The courier Week 50

Edition 50

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Friday, February 3, 2012

OLYMPIC BLAMES Courier readers fnac-kered by ticket mix-up

By AMANDA BLACK THE great Olympic Games ticket hunt was thrown into confusion this week following our report last week that Spanish chain fnac was selling tickets for this summer’s London spectacular.

Readers who rushed to buy tickets at the company’s Alicante branch were told: ‘’We don’t have tickets and we are not agents for the Olympics.’’

Yet days earlier, he Murcia branch had insisted they had tickets for virtually every sport.

Reader David Pindred emailed us to say: “I called into the FNAC store in Alicante hoping to buy some tickets. However, I was told by the girl on the information desk that fnac do not sell tickets to Olympic events and that they can only be bought from authorised outlets. She suggested I try the web.”

A similar situation had previously occurred at fnac in Madrid, where staff were unaware the store stocked Olympic tickets.

In a bid to get to the bottom of the confusion, we contacted fnac head office in Madrid this week - and were assured that Olympic tickets for the London Games ARE on sale in ALL branches.

Told of the problems our readers were experiencing, spokesman Víctor Moreno told us from Madrid: “I suppose there must have been a misunderstanding because tickets for London 2012 have been selling without problems from all

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Tetrapak are tops as fund for Aitana hits €154,500

THE remarkable campaign to raise €200,000 to send 10-year-old Aitana Garcia Doiz for lifesaving surgery in America has received another astonishing boost.

With thousands of people avidly collecting plastic bottle tops to be sold for recycling on Aitana’s behalf, the Tetra Pak worldwide packaging company have donated no fewer than 1,741,924 surplus tops to the campaign.

The plastic tops are surplus due to changes in packaging design - and at €300 per tonne, will give the fund a sizeable boost.

Meanwhile, tops continue to flood in from all sources, along with donations and proceeds of fundraising events which have boosted the total raised to €154,500.

The tops are recycled by the Acieco plastics firm at Ibi - and the colourful campaign to collect them has virtually become a cult in many neighbourhoods.

Aitana will go to Boston in April for a second operation on her left lung. The surgery follows similar treatment in 2010 on her right lung, which is now functioning at 95 per cent.

Instead, it appears to read 20020.

The logo was designed by Luis Peiret, a 22-year-old graphic art student from Zaragoza, and chosen in a competition by the Spanish Olympic Committee.

The script did read M20 in Peiret’s original design, but officials modified it, trimming the bottom to create the confusing 20020. The logo was quickly trashed on social networking sites in Spain, with Twitterers condemning it as looking like “a display of flip-flops on the beach” and a “colourful array of Bishops’ mitres”.

Never mind, it’s only 18,000 years to the Madrid Games!

MADRID launched its bid to host the 2020 Olympics on Monday – 18,000 years too soon. At least that’s what it seemed like from the appearance of the official logo.

The logo appeared to be for the Madrid 20020 Olympics, prompting the thought that it might take that long before Spain could afford to host the Games.

The design is supposed to show the letter M for Madrid and the number 20 in front of the coloured Olympic rings stylised into arches inspired by the Madrid landmark, Puerta de Alcala.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Remember, son, never lose your sense of puma 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 Jeanette Erath Alex Trelinski Dave Silver Steve Bott Tony Mayes Jake Monroe

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Picture of the Week

96 692 1003

ARSON TERROR OF TIED-UP MOTHER Hooded man torches

BY AMANDA BLACK A MOTHER survived a terrifying ordeal on Monday as she was bound hand and foot by an intruder - and her Alicante apartment was set on fire.

The ordeal was made all the worse because her two babies, aged 18 and seven months, were sleeping in their bedroom at the time.

The desperate mum struggled to reach her children’s room before screaming for help through the window.

Her cries alerted neighbours who called the emergency services. Three fire fighting crews, national police and local police attended the scene and the woman and babies were pulled to safety. The near-tragedy occurred in the Ciudad de Asís district of Alicante at around noon.

According to the mother, a hooded man broke into her apartment, beat her and tied her up. Still bound, she managed to crawl away from her attacker to reach her children’s room. Then she smelt smoke.

home as babies sleep

The owner of a butcher’s shop opposite said he heard the woman shouting “my children, my children”, before seeing smoke and flames coming from the building.

Other neighbours tried to enter the flat but were deterred by falling debris.

The apartment was completely destroyed by the fire and it was only the quick action of emergency services that saved the life of the woman and her two babies.

Both babies were treated by emergency services at the scene, but found to be unharmed. The mother was taken to Alicante Hospital where she was treated for bruising.

Her husband, father of the two children, arrived at the apartment about 15 minutes later to learn of the attack.

Olympic Games ticket mix-up From Page One

Publication Published by Rainbow Media, S.L. Printed by Localprint S.L Depósito legal A - 132 - 2011 The Courier, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features.

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.

for London 2012 have been selling without problems from all fnac stores in Spain.” However, availability is changing daily and tickets are being snapped up following recent media reports that Spain still has tickets for sale.

“Last week the Murcia fnac store told us: “We have tickets for almost everything. Basketball, wrestling, volley ball,

tennis, handball, football, boxing, you name it.” But seats for many of these sports are now sold out, thought Mr Moreno confirmed that fnac still had tickets for wrestling, volleyball, football, fencing, boxing, beach volleyball and Greco-Roman wrestling.

However, he said that tickets for basketball, table tennis, rhythmic gymnastics, handball and canoe slalom have all gone. And he stressed that by the Friday Sunny High 9° Low -4° Chance of rain 0%

Monday Sunny High 15° Low 1° Chance of rain 0%

Tuesday Sunny High 13° Low 0° Chance of rain 0%

Computer ransom warning THE National Police has warned of a new ‘ransomware’ attack in Spain, with emails claiming to be sent by the National Police informing computer users that they must pay a fine for accessing illegal file sharing or child pornography sites.

The message infects the computer with malware and blocks it, saying the block is to prevent any further abuse.

Payment of €100 is demanded to unlock the computer.

In issuing the warning the National Police stated that they do not, in any circumstances, ask for payment of fines online. Anyone who has already made the payment should make an official complaint to their nearest National Police station.

time we went to press, more events could be sellouts.

It is not possible to buy or reserve Olympic tickets from fnac online or over the phone, so anyone wishing to purchase tickets will have to take their chance and visit a convenient branch.

You can phone beforehand to check availability - but there is no guarantee the tickets will still be available when you arrive.

Saturday Sunny High 9° Low -3° Chance of rain 0%

Sunday Showers High 11° Lo 3° Chance of rain 60%

Wednesday Showers High 9° Low 2° Chance of rain 80%

Thursday Rain High 11° Lo 2° Chance of rain 75%

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Our reforms will lead to a general strike, warns Rajoy SPANISH Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has been caught on camera telling EU tough that colleagues reforms demanded by the economic crisis in Spain will lead to a general strike.

Rajoy made the comment in an informal chat with Finnish Prime Minister Jyki Katainen on Monday, saying: “The labour reform is going to cost me a general strike.”

Rajoy did not appear to realise he was near to an open microphone and that TV cameras were rolling.

Union leaders in Spain seized on the comment, with one condemning Rajoy’s words as “inappropriate, reckless and foolhardy”.

In another aside, Rajoy was heard complaining to the Dutch PM Mark Rutte, about the mess the previous Spanish government had left.

After signing, Rajoy said: “I

know there are many decisions we’re going to take that are not going to be liked.”

He warned that the labour reforms the cabinet is to present this month will not be popular with either unions or business.

“We have to have a labour reform because it is what Spain needs. I know that the unions and the businessmen are not going to like it much, but we have the obligation to govern,” he said.

TARGET BORIS! AN Islamic terrorist gang this week admitted plotting horrific bomb attacks in London — with Mayor Boris Johnson on their hit list.

A core cell of four fanatics selected targets including The Stock Exchange, Parliament, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey and the US Embassy.

The Sun reported that the men also discussed launching a full-scale raid on the capital, modelled on the 2008 atrocity in Mumbai, India, in which 174 people were slaughtered in co-ordinated gun and bomb attacks.

But MI5 spooks got wind of the deadly conspiracy and cops swooped five days before Christmas, 2010.

The four main plotters pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges of preparing for acts of terrorism by planning to bomb the Stock Exchange.

Bit of a headache: Boris Johnson ponders what might have happened They faced a five-month trial but dramatically changed their pleas.

Surveillance teams had watched the group in secret talks with five other men, who admitted lesser terror charges.

They had been brainwashed and inspired by

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D L O C S ’ T I BRRR,

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Cops find Mayor’s name on death list of foiled terrorists

THE LOST GENERATION

Half of Spain’s under 24s are unemployed

By AMANDA MARKS

MORE than half Spain’s young people are out of work according to new figures released by the National Statistics Institute.

In December, 51.4 per cent of the nation’s 16 to 24year-olds had no job and were not in education or training.

The dramatic rise in unemployment amongst Spain’s youth – it was just below 18 per cent when the crisis began in 2008 – has alarmed experts who fear a lost generation and devastating social and economic consequences for the country.

Dubbed ‘generacion cero’ (generation zero) or ´ni-nis’ – neither in work nor full-time education, Spain’s young are becoming increasingly disaffected.

Many young adults are unable to leave home or are forced to move back with their parents, and the crisis has pushed the average age of independence well into the thirties.

Police and social commentators have noted a rise in drinking and drug use, with the ‘botellon’, the practice of group drinking in public places, increasing in popularity.

And Spain has one of the highest rates of youth cannabis and cocaine usage in western Europe.

It was young Spaniards who led last summer’s protests, setting up the movement ´Los Indignados’ (The Indignants) that inspired similar protests in Britain, the Islamic terror mastermind Prosecutor Andrew Edis US and other western countries.

For many of the best and brightest Spanish youngQC told London's Woolwich Anwar Al-Awlaki, who was sters, the only hope is to leave Spain and seek work leader of al-Qaeda in the Crown Court: "They were in overseas. But losing such talent could be devastating as Arabian Peninsula and the fact implementing the public Spain needs a dynamic young workforce if it is to recovstrategy of al-Qaeda in the monster behind a failed bid er. to attack America by putting Arabian Peninsula."

"This is the least hopeful and best educated generaThe four principal gang inkjet cartridges containing tion in Spain," said Ignacio Escolar, author of the counbombs on planes. He was members were weeks away try's most popular political blog and former editor of the killed in Yemen by a US from launching their attack newspaper Publico. "And it's like a national defeat that Turn to Page 27 they have to travel abroad to find work." drone strike last September.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

BANKS A MILLION

HOW much do you need to live on comfortably? How about 20,000 euros a year, or 30,000 or 50,000? Personally, 25,000 would do very nicely, but then we're retired and our needs are modest, so we could probably manage reasonably well on about 15,000.

It makes me, and no doubt the vast majority of readers, sick to death that the likes of banker Stephen Hester, the CEO of taxpaper-backed Royal Bank of Scotland, is paid more than £1 million, and then twits at the bank thought it necessary to award him a further £1 million bonus.

All the rubbish talked by politicians, saying they want to do something drastic to curb top bosses' pay, obviously comes to nothing in the real world where it is clearly business as usual.

I'm delighted that finally, after days of publicity about the bonus, Hester announced he would revoke it. He had little option - what a pity he didn't do it as a grand gesture when it was first announced. That would have sent just the message needed among his greedy peers.

Over the next few weeks we will be hearing what other bank bosses will be offered as bonuses. Bet none of them offer it back.

The fact is that anyone can live fantastically well on an annual salary of £1m - they don't need bonuses on top - it's just another example of greed that is destroying this world and it has resulted in the current recession.

Unless something sensible is done soon to stop the greedy rich in their tracks, it will spell disaster. There's a real danger that the have-nots at the bottom of the ladder will stop fighting amongst each other and turn on the rich as their prime targets. And then their exclusive homes and their gated communities will not protect them.

It was interesting to read the words of millionaire investor George Soros, who has warned the global economic system could collapse and riots on the streets of America are on the way.

The 81-year-old said he’d rather survive than stay rich, as the world faces an ‘evil’ period and Europe fights a "descent into chaos and conflict".

He believes the economic climate is similar to the 1930s Great Depression.

The widely predicted double-dip recession we are about to face in Spain and in the UK, adds to the threat of social unrest - unemployment spiralling to appalling levels is frightening. It all plays into the hands of employers and also brings out the very worst in them.

We were back in the UK a couple of weeks ago and heard first hand of antics of just one wretched employer. Firstly, he sacked on the spot a man with a wife and children because he claimed he caught him using his mobile phone at work. Next he ordered another to work overtime to complete a rush job.

When the employee said he had to go

But why did it take Hester so long?

home at the normal time because he had children to look after, he was told there were plenty of people who wanted his job and if he caused problems, he would be out on his ear.

He had no choice but to arrange additional child care and all the overtime he earned went straight to the child carer.

So much that's evil comes out of the economic situation we are in at present. These economic woes have gone on long enough and we need politicians with the balls to sort it out.

The real drawback in trying to get some financial reality into top bosses' pay is what's happening in America.

We've been hearing that the likes of Republican candidate Mitt Romney paid £5m in tax

on an income of $42.5m in the past two years. That's a tax rate of just 13% to 15% on his vast income.

Not only that, but he and his nauseously rich mates are proud of the fact that they dream up creative ways to avoid paying tax.

It's this dreadful culture among the super rich that is causing so much distress around the world.

The likes of Romney and his rich friends would no doubt be pleased to see their country sink to the levels of the likes of Mexico and India, where there are vast numbers of poor and the few super rich. The problem is that if Britain imposes too much tax on the rich, all they will do is hop across the Atlantic.

Methinks we should never have given America its independence - they weren’t ready for it then and still aren’t!

DISHONESTY ON THE UP, HONESTLY ANOTHER news item which made me very sad was that British people are becoming less honest.

Well, we know the ‘great and good’ in Britain are setting the very worst of examples - politicians screwing the public with outlandish expenses claims, newsp a p e r s screwing anyone for the sake of the

next story, bankers screwing the country and blue bloods (no, I won't write the last bit, you know what I'm on about) sets the very worst of examples of honesty and morality.

Lying, having an affair, driving while drunk, having under-age sex and buying stolen goods are all more acceptable than they were a decade ago. But, thanks to all the publicity, people are less tolerant of benefits fraud.

Research shows that in past generations, people gained honesty and morality as they got older. But sadly, if younger people are less honest and have a poor moral code they are likely to pass these on to the next generation, which will have even poorer moral values and less honesty.

It all spells the prospect of a very sick, selfish and sad nation in another decade or two. As honesty and morals decline, so does a social conscience, and it makes David Cameron's idea of a "big society" so much more important to strive for.

Coupled with a social decline comes a lack of interest in voting. Heaven help us if this apathy translates into someone of Hitler’s ilk gaining power in the years ahead.

Yes, it's that serious.

COPS WHO DRIVE ME MAD MORE than 1,100 police vehicles were involved in road accidents in just six counties in England during the past 12 months, it has been revealed. Just imagine the number of cops involved in road accidents over the whole of Britain.

These statistics involved the most serious where police have driven dangerously and caused serious injury to themselves or others or both, down to minor bumps and scrapes.

Makes me wonder whether British roads would be much safer if gung-ho police were kept well away.

Seriously, I was trained to advanced driving standard by a retired police driving instructor and have a lot of respect for police instructors who can teach to those standards. Watching the standard of driving here in Spain, the majority could do with such training.

Unfortunately not every police officer who gets behind the wheel of a police car is trained to the same standard as I have been - and this is where the danger arises.

A LIFT TOWARDS FITNESS AND now, on a lighter note, I was visiting offices where, on the second floor, is a fitness suite. Woman after woman (and a few men) arrived to do their keep-fit exercises.

There are flights of stairs which I used, and a lift. What did these keep-fit addicts do?

Yes, use the lift.

If they climbed the stairs a dozen times a day, they would be just as fit and have the fees for the fitness suite still in their pockets.

It doesn't end there. A few hours later I went to large bar to attend an auction, and outside, an aerobics session was in full swing. There were the women jiggling around to mind-blasting music.

I couldn't park anywhere near the bar because of all the parked cars. The car park 100 yards away was empty, so I parked there and walked.

Women - try walking, it's free, and you could save the money on the aerobics!

Friday, February 3, 2012

How to deal with domestic violence: Yes, I was a victim CONTINUING from my article last week, I hope that by sharing my story I can give you some strength to get through if you are in any way affected by domestic violence.

Threats to health or threatening behaviour is violencia en generator gender violence. If you find yourself in a relationship where your partner or ex partner threatens you and you feel in fear of your safety or the safety of those close to you, do not hesitate in reporting them. And, in the case of current partners, get out of the relationship.

You will need to go to the police station to make a denuncia; this can be done before or after the partner is spoken to by police. If you are in any doubt as to what the police can do for your situation, go to the Guardia Civil and ask.

If you don´t speak Spanish take an interpreter; however, if you end up calling the police as an emergency and you do not speak Spanish, the police will more than likely try to get someone to translate.

So don´t ever be worried that the language barrier will stop you being able to denounce a violent relative/partner/ex partner.

After the denuncia is made, if there is sufficient evidence, then the person will be arrested and taken the next day to court.

You, as the victim, will also need to go and you will be provided with a lawyer. A translator will also most likely be there.

Prepare to spend a significant part of the day in court; you will never have to see the person you made the allegation against, but will repeat it to a judge who will then make an order, detailing things like distance they have to keep from you, any visiting rights if children are involved, payments, etc.

If you share a property, it can become complicated and you should seek legal

advice. Legal aid is available to those on low incomes, and if you are not working go to your local social services to see what financial and other help you may be entitled to.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of what to do if you find yourself a victim of domestic violence. It is a basic article to tell you not to be the next statistic on the Spanish news. If you are in a violent relationship, get out, stay out and get help.

So, what is my story? Well, unfortunately I was in the very situation I have written about. I was with a man who became increasingly nasty and then threatened to kill me. I didn´t denounce him straight away for fear of not being believed as I had no witness other than my son.

But finally, when a friend witnessed the behaviour, I did find the strength.

I hope I can give you the strength to do the same. The police will believe you. I had to go twice to court, first for the initial offences which were all the many threats over several months and secondly when he broke the order.

Had he not been about to leave Spain, I would have gone ahead with the denuncia and he would have gone to prison on that first breach. I endured many months of verbal abuse before he finally became physical, and this was after we had separated.

I finished the relationship after the first threat; unfortunately he didn´t get the message straight away. I wish now that I had had the courage to end all contact with him and maybe my son wouldn´t have been subjected to seeing what he ultimately saw.

So I have first-hand experience of dealing with this particular system and I cannot speak highly enough of all the various departments involved, from the police to social services. If you need any further advice please feel free to contact me via The Courier.

Iceland...a €6,656 Niceland!

ICELAND Overseas in San Javier presented a cheque for a whopping €6,656 to MABS Murcia volunteers.

The store raised the money throughout 2011 via various fundraising events.

There was more good news in store for MABS when Iceland’s manager, Russell Clements, confirmed it would be Iceland’s charity of the year again in 2012.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

LOCK, STOCK AND QUARREL

TONY LEVY didn’t always do things by the book during his 25-year career as a prison officer – and it cost him at least one promotion.

Now he’s booked himself in for a different kind of promotion following the recent publication of his own inside story, A Turnkey Or Not? The autobiographical saga catalogues Tony’s personal experiences, from his early days at high-security HMP Pentonville to his final years as a Principal Officer at therapy-based HMP Grendon,, where he acted up to a Governor grade on several occasions.

Never a yes man, he refused to toe the party line during a journey that featured everything from hilarious wind-ups and memorable characters, to bizarre confrontations with a female Governor that cost him a key promotion.

Tony, whose planned retirement with his wife to their sunshine home in Algorfa was temporarily ended by the economic downturn, wrote part of the book at their sunshine home near La Finca golf club.

In it, he reflects on his early years in the prison service as “like one long episode of the PorridgeTV sitcom - but in reverse, with the officers as the ‘Jack the lads’ and the prisoners getting the butt of the jokes’’.

Tony told The Courier: “I would see myself as a bit of a ‘Fletcher’ but in uniform,’’ says Tony, who actually worked with an officer who “This was at Pentonville tioned the honesty of a everybody, including the prisoners, referred to as Mr and at the time the down- Governor who asked him Barraclough – and was just and-outs were taken off the why he didn't want promolike the character in Porridge. streets of London, fined by tion at her prison. He But life in the prison serv- the courts and because they replied: Madam, you have ice was seriously challeng- couldn’t pay the fines, were been as honest with me as ing...and frustrating. And then sent to Pentonville for a Saddam Hussein was with sadly, Tony’s career ended in week as punishment for not the United Nations'.

On another occasion, he complete disillusionment as paying. Most loved being in an ‘old dinosaur’ that no prison as it was the only was called to the same Governor’s office, thinking longer fitted into the modern home they knew.’’

Never a yes man, Tony that at last she was going to prison service world.

His observations on refused to toe the party line inform him about a longinmate behaviour are particu- in the face of a constantly awaited transfer and promolarly worrying. “All prisoners changing environment that tion. have the potential to be very had become increasingly “There was the Governor, violent given the right circum- controlled by political correct- her deputy governor and the stances,’’ he insists. “I ness gone mad and by budg- area manager,’’ Tony remember a colleague being etary rather than human recalled. assaulted very badly one needs.

“I thought to myself, ‘I night by a down-and-out prisConsequently there were must be really honoured and oner who for no reason just confrontations with authority special to be informed of my attacked this officer.

– including the time he ques- promotion/transfer from the area manager’.

Tony books in with the inside story of life behind bars

LEVY feels the lTONY whole of the UK - and

particularly the prison service - have taken political correctness to a ridiculous level.

“It’s an industry where you cannot say brainstorming for fear of offending an epileptic prisoner,’’ he says.

“This is one of reasons I became demoralised and disillusioned with the service. Not because I disagree with living in a more politically and ethnically aware society - but rather that as a society we have gone too far.

“Common sense and respecting others has become a lost cause.’’

As for the justice system, he insists: “The problem as I see it is that if we want to reduce crime in any country we have to invest in its causes.

“What is the point in the police catching criminals, the courts sentencing them and the prisons holding them if on their release they can only go back to the life that put them in prison in the first place?

“Nobody invests in its prisons as nobody really cares, each political party uses the service as a necessary evil to incarcerate wrongdoings, irrespective of any real prospects of rehabilitation.

“It’s an easy place to ‘cut budgets’ and then bemoan the fact that on release many will reoffend.

Of course they will! What else do they have to do?

“This is why so many took to the streets back in the summer. I would not make excuses for any offender; we lock up to many people who should not be in prison.

“But unless we re-educate we are just sending them out and back to what they know with no prospects of taking their place back in society.

“As a society we should be judged by how we treat our worst citizens.’’

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Shades of Porridge: Mr Barraclough and Fletcher

the press/TV/radio/politicians portraying prison officer and the prison service always in a negative light,’’ he says.

“There had also been a (I think) Linda La Plant thriller on TV about a prison that “The three of them went on was so way off reality that I to give me a diatribe of the was really angry. reason why my promotion “The next day at work I was being delayed. was still fuming and one of “After some time I put my my colleagues said to me hand up and said ‘Governor, that I should write my book, with respect, I work with sh** something I had previously all day long. I don’t have to sit said myself. So this was the here and listen to it as well’. spark.’’

“I got up and walked out of Although he started writing her office. By the time I got the 88,000-word autobiograback to my office, the story phy in 2008, it was only when had gone all around the he moved back to live in prison like wildfire.’’

Leighton Buzzard in So what made Tony write February 2010 that he comthe book? “I was fed up with pleted the book and began to TURNKEY Or Not? is published by Apex q Publishers www.apexpublishing.co.uk/pubdetails. aspx?Num=283 The book is also available on Amazon, Amazon Kindle - and to order from Waterstone’s, Lovebooks and all good suppliers.

make serious attempts to get it published.

“Whilst living in Spain I would often get up early and sit at my computer and write, so a lot of the book was written in Algorfa,’’ he said.

“It was quite frightening how the memories came flooding back as if it was only yesterday. There were times when I couldn’t get my thoughts down quick enough.

“Even now I still think ‘oh damn, I really should have put that incident in to the book’.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

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BUDDY GOLLY!

BUDDY John Harry Holmes entered this world silently on December 14, 2011 - and it was three minutes before he drew his first breath.

Britain’s Olympic meddle haul...

IF you think this hilarious sequence of pictures is politically incorrect, what does that make the Government which tied the police’s hands in dealing with the London rioting on which it is based.

The mock-up of ‘events’ at this year’s Olympic Games is based on the rioting, looting and arson in the capital last August.

The yobs set off a chain of copycat rioting and looting in major cities throughout England, which police, their hands tied by the PC brigade, were forced to stand and watch.

There were no water cannons, no rubber bullets, indeed no intervention whatsoever in many cases.

It was the day my Britain ceased to exist. The Britain where kids who didn’t behave got a good hiding and subsequently thought twice before stepping out of line. So have a laugh at a society whose justice system that has become a joke...

The Broadband and Telephone Company

966 784 532

My daughter Hayley’s third child arrived 12 weeks early and weighed less than a kilo. For those first terrifying moments of his life, he also had no heartbeat. How times change! On Wednesday this week, the little mite left hospital with his mum and dad, the intrusive array of tubes that had decorated and invaded his little body for weeks all long gone.

For the first week of his life, it was touch-and-go for Buddy. I’m going Dragged out of Hayley’s womb by home!

Caesarean section, he survived Buddy on because of her intuition that some- Wednesday thing was amiss with the 28-week embryo A scan revealed that the waters surrounding Buddy had all leaked away - and medics ordered an immediate emergency delivery.

Hayley and her partner Steve Holmes learned later that the baby would have died within two hours had he been left in the womb.

As it was, he survived not only those first breathless, heart-stopping moments, but also being halfstrangled by his umbilical cord.

For a week, he remained in an incubator in Intensive Care, listed as ‘critical’.

Then the miracle of life kicked in big time. And when he left hospital this week, Buddy’s birthweight had more than doubled to 4lb 7oz.

In seven weeks, the wizened mini-alien had transitioned into a chubby little boy - albeit still only the size of a man’s shoe.

Hayley and Steve had named him seconds after he was born, fearing he would not survive.

Instead, he has become a picture of health, so pardon this column’s nepotism as the family drink a toast to the Buddy on dad Steve’s lap last week, left, and in an little one’s future. incubator when he was just a few days old Mine’s a Bud, by the way.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

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Friday, February 3, 2012

DON’T MENTION THE WAR

SOMETIMES I find that looking back is the only thing I have to look forward to.

'That's because you have no imagination,' said Mrs S. 'You can reflect only on the past and what you have achieved in your life.'

She paused before adding: 'Which, let's face it, isn't much.'

I resisted the urge to storm out of the house and reminisce with strangers.

'But nostalgia is one of my last remaining comforts,' I sighed.

'I remember our son's first tooth, our daughter's first steps, our dog's first infestation of fleas.'

Mrs S clutched my hand and gave it a squeeze. 'Yes, you old softy, I do remember you giving our dog fleas.'

My wife and I were relaxing on the sofa, marvelling at how we'd made it through yet another day together.

The flickering flames from the fire in the lounge created magical dancing patterns on the opposite wall.

I handed Mrs S the extinguisher and gestured at the fire.

'How many times must I tell you not to flick your fag ends into the wastepaper bin.'

I returned my thoughts to the past and felt a memory coming on . . .

The singer Vera Lynn was revered by our wartime servicemen.

To the Tommies she symbolised the girl they left behind as they took on the Axis powers on foreign soil.

But my father could not abide our Vera. So what went wrong? Why was my dad turned off by the Forces Sweetheart?

'Actually, my father had a sound reason,' I said, waiting in vain for a response.

'Is anybody listening to me?' I queried, glancing into my rear-view mirror.

My wife and teenage daughter were asleep on the car's back seat.

'Oh, it's no wonder you're both tired,' I observed.

'After all, you wore yourselves out watching me single-handedly load almost the entire contents of my daughter's bedroom into our clapped-out old banger in order to transport her 130 miles to study Applied Make-Up at university.'

(You must admit I do sarcasm pretty well.)

'And you can shut up for a start!' I growled at my dog Brian, who was snoring loudly on my wife's lap.

My daughter yawned and stretched. 'Are

we there yet, dad?'

I pushed the gas pedal to the floor and the car accelerated to at least 18mph.

'Are we there?' I echoed. 'I don't believe we're even out of our street yet.

'We're definitely overloaded,' I groaned as I watched a cyclist wave at us as he overtook. 'We'll have to jettison something.

'I suggest your make-up bag and joss sticks or maybe your mother and the dog. Or better still, the spare tyre and jack because we won't need them when the engine falls out.'

A tear ran down my daughter's cheek.

'Oh, dad, I am going to m i s s

you,' she sniffed.

My eyes moistened, too, and my throat tightened. It was either emotion or the hole in the exhaust had got bigger.

My daughter the university student, I thought proudly.

Was this the same toddler who had stood on the kitchen table and serenaded us with Don't Cry for Me, Argentina?

Was this the same little girl who had thrown her freckled arms around my neck and said she wanted to marry me.

Was this the same young lady who had saved her newspaper-round pennies to buy me a dog-eared second-hand copy of my favourite book.

'And I'll miss you, too,' I snuffled.

And then the dog broke wind.

'That's it!' I shouted, slamming my fist on the dashboard. 'Which one of you gave Brian the rabbit and turkey dog food?

'I distinctly remember saying only the beef and chicken before a long journey.'

Mrs S jolted herself awake, sending Brian flying off her lap and onto the front passenger seat.

'I'm hungry,' she announced. 'Can we stop at the next Little Jeff.'

'Chef,' I corrected her. 'Little Chef.'

Somehow, the daughter's bedroom-onwheels reached its destination.

And then, all too soon, it was time to say goodbye.

'Remember, luv,' I said huskily. 'If there's anything at all you need, you just have to phone home. But not during Coronation Street.'

After a big group hug I bundled the wife and dog into the car and started it up.

'There is one more thing, dad,' my daughter called out. 'Why did granddad hate Vera Lynn?'

'Oh, that,' I said. 'Well, your grandpa was wounded in Italy and at the military hospital there was a gramophone but only one record.

'It was Vera Lynn. And they played it over and over again. It drove him nuts.' . . .

I drove off. Soon, Mrs S was almost asleep. The dog had hiccups. The car, much lighter on the return trip, broke down only twice.

My missus yawned and opened one eye.

'Didn't daughter say her lodgings were allfemale?'

'She did,' I said. 'Why?' 'Then who on earth is Little Jeff?'

Yanks yank London to Norfolk!

AMERICANS are not known for their fantastic sense of geography, but CNN uprooting the capital of England and placing it in an entirely different region is a pretty big gaffe.

And the screen shot has predictably gone viral.

One eagle-eyed viewer uploaded

a screenshot to Twitter where the image was rapidly retweeted.

Tweeters quickly took to the microblogging site to comment on the mistake, with one quipping: 'Hilarious, Norfolk the new London'.

The fact that no-one at the top news channel spotted the embar-

rassing blunder before it went on air has prompted a grovelling apology from the channel.

It tweeted: “CNN apologises for a map error which shifted London from its correct location! We have corrected this and are looking into how this occurred.’’

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SAY IT IN SPANISH Learn the lingo - with a little help from JEANETTE ERATH OK, so now we have learnt the very basics of Spanish. We can count, we knows days, months etc. and we can tell the time. We also know how to pronounce Spanish words.

This week we are going to learn some phrases beginning with basic greetings and expressions. This is something we all need when we are talking Spanish, because regardless of what language we are speaking we always greet the person we are about to talk to, and it is good practice to learn these expressions:

¡hola! - hello, hi Hola ¿que tal? - hi, how´s things? (informal) Buenos días – good morning (used up until about 3pm) Buenas tardes – good afternoon (used from 3pm till about 8pm) Buenas – afternoon, evening ¿cómo estás? – how are you (familiar form) Bien gracias – good, thank you Más o menos – more or less (OK) Gracias – thank you De nada – you´re welcome

Muchas gracias – thanks very much Por favor – please No, gracias – no, thank you Sí, gracias – yes, please Hasta luego – see you later Adios – goodbye Hasta pronto – see you soon Nos vemos – bye, see you Cuídate – take care ¿perdón? – Pardon, sorry? ¡perdone! Excuse me, sorry Que tengas un buen día (or just tengas un buen día or buen día) – have a good day Buen provecho – Bon apetite…enjoy your meal! ¡Salud! – Cheers or after sneezing, bless you Cuidado – Watch out, careful ¿Que pasa? – What´s happening ¿como te llamas? – What´s your name (literally, what do you call yourself) Me llamo – My name is (I call myself) Mucho gusto/ Encantado – it´s a pleasure to meet you (females would say encantadA) Bienvenido – Welcome There are a lot of words to learn here, but I am guessing you will be familiar with some of them. It is a good habit to use these words whenever you can, for example any time you enter a shop say, “hola”, or “buenos dias”, etc. When you are given your change or the item you have purchased, say “gracias’’. And when someone says thank you to you it is good practice to always reply “de nada”.

As with all aspects of learning Spanish, it comes down to how often you are prepared to use the words you are learning. It is natural to be a bit shy at first, I hated speaking Spanish when I was learning in case I got something wrong or didn´t understand.

I actually got my courage from talking to children at the park when I was with my son. You can try talking to your pets, or the photos of your family, anyone that you know isn´t going to answer you back and confuse you. And then, when you are comfortable with the words, you can start using them with Spanish people. They will be pleased you have made the effort and will be only too keen to help you improve.

Answers to last week’s questions on telling the time: 5 o´clock – son las cinco 4.30 – son las cuatro y media 3.15 – son las tres y cuarto 2.45 – son las tres menos cuarto 1 o’clock – es la una

6.30 – son las seis y media 2.55 - son las tres menos cinco 8.10 – son las ocho y diez 9pm – son las nueve de la noche 7.45am - son las ocho menos cuarto de la tarde 1.30pm – es la una y media de la tarde 10.45am - son las once menos cuarto de la mañana 12.18pm – Son las doce y dieciocho de la tarde

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Mini golf gives big donation YOUNGSTERS from La Siesta Church Youth Club got into the swing with a fun day out at Quesada Mini Golf.

The golf club is a big supporter of the youth club and youth club members were invited to play free of charge.

The young people had a fantastic time, with more than 20 joining the fun.

Competition at these events is always fierce as well as friendly and the latest event was no exception.

Rebecca Holt won the trophy after narrowly beating off

Lisa Mentessi with youth club leaders Maggie Dew and James McAllister

stiff competition from Taran Carter and Elise Macgregor.

Mini Golf club owners, Rick and Lisa Mentessi, announced they had raised €400 for the youth club with their Christmas raffle. They thanked everyone who had

helped, including Casa Blanca Ladies Club, BUFFS 10671, the Tuesday Bingo Club, the Tuesday Auction and all the regulars.

Maggie Dew, La Siesta Youth Club leader said: “We are so grateful to Quesada

Mini Golf for all their support, both through regular fund raising and letting us use their facilities free of charge.

The money they raise enables us to buy supplies for the youth club and take the young people on outings.”

Club blooms in the winter THE New Year for the Vega Baja Garden club starts on February 6 with a talk by club members Harry and Anna Van Dijk.

Entitled ‘Winter flowering plants, this promises to be a fascinating talk as Anna and Harry are very experienced gardeners and always bring along a selection of plants to illustrate their talk.

Anna and Harry’s talk will be held at Los Rosales restaurant on the Lemon Tree Road, Guardamar, and starts at 2pm.

As well as informative talks and the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with other green-fingered people, the Vega Baja Garden club offers members lots of fun opportunities for socialising.

On February 13, club member Jackie has organised a members’ lunch at Elvira’s in San Luis, and throughout the year there will be regular get-togethers, outings and quiz nights.

New members are always welcome.

PARTY FOR SAINT OF BAD THROATS

By SALLY BENGTSSON

TODAY (Friday) is the saint’s day for San Blas, the curer of sore throats, and the San Blas area of Santiago de la Ribera in Murcia will celebrate in full fiesta style for the whole weekend.

San Blas was said to have saved the life of a baby with a fish bone stuck in his throat, and ever since has been the saint of choice for people with sore throats to turn to for a cure.

And you might well need to say a quick prayer to San Blas if you attend the fiesta as central to the celebrations is the gathering for some very smoky barbecues among the pine trees.

But with San Blas to protect you from the smoke, you can wander stalls selling San Blas key rings and necklaces and enjoy rides at the weekend-long fair.

The celebrations start on Friday with the carrying of the statue of San Blas from the Santiago Apóstol church to the San Blas chapel, where a mass will be celebrated.

A horse and cart exhibition will be staged near the chapel on Friday and huge paellas will be prepared. On Saturday there will be a free bouncy castle for children, and in the evening a DJ will play music from 8pm. Sunday will see the Migas (a Murcian meal of breadcrumbs and pork) competition, and a local dance school show.

Beyond Help

ONE of the all-new tour shows aimed at raising funds for Help at Home (Costa Blanca) has had to be cancelled.

Promoters Jukebox Promotions have called off the February 26 date at the Emerald Isle, La Florida due to a booking mistake.

Tickets are available for all other shows as listed in last week’s Courier.

The show features Peter Day, Fiona McLean and Elvis 2000 and will also star Red Strokes and his fabulous Garth Brooks tribute.

Sew far sew good for PCN IT’S been all systems sew for seamstress Pauline – as a result of which 100 Paul Cunningham Nurses coin collecting bags are now out in the community. And more are needed, so if you’re nimble with a thimble, please get in touch!

If you can make 10 bags, PC can supply the material.

Contact Susan Reader at sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk or, better still, text or call her on 639 318 526 PCN’s many collecting stations along the Costa Blanca are also collecting old mobile ‘phones, odd pieces of jewellery and foreign coins which can be traded in for money for nursing.

Meanwhile, the annual walk and bike ride at Casa La Pedrera in Torremendo on February 26 is fast approaching. For full details, check out www.paulcunninghamnurses.com

Whacky fun from crazy gals FOR an evening of complete craziness nothing can beat the shows of wacky dance group the Crazy Ladies.

These loca ladies love to entertain, and with their colourfully eccentric costumes and energetic dance moves they always do just that.

Look out for their special brand of madness at venues in Roda, Doña Pepa, Olympia Restaurant and at the La Zenia Fun Day. An annual extravaganza will be held on February 26 at Asturias restaurant, Punta Prima, with all proceeds going to the Crazy Ladies’ charity of 2012, Alzheimer’s Society.

Tickets cost €5 and are available from the Asturias, Iron Art in Quesada, the Post Room in Benijofar and the Zoco market Iron Art stall.

This already bright occasion will be lit up even more by compere of the evening Simon Morton of Sunshine Radio.

Friday, February 3, 2012

LÍNEA DIRECTA LAUNCHES AN ON LINE SERVICE OFFERING LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN ENGLISH • The service, offered by practising registered lawyers, will advise the company’s customers on Spanish legislation in areas such as housing, consumption, family law, labour law, motoring queries and penal law.

• The service will provide 24 hour assistance in the case of urgent enquiries, the checking and editing of documents and discounts of up to 50% on lawyers’ fees if further action is required.

Línea Directa, market leader in the sale of direct insurance in Spain, has launched an online service offering legal assistance to its customers, which will advise those policyholders purchasing this cover on areas such as housing, consumption, family law, labour law and penal law.

Línea Directa’s new cover, the price of which will be up to 40% more economical than the market average, will answer queries on buying and selling, renting and house renovations.

24-hour assistance for urgent enquiries The service of Legal Assistance for Motorists operates from Monday to Friday from 8am to 10pm. In the case of urgent enquiries, such as emergencies in the home, incidents occurring at night affecting families – including spouses or children – such as theft, credit cards being blocked or unreturned, or damage caused by pets, Línea Directa will offer a service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In both cases, the customer must call 902 400 613 or email atencionjuridica@lineadirecta.es.

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THE SAME HUHNE, DIFFERENT TUNE I’M utterly convinced that the police captured the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, with a lot less hassle than the complete farce over whether or not Environment Secretary Chris Huhne got his then wife to take the rap for a speeding ticket.

If I was a council-tax payer in Essex, I’d love to know how many man-hours and how much money has been spent on this investigation, which at last has been passed on to the Crown Prosecution Service.

I don’t care whether Huhne was a naughty boy or not, but if he was, he should face the consequences, including losing his cabinet position. However, the sheer length of time that this whole business has gone on for makes you wonder whether the Essex police force is capable of solving any crime. Clearly, and it will be denied, somebody has been stirring things up for political advantage and for Huhne it will be a pivotal moment in his career.

As the Lib Dem member for the marginal southern constituency of Eastleigh, he may find it tough enough to hold onto his seat at the next election, especially if the CPS throws some charges into his lap. Even more importantly, he won’t find his boss, Nick Clegg, too eager to offer him a helping hand. Remember, after ex-leader Menzies Campbell was shabbily removed from his position, Clegg and Huhne slogged it out for the top job in a dirty campaign that saw Huhne lose very narrowly - by just over 500 votes. The animosity between them has continued over the last four years, but Clegg knows that Huhne has strong support within the party, and we all know the great line about keeping your enemies close to your bosom.

Despite all that, Huhne has continued to shoot from the hip, accusing Clegg of being a Cameron clone, and that of course is pretty good grandstanding ahead of a future leadership contest.

But that contest is a long way off yet and if charges are laid against Huhne, Clegg might see the perfect chance to persuade David Cameron to jettison him from the cabinet. That would allow the talented David Laws to rejoin as a Lib Dem cabinet minister. Laws resigned just days after taking office as Chief Secretary of State to the Treasury, after making some naïve expense claims involving a man who was his partner, though he was scared of making that public at the time.

Cameron can’t stand Huhne, either, so a criminal trial would be a perfect excuse to help Clegg out by dumping him, and by bringing the likeable Laws back into the fold after nearly two years of exile.

Guilty or not guilty, Huhne would not be let back into the inner sanctum of No.10, and Clegg needs to be careful of

greater chance of seeing Lord Lucan on the streets of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, as opposed to Brown MP. It’s nice to see the British taxpayers’ money being well spent, and Gordon keeping such a deserved low profile.

THE NUTS OF STRASBOURG CORRECT me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the European Court of Human Rights set up to deal with nasty regimes and to help those who are oppressed and tortured for having a particular point of view? The Coalition government thinks so, but the UK is having to put up with so many nutty verdicts giving rights to murderers, terrorists, rapists, and drug smugglers.

Decisions in the British courts are being challenged by crafty lawyers with money to burn (some of that dosh coming from dodgy sources from dodgy clients), and with so many crazy rulings by a bunch of daft judges in Strasbourg, it’s not too surprising that Cameron is firing a broadside at the whole Court.

I wonder how many of those judges would lose sleep, if they heard about any of their delightful successful appellants causing all kinds of problems back in the UK?

HYPOCRISY BY THE MILLION

what Huhne would then do leading up to the 2015 vote.

Ironically, a terrible result would be the best possible news for Huhne, who would then make his move, assuming that he has kept his seat!

BROWN AND OUT HOW the mighty have fallen! I read the other day that boring Gordon Brown has sold only 14,000 copies of his book about the current world economic difficulties. Not to be put off, the ex-PM is now writing another volume, this time looking ahead to the year 2025. I suppose this all explains why he’s hardly ever seen in Parliament, and why there’s a

The abrupt change of mind from the RBS Chief Executive, Stephen Hester, over his £1 million bonus helped to spare a few blushes at Downing Street on Monday. The complete inability of the government to do anything about this scandal in a bank that they own is just unbelievable. And the double standards from the political parties gets you crying in despair.

David Cameron was quick whilst in opposition to attack Labour on this, but he ducked it all last week, with a spokesman saying that the Prime Minister could not intervene!

Excuse me, but shouldn’t the people and the government have the final say on who gets what in a stateowned enterprise? Labour and Ed Miliband, who let the RBS bosses sign fantastic new contracts under their watch, just slagged off Cameron, which of course was gross hypocrisy.

This has been another shameful experience where politicians of all parties have talked the talk, but have done absolutely nothing to stop the bonuses. Why are we not surprised? By the way, wasn’t the removal of Fred the Shred’s knighthood pure politics. He may have been an incompetent old git, but he didn’t break any laws, unlike Jeffrey Archer who has a peerage and votes in the House of Lords.

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WHY DO THEY DO THAT?

Top dog psychologist PETER SINGH answers questions on the behaviour of pets. If YOUR dog or cat is giving you problems, email peter@thedogyouneed.com

THE CALM AND DOG PSYCHOLOGY v DOG TRAINING

No sit and stay here! Peter enjoys a fun moment with Pedro, one of his Spanish rescue dogs

q

I HAVE just seen your column in The Courier and wonder if you would be able to help my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Peaches. She is around four years old and came from Battersea Dog Rescue in London, though she has been in Spain for a year now.

The problem is she seems to constantly be licking herself or the wall. She puts her tongue on the wall, leaving it there while panting and dribbling and I can’t get her to stop. Also, taking her out, she will find the biggest brick and struggle to try to bring it home. If it’s really big, she will just bark at it. Once she even tried to carry a lamppost which had fallen down.

She's had blood tests at the vets which all came back fine, and had vitamins and calcium tablets. But she still won’t stop Everyone finds it funny but she's driving me mad. Please can you help?

GEMMA PETER REPLIES: The licking that Peaches is doing

MANY of the calls I receive each week are from desperate owners, whose dogs have become aggressive towards humans or other dogs.

The first thing most say is: “My dog is aggressive, can you please train him”?

I could, but it wouldnʼt make any difference to the dog’s state of mind. I live a few miles away from the Metropolitan Police training centre for dogs. In my opinion these dogs, along with the trainers, are probably the best in the world. On the other hand, some of these highly trained, highly intelligent dogs cannot be let off the lead in a public field or park because they have difficulties mixing with other dogs.

Dog training gives you a dog that can follow commands - but it doesnʼt give you a balanced dog. Similarly, if I visited a hospital where people are suffering from some form of mental illness. Most of the patients could follow certain commands but just because they do, does not mean they are balanced.

People in the western world are obsessed with the phrase, ʻdog trainingʼ.

When someone gets a puppy, or adopts a rescue dog, the first thing that springs to their mind is, ʻdog trainingʼ. The UK is full of halls every Sunday with dogs walking around in circles and owners desperately trying not to slip up. I have witnessed many of these

classes and one thing most of them have in common is tension. Most owners are tense and nervous.

Another phrase I hear most weeks from owners seeking help is: “I have owned dogs all my life”. What difference does that make?

I have owned a car for most of my life, but I still havenʼt got a clue how that big lump of metal underneath the bonnet gets the wheels to go round and round!

Familiarity doesnʼt always equal knowledge. I believe it is not always about getting your dog to follow certain commands. It is about understanding how their minds work and what it is they need on a daily and lifelong basis for them to remain in the state they were born, which is balanced.

Anger I observe on a weekly basis, owners standing at a kerb or in other situations trying to get their dog to sit. If the first command of, ʻSitʼ does not work the second and third commands are said with increasing anger and frustration. That only tells your dog one thing.

That you are weak.

With that, the dog automatically realises that if you are weak, then he has to become the leader of this relationship, because someone has to hold it together.

When I am out walking my five dogs, I am not interested in them sitting at a kerb. What

When my Peaches starts licking walls, I scream!

is a sign of anxiety. She has gained this obsession because she is not stimulated enough. An obsessive dog is a dog that is looking for a job.

You need to provide more exercise for Peaches - and it would be a great idea to buy her a backpack

indoors during the day, rather than let her have the normal chewing toys, it would help if she had toys that help her use her mind.

There are plenty out there, such as wooden puzzles, where the dog has to move different parts of the puzzle in order to find a treat and also the rubber kongs would be a good idea, where she would have to work at getting the filling out of the toy.

to wear on walks. You can put some books etc inside the backpack and she will see this as a job. Dogs need a sense of worth and it wasn't so long ago that most of them were working dogs.

Also, when she is

q

OUR La Chica is of cross terrier/ cross bijon parentage. She is very small, I guess she was the runt of the litter [two brothers].

She is very good, clean, but not obedient when it suits her. She will turn her back on

us when she does not want do what is asked of her.

Our biggest problem is that when we take her out for her last walk, usually it is dark, she digs her feet in the ground and refuses to move until it suits her. We don't like pulling her in case she hurts her feet in the tarmac.

She is fine during the day.

At night she wears a woollen coat against the cold, but when her harness is put on she freezes like a statue until she goes out of the door.

We are quite perturbed about all this. She is our first dog and is spoilt! Hopefully you can come up with some advice.

SANDRA PETER REPLIES: As well as giving dogs love, Sandra, you also need to give them rules and boundaries. She needs two good

walks per day, minimum 40 minutes each time - and you need only to give her affection when she is calm and not being dominant.

The way she is behaving at present, is a dog's way of saying, "I love you but I don't respect you".

First of all you need to buy her a proper slip lead that comfortably goes around her neck.

I have no idea why people put a harness on their dog. A harness is used for dogs that need to pull to do their job, i.e. tracking dogs and sled dogs.

A slip lead will give you more control. When she puts the brakes on when out on a walk, pull the lead gently and then release the tension.

Don't just keep pulling it.

It needs to be pull, release, pull, release etc...She is basically leading the walk and determining where you go by putting the brakes on, because she has been given love with no discipline. Dogs, like children, need rules as well as love.

PETER WILL BE VISITING SPAIN FOR CONSULTATIONS FROM

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Book a personal consultation with Peter PETER SINGH provides one-to-one consultations with dog owners who experience problem behaviour with their pets.

Peter, who himself owns five dogs and three cats, also runs monthly dog psychology courses for clients.

He joined The Courier to help our read-

ers solve all those problems that irritate dog and cat owners. And, following the enormous response over the past three weeks, he’ll be here in Spain early next month to take on personal consultations.

If you would like to see Peter while he is here from March 1 to March 9, just

email him at peter@thedogyouneed.com and make a booking.

Peter’s philosophy regarding dog behaviour is uncomplicated and easy to understand - you can check it out at www.thedogyouneed.com He has had a 100% success rate with

THE WEAK I am interested in is their state of mind, which is calm. Coupled with the fact that Billy, my German Shepherd, has hip dysplasia, so the last thing I want is for him to be sitting and then standing up continually.

As long as they are calm, I see no reason why I have to command them to sit at any given point. I personally acknowledge that they are the wiser species and I have 100% respect for them.

What I do on a daily basis is not practise the ʻsitʼ or the ʻdownʼ. I practise dog psychology. I make sure their needs have been met.

I make sure I am in a calm state of mind and I always communicate with them, using their own language.

Billy, Peter’s German Shepherd, shares balanced, not trained behaviour, with the family’s new Spanish kitten, Gizmo

Language What type of relationship would you have with a Spaniard, if you always talked to them in English?

Many humans must start to understand what their dog really needs, rather than what the human ʻthinksʼ the dog needs.

For me, itʼs a ʻno brainerʼ. By speaking their language on a daily basis and always nurturing their calm side, I thankfully end up with dogs that are very relaxed and they also give me something that is an honour to receive from any dog. That is their trust.

They have taught me how to interact in their world and this has made me a better and calmer person. That is why dogs will always have my eternal respect.

Wee won’t they poo it outside? q

A FRIEND of mine has just adopted two little dogs, sisters, 18 months old, who have been with their mum (and dad) since they were born. Since they took them to their home last Wednesday, they have been constantly weeing and pooing in the house as if they just don't know they are supposed to go outside! They take them out into the garden constantly and try to get them to go but it is as if they just don't understand what their new owners want from them. Any suggestions?

ANNE WAGER PETER REPLIES: It is important that any area they have soiled inside the house is cleaned thoroughly.

You can buy cleaners now from pet stores that completely remove any scent the dog may be picking up. It is a question of patience and remembering when most puppies will want to go to the toilet. When the two sisters wake up, finish eating or drinking and finish playing, the new owner needs to take them out to the area where she would like them to do it. When they do go in the right place they need to receive plenty of praise.

Just remember that sometimes you have to wait in the garden for longer than a couple of minutes before any dog goes to the toilet. Also when they do, don't bring them back into the house straight away. Stay out there for a few minutes playing with them. Dogs are very clever at remembering that whenever they go to the toilet, they then get called inside straight away and many will hang on as much as they can before they go, because of this.

clients in both Spain and the UK. Also, if you need to transport your pet between Spain and the UK, Peter provides a relaxing and peaceful mode of travelling with his pet transport business. Check the service out at

www.europeanpettransport. com

Doggy treats are a scream q

I AM really enjoying your new column in The Courier. I wonder if you can help me with my dog? We have had a three-year-old rescue dog since last March. She is a chihuahua cross, maybe a Jack Russell, absolutely gorgeous, very nervous for a few months but has settled really well. It sounds stupid but we cannot give her doggy treats as she carries them around in her mouth crying pitifully, then eventually hides them. She was neutered just before we got her so I wonder if this could be the cause.

Also, our neighbour next door always makes a fuss of her and now when Millie sees her, she howls and howls in excitement. Is there any reason for this as she doesn't howl with anyone else? Apart from a bit of barking she is perfect, bearing in mind that when we first got her she seemed so traumatised she didn't make a sound or play. But now she is a normal playful little dog who insists on sleeping on our bed every night.

PAULINE SMITH Los Dolses PETER REPLIES: Some of the questions I get can be difficult to answer accurately without actually seeing the dog, Pauline - and this is one of those questions. She is either scared that someone will take the treat away from her or is excited at the prospect of the treat.

It has nothing to do with the fact that she was neutered. Regarding the neighbour, your dog is excited to see her because she makes such a fuss of her. Probably more so than other visitors or friends. Her howling in this case is in anticipation of meeting someone she really likes. Dogs like people and can take an instant liking to someone.

SO AGGRESSIVE

q

COULD you help me, please. Briefly by way of background, Tom is a Yorkshire Terrier and three years old. I have had him since last October and want him to hurt any animal. tioned last week, a dog although he was not mis- Peter, any help you could needs rules as well as love. treated by his previous own- give would be greatly appre- You are also probably feelers he was not 'loved' by ciated. ing sorry for your dog’s them. I am at present living MORAG STEWART-MILNE past. He’ll view you as a on my own in Spain as my PETER REPLIES: Aggres- weak energy if you are husband still works in UK but sion is a product of two and then become the domdoes come out occasionally. things, Morag - frustration, inant one.

The problem with Tom is due to a lack of exercise, Dogs don't hang on to that he is really aggressive and dominance, because the past, as humans do. with other dogs and the situ- the dog rules the people in They live in the moment. ation is gradually worsening. the household. As I men- Before your dog meets This past week he has also gone for two friends when they went to L HARMIT SINGH PHUL give me a hello r 25 HAVING had dogs for ove of ess rdl ga kiss. I wonder if have PETER REPLIES: Re years, I know they ing, I am to blame e a who's pants the dogs are tak hav I ntly rre Cu nge habits. ple. stra sim is s as I might be year-old the reason for thi -year-old lab and a 3/4 sed six rci exe ing be t no overcompenstreet.

They are ed that we found on the mix sating for how why, no enough.

The question I have is he was treated clothes Dogs who are not having their the on put we tter what previously (per- ma daily basis wife my to energy drained on a er, if pants belonging ways to haps treating dry left er are oth d er fin ght dau ays alw -old will nine-year r, him too kindly or hou y. an erg n release their en ttended for more tha now). Also, I am una the floor doing y will be found on the this case your dogs are reluctant to let dogs have In launthe the Yet ! up g ces pin pie rip to gh ed as this throu him contact other ripp as, ide y An ff. stu my er taken dry. dogs as I don´t nev ive habit. it’s becoming an expens

!

My dogs are the pants q

other dogs, it is of paramount importance to make sure he’s drained his energy.

Any dog that shows aggression to other dogs, needs other dogs around him, in order to overcome this problem. If he does show any form of aggression, remember to keep calm and correct him.

Try walking with a friend who has a dog. It’s a great way to help dogs bond together as a pack and it also helps an aggressive dog get used to being close to his own kind.

As for humans, it is vital they ignore Tom until he is comfortable around them. Even when he smells them, he just wants to know who they are. So they should still ignore him until he has finished this ritual and is calm. So no more 'hello kisses'!

MARCH 1 - 9. TO BOOK, E-MAIL peter@thedogyouneed.com

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Cheat’s chicken goujons This goujon recipe is bound to please both kids and adults alike, plus these chicken treats are proof that making your own beats shop-bought ones.

Ingredients

500ml vegetable oil, for shallow frying 300g chicken mini fillets 2 tbsp plain flour, seasoned 1 medium free-range egg, beaten 50g Bart Lemon & Pepper Crispy Crumbs 385g pack new potatoes with herbs and butter 200g coleslaw Handful fresh parsley, chopped Lemon wedges, to serve

Method 1.Gently heat the oil in a large, deep, heavy-based pan (it should be no more than one-third full).

2. Put the chicken, flour, egg and breadcrumbs into separate shallow bowls. Toss the chicken in the flour to lightly coat, shaking off the excess. Dip the floured chicken in beaten egg, then in crumbs to coat, and transfer to a plate.

3. When the oil is hot enough (180°C) a cube of bread will turn golden in 60 seconds. Fry the chicken in 3 batches for 3-5 minutes each, depending on the size of the pieces, until cooked through and golden. Remove using a slotted spoon and transfer to a large, kitchen paper-lined dish.

4. Meanwhile, cook the potatoes according to the pack instructions. Mix the coleslaw with the parsley and serve with the warm goujons, potatoes and lemon wedges.

Friday, February 3, 2012

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Drink Tomato Juice for Healthy Bones Milk’s not the only drink that builds healthy bones.

According to new research published in the journal Osteoporosis International, drinking tomato juice reduces the risk of osteoporosis too. Is sipping tomato juice twice a day the key to healthy bones?

Tomatoes and tomato juice are a rich source of natural plant compounds called lycopenes. This member of the carotenoid family of phytonutrients has already been recognized for its health benefits. Lycopenes in tomatoes may lower the risk of heart disease, and some studies show they prevent prostate cancer — although recent studies have called this into question.

Nevertheless, lycopenes are a good source of cell-protective antioxidants — and tomato juice is one of the best sources of lycopene around.

The Power of Lycopenes in Tomatoes When researchers gave sixty postmenopausal women tomato juice, a lycopene supplement, a combination of the two, or a placebo for four months, they made some interesting observa-

ments or tomato juice, the women were asked to avoid eating any tomato products for thirty days. During this time, they found a chemical in their blood stream that serves as a marker for bone breakdown — more evidence that lycopene is important for healthy bones.

How Much Do You Need for Healthy Bones? tions. The women who received the lycopene supplement, the tomato juice, or a combination of the two had significant increases in the amount of lycopene in their blood. This isn’t surprising since the women were drinking tomato juice or taking a lycopene supplement.

What’s more interesting is the women who drank tomato juice or took the lycopene in supplement form had lower markers for bone breakdown in their blood as well as greater antioxidant capacity. These factors are both important for healthy bones and for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Prior to giving them lycopene supple-

According to this study, drinking two glasses of tomato juice a day can improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. What about eating raw tomatoes? This wouldn’t necessarily have the same benefit. Lycopene are most readily absorbed when they’re processed, so tomato juice, tomato sauce and ketchup are better sources than raw tomatoes.

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins close to the surface of the skin. The term commonly refers to the veins on the leg, although varicose veins can appear elsewhere. Normally, one-way valves in veins keep blood flowing from the legs up towards the heart. When these valves do not function as they should, blood collects in the legs, and pressure builds up, causing the veins to become weak, large, and twisted. Varicose veins are most common in the superficial veins of the legs, which are subject to high pressure when standing. Apart from cosmetic problems, varicose veins are often painful, especially when standing or walking. Varicose veins are more common in women after the age of 60 years, but appear to have its roots in early adulthood, and sometimes even childhood, with the condition worsening over decades.

Although the mechanism that accounts for varicose veins is known, the exact cause is not always understood. Certain factors that increase the pressure within the superficial leg veins or weakness in the wall of these veins will most likely lead to varicose veins. However, not every person with these risk factors will develop varicose veins. The loss of supporting tissue with age occurs throughout the body, eventually causing wear and tear of the valves.

Furthermore, standing for long periods of time builds up pressure within the veins, and can increase the risk of developing varicose veins. In addition, hereditary factors also appear to play a role in the development of varicose veins. This is more significant for females born to parents with similar problems or among twins.

Bottom Line?

Don’t give up milk. It has the calcium the body needs to build stronger bones, but add more lycopenes to your diet by drinking tomato juice too. Give your bones the nutrients they need to keep you standing tall for a lifetime.

TOO MUCH TV WILL SHORTEN YOUR LIFE

Researchers have once again proven that watching too much TV is bad for you — and this time not just for your eyes!

According to a new study conducted in Australia, reported in Fitness magazine, watching too much TV may take years off of your life, due to the increase incidences of heart disease. The study followed 8,800 adults with no history of heart disease for more than six years. Compared to those who watched less than two hours of TV per day, people who watched four hours or more were 80 percent more likely to die from heart disease and 46 percent more likely to die from any cause.

284 people died during the study. Each additional hour spent in front of the TV increased the risk of dying from heart disease by 18 percent and the overall risk of death by 11 percent, according to the study which was published by Circulation, an American Heart Association journal.

Researchers pointed out that TV isn’t lethal in and of itself; the real problem appears to be that sitting is the “default position” for TV viewing invariably means there’s an absence of muscle movement, and if your muscles stay inactive for too long, it can disrupt your metabolism. The study also

WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?

found that exercise doesn’t necessarily make up for long sessions in front of the screen.

After four hours in front of the TV, each additional hour spent in front of it increases the risk of dying from heart disease by 18 percent and the overall risk of death by 11 percent.

Varicose veins usually occur without symptoms only recognised as a dark purple, twisted chord under the skin. When painful signs and symptoms are experienced, they may include: Aching, tender, heavy, or sore legs; Swelling in the ankles or feet, especially after standing; a burning feeling in the lower legs and Itching around the vein. While varicose veins are common and usually not a sign of a serious problem, treatment may be needed to improve appearance, reduce symptoms or prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis. Fortunately, treatment usually does not mean a hospital stay or a long, uncomfortable recovery. In many cases, symptoms can be relieved by avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, getting regular exercise, losing weight, elevating your legs periodically, and wearing compression stockings. If home treatment does not help, there are a number of minimally invasive treatment options.

These include sclerotherapy, laser treatment, and radiofrequency ablation. Laser treatment and radiofrequency ablation may be used to treat larger varicose veins. Vein surgery, called ligation and stripping, is an option for severe varicose veins.

The most important requirement for preventing the formation of varicose veins is to build and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system through regular exercise and a healthy diet. Foods rich in dietary fibre and bioflavonoids (dark berries, dark leafy greens, garlic, and onions), help keep the veins healthy. Several studies have also shown bioflavonoids to reduce leakage in veins and swelling in the legs. Horse chestnut seed extract may be an effective treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition associated with varicose veins in which leg veins have problems returning blood to the heart. It is important to talk with your doctor before trying horse chestnut seed extract or any other herb or dietary supplement.

Dr Machi Mannu is a Neuro-repatterning Specialist.

For queries, send your email to contact@mindspa.es

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Clarkson 'worst driving adventure partner' JEREMY Clarkson has been voted the worst person to share a driving adventure with, in a poll organised by Continental Tyres.

The survey’s 2,000 respondents were asked which celebrity they would least like to share a 4x4 drive across the Sahara Desert with, just ahead of ex-glamour model Katie Price.

Ironically, the survey identified that drivers would value a good sense of humour most, ahead of good motoring knowledge and survival skills. Clarkson arguably has two of those and yet still came out plum last.

At the other end of the scale, the most popular choice among men if a co-driver were to be female would be Kelly Brook, who has a quite different set of attributes.

The women who took the survey voted for Robert Pattinson as their preferred choice of co-driver.

The ‘research’ was conducted as part of the launch of the Conti 4x4 Trophy, where people compete for a place on an epic offroad challenge; driving a Hummer through the Sahara.

Tim Bailey, spokesperson for Continental Tyres, said: “Driving thousands of miles through the Atlas Mountains and

the fiery sands of the Sahara Desert makes your choice of co-driver incredibly important. It’s a long, tough and often dangerous journey.

“Jeremy Clarkson might have motoring credentials but either his calamitous road trips on Top Gear his lack of practical skills or his outspoken views mean most people would leave him behind.”

Top ten worst celebs to go on driving adventure with: 1. Jeremy Clarkson 2. Katie Price 3. David Cameron 4. Kate Moss 5. Carol Vorderman 6. Christine Bleakley 7. Nick Clegg 8. Madonna 9. Simon Cowell 10. Lewis Hamilton

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Friday, February 3, 2012

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: Rob was having problems converting his VGA ADVICE: Noel was having problems with his Epson printsignal to HDMI so that he could use his TV as a monitor er Hi Richard, I recently purchased a vga to hdmi converter as my computer (Toshiba) does not have a hdmi port and I want to watch programmes from the laptop on my TV...I have a separate cable for the sound going from the laptop to the converter and of course I have a hdmi cable going from the converter to the tv.

I press fn and f5 and the sound from the programme on the laptop goes through to the TV but alas no picture. When I press fn and f5 the picture on the laptop enlarges as if it is ready to be shown on the TV. Any thoughts? Rob

Hi Richard. I have an EPSON STYLUS DX3800 Printer. It has been working great since I got it.

Lately although it can still copy. It will not print it give me a message saying SPOOLER NOT CONNECTED. This problem just came suddenly. I have checked all connections and they all seem to be in order. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Noel.

Q

Q

A

Hi Noel, your problem could be the symptom of a more serious underlying problem. The print spooler is the service (bit of your operating system) that controls when and how a printer is communicated with and your error message suggests that this service is not running. It’s easy to start the print spooler service, just click start, type “services.msc” (if you have Windows Vista or Windows 7) or click start, run and then type the same (if you have Windows XP) and press enter.

A new window will appear called Services, scroll down until you find the “Print Spooler” service and click on it to highlight it. You will be able to see whether the service is currently running or not, I suspect in your case it’s not. Right hand click the service and select the option to start it. If your printer comes back to life then try rebooting your computer and see if the service stays running, if not then you might need to get an expert to have a look for you.

Hope it helps.

Hi Rob, it sounds like you have the resolution set too high on your laptop and therefore your TV can’t cope and doesn’t display anything, try dropping the resolution down to 800 x 600 and see if that makes any difference.

FIXED: Paul wanted help with a laptop battery problem.

Q A

Hi Richard, my son has a problem with his laptop, it’s about 3 years old, it’s a Dell Inspiron running Windows Vista. When it starts everything is fine, however it does come up with a message suggesting there could be problem with the battery or the charger, the message is “plugged in, not charging” – any ideas please?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Shutdown the laptop Unplug the power Remove the battery Plug in the power Start up the laptop and log on Shutdown the system Unplug the power Put the battery back in Plug in the power Reboot the laptop and log on

Hi Paul, I am sure that I have come across this a couple of times recently, I believe that it could be a software problem, if that is the case then this should fix it for you, try doing the following…

Update from Paul: Followed your instructions and it seems to be working! Many thanks

Don’t forget you can follow me on twitter @bluemoonspain Alternatively why don’t you sign up for my 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.

A

FIXED: Allan’s default home page had been changed by installing some downloaded software.

Hi Richard, I have been on a website named iMesh to whilst trying to find a way to download music. The site asked me to download a method of getting to the music; however since I did this I somehow have got their search engine instead of Google.

Can you tell me how I can get rid of this and get Google back as it was before. Hope you can help.

Q

Hi Alan, you don’t mention which web browser you use, I will assume its Internet Explorer. In order to reset Internet Explorer to show the home page as Google, you need to launch the browser, then click tools, internet options, in the first section headed “home page” you should enter the address for Google which is www.google.co.uk (assuming that you want it in English) then click on the OK button.

A

Close your browser by clicking on the red cross in the top right hand corner and then re-open it again, this should have set your browser back to Google. In addition, if you have actually installed iMesh and you want also to remove it, click on start, all programs, iMesh, uninstall iMesh and this will remove all traces of it from your computer.

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

Office: 902 906 200

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Arresting style for Costa brides Being a police officer and running a bespoke wedding business may not seem the most obvious career combination, but this is how Louise Bradley of Lyndyloo Bridal started out.

The wedding business was a part-time online venture for full-time police officer AND busy mum, Louise when she started it in the UK in 2002. But, as it took off, something had to give. Louise left the police, moved to Spain and launched Lyndyloo Bridal in earnest.

Lyndyloo’s fabulous selection of designer gowns, suits (including hire), dresses and outfits make it is a must for every bride-to-be, bridesmaid groom and wedding guest.

With her multi-tasking background Louise couldn’t resist diversifying so also offers wedding planning. Louise has helped countless couples enjoy a truly special day and last year became the only person in the area with a legal permit to marry non-residents.

Big does mean beautiful RUNNING two clothes shops in the UK, Diane learned a thing or two about style and fashion. So, when she spent time at her holiday home in Spain it wasn’t too surprising that women admired her look and sought her advice. Their biggest complaint when they saw Diane’s wonderful wardrobe was that they couldn’t get clothes like that in larger sizes in Spain.

Seeing a challenge, Diane opened Timeless Fashions in Punta Prima four years ago to give these women what they wanted – stylish, fashionable clothes in larger sizes.

Timeless Fashions now has a range of clothes to suit every occasion, from casual wear to mother-of-the-bride, in sizes 10 to 26.

Diane, along with partner Tony, has maintained her philosophy of always listening to what her customers want, and has new stock arriving weekly that meets their needs.

Get the London look London-trained cutting and colouring experts, Karen and David at Medaesthetics can work wonders with your hair.

And, just as importantly, they will make sure that you get a look you can manage at home – as they believe there’s no point leaving the salon looking fab only to lose your stylish new locks the first time you go near the shampoo bottle.

Karen and David have created a friendly, happy salon with a lovely flowered terrace where you can relax and really enjoy your pampering time.

As well as everyday hair, Medaesthetics specialises in stunning wedding styles, makeup and nails to ensure every bride can look gorgeous on her big day.

Medaesthetics can revamp the men, too, with a modern gent’s barber service to create that man-about Spain look.

Debbie plugs into customer’s needs Debbie from the Electrical Shop was voted Company Woman 2010/11 - and puts this achievement down to making sure she always offers a great service at a good price while ensuring all the shop’s staff have outstanding product knowledge.

Under Debbie’s guidance, the Electrical Shop has become so famous for its friendly service and top-quality advice that the store is often full of people with no intention of buying who are just after a bit of free information. Debbie doesn’t mind though, she loves to help. Anyway, with an excellent product range and outstanding value, there’s never a shortage of paying customers.

The Electrical Shop stocks a fantastic range of everyday electrical appliances and also fits satellite TVs and installs boilers. There’s a rather handy Easy Photo instant photo printing machine, too, that’s a big hit with customers.

Success is a piece of cake for Denise After a high-pressured career working for some of the UK’s largest retailers, Denise came to Spain to retire. But her passion for retail – and baking – got the better of her and spotting a gap in the market she opened My Piece of Cake.

Only seven months later and My Piece of Cake is already known as THE place to go for the best homemade cakes and snacks on the Costa Blanca.

More than just a cake shop, My Piece of Cake is a café-bar specialising in English-style cakes as well as selling everything keen bakers need to make their own delicious creations at home.

So whether you want to buy or make a Valentine’s cake, birthday cake, cupcakes, very special wedding cake, or just a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth, Denise is the woman to help.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Making dreams come true Privacy, peace, harmony, stunning views – all good reasons to choose the Spanish lifestyle. And now, more than ever, you can afford to live the dream with Eva Veronika.

Eva Veronika has the perfect home in the sun waiting for you at a price you can afford.

Imagine, 120m2 living space on a 5000m2 plot all for only €135.000. Eva Veronika will help you build the dream home you thought could never be a reality.

And, with Eva Veronika at your side, the whole process will be easy. Eva Veronika can guide you through all the practical and legal requirements of buying property in Spain, from getting your NIE to finding schools and buying furniture.

Call Eva Veronika today, it could be the best move you ever make.

An estate agent for life Having lived in Spain for more than 25 years and run a successful estate agent, Peysu, since 1989, Susanne Seiler is an expert not just in the property market but also in helping people make the smooth transition to a new life in Spain.

She believes that selling a house doesn’t stop the minute the customer signs on the dotted line, and for her providing a good after sales service is just as important as helping customers find their perfect property.

Susanne offers her customers a complete legal package, including property registering and transfer of utility bills. But it doesn’t stop there. Many people who have bought a house through Susanne stay with her for years as she helps them prepare wills, make tax declarations and get the best car insurance. Of course, you don’t have to have bought your house through Susanne to get these great services.

Irish eyes will make you smile Enjoy the best of Irish hospitality at My Life Irish pub in La Mata, run by friendly manager, Sheila.

Sheila has been running My Life for almost four years and in that time has turned it into a truly great place to be.

Sheila prides herself on the warm atmosphere she and her team have created in the pub and is convinced she has the nicest staff in the area, all of whom speak English and Spanish.

My Life is best for value, too, with special offers on food and drinks every week.

If it’s a touch of Irish charm you’re after, you can’t do better than visiting Sheila and her team at My Life.

Nail some celebrity glamour A qualified and experienced beauty therapist and chiropodist, Sue Whittemore has been making the people of the Costa Blanca look good and feel comfortable for 10 years.

Based at Viva Hair Design in El Galan, Sue is always looking for new ways to meet her customers’ needs. So, last summer she introduced the 14-day Shellac manicure, loved by celebrities including Lady Gaga and Rhianna. It has been a huge hit with Sue’s clients looking for chip-free, no-hassle, beautifully manicured nails that last up to four weeks.

Sue’s chiropody skills are also in great demand and her gentle touch has helped hundreds of people to achieve better-looking more comfortable feet. Sue offers chiropody in the salon or in the comfort of her customers’ own homes.

Hair loss? It’s all grow at Margaretha‘s!

IF you're feeling self-conscious or worried about hair loss, Salon Margaretha is here to help you with practical no-fuss solutions that will help restore your hair health and feeling of well-being and confidence. Their 20 years experience ensures that you are in trustwor¬thy, professional hands and their completely private consulta¬tion offers unrivalled advice, personalised treatment and tailor-made hair replacement solutions. Their wide range of wigs and prosthetic hair pieces is so natural that it's impossible to tell them from real hair and their cutting and styling expertise ensure that your look is completely 'your own'.

If you need any help in connection with hair loss, contact Margaretha herself on 966 921 846 at her clinic. (She specialises in alopecia and disruptions in hair growth due to illness, injury, hormone imbalances and chemo/radiotherapy treatments).

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Training that’s a cut above Elite Hair and Beauty Academy is the premier training school for would-be hair and beauty professionals on the Costa Blanca.

Run by top industry professionals, Margarita and Latishia, who between them have more than 60 years’ experience in the field, Elite offers ITEC Certificate courses that are recognised in 32 countries worldwide.

Margarita started her career as a make-up artist, and has worked with local TV station Sol Productions, while Latishia has run successful salons in both the UK and Spain.

Not only do these ladies have unsurpassed practical knowledge of hair and beauty craft, they are also experienced teachers and understand the business side of the industry. So, whatever your hair and beauty career goals, Elite is the school for you.

For the best training and a perfect start to your hair and beauty career, call Elite Hair and Beauty Academy today.

Razor-sharp business woman Lisa, the owner of Razorsedge Hair and Beauty salon in San Luis, has to be one of the most dynamic businesswomen on the Costa Blanca. For Lisa runs not one, but two successful businesses. As well as Razorsedge, one of the best hair and beauty salons around, Lisa is a partner alongside her husband in the busy Olive Grove restaurant in Toretta II, Torrevieja.

Lisa puts her success down to knowing what her customers want and going that extra mile to offer excellent service in a warm, friendly environment that clients love to come back to again and again.

Lisa believes in value for money, too, and both hair salon and restaurant reflect this.

Look out for special seniors’ offers Mondays and Tuesdays at Razorsedge, with 20 per cent off already great prices.

You’ll be tickled pink by Mary Originally from Kirriemuir in Scotland, Mary has been helping the women of Quesada and Benijofar to look their best since 2007 at her hair and beauty salon, Pinks.

Mary believes that a business is only as good as its people and so has built a team of four very hard working, customerfocused staff at Pinks.

As well as great services Mary and her team offer clients a warm and friendly atmosphere where they can feel pampered and relaxed.

Mary offers a wealth of hair and beauty treatments including a bridal package, massage, manicure and pedicure, ear piercing and spray tanning. The salon also boasts an upright sunbed and a vibration plate.

Pinks can help clients fight the tell-tale signs of ageing, too, with the very popular Galvanic Spa Anti-ageing treatment.

LAST Sunday’s La Siesta Church service had a lively, youthful feel as youngsters from the church Youth Club spiced up the proceedings.

Five of the young people performed a rousing rendition of Light Up the Fire, a modern gospel song that made it into the charts in the 70s.

The singing, which was accompanied on guitar by youth club member James McAllister-Dew, was a big hit with regular churchgoers who packed the church. Later in the service, three young people read the story of Jonah and the Whale from the Bible.

The youth club meets every Friday at 6.45pm, at the Round House next to la Siesta Church and new members Mike Smith, chairman, with Aladdin director Christine aged 11 to 18 are always welcome. Find out more about the Smith and Barry Cox, writer and Director of The Wizard youth club at www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org or call of Oz, present the cheque to José Chazarra Rabasca Maggie Dew on 966 762 264.

CHRISTMAS may be a distant memory, but the Pantomime Group had such a wonderful time with their huge hit Aladdin, that members simply could not wait another year to tread the boards again.

So, they are staging their first summer production, The Wizard of Oz, in May and June at the Escuela de Musica in Los Montesinos. Tickets will be on sale soon.

Before rehearsals start in earnest, Pantomime Group members found time to present a cheque for €300 to Caritas, raised by their last production. This was accepted on behalf of Caritas by the deputy mayor of Rojales, José Chazarra Rabasca. The group previously presented cheques of €600 euros each to ADISMON and to the Banda Infantil de Los Montesinos.

Singing Light Up the Fire, from left, are James McAllister-Dew, Jack Swift, Niamh Gantley, Rebecca Holt and Rob Scargill

DIAMANTE’S restaurant kick off their new season of Friday night entertainment with a special deal - a hot buffet for €6. Tonight’s menu is pork chasseur or chicken and veg curry. On Tuesday there’s a free fun Quiz, plus fish and chips for €4.95 – and Wednesday is Poker Night, starting at 8pm. Call 965352947 to book.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

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

Olympic tickets? They’ve not got any!

HAVING read the article in Friday's Courier regarding the sale of tickets to Olympic events by FNAC shops, I called into the FNAC store in Alicante today hoping to buy some.

However, I was told by the girl on the information desk that FNAC do not sell tickets to Olympic events and that they can only be bought from authorised outlets. She suggested I try the web.

I wonder if either staff on your paper or anyone known personally to them, have managed to buy tickets from FNAC - or is it all based on rumour? Yours in bewilderment.

DAVID PINDRED. YOUR paper led me to believe there were

plenty of Olympic tickets so I went to Alicante from Playa Flamenca yesterday to get tickets for the athletics and they had none.

So today I went back for hockey or basketball tickets and they had none. From now on I will not believe what I read in the paper.

ANDREW RODGER

l

I am really sorry you’ve had a problem, guys. But the problem seems to have been with fnac rather than us.

Hopefully today’s Front Page story will make things clearer. When my colleague Zoe Holden called fnac’s Murcia branch last Thursday to confirm reports emanating from the UK, she was assured that

they had tickets for most events, ranging in price from 30 euros to 66 euros.

The man Zoe spoke to did say, however, that tickets had to be collected from the store in person. There was no mention of other fnac branches NOT having tickets.

Since the English press had already reported the availability of tickets in Spain, Zoe’s conversation seemed to confirm what we had already established.

Fnac’s Murcia branch is at the Nueva Condomina centre off the A7 (opening hours 10am-22.00, Monday to Saturday).

You can call them on 968 374 600 or emailmurcia@fnac.es Donna, EDITOR

GOOD SAMARITANS SAVED HUBBY’S LIFE MAY I ,through your excellent paper, thank all the people who helped me when my husband had a bad fall a couple of weeks ago.

He was found, unconcious, near the Punta Prima roundabout by Mark and Felicity who acted as good Samaritans.

By using his mobile contact list they alerted Janet, the vice-president of our urbanisation, who drove down and called an ambulance, then phoned Lesley who called round for me and drove us to Torrevieja Hospital.

When I saw the doctor there, he told me my husband had a fractured skull and bleeding on his brain and he was being transfered to Elche Hospital as there is no neurosurgeon at Torrevieja.

I could not believe that a new Hospital like Torrevieja did not have a neurosurgeon and I was getting very distressed. A very big thank you to Lesley who insisted on staying with me and arranged a taxi to Elche where we spent the rest of the night and all morning until I saw the doctor at 2pm in Intensive Care.

I was told to come each day at 2pm to see the doctor and to bring an interpreter.

Thanks to Lionel, who acted as chauffeur and interpreter for four days while he was in Intensive Care and to Steve and Andy who between them drove me to

Boris

Hi, I thought you might like see an area formed by three craters that looks like a cross, visible during first quarter of moon, taken tonight, 30/1/12.

Taken from Orihuela Costa region.

ALEX DUNLOP

Elche and picked me up when he was moved to a ward where I could visit all day.

The staff at Elche were wonderful and luckily the doctor spoke excellent English as my husband can

From Page 3

only speak a little Spanish and I managed to communicate with the nurses using my Spanish Phrase Book.

Many of the people on our urbanisation have offered to help and I am eternally grateful for such good

friends.

I dread to think what could have happened if he hadn't been found as it was raining that night and some of the street lights are out on the road where he fell.

He is now out of hospital

but will be unable to fly back to Manchester next week when we were hoping to see our new grandson who was due on February 4.

DOROTHY SMITH Los Altos Orihuela Costa

when arrested. Mr Edis said: "It was not their intention that people would be killed or maimed — their intention was to cause terror, economic destruction and damage.

"But their method involved putting a bomb in a populated building and therefore carried the severe risk that people would be killed or maimed."

Police found a scrawled hit list of targets at gang leader Mohammed Chowdhury’s house in Poplar.

On it was the home address of Johnson.

Chowdhury, 21, and fellow Bangladeshi Shah Rahman, 29, from East Ham, had teamed up with Cardiff-based Abdul Miah, 25, and Gurukanth Desai, 30.

MI5 agents had watched as they carried out a recce of targets.

The cell talked in code, describing bomb-making as "cooking". They aimed to pose as traders and plant a bomb in the Stock Exchange toilets.

Miah and Desai were caught covertly discussing security loopholes as they drove from Wales to meet their London pals.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

THE UK NEWS

DEATH FREEZE Britain colder than the South

UK HEALTH chiefs have warned that as a result of the freezing conditions, more than 1,500 people could be killed by the weather every week.

As forecasters predicted that temperatures could plunge as low as minus 11C this week, the Department of Health's Chief Medical Officer said around 1,560 people would die due to cold weather each week between now and March in normal winter weather.

That figure will rise 'substantially', however, due to extreme cold like that we are currently experiencing.

During last year's big freeze, the death rate in England and Wales shot up by 21 per cent from 9,220 a week to 11,193.

Dame Sally Davies said: 'Mortality rises by 19 per cent in winter months in England, amounting to 27,000 excess deaths or 1,560 more people per week compared with the rest of the year. And very severe weather can substantially add to the deaths.

“The majority of UK deaths are

Pole - and thousands will die

Daily Mail among older people, especially women, and those with underlying health problems - but they are not people who would have died anyhow at that time.’’

Dame Sally’s warning came as extreme cold threatened to grip Britain over the next few days.

The Met Office has upgraded its cold weather alert to level three, which means 'severe' conditions.

Some areas are expected to experience temperatures of minus 11C, - colder than the South Pole and the Army has been put on standby should conditions get even worse.

Around four inches of snow and ice weare forecast for parts of the country due to a high-pressure system over Scandinavia which is pushing eastern winds towards the UK.

It’s hard to believe here in the Costa sunshine, but Britain is shivering in temperatures of minus 11C

POLICE PROBE TUBE SHOOTING

A MAN in his 30s was shot dead near Turnpike Lane Tube station on the London Underground Piccadilly line on Wednesday afternoon.

A member of staff at the nearby Elizabeth Ross Hair and Beauty salon said the victim was a Turkish man.

Staff at other local businesses reported hearing three shots and seeing his body

on the ground near a bus station.

It is the second fatal shooting in London this year aftera New Year's Eve reveller Adam McKoy was shot dead during the early hours of his 22nd birthday.

He was gunned down in Portpool Lane, Clerkenwell, following a 4am disturbance at the Clerkenwell House Wine Bar.

The Sun

THE Queen has stripped shamed ex-RBS boss Fred Goodwin of his knighthood — leaving him plain old Fred.

Few will shed a tear — or should that be shred a tear — over Fred the Shred’s knighthood nightmare.

He broke a bank and displayed screaming arrogance after the event. And given his successors at RBS are being publicly flogged every day, it was only a matter of time before he got his comeuppance.

Thousands lost a fortune when RBS sank as shares bombed. Thousands more have since lost their jobs.

Fred was once seen as the best banker on the block. Now his head is on it.

But sympathy will be in short supply for married Goodwin, 53, who lost a legal battle with The Sun that allowed us to reveal he had an affair with a senior colleague.

Fred the Shred's knighthood, awarded for "services to banking", was taken away following his reckless blunders that landed taxpayers with a £45 billion bailout bill.

Man found dead after 11-hour siege

A MAN was found dead in a house after an 11-hour armed stand-off with police on Tuesday.

Officers said the siege, in Sutton St James, Lincolnshire, began when someone called them just before 11am, fearing for their safety after a “firearm incident”.

A cordon was set up around the near-

Daily Mirror by streets and negotiators used a loudhailer to urge the man, thought to be 61year-old Barry Horspool, to talk.

Motorists were told to avoid the village while the British Red Cross set up a rest centre for residents in the area

affected by road closures.

Officers entered the building at 10.30pm, carried out a "methodical search" and found a body in an upstairs room, a force spokesman said.

They said no shots were fired by officers and the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for investigation.

Friday, February 3, 2012

THE UK NEWS

74 DEAD IN MATCH RIOT 1,000 hurt as Egyptian fans go on rampage

AT least 74 people died and another THOUSAND were injured after a football pitch invasion in Egypt.

The riot happened in the city of Port Said during a match between the country's top team Al Ahli — and Al-Masry.

Witnesses said trouble broke out when Ahli fans unfurled banners insulting Port Said and an Ahli supporter descended onto the pitch carrying an iron bar.

Al-Masry fans reacted by pouring onto the pitch and attacking Ahli players. They then turned to the terraces to attack Ahli supporters.

Witnesses said most of those killed were trampled in the crush of the panicking crowd or fell from terraces.

Ahli player Mohamed Abo Treika likened the violence to "war" as Masry fans invaded the pitch after the final whistle, following a rare 3-1 home win.

"This is not football. This is a war and people are dying in front of us. There

Angelo Dundee takes KO at 90 ANGELO DUNDEE, the legendary boxing trainer who helped guide the careers of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, has died at the age of 90. Dundee was considered one of the greatest trainers in the history of boxing.

Known as a master motivator as a cornerman during some of the biggest fights the sport has ever seen, his work spanned six decades and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. While working with Muhammad Ali for the majority of the former heavywight champion’s career, Dundee trained 15 world champs, including Leonard and George Foreman. wife Tana. He hit back claiming TV CHEF Gordon Ramsay for- Ramsay was a monster and he mally slashed business ties knew "where Gordon's bodies are with his father-in-law in an out-of- buried". It also emerged last year court settlement on Wednesday. married Hutcheson raised a secret The pair ended a dispute that family. started in October 2010 when A spokesman confirmed Ramsay sacked Chris Hutcheson Hutcheson was no longer a director as chief executive of his company. or shareholder of Gordon Ramsay Ramsay, 45, wrote an open letter Holdings. He added: "The terms of slating Hutcheson, 63 — dad of his the settlement are confidential."

Daily Mirror

l

Daily Mirror is no movement and no security and no ambulances," he told the Ahli television channel.

"I call for the premier league to be cancelled. This is horrible situation and today can never be forgotten."

The country's Deputy Health Minister Hesham Sheiha described the ugly violence as, "the biggest disaster in Egypt's soccer history.’’ He added: "This is unfortunate and deeply saddening."

A PREMIER League match was brought to a standstill on Tuesday when a supporter handcuffed himself to a goalpost in protest over his air hostess daughter being sacked by Ryanair.

John Foley, 46, halted play at Goodison Park for around five minutes in a one-man demonstration aimed at the airline's boss Michael O'Leary.

Mr O'Leary was apparently in the stands watching Everton against his favourite team Manchester City.

UK houses losing £51 a day HOUSE prices in the UK dropped more than £51 a day last month – with further falls on the way, a report warned this week.

The Nationwide Building Society said prices slipped by 0.2% in January – the same as in December – taking the UK average to £162,228. They peaked at £170,111 in June 2010.

Daily Mirror Prices are still 0.6% higher than January 2010, but down from a 1% rise in the year to December.

The Nationwide said the slowdown was understandable, given the UK economy went into reverse in the final three months of 2011.

Smoke hangs thick in the air as flares light up stadium

29

30

Friday,December February 3, Friday, 16,2012 2011

THE SPANISH PRESS

THREE CHEERS! Spanish retailers beat crisis to

By SALLY BENGTSSON

DESPITE Spain being in the midst of one of the worst crises of its history, three Spanish companies have been included in the list of the world's top 50 shops and al ranking, to 42 and 47 respectively. distribution chains.

make world’s Top 50 shop list

The Valencia-based company, set up in 1977 saw its net turnover for 2010 - the year the ranking is based on - grow by 5.8 per cent to 15.2 billion euros.

Inditex, with a whopping 1.7-billioneuro profit is the only one of the three companies to have improved its standing, moving up one place to 49. The group is also among the 50 companies with the most growth over the five years prior to the preparation of the report.

The giant fashion ANIMALS can have a beneficial influence on retailer's business model how well people recover from illness, accorand its geographic diverding to a group of scientists in Seville. sification have allowed it Psychologist Luis Rodríguez Franco, who is leading an investigation into the effects of to continue growing animals on healing, said dogs can help throughout the crisis.

Inditex, whose highpatients manage their emotions, increase street brands include self-confidence and improve social abilities.

Zara Home, Rodriguez Franco explains that after an Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo accident it is often very difficult to speak to a Bershka and patient, but if you arrive with a dog, which Dutti, Stradivarius, is also licks the patient’s hand or puts its head on their lap, it’s easier for the patient to express among the companies present in the greatest themselves.

When dogs are taken into old peoples’ number of countries - 78. homes the residents talk more. And dogs Computer giant Dell is present in 180 countries. teach children to be responsible.

Spanish supermarket Stroking a dog reduces blood pressure.

Dog owners recovering from a heart attack chain Eroski is ranked 98 live longer than those who don’t have dogs. out of the total of 250 companies in Deloitte's

Mercadona, El Corte Inglés, and Inditex clothes shops, which include Zara, all feature in the 2012 Global Powers of Retail survey.

Mercadona has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past decade, and increased its lead over El Corte Inglés, although both fell in the annu-

Man’s best friend helps you to heal

annual survey. A sharp fall in sales and the depreciation of the euro against the dollar (the currency that the survey is carried out in) saw the company slip 17 places from the previous year.

The world's leading retail outlet remains US outfit Wal-Mart, followed in distant second and third places by France's Carrefour and Britain’s Tesco.

Railway chaos ALICANTE train station was thrown into chaos on Sunday as a problem with overhead lines stopped both the arrival and departure of trains.

Over 500 passengers were affected by the breakdown, which was thought to have been caused by the theft of a piece of overhead line structure at San Vicente.

It was reported that counterweights that keep the overhead cables at the correct tension were taken.

RENFE Spanish railways has been using coaches to move the stranded passengers.

Railway infrastructure company, ADIF, managed to restore the service at 8pm, after a twelve hour break.

Local boat treasure rots as cash vanishes La Opinion A BUILDING that was once one of the jewels of San Pedro del Pinatar has been left to rot.

The 100-year-old Florida Blanca restaurant, built to look like a boat floating in the waters of the Mar Menor, was closed by judicial order in 2009 with a promise from the local government that it would be turned into a museum.

Three years later the wooden building is still in its abandoned state and is used as a shelter by homeless people.

The Florida Blanca was to be turned into a museum using a grant of 670,398 euros from the Murcian Goverment.

After delays in paperwork, an agreement was signed on the eve of the local elections but work has still not started.

And now, the 670,398 euros appears to have vanished! Nobody will admit to having received this money, says the councillor of Urbanism, Angela Gaona. The exmayor of San Pedro confirmed the money was sent, but says it never reached the town hall.

Missing boat travels from US to Spain - with no sailors TWO fishermen narrowly escaped drowning three years ago as their fishing boat, the Queen Bee, was engulfed by huge waves a mile off the coast of Massachusetts, USA. Both managed to swim ashore, but their boat was swept away and they thought they would never see it again.

Incredibly, the Queen Bee was found earlier this week washed ashore on the

beaches of Llanes in Northern Spain, 3,500 miles from where it was last seen.

The boat is encrusted with barnacles and rather the worse for wear, but its registration mark and name are proof that it is the same boat.

One of the mariners, Scott Douglas of Nantucket, Massachusetts, is thinking of writing a children’s story about the boat’s adventures.

Douglas was with his 68-year-old brother-in-law, Rich St. Pierre, when a wave hit the boat in 2008. The men were forced to abandon the boat and swim two hours to shore.

The Queen Bee travelled across the Atlantic Ocean, perhaps carried along by the Gulf Stream. The boat was found still equipped with a first-aid kit, radio, and maps of the US East Coast.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Don’t forget throughout January, February & March, for every advert you buy we’ll give you another one absolutly FREE!!

Call us now on: 965 99 66 66 or email: advertise@tkofm.com for more information Let’s see if you can win yourself a meal for two and a bottle of wine at Quesada Fish & Chips POP QUIZ February 3rd 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.They changed their name from the Ravens and these Muswell Hillbillies had hits after hit.

2.The Beatles formed this record company 3.Real name Annie Mae Bullock we know her by what stage name.

4.Clarke,Nash.Hicks,Haydock,Elliot...name the group.

5.What colour was Counting Crows cab.

6.The Beach Boys sang about this Florida hot spot.

7.This American state wanted R.Dean Taylor.

8.What did Dions girl Sue do.

9.Bobby Hatfield one half of the Righteous Brothers was a very good sportsman...name that sport.

10.Moyet and Clarke formed this duo.

32

Friday, February 3, 2012

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 T and 26 represents C, 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 New Year’s Eve in Scotland (8) 7 Battle in World War I (5) 8 Mountain disaster (9) 9 Golf ball holder (3) 10 Animal’s hind part (4) 11 Take forcibly (6) 13 Cry of horror (6) 14 Swamp (6) 17 Acrimonious (6) 18 Heroic tale (4) 20 Female sheep (3) 22 Certain delivery (9) 23 Tall and thin (5) 24 Infidelity (8)

Down 1 Vital pump (5) 2 Polar ice floe (7) 3/5 Famous Scottish economist (4,5) 4 Regional manner of speech (6) 5 See 3 6 First book of Old Testament (7) 7 Division (7) 12 Minister’s house (7) 13 Church spire (7) 15 Insatiable greed (7) 16 Anise-flavoured liqueur (6) 17/21 Risqué British comedian (5,4) 19 Irritate (5) 21 See 17

Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Scanty, 4 Bantam, 9 Emotion, 10 Avian, 11 Adapt, 12 Inspire, 13 Charlemagne, 18 Canvass, 20 Occur, 22 Aloha, 23 Respite, 24 Rotten, 25 Fluent.

Down: 1 Seesaw, 2 Aroma, 3 Twitter, 5 Amass, 6 Tuition, 7 Manner, 8 Anniversary, 14 Hangout, 15 Arousal, 16 Eclair, 17 Ardent, 19 Aware, 21 Chide

Scribble Pad

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 Not here, as bent out of shape (6) 4 I leave a small feathered pet and move (5) 8 Christopher Robin is making everybody start breaking the law (5) 9 A pragmatist sees the point in trials, possibly (7) 10 Domestic employees' goats (7) 11 Ali departs Galilee for excitement (4) 12 The whole total, or not, by the sound of it (3) 14 The latest information covers all major points (4) 15 Vehicle parked in juggernaut outside (4) 18 A wee drink for a young child (3) 21 A container that's slightly open (4) 23 The wrong deep tar is a cause of delays (3,4) 25 Tumultuous, so I tour around (7) 26 Some of the Aire lurchers come back for the leader (5) 27 Cause to stop horse's home (5) 28 Animals traps small drums (6)

Down 1 Get high on dances, somehow (6) 2 Many nieces reconsidered area of study (7) 3 Poor diet seen to be most impoverished (8) 4 Tobias Smollett's secret is prejudice (4) 5 When a doctor gets sick it calls for exercise (5) 6 Nurse plant for meal highlight (6) 7 Unrefined credit on a ship (5) 13 Chinese orange (8) 16 One lagging behind in movie advertising (7) 17 Sea creature from urban renewal rush hour (6) 19 Try small Ford for a secret rendezvous (5) 20 Rubbish is bred all over the place (6) 22 Mount Kilimanjaro man admits bouquet (5) 24 Very thin metal to baffle people (4)

STANDARD CLUES

Down 1 Climb up (6) 2 Technology (7) 3 Most impoverished (8) 4 Prejudice (4) 5 Borer (5) 6 Principal dish of a meal (6) 7 Unrefined (5) 13 Citrus reticulata (8) 16 Preview (7) 17 Large marine mammal (6) 19 Assignation (5) 20 Remains (6) 22 Scent (5) 24 Baffle (4)

Across 1 Missing (6) 4 Move (5) 8 Lawbreaking (5) 9 Pragmatist (7) 10 Female goats (7) 11 Delight (4) 12 Total (3) 14 Intelligence (4) 15 Car (4) 18 Small amount (3) 21 Slightly open (4) 23 Bureaucratic procedure (3,4) 25 Wild (7) 26 Measuring stick (5) 27 Play for time (5) 28 Traps (6)

Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Chalets, 5 Stars, 8 Auction, 9 April, 10 Motto, 11 Operate, 12 Leaden, 14 Creeds, 17 Artiste, 19 Pests, 22 Swami, 23 Animate, 24 Nitre, 25 Element.

Down: 1 Charm, 2 Ascot, 3 Episode, 4 Senior, 5 Skate, 6 Airfare, 7 Salvers, 12 Liaison, 13 Attract, 15 Reptile, 16 Negate, 18 Swine, 20 Slate, 21 Sweet.

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

3 letter words Act Arc Bar Boa Cow Eve Ewe Eye Ice Ore Sea See Soy Tec Urn 4 letter words Acne

Adds Agar Ages Area Beam Bonn Clue Deli Drab Eddy Flop Hurl Ibid Lava Lore Luck Open Peat

Raid Waist Rank 6 letter words Rave Framed Rope Gerbil Seat 8 letter words Sell Dressage Sere Elegance Tall Retrieve Tame Sinecure Trad Stardust Tree Urbanise User 10 letter Ward words 5 letter words Assessment Chant Attraction Liege Toady Torte

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

Across 1 Goats (6) 4 Especias (culinario) (6) 8 To marry (give or join in marriage) (5) 10 Litro (5) 11 Opaque (glass, lens, substance) (5) 12 Asses (donkeys) (5) 13 To look at (5) 14 Sauce (culinary) (5) 17 Celery (4) 19 Deuda (obligación) (4) 21 Cespedes (terrenos plantado) (5) 24 Fault (blame) (5) 25 Anxiety (5) 27 Tiendas (5) 28 Oats (5) 29 Dientes (anatomía) (5) 30 To tear (fabric, paper) (6) 31 Letra (alfabeto) (6)

Down 1 Spoon (7) 2 Bisonte (5) 3 A través de (6) 5 Pigeon (6) 6 Fourteen (7) 7 Lanza (militar) (5) 9 Alto (edificio, persona) (4) 15 Handle (of basket, bucket, jug) (3) 16 Sol (3) 18 Enfermedad (estado) (7) 20 Profesor (enseñante) (7) 21 Lasagne (6) 22 Madera (material) (4) 23 Tailor (6) 24 Silla (asiento) (5) 26 Sábana (de cama) (5)

33

Friday, February 3, 2012 Across 1 What name is given to a woman in a position of authority or one having a sexual relationship with a married man? (8) 7 What name is given to the trunk of a statue without, or considered independently of, the head and limbs? (5) 8/11 Who was the author of Jane Eyre, Shirley and Villette?

(9,6) 9/17 Which comedy actor and writer produced the award-winning films The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein?

(3,6) 10 Which alcoholic drink is made from fermented grape juice? (4) 11 See 8 13 What name is given to an additional tax on something already taxed, especially a higher rate of tax on incomes above a certain level?

(6) 14 What is the surname of the British graphic satirist, who is best known for his cartoons of the girls of St Trinian’s? (6) 17 See 9 18 Which early 20th-century international movement in art, literature, music, and film, repudiated and mocked artistic and social conventions and emphasised the illogical and absurd?

(4) 20 The two principal varieties of which plant, are the smallleaved China plant (Camellia sinensis sinensis) and the largeleaved Assam plant (Camellia sinensis assamica)? (3) 22 Santa Fe is the capital of which state of the USA? (3,6) 23 What was the first name of Miss Doolittle in the Lerner and Loewe musical My Fair Lady? (5) 24 Which short-lived 1980s television soap opera, starring Kate O’Mara, was set on a North Sea ferry? (8)

SUDOKU

Quiz Word

Down 1 Which large, long-tailed parrot with brightly coloured plumage is native to Central and South America? (5) 2 Which tool with a shaped opening or jaws is used for gripping and turning a nut or bolt? (7)

3 What name is given to a small stream or a shallow channel cut in the surface of soil or rocks by running water? (4) 4 What is the name of the sixth planet from the Sun, circled by a system of broad flat rings? (6) 5 What name is given to a rigid structure that surrounds or encloses a picture door, windowpane, or similar? (5) 6 Which American actor, who first came to prominence in the 1980s as a member of the ‘brat pack’, starred as Sam Seaborn in the television series The West Wing? (3,4) 7 What was the surname of the English cartoonist who illustrated Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass? (7) 12 Holiday, in 1984, was the title of which American singer’s first British hit single? (7) 13 What was the surname of the ‘Lake Poet’ who was made Poet Laureate in 1813? (7) 15 Oscar Wilde wrote a ‘ballad’ about which gaol in 1898? (7) 16 What name is given to a long piece of wood or metal used for holding pieces of food, typically meat, together during cooking? (6) 17 The leaves of which aromatic plant of the mint family, native to tropical Asia, are used as a culinary herb, especially in Mediterranean dishes? (5) 19 What is the name of the positively charged electrode by which the electrons leave an electrical device? (5) 21 According to Greek Mythology, what was the name of the queen of Sparta, who was loved by Zeus, who visited her in the form of a swan? (4)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH En la Calle – In the street Match these words with their Spanish translations then find them in the wordsearch.

(Answers below)

1. Mr. Cat Poop was the Chinese translation of which Jack Nicholson film?

2. William Hurt, won best actor Oscar in 1985. What was the name of the film?

3. Sam Barraclough owned which film star?

4. Joe Yule is better known as which famous actor?

5. Who was the star of The Sixth Sense?

6. Which short sighted cartoon character had a nephew named Waldo?

7. What is Homer Simpson's middle name?

8. Who directed 'Dr Strangelove', '2001 A Space Odyssey' and 'The Shining'?

9. Ray Bolger played who in 'The Wizard of Oz'?

10. Frederick Austerlitz became famous under what name?

11. What cartoon character was born on April 1st, 1980?

12. Who is Benjamin Kubelsky, the comedian, better known as?

13. Rosetta Jacobs became famous under what name?

1. As Good as it Gets 2. The Kiss of the Spiderwoman 3.

Lassie 4. Mickey Rooney 5. Bruce Willis 6. Mr Magoo 7.

Jay 8. Stanley Kubrick 9. Scarecrow 10. Fred Astair 11.

Bart Simpson 12. Jack Benny 13. Piper Laurie

ANSWERS

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Wordsolution Across: 1 Bushbaby, 8 Black Lace, 9 Imp, 10 Yeti, 11 Wilson, 13 Eleven, 14 Mersey, 17 Titian, 20/18 Idi Amin, 22 Agamemnon, 23 Shawm, 24 Internet.

Down: 1/7A Bobby Moore, 2 Seattle, 3 Baku, 4 Brazil, 5 Robin, 6 Dempsey, 7 Measles, 12 West Ham, 13 Eclipse, 15 Simenon, 16 Gawain, 17 Titan, 19 Nonet, 21 Gere.

13.drenaje, 14.trampilla de acceso, 15.boca de riego, 16.buzon. a.pipeline, b.bus shelter, c.pavement, d.barrier, e.kerb, f.sewer, g.fire

hydrant, h.bus stop, i.post box, j.manhole, k.street light, l.drain, m.car park, n.central reservation, o.road surface, p.crossing.

Answers: 1c, 2m, 3k, 4n, 5o, 6e, 7b, 8h, 9p, 10f, 11a, 12d, 13l, 14j, 15g, 16i

movies/tv QUIZ

1.acera, 2.aparcamiento, 3.faro, 4.mediana, 5.calzada, 6.bordillo, 7.marquesina, 8.parada de autobús, 9.paso de peatones, 10.alcantarilla, 11.conducto, 12.valla,

T O G E I R E DAC O B N P C ACERA MARQUESINA AR S O G J Q M N P E OAAA MEDIANA N L A M W V C B O I Z S N R L ALCANTARILLA D I L M E J A L P U O P I A Z BOCA-DE-RIEGO PARADA-AUTOT L Y I P D L V B P M H S D A M E V I R I I E E S I R E A D BORDILLO BUS D J E C D A LA D T D A U AA BUZON PASO-PEATOY O T R M Y T L N P Y L Q U I K N O M B O S NAALLR T C CALZADA NES B B D E NAP YAAMAAO F CONDUCTO TRAMPILLAHQQEFAROLCCVMBU W V S E JAN E R D LC LU H DRENAJE ACCESO C O N D U CTO C B JAE S Q RIOGGQBWKAKDWSY FARO VALLA G LO EAC C PAPAQ Q Q O Soduko

Span - Eng

Quizword

Fill It In

34

Friday, February 3, 2012

Horoscopes

By Pandora

Aries March 21 - April 19 Wake up in a trash-can again? Don't let your drinking get you down, go and have a beer.

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". A tasty beverage will be coming your way today.

Right Old Confusion Hello Rose. I am going through a right old state at the moment. I am currently in the process of getting together with a girl who i have been on and off with.

Yet lately I have been thinking of someone else, problem is it’s a guy. People have always said I would be able to be gay easily, but i have always seen myself as a straight man. There is something about him which I’m not sure about.

What do I do?

MIKEY Dolres Hello Mikey. There are times when we feel attracted to someone of the same sex.

It may not be that we fancy them we just get feelings that we think are love or lust that we cannot explain.

Sometimes it’s just because they are attractive to look at or they ooze confidence.

These can be traits that make us attracted to them or appreciate their beauty. You need to have a think about what it is that makes you attracted to them and can you imagine yourself in a same sex relationship. It could also be that you are bisexual. Does this guy make you feel aroused?

Consider these things carefully but ultimately only you can tell why you feel this way.

Are you scared of commitment may also be a factor.

Work Problem Dear Rose.

I stupidly had a good moan about a work colleague to another work colleague who I am really close to.

Unfortunately she told the other woman what I had said about her. Obviously she was very upset and crying and confronted me. I apologised and said it was a really stupid thing to do. I am really upset with my friend though for telling the other lady what I said. I know I should never have been so two faced in the first place. But she has been my friend at work for 7 years. I feel she has been really disloyal.

PETRA Torrevieja Hello Petra. Yes she has been very disloyal but as you now know it was an unwise thing for you to have done.

It is probably best to leave

Taurus April 20 - May 20 This week is going to be one of those "trials by fire" type nightmares that happen every so often. I wish I could give you more details but then you'd have no good reason to return over the coming days, would you?

Gemini May 21 - June 20 Life and Death - bedfellows, perhaps, they are certainly close. You'd better hope that they don't get start to get you involved in a menage a trois. Your tendancies may land you in trouble today. Today might find you requiring a move of the left-hand and right-hand side speakers or earphones you use to listen to music.

Cancer June 21 - July 22 Your learning may give you cause to grieve today as you are unable to stop local flooding using trigonometry alone. Raisins are a lovely dried up fruit. However, the old man who runs the hairdressers down the road, is not. You can't go wrong today - everything is set up for brilliance.

If you have a problem Romany Rose can help you with, email her at office@thecourier.es it now but if it is really bugging you, then you could say to the person you confided in that you are disappointed that she did not treat your confidences as just that confidential. You may not have asked her outright not to say anything, but the nature of your conversation would have made it obvious that it should not be repeated.

If you had wanted to speak directly to the person concerned you would have done so but decided that to do that would upset the person concerned more than it was worth - as in fact it did. It might be worth adding that you have learned your lesson and will not be confiding in her again - it depends how angry you still feel.

I think your "friend" was just out to cause trouble and I certainly would keep your distance from her from now on as she evidently is not a true friend to you.

Am I Jealous?

Dear Rose. My partner of 8 years is still very, very friendly with his ex. He sees her most weeks as he goes to collect his rent from her son who is leasing his house. When we became engaged 3 months ago, he was very reluctant to tell her as he said she has "not moved on". When she calls, he runs, as she might need his help. This woman is an ex-girlfriend,

not wife, and they do not have any children or anything else together. He was only with her for about 2 years and they never lived together. Am I unreasonably jealous? I am sick of it.

EMMA Punta Prima Hello Emma. You must tell him that it's time to move on.

The son can pay rent by standing order from the bank or he can bring it to your ex.

He obviously feels guilt for leaving her or still loves her.

Either way tell him enough is enough. He is actually giving her false hope that he may get back with her. She will never move on if he doesn't let her. If he refuses to listen agree to go to relate to get an opinion from someone impartial, they will definitely tell him he is wrong.

Confront Him? Hello Rose. My boyfriend has been acting strangely with his phone lately, so one night, curiosity got the better of me....I know I shouldn’t have but he never opens up to me. I found texts between him and an ex of his to whom he has a child to. He split up with her before she found out she was pregnant and hasn’t seen her or the child since as she moved to a different country. In the texts, they say how much they still love each other and discussing ways in which she could

move back... it’s really upset me as this has happened to me before with a previous partner and I love this man very much.

Should I tell him what I saw?

CHRISTINE via email Hello Christine. Yes you should certainly confront him.

He gave you a reason to be worrying by acting strange with his phone and every right you should have been worried. It’s nothing you are doing some men just don’t know how to be faithful, you deserve better!!

Loved Ones Hello Rose. I've (mentally) hurt someone very close to me recently. I got very angry at them and over re-acted. They ended up in tears. They have forgiven me (or so they say) but I love them very close to my heart and I still live in guilt and regret. Please help, I'm distraught.

STEVE Villamartin Hello Steve. You may always feel guilty about what you have done but why hate yourself if they have forgiven you? Even if it's in the back of your mind you need to learn to forgive yourself.

Bringing the situation up again will only remind the person what you did and may affect the way they are getting over it. Everyone’s different and some people can forgive quicker than others.

Maybe talking about it with someone else who is close may help you?

Leo July 23 - August 22 Every part of your body will cry out in pain today, although there is no explanation as to why this should be. Half of what I say is meaningless...the other half is pure gold, purer than any snow that ever fell. Purer than the white cover on that classic Beatles' album.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 Your appetites may increase today as the doctors finally remove the scissors they left inside you during your last operation. Time and time again you are asked to wait outside the room whilst the "adults" discuss your situation. This week, make sure you are one of the "adults".

Libra September 23 - October 22 Any deliveries you receive may turn out to be blessings in disguise this week. Watch out for incorrect addresses. The richer they are, the more money they have to spend paying you off. Remember that. It may seem unrelated to your day so far, but remember: the world loves a b*stard.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Bread, lightly cooked, buttered. This horoscope was sponsored by Toast. Lifting heavy objects may cause you pain later today. Dressing as a feline may give others cause for concern today.

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

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Alcohol can be a man's best friend - not a dog...well, perhaps a dog who's been pickled in alcohol. Malicious gossip may reach your ears this week and cause a great deal of paranoia. Changing your lifestyle and underwear are always a good start.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 As the fella once said, ain't that a kick in the head. Not that you'll be kicked in the head, it's a metaphor. I mean, hell, for all I know you *are* going to get kicked in the head, so maybe just wear a helmet for the rest of the day. Chew the cud with some friends today.

Their inane chatter may amuse you.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Find some candles, tonight will be filled with darkness. Memory can often plays tricks on people - why not trick memory first by getting a lobotomy. In other countries, how you'll feel about this afternoon could get you arrested and shot at dawn, without a blindfold, and with a stinging sensation in the groin.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 You might feel "world weary", but the truth of it is that you don't do anything worthwhile.

This week may be a good opportunity for you to change that. You will get an important phone call today, but you won't be able to find a pen to write down the message.

35

Friday, February 3, 2012

TRELI ON THE TELLY

Sweet FA: Footy saves ITV’s day

WEEKEND daytime TV sank to a new low last Saturday, with Jeremy Kyle’s new American show adding to an ITV schedule that is devoid of any originality and with a budget that must be close to non-existent.

We have Saturday and Sunday ‘filler’ compilations of This Morning, with the weekend only saved by the channel’s coverage of the FA Cup. If the footie wasn’t there (and yes, I know ITV’s soccer coverage is close to awful), we’d have had second-rate movies to fill the gaps.

It’s absolutely pathetic, and clearly somebody on high thinks so, as the network is in serious talks to bring over the Tim Lovejoy-presented Something for the Weekend show, which BBC2 has sadly axed due to budget cuts. I seriously wish them well in that transfer move, as they badly need it.

You have to feel sorry for Spanish tennis fans who got nada “free to air” coverage on Sunday of one of the greatest tennis finals ever, with their hero Rafa Nadal slogging it out

with ALEX TRELINSKI

against Novak Djokovic in a six-hour epic at the Aussie Open.

Unless you were a satellite subscriber to Canal Plus, you were left out in the cold, and it was a useful reminder that British viewers (in this case on the BBC) still get a pretty good smattering of premium sporting events to enjoy, despite Sky waving their bags of money in the air.

The best singing competition around is back with a big bang on ITV2. We are talking American Idol, which is now into season 11. After so much hype and mean-spirit surrounding The X Factor on both sides of the Atlantic in the autumn, it’s just so good to see a program where everybody is having fun, from the judges and the contestants, through to the best presenter of such shows, Ryan Seacrest.

There’s some terrific talent based on the first three weeks and it’s nice to sit back and enjoy it with a smile on your face, rather than watch a hyped-up circus, where the talent came second.

Some great memories of Sunday night TV from the eighties came flooding back last night as BBC4 started to show the wonderful Dennis Potter series, The Singing Detective, with Michael Gambon in the title role.

It’s hard to imagine such a work being given such a prominent slot these days. Back in 1986 it was screened at 8pm, though it was not to everybody’s taste. But the great talking point in the office on the Monday morning was the then unknown Joanne Whalley, who played the nurse tasked with the job of smearing Gambon’s character, Philip Marlow, with all kinds of disgusting stuff to help him deal with his psoriatic arthritis, something that Potter himself suffered from.

I won’t get into a discussion over lowering standards in TV drama, but what I will say is that is very sad that both the BBC and ITV have many thousands of hours of classic dramas that are never screened because of disputes over repeat fees and complex rights negotiations.

This was shown up last autumn when the BBC wanted to repeat The Singing Detective 25 years after the first transmission, but

RED STATE 18 Written and directed by Kevin Smith and a noted departure from the slacker/stoner comedies he made his name with. Red State begins when a trio of boys living out in the Bible Belt area of the southwest United States - Billy-ray (Nicholas Braun), Randy (Ronnie Connell) and Travis (Michael Angarano) - decide to head out to a small town nearby to meet up with an older woman they've met on the internet who claims she wants to have sex with all three of them at the same time. On the way there their car

fairly maniacal Abin Cooper (Michael Parks), who espouses along with his congregation that 'God hates fags' and 'God hates the military.'

They've essentially trapped these three boys, sinners that they are, and intend to send them to Hell for their transgressions.

These guys aren't going to go out willingly, however. On the other side of town, an ATF officer named Joseph Keenan (John Goodman) gets a phone call that sends him out of bed and into duty and once shots

CAST: Melissa Leo, John Goodman, Michael Angarano, Kyle Gallner DIRECTOR: Kevin Smith RUNNING TIME: 96 min. GENRE: Horror, Suspense/Thriller RATING: 4/5 sideswipes a car parked at offers them a few beers the side of the road and before they get down to while it first seems the car business, but after a few was empty, they soon real- swigs, they pass out ize it wasn't and make a they've been drugged. fast exit. What they don't When they wake up they're realize is that in that car being held captive by was the town's sheriff, Sarah and her family, the Wynan (Stephen Root). core members of the Five Milton sends his deputy, Points Church, lead by the Pete (Matt Jones), out to investigate who hit his car, This dvd review was brought to you by MOVING while the boys meet up MOVIES - OVER 7000 DVDS IN STOCK. Delivering all with their intended mate, over Spain and the UK Visit www.movingmovies.biz Tel Sarah (Melissa Leo). She 650 751 072 or email movingmoviesdvds@gmail.com

refused (rightly or wrongly) to find an extra £5,000 demanded by the Potter estate. In the end, the millionaire businessman, Lord Hollick, made a ‘donation’ which allowed the transmission to go ahead.

What a crazy state of affairs! It explains why so much cheap trash fills daytime screens - and most evenings after 11pm. It really does cost peanuts to screen a duff antique or makeover show, or zillions of old American shows, rather than delving into some of the best TV archives in the world.

It would be easier to negotiate peace in the Middle East, as opposed to clearing permission with every actor, actress, author and estate over showing an old BBC TV drama. For example, do you know it’s close on 40 years since the BBC last screened their wonderful version of The Forsyte Saga?

They just can’t afford to do it, yet the DVD box set has been on sale for years!

On a happier note, I’m giving myself a little glow of satisfaction over my comments a fortnight ago about the current BBC1 Sunday night 8pm drama, Call the Midwife. I predicted big things for it, and it’s quickly getting massive viewing figures in the stellar range of Downton and Sherlock. It’s even destroyed Dancing on Ice, which nobody seems to be talking about, except for the fact that new presenter Christine Bleakley may have put her curse on it, after her disastrous stint on ITV1’s Daybreak.

The icing on the cake for the Midwife team came last week, with news it will be back for a second and longer series next year, and I’ll have to hold up my hand and say that had not Lark Rise to Candleford been pulled last year, this show would never have been commissioned. are fired, he and his assistant, Brooks (Kevin Pollack), are told by their higher ups to consider the Five Points congregation members to be terrorists and to use deadly force.

The film is more a thriller than the horror movie that it's been called and subsequently marketed as but what makes the movie scary is that this is absolutely within the realm of possibility.

36

The Courier Friday TV

February 3

00:35 This Week 01:20 Skiing Weatherview 01:25 Panorama 01:55 Countryfile 02:55 Britain's Killer Roads 03:40 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 04:25 Newsday 04:30 Asia Business Report 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 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Britain's Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather; Regional News 16:05 The Big Performance 16:35 Wingin' It 16:55 Diddy Dick & Dom 17:15 OOglies 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Room 101 22:00 Hustle 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The Graham Norton Show

00:20 Toughest Place to Be 01:20 An Island Parish 01:50 An Island Parish 02:20 Newsday 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 Newsday 04:25 Close 05:00 Class Clips: Secondary Schools: Creative and Media - Media

06:00 Class Clips: Creative and Media - Performing Arts 07:00 Little Robots 07:10 Zigby 07:25 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Dipdap 07:50 Everything's Rosie 08:00 Roar 08:30 League of Super Evil 08:40 Eliot Kid 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Remote Control Star 09:25 LazyTown 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 The Large Family 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Bob's Mini Projects 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Wibbly Pig 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 One Man and His Campervan 14:30 Animal 24:7 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 This World 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Mastermind 22:00 Cutty Sark: National Treasure 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 Take Me Out 01:40 The Zone 01:40 ITV News Headlines 03:45 Tonight 04:10 ITV Nightscreen 05:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 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 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 The Hungry Sailors 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Safari Vet School 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Law & Order: UK 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 Jaws III

JAWS III Action adventure starring Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr. Sheriff Brody's sons are working at a new marine park, where a captive infant great white shark is being groomed as the centre's latest tourist attraction. However, no one has reckoned on the creature's vengeful mother.

00:05 Coppers 01:05 Random Acts 01:10 Party Paramedics 02:10 The Great Train Robbery's Missing Mastermind?

03:05 Britain AD: King Arthur's Britain 04:00 St Elsewhere 04:50 90210 05:30 My Dream Farm 06:25 Countdown 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss 10:55 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 12:00 Secret Location 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Country House Rescue 14:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 14:35 Carry On Sergeant 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Channel 4 Presents 20:35 Come Dine with Me 21:30 New Girl 22:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 23:30 Chris Moyles' Quiz Night

00:55 Inside Hollywood 01:10 SuperCasino 05:00 House Doctor 05:25 Wildlife SOS 05:50 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 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Castle Farm 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 08:55 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Milkshake! Monkey 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana's Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Superior Interiors with Kelly Hoppen 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Unstable 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Royal Navy Caribbean Patrol 21:00 World's Toughest Trucker 22:00 The Last of the Mohicans

37

The Courier Saturday TV

February 4

00:20 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 00:30 Road Trip 02:00 Weatherview 02:05 Question Time 03:05 Filthy Cities 04:05 BBC News 04:30 Click 04:45 Newswatch 05:00 BBC News 05:30 On the Road With 06:00 BBC News 06:30 Our World 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:35 Rachel Allen: Home Cooking 13:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 World Olympic Dreams 14:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 17:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 19:55 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 20:15 The Magicians 21:30 The National Lottery Saturday Night Draws 21:40 Casualty 22:30 Mrs Brown's Boys 23:00 BBC News; Weather 23:20 Match of the Day 23:20 National Lottery Update

00:00 00:45 00:50 02:50 03:00 03:30 04:00

The Review Show Weather Youth without Youth Click BBC News Nicole's Legacy BBC News

04:05 07:00 07:10 07:25 07:35 07:45 08:00 Lab 08:30 08:40 09:05 09:35 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:25 12:40 13:00 13:15 15:20 17:30 18:30 19:30 20:30 21:00 King 22:00 23:45

Close Little Robots Zigby Finley the Fire Engine Octonauts Everything's Rosie Richard Hammond's Blast Dennis and Gnasher The Scooby-Doo Show Pixelface Prank Patrol Down Under Ultimate Sports Day Blue Peter Animals at Work Trapped Ever After Hacker Time OOglies MOTD Kickabout Coast Miracle Flower Drum Song Final Score Escape to the Country Flog It! Dad's Army Versailles: The Dream of a Brighton Rock Pan Am

01:25 The Zone 03:30 Exorcist: the Beginning 05:20 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:25 May the Best House Win 12:25 This Morning: Saturday 13:30 Murder, She Wrote 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:39 Meridian Weather 14:40 Evil under the Sun 16:55 Wild Wild West 18:45 Meridian News and Weather 19:00 ITV News and Weather 19:15 New You've Been Framed!

20:15 Harry Hill's TV Burp 20:45 Take Me Out 22:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:00 The Talent Show Story

TAKE ME OUT A charity campaigner from London, a semi-professional footballer from Belfast, a musician and a Weston-super-Mare model enter the `love lift' in the hope of impressing 30 single women - but first they must get the female participants to keep their lights on as a sign of approval. Last week's couples go on their dates to discover whether they are a match made in heaven or hell. Paddy McGuinness presents.

00:20 Rude Tube 01:25 Harsh Times 03:25 Perfect 03:40 Random Acts 03:45 My Name Is Earl 04:05 My Name Is Earl 04:30 Hung 05:00 Hung 05:30 Brothers & Sisters 06:15 Countdown 07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Volleyball 08:55 The Morning Line 09:50 Everybody's Talking About 10:20 A-Z of Star Wars Episode I: T4 Movie Special 10:55 New Girl 11:25 New Girl 11:55 Playing It Straight 12:55 The Simpsons 13:25 New Girl 13:55 The Big Bang Theory 14:25 The Big Bang Theory 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 Come Dine with Me 19:35 Channel 4 News 20:05 4thought.tv 20:10 My Super Ex-Girlfriend 22:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 23:30 The Full Monty

00:15 World's 01:15 SuperCasino 05:00 Motorsport Mundial 05:25 Wildlife SOS 05:50 Wildlife SOS 06:10 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:35 Michaela's Wild Challenge 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 08:15 The Milkshake! Show 08:30 Make Way for Noddy 08:45 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 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Meerkat Manor 11:30 Benidorm ER 12:30 Royal Navy Caribbean Patrol 13:25 Riding Shotgun 15:00 Apache Drums 16:30 Death of a Gunfighter 18:25 Private Benjamin 20:25 5 News Weekend 20:35 NCIS 21:30 NCIS 22:30 CSI: NY 23:30 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

38

The Courier Sunday TV

February 5

04:15 07:00 07:10 00:40 The Football League Show 07:25 02:00 Weatherview 07:35 02:05 BBC News 07:45 02:30 The Bottom Line 08:00 03:00 BBC News 08:30 03:30 Dateline London 08:40 04:00 BBC News 08:40 04:30 Sundance Special 09:05 05:00 BBC News 09:30 05:30 Click 09:30 06:00 BBC News 10:00 06:30 The Record Europe 11:00 07:00 Breakfast 12:30 08:35 Match of the Day 14:00 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 15:55 11:00 The Big Questions 17:30 12:00 Sunday Politics 18:15 13:05 Match of the Day Live 15:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 19:00 20:00 18:00 Songs of Praise 21:00 18:35 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 19:35 BBC News; Regional News 23:00 and Weather 23:55 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Call the Midwife 22:00 Bomber Boys 23:30 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:55 Live Super Bowl XLVI

00:25 TOTP2 00:55 The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada 02:50 Paper Clips

Close Little Robots Zigby Finley the Fire Engine Octonauts Everything's Rosie Richard Hammond's Blast Lab Dennis and Gnasher The Scooby-Doo Show The Owl Paradise Cafe Wingin' It Diddy Dick & Dom Friday Download Something for the Weekend I Know Where I'm Going!

EastEnders The Shooting Party Escape to the Country Ski Sunday The Last Explorers Queens of British Pop Top Gear Toughest Place to Be Match of the Day 2 Frank Skinner's Opinionated

00:00 ITV News and Weather 00:14 Meridian Weather 00:15 Music and Lyrics 02:10 ITV News Headlines 02:10 The Zone 04:30 In Plain Sight 05:15 ITV Nightscreen 07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Ade in Britain 11:30 Dinner Date 12:30 Dickinson's Real Deal 13:30 ITV News and Weather 13:39 Meridian Weather 13:40 Murder, She Wrote 14:40 Columbo: Murder, Smoke and Shadows 16:35 Vera 18:35 Meridian News and Weather 18:45 ITV News and Weather 19:00 Harry Hill's TV Burp 19:25 Dancing on Ice 21:30 Wild at Heart 22:30 Dancing on Ice: The Skate Off 23:05 That Sunday Night Show 23:35 ITV News and Weather 23:49 Meridian Weather 23:50 Whitechapel

THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE Romantic sci-fi drama adapted from the bestselling novel by Audrey Niffenegger, starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana. Henry De Tamble is born with a gene that enables him to travel through time, allowing him to glimpse the past and the future. But his wanderings cannot be controlled, and have major implications regarding his relationship with Clare.

01:20 if..

03:15 The Silent City 03:25 This Is J03 03:30 Brothers & Sisters 04:15 My Dream Farm 05:10 Time Team 06:10 Countdown 07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 That Paralympic Show 08:25 Sailing 08:55 The Album Chart Show Introduces - Cover Drive 09:05 One Tree Hill 09:55 Countdown to the NME Awards 2012 10:10 Hollyoaks 12:45 The Big Bang Theory 13:20 Shipwrecked 14:20 The Simpsons 14:55 The Simpsons 15:30 New in Town 17:20 Time Team 18:25 Deal or No Deal 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Hugh's Three Hungry Boys 21:00 The Hotel 22:00 The Time Traveler's Wife

00:30 Forensic Files 01:00 SuperCasino 05:00 Great Artists 05:25 Divine Designs 05:50 County Secrets 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 08:15 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:25 Family!

08:35 Make Way for Noddy 08:50 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 08:57 Milkshake! Monkey 09:00 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:50 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Grey's Anatomy 12:00 Cowboy Builders 13:00 Police Interceptors 14:05 Shanghai Noon 16:10 Pete's Dragon 18:20 The Mask of Zorro 21:00 World's 21:55 5 News Weekend 22:00 300

39

The Courier Monday TV

February 6

05:00 Weatherview 05:05 Newsday 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Britain's Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather; Regional News 16:05 The Big Performance 16:35 Wingin' It 16:55 Deadly Art 16:55 Diddy Dick & Dom 17:15 OOglies 17:30 Blue Peter 17:30 The Owl 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 The Diamond Queen 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 A Question of Sport

00:25 Rugby Union: Six Nations Highlights 01:10 Ski Sunday 01:55 The Day of the Triffids 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 Newsday 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Newsday 05:05 Close 07:00 Little Robots 07:10 Zigby 07:25 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Octonauts

07:45 Dipdap 07:50 Everything's Rosie 08:00 Roar 08:30 League of Super Evil 08:40 Eliot Kid 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Bear Behaving Badly 09:20 Shaun the Sheep 09:25 LazyTown 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 The Large Family 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Harry and Toto's World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Wibbly Pig 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 One Man and His Campervan 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain's Heritage Heroes 20:00 Home Cooking Made Easy 20:30 A Question of Taste 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 An Island Parish 22:00 Protecting Our Children 23:00 Mock the Week - Again 23:30 Newsnight 23:30 Weather

00:50 Anglo-Welsh Cup Rugby Union 01:40 ITV News Headlines 03:00 Ladette to Lady: Australia 03:50 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 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 The Hungry Sailors 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Cornwall with Caroline Quentin 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Whitechapel 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight 23:35 That Sunday Night Show

THE DIAMOND QUEEN New series. Andrew Marr explores the life and achievements of Elizabeth II, 60 years after she acceded to the throne. He begins with a look at the duties she carries out at home and abroad, hearing from other members of the royal family, including Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Edward and Princess Anne, who reveal the remarkable skills she has acquired in decades of walkabouts, state visits and receptions, and the energy she puts into every engagement.

00:10 Alien: Resurrection 02:15 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 03:55 The Guides 04:10 Brothers & Sisters 04:50 90210 05:30 My Dream Farm 06:25 Countdown 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Relocation: Phil Down Under 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Country House Rescue 14:05 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 14:25 Lassie Come Home 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Channel 4 Presents 21:00 SuperScrimpers 22:00 Coppers 23:00 Party Paramedics

00:20 Road House 2 02:00 SuperCasino 05:00 Rough Guide to Beaches 05:10 Great Scientists 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 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Milkshake! Monkey 07:50 Peppa Pig 07:55 Castle Farm 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana's Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Safe Harbor 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 World's Toughest Trucker 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Royal Marines: Mission Afghanistan 23:00 The Detonator

40

The Courier Tuesday TV

February 7

00:05 Late Kick Off 00:35 The Graham Norton Show 01:25 Film 2012 with Claudia Winkleman 02:05 Holby City 03:05 Who Do You Think You Are? 04:05 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 05:05 Newsday 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Britain's Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather 16:05 The Big Performance 16:35 Wingin' It 16:55 Deadly Art 17:15 OOglies 17:30 The Owl 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Prisoners' Wives 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Death Unexplained

00:20 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:15 05:00 05:20 05:50 06:20 06:35

Pan Am BBC News HARDtalk Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday The Super League Show Let's Write Non-Fiction Primary English Caught in the Web Copyk@tz Beware Cashk@tz

06:50 Telling Tales 07:00 Little Robots 07:10 Zigby 07:25 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Dipdap 07:50 Everything's Rosie 08:00 Roar 08:30 League of Super Evil 08:40 Eliot Kid 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Bear Behaving Badly 09:20 Shaun the Sheep 09:25 LazyTown 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 The Large Family 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Harry and Toto's World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Wibbly Pig 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 One Man and His Campervan 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain's Heritage Heroes 20:00 Raymond Blanc: The Very Hungry Frenchman 21:00 Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 22:00 Wild About Pandas 23:00 Have I Got Old News for You 23:30 Newsnight

00:05 Law & Order: UK 01:05 River Monsters 01:35 ITV News Headlines 03:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 04:30 ITV Nightscreen 05:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 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 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 The Hungry Sailors 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 River Monsters 21:00 The Exit List 22:00 The Biggest Loser 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 Benidorm

THE SCIENCE OF SEEING AGAIN Model Katie Piper, who was badly disfigured and partially blinded after being attacked with acid in 2008, investigates a new surgical procedure that could potentially restore her sight by transplanting stem cells directly into her left eye. She explores the science behind the operation, and investigates the ethical debate surrounding the use of cells extracted from human embryos - a practice that some people argue is morally unjustifiable, but which others believe could revolutionise the world of medicine.

00:05 Random Acts 00:10 Shameless 01:10 Bouncers 02:10 The Joy of Teen Sex 03:05 Embarrassing Bodies 04:00 Strange Little Girls 04:20 Brothers & Sisters 05:05 My Dream Farm 06:00 Time Team 07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Relocation: Phil Down Under 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Country House Rescue 14:05 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 14:35 Across the Wide Missouri 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Channel 4 Presents 21:00 Gok's Teens: The Naked Truth 22:00 Katie: The Science of Seeing Again 23:00 Shameless

00:55 Soho Blues 01:55 SuperCasino 05:00 House Doctor 05:20 Wildlife SOS 05:45 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 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Milkshake! Monkey 07:50 Peppa Pig 07:55 Castle Farm 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana's Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Fairfield Road 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Cowboy Builders 22:00 Body of Proof 23:00 CSI: Miami 23:55 CSI: NY

41

The Courier Wednesday TV

February 8

00:20 Neighbourhood Watched 01:05 Protocol 02:35 Weatherview 02:40 The Manor Reborn 03:40 Inside Men 04:40 Nature's Miracle Babies 05:40 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Britain's Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather 16:05 School for Stars 16:35 Wingin' It 16:55 Diddy Dick & Dom 16:55 Deadly Art 17:15 OOglies 17:30 My Life: Karate Kids 17:30 The Owl 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 21:00 Super Smart Animals 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The National Lottery 23:45 Kevin Bridges What's the Story?

00:20 01:05 01:50 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:55 06:00 06:55

Rubicon Rubicon HARDtalk Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Just So Darwin Primary English Planet Dinosaur Files Schools Fillers, Primary

History, Aztec Markets 07:00 Little Robots 07:10 Zigby 07:25 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Dipdap 07:50 Everything's Rosie 08:00 Roar 08:30 League of Super Evil 08:40 Eliot Kid 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Bear Behaving Badly 09:20 Shaun the Sheep 09:25 LazyTown 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 The Large Family 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Harry and Toto's World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 See Hear 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain's Heritage Heroes 20:00 Escape to the Country 21:00 Bees, Butterflies and Blooms 22:00 Versailles the Palace of Pleasure 23:00 Roger & Val Have Just Got In 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 The Cube 01:30 The Zone 04:05 Crossing Jordan 04:50 ITV Nightscreen 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 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 The Hungry Sailors 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live FA Cup Football 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 FA Cup Football Highlights

ROGER & VAL HAVE JUST GOT IN New series. Comedy focusing on the interaction between a husband and wife in the first half-hour after they return home. The couple get back from a wedding, hoping for news of Val's application to become deputy headteacher at her school - but are unaware that a nasty shock awaits them in the weekend post. Starring Dawn French and Alfred Molina.

00:05 Desperate Housewives 01:05 Random Acts 01:10 Poker 02:10 Sailing 02:35 KOTV Boxing Weekly 03:00 Volleyball 03:50 Late Night Poker 04:45 Best of British 05:40 That Paralympic Show 06:10 Full Metal Challenge 07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Relocation: Phil Down Under 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Country House Rescue 14:05 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 14:35 Rope 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Channel 4 Presents 21:00 How to Cook Like Heston 21:30 The Fabulous Baker Brothers 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 10 O'Clock Live 23:55 Random Acts

00:50 CSI: NY 01:45 Forensic Files 02:15 SuperCasino 05:00 House Doctor 05:25 Wildlife SOS 05:45 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 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Milkshake! Monkey 07:50 Peppa Pig 07:55 Castle Farm 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana's Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Wandering Eye 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Cowboy Builders 21:00 Benidorm ER 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent

42

The Courier Thursday TV

February 9

00:15 National Lottery Update 00:55 The Dark 02:25 Weatherview 02:30 See Hear 03:00 Natural World 04:00 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 04:45 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 05:45 Panorama 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Britain's Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather; Regional News 16:05 School for Stars 16:35 Wingin' It 16:55 Deadly Art 17:15 OOglies 17:30 The Owl 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 21:00 Super Smart Animals 22:00 Inside Men 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Question Time

00:20 Guerrilla: the Taking of Patty Hearst 01:50 HARDtalk 02:00 Newsday 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 Newsday 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Secondary Schools: Class Clips: Darwin - Animals 06:00 i-Science 07:00 Little Robots

07:10 Zigby 07:25 Finley the Fire Engine 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Dipdap 07:50 Everything's Rosie 08:00 Roar 08:30 League of Super Evil 08:40 Eliot Kid 08:55 Newsround 09:00 Bear Behaving Badly 09:20 Shaun the Sheep 09:25 LazyTown 09:50 Lulu Zipadoo 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 The Large Family 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Harry and Toto's World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain's Heritage Heroes 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Raymond Blanc: The Very Hungry Frenchman 22:00 Putin, Russia & the West 23:00 James May's Things You Need to Know 23:30 Weather

00:35 Kidnap and Ransom 01:30 The Zone 03:35 Rio Bravo 06:00 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 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 The Hungry Sailors 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Eternal Law 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 The Jonathan Ross Show

BERMUDA TRIANGLE Documentary following scientists who are embarking on an expedition into the feared depths of the Bermuda Triangle, a region of the Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda, Miami, Florida and Puerto Rico where a number of aircraft and surface vessels are reported to have mysteriously disappeared.

00:00 The Inbetweeners 01:00 Countdown to the NME Awards 2012 01:20 David Guetta Nothing but the Beat: The Movie 02:25 4Play: Anisa 02:40 The Album Chart Show 02:55 The Album Chart Show 03:10 Professor Green Unseen: After Hours 03:35 Live from Abbey Road 04:20 90210 05:00 The Men 06:25 Countdown 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Relocation: Phil Down Under 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Country House Rescue 14:05 River Cottage 14:15 The Fighting Kentuckian 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Channel 4 Presents 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 The Restoration Man 23:00 Mothertruckers

00:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 01:00 Poker: The Big Game 02:00 SuperCasino 05:00 House Doctor 05:25 Wildlife SOS 05:50 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 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Castle Farm 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana's Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Murder among Friends 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Holiday Heaven on Earth 20:30 How Do They Do It? 20:30 5 News Update 21:00 Bermuda Triangle: The Mystery Revealed 22:00 Winter Road Rescue 23:00 Sudden Impact

43

Friday, February 3, 2012

ACCOMODATION

MEDICAL

AWNINGS

Small, economic family run hotel, situated on the CV951, San Miguel de Salinas. Modern air-conditioned and ensuite rooms available, 35 € per room, per night. Call 966 842 070 for reservations.

ACCOUNTANTS Are you running a business?

Let us simplify things for you – accountancy, taxes, payroll services and more. We cater for companies and individuals. Established in 1984 on the Costa Blanca. Call us on 966 923 963 for your first consultation free of charge.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES EXCELLENT RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS WITH NO OVERHEADS AND ALL CASH. 5 COLD DRINK VENDING MACHINES €24,900. 25 PRINGLE MACHINES €14,900, ALL WITH GUARANTEED SITES. 619 307 318. (52) Huge Bar Restaurant with 6 room Hotel FOR RENT Very popular place only 36,000 euro for the whole year - NO MONTHLY RENT TO PAY! Call 651 885 200

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

Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday services 11am. Children's church 11am. House groups in Torrevieja, Los Balcones, San Javier.

Ladies meeting Thursdays 11am.

Craft club, Tuesdays, 2pm. Pastor, Rafael Restrepo.

All nationalities welcome. Call 966 799 273 or 660 127 276.

Pilar Christian Community Church Calle Canalejas 3.

Pilar de la Horadada.

Sunday Service at 11am,

AIR CONDITIONING

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 ChristianCommunity Church@gmail.com or contact Reverend Eddie on 966 7693 00 or 650 509 606. Reg No:2009-SG/A Try Professional Business Support for your quick quote for car insurance.

Excellent prices for expats, all policies available in English or German. We will call you back with a price. 966 923 963 Ford Fusion 1.6+ 5 door hatch, 1 owner, 39,000 kms, FSH, air con, rear park sensor, rear privacy glass,auto, fold mirrors, CD player, met silver, beautiful condition 6450 euros Tel 600 726 221 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com

Ford Fiesta 1.3 Steel, 5 dr hatch, 2003, 2 owners, 71,000 kms, fully serviced, air con, CD, front fogs, electric windows, remote locking, met turquoise superb condition only 3950 euros Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Nissan Primera 1.8 5 dr, 3 owners, 76,000 kms, FSH, air con, rear sunblind's, electric windows, isofix, central locking, white, nice condition 3250 euros Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 976

FOR SALE www.fwreurocars.com Peugeot 806, 5/8 seater mpv 1.9 STDI Diesel, fully serviced, air con, CD, tow bar, rear privacy glass, twin side sliding doors, 2800 euros Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com

INSURANCE For all your insurance needs, ie.home, car, health, funeral, travel, etc Excellent cover from Spain´s 5th biggest insurance company, “CASER”.

Policies available in English and German. Call Professional Business Support on 966 923 963 for a quick quote from a real person/our friendly staff.

Make the most of private health care and private hospitals, we have great cover and a two tier pricing system to suit your age and pocket. All policies in English, many English speaking doctors or free translators at your service.

Call us now on 966 923 963, and we will call you back with your quote.

Caser Health Care .

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Viva Villa and Vacation Services, For Short or Long Term Rentals visit: www.villaandvacation.com or Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 TipTop Villa Care, for all your property needs. Meet and Greets. Cleaning.

Holiday and Long Term Rentals. Advertising. Baby Equipment Hire. www.tiptopvillacare.com e-mail linda@tiptopvillacare.com Tel 667848582 (50)

PROPERTY FOR RENT COSTA BLANCA SOUTH LONG TERM RENTALS ROLDAN LARGE DETACHED VILLA available furnished or UNFURNISHED Near to town centre and schools. Ideal for La Torre Golf Resort and Kings College. linda@tiptopvillacare.com or call Tel 667848582 www.tiptopvillacare.com (50) LONG TERM RENTALS (ALICANTE region) FORMENTERA de la SEGURA. NEAR ROJALES. Sunny and Bright 2 bedroom apartment. Large

CCTV

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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 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 the main bedroom and from the sun terrace on the roof the views are excellent. €400PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

COMPUTERS

CARS FOR SALE Ford KA 1.3 Collection, 2 owners, 53,000 kms, FSH, air con, cd, electric windows, rear head restraints, light metallic blue, stunning condition, 4250 euros Tel 600 726 221 - 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com

Terrace with BBQ. Walking distance to Town Centre 350€/mth* Linda 667 848 582 (50) 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

BLINDS / AWNINGS

CARPENTER

CAR HIRE

AUCTION

CAR MECHANIC

44

Friday, February 3, 2012

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 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

CREATIVE CONCRETE

from 300 euros/month.

966 723 437 and 616 487 493 (48)

PROPERTY FOR SALE Excellent cover for your house and home, includes travel assistance for when you go away. Interesting prices for expats; policies available in English or German. Call 966 923 963 for a quote.

BEACH HOUSE 1 street from beach. LOS NAREJOS 3 bedroom 2 bathroom Townhouse HUGE BASEMENT, currently set out as GYM and DOUBLE bedroom. 175,000€. Linda 667848582 (50) BARGAIN 199,950 CEHEGIN 1 hour San Javier Airport. 40 mins. Corvera.

5 bedroom 2 bath FINCA with over 5,000m2 plot.

Stunning. Tel. 667848 582 (50) 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

EXPAT SERVICES

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FURNITURE

HEATING

FAST BROADBAND

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NEWS AGENTS

FISHING

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 self-filling 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, 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

HOUSE CLEARANCES

GARDENING

PLUMBERS

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.

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Advertise here for only a fiver!

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Friday, February 3, 2012 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

PLASTERER

PERSONAL

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. 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

SIGN WRITING

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 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 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 Ref. 526, €49,900. A lovely bright 1 bedroom apart-

ment 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 Need English Speaking

SOLICITORS Solicitors in Torrevieja?

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Greenside Gossip IVIE DAVIES takes a weekly look at the golf scene - golfdavies@gmail.com

ALLISS AT 80: VOICE OF A GOLF MASTER ALLISS CLASSICS

A FEW years ago Peter Alliss was confirmed a Legend of Golf for his overall contribution to the game. But how much do you know about the Voice of Golf?

Peter is a bit like haggis, cabbage and Eminem in as much it is not too difficult to have an opinion about him.

Love him or hate him, his is without question the most recognised voice in the golfing world. He has written books, made hundreds of videos, appeared as a guest on numerous TV programmes.

Who else could have provided rich images from such simple sayings as “well, well, well” or my, my, my”?

He works for ABC Television in America, commentating on golf - because they love him. In 2003 he crossed the “pond” 24 times – at the age of 72.

In the world of sport, he has the same persona that Dan Maskell was in tennis, Henry Blofeld was to cricket and Bill McLaren to rugby union.

Alliss is a voice from a different era. He was born in 1931 and has played golf with the likes of Ben Hogan and called Henry Longhurst a friend. On the surface he comes across as being arrogant and remote; but so do a lot of people. But having met him, I can tell you he is a true gent.

There are certain standards he keeps and he says you cannot help the period you were brought up in.

“There are certain behaviours that I just feel are awful. was his putting but he did win General manners, lack of 22 tournaments. And after respect for people and prop- his Open debut, he played in erty, bad language”,’’ he every championship between says. “On television now 1951 and 1974, had five top they use every swear word 10 finishes and in 1954 that is invented and nobody thought he had won it after bats an eyelid.’’. shooting a final round of 66.

Alliss learnt his trade with He also played in the his father Percy in Ryder Cup. Bournemouth and played in He has a great affection for his first Open at Royal golf clubs and their quirkiLiverpool (Hoylake) in 1947. ness. Two of his fictional As a player he was very characters, and is Lt. talented but, for whatever Commander Charles St. reason, lacked ambition.

John Pharte and Captain Some say his weakness Horatio Reilly-Ffoule, late of

• And now to hole eight, which in fact is the eighth hole • I do not know why there is such a fuss over such a little thing (after a streaker ran across a green at The Open) • Golf is not a matter of life and death. It is not that important. But it is a reflection of life, and so the game is an enigma wrapped in a mystery impaled on a conundrum.

• A tournament goes on for days. It is played at dangerously high mental pressure. Golf makes demands on the mind. A golfer is terribly exposed in almost every way.

The responsibility is his and there’s no way to camouflage this, no hope of jettisoning it.

• The game lends itself to fantasies about our abilities.

• You couldn't really find two more completely different personalities than these two men, Tom Watson and Brian Barnes: one the complete golf professional and the other the complete professional golfer…"

• One good thing about rain in Scotland — most of it ends up as Scotch."

TAKE A TIP FOR a right handed player – reverse for a left handed player There are no more frustrating things in golf than when we seem to have a good swing at the ball - and it does not get off the ground, so this week it’s thinning or topping.

TOPPING When the ball is truck above centre and fails to get airborne.

THE GRIP FAULT • • the 51st Foot and Mouth.

Doesn’t every club have them?

Peter has been involved in golf course design, working with Dave Thomas. Together, they created over 50 courses, including The Belfry, Old Thorns, Hampshire and the “Seve Club” in Japan.

Alliss later joined forces with Clive Clark and added another 22 courses to his portfolio.

Even now, at the age of 80, he goes around the country to 40 venues for his one-man show “An Evening With Alliss” He may be the Voice of Golf, but not everyone appreciates him. Some consider him a thing of the past – an old relic who’s seen the best days.

When Paul Lawrie beat Jean Van de Velde at Carnoustie in 1999, Alliss’s commentary over that last

hour or so, incensed some people and one journalist suggested he hang up his microphone. Letters came in by the bucket load - 90% of which supported Peter.

Alliss said at the time he was lost for words. He recalls: “There was this player on the 18th who was having a sporting nightmare and there I was, rabbiting on ‘sponge him down and give him an aspirin’ while his wife was having hysterics. It was a bit surreal. Jean’s brain had gone; his ball was in a foot and a half of water against a wall which was five foot high…

“What can you say when you see a fellow throwing away his life dream and doing it so badly?

“People thought I thought it was funny, I didn’t. I was sad for Jean, I thought it would have been good for the game if he had won.”

Gripping the club too tightly Hands behind the ball at impact.

CURE • Remember your grip will tighten naturally as the club nears impact. Hold the club firmly but not so tight as to eliminate all sense of feel in the hands.

Forward press can Gripping the club to tightly will prevent the help start the backswing hands working correctly correctly. in the swing.

• When playing with an iron try to emulate your address position at impact.

• To help you to remember to keep your hands ahead of the ball at impact, make a slight forward press forward with your hands just before starting the backswing.

Friday, February 3, 2012

47

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR BALOTELLIS COOKED?

By STEVE BOTT Well, after all the transfer window stuff and the racism court cases involving our footballers, it's time to lighten up a bit.

I was walking down to the shops the other day and I saw Harry Redknapp's dog using a cashpoint. Then I went into Tesco's and there was Sir Alex Ferguson talking to Roberto Mancini. "What are you doing in here?" Sir Alex said to Mancini. "I'm getting a bag of spuds for Mario Balotelli," said Roberto. "That's not a bad swap," said Fergie.

Then it was off to the Post Office and I see they have given Balotelli a new job.....selling first class stamps.

The megarich Arabs running Man City have got money to burn, but even they baulked at the £500,000 electricity bill when they first arrived. The poor caretaker got it in the neck then he suddenly blurted out: "I remember. Someone went into the trophy room in 1932 and forgot to turn the light off.’’

Following on from Steve Spielberg's successful new film Warhorse he has made another one featuring Liverpool striker Andy Carroll called....CARTHORSE! Meanwhile, records crumbled in Wigan yesterday when Roberto Martinez, the club’s Spanish manager, showed he knows more than his onions by winning the World Pie Eating Championships.

After munching his way through his plate-

(With his hairstyle, how about barber queued ?)

load of pies in 29.19 seconds at Harry’s Bar in Wigan town centre, Martinez said: “Mr Whelan put me forward for it, like. He’s been trying to get me to enter it for years like, but this is the first time. It was pretty easy really like, could have been quicker like, but I dropped some and had to scoop it up. I’ve not trained for it like, just turned up and that was it like.”

And now, Lay-deez and Jennelmen, let’s hand a really warm Ibrox Lounge welcome to tonight’s special guest. Give it up for Tammy Twaddle...

Evening, all!. Just bumped in to Ally McCoist in the corridor. He said: “Are you the taxman?” I said: “No, I’m the comedian.”

He said: “Same thing.”

Lovely fella, though. Think he’s done OK out of the game. I hear he’s got more in the bank than Harry Redknapp’s dog.

I hear ‘Arry and Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi had a do at Silvio’s villa, with lots of girls and free gifts. They called it a bungabunga-bung-bung party.

It’s been a funny old week all round in football, mind. Speaking of minted, how

about that Mario Balotellii? He gets not a kick in the head off £1mlllion a month.

I’m a bit nervous tonight, because my last gig was at Tannadice. I was in the gents and Wee Jum McLean comes in. I asked the time and he punched me in the gub.

I see that Carlos Tevez isn’t going to Paris and isn’t going to Milan. Well, he isn’t going to Hollywood either. When he was a boy he was so ugly his mum would tie a string of sausages round his neck so the dogs would play with him in the street..

As for Maradona, he’s being investigated for owing the Italian taxman 40 million euros. They must get right up his nose. Everything else does.

See Steve McLaren is back at Twente. Ever hear that clip of him talking English with a Dutch accent? Sounded like Fernando Ricksen after two bottles of advocaat - and I’m not talking Dick.

Monte stay top - it’s a fourgone conclusion Deportivo Orihuela 1 – 4 CD MONTESINOS

Ma making eyes at the ball

THE CD Montesinos road show marched into Orihuela at the weekend and steam-rollered the local side. And had the Monte forwards not wasted chance after chance, the result would have been a cricket score!

First-half goals from Edu and a superb long-range effort from Vazquinho sent the travelling Monte supporters off to the half-time break delighted with their team’s showing.

Macan, playing down the flanks, was giving his markers a torrid time, making great runs. But time after time he either fluffed all the hard work with a poor finish or found the Orihuela keeper in excellent form.

The second half was even more one sided as Monte come out and scored two quick goals. Ma netted first, and then a spectacular overhead kick from Edu had Monte fans on their feet applauding.

Leading 4-0 with man of the match Macan still causing the home team trouble, Monte missed no fewer than SEVEN more clear cut chances to extend their lead – only for the home side did gain a consolation effort toward the end.

CD Montesinos, who remain a point clear at the top of the division, host Benejuzar this Sunday (February 5).

Kick off at the Campo Municipal de Futbol in Los Montesinos is 4.15pm.

For more information regarding CD Montesinos and their Internacional Supporters’ Club, The Full Monte, visit www.cdmontesinos.com email thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com or telephone 637 869 602.

In association with CajaMurcia VAMOS MONTE!!!

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Friday, February 3, 2012

ONCE IN THE BLUE MOON Signing Djibril Cisse (right) and Bobby Zamora (bottom right) is a great coup by QPR - but Darron Gibson, pictured below celebrating his debut winner against Manchester City, has already done his old club Manchester United a massive favour

Debut winner gets dazzler Darron off to best start Ever DARRON Gibson stole all the headlines in England on Wednesday morning - just hours after the January transfer window closed.

The Irishman’s winning goal for new club Everton was just what the doctor ordered - it came against Manchester City and Gibson had just moved to Goodison from City’s arch-rivals Manchester United.

Everton’s 1-0 victory leaves United level on points with their neighbours at the top of the Premier League going into this weekend's fixtures.

But while Gibson and his goal grabbed the limelight, QPR's double swoop in signing £6 million Bobby Zamora and Djibril Cisse was a good bit of business by

STEVE BOTT reports

new boss Mark Hughes. Added to the signing of Nedum Onuoha from Man City and Frederico Macheda on loan from Old Trafford, the Loftus Road crew should be swimming with the Premier pack again next season rather than sinking back into the Championship.

There were more gasps of amazement at Steven Pienaar’s return to Everton from Spurs with Louis Saha going the other way. And no, he hasn’t been signed as a triage nurse in the Tottenham physio's room - although the amount of time Saha spends on the treatment table would put him in line for a Dr Kildare role, never mind a nursemaid's job.

Pienaar was a decent player for Everton first time around and many thought he would do well at Tottenham. But he didn't. A bit like David Bentley, the play-anywhere midfielder who went to White Hart Lane from Blackburn a few seasons ago. He hasn't been seen since!

Spurs just missed out on another great signing as their reported bid for Hugo Rodallega, Wigan's Colombian ace, didn't come off. Wayne Rooney is still at Man United as far as I am aware and Carlos Tevez was allegedly last seen sitting cross-legged and ragged on a blanket outside M&S in Manchester catching the new torrent of pennies being thrown at the beggars by the overly generous Mario Balotelli.

United also managed to offload one of their greedy young trio of promising starlets, Ravel Morrison, to West Ham United. Big Sam took a bu....ndle of cash up to Old Trafford and he and Fergie did a bit of wheeling and dealing that ended with Morrison returning to Upton Park with Allardyce on a three-year deal that could net United £1 million.

Which reminds me, if that new manager who flits here and there without being noticed comes in again, tell him I can't see The Invisible Man!