The Courier Week 41

Edition 41

www.thecourier.es

Friday, December 2, 2011

TON-DERFUL!

By DONNA GEE

THE whole of Spain has united in a remarkable campaign to save the life of a 10-year-old girl – by collecting plastic BOTTLE TOPS. And the expat community has now joined the quest to raise €200,000 for Aitana Garcia Doiz to undergo a double heart and lung transplant in America.

The campaign’s mission is to rake in the money by collecting enough bottle tops… at 300 euros per metric TONNE (which is slightly more than a ton).

In other words, the nation SPOKESMAN Pedro must find around 700 TONS Mancebo (above) has of bottle tops (plastic, not issued a statement saymetal) to send Aitana on her ing councillor for the way to the States – and coast Bob Houliston was hopefully a happy and expelled from CLrhealthy future.

CLARO because of fears Progress the expat was planning to No-one dares to hazard a overthrow Orihuela’s guess how many individual coalition government.

Houliston’s expulsion tops those 700 tons will came amid accusations entail. The figure could run that he was in talks with into hundreds of millions, but the opposition PP party the latest progress report on and was about to support the campaign website conthem in a Moción de firmed that around €58,000 Censura (a confidence has already been raised. ‘’ There is still a long way to motion) against the coalition. To win such a get to Boston, but we are gradually getting closer to motion, goal,’’ Aitana’s father Turn to Page 3 our confirmed recently..

Spain unites in bottle-top campaign to save Aitana most prestigious children´s cardiologists - has opened a window of hope for Aitana and her family.

It will be a costly and precarious venture but ,under the campaign banner ‘’Together, we can help Aitana to smile again’’, her parents Luis Miguel Garcia Garcia and Isabel Doiz launched a campaign which has captured the nation’s heart.

Aitana: She needs a heart and lung transplant

Dropped Aitana, from Aragon, was born with congenital heart defect (CHD), which is causing obstructions to the blood flow in her heart and the vessels around it. She also suffers from a defect in the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart, and a cleft palate.

In 2006, she had surgery lasting a marathon 20 hours,

which required a two-month post-operation hospital stay.

She has now had six cardiac catheterisations but doctors believe the only solution to new complications is a double lung and heart transplant - and with no guarantee of success.

Now Dr. Pedro del Nilo from Boston Children´s Hospital - one of the world’s

Basically, this is how it works: People all over the country collect all kinds of bottle tops - milk, juice, washing machine gel and softener, shampoo, gel bottles, etc.

Full bags can be dropped at any SEUR transport office.

SEUR is contributing to the cause by offering free transport all over Spain, from each and every local office.

All the plastic tops are

taken to a recycling plant in Ibi (Alicante), where they give Aitana´s family that allimportant €300 per tonne.

The campaign website and blog, which are run by Aitana´s parents, can be found at www.unasonrisaparaaitana.com You can also keep in touch with the latest campaign news on Facebook, where ‘Todos con Aitana, ayúdanos a devolverle la sonrisa’ has more than 2,200 supporters.

l

To emphasise the expat community’s solidarity with the campaign, The Courier and Professional Business Support are offering our mutual offices at c/Luis Canovas Martinez 1, Aguas Nuevas in Torrevieja, as a drop-off point for bottle tops.

We will arrange distribution. Call 966 923 963 or 617 935 721 for further information and directions.

Brit stabbing suspects bailed

THE two Brits being held in custody without charge following a stabbing incident in a Cabo Roig bar in July have been released on bail.

Kyle Thain, 24, and James Harris, 29, both from Southend. were freed last weekend. They claim they can prove they were elsewhere at the time of the attack.

Their passports were returned after each paid £6,000 bail, but Thain said they would lose the money if they left the country.

He added that being told that bail had been granted was ‘‘the best moment of my life. Words can't describe how I felt at the time of being told the positive news. We

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Friday, December 2, 2011

‘‘That’s just cake dressed up like a dog’s dinner’’ TELEPHONE

96 692 1003 679 096 309 JUNGLE DRUMS E-MAIL office@thecourier.es WEB www.thecourier.es HEAD OFFICE Calle Luis Canovas Martinez 1. Urb Aguas Nuevas, Torrevieja 03183, ALICANTE PHONE: 96 692 1003 Email: office@thecourier.es OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 1030 to 1730 EDITOR Donna Gee ADVERTISING SALES 96 621 1003 office@thecourier.es TELESALES 96 621 1003 616 332 178 Sally Los Alcazares, San Javier 618 391 491 Myra Quesada, Rojales, Torrevieja, San Miguel Tel. 618 583 765 Jean La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig Tel. 618 898 034 Therese Guardamar, La Marina, Santa pola, Gran Alacant Tel 616 332 178 Writers Donna Gee Amanda Black Sally Bengtsson Rebecca Marks Alex Trelinski Dave Silver Harold Heys Steve Bott Tony Mayes Jake Monroe

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Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.

Picture of the week

96 692 1003

SHOOT THE STRIKERS! TOP GEAR motormouth Jeremy Clarkson sparked yet another storm on Wednesday when he told TV viewers that striking publicsector workers should be shot dead “in front of their families”.

The BBC was immediately forced to apologise for his comments in a live interview on BBC1 flagship programme Kyle The One Show.

Thain The Daily Mirror reported that Clarkson, 51, had been asked about the public sector workers who went on strike From Page One had been granted was "the across Britain on Wednesday.

“I’d have them all shot,’’ he said. “I would take them outbest moment of my life.

Words can't describe how I side and execute them in front of their families.

“I mean, how dare they go on strike when they’ve got felt.

We screamed, we cried, all the emotions these gilt-edged pensions that are going to be guaranteed while the rest of us have to work for a living.” rolled into one."

Thain's mother, Sharon Harris, and her husband had sold their family home to pay for the legal fight.

"I'm absolutely ecstatic,’’ she said. “I know they are innocent so I knew they couldn't be held for too long, but after five months I was beginning to lose a little bit of hope."

Clarkson in new fury as viewers jam BBC lines Jeremy Clarkson: Has he shot himself in the foot?

Stirred

Show hosts Alex Jones and Matt Baker appeared visibly shocked and struggled to compose themselves following Clarkson’s remarks.

And the motoring guru, who is paid over a £1million a year by the BBC, left TV viewers stirred things up even more by also claiming trains should not stop for people who have committed suicide by throwing themselves on tracks.

The pair were forced to issue a public apology live on air after the show was deluged with complaints, while thousands of furious TV viewers hit out at Clarkson on Twitter and Facebook.

Furious TV viewer Crystalline Swine posted on Twitter: “Just tried calling the BBC to complain about Jeremy Clarkson, and can’t get through due to a high volume of calls.”

Ian Charles added on Twitter: “Jeremy Clarkson should get the sack from the BBC over his shoot strikers comment.

But he won’t, since he can get away with anything...”

Daily Mirror columnist Tony Parsons posted on Twitter: “Jeremy Clarkson has misjudged the moment. Criticising striking public sector workers today is like sieg-heiling at Last Night of the Proms.

Monday Sunny High Temperature: 21°C RealFeel: 20°C

“Those saying Jeremy Clarkson’s ‘execute the strikers in front of their families’ is his Jonathan Ross moment are right.”

Clarkson, who is also a columnist for The Sun and The Sunday Times, is paid an estimated £1million plus by the BBC. Last year he earned an extra £850,000 from spin-offs from the Top Gear Live show.

Ex-deputy prime minister John Prescott posted on Twitter: “Clarkson says these things to be outrageous and obviously doesn’t mean it. But I think he’s misjudged the public mood.

“I know Jeremy Clarkson likes winding people up but it’s worth pointing out he gets £1m a year from the licence fee/public sector.’’

A BBC spokesman said: "The One Show apologised at the end of the show to viewers who may have been offended by Jeremy Clarkson's comments.’’

Friday Partly sunny High Temperature: 19°C RealFeel: 18°C

Saturday Mostly cloudy High Temperature: 18°C RealFeel: 19°C

Sunday Partly sunny High Temperature: 19°C RealFeel: 18°C

Tuesday Partly cloudy High Temperature: 16°C RealFeel: 17°C

Wednesday Sunny High Temperature: 18°C RealFeel: 19°C

Thursday Sunny High Temperature: 17°C RealFeel: 19°C

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Taxi driver Yolanda in hijack nightmare AN Alicante taxi driver is recovering from the trauma of being forced to drive 200 kilometres by two pot-smoking robbers posing as passengers.

After she picked up the two men in Alicante City, they stole her takings and forced her to reveal her PIN number and pull over at a cash machine, where they withdrew €600 € from her bank account.

The 34-year-old man and an underage youth were armed with a Serrano ham knife, an axe and a harpoon.

The cabbie, named only as Yolanda, was forced to continue driving for three hours while her passengers sat smoking cannabis joints in the back.

However, she managed to activate her distress alarm and the vehicle was tracked by its GPS system and intercepted in El Campello by the Guardia Civil.

Yolanda, who has been a cabbie for eight years, braked to a sudden stop and managed to escape from the vehicle unhurt.

RIDE AND PREJUDICE Unlike Brits they just love us in Spain, say Torrevieja bikers club

ARE you one of those righteous bores who thinks anyone on a motorbike must be a crazed Hells Angel bent on tearing the backside out of society?

Well, you could not be more out of touch with the Spanish attitude to bikers.

While many expats find the noise of revving bikes exhausting, for want of a better word, the average Spaniard just loves it. And so does his family.

To them, cheering a passing bikers’ ride out is better than letting off firecrackers any day.

Take it from Selwyn Hansford, secretary of the Torrevieja-based Route 66 Bikers Club. ‘‘When it comes to complaining, here in Spain we find exactly the opposite to the UK,’’ he says. ‘The Spanish love the bikes and the more noise the better for them. ‘’When we ride out into the mountains and off the beaten track the whole Spanish family will give us a wave and encourage you to rev your engine or beep your horn.’’

It’s also a misconception that most bik- Selwyn and Denise Hansford (in the middle) pictured at the ers are young men. Most Route 66 regu- recent Valencia MotoGP with Dave Latham, a promotional model lars are between 50 and 70 years old… ...and a replica of Valentino Rossi’s Ducati racing bike hardly the type to cause trouhe has just taken delivery of off at the first bend! ble.

By DONNA GEE The Route 66 group were his third, a Honda CBF600, The group was formed a made to feel like big wheels little over a year ago by Dave comes all bikers and pillions to add to his collection! themselves on the way Latham, a former Fleet Street both resident and non-resi“We recently organised an home from Valencia, with photographer with a love of dent -and any type of bike. overnight trip to the Valencia whole families manning the everything motorcycles.

Says secretary Hansford: MotoGP which Selwyn says motorway bridges to wave Latham, who retired to Los “We currently have anything was a great success – apart at the bikes.

Montesinos some five years from a Honda Fireblade to a Ride-out destinations for ago, wanted to meet up with Harley Davidson turning up from Valentino Rossi falling like-minded bikers in the Torrevieja area for informal ride outs. And his efforts quickly kick-started.

These days the 'club' wel-

at our weekly Tuesday rideouts from Bar Tabalache in Los Montesinos.

“Dave himself is a bit greedy on the bike front as

Houliston - a threat removed From Page One the PP needed only one extra councillor to vote with them, and Mancebo believed Houliston was planning to be that councillor.

A successful no-confidence motion would have seen the return to power of the PP party under Monica Lorente.

Houliston denies he was in talks with the PP and claims he was fully supporting the coalition. However, Mancebo believed rumours of talks and took the measure to stop Houliston teaming up with the PP against the coaltion.

Only councillors who are members of a municipal group are able to vote in a no con-

fidence motion, so by throwing Houliston out of the group, CLr-Claro have removed any possibility of him supporting the PP in such a vote. l HOULISTON: PIG IN MIDDLE OR PIG IN MUCK WITH PP? - see Page 6

Musical union

A FREE Christmas concert is being staged

by Guardamar’s musical associations on December 17 in the Casa de Cultura. John Paul II Choir, Barcarola Choir, Aromas de Guardamar Choir, and the Guardamar Musical Association will join forces to perform Christmas classics.

The Hansfords and Latham on the Valencia podium

the Torrevieja bikers vary, depending on the time of year and weather. Past trips have included some lovely twisty roads as far north as Calpe and as southerly as the spaghetti westerns location in Almeria.

Route 66 stalwarts also meet socially on a Wednesday evening from 7pm at Monty's Bar on the Montebello Urbanisation close to the Zocco market.

There, they discuss the following week’s ride-out route and time.

“Everyone is always made very welcome - whatever their bike and ability,’’ says Selwyn, who emphasises that the 'club' is very informal and welcomes anyone of any who wishes to join in the action.

“There are no 'positions' to speak of, we just try to help each other out when needed.’’

Hansford and his wife Denise both retired five years ago. They live in Cheshire but spend the winter months in Torrevieja.

“We bring our Yamaha FJR1300 over with us behind the car on a trailer,’’ says Selwyn. “It loves the sun!’’

As for those who take part in the ride-outs, many are couples – and there’s also a regular sole lady rider, Carol, who Selwyn says “would appreciate some female rider support!’’

Oh, and on a good day, you can even meet Elvis the biker (in the form of Malcolm and his wife, who do an Elvis and Tina Turner tribute show).

Details of the next Route 66 ride-out can be found on their new website at http://www.wix.com/davelathamspain/route-66-bikers

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Friday, December 2, 2011

A crook with a hook look what she took!

I BEGAN my column last week with a warning that my wife had spotted a man climbing out of a bin for waste paper and cardboard, having probably been rooting inside for people's personal details.

The amateur sleuth (she would make a brilliant addition to the police force) has been at it again.

She spotted a woman acting suspiciously near our communal letter boxes last Friday.

As she approached, the woman, with long blond hair and aged about 40, quickly scuttled off carrying a bag containing something. Inside the letters cabinet she found a long, bent aluminium skewer, probably used to hook letters from individual boxes.

Our community president has now decided to lock the cabinet every night and has sent out a warning to residents to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously around letter boxes.

As Christmas approaches, there is always the possibility that people will post presents and it makes stealing from letter boxes more lucrative.

So be warned and keep your eyes peeled.

The shape of things to come?

Counting the cost of the Euro to Spain

I AM fast believing there is little hope for much of the human race - and a news item doing the rounds confirmed my worst fears.

Journalists (yes, the vast majority are good people, not the few who would sell their grandmother for 2p) have been investigating a church with roots in America and branches in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow, which has been claiming it can cure every kind of illness, including AIDS and HIV, through the word of God. It gets worse, because this "church" has led people to believe that because they have been cured, they no longer need to go to the doctor or hospital, or to take medication.

At least five people with AIDS/HIV have died as a result and goodness knows how many more have been infected by the horrendous disease, because the patients believed they were cured and no longer at risk of infecting others.

This abomination of a church expects its flock to make large donations and also enjoys charitable status.

Reporters secretly filmed the activities of the so-called healers, who went through a tirade of rigmarole imploring the Devil to come out of the patient's body while spraying ‘holy' water in his or her face.

The ‘healers’ told the patients that if they suffered diarrhoea it was a sign of the virus leaving the body.

The full weight of the law should bear down on these socalled churches which are preying (not praying) on people at their most vulnerable.

The State has been reluctant to investigate and bring

criminal charges against such charlatans because of the religious backlash which would be unleashed.

But when lives are at risk, the police and prosecution service should not shy away from such a task.

As for charitable status - come on Government, get real, stop throwing the public's money at such organizations, which deserve total contempt.

The problem arises when people realise they can capitalise on the deep religious beliefs of others. The believers are being manipulated to part with their money and to give credibility to their appalling activities.

There are many churches which are doing considerable good in the community, caring for their ‘flock’ and within the wider society, which are damaged by these sad few.

My wife and I are members of the Salvation Army and know how much good is done worldwide by that organisation. We know only too well what can be done when a church truly acts for the benefit of all people, regardless of whether a person believes in God or not. That is people working for good, not evil. REGULAR readers will know I have scant regard for Britain's membership of the EU and news that UK membership is costing a staggering £50 million a day is a scandal.

Political leaders never fail to remind us that our major trading partner is the EU - and for that reason we should remain

in membership. Fair enough, but if Britain pulled out, Europe would still be there. Is every country in Europe suddenly going to put the shutters down and refuse to do business with us? I think not.

Business being business, a British company providing goods and or services at the right price will still do business in Europe, whether we are in or out of the EC. I think our membership is less to do with business interests and more to do with the over-inflated egos of UK politicians. Far better to be a big fish in a big sea than a small one.

I heard a really stupid comment on the subject from David Cameron - that it was better to be in the EC than outside, like a country such as Norway.

If only we had the wealth of Norway - little debt, little unemployment and much more prosperity. Oh yes, they didn't squander the wealth of North Sea oil. And I can't imagine that Norway has any difficulty doing business with countries within the EU.  READING English language newspapers locally, there's much scaremongering about the prospect of a break-up of the euro. So, what would happen if Spain gave the peseta a rebirth?

There would be a mass devaluation and, in the short term, property prices would be much lower. Inflation would be rampant.

But ex-pats receiving their pensions from Britain would find their money going much further, and within a short time there would be a mass inward investment. So much so that property prices would probably end up far higher after a few years.

Not all doom and gloom by any means. A load of shortterm pain and eventual gain, say the money men I've been talking to. LASTLY, the headlines in the UK blasted us with the news that Britain has the worst statistics in Europe for female obesity.

The sad fact is that around a quarter of British women are obese and the statistics for men are not much better.

It's little surprise when there are so many programmes on British TV which focus on food. Chefs dreaming up dishes and people stuffing their faces.

Then there are the adverts - over and over again urging people to buy chocolates, cakes and every other food.

Temptation or what?

Friday, December 2, 2011

ONE of my phobias is animals without legs – things like maggots, worms and snakes.

When we lived in England, my husband Andres used maggots for bait and would keep them in the fridge. HORRIFIC! He assured me that they would never escape because they go dormant in those temperatures. The maggots weren’t listening, though, and one day I opened the fridge and they were everywhere!

I was so traumatised that the divorce papers began to rustle…but Andres found another ‘’ingenious" place to store them. He placed them in very tall, lidless containers in an old coal shed adjoining the kitchen which had an independent exterior door.

"They'll never escape from there, the containers are too tall and slippery," he again assured me.

But once again the maggots had other ideas - during the night they all wriggled to one side of the container and tipped it over!

By the morning there wasn't a single straggler left – and we couldn't find them anywhere. I assumed that they'd crawled out of the door. WRONG! Some two weeks later I noticed a couple of bluebottles in the house. A few days later a couple of dozen were flying around…and before you could say ‘Bottle of Britain’, we were at war with a couple of trillion of them!

My Andres, his maggots - and the scourge of flying bottles

Chaos Our dog had always chased the odd fly that ventured indoors. But suddenly she turned into a Tasmanian Devil and furniture and ornaments where strewn everywhere in the chaos.

On the second day of the week-long bombardment, our very house-proud, nextdoor neighbour knocked on and asked meekly: "I'm sorry to bother you with this strange question, but are you having any trouble with bluebottles? We have an infestation."

"Oh my goodness" I replied, feigning surprise.

"How awful for you. No, we haven't noticed anything.’’

I still haven't dared to tell her the truth.

The more I think about the years Andres and I have had together, the more daft things he's said and done spring back to mind.

When you and I want to speak to family and friends, oh, how easy it is now. Not so in 1978, the year that we settled in Bury, near Manchester.

Saturdays

were" phone the family in Spain" day. What a production! We would prepare a bag of 10 pence pieces and trek to the nearest working phone box, come rain (more often than not) or shine, and proceed with the stressful challenge of dialling the 13 digits and actually getting through.

Then Andres would cling on to the handset, while I frantically pushed the coins into the slot, at a steady rhythm, dropping half of them in panic. The line was always dreadful.

Nowadays I'm sure we could speak to Martians on a clearer line.

We couldn't afford our own phone, so Andres was grateful just to hear the muffled voices of his madre y padre.

Even so, he was permanently homesick, so we decided to find a radio that would pick up the Spanish stations.

Listening to his compatriots would help him feel nearer to them. Again , how easy that is now with the technology that we take so much for

granted.

His first radio was almost the size of a fridge-freezer.

We picked it up from a second-hand shop and to this day aim convinced it had previously been used by Russian spies!

He could just about hear the stations if we all shut up (impossible for me, ask anyone). But he convinced himself that he needed bigger aerials for better reception.

So big aerials he bought.

Still, not good enough. He then thought that he needed aerial wires. OK up to now, quite sane assumptions.

Not so sane to bung the wires into the plug socket and blow all the fuses in the house!

Chaos Another brainwave came to him. He now had the idea that the longer the wire, the more reception, so off he went to the D.I.Y. shop and came back with flipping miles of it.

His fear of heights was overtaken by his desperation to hear España so he waited until I toddled off to the shopping centre, and climbed a rickety ladder on to the steep roof.

He would actually have managed to do the job secretly, except for the fact that he froze with fear and couldn't get back down.

I arrived home three very

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Friday, December 2, 2011

A MATA FOR CONCERN...

LA MATA boardwalk took a severe battering during the recent storms, as these somewhat worrying pictures show.

Courier reader ROLAND OLDROYD, who took the photos, reports: “The hole in the supporting wall and unsupported ‘legs’ are still like that.

“There have been essentially cosmetic fixes, but the boardwalk as a whole is now, in my opinion, becoming in need of major repairs.

“Much of it is rotting away, loose, uneven and likely to be left so because of the vast amount of money needed to fix it.’’

HOULISTON – PIG IN MIDDLE OR PIG IN MUCK WITH PP? The retired Brit is still acting councillor and is continuing with the responsibilities Mayor Monserrate Guillen has BRITiSH councillor Bob Houliston probably assigned him. The leader of CLr-CLARO took the decision never imagined he would become the piggy in last Wednesday, saying: “We cannot be constantly subjected to speculations in the local press, especially when the the middle of Orihuela’s political parties.

The CLr-CLARO coalition, together with Los Verdes and rumours are of such transcendence for the governing team. ‘’CLr will not permit anyone toying with the municipal govPSOE, make up 13 councillors, one more than the 12 PP ernment, nor subjecting them to blackmail or pressure.” councillors in the opposition.

The pressure he is talking about is threats such as, “The However, Houliston - CLARO councillor for the coast - has been expelled from the coalition - and his vote is being fought PP will welcome us with open arms” or, “If Claro doesn’t get what it wants, we’ll jump over by both sides.

CLr-CLARO coalition leader Pedro Mancebo had had ship”. These are phrases enough of the rumours that Houliston had been hobnobbing which Mancebo attributes with PP councillors and negotiating a vote of no-confidence, to Antonio Cerdan, advisor for the coast, and which Pedro Mancebo (left) with Bob Houliston so he kicked him out of the coalition.

Houliston has allegedly done nothing to quash.

Houliston, who denies the accusations, will now be able to act as tie-breaker for all votes in the local parliament.

CLARO members deny that Houliston has been secretly negotiating with and Antonio Cerdan as a THE CLARO expulsion from Mayor Monserrate Guillen the PP, and insist their supmember.

When these efforts the municipal group CLrport of the governing party has always been 100% - despite failed, he resigned - and did CLARO was in fact the culmithe understandable tensions that exist between the four parso in a manner intended to nation of a consistent cam- interests of the people living ties. do maximum damage to the paign since July, when CLr on the coast.

CLARO held a meeting last weekend at The Asturias to party. entered the government, to Some weeks before the elect a new secretary after Modesto Veloso resigned due to Days after the resignation weaken the position of the CLARO. AGM, its then his lack of confidence in Houliston. councillor for the Coast and Secretary General began a came the expulsion, citing José Luis Montero, one of the founding members of divide the management of fierce internal campaign to principally the arguments CLARO, was elected secretary general, and Houliston regiven by the ex-Secretary the coast. discredit and remove from Modesto Veloso: He elected President of the party. All members vowed to continThis, we firmly believe, the Executive Committee of General to justify his resigna- quit as CLARO secretary ue working together in unity for the citizens of Orihuela tion. would not have been in the CLARO myself as President CLARO is in the way and Costa.

Our conviction is that these efforts were linked and we do not intend to move were intended to divide the over for the political convenience of CLr. party.

The importance of our They stem from a fundamental political weakness of AGM was that the party the CLr Party, who have little stood firm and united in the political future in Orihuela city face of these efforts to divide us and leave the interests of or the surrounding villages.

This leaves the votes of the coast to Orihuela-based the coast, which they seem political parties which have determined to get but not by not served us too well in the past. democratic means.

By SALLY BENGTSSON

The Houliston View: It was all designed to divide and weaken

By BOB HOULISTON

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Shy-guy Speed’s grand act of generosity GARY SPEED used to be known for his passing on the field. History will remember him more for his passing away - and the horrific way he took his own life.

Back in the late 1990s, I was part of a charity committee whose annual celebrity evenings raised funds for sick and terminally ill children.

These corporate events were run on the lines of BBC TV’s A Question of Sport, with giant TV screens relaying the questions, and each of the 30 tables of 10

hosted by a well-known sports personality.

Unlike the corporate guests, the celebrities were not asked or expected to donate to the cause. Merely giving up their evening to attend was invariably enough to put bums on seats. And one or two of the guests really WERE bums.

Speed, then a star Premiership player, came along one year with his then Leeds teammate Gary McAllister, who ironically was sitting alongside him on Saturday’s

Football Focus programme, his final appearance in public.

I remember him as a man of few words, shy if anything - and the type who responds to, rather than initiates conversation.

Anyway, the presence of so many sporting heroes, coupled with copious amounts of alcohol and strategically placed pledge cards, helped to syphon the cream from the fat-cats.

For the celebrities, it was generally a

case of eat, drink and don’t spend a penny.

However, when the committee treasurer finally counted up the pledges, he found that the two Garys had each donated £1,000.

OK, they could more than afford it...but it was nevertheless a selfless act of generosity that demonstrated the character of both men.

I just hope the shy guy from Flint is getting his reward in Heaven.

BREADLINE NEWS

A few medieval crumbs I HAVE no idea how many people attended Guardamar’s colourful Medieval Market festivities at he weekend.

But you can bet the figure would have been several times higher had the three-day event been properly publicised. The first I heard about it was late last Thursday, a couple of hours after The Courier went to press, when I spotted a mention of it on a local community website.

But how many readers, I wonder, actually knew it was taking place?

It seems that Guardamar’s cash-strapped administration is now so hard-up that there is no one left to feed morsels to the media - or anyone else - in good time.

The absence of proper promotion was so sad because it was obvious from looking around the market that the stallholders had been planning this particular weekend for some time.

I took a stroll around on Sunday afternoon. The place should have AT THE BREADY: Baking time for Juanjo El Panadero at the Medieval Market been buzzing as people in medieval dress touted everything from bread baked in front of you to clothes and jewellery, a gaggle of geese and donkey rides for the kids.

The only happy element in all this were the donkeys...because with only 50 or so people about, this was no packed pre-Xmas extravanganza.

Indeed, I’d be amazed if any of the stallholders made more than a token profit.

I also suspect that few of them realise that inadequate The Broadband and Telephone Company marketing may well have deprived them of hundreds of potential customers.

966 784 532

At least I still have my own teeth...

RESEARCHERS in Taiwan have found that visiting the dental hygienist at least once a year reduces the risk of a heart attack by 24 per cent.

They also discovered that people who went to see their dentist regularly also had a 13 per cent reduced risk of stroke.

The researchers examined the records of more than 100,000 people over a seven-year period and recorded the frequency of their visits to a hygienist.

"Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year," confirmed Taipei cardiologist Dr. Zu-Yin Chen.

Now I know why I’ve still got my own teeth. It’s all those visits to the stentist.

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Friday, December 2, 2011

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10

Friday, December 2, 2011

A SPOT OF BOTHER

THEY say you can never go back.

That whatever happy memories you have of the past must stay in the past.

That if you try to recapture those wonderful times you are bound to be sorely disappointed.

I was determined to disprove this theory.

And so on Wednesday afternoon I strode purposefully into the pub I'd first entered more than 30 years previously and I am pleased to confirm that it was like I'd never been away.

It hadn't changed one iota. Even Dave the barman was still there.

'Hiya, Dave,' he greeted me. 'Hiya, Dave,' I greeted him.

Desiring to maintain our sparkling conversation I asked him how he'd been keeping since we'd last met.

'Fine, my friend,' he said, 'although I must confess that nothing worthy of note has occurred since you were in here last night. So how's life been treating you since yesterday?'

'Same old, same old,' I said, 'although I was thinking of growing a beard again.'

Dave the barman scratched his head in deep thought. 'Again? But you've never had a beard.'

'I know that,' I said. 'But I have THOUGHT about it

before.'

I was already becoming bored with the subject of facial hair but Dave the barman wouldn't let it go.

'I had a beard once,' he said, 'and although my hair is dark, the beard grew ginger.'

'How interesting,' I yawned, fighting to stay awake.

'It's not that surprising, though,' said Dave. 'The ginger is from my mother's side.'

I opened both eyes wide.

Dave the barman suddenly had my full attention.

'What!' I exclaimed. 'Your mother had ginger hair growing out of her side?

How anatomically weird is that!'

Dave went off to serve another customer and then returned to my end of the bar.

'Incidentally,' he said, 'I saw a great old film on the telly last night.

'It was a farce about a young girl who lounges around in bed all day, talking

in a funny voice and indulging in some knockabout comedy with two blokes dressed up as clerics.'

I sighed. 'That'll have been The Exorcist. It's only one of the most frightening movies ever made.'

Dave the barman shrugged. 'I wondered why Sid James and Kenneth Williams weren't in it.'

Why do I bother, I thought.

'Remind me to lend you my copy of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,' I said.

'You'll laugh your socks off.'

'I'll tell you what IS funny,' commented Mrs S when I got home. 'That pulsating red pimple that's perched on the end of your nose.'

I scurried upstairs and stared at my by now throbbing proboscis in the bathroom mirror.

I looked like a third-rate circus clown who'd run out of make-up after decorating his conk.

I went back downstairs.

Mrs S pointed at my schnoz and tried not to giggle.

'Thanks, luv,' I grumbled.

'You certainly know how to make a man feel good.'

'A man, yes,' she agreed.

I dashed to the chemist's, collared a sales assistant and asked if she had any soothing balms or unguents.

'Just a minute, chuck,' she replied. 'I'm on pile ointments and cough mixtures today.

'Tracy!' she called out across the crowded premises. 'Can you serve this bloke with the big zit.'

I fled the chemist's in embarrassment and dived into the doctor's surgery.

The receptionist held up a halting hand as I dodged around the counter.

'Do you have an appointment? . . . Lummy, have you seen your nose? Go straight through, Mr Silver.'

The doctor sighed and did something he always did when I walked in -- he

reached for his manual of strange diseases.

'No, doc. This time you can see what's wrong. It's as plain as the nose on my face.'

'Hmm, that does look angry,' the doctor said.

'Yeah,' I mumbled. 'And the rest of me isn't feeling too placid about it.'

'Well zit down . . . er . . . sit down. Let's take a closer look.'

My affliction was diagnosed as a local infection.

'Local?' I queried. 'You mean I caught it from living around here?'

The doctor sighed.

'Please don't be obtuse, Mr Silver. I'll write you a prescription for some ointment and the inflammation should improve in a few days.'

I decided I wasn't going to be leaving the house for a while and would therefore by default be spending some rare time with Mrs S - but on condition that we did not discuss my . . . er . . . condition.

However, that evening she kept glancing at my cream-slathered appendage and eventually announced: 'It's no good. Much as I'd love to sit here with you, your hooter is hanging over us.

'Your pitiable protuberance is plainly in evidence but at your behest the subject must go unaddressed.

'In other words, my dear, it is the elephant in the room - unspoken of but undeniably present. And because I cannot resist not speaking about your snout any longer, I'm off to bed.'

And with that Mrs S stood up and, giving my nose a wide berth, walked out of the room.

It was her loss, I reasoned. Her one opportunity to spend a full evening with her husband was not to be sniffed at. But now she'd gone and blown it.

Women, I thought. I'll never understand them.

I went into the kitchen, grabbed the brush and shovel and returned to the living room to check behind the sofa for elephant droppings.

Friday, December 2, 2011

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Friday, December 2, 2011

THE UK NEWS

A LOSING GAME

GARY Speed told in his final in-depth interview before he killed himself how his wife and two boys meant “everything” to him.

The tragic Wales football manager, 42, said he treasured his family far more than any of the medals he won as a player.

Asked to name the thing he rated above all else, he said: “The item I cherish the most isn’t material.

“I don’t even know where my Leeds championship medal is. So I’d say family — we’re an item and they mean everything to me.”

During the upbeat online interview with FourFourTwo he joked: “Three

Depressed players seek help as football mourns tragic Speed

The Sun

DEATH PLUNGE DAD NOT INSANE Daily Mail

XXX words sum me up... hardworking, honest, self-critical. Hang on, is that A FATHER who pushed four?” his two children over a He told how captaining Wales hotel balcony, then jumwas his “proudest moment in footped after them, did unlawball”. The saddest was leaving fully kill his six-year-old Newcastle United after seven years. son, a coroner ruled.

But he added: “Football breaks John Hogan, 37, shoyour heart all the time.” The interved daughter Mia, two, view barely a fortnight and son Liam off the ago emerged as it was fourth floor balcony revealed more than before leaping himself.

TEN top soccer plaHe and Mia survived yers have sought help with broken bones but to battle depression Liam died from head and stress since his injuries after the horror death. plunge in Crete in 2006.

Gary’s shattered wife Louise, 41 — mum to their mer Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams.

A coroner originally sons Edward, 14, and Tommy, 13 — found him Chief executive Peter Kay said: “Over ten plaruled Liam's death hanged, a coroner heard on Tuesday. yers have contacted me since that news broke.” unlawful but this was She frantically rang for an ambulance — and as He added: “When people are voicing the fact overturned by the High it raced to their £2million Cheshire mansion on they’ve considered taking their own life that is the Court because evidence A DAD who sawed off his thumb while doing Sunday morning she was given “advice as to what stage before Gary got to.”

DIY has had it replaced – with his BIG TOE. to do” over the phone. It was in vain — and the Gary’s sister Lesley, 44, said yesterday as the suggesting Hogan was James Byrne, 29, accidentally severed the world of football was rocked by the death of a Warrington inquest into his death was adjourned: insane at the time of the left-hand digit while chopping a piece of loving dad who had shown not the slightest hint he “I have lost my brother, my friend, my inspiration.” killing was ignored.

But a second inquest wood last year. planned to take his own life.

David Beckham — in Jakarta with his LA Galaxy Doctors tried to sew it back on but the Gary’s family insisted he was NOT depressed. team-mates — sent his “love and thoughts” to the this week heard new tesblood would not start flowing again despite Eighteen hours before his body was discovered, family. Tributes were also paid at matches up and timony from a British forensic psychiatrist months of treatment, including using leeches. BBC telly viewers had even seen him joking on down the country last night. who said Hogan would The paver, from Bristol, thought he would Football Focus.

Players donned black armbands as Nottingham be left without his crucial appendage until The scramble by troubled soccer superstars for Forest hosted Leeds, where Gary famously wore not have been insane surgeons suggested fixing his left toe to his treatment in the wake of his death was revealed No11. In the 11th minute, fans began chanting his when he jumped. hand. The dad-of-one underwent a complex by the Sporting Chance clinic — founded by for- name for 11 minutes. eight-hour operation two months ago and now has a working ‘thumb’.

“People have different reactions, some think it’s really funny while others are a bit disgusted by it.

A SERIAL killer is being hunted Taylor, 20 - all went missing “They ask ‘what did you do to your thumb, in New York after the bodies of between July 2007 and it’s so big and swollen’. They can’t believe it five prostitutes and five others been identified and those September 2010. when I tell them it’s actually my toe instead. women were all working as proswere found.

In a statement, police commis“I can’t bend it yet but I hope to be able to The remains of eight women, titutes. sioner Richard Dormer said the do so soon. It rotates and I can give it a good Megan Waterman, 22, Amber fact that all the victims may be a man and a toddler were found wiggle. My son thinks it’s great, I showed it to strewn along a remote beach in Lynn Costello, 27, Maureen linked to the sex trade backs the all of his mates and became a bit of a celeBrainard-Barnes, 25, Melissa theory that the murders are the Long Island. brity in the playground for a while.”

Only five of the victims have Barthelemy, 24, and Jessica work of a single killer.

Megan Waterman

Daily Mirror

10 bodies spark serial-killer alert Daily Mirror

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Friday, December 2, 2011

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14 AFTER spending a morning in Santa Pola, I could not help but compare that area to the Orihuela Costa. A beautifully kept promenade with seating areas, people walking their dogs and cleaning up after them, all in all a wellmaintained place.

Not so with Orihuela Costa, which is littered with dog dirt, half finished buildings -skeleton buildings, some of which have been there for many years. And at

Friday, December 2, 2011

GONE TO THE DOGS! Orihuela Costa is just a caravan bark

the rear of Mercadona a mini "Dale Farm Estate".

How can the Council allow these kind of things? Is this now a legal caravan park and if so are there proper toilet facilities? It is highly unhygienic to have such things From page 5 near to a supermarket. long hours later to find him Are they paying to use this sat, clinging to the chim- car park and if so, to whom is ney and frozen to the the money going? I have just bones.

We got him down eventually, but did he give up?

NO! He had somehow managed to throw the wire from our chimney, over the roof of the house opposite and then went on to tie it to a tall tree.

Poor, cheesed off Andres. He did get more reception, but only very loud galactic interference!

Within a few hours we had the even-more-cheesed-off neighbours banging on the door. He'd managed to pass the interference to every house within 100 yards radius!

I don’t know how he wasn't deported as an undesirable. He certainly was undesirable to the longsuffering neighbours!

driven past there and the unsightly things seem to multiply overnight. Disgusting.

Calle Las Violetas and surrounding roads down to the sea are littered with dog excrement. There are no loose dogs here and so it must be dogs walking with their owners. The dogs are not to blame, it is the owners.

Have we got News4U!

WE’VE got news for you –one of La Marina’s most thriving businesses was started to ease the boredom of retirement.

Newsagent Sandra opened her now thriving News 4U enterprise to occupy her time, six years after moving to Spain. That was in 2008, since when her array of products has expanded dramatically.

She has also made many friends from all nationalities, and now stocks newspapers and magazines in FIVE languages English, German, Norwegian, Swedish and French

But that is just a tiny part of Sandra’s business, which is open seven days a week (8am- to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am -1pm on Sundays).

For any of the following items and services, then News 4U is the place to go - Cards, Gifts, Postcards, Toys, Internet, Fax, Photocopying/Laminating, Cigarettes, Drinks, Ice cream, Sweets, Hand made jewellery plus cards, Offex postal service-wordline/UK passport service, Mobile phone topups, Eurodirect cards, Avon, Alteration service for clothing.

It is a filthy, disgusting way to behave and the owners should be fined. I have owned dogs for over 50 years and NEVER EVER in all those years have any of my dogs fouled in public areas. I never go out without bags to clear up after my dog. This is how all dog owners should behave.

Originally this area was

"the place" to live and one of the attractions of buying was that there was an old finca almost where the Saturday market begins. This finca was understood to be a listed building. It had a beautiful swimming pool and tennis courts. We were told that this was to be the Country Club.

It was just demolished to

make room for yet more concrete buildings.

This area will be the equivalent of "The Bronx" if something is not done and now.

We all thought that when the new Council took over, things would be different. Some hope!

J BLAKELEY

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – Page 21

Top Marks for fashion!

LADIES, if you yearn for those fashionable high-street brands you so loved in the UK, but rarely see in Spain, then get yourself down to the UK Chainstore in La Marina Specialising in your favourite M&S/Per Una range, often one offs in Wallis, Next and Monsoon.

Don’t forget if you are going to the Christmas staff party the store stocks everything you need, from glitter, bags, underwear to winter coats.

And you won't find seconds or returns - only new items in a full range of sizes from 8 to 24. Proprietors Olga and Peter Booth previously had a shop in Mazarron but decided to locate a little nearer to home to La Marina.

The UK Chainstore also stocks accessories, including jewellery, handbags, scarves and tights etc. And if you are looking for gift ideas, how about choosing from our range of purses, wallets and umbrellas etc? Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm...looking forward to seeing you.

Friday, December 2, 2011

15

Why Leveson spells a potential MP problem POLITICIANS always distrust the media, so they want to get some kind of control, or to strike a dirty deal in their favour.

The constant courting in the UK of the Murdoch empire over the last four decades is a classic case, and we all know what happened.

So we are now, by order of Prime Minister David Cameron, getting the Leveson inquiry, which is looking into all the naughty things the newspapers have been getting up to, and also whether there’s been too much of a cosy relationship involving the press, the politicians and the police.

There’s been a steady stream of the well-known and not so well-known lining up to give Lord Justice Leveson evidence on their treatment by the media, and it’s made for some very interesting viewing.

But, here’s where I have a problem with all of this. I just hope that the politicians don’t over-react once the learned Leveson has published his report. These same politicians are the ones who had their fraudulent expense claims exposed by the Daily

Ann Widdecombe... feels David Cameron personally stopped her becoming a peer

Telegraph, or who have had strange unaccountable relationships questioned, like in the case of Liam Fox (remember him?). As a journalist, I’m bound to argue strongly for press freedom, but it is something that should never be taken for granted - Spain being a good example prior to Franco’s death in 1975.

I’m just worried that this report may gave MPs an open cheque to introduce draconian legislation which will stop their activities and those of other people in positions of responsibility being properly investigated.

There’s plenty of legislation around already for prosecutions to take place, rather than giving the people

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discomfort she would bring to her former Tory colleagues.

You certainly spot all kinds of stuff on the internet, and I noticed on a local forum s o m e o n e bemoaning the fact that the world currently Michael lacks any genHoward... uine leaders of “something W i n s t o n of the night Churchill’s stanabout him’’ dard.

I share a in power an excuse to hide somewhat different view of behind something new the man, which may upset which suits their selfish some of the bulldogs among interests. you! Firstly, Churchill was POLITICIANS have ele- generally acknowledged as phant-style minds that never a poor peace-time Prime forget. Take the case of the Minister, and a pretty usewonderfully opinionated ex- less Opposition leader after MP Ann Widdecombe, who he lost the 1945 General was interviewed by Fern Election to Clement Attlee.

Britton on the BBC last His overall record as PM weekend. between 1940 and 1945 Widdecombe once again also left something to be repeated the point that she desired. would have liked to have Tactician become a member of the For example, along with House of Lords, but she the US President, added the tasty nugget that Roosevelt, Churchill sold she felt David Cameron had Eastern Europe down the personally stopped her river to Stalin and the becoming a peer.

Communists, including Remarks Poland - which was the This all surely goes back country that the Second to when the ‘Dracula-like’ World War was meant to Michael Howard was the have been about.

Home Secretary, and was The cigar-puffing leader involved in a controversy also tried to pretend he was with the Prison Service. some kind of great military Widdecombe then said that tactician, but he was a disHoward had “something of aster, and lives were lost the night” about him… because of it, as the remarks that she has never defence chiefs tried to byfully explained. pass him whenever they All this was in 1997, but could. four years later, Cameron He had little either to say became an MP and a key supporter of Howard, writing or do on matters of UK the Conservative manifesto domestic policy, which with Howard as leader in meant his massive elec2005. You can carry on join- toral defeat in 1945 wasn’t that great a surprise. ing the dots on this one!

But if for nothing else, Perhaps Ed Miliband Churchill must be admired ought to nominate Ann as a peer, purely to see the sheer and thanked for one great

act.

His finest achievement was in Britain’s ‘darkest hour’ of 1940, when after taking over from the dreadful Neville Chamberlain, he rallied the country against Hitler….a country that was deeply divided over the issue of whether or not to do some kind of a deal with Germany.

Without Churchill, there were many people (perhaps even a majority!) who would happily have played a game of appeasement once again, like Chamberlain did when he got his worthless deal with Hitler in Munich in 1938.

Churchill’s stubborn nature saved Britain and pulled it together, but he just wouldn’t be the right person for Downing Street today, when tact, negotiation and co-operation is needed.

He had none of those qualities, and in a European and global village, he’d have been very out of place.

Every country likes a great orator and charismatic figure to be in charge, but there’s a lot more to running a country than fancy speeches and acts of jingoism which don’t fit a peacetime situation.

Don’t get me wrong.

Churchill was terrific in his focus against Hitler, but the rest of his political record doesn’t stand up to scrutiny as many of his rose-tintedglasses-wearing admirers have become blinded to his long-standing political failures.

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Friday, December 2, 2011

THE SPANISH PRESS

EUROPEAN KINGS OF UNEMPLOYMENT

San Pedro is €39 million in the red!

La Verdad

SAN PEDRO Town Hall’s debt is sky high, even for Spanish debts! According to La Verdad Newspaper, this sleepy seaside town owes an unbelievable 39 MILLION EUROS. The mega-debt is made up of mounting everyday costs, wages for town hall workers and the lack of payments made by San Pedro citizens.

La Opinion The new mayoress, Visitación Martínez, was given the figure last week.

THE European Community has named the ten It is not clear if the debt dates back to the worst regions in Europe for unemployment. two legislations before, when the PP party left And no fewer than EIGHT of them are in Spain! the town hall with spiralling costs, or if the last To be more specific, apart from two areas of France, the Socialist government mismanaged funds, top 10 is dominated by Murcia , Valencia, the Canary Islands, too.

Andalucia, Ceuta, Melilla, Extremadura and Castilla-La Making matters worse is the fact that much Mancha. of the debt is generating further interest, makUnemployment is as high as 28.7% in the Canary Islands, ing it rise almost on a daily basis. with the other regions following closely behind, the lowest in In a bid to reduce expenses, the new gov€39 million in the red: San Pedro’s new Mayoress, Visitación the list being Castilla la Mancha at 21%. ernment has laid off temporary workers, due Martinez delivers the bad news The European areas with the lowest unemployment are to the fact that San Pedro Zeeland in Holland, with just 2.7% out of work, Bolzana in Town Hall had one of the Italy, and Austria’s Tirol and Salzburg, with 2.9%. highest number of employThe areas of Spain with the lowest unemployment are both ees in the area, and put a in the north – the Basque Country (10.5) and Navarra stop to extra time.

(11.8%.

Between 2009 to 2010, unemployment in Europe rose The mayoress also plans from 8.9% to 9.6%. One of the most worrying statistics to to raise taxes, within what come out of the survey is that Ceuta has Europe’s highest NOW that the PP have won the elections, many sectors of the law permits, in a bid to youth unemployment - a massive 60.2%. In the Canaries, the society are starting to worry how the new government’s polit- obtain much needed cash to figure is 51.7% and in Andalucia it’s 49.9%. ical beliefs will affect them. However, El Pais reports that fill the coffers and improve This compares to just 20.9% in the whole of the EU. gays need not worry about the legalisation regarding same- the situation.

TWO women and a man have been arrested for allegedsex marriages being ly kidnapping a married woman in Romania and bringing reversed. her to Benidorm against her will. Once there she was forced Bishop Juan Antonio to work as a prostitute in a “night club”.

Martínez, spokesman for The woman’s husband reported her disappearance to the Spanish Episcopal Romanian police. A few weeks later she managed to phone Conference [CEE], said the and tell him she had been kidnapped and was being forced Church hierarchy would not to work at a club in Alicante province. be calling on the new gov- ONE rather worrying metres if a Tsunami were The husband then reported the matter to the national ernment to abolish legisla- piece of news to feature to hit their shores. It Juan Antonio Martinez police. The woman managed to escape from her captors tion passed under the in La Opinion Newspaper warns that there is no and was reunited with her husband, who last week was that both emergency plan in place Socialists, such as laws had travelled to Spain. They Almeria and Murcia are in should a tsunami happen, relating to gay marriage danger of receiving the and advises that the went straight to the police, and abortion. brunt of a Tsunami wave whole world should have who were able to identify and a And he suggested that at some point in the emergency bribery. In addition to to ion reg plans in cia len his detain their three captors, FORMER Va and et tor Be , the Church never tried to future. toret €9,600 fine place. France, Portugal, Be l fae Ra ef os chi mp rism Ca aged 33, 41 and 63. tou Víctor tell governments how they A scientific report by Italy and Greece do have tailored colleague The woman’s passport had has returned the ordered to return the should legislate. "The CEE the Instituto de Hidráulica emergency plans, but re we the by en giv s t wa len he iva ts equ sui the been taken from her and she suits or pay ruption ring. vice never tells any ruler what to Ambiental de Cantabria Spain has yet to produce had been controlled 24 hours Gürtel cor amount. Campos, exs ion do," he said. "It has not stated that the south-east one. opt the of one That was PP regional a day. Any money she made Spain suffered its worst pre- premier of the done so with previous gov- of Spain and Canary for ed en to him by the judge opt giv , Islands can look forward tsunami in 1755 in Cadiz, a administration was taken from her and she on l tria ernments, and it will not do his r ove siding to waves as high as three when 15,000 people died. was physically abused. essory the latter. so with this one." charge of being an acc

Eight out of 10 worst regions are in Spain

Gay marriage ‘is not under threat’

l

Wanted: Tsunami emergency plan

In pur-suit of justice

Friday, December 2, 2011

17

18

Friday, December 2, 2011

THE DOG AND DUCK

YOU’D BE QUACKERS TO MISS THEIR CHRISTMAS MENU! SITUATED just two streets back from the beach; right on the pedestrian walkway in Santiago de la Ribera, the Dog and Duck is a cosy little pub with a welcoming atmosphere and great food.

The indoor area is homely and comfortable, with amusing pictures of comedy actors. And the outdoor seating area is a great place in which to sit and watch the world go by.

From December 1 to 23, the Dog and Duck is offering its popular December Christmas Menu, with a choice of three starters, three main courses – turkey with all the trimmings, roast pork or salmon fillet – followed by Christmas pudding or homemade dessert of the day and mince pies and coffee.

The four-course meal costs just €13.95, more than worth it for a fabulous meal

two meals and two complimentary glasses of wine for just €12. The location is ideal if you are using La Manga ferry, which is minutes away.

Thursdays are burger days, and with a choice of 20 different burgers, all served in four sizes, from ¼ pounder to a pound burger, and starting at €2.80, there is something for everyone, including vegetarians. In fact, the Dog and Duck is very popular with vegetari-

and festive atmosphere, complete with Christmas music and crackers.

There’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season than with a Christmas meal with good friends at the Dog and Duck.

This popular pub has been gaining in reputation ever since Andrea and Mark took over three years ago.

ans due to the wide choice of veggie dishes on offer.

Menu of the Day is served on Mondays and Tuesdays and costs €9.95 for three courses.

Their newly amended cocktail list is proving to be a roaring success, which is hardly surprising when you can buy a 1.5 litre jug of tequila sunrise or a wide range of exotic cocktails from just €7.50.

Two of the most popular are Long Island Ice Tea,

The friendly couple ran a pub on the Lancashire – Yorkshire border for 16 years. The business is a real family affair, with everyone mucking in.

Why not pop along on a Saturday for a curry? They are served all day, from noon until late, and include rice and/or chips, starters and dips, all for just €8.50.

The credit crunchers, served Wednesday, Thursday and Friday couldn’t be better value, with

which is made with vodka, white rum, triple sec, gin, blue sourz, coke and ice, and Sex on the Beach, which contains vodka, peach schnapps, fresh orange, lemonade, a splash of grenadine and ice.

Come and see for yourself why they are the talk of the town.

The all day English breakfasts are as popular as ever, and really are served all day, every day.

The Dog and Duck opens every day from 9.30am to 1am.

Great traditional English fare and some of your Spanish favourites are served all day. Everything is homemade.

There is a specials board, which is changed daily. Bar snacks start at just €3 euros.

The homemade soup of the day, served with crusty bread, is extremely popular in winter. All food is cooked fresh.

For further details phone 658 843 474 or see the advert at the bottom of this page.

Roast beef fillet with a horseradish crust Serving instructions 1.Serves 4 | 2.Takes 10 minutes to make, 30 minutes to cook, plus resting This is an extra special way of cooking beef fillet, ideal for a special occasion.

Ingredients 3 tsp freshly grated horseradish (or ready-grated English Provender Hot Horseradish, from Waitrose) 3 tsp English mustard 3 tbsp horseradish cream 1 garlic bulb, crushed 75g fresh breadcrumbs 4 thyme sprigs, leaves picked 4 tbsp melted butter

700g beef fillet 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing 1 head of garlic, broken into cloves (unpeeled)

Method 1.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6. Mix the grated horseradish in a bowl with the mustard, horseradish cream, crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, thyme and melted butter.

Season. Rub the beef fillet all over with the olive oil, then press the crust onto the top and sides, leaving the ends exposed.

2. Put the fillet in a lightly oiled, shal-

low roasting tray along with the garlic cloves. Roast in the oven for 35 minutes for medium-rare (or longer if you’d prefer). Remove and set the beef aside to rest for 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Serve sliced with the chipped potatoes and cauliflower gratin.

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Alfonsa’s Aromas

ALFONSA Ramirez Carmona, orphaned 76 years ago at the age of eight, and left to care for five younger siblings and an ailing grandmother, presents some more of her favourite economical Spanish dishes. Alfonsa stayed in service until meeting Santos, her future hus-

PAELLA

Not Valenciana Feeds approx 4

band. She finally left her "señores" and married Santos - but six months later he was diagnosed with cancer and had almost all of his stomach removed.

This, of course led to more poverty, and Alfonsa, now pregnant, was left to care for her seriously ill husband, earn a pit-

COSTRA

Meat and rice dish with a cover of egg Feeds approx 6 1 rabbit 1 small chicken.(or 2 small chickens if not using rabbit) 4 white sausages and 4 red sausages. (salchichas blancas, salchichas rojas) 1 small piece of butifarra. blanca- (spanish white pudding stick) 1 and a half mugs of paella rice.

2-3 medium eggs.

3 grated tomatoes. seasoning to taste.

1 chicken, cut into portions (or rabbit if prefered) Pork ribs, amount prefered.

Ground Ñora (found in most greengrocers and mercadillos) 2 tomatoes 2 red peppers Frozen garden peas or broad beans if required 1 mug of paella rice. (short grain rice) 1 chicken stock cube. Salt to taste.

Garlic.(optional) Cut red peppers into strips and fry with chopped garlic in oil until soft and browning. (sunflower oil or olive oil).

Remove peppers and garlic and leave on a plate for later.

In same oil fry the meat, until cooked, sprinkled with ñora and salt to taste, and the tomato. When the tomato is cooked remove skin, cut up finely and add again to chicken.

Add two mugs of water to the frying pan, with stock cube and a sprinkle of saffron (or yellow powdered food colourant). Take note of where the liquid comes up to in the pan and then add one more mug of water. Leave to simmer until the liquid has reduced to previous level. Add rice and greens. Place peppers on top. Bring back to boil, turn down flame to low and cover. Leave to cook slowly for about 20 minutes. DO NOT STIR. Check to see that rice has absorbed and turn off heat. Leave to repose for 5 mins.

With paella practise makes perfect.

tance picking fruit, and run the humble home where her also ailing parents inlaw lived as well. Economical but hearty meals were a total necessity - and now Courier readers can benefit from Alfonsa’s unique culinary skills, spiced with a special Spanish flavour...

COCIDO

Hearty chicken soup, a complete meal in one.

Feeds approx 4-5 1 chicken half a kilo of stewing steak 1 spanish serrano ham bone 1 morcilla (spanish black pudding sausage) Optional 1 good quality chorizo. amount to taste. Again optional half a kilo of chick peas, soaked overnight. (tinned ones can be used) 4-5 potatoes 1celery stick. one parsnip. 1 turnip. 4 or 5 carrots. (this veg mix can be bought together in most supermarkets. In spanish: preparado para cocido.

1 stock cube. Small amount of yellow food colouring or saffron.

Place chicken, cut into portions, into pressure cooker or large pan a good amount of water. Bring to boil and skim.

Add meat and all other ingredients, except potatoes.

Cook in pressure cooker or pan until all tender.

Add potatoes and cook.

It is commonplace to strain off soup, add cooked fine noodles and have for first course, followed by the stew.

Cut the meat into small pieces and fry. Remove from pan and fry sausage pieces with the tomatoes.

When cooked place meat back in pan.

Add 3 mugs of water and take note of level, then add water and simmer for about half an hour.

With water level back to previous level add food colouring and salt to tastel Add rice, cover and simmer, for about 15 mins.

When rice is almost cooked add beaten eggs and place into a very hot oven.

Turn down heat to 150-200 and cook for approx 15 mins or until egg is cooked and golden. Leave to rest 5 mins.

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Friday, December 2, 2011

ROLL UP FOR A ROCKY CHRISTMAS!

ROCKY’S Arena Bar Restaurant is in the perfect location - and is fast becoming a hit with locals and the many visitors to the area – and not just for its amazing view of the Med. New manager Craig and his fully experienced team have introduced new menus, happy hour daily from 5 pm to 7pm and 10pm to 1am, live entertainment - plus the added benefit of a beautiful setting, large patio area at the entrance and rooftop Bar terrace which offer fresh air and great views.

Situated on the N332 at Playa Flamenca, it’s close to all amenities and of course the fabulous beaches and Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner menus feature a varied selection of dishes, and all at excellent

value.

Bookings are now being taken for Christmas, with Christmas Fayre being served until December 23 - three courses €11.95 per person Christmas Day - four courses to include bottle of Cava, White, Rosada or Red Wine or Beer, €35 euros per person.

On New Year’s Eve, there’s free entry with a buffet starting at 10 pm TKO radio DJ Lee Fox will host the action, with the help of a video disco, lasers and smoke machines. And free champagne will flow at midnight to welcome in 2012.

Bookings now being taken for Christmas Parties throughout December. Telephone 672 830 240

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Friday, December 2, 2011

editor@thecourier.es COURIER POSTBAG: YOUR VIEWS ON OUR NEWS

The ABC of birth and Beckham

l l l

YOUR ABC football quiz (Issue 40) had G for Gervinho coming from Brazil. He is actually Ivorian - born in Anyama, Ivory Coast.

The article concerning David Beckham's rather crass comments in America is valid but why abuse his wife? I'm certainly no fan of hers but that's just not necessary.

Having said that, I do like your paper very much. It’s probably the best of the 'freebies'.

DAVE JOHNS, Playa Flamenca

WITH reference to Tony Mayes’ comments on couples divorcing at 60+, I think he is confusing ‘alone’ and ‘lonely’, two very different things.

I was very lonely during 25 years of marriage. I've now been single for 24 years and although alone, am never lonely as I have the opportunity now to have many friends and to go out and do what I want whenever I want, without having to justify why, who and when.

A lot of women in this age group don't have any money to do anything else but stay.

When they get their pension

Cook, nurse, dogsbody?

I’m happy to be alone! they can be up and away! They are no longer prepared to ‘put up with’.

Male company to go out dining and dancing now and again would be quite nice - but not in a living-in situation. Once a woman has her freedom, who’d want to go back to being cook, housekeeper, nurse, dogsbody?

I'm not alone in these thoughts, I have many women friends, both English and

Spanish, who are single for various reasons and none of them wish to marry again, or even live with. The more I see of miserable couples, the happier I am not to be part of one.

I had to wait until I was 60 to live my life: before that I was somebody's daughter, somebody's wife, somebody's mother, then somebody's employee.

ALONE AND LOVING IT (Name supplied

I BLAME LAWYER FOR TAXING MOVE I REALLY feel for Dennis Christian, but I fear he won't be getting his money back off the Spanish taxman.

Not if I am right in guessing why it was taken. We, too, had a major shock when we had a demand for €2,400. In our case they didn't take it from our bank (probably because it wasn't there).

Anyway, to explain. We should have moved into our house immediately they handed it over, but because we hadn’t sold our UK property, it was a further year plus before we actually moved in.

We were unaware of the tax rule that was later to pop up and bite us.

This rule is the "resident tax" v "nonresident tax" that all expats pay when buying a property in spain. The former is 0.1%, the latter is 1.0%.

Because our intention was to move into our house on completion, we only paid the resident tax of 0.1%. We then told our solicitor our move to Spain would be delayed, but he failed to advise us that we were consequently liable to pay the higher tax.

Shock The result was the nasty shock of a demand 18 months after moving in for the difference between 0.1% and 1.0%. i.e over €2000 plus interest. We have no argument that we owed the difference, it’s the shock of finding out after assuming we were all paid up. Plus the interest that should have been avoided.

Sorry Dennis, but if this is the reason for your tax demand, forget it. Perhaps we should have looked at the tax issue more closely at the time, but then, what do we pay all that money to solicitors for, if not to make sure everything is done properly?

In our case the solicitor refused to accept any responsibility despite our clearly advising him of the delay to our arrival. Choose solicitors carefully, We didn't and got a tax bill that was unexpected.

FREDDIE (by email)

Dennis Christian: Unlikely to get his money back

A BOB’S WORTH OF AGEISM...

DEAR Madam, I and my friends where shocked to read the letter in last week’s The Courier regarding Bob Houliston.

I am surprised by the level of personal insult, abuse and the offensive nature of old-ageism in this item. Your judgement as Editor to publish such a blatant hate letter is in question.

I would assume that your readership will be mostly English, old and geriatric, as the writer would have us. There is also a hidden reference to racism present which I find very worrying. I am convinced upon reading this article that it was not written by an English person so could it be a "dynamic young Spanish person?"

The readership will draw their own conclusion, but shame on you.

NAME and email I READ with interest Donna Rochdale must now go to the address provided Gee’s latest article about the staff adjoining towns of Bury or and aftercare services provided Oldham - or to North Manchester EDITOR Donna Gee

by Torrevieja Hospital.

General. All this in the name of replies: I agree with the Further to earlier readers’ com- improving patient care. writer’s sentiments - the ments, I too have had treatment Consultants have expressed letter concerned contained there and have found the servic- concern about performing surgi- a strong whiff of ageism and political motivation. es provided by consultants and cal procedures as they lack However, I thought the nurses, and also my doctor’s emergency back-up and there- writer had dug his or her aftercare, to be excellent.

Your comparison with fore if I ever have to have an own grave with Courier Rochdale Infirmary is surprising operation, I know where I'd like to readers, who, like myself, are predominantly, shall as I was born and still have family have it performed.

MARK WHITE we say, ‘mature’. there. Rochdale’s A&E departOn receiving the above PS: Rochdale's medical staff ment has now closed, along with the maternity unit. Anyone who always advise you not to drive as email, I immediately contacted Bob Houliston to suffers a heart attack or stroke in the parking fees are too high. ask for a response to the I LIVE in Playa Flamenca, which when I first came here 24 years ago attack so that we would was classed as the best area to be - and was for years. What has hap- have both sides of the pened to Mercadona car park? It’s now for motor homes, what a dis- argument together.

Bob chose only to reply grace to the area!

These vans are not cheap to buy so why don’t they park in the correct briefly but I was prepared places? I read that Santa Pola had the same thing there until the council to give him as much space brought in a by-law banning motor homes from parking anywhere but as the original letter writer where they should. What is up with our council? Why can’t they do the had he wished to elaborate. same thing?

I did not detect any sign As householders in this area, we pay all our taxes etc and they pay nothing for three or more months in the year. Come on now, all you peo- of racism - perhaps you can enlighten me on that ple who think the same as I do. Get out and do something about it!

JEANNIE PARRISH, Playa Flamenca one.

Rocky in Rochdale I HAVE just been reading your letters re l the Spain v UK medical treatment and in particular the letter from Peter in Almeria. I, too, lost the sight in one eye due to a detached retina not being sorted quickly enough.

I initially went to an optician on a Saturday but he said that he could not see me and I was to go to the doctor, which I did on the Monday. I did know it was urgent. My optician in the UK said that they would have seen me then and would have sent me to hospital straight away. I was using private medical cover and following two unsuccessful operations I went back to the UK and had emergency treatment - but they were unable to save the sight.

The main comment in all of this is that my UK consultant, though obviously not criticising the Spanish doctors, said the treatment was `unorthodox` but that different countries have different ways.

I am not a doctor and cannot comment on the treatment, but the level of service in both countries was similar. However, should I need future hospital treatment (other than emergencies), then I have to say that, due to past experiences, I would prefer to be in the UK. MICHAEL, Alicante

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Friday, December 2, 2011

23

Friday, December 2, 2011

RICHARD CAVENDER

Bluemoon Solutions www.bluemoonsolutions.es

BlueMoon Solutions is the computer and IT services company on the Costa Blanca, they provide quality computer services at realistic prices and specialise in working with home users and small businesses.

Richard moved to Spain four years ago having left his management background behind in the UK and decided to use his IT skills to help home users and small businesses with their PC problems. Now a relaxed 'computer man' he is out and about in the Spanish sun every day, making house and shop calls and using his vast experience and qualifications to (usually) sort out the problem there and then.

Computers are his hobby as well as his work so don’t be surprised to get an answer to your email in the early hours!

ADVICE: David had a Brother printer bought in Germany ADVICE: Jane has some more questions regarding with language problems Amazon’s Kindle Hi Richard, a couple more Kindle questions.

What is your opinion of the Kindle Fire - do I need one? We are moving house soon, will that affect my Kindle registration/usage?

Should I wait until after we've moved (still in Spain)?

Thanks Jane

Hi Richard, I read your article regards changing the display language on a brother printer bought in Germany.

I have a Brother printer model MFC-240C bought in Germany can you change the display language if so how?

Thanks

Q

Q A

Hi David, I have had a good look through the user manual for your machine and I am afraid there doesn’t seem to be an option to change the language. You can of course install the English language software available free from brother.co.uk so that all the functions on your PC are in English.

A

Hi Jane, I have not seen a Kindle Fire yet; although the promotional video looks great – you can see more information about it in December’s Jungle Drums where we continue our two part review of the Kindle, it’s not actually available to purchase yet.

With regards to your address, it will make no difference as all of your electronic books are registered to your Amazon account, however it would be a good idea to have a UK address that you can use within your Amazon account so that you can register it to the UK and therefore shop in the Amazon.co.uk store in Sterling.

ADVICE: Another David and another Brother printer lanADVICE: Michael wanted to know the point of the strange guage problem…

Hi Richard, I read with letters that have to be typed into some website forms.

Q

interest your item on changing the language on a Brother printer as this is something I had wanted to do since I bought mine. I have model DCPJ315W so I thought that this was going to be simple. No it wasn't. Although I don't speak Spanish, I know a very little and Hi Michael, those letters are referred to as a CAPTCHA form and you can read more infor- I thought that this would help me find my way through the mation about what they are in detail at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAPTCHA Essentially they are there to ensure that it’s a “person” completing the form and not menu options. However, even a computer. Increasingly more and more sophisticated computer programs are though I tried every option and sub-option, I couldn't find anything that would change the lanused to automatically gather information from websites – imagine the temptation, if guage. Would you be able to tell what I should select in Spanish to enable me to change to you were an airline competitor, to be able to trawl the Ryanair site to check all of their flight English. Once again, as I have emailed you before with a problem, thank you in advance for prices for every day automatically. The simple CAPTCHA box makes it MUCH more difficult your help. to develop a piece of software to do this, where its seen as something us humans should Hi David, I have had a good look at both the English and the Spanish manuals for have no difficulty in completing. However I agree with you, sometimes they are a nightmare your printer and I’m afraid in your case it’s not possible to change the language of to decipher – perhaps it’s my age! the printers LCD screen. Ironically, it would have been had you bought the English version! The Spanish version simply doesn’t have the same function. You can Don’t forget you can follow me on twitter however install the English software, available from brother.co.uk and then all of the func@bluemoonspain tions on your computer will be in English for your printer – most people find that this is more Alternatively why don’t you sign up for my than sufficient and enables them to use the printer more easily.

Hi Richard, I have a quick question for you, what is the point of having to type in the squiggly letters in the so called security box before being able to enter some web sites or to transmit information. I find it very annoying as most of the time you cannot read the letters or decide if they are capitols or not.

I have just tried to use Ryanair site and now before you can get a ticket price you have to do this nonsense, so I went to another site, as I normally do with other sites when they muck about. Just can`t see the point. Regards, Michael.

Q A

A

newsletter. You can do this by going to:www.bluemoonsolutions.es and fill in the form that is on any page except the front page.

office@bluemoonsolutions.es www.bluemoonsolutions.es Mobile: 655 044 970

Office: 902 906 200

24

Friday, December 2, 2011

THE COAST CUTTERS! THE DELIGHTS OF THE PLAYA FLAMENCA COMMERCIAL CENTRE

Angels and Buddhas bring love and luck at Antisha Antisha is just the place to find that elusive perfect Christmas gift. Even those impossible-to-buy-for types are bound to love something from Antisha’s new collection.

What about an angel to look over those you love? Antisha has a beautiful range of indoor and outdoor angels, big and small, for you to choose from. Or perhaps a Buddha or crystal for luck and good karma is more your loved one’s style.

Fine jewellery fans will adore Antisha’s sterling silver necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and trinkets. And with

prices starting from just €10 your wallet will, too.

For homeware and decorations – practical or frivolous – but always stylish and great value, Antisha is the place to go.

Clocks, handbags, bling, costume jewellery – Antisha’s gift selection just keeps going on.

Antisha’s owners Tony and Pat are there to help you browse and choose the perfect present. And, if you’re just too spoilt for choice, Antisha offer gift vouchers so the lucky recipient of your gift can select exactly what they want themselves. What could be easier?

Macey’s supermarket – best for Xmas and everyday needs FOR the seven-day experience, Macey’s has to be No.1. Open every day of the week from 7.30am till 10pm, it offers a wide range of services, including: l International newspapers and magazines, with newspaper delivery available l A Spanish and overseas postal service – don’t forget last posting for Christmas is December 16 first class Europe and December 13 second class.

Rest of the world is December 6 l Mobile telephone credit cards Spanish and overseas l A passport renewal service, plus faxing and photo copying l Greeting cards, postcards, stamps

A BAR SO GOOD IT HAS BECOME A LEGEND...

LEGENDS is the original party bar, so if you’re looking for a lively night out then Legends is for you. Open until late with free entertainment five nights a week, there is always something going on at Legends.

As well as its ‘party bar’ title, Legends has earned the moniker ‘home of football’, and sports fans are well catered for with screenings of all Premiership, F.A Cup and European games.

But whether it is live music or football you

visit Legends for, one thing is guaranteed – you will always receive a warm, friendly welcome. Families, especially, are catered for and Legends’ pleasant staff will always make sure youngsters are looked after.

And then there is the food. Legends dishes up good service, great food and competitively priced drinks. On Sundays you can get a traditional roast dinner for just €5.

What are you waiting for, visit this lively bar and find out why it has become such a local legend.

and stationery. Loads of Christmas cards to choose from l Seasonal treats including chocolates, selection boxes, Christmas cake and mince pies l Car and bike hire And of course, as an English supermarket, Macey’s has a large stock of goods, including wines, spirits, tobacco, beachwear, gifts, fresh baguettes baked daily, croissants and pastries, plus freshly made sandwiches and salad bowls to take away.

If you fancy a coffee, our cafe is open from 8.30am every day. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Friday, December 2, 2011

25

Delve into the Treasure Chest for the perfect Christmas gift

The Witchery Restaurant food so good it casts a spell FOR the best steak pie and beef bourguignon you need go no further than The Witchery.

The restaurant has brought in a new management team and new front of house staff, but demand for his tasty classics has seen the return of the old chef.

He doesn’t just cook the classics, though. If you have more exotic tastes the extensive a la carte menu brings together dishes from all over the world – from Vietnam to Italy, America to Spain, and as the chef is Scottish, Scotland too.

With so many types of food to choose from, there are flavours to suit every taste. And, the beauty of offering such

WHAT better present than a unique piece of jewellery made especially for someone you love? The Treasure Chest jewellery and gift shop has its own in-house goldsmith and stone setter who can create an individual piece just for you.

Old or broken jewellery can be repaired, too, so why not surprise someone this Christmas by getting that damaged but cherished piece of jewellery restored.

When it comes to ornaments the Treasure Chest lives up to its name with a beautiful collection of Nao porcelain figurines from Valencia in stock.

And, there’s a collection of watches to suit

all styles, with brands including Citizen, Police and Lladro to choose from.

The Treasure Chest also stocks an excellent selection of Christmas cards, wrapping paper and crackers, all at great prices.

In fact, all the Treasure Chest’s prices are great – it really is the place to go for high quality gifts at affordable prices. And, you can save even more money by bringing in your unwanted or broken gold to partexchange of any item in the shop.

Visit the Treasure Chest at Villamartin, Quesada Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm Sat 10am - 2pm and Playa Flamenca Monday Friday 10am - 5pm.

an eclectic mix of meals is that only the very best dishes from each country make it onto the menu.

The Witchery is excellent value, offering Menu del Día and Menu del Noche meals from €5.95.

The restaurant has created a warm and cosy atmosphere but can still cater for large parties of up to 50 people, so it’s perfect for a Christmas party.

The Witchery has just released its Christmas menu and promises a warm welcome, plenty of festive cheer and traditional food with a twist.

The Witchery opens from 10am for coffee, so pop down and say hello to all the team. Phone 693 656 949.

Visit King Kod for a battering you’ll love GREAT British fish and chips is famous the world over. And when you taste King Kod’s beautifully battered offerings it’s easy to see why.

The freshly caught fish with perfect British chips – not fries – on the side, combine to make King Kod the best chippy on the Costa.

John and Arlene from King Kod have been tickling taste buds since opening King Kod in 2005.

They serve traditional cod and haddock, two of the tastiest and healthiest fish you can eat.

Cod remains the number one choice thanks to its delicious flaky white flesh, mild flavour and low fat levels. It’s packed with vitamin A, D and health-giving omega 3 fatty acids.

Haddock, another lean white fish, is a superb source of protein. Less flaky than cod and with a sweeter taste, Haddock contains significant amounts of vitamin B12, pyridoxine and selenium, potassium and sodium.

You will also find plaice on the menu at King Kod. A flatfish with soft flesh and a strong,

slightly sweet flavour, plaice is rich in vitamins B12, A and D and is also an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Or, choose skate for its sweet flavour, high levels of vitamin B12, B1, B6, niacin and potassium.

And we bet you just ate it all because it tastes so good.

Aside from the healthy and delicious fish and perfect chips, another great reason to visit King Kod is the price. The credit crunch cod and chips costs just €4.99 and is served all day.

Look out for some new additions to the King Kod menu with the daytime light bites from 2.50 euros with a full menu available. Lasagne and chicken wraps are just two of the new items planned.

John and Arlene would like to wish all their customers Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Open Monday to Friday 12am - 10pm Saturday 5pm - 10 pm Sunday 6pm - 10pm

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Makeup Tips for 40, 50, and Beyond Growing older doesn’t have to be a burden.

Aging is a part of life and if we learn to appreciate our bodies and faces we will feel much more comfortable and live a much happier, stress-free life. It seems odd that some younger women are more concerned about how they look and dwell on flaws when they are at their physical best, when some older women, who are happy to be alive, feel good about themselves, accept their bodies and faces for what they are and rejoice in living.

If you are worried about getting lines and wrinkles and would like to feel better about how you look, the first step is to change your attitude toward yourself and aging. Start by evaluating the ideas and beliefs you have about aging and where you got them. If you see older women as unattractive then you are going to have a difficult time looking in the mirror at an aging face. Aging is the kind of thing that sneaks up on you and then one day — boom, you’re there. I have met women who are fifty and beyond who are very attractive and exude self-confidence (yes, they have lots of lines and wrinkles and a not-so-perfect body). Their attractiveness comes from feeling good about themselves and knowing they are more than the outside package. Self-confidence crosses all barriers, people notice and see the beauty.

Aging gracefully doesn’t mean that

you shouldn’t take care of yourself. It means keeping fit, using skin care products regularly, watching your diet and living a balanced life. Develop your own beauty and accentuate your positive qualities.

As we age and our faces change, we must change the way we care for our skin and how we wear makeup. Here are a few tips to get you started: 1. Always use a moisturiser. A good moisturiser will help your foundation glide on and will keep your skin more healthy. Choose a foundation that is the same colour as your skin, is moist, goes on evenly and is one you can see your skin through. Don’t forget to blend around the jaw line.

2. If you have dark spots a good concealer and foundation will hide it. If you have a lot see a dermatologist who can lighten them.

3. Powder is used to absorb excess oil and reduce shine. If you have been plagued with oily skin all your life you

might notice that as you get older your skin is less oily and you have fewer lines than your dry to normal-skin friends. Use powder sparingly since too much will accentuate lines.

4. Use eye shadows sparingly and only use shadows that have a matte finish.

Iridescent or shadows with a shimmer attract the light and will make wrinkles more apparent. This is a time when less is more. Use earthy tones that create depth and apply the dark shadow to the outside of the lid making sure the lines move upward.

5. Eyebrows change as we age and become unruly and sparse. Use an eyebrow pencil and feather strokes to fill in the bare spots. Keep your eyebrows a lighter colour than your hair and in good condition. Remember, eyebrows frame the eyes; so to open your eyes and keep them looking bright depends largely on how well you care for your eyebrows.

6. Use blush to create a soft look.

Blush shouldn’t stand out — use just enough to create a glow.

7. Use a lip liner to prevent your lipstick from bleeding into the fine lines around your mouth. Use lip products that have an emollient that will keep your lips soft.

Use makeup to accentuate your positive qualities and make yourself feel great. Don’t focus on covering lines and wrinkles but instead pay attention to your positive features. Let the beautiful you show through.

Beauty Tips for Luscious Lips

The last step in your makeup regime is lipstick application. Some women say if they could have only one beauty item it would be lipstick. Lip color brings the whole look together to create harmony. To keep your

lips looking perfect, have lip color with you at all times and reapply when needed.

When you select a lip color take in consideration your clothing and blush colors. The color of your clothing and blush should com-

plement your lipstick but doesn’t have to be perfectly matched. However, the colors should be in the same intensity and range. Wear cool colors together and warm colors together. Pink lipsticks go with blue and pink colors and corals and russets go with clothing that falls in a yellow/orange range.

Steps to apply lip color: 1. Prepare your lips by applying foundation over them (this will extend the wear).

2. Outline and define the shape using a lip pencil that has soft, pointed top. Start at the V in your upper lip drawing down to the corners.

Then, starting at the middle of the bottom lip draw a line to the corners. To help lipstick stay on longer, use your pencil to cover the lips entirely.

3. Fill in upper lip with lipstick or you can use a lip brush.

4. Fill in the lower lip and then blot with a tissue and

reapply.

5. Dab gloss in the centre of your lower lip to create a fuller more glamorous look.

When defining the lips with a lip pencil be sure the pencil and lipstick colors are very close. The lip liner should not be noticeable. Lip liners are meant to keep your lipstick in place, keep lipstick from bleeding, define the shape and help them look more natural. Do not try to change the shape of your lips by going outside the natural line. * Dark lipsticks will make small lips appear smaller.

WHAT IS VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS? VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS is an infection of the stomach and intestinal lining caused by a virus leading to watery diarrhoea and vomiting. It is commonly referred to as the stomach flu or gastric flu. Viral gastroenteritis is a very common and highly contagious infection which tends to cause small outbreaks in day care centres, schools, workplaces and communities.

It may range from mild to severe depending upon the type and duration of the infection. Viral gastroenteritis is largely a self-limiting infection that tends to resolve on its own. However, in severe cases associated with excessive loss of fluid and electrolytes in the vomitus and stool, dehydration can be a major complication that may require hospitalisation. Anyone can get viral gastroenteritis and most people recover without any complications. However, viral gastroenteritis can be serious when people cannot drink enough fluids to replace what is lost through vomiting and diarrhoea— especially infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems.

The major risk for viral gastroenteritis is the consumption of contaminated water and food. A person who prepares or handles food is more likely to contaminate food. The risk is also greater with the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish which are harvested from contaminated water source. Viral gastroenteritis is highly infectious and people can spread the virus through their secretions, sometimes even before their symptoms begin. The virus can be spread by direct contact with an infected person by kissing, shaking hands and sharing food and drink for example.

The common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include watery diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps and pain. In some cases it may be associated with fever, headache, muscle pain and blood and mucus in stools. On average the symptoms start about 12 to 48 hours after contracting the infection and symptoms can vary between 1 to 7 days depending on the type of virus that causes the infection. Doctors generally diagnose viral gastroenteritis based on the symptoms and a physical examination.

Your doctor may ask for a stool sample to test for rotavirus or to rule out bacteria or parasites as the cause of your symptoms. No routine tests are currently available for the other types of viruses. The goal of the treatment is to prevent and treat dehydration.

Fluids and electrolytes that are lost during vomiting and diarrhoea should be replenished by oral rehydration therapy. If the patient is not able to tolerate the fluid orally or if comatose then intravenous administration of fluids may be necessary. Antibiotics are not indicated in viral gastroenteritis. People with diarrhoea and vomiting should rest at home, not attend work or school, and most importantly not prepare food for others.

The single most helpful way to prevent the spread of stomach flu is frequent thorough hand washing. It is important to be extra cautious at times of outbreaks or when coming in contact with an infected person.

Avoiding touching the mouth unnecessarily and eating only in reputable food establishments are important measures to avoid viral gastroenteritis. Special care should be taken when traveling to countries that are more likely to have contaminated food and water.

Only drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes, and don't eat raw foods, including vegetables.

Dr. Machi Mannu is a neuro repatterning Specialist.

Email contact@mindspa.es for any question.

27

Friday, December 2, 2011

Prize is icing on the cake

Prize-guy Jose with Joan Mitchell, head of fund-raising and Paul from Shape and Tone, who sold the winning ticket

HELP Murcia Mar Menor is offering you a chance to win a delicious homemade Christmas cake. All you have to do is pay €1 and pick a number between one and 50. If your number is drawn you win a cake. The first lucky winner from a completed card was Jose, the masseur from Shape and Tone in Los Alcazares, who was thrilled.

Buy your lucky number from Help Murcia Mar Menor office, Calle Penelope Los Alcazares; The Salon, Urb Oasis, Los Alcazares; The English Shop, Los Belones; Gemini; Bar Vitos, El Mojon; Caravan Club, La Manga; New York Bar, Valle del Sol; Country Bowls Club, Valle del Sol; Lui´s Lounge, Camping, San Javier; Infinity

Hairdressers, Los Alcazares; Olympia Bar, Mil Palmares; Cynthia Sherry in Sucina. But if you want to have your cake and eat it at Christmas you’d better hurry, numbers are selling fast.

Help also urgently needs your help stocking their stall with winter clothing and bric-a-brac. So have a rummage through your drawers and see what you can come up with - one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, after all. Take your items to the Help office behind the Deutsche Bank in Los Alcazares or to Autocine, or contact Bernard on 968134355 659751611,or e-mail: grannychips@hotmail for collection.

SPAIN’S FOOD SAMARITANS

Pack to the future

THE South Branch of Samaritans in Spain (SiS) is making a bit of a meal of its invaluable work these days.

IF you went shopping in Iceland’s Torrevieja store last Saturday, the odds are you didn’t have to pack your food away. A La Siesta Youth Club member will have done it for you.

Iceland manager Kenny Thomson invited the youngsters along to help raise funds for outings and equipment.

Youth leader James McAllister said: “Kenny is the father of one of our young people. He invited us to help shoppers pack their bags and in return hopefully they would give us a small donation.

“It was a great day for our young people and very good experience. All the shoppers were delighted to see them and most were glad of their assistance. Some preferred to pack their bags themselves but they still gave us a donation”.

X-Factor boot-camp boy joins cancer fight THE recent AECC fundraiser at the Greenwich Bar and Restaurant in Torre de la Horadada was a great success.

A fantastic show was staged

by Rockin’ Richie, vocalist and XFactor boot camp finalist, disco diva Celena Deans, plus Brian Cavanagh, who performed an excellent Bono tribute. All the acts performed for free.

Paul Cavanagh also kept the evening’s fun rolling as Master of Ceremonies, looking very dashing in his tuxedo.

The fundraiser was organised by Eric Barnes, with help from Sharon and all her staff at the Greenwich Bar. The evening’s sponsors generously donated prizes for the raffles.

Dave the bike man was

Organisers Eric Barnes and Paul Cavanagh with the three performers, and the young raffle ticke sellers extra generous, donating two bikes, which are sure to make wonderful Christmas presents. Meals for two were given by Treetops restaurant in Campoverde, JP’s Bar in Mil Palmeras and the Greenwich Bar. Avibe gave a fantastic hamper and Estrella Galicia a case of wine.

Two youngsters, Stefan and Chloe Barber, spent all evening selling raffle tickets.

The evening raised €680.

AECC offers appointments for cancer checks for men and women.

Pilar area clients should make their appointments on Wednesday mornings (10 am - 12 noon) in the office on the roundabout at the main entrance to Pinar de Campoverde. Everyone else should contact their local AECC officer.

Win new look and a photo shoot IF you fancy a new look before Christmas and want to help a couple of good causes in the process, pop down to Bliss Hair & Beauty or La Moda fashions at La Finca golf, Algorfa.

The fashion shop and hair and beauty salon have joined forces to offer one lucky lady a complete makeover.

The winner of their charity raffle will not only receive a complete new look courtesy of Bliss, including hair, make-up and nails, they will also be dressed in top designer fashion from La Moda.

To record the day, there will be a photo shoot with professional photographer Graham Strachan.

Plus, La Moda is giving the winner a €50 voucher and the lucky lady will take home a framed photo of herself looking fabulous from the photo shoot.

For your chance to win this great prize, buy your raffle tickets now from either Bliss or La Moda.

Raffle proceeds will be split between Samaritans in Spain and Paul Cunningham Nurses.

Samaritans in Spain operates a free emotional support helpline seven nights per week from 8pm until midnight on 902 883 535. Bliss can be contacted on 616 579 139.

The whole entourage, including new recruits in training, gather each month for a relaxing lunch. And their latest gettogether at Manhattan Restaurant in Cabo Roig was, like all the others, a fun break away from the stress of work.

The popular Manhattan is a continuous supporter of the work of Samaritans in Spain, whose officials say this relaxed type of outing is really important for staff in a busy and growing organisation.

SiS’s trained listeners do much more than man the phone (902 88 35 35) seven nights a week from 8 pm-midnight.

Other activities include fund-raising, giving talks about Samaritans work to clubs and organisations, raising awareness of their services, and outlining their future plans and activities.

Samaritans in Spain is always looking for volunteers.

For more information on IF you missed the first the organisation’s activities Big Band Dance Night in and services, go to www.

Torrevieja, don’t miss costablancasamaritans.com this Christmas special. or e-mail joinus@costablanXmas Big Band Dance casamaritans.com Night with Swingtet Plus Costa Blanca Samaritans takes place on December offer completely confidential, 21 from 9pm at La telephone-based emotional Rustika, Los Arcos, support, for any English Torrevieja. speaker who may be experiGil and the band, plus encing problems in their life vocalist, Larry will per- that might make them feel form some of the best- unhappy, distressed or known big band classics, despairing, or even suicidal. along with rock ’n’ roll, latin.

The band is full of gifted musicians who have worked all over the UK, JOIN Maria and the Pink Ladies for the Reindeer Walk on Norway and worldwide, December 11. appearing with famous Maria and her ladies, along with Fit 4 All at Punta Prima, bands and big name are organising the 3km walk in aid of AECC and San Jose stars. You won’t find bet- Orphanage. ter big band anywhere, A giant sleigh, laden with presents for children at the so book your tickets and orphanage, will be pulled by the reindeers – otherwise known enjoy an evening of good as members of Torrevieja Tigers Rugby Club. music and dance at this Plus, Vibe FM’s Suzy G will entertain walkers and there will special time of the year. be a prize raffle.

There will be a raffle in To join the walk donate €5 and a new toy for the sleigh. aid of HELP Vega Baja.

Just turn up at Fit 4 All, on the N332 at Punta Prima Tickets €7 from La roundabout, on the day at 11am, or for further information call Rustika, 965 703 685.

634 198 351 or email spanishpinkladies@hotmail.co.uk

CALLING ALL CHRISTMAS SWINGERS

SLEIGH RIDE

28

Friday, December 2, 2011

Top 10 coolest movie cars Seth Rogen and Cameron Diaz might have their names on the 'Green Hornet' poster, but for our money the real star of the film is the superhero's car: the Black Beauty. The heavily modified Chrysler Imperial (the same model used in the original Bruce Lee TV series) got us thinking about other iconic movie autos that deserve to have their names on the posters. We've also tracked down the real world equivalents that you can actually buy. Popcorn and petrol at the ready...

10. Audi RSQ as seen in I, Robot

car. So cool it almost distracted you from the fact it was all blatant product placement (apparently director Alex Proyas even suggested some of its features).

Can I buy one?

'Fraid not - unless you travel forward in time to 2035. Closest you'll come is the Audi R8, a production version of the company's Le Mans Quattro concept car. Both models were influenced by the design of the RSQ. Be warned though, prices still start at around £85,000.

movie. That is until Fox's character said he was 'a piece of crap" and he transformed into a super-pimped up '09 version.

Can I buy one?

Absolutely (if you live in America anyway).

After the success of the movie, a bright spark at Chevrolet released the aptly named 'Transformers Special Edition' of the 2009

9. Chevrolet Camaro as seen in Transformers What's so cool about it?

Muchos suspension of disbelief is needed for most cars in futuristic films - think the flying motors in 'Blade Runner' or the land speeder in 'Star Wars'. Not so with the Audi RQQ in 'I, Robot' (set in 2035), which was technologically advanced (that cubed steering wheel) but still undeniably an Audi sports

What's so cool about it?

It transforms into a giant, world-saving robot and helps you pull Megan Fox - no mean feat if you look like Shia LaBeouf.

Robot-in-disguise Bumblebee was originally a Volkswagen Beetle but was updated to the '77 Camaro in Michael Bay's live-action

model, which included the yellow paint job, Autobot shields on the driver and passenger panels, a V6 engine but not, sadly, Megan Fox.

the 1966 movie (a spin-off of the Adam West series). A heavily converted Lincoln Futura, which looked a lot like the Batmobile anyway thanks to that unusual winged shape, it came with added Bat-Light Flasher, Flamethrower and that sat-nav equivalent called the Robin Detector.

Can I buy one?

Amazingly, yes. The Futura was a concept car and never went into production but last year American company Fiberglass Freaks began making officially licensed and fully roadworthy versions of the iconic motor.

Each one will set you back around $150,000 (£97,000), but for the money you do get that (working) flamethrower thrown in. Holy fire alarms, Robin!

7. 1966 Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider Duetto - as seen in The Graduate

8. Customised 1954 Lincoln Futura - as seen in Batman: The Movie (1966) What's so cool about it?

Duh, it's the Batmobile. Various incarnations of the Dark Knight's ride have made it onscreen, but our fave was this model from

What's so cool about it?

Simon and Garfunkel, a little post-college angst and a lot of Mrs Robinson's thigh made the Spider an icon back in the '60s.

With its distinctive 'cuttle-fish bone' shape, the car was far cooler than its fictional owner Ben Braddock and sold like hot cakes when the film became a smash hit. It even helped set up that famous finale when Ben ran out of gas. Elaine!

Can I buy one?

The Spider was such a design classic Alfa Romeo kept producing incarnations until 1993, but the mid60's version is obviously the most expensive (around £20k). It's not

DOH!

Friday, December 2, 2011 clear what happened to the two actual models used in the movie, but this thread on an AR fan site has some fun speculation.

6. 1968 Austin MK 1 Mini Cooper S - as seen in The Italian Job What's so cool about it?

From the annoyingly catchy theme tune ('this is the self-preservatio...' it's in our heads already) to that line (something about doors), 'The Italian Job' is a British institution. But it would be nothing without the Mini Coopers used by Michael Caine and his lovable gang to steal Fiat's gold. They may be small, but nothing handles an Italian traffic jam like one of BMC's dinky motors.

through the roof.

Can I buy one?

Lotus ceased production of the real (strictly land-based) Esprit in 2004, although it's due a comeback in 2013. Rinspeed have demoed an underwater car called sQuba, but you need to wear scuba gear, which won't exactly impress the ladies.

4. 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback - as seen in Bullitt

motive aerobics - including flipping backwards and jumping drawbridges - it's also so cool, legions of cult movie fans can recite the specs by heart ('it's got a cop motor...' etc). Apparently 'The Blues Brothers' held the record for the most cars destroyed in one film (until the duff sequel).

Can I buy one?

Chrysler produced the Monaco for years so there are still plenty of the old bangers knocking about in the US. Sightings of actual Bluesmobiles used in production are rare though, but a quick search on the Internet reveals a few people who at least claim to own one.

29 Can I buy one?

Even if it wasn't for the movies, the short, two-year production span and retro stylings would make the DeLorean a sought-after motor. Original models are still available or you can buy a newly assembled version made from original stock parts at this DeLorean site.

1. 1963 Aston Martin DB5 - as seen in Goldfinger

2. 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 - as seen in Back to the Future series What's so cool about it?

'If you're gonna build a time machine out of a car, why not do it with some style!' We agree Doc - the DeLorean's one sexy motor,

Can I buy one?

Unsurprisingly, none of the actual Minis used in the film survived the production (though one might still be dangling off the edge of a cliff), but three used to promote the film were exhibited last year. However, there are some 1960s models still in circulation if you have a few quid. Hang on a minute lads, I've got a great idea!

5. Lotus Esprit S1 - as seen in The Spy Who Loved Me

What's so cool about it?

Having Steve McQueen - the coolest man who's ever lived - at the wheel doesn't hurt.

Neither does being the, um, driving force behind what's generally agreed to be the finest car chase in film history. Director Peter Yates was hoping the Mustang would go around 75mph in the iconic scene, but the souped-up V8 beast ended up tearing round the streets of San Francisco at 110mph.

What's so cool about it?

In 'Dr No' and 'From Russia With Love' cars weren't a big part of the Bond experience - 007 is occasionally seen in a Bentley but that's it. That all changed in 'Goldfinger' when the secret agent was issued with officially the coolest auto ever seen on screen.

As standard: twin-machine guns, bulletproof screen, oil slick sprayer, revolving number plates, an ejector seat and best of all: Connery's Bond at the wheel. Cool indeed.

Can I buy one?

We found several '68 Fastbacks on sale in the States but they're rare (and pricey, around £19k). As for the real thing; two Mustangs were used in filming. One was scrapped and the other is apparently now sitting in a barn in Ohio. The owner apparently turned down an offer from McQueen himself for the vehicle.

Can I buy one?

If you've got some cash. then perhaps.

The only surviving DB5 used in production sold last year at auction for £2.6m. If you want to get your hands on an ejector seatless version you'll be looking at a slightly less ridiculous £150,000ish, according to our findings.

3. 1974 Dodge Monaco Sedan - as seen in The Blues Brothers

What's so cool about it?

When it comes to iconic Bond cars, the Lotus will always play bridesmaid to the Aston Martin. Then again, we can't remember the DB5 firing anti-aircraft rockets or transforming into a submarine - a feature used by Roger Moore's 007 to elude a helicopter (and shock sunbathers). After the film came out sales of Lotus' supercar went

DOH!

What's so cool about it?

It may be a battered second-hand Mount Prospect police car, but the Bluesmobile's got soul. Capable of unlikely feats of auto-

especially when it's going 88mph. Director Robert Zemeckis picked the model because he wanted a car that would look like a spaceship to folk from the 1950s (the era Marty travelled back to). In the process he created a truly iconic piece of American pop culture.

30

Friday, December 2, 2011

December is here and so are all the Christmas festivities. This week we find out which tones of makeup suits your skin colour or eye colour.

What’s your skin colour?

Fair?

Fair to Medium?

Fair-skinned people look great in pastels, especially colours with pinks or peaches in them, as it compliments your skin colour as well as warming it a little bit. Other pastels usually look good on fair-skinned people, as well as neutral browns of all shades. Sheer lipsticks are a great finishing touch.

People with a Fair-Medium skin tone should avoid makeup with a brown or yellow tone to avoid washing out their features. Blues, reds and purples look great on people with yellow skin tones. Try something with a bit of pink or peach in it.

Olive?

Dark?

Dark skin tones look great with rusts, berries and burnt orange colours, as well as almost any shade of pink, green or blue. Neutral shades also work great to compliment your natural colouring.

Keep in mind that you will need more pigment in what you buy. Avoid anything with an orange tone to it.

Medium skin tones look great with neutral shades, darker purples and blues, as well as lighter pinks, golds and apricots. When using blush, avoiding anything really light. A really true red won’t look good with your skin tone, but a red with a bit of purple or brown in it, will look quite stunning.

What’s your eye colour?

Hazel?

If you have hazel eyes, avoid using an excessive amount of blue-hued shadow. It can dull down hazel eyes and have the opposite effect of what you hope to achieve.

Go toward more neutral colours such as brown. Gold, pink, lavender, plum, khaki and mocha are great ones too. Purple shades contrast your colour, making eyes look dramatic. Warmer shades of mocha complement the green hue in hazel eyes, giving a natural effect.

Try a “ browny orange “. Also, taupe, gray, violet, purple, deep blue, silver.

To emphasize blue eyes use brown and rose shadows. Warm hues will contrast the coldness of blue eyes, making them really pop. Don't go for aqua or cerulean shades that will compete with your blue colour. Go with a very different-coloured shadow for an eye-opening contrast.

A dress worn by the late singer Amy Winehouse on the cover of her album "Back to Black" sold for £43,200 ($67,500, 50,500 euros) at auction in London on Tuesday, the auction house said.

At least 3.2 million copies of "Back to Black", which features the hit single "Rehab", have been sold.

H&M has announced its next designer collaboration.

The brand revealed in a press release Tuesday, November 29 that its Spring 2012 designer partnership will be with Marni.

The label's founder and creative director Consuelo Castiglioni has created the clothing and accessories line inspired by Marni's original prints, which is for both men and women.

It will be available in 260 stores worldwide and online as of March 8, 2012.

Brown?

Women with brown eyes are LUCKY!! They have the widest selection of shades available to them. Greens, champagnes, bronzes, golds, browns and blues are just some of the shades that play beautifully with brown eyes. You can also try shades of beige, peach, corals, copper, pinks, pale purples (pinky purples) and browns. Brown eyes also look great in grey, plums as well as burnt oranges.

The intensity of colour you wear depends on your skin tone. The lighter the skin tone, the less intense colour you would use.

Green?

Blue?

Perhaps try a pimento brown – this contains a subtle red undertone that is cooled & tamed by the dominating brown. Many women with green eyes have fair skin and freckles. If you have a light complexion, try to avoid eye shadow that is too deep or shimmery.

However, women with green eyes and olive skin should avoid silver and blue shadows. All women with green eyes look great in brown colours from light beiges to deep chocolate browns.

Question

Answer

Hi Freya I have just read your article in this weeks Courier and was wondering if there was a store selling "Blanco" clothing in the Torrevieja to Alicante area. Your help would be much appreciated.

Kind regards

Hi Louise I have found a list of all the Blanco stores in Alicante province. Happy shopping!

Louise

THE LATEST FASHION HEADLINES

Avda. Reyes Catolicos, 10 03003 Alicante CC Plaza Mar II Alicante Avra. Maisonnave, 9 03003 Alicante CC L’Aljub Elche CC La Marina Finestrat CC Haberneras Torrevieja

Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham's elevation into the fashion industry's elite was confirmed Monday when she was awarded a major prize at Britain's most prestigious design awards.

The singer, won the Best Designer Brand prize at the British Fashion Awards ceremony held in central London's exclusive Savoy Hotel.

Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton, who designed the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress and her sister Pippa Middleton's bridesmaid outfit, walked off with the evening's top prize, Designer of the Year.

Gucci has been named the most searched for fashion brand on Microsoft’s Search Engine, Bing, in 2011, marking its second year at the top. Bing.com compiles an annual search trends list to capture key American movements of the year.

GOT A FASHION PROBLEM YOU CAN’T FIX? Maybe you have got a big event coming up and don’t know what to wear. Or you have recently lost a lot of weight and are not sure what clothes you can now wear Email all your problems to Freya at office@thecourier.es

Hope this helps!

Freya

If you’ve got a problem, Freya can fix it!

31

Friday, December 2, 2011

TKO FM BACK ON 91.9 - TKO GOLD BACK ON 87.5 WEEKEND LUNCHTIMES WON’T BE THE SAME ANY MOORE! Last Sunday saw the end of an era at TKO when Tony Moore did his final show. Tony has been a regular part of the local radio scene for the past 7 years and he received a tremendous send off from many of his colleagues and friends at the end of the programme. Tony was first heard on Radio Caroline for a short time in 1967, joining just before the Marine Offences Act. His first career was as a guitarist and vocalist with the Nevada Showband in Ireland, touring all over the world, with Las Vegas being one of the highlights. He continued with his music and in 1981 cut a single called “I Ran All The Way Home” which made the Radio

Dublin Top 40 Chart! One of Tony’s claims to fame was being one of the first “in-store” radio DJ’s in the UK, playing some of the famous “muzak” heard in Tesco in Northampton for over 20 years! So, many of you may have heard the dulcet tones of Tony Moore whilst shopping in the isles…..and you didn’t know it!

Everyone at the TKO Media Group wish Tony and his great supporter for over 40 years, the lovely Juliana, all the very best for their future together here in Spain.

NEW ON TKO GOLD SATURDAY 12pm - 3pm PETER HURST Peter has already presented one show on TKO GOLD and we welcome him to a regular Saturday slot. You will get used to Peters favourite music decades and his renowned opinions on the Spanish way of life!

SUNDAY 12pm - 3pm KEITH NICOL Keith joins the Gold boys having been broadcasting all over the world for more years than he would care to admit! Keiths love of 60’s and 70s music will come through the Sunday lunchtime airwaves.

Let’s see if you can win yourself a meal for two and a bottle of wine at Quesada Fish & Chips

POP QUIZ December 2 TKO GOLD is pleased to announce that following some signalling difficulties over the past couple of weeks, their service on 96.7 has been restored to its former glory!

So, if you’re living in the area covering La Marina, San Fulgencio, Rojales, Dolores, Ciudad Quesada, San Luis, La Siesta, Las Torettas and all points to the north of Torrevieja, 96.7FM is your best choice.

For Torrevieja South, including Villamartin, Cabo Roig, Los Balcones, Playa Flamenca etc, 87.5FM will give you a clearer signal.

Welcome to the famous TKO Gold pop quiz! We sure did have some fun with last week’s questions.

All you have to do is take the first letter from each answer to find the name of a band or artist. Once you have found the key word, listen in to Chris Ashley´s show on TKO Gold, Saturday mornings 9am – 12pm 1. This group released an 11 minute version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" 2. Bachman - Turner Overdrives biggest hit.

Thank you for your patience and loyalty and the TKO Media Group apologise for any inconvenience and interruption to your service.

TKO GOLD – PLAYING THE MUSIC OF YOUR LIFE

3. The group The Animals home city.

4. His surname is Di Mucci how about the first name of this "Teenager In Love" 5. Harry Belafonte had one of these in the sun.

6. He had a dog named Boo. 7. The Dad of actress Liv Tyler fronted this band.

8. The Osmonds came from this American state.

9. "Smoke Got In Their Eyes" at "Twilight Time".

10. The Doors record label.

11. After falling out with Deep Purple Richie Blackmore formed this band.

32

Friday, December 2, 2011

CODE CRACKER Code Cracker is a crossword puzzle with 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. In this week’s puzzle, 9 represents Y and 18 represents H, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

QUICKIE

Across 1 Stern (6) 4 Become preoccupied (6) 9 One more (7) 10 Fragrance (5) 11 Lifting machine (5) 12 Inactive (7) 13 Adulating (11) 18 Obvious (7) 20 Depart (5) 22 Port in Israel (5) 23 Italian pasta dish (7) 24 Hazard (6) 25 Light wind (6)

Down 1 Look for (6) 2 Stringed instrument (5) 3 Fixes shoes (7) 5 Shiny metal (5) 6 Sentiment (7) 7 Divides up (6) 8 Protected by copyright (11) 14 Point of view (7) 15 Idle chatter (7) 16 Manner or mode (6) 17 Next to (6) 19 Keep away from (5) 21 Love intensely (5)

Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Passage, 5 Gusto, 8 Refer, 9 Curious, 10 Arrange, 11 Ample, 12 Banish, 14 Gentle, 17 Sever, 19 Tedious, 22 Dormant, 23 Mange, 24 Stews, 25 Confess.

Down: 1 Parka, 2 Saffron, 3 Apron, 4 Exceed, 5 Garbage, 6 Snoop, 7 Obscene, 12 Besides, 13 Surpass, 15 Trounce, 16 Static, 18 Verge, 20 Demon, 21 Sheds.

DOUBLE CROSS-WORD Solve the Double Cross-Word puzzle using either the standard or cryptic clues, the answers are exactly the same.

CRYTPIC CLUES Across 1 Puzzled because I sat for my portrait (5) 4 Remote transformation into a shooting star (6) 9 Unusual garnets found in unusual places (7) 10 I get lost while he does the hard work (5) 11 Wasps’ nest contains snakes (4) 12 A Los Angeles graduate’s mother in the US (7) 13 I will shortly be sick (3) 14 Quarter a nurse is paid for work (4) 16 Cook a guerrilla and female (4) 18 By the sound of it condensation is expected (3) 20 Annie is peculiar looking and not very smart (7) 21 There’s something underfoot! How fishy (4) 24 Crown found in a Croatia railway station (5) 25 In opposition to a giant’s creation (7)

26 Being more foolhardy, I might get grilled (6) 27 Lead the way for the ranch animal (5) Down 1 Mail system is coming back in the flats opposite (6) 2/8 Let Pam’s car go as steel for recycling (5,5) 3 Shake cocktail and wet (4) 5 Give an enthralling performance at the door (8) 6 I’m ‘ere at fantastic Arab land (7) 7 Give a bad scar to the Spanish brat (6) 8 See 2 13 I acted in poor show (8) 15 They’re a beastly lot!

(7) 17 Beam from the Queen on a float (6) 18 Keep out of French watering hole (5) 19 Her Royal Highness wept for metal (6) 22 Tiny weight for a large white cat (5) 23 Discharges a liability but shows a profit (4)

STANDARD CLUES

Down 1 Relating to the system for delivering mail (6) 2/8 Junk (5,5) 3 Damp (4) 5 Opening (8) 6 Domain controlled by an emir (7) 7 Rogue (6) 8 See 2 13 Point out (8) 15 Creatures (7) 17 Roof beam (6) 18 Ban (5) 19 Alloy of tin and copper (6) 22 Snow leopard (5) 23 Lays out (4)

Across 1 Modelled (5) 4 Falling star (6) 9 Odd (7) 10 Labours (5) 11 Cobras (4) 12 US state (7) 13 Unwell (3) 14 Get paid (4) 16 Professional cook (4) 18 Owed (3) 20 Foolish (7) 21 Unique (4) 24 Jewelled headdress (5) 25 Opposed to (7) 26 Thin slice of bacon (6) 27 Guide (5)

Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Actress, 5 Spent, 8 Rebates, 9 Abuse, 10 Elate, 11 Elegant, 12 Canned, 14 Allege, 17 Air base, 19 Adept, 22 Chaos, 23 Anemone, 24 Liege, 25 Listens.

Down: 1 Agree, 2 Tibia, 3 Extreme, 4 Sashes, 5 Scale, 6 Emulate, 7 Theatre, 12 Chancel, 13 Narrate, 15 Loafers, 16 Recall, 18 Aisle, 20 Evoke, 21 Trees.

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

Ions Odd 3 letter words Iris Per Ace Lady Ram Age Lapp Roe Are Leer Sew Bit Sale 4 letter words Den Sell Aloe Din Sloe Also Doe Tent Aria Eel 6 User Bead Era 5 letter words Best Get Alibi Bide Imp Beaux Dash Ire Cameo Does Lap 9 Doors Eyes Lax Ensue Felt Led Eyrie Flax Lip Handy Golf Men

Hewed Often Penne Salad Sheer Siege There Troll Usher letter words Lessor Orient Peahen Pedalo letter words Expansion Rehearsal

SPANISH-ENGLISH CROSSWORD Improve your Spanish - clues in Spanish, answers in English or vice versa.

Across 1 Vasos (para beber) (7) 5 Vapor (de agua) (5) 8 Goodbye (5) 9 Lectores (personas) (7) 10 Cirugías (9) 12 Coche (automóvil) (3) 13 Flies (insects) (6) 14 To educate (6) 17 Tú (3) 18 Campeones (9) 20 Rosary (religioso) (7) 21 Escena (parte de obra, película) (5) 23 Down (physical movement) (5) 24 Authors (writers) (7)

Down 1 Hierba (pasto) (5) 2 There (near you) (3) 3 System (method) (7) 4 Sawdust (6) 5 Asientos (muebles) (5) 6 Exercise (physical) (9) 7 To show (7) 11 Answer (reply) (9) 13 Majority (mayor parte) (7) 15 Depósito (comercio) (7) 16 Street lamp (6) 18 Wagon (horse-drawn) (5) 19 Semillas (botánico) (5) 22 Oreja (anatómico) (3)

33

Friday, December 2, 2011 Across 1 By what nickname was the American mobster Al Capone usually known? (8) 7 Which British unit of weight is equal to 14 pounds (6.3 kg)?

(5) 8 Which actor played the title role in the long-running television detective series Columbo? (5,4) 9/24 Walk Tall, The Special Years and Elusive Butterfly were all British Top 10 hit singles for which popular Irish-born balladeer and television host? (3,8) 10 What name is given to any of a group of hydrated double salts, usually consisting of aluminium sulphate, water of hydration, and the sulphate of another element? (4) 11 Which word means with hands on hips and elbows extending outward? (6) 13 What was the surname of the tennis player who, on July 7, 1985, became the youngest champion in the history of the men’s singles at Wimbledon? (6) 14 Which is Britain’s longest river from source to tidal waters?

(6) 17 What title is given to the official of a synagogue who conducts the liturgical part of the service and sings or chants the prayers intended to be performed as solos? (6) 18 According to The Bible, what was the name of the first man and father Cain and Abel? (4) 20 What was the first name of the American film actress who was married to actor Mickey Rooney (1942–43), bandleader Artie Shaw (1945–46) and singer-actor Frank Sinatra (1951– 57)? (3) 22 Which American group’s only British top 10 hit single was Tequila in 1958? (3,6) 23 What was the surname of the popular female poet who was

SUDOKU

Quiz Word

awarded the MBE in the 2004 Queen’s birthday honours list for services to literature and entertainment? (5) 24 See 9 Down 1 Which dyestuff, coloured brown with a trace of violet, is

obtained from a pigment protectively secreted by cuttlefish or squid? (5) 2/4 Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey was based on which writer’s 1951 short story The Sentinel? (6,1,6) 3 Lying on the Atlantic coast near Cape Santa Maria, which is the southernmost city of Portugal? (4) 4 See 2 5 Which major Swedish manufacturer of automobiles and related products was created in 1926 as a wholly owned subsidiary of A B Svenska Kullagerfabriken? (5) 6 Named after the Greek god of the winds, which ‘harp’ is played by the wind? (7) 7 Rynchopidae is the family name of which gull-like seabird that is distinguished by a unique bladelike bill, the lower mandible of which is one-third longer than the upper mandible?

(7) 12 Which comic strip drawn and authored by Charles Schulz featured the characters Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus?

(7) 13 Nassau is the capital of which islands in the Atlantic, SE of Florida? (7) 15 Which adjective means belonging or native to a particular people/country or characteristic of or prevalent in a particular field, area, or environment? (7) 16 Which Spanish dance in triple time accompanied by guitar and castanets is also the name of a short jacket? (6) 17 Which city is the capital of Egypt and largest city in Africa?

(5) 19 What name is given to a skilled worker who builds by laying units of substantial material such as stone or brick? (5) 21 By what name is the leg bone, the tibia more commonly known? (4)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH JUEGOS DE MESA -BOARD GAMES Match these words with their Spanish translations then find them in the wordsearch.

(Answers below)

1. What held up a cricket test match between England and Pakistan?

2. What was Eva Shain the first woman to do?

3. Which American Heavyweight Boxer Nicknamed "The Atomic Bull" Gained The WBC World Title In 1994?

4. Which Football Team Has Won The European Cup The Most Times?

5. The Snatch And The Clean & Jerk Are The 2 Standard Lifts In Which Sport?

6. What Is The Only Sport In Which You Can See Teams Defending Goals Of Different Sizes?

7. Which Team Joined Formula 1 Racing In 1991?

8. Which Super Bike Champion Acquired The Nickname "The Lion King"?

9. How Many Consecutive Wimbledon's Men's Singles Titles Did Bjorn Borg Win? 10. Klaus Dibiasi Won 3 Consecutive Platform Diving Medals In 1968, 1972, 1976 Which Country Did He Represent?

1. Mouse on the pitch 2. Judge pro heavy boxing Match 3. Oliver McCall 4. Real Madrid (6 Times) 5. Weightlifting 6. Water Polo 7. Jordan 8. Carl Fogarty 9. 5 10. Italy

ANSWERS

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Wordsolution Across: 1 Gomorrah, 7 Canoe, 8 Paragraph, 9 USA, 10 Yves, 11 Circus, 13/7D Chubby Checker, 14 Neeson, 18 Musk, 20/17 Mel Brooks, 22 El Alamein, 23 Acorn, 24 Odysseus.

Down: 1 Gypsy, 2 Marceau, 3 Riga, 4 Adagio, 5 Angus, 6 Lebanon, 12 Abdomen, 13 Crimean, 15 Squeeze, 16 Ekland, 17 Blood, 19 Kings, 21 Jaws.

19. jota, 20. par, 21. poquer, 22. trio. a. joker, b. deck of cards, c. spade, d. joker, e. heart, f. club, g. ace, h. diamond, i. draughts, j. poker, k. three-of-akind, l. a pair,

D N D U D MOA P N U E X N Y RY I HQS L RI E S OB OS B L A OX RA DE P OB E Z H D Y MT D L OMA L Y N R A G K I A P U MOD A Z B L R R U V GN B OMA P A D J A OOJ DQT CA J I J OI RT T CT I X E QOR E D OMI N OP R E X L T H D A R E U Q O P WE P Y A L R D B J F E J MD Z B B L E E GT ORA UT X A NO V HZ ROL L A B A CNDP L A L F I L QDP QA I COF B C P Z H GA GY B E P Z MF V GDF HV UK RRGDRZ A D Soduko

Span - Eng

m. chess, n. board, o. castle, p. knight, q. pawn, r. king, s. bishop, t. queen, u. jack, v. dice, w. dominoes.

Answers: 1i, 2m, 3q, 4o, 5r, 6t, 7s, 8p, 9n, 10w, 11v, 12b, 13e, 14h, 15f, 16c, 17d, 18g, 19d, 20l, 21j, 22k.

movies/tv QUIZ

1. damas, 2. ajedrez, 3. peon, 4. torre, 5. rey, 6. reina, 7. alfil, 8. caballo, 9. tablero, 10. domino,11. dado, 12. baraja, 13. corazon, 14. diamante, 15. trebol, 16. espada, 17. comodin, 18. as,

AJEDREZ

JOTA

ALFIL

PAR

BARAJA

PEON

CABALLO

POQUER

COMODIN

REINA

CORAZON

REY

DADO

TABLERO

DAMAS

TORRE

DIAMANTE

TREBOL

DOMINO

TRIO

ESPADA Quizword

Fill It In

34

Friday, December 2, 2011

Horoscopes

By Pandora

Aries March 21 - April 19 A bottle of red, a bottle of white. Wine!

The only drink for those who are addicted to beer but worried about the size of their gut. There are definitely drawbacks to all your best laid plans. Be aware that today might not be your lucky day.

Moving On I MET someone online and spent every day talking to them for about five months.

We would text, email, talk on Skype all day and every day for those five months, hours at a time.

I developed some strong feelings for this person and even felt like I had fallen in love with them. They told me they felt the same.

We were working on meeting and seeing if what we felt was real when disaster struck and some things came out about me that were not actually true, but she believed them anyway.

Because of distance I am unable to show her that they aren't true in person... we haven't spoken since August, but I miss her every single day.

I know she still checks up on me as I have a blog and see that she visits numerous times a day to see what I have been saying.

How do I move on from having someone in my life and feeling how I do and to not having them? I have cried over losing her and everything

STEVE El Galan

l

Dear Steve. If you know she checks your blog, why don’t you write one about how you aremissing her and wish she would give you a chance to explain etc. etc....

Hopefully she will get back in contact

Am I Shallow?

Hi Rose! I don't want to sound shallow or anything, but I've recently been on a few dates with this guy.

Nothing happened, but he is clearly interested in me.

I have a good time with him and all, but... I think he's really ugly and I don't feel any kind of physical attraction to him. Am I a super shallow b*tch? Or maybe things will change with time when I get to know him better?

I don't know, I've never been in this kind of situation before. Thank you!

ZOE Punta Prima

l

Hello Zoe. There has to be a physical attraction for you to be able to feel anything for this man.

If you're not attracted to him, then you'd better let him go so both of you can find someone else.

This can't work unless you

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Whilst we are not all superhuman, some of us are at least able to go to sleep without weeing ourselves in the night.

Every part of your body will cry out in pain today, although there is no explanation as to why this should be.

Gemini May 21 - June 20 Presenting yourself with home-made cardboard awards is probably not the sanest way to go about giving yourself a morale boost.

Your itchy nose will soon be gone after you suffer a week of agonising hell locked in a pepper cupboard with a strait-jacket.

Cancer June 21 - July 22 All of your aims are achievable, although many of them would involve bionic implants and a lot of theft. Old wives tales aren't smutty recollections of sexual conquests. are physically attracted to him, and nothing will change the fact that you think he's not.

I’m a Fool

Dear Rose, 3 weeks ago I broke up with the most beautiful, perfect girl a man like me could ever hope to meet.

We had been going out for a year and a half and in the last few months I completely lost track of how much she meant to me and what was important, I started ignoring her, being a bit flirty with other girls, being drunk too often.

Then I was at a friend’s house party and she had also been invited which made me quite angry and jealous for absolutely no reason and I just lost it and basically said we should take a break.

For a week after that I tried to get over it, enjoy myself, concentrate on other things but I can't hide from the fact I truly love her. What can I do to show her how sorry I am, prove I've changed and above all, win her back?

If you have a problem Romany Rose can help you with, email her at office@thecourier.es months of working on give him a second chance then you would need to yourself then try again. make him work hard for it and show him that what he has done was completely unacceptable.

Should I ignore him

There's this guy that I used to like... He'd stare at me all the time. We were getting to know each other and he said he wanted to take things slow. We use to talk everyday but he stopped ringing and texting.

He stood me up 3times...

Won't call to cancel he'd just not bother and say sorry and would do that again. So I deleted his number and moved on.

Three weeks later, he's ringing me nonstop and texting me apologising saying he's been busy and we should definitely go out.

I don't want to go through with all of that anymore. Am I a nice girl? I could've loved him. I didn't answer his calls or texted him back.

PETE But I guess he wasn't interLa Marina ested and I don't want to be Hello Pete. The ques- made a fool out of again. So tion is have you truly should I just ignore him?

GLORIA changed? 3 weeks is an LA MANGA awful short time for someone to TRULY change their Hello Gloria. How he ways. It takes months, behaved was completely out of order. You years. Weeks, I doubt it.

Have you completely quit have every reason to comthe drinking and being flir- pletely ignore him now. It sounds like he had been ty with other girls? interested so why he stood You can ask your ex to you up three times is the give you a second chance question that is left hangand show her you're ready ing. But he didn't even to be a better boyfriend to have the decency to cancel her. Write her a letter with you beforehand. I showing how much you guess he knows now he love her. But I'm afraid it made a mistake and he has might be too soon. Give it a come running back to you shot. If she shoots you again. I guess it is up to down (can you blame you now if you allow him her?), then give it a few back in. But if you were to

l

l

Holding Hands

This is going to sound stupid but here goes.

I'm a teenager. There's this boy I like, and I've only known him a few months but I want to start moving forward with him. I don't want to hurry things though, he always gives me a cuddle as I leave him, and what I really want to do now is hold his hand. I know it sounds stupid.

I feel as though I've tried everything to hint at it. I've brushed my hand against his, I've played with his hand, I've even placed my hand on top of his but he never seems to get the message. So how could I make him know that I want him to hold my hand without making the first move?

FRANCIS TORREVIEJA

l

Hi Francis. Sounds like this is the only thing you can do by making the first move as he isn't getting the hint I personally would just grab hold of his hand or if you want to be more subtle stand very close to him with you hand right near his look at him smile and take his hand I’ll bet you he has been wanting to do the same to you and he will be pleased that you have made the first move.

Leo July 23 - August 22 You do a lot of good work, make people pay for it! As accurate as the weather report might be, you must be careful to avoid the 3011 bus. Just because people laugh at you doesn't make you a comedian.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 To make yourself feel beautiful, hug a tree, kiss a baby, read a classic, and then take a long train journey. After that, you'll still be an ugly bugger, but you'll be so tired you won't even care. Potato salesmen may call today and leave you a spud on your doorstep.

Libra September 23 - October 22 Did you happen to see a film called "Creepy Creatures of The Night"? It wasn't a good film. This week is your own personal "Creepy Creatures of The Night". The medical degrees you claim you possess were not worth the 70 euros you paid for them through PayPal.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Hopefulness can be a virtue, but naivety can bring you trouble. Your appetites for love are not dampened by the loss of a limb...but your partner's might be. Your package will arrive today, delivered by an expected person.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Although danger is never far away, you may have an exhilirating time in the coming days. Wednesday will be a good day for you this month, but which Wednesday in particular is up to you. Left to your own devices, you are probably heading for a fall.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 See how clever you can be today by attempting to count your lose change inside your pocket WITHOUT taking your hand or the money out. Take everything you've got and run like the wind. Bad things are afoot.

I mean, can't you smell it?

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 You will feel an overwhelming desire to kiss everyone in sight today. You must decide how to continue. The good and the great come together today and miss you entirely during all their endeavours.

Which is a bit sad, really.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 Gibberish may possibly occur to you at some point during the next 12 days as you attempt to do something new, or possibly old. The best way to undo your mistakes is to stand up, take a good look around, and then shout "Sorry chaps!

35

Friday, December 2, 2011

TRELI ON THE TELLY Why ideal Holmes is my breakfast treat

with ALEX TRELINSKI

DO you remember 1983 and the start of Breakfast television in the UK, with Frank Bough and Selina Scott on the BBC’s ‘Breakfast Time’?

And how, a week later, the socalled ‘Famous Five’ took to the air on ITV with TV AM? What times they were indeed, with all kinds of predictions that this would change the landscape of people’s early morning habits. And there were genuine fears within the commercial radio industry that these programmes would damage radio listening, and therefore

advertising revenues.

How way off the mark these sages of doom were! The best part of 30 years later, UK breakfast viewing figures are still so low that you wonder why the broadcasters get into such a lather over them.

Audiences for the BBC’s ’Breakfast’ programme are roughly double those for ITV’s disastrous ‘Daybreak’, which somewhat suggests that viewers want something reasonably intelligent at that time of the morning, but with presenters they can engage with first thing.

That’s been the problem with Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley, both of whom are very good at their jobs, but not at the time when you most need a cheerful smile. As a result, they were pulled from the ‘Daybreak’ sofa this week.

In contrast, Chiles has been excellent as ITV’s football anchor, and also in sharp form on ‘That Sunday Night Show’, whilst the future Mrs Frank Lampard has been given the high-profile task of co-presenting ‘Dancing on Ice’, as well as

Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley

other prime-time projects.

They’ll do well financially as well as getting back into a normal life routine, but the whole episode has been a major botch-up by ITV, who actually managed to replace the duff ‘GMTV’ with an even worse product.

Breakfast TV should not just be about presenters, but history has shown that they are vital at that time of day. The main lesson has come from America, where NBC’s ‘Today’ show has been running for nearly 60 years, and has generally promoted new presenters from its own ranks with little jarring for the viewers. And when somebody doesn’t work, then the axe quickly falls.

That ’s why that programme has consistently led the American ratings with many millions watching and they’ve had the balance right between news and softer items.

It isn’t actually that far away from what the BBC does in the early morning, which certainly works -- but the corporation are about to risk everything with a crazy change.

‘Breakfast’ is being moved, lock, stock and barrel, to the new media complex in Salford, for no logical reason whatsoever. A senior BBC executive told me openly in the spring that this was a bonkers decision, and that they’ll soon end up paying a heavy price, with fewer quality guests and viewers.

The excellent Sian Williams has decided not to make the move, and, guess what, there are rumours that ITV want to sign her up for a re-launched ‘Daybreak’.

Bill Turnbull is making the journey north, but with his family in the Home Counties, I wonder how long it will be before he calls it quits?

In fact, with the former boss of ‘Breakfast’, David Kermode, about to take over the job at ‘Daybreak’, I wonder what the odds would be on Sian and Bill marching straight over to join him.

It would certainly be a vastly more logical transition than what the ‘One Show’ team of Chiles and Bleakley achieved.

Perhaps the most sensible move in all of this breakfast scrapping came from Eamonn Holmes, when he signed a new three year contract last week to continue his early morning show for Sky News.

There were rumours that ITV were tapping him up for a breakfast return to their channel, but I’m sure his agent managed to “up the ante” on his new deal by playing one off against the other.

Seriously, though, Holmes and Sky News is my personal

Eamonn Holmes... he’s an old pro when it comes to breakfast TV

choice if I switch on the box at that time, and I’ve always felt well briefed as well as entertained.

As an old pro, Holmes would know that working on a good show is the top priority, and he’d have been foolish to have left for a few extra bucks.

Whatever his detractors have to say, often in petty spite, the burly Irishman knows what he’s doing in front of the camera, and is well suited to operating at that time of the morning.

Am I becoming the Mystic Meg of TV review and commentary? Barely had The Courier presses started to roll last week, then news came from the States that ABC had decided to pull ‘Pan Am’ from their schedules, whilst overseas broadcasters like the BBC and Canal Plus are left with a deck of episodes that they need to get rid of somewhere. Ouch!

Meanwhile, poor old E4 had to make do with its own expensive piece of Transatlantic trash on Wednesday with the premiere of the new version of ‘Charlie’s Angels’. The Yanks pulled it after just four episodes, with the remaining four lying unscreened. Double ouch!

SENNA E You don’t have to be a racing fan to find Sundance Award-winner Senna‘s Formula One racing ride thrilling — as well as captivating, chilling, and surprisingly sublime. The documentary’s star is Brazilian racing legend and three-time World Champ Ayrton Senna. Fresh off the boat, so to speak, at 17 he lands in Europe determined to graduate from his childhood karting passion into a Formula One racing career. At the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, his first time racing a Formula One car, he deftly advances from 13th to second place and nearly

CAST: Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Frank Williams DIRECTOR: Asif Kapadia GENRE: Documentary RATING: 4.5/5 RUNNING TIME: 105 min. wins until the race is stopped for — as he grumbles — “political’ reasons. A year later he wins the Portugal Grand Prix on a slippery track in the rain: his favorite conditions. With talent, determination, and youth, it would seem like nothing could stop him from leaving all other competitors in the dust.

Thankfully (for the dramatic conflict it provides), many people and forces do, from politics to mechanical mal-

functions, car-shredding crashes, unjust disqualifications, and a prime-time war with his nemesis, The Professor, French World Champion Alain Prost, who publicly declares his desire to “punch him in the face.”

What takes the movie beyond the realm of specta-

tor sport, however, is something more profound. Wellplaced quotes and interviews seem to capture a sliver of Senna’s soul, shedding light on a beloved icon’s inner struggles. He’s a racer regarded as uncommonly humble, always striving to “keep getting better as a driver, and a man” while scorned by others for his devout claims that God is his copilot and the reason he wins.

Senna accelerates to its

This dvd review was brought to you by MOVING MOVIES - OVER 7000 DVDS IN STOCK. Delivering all over Spain and the UK Visit www.movingmovies.biz Tel 650 751 072 or email movingmoviesdvds@gmail.com

end with a growing sense of fate, ominous portents, and an untimely twist with a biblical punch line. A dramatic end to a documentary that witnesses a life speeding to the brink and beyond.

36

The Courier Friday TV

2nd December

00:35 This Week 01:20 Holiday Weatherview 01:25 Who's Getting Rich on Your Money? - Panorama 01:55 Countryfile 02:55 Antiques Roadshow 03:55 Digging for Britain 04:55 Sport Today 05:00 Newsday 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Noise Squad 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Driving Academy 16:35 Splatalot 17:00 Stuck on Sheep Mountain 17:30 Dani's House 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 The Two Ronnies Sketchbook 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Live at the Apollo 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The Graham Norton Show

00:20 01:00 01:45 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45

Pan Am Pan Am HARDtalk Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today

04:55 Close 07:00 Wibbly Pig 07:10 The Large Family 07:20 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Little Charley Bear 07:45 Mike the Knight 08:00 Gimme a Break 08:25 Trust Me I'm a Genie 08:40 Leon 08:45 Pet Squad 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Copycats 09:25 Iconicles 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 Something Special: Out and About 10:40 Charlie and Lola 10:55 Zingzillas 11:15 Big Barn Farm 11:25 Louie 11:35 Octonauts 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 The Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Coast 14:15 Trash to Cash 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 17:30 Flog It! Travels Around Britain 17:45 Euro 2012 - Live Draw 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Heir Hunters 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 The Accidental Husband 22:50 Coast 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 01:30 03:30 04:25 05:35 06:30 07:00 09:30 10:25 11:30 13:30 14:30 14:55 15:00 16:00 16:59 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 Here!

23:30

Matt Cardle: Into the Light The Zone The Jeremy Kyle Show ITV Nightscreen The Jeremy Kyle Show ITV Morning News Daybreak Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV News and Weather Meridian News and Weather May the Best House Win Dickinson's Real Deal Meridian Weather Ade in Britain Best Dish: The Chefs Meridian Tonight ITV News and Weather Emmerdale Coronation Street Wild Britain with Ray Mears Coronation Street I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of ITV News and Weather

PETER KAYS TOP 43 GREATEST COMEDY MOMENTS The comedian and star of Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere introduces a countdown of his favourite comedy moments, featuring classic clips, previously unseen outtakes and archive footage of his work so far. There is also a look back at his Comic Relief performances, including his chart-topping singles Amarillo and I'm Gonna Be, plus I Know Him so Well - a duet with Susan Boyle.

00:05 Random Acts 00:15 The Secret Millionaire 01:20 The Prodigy: World's on Fire 02:15 360 Sessions 02:40 Inputoutput 02:55 360 Sessions 03:25 Shameless USA 04:20 Southland 05:05 The British Woman on Death Row 06:00 Unreported World 06:25 Countdown 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:20 Frasier 09:55 Secret Millionaire Australia 10:55 Relocation, Relocation 11:55 The Renovation Game 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:05 Channel 4 Presents - Liz Johnson 'Magic Numbers' 14:10 Campbell's Kingdom 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Unreported World 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 Peter Kay's Top 43 Greatest Comedy Moments

00:00 Police Interceptors 01:00 SuperCasino 04:55 Animal Rescue Squad 05:10 Wildlife SOS 05:35 Wildlife SOS 06:10 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:35 Michaela's Wild Challenge 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 City of Friends 07:35 Elmo's World 07:50 Peppa Pig 07:55 Little Princess 08:05 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 08:10 The Mr Men Show 08:25 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Meerkat Manor 15:45 Last of the Dogmen 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 Home and Away: Bay Reporter 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Fifth Gear 21:00 Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads 22:00 Black Hawk Down

37

The Courier Saturday TV

3rd December

00:20 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 00:30 The Hand That Rocks the Cradle 02:15 Weatherview 02:20 Question Time 03:20 Fry's Planet Word 04:20 BBC News 04:30 Click 04:45 Newswatch 05:00 BBC News 05:30 The Bottom Line 06:00 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Home Cooking Made Easy 13:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 15:00 Live International Rugby Union 17:30 Final Score 18:10 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 18:30 A Question of Sport 19:00 Tonight's the Night 20:00 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Merlin 21:45 Casualty 22:35 The National Lottery Saturday Night Draws 22:45 BBC News; Weather 23:05 Match of the Day

00:00 00:45 00:50 02:35 03:00 03:30

The Review Show Weather The Crossing Guard Click BBC News HARDtalk

04:00 BBC News 04:20 Close 07:00 Little Robots 07:10 The Large Family 07:20 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Little Charley Bear 07:45 Mike the Knight 08:00 Roar 08:30 Arthur 08:50 Dennis and Gnasher 09:05 Pixelface 09:35 Splatalot 10:00 Live 'n' Deadly 11:00 Who Let the Dogs Out? 11:30 I Want My Own Room 12:00 Deadly Art 12:15 Sorry, I've Got No Head 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Primrose Path 14:30 The Master of Ballantrae 16:00 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 16:45 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 17:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:30 Escape to the Country 19:30 Flog It! 20:30 Dad's Army 21:00 100 Years of the Palladium 22:00 QI XL 22:45 Pan Am 23:25 Pan Am

00:00 Meridian Tonight and Weather 00:05 Fearless 01:55 The Zone 04:15 Columbo: A Bird in the Hand 05:50 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Mini CITV 08:15 CITV 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:45 ITV News and Weather 13:49 Meridian Weather 13:50 You've Been Framed!

14:20 Small Soldiers 16:20 The Mummy 18:30 Meridian News and Weather 18:45 ITV News and Weather 19:00 The Chase 20:00 New You've Been Framed!

20:30 Harry Hill's TV Burp 21:00 The X Factor 22:30 I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

23:30 ITV News and Weather 23:44 Meridian Weather 23:45 FA Cup Highlights

GHOSTBUSTERS II Supernatural comedy sequel starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver and Harold Ramis. The Ghostbusters are reunited when their old client Dana Barrett calls for help. Now a single parent with an eight-month-old baby son, she is once again having problems with supernatural phenomena.

00:05 Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls 01:10 Stand Up for the Week 02:00 Franklyn 03:40 Random Acts 03:45 Shameless USA 04:40 My Name Is Earl 05:05 My Name Is Earl 05:30 St Elsewhere 06:20 Countdown 07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 Extreme Sailing Series 08:00 Great Ethiopian Run 08:55 The Morning Line 09:50 Smallville 10:50 Made in Chelsea - End of Season Party 11:50 4Music Video Honours 2011: Top 20 12:50 Pixie Lott: The Album Chart Show Special 13:20 The Big Bang Theory 13:50 The Big Bang Theory 14:20 The Simpsons 14:50 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 Come Dine with Me 19:30 Jamie's Great Britain 20:30 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Tony Robinson's Gods and Monsters 22:00 Taken 23:50 8 Out of 10 Cats Uncut

00:50 Inside Hollywood 01:05 SuperCasino 05:05 Motorsport Mundial 05:30 Fifth Gear 05:55 Rough Guide to Cities 06:10 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:35 Michaela's Wild Challenge 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:15 Fireman Sam 07:25 Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs 07:40 Castle Farm 07:45 Igam Ogam 07:55 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:05 The Milkshake! Show 08:20 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 08:50 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Funky Valley 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:50 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:10 The Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Animal Families 11:00 The Gadget Show 12:00 London: The Inside Story 13:00 The Adventures of Robin Hood 15:05 My Spy 16:50 Sleepless in Seattle 18:55 Ghostbusters II 21:10 5 News Weekend 21:15 NCIS 22:00 An Audience with Bob Monkhouse 23:05 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

38

The Courier Sunday TV

4th December

00:30 The Football League Show 01:15 Mimic 02:55 Weatherview 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Dateline London 04:00 BBC News 04:30 The Firing Line 05:00 BBC News 05:30 Click 06:00 BBC News 06:30 The Record Europe 07:00 Breakfast 08:30 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Fern Britton Meets Katherine Jenkins 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 The Politics Show 14:15 EastEnders 16:10 Frozen Planet 17:10 Frozen Planet 18:10 Points of View 18:25 Songs of Praise 19:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:25 Countryfile 20:25 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Garrow's Law 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 Have I Got a Bit More News for You

00:10 Rev 00:40 Snooker: UK Championship 01:30 Snooker: UK Championship

Extra 03:30 Close 07:00 Little Robots 07:10 The Large Family 07:20 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Little Charley Bear 07:45 Mike the Knight 08:00 Roar 08:30 Arthur 08:50 Dennis and Gnasher 09:05 League of Super Evil 09:15 Jinx 09:35 Wingin' It 10:00 Sam & Mark's Big Friday Wind Up 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 13:15 Escape to the Country 14:15 Flog It! 15:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:30 Easy Virtue 20:00 The Party's Over: How the West Went Bust 21:00 How to Build a Jumbo Jet Engine 22:00 Mark Zuckerberg: Inside Facebook 23:00 Match of the Day 2

00:45 01:45 04:00 04:55 06:30 07:00 08:15 10:25 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:15 11:40 12:10 12:14 12:15 13:00 16:05 17:35 19:35 19:45 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:15 23:29 23:30

The Cube The Zone Kojak ITV Nightscreen ITV Morning News Mini CITV CITV Monk Horrid Henry Horrid Henry Finger Tips Tricky TV You've Been Framed!

ITV News and Weather Meridian Weather All Star Family Fortunes Live FA Cup Football The X Factor Midsomer Murders Meridian News and Weather ITV News and Weather The Cube The X Factor A Night with BeyoncĂŠ ITV News and Weather Meridian Weather FA Cup Highlights

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS Crime comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. Stoner Dale Denton witnesses a murder by a crooked cop. In the process of fleeing the scene, Dale drops some of his very rare cannabis, known as "Pineapple Express", which can be traced back to him and his dealer, Saul Silver. Soon the pair find themselves on the run and in the middle of a gang war

00:40 Chris Moyles' Quiz Night 01:30 Waltz with Bashir 03:10 Shameless USA 03:55 Shameless USA 04:45 Happy Endings 05:10 St Elsewhere 05:55 Countdown 06:40 The Hoobs 07:05 The Hoobs 07:30 Channel 4 Presents - Liz Johnson 'Magic Numbers' 07:35 Ironman Wales 08:30 Triathlon 08:55 One Tree Hill 09:50 Battlefront 10:05 Hollyoaks 12:40 Olly Murs: The Album Chart Show Special 13:10 The Simpsons 13:45 Shipwrecked: The Island 14:45 The Simpsons 15:15 Turner & Hooch 17:15 Deal or No Deal 18:20 Channel 4 News 18:45 The Political Slot 18:50 4thought.tv 18:55 The Golden Compass 21:00 The Secret Millionaire 22:00 Black Mirror: The National Anthem 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

00:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 00:55 Inside Hollywood 01:00 SuperCasino 04:55 Great Artists 05:25 Divine Designs 05:50 Rough Guide to Eco Escapes 06:00 Hana's Helpline 06:10 The Milkshake! Show 06:35 Thomas & Friends 06:45 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 Fireman Sam 07:35 Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs 07:50 Castle Farm 07:55 Igam Ogam 08:05 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:10 The Milkshake! Show 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 08:55 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Mio Mao 09:50 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:25 Funky Valley 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Animal Families 11:00 Inside Hollywood 11:05 Andre Rieu at the Albert Hall 12:05 Highland Emergency 12:35 Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads 13:35 What about Bob? 15:30 The Fifth Element 18:00 Click 20:10 5 News Weekend 20:15 xXx: the Next Level 22:00 Pineapple Express

39

The Courier Monday TV

5th December

00:10 Would I Lie to You? 00:40 The Sky at Night 01:00 Amityville III: the Demon 02:25 Weatherview 02:30 Film 2011 with Claudia Winkleman 03:10 Holby City 04:10 A Farmer's Life for Me 05:10 Newsday 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Noise Squad 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Driving Academy 16:35 Splatalot 17:00 Alesha's Street Dance Stars 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 The Truth About Supermarket Price Wars - Panorama 22:00 Young Apprentice 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 A Question of Sport

00:00 00:30 01:00 01:50 Extra 03:50 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:15 07:00

Fast and Loose Never Mind the Buzzcocks Snooker: UK Championship Snooker: UK Championship Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Close Little Robots

07:10 The Large Family 07:20 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Little Charley Bear 07:45 Mike the Knight 08:00 Gimme a Break 08:25 Trust Me I'm a Genie 08:40 Leon 08:45 Pet Squad 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Copycats 09:25 Iconicles 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 Something Special: Out and About 10:40 Charlie and Lola 10:55 Zingzillas 11:15 Big Barn Farm 11:25 Louie 11:35 Octonauts 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 The Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 16:45 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 The Big Bread Experiment 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 RBS - Inside the Bank That Ran Out of Money 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 23:30 Weather

00:30 Premiership Rugby Union 01:30 The Zone 03:00 Motorsport UK 03:55 Kojak 04:50 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Murder, She Wrote 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Meridian Tonight and Weather 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Little England 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 The Fight of Their Lives

THE BIG BREAD EXPERIMENT

New series. Documentary following the efforts of volunteers trying to restore Crakehall Watermill in Bedale, North Yorkshire, which project leader and curate Cath Vickers hopes to use to make flour for a bakery. Once a thriving farming community, most of the town's residents now commute to work and struggle to find the time to get to know their neighbours.

00:05 Escape from Alcatraz 02:15 American Football Live 05:45 Post Modern Pastimes 06:00 Freesports on 4 06:25 Countdown 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Secret Millionaire Australia 10:55 Beeny's Restoration Nightmare 11:55 Sealed Bid 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:20 Seven Days to Noon 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Date with Me 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Turner Prize 2011 21:30 Landlords from Hell: Dispatches 22:00 The Great British Property Scandal 23:00 The Million Pound Drop Live

00:15 Harold & Kumar Get the Munchies 02:00 SuperCasino 05:00 Animal Rescue Squad 05:10 Nick's Quest 05:35 Divine Designs 06:00 Hana's Helpline 06:10 The Milkshake! Show 06:35 Thomas & Friends 06:45 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 City of Friends 07:35 Elmo's World 07:50 Peppa Pig 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 The Mr Men Show 08:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 08:30 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Mio Mao 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 Jesse Stone: Night Passage 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers 23:00 Shadow Man

40

The Courier Tuesday TV

6th December

00:05 John Bishop's Britain 00:50 The Graham Norton Show 01:40 Weatherview 01:45 Who Do You Think You Are? 02:45 Natural World: Komodo Secrets of the Dragon 03:45 Dragons' Den 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Newsday 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Noise Squad 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Barney's Latin America 16:35 Splatalot 17:00 Alesha's Street Dance Stars 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Death in Paradise 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Imagine: The Lost Music of Rajasthan

00:20 01:10 Extra 03:10 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 07:00

Snooker: UK Championship Snooker: UK Championship Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Close Little Robots

07:10 The Large Family 07:20 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 07:45 Mike the Knight 08:00 Gimme a Break 08:25 Trust Me I'm a Genie 08:40 Leon 08:45 Pet Squad 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Copycats 09:25 Iconicles 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 Something Special: Out and About 10:40 Charlie and Lola 10:55 Zingzillas 11:15 Big Barn Farm 11:25 Louie 11:35 Octonauts 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 The Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 16:45 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 The Big Bread Experiment 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Money 23:00 Life's Too Short 23:30 Newsnight

00:50 David Jason's Greatest Escapes: The Full Story 01:40 The Zone 03:45 Champions League Weekly 04:20 ITV Nightscreen 05:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Murder, She Wrote 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Meridian Tonight and Weather 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 The Adventurer's Guide to Britain 21:00 High Stakes 22:00 My Child's Not Perfect 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 The Interpreter

MY CHILDS MY PERFECT First of a two-part documentary highlighting the difficulties faced by families who have children struggling with a range of behavioural, emotional or clinical issues. The programme follows parents as they embark on a journey to find ways of combating and managing each condition, beginning with six-yearold Katherine, who despite being a chatty girl at home, has never uttered a word at school and has been diagnosed as selective mute.

00:30 Random Acts 00:35 My Transsexual Summer 01:40 Late Night Poker 02:35 Confessions of an Undercover Cop 03:30 Shameless USA 04:25 Happy Endings 04:50 Momma's Boy 05:10 Lucky Escape 05:15 I Hate That Smile 05:20 St Elsewhere 06:10 The Untold Invasion of Britain 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Secret Millionaire Australia 10:55 Beeny's Restoration Nightmare 11:55 Sealed Bid 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:35 Face of a Fugitive 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Date with Me 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 The Food Hospital 22:00 The Great British Property Scandal 23:00 The Million Pound Drop Live

01:00 UFC 01:50 Inside Hollywood 02:00 SuperCasino 05:00 Animal Rescue Squad 05:10 Grey's Anatomy 05:55 Rough Guide to Weekend Breaks 06:10 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:35 Michaela's Wild Challenge 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 City of Friends 07:35 Elmo's World 07:50 Peppa Pig 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 The Mr Men Show 08:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 08:30 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 The Tenth Circle 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How to Take Stunning Pictures 20:30 5 News Update 21:00 London: The Inside Story 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

41

The Courier Wednesday TV

7th December

00:40 The Other Man 02:05 Weatherview 02:10 Frozen Planet 03:10 The Story of Ireland 04:10 Dragons' Den 05:10 Newsday 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Noise Squad 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Barney's Latin America 16:35 Splatalot 17:00 Alesha's Street Dance Stars 17:30 The Owl 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 20:30 That's Britain!

21:30 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson 22:00 Frozen Planet 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Who Do You Think You Are? US

00:20 01:10 Extra 03:10 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45

Snooker: UK Championship Snooker: UK Championship Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today

05:00 Newsday 05:15 Close 07:00 Little Robots 07:10 The Large Family 07:20 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 07:45 Mike the Knight 08:00 Gimme a Break 08:25 Trust Me I'm a Genie 08:40 Leon 08:45 Pet Squad 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Copycats 09:25 Iconicles 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 Something Special: Out and About 10:40 Charlie and Lola 10:55 Zingzillas 11:15 Big Barn Farm 11:25 Octonauts 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 See Hear 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 16:45 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 The Big Bread Experiment 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Inside Job 23:40 Newsnight 23:40 Weather

01:55 The Zone 01:55 ITV News Headlines 03:55 Kojak 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Murder, She Wrote 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Meridian Tonight and Weather 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live UEFA Champions League 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 UEFA Champions League: Extra Time

PHILS EMPTY HOMES GIVEAWAY

Phil Spencer meets some of the homeless people worst affected by the housing crisis, and finds single men are sometimes worse off due to a severe shortage of one-bedroom accommodation. He tries to persuade the owner of a property that has been empty for years to let him renovate the building and rent it to those without a place to stay before the onset of winter.

00:30 Random Acts 00:35 The Joy of Teen Sex 01:40 UK & Ireland Poker Tour 02:35 Extreme Sailing Series 03:00 Sailing 03:30 Beach Volleyball 04:25 KOTV Boxing Weekly 04:50 Great Ethiopian Run 05:45 Post Modern Pastimes 06:00 Post Modern Pastimes 06:10 Brief Encounters of the Sporting Mind: Kickboxing 06:20 Grudge Match 06:40 Road to London 2012: That Paralympic Show 07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Secret Millionaire Australia 10:55 Beeny's Restoration Nightmare 11:55 Sealed Bid 13:00 Drop Down Menu 13:50 Warlock 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Date with Me 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Kirstie's Handmade Christmas 22:00 Phil's Empty Homes Giveaway 23:00 The Million Pound Drop Live

00:00 CSI: Miami 00:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 01:40 Forensic Files 02:05 SuperCasino 04:50 Animal Rescue Squad 05:05 The Gadget Show 05:55 County Secrets 06:10 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:35 Michaela's Wild Challenge 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 City of Friends 07:35 Elmo's World 07:50 Peppa Pig 07:55 Castle Farm 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 The Mr Men Show 08:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 08:30 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Three Wise Guys 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 New Highland Emergency 21:00 Ultimate Emergency Bikers 22:00 Erin Brockovich

42

The Courier Thursday TV

8th December

00:15 Film 2011 with Claudia Winkleman 00:55 Body Heat 02:45 Weatherview 02:50 See Hear 03:20 Planet Dinosaur 03:50 Country Tracks 04:45 Dragons' Den 05:45 Panorama 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Noise Squad 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Barney's Latin America 16:35 Splatalot 17:00 Alesha's Street Dance Stars 17:30 Welcome to My World: A Newsround Special 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 DIY SOS: The Big Build 22:00 The Manor Reborn 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Question Time

00:30 01:20 01:30 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30

Snooker: UK Championship BBC News HARDtalk Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Panorama

05:45 Close 07:00 Little Robots 07:10 The Large Family 07:20 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 07:45 Mike the Knight 08:00 Gimme a Break 08:25 Trust Me I'm a Genie 08:40 Leon 08:45 Pet Squad 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Copycats 09:25 Iconicles 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 Something Special: Out and About 10:40 Charlie and Lola 10:55 Zingzillas 11:15 Big Barn Farm 11:25 Louie 11:35 Octonauts 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 The Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Rev 22:30 Life's Too Short 23:00 Frank Skinner's Opinionated 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 Homes from Hell 01:30 The Zone 03:35 Columbo: Double Exposure 04:50 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Murder, She Wrote 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Lives in Limbo: Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Without You 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Cilla Black

LIVING WITH THE AMISH The boys stay with a family who run a dairy farm and learn how Amish children usually begin work as soon they are physically capable. The teenagers also question their attitudes to sex when they hear about the strict Amish courtship rules, which prevent couples holding hands until they get married.

00:30 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 01:35 Random Acts 01:40 Live from Abbey Road 02:25 The Album Chart Show 02:35 The Album Chart Show: 02:50 4Play: Ghostpoet 03:00 No, No, No 03:05 A Ninja Is for Life 03:10 Drifting 03:25 Chain Reaction 05:05 Brief Encounters of the Sporting Mind: Ma Bar 05:20 Brief Encounters of the Sporting Mind: Sheepdog 05:25 Gone Fishing 05:40 St Elsewhere 06:25 Countdown 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:20 Frasier 09:55 Secret Millionaire Australia 10:55 Beeny's Restoration Nightmare 11:55 Sealed Bid 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:00 The Net 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Date with Me 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Kevin's Grand Design 22:00 Living with the Amish 23:00 The Million Pound Drop Live

00:40 Forensic Files 01:10 Poker: The Big Game 02:05 SuperCasino 04:55 Animal Rescue Squad 05:10 Wildlife SOS 05:30 Wildlife SOS 05:55 County Secrets 06:10 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:35 Michaela's Wild Challenge 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 City of Friends 07:35 Elmo's World 07:50 Peppa Pig 07:55 Castle Farm 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 The Mr Men Show 08:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 08:30 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Christmas in Canaan 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 New Highland Emergency 21:00 Fairground Attractions 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 It's All About Amy

43

Friday, December 2, 2011

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(45)

ALARMS Protect your home or business with ultimate technology Alarm Systems - get connected to the professionals.

Immediate connection to the police via our 24/7 control centre, with video surveillance included.

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AIR CONDITIONING

Brand New Clothing for sale, 10.000 pieces in mixed childrens, ladies and mens wear. Ideal for market traders. Bargain price 1 € per item. Call now on 651885200. (45)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

MACHINES €24,900. 25 PRINGLE MACHINES €14,900, ALL WITH GUARANTEED SITES. 619 307 318. (52)

CHURCH SERVICES International Christian Assembly. Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja.

Evangelical non-denominational. Sunday services 11:00am.

Children’s Church 11:00am. House groups in Torrevieja, Los Balcones, San Javier.

Ladies meeting Thursdays 11:00am.

Pastor, Rafael Restrepo.

All nationalities welcome 966 799 273 // 660 127 276.

Pilar Christian Community Church Calle Canalejas 3.

Pilar de la Horadada.

Sunday Service at 11am, and Thursday at 5pm for Bible study and Prayer.

Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information contact Pilar Christian CommunityChurch@gmai l.com or contact Reverend Eddie on 966 7693 00 or 650 509 606. Reg No:2009-SG/A

CARS FOR SALE Ford Focus 1.6 auto triptronic 5 door new model 2008, 1 owner 65,000 kms FSH, fully equiped light metalic blue, 10,450 euros - Manual model in stock 2006, 7750 euros el 600 726 221 - 965 687 967 www.fwreurocars .com Ford Fiesta 1.4 Trend 2003, 71,000 kms 5 dr Air con, CD, Fully serviced, lovely condition 4450 eurosTel 600 726 221 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Ford Focus 1.6 Trend 1 owner 50,000 kms, fully equipped, met burgundy, 7750 euros Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com

Going Home RHD vehicles FOR SALE or EXCHANGE Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 967 www.fwreurocars.com Tata 4 x 2 2 litre TD EX 7 seater 2002, 86,000 km, fully serviced, alloys, aircon, bullbar side steps, CD etc, silver 3.450 euros Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars .com Nissan Micra Cabriolet 1.4 90bhp 2006, 2 owners 84,000km, FSH, stunning car with solid power roof finished in metallic burnt orange, alloys, aircon, blue tooth etc etc 7250 euros Tel 600 726 221 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars .com Mercedes!

Mercedes! good selection of

EYELASHS

Architect

Mercedes over 10 different models in stock new and used vehicles sourced Tel 600 726 221 965 687 976 www.fwr eurocars.com Ford Focus Est 1.6 Vetec 09 2001, Black, Alloys, A/C, 3950 euros Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 967 www.fwreurocars .com Renault Clio 2000 model 1.25 5 door, white, fully serviced 2500 euros Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 967 www.fwreurocars .com Mitsubishi Carisma 1.6 RHD SPANISH REG, 1997 5 door hatch 1500 euros Tel 600 726 221 965 687 967 www.fwrceurocars .com RHD Pegeot 406 LX 2 LITRE HDI 12th month 2001, 76,000 miles MOT,

FOR SALE TAXED, Met Burgundy 1650 EUROS Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 967 www.fwreurocars.com Two orange gas cylinders.

One full, one half full. 25€ each or 45€ for pair. Tel: 672192482. Santiago de la Ribera.

Ketter large sturdy plastic shed with windows, floor and shelf. 6’x6’ excellent condition 175€ 966 842 326 (41) Two single beds, both with foldaway beds underneath. 50 euros each or 90 euros for all four beds.

Tel: 672192482. Santiago de la Ribera. Buyer must collect.

MOBILE GARAGE SERVICES

BUILDER / CONSTRUCTION

ALARMS

AWNINGS / POOL COVERS

CAR SALES

CARPENTER

CAR HIRE

AUCTION

CAR MECHANIC

COMPUTERS

44

Friday, December 2, 2011

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Viva Villa and Vacation Services, For Short or Long Term Rentals visit: www.villaandvacation.co m or Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

PROPERTY FOR RENT Ref. 91, This lovely one bedroom apartment is on the fifth (top) floor of block one of the Miramar development - but don't worry about climbing the stairs, as there is a lift! A parking space is included in the key operated underground garage. €450PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 112, Spacious 3 bedroom detached villa with its private pool is located on the El Raso urbanisation near Guardamar.

Convenient for all amenities, shops, supermarket, restaurants and bars.

Short term only. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 63, Two bedroom 1st floor apartment situated in Monino Blanco. The property overlooks a superb communal pool area, in within walking distance of bars, restaurants and shops. Short or long term rental available. €P.O.A Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 155, Luxurious Three Bedroom Villa With Private Pool, in Quesada Close to shops and restaurants within a five minute drive, and Guadamar Beach is within a ten minute drive. Long term or Short term available. €795PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 709, A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach. There is a terrace outside with views to the sea. Short or long term rental available. €300PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 708, A lovely two bedroom, one bathroom corner ground floor apartment in Algorfa, with a spacious patio & Residents off road parking. Communal pool near

HEATING

by. Short or long term rental available. €400PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 117, A Lovely 3 Bedroomed 1st floor apartment on the outskirts of Torrevieja (Mar Azul).

The Apartment is in walking distance of the excellent beaches and a good selection of restaurants, shops and bars. €425PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 516, Well situated studio apartment in San Luis. The property has a balcony which has been glazed to create another room. Close to all shops and amenities, on a local bus route & 10 minutes from the beach. €250PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 702, A lovely 2 bedroom apartment in a quiet area of Torrevieja yet within walking distance to local beaches and amenities. It’s also less than an hour’s drive from both Alicante and Murcia San Javier Airports. €400PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 135, An outstanding two bedroom villa with one double and one twin room on the VillaMartin golf complex. There is a very pleasant terrace off

DAMP PROOFING

the main bedroom and from the sun terrace on the roof the views are excellent. €400PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 04, A 2 bedroom apartment one street back from the famous Cabo Roig strip. There is a selection of local shops, restaurants and bars on the doorstep with the shopping strip only 400 metres away. €450PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 92, A lovely three bedroom apartment on the ground floor of block one of the Miramar developments. A small balcony runs the width of the lounge area above the small private garden area at the front of the property. €450PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 104, Lovely 2 Bedroom Apartment in Torrevieja, within walking distance to the Friday Market, Town Centre and the beach. Close to the Habaneres Shopping Centre and Aquapark. €350PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 151, Beautiful Family 3 Bedroom Villa. Well equipped American kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom. A further 2 bedrooms, bathroom, large terrace with sun loungers, table and

FURNITURE

ENERGY SAVER

FAST BROADBAND

ELECTRICIAN

LOCKSMITH

NEWS AGENTS

FISHING

chairs, bbq, and beautiful sea view. Short or long term rental available. €P.O.A.Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Luxury appartments, 2/3 bedrooms in San Miguel De Salinas. Floor heating, Elevator, Roof terrace with swimmingpool, from 385 euros/month Also holiday rentals and appartments in San Miguel de Salinas from 350 euros/month. 966 723 437 and 616 487 493

Detached villa with large oasis pool. Situated on first Urb. In Gran Alacant.

500m2 plot, electric gates, alarmed 3 beds, 3 baths, fully furnished. Recently reduced for a quick sale Now only 260.000 euros Call 680 333 242 quoting ref 33 Altomar II in Gran Alacant Investment opportunity…

82.000 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath, lounge diner, ind.

Kitchen, Glazed in Galleria, S/Facing, extra storage Fully furnished, Private parking, Com pools Ring 627 711 155 to view.

Duplex in Monte y Mar, GA 2 Bed, 1 Bath, ground floor with views Fully furnished, A/Con, Heating, Ceiling Fans, English TV, garden, Communal pool, for apt please call 966 699 136 to view only 115.000 ono REDUCED Ground floor Duplex in Puerto Marino, Gran Alacant. Now only 99,500 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath, fully furnished Central heating, glazed galleria, grills, Mozzie nets, front garden, com pools, Private gated parking, walking distance to Shops bars restaurants etc. 627 711 155 Calling all serious Buyers.

I have a 5 bed, 4 bath, 2 kitchens, 2 lounges, detached Villa with selffilling pool in Gran Alacant.

Everything included in price, fantastic Alicante/sea views. As a starting price I am looking in the region of 265.000 euros Interested in making me an offer call me on 680 333 242 Mid Terraced Town house in Gran Alacant 2 Bed, 3 Bath, being sold fully furnished.

Electrical Appliances included, large front and rear garden,

HOUSE CLEANRANCES

PETS

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PLUMBERS

SECURITY

SEWING

45

Friday, December 2, 2011 choice of communal pools, Private secure parking and walking distance to GA Center.

140.000 euros ono. Call 627 711 155 for viewing.

Lovely well maintained terraced property situated in Mediterranea III in Gran Alacant. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, everything included in price. Large communal pool, tennis courts, established gardens Walking distance to shops, bars restaurants.

Very quiet location, over looks nature reserve.

Private parking, call 680 333 242 for more details.

133.000 euros Beach Front property opposite Carabassi Beach 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge diner, roof top solarium under ground secure parking, walking distance to beach Situated on local tram and bus route. Being sold fully furnished. 4 communal pools, tennis courts, bar and restaurant with in urbanisation Please ring 966 699 136 after 6pm (english & spanish spoken) Now only 125.000 euros excellent value in Gran Alacant.

Quick sale needed.

199.000 euros ono Detached property in Puerto Marina. 3 Bed, 3 Bath, Immaculately furnished Alarmed, Central heating, Log fire, Hot & Cold air con, open fields to the rear, Private parking, Communal pools.

966.699.478 after 5 pm.

Don Pueblo, Gran Alacant 209,000 euros 3 Double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes 2 bathrooms, spacious kitchen with galleria Lounge complete with chimney, large under build, top quality furniture and appliances inc. Com pools, underground garage, tennis courts To view call 627 711 155 Semi-detached villa in Gran Alacant 3 bed, 3 bath, lounge diner, independent kitchen, glazed in porch, large solarium with stunning views, Private Parking. A/Con Central

heating, UK TV. Only 229.000 euros By appointment only call 966 699 136 Large detached villa, large pool with electronic solar cover, converted under build, roof top solarium with conservatory, panoramic views 545 m2 plot, part furnished, double glazed, A/con, alarmed, gas fire, est. irrigated gardens Call 680 333 242 for best price Ref 30 Close to Supavalue in Gran Alacant. Detached villa with pool on 640m2 plot. 3 bed, 2 bath, lounge diner, large roof top solarium, Porch, Outside WC, 2 built-in BBQ’s, Log Fire, Under build, Alarmed, Mature Gardens, Toldos blinds, Garage, Electronic Gates. 260.000 euros 627 711 155 English & Spanish spoken.

Walking distance to all local amenities in GA Detached Villa with large pool. Decoratively tiled

Garden, complete with BBQ. Est. palm & fruit trees. 3 bed, 3 bath, Fully Furnished including all electrical appliances.

Quick sale needed, 270.000 euros, but very negotiable. For appointment to view call 966 699 478 after 5pm Top floor duplex in Puerto Marina, G/Alacant 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lounge-diner, glazed-in porch, large roof-top solarium with views, Top quality furniture and appliances included. Secure private parking, communal pools, 108,000 euros.

If you would like to view call 627 711 155 for an immediate appointment.

LIMITED EDITION One of only a few bungalows in Gran Alacant. Top of the range furniture and appliances included. 3 bed, 2 bath, lounge diner, large kitchen, leading to galleria, huge roof top solarium with fantastic views of Alicante and mountains.

SIGN WRITING

REPAIRS

REMOVALS

to beaches, large communal and resturants, beach front property priced for quick sale 125,000 Tel 680 333 242 Viva Villa and Vacation Services are pleased to offer property sales for the Torrevieja and Oriheula areas of the Costa Blanca, Spain. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 or Visit : www.villaandvacation.com Ref: 513, €115,000. Two bedroom ground floor apartment, in Aguas Nuevas, close to all amenities including the beach. It has a good size lounge, kitchen and has off road parking facilities.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 521, €105,000. This comfortable bungalow is located in San Luis with a new roof and solarium tiles. It is close to supermarkets, bars, restaurants and is on the local bus route. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 520, €85,000. Two bedroom apartment in Dream Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge, glazed-in terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large communal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 30, €119,000. Two bedroom detached house with large front terrace.

This villa is in the Punta Marina area close to Playa Flamenca , Close to amenities. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 78, €120,000. Three bedroom Quad in Jardin Del Mar VII. There is offroad parking and small storage shed in the enclosed garden area, communal pool nearby.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

WANTED

Ref: 709, €60,000 A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach.

There is a terrace outside with views to the sea.

Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

TRANSLATOR

Ref. 526, €49,900. A lovely bright 1 bedroom apartment in the area of Torreblanca.There is a large communal pool and well maintained gardens, with tennis courts and childrens play area. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

SOLICITORS Need English Speaking Solicitors in Torrevieja?

Let us help to solve your problems with debt recovery, divorce, property, accident claims, legalise land. Call us on 966 923 963, give us brief details and get in touch with your specialist solicitor. (45)

WANTED A private buyer looking to buy a cheap car directly from the owner (middleman please do not call)Tel 638 811 881(43) Guitar / vocalist, song writer wishes to find musicians (percussionist, keyboard, bass). Original material (songs ready), joining or forming a band.

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WIG SPECIALIST

SURVEYS REMOVALS

SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE

Electronic gates leading to garage, 500m2 plot, 10x5 pool with irrigated gardens By appointment only, ring 680333242 325.000 ono Large family Home in Izla de Izaro, G.A (bajo) 4 bed, 3 bath, stunning communal pool with Jacuzzi & water features. Children’s play area and fantastic communal gardens. Very high standard throughout, Large converted under build & garage, elec.

Gates Alarmed, A/con, outside kitchen and bathroom, 399.000 ono. To view call 966699136 after 5pm.

Monte Y Mar - Gran Alacant Detached Villa with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lounge-diner, front porch, Large solarium with views. 400m2 plot Low maintenance irrigated gardens, Private pool & Parking. Tastefully furnished throughout and everything included.

Recently Reduced to 239.000 euros. For more details call 627.711.155 Gran Alacant, corner semi detached 3 bedroomed, 2 bathrooms, large garden, enclosed terrace, fully furnished, private drive for 2 cars, on gated desirable urbanisation Monte Faro, many facilities priced for quick sale 185,000 Tel 680 333 242 Balsares, terraced 4 bedroomed house, 3 bathrooms, large underbuild, private underground parking direct to house, small gated urbanisation, directly over looking proposed new golf course opposite Gran Alacant, priced for quick sale at original off plan price 195.000 Tel 680 333 242 Gran Alacant, front line, 2 bed, 1 bath, downstairs toilet, fully furnished, roof terrace, walking distance

SALON MARGARETHAS, 23 years in Torrevieja Hair/Wig specialist for Medical illness and Hair Loss problems.

We offer different Hair Replacements, top fillers, Hair prostheses, Toupees and Wigs, Natural and Artificial hair and much more. Also fashion/festival accessories TV/TS are welcome to our service.

Please call our salon reception for an appointment with Margaretha on Tel no 966 921 846 Torrevieja (51)

46

Friday, December 2, 2011

The ABC of football TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME WITH OUR QUIZ WITH A DIFFERENCE WHICH A is the manager of Milan, with one piece of silverware already this season to his - very long name?

FROM which B city do the four-timerunning champions of Serbia come?

right-back for England?

WHICH Q club from Azerbaijan went out of the Europe League to WHICH K is a Mali international in Club Brugge after good wins in the the Barcelona midfield as an option First and Second Qualifying to Xavi, Busquets, Mascherano, Rounds?

Iniesta etc WHICH R was the very short-named Dutch wing star of the 1974 and 1978 World Cups?

TWO questions in one...which CD is the only American international at Fulham?

- one to watch in their 2014 World Cup group - signed for Benfica this season from Anderlecht?

WHICH X Christian name beloved of Spain midfielders is shared by Zurich playmaker Margaraiz?

...AND which Dutch colony has produced a number of its international stars such as Clarence Seedorf?

WHICH E failed to reach the finals of Euro 2012 last month in the playoffs?

WHICH T returned to duty with Manchester City after being suspended for banned substances he claimed were his wife’s diet pills?

WHAT F is the name of two unrelated international players at Swiss champions Basel?

WHICH cut-price G briefly came and went as manager of Inter Milan this season?

WHICH two almost identicallynamed I teams contested the 2010 World Club Cup this year?

WHICH J is the current first-choice

WHICH Y made Manchester United’s first goal as they set off to overhaul City’s lead in this summer’s Community Shield at Wembley?

WHAT L is shared as a second name in the Bulgarian premier league by Sofia and Plovdiv?

WHICH M marked his debut in the English Championship this season with a 91st-minute winner at West Ham?

WHICH Inter Milan household name made his 1,000th pro appearance in May?

WHICH N in the English fourth league tier are known as The Cobblers?

WHICH economically-named O is considered the biggest threat to WHICH UU Balkan club familiar to Copenhagen in the Danish top Euro competition went out of busiflight? ness this season because its owner failed to apply for a licence?

WHICH P nation hosted its first sports international for two years - a WHICH two Vs joined Spain’s Big football World Cup qualifier - this Two in the 2011-12 Champions season after being frozen out League? because of a terror attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team?

WHICH gifted Belgian midfielder W ITV Orihuela RFC had never lost to local rivals Torrevieja and hoped to continue that record.

A delayed kick-off saw most of the game played under floodlights.

IOrihuela started at a fast pace and had a lot of suc-

ANSWERS Massimiliano Allegri; Belgrade (Partizan); Clint Dempsey; Estonia; Alexander and Fabian Frei; Gian Piero Gasperini; Haiti; Internacional, Internazionale; Glen Johnson; Seydou Keita; Lokomotiv; Kenny Miller; Northampton Town; OB; Pakistan; Qarabag; Johnny Rep; Suriname; Kolo Toure; Unirea Urziceni; Valencia, Villareal; Alex Witsel; Xavier; Ashley Young; Javier Zanetti.

WHICH H made their only World Cup finals appearance in 1974?

Sorry, Torry - Orihuela have got you taped! cess in taking the sting out of the more experienced Torry forwards.

Their defence repelled everything that Torry could

throw at them, allowing the home team just one penalty in the opening exchanges.

Orihuela were then awarded a penalty of their own for a high tackle, which the visitors felt deserved a yellow card. But they had the consolation of Alvaro slotting over the three-pointer.

It was Alvaro, breaking out of defence with an excellent run, who scored the first try of the game, but he was unable to convert.

After a strong powerful run Edu went over to extend Orihuela’s lead, but then a lapse of concentration saw Torry score a try and add a penalty to reduce their deficit the just 13-11 at half time.

In the second half, Orihuela continued to dominate in the scrum, while Orihuela’s two debutant lineout jumpers were involved in a fairly even battle.

After Torry took the lead with another penalty, Orihuela stepped up a gear and got their rewards with Richie going over to seal an 18-14 victory..

On 9 December Orihuela officials are auctioning off three signed rugby shirts from the recent international 7's tournament at the So Bar in Benimar.

The teams are Wales, England and Scotland and will also available will be signed shirts from the Leicester Tigers and London Irish clubs.

47

Friday, December 2, 2011

A LEADER...AND AN INSPIRATION STEVE BOTT reflects on Gary Speed’s contribution to football

GARY SPEED was a superb professional and, while not the best footballer I’ve ever seen, he was up there with the most reliable, professional and solid characters in the game.

He had the ability to lead, inspire and drive teams on the pitch - and everyone guessed he would do that as a manager.

He was on his way to being a top coach, too. After a short spell as manager of Sheffield United, he quit to take up the reins with his country, Wales, and was achieving wonders with a team whose previous record was pretty abysmal.

FIFA still rank them only 50th in the world but the impressive results Gary had managed recently indicated that they would soon be pushing for regular entry to the finals of the European Championships and World Cup. We will never know how far Gary could have taken Wales - and perhaps he would have won more trophies to justify his tag as one of the game's best professionals. He did pick up silverware as a Leeds United player - but more pots, especially with Everton, would have been nice as he was a Toffee through and

through. A Deeside lad, he supported them from boyhood before joining them as a player.

I remember Gary as a smooth, hard and, above all, very accomplished player. He didn't dribble through opponents and score wonder goals left, right and centre, but he WAS a real driving force.

That’s one of the reasons why people are wondering what suddenly extinguished that force and made him do what he did.

He apparently had it all. The big house, lovely family, money, great job and on was also a very, very nice guy. Maybe we will never know the real reasons – but I believe we are all capable of doing what Gary did.

I have come close myself and a friend who has had treatment in a clinic for depression and alcohol dependency often says to me: "Stephen, you can NEVER tell what is going on inside somebody's head."

That friend saw all walks of life in that clinic, including millionaires who the ordinary person might envy and think they wouldn't have a care in the world.

Football in general, and Wales in particular, are all the sadder following Gary's tragic death. But his name and what he stood for will live on forever.

THIRD-CLASS UNITED Free cheers for Sanchez EATEN BY WILF PACK The Dolores team take a camera call

Manchester United fan STEVE BOTT salutes Crystal Palace (well, sort of!)

WELL done, Crystal Palace! A fine win against Manchester United's third team and good luck against another bunch of surprise guys when you take on Cardiff City in the Carling Cup semi-finals.

Cardiff's win against rock-bottom Premier League whipping boys Blackburn was not really a surprise, but Palace did well against a United team that contained no fewer than

Wilfried Zaha: Palace’s hero

NINE internationals and the same number in the starting line-up with first-team experience.

Palace's star was Wilfried Zaha, but they all contributed to a thoroughly deserved win in what was a lively, entertaining game.

United did not get anywhere near enough shots on goal and didn't even get into the penalty box often enough. Dimitar Berbatov was a disgrace. He should have beaten Palace on his own and just didn't perform. It was a relief when he went off to be replaced by bad boy Ravel Morrison - but even he couldn't get United out of jail.

Berbatov looked to have injured himself when landing after an aerial challenge close to half-time. Methinks he might well have engineered the injury to get out of a game he just didn't seem interested in.

Sir Alex Ferguson wants to win every game he sends a team out to play in. On Wednesday night he was experimenting again and running the rule over some of his more promising youngsters. There weren't too many plusses for him but at least that old chestnut "We can concentrate on other things now" will apply - till they get knocked out of the FA Cup in January!

Manchester City should walk away with the Carling Cup. They did reasonably well in the League at Anfield last Sunday and won through with a gritty display against Arsenal on Tuesday to secure their semi-final place.

Cardiff will be their opponents in the final and I will be cheering them on.

Not because I dislike Palace, City or am a rabid Manchester United fan, but because the Courier's editor, darling Donna, is a Cardiff fan - born and almost bred - and SHE pays my wages!

CD Montesinos 1 Dolores 1 ALTHOUGH far the better side for most of this game, Montesinos were unable to take all three points from the league leaders in front of biggest gate of the season at the Campo Municipal de Footboy.

Monte took the game to the visitors, determined to put last week’s first defeat of the season behind them. But despite their first-half superiority, they were unable to break down Dolores who, at times, had up to eight players in defence.

Certainly the 300-plus crowd were kept well entertained as chances came and went, mainly for the home side.

‘Monte’ manager Juanpe decided to throw on more forwards in the second half and Dimitry came on for a defender.

However, within a minute, they found themselves behind as a Dolores breakaway caught them napping.

From this moment it was all ‘Monte’ as Juanpe put on two more front men – taking the attacking line to no fewer than SEVEN forwards.

They hit the bar and had several chances cleared at the last second – but Dolores were always looking for the

breakaway which would kill off the game.

Just when it looked as if the visitors would hold on for the points, Monte were awarded yet another free kick on the edge of the box when their Brazilian forward, Vazquihno, was brought down. And club captain Sanchez buried the ball into the back of the net, thanks to a wicked deflection off a Dolores defender.

The salvaged point keeps CD Montesinos in third place, two points behind new leaders Sporting Saladar.

Before the game, the CD Montesinos players were given their new club fleeces, which have been paid for by Internacional (CB) Football Supporters’ Club, ‘The Full Monte’.

This Sunday Montesinos are ‘away’ in name only to Todo Deporte, who also play at the Campo Municipal in Los Montesinos. Kick off is at 3.30pm.

For more information about CD Montesinos and their Internacional Supporters Club, The Full Monte, click onto www.cdmontesinos.com , email thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com or call 637 869 602. In association with CajaMurcia

48

Friday, December 2, 2011

ONE DOWN TWO TO SHOW!

Bruce the first casualty – but Hughes or O’Neill won’t make Sunderland great THE Premier League managerial merry-go-round has kicked into life after a quiet spell - and Steve Bruce is the first victim of the season.

A bit of a shock at first, but when you look at the facts, Bruce had been at the Stadium of Light for two-and -a half- years and achieved very little apart from keeping them

By STEVE clear of relegation.

The success of Newcastle BOTT United, just a few miles up the A19, at the other end of the table prompted the board to take the ultimate action. And it may well result in a return to the Premier League hot seat for Mark Hughes or Martin O'Neill.

That's right, the same old faces popping up again and again! Hughes has been fairly quiet since leaving Fulham - and previously was merely filling a gap at Manchester City until the Arabs had everything firmly in place following their takeover.

I liked Hughes as a player but he hasn't got it as a

manager - and never will have. O'Neill is a lot better but he is a bit too picky for his own good and is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. A trained lawyer, he should have stuck to the courts - but he could be the nearest thing to a Guus Hiddink or Fergie that Sunderland will get!

The one thing that sticks out like a sore thumb in football, though, is continuity...or lack of it. That is what has brought Manchester United their massive amounts of success over the last 20 years, not money!

Blackburn, and now Chelsea, are proving that money doesn't win you everything. But hey, maybe some people will even start calling for Fergie's head after United's third team were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Championship makeweights Crystal Palace.

It's all going a bit mad and Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho had better watch out, too. Barcelona's 1-0 defeat by Getafe last weekend was not in keeping with their ideals, particularly as arch-rivals Real Madrid are doing so well at home and abroad.

Real have waited long enough in Barca's shadow

and I get the feeling this could be their year for more major honours to follow up that domestic Cup win last term.

This weekend Man United travel to Aston Villa - and will have to have everything about them to ward off a defeat. I take them to win narrowly but that will do, as leaders City should dispose of plucky Norwich and put the Canaries right back in their cages at the Etihad.

Liverpool will start believing their own publicity after two victories over fading Chelsea but I just can't predict the outcome of their game at Craven Cottage next Monday night. I would normally say a Scouse victory but if Andy Johnson and the rest are in the mood, watch out King Kenny.

You really could be crowned - or should that be clowned?

Arsenal will annihilate Wigan and Chelsea could be crying long and loud again after their trip to in-form Newcastle. They say the Chelsea board are backing Andre Villas-Boas and will give him more time. All letters to the manager from Monday should be addressed to Mr G Hiddink, then!