CATALUNYA CHRONICLE ISSUE 13

The Catalunya Chronicle

NOVEMBER 2010 An English Paper for Tarragona and beyond....

FREE every month ~ suitable for all the family.

As the nights are starting to draw in it’s time to welcome you to the November Edition of the Catalunya Chronicle. Wow! How time flies, we are now officially one year old.

For whatever reason some may have doubted that we would get here, however during this time we have accomplished much - increasing our print run from 2000 copies to 5000 copies and increasing the size of the paper from the original 16 pages to the now more regular 32.

The increase in the number of copies produced has allowed the “cat” to crawl into newer areas, far and wide throughout Catalunya, and hopefully during the next year it will be creeping into even more.When delivering the paper to the various outlets we continue to receive kind words and messages of support from our readers of all nationalities. Thank you for these - it is nice to know that we are being appreciated.

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Thank you also to all those people who have contributed articles for inclusion within the paper throughout the course of the year. Whether it be history, the humour, the gardening, the “Munchie” who for those that doubt it - does exist, the health and well being features, or even if it’s just the Sudoku - hopefully when reading you will have found something that appeals to you. However should you wish to air your views on a particular topic or suddenly have the inspiration to put pen to paper like our regular contributors do, please feel free to do so as it’s your paper. We’d love to hear from you, so please send them to us at editor@chroniccat.com.

And once again, Thank you. See you next month!!!

In this month’s issue...

The Power of Friendship Have you ever wondered what makes a truly good friend?

Are there specific qualities that someone has, that sets them apart, that makes them true friend material?

Diario de una familia In I936 Spain became embroiled in civil war. Even those people whom previously had professed no strong convictions suddenly became aware ...

20 Activities to burn calories A humourous look at some of the more unconventional ways to lose weight without the need to diet.

Parson Paul remembers One of the stunning sights in this part of Spain are the fields around the mountain city of Morella where poppies give a bright splash of colour to the wheat harvest in Summer...

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 1 2010

COMMUNITY NEWS NEW CHURCH WELCOME CENTRE OPENS IN ALCOSSEBRE The Mayor of Alcala de Xivert and Alcossebre welcomed a new initiative by St Christopher’s English speaking church on the Costa Azahar, when he formally opened “El Camino” on Friday 10th September.

A former shop unit in Alcossebre has been renovated by church members and will serve as a “drop-in” centre for English speaking residents and visitors. It also offers an outlet for second hand books and bric-a-brac to help fund the permanent ministry of the church.

Freesiagroup LIVE MUSIC - ALL DAY BAR & BBQ - STALLS Stands include- Home made produce (cakes, preserves etc.)

Giftware, Cards, Jewellery, Handicrafts, Books, “White Elephant” etc.

Including Local shops and businesses and English Supermarkets

A FUN DAY FOR ALL THE FAMILY Including “Santa’s Grotto” for the little ones!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PHONE:977 059 783 (Liz) or 977 059 362 (Trev)

for cancer charities Directions:- Take the TV3141 (Carretera de la Misericordia) Reus / Cambrils Trunk Road, from Cambrils A7/N340 travel approx, 2 kms passing over AP7 and new railway line then 50mts after the car scrap yard turn left, the Car Boot Sale will be signposted from there.

From Reus take the TV3141 until you pass the right turn to Riudoms then 500 mts on the right you will see signs for the Car Boot Sale.

Please call Paul Needle, Vicar, if you require more information on 662 482 944

CAR BOOT SALE SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2010 VILLA WILLKA, VINYOLS, AT 10.00 AM Sale of second hand and new items.

Space rental of €10 to be donated to the Freesia Group Charity To reserve phone Kay Beach on 699604105 or Willy on 616007610

Freesiagroup for cancer charities Spain

The 9th Freesia Group Annual Christmas Fair will be held once more at the fabulous Charlie Chaplin’s bar disco and Christie’s pub next door, kindly offered

by Mark Evans and Chris McGrath - many thanks to both of them. Address: C/Falset, in front of Hotels Santa Monica and Las Vegas. The two places together are spacious and ideal. Parking is plentiful. The venue will stay open after the fair for a night of music and, hopefully, entertainment.

ASSOCIATION FOR THE REFUGE AND CARE OF ANIMALS

Invites you to an

INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE AND XMAS MARKET ON NOVEMBER 27TH AT PARTYCENTRE “SINDICAT” CAMARLES FROM 10.00 AM UNTIL 1.00PM (SELLERS 9.00AM) STANDS AVAILABLE FROM 5€ (Fresh food allowed)

Santa Claus in his Grotto.

On sale - international foodstuffs (including British goods), gifts, cards & decorations, toys, books. Tombola.

Nearly new clothes. Stalls from local shops & businesses.

Competitions etc. Fabulous raffle for Christmas hampers & other great prizes.

Hot “Christmas food” and bar till late!

Easy directions to Chaplin’s: - drive up from the fountain towards Cap Salou.

At the fork take c/Alfons V Magnanìm and turn left at Hotel Caspel. Charlie Chaplin’s is on C/Falset, 100 m. down the street on your right. Parking on street or car park next door.

If you would like a stall or you can spare a few hours to help us please contact Pamela Gené on 977 395064 or info@freesiagroup.com for further information www.freesiagroup.com info@freesiagroup.com

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 2

MIS AMIGOS T HE P OWER

OF

F RIENDSHIP

Have you ever wondered what makes a truly good friend? Are there specific qualities that someone has, that sets them apart, that makes them true friend material? When we think of the word friend, it conjures up different images for each and every one of us. The only thing that is possibly a constant is that they care enough about us to be bothered in the first place. That in itself is quite magical. A gift we shouldn’t squander.

but are we there for them?

Can we be counted on at the crucial moment to stand beside them under the fan when the proverbial, you know what hits it, with its invariable force?

I like to believe that at this point all the people reading this article are uttering their silent yes.

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Unfortunately we don’t always remember this fact and inadvertently – I say this because none of us would do it intentionally – we hurt the ones who care about us.

Friendship is not about how many people profess We sulk because they to be our best pal. It’s not haven’t called us , we snap about the invitations to when they ask us to repeat parties - or lack of them. what we just said, we It’s about those that join us become uptight when we in our darkest moments, may not share the same who not only encourage us opinion. Most of all we to take the leap of faith, but forget that because they take us by the hand at the are our friend and so much edge and jump along side a part of our lives, that they us, and are ready with a are not us and therefore cup of tea or bottle of wineneed as much, if not more or two- when we land. of our patience, respect can’t be and our time, as we would Friendship measured by numbers, wish them to afford us. because as any inventive Friendship can be accountant knows figures. dangerous territory. It’s can be fudged, while fraught with pitfalls if we friendship is clear and don’t tread the path with obvious to all those enough to care. This is when we start intuitive recognise it as the rare and shouting, “but if they’re our friends they understand wonderful surprise that is us, they’re there for us as hoped for, as it is when we need them.” unexpected.

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The Catalunya Chronicle Issue - Issue1312November October 2010 2010- www.chroniccat.com - Page 3

DIARIO DE UNA FAMILIA In I936 Spain became embroiled in civil war. Even those people whom previously had professed no strong convictions suddenly became aware that they did believe in one side or the other and that they were now determined to support that faction to the full.

They became Fascist or Anarchist, or aligned themselves with one of the many splinter groups that arose from these two extremes. People fought against their neighbours.

Friends who had been living next door to each other for years became enemies. Father fought against son, brother against brother.

We thought Spain had a legally elected government and wanted to support them.

At the time of the war we were six children. Emilio was the eldest son and felt responsible for the family, then Rosalia, Antonio, Francisco, then me Victoria, and Johnny the baby of the family, born in I939 when the war was ending.

Things went from bad to worse.

Everyone was suffering with hunger.

I must have been only two years old when a big boil like a carbuncle appeared right on the top of my head, and then split into two. My aunt Mercedes dressed it for me every day because mother couldn’t bare to see it open. It must have been caused by the terrible lack of nutrition. Many nights we got into bed with just a drink of water. The water of which we had plenty, came from our own well on the patio. It

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was fresh and clear. Food was another matter - Mother would get up very early in the morning to queue for bread, or if it had been sold out and there was none left in the shop, for flour to bake some .

Very often she had very little money to do this.

occasional visits from my Uncle Manuel who always brought us food to eat whenever he came to see us. He had not married and so was still a bachelor. He was very fond of us kids as we were of him.

Uncle Manuel would sit down and speak to mother, informing her of In the meantime people were dying the things going on around us on the street, shot down by the Moors of Franco’s army. Some ”They say that the war is ending, were not even fighting in the war. that Franco is winning with the help My own sixteen-year-old brother of the Germans and the Italians. had simply gone outside to see The Republicans are still waiting for what was going on when the Moors arms; they have not yet received machine-gunned him down and left them from Russia. The International him to bleed to death. Then a truck Brigade are still fighting strongly for would collect the dead and the freedom of Spain”. wounded alike - their bodies were thrown on the back of the lorry and In the year l939 the war had ended, taken to be buried in a mass grave. yet there was no peace anywhere in Spain.

Father had been wounded in the leg A few more years had passed and fighting for the republicans. It had nothing had changed. The hunger become infested and gangrene had carried on. People were still being set in. Unfortunately, he died soon shot or put in prison. At that moment after - I remember seeing him laid it seemed that there was no future out on the bed ready to be buried. I for Spain. didn't feel any thing for him while he was on his deathbed. I was too My Brother and Sister, Emilio and young to realize what was Rosalia were left to look after us on happening and in the circumstances many occasions when my Mother that we were living in, we had to be needed to go out. Although we strong – it was a tough world. never knew where she was going Besides, as he had stayed so much or why. away from home, I hadn't really got to know him.

I remember on several occasions that they took us to a place that I When father passed away mother called my own backyard. It was a nearly died too. She went out of her wasteland full of wild flowers, which mind. I remember her crying in an American company wanted to sheer desperation "You're going to buy for glass making. It was my leave me all on my own to look after paradise. I would look around me at six children - how am I supposed to so many beautiful wild plants. There cope and take care by myself?” were fruit trees, cactus. bamboo canes, and palm trees.

Poor mother - she went through so many black patches in her life.

It was here that I first tried “prickly pears''. Emilio would peel the fruit During the I9I4 Spanish flu epidemic with the patience of a saint - those her family was dying all around her. fine almost invisible needles to him She was very young when her were nothing and he seemed to get grandparents died of the disease. rid of them easily. I was just a baby Only very few of her family survived glad to have any thing to eat - food the illness - her parents, her brother was scarce and money more so.

Manuel, and her cousin Isabela. As long as we ate and filled our Everyone called her the angel face tummies, we were happy. Rosalia because she was very beautiful. said that she has seen mother cry Mother had also had a child earlier many times because she didn't in life - a baby boy she named know what to feed us on.

Manuel and was happy as any young mother would be, but her However, one day Mother arrived happiness did not last long. Her little home with something for us to eat, baby boy died of a mysterious and I thought she looked pleased illness! with herself. Whilst we were eating she started telling us where she had We used to look forward to been. She said that she had gone

to the British Council in La Linea, a place in Spain. Emilio asked mother “ Why? ” “There is a ship that is supposed to leave Gibraltar for England” mother replied. “How soon?” questioned Emilio. “I don't know, but it's definitely departing for England” Mother continued, adding that she had asked the Consul if our family could be added to the list so that we too could travel on the ship.

The Consul had assured her that she should not worry and that our names would be on the list.

A few days later, when we children were returning from our backyard paradise, there was a man standing by our door about to knock. As we got close to him we recognised him as our uncle Manuel. Rosalia soon had her arms around him kissing him, and the others did the same.

He kissed me, lifted Johnny up, and we all went inside the house. On this occasion Uncle Manuel had come to ask us to go and live with him. Mother said that she would have to think about it and asked him to give her a few days to think it over.

Uncle Manuel knew what mother was worrying about from her facial expressions. Aware that she knew he didn’t have a big house, she wouldn't want him to make any sacrifices, but he was sure the move would be the best thing for her and the family.

When uncle spoke again it was to put her mind at rest. “Herminia, It's true I don't have a lot but we manage with what I earn. Don't worry about it, I'll be back for you in

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2010- www.chroniccat.com - Page 4 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010

DIARIO DE UNA FAMILIA CONT...

Page 4 continued...

finished and he didn't want to interfere with Britain.

a couple of days so be ready”.

A few days later he came for us just as he promised. All eight of us managed to fit into his little house and my brothers made new friends quickly - at least they had someone to play with. Every lunch time uncle would come home, play with Johnny, and had to be called to sit down for his lunch, After we had eaten he would play cards with us and tell us jokes while Johnny slept on his lap.

I remember he was a lovely man, kind, gentle, and someone who was happy to have all of us sharing his home and his life.

The British Government trusted neither Germany or Spain. In the spring of l94l, it had been decided that Gibraltar must be evacuated for the safety of the women and children, and the older people. Only the soldiers and able men were to stay to defend Gibraltar. There had been a few ships that had left for England before us, and I believe that we were the last civilians to leave

On the way home one lunchtime uncle noticed a small crowd had gathered and were looking at a notice board. He decided to take a a look and saw that the Martinez Whilst mother contented herself by family were on the list and were due taking care of him, sometimes we to sail on May 22nd, l94l, on the ship could see her weeping. She was still H.M.THE ARUNDLE CASTLE. very unsettled and she was still taking about the ship that was During the conversation upon his supposed to go to England. Uncle return home in which he advised tried to persuade her from taking this Mother of the news, he would risk. “What on earth are you going to repeatedly say “Herminia you don't do in England, with six kids all on have to go” half asking her and half your own?” She would tell him it was begging her to stay in the process. because she hated taking advantage “Manuel, we've had this conversation of his good nature and his hospitality; a thousand times before” she replied. and that besides, she was looking My Uncles pleas were to no avail for a new life for her children. her mind was set.

On one occasion my uncle came home with the news that he had changed his job, and would receive more in his wages each week for burning the refuse. Mother went mad. “ See, you’re still making sacrifices” she said.

S.S. ARUNDEL CASTLE 1937

After Dinner, the boys had gone to look at the notice for themselves.

While Rosalia helped Mother collect the dishes. When they came back all three of them excitedly started talking at once. Francisco reported that the schools had decided to close down and that there weren’t many children left. Emilio continued to say that the few who were left were coming with us on the same boat. He continued by telling us that they had met a young policeman who had said that we were the last to leave before telling them that he was staying behind to protect Gibraltar and defend the Rock. His Rock as he had called it.

And so it was on May 22nd l94l we left for England. Mother and we children, all of us under fifteen years of age. I was only four and Johnny was only 2 years old. I believe it was early in the morning; we were standing in the queue to get on board H.M.The Arundel Castle.

Britain and Germany were at war.

Mother was fearful upon knowing that the Germans were thinking of invading Gibraltar, and this made her even more determined to get away.

It was true, Germany had planned to invade Gibraltar through Spain with the help of Franco, but Germany were mistaken. Franco refused to The marshal who was checking our give them any help, saying no as the boarding papers turned to mother Spanish civil war had not long been

and said, Señora, why put the children in danger?” She was taken aback and didn't know what to say.

At last she said, “I hope to give them a better life”, adding that she believed in God and trusted that He would take care of us all. She was sure that He would do just that.

“No Manuel”, mother replied, “I've made up my mind and we are all going”. Rosalia held him tight as she said her goodbyes and thanked him for all he had done for us. Mother thanked him also, struggling to hold back her tears. Both women were weeping. As we all got on the ship, Manuel waved us goodbye, and Manuel, our beloved uncle, came said, “I'll miss you, look after your with us to wish us all a safe journey. mother”.

He hugged and kissed us all, and embraced and kissed Mother. “ Turn He walked away a very sad and back” he said, “you still have time to lonely man. change your mind.”

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2010 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 5

DIARIO DE UNA FAMILIA cont...

Page 5 Cont...

We all settled down to the long, long journey ahead of us. I remember my mothers words “ Well children, no turning back now, we are on our way for better or for worse”.

As we left Gibraltar behind us, we went to the restaurant for our breakfast - we had buttered jam rolls and plenty cups of tea - it was just what we needed. We took time out to say goodbye to our Rock as it disappeared into the distance, as the ship slowly left the harbour and approached the vastness of the ocean. That night we looked out of the window at a sky that was full of stars. “Tomorrow it's going to be a good day” mother said.

The journey so far had been quite smooth and restful, however we were now approaching the Denmark Straits, - dangerous hostile waters.

Gun shots could be heard, in the distance coming from our destroyer HMS Hood. Suddenly we were under fire. The Germans were shooting at our ship! To keep the people quiet, the crew were saying that it was only practice manoeuvres.

The two destroyers that were guarding us and travelling in front of The Arundel Castle were firing continuously at the enemy. Our lives were at the mercy of our guards, and an order came for us to put on our life jackets. Insecurity and confusion had started to seep in “ Is the boat sinking?” someone asked. '' Please, Officer, are we in any danger?”. The officers and crew tried to reassure us as much as possible, not knowing themselves what the outcome would be.

The following day was a lovely day, however mother woke up with a headache - remembering the words of her brother and those of the marshals. The more she thought of them the more she wondered if she'd Rosalia and mother were struggling done the right thing in leaving to put the life jacket on Johnny. It had Gibraltar. become quite a comedy. He kept disappearing inside the jacket as if After breakfast, the boys and Rosalia he was being swallowed up. Rosalia went to explore the ship. Emilio, was with her sense of humour couldn't amazed at the size of the ship but stop laughing, while poor Johnny was disappointed to find the was crying his eyes out with wails of swimming pool closed. ''Take this off of me''.

Our captain got a message from our protectors to turn back to where we had just come from as quickly as possible. The ship was in great danger. We were all in great danger.

The Arundel Castle, negotiating hard to keep on course, gave a huge jerk as it turned. We all tried our best to keep calm although some people had taken to their hands and knees and were praying.

mothers who have lost their young sons'” started to flood the ship. Of course mother was thinking of herself losing her son back in Spain.

We heard that the Captain had been advised by the destroyer to change direction and seek an alternative route moments before tragedy had struck. Our Captain had no choice but to obey and sought a route that unfortunately took us nearer to Excitement and trepidation ran America than to our true destination through the ship, amidst the England. onslaught of bombs and torpedoes.

News filtered through that a pretty After more than eleven days sailing little thing has just been born on with the passengers believing that these troubled waters, A baby girl every day would bring us closer to had come into the world and her shore and safety, the Captain was proud parents named her Arandela told to turn back yet again because after the ship. of further anticipated danger that we may have encountered if we had This happy moment was marred by continued on the same course while the disturbing reports that the attempting to evade our enemy.

Bismarck had sunk one of our battle ships.

However, we were lucky and eventually we secured our escape The HMS Hood had been escorting arriving in Southampton, England us through these dangerous seas. safe and sound.

The German ship had broken through to the Atlantic Ocean on the 24,May l94l and given fire, sinking the British ship in the process.

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2010 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 6

RESPECT A KNIGHTS TALE...

A Spanish friend of mine‘s working day was nearly over, all that was left was the journey home along the ever busy N340, sometimes known as the Widow-maker.

My friend freely admits he was day dreaming when he was awoken abruptly from his reverie by a young man who he believed, at first, in the fading light, to be my eldest son, running towards the N340 removing his flip-flops as he went and carrying a piece of paper. My friend approached cautiously, not sure if he was intruding on some mad individual’s private moment, and deciding to be brave, instigated a conversation.

The young man was startled that someone could be so close on such a busy stretch of road and prepared to start talking, not to mention, of course, in a foreign language. It soon transpired after various hand signals, my friends broken English and this young man’s patchy Spanish that the young man was on a mission.

Apparently there had been a cat killed on this road near to the Galp petrol station.

The young Englishman had passed by a couple of times that day and couldn’t bear to see the poor creature lying there any longer. So armed with nothing more than his shopping list he ran across to where the dead cat lay and picked it up and placed at the very edge of the road so that it didn’t end up as, in the words of my friend, una tortilla! The young man said good evening and left.

My friend, who had been moved by the bravery of the young man on such a busy road, decided that he should probably finish the job and though he was revolted by the prospect, he picked up the dead cat placed it in a plastic bag and deposited the poor thing in the bin.

This is not the type of tale I am used to writing, but my friend desperately wanted me to, so that he could say thank you to the young knight, whoever he may be, for teaching him a lesson in respect, not just for another culture that shows its bravery in a strange but dignified way, but also that even an animal death is a sad loss.

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2010 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 7

INSPIRADO COSTS NOTHING – TRY IT OUT !

Can anyone say they don’t have days where you find yourself swamped with work, stressed by difficult situations with partner, family or friends? Or experience days when you embark on a short car journey to find that you are unsure at the end of it how you can help lower anxiety and stress and can actually got there ? prevent depression.

Well I have come across mindfulness.

When something happens to us in our day, Mindfulness involves taking your attention like an emotional thought, meeting an away from the past and future ( and your unpleasant person in the street, or waking imagination) and instead to concentrate on up during the night – we have a reaction which is made up of memories, emotions, the here and now. physical feelings. We get carried away with Notice with your senses these, sometimes to our detriment. all that you see and hear around you, like the Well,lets free ourselves of our automatic birds singing or the wind responses and make much better choices. blowing. Listen to your When we meet the unpleasant person breathing whether you concentrate on your breathing and nicer are walking, sitting or things around you. You will remain confident lying down. Also as you of your own being so that person will no walk along notice things longer have that effect on you. like the air against your skin, the breeze in your Or if in the middle of the night – you wake up hair or how your clothes with worries, regrets or resentment – instead notice the luxury and warmth of your bed – feel against your body. the feel of the bed clothes – your breathing Your mind will jump often out of the present, in your tummy, and you will have a better but keep concentrating on the senses and chance of getting back to sleep. bring it back.

We need to realise that the present moment I have read that mindfulness is used in the is all we ever have.

Buddhist tradition to improve people’s experience of life. Now I know little about Lorraine Kennedy Buddhism but I was encouraged to learn more about mindfulness when I read that it

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2010- www.chroniccat.com - Page 8 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010

INSPIRADO

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 9

TALES FROM THE RIVERBANK “G ONE F ISHING ”

By Mike Smith

Fishing on the Ebro has improved slightly this month from Tivenys downstream for Carp and Mullet. I fished at Delta Ebre recently and had some big mullet on the pole on bread, but no carp - although I did see some cruising in the margins into double figures.

Catfishing on the river has been a bit on the slow side in the last few weeks due I think to the river being very clear.

I believe it needs a bit of colour in it for them to start feeding confidently. I have had two days out of late, and the only interest I have had was later in the day when the light began to fade.

MATCH REPORT Our last match was on the reservoir at Panta D'Utxesa – the fishing was a bit slow to begin with, however everybody was soon catching and then losing good fish on the pole and feeder, using corn and bread. In first place was Dennis with 10lb 2oz., Steve Weller was second with a 9 pounder, and Steve Odie took third with an 8lb 6oz catch. Although the weights were not as high as we had hoped for, a good day was had by all and a further match has been arranged.

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Call 693 206 868 for more info, we speak English, Deutsch, Nederlands, y un poco de español

EURO DELICATESSEN

yet to be decided – possibly either on one of the canals or on the main river.

If there are any keen anglers who haven't previously attended one of our matches, they are more than welcome to join us.

Please contact me via the Catalunya Chronicle for further information.

C/Santa Anna, 18 - Tarragona Tel: 977 23 22 43 www.eurodelicatessen.net

Casting off and 'til next time Tight Lines.

When contacting one of our advertisers please mention you saw their details in The Catalunya Chronicle.

S MILE Put on a smile make them laugh and show the world your face.

Put on a smile and pretend that you don’t want to hide.

Put on a smile and hear that voice in your secret place.

Put on a smile with your eyes, let the truth be your guide.

Put on a smile and let love be your disguise no matter what the cost.

Put on a smile and believe that not all in love is lost.

Our power is not of physical strength.

It’s not the roar of fury.

Our power is the light of hope, Before the final jury.

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2010 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 10

VIDA BUENA 20 A CTIVITIES

TO BURN

The simple truth of weight loss, no matter what the latest trendy diet says, is that you have to use more calories than you consume. The good news is that you don't have to spend all your waking hours at the gym attached to some complicated, beeping hunk of metal because everything you do burns calories. Check out the following activities and the number of calories they burn. (Note: Calories are based on a 70kg person. A heavier person will burn more calories.)

1. Shop till you drop Pushing a cart up and down the supermarket aisles for an hour will burn 243 calories and you'll get acquainted with all kinds of nutritious, healthful foods. Bag your own groceries, take them out to the car yourself, and return the cart to the corral, and you'll burn even more.

C ALORIES

A humorous look at some of the more unconventional ways in attempting to keep those pounds off. Good luck!!!

that second coat, you might drop a whole pants size.

7. Sock it to me You can now look forward to laundry day because 30 minutes of folding clothes will burn 72 calories. Fold enough clothes and you may soon be putting away smaller sizes.

8. Pick up trash and drop pounds Pick up some waste and reduce your waist by spending an afternoon cleaning up the neighbourhood. In four hard-worked hours, you'll burn 1,800 calories and improve your community.

13. Get moving Offer to help your pals move. What's in it for you? Every hour of moving furniture burns 504 calories.

14. Flake out Those of you who live in warm climates have no idea what a great workout you're missing. Thirty of shovelling snow burns 202.5 calories.

15. A lean sweep Moving a broom back and forth for ten minutes will burn 28 calories and you'll have a prop that can be 9. Hit the deck anything from a microphone stand to a dance Don't cry over spilled milk or anything else, partner. especially when 30 minutes of mopping the floor will burn 153 calories.

16. Suck it up You know the rug 10. Fire the gardener needs it, but you may One hour of pushing the lawn mower around the not know that 20 yard burns 324 calories. Sorry, sitting on a riding minutes of vacuuming mower doesn't count. Lose the bag attachment will burn 56 calories.

2. Open up and spend another 30 minutes raking up the Most dentists recommend that you brush your clippings and you'll burn another 171 calories. 17. Suds it up teeth for at least two minutes. In that time, you'll Break out the bucket and hose - a mere 20 minutes burn a whopping 5.7 calories, but then again, of washing the car will burn 102 calories. not everything is about weight loss.

18. Count calories instead of sheep 3. Make it shine Even when you're sleeping you're burning calories.

Do your tables, shelves, and knickknacks fail the Eight hours of good shut-eye will erase 360 calories. white-glove test? Burn 80 calories by dusting the surfaces in your home for 30 minutes and you'll 19. Dig the benefits be ready the next time a drill sergeant stops by Two hours of gardening will burn 648+calories, and for an inspection. you'll grow some nice healthful veggies at the same time.

4. Pucker power 11. How about Texas Lose 'Em? It may not burn as many Three hours of playing cards burns 351 calories. 20. Click to fit? calories as dusting, but 30 Ante up and go all in, but don't load up on Even watching TV is minutes of kissing is a lot high-calorie chips and dip. worth something. One more fun. You'll burn 36 hour spent in front of the calories and probably miss 12. Work up an appetite tube burns 72 calories. a bad sitcom.

You'll burn 74 calories during the 30 minutes you spend preparing dinner. Of course, that work will Of course, if you dusted voided by high-calorie, fat-filled meals. Instead, at the same time...

5. Wrinkle-free weight loss choose healthful meals that contain plenty of Julian A. Phillips Burn 76.5 calories with 30 minutes of ironing; fruits and vegetables. www.complimentary-healing.net just be careful that you don't burn the clothes.

6. Paint thinner You know you need to paint the house, but you're lacking the motivation.

Does it help to know that three hours of house painting will burn 1,026 calories?

And by putting on

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 11

LES MASCOTES IS

YOUR

P ET V ACCINATED ?

By Meike Knol

are ready to take action and fight off pet owners know about the intruders. The disease cannot vaccinations and why it is so manifest itself and the animal won't important to vaccinate your pet. get sick.

Many

You know about the yearly recurring inoculations at your regular vet visit, but may never have given it much thought as to why this is done or whether it is even necessary.

Having moved to Spain and probably having been adopted by a few extra four-legged lost souls, the increasing expenses of these vet bills may have alerted you to the fact and may have started you wondering whether this is really necessary.

Regular repetition of this process is necessary to keep the immune system alert and charged. In kittens and puppies, the vaccinations need to be repeated more often to start up their immune systems.

There are different infectious diseases for cats and dogs, and each species has their own type of vaccinations.

Many people tell me that they have simply stopped vaccinating their newly adopted strays, because none of their pets have ever gotten sick, and they feel it is just a waste of time and money. And then there is also the big discussion that is going on in the pet world about the adverse effects and negative health implications of the yearly vaccinations.

If you are interested, just look the subject up on the internet. You'll find lot's of pro's and con's. In this article however, I have chosen not to discuss this massive subject, but to touch on it in a very simple manner: Living here, in Catalunya, what should you do if you're not a guru on the vaccination subject?

In 1796, an English doctor figured out that if you injected a human being with a small dose of cow pox, that person could not be infected by human pox. This discovery became the basis of what we know today as vaccinations.

When a vaccine is given, it basically means that a similar substance to a specific bacteria or virus is introduced into the body in order to activate the immune system to create antibodies. This substance however, does not actually cause the disease. If at a later point in time, the animal gets infected with this specific disease, the antibodies

probably Rabies, since it is one of the few animal disease which can spread amongst different species, and even to humans. Rabies is deadly and there is no cure.

If you wish to travel to another country with your pet, you must prove that the animal is not a carrier of this deadly virus, and you must show proof of rabies vaccinations.

Please be sure to educate yourself on this subject before you travel with your pet, to avoid your companion being confiscated and destroyed, or being denied entry into the country.

Most European countries only require a vaccination repeated every 3 years, though it must be effective 30 days before travel.

While others, such as the UK, require a yearly vaccination or even blood tests proving that 6 months before travel the rabies virus was not present.

In order for your pet to contract rabies, it must be bitten by an infected animal, or come in contact with its saliva. Rabies is common amongst foxes, rats, and bats, as well as other wild animals of course.

Here in Catalunya, cats and dogs receive a cocktail vaccination that protects them against up to 7 different diseases.

If your pet has been vaccinated, it doesn't mean however, that the animal can never get sick of the disease. Sometimes the Immune system just doesn’t respond enough and the animal can still become slightly ill.

However, this is generally a very very mild version of the disease and the animal should recover quickly. On the other hand, vaccinating your pet for the first time after an infection is already present, won't do much good, since there is no time to create the immune response.

The vaccination cocktails contain the most common diseases that threaten the health of our pets.

Some are the most deadliest illnesses to which no cure exists, and others are the most quickly spread viruses amongst a species.

The most well known of these is

The kitty-cold has also claimed the lives of uncountable amounts of unfortunate kittens. It spreads as quickly and easily as the human cold and very young kittens just don't have the antibodies to fight it.

Their eyes will be glued shut by mucous, their noses will clog up, and there is nothing really that a vet can do to help. If the immune system cannot fight the virus, the poor thing will surely pass away.

With a vaccination, the kitten may still get infected, but will have a much much higher chance to overcome the disease since the antibodies have already been created and are ready to fight.

In puppies, the deadliest quick spreading disease is parvo virus.

Once signs of illness appear in a puppy, the fight is almost always lost already.

Though a few days at intensive care of a Vet hospital may pull a few lucky ones through, the numbers of survivors are extremely poor. In some countries, parvo is as good as non-existent, thanks to rigorous vaccinations. A few years ago the discussion began as to why our pets should be vaccinated against a disease which virtually doesn't exist anymore, and the call was great to stop vaccinations. But the reason why it worked so well is that all dogs were immune to the parvo virus, so if one new dog was introduced into the population carrying the virus, it would simply stop with this one animal and couldn't spread to others. Once dogs are not vaccinated anymore, the virus can spread itself like wildfire again throughout the canine population.

Sadly, this is still the case here in Catalunya! Maybe it is due to the many abandoned strays that remain unvaccinated, or maybe we just don't vaccinated our pets anymore.

Whatever the case may be, parvo is ever present here. It spreads fast.

And it is deadly. If nothing else, please vaccinate your dog against parvo!!! To protect it from this disease AND to keep parvo from spreading!

So what should you do? Should you continue vaccinating? and against what? I do believe that over the last few years many unnecessary vaccinations are given and that they may cause more harm than good to because you can easily bring the the health of our pets. virus into your home via your shoes and clothes. If infected once, many Sometimes special vaccines are cats remain carriers of this virus necessary where many animals live throughout their lives and may have together, such as cattaries or recurring colds. Though vaccination breeding kennels, against very will help boost their immune system specific diseases. These simply and may lessen the severity of the may not be necessary for your own symptoms, they can easily spread pets. the virus to others.

If you're thinking that your kitty is safe, because it's an inside cat and doesn't come into contact with other felines, think again!

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 12

MES MASCOTES S HELTER P AW P RINTS

In this section we present 3 shelter animals each month, who are ready for adoption and in search of a good home.

Pets leave paw prints on your heart

Cont. from page 12...

My advice to you would then be to go ahead and educate yourself on the subject and make a plan together with your vet which vaccinations to give and at what intervals.

In the mean time, or for those who do not wish to know more about the subject, my advice is to have your pet vaccinated with the yearly cocktail, especially young animals and to give a rabies vaccination at least every 3 years (depending on the type of vaccine or your travel necessities).

SHELTER FAVOURITE - SOPHIE Blond Labrador Sophie is this months Shelter Favourite. She's only about 2 years old and in the bloom of her life.

Like most Labradors she's got an excellent character and a very gentle nature.

She's great with people and kids of all ages, and gets along beautifully with other dogs. The local police rescued Sophie from the streets and brought her into the shelter. This lovely dog is waiting eagerly for a new home and to become part of a family.

SHELTER AMBASSADOR - HECTOR Hector was found on the streets.

A victim of abandonment - he was in very poor shape having had to survive off of trash, insects, and fallen fruits and nuts. Once rescued by the shelter, this cute black and white Setter was nurtured back to health, and quickly began to show his sociable behaviour. He gets along well with other dogs and is eager to play and work with people.

Hector is about 4 years old and if given the chance, would make a great companion to just about anyone. He's waiting for you at the shelter.

SHELTER MAY-DAY - NUBY & BOBO

Protect your pets from common If you are interested in one of these animals, diseases and stop them from please visit the no kill animal shelter "Alberg d'animals de les Terres de l'Ebre" in Camarles. spreading.

The new Centre is located on Cami Filato which turns off the N-340 next to Mangrane.

Vaccinate today!!!

Open daily 10:00 - 13:00.

(English, Deutsch, Nederlands, Espanol/Catalan) www.albergdanimals.com www.agatameus.com hv_agatameus@vetersalud.com

C/Ramon I Cajal, 22 Deltebre 43580 // TGN

T: 977 481 525 M: 628 496 209

Nuby & Bobo are Poodles who've lived together all their life. They are brothers and cannot be s e p a r a t e d anymore, though they are only about 1 year old.

Like most Poodles, Nuby & Bobo are active, playful, very social, and extremely cute. They have an excellent nature and can be kept in just about any type of home environment. A small apartment is just as good a home for these two cute-sies as is a big house with garden. Nuby & Bobo lost their home due to personal problems of the owners, and were surrendered to the shelter. These poor house pets have no idea what has happened to them and why they are in the shelter instead of their familiar and safe surroundings of home. These Poodles are scared and becoming increasingly nervous in the shelter surroundings which can quickly deteriorate their health. Therefore the Shelter is urgently seeking a new home for Nuby & Bobo where they can continue a good and stable life together.

What happened to our shelter buddies from July? Did they make a lasting impression? Did they manage to leave their Paw Prints all over your hearts?

Who was adopted and who hasn't found their soul mate yet?

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Sadly, none of our 3 shelter dogs have been adopted. They are still waiting for that one person to give them a second chance at life, with a caring loving new home. Hopefully a small reminder of their loyal faces will spark a love with one of our readers and still lead to adoption.

Dani

Nouschko

John

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 13

A MISCELLANY PARSON PAUL’S DIARY . . . .

One of the stunning sights in this part of Spain are the fields around the mountain city of Morella where poppies give a bright splash of colour to the wheat harvest in Summer. It only takes a few poppies to carry my mind to its sombre message as the universal symbol of Remembrance Day. The poppy message began in 1915 when Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian Medical Officer in the First World War wrote a poem which began “In Flanders’ Fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row.” After the Napoleonic wars in Flanders it had been noticed that where the earth had been disturbed to bury dead soldiers the poppy was the first flower to grow. McCrae himself died of pneumonia at Wimereux near Boulogne in France on 28 January 1918. On his deathbed, McCrae reportedly set out this challenge: "Tell them this, if ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep."

Moina Michael, a secretary with the US War Department discovered the Flanders’ Fields poem in November 1918 and bought 25 artificial poppies in a New York department store. She passed them round her friends – to be worn on the collar. The symbol was adopted by the American Legion in 1920.

According to the Royal British Legion; “In 1922, Major George Howson, a young infantry officer, formed the Disabled Society, to help disabled ex-Service men and women from the First World War. Howson suggested to the Legion that members of the Disabled Society could make poppies and the Poppy Factory was subsequently founded in Richmond.”

In 2010 the poppy still holds its power. St Christopher’s Church along the Mediterranean coast is working with the British Legion to arrange sales outlets for poppies in Alcossebre, Ampolla and Vinaros. Check our website to find your nearest outlet http://www.azaharanglican.org Appropriately, the proceeds from this year’s Poppy Appeal will be going to support the work of the British Legion in Spain.

In our Remembrance services on Sunday 14th November (10 am in Vinaros; 12 noon in Alcossebre and 12.30pm in Ampolla) we will mark the two minutes silence and use the readings, hymns and prayers which have become a strong tradition.

In Ampolla I will be using the vast knowledge and research of Brian Hall who has personally led tours around the sites of the Battle of the Ebro during the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939. To keep Remembrance alive and meaningful we must look beyond the two great World Wars and also remember the dead and injured from both sides in this part of Spain.

And we need to remember the brave self sacrifice of those who are still dying and being injured in wars across the world.

I find a bitter irony in the poppy in 2010. Poppies are grown in Afghanistan which is one of the world leaders in illicit opium production. Thousands of people die from drug abuse around the world because of that crop. Opium from poppies accounts for a major part of Afghanistan’s economy. And yet it is in Afghanistan that lives are still being lost in conflicts.

It reminds me of how little I understand about our modern world. But I do know that during the two minutes silence I shall reflect on those who suffered in the two great World Wars. I shall remember the dead and wounded in Spain’s tragic Civil War and I shall look to the poppy and think of everyone who suffers from the fighting in Afghanistan.

Then I shall read aloud the words of the Lancastrian poet Lawrence Binyon – written in 1914. I can never read it without a tightening of the throat and a tear in the eye.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Paul Needle is the English Vicar serving local congregations in Alcossebre, Ampolla, El Perello and Vinaros. He can be contacted on 662 482 944.

MAKE YOUR WAY TO

ALCOSSEBRE’S NEWEST VENUE Drop in for a coffee and chat.

Discover our range of English books, bric-a-brac and clothes.

OPEN EVERY TUESDAY & FRIDAY 11.00am - 2.00pm Just down the alley from Cioffi’s and the Chinese Restaurant.

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St. Christopher’s English Speaking Church...

Serving the local community and visitors to our town.

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 14 2010

LERN YERSELF SPANISH? PART III If when speaking to a host language speaker summarily converted into the masculine by the they are sympathetic, it can have a positive feed presence of one male. back loop effect on the process of 2nd L A, for I recall that each time I struggled with speaking The use of three gender states in Spanish adds a French, I received a positive engagement. further complication not least for myself as a Certainly my experience in Spain / Cataluñya person of transgender. In England my personal confirms this. Underpinning this, is the strategy when engaging with people is to allow phenomenon of ‘foreigner talk’, where the host them to decide to use the gender form they feel sympathetically adjusts their use of language most comfortable with. However in Spain the onus and critically their speed of talking to suit the is on me to declare my gender, e.g. in English I needs of the ’foreigner’ . Linguistic velocity is would use the neutral ‘I am ready’. In Spain I am critical in hearing and separating words. I recall forced to decide between’ estoy listo ’ or ‘ estoy hearing ‘ congrua’, and only days later realising lista ,’ thus presenting the person with the decision it was ‘con grua’. I feel that what is missing in to concur or not. My experience with the host guided learning environments is specific Catalan community is that they readily accept my understanding on how to teach one auditory use of the feminine. Further, the issue of gender skills, how to actively listen to the reply and how may also be relevant in language acquisition; one can develop the confidence to request some research supports the idea that women have slower and clearer speech, and to feel confident higher developed emotional and verbal centres in to say that one did not understand. Sometimes the brain whilst men have higher developed I did not engage linguistically, primarily because centres for logic and linear thinking. Wider issues of the anxiety of not being able to understand of gender ( male) control of language can only be the reply. However this concept is not the same acknowledged here en passant. as when continuing to speak to the ‘host’ foreigner in English but using the technique of Motivation to engage is a corner stone to 2nd L A merely raising the volume and speaking slower, and is vital to the process, equally so are the as if to a stupid child. opportunities to engage linguistically. For those incomers with Children and those who need to The proximity of the target language to one’s generate income in order to sustain their new life, own will be an important factor, it probably can the imperative for 2nd L A enhances the likelihood be taken as read that for an English person the of successful acquisition. The proverb ‘hunger is process of learning a Romanch language will the best teacher’ rings true. For at two levels, be easier than Russian or Chinese. One firstly; it underpins success or failure in the new significant advantage for English learner of life, and secondly; it gives a myriad of Spanish is that there are literally thousands of opportunities to engage with the host society, from words that with a little modification are reading school reports, talking to teachers and completely interchangeable thus nearly all the other parents etc. not mention the demands of words ending in –tion , -able , -ly , -ent, -ence earning a living. A key motivator for teenagers is and –ty can be modified .We have our common the desire to engage with the object of their desire.

Imperial Roman masters to thank for this. A good example of this is etymological evidence Many of these activities will involve at some point tracing the root of the Latin silentium which talking on the telephone. This for many proves to surfaces in Spanish as silencio and in English be a major stumbling block, for one quickly realises as silence. But it is a mistake to assume that how much of human communication is non verbal similarity of a word and its roots also signifies and can be supplemented by non verbal signals the continuity of meaning. For G. B. Shaw’s in face to face encounters. One of the major observation of Great Britain and America; ‘ that nd L A guided they are two nations divided by the same weaknesses I feel in formal 2 language’ still holds true and cautions one to systems/teaching is the lack of a section that deals the assumption that with fluency also comes specifically with the problems of talking on the complete understanding of another culture. As telephone, perhaps the use of role play may be a the story of a Spanish professor of linguistics useful tool. The lack of the imperative to engage asking of an Irish professor of linguistics at an will almost certainly result in failure to succeed. international conference illustrates; did the Irish For total immersion into Spanish life may be have an equivalent word for manana in Gaelic? literally a case of sink or swim. Without the Yes we do he replied, however it doesn’t dynamic, one may at best merely end up doggy paddling in gentle circles in the shallow end of the convey the same sense of urgency.’ pool, at worst sink without trace. The lack of Whilst Chomsky suggests that all languages at access/opportunity will seriously restrict 2nd L A . a deeper level have the same universal The level of verbal interaction may then be limited character, Slobin cautions that it would be to the basics, shopping or asking for directions. dangerous to forget that different languages and concomitantly different cultures may have Many people engage in what is described as important effects on what people believe, say nd and do. Thus the deeply embedded machismo spontaneous 2 L A, where without any formal in Latino societies can be something of an teaching a person will engage with the host unsettling surprise, particularly for a group of society. This is often followed by what is termed women (at the bus stop) who find their gender ‘fossilisation’ where once enough language has

been acquired to get by or meet the demands of the moment the level 2nd L A process ceases to develop and becomes ‘fossilised’ with acquired bad habits, mispronunciations, the pidginisation of the target language may then become fixed and will not respond easily to later guided correction. This process can often be seen where ‘ghettos’ form within the host community, or where parents become dependent on their children to act as interpreters, and is often a feature of migrant workers who may also be anxious about weakening their social and psychic identity with fellow migrants.

Where the second language learner is older some physiological factors may impact on the process of 2nd L A . particularly the effect of age on the Language Acquisition Device but equally important may be the effect of a degradation of hearing. For if one cannot correctly ‘hear’ pronunciation, stress and accent then one is not fully able to replicate it. Further the host speaker may themselves be distorting the ‘correct’ pronunciation’ if there is such a thing. So that a Basque or Catalan or Valencian accent/dialect may complicate the process of acquisition by affecting correct pronunciation and accent.

I recall a Spanish friend’s observation on the effect that living with his English partner. Whilst his partners Spanish was improving, he lamented that his own native high castelleon Spanish was deteriorating with the constant exposure to ‘spanglish’. Another factor related to physiological changes with age and possibly effects of smoking both of which may cause changes in the larynx and throat which may also impact on speech replication, sufficiently to obstruct the flow of discourse and understanding. A frequent problem articulated by older people also is the impact of memory degradation, this may be a ‘real’ factor or it may be interpretive, e.g. a way of explaining their lack of progress or difficulties in 2nd L A .

However, it is still undecided on how significant this is on 2nd L A for underpinning much of the debate, is that much of the arguments is understanding. A frequent problem articulated by older people also is the impact of memory degradation, this may be a ‘real’ factor or it may be interpretive, e.g. a way of explaining their lack of progress or difficulties in 2nd L A .

However, it is still undecided on how significant this is on 2nd L A for underpinning much of the debate, is that much of the arguments is based on theory, the hard science has yet fully clarify the issues raised by the contending theories.

As Levi Strauss observes; “Language is a form of human reason, and it has reasons unknown to man.”

A close neighbour and good friend has two young children; the parents are of Dutch / German / American heritage. The second child

The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 15 2010

STILL LERNING...

Cont. from page 15... is under a year old , the first, Timo, just over two years, both children are learning/acquiring Spanish,Catalan,German,Dutch and English.

However, the first child has, since birth been raised in the company of four dogs, a much loved family pet Jinx and three rescue dogs. Our friends kindly invited us to their fiesta. At one point Timo was upon all fours next to the family dog when suddenly the child made the classical front two paws stamp with up and down head motion and imitating with some accuracy a dog bark. I was astounded to realise that not only is this child acquiring five languages, he has intuitively added a sixth, Dogonese ( the 4 legged version) as well.

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Sources:

Briefly by way of summation the question Second Language Acquisition. Wolfgang Klein 1986 underpinning this article; is there a right way of ISBN 0521 31702 9 2nd L A ? In short one can say that guided 2nd Discourses on Methods Descartes 1637 L A is better than spontaneous 2nd L A but with the following rider, for I would suggest is that unless issues of negative experiences are explored e.g. unconscious blocks to learning and speaking, the formal setting may be of little use.

For older people it might be useful to have a hearing test. For hearing loss is often uneven with one ear showing greater impairment.

Perhaps then there is substance to the cockney proverb; “ To cock a deaf un.” Thus one can consciously use the good ear to listen with.

Another approach may to take a therapeutic psycho linguistic approach. For example using Cognitive Behavioural techniques to re-frame negative encounters so they experienced not as failures but as opportunities to reflect on the how and why it was unsuccessful and use the experience positively. Equally important is to use affirmation in successful outcomes and to take pleasure in the positive interaction, to give oneself a ‘pat on the back’. Also to share with friends experiences and exchange tips on what worked and what didn’t. Perhaps another useful technique is that of rehearsal, not only to prepare what and how you are going to say something but also to imagine what the likely response will be and to prepare oneself with key words that are likely to occur in the response to you. To remember, that our Catalan/Spanish host wants to successfully communicate with us too. But above all, to relish the pleasure of human communication and relationship. Enjoy or should I say, disfruta.

Entrantes Pastas Pizzas en horno de leña Carnes Pescados Menu diario

Reflections on Language: Noam Chomsky 1975 Pantheon Books

The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 1993 ed. QPD Books Oxford University Press CN6988 Native Tongues Charles Berlitz 1982 Grossap and Dunlop Pub. N.Y. Chambers Dictionary of Etymology 1988 Ed. R.K. Barnhart, H. W. Wilson Co. ISBN0-530-14230-4

En Wikipedia.org/wiki/psycholinguistics H. Ferguson www.psy.gla.a.c.uk/paul/summer-assets/heather.ppt.

Psycholinguistics 2nd Ed. Dan Isaac Slobin 1979 ISBN 0-673-15140-9 Tracatus Logico-Philosphic 1922

YY U R, YY U B, I C U R, YY 4 ME

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Biological Foundations of Language. Eric Lennenberg 1967 Wiley, N.Y Language Acquisition , Language learning and language teaching. 1974 in International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching .

Man Made Language Dale Spender 1980 Routledge Keegan Paul ISBN 07100 0675 6 Lost languages Andrew Robinson 2002 Bath Press CN 107422 An Introduction to the Study of Man J.Z. Young 1961 ed. Pelican Books

David Pique Domingo

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2010- www.chroniccat.com - Page 16 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010

GROWING NICELY M INE I S A S ECRET G ARDEN It has only just occurred to me that our garden is a private perhaps almost a secret garden, “organically” designed purely to give us both pleasure, rather than the formal “public” idea of dressing the house, no roses round the door, no lavender along the front path , in fact we really only have a back garden, without a back entrance! I only realised this when a friend said ‘Loved your last article, but where exactly in the garden are all these flowers you talk about?’ I was shocked for a moment, because we were standing on the wide entrance steps at the side of the house, with more than 30 pots (some still in flower) on each side of these steps, not so much for decoration but for ease of watering. By the by, these are the pots that I want to focus on next month when all the work to them is completed.

To one side of the steps that lead down to the kitchen, is a raised terrace with a huge olive tree that sheds its precious fruit all over the steps at this time of every year, some years it is the only tree that fruits as its proximity to the kitchen means that it is the recipient of all waste water from the kitchen. The olive is closely under planted with large Oleanders, Nerium oleander flowering in pink and white, (how precious I considered this plant when I nurtured it into flower in the UK)! Several Lantana peep out from beneath the tall Oleanders, framed by the fresh Nasturtium officinale leaves, these new seedlings are already growing, ready for their decorative orange blooms in spring and summer (ideal for transforming a plain salad into something exciting.

Nestling in the wall are the blue green creeping leaves of the brilliant succulent Malephora crocea, so dense are their lovely daisy type flowers which in the springtime will become a cloth of gold. Only just visible behind them and bordering the side of the house are more Lantana and Euryops which are now in full flower holding their beauty throughout the day, month after month. These tough hard working shrubs are planted into a mat of a low

growing succulents, O s c u l a r i a Deltoides giving an excellent illusion of a lawn (from a little distance) and in time will become a carpet of purple flower.

On the other side of the steps, another Euryops was blazing gold in the afternoon sun but our stately Paper Mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera, frequently used in the Mediterranean, for its shade, when pruned like a flat topped umbrella, however we decided not to prune because their catkins are so beautiful and evocative of the northern Aspen populus tremula, a small echo of England and always the first harbinger of spring. We grew this tree from a s m a l l sucker; rescued f r o m decapitation by chain saw some six years ago, it is now rewarding our kindness by giving generous shade in the blistering summer months to the descending sunken garden of Plumbago, Lavender, yellow Lantana and the green shapes of the pruned Osteospurmum, not yet back into flower. The base of the garden has been planted to merge the formal garden into the wild meadow of the olive terraces with a large area of Echevera subrigida, a large Crassula with tall salmon chandelier type flowers and blue green thick succulent leaves, interestingly, whilst it is commonly grown here, it was first discovered in 1892 in a remote canyon in Mexico, (its only known wild habitat) it has of course since become a favourite

cultivar all over the world and for me The garden is on many different a very valuable addition, levels, each level whilst partially complimenting the garden. hidden from the other, also leads one on into the other, as if it were a series There are of small private rooms designed to be absolutely no experienced as you are led from area shrubs in to area. Steps lead down on the far front of the side of the house, to another small house, only terrace, above the ponds, none of raised beds which can be seen from the entrance. to the sides They have to be discovered and open however the out onto another planting area on ground to the three levels, with raised beds full of front is lavender and pink ivy-leaf and dressed with scented Geraniums, which bridges the bright the different levels and brings an g r e e n extra dimension to the depth of succulent leaves planting. of Aptenia cordifolia with its bright star like flowers, this softens the edge At this time of year the Cape of the narrow path of our house and Honeysuckle, Bignonia capenensis leads the eye in a understated way or Tecomaria Capenensis, is in full to the views of the hillside falling flaming glory, this South African away. down, over the ever-changing plains of the delta and rice fields, on past the pueblos, and on to the blue sea and horizon beyond.

In fact, the very first comment made by a neighbour, weekending from Barcelona, was ‘Why create a garden, just lift up your head and look at what is here’. The wild and natural native I feel is a climber which is farm is lovely, but the view is essential and ideally suited for the spectacular, it is for this reason that Catalan garden. It grows vigorously there are absolutely no shrubs or with beautiful small elegant dark roses in the front of our house. green foliage; ideally it should be Nothing that might interrupt the view, hard pruned in the spring as it flowers only my favourite luscious succulent on new growth. At this time of year Aptenia which spreads its vivid green it has just burst into incandescent tendrils’ out over the slightly raised flame with a myriad of red-orange beds to give a soft edging that drops trumpet shaped flowers, onto the next level and spreads out unfortunately it has no scent so I several metres and drops again. The always plant it with a highly perfumed pathway ends where the cats like to Jasmine close by, either Jasminum sit on the edge to survey their polyanthum or J. Grandiflorum domain. commonly called Spanish Jasmine.

Or the intoxicating Galan de Notche, which is almost invisible during the day, it looks so ordinary, until the summer evenings and night when its incredibly powerful and delightful perfume fills the air. This climber is perfect for planting near any evening dining area or walkway.

More of the same type of shrubs border the main terrace, which is a large rectangle, it is good area to relax in, with the focus on seating and socialising, so for me the planting there is especially important.

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 17 2010

STILL GROWING Cont. from page 17...

But there are also several small Yucca aloifolia, grown from cuttings and w i l d extravagant Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, (I planted bronze fennel but it didn’t survive) that only wants to grow on the edge of the terrace through a large bench, it is untameable but has the most delicious smell when pushed out of the seating area.

My favourite mix at the moment is a combination of a lovely red flowering Salvia microphylla graham, a gift from a fellow gardener, (this particular variety sadly is not available here). This native of Mexico thrives in the poor soil and sunny dry conditions in my garden, so I intend to take numerous cuttings to create many more specimens. I have planted it together with the beautiful small decorative grass, Pennisetum villosum longistylum, (Feather top) another special gift from a friend. I have also used wild sweet Alyssum maritimum to perfume the terrace and purple Tradescantia pallida ‘ Purple Heart’ to give more contrast, blending it into the yucca and pale pink Lantana and pink Pelargonium’s further along the bed. The decorative grass has just produced about twenty lovely ‘feathers’ but the Salvia has been splendid all year. Above on the next level, are the foundation plants for the beginnings of my Lavender hedge and a young palm tree.

of pleasure, it gives me the view onto several small closely planted terraces that are stepped back behind the house which are seen best from the kitchen window, in this part of the garden I have placed a hidden water container designed to attract the birds, for me the garden truly comes to life when it shared with the wild life for a garden to really work it must provide sustenance to all who enter.

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After a heavy night of drinking at the local bar, a drunk stumbles into a Catholic church and slowly makes his way into the confessional booth. There, the priest patiently awaits the man to begin his confession.

After a few minutes of silence, the priest politely taps on the window... nothing. The priest taps again and this time clears his throat a bit... still nothing. At this point the priest begins to lose his patience and bangs on the window.

Finally the drunk yells out... "Ain't no use knocking, there ain't no paper over here either!"

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2010- www.chroniccat.com - Page 18 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010

MUNCHIE M UNCHIE M ACHINATIONS

T

here are

a

few rather scurrilous rumours that seem to be doing the rounds that imply that the Munchie is a figment of someone’s very active imagination! I have been accused in the past of imbuing too much vine juice, or even partaking of happy baccy, which apparently gives rise to hallucinatory moments. I can in fact allay all fears; the Munchie is real. It lives in our house and occasionally, in spite of its age, creates its own brand of excitement.

I put a load of bed clothes in the machine the other day. I set the program to the correct place entered all the required liquids in to the necessary compartments, and pressed the on button. Half way through the process I could hear the most horrendous noise coming from the contraption. It was clonking and clunking in a way I’d never heard before “Oh dear” says I to no one in particular, “The machine is dying, more expense!” I was relieved when the machine finished its spinning and I could empty it. It was then that I discovered the cause of the racket. While I was removing the sheets

B ASIC

IS YOUR CAR FEELING POORLY?

from the machine, an enormous rock, which had been making the dreadful din, rolled out on to my kitchen floor. Those of you have read my articles before will know how this piece of mountain came to be, first wrapped up in the bedclothes and second, who is most likely to have put it there! My sister thought it reflected the Munchie’s understanding of the whole innovative process of using a scrub/wash ball to beat the dirt in to submission so that it lifts from the clothes effortlessly. I wonder what she’d make of vanish!

I suppose I should come clean and say that it is actually a she. Anyone who has read of its escapades always knew it could be nothing else. It is strong willed, stubborn, extremely fast on its feet, of which it has four, intelligent beyond measure with the ability to run rings round everyone. Yes, definitely female and as such, to add to its repertoire, has recently taken to helping me ensure the clothes are washed properly.

As a final point Munchie would like to point out, for those of a warm blooded nature amongst us, that the temperature has definitely dropped and quite considerably, as she has taken to her cold weather quarters once more; my bed. According to Munchie, autumn is officially here. Keep the fires burning

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THOUGHTS...

If it really is a small world, why does it cost so much to run it?

What happened to the first 6 "ups"?

If nothing ever sticks to TEFLON, how do they make TEFLON stick to the frying pan?

Why did they put an 's' in the word 'lisp'?

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* Visitors: quickly determine which guest is * Barking: because you are a dog, you are * The art of sniffing:

afraid of dogs. Charge across the room, barking loudly and leap playfully on this person. If the human falls down on the floor and starts crying, lick its face and growl gently to show your concern.

expected to bark. So bark -- a lot. Your owners will be very happy to hear you protecting their house. Especially late at night while they are sleeping safely in their beds. There is no more secure feeling for a human than to keep waking up in the middle of the night and hearing your protective bark, bark, bark...

humans like to be s n i f f e d .

Everywhere. It is your duty, as the family dog, to accommodate them.

* Dining etiquette: always sit under the table at dinner, especially when there are guests, so you can clean up any food that falls on the floor. It's also a good time to practice * Holes: rather than digging a big hole in the your sniffing. middle of the yard and upsetting your human, dig a lot of smaller holes all over the yard so * Couches: it is perfectly permissible to lie on they won't notice. If you arrange a little pile of the new couch after all your humans have gone dirt on one side of each hole, maybe they'll to bed. think it's gophers. There are never enough holes in the ground. Strive daily to do your part * Chasing cats: when chasing cats, make sure you never--- quite--- catch them. It spoils all the to help correct this problem. fun. * Doors: the area directly in front of a door is * Chewing: make a contribution to the fashion always reserved for the family dog to sleep. industry. ...eat a shoe a day. * Licking: always take a big drink from your water dish immediately before licking your human. Humans prefer clean tongues. Be ready to fetch your human a towel.

The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 19 2010

LIFE P ARASKEVIDEKATRIAPHOBICS

By Helen Rowe

So, why are some people superstitious and others are not? I am one of the “nots” I don’t choose to walk under a ladder, not because of the fear of bad luck, but the risk of someone at the top of the ladder dropping something on me. If I broke a mirror it would only be bad luck if I cut myself when clearing up the broken glass! As for the seven years bad luck that goes with this breakage I ask why seven years and is not the ruined mirror enough back luck?

My mother would not put red and white flowers together in a floral arrangement, telling me the mixture of red and white flowers mean death blood and bandages. This one I can see, how the mythology from those wounded in war has formed into a superstition.

I feed her, no bad luck when she walks away well fed.

Another group with a heightened irrationally tradition is the theatre. I remember when our daughter was first involved with a dance troupe, I cringed at hearing "break a leg" on opening night, okay it is a well-known idiom in theatre which means "good luck." before they go out onto stage. To me it seems cruel to even mouth the words especially to dancers!

There are so many different superstitions, look at the number 13 and then one of seven days Back to numbers, today the date I am sitting of the week namely Friday, when they occur writing this is 10 10 10 the tenth of October 2010 together, why should this day be unlucky? a date easy to remember, so according to the press many chose this for their wedding day.

There is even a name for this fear derived from Okay here comes the cynic, is it too difficult to Greek, totally unpronounceable remember your wedding anniversary? Back in the days of studying pure maths I remember you Paraskevidekatriaphobics, an have rational and irrational numbers so why is irrational fear of Friday the the number seven considered to be lucky?

13th.

If you blow out all the candles on your Well here in Catalunya its birthday cake with the first puff you will get Tuesday the 13th that is your wish. So as you gain more years and unlucky, so do you fear two more candles your chances of having different days? enough puff to extinguish all the candles I was helping a friend peg her washing out and and your chances of good luck decrease. was told not to put blue and green items or pegs Forget the candles just enjoy the cake if together. Again why? In nature they are the two you are lucky to have one.

If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it. My black cat only walks towards me when she wants feeding so I reckon the good luck is her’s,

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most prevalent colours the blue sky and the green of trees and flora are together………Am I missing the point? I do not consider people who are superstitious as totally irrational and yet where is the reasoning for these kinds of beliefs? On the other hand (sorry for the pun) last week I crossed my fingers and wished good luck to a friend, oops maybe I am not so rational.

Finally, some superstitions or wives tales are based on commonsense, like its bad luck to open an umbrella in the house well of course opening something with spikes in a confined space could be very unlucky for your eyesight.

The bad luck of putting shoes on the table is another one especially if you have just walked across a farmyard! commonsense, like its bad luck to open an umbrella in the house well of course opening something with spikes in a confined space could be very unlucky for your eyesight. The bad luck of putting shoes on the table is another one especially if you have just walked across a farmyard!

FR

Superstition - an irrational, but usually deepseated belief in the magical effects of a specific action or ritual, especially in the likelihood that good or bad luck will result from performing it.

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The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 2010- www.chroniccat.com - Page 20

PUERTO

LA COMIDA Q UICK &

EASY SCONES

C HEATS C UISINE Talking to a vegetarian friend recently ( who by the way is an excellent cook ) made me realize that vegetarians get overlooked when we entertain at home and don't even think about trying to eat out unless you are hooked big-time on salad so here is a quickie that is easy and tastes very good, you can always add meat on the side for the non veggies.

Ingredients for 12 Big Scones 3 Cups of self raising flour Half a tablespoon of salt 1 Cup Of Cream

Cheese and onion tarte tatin

1 Cup of Lemonade Mix in half a cup of chopped dried fruit to the scone mix for delicious fruit scones.

Preheat oven to 220°C/430F, and grease and flour a baking tray.

25g butter,1 tbls olive oil,3 lge red onions, thinly sliced,1 tbls balsamic vinegar,2 tbls dark muscovado sugar,120 g cheddar cheese,grated,115g short crust pastry (frozen will make it even quicker ) and mixed salad to serve

Sift flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre. Pour cream and Pre-heat oven to 200c/gas 6. Melt butter with oil in a large lemonade into the well. frying pan and cook onions, stirring occasionally, for 5-8 minutes until softened. Stir in the sugar and vinegar and Mix ingredients together using a butter knife. Stop mixing as soon as there is no more dry flour cook for a further 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.

Spoon into 20cm ovenproof pie dish or sandwich-cake tin. in the bowl. The mixture will look quite sticky at this point.

Tip the scone mixture onto a well-floured surface. Do not knead the dough heavily, but using Reserve 25 g of cheese and sprinkle the rest over the floured hands, knead once or twice while shaping the dough so that it is about an inch (2.5cm) onions. Roll out pastry to a circle slightly larger than the dish, then press it lightly over the the dish tucking down high and roughly round in shape. the sides. Prick gently with a fork and bake for about 25 mins until pastry is golden and the filling bubbles around Cut out round scones using a cookie cutter or even with a knife. Using your hands, re-shape the edge. the left-over bits of dough and then finish cutting out the rest of your scones. The dough will be sticky, but this is the secret for lovely, moist and light scones. Mix in a little extra flour with Set aside for a few minutes, then place a serving plate on your hands if you find it too sticky. the top and invert. While still warm, sprinkle the remaining cheese, cut into wedges and serve with salad of your Place scones on baking tray and bake for 15 minutes. The tops will have browned nicely, and choice. an inserted knife should come out clean.

Quick fruit pud Handy Hint: Separate the scones from each other on the tray and pop them back in the oven Take some chopped fruit of your choice you can use for an extra minute or two to make sure the joining edges are properly cooked. soaked dried fruit if you wish ( try soaking dried fruit in Moscatel) These delicious scones are best served warm with jam and cream or butter and ofcourse a nice cuppa.

Mix 200g of thick greek yogurt ( sweetened or

PUMPKIN & BEEF STEW The addition of pumpkin cubes adds a tender sweetness that only pumpkin can, to one of our good old fashioned favourite winter warmers - Beef Stew.

unsweetened your choice ) mix with 2 tbls of desiccated coconut, toasted and pour over fruit,done.

Enjoy!!!

Ingredients: 2 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1 ½ cups ½-inch cubed pumpkin 3 large white potatoes, peeled, cubed 3 large carrots, sliced 2 cups beef or vegetable broth 1 (15-ounce) can chopped tomatoes 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides.

Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.

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Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 45 minutes. Cool slightly and serve warm.

The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 21 2010

ALGO PARA LOS NIÑOS HALLOWEEN WORD SEARCH

MAGIC MAZE

Find all the words listed below within the grid, and with the unused letters find the seasonal activity linked to All Hallows Eve. APPLES BATS BLACK CAT BROOMSTICK CANDLE CANDY CEMETERY COFFIN

COSTUME DRACULA FRIGHTENING FULL MOON GHOSTS GHOULS GOBLINS GRAVEYARD

JACK O LANTERN MASK MUMMY NIGHT PUMPKIN SCARECROW SCARY SCREAM

SKELETON SKULL SPIDERS TOMBSTONE VAMPIRE WEREWOLF WITCHES ZOMBIE

COLOUR ME QUICK

CACKLE CORNER Why don’t skeletons enjoy parties?

Because they don’t have any body to dance with.

Why wasn't there any food left after the monster party?

Because everyone was a goblin!

What do you call a skeleton that won’t work?

Lazy Bones Why are there fences around cemeteries?

Because people are dying to get in.

What kind of mistakes do spooks make?

Boo Boo’s.

Why do mummies make good employees?

Because they get wrapped up in their work.

What do you call a fat Jack-O-Lantern?

A Plumpkin Why do demons and ghouls hang out with one another?

Because demons are a ghouls best friend.

What’s it like to be kissed by a vampire?

It’s a pain in the neck.

What is a Mummie's favorite type of music?

Wrap!!!!!

WITCHE’S POTION Ask Mum or Dad for some help.

Ingredients: 2 Tablespooms of Water 1 Tablespoon of Baking soda 2 Tablespoon of Vinegar Directions: Place a bowl or cup on a pan or tray (or you'll get potion all over the place!)

Fill the bowl with 2 tablespoons of water and stir in a tablespoon of baking soda until it dissolves.

Measure 2 tablespoons of vinegar into a separate cup.

Pour the vinegar, all at once into the water/baking soda mixture and Watch your potion bubble up!

How did that happen?

The bubbles that are created are filled with carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is a gas that forms when the vinegar (an acid) reacts with the baking soda (a base).

This is also what makes cakes and quick breads (the no yeast kind) get all nice and fluffy.

Please remember to help tidy up afterwards.

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 22

ODDS N ENDS THE PERFECT FIND

film was called Zepped, and finally found one reference to it in a translated Russian article. It revealed that Zepped had been released in England in 1916. Finally, searching through old newspaper files, he discovered that Zepped was an anti-Kaiser comedy. A first world war propaganda film in which Chaplin defied the might of the German Zeppelins. Apparently, at some point it had been shown to British troops in Egypt, but then disappeared.

We all love a day out at an Antiques Market, a car boot sale or an Auction.

There is nothing quite like rummaging through boxes of jumble, old records, porcelain, or old paintings. There is always the chance that you may stumble across a piece of treasure and it can Anyway, this chap decided to go to visit Chaplin’s old studios in Hollywood with the become addictive film. He consulted with some experts I have spent many years trawling through there, and discovered that Zepped – only the Antique markets of most of Europe. I Seven and a half minutes long – is a have spent hours sitting in Auction houses unique piece of early film history. He has waiting for what I suspected was the buy been told that the film may be worth £1m. of a lifetime, and on one occasion at an He may sell it or he may hold on to it. But auction in Paris where I bid on several old the excitement he must feel! – the idea that such a random find could be so valve radios – won the bidding war and was persuaded by a late arrival at the intriguing and historically so interesting is Auction to sell them on for a small profit. mindblowing.

And so only a few days ago I heard of another man who was at a local Auction and discovered another old Chaplin movie and another story begins…… Meanwhile, I will still keep browsing the Antique Markets and Auctions in the hope of finding old relics and treasures to add to the “Magpie’s Nest”.

Lorraine K

In the last few years I have to admit that I have been tempted by Ebay Auctions.

Going online and viewing thousands of items without having to leave your desk.

Yes I have purchased and got some very interesting items but none to match this story I heard recently…

A man in the UK who would describe himself as a bit of a collector and a regular visitor to Ebay Auctions, was online some time ago and came across a film canister, old and battered, but the bid was at £3 so he went in with a bid of £3.20 and won it.

It arrived some days later and it was just as he expected - it had seen better days.

Opening the tin he found a massive roll of old film. He held it up to the light and could not believe that he was looking at an old Charlie Chaplin film.

He called a friend, who was an old film buff, and who had a specialised machine to show it. A group of them sat down to watch it and it was indeed Charlie Chaplin on screen. He became obsessed to find out more about it. He could see that the

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The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 23 2010

REVIEWS T HE B IGGEST

TWITCH

by Alan Davies and Ruth Millor Published by Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd

ISBN-13: 978-1408123874 Book review by Rosie Reay Twitter@RosieReay

"To twitch or not to twitch, that is the question?" was my first thought as I studied the graphic colourful cover, that so clearly depicted this was going to be a book of sheer adventure.

Staking out far off places to capture in your binoculars that sought after bird, vibrant in colours or camouflaged in its environment.

What the dashing Alan Davies and his pretty partner Ruth Millor achieved together is absolutely startling, "Around the world in 4,000 birds"- 4000 birds! That almost beggars belief but it is true. It did happen. It all unfolds splendidly throughout this book. You can only just begin to imagine their thrill in discovering these birds of so many varieties in their beautiful natural habitat across so many continents.

The adventures they encountered as they moved from one location to another- all makes exciting reading.

Plethora upon plethora of bird life information all written in a friendly and accessible tone and not textbook boredom.

It is also interesting to note that one chapter is written by Alan, then the following one by Ruth, each complimenting each other's style and the prose flows. They set out, armed with their daunting lists of hopeful sightings, having done their homework according to The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World. They chose to refer to the species names most commonly used in the appropriate field guides to nurture our readings. However, the full list is available on, www.thebiggesttwitch.com.

As thrilling as the coloured photos are, even more so is the narrative that recounts their adventure of discovery. The rhythm of the prose fits each situation snugly. You often feel the writer is whispering to you, as you watch and wait for a clearer or nearer view of their latest siting. You really feel as though you are sat behind them. You feel the anticipation, their excitement is catching and you find you are holding your breath...

The details of each bird is magnificent. You continually marvel as they move to yet another country at the logistics, research and preparations that went into making this trip feasible.

On Top Gear, it showed three looney drivers-TV presenters, hurtling along the infamous Manu Road in Peru, a renowned death trap from start to finish and often depicted in video on YouTube. But it is a whole different kettle of fish to imagine two twitchers manoeuvring along this road, embracing the wonders of the environment and the visuals of "feeding flocks that moved faster than the traffic�, not to drive over the edge.

Some birds noted were found in the most unexpected places in Peru. The Peruvian Thick-knee was spotted on a mere rubbish dump. Whereas, the handsome Festive

Coquette hopped onto a branch to feed in Warbling-Finch, Siberian Rubythroat, New their Peruvian cabin garden. How special is Holland Honeyeaters and the Silver-eared that?

Mesia, but to name a few.

During 26th March-12th April the couple were in Spain - a magical springtime of sightings. What is so fascinating and interesting for me is how they regale the travel adventure side, people they meet along the way, as well, of course the birds.

They let you feel their excitement when within one scope view they were surprised to see an Alpine Accentor and literally, a few feet away sat a Wallcreeper. These are both winter visitors and most unusual (and so much more special) to still be around.

This book is so well written. The geographical and ornithological descriptions are so breath taking, with name after name of the birds rolling off their tongues - almost in the art of alliteration.

What an amazing book this is! I really, really, really loved it. Every word, every photo, every musing it created. Go buy it! You will not be disappointed. This book has pride of place on my desk. The pages are well thumbed now and such an inspiration to my daily musings. I cannot recommend it enough! Alan and Ruth, I envied you on every page, but must heartily congratulate you on your tales of this awesome adventure and once in a lifetime experience of seeing so many birds in one year.

Foden Press

All 4000 birds were spotted and recorded in just 365 days. If you have only ever taken a fleeting glance at an English robin; the pestey swallows nesting in the eaves of your caseta, villa or apartment; or an odd seagull hovering; or a flock of camerons disturbing your baited Ebro waters; I just know if you pick up this book you will not be able to put it down. You will be so much richer, so much more enlightened on the world's bird population and you'll find yourself looking more intent on the sound of each flapping wing or bird call. A book even to be enjoyed on the river bank as you await that big catch.

Rosie Reay rosiereay@fodenpress.com +34 619-772-492 Twitter @RosieReay

Q&A ?? ? ? ? 1. Something very extraordinary ? happened on the 6th of May, 1978 at thirty-four minutes past twelve a.m.

What was it?

2. What's black when you get it, Red when you use it, And white when you’ve finished with it?

The beauty of this book (as a forever wanderlust and one to read before you take ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 off on destinations unknown) is you can muse along as they visit these amazing countries across all the continents. You don't even have to read these chapters in chronological order. I admit, I read about Spain the first time, then hopped over to the section on South Africa and Namibia, and felt terribly homesick reading those pages. I then darted over to California and thought I didn't remember seeing all this bird life of Email:max.snaith@yahoo.com note on my frequent trips over there.

Drat! I'll have to go back and make a list this time!

When you are next visiting Tarragona city come and relax and have a coffee or tea Only then did I fly back to page 16 in and started to read thoroughly. I just could not read fast enough, but then Rodney, Elizibeth and Marina I kept interrupting myself as I flipped assure you a warm welcome. back and forth between the glossy Open Mon to Fri 8.00am to 9.30pm photo pages and googled for others.

English and Spanish spoken.

Naturally the chapters I enjoyed the Tel: 653 557 524 most were the places I've never been C/ Joan Baptista Plana 25, near the Eroski Centre to: South America, India, Australia and Asia - the Black-capped

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 24 2010

TALES FROM THE EBRO RIVER VALLEY The end of the era as the sun sets on the demise of the International Friendship Club at Terrapica.

Yes, Parky has driven off back to olde England and to bracing climes once more, for an indefinite period. I hear the journey back was not without incidents and a breakdown with the fan belt snapping occurred. Now in days gone by a pair of ladies pantyhose usually solved that problem.

Well, Parky being an ingenious guy would find an alternative - hmm...

of working life left in me. They also mentioned that because I had only started work at 21 (pardon me for going to college!) and had not commenced working at 16 (I didn't leave school until I was 18) I was not entitled to a full basic pension. What?

So I pushed back. What actual % of pension will I get if I didn't pay another penny into the NIC .

The answer was a bland 45%. Well that didn't add up. 28 years +15 years = 43 but 28 years does not equate to 45% and I had always paid full stamp.

These will be changing times for Parky with the advent of his first grandchild being imminent. So we wish him well, adieu and au revoire. May that grandling keep on tweaking his / hers grandpa's braces as his belly laugh bellows forth.

However, (drum roll...) this letter dated October 2010 shed a whole new light on my pension prospects and this may affect other Ex pats too.

Many friends and networking took place amongst the gaggle of Ex pats and tourists who used to drop in on the second Sunday of each month. It has left many attendees, seen talking on Lidl carpark, asking, "What will we do now?" or "Where shall we go now?"

Well, nothing is stopping anyone else from doing likewise or maybe something different. But do check with your local ajuntament first that it is within the bounds of the law. No one wants to see anyone being fined.

Due to changes in the pension law I only need 30 years to be awarded the full basic pension in Jan 2019 ( such a long way off, I know!) They supplied a very helpful table in pounds sterling depicting year by qualifying year of weekly basic pension.

So, without paying another sod I would receive GBP 91.14 weekly and with 30 years under my girth, the princely sum of GBP 97.65 weekly.

(Wow! Don't leave town without me!)

However, I do not need to make up the 15 years previously reported in 2003. In fact, I only have two years to contribute, with a time factor element of course. I can choose which two years I want to pay as amount varies in the table supplied over the last six years. The two lowest years are 2005 and 2006. The former must be paid April 2012 and the latter by April 2013 - no rush then, is there?

This can be paid from my Spanish account by SWIFT as 2 x one off payments. So this is a truly viable option for me and is only on the par of two months pension and then I can reap the benefits in my dotage.

But treasure the friendships you've made. No Ex pat can be an island out here. Yes, Parky was a character, a lovable rogue, such a helpful guy, a legend and one who enjoyed immensely the Saturday breakfast club -oh, and always up for a laugh. These are comments passed onto me.

Maybe he will return, maybe he won't, but he will be remembered and talked about in many a yarn spun in the future. (No, Parky I am not writing your epitaph - so look after your health!)

There was another snippet of information amongst this plethora of paperwork that was something There has been much noise on the British news new to my ears and maybe to yours too. about all the forthcoming changes being dished out from the coalition government. Cameron has When your wife / husband/ civil partner reaches a difficult job ahead of him and not one to win high pension age prior to you, you can claim a reduced in the popularity stakes of the benefit claimants pension off his/hers NIC's of GBP 54.60. But what who "won't work, never have worked, can get it doesn't say is how old the secondary claimant more on benefits than in work" clique. But change must be. Only that, if the claimant has a pending is hard. Change is necessary. Change can be basic State Pension in their own right, they may good for the survival of the British Isles. not receive the full amount shown.(Hey ho, it all helps!)

So, it was with trepidation I grabbed a long overdue letter from HM Revenue and Customs, Readers you can find out more on European that lay all alone in my postbox, like Billy no mates. Community Regulations and your social security I ripped opened the brown envelope. Oh no, position from the Department of Works and pages after pages after pages to divulge. No time Pensions on www.dwp.co.uk/international. for this now as I was on my weekly chemist run Furthermore, if you are less than four months and needed to get back to the finca and my away from State pension age and you've not yet charges. So I rammed it into my bag. It wasn't until received a claim pack you should ring the Pension nightfall I had a chance to retrieve the scrunched Service on +44 191 218 7777. envelope out of the depths of my bag. I read it quickly and hey guys, this was not as ominous On a lighter note we are are looking forward to sounding as I was envisaging. In fact, it was an the Freesia Cancer Support Group Christmas eye opener and made interesting pursuing.

Fayre to be held at El Perello on the first Saturday in November (06/11/2010). Tables are being hired Way back in 2003 I rang HM Revenue and out at 15 euros. Why not share with a friend - I Customs and asked for a pension forecast and am! Catherine will be selling her wonderful tasty the result was quite bleak. I still had, then 15 years "English" sausages, pork pies and sausage rolls

and also taking written Christmas orders, so don't forget to order your sausage meat for stuffing!

I, Rosie Reay will be selling and book signing my children books from the Chimona Chronicles series ( www.chimona.com.) an ideal present to give to kiddies for Christmas. The idea of the poem within the Book One sprung from the lips of a little English Ex pat boy in Benifallet. Yes, he kick started my writing muse for the entire series.

These stories have already been enjoyed by grandparents, parents and even teachers from far afield in Saudi, South Africa, France, Holland, California and Canada as e-books. I also have firm orders waiting for the print copies from Australia too. These will now be in print (America has promised me!) by that date. So I look forward to meeting you all so pop by and say "Hi".

I will also have a selection of silver jewellery made in South Africa depicting its wild life heritage and a few articles of bushmen cave paintings handetched into the silver jewellery. These share empathy with the rock paintings of Ulldecona.

This is going to be a good day for everybody. So please support Freesia Cancer group. These days cancer has touched so many lives of our families, friends or someone in the community.

Last weekend saw me wailing up at the overcast rain clad clouds, "Why does it always happen to me?

We are fortunate, I do know, to be in a water well community of 12 finca owners and receive beautiful potable water. Water is precious and I do not take it for granted and try to conserve it where ever I can. I was getting really panicky last weekend as my water cistern looked dangerously low to the minimum level before the pump could burn out. I checked all my valves were opened and jumped into my new "grasshopper" vehicle, plus water key and dashed off down the road and round into the barranc road and onto the Pump house. Not in use by anyone else, so I proceeded to close the lower valve and open the top valve.

Final stage is switch on power and to place my key into my metre. No power! Zilch- the gauge didn't flicker, not even stammer -nada, absolutley no sign of electric current. Damn! What do I do now?

All morning I was up and down trying to see if the power was back on or find a neighbour. The barranc was quiet as a dormouse, not a soul about. Of course, fiesta in the village of Sant Franc. I returned home forlornly and the pile of laundry and washing up seemed to have quadrupled while I was out at the Well house. It was late afternoon,when I checked the valves again, everything geared for Go and tried again.

Wowee!!!, power was on. I waited a few moments to hear the water was running and then dashed home and watched beautiful water flowing fast into my cistern. It filled about one and a half feet and then stopped.

The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 25 2010

HOTCH POTCH Cont. from page 25...

Oh, what now?

Back in grasshopper and dashed down to the barranc panicking. This did not bode well. I just knew it. There was water pouring out everywhere from where the main pipe goes into the main valve - they had separated ever so slightly. I quickly switched everything off and then just collapsed with my head in my hands. What do I do now? I am only a woman...

Once again Neus thankfully came to my rescue and sorted out putting the whole repair process into action for me. Though I was told it would be Monday (now it was Saturday evening gathering dusk) before the engineer could be called out. Well, Monday evening I had water, glorious, glorious water.

Some interesting water theme expressions you may find helpful in Catalan, bearing in mind water is l'aigua.

1. My eyes are watering = em ploren els ulls 2. My mouth is watering = em fa venir salivera 3. To throw cold water on = tirar una galleda d'aigua freda cobre 4. To tread water = pedaljar a l'aigau 5. That's water under the bridge = aixo` ´es aigua passada 6. As clear as day = m`es clar que l'aigua That reminds me I must go full up l'aigua again!

I despondently locked up the pump house and headed home. I don't have the Well house manager's number but I have his daughter. Neus, the nicest Catalan woman than you would ever meet. A gem, and she helped me out of many a scrape before.

Catalonian Properties New and Resale Properties, Large/Small Farms/Coastal, River/Countryside.

We have several clients looking for your property so give us a call if you want to sell it. www.catalonianproperties.com e-mail: terry_owen1@hotmail.com Tel/Fax: (0034) 977 470 924 Mobile: 606 813 219 or 615 316 722

by RosieReay@fodenpress.com Twitter@RosieReay

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Fred got home from his Sunday round of golf later than normal and very tired.

PLUMBING, ELECTRICS, HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, SATELLITE TV, INTERNET, PC REPAIR

“Bad day at the course?” his wife asked.

“Everything was going fine,” he said. “Then Harry had a heart attack and died on the 10th tee.”

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“You’re not kidding. For the whole back nine it was hit the ball, drag Harry, hit the ball, drag Harry.”

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2010 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 26

LA SALUD MIRACLE DIETS Fad diets are diets that use varied strategies and pseudo-scientific arguments to convince people of their benefits.

These diets are characterised by being unbalanced, inadequate and possibly even dangerous to health.

Often they use methods that promise to help lose weight quickly and effortlessly and without any nutritional or scientific basis. People who use these diets often put on more kilos than they lost when they abandon the diet (known as yo-yo effect) and not only fail to correct their poor eating habits, but accentuate the problems. The best advice I can give about the so-called miracle diets is to stay well clear of them.

Types of miracle diet Diets rich in protein and low carbohydrate: This group includes diets that promise quick results if you only eat meat, bacon, eggs and other foods high in protein, and suppress or minimize foods high in carbohydrates such as cereals and cereal products (rice, pasta and bread), potatoes, legumes, vegetables and fruits.

An excessive intake of protein and insufficient carbohydrates promotes bone calcium loss and can cause kidney damage, but can also cause fatigue and dizziness due to lack of carbohydrates as glucose, a substance poor in these diets, which is the preferred energy source of the body. In addition they lead to a great loss of fluid and electrolytes, promote dehydration and elevate levels of cholesterol and triglycerides which are cardiovascular risk factors.

If you have hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels), it will make it worse or may even cause you to suffer an attack of gout. In the short to medium term you lose muscle protein and visceral protein as the body uses it as an energy source.

strong-smelling urine because this pathway is and normal eating rhythm. used to eliminate small amounts of acetone from the body.

Example: Monday rice, Tuesday meat, Wednesday eggs? And the like.

Diets that follow this pattern are: Dr. Atkins Diet, Dr. Hay dissociated, food combinations Herbert Health Risks Sheldon, Montignac decoupled regime, Scarsdale, Messini, May diet, The Zone (diet People who are driven by these diets look for short waist, abdomen, buttocks?), Protein Power, term goals that are unrealistic to obtain. In short protein fasting, etc. periods, all you lose is body fluid and electrolyte reserves, not fat. It requires a period of at least Diet rich in fat and cholesterol: one week to begin to mobilize the fat deposits that are the true reason for excess weight. In these Some of the most dangerous and widespread in cases the weight loss is due to a substantial the treatment of obesity are associated with these reduction in dietary calories or organic imbalances diets. They are based on a reduction in that arise when using food in quantity and poor carbohydrates which are replaced by fat. Some quality. This results in weight loss at the expense of the diets that are published in magazines or of: liquid electrolytes, to a lesser extent protein other media can provide up to 1500 mg of stores - mostly muscle - and still lower fat cholesterol per day as well as saturated fat, percentage, which is what you really want to lose. although no article refers to the high fat intake. By increasing levels of cholesterol and triglycerides With these diets you find that in 99% of cases, lost in the blood, weight is rapidly recovered after cessation, and you increase in many cases can exceed the weight loss itself, the risk of ie, in most cases you gain more kilos than you cardiovascular lost with the diet (yo-yo effect). A diet with an disease. These energy value lower than 1200 calories is diets cause a nutritionally incomplete and if used for a medium n u t r i t i o n a l or long term requires supplementation of vitamins i m b a l a n c e and minerals to prevent any deficiency. caused by the depletion of A balanced diet does not prohibit the consumption g l y c o g e n of any food, quite the opposite, and allows for (reserve substance converted by the body into gradual weight loss, which should not exceed a glucose), and the water connected to it. They kilo or half kilo per week. A guarantee of success cause rapid weight loss due to water loss , which for losing weight safely is to seek professional is then recovered when you return to eating foods dietary advice to make a personalized weight-loss rich in carbohydrates. diet.

Diets that follow this pattern are: Diet Pemmington, the Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution, Dr. Shelton food combinations, dissociated from Montignac diet, Scarsdale diet, diet in May, Messini diet, any kind of high protein diet, etc.

Arancha Coromina Dietitian-Nutritionist aranchacoromina@gmail.com

Dietary fat: Do not allow oil, butter, margarine and any fat.

Cause a risk of lack of essential fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E).

Diets that follow this pattern are: Detox Diet, syrup of sage, grapefruit, fasting total, partial 1000 Over time, the lack of carbohydrates causes an calorie diet, diet Hauser, cellulite diet of pasta, excess of acetone and other ketones in the body potato diet, etc. (ketosis) as the body adjusts to the situation and uses fat as an energy substitute in order to reduce Intake diets that focus on a particular food: the degradation of muscle and visceral protein.

Ketosis leads to loss of appetite and nausea, They are boring and are nothing more than another way in which the followers of the protein nutritionally unbalanced and unscientific, they can diets lose weight rapidly. Typically noted is a cause digestive disorders and psychic breaking

Advice, Training and Food Education (asesoramiento, formacion y educacion alimentaria) Nutritional treatment for overweight, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol etc.

DIETÉTICA ROQUETES, C / MAYOR , 36 43520 ROQUETES Call 645565571 to make an appointment (Consultations in English or Spanish)

The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 27 2010

PASSATEMPS Cryptic Crossword

Across

Down

1. Bank employee, who can say (6)

1. Sum up tall youth, essentially (5)

4. Balance found in muesli bran (5)

2. Let cure become a lesson (7)

9. Crumbling old places fell down (9)

3. Find a fish in a wee lake (3)

10. Not as old as that confused Reno guy (7)

5. Begins tantrum in a moment (7)

11. Plenty of land in tarmac resort (5)

6. Palindrome instrument (5)

12. Opposed to poetry (6)

7. Found in large scale drama crowd (5)

14. Purloins duck between beginning and

8. Hesitates to use spa turbulence (6)

end of shifts (6)

12. Committee on a ship (6)

17. Last letter in some game (5)

13. Evidence of injury, allow for redness (7)

19. Tolerates some token duress (7)

15. Shorten a river crossing (7)

21. Alter code when moved (9)

16. Serenity, sounds like part of something

23. One of the Earps, sounds interrogative

greater (5)

at first (5)

18. Nobleman with ponytail is before his time (5)

24. Shuffle a paper then come into view (6) 20. Grasp earnest weapon, essentially (5) 22. High point found in octopus (3)

Quick Crossword

Q & A answers from page 24 1. At that moment, the time and day could be written as: 12:34, 5/6/78.

2. Charcoal

Across 1. Twelve (5) 4. Hoard (5) 7. Unaware (9) 8. Gape (4) 10. Wore away (6) 12. Birds of prey (6) 13. Notion (4) 16. Large spider (9) 18. The lowest point of anything (5) 19. Implied (5)

Down 1. Journal (5) 2. Menagerie (3) 3. World's longest river (4) 4. Secret or hidden (6) 5. Bustling (7) 6. Abated (5) 9. Placed a bet (7) 11. Thinner (6) 12. Consumed (5) 14. Proficient (5) 15. Female relative (4) 17. Part of a circle (3)

www.littlebritain24-7.com

Easy

Medium

Hard

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue Issue 13 12 November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 28

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ALARMS FINCA ALERT SYSTEMS 647 771 573 www.fasystems.es info@fasystems.es Wireless driveway alarm systems

ARCHITECTS TAE ARCHITECTS 659 736 403 Miami Platja www.taeconsultants.com Valuations, Reports, Certificates

BARS BAR CAL MANEL 653 557 524 C/ Joan Baptista Plana, Tarragona English Owned Bar/Cafe MOLI'S BAR MINI-GOLF 977 570 819 Urb. Moli de L'om, El Castel molisbar@hotmail.com Open 16.00 - 21.00, w'ends from 14.00

CARAVANS ICA 629 743 327 www.icasl.net New & Used Mobile Homes For Sale

CAR RENTAL HAPPY RENT COSTA DORADA S.L. 977 170 466 FAX: 977 172 507 www.happyrentspain.es Rent a Car

CONSTRUCTION CLICK NAVE S.L. 652 500 899 / 679 219 715 (English) www.clicknave.es Clicknave@hotmail.com Pre-fabricated buildings PROSTAMP 610 157 036 (EnglIsh) / 630 099 262 Construction of drives, paths, patios & terraces MAYOR 977 440 440 Tortosa www.mayor.cat For all your construction requirements PAVIMENTOS TORTOSA 664 770 541 / 977 501 929 For all your building materials

DENTISTS CLINICA DENTAL DEL MAR PENISCOLA 964 481 588 English speaking Dental Surgery

DIETICIANS DIETÉTICA ROQUETES 645 565 571 Advice Training and Food Education in English

ELECTRICIANS MICHAEL HOGG 620 552 666 Call outs, repairs, new build / reforms complete wiring, independent power systems, installations, sales, system checks

ORIFLAME NATURAL SWEDISH COSMETICS 616 887 298 anne.hogg@ymail.com Home based product distributors required full/part-time

ESTATE AGENTS CATALONIAN PROPERTIES 606 813 219 / 615 316 722 www.catalonianproperties.com New and Resale Properties MY SPANISHOME 639 041 277 / 977 446 655 www.myspanishome.com Av. Generalitat, 70 - Tortosa RIERES ESTATE AGENTS 977 445 497 Tortosa www.realitypropertyspain.com Large Portfolio of Property

FISHING EBRO TOP CATFISHING HOLIDAYS 977 581 183 / 666 907 974 Tortosa www.ebrotopcatfishing.com Catfishing trips on the River Ebro with experienced guide

HONEY

LITTLE BRITAIN 24-7 696 894 134 www.littlebritain24-7.com Suppliers of English Foods, Sauces and Drinks EURO DELICATESSEN 977 232 243 Tarragona www.eurodelicatessen.net Discover a selection of British & Catalan Deli Products

C/Alcade Marin 31,Roquetes English Speaking Mechanic 608 872 854 English Auto Mechanic Over 30 Years Experience

INSURANCE BENEFICIAL SPAIN 965 79 12 22 www.beneficialspain.com Funeral Plans and Insurances

HORIZON CONSULTANTS 966 481 382 www.horizonsconsultants.com Motor • Home • Pet Travel • Medical • Marine

METAL WORKS STEVE SNAITH 659 225 068 El Perello max.snaith@yahoo.com Gates, Railings, Staircases No job too small

CERRAJERIA CLAU 645 347 161 alumniosclau@hotmail.com Metal Structure specialists & locksmiths

INTERNET EURONA 620 353 138 Various Internet & Telecom packages with English Technical Support

LYNDALE KENNELS 660 879 852 Xerta Vet Approved -2 walks per day - from €8 per night

SANT SALVADOR KENNELS AND CATTERY 977 055 027 / 678 970 622 Gandesa santsalvadorkennels @gmail.com Excellent care for all your pets.

Established since 2004

KITCHENS

696 088 935 / 977 059 261 tastyfrancs@defranceschi.co.uk Suppliers of homemade pork pies, sausage rolls, & variety of English pork sausages

977 597 349 Pol. Ind. Baix Ebre 83, www.marbesa.es Kitchen Worktop Factory

LAND MAINTENANCE LES DIGGER 629 010 529 lesvalblf@gmail.com Foundations, groundworks, landscaping, tree pruning & site works.

HAIRDRESSERS

LAWYERS DAVID PIQUE 977 172 939 Miami Platja davidpique@advocatsreus.org English Speaking Lawyers

THE RICHMOND STUDIO 977 731 490 Placa Cami Ample, 7 Alcanar Precision L’Oreal Colour & Stylist

MECANICA MIGUEL 977 501 956 / 647 097 067

RICHIE’S REPAIRS

MARBESA

HAIRPORT 617 071 501 Salou British Unisex Hairdresser Open Mon-Sat All Year Round

977 470 060 C 30, 13/15 Camarles Garden Tools Sales & Repairs

977 49 00 34 El Perello www.melmuria.com Workshops and Guided Tours

TASTY FRANCS PRODUCTS

MASTERMAC FOODS 679 830 082 mastermacff@gmail.com Suppliers of English meats & other fresh produce

TALLER GANDIA

MEL MURIA

KENNELS FOOD

MECHANICS

HEALTH & BEAUTY

MECHANICS DRIVER 977 480 788 Deltebre English Speaking Mechanics

PLUMBERS NIGEL MORTON 620 353 138 Tortosa and surrounding Areas Also electrics, heating, internet, Sat TV

RESTAURANTS JR’S FRANKFURT BAR 977 593 984 Joaquim Pafilla, 5 L’Ampolla Hot & Cold Food served all day Take-Away available

FATA MORGANA 977 460 707 Pl. Club Nautic, L’Ampolla Restaurante Pizzeria Take Away available

CASA MONTERO (Club Nautic) 977 593 336 Av. Ramon Pou, L’Ampolla Enjoy good food with lovely views

BAR ESTACION, L’AMPOLLA 977 460 387 Good food served all day - every day

CARPE DIEM 977 810 392 Miami Platja www.hotelcarpediem.net Restaurant and Hotel Fantastic Food, Wonderful surroundings

RETAIL INSPIRED EARTH 606 021 062 L’Ametlla De Mar Fairly traded handicrafts from India & Nepal

SALVAGE CARS & MACHINERY 689 468 752 Cash available for cars, machinery, tractors & generators Working or Non-working

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 29

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CONT...

TRANSLATORS

SOLAR POWER

VETS

PUMIWEX

S.O.S (SPEAKERS OF SPANISH)

AGATAMEUS

693 206 868 Renewable Energy Systems

679 219 715 speakersofspanish@yahoo.co.uk All Translation Services Spanish & English Lessons

977 481 525 Deltebre www.agatameus.com English, Spanish, French, Italian, German spoken fluently

HELP IN SPAIN

MARCEL CLINICA VETERINARIA

622 523 894 helpinspain.anja@gmail.com All Translation Services Spanish, English & German lessons

977 823 405 C/Terra Alta, 5, L'Hospitalet de L'Infant www.marcelclinicaveterinaria.com

TELEVISION BRITSAT 616 369 913 / 977 486 387 www.britsat.tv Specialist Suppliers & Installers of Sky Systems

WINDOWS & DOORS ALUMNIOS CLAU 645 347 161 Alumniosclau@hotmail.com Specialists in door and window fabrications

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

FOR SALE

WANTED

SPORTS / FISH / TENDER / RESCUE BOAT (F112561)

2 SEATER SOFA BED 50 EUROS,

QUALITY FURNITURE, TEXTILES, FURNISHINGS & CLOTHING

2002 Logic (Genmar) 150 Side Console, Seats Five, ‘Practically indestructible’ Ropelene Construction 5 times the impact resistance of fibreglass. Mercury 40hp 2str ELPTT, Magictilt Trailer, Fish Finder, Bait Well, Auto Bilge. Built in Fuel, Roomy Cockpit, Skid Resist Deck, Dual Lockers.

PRICE: 4,500.00 € TEL: John 695 834 933

Andy Mann the Handyman.

Simple, practical and economical solutions for ALL your business and domestic building repairs and maintenance.

Electrical, plumbing, building, rendering,carpentry, tiling, painting and decorating,electro-domestics and assembling IKEA packs. Whatever your requirements - from putting up a shelf to modernising your kitchen or bathroom to a new build Call ANDY on 663 074 773. see our website at andymann.webs.com Contact us at andymann08@yahoo.co.uk

4 Paws 4 Eyes

4 Ur Security

House-sitting with or without my guard dog

SLATE BEDDED COFFEE TABLE (NEEDS TLC) 30 EUROS, SINGLE MATTRESS 15 EUROS, 2 OIL FILLED RADIATORS 10 EUROS EACH PHONE 638 395 312 (CAMARLES)

Need a Helping Hand Around the House Can't get to the Shops ?

Also have 5 years experience respite care.

Contact:

Email: dandbplus3@hotmail.com

FOR SALE DIVING EQUIPMENT 2 FULL SETS TANKS, BCDS, REGS, ETC. O.I.R.O 500€ TEL: 647 136 336

IT COSTS NOTHING TO ADVERTISE YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS UNDER THE VALUE OF 1000€ WITHIN THIS SECTION. TO ADVERTISE YOUR ITEMS PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@CHRONICCAT. COM OR PHONE 646 353 442 MAXIMUM 3 ITEMS PER MONTH

626 876 738

WANTED GasFridge Solar panels 12V (17V) I give 1€ per watt.

Stove cast iron Offers to: Camarles. vpeetz@gmail.com 644 24 3415

Dot 600 564 097 Benicarlo or Email: dandbplus3@hotmail.com

Pet care at their home or at ours / Dog walking Contact: Dot 600 564 097 Benicarlo

PLEASE CALL VAL

NVQ 3 Qualified Care Worker Available for home help / respite care

If you have goats you can´t take care of and want to give away give me a call.

I have a 40acre fenced finca for them to have a happy dignified life.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE IN OUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY FOR LESS THAN €5* PER MONTH Email editor@chroniccat.com or call

646 353 442 for further details. * Price based on 6 month continuous advert for only €25 (IVA included)

NOT COPING? CONFUSED, UPSET, GOING MAD? COUNSELLING

FOR SALE

Person-centred, Bereavement, Family Therapy, Drink, Relationship, Sexual problems....

I am here to help:

Scooter Piaggio mod.

Typhoon 49 cc. 20.000 km. Working well. 400€

Jennifer Anne Figuerola, BA, Honours Psychology, Dip. Counselling

654 803 160 Alex

Also 24/7 house/pet sitting El Perello/L'Ampolla/ Tortosa & Amposta areas

GET YOUR PHONE RINGING!!!

Contact Hazel on 638430338 hazeearnest@hotmail.com Window H130xW120 cm wood, single glass, shutters new 125€ or for Vinaros/Benicarlo call Dot on 600564097 vpeetz@gmail.com 644 24 3415

Individual, personal, confidential hourly sessions, 20€, initial consultation 10€, MIRAVET Tel: 977407540 / 654875163

2010- www.chroniccat.com - Page 30 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010

INFORMATION Que? Monthly look at some differences between Catalan and Spanish words English November pumpkin hunting time quantity put back

Spanish noviembre calabaza la caza tiempo cantidad volver

turn left turn right straight on sign here ice permission wrong

gira a la izquierda gira a la derecha recto firma aqui hielo permiso mal

Catalan novembre carbassa la caca temps quantitat tornar gireu a l'esquera gira a la dreta recte regístrat aqui gel permis malament

Distribution Points.

A full list and map of all our collection locations is available on our web-site, and if you do not find one near enough to you, then please let us know.

Currently we have managed to place the paper in the following towns and villages.

L’Ampolla L’Amettla Camarles Amposta Tortosa Miravet Tres Calas El Perello Cambrils Salou

Hospitalet Reus Airport Alcossebre Ulldecona Flix Xerta Riba-Roja Mora D’Ebre Peniscola Benifallet

Miami Platja Gandesa Bitem Vinaros Benicarlo Freginals ... with more to come

The Catalunya Chronicle C / Martirs 6, 43500, Tortosa, Tarragona, Spain.

Advertising Rates To advertise in the next edition of the Catalunya Chronicle we would need your copy before the 10th of the month.

Personal Classified Ads are FREE up to a maximum of 35 words, and subject to a maximum sales value of €1000. No more than three items at a time please.

Whether you have your artwork or not, included in the price we offer a design service and we will endeavour to match your requirements.

The cost of advertising is €0.80 per square centimetre, and there is a 10% discount for a six month run. This price includes IVA .

Let people know you are in business - can you afford not to?

Website: www.chroniccat.com email: info@chroniccat.com Telephone: 646 353 442 (Tim) Deposito Legal: T-1528-2009 Circulation: 5,000 this month Printed by: Lerigraf sl No part of this document may be reproduced without written consent from the paper.

WEEKLY MARKETS MON Amettla de Mar, Peniscola, Reus, Salou Tortosa

TUES

WED

Ampolla Alcossebre, Benicarlo Amposta Cambrills Camarles Hospitalet Tarragona Mora la Nova L'Aldea

THURS

Amettla de Mar La Cava Deltebre

FRI

SAT

Ulldecona Sant Carles Mora d' Ebre Miami Playa

SUN

Camarles Tarragona Hospitalet Bonavista

The Catalunya Chronicle cannot be held responsible for the contents of the articles supplied by it’s contributors, nor for the claims made by it’s advertisers. Trademarks and Copyright are held by their respective owners.

We would like to thank all our contributors, article writers and advertisers for all their fabulous support.

Copyright © The Catalunya Chronicle 2010 All Rights Reserved.

More thoughts...

Why, if the best things in life are free, the next-best things are so expensive?

If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

Where do they get the seeds to grow seedless oranges?

When your pet bird sees you reading the newspaper, does he wonder why you're sitting there, staring at carpeting?

WHEN THE MASSAGE COMES TO YOU..........

Yes, it CAN be true, it IS true Contact THE MOBILE MASSEUR NOW! BACKACHE

TENNIS ELBOW

VARICOSE VEINS

FROZEN SHOULDER

FEEL THE RELIEF MULTI-LEVEL THAI MASSAGE A drug-free procedure, suitable for men, women and children Initial consultation 20€ Subsequent treatments 30€

PLEASE CALL: 675 071 794

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 31

THE FINAL WORD A small town prosecuting attorney called his first witness to the stand in a trial- a grand motherly, elderly woman. He approached her and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?"

The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do he pointed across the room and asked, "Mrs. Williams, do you know the defense attorney?"

She again replied, "Why, yes I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. I used to baby-sit him for his parents. And he, too, has been a real disappointment to me. He's lazy, bigoted, he has a drinking problem. The man can't build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the shoddiest in the entire state. Yes, I know him."

She responded, "Why, yes, I do know you Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a young boy. And frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a rising big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you."

At this point, the judge rapped the courtroom to silence and called both counsellors to the bench. In a very quiet voice, he said with menace, "If either of you asks her if she knows me, you'll be in jail for contempt within 5 minutes!"

ESTATE AGENTS

We go that extra mile to ensure your move runs smooth!

M1153 - Calafat L’Ametlla de Mar

M1085 - Jesus Riverside, 3 Bedroom bed & breakfast plus 3 bed self catering cottage for sale! Direct River mooring - furnished 3000m2 parcela

*** PROPERTY OF THE MONTH ***

Lovely Villa with 4 beds, bathroom, kitchen, lounge/diner with patio doors.

Sun terrace & garden.

280m2 plot - 5 mins from beach!

PRICE: 239.000€

PRICE: 150,000€ M1014 - Bitem

M1062 - L’Ampolla

Village House 110m2 Reformed, 3 Bed, en-suite, sh. rm, full bathroom + sep w.c. Roof terrace.kitchen with outside sm.covered area. Lounge, fully furnished.

138m2 Country House, 3 beds, 2 baths, Sea Views!

5,600m2 parcela with Cedula de Habitabilitat

M1097 - L’Ampolla Village House

PRICE: 146,000€

M1196 - TIVENYS

3 Beds, 2 Baths, Community Pool, Double Garage, Terraces, Patio Garden, Good condition, Well Presented, Near Beach, Close to the sea and shops.

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY!!!

M1095 - EL PERELLO With “Cedula de Habitabilitat” Lovely Country House of 120m2 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Auto system installed, Water, Courtyard & Workshops 14,200m2 of land

PRICE: 180,000€ 250m2 Country house on 2 floors with River access for refurbishment!

Electricity & Water mains are connected. Land of 4065m2 fenced and gated.

Price: 138,000€

Restored Farmhouse with Fantastic Mountain Views.

3 Beds, 3 Baths. 170m2 built 2235m2 plot size, Pool.

2 mins to village REDUCED FROM 245,000€

M1200 - 20 MINS TORTOSA

PRICE: 190,000€

M1138 - Tortosa - 5 Mins

PRICE: 125,000€

2 Masias for reform.

Compatible for many projects Tourism / Riding Centre / Caravans 13000m2 plot size, Own Well 5 mins to village PRICE: 165,000€

PRICE NOW: 229,000€ M1192 Alfares de Carles Village House - 2 beds, 2 bath, stunning lounge / kitchen / diner/ air cond & 50m2 terrace with Els Ports views!

PRICE: 125,000€ M0053 - Tortosa Superb country property 2 beds, shower room, fantastic automatic power system!

Fenced & gated!

PRICE: 150.000€

2010 The Catalunya Chronicle -Issue Issue13 12November October 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 32