The Courier Week 76

Edition 76

www.thecourier.es

Friday, August 3, 2012

Read our latest edition online at www.thecourier.es

CHEATWAVE HONEST expats in Spain were this week urged by the British Embassy to shop the cheats who claim government benefits they are not entitled to.

Big-shot Pete leads new gold onlaught GOLDEN gunman Peter Wilson fired Great Britain to new Olympic glory yesterday (Thursday) - and that was just the beginning.

The 25-year-old Dorset farmer won the Double Trap final in Woolwich by just two clays.

And it got even better when Tim Bailey and Etienne Stott put their oar in to take the twoman canoe slalom gold pipping fellow Brits David Florence and Richard Hounslow by just .36 of a second.

As we went to press, Team GB had rocketed into FIFTH place in terms of gold medals and sixth overall. Only China, USA, South Korea and France have more golds. Meanwhile,

Turn to Page 3

Shop a benefits fraudster and help Britain to beat the crisis

With Spain hit hard by the eurozone crisis, it’s feared even more cash-strapped Brits may try By AMANDA BLACK to milk the UK system to pay fraud abroad costs UK taxfor a life in the sun. payers £43 million every year But the Embassy said in a - and Spain ranks as one of statement: “Taxpayers’ the top destinations for the money should go to those cheats who need it most, not to a That’s why the Department small percentage of Brits for Work and Pensions is who have chosen to fund a promoting a benefit fraud life in Spain at the UK tax- hotline in this country – and payer’s expense.” asking people who suspect It is estimated that benefit someone of cheating to call

Break dance!

FELLOW artistes roared to the aid of injured rock ‘n’ roll singer Louise Halsall on Sunday - by staging a special benefit show at Viloriens Restrant in Rojales.

The event raised €508, all of which will go to Louise, who suffered an horrific leg fracture when a car ploughed into the back of her father’s motorbike in June.

Dad Malcolm Heaton – Ravin’ Rupert to his fans - was among the performers who joined the tribute to Louise (stage name Rockin’ Lou Lou).

The show, promoted by Jukebox Promotions, also featured Jukebox Legends (Fiona McLean and Peter Day), Andy Jones, Red Strokes, Tony Kelly and Nick Barker.

MC was Mandy O'Hagan.

Louise has also been given the use of a wheelchair by Help at Home (Costa Blanca).

900 554 440. They also point out that trying to beat the system is a highly risky business – as benefits cheat Ronald Bunce found out to his cost.

Many benefit fraudsters wrongly believe Spain is a safe haven and that they won’t get caught out lying in the sun.

Bunce was one of them he claimed Income Support

ing. Bunce, who was caught thanks to an anonymous tipoff, has now swapped his luxury lifestyle for a prison cell.

Anyone who suspects a fellow Brit of benefit fraud and is fed up with subsidising their sunshine lifestyle can call the hotline and give details without fear of reprisal.

“The system is completely anonymous and you don’t need to give your name and details,’’ say officials. “But the more information you can give about the alleged fraudster, the easier it is for officials to identify the person and investigate the case.’’

More information on benefits and which ones can and cannot be received whilst living in Spain - can be ROCK SOLID: Louise gives the found at www. thumbs up to her benefactors direct.gov.uk and Housing and Council Tax benefit despite owning a £250,000 property in the UK, plus a Spanish villa with swimming pool in the Mazarrón area.

He even rented his villa out to holidaymakers for up to €500 per week and kept his council house in the UK just for storage – when it could have been helping to ease the demand for council hous-

2

Friday, August 3, 2012

‘Shouldn’t we call the Watermobile Association?’

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 966 921 003 office@thecourier.es TELESALES 966 921 003 679 096 309 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 Patrick International Rep 5 Languages Tel 685 901 265 Writers Donna Gee Amanda Black Sally Bengtsson Rebecca Marks Jeanette Erath Alex Trelinski Dave Silver Steve Bott Tony Mayes Jake Monroe

Affiliations

Picture of the Week

96 692 1003

Torry sings the Blues

A YEAR ago they were singing in front of 80,000 fans at the Millennium Stadium as Wales took on England in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup. Now the 70-strong Cardiff Blues Choir are to perform two concerts in Torrevieja to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The choir, formed by rugby fans in 2006, will be in action at the Inmaculada Concepción Parish Church in the centre of Torrevieja on Monday August 20 (8.45pm) and again on August 22 in the auditorium of the Palacio de La Música (8.30pm).

Admission is just 3€ and all proceeds will go to AFA (Alzheimer’s Association).

The choir’s fomation was linked with a Welsh televi-

sion series promoting singing on rugby terraces across Wales.

The experience was so positive that it led to the choir singing at the National

Eisteddfod, community events and International and regional rugby matches - including of course Cardiff Blues games.

The choir rehearses

weekly under the musical direction of Richard Vaughan and assistant musical director/accompanist Rhiannon Pritchard.

Some 70 of the choir’s

100-plus members will take to the stage in Torrevieja.

Their extended repertoire includes classical and contemporary songs in many languages.

Together we’ll beat the jellyfish!

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.

MURCIA’S Councillor for Agriculture and Water has called on the coastal town halls to pull together in a bid to control the plague of jellyfish in the Mar Menor and Mediterranean.

Antonio Cerda says many of the

nets installed to protect bathing areas have been broken. The Mar Menor’s collection crew has fished out 303 tonnes of jellyfish. l The planned Paramount Park in Allhama, Murcia, is one of the few

Friday Sunny High 31° Low 22° Chance of rain 0% Monday Sunny High 29° Low 22° Chance of rain 0%

Tuesday Sunny High 29° Low 23° Chance of rain 0%

major construction projects in Spain that still seems to be on track. It has successfully negotiated its way through Spanish bureaucracy, has most of the licences it needs and the plans have passed viability tests.

Saturday Sunny High 31° Low 21° Chance of rain 0% Wednesday Sunny High 29° Low 22° Chance of rain 0%

Sunday Sunny High 30° Lo 23° Chance of rain 0% Thursday Sunny High 29° Lo 27° Chance of rain 0%

Friday, August 3, 2012

Brit, 75, in €1.5m dope bust A BRITISH pensioner was arrested off the coast of Morocco on Sunday after cannabis worth more than €1.5 million was found stashed on board his yacht.

It is thought 75-year-old Edward Ward was trying to smuggle the drug haul into Spain.

The OAP was detained after police from Ceuta, Spain’s north African enclave, spotted a speedboat loading packages on to the yacht.

A rapid response team failed to intercept the speedboat, but a search of the pensioner’s yacht,

the UK-registered Arabian Moonshine, revealed 1,038 kilos of cannabis.

Ward, who lives in Estepona on the Costa del Sol, appeared in court in Cueta on Tuesday and was remanded in jail while investigations continue.

A BOUNCING BABY BOY!

Car breaks fall as toddler plunges from balcony

By AMANDA BLACK A 15-month-old toddler miraculously escaped serious injury on Tuesday after plunging from the fourth floor balcony of his home in Dolores.

It is thought the child survived the 10metre drop only because a car in the street below broke his fall.

Incredibly, the car had been parked under the apartment just moments before the fall.

Witnesses said that if the child had fallen minutes earlier, he would not have survived. Horrified passers-by watched as he tumbled from the balcony and bounced off the bonnet and windscreen of the car before landing in the road.

One witness told how he ran to catch the toddler but could not get to him in time. He could only watch helplessly as the child’s body dented the bonnet of the car and his head smashed the windscreen.

Witnesses said the force of the impact was so strong it was heard in the next street.

The youngster, named only as Rida, is from a Moroccan family. His panicstricken mother and aunt ran from their apartment to comfort the shaken toddler who was bleeding from the nose and mouth. But the car still provided a softer landing than the hard tarmac road.

“If it hadn’t been there, the kid would be dead,” said the owner of a bar across the street.

Shop owner and nurse Josefina Llácer told reporters the dazed toddler tried to get to his feet, She ran 100 metres to the health centre for help.

Paramedics arrived quickly and treated the baby at the scene before rushing him to the Intensive Care Unit of Alicante Hospital.

Amazingly, the toddler is thought to have suffered just bruises to his nose and arm, although he remains in hospital pending the results of a brain scan.

19 YEARS JAIL FOR ‘BRUTAL’ DAULBY

VICTIM: Avril Flanagan

ORIHUELA Costa killer Alan Daulby (above) was jailed for 19 years on Monday for the ‘brutal and barbaric’ murder of his former girlfriend.

Daulby, 27, was found guilty in June of killing 20-year-old Avril Flanagan in a frenzied 2009 attack at his flat in Cabo Roig.

On Monday Elche court judges sentenced Daulby to just one year short of the maximum sentence prosecutors were demanding. Daulby knifed Avril 47 times then wrapped her body in plastic and hid it under the sofa before going on the run.

The victim’s father, Gerry, said: “Nothing will bring Avril back so this sentence doesn’t actually mean much to our daily lives.

“But it is a relief to know my daughter’s killer will be punished for his horrendous crime and it enables us to get some closure on a chapter of our lives we wish we had never had to deal with in the first place.”

Britain’s golden run goes on From Page One

football coach Norio Sosaki plunged the Olympics into another match-fix scandal.

The boss of the Japanese women’s team admitted ordering his team NOT to win so they would not have to move from their Cardiff base for the quarter finals.

He told them to play for a draw against South Africa because victory would have meant a 350-mile trip to Glasgow to play France.

They drew 0-0 which

means Japan stay in Wales to play Brazil, while Sweden must travel in Scotland.

Sosaki’s admission came as eight female badminton players left the Olympic village after being disqualified for trying to lose matches to rig easier games in later rounds.

Sasaki said: “It was a dif-

ferent way of playing compared to the usual game, but the players were on the same page as me.

“I feel sorry we couldn’t show a respectable game, but it’s my responsibility, not the players’, why the game was like that.

“It was important for us not to move to Glasgow.”

3

4

Friday, August 3, 2012

Friday, August 3, 2012

The Orihuela rubbish debate

WHAT A DUMP!

RESIDENTS of Entre Golf and Dream Hills 2 are most unimpressed with the failure of the Orihuela Town Council in clearing an unauthorised dump close to their urbanisations.

When the current town hall administration were in opposition, they condemned the then PP ruling council for their inactivity in clearing the site.

Now, more than a year later, the new councillors have done nothing to clear or

even stop the illegal dumping.

In the last year alone, the amount of rubbish and hard-core dumped at the side of the track has doubled, with rubbish now covering both sides of the track for 1.600 metres and reaching as far as the old bridge .

What used to be a lovely view in the area is now blighted by this ever increasing dump.

STEFAN POKROPPA

Land owner will pay AS Mr. Pokroppa correctly points out, this dump was criticised by the present government when they were in opposition.

What Mr Pokroppa does not say is that he did absolutely nothing to solve this problem during the four years he was the Co-ordinator for the coast.

Instead, he spent his time organising illegal markets in Orihuela Costa.

I can confirm that I and my

BY PEDRO MANCEBO party, the CLR, reported this Councillor for the Coast, illegal dump back in 2010. Tourism and Beaches, and From this date until May Infrastructure 2012, the governing party then, the PP of Monica try and solve this problem.

Lorente, also did nothing to Apparently she was busier taking care of her personal affairs, as a consequence of which she has been charged with several criminal offences for corruption.

The dump today is no better or worse than it was when CLR reported it back in 2010, but the difference is that the present government has established that a part of this land, PAU 9, is privately owned and the rest belongs

to the national Roads Department.

We have started a file against the owner and if he does not fulfil his duty to clear the land adequately he will be severely fined shortly.

This file was opened just after we entered the government in summer 2011.

Contrary to what Mr. Pokroppa reports, the CLR has taken measures to clear this awful illegal dump, something he did not even make an attempt to do during his four years in office.

The citizens and residents of Orihuela Costa can be assured that the present government in the Town Hall is taking care of the environment and acting against such illegal measures.

As I am sure you will agree, the council has done as much as it can at this moment in time and, as already mentioned, if the present owner fails to carry out his duty our next step will be to heavily fine him and clear the dump at his expense.

5

6

Friday, August 3, 2012

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

A leading question on Presidents RE the letter from L.Green in last week’s issue, some people do tend to be empowered by being 'A President'.

They think it makes them owners of all the see - not just what they own.

Others think it's for their own needs and just a few 'friends'- the rest of the owners just don't exist.

If fact, one owner recently told another that because they are just on holiday here and do not live here permanently, they have NO say in what happens in the community.

The building and everyone’s fees are only to be used for their pleasure (that's if they have any) and not for everyone.

We just supply the money.

There are people who would like the job of President to help everyone whether they own or rent, are on their own, or need help of any sort without having to spend money.

Also, to keep an eye on what is being spent by the administrator and to try and get the best deals for the WHOLE community to keep the fees down and to keep the s clean and in good repair.

YES, there are people willing to do their best for us all and who take great pleasure in helping folk.

But, YES again, others take it that they are of the most important.

We are here to relax, enjoy and live the dream but some are here to give others grief.

My answer to them is live by Spanish laws or go back to where you may be wanted, Cos you are not wanted here.

MRS. C. TAYLOR

SCAN-DALOUS Remove your valuables - or someone else will

TWO weeks ago my 71-year-old mum was rushed to Torrevieja Hospital after collapsing.

I AM enjoying revising what I have learnt over the years with Jeanette Erath’s Say it in Spanish lessons. I do it on line when I am not in Spain.

I was wondering if/when Jeanette will be covering the past tenses, preterite and present perfect.

SHEILA JEANETTE REPLIES: Thank you for your lovely words, Sheila. In answer to your question, due to starting at a complete beginner level it will take some time to reach different tenses as there is still so much to cover with

Jumping tenses regards to verbs in the present tense, along with general words: nouns, adjectives, etc.

I hope you can stick with me as revision is important. I will be focusing mainly on verbs in upcoming lessons, to build vocabulary. Once I feel this is sufficiently covered, I will move on to different tenses. But it won´t be for a while yet.

She was taken to emergency and dealt with very efficiently. She had to go for a full body scan, at which point her husband was not allowed to go any further.

You have to remove all metal before going into the scanner so my mother took off her gold wedding rings, three gold bracelets, gold chain and cross.

She then went for her scan and was then returned to the emergency cubicles. It was another two hours before she went to a hospital room, but so far all treatment was very good.

Once in her room, she realised she didn’t have her gold rings, chains and bracelets. My father immediately went back to the emergency room she had been in, to no avail.

He asked the nurses to check the scan machine room. All to no avail.

We were all very p***ed off to say the least. Not so much over the value of the gold , but the sentimental value is irreplaceable.

When she was released from Hospital the following day, after what turned out to be an epileptic fit, she told all her friends about the loss of her jewellery, and guess what?

It had also happened to them!

So a warning to patients and their families.

Remove all jewellery before entering hospital and put it in a safe place..

MISS TRUSTED, Torrevieja

Gee quiz, I know how Colin feels!

I'd just like to say how much I enjoy reading Donna Gee’s page when I'm over here in Spain.

I read with interest the story about Quiz Master Colin Fear (pictured) pulling the plug on his career at El Raso.

I fully understand the way Colin feels; I had never organised a quiz in

my life but I have been compiling and presenting a monthly Quiz Night in my Social Club back home in Hampshire since 1993.

Through your excellent publication may I wish Colin a happy re-retirement and the best of luck in finding whatever it is that will try to fill the void that now exists?

I have tried giving it up but I've settled for a summer sabbatical, although every time I go on holiday I always do some research and work towards the next quiz.

ALAN, Los Alcazares (until August 16)

A matter of facts, Alex -not fiction YOU would have thought that someone who wrote about politics knew their subject well and checked the facts before publishing them. But as far as Alex Trelinski is concerned, this is obviously not the case.

In ' A Pinch of Salt' on July 27, he states that Ed Miliband was opportunist because he 'got his colleagues to dance in the opposition lobbies with the Tory rebels to defeat the coalition, just for the hell of it.'

Unfortunately for Mr. Trelinski, none of this happened. No vote was taken and the reason for this was nothing to do with Ed Miliband. No vote was taken because David Cameron knew he would lose as he couldn't get his own backbenchers to support his and the ConDems’ policy on Lords reform.

So Cameron postponed the vote to give him time to bully /force/threaten his own MPs to vote the way he wanted. Labour opposed the policy as they wanted more time to debate the issue but democratic debate isn't something Cameron is keen on.

So please, Mr Trelinski, get your facts right before putting fingers to keyboard.

TIM SMITH

q

ALEX TRELINSKI replies: Guilty as charged Tim. A combination of early mental rigormortis combined with a steady drip-feeding of sangria led to my mistake, and I'd like to believe that in my thirty-odd years in the business, there haven't been that many.

But I stand by the fact that Miliband was playing opportunistic politics with his plans to vote against the government over the House of Lords, something that was confirmed by a number of reforming Labour figures like Alan Johnson, who were not very happy with his leader's stance.

If you buy the Miliband line that Labour wanted more time for debate, then all well and good, but both his party and the Conservatives seem once again unable, for whatever reason, to get rid of an affront to British democracy.

That's why I think most politicians are pretty much as bad as each other!"

q

THANKS for the kind comments, Alan - on behalf of both Colin and myself. By the way, you’re actually allowed to enjoy (or throw darts at) my page anywhere in the world.

The latest edition of The Courier is always online at www.thecourier.es -DONNA

Friday, August 3, 2012

LIZDidMISERABLE 007 reduce 0086 to this?

DID you, like me, wonder why The Queen couldn’t raise a smile at the Olympic Games opening ceremony?

Now I am as loyal to our Monarch as anyone. But the poor soul was so expressionless that she looked like she’d just left a Botox salon.

(No chance of that happening - the nation can’t afford to mint a complete new set of postage stamps).

Then I thought, maybe she’s disappointed that her favourite sport, horseracing, is not in the Games. Could it be that when she saw Sir Chris Hoy carrying the British flag, she muttered those immortal words, “Ah, Ascot’’?

HM’s impassive face suggested she might have been jockeyed off a night out at Les Miserables.

That’s perhaps not as ridiculous as it sounds – the show is currently running in the West End at, would you believe, the Queen’s Theatre.

Either way, Liz the Miz seemed haunted by the PA system booming Olympic programme details in French.

Did no one tell Danny Boyle and Co that French is no longer a major player in the Euro language stakes but Spanish is. Vale, amigo?

Of course, that parachute descent into the Olympic sta-

By Tuesday, it wasn’t so much a question of how many gold medals we’d clean up, as ‘at what point in each event will we mess up?’

Mind you, we’d have had a rapid bucketful of gold if they gave out awards for misleading commentaries. highly-respected Even experts like cycling’s Hugh Porter and Chris Boardman showed themselves up.

No, guys, you can’t blame lack of information for assuring us that the British road race team were too clever for the rest and would usher Mark Cavendish to victory in Saturday’s big road race.

(Gosh, it seems so long ago now!)

WE ARE NOT AMUSED: The Queen at the The Brits were too wise Olympic Games opening ceremony (Possible and experienced to let any of clue to her less-than-euphoric demeanour... those foreign whippersnapthat’s David Cameron’s hand next to her pers take advantage, they

dium alongside James Bond must have taken its toll on our beloved 0086.

Mind you, I’ve heard that 0091 (Prince Philip to the unBonded) plans to bungee jump into his seat for the closing ceremony.

Seriously, though, no matter how bored she was with Boyle, Bond, Bean and Beckham, could Her Majesty not have TRIED to look

happy? Talk about having a B in her bonnet!

The following day came the competitive action…and confirmation that Britain’s team are not quite as invincible as some of us thought.

Tom Daley and Peter Waterfield led the world for three rounds in the 10m synchronised diving, then made a floppin’ mess of their next double plunge.

When cheers turn to booze

Wiggins: Yellow peril?

SO Bradley Wiggins got ‘blind drunk’ after his golden road-race ride on Wednesday. Well, what a surprise.

Old Rideburns had just said ‘on yer bike’ to the world’s best cyclists for the second time in little more than a week. And since he is neither tee-total nor a practising Muslim, it was eminently predictable how Brad the Lad and his pals would celebrate that historic Tour de France/ Olympic double.

I’d have been more interested to know how the amazing Helen Glover and Heather Stanning celebrated winning Britain’s first EVER women’s rowing gold.

Because the cash-strapped PE teacher and her Army captain colleague don’t even have a sponsor to finance a binge.

The big question was what colour the ‘wasted’ Wiggo resembled yesterday morning (Thursday).

Yellow, perhaps?

I’m just glad I didn’t see him up the creek without a saddle.

asserted. Unfortunately, they forgot to tell the might of Kyrgyzstan and Colombia and their guys coasted to gold and silver while Cavendish and Co continued to meander along at the head of the peloton. (I think that’s cycling parlance for the massed ranks of no-hopers)..

By the time the women’s road race came on 24 hours later, I expected to see Messrs Porter and Boardman banished to the bike shed, where they couldn’t do our fingernails any more harm.

But for all their shortcomings, they do at least have a shedload of bicycle knowledge.

That’s more than can be said for the poor lost hacks who try to convince us they actually understand the tech-

nical intricacies of alien sports like handball and beach volleyball.

I can reveal that the latter is played somewhere near the sea and that the women’s version is colloquially known to male enthusiasts as ‘Corrlookaturr’.

I also suspect the rules state that participants must have auditioned unsuccessfully for Baywatch.

Personally, I’d rather stick to the two-and-a-half twisting fronts across the side because our male gymnasts got a team medal for doing it.

Which is more than most of our other hopefuls managed over the first few days.

Right, that’s my Olympic grump over. I’m off to catch up the with the Queen - perhaps I’ll find her in the Smile End Road.

8

Friday, August 3, 2012

Friday, August 3, 2012

9

10

I'VE been having a spot of bother with my squirrel recently.

No, it is not a medical problem. I'm referring to yer actual creature. I call it 'my' squirrel because it spends so much time in my garden.

May I establish at the outset that there is little in my garden to attract discerning wildlife. Much of it is overgrown and any greenery is an unhealthy grey.

Indeed, I suspect I receive more junk literature through my letterbox from landscaping and garden maintenance companies than any other resident in the street.

Forget the crumbling concrete garage with its Alamo-like appearance which is now too dilapidated to accommodate my equally clapped-out car.

Ignore the rusting patio table with its permanently droopy and sun-faded overhead apology for an umbrella and the matching four broken chairs.

Standing proudly erect and well away from all the mess and visual mayhem is the one item of garden furniture that I treasure.

My bird table attracts such assorted types ranging in size from blue tits to wood pigeons and dunnocks to collared doves. I think I saw a vulture once but I possibly misread my bird guidebook.

Anyway, all was going well until the blasted squirrel shattered my little avian paradise.

The creature arrives every morning, usually when I'm in the kitchen with my back turned, and chomps its methodical way through the wild bird seed I leave out for my feathered friends.

I've tried banging on the window to frighten the furry rascal

Friday, August 3, 2012

WHEN A SQUIRREL DRIVES YOU NUTS away but that results only in the sound vibration sending pots and pans crashing to the kitchen floor from the hanging hooks I hammered in upside down when I failed to follow the construction instructions.

On one occasion I ran outside, furiously waving a baseball cap - but the squirrel merely looked at me with disdain.

So I put down the baseball cap and proceeded to leap up and down, gesticulating wildly with my arms. The squirrel shrugged and returned to its munching.

However, my neighbours -- who to be fair couldn't see the bird table or squirrel from their windows but had an unobstructed view of my cavorting -started to throw pennies into my upturned baseball cap, believing I was embarking on a new career as an outdoor entertainer.

'What I don't understand is how you know it's the same squirrel,' commented Dave the barman down at the pub.

'Oh, it's the same one all right,' I said. 'As sure as my name is Dave and your name is Dave, too,

I'd recognise that varmint anywhere. It smirks at me and raises two stubby little fingers whenever I tell it to clear off.'

'What a coincidence,' remarked a bloke at the bar. 'My name’s Dave, too.'

I stared at the stranger in our midst. 'Didn't you hear what I just said? Dave the barman is Dave Two. I'm Dave One. And I'm acquainted with three more Daves. So I'm afraid you'll have to be Dave Six. 'But if one of us emigrates to Spain I shall get in touch and you can be Dave Five.'

'Blimey,' mumbled Ol' Red Eyes, awakening from yet another deep sleep. 'Did you just mention the Dave Clark Five? I used to love their music.'

The emeritus member of the pub discussion group started to hum the group's 1964 hit record Bits and Pieces but then fell off his stool and nodded off all over again, stretched out on the floor.

Dave Six, looking a bit alarmed by now, swiftly downed his pint and fled the pub. The stranger was no longer in our midst.

I stepped over Ol' Red Eyes' sleeping form and fixed my gaze on another member of the pub discussion group.

Daft Barry was involved in deep deliberation -- a rare occurrence. After several long moments, his eyes gradually lost their faraway look and he spoke.

'I've just been thinking . . . ' The pub gathering broke into a round of applause.

Continued on page 15

11

Friday, August 3, 2012

SAY IT IN SPANISH Learn the lingo - with a little help from JEANETTE ERATH LESSON 31 HOLA, welcome back to another week of learning Spanish.

I hope you´re having a great week and all ready for your weekend, here are the answers to last week’s lesson. Hope you got most of them correct: I have to see it – tengo que verlo, Are you coming to do it? - ¿Vienes a hacerlo?, who is going to see it? - ¿Quién va a verlo? We are going to eat it – Vamos a comerlo We are going to carry on this week with some more verbs but first an amusing story e-mailed to me by one of my regular readers, Joyce. Thank you for all your kind words regarding my column and I´m glad I´m able to help you improve your Spanish. Joyce e-mailed me to tell me she had overheard the following conversation whilst on a bus journey: Lady 1 had just arrived in Spain and was hoping to learn Spanish.

Lady 2 was Spanish and spoke very good English.

Lady 1: ‘I am going to Spanish classes, but what is the most important thing to learn?’

Lady 2: ‘I think the most important thing to concentrate on is the verbs; if you know them thoroughly you will soon be speaking Spanish.’

Lady 1: ‘Oh, no problem, I know all the verbs. A E I O U.’ Joyce is wondering how Lady One is doing now and I can´t help but agree with her. But I am sure she is not alone in not being fully aware of what a verb, adverb, noun or adjective is as we English speakers are not that familiar with the terms and tend to forget them as soon as we leave school.

However, I hope you all at least know the difference between a vowel and a verb now and are ready to carry on.

I am glad in the above story that Lady 2 and I are in agreement about how important verbs are and in fact I start teaching verbs very early into my lessons when I am teaching one to one.

Although they can appear a bit scary they are, after all, just words so take your time, practise and learn with me and any other help you can find.

This week I am going to teach some of the stem changing verbs that we learnt with the present participle tense (the ing ending)

To remind you, the stem is the verb without its last two letters, for example habl.. and viv..

Some verbs change their stem when the verb is conjugated in its present tense. We will learn first the o = ue verbs.

Here is how the conjugation works: the verb changes in all

BUT the Nosotros and Vosotros forms, example the verbs DORMIR (to sleep), CONTAR (to count) and MOVER (to move) remember the conjugations are yo, tú, él/ella/usted, nosotros, vosotros, ellos/ellas/ustedes Examples: I sleep a lot – yo duermo mucho, I count my money every day – yo cuento mi dinero cada día, you move the chairs – tú mueves las sillas.

Some more verbs that change in this manner are : almorzar – to eat lunch, aprobar – to approve, colgar – to hang (up), devolver – to return (an object), encontrar – to find, envolver to wrap (up), morder – to bite, morir – to die, mostrar – to show, probar – to prove/test/sample/taste/try, recordar – to remember, resolver – to solve, rogar – to beg/pray, sonar – to sound/ring, soñar – to dream (about), tostar – to toast, volver – to return, volar – to fly.

Remember it is the O that changes to UE in the above verb conjugations except the nosotros (we) and vosotros (you fam.pl) forms.

Here are some sentences for you to translate into Spanish to check your understanding of the above conjugation: I sleep in the bedroom; sometimes I find money in the sofa; gold costs more than silver; you eat lunch; they count the money; she sleeps; the book costs ten euros; you return the shirt; the telephone rings; Dumbo flies; we solve the problems; I return to the office at 5 o´clock Try to incorporate some of these verbs into your daily life and practise saying them whenever you can.

Have a great week and I´ll be back next week with these answers and some more stem-changing verbs. Que tengas una muy buena semana, hasta la próxima.

12

Friday, August 3, 2012

WHY DO THEY DO THAT? Top dog psychologist PETER SINGH writes exclusively for The Courier. Check out www.thedogyouneed.com or email Peter at peter@thedogyouneed.com

The thrilling fields

PREFER TO LIVE AMONG GADGETS AND THUGS? NOT IF YOU’RE A DOG! WALKING home this morning, I had a choice, either to stay on the main road or cut through the fields. It was an obvious decision and through the fields I headed.

The contrast is distinct, but I then began to think how different it must be for dogs.

Sometimes we forget how demanding it must be for a dog, mentally, to live in a built-up area and to then call home a place with roofs, walls and doors, and full of gadgets that make all types of strange noises.

For me and for millions more, the peace I gain by walking across a tranquil piece of countryside is addictive. So what must it mean for dogs? This is their natural environment.

This is where they want to be. To have to leave it and go back ‘home’, to all the gadgets, noise and sometimes stress, cannot be an easy adjustment for them.

This is why I always say to my clients that they must make their home as calm an environment as possible, not only for the mental welfare of their dogs but for them, too.

My wife and I are counting down the days before we move to the quite countryside of Spain, because frankly, England lost the plot decades ago. I love London and was born just behind where the Millenium Wheel now stands.

I am a fanatic about the great ‘s history and have more books on the Capital than a library would hold. I was raised on a council estate in South London in the 80s and it was an

On leaving, I could hear a young boy on a balcony above continually telling his Dad to shut up. He then told his Dad to do something that I couldn’t possibly repeat on these pages!

Dogs thrive The enraged Dad then approached the in a calm boy and started to beat him. My clients told environment me the man carrying out the beating also has three dogs, which he assaults on a daily basis.

So there is the explanation why England has so many dogs with psychological problems. Because so do the owners. The saddest thing is that these dysfunctional families go out and get a dog, which will go on to live the most miserable, unnatural life possible. This will include walking around a city of concrete, with not a field or piece of countryside in sight, not to mention the stress levels passed on from the family, along with the possibility of regular beatings.

I always explain to my clients, that to have a true relationship with a dog, we must go onto their network of calm and balance. This is something some of my clients find very amazing happy place to be. difficult to do, because they have been born into the insanity Now though, I feel the majority of England is a melting pot which is England in the 21st century. But do it we must if we of aggression, frustration, nerves, anxiety - and definitely a are to receive the many gifts that follow after sincere friendcountry where rules and boundaries, something I always like ship has been achieved with a dog. to instill in my dogs, is lacking.

Don’t be fooled by the glitz and glamour you may be witSo from the glorious tranquillity of a beautiful countryside, nessing on your TV screens right now as London celebrates how does all of this domestic negativity affect our dogs? The the Olympics, because behind all the pomp lies a disturbing answer is, greatly. Many households are now a mixture of and chilling tension in many homes that is killing the spirit of many negative forces, which is turning the nation’s dogs into the nation’s dogs. nervous wrecks.

While talking about dogs, I often am asked, what is the I was at a consultation this week in a South London council most dangerous breed? Rottweilers, Staffordshire Bull estate - how they have changed from the 80s! You could feel Terriers, German Shepherds, Pitt Bull Terriers? It’s none of the tension and it was an extremely negative place to be. them, I reply. By now I think you can guess the answer.

PETS’ CORNER: CAN YOU TAKE IN A HOMELESS DOG OR CAT? BASIL is a small terrier cross, and is approximately 18 months old. He is very friendly with people and gets on with other dogs. Basil is lively and enjoys a walk and playtimes. He is no problem around children. If you can give Basil a home, contact The K9 Club on 633 936 501, email k9clubin Basil fo@gmail.com Visit www.k9club.es

Scarlett

DINO was rescued from being sent to the local dog pound to be destroyed after he was abandoned by his owners.

He is approximately two years

Dino

old and weighs xx just seven kilos. If you can give Dino a home call 645 469 253.

Scarlett arrived with her brother in a sack tied up with rope. She is about 14 weeks old and is really tiny and very sweet. To help Scarlett call 659 274 573. www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info

They are likely to be small dogs when fully grown.

They have had all their vaccinations and are micro chipped. Call 966 710 047 to see either of these delightful pups with a view to giving them a loving home, or visit www.satanimalrescue.com Basil BASIL, male, and Nutmeg, female, were found abandoned at a petrol station with three siblings.

Homes were found for three of the pups but these two little ones came to SAT.

Nutmeg

Friday, August 3, 2012

13

LÍNEA DIRECTA REPORTS ON THE NEW FRENCH LEGISLATION ON DRINK DRIVING From July 1st, all French drivers driving on roads in France must carry a breathalyser kit in their cars. The measure, announced by the previous government, was due to take effect four months ago, but the rush to buy the kits has led to supplies being sold out, which has led to a moratorium on the introduction of the devices.

According to the French authorities, the regulation, the first of its kind to be introduced in the European Union, will also affect foreign drivers who drive in France, although they will not be required to have the device installed in their vehicles until November. In addition, breathalysers will also be obligatory in all discotheques and bars which have a licence to open at night.

By implementing this law, the French government hopes to save 500 lives a year, due to the presence of alcohol being detected in almost a third of all fatal accidents occurring in France. In addition to this regulation, the French authorities have approved a packet of measures aimed at reducing the accident rate on roads, which include: • An increase on the road network in the number of fixed speed cameras to 2,500, which will not be signposted.

• The introduction of new generation mobile speed cameras, which allow a travelling police car to measure speed.

• All motorists must carry a high-visibility vest and a warning triangle.

Call Línea Directa: 902 123 104

14

Friday, August 3, 2012

FACTS AND FICTION AS you can see from the new

photo, I have recently updated my look. Gone is the black and red hair, to be replaced once more by blonde.

I like to change my style whenever I feel like it. I like to wear make-up regardless of where I´m going. My lifestyle as a single mother may not be agreeable to everyone and I respect the views of all.

What I find hard to accept is the people me judge who because of how I look or because I have no man in my life.

People dismiss me simply because of my lifestyle, but what should I expect? If I choose to dye my hair, dress up or wear make-up should I accept that I will be judged as a mother? Or even as a woman?

The fact my son has no dad in his life is down to domestic violence which surely cannot be my fault. But even if the relationship had just broken down, as all

before have done, should I be judged as a single parent?

I know, not least from the letters column in this paper, that I am not alone in being judged like this but it doesn´t make me feel any better. In fact it makes me feel worse to think there are more narrowm i n d e d people in this area than just living where I do.

I have a few friends here in Almoradí and gossip always gets back to me.

One particularly nasty rumour, completely false, related to something that happened six years ago but has recently been rehashed and retold.

One of my Spanish students was told this vicious lie and said that if she had heard it without knowing me, it would make her think twice about having me teach her.

So why do people feel the need to not

only gossip about people´s private lives but also to fabricate information that is so wrong?

Are their lives so empty that they have to make things up to justify their existence? Are they mad? Or bad?

There surely cannot be a logical explafor nation a starting web of lies about someone you do know. not Bear in mind that six years when ago, this rumour started, I had only been in Spain a year, mixed and with hardly anyone in my block.

But that was then and this is now although they are still bringing up lies from the past.

But this article is not for them, it is for all the people who are being victimised.

Whether it emanates from a partner, a neighbour or a stranger, untruths and gossip can hurt, and sometimes it is hard to forget about it. But you are not alone.

The impression you give to some people will mean that they will not like you, and that is no fault of yours.

People have taken an instant dislike to me without even knowing me, and I really do not know why.

I came to Spain to live with people from all ages, all classes and all walks of life.

However, some people cannot find it in themselves to appreciate the diversity around them.

This is their problem, not ours. I, for one, will not change how I dress, how I raise my son, how I style my hair or how I live my life to please anyone except myself and my boy.

After all, I don´t want to embarrass him!

And no one should feel forced to do so.

Luckily he is too young to be affected by the gossip.

I just hope by the time he is old enough we will either have moved away or the gossips will have learnt to keep quiet.

However, I fear the first option may be the only viable one.

15

Friday, August 3, 2012

A MITT AND A NIT… THERE’S an unwritten rule of political etiquette that when you travel abroad, you don’t put your foot in it and avoid upsetting the hosts. Unless, that is, you have the courage to say something about human rights, which many of the great and the good don’t have the courage to do.

US Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney (who is no fool) is in London for the Olympics, and in an American TV interview said he was concerned about the arrangements for the big sporting festival.

Hardly a subtle comment, and with no justification whatsoever – and he to backtrack very quickly, as well as having his ears burnt at a meeting with David Cameron.

But I would have loved to have heard Romney’s views on this. The American TV network NBC (which did the interview with him) cut out all of the Opening Ceremony section featuring a moving tribute to the victims of the 7/7 atrocities. I wonder what he would have said if, say, New York were hosting the Games, and the BBC had not shown a tribute to those mur-

From page 10 ' . . . why can't our Dave hunt down the squirrel?'

'Nice one, Barry,' I responded through gritted teeth. 'You mean like Elmer Fudd stalking Bugs Bunny? You cowardwy wabbit! Bang, bang! I'll bwow you to smitteweenies!'

Daft Barry blanched: 'Why is our Dave talking funny? Is he ill?' I patted him on the back in a good-natured yet supremely condescending gesture.

'For starters, Barry, I don't possess a gun licence.

Secondly, I wouldn't want to shoot anything in the first place.

And thirdly, I have no need to hunt down the squirrel. I already KNOW where the squirrel is. It's in my flaming garden!'

Daft Barry took another thought break and then suggested: 'Can't you have the squirrel arrested?'

Nearly everyone in the pub fell about laughing at that one.

'Hold it!' I called out. 'At least Barry is trying to help, unlike

dered on 9/11?

But since Mr Romney doesn’t want to alienate the media, I’m sure he had nothing to say at all about this!

Tory right-wing nit Adrian Burley happens to be the MP for Cannock Chase. The man has form, having infamously resigned from a junior ministerial position for going to a Nazi themed party in France. He surfaced from his Staffordshire cave last weekend to criticise the Olympic Opening Ceremony, calling it “leftist multicultural crap” - and more extreme than Beijing’s offering four years earlier!

No surprise, then, that Downing Street and Big Boris laid into him, calling Burley’s remarks utter nonsense.

Burley, or anybody else for that matter, is quite free to pass comment on the Olympics or anything else. But when he then starts saying that he was misunderstood and misquoted, it suggests he’s completely bereft of principle as well.

In this high-tech age of Tweeting, you really have to think before letting your fingers do the walking on your keyboard!

I hope for Mr.Burley’s sake that he’s at least a decent constituency MP, as he’ll be defending a slim majority at the next General Election. And I know the good folk of Cannock Chase to be pretty sensible, which at times he isn’t!

With the Olympics dominating the news, it’s worrying that the horrendous events in Syria have been put aside as far as many media organisa-

tions are concerned.

The worst case scenario of Civil War seems to have arrived with more atrocities being committed by the Assad regime, totally ignoring any of the resolutions that have been passed by the supine United Nations.

A lot of this could have been avoided had Russia put some pressure on Assad, but since they were more interested in maintaining a naval base in Syria, rather that fighting for human rights, they merrily used their veto alongside the Chinese at the UN. You do wonder whether people like President Vladimir Putin actually manage to sleep soundly at night with a conscience that is completely clear.

I’ve never understood the whole business of ageism in UK politics. It doesn’t seem to be a problem in America, with veterans like Ronald Reagan going for the White House. Yet in Britain, once you reach 60, the old bath chair and slippers seem to come out.

At the sprightly age of 69, Business Secretary Vince Cable doesn’t seem short of ambition.

There are whispers that he wouldn’t mind being Chancellor of the Exchequer, and that he even fancies Nick Clegg’s job as Lib Dem leader if the expected blood-letting starts after their expected slaughter at the next General Election.

There certainly doesn’t seem to be an issue of age here. Yet strangely that was right at the front when Ming Campbell was unceremoniously dumped as Lib Dem boss a few years ago, despite the former Olympic competitor being some four years younger than Mr.Cable!

the rest of you passionless poltroons.'

I placed a patronising arm around Daft Barry's slumped shoulders. 'Thank you, my friend,' I said. 'But I'm not quite convinced that the constabulary is empowered to arrest, caution or even charge squirrels.

'It might well constitute a breach of their beastie rights and even if the creatures could be locked up in a police cell overnight, who would have the expertise to take down their statements, with or without an interpreter being present?

'If squirrels can indeed communicate vocally, I strongly suspect that they chatter away in gibberish.'

'Just like you, Dave Silver!' some joker called out.

'No, Barry,' I went on, ignoring the slur. 'I can't have my squirrel arrested but if ever a referendum is held on whether the bushy-tailed critters should be included in crime legislation then I am sure you'll be able to make your views known.'

It went a bit quiet then until Dave the barman piped up: 'I

really don't know anything about the squirrel as a species.

Does anyone know which family it belongs to?'

I thought carefully and then shrugged. 'It's nobody in my street. All the families have cats, dogs or canaries.'

Daft Barry was still looking perturbed. He suddenly blurted out mysteriously: 'I just hope they don't hold one next week.'

A heavy silence descended over the bar area until I took the initiative and asked him what the hell he was talking about.

'This referendum on squirrels,' he said. 'I'll be out of the country next week and won't be able to take part. I'd cancel my Alicante holiday but the missus is really looking forward to it.'

I embraced Daft Barry and kissed his furrowed brow -- I can be quite uppity at times but only to inferior little people.

'You tell Daft Brenda not to worry,' I said with a hint of haughtiness. 'Your holiday can still go ahead. I'm sure the referendum organisers would accept your proxy vote.'

Daft Barry burst into tears and I had to wipe his nose with a beer mat. 'Barry,' I sighed, 'I said proxy NOT poxy.'

By this time I'd had enough. I went home, decided to forget about the squirrel for a while and settled into a deep sleep.

That is until Mrs S dug me in the ribs and requested that I 'shift that blasted bird table out of our bedroom!'

q

q

q

16

Friday, August 3, 2012

BRITAIN’S BRILLIANT BEST - BUT WHY THE FRENCH? IF ever you wanted a WOW factor, then watching the Olympic Games opening ceremony was it. What a fantastic event that was!

As a spectacle it was out of this world, although for historical accuracy it was perhaps a little lacking - much for what it omitted as for what it said of British achievement.

Top marks for once again making us all proud to be British, as happened during the Jubilee celebrations.

I'm sure you were envious of the people in the arena watching the making of the Olympic rings as part of the industrial revolution, and the creation of the themes from UK literature.

Wasn't it marvellous when David Beckham powered up the Thames with the torch and James Bond escorted the Queen by parachute into the Olympic Stadium!

Just two observations - why did we have to have the commentary in French before English? (It's about time the French accepted that English is the international language and the Games were in London, not Paris).

And how sad are the minority Welsh and Scottish athletes who, prepared to compete under the Union Jack British colours, were not prepared to sing the National Anthem. Sad gits.

Apart from all this, I'm sure many are suffering from Olympic overkill. For weeks anyone tuning into TV news programmes would have thought there was nothing else happening in the world.

Presenters have been scraping the bottom of every barrel

to get every last drop of "news" about the Olympics. Anyone only lukewarm about the whole thing must have lost the will to live after week after week of torch relays, airport arrivals, inquests over Olympic designated lanes on London roads, and story after story over security (or the lack of it).

And all this before any athlete even started competing.

Two things which got my goat was news that virtually all the Olympic merchandise on sale was made in China – and the tickets were printed in America.

On one hand Cameron and Co have been doing their utmost to make the most of the Olympics, trying to drum up trade for Britain - so why not also ensure that everything to do with the London Olympics came from within the UK? I don't see China or America falling over themselves to do us favours. We need trade to get us out of recession, but a bit of good old-fashioned protectionism may not go amiss.

Why go outside the UK for things we can make ourselves?

It's the same nonsense as encouraging immigration into Britain when we have two million unemployed - and I'm not convinced that every one of the two million are unemployable.

WE'VE seen human nature at it's very worst concerning the heated debate over whether it's fair or morally right to pay tradesmen cash in hand.

Treasury minister David Gauke was a brave man when he opened a Pandora's Box over the issue. He was flavour of the month when he was attacking the super rich, who are deploying all manner of measures to avoid paying tax on

q

their billions. But it was a totally different matter when he said it was morally wrong for people to try to reduce the cost of a home extension, a car repair, a hairdresser etc., by paying cash in hand.

It's amazing how so many people can have double standards. The Twittering airwaves were red hot with people moaning about Mr Gauke's comments because he happened to touch a raw nerve with so many.

How dare he compare a poor person trying to make ends meet by trying to cut the tax they pay with a super rich person avoiding millions?

How dare he criticise us when politicians have been around the trough for years fiddling expenses?

How dare they criticise us when they spend billions on stuff the public don't want money spent on? The anger flowed over.

But rant as they like, these people know, deep down, that paying people cash in hand and enabling them to avoid VAT and/or income tax is wrong. On one level it is obviously denying the Treasury millions of tax revenue. That means everyone else has to pay more.

On another level, the tradesman accepting cash in hand knows he can reduce the cost of a job and undercut the honest tradesman who is putting the work properly through the books.

And, frankly, the former is far more likely to be the cowboy who will do a botched job - so, in the end, the greedy customer is doing himself and the country a serious disservice.

Friday, August 3, 2012

17

10 healthy eating tips 1 As well as your meals and snacks, have an extra 300ml of semi-skimmed milk every day. Milk is packed with calcium, which helps to keep bones strong.

2 Don’t be scared to pile your plate with extra vegetables or salad in addition to those listed in the recipes. Try to have at least five servings of fruit and veg every day.

3 Liven up salads with this home-made, fat-free vinaigrette: blend 50ml water with 200ml balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp mustard, 50ml lemon juice, 2 tsp crushed garlic,

11/2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp dried parsley and lots of black pepper. Chill before serving.

4 Choose high fibre starchy foods such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals, brown rice and whole-wheat pasta. The extra fibre in them will help to fill you up, keep blood-sugar levels steady and prevent tummy troubles.

5 Don’t add salt to meals when you’re cooking or at the table. The easiest way around this is to throw out the salt pot!

6 Eat fewer processed foods and more fresh foods.

Processed foods are often high in fat, saturates, added sugars, salt and/or additives, while at the same time containing little fibre and few vitamins and minerals.

7 Have at least two portions of fish each week, one of which should be oily such as salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines or fresh tuna. Oily fish are rich in omega-3 fats, which help to keep the heart healthy.

8 Never skip meals, especially breakfast. Research shows that people who skip breakfast tend to be heavier than people who eat this meal, probably because skippers end up eating more during the day as a result of hunger

cravings.

9 Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration and help fill you up. Our bodies often mistake thirst for hunger, with the result that we eat when all we really want is a drink.

10 Cut down on caffeine by drinking fewer cups of tea and coffee. If you drink large amounts, cutting down will make you feel less jittery and help you sleep better. Herbal, fruit and green teas are a much better alternative.

18

Friday, August 3, 2012

Friday, August 3, 2012

19

20

FOR quite some time now I have q been having pain/ache on both sides of my neck. It is worse when I turn my head to either side. The pain/ache makes my head feel uncomfortable like "bruised". It is worse at night trying to get comfortable because the pain/ache becomes worse. My doctor said it´s muscle pain and I was given some ointment called Flogofrofen Gel and Metamizol Normon 575 mg tablets but the medication has not helped at all. I am already taking Zaldiar tablets and Omeprazol Mylan 20 mg due to a recent knee replacement and a thyroid operation on July 2. (Plus I take Co-vals, Simvastina, Tardyferon, Glizolan and Flavodrei tablets. I hope you can help me with the neck pain/ache.

THERE are several conditions arising from the structures of the neck that can give rise to the kind of pain you are experiencing. The neck contains bones, nerves, arteries, veins, muscles and other supporting tissue such as tendons and ligaments; however the most common cause of neck pain is injury to soft tissues such as muscles and tendons.

Perhaps you have sustained an injury that you are unaware of. Neck pain can also be caused by degenerative changes in the spine of the neck due to arthritis. In addition, neck pain occurs when the nerves in the neck are compressed by surrounding herniated neck bones in a condition known as cervical radiculopathy. Without any diagnostic examination, it is difficult to say exactly what is causing your neck pain.

Since the medication from your doctor is not helping you, my advice is to go back for

Friday, August 3, 2012

A PAIN IN THE NECK media over the years, but with no lasting effect. Any suggestions which you think will help me will be gratefully received.

FIBROMYALGIA is now believed to be due to a miscommunication that occurs between the nerve impulses (messages) of the nervous system and chemical hormones produced by endocrine glands. Hormones are a review of your condition and the medica- regulated in a complex network that involves the brain and the adrenals known as the tions you are taking.

Statins such as Simvastatina are pre- hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. scribed to lower cholesterol levels, and are Many of the most common fibromyalgia known to deplete the body of Co-enzyme symptoms, including widespread muscle Q10, which plays an important role in the pain, fatigue, poor sleep, gastrointestinal energy production of the body. In my opin- problems and depression are now known to ion, you should also speak to your doctor be due to a dysfunction of the HPA axis which about this and consider taking Co-enzyme creates hormonal imbalances.

Substance P is one such hormone that is Q10 supplements to protect yourself against produced in increased levels in Fibromyalgia. the harmful effects of statins.

I WAS diagnosed with fibromyalgia High levels of Substance P increase the senin the mid-90s and have suffered sitivity and heightened awareness of pain. In with many of the symptoms described in addition, low levels of the hormones seroyour article ever since, the better part of tonin and melatonin are also produced.

These hormones are produced from the 20 years. I am 72 years old and have tried many of the routines, diets, exercises and amino acid Tryptophan, and help regulate pain machines, etc. advertised in the sleep, digestion, pain, mood and mental clar-

q

ity. Dietary supplementation with Tryptophan alleviates and improves the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. However, caution should be exercised when using tryptophan because it interferes with some antidepressants. Other important nutrients are Malic acid and Magnesium, which help by increasing energy production in the muscles.

Most sufferers of Fibromyalgia list emotional and physical stress as an initiating factor in the illness and so simple lifestyle changes to alleviate stress is also very helpful.

I SUFFER a lot from cough, flu and discomforts of the stomach and bladder. I have been to several doctors and been told there is nothing wrong with me.

However, I suspect my immune system may be weak, and wonder if you can recommend vitamins that boost it.

q

VITAMIN A benefits the immune system by supporting white blood cells such as neutrophils and natural killer cells that fight off foreign invaders. It also helps mucous membranes such as those found in the lungs to resist invasion by microorganisms.

Vitamin C is well known to support the immune system and is commonly used to treat colds, but it appears to be effective in high doses (600-1000mg) daily.

Studies have shown that Vitamin C, when combined with vitamin A and E, significantly improved immune function. Beta Carotene is the red-orange pigment found in many plants such as carrots, and is converted into Vitamin A in the body. It increases the production of Tcells that can eliminate cancer cells. Vitamin B12 also plays an important role in boosting immune function.

21

Friday, August 3, 2012

HEALTH EXTRA with Dr Machi Mannu

HOW OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS KEEP THE BODY THE AFFORDABLE ANTI AGEING SECRET...

HEALTHY SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP!

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are considered essential because the body cannot make them, and relies on dietary intake to receive an adequate supply. Other essential fatty acids are Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-3 is not a single nutrient, but rather a family of 3 fatty acids - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). All the essential fatty acids- omega-3,6 and 9 are vital for the normal functioning of the body, however the typical diet today provides large amounts of omega-6 and 9 and low levels of omega-3. It is known that throughout evolution, humans were accustomed to diets providing roughly equal amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. However, during the last 200 years, the ratio of dietary omega-6: omega-3 fatty acids increased from about 1:1 to 20-25:1. This imbalance has been recognized as possibly the leading cause of the rise in chronic diseases in recent times.

Omega-3 fatty acids have very powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which is in contrast to Omega-6 which causes inflammation in the body. Inflammation can be a normal physiological response, and is useful in the healing process but becomes problematic if it goes unchecked.

This uncontrolled inflammation is now recognized as the underlying cause of many chronic disorders. The sources of omega-6 are numerous in the diet and include several refined and vegetable oils and oils from nuts and seeds such as corn and sunflower oil. Olive oil contains omega9 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the fat of cold water fish such as herring, sardines, salmon and trout. Another source is flaxseed (also known as linseed) which is often sold as oil, but also comes in seed form and contains almost six-times as much Omega-3, than is found in the majority of fish oils. Hemp seeds, walnuts and pecans are also excellent sources. Up to half of the omega-3 content of fish can be lost when it is cooked or processed, and the fish content of omega-3 varies depending on its source.

The best sources are from deep cold waters, but this is becoming increasingly difficult due to the problems of over fishing. Omega-3 supplements and oils especially those from plants are considered good sources because they contain high concentrations of oil, and unlike fish oil sources, do not break down when heated.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 make it very vital in preventing several chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, accelerated aging, obesity, arthritis, etc. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems.

Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation. The role of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease is well established. Clinical evidence now suggests that it reduces the risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In addition, Omega3 also helps to prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stroke, heart attacks and abnormal heart beats.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OMEGA-3 OILS AND SUPPLEMENTS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MEDB.ES

MANY women already know and will tell you of the confidence they have gained from having their looks "restored" by having beautifully shaped eyebrows. Soft and natural colour and an instant facelift - what's not to like?

This one procedure will instantly knock years from your face, replacing sparse and spindly brows and leave friends trying to guess what you have done!

The one pitfall however is choosing a fully qualified specialist who can be relied on not to spoil this extremely important feature of a woman's face.

Beware of this treatment being offered too cheaply, as only the best pigments and anaesthetics should be used. The old adage "You get what you pay for" really

does apply here. Recently, treatments have been done and unknown to the client a permanent tattoo has been given. As we all know the inks used in this procedure are different and will change colour and also as the client ages the eyebrow - as everything else does will travel south!

June Hutchinson our specialist in SemiPermanent Makeup and Advanced Medical Work (including Areola restoration) has been working in Spain for almost 10 years and has a faithful following from Javea to Mojacar. All consultations are free and she will pencil in an eyebrow to let you see what a tremendous difference this will make to your face.

Other "must have" procedures are; Eyeliner - no

m o r e "panda e y e s " and the luxury of waking up or stepping from the swimming pool or gym with liner intact.

Lip Liner - restoring the youthful shape of your mouth, or a full Lip Tint which requires no more than a slick of gloss.

A touch of subtle Eyeshadow or a Beauty Spot adding a touch of glamour to your face.

Training in this special art is also available from June in conjunction with Medaesthetics at Punta Prima.

For further details on any of June’s treatments or training please contact Medaesthetics at Punta Prima on 965 326 082 or look at our website: www.medaestheticsacademy.com

The Health Benefits of Lemons THE simple, garden-variety lemon is very much understated. Lemons are very common and we see them everywhere. We use them to make lemonade, mix them into our drinks to add a little zing, they remove hard stains, are an allaround deodorizer and air freshener and we use them in our cooking as both an ingredient and garnish.

Maybe we should stop and take another look at this yellow wonder because it may change what you think of it.

When the world gives you lemons, there's a whole lot more you can make with them than just lemonade.

In traditional medicine, the lemon is widely known for its healing powers and is used in many different ways. In fact, the lemon is so powerful that it was used by the Romans as their cure for all types of poison.

Although the lemon is often thought of as acidic, it is very effective in curing many digestion problems when mixed with hot water, including biliousness, nausea, heartburn, disorders of the lower intestines like constipation and worm infestations. It is even known to

relieve hiccups. Water plus a few lemons becomes lemon juice. Lemon juice, when taken regularly in the morning, acts as a tonic to the liver and stimulates it to produce bile making it ready to digest the day's food. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones. Because of its high vitamin C content, it is thought to help prevent and treat many infections, hasten wound healing and temper down high fever. Lemon juice also relieves symptoms of asthma, tonsillitis and sore throat.

Lemon is also a diuretic.

This means it is good for people with urinary tract infections and high uric acid problems, such as those with arthritis or rheumatism because it helps flush out all the toxins and bad bacteria.

When lemon is mixed with coffee, it is thought to help treat malaria. This concoction is also effective for headaches.

When externally applied, lemon juice that is poured onto a small piece of cotton wool and gently applied to the nostrils could stop epistaxis (more commonly known as nose bleeds) although this may sting a bit.

When massaged gently into gums, lemon juice may also stop gum bleeding. Lemon juice with glycerin is effective when used on the lips to treat chapping. This may be a little strange but lemon juice applied on your skin can also help prevent sunburn.

Lemons are also used as balms in highly concentrated forms. Some may know them as "cure-alls". Lemon balms are known for their ability to break fevers by encouraging the patient's body to perspire. Because of this, lemon balms are recommended for all fevers, no matter what the cause.

Lemon balms are also popular treatments for cough and colds, even hay fever.

Balms are also used in the treatment of flatulence and other digestive conditions.

Menstrual cramps are relieved by lemon balms, as are dizziness, headaches and high blood pressure.

Psychologically, lemon balm is used to lift people's spirits, especially those who are undergoing menopause and are depressed, because it will calm anxieties, clear their minds and center their focus. It also supposedly improves memory storage and recall.

22

Friday, August 3, 2012

Friday, August 3, 2012

23

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 seven 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: James wanted to know how to add an email sig- ADVICE: Happy Les wanted to know more about the move nature in Windows Live Mail from hotmail.com to outlook.com

Q A

Richard, I use Windows Live Mail 2011 and I notice that a lot of my friends have their names at the bottom of their emails, is there any way that I can do this automatically in my emails? James Hi James, yes it’s called an email signature and you can add whatever message you want automatically to the bottom of your emails, in Windows Live Mail you do this by doing the following…

1.

Launch Windows Live Mail

2.

Click the blue button in the top left of the screen, click Options then click Mail

Q

Hi Richard, I have just read that Microsoft are changing Hotmail to Outlook.com, probably end up like Facebook, I hate it when they change things, I have stopped using Google mail because it is cluttered.

I have a yahoo account I never use, hate that too & now Hotmail which I use for back-up & certain emails, & of course I can access it anywhere.

Is there a way to easily back-up my Hotmail emails, and/or transfer them to another webmail account like this, i.e. just email no fancy add-ons chats etc. that you can recommend? Les Hi Les, yes its true, hotmail.com is - well has already, in fact, changed to outlook.com – any user of the Hotmail service can go to www.outlook.com and logon with their usual Hotmail username and password and see their email in the new, improved, layout. I guess it will be some time but this marks the end of Hotmail in Microsoft’s eyes, there will be a point where you will no longer be able to visit the hotmail.com website and you will have to manage your email from outlook.com (this is the website, not to be confused with Microsoft Outlook the email program!).

A

Your question is more about grabbing a copy (backup) of your Hotmail mailbox though, so let’s concentrate on that.

3.

Click on the Signatures tab

4.

Click New under Signatures

5.

Type your signature under Edit Signature

6.

Click OK.

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

Office: 902 906 200

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.

This might also solve your gripe that you want a simple (no fancy add-ons) way to access your emails. You need to get hold of a free email client, I know you have a Mac so Mozilla Thunderbird is probably a better bet than the built in “mail” program that comes with OSX, however you will not (using a Mac) be able to download any existing folders you have set up in Hotmail, you will only be able to download your inbox, once downloaded though you can file emails into new folders that you can create yourself.

If you have a Windows computer then Microsoft Live Mail is a good application and it will enable you to synchronise all of your current Hotmail folders seamlessly with your computer.

I guess another alternative would be to register your own domain (this is not an expensive thing to do) and then you can choose your own method for accessing your emails and you have full control over them; if this is something that you would be interested in doing then just get in contact and we can arrange it for you.

24

Friday, August 3, 2012

No more run in the sun Imagine sitting in the hot Spanish sun with your face beautifully made-up but free from the fear of melting streaks of colour running down your cheeks. Or just think of jumping in a pool without a moment’s worry that your waterproof eyeliner will turn out not to be. Better still, envisage waking up looking just as good as when you went to bed.

This freedom to look good ALWAYS is just what advanced semi-permanent make-up specialist June Hutchinson gives her clients. June, a key member of the Medaesthetics team has worked in the beauty industry for many years, and trained in the art of semi-permanent make-up with world acknowledged experts Finishing Touches.

With semi-permanent make-up, June can define eyebrows, draw in eyeliner and put subtle definition back into lips. June also offers medical tattooing and non-laser tattoo removal.

Celebrate in style at the Rocajuna Jackie and her partner Denis and daughter came to live in Spain in 2003. Now, nearly ten years later, they are running the Rocajuna Bar and Restaurant, in Punta Prima. The Rocajuna is a beautiful venue offering very good value for any function or event. Of late, the Rocajuna has been in demand to cater for wedding receptions. The function room can cater for 80 people for any event and the surrounding gardens can hold up to 240 people! The Rocajuna can offer you the choice of formal or informal catering for your wedding or party. As a wedding and event Planner, Jackie is on hand at the Rocajuna to assist you with advice and information for her own and indeed other venues and wedding services.

Visit www.jackywhiteweddings.com or facebook /Rocajunaweddings Email jackierocajuna@gmail.com or tel: 0034 664591795.

Get the London look Karen and David at Medaesthetics have worked in Spain for 8 years they trained and worked in London David in Tony & Guy they take time and care to style your hair.

How many times have you been to the hairdressers, come out looking great but never been able to recreate the style at home?!

That's not the case with David and Karen they create styles with precision cutting that enables you to get the same fantastic look you have at the salon but at home too.

We aim to give you the "feel good" factor beautiful colours and a lovely garden to relax to sit and enjoy a glass of Cava, Coffee, tea or iced water.

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.

Debbie plugs into customer’s needs Debbie is a previous Company Woman winner for sales and service in business. And after just a quick visit to the Electrical Shop you will see why. Debbie makes 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 selection 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.

Making dreams come true Privacy, peace, harmony, 350 sunny days – 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 under Spain's blue sky waiting for you at a price you can afford.

Look at this incredible offer: 160 m2 on a 9500 m2 plot with BBQ, interior courtyard, central heating system, 10x5 m swimming pool for only €128000. Would you like a designer house? Eva Veronika will help you build the dream home you thought could never be a reality, like 220 m2 living area on 5000 m2 plot for € 238000 key ready in 4 months time. It will be a pleasure to Eva Veronika to visit the show house together with you.

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

Friday, August 3, 2012

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

Run by top industry professionals, Margarita and Latashia, who between them have more than 60 years’ experience in the field, The Palace 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 Latashia 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, The Palace is the school for you.

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

Unlock the ultimate with Goldenkeys Goldenkeys property CB started in Northern Ireland in September 2004 and came to Spain in May 2005. We offer a wide variety of professional services to cater for all budgets - and a service that is second to none in property sales, property management and after-sales service. We arrange professional trade services for your home, as well as NIE, legal advice, bank accounts, mortgages and help, car hire, nursery hire, bicycle hire, coach trips, day trips and so on.

We do holiday rentals and can arrange long term rentals at great prices. Visit our website for more information and updates on offers. W e are on Facebook. We have a saying ‘We lead, others follow” so contact Ena today to see what we can do for you and your home in Spain. Telephone (0034) 636942204 Check out www.goldenkeysproperty.com or come and see us on a Saturday at Moncayo Market in Guardamar between 9.00 and 13.00 in the retail village.

Company women award winner 2011 for business excellence.

A beautiful mission Lynda Gibson’s vision of a holistic health and beauty centre was born from a diverse background in medical aesthetics, counselling and lecturing.

She developed the model while running her own clinics in the UK, and in 2007 opened what has become one of the Costa Blanca’s most successful businesses, Medaesthetics.

Medaesthetics offers clients a whole range of treatments to improve their health and beauty, including hair styling, skin care, beauty treatments, weight management programmes and cosmetic surgery. Lynda trained at Liverpool, Manchester and Oxford Universities, and at the Royal College of Surgeons in London, as well as with industry leaders in Spain and France. So she not only offers Medaesthetics customers the best results but also the peace of mind of knowing they are in expert hands.

Lynda’s mission is to constantly explore innovations in health and beauty and offer the very best services available.

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).

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.

25

26

Friday, August 3, 2012

SPANISH NEWS

DUPED BUYERS GET NO HELP FROM EU VICTIMS of illegal home cons in Spain can expect no help from the European Union.

AUAN, an association of mainly British homeowners fighting property abuses, has declared the EU useless after years of asking it to aid people tricked into buying illegal property.

“Many of us purchased property in Spain believing that membership of the European Union offered an extra safety net should things go wrong. We were very much mistaken,” said Maura Hillen, the association’s president.

It is not known how many have fallen foul of property cons in Spain but it is thought to be in the thousands.

Many victims were unsuspecting Brits who believed that as long as they used a Spanish solicitor nothing could go wrong.

But complex planning laws, uncaring or complicit lawyers and negligent mortgage lenders made it easy for unscrupulous developers to prey on unsuspecting Europeans, mostly pensioners who just wanted a dream home in the sun.

While the abuses appear to flout European laws, petitions for help from desperate victims have been met with indifference.

“The European Commission continues to block all appeals for assistance on the basis that no European laws have been broken,” says Hillen.

AUAN believes cases like that of Helen and Len Prior, whose home in Vera was demolished without compensation in 2008, breach the EU Charter of Human Rights, which protects rights to personal property. But the EU says it has no power to intervene. Appeals to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg are possible, but the cost puts this option out of the reach of ordinary people. And the Spanish courts can tie the process up and delay hearings for years.

“People like Len and Helen [who have lived in their garage since their home was demolished] have no chance of ever getting to Strasbourg as far as we can see,” says Hillen.

AUAN has also argued that Spanish property abuses stop the free movement of money – one of the central doctrines of EU policy. Again EU lawyers have insisted this does not apply.

AUAN wants more legal experts to force the EU to deal with abuses that have shattered the lives of so many Europeans.

Very British show is just Spain’s cup of tea (mostly)

BILLIONS of people around the world watched Danny Boyle’s epic opening to the London Olympics last Friday, and while some sniped that it was too full of in jokes and had little to do with the Olympics, most loved it.

But what did the Spanish make of this quirkily British spectacle? While there were a few negative comments in the Spanish press, for most it seemed the romp through the UK’s history, mixed with a good dose of British humour, was just their cup of tea.

La Razon hailed it: “A majestic musical, funny, exciting, a journey through the history of England, their customs, their music, their cultural and screen icons.”

And while El Pais noted that some had called it “boring” and “lacking grace”, for many more it was “different, surprising, sometimes confusing, kitsch and eccentric, often brilliant, almost always entertaining”.

Abc wasn’t so sure, saying that while to DREAMS DEMOLISHED: Helen and Len Prior with the remains Britons it was a “celebration of the best local of their home in Vera creativity” outside the country it “generated a

A room with a view of protests? That’ll be extra

WHILE Spain’s property prices plummet and millions of empty homes see rental incomes fall, one area is reporting a boom in lettings.

Balconies around Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square are renting for up to 700 euros a day.

Why? Because reporters are jostling for the best view of 000 people 53, r the the almost constant protests. fur A t. cen r ent rate hit pe Shorter demos can cost 150 queues.

SPAIN’S unemploym le do d ne joi arqu second llion Spaniards are euros an hour, more for spur of mi record levels in the 5.7 me So four of the 5s the moment demos. ployed. The under-2 ter, leaving one in em un w no jobless. per It’s not just the Spanish media working population ffering most, with 53 the nation- are su mes Ho rk. wo d fin forking out for a few square Figures released by to le ab un t cen t tha revealed unemmetres of prime real estate. al statistics institute all breadwinners are yment usu- where llion, mi 1.7 ed ch International crews from the rea at a time when emplo s ha yed plo sea t touris a year ago. m fro t likes of CNN, the BBC and Al ally picks up for the cen r pe 27 rose to 24.6 up Jazeera are having to dig deep, too. son, unemployment

One in four jobless in Spain

Before the 15-M protests made Puerta del Sol internationally famous, and before Spain’s antiausterity protestors became the symbol of a crisis-stricken eurozone, reporters had free access to balconies.

Not anymore. “It’s a way of recouping some losses caused by the protests,” said one hotel.

strange feeling of insipid pop music in many foreigners” that at times “left an aftertaste of the excess on Benidorm’s beaches”.

But all seemed to appreciate the humour.

El Mundo wrote of the Queen’s encounter with Mr Bond under the headline ‘Elizabeth II, Superstar’, while Abc asked its readers to “imagine something similar in Spain” to understand “the audacity” of the joke and “what it says about tolerance and respect that structure British public life”.

The appearance of Mr Bean, a character loved around the world, was mostly met with approval in the Spanish media.

Finally, El Mundo correspondent John Muller tweeted: “I think that, despite all their mistakes, it has become clear that without the UK our lives would not be the same.”

27

Friday, August 3, 2012

Heroes not alone

The King is back IT’S 35 years since Elvis died and to celebrate this special anniversary two of the best Elvis tribute acts will be touring on the Costa Blanca.

Elvis 2000 (pictured) will be joined by Rupert, the first Elvis tribute in the UK. Together they will take you on a tour through the amazing music of the King.

Fiona McLean is the support act, singing Connie Francis and Brenda Lee.

The special Elvis tour starts at Olympia, Mil Palmeras on August 15. Call 965 320 822.

Then it’s on to Condado Club, Condado de Alhama on August 16 - 634 354 491.

August 17 sees one Elvis only (no Rupert) at The Club, Quesada - 966 717 028.

The tour finishes at Rendezvous, Campoamor, August 19 - 608 467 597.

See www.jukeboxpromo tions.co.uk for more details.

THE 50+ Solos group has become well known for raising funds for Help for Heroes. In its meetings over the past six years it has raised around 20,000 euros for the cause, and sent 550 parcels to men and women in Afghanistan.

But the group was particularly touched when last week one lady they didn’t even know held her own event and passed all the proceeds onto the 50+ group, knowing its members would make sure the money would go to help serving military personnel.

The lady, Angie, from somewhere near Montesinos gave the group 261 euros.

Anyone can send parcels to the men and women serving in Afghanistan. In the UK postage for a package under two kilos is free, while from Spain it will cost around five euros from post shops. It makes a big difference for serving forces in Afghanistan to receive goods from home.

EASING THE PAIN €6,000 of HELP HELP MMM held q another fun day at la Zona on Friday evening.

The group certainly achieved its aim of providing the children with a variety of activities to join in and enjoy.

The next carnival is scheduled for August 17 at the New York bar, Valle del Sol, when there will be a bouncy castle, music, face

for cancer kids

IN line with its pledge to spend a minimum of 10 per cent of its surplus on good causes in the Murcia area, HELP Murcia Mar Menor was delighted to hand over a cheque for €6000 to children’s cancer charity AFACMUR. AFACMUR is a registered association created 15 years ago by a group of parents whose children suffered from cancer.

Operating from a converted house in the Barrio Carmen area of Murcia, the group works to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.

There are three permanent staff members, a psychologist, a social worker and an educational auxiliary, whose posts are government-funded, plus 20 volunteers who support the children, parents and siblings whilst in hospital and at home.

The highlight of the year is the holiday camp near Totano. This year 45 children with cancer and their siblings had a wonderful time while their parents got a much needed break.

Like so many other groups AFACMUR has suffered during the economic crisis, having to keep up its valuable work while seeing big cuts in its regional government funding.

Bernard Ash, president of HELP Murcia Mar Menor, with AFACMUR president Paco Palazon The group now relies more than ever on donations and sponsors.

Childhood cancer is the second largest cause of death in the developed world amongst children under the age of 14.

The treatment is very aggressive and can leave permanent after-effects on children. It also causes great anxiety to all members of the family.

To continue its work, AFACMUR needs lots more help. To find out how you can get involved, visit the group’s website at www.afacmur.org

Centre shut but Age charity never stops THE Age Concern walkin centre is closed until September 3, but anyone needing to contact the group can phone and leave a message as the telephone lines will be monitored regularly.

And look out for Age Concern fundraising and information events.

Age Concern Costa Blanca South will be represented at the La Marina fiesta on August 5.

Trendy Chics boutique is hosting a fashion show for the charity at the Emerald Isle, La Florida on September 19, from 1pm, with live music plus a tombola.

All fundraising is greatly appreciated and put to good

use by Age Concern.

Recently Rummikub’, which meets at the walk-in centre, received a certificate and a big thank you from Age Concern president Maureen Payne in recognition of its efforts to raise €1,374 for the charity.

Keep rock ’n’ rolling

THE fantastic, fun Rock ’n’ Roll with Adhoc is back.

If you were at the last sellout Adhoc rock ’n’ roll night, you’re sure to want to go back for more. And, if you weren’t, find out what you missed you won’t regret it.

The next Rock ’n’ Roll with Adhoc takes place at Los Rosales restaurant and stars The Cadillacs and Woody and the Peckers.

Tickets are on sale now from the post room Benijofar and the Card & Gift Shop, Quesada, or send an email to adhoctheatreco@gmail.com to reserve a ticket.

Don’t forget, the last rock ’n’ roll night was a sell-out a week before the event. Entry €5, supper €5.

painting and games, from 5 – 8pm.

HELP Murcia Mar Menor aims to provide a service to all, including mobility equipment loans, hospital visiting, information on living in Spain, donations to good causes, support groups, interpreter details and assisting and liaising with other charities. Call 968 570 059.

28

Friday, August 3, 2012

UK HEADLINES

AN OLYMPIC ROLLER GHOSTER! OVERBLOWN warnings of Olympics travel chaos are turning key sites into ‘ghost towns’ and threatening Britain’s economic recovery, say business leaders.

Daily Mail

some point over the fortnight to avoid disruption which has failed to materialise.

Leading attractions, meanMessages to stay away from London and while, are reporting visitor other key venues have worked too well, with numbers down by a third on visitor numbers suffering catastrophic falls. the same period last year.

Incredibly, almost a third of the five million Experts insist that even if people employed in the capital are expected to the short-term economic beneheed official advice to work from home at fits of hosting the Games do not materialise, The Sun Britain will enjoy ‘incalculable’ venues ranging from London been a better time to visit our longer-term benefits in terms Zoo to St Paul’s Cathedral, attractions because the of increased trade and said: “There are two groups queues are shorter and opentourism. of people missing. ing times have been extendBut pressure is growing for “The first are general visi- ed.” transport bosses to alter their tors to London, who are staySteve McNamara, of the advice to travellers and make ing clear because of the per- Licensed Drivers’ Taxi it clear Britain is open for busi- ception that it will be busy. The Association, said cab drivers ness. second are Londoners and had also been hit hard. He A PITBULL that savaged five cops during a house raid Ministers are also facing Brits who have been warned said: “Normally about 90 per left a blood-spattered street looking like “the sickbay calls to rethink their decision there will be a transport night- cent of our customers are after the Battle of Trafalgar”, a court heard this week. to allow hundreds of thou- mare.

Londoners but they’ve all left Owner Symieon Robinson-Pierre, 25, and a pal sands of civil servants to work “Our message to them is the city and haven’t been allegedly ignored pleas to call off the dog. from home while the Games that while it may be sensible replaced by tourists.

The jury heard he said: “Mate, there’s nothing we can are on to avoid certain peak times “I don’t know where all do.”

Bernard Donoghue, of the and locations, transport is run- these tourists are or how The powerfully-built animal bit into one officer’s thigh Association of Leading Visitor ning very smoothly. they’re getting about, but and tried to drag him to the ground as another policeman Attractions, which represents “Ironically there has never London is like a ghost town.” hit it in the head with a metal battering ram — to no effect Prosecutor Sam Brown said it left a scene of “carnage” on March 22 in Stratford, East London. “Imagine the sickbay FEELING even a bit gloomy or anxious can Daily Mirror after the Battle of Trafalgar and raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke by 20 that will give the idea,” he said. per cent, a study has found.

Trust, a team of researchers from University Martin PC Wounded Around one in four people suffer from College London and the University of Corderoy, forced off sick for 85 depression and anxiety at levels too low to Edinburgh, analysed data from over 68,000 days, told Inner London Crown Court: “The dog had bit- seek help. adults aged 35 and over who took part in the ten into my thigh. The pressure and sharpness of the But even these low levels of psychological Health Survey for England from 1994 to 2004. teeth going into my flesh were excruciating.” distress from everyday life and work are It was then compared to causes of death in Robinson-Pierre (pictured) denies four counts of own- enough to raise the risk of suffering heart illdeath certificates. ing a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of nesses and cancer.

Dr Tom Russ, the lead author, said: “We control in a public place.

The study, published in the British Medical found that psychological distress was a risk The charges relate to PCs Marc Merritt, Lee Bush, Paul Journal online, is the largest to show a link at factor for death from all causes, cardiovascuGarrard and Steve Bones, who were either attacked in these levels between mental stresses and lar disease, and external causes.” the front garden or in the street. Robinson-Pierre is not death. Previous studies have been much The greater the distress, the higher the risk. being prosecuted for the initial attack on PC Corderoy as smaller.

However, even people with low distress it happened in the house.

In a study partially funded by the Wellcome scores were at an increased risk of death.

Pitbull carnage ‘like Battle of Trafalgar’

Feeling sad bad for heart

The Sun

Sorry, Tom says dad of Twitter nutter THE dad of a teenager arrested over vile abuse sent to diver Tom Daley has apologised to the Olympic star — and said his son “badly needs help”.

Reece Messer, 17, was held at 2.45am in a guest house after a tipoff.

The arrest came hours after a Twitter user told Daley: “You have let your dad down” — just over a year after Tom, 18, lost devoted father Rob to brain cancer.

And the user later Tweeted: “I’m going to drown you in the pool you cocky t*** your a nobody.”

Reece’s dad Norman said in Weymouth, Dorset: “Reece badly needs help. The police should be involved, but he doesn’t know what he’s saying. He has ADHD but doesn’t take his medicine.”

Dad-of-11 Norman added: “I just want to say sorry to Tom Daley.

I wish to apologise as Reece’s father and wish him every success.”

DIVETASTIC Friday, August 3, 2012

Have you ever been on a team building exercise with your colleagues? No? Well we at the The Courier just have!

No, we didn’t go orienteering, adventure training, paintballing or even Go Carting. Nope, we went…

Scuba Diving!

Friends of The Courier; Richard Cavender, Damon Rose and their team at Santa Pola Dive Academy suggested the day out so six of us decided to accept the challenge. Five of us had never been before and one of us is a total pro so knew what to expect!

After meeting at 9:30am on a very hot Saturday morning, we headed down to our destination in Cartagena where we were greeted with poor visibility in the sea so the dive would have been poor so we set off again towards Cabo de Palos for a much better dive. When we arrived we began to unload the

equipment and it really looked like Damon had brought their whole shop with him!

We were all measured up and kitted out for all of our gear and shown what is what. Santa Pola Dive Academy had brought along four Dive Masters who all had the patience of a saint and were calmness personified. The teams were shown how to clear their masks and how to inflate and deflate their Buoyancy Control Device (BCD’s), they also explained about the importance of equalising to make sure our ears didn’t pop and the signs for OK, not OK, and surfacing.

As you can tell from the photos above, everyone had a great time and we at The Courier would like to thank Damon from Santa Pola Dive Academy (see their ad on page 13) and Richard Cavender from Bluemoon Solutions for a really fun day out!

29

30

Friday, August 3,16, 2012 Friday, December 2011

Hamilton wants to keep 'priceless' trophies LEWIS Hamilton says keeping his trophies will be a "push point" in talks over a new contract with McLaren.

The 27-year-old former world champion has been with the McLaren 'family' since the age of 11, spending his entire Formula One career with the team.

His current deal expires at the end of this year, though, and he heads into the month-long summer break - on the back of his second victory of the season in Hungary on Sunday - poised for talks over a fresh contract.

And he says an agreement which would see him allowed to keep the silverware he wins - it is a McLaren tradition for the team to keep the original, with the driver receiving a replica - could be crucial.

Quoted in several newspapers, Hamilton said: "[McLaren executive chairman] Ron [Dennis] and the team have all the trophies in the cabinet and the drivers get replicas.

"In a lot of other teams, the drivers get their original trophies. As a racing driver, what you work for and what you want to take home are two things; one is your crash helmet and the other is your trophy. For me, they are priceless.

"I don't care if they don't give me a car, but those two things are what you put your blood and sweat into - and they keep those at the moment. So whatever contract I'm having next, that is going to be a push point.

"But I don't feel I have a tough decision to make. It is my career I'm talking about however - the last part of my [professional] life. It's the first time I've been in this position, so I guess it still remains an important decision."

Olympic BMWs fuel cards cloned Around 20 of the London 2012 Olympic Games fleet of BMWs reportedly had their fuel cards cloned earlier this year.

According to the BBC, credit cards set aside for fuel charges for the fleet of BMWs used on official Olympic duties were targeted and had their details duplicated back in April.

Fraudsters successfully cloned the identity of the plastic and deciphered the PIN number – 2012 – meaning they could charge costs to the account linked with the original credit cards.

However, the criminals were thwarted even before they started, as the cards weren’t activated until the beginning of July.

A London 2012 spokesperson said: “A very small number of pre-Games fuel cards

were fraudulently used in April. This use was picked up immediately by a team that tracks the fuel card usage daily and the information was passed to the police.

“The Games Time fuel cards have been active since the start of July and there has been no fraudulent use of these cards.”

This news comes after more recent Games clangers, including a busload of US Olympic athletes getting lost and the embarrassing display of the South Korean flag to the North Korean women’s football team.

Thankfully, however, the fuel card transgression was solved without any financial consequences. The PIN numbers have since been changed from 2012 to something a little less obvious…

Friday, August 3, 2012

Chinese truck driver fined £15.5 million

A Chinese truck driver that caused a road bridge to collapse with his overloaded articulated wagon has been handed a 156 million RMB bill – that’s around £15.5 million.

On the 19th July 2011, the truck driver – known only as Mr Zhang for legal reasons – drove his vehicle weighing 110 tons gross over the elevated roadway. The bridge subsequently collapsed leaving the wagon stranded.

It is unclear whether the weight of the vehicle is expressed in imperial tons or metric tonnes by Chinese authorities, however, even if

expressed in the older imperial format, the outfit’s adjusted weight still comes in at 100 metric tonnes.

By comparison, the maximum permitted gross weight for an articulated vehicle in the UK is 44 tonnes, less than half the mass of this Chinese truck.

After a yearlong police investigation, Mr Zhang was handed the hefty bill for repair costs to the bridge on the outskirts of Beijing.

In his defence the Chinaman claims he was carrying out the instructions of the haulage company.

However, prosecutors have

imposed the fine upon the driver himself.

It is unclear how Mr Zhang intends to pay the financial penalty, or even if he has the means to do so. Could be an interesting conversation with the bailiffs…

31

32

Friday, August 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, 24 represents C and 10 represents M, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

QUICKIE

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 Pawn German white wine (4) 3 Reassure about eliminations (8) 9 Restore some wasteland to usefulness? It’s a wayward miracle (7) 10 Cold quarters at the Inspector General’s convenience (5) 11 Remove the outer cover from the missile (5) 12 Listen out, but there is nothing to hear (6) 14 Prisoner’s popular partner (6) 16 Brags about seeing snakes on the way back (6) 19 Spirit label beginning to yellow (6) 21 Bear’s unusual weapon (5) 24 Speak without preparation in the Baghdad Liberal Democrats’ conference (2,3) 25 Bright team leader Adrian is badly beaten up (7) 26 Puts the cat out by its STANDARD CLUES

Across

Across 1 Fake (6) 4 Punctual (6) 9 Shackle (7) 10 Start (5) 11 Mistake (5) 12 Capital of Costa Rica (3,4) 13 Dispute (11) 18 Sea captain (7) 20 Slow down (5) 22 Pass out (5) 23 Poster (7) 24 Lacking companions (6) 25 Justification (6)

Down 1 Coddle (6) 2 Possessor (5) 3 Extract (7) 5 Small Old World songbird (5) 6 Fly larvae (7) 7 Christmas tree decoration (6) 8 Earthquake measuring instrument (11) 14 Personal belief (7) 15 Hug (7) 16 Helpful (6) 17 Sinew (6) 19 Flower part (5) 21 Collect or gather (5)

Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Shaman, 4 Unique, 9 Another, 10 Cease, 11 Shame, 12 Theatre, 13 Undergrowth, 18 Abstain, 20 Stale, 22 Torso, 23 Sterile, 24 Relief, 25 Deceit.

Down: 1 Sparse, 2 Aroma, 3 Achieve, 5 Niche, 6 Quartet, 7 Eleven, 8 Protagonist, 14 Nostril, 15 Obscene, 16 Barter, 17 Defect, 19 Above, 21 Abide.

Scribble Pad

extremities and hangs for it (8) 27 Lesley held new refracting device (4) Down 1 Difficult craft is the cause of suffering (8) 2 Bike round (5) 4 About a young lady delinquent (6) 5 Kills hidden talent (5) 6 Gives in and falsely enters Luxembourg (7) 7 Some Bolsheviks come back as lazybones (4) 8 Role a bad actor is permitted? (6) 13 Just as the finest ordinary seaman, it resists fire (8) 15 Have you lost your wits playing that childish game? (7) 17 By mistake it is done within the prescribed play area (6) 18 Cross some lengthy bridge (6) 20 Nobel is a rebellious aristocrat (5) 22 Two prepare to take the strain (5) 23 Crazy night fliers (4) Down

1 Misfortune (8) 1 Pawn (4) 2 Group of related songs 3 Deletions (8) (5) 9 Recover (7) 4 Negligent (6) 10 Eskimo hut (5) 5 Expertness (5) 11 Covering (5) 6 Gives in (7) 12 Noiseless (6) 7 Slovenly person (4) 14 Prisoner (6) 8 Small village (6) 16 Brags (6) 13 Fireproof material (8) 19 Strong alcoholic drink 15 Children’s game (7) (6) 17 Not offside (6) 21 Cavalry sword (5) 18 Crossbreed (6) 24 Extempore (2,3) 20 Aristocrat (5) 25 Glowing (7) 26 Hangs (8) 22 Pair (5) 27 Eye part (4) 23 Heavy sticks (4) Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Parcels, 5 Pesos, 8 Rider, 9 Arsenic, 10 Spectacle, 12 Ewe, 13 Scarce, 14 Caress, 17 Eli, 18 Goalposts, 20 Trailed, 21 Annul, 23 Chews, 24 Nosegay.

Down: 1 Ports, 2 Rod, 3 Erratic, 4 Seance, 5 Paste, 6 Senseless, 7 Sachets, 11 Eradicate, 13 Sceptic, 15 Appears, 16 Pardon, 18 Gales, 19 Sulky, 22 Nag.

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

Cats 2 letter words Cola Ma Dare We Hart 3 letter words Hose Asp Idle Eve Isle Ire Lime Mat Oral Nod Pill Sad Pole Sag Ring Sum Robe 4 letter words Rose Amid Sane Area Sans Aria Sill Aura Sofa Aver Star Bate Teen Bust Topi Cads Writ Caps 5 letter words Cars

Amass Aphid Bandy Cards Carer Casts Cater Copse Crime Elate Emote Fives Foray Mufti Omits Phase Prove Sable Salad Sales Sands Screw Share

Start Surly Tally Tares Toner 6 letter words Astute Baleen Mantis Modest Sprite Taster Tattle Whaler 8 letter words Destined Sundress 9 letter words Sostenuto Tenderise

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

Across

Down

1 Blando (madera, droga, agua) (4) 3 Passenger (traveller) (8) 9 Trapecio (7) 10 Fat (plump) (5) 11 Wheel (5) 12 Tener miedo (6) 14 Aparecer (presentarse) (6) 16 Cuarto (6) 19 To tire (out) (6) 21 Others (5) 24 Verde (5) 25 Especial (7) 26 To hold (belief, opinion, note) (8) 27 Abanicos (4)

1 Sábado (8) 2 Llama (de fuego) (5) 4 Bees (6) 5 Ira (de persona) (5) 6 Más temprano (7) 7 Bears (animals) (4) 8 Sale (reduction) (6) 13 Silbidos (con los labios) (8) 15 Oraciones (7) 17 To oppose (6) 18 Sad (6) 20 Desde entonces (5) 22 Queen (5) 23 Huevos (4)

33

Friday, August 3, 2012 Across 9 Which typically large marine fish of the ray family has a cartilaginous skeleton and a flattened diamond-shaped body?

(5) 10 In architecture, what name is given to a row of columns supporting a roof, an entablature or arches? (9) 11 Cool For Cats, Up The Junction and Labelled With Love were all British top 10 hits for which group? (7) 12 What was the maiden name of Diana, Princess of Wales?

(7) 13/25 Which former world number one woman tennis player from the US won 18 grand slam singles titles, including a record seven at the French Open?

(5,5) 15 In psychoanalysis, what name is given to the conscious mind? (3) 16 Which statesman was chairman of the Communist party of the Chinese People’s Republic from 1949 to 1976 and head of state from 1949 to 1959? (3) 17 What is the US slang for the ring of metal attached to the top of a canned drink and pulled to open the can or a restaurant

bill? (3) 19 Which adverb means before now? (7) 20 Which powerful small boat is designed to pull or push larger ships? (3) 23 By what nickname was Thomas Philip O’Neill Jr, the longest-serving (1977-86) speaker of the US House of Representatives, usually known? (3) 24 Trygve who was the Norwegian diplomat who was the first Secretary General of the United Nations? (3) 25 See 13 27 What name is often applied to a dispenser that forces a liquid out as a fine spray when a button is pressed? (7) 29 With which London-based ska-rooted band would you principally associate the ‘nutty sound’? (7) 32 Which city is the state capital of Iowa? (3,6) 33 Which river of northern France flows through the cities of Troyes and Paris to the English Channel near Le Havre? (5) Down 1 What was the name of the Egyptian goddess of fertility, the

SUDOKU

Quiz Word

wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, who was worshipped as the archetypal wife and mother? (4) 2 Which large heavily built cat

that has a yellowish-brown coat with black spots, is found mainly in the dense forests of Central and South America?

(6)

3 In biology, which unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring? (4) 4 Which unit of area is equal to 4,840 square yards? (4) 5 Which US automobile manufacturer, founded in 1897, produced 35.2 million cars, including the Toronado, Starfire, Firenza and Silhouette models? (10) 6/7 Which American actress was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Mrs Robinson the the 1967 film The Graduate? (4,8) 8 What is the nickname of Heart of Midlothian FC? (6) 13 The adjective ‘feline’ means relating to or affecting which family of animals? (3) 14 The name of which ruminant mammal is often applied to a docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision? (5) 15 My Wicked, Wicked Ways was the title of the autobiography of which motion-picture actor who, on stage and off, was known as a romantic adventurer? (5,5)

16 What is the surname of the Oxford-based DCI played on television by actor John Thaw, based on the novels of Colin Dexter? (5) 18 What name is given to a projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall? (8) 21 Which fibre made from the intestines of animals is often used for violin or racket strings or for surgical use? (3) 22 What was the surname of the German statesman who was chancellor of West Germany from 1969 to 1974?

(6) 26 Blepharitis is a condition causing an inflammation of which part of the face? (6) 28 What is the name of the small bluish-black fruit of the blackthorn? (4) 29 Which strong-smelling reddish-brown substance often used in perfumery is secreted by certain male deer for scentmarking? (4) 30 What name is given to the time of day immediately following sunset? (4) 31 Which vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs is used for transportation over snow? (4)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH Animales y sus bebés

Match these words with their Spanish translations then find them in the wordsearch.

(Answers below)

science QUIZ

ANSWERS 1. Magnesium 2. A Heart Attack 3. Chewing Gum , Peppermint, Spearment 4. Snakes 5. The planet Mars 6. Gas pressure 7. Dudley East Midlands 1712 8.

Turkeys 9. At the base of the spine 10. Silicon Chip 11. the abominable snowman 12. Dolphin 13. Discs 14.

The Male Sex

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Wordsolution Across: 1/5 Arthur Miller, 10 Pontoon, 11 Recital, 12 Isomer, 15 Aegean, 16 Reprise, 17 Sink, 18/19 Pete Sampras, 20 Arch, 22 Wren, 25 Algebra, 27 Dumont, 28 Eleven, 31 Moliere, 32 Bon Jovi, 33 Tabard, 34 Exotic.

Down: 2 Rangoon, 3 Hoover, 4 Rand, 5 Mare, 6 Lychee, 7 Extreme, 8 Splits, 9 Flange, 13 Renault, 14 Prophet, 15 Astaire, 20 Addams, 21 Camilla, 23 Ravioli, 24 Nuncio, 25 Angela, 26 Alonso, 29 Deed, 30 Oboe.

oveja-cordero

cabra-cabrito

pájaro -pichón

conejo-gazapo

perro-cachorro

gallina-pollitos

tiburón- cazón

gato-gatito

vaca- ternero

Empareja estas palabras – Match these Spanish and English words for word suffixes.

You will find the answers at the bottom of the quiz.

1.caballo-potro,

8.oveja-cordero,

e.rabbit-bunny, f.bird-chick,

2.gato-gatito,

9.cabra-cabrito,

g.sheep-lamb, h.cat-kitten,

3.perro-cachorro,

10.tiburón-cazón,

i.shark-pup, j.dog-puppy,

4.pájaro-pichón,

11.conejo-gazapo.

k.deer-fawn.

5.ciervo-cervatillo, 6.gallina-pollitos,

a.goat-kid, b.chicken-chick,

7.vaca-ternero,

c.cow-calf, d.horse-foal,

Soduko

Span - Eng

Quizword

Answers: 1d, 2h, 3j, 4f, 5k, 6b, 7c, 8g, 9a, 10i, 11e.

1. 12 is the atomic number of which element?

2. If you suffered a myocardial infraction, what have you experienced?

3. What Would You Be Most Likely To Be Chewing If It Were Flavoured With Mentha Piperita Or Mentha Viridris?

4. What is the food of the secretary bird?

5. What is studied in Aerology?

6. What does a manometer measure?

7. Where Was The First Successful Steam Engine Installed?

8. A rafter is a group of what kind of creatures?

9. Where Is The Coccyx?

10. What Fundamental Part Of Computer Technology Was Pantented In The Us In 1961?

11. what's the more familiar name of the himalayas' yeti?

12. What animal has a prehensile penis?

13. What Are The Pads Of Cartilage Between Spinal Vertabrae Commonly Called?

14. Which Sex Is Prone To Suicide?

caballo-potro

Fill It In

34

Friday, August 3, 2012

TRELI ON THE TELLY ‘Neutral’ coverage presents an Olympic nightmare for UK fans

with ALEX TRELINSKI SO how are the London Olympics going for you?

I’ve loved the Games, my earliest memory being Tokyo 1964 and a meagre ration of late-night TV highlights.

It was just at the start of satellite TV pictures being beamed between continents, and there were some 30 to 60 minutes of late-evening highlights of what had happened earlier in the day, along with three hours of footage flown to Europe for transmission the following morning (well over a day old!).

Only the United States and Canada could get live pictures back from Japan in those days, so a highlights package was recorded in Newfoundland and dis-

patched by a charter plane to West Germany where it would arrive at around 9pm for Eurovision network transmission from a studio in Hamburg.

BBC viewers would get Cliff Michelmore introducing the coverage as the tape was played from a machine in Hamburg at 10.30, having been rushed in from the airport!

It sounds terribly dated now, but for that time it was revolutionary, and had the Games been held a year later, extra satellites would have brought direct transmission to Europe. That’s what happened with the Mexico games four years later, and in colour as well!

What a contrast to the multi-layered coverage of the Olympics these days, and the sheer sophistication of it all. It’s been an absolute gift to the BBC, who’ve been televising the event since the austerity Games of London 1948, and their two Outside Broadcast Units at Wembley

Horoscopes Aries March 21 - April 19 Pull out of any prior engagements tonight as you are about to receive a special unexpected visitor. The age you should be acting like is written on the soles of your shoes. All that you are may be called into question today when someone calls you a "nancy". The odds that you'll escape today without a serious injury, are incalculable.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Although you may try to pass yourself off as a second level wizard, your skills are so feeble I doubt you could open a book by only using your tongue.

Wensleydale is a good smell for you today. Other odours may leave you feeling poorly. You'll keep on fighting till the end.

Gemini May 21 - June 20 One part love, one part hate. This is a recipe for your life. Everything you think about yourself will not be called into question this week. The way that aliens think is none of your business. Hope can solve nearly all of your problems today. Until tomorrow when all of your dreams will be dashed to pieces.

Cancer June 21 - July 22 Memory can often plays tricks on people - why not trick memory first by getting a lobotomy. All for which you have fought will be lost if you cannot control your wang. Wise words which may be applicable. Many of your problems can be solved by sitting down with a pen and paper and doodling pictures of houses and perhaps tornadoes.

Stadium and the Empire Pool of just three cameras each!

I feel a bit sorry if you don’t have access to their satellite services because there is comprehensive coverage of the action on BBC1 and BBC 3. It does have a dated feel about it, with old Auntie telling you what you shall watch at what time.

It was exactly that which led to the BBC taking the logical decision to axe Grandstand a few years ago, as mixing up different sports events didn’t make sense.

The ability to self-programme your choice of sports over 25 channels and in high definition, has made it a viewing treat and I’ve never watched so much Olympics since the Munich and Montreal Games in the 1970s.

What has also changed is that the coverage of all the events, including the opening and closing ceremonies, is done by a neutral provider called Olympic Broadcast Services, which takes away

any bias from a host broadcaster.

I remember the row over the pictures from Los Angeles in 1984 featuring a non-stop parade of screaming Americans, with all the other countries playing second fiddle, and so the International Olympic Committee set up OBS to get around this problem.

Mishal Husain doesn’t k n o w what she is talking about

Unfortunately, some of the direction lacks the quality of European broadcasters like the BBC and TVE here in Spain, and some poor shot selection and lack of information was very apparent during the cycling road races last weekend.

The BBC got it in the neck from British viewers who were unaware who was providing the pictures and when it came to the gymnastics, the Brits seemed to be getting secondchanged as to who we saw.

The cameras can’t show everything, even these days, and I think the BBC should have made more of a public issue that they were not controlling the pictures.

Up to the early 90s, two or three presenters would anchor all the Olympic cover-

age on the BBC, but for my money there are too many sub-standard cooks spoiling the broth these days. Mishal Husain, though a decent news presenter, has popped up in the mornings on BBC 1 doing hosting duties, and she just doesn’t know what she is talking about.

As a sports fan, I’ve found it annoying that these parttimers have appeared for a premium event whilst the quality bread and butter presenters like Clare Balding and John Inverdale are not given enough airtime, as they are on location at the swimming and rowing.

And the otherwise excellent Opening Ceremony was spoiled by three commentators jabbering utter drivel. I’m sure that the doyen of BBC commentary at such occasions, David Coleman, who is now 86, must have quietly bitten his tongue whilst wondering about the old principles of letting the pictures do all the talking.

By Pandora Leo July 23 - August 22 Your ability to speak may be impaired today as you attempt to swallow half of a live hedgehog. If it's laughter you're after then don't stop to shine your buttons.

Many of the truths you desparately cling to are beset by the fact that you read only comic books and talk to children. Harsh words may be spoken by a loved one today.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 If you can't see what the fuss is all about this week, try thinking about it from someone else's point of view. All your wishes can come true if you're willing to briefly take on a life of crime. When gazing upon the face of a loved one, close your mouth and stop babbling on about how much you wish that restraining order had been quashed.

Libra September 23 - October 22 Bevels. You like bevels - both the word, and the effect. However, the bevel may cause you distress today as it takes away your dignity in some random manner.

Your sub-conscience may decide to rebel against you today and force you to reremember everything you had managed to block out.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Accuracy is not necessary when stacking blocks, until you come to around the 5th or 6th. Many of the best lyrics are attributable today. Take into consideration that most songs are about love and adversity. Any satisfaction you had about not having a police record, may be undone today.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 All your problems cannot be solved by putting them in one basket full of eggs.

Tomatoes can be your best friend - go Red for the day. * This horoscope is not sponsored by Heinz, or the Communist Party. I give you permission to do what you want to, today. When in danger, you have a tendency to run away quickly.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 If you feel happy today, try to create something that reflects that happiness.

Your legs look nice today. Show them off in some kind of very short skirt that nearly shows your organy-bits. Yes Derek, I'm talking to you! It may become apparent today that you are gradually becoming what you always hated. Phone your father and tell him.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 The perceived wisdom of freaks will today begin to all-of-a-sudden make a great deal of sense. The mental problem you are having may subside later this week once you relax about things. If you mis-use the word literally once more today ("I *literally* laughed my ass off"), you're going to feel what it's like to be hit "upside the head".

Pisces February 19 - March 20 If you are extremely tired, you may find that you fall asleep at some point. When leaving your house this morning, don't forget to lock up and give the children a pat on the head. Your "rustic charms" are not an excuse for being smelly and dirty.

When hankering for some food you may decide to experiment with various plants avoid those with 3 leaves.

35

The Courier Friday TV

August 3

01:00 01:10 01:55 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 06:00 07:00 10:00 12:20 14:00 14:30 14:45 17:00 19:00 19:30 19:30 20:00 23:00 23:30 23:40

BBC News Olympic Sportsday Holiday Weatherview BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News HARDtalk BBC News Olympic Breakfast Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News; Weather Regional News and Weather Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News Programmes Weather Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News and Weather Olympics Tonight

BBC2 00:30 Lionel Richie - Dancing on the Ceiling 01:30 Engineering Giants 02:30 Panorama 03:00 Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 04:00 Natural World 05:00 Close 07:00 Postman Pat 07:15 Chuggington: Badge Quest 07:20 Timmy Time 07:30 The Adventures of Abney & Teal

07:40 Octonauts 07:50 Rastamouse 08:05 Deadly 60 08:30 Horrible Histories 09:00 The Scooby-Doo Show 09:25 Tree Fu Tom 09:45 Justin's House 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 Olympics 2012 14:45 Escape to the Country 15:15 Flog It! 16:00 Ultimate Sports Day 16:30 Copycats 16:30 Shaun the Sheep Championsheeps 17:00 The Sarah Jane Adventures 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:05 Shaun the Sheep 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Olympics 2012 20:00 A Year in the Wild 21:00 Coast 21:30 Gardeners' World 22:00 The Great British Story: A People's History 23:00 Olympics 2012 23:40 Weather 23:40 Newsnight

00:35 Poms in Paradise 01:05 Jackpot247 01:05 ITV News Headlines 04:00 Tonight 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 05:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 60 Minute Makeover 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Murder, She Wrote" 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Grimefighters 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Soham: A Parents' Tale 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 The Bourne Identity

SOHAM: A PARENTS' TALE Two little girls wearing Manchester United replica kits. Best friends. Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. Both aged ten. Frozen in time at 5.04pm on Sunday, 2 August, 2002, when this last picture (inset right) was taken on the day they were murdered.

00:05 Undercover at the News of the World 01:05 Random Acts 01:10 Undercover Boss 02:05 Jon Richardson: A Little Bit OCD 03:00 A Short History of Everything Else 03:30 Dispatches 04:00 Apocalypse: The Second World War 04:55 Time Team 05:50 Extinct 06:15 Deal or No Deal 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Will & Grace 09:20 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:50 Frasier 10:20 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 A Place in the Sun 14:05 Jamie's 30 Minute Meals 14:35 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 22:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 23:35 The Angelos Epithemiou Show

00:00 Big Brother's Bit on the Side 01:00 SuperCasino 05:00 Great Scientists 05:25 House Doctor 05:45 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 City of Friends 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Castle Farm 07:55 Little Princess 08:05 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Make Way for Noddy 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 10:00 Igam Ogam 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Traders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Extraordinary Dogs 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Living with the Enemy 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Monkey Life 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Cricket on 5 21:00 Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 The Bachelor

36

The Courier Saturday TV

August 4

01:00 BBC News 01:10 Olympic Sportsday 01:55 Weatherview 02:00 BBC News 02:30 Click 03:00 BBC News 03:30 The Record Review 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Click 04:45 Newswatch 05:00 BBC News 05:30 On the Road With 06:00 BBC News 07:00 Olympic Breakfast 09:45 Olympics 2012 12:20 Olympics 2012 14:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 14:15 Olympics 2012 18:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 18:15 Olympics 2012 19:50 Olympics 2012 23:10 BBC News; Weather 23:30 The National Lottery Saturday Night Draws 23:40 Olympics Tonight BBc2 00:10 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 00:20 The Sarah Millican Television Programme 00:50 EastEnders 02:15 Someone Else 03:25 Tom Daley: Diving for Britain 04:20 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 05:05 Close 07:00 Postman Pat 07:15 Timmy Time 07:25 The Adventures of Abney &

Teal 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Rastamouse 00:00 Take Me Out 08:00 Roar 01:15 The Store 08:30 Project Parent 03:15 In Plain Sight 09:00 The Scooby-Doo Show 04:00 ITV Nightscreen 09:20 Dennis and Gnasher 06:30 ITV Morning News 09:35 The Slammer 07:00 Mini CITV 10:00 Who Let the Dogs Out? 08:20 CITV 10:30 Incredible Edibles 09:25 Dinner Date 11:00 My Genius Idea 10:25 ITV News 11:30 Deadly 60 Bites 10:30 House Gift 11:30 Splatalot 11:25 There's No Taste Like Home 12:00 Copycats 12:25 The Hungry Sailors 12:25 OOglies 13:25 ITV News and Weather 12:40 Shaun the Sheep 13:29 Meridian Weather Championsheeps 13:30 Dickinson's Real Deal 12:45 Horrible Histories 14:30 Murder, She Wrote 13:15 Fort Apache 15:20 The Fall of the Roman Empire 15:30 Columbo: It's All in the Game 17:25 Doc Martin 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 18:25 Doc Martin 19:00 Great British Railway 19:25 Meridian News and Weather Journeys 19:40 ITV News and Weather 19:30 Flog It! 20:00 The Zoo 20:30 Dad's Army 21:00 A Touch of Frost 21:00 BBC Proms 2012 23:00 ITV News at Ten and 22:20 QI 22:50 National Lottery Update Weather 22:50 TOTP2 23:14 Meridian Weather 23:50 Little Voice 23:15 The Briefs

FRACTURE Crime thriller starring Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling. Brilliant engineer Ted Crawford shoots his wife when he discovers her infidelity. At first he confesses to the crime but later pleads not guilty and pits himself in court against hotshot lawyer Willy Beachum.

00:10 Friday Night Dinner 00:40 Celebrity Bedlam 01:10 Random Acts 01:15 Exit through the Gift Shop 02:55 My Name Is Earl 03:40 Stonehouse Reunion 03:45 The Million Pound Drop Live 05:05 Channel 4 Presents 05:10 Brain Damage 05:15 St Elsewhere 06:20 Countdown 06:55 The Treacle People 07:05 The Hoobs 07:30 British F3 08:00 The Grid 08:25 Channel 4 Presents 08:30 Road to London 2012: That Paralympic Show 09:00 The Morning Line 10:00 Ibiza Rocks 10:20 T4 Movie Special 10:55 New Girl 11:25 Revenge 12:25 Suburgatory 12:55 Summer Daze 13:25 The Big Bang Theory 14:25 The Simpsons 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 17:10 Channel 4 Presents 17:15 Come Dine with Me 19:45 Channel 4 News 20:15 4thought.tv 20:20 The Million Pound Drop Live 22:00 Fracture

00:00 Big Brother 00:30 Big Brother's Bit on the Side 01:15 SuperCasino 04:55 Motorsport Mundial 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 City of Friends 07:40 Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs 07:50 Abby's Flying Fairy School 08:00 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 Milkshake! Monkey 08:25 Play!

08:35 Noddy in Toyland 08:50 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:00 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 09:55 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers: Super Samurai 11:35 Batman: The Brave and the Bold 12:10 Looney Tunes 12:20 Big Brother 13:20 McBride: Fallen Idol 15:00 Talking to Heaven 18:15 Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise 19:55 5 News Weekend 20:00 Cricket on 5 21:00 NCIS 22:00 Big Brother 23:10 CSI: Miami

37

The Courier Sunday TV

August 5

01:00 BBC News 01:10 Olympic Sportsday 01:55 Weatherview 02:00 BBC News 02:30 HARDtalk 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Dateline London 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Our World 05:00 BBC News 05:30 Click 06:00 BBC News 06:30 The Record Europe 07:00 Olympic Breakfast 10:00 Olympics 2012 11:45 BBC News 11:50 Olympics 2012 14:30 Olympics 2012 17:00 Olympics 2012 18:35 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:00 Olympics 2012 19:50 Olympics 2012 23:15 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:40 Olympics Tonight BBC2 01:20 Clare 02:50 07:00 07:15 07:25 Teal

The Boys & Girl from County Close Postman Pat Timmy Time The Adventures of Abney &

07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Rastamouse 08:00 Roar 08:30 Paradise Cafe 08:55 Hacker Time 09:25 Dennis and Gnasher 09:35 Deadly 60 Bites 10:00 Who Let the Dogs Out? 10:30 Junior Bake Off 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 Weather for the Week Ahead 12:30 Raymond Blanc: The Very Hungry Frenchman 13:30 Buchanan Rides Alone 14:50 Olympics 2012 17:30 Great British Railway Journeys 18:00 Songs of Praise 18:35 Olympics 2012 19:00 A History of Ancient Britain 20:00 Antiques Roadshow 21:00 Exploring China: A Culinary Adventure 22:00 The Dark: Nature's Nighttime World 23:00 Edge of Darkness

00:00 01:15 01:15 03:15 04:00 06:30 07:00 08:20 09:25 10:25 10:30 11:25 12:25 13:25 13:29 13:30 14:30 15:30 17:25 18:25 19:25 19:40 20:00 21:00 23:00 23:14 23:15

Take Me Out ITV News Headlines The Store In Plain Sight ITV Nightscreen ITV Morning News Mini CITV CITV Dinner Date ITV News House Gift There's No Taste Like Home The Hungry Sailors ITV News and Weather Meridian Weather Dickinson's Real Deal Murder, She Wrote Columbo: It's All in the Game Doc Martin Doc Martin Meridian News and Weather ITV News and Weather The Zoo A Touch of Frost ITV News at Ten and Weather Meridian Weather The Briefs

HAIRSPRAY Satirical musical comedy starring John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky and Michelle Pfeiffer. In 1960s Baltimore, chubby teenager Tracy Turnblad wins a place on her favourite television dance show. She soon faces a battle with ruthless station manager Velma von Tussle, who fears Tracy may steal the Miss Teenage Hairspray crown from her daughter.

00:15 Heat 03:15 The Million Pound Drop Live 04:45 Channel 4 Presents 04:50 Happy Endings 05:10 St Elsewhere 06:00 Deal or No Deal 06:55 Sali Mali 07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Intelligent Sport UK Challenge 08:25 Channel 4 Presents 08:30 Road to London 2012: Paralympics Extra 09:00 Will & Grace 09:50 Frasier 10:20 Frasier 11:00 Sunday Brunch 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:35 The Simpsons 15:35 Jamie Does 16:40 How to Cook Like Heston 17:15 Deal or No Deal 18:15 Hairspray 20:25 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 Thelma's Gypsy Girls 23:00 Sex and the City: the Movie

00:10 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 01:10 SuperCasino 05:00 HouseBusters 05:25 Divine Designs 05:50 Rough Guide to Eco Escapes 06:00 Hana's Helpline 06:10 The Milkshake! Show 06:35 Thomas & Friends 06:45 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 City of Friends 07:40 Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs 07:50 Castle Farm 07:55 Abby's Flying Fairy School 08:05 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:15 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:25 Play!

08:35 Noddy in Toyland 08:45 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 08:50 Milkshake! Show Challenges 08:55 Milkshake! Show Songs 09:00 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 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:10 The Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers: Super Samurai 11:35 Batman: The Brave and the Bold 12:10 Looney Tunes 12:20 Monkey Life 12:50 Big Brother 13:55 Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD 15:35 Police Academy 6: City under Siege 17:20 The Karate Kid 19:55 5 News Weekend 20:00 Cricket on 5 21:00 Once Upon a Time 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Ultraviolet

38

The Courier Monday TV

August 6

01:00 01:10 01:55 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 06:45 07:00 10:00 12:30 14:00 14:30 14:45 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 23:00 23:30 23:40

BBC News Olympic Sportsday Weatherview BBC News Five Minutes With BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News HARDtalk BBC News World Business Report BBC News Olympic Breakfast Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News; Weather Regional News and Weather Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News Programmes Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News and Weather Olympics Tonight

Teal 07:40 07:50 08:05 08:30 09:00 09:25 09:45 10:15 11:00 12:00 12:45 13:15 14:00 14:45 15:15 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:05 18:15 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00 23:40

Octonauts Rastamouse Deadly 60 Horrible Histories The Scooby-Doo Show Tree Fu Tom Justin's House Heir Hunters Homes Under the Hammer Cowboy Trap Cash in the Attic Bargain Hunt Olympics 2012 Escape to the Country Flog It! Ultimate Sports Day Copycats The Sarah Jane Adventures Project Parent Newsround Shaun the Sheep Antiques Road Trip Olympics 2012 Coast EastEnders Panorama Horizon Olympics 2012 Newsnight

00:20 Premiership Rugby Sevens Series 01:15 ITV News Headlines 01:15 The Store 03:15 Golden Balls 04:05 Motorsport UK 04:55 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 60 Minute Makeover 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Murder, She Wrote 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Countrywise 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 The Hit Factory: The Stock Aitken & Waterman Story 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight 23:35 Real Crime

HORIZON

BBC2 00:45 02:30 03:30 04:00 04:45 07:00 07:15 07:20 07:30

Judgment Night Holby City Britain's Heritage Heroes Real Rescues Close Postman Pat Chuggington: Badge Quest Timmy Time The Adventures of Abney &

Michael Mosley sets himself an ambitious goal - he wants to live longer, stay younger and lose weight, making as few changes to his life as possible along the way. He explores new research that sheds light on the benefits of fasting and believes he has found a way of doing it that still allows him to enjoy his food. He then tests the science on himself - with life-changing results.

01:50 35 Shots of Rum 03:35 Camelot 04:25 Hollyoaks 06:30 Deal or No Deal 07:25 Channel 4 Presents 07:30 The Treacle People 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Will & Grace 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 A Place in the Sun 14:05 Channel 4 Presents 14:10 Rescue Remedies 14:20 How to Marry a Millionaire 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 Simply Italian 22:00 Undercover Boss 23:00 Thelma's Gypsy Girls

00:50 Alien Hunter 02:35 SuperCasino 05:00 Sons of Anarchy 05:45 Rough Guide to Weekend Breaks 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 07:30 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 Make Way for Noddy 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 10:00 Igam Ogam 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Chopped 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Extraordinary Dogs 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:10 Accidental Friendship 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Monkey Life 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Cricket on 5 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 The Walking Dead 23:55 Red Sonja

39

The Courier Tuesday TV

August 7

01:00 01:10 01:55 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 06:45 07:00 10:00 12:15 14:30 15:00 15:15 17:00 19:00 19:30 19:30 20:00 23:00 23:30 23:30 23:40

BBC News Olympic Sportsday Weatherview BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News HARDtalk BBC News World Business Report BBC News Olympic Breakfast Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News; Weather Regional News and Weather Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News Programmes Weather Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News and Weather National Lottery Update Olympics Tonight

07:30 The Adventures of Abney & Teal 07:40 Octonauts 07:50 Rastamouse 08:05 Deadly 60 08:30 Horrible Histories 09:00 The Scooby-Doo Show 09:25 Tree Fu Tom 09:45 Justin's House 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:45 Bargain Hunt 14:30 Olympics 2012 15:15 Flog It! 16:00 Ultimate Sports Day 16:30 Copycats 17:00 The Sarah Jane Adventures 17:30 Serious Explorers: Livingstone 18:00 Newsround 18:05 Shaun the Sheep 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Olympics 2012 20:00 Helicopter Rescue 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 The Midwives 23:00 Olympics 2012 23:40 Weather 23:40 Newsnight

00:35 In Plain Sight 01:25 ITV News Headlines 01:25 Jackpot247 03:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 05:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 60 Minute Makeover 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Murder, She Wrote 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Trash to Treasure 21:00 Lewis 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 The Island

MONKEY LIFE

BBc2 00:30 World 01:30 02:30 03:30 04:00 04:45 07:00 07:15 07:20

The Dark: Nature's Nighttime Coast Alex Polizzi: The Fixer Britain's Heritage Heroes Real Rescues Close Postman Pat Chuggington: Badge Quest Timmy Time

Tensions are high as Sammy the chimp, one of the park's oldest and most popular residents, goes into surgery. The stump-tailed macaque house gets a makeover to accommodate its elderly monkeys and the capuchins go cherry-picking.

00:05 Coming Up 00:40 The Swimmer 01:00 Random Acts 01:05 Embarrassing Bodies 02:05 The Good Wife 03:30 The Big C 04:30 Happy Endings 04:50 Mesh 04:55 St Elsewhere 05:45 Deal or No Deal 06:40 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 07:05 Channel 4 Presents 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Will & Grace 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Channel 4 Presents 13:10 A Place in the Sun 14:05 Jungle Book 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 22:00 The Girl Who Became Three Boys 23:00 Lost Children

01:45 Comedy Kings: Best of Just for Laughs 02:10 SuperCasino 04:55 Great Scientists 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 City of Friends 07:30 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 Make Way for Noddy 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Abby's Flying Fairy School 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Chopped 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Extraordinary Dogs 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:05 Impact 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Monkey Life 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads 21:00 World's Tallest Towers 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 Big Brother

40

The Courier Wednesday TV

August 8

01:00 01:10 01:55 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 06:45 07:00 10:00 12:30 14:00 14:30 14:45 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 23:00 23:30 23:40

BBC News Olympic Sportsday Weatherview BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News HARDtalk BBC News World Business Report BBC News Olympic Breakfast Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News; Weather Regional News and Weather Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News Programmes Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News and Weather Olympics Tonight

BBC2 00:30 The Super League Show 01:15 Indian Ocean with Simon Reeve 02:15 Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 03:15 Britain's Heritage Heroes 03:45 Real Rescues 04:30 Close 07:00 Postman Pat 07:15 Chuggington: Badge Quest

07:20 07:30 Teal 07:40 07:50 08:05 08:30 09:00 09:25 09:45 10:15 11:00 12:00 12:45 13:15 14:00 14:45 15:15 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:05 18:15 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:40

Timmy Time The Adventures of Abney & Octonauts Rastamouse Deadly 60 Horrible Histories The Scooby-Doo Show Tree Fu Tom Justin's House Heir Hunters Homes Under the Hammer Cowboy Trap Cash in the Attic Bargain Hunt Olympics 2012 Escape to the Country Flog It! Ultimate Sports Day Copycats The Sarah Jane Adventures Jedward's Big Adventure Newsround Shaun the Sheep Antiques Road Trip Olympics 2012 Coast Restoration Home Vexed Olympics 2012 Newsnight

02:00 Jackpot247 04:00 Golden Balls 04:50 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 60 Minute Makeover 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Murder, She Wrote 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 The Lakes 21:00 Agatha Christie's Poirot 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 Dead Calm

BRITAIN'S STRANGEST PETS Jack Heathcoat takes cameras on a tour of his basement, which he has converted into a tropical aquarium, and Hertfordshire pet-shop owner Mark Amey introduces his collection of deadly reptiles. The programme also features Glenn and Maureen Cousins, whose 4.5m-long Burmese python Mia is believed to be one of the biggest snakes in England, and a Labrador that enjoys tea and surfing.

00:05 Random Acts 00:10 Best of British 02:15 Poker 03:10 KOTV Boxing Weekly 03:35 Sailing 04:00 FIVB Beach Volleyball 04:55 Intelligent Sport UK Challenge 05:20 The Grid 05:45 British F3 06:10 FIM World Superbikes 06:40 Road to London 2012: Paralympics Extra 07:05 The Hoobs 07:55 Channel 4 Presents 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Will & Grace 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:30 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Jamie's 30 Minute Meals 13:35 Rescue Remedies 13:45 Billy Rose's Jumbo 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 SuperScrimpers 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 Secrets of the Pickpockets

00:00 Big Brother's Bit on the Side 01:00 Banged Up Abroad 02:00 SuperCasino 04:55 Great Artists 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 City of Friends 07:30 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 Make Way for Noddy 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Abby's Flying Fairy School 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Chopped 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Extraordinary Dogs 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:05 Impact 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Monkey Life 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 The Hotel Inspector 21:00 Britain's Strangest Pets 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Fatima Whitbread: Growing Up in Care

TKO FM - WEEKLY POWER PLAY

Andy Grammer - Miss Me This is the follow-up to ‘Fine By Me’ and the next single from Andy’s debut LP. Released last June, the album peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Heat seekers Albums Chart.

TKO GOLD - FUTURE GOLD TRACK TKO GOLD -

Jamie Cullum Everything You Didn’t Do 'Everything You Didn't Do' has been the music behind a new campaign here in Spain for the brand San Miguel. Jamie has not only written the music for the campaign, but also features in the commercial himself to Demonstrate that borders do not exist and that there are more things that unite us than separate us.

All you have to do is take the first letter from each answer to find the name of a band or artist.

1. A Salty Dog with a Homburg should identify this group.

2. Eddie Grant was a founder member of this band.

3. Where did Freddie Cannons lassie come from.

4. This Brian was an original member of Roxy Music.

5. The Wurzels & Kaiser Chiefs both wooed this lass.

6. Who went from a Jack to a King in 1963.

7. This Tonys surname is the same as an American holiday resort.

8. First Uk number one for the Big O. 9. In 1967 Keith Emerson keyboard wizard formed this group.

10. The Frantic what morphed into Simply Red.

Listen to Chris Ashley, Saturdays, 9am - 12pm and see if you can win a meal for two and a bottle of wine at Quesada Fish & Chips

41

The Courier Thursday TV

August 9

01:00 01:10 01:55 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 06:45 07:00 10:00 12:30 14:00 14:30 14:45 17:00 19:00 19:30 19:30 20:00 23:00 23:30 23:40

BBC News Olympic Sportsday Weatherview BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Panorama BBC News World Business Report BBC News Olympic Breakfast Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News; Weather Regional News and Weather Olympics 2012 Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News Programmes Weather Olympics 2012 BBC News Regional News and Weather Olympics Tonight

BBC2 00:30 The National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 00:35 National Lottery Update 00:35 The Midwives 01:35 DIY SOS: The Big Build 02:35 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 03:20 Food Factory 03:50 Real Rescues 04:35 Close 07:00 Postman Pat 07:15 Chuggington: Badge Quest

07:20 Timmy Time 07:30 The Adventures of Abney & Teal 07:40 Octonauts 07:50 Rastamouse 08:05 Deadly 60 08:30 Horrible Histories 09:00 The Scooby-Doo Show 09:25 Tree Fu Tom 09:45 Justin's House 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 Olympics 2012 15:15 Flog It! 16:00 Ultimate Sports Day 16:30 Copycats 17:00 The Sarah Jane Adventures 17:30 Roy 18:00 Newsround 18:05 Shaun the Sheep 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Olympics 2012 20:00 Coast 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight 22:00 Wonderland 23:00 Olympics 2012 23:40 Newsnight

01:20 ITV News Headlines 01:20 Jackpot247 03:05 Spartacus 06:10 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 60 Minute Makeover 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Murder, She Wrote 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Dinner Date 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 The Briefs 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonightr 23:35 The Talent Show Story

BORN TO KILL A psychological profile of former nurse Beverley Allitt, who is currently serving 13 life sentences for murdering four children and injuring nine others at Grantham Hospital in Lincolnshire in 1991.

Psychologists and criminology experts explore the possible motives for her crimes, examining her behaviour during childhood, when she was known to be an attention seeker.

00:05 Random Acts 00:10 2 Broke Girls 01:10 New Girl 01:40 Summer Daze 02:05 Mercury Prize Sessions 02:20 Ibiza Rocks 02:35 Spotlight 02:50 4Play 03:10 Home Road Movies 03:25 Mogambo 05:25 Countdown 06:10 Deal or No Deal 07:05 Channel 4 Presents 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Will & Grace 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Jamie's 30 Minute Meals 13:35 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 13:55 Meet Me in St Louis 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 The Churchills 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic 23:00 True Stories

00:00 Big Brother's Bit on the Side 01:00 Born to Kill 02:00 SuperCasino 04:55 Great Artists 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 City of Friends 07:30 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 Make Way for Noddy 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Abby's Flying Fairy School 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Chopped 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Extraordinary Dogs 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:10 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:15 Jane Doe: The Harder they Fall 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Monkey Life 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Cowboy Traders 21:00 Born to Kill 22:00 The Hotel Inspector 23:00 Big Brother

42

Friday, August 3, 2012

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.

ALARMS ADT Authorised Distributor Fully fitted Alarm systems Approved by the Guardia Civil. Masterboard key pad with remote control. A wireless or fixed control handset. Two image movement detectors with microphones. Movement

ALTERATIONS

ANN SUMMERS

detector. Wall alarm with the ADT logo.GPRS / GSM Transmitter sim card for transmitting video and alarm signals. Sent to your mobile phone. All this for 149 € + iva.

Installed. Then 29€ a Month.

For professional advice and quotation Call 966 923 963 (76)

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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, 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

CARS FOR SALE 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 Opal Corsa 1.2 twinport, auto, 2005 model 5 dr, 2 owners, 93,000kms, A/C, CD, Red, lovely condition throughout 5,450 euros 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com

BOUTIQUE

Ford Street KA 1.6 Cabriolet, Aug 2003, 2 owners, 50,000 kms, FSH, Alloys, A/C, front fogs, remote locking, finished in met silver, block hood, full charcoal leather interior eye catching super car 5,950 euros 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Peugeot 206 1.4 HDI 5 DR, 2007, 2 owners, 56,000 kms, high spec, alloys, cd, integrated tom tom navigation, met black beautiful condition 6450 euros 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Mini one 1.6 90 bhp 2005, 2 owners 55,000 kms FSH, chilli pack, 17" full sport alloys, finished in met blue/black, front fogs, CD, RHD, Spanish registered 5950 euros Also available LHD AUTO MODEL 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Seat Ibiza 1.9 TDI (100 BHP) 2006 5 DR, 1 owner, 84,000 kms, FSH, alloys, climate, electric windows, remote central locking, front fogs, rear head restraint, tow pack, finished in beautiful light pearlescent blue 7450 euros 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Ford Focus 1.6 auto tiptronic 2005, facelift model, 1 owner 68,000 kms FSH, fully equipped with air con, Cruise control, CD multi airbag, rear

BARBER

luggage cover, rear head restraint, alloys, silver 7,450 euros 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Looking for a car? We have a good selection of LHD & RHD vehicles for sale or exchange Tel 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Renault Megan Gran Scenic 7 seater, June 2011 latest model, 1.6 dci 6 spd, dynamque, 1 owner, 21,000 kms, fully serviced, cruise control, front fogs, cd, rear picnic table, rear light sensors, ISOFIX stunning condition, pearlescent white with half leather, Cost 25,000 euros new - 18,950 euros with manufacturers warranty 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,

CARPENTER

“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.

MEDICAL 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 FOR RENT Viva Villa and Vacation Services, For Short or Long Term Rentals visit: www.villaandvacation.com or Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

CAR MECHANICS

AUCTIONS

BLINDS

AIR CONDITIONING

AUTO ELECTRICIAN

AIRPORT COLLECTION

COMPUTERS ALARMS

BOARDING KENNELS

CLEANERS

43

Friday, August 3, 2012 PROPERTY FOR RENT Large 2 Bed Apartment in Torrevieja Centre furnished with aircon. Holiday lets from mid August at 350€ a week or Long lets from 380€ a Month plus Utilities. Call 618 715 998 (79) 2 or 3 bed/2 bath apartments in San Miguel. Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry system. Available for short or long term rent from 300 pcm. Tel 966723437 or 636615716. (77) 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms fully furnished villa to let on a small urb €500 per month plus bills.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

El Chaparel/La Siesta Two bedroom apartment in a quiet gated urbanisation for rent €350 per month plus bills.

Reference No 17 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 49, 2nd floor one bedroom apartment situated conveniently located in the town centre of Torrevieja, with a small sun balcony overlooking the lovely communal pool.

Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref 33, Ground floor spacious 2 bedroom apartment, located in Torre la Mata. Close to all amenities and beach.

3 month rental €300pcm Call:

DRAINAGE

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 rental available. 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. 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 rental €800PCM, Short term available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref 702: Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment, located near los Locos beach, beautifully furnished. Short term rentals from 175€ per week. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 104, 2 Bedroom apartment in Torrevieja, (near gypsy lane), small balcony, near all amenities and Friday market. €350pcm 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. 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 dis-

ELECTRICAL REPAIRS

DOORS

DENTIST

tance of the excellent beaches and a good selection of restaurants, shops and bars.

Long and short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 61, A lovely two bedroomed ground floor apartment, located in the centre of the small Spanish town of Los Montesinos, With a pleasant communal swimming pool adjacent & all amenities in walking distance. Long and short term rental available.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

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 We urgently require properties for sale or rent in Orihuela Costa & surrounding areas for waiting clients. Please contact Sitara Properties on 966723437 or 636615716.

(77) Lovely Corner property in Novamar V, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Being sold fully furnished including appliances, Has secure underground parking and faces large oasis communal pool. Walking distance to beach. 139.000 Euros, Call 627 711 155 and quote Ref No. K10 Ground floor duplex, with splendid views. Quiet location in Gran Alacant. Immaculate condition. Price has just been reduced to 105.000 and includes everything. For viewing call 627 711 155 Ref. No K27 Rare opportunity to purchase on Mediterrania III, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Private Parking, F/Furnished, Large communal pools & Tennis courts S/W facing, Dramatically reduced for quick sale to 126.000 euros. Ref No. K58 Call 627 711 155 for immediate viewing Don Pueblo, Gran Alacant. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Large Kitchen with Galleria, Secure underground parking,

Gas Central Heating, Glazed in Porch, Solarium with stunning views.

Viewings absolutely essential. Very large property at reduced price of 190.000 euros. Ref No. K38 Call 627 711 155 Opportunity to purchase at the off plan price of 195.000 euros. Large 4 Bed, 3 Bath Brand new property. Secure underground parking for 2 cars and communal pool.

Situated opposite Gran Alacant and over looks projected golf course. Ref No. K52. 627 711 155 2 Bed, 1 Bath Ground floor duplex. Central heating, Grills, Fully furnished, Glazed in Galleria, 2 communal pools, private parking and walking distance to the Gran Alacant commercial centre. Situated in the popular urbanisation of Puerto Marino. Now only 96,500 euros for quick sale Ref No. K46. 627 711 155 Immaculate ground floor Duplex, 2 beds, 2 bath, Private Parking, Situated in Novamar, Gran Alacant. Price includes very tasteful furniture and white goods. Walking distance to all local amenities and beach. Now only 129,750 euros. Ref No K24. 627 711 155

Gran Alacant Detached villa, located in a very sought after location.Situated on a 560m2 S/W facing plot and constructed in 2005. Comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 full baths), Lounge-Diner, fully equipped Kitchen, Porch and Solarium with Alicante & Sea Views. ref.L81. €258,000 neg.

Tel. 680333242 Ref 533: Lovely 2 bedroom Townhouse located in the popular area of Punta Prima, the property has a large lounge and fully equipped kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, one with balcony, bathroom with double shower. €126,000 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Gran Alacant Opportunity to purchase a beautiful 3 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed,large kitchen, detached property with roof- top solarium. Well established gardens and drive way for 2 cars, whilst also overlooking the projected 18 hole golf course. Comprising of fitted wardrobes, utility room, air con H/C, alarm system, electric wall heaters, intercom system, fireplace, ceilings fans, 8x7 gazebo, use of 2 large communal pools, immaculate condition with many extras. ref K12. €180,000 Tel 680333242

FAST BROADBAND

INTERIOR DESIGN

ENERGY SAVER

DAMP PROOFING

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

FISHING

HAIRDRESSERS

DOG GROOMING

INK

44

Friday, August 3, 2012

Gran Alacant bargain, detached villa with pool on 400m2 plot. Briefly comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Lounge Diner, independent kitchen, solarium with views, well maintained gardens.

Quiet location yet within walking distance of all amenities.

Top quality furniture and appliances included in the price.

LOCKSMITH

Extras include, mosquito nets, grills, toldos blinds, built in wardrobes, gas fire, electric heating, ceiling fans, English & Spanish TV, tastefully tiled & graveled garden with irrigation system. ref K43. €229,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant South facing attractive corner house Situated in the sought after urbanization of Monte Faro, this secure gated urbanization offers a stunning oasis pool, with mountain views, tennis courts and football courts.

Consisting of 3 double beds with balconies, 2 bathrooms, kitchen leading onto court yard which can easily be converted into an extra room, lounge diner with working fireplace, front garden with private parking for 2 cars. Being sold fully furnishes with white goods, built in 2006 so immaculate condition hardly

lived in. Ref K48 €168,000 priced for quick sale Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant Gem! Fabulous detached Villa, with Alicante sea views to the front and wood land views to the rear, means this immaculate villa is very private and un-overlooked. Comprising of 2 large bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 bath, large fully equipped kitchen,glazed porch sitting area, solarium, Attractive Pool with cover, well maintained Gardens. Central Heating, Air Con, Ceiling fans, Private Parking, Alarm system, Decorative working Fire Place complete with electric Fire. Outdoor work- shop/storage area, Quality Pergola & BBQ. Constructed in 2006, on plot size of 380m2 and being sold fully furnished including white goods. ref L80. €234,995 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant immaculate villa, 3 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed property maintained to a very high standard inside and out and the interior furnishings are top quality, offering a feeling of luxury and good taste.

The plot size is 400m2 and has been beautifully tiles, and graveled and has established palms and plants. Oil fired central heating throughout, log effect fire place, ceiling fans in all rooms, towel heater rails, glazed in shower units, instant hot water, water purifier, free English TV, phone & internet lines, fitted double hanging wardrobes, safe, glazed in front porch, vanity units and much more. The pool is an 8 X 4 m2 salt water pool, meaning maintenance is

MOSQIUITO SCREENS LAUNDERETTE

much easier plus outside toilet and shower. Sea views to front with Greenland views to the rear. ref K51. €245,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant immaculate outstanding south facing villa in sought after road. Set on a 350m2 plot with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths,large porch, solarium and terraces. The large under build includes a lounge, kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom and patio doors leading to pool area. Internal & external access for under build. Extras include electric radiators, air con H/C, ceiling fans, gas fire, heated towel rails, extended walk-in shower, fitted wardrobes. Decorative tiling inside and out. Panoramic views towards Alicante Bay, Sky TV, phone line and Internet & Private parking, established gardens, water features and fruit trees. Being sold with exquisite furniture and all white goods.

Immaculate finishes and decor. ref L84. €278,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant South facing attractive corner house Situated in the sought after urbanization of Monte Faro, this secure gated urbanization offers a stunning oasis pool, with mountain views, tennis courts and football courts.

Consisting of 3 double beds with balconies, 2 bathrooms, kitchen leading onto court yard which can easily be converted into an extra room, lounge diner with working fireplace, front garden with private parking for 2 cars. Being sold fully furnishes with white goods, built in 2006 so immaculate condition hardly lived in. Ref K48 €168,000 priced for quick sale Tel 680333242 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 Balsares is opposite Gran Alacant where the proposed golf course is now being started so this property will virtually be on the golf course, it is an investment not to be missed. The property is on a small gated urbanisation of 18 houses with private underground parking for 2 cars and direct access to the house, communal pool and toilets/changing rooms etc.

The house is brand new and consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lounge with working fire place, large kitchen 12 m2, large galleria/ utility room, bedroom balcony and front tiled terrace. This property also has a converted under build for an extra lounge or bedroom. ref K52 €198,000 Tel 680333242 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: 516, €39,999. Studio apartment in San Luis, close to amenities. Open plan fully equipped kitchen. Good sized lounge, bedroom and out onto balcony which has been glazed to create another room. Call: 965 707 188 or

626 397 397 Ref: 510, €70,000. Bungalow located in San Luis. It is close to the supermarkets, bars and restaurants and is on the local bus route. An Opel Corsa car is included in this sale. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: KP3100, €183,000.

Three bedroom, two bathroom detached villa, located in San Luis, on a 450sqm plot, with communal pool. Garage to side of house. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 78, €120,000. Three bedroom Quad in Jardin Del Mar VII. There is off-road 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 apartment in the area of Torreblanca. There is a large communal pool and well maintained gardens, with tennis courts and childrens play area. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

PAVING

SURVEYS

TELEVISION

TATTOOS

MASSAGE KENNELS

PETS

POOLS

PERSONAL

MOBILE CAR REPAIRS

PLUMBERS

NEWS AGENTS

POOL TABLES

PLASTERER

45

Friday, August 3, 2012 Gran Alacant, Situated in the "Alto" part of Gran Alacant, this 3 bedroomed, 4th floor apartment, offers luxury accommodation, with absolutely stunning sea views, as well as views of Alicante bay and the famous Santa Barbara Castle.The apartment is 89 square meters with open plan kitchen / living room and includes all electrical appliances & furni-

REMOVALS

ture also there is a utility room, open terrace, and private parking. The urbanisation also offers many communal pools, tennis courts, restaurants and bars. Ref. K20 €109,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 520, €85,000. Two bedroom apartment in Dream Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge, glazedin terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large communal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref 532: 3 Bedroom Detached villa Located on the edge of a small Spanish village with 3,800 sqm of landscaped gardens, Private Pool, Bargain €180,000 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Gran Alacant, Large detached villa with beautiful gardens set on 550m2 plot, built in BBQ area and large 10x6 pool.Comprising of 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms,

Lounge Diner with fire place, Independent Kitchen, air con H/C, Solarium, front porch, converted under build with 3 extra rooms, private covered parking, irrigated gardens, close distance to beach and amenities. Ref. K18 €250,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, detached villa in desirable road close to all amenities, comprising of 3 double bedrooms, 3 baths, lounge diner with working fire place, brand new kitchen with all appliances and black granite work tops, private pool, plot of 550m2, established irrigated gardens and fruit trees, private parking, solarium, also there is a converted under build giving more bedrooms ,bathroom & kitchen, this house has many extras and is being sold fully furnished.

Ref.k47. €280,000 neg Tel 680333242 Top floor Duplex. Very good price of 108.000 euros for a quick sale. Furnished to a very high standard, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, Lounge Diner, Glazed in Porch, Large Roof Top Solarium. Choice of Communal Pools, Private Parking. Walking distance to all amenities and on the First

urbanisation as you enter Gran Alacant. Viewing essential. Ref No. K44. Tel. 627 711 155

RESTAURANT EL TORO CARVERY. The Only 7 day a week carvery.

Prices from just 5,50 €.

Monday night Pie Night.

Wednesday Night Spice Night. Friday Fish Night.

Saturday Steak Night.

Karaoke every Thursday night. Full A La Carte Menu.

Carvery available evenings only (unless pre booked) from 6th till 31st Aug Mon to Friday.

CV951 Road to Torremendo..

Call 633154038 for reservations. All types of Parties Occasions catered for. (79)

STORAGE

SITUATIONS VACANT Beautician and hair stylist required for busy salon in Urb La Marina. Call 636 948 226 for more information. (76) The installation company www.jovalaccesibilidad.com is looking for independent sales representatives to promote and sell their products throughout the province of Alicante and Murcia. Essential Spanish and English speaking. To arrange an interview, call 966 090 762 (79) QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN all areas, own transport call Stuart 695 175 496 Distributors wanted www.powertunespain.com (76)

SOLICITORS Need English Speaking Solicitors in Torrevieja? Let us

help to solve your problems with debt recovery, divorce, property, accident claims, legalise land. Call us on 966 923 963, give us brief details and get in touch with your specialist solicitor.

WIG SPECIALIST SALON MARGARETHAS, 23 years in Torrevieja Hair/Wig specialist for Medical illness and Hair Loss problems. We offer different Hair Replacements, top fillers, Hair prostheses, Toupees and Wigs, Natural and Artificial hair and much more. Also fashion/festival accessories TV/TS are welcome to our service. Please call our salon reception for an appointment with Margaretha on Tel no 966 921 846 Torrevieja (64)

WANTED

SEWING

RAG AND BONE MAN

WATER FILTERS

SUN PROTECTION

RECYCLING CLOTHES

UPHOLSTERY

46

Friday, August 3, 2012

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

ON COURSE FOR DISASTER Huge IVA hike could drive Costa golf to destruction

WE all know the economical situation Europe is in - and none more so than our adopted country, Spain. at the same time we are baffled at the decisions politicians take, but when it affects our beloved golf and our pockets, we have to ask WTF is going on?

Most of us live on fixed incomes that have already been eroded by the crisis and golf clubs have taken a long time to recognise that their prices had to come down as the expat resident golfer was disappearing. It is only in recent months that green fees have become more reasonable.

The politicians make it difficult to find the golf courses by not allowing road signs. But now they have gone too far by increasing IVA by a whopping 13% from September 1.

The ramifications of this are massive; around 60% of the tourists coming to Spain are golfers, who also spend on hotels, transport, food and drink. There is a great danger of the politicians shooting themselves in the foot (should be the head!).

JOEL TEREBA and Emma Cagigao (pictured above) both struck gold as Torrevieja swimmers travelled to Monovar for the final competition of the season.

Joel won gold in the boys Infantil 200m freestyle with a time of 2:10:80, while Emma followed suit in the girls Junior 100m freestyle (1:04:93).

Teammate Ruth Brassington also achieved a new personal best in finishing third in her age group.

Of the younger swimmers, Samira Lucumi and Victoria Pigneur finished second and third in their 50m freestyle category, Piroska Rideg fourth and Zoe Connolly third. Nadya Cheetham was second in the 100m breaststroke and the boys relay team fifth in the Benjamin 4x50m medal relay.

Many resident golf societies have pre-booked their golf, as have holiday golfers, SO WILL THE COURSES HOLD THE AGREED PRE IVA INCREASE GREEN FEE FOR DATES BOOKED AFTER SEPTEMBER 1? It’s worth asking the question if you have booked in advance Autumn and winter months are the ‘High Season’ for golf operations so this could have a dramatic effect on the golf tourism business.

Portugal increased IVA by 6% (to 23%) on golf courses and there has been a sizeable downturn in visitors. A golf pro I contacted in Portugal told me: “Yes, the rate change is nothing but bad for the golf industry as most courses have had to elevate their costs and thereby prices.

“The market was already quieter than in previous years and the feeling amongst the people involved in the industry is that this could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.’’

Clients staying in villas are not getting great deals compared to the hotel clients even if they book through tour operators. The other big problem is secondary spend here - buggies are ridiculous at €50 per round. That’s in Portugal, so how long will it be before it happens here?

The president of the Business Association of Hotels Benidorm and the Costa Blanca (HOSBEC), Antonio Mayor, has asked the Government to "reconsider the proposed VAT increases for theme parks, nightclubs and golf as tourism products".

He has also sent a letter to the Ministers of Economy, Finance and Tourism, the Secretary of State for Tourism and to deputies and senators of the ruling PP party to "carry out a reflection and reconsider the impact" that the increase of IVA will have for certain components of tourism.

Currently, tourism products and services attract a reduced rate of IVA (8% which will rise to 10% in September) and accommodation and transport fall into this category. The hotel association want products such as theme parks, nightclubs and golf courses reclassified as they are directly related to the flow of foreign and Spanish tourists and so are necessary to keep Spain in its privileged position in world tourism.

For whatever reason, these products have "unexpectedly" been placed in the 21% bracket, which will lead to a loss of competitiveness in their respective business segments.

Currently these three categories of products are in the reduced 8% category as they are classed as tourist related but by placing them in the 21% bracket, it means a massive 13% hike in prices!

The current, just-about acceptable 45€ green fee will go up to 50€ but if I read it correctly the lease of golf buggies to the golf courses will increase, so the “all inclusive” green fee will go up, too.

We are all more than aware of the delicate social and economic situation but most leisure operations implement measures to maintain tourism, but the Government need to be

aware what impact this 13% increase will have and the need to protect and support tourism.

The hotels association have requested specifically a review of IVA rates affecting these companies so that they are linked to tourism marketing and to maintain their position in the reduced IVA, as they have done so far.

The IVA increases do not come into effect until September, specifically to avoid any effect on the busy summer tourist trade, (oh, there’s a surprise) but businesses have already felt the impact with a drop in trade, particularly from the domestic market.

Spain is a very popular golfing destination – with the prolific number of courses on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida attracting many weekend golfers from the UK, especially as it’s such a short flight.

The question that concerns me is that if this represents a strategy for tourism, it will lead to thousands of unemployed and the closure of courses and hotels. And with it, the transformation of the Costas into what it was 20 years ago, a destination only for sun and sea Will the IVA hikes make a difference to tourism? Only time will tell. Golfing is fairly expensive anyway so will a 13% increase affect business? It could be that the golf courses that are running ‘on air’ at the moment may have to enough is enough and close.

The proposed increases are still being clarified. For instance, spectacles and contact lenses are now only going up to the subsidised 10% band and not the 21% as was initially announced.

There may yet be other changes - September is a long way away... especially in politics.

47

Friday, August 3, 2012

LITTLE BOY BLUE, COME SHOW US YOUR FORM

Premier giants chase whiz-kid Foday, 13 WHILE Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea fight it out Jordan Rhodes and Arsenal's unsettled midfield man Andrey for the signature of Brazilian star Neymar, Manchester Arshavin.

City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Arsenal Huddersfield are reckoned to want somewhere in the and Chelsea are said to be battling for the signature of region of £8m for Rhodes, who is untried so far outside a 13-year-old!

League One. But with Huddersfield promoted to the Sierra Leone-born central midfielder Foday Nabay is the Championship they are not about to let their star man go on kid in question. He only turns 14 on Sunday but is already the cheap and want to ensure they have plenty in the transbeing touted as one of football's hottest properties.

Foday Nabay: His club, Birmingham City, have managed He won’t be 14 to keep the youngster under wraps up to now until Sunday but the chase for his signature got under way after he let his registration expire and the Blues will only be due around £65-85,000 in compensation if he does opt to go elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the big money talk revolves around Neymar and Arsenal's Robin van Persie, who is said to have already signed a deal with Juventus. Man City are also said to be ready to move for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, which indicates they are resigned to losing out on Van Persie.

Another Spanish club, Malaga, are also reckoned to be on the verge of selling 27year-old midfielder Santi Cazorla to Arsenal for £17.3m. Clubs are also queuing up to sign Liverpool misfit Andy Carroll, with Tottenham now joining West Ham and Newcastle in the race for his signature.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is said to only favour a straight cash sale in the region of £20m - but there is reckoned to be a little leeway for a loan move if a permanent deal is to be done at the end fer pot from his sale to fund moves for other players capable of it. of performing in the higher division.

Fulham, not one of football's big spenders, are determined Fulham do have the much vaunted Clint Dempsey in their not to be left out of things and are said to be making ambi- ranks and he has long been linked with a big money move tious moves to sign Huddersfield Town's prolific goalscorer to Liverpool which would help bolster any moves Fulham

might make for Rhodes and Arshavin. Moussa Dembele is also being linked with a £10m move away from Craven Cottage to Real Madrid.

Arshavin is more likely to move back to Russia, but nothing can be ruled out and Paris St Germain could be another option as they continue to make moves for all the big names now they have money to spend.

The Chinese are also in the market for a bit of an Italian takeaway with a consortium said to be set to become Inter's second largest shareholder. If it all comes off there would be a new ground for Inter too by 2017, still in Milan not Beijing, built in conjunction with a unit of China Railway Construction but the Moratti family would still retain overall control of the club.

Inter are the latest club looking to extend their links in Asia with QPR, Leicester and Birmingham all owned by groups from the Far East. Manchester United and a host of other clubs have also played pre-season friendlies in China and Asia in recent years and see it is as a lucrative market for merchandising and increasing their fan base.

While West Ham await the outcome of their interest in Carroll they have landed a good signing in James Collins from Aston Villa. At just £2.5m that looks like a bargain for a defender who combines doing a good job at the back with a few goals from set pieces.

It should bolster their bid to stay in the Premier League this time after returning at the first time of asking - and if they were to add Carroll to their ranks they may even achieve loftier heights this coming season.

Newcastle, however, remain the favourites for Carroll and they have also secured the services of Demba Ba for an extended stay after the time limit for a full transfer elapsed.

TWO BAD! DAZZLER HEFF UNHAPPY WITH DOUBLE FC Torrevieja 4 Horadada 0 TORRY were never stretched by their Preferente opponents in their first friendly of the new season – after taking a second-minute lead with an own goal.

Indeed, it was something of a practice match, with manager Casimiro Torres seeing what his options are.

The diminutive Luis looked enterprising down the right wing, whilst Manu Amores was a yard too fast for the opposition on the other flank.

Tur, the second choice keeper, kept a clean sheet, whilst a makeshift looking defence had little difficulty subduing any threat.

It was routine fayre until the interval, when Casimiro changed the entire team, bar Rafa and Manu Amores. On came Manolo, Ramiro, Connor Heffernan, Corella and young Damian Aguero and things really started to buzz.

Aguero looked every part the first-team player and sprayed some lovely accurate balls around from the

centre of the park. Ramiro chased down defenders and worried them into error after error, whilst his partner up front, Patri, did likewise.

Two minutes elapsed before Heffernan became the first Torry player this season to hit the back of the net. Damian swept the ball long to the left wing where the tireless Ramiro turned his marker before sending

the ball far post. Connor accelerated into the box, angled his body to ensure he kept the ball low and cracked it into the net.

After this it was torture for Horadada as Rammy pressed relentlessly forcing the keeper into an error, then out sprinting him to the ball to knock it into the open goal for a 3-0 advantage.

Rammy was the architect

Sand and deliver!

TEAMS from all over the region as well as from Murcia and Barcelona will take part in tomorrow’s (Saturday) San Juan rugby 7s tournament in Alicante.

It is the 15th annual tournament and has been organised on the beach at San Juan - and if the previous years are anything to go by, it will be a great day’s rugby.

The action begins at 10am and will go on until around 9pm with a food and drink break in the middle.

of the final goal, dispossessing a defender, taking the ball around the keeper only to find his angle too acute. He delivered it to Heffernan and the young Englishman it high into the net from 12 yards.

Ironically, Torry’s two-goal hero didn’t think he played well. If this was Connor playing badly, then it should be spectacular if he hits form come August 26!

Casimiro was satisfied with the effort of his 20strong crew but in post-

match talks with the President, made it very clear that he wants three more players - a central defender, a central midfielder and a striker.

Tomorrow evening (Saturday), Torry play their first home friendly when Real Murcia B come to the Vicente Garcia for an 8pm kick off. Admission is €5 with under 16s free. Torry then entertain UCAM Murcia next Wednesday, August 8, again with an 8pm kick-off.

Friday, August 3, 2012

48

GOLD MUDDLE

I’ve had enough of the farcical Olympics IT'S time to pull the plug on the Olympics. The unmitigated disaster that I predicted a couple of weeks ago has materialised big style and it can only get worse.

Empty stadiums, drug and genetic cheats and simple cheats trying to throw a badminton match in order to secure a better position in a competition they had already qualified for.

The tourists are staying away in their droves and the expected upturn in the economy for the traders in London has not materialised. In fact many are saying it is a worse summer than in previous years.

So the prospect of the Games bringing in anywhere near what was lavished on it is nil and meanwhile the British economy and principally the NHS continues to spiral into a seemingly bottomless pit.

The sight of someone in a minority sport attempting to jump gracefully off a diving board into a swimming pool is NOT going to lift my spirits - and the fact that the women footballers are just about the only ones pulling up any trees for Great Britain says it all.

Nobody wants to watch them do it so why bother in the first place?

STEVE BOTT reports

A couple of girls in a boat and a bloke pedalling a bike aren't what I call sporting greats so all the furore over GB's first couple of golds is in my humble opinion, sadly misplaced. Ask me again when we produce someone winning the 100 metres or picking up a few golds in the swimming pool.

I would like to know what is going to be done to use the stadia and Olympic village usefully after the event?

Nobody wants to watch a football match in a stadium surrounded by a running track, far less a semi Formula One track as has also been suggested! The players are invisible and look like matchstick men from that distance. Leyton Orient may be desperate enough to take it on but it would be another unmitigated disaster for anyone else.

Manchester City had the track removed at the Etihad, which was originally built for the Commonwealth Games before they went to play there. I remember watching a game at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge when they had a track around the pitch. You couldn't tell which one was Osgood and which ones were Nogood.

Luckily I was in the Press Box so I didn't have to pay.

Pity those who did.

Whether the track and field events can give the Games a much-needed lift remains to be seen. The main event, the 100 metres, is already a foregone conclusion unless Usain Bolt fails a drugs test or breaks

one of his long legs.

Those Chinese and South Korean badminton players really took the biscuit. Deliberately putting the shuttlecock into the net or aiming to put it out of play as they sought to lose really epitomised how low the Games have sunk from the original ideal that it was the pinnacle of amateur sporting achievement.

Maybe if we went back to the amateur ideal and restricted participation strictly to amateurs with no advertising or other commercial attachments it may all become worth watching again. That is as likely to happen as me being put in charge of a nunnery so why not just scrap it and settle for the World Championships?

Finally, we have the row over the alleged genetic swimming genius from China. "She" definitely looks like a boy, but then again so do a lot of girls at that age and vice versa. It’s not the first time this has happened.

Just ask Caster Semenya.

I am prepared to bet the rest of my life on the fact that Mary Peters was a woman - but looking at what steroids can do to boxers and body builders, it’s not impossible to do a bit of genetic gender bending with pills these days.

As for me, I'll stick to Jelly Babies and Cola Bottles.

All I'll risk developing there is an even sweeter tooth.