place to start.

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TTIP OF THE ICEBERG

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

A GUNPOWDER PLOT AGAINST DEMOCRACY This bill of rights for corporations the natural world against corporate greed. Its overall effect is to chill will blow up the sovereignty of parliaments the formation of any policy that puts people ahead of money.

The corporate lawyers who sit on these panels are beholden only to the companies whose cases they adjudicate, who at other times are their employers. As one of these people commented, “When I wake up at night and think about arbitration, it never ceases to amaze me that sovereign states have agreed to investment arbitration at all … Three private individuals are entrusted with the power to review, without any restriction or appeal procedure, all actions of the government, all decisions of the courts, and all laws and regulations emanating from Almost no one had heard of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment parliament.”

Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the US, except those who were So outrageous is this arrangement that even the Economist, usually quietly negotiating it. And I suspected that almost no one ever would. the champion of corporate power and trade treaties, has now come Even the name seemed perfectly designed to repel public interest. I out against it. It calls investor-state dispute settlement “a way to let wrote about it for one reason: to be able to tell my children that I had multinational companies get rich at the expense of ordinary people”. not done nothing.

By George Monbiot published in the Guardian 5th November 2014 [...]A year ago, I was in despair. A dark cloud was rising over the Atlantic, threatening to blot out some of the freedoms our ancestors lost their lives to secure. The ability of parliaments on both sides of the ocean to legislate on behalf of their people was at risk from an astonishing treaty, that would grant corporations special powers to sue governments. I could not see a way of stopping it.

When David Cameron and the corporate press launched their campaign against the candidacy of Jean-Claude Juncker for president of the European Commission, they claimed that he threatened British sovereignty. It was a perfect inversion of reality. Juncker, seeing the way the public debate was going, promised in his manifesto that “I will not sacrifice Europe’s safety, health, social and data protection standards … on the altar of free trade … Nor will I accept that the jurisdiction of courts in the EU Member States is limited by special regimes for investor disputes.” Juncker’s crime was that he had pledged not to give away as much of our sovereignty to corporate lawyers as Cameron and Nothing has yet been won. Corporations and governments – led by the the media barons demanded.

UK – are mobilising to thwart this uprising. But their position slips a Juncker is now coming under extreme pressure. Last [October] 14 little every month. When the British minister responsible at the time, states wrote to him, privately and without consulting their parliaments, Kenneth Clarke, responded to my first articles, he insisted that “nothing demanding the inclusion of investor-state dispute settlement (the could be more foolish” than making the European negotiating position letter was leaked [...]). And who is leading this campaign? The British public, as I’d proposed. But last month the European Commission was government. It’s hard to get your head around the duplicity involved. obliged to do just this. It’s beginning to look as if the fight against TTIP While claiming to be so exercised about our sovereignty that it is could become an historic victory for people against corporate power. prepared to leave the EU, our government is secretly insisting that The central problem is what the negotiators call investor-state the European Commission slaughters our sovereignty on behalf of dispute settlement (ISDS). The treaty would allow corporations to corporate profits. David Cameron is leading a gunpowder plot against sue governments before an arbitration panel composed of corporate democracy.

To my amazement, the article went viral. As a result of the massive public reaction and the involvement of some remarkable campaigners, the European Commission and the British government were obliged to respond. The Stop TTIP petition now carries 780,000 signatures; the 38 Degrees petition has 910,000. Last month [Oct 2014] there were 450 protest actions across 24 member states. The European Commission was forced to hold a public consultation about the most controversial aspect, and 150,000 people responded. Never let it be said that people cannot engage with complex issues.

lawyers, at which other people have no representation, and which is He and his ministers have failed to answer the howlingly obvious not subject to judicial review. question: what’s wrong with the courts? If corporations want to Already, thanks to the insertion of ISDS into much smaller trade treaties, sue governments, they already have a right to do so, through the big business is engaged in an orgy of litigation, whose purpose is to courts, like anyone else. It’s not as if, with their vast budgets, they strike down any law that might impinge on its anticipated future profits. are disadvantaged in this arena. Why should they be allowed to use The tobacco firm Philip Morris is suing both Uruguay and Australia for a separate legal system, to which the rest of us have no access? What trying to discourage people from smoking. The oil firm Occidental was happened to the principle of equality before the law? If our courts awarded $2.3bn in compensation from Ecuador, which terminated are fit to deprive citizens of their liberty, why are they unfit to deprive the company’s drilling concession in the Amazon when it discovered corporations of anticipated future profits? Let’s not hear another word that Occidental had broken Ecuadorean law. The Swedish company from the defenders of TTIP until they have answered this question.

Vattenfall is suing the German government for shutting down nuclear It cannot be ducked for much longer. Unlike previous treaties, this one power. An Australian firm is suing El Salvador for $300m for refusing is being dragged by campaigners into the open, where its justifications permission for a gold mine that would poison the drinking water. shrivel upon exposure to the light. There’s a tough struggle to come, The same mechanism, under TTIP, could be used to prevent and the outcome is by no means certain, but my sense is that we will governments in the UK from reversing the privatisation of the railways win and the National Health Service, or from defending public health and §

Find updates and a fully referenced version of this article on www.monbiot.com

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Buying off-plan Buying off-plan or under construction flats in Gran Canaria (and anywhere in Spain) is perfectly safe provided the right precautions are taken. Here’s what you have to do to buy safely.

they are an inalienable right of the buyer and apply even if they aren’t mentioned in the contract.

Guarantees

According to the 1999 “Ley de Ordenación de la Edificación” the building agents must proBefore signing any contract or vide the following guarantees by leaving any money as a deposit, means of an insurance policy: first check that the build project A one year guarantee covering has a Municipal Building Permaterial damage due to faults mit. Also ask to see the origior deficiencies in workmanship nal architect’s floor plans and that affect the appearance, compare them to the plans in the sales brochure. They should facade or finish of the building works be identical as the Municipal Building Permit is granted based A three-year guarantee coveron the original plans and any ing damage caused by faults or subsequent changes are not defects of the building or instalcovered. lations that put it in breach of We can’t stress enough how im- habitability requirements (hyportant this is: There have been giene, soundproofing, etc.) recent cases where changes to A ten year guarantee covering the original plans were ruled damage to the building caused illegal. by faults or defects that affect the structure and stability of Land Registry the building, and damages to Check that the plot of land to be third parties caused by any such built on is free of legal encumfaults or defects. brances and that its ownership Contracts and surface area are as stated by the promoter.

To purchase an off-plan or under construction building you begin Demand Your Rights with a simple reservation conPromoters in Spain typically ask tract and pay a small deposit. At for 20% to 40% of the total price this point we recommend that to cover construction costs. you check the purchase contract Since 1968 this sum has to be conditions to be signed later covered by a bank guarantee or and make sure that the guaranan insurance policy so that buy- tees listed above are included. ers’ money is protected if the Also make sure that you get build isn’t completed. plans, building description and As an added security measure, a breakdown of the decoration all funds paid by buyers have materials, and all other relevant to be kept in a special bank information, attached as an anaccount and can only be withnex to the contracts. drawn by the promoter once That’s the precautions covered: he has certificates from the Enjoy your property, or contact architect stating that the construction has reached an agreed us if you are still looking for the perfect Gran Canaria property. phase.

Plans and Permits

Promoters often don’t offer these guarantees even though

Daniel García Chagrin - Cardenas Real Estate

IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME 16

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Image © 2015

We all know houses are cheaper here than in northern Europe and that prices crashed quite spectacularly in 2007 with the worldwide recession and have been falling ever since. However are house prices going to continue falling? If you buy a house now will it be worth less in a year’s time?

If you looked at the facts, unemployment in the Canaries is currently sitting at a cool 33% (60% for the under 25s), you’d probably assume it is still not a great time to buy a house.

However recently there have been whispers of a recovery and people are starting to talk about an imminent end to the crisis.

So does this mean that now is the time to buy your house in the sun?

The raw data Although local estate agents and even the guy next to you in the bar will have their opinion, there’s nothing better than a load of numbers to tell the story.

Foreign investment Many believe that the recent turnaround is mainly driven by foreign property buyers snapping up bargains while they’re available. This could well be true, yet, while the world’s media would have you believe that Chinese and Eastern European oligarchs are buying up western Europe, in Spain, the top buyers are Britons who accounted for 15% of all sales to overseas investors, followed by the French (10%), Russians (9%), and Belgians (7%), according to Spain’s society of property registrars. In the Canary Islands a whopping 34.34% of property was bought by foreigners in 2014.

What does this mean? Well, it could mean that house prices in the rest of the world are too high (have you seen how much a 1 bed flat in London costs now?) or it could mean that Every month Tinsa, the property valuations agency, publish the trends in house prices throughout Spain, split into regions. confidence has returned to the Spanish property market and savvy investors know a good deal when they see one.

If you bought your house in 2007, the latest report will make for difficult reading. Prices now in the Canary Islands are a The South huge 31.1% less than they were when you bought it. However there is some good news on the horizon, in the last year prices “Hang on” I hear you say, “My house in San Agustín has hardly only dropped by 2% and at certain points during 2014 prices changed in value since 2007 and recently someone offered me actually increased a little for a while. And while prices are still more than I paid for it 7 years ago.” This may well be true as decreasing, the decrease is much lower than previous years the South seems to be more recession-proof than other areas seemingly showing that the slump in the Canarian property on the island and prices don’t tend to fluctuate as much due to market is bottoming out and in the near future prices may the high demand from foreign investors. However house prices actually start to go back up again. have still been affected and the little price increase you saw last year may well be even more this year.

In fact Tinsa states that in 2015 people should expect an annual price change of around 0% throughout Spain. Although Where to get a bargain the Canary islands historically do not exactly follow the price So according to many we’re at, or soon to be at, the bottom of trend in Spain, they tend to be very similar, so maybe 2015 is the house market price cycle, but where can you find a bargain the year to start looking to invest. that will actually make you money over the next few years?

TO BUY PROPERTY IN GRAN CANARIA?

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Obviously estate agents are a good place to start and will be the preferred trusted source for most. However there are a few other places you could look too. Firstly you could check the housing websites like fotocasa.es and segundamano.es for a private buy where you can often negotiate significant discounts, however never buy directly without a good lawyer.

If you’re feeling brave you could also try to pick up a house at auction. Because of the high number of unemployed and recent falls in salaries, if you have the cash up front available there are plenty of bank repossessions around that are often well below market value. However buying at auction is not for the faint hearted and you should always seek good legal advice beforehand. m2_MOD.pdf 2 23/1/15 16:02

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So, the data says property prices may well have stopped falling, foreigners are buying up over 1 in 3 houses in the Canaries and Mogán still has more days of sun than any other place in Europe. Whilst we cannot recommend you go off and buy a house now, it may be the time to really start looking for your dream house because this time next year it may be a little more expensive.

Note: If you are considering purchasing property in Spain, always seek legal advice from a reputable lawyer.

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Twitters from the Atlantic

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© Barrie Mahoney

DRILLING FOR OIL In The Canary Islands

There have been quite a few celebrations in the Canary Islands this [month], following the decision of Spanish oil company, Repsol, not to continue with its exploration for oil off the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

The islands are an important tourist destination, and the threat of oil production taking place off the waters of these beautiful islands has shocked and angered residents for many years. The sea around these coasts is rich with marine life and the threat of serious, permanent ecological damage seemed to be only a matter of time. Despite all the reassurances from assorted ranks of politicians and ‘experts’, most people recognised that oil cannot be extracted with complete environmental safety. It short, it would be an accident waiting to happen.

The Islands’ Government was also vehemently opposed to the proposals, which provoked a ‘head on’ constitutional clash with the Spanish Government. There were reviews, court challenges and appeals, debates, fierce arguments, protest marches, petitions, as well as serious threats that the Canary Islands should seek separation from Spain if the islanders’ wishes were not to be taken into account over this sensitive issue.

Finally, it looked as if the environmentalists had reached the end of a long and arduous journey, with the battle being lost to the oil company and the Spanish Government. Following pleas from the Spanish Prime Minister, Spain’s Constitutional Court stepped into the argument to prevent the long anticipated islands’ referendum from taking place, and the exploration work of digging 2000 metres below sea level began.

Islanders watched with horror as the rigs and all the attendant paraphernalia moved into place.

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Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.

Not surprisingly, Spain’s Government hoped that a generous discovery of oil so close to home would help to ease its troubled bank balance, provide much needed employment, as well as reducing its reliance upon oil and gas supplies from Russia. It was envisaged that once oil production was fully operational, around 110,00 barrels of oil each day would flow from the islands, which is around 10 per cent of Spain’s consumption of oil.

Despite being originally billed as potentially the largest discovery of oil in Spanish history, it was not to be. A statement from the company concluded that although oil and gas lie beneath the seabed, they are of poor quality, and of insufficient quantity to make the expensive business of extraction viable. The company decided to no longer pursue the business of extraction in the area and the oil rigs quietly moved away from the exploration site, leaving the islanders to heave huge sighs of relief.

Poor geological survey results, together with an acute fall in oil prices, will hopefully mean that the area will be forgotten as a potential source of riches for years to come. Meanwhile, the Government has come up with another good idea, which is all set to cause another huge row with residents in the affected areas. How about a spot of fracking in another region of Spain?

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

Language Lesson #91 FROM 12 TO 1200: THE LANGUAGE EXCHANGE GROWS UP

It´s been four years since we held our first language exchange in Playa del Inglés. From one event, once a month, we have expanded to the extent that we now meet every day in Las Palmas as well as once a week in Arguineguín, San Fernando, Vecindario, Telde, Arucas and Playa del Inglés. Most LEGs – or language exchange groups – swap English conversation for Spanish, although others offer guided practice in German, French, Italian and Norwegian. There are now 1,200 people on our email list, which continues to grow.

the lingo, or lack confidence, take heart: we need you anyway. Our mailing list has seven Spanish people for every Brit or North European in the Las Palmas area, and we´re still outnumbered about three to one in the south.

Well, it is their island.

If you have questions you´d like to ask a local, or just fancy meeting more Canarians to better understand their culture, this is a great way. Just by chatting with them in English, you´ll be greatly appreciated. Unemployment remains high, and with 60% of jobs related to the tourist MAKE NEW AMIGOS sector, many Canarians need English to improve their One reason to pop along to a group near you is to meet work prospects. new people or network a bit. Our participants are very WHAT TO EXPECT diverse, ranging from 18 to 88 years old and spanning all Each group is independent and operates differently – five continents though most are Europeans based here some have no coordinator but regulars make newcomers or locals keen to improve their English. During winter welcome. However, most have at least one person months, more Scandinavians and Germans take part, while in summer groups can be smaller and with a higher that acts as a contact point/translator and directs number of Canarians keen to chat in English. Participants conversation a bit when necessary. All the groups are free though most meet in pubs or cafes where you can get a include teachers and students, policemen, doctors drink if you want one, often at reduced rates or with free and nurses, writers, painters, retired people and hotelsnacks for those taking part. There´s no commitment so workers. you can try out different groups and turn up when it suits SPEAK SPANISH? NO WAY, JOSÉ! you, though if in doubt it´s good to check with the group contact or on our facebook page to see if there are any I would love you to come along to an event. If you changes. already speak some Spanish, it´s a chance to improve and learn new words or expressions in a relaxed, friendly environment. However, if you don´t speak much of

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with Theresa Coe

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Free! The Gran Canaria Language exchange Over 1,000 people take part in language exchange gatherings and conversation clubs around the island. We meet weekly in Playa del Inglés, San Fernando, Arguineguín, Las Palmas, Valsequillo, Telde and Arucas. To find out more, check out: facebook.com/LEGintercambio or email me.

For info about Spanish classes, to receive past lessons from this newspaper or to join the language exchange, email

theresacoe@gmail.com Some groups are more structured, eg switching between each language for fixed time, or guided conversation, often from a language teacher. But most are very informal with Spanglish being the order of the day.

A CULTURAL MELTING-POT In addition to the LEGs, you can enjoy Cynthia´s Spanish conversation club, or Eva´s English one, both in San Fernando, while in the capital you have Daniel´s English coffee mornings and dining club and Pedro´s domingos en español, not to mention German-Spanish with Angelika or French with Simone. Some groups organize games, meals out, parties, cinema trips or walking events.

Firm friendships have blossomed between Canarians and Brits taking part, leading to trips to visit each others’ countries and help from locals negotiating the maze of Spanish bureaucracy. I´ve even been invited to the wedding of one couple who met through the group!

I would like to thank our British, Spanish, German, French and Norwegian volunteers who give up their time to run a conversation group here in Gran Canaria. If you want to meet me, I do Sundays in Mulligans’ Irish pub from 7pm in Playa del Inglés (www.mulligans-grancanaria.com).

For a list of upcoming events, email theresacoe@gmail.com or for daily updates see: facebook.com/LEGintercambio

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Ristorante Don Dario, Authentic Italian Family Restaurant Plaza Negra, Calle Juan Juanez, 17/A, Arguineguín +34 928151041

TOO MANY TOXINS? WANT TO PURIFY? NEED SOME ENERGY? HAVE A JUICE @ C`NATURAL ¡!

Eternal Carnival Elixir

Orange Juice, Canarian Tuno Indio, Ginger, Carrot & Beetroot

Anti hangover Gazpacho, The Spanish “Bloody Mary”

Canarian Tomato, Cucumber, Red&Green Pepper, onion, garlic, extra virgin olive oil & salt.

Find us at Mesa y López Avenue,

34_ Las Palmas de Gran Canaria look for C’natural on Facebook

Arguineguín’s authentic, family run Italian Ristorante Don Dario, opened on March 8th last year and has been building a steady flow of food lovers and pilgrims to worship at the altar of Dario’s honest-to-goodness cuisine imported direct from the heart of the Pescara region of Italy.

Impossible to get a table on market days, the one-year old family business has been building a reputation for authenticity, not least because of all the Italians who eat there! Fine Lavazza coffee and homemade deserts.

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CANARIAN SPANISH understanding the locals

Canarian Spanish has been increasingly connected to Latin American Spanish. Some say that Canarians sound a lot like the people from Venezuela, and the way we finish our words is a lot like the way Cubans do. One reason for this is that many of the first Hispanic settlers in the Americas were from The Canary Islands, more recently, after the Spanish Civil War, many locals who did not agree with the dictatorship fled to countries such as Venezuela, Colombia or Cuba.

When Franco passed away in the mid-seventies, many returned with children who had been born and brought up in those countries, so that they might settle where their parents or grandparents were originally from. As a result many Latin Americans also decided to move, because they discovered that they could live very similarly in the Canaries to the way they did at home, as they speak Spanish and have similar cultural values. The sub-tropical weather is at which is close enough for them. They have realized that these islands are a safe haven to bring up children in, while enjoying political and economic stability within Europe.

Here is the meaning to the following Canarian words: AMAÑADO/A - Someone who can do a job fairly well without actually being an expert in the subject.

E.g.: Es mejor llamar a un profesional que a un amañado - You are better off calling a professional than someone who thinks they know what they are doing.

ARRANCADILLA - The last drink or last round of drinks that someone has in a bar or pub after having drunk a few previously.

E.g.: Echa la arrancadilla, que nos vamos – Pour the last round, we´re going!

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PICTURE PERFECT

Mette Brandt is a photographer from Norway who moved to Gran Canaria with her husband Geir, and son, in 2006.

Having always had an interest in photography, she says it surprised nobody that she turned professional.

She says she’s always learning, exploring new trends and techniques, she studies other photographers and reads every day as she has done for many years. A self-confessed tech freak she loves to make web sites and discover new technologies. It is people, however, who inspire her to be creative.

She has a well equipped photo studio in Puerto Rico, which she refers to as her playground, and welcomes anyone who wants to visit for a chat about photography and the art of getting just the right image. Take a look at her web page to see some examples of her work.

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There is a new flavour to the busy tourist town of Puerto Rico, from those fire-breathers up on the second floor of the buzzing commercial centre, sandwiched in between the popular bars of Tiffany’s and Dicey Reilly’s, in an area that seems destined to become known as the Khyber Pass end of Puerto Rico Shopping Center. The unassuming little establishment, known and loved for their all-day breakfasts as much as their friendly staff and fun loving regulars, have now opened by night, with more than a hint of eastern promise in the air.

Though dubious when at first greeted by non-Indian staff we were welcomed warmly, putting us at ease, and given plenty of space to peruse the comprehensive, uncluttered menu. Talented kitchen specialists are really the heart of the magic here, and appearances can be misleading.

We ordered from the menu some standards, pakora, Chicken Korma, some naan; two of our guests requested Dhal, which was not on the menu, but that was not a problem, a balti, a rogan josh and the Taste of India Tandoori Special. Plenty of imported Indian beer and lively chat, without any Indian music, to the sound of the revelling crowd behind us.

The food that came out that tiny, newly transformed, kitchen was among the freshest, most authentic and delightful any of us have ever experienced in restaurants over three continents. Top class Indian food.

Six international travellers, each with a distinct love of eastern cuisine, not just satisfied, but thrilled with the extraordinary, real-deal array of New Delhi aromatic wonders for near-enough New Delhi prices! Perfect!

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Kay´s

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CARING IS NOT JUST FOR Corner CHRISTMAS ...IS IT?

Last month I was looking at how and why some of our traditional carols came to be written.

Good King Wenceslas is one which seems to embody the principles of giving and caring which many only enjoy at Christmas-times and Birthdays.

I believe it is a ‘not just for Christmas’ story of love and compassion ... one of the rich man seeing a need and going the extra mile, in this case literally, to bring help and relief to the poor man. Royally wealthy; snug in his opulent palace; seemingly without a care or a need in the world , Good King Wenceslas chooses to personally discomfort himself - addressing a social need by delivering food, drink and warmth...the very basics of human existence ... to his poor, cold and hungry fellow- man. Compassion with a capital’C’.

Last month we tried to take a leaf from the good King’s book by raising funds to send to other poor and needy ‘fellow men’ - holding a minced pies and mulled wine party.

There was no shortage of revellers, and certainly no sign of the mean spirit pervading in Dickens’ ‘Christmas Carol’.

Songs/Carols were beautifully sung to herald in the season of goodwill ...and not a single Scrooge in sight!

The swelling voices of about 36 friends around the piano were able to celebrate in traditional style, as with tree lights twinkling, the singing improved when the mulled wine and winter punch took effect - choir masters take note! A huge thank you to the many who helped - not just financially, but in practical ways - giving of their time ,energy (oh and mouth-watering mince pies!) to make the event so enjoyable. Over 500 euro was raised for the local Hospice for life limited children.

So followed the New Year with its usual plethora of resolutions. I have discovered over the years that I seem to make ‘em and break ‘em in quite a short space of time when they are about ME. For example I promise myself to eat more healthily, take more exercise, spend less money on myself, give up whatever I know is bad for me etc: So this year I had a brand new New Year thought.

Why not make my 2015 good resolves about someone else? As in – “I determine to be kinder to others, to show more loving concern, to be extra passionate about compassion , more generous in my giving of time energy and finances.” Whilst I may not manage this rather lofty sounding resolution 24/7 I know it will be a lot easier to stick to than my usual annual me, my, mine resolves.

So look out 2015...ring out the old ring in the new change for the better is a- coming .And if you see me around, should I ever be breaking any of the above, you are invited to give me a good kick of reminder up the proverbial. I feel a few ouches coming on!

Once again muchas gracias to all you kind hearted modern day Wenceslas Wonders out there...those people I met and was humbled by in 2014. You know who you are. I will endeavour to learn from your example. Together may we continue to bless the deprived, desperate and disadvantaged while persevering and praying for an end to man’s selfish greed, and therefore an end to all poverty and injustice in our world.

Maybe we can all heed the message in the last stanza of the not –just- for- Christmas-Carol , as Good King Wenceslas reminds us:“Therefore Christians all be sure Grace and wealth possessing, You that now do bless the poor Will yourselves find blessing.”

Kay Owen January 2015.

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Los Archivos

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THE ARCHIVES

Local musician wins first prize in prestigious local photography competition A Photograph entitled ‘The Archives’

by Elsa Jean McTaggart, has been selected for the Premio Award in the ‘XXIV Bahia de El Pajar’ Photography Competition 2015.

In its 24th year, this well established and highly regarded event is run by the Cultural Division of the Ayuntamiento de San Bartolomé de Tirajana Town hall.

Born into a long line of Artists and musicians, and also a long line of siblings Elsa came into the world as number five in what was to be eleven, 3 boys and eight girls.

Her parents met and married while at Edinburgh Art College, her mother a painter and her Father a sculptor, Elsa is a singer and a self-taught musician and Searching for an image that ‘Speaks composer. She plays the fiddle, guitar, more than a thousand words’, the judges penny whistle and box and can be heard choose three winners, a Junior award, a every night from 9.30pm in the Blarney Local award and the Premio Award.

Stone (Europa Centre, Top of Puerto Rico) and, except Fridays, the Shamrock Bar (in Shopping Center Puerto Rico) from 12 midnight to 1am.

‘El equilibrio de la pesca’ -.The Local award was won with ‘The Equilibrium of fishing’ taken on Inle Lake (Burma) by tourism graduate Leticia Garcia Ortiz.

The Youth Award was presented for ‘Miles de luces, un solo destino’ “Thousands of lights, only one destiny“ by 2nd year student of Science at IES Faro de Maspalomas, Jonathan Rodríguez Segura.

An exhibition of all of this year’s entrants and winners opens to the public at the Galleria de Casa Condal de Maspalomas, in San Fernando, Maspalomas, from the 27th of February.

“I have always loved photography but never considered it as more than a hobby…and hardly even that, my husband bought me a beautiful Sony 390 DSLR 3 years ago for Christmas and I generally used auto settings to ‘point and shoot’ ..but in November last year I realised it was time I learned a bit more about it and maybe explore it as a sideline”.

“My sister has a great eye for “I received a call about a week later to photography, having studied it at some inform me that I had won…however my of the courses, offered here on the Spanish is not the best and it wasn’t island. She suggested that I enter the until I actually went to the office that local competition just 2 weeks before I understood I had won a prize…and the the deadline! It motivate me, thinking Premio award at that. it would be nice to see a picture of mine on the wall when they presented the “I cannot describe the delight!! …and exhibition. I never once thought I had utter surprise ;) I feel most honoured a chance at any prizes. and a little sheepish …so all credit goes to my sister Josie for great advice!”

“I spent hours dredging through all my photos from the past 6 years…and came The Archives was taken when Elsa and her up with 4 that I really liked and posted husband were on tour with their music them on my Facebook page asking my show, playing a ‘Concert-cum-Ceilidh’ on friends to pick their favourite…I didn’t the Inner Hebridean Isle of Rúm really know what the judges were looking for …but my sister did and advised me to “What an incredible place! Adopted enter this picture ‘The Archives’. by the local residents we were shown

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around the island and skulls, boxed, tagged and hanging from the rafters. I had the National park, taken the camera hoping to catch a glimpse of deer and took (boasting Scotland’s this shot in colour originally, but felt it looked far better in longest running study black and white, a much cleaner, more provocative image. of Red Deer), up a very rugged mountain “I had never once considered that this shot would earn me track in a sturdy land €700 prize money! Just the help and justification I needed rover and after about to take the plunge and get a delicious, professional feeling an hour of rolling, 810 Nikon… experimentation and much reading of that little bumping and climbing, white manual book for me ahead. Happy Days!” we came to the ‘Old Wash house’ and this is what we saw! Search for Thr’myeye on Facebook if you would like to keep up to date with E.JMcTaggART‘s future projects and “Beautiful wild photo shoots, as a photographer she says she loves the landscapes and this hut challenge of new projects, and can be contacted through preserving the story Facebook or by phone ; 0034 672 103 099 of 90 years of Red facebook.com/E.JMcTaggART Deer, their antlers and

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The Mighty Quinny

Do you long for bygone times...

My name is Quinny, I’m in my mid fifties, and longing for a blast from the past. Christmas has left me a bit dazed and confused and if you too are of a certain age you may have felt the same.

Growing up in Tyne side as a child of the 60s, the youngest of six, we had an outside loo, and a tin bath which was used by all eight family members on a Sunday night. One of the reasons I grew up thinking I’d been born lucky was being the youngest, first bath was mine and dad was last. Those days are long gone and most people may think it is make-believe but it is all true and certainly won’t be missed.

Christmas in our household was a great time, we all had long socks hung up on the fireplace and in the morning they would be full with nuts, an apple, a tangerine and, if you where lucky, a half a crown (that was 121/2 pence, in real money) and one wrapped up gift. If any of us had asked for a tablet for Christmas, it would have been a junior aspirin we’d have been given.

Those days where simple and fun, and now bygone. Progress is a wonderful thing, but today’s gifts at the festive time leave me confused. Everyone, it seems, needs a laptop or a tablet or a phone that’s supposedly smart but does nothing for conversation.

Going to the pub was a time to chat with friends but now most

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people have their head buried in an e-book or are busy texting, surfing on the mobile, tweeting (I’d thought only birds did that) or using facebook or other [anti] social media.

So if you are of my age or older, you may understand what I am saying, the younger generation will think I’m a dinosaur. I do have a laptop at home and a mobile phone, that can make phone calls and even send texts, but I am much less likely than they are to have arthritic fingers or lose the power of speech in the future.

It all just reminds me over the festive season of how thankful I am times have changed and technology has advanced, but I remember too a time when the only communications device we had in our pockets was ten pence for the phone box down the street, and how I much prefer to say hello to people in person and smile and have a face to face chat.

You should give it a go sometime, don’t let your day revolve around pixels and pieces of plastic, have pint, switch it off, do some people watching, or better still have an actual conversation with a friend or a stranger, reconnect with yourself and those around you. You never know, you might ‘LIKE’ it!

Send your answers by email to: Quinny@TheCanaryNews.com, text them to 626 641 537 or call 928 987 952 for your chance to win a day trip for two aboard the amazing Afrikat catamaran, for an all inclusive voyage of discovery in the southern waters of Gran Canaria leaving from Puerto Rico. All correct answers will be collected together, independently drawn and announced in the next edition Last editions winners are Alan and Jean, who’ve won a night at the Molino de Agua rural hotel in Fatága.

S unshine

Editor-in-Chief: Edward JB Timon Editor@TheCanaryNews.com

1.Traditionaly what do pull before Christmas dinner - Ans Cracker

N ews ,

2.Which group had a hit with merry Christmas everybody - Ans Slade

10. Before joining Blackburn which club did Alan Shearer play for?

3.Father Christmas is known as Pappa Noel in which country - Ans Spain

9. Which group had a 70s hit with their version of Sinatra’s My Way?

4.Who reads the Christmas message on the 25th on UK tv - Ans the Queen

8. What is the Spanish word for the Sea?

5.In the song 12 days of xmas what is given on day five - Ans 5 Gold rings

Quinny@TheCanaryNews.com

6.What kind of xmas was Bing Crosby dreaming of - Ans White christmas

6. Name the worlds highest mountain?

7. What do Americans call baby’s nappies?

7.in xmas cakes Amereto flavours which type of icing - Ans Marzipan

5. What name is given to a baby seal?

- Ans January 6th

4. Forrest Gump said life is like a box of what?

8.What date is 3 kings day celebrated

3. Which football team where known as the crazy gang?

9.What colour is father Christmas belt - Ans Black

2. In the kids show Rainbow what was the hippo’s name?

Answers from last edition

10. What are the two most popular items that top a xmas tree - Ans Fairy and Star

1. The first call was made in the UK 30 years ago on 01-01-85 from which type of device?

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Living in Las Palmas and on island 1 and half a years, experience in restaurants, hotels and selling. Happy, fast learning and responsible girl who is looking for job. aiga.lace93@gmail.com 27 and looking for work .

Been living in Playa del Ingles for 4years.

Bar and waitress experience since 2006 working in a pool bar as a barmaid/cook (snack foods) since may 2014.

Early Years Level 3. Learning Spanish for the past couple of years. carmel88.cd@gmail.com Currently based in Las Palmas with partner who has a permanent contract.

20 years travel experience both overseas and in the UK. Preferably looking for anything available in the Las Palmas area but can travel. Happy with a tourism post or any administration position. CV on request.

Contact loubiedoouk@yahoo.co.uk Extraordinary Paranormal Magician offering shows to venues jay.edwards78@gmail.com

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Wanting full time work as a chef, 14years experience. Has been head chef in restaurants, also worked in bars, Speaks a little Spanish. chrisdorey2002@yahoo.co.uk Reliable, honest, nicely presented, responsible, 32 year old Dutch girl looking for a job. Vecindario, Las Palmas,Puerto Rico, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés.

Speaks Dutch, English, German and basic Spanish. Experience: supermarket, bakery, pr work, cleaning houses, bar work, walking dogs, and working in a gardencenter dianavanham@hotmail.com Know someone that needs some help, nursing or support with everyday tasks?

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A rguineguín Expanding our team, sourcing telephone based agents & regional sales reps.

Enthusiastic, self motivated people that are driven prospect of an open ended payment structure. Basic wage plus commission based incentives. Applicants must have a Smartphone, andriod or Iphone and an advanced level of Spanish & English, be well presented & hold strong interpersonal skills. Training will be provided however sales experience is preferable.

Email Joshua@creativeocean.co.uk with your CV. Now Hiring Motivated Sales Staff Currently looking for English, Norwegian and German Reps, TO’s and managers. You will be working with our own Software “Realistix Solutions” in a friendly work environment. Top rates of commission and spiffs. PM or email info.isseurope@gmail.com

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Staff Wanted Looking for two bright, energetic, enthusiastic people to join their team. Playa Del inglés and Puerto Rico.

Fluency in English, plus a Scandinavian language (Swe, Nor, Dan) is a must. Experience in sales & customer service an advantage but not essential as full training will be given. Spanish contract, accommodation offered, guaranteed minimum earnings plus commission, with great working hours.

Send CV to pmolin@suncarecentral.com or call direct to Peter Molin on (0034) 651 170 425.

Ann Marie Kell is an acclaimed psychic and medium, specialising in Tarot and Horoscope readings, as well as being an author and columnist for the magazine Silent Voices February 2015 TheCanaryNews.com/Horoscopes AnneMarieKell.com ♈

ARIES: 21st March – 20th April Get ready for an exciting month filled with possibilities! As Uranus’ Squared position with Pluto makes it seem as if you have difficulties changing financial and relationship situations that are not working out in your favour, his Trine with Jupiter helps you find the support you need right around you, helping you to manifest your dreams and use those past experiences to result in spectacular career opportunities, and it only gets better as the month moves along!..

Lucky Days: 13th – 15th

CANCER: 22nd June – 22nd July The Moon begins and ends the month in your sign this month, finding herself in T Squared position with Uranus and Pluto both times. On the 1st, it’s the same old situation with finances, where there never seems to be enough to cover everything, and though you really want to provide everything you can to those that love you, you find yourself feeling as if you’re stopping short of the finish line every time. But her Trine with Mars shows you that money alone doesn’t prove your love...

Lucky Days: 19th – 21st

TAURUS: 21st April – 21st May The first week of the month brings a nice break from any kind of specific focus, one of those times where you can go with the flow, not much challenge, but rather a peaceful feeling. The type of feeling that can be unsettling, like the calm before the storm. If you feel this way, you wouldn’t be completely off, though it’s only a storm if you allow it to be. As you get into the second week of the month, focus moves toward the mirror that is the reflection of our inner most self, both the beautiful and the pain attached to old roots...

Lucky Days: 15th – 17th

LEO: 23rd July – 23rd August The Moon heads into your sign on the 2nd, spending her few days early and then moving on for the rest of the month. Jupiter’s opposition with the Sun and Mercury only intensifies with her influence, and you may find yourself thinking thoughts about all of the things in the world that seem to get in the way of achieving your dreams. But she also intensifies Jupiter’s Trine with Pluto, providing the support you need in order to help you see that the way you’re looking at things is ultimately what is getting in your way...

Lucky Days: 21st – 23rd

GEMINI: 22nd May – 21st June February is all about you! The celebration of one of the most multi-faceted of signs, and the many accomplishments that you are capable of!

The energy is perfect for new ventures, as well as advancement in already begun ventures. As the Month moves toward the end, you’ll find some time to relax, reflecting on the amazing things you’ve been able to create while giving you some time to recuperate for the next big thing. But as the Moon comes into your sign on the 25th...

Lucky Days: 17th – 19th

VIRGO: 24th August – 22nd Sept This month you may find yourself focused on home and those you love. Whether you find that your called upon to care for those individuals, or fix or organize some things in the home, it feels as if the need to make things a bit easier is what February is all about. With a busy schedule, it’s important to make sure all of your responsibilities flow smoothly from one to another, and the Moon coming into your sign on the 5th comes in like a wrecking ball, making it seem as if your daily responsibilities...

Lucky Days: 23rd – 25th

LIBRA: 23rd September – 23rd October This month you find yourself focused on those you love, both in beautiful and difficult ways, especially as the Moon comes into your sign on the 7th. Her opposition with Mars may make a bit of difficulty when you find yourself torn by a decision that may not be best for the family, but it may be for you, but at the same time, her Grand Sextile with Saturn and Mercury prove that some of those you love dearly are there to help you make that decision...

Lucky Days: 25th – 27th

CAPRICORN: 22nd December – 20th January This month seems to revolve around finances and relationships as Pluto moves easily from one situation to another. The Moon in your sign on the 14th through the 16th joins Pluto in his Squared position with Uranus causing difficulties when it seems as if you feel that some who are there to support you only seem to do so because of what you can offer them. This may not be the case, or it may be the case, but it’s the feeling that makes it just such a yucky situation...

Lucky Days: 4th – 6th

SCORPIO: 24th October – 22 November Prioritizing your schedule is what is in store for you this month, creating open spaces for new ideas and new things to keep life exciting and fun! The Moon comes into your sign on the 10th, spending the next couple of days in Trine position with Neptune, Venus, and Mars, helping to put some energy behind your accomplishments when it comes to your career, and helping you to see the importance of what you do...

Lucky Days: 27th and 28th, 1st and 2nd

AQUARIUS: 21st January – 18th February HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all the Aquarians born this month!!! Mercury’s retrograde ends on the 11th and as he and the Sun move out of opposition with Jupiter for a bit in the middle of the month, you can find a bit of a rest period when it comes to advancements in career and personal goals. But the Moon brings it back for a day when she comes into your sign on the 17th, and you may find yourself focused on your own failure in achieving your dreams...Lucky Days: 6th – 8th

SAGITTARIUS: 23rd November – 21st December This month building strong relationships around a busy schedule is the focus of most of your time, and Saturn’s Squared position with Neptune finds itself a problem as first Mars, then Venus, and finally the Sun toward the end of the month join in this aspect, often making it seem as if no matter what you do you can’t seem to move forward when it comes to your career. The Moon entering your sign on the 12th only makes this feeling more intense...

Lucky Days: 2nd – 4th

PISCES: 19th February – 20th March HAPPY BIRTHDAY PISCES!!!! And Happy Birthday to all of the fishies born this month!!!! Mars, Venus and the Sun make their way through your sign this week, bringing new energy, love, and success when it comes to your career and enjoying those that love you. At the same time, all of these planets join Neptune in her Squared position with Saturn, making waves when it seems that those who are supposed to support you in your success may not seem like they are, and even creating issues when it seems as if you just don’t have the time...

Lucky Days: 8th – 10th