Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
News
Gran Alacant News
GRAN ALACANT
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BY DAVE BULL
As we reported in issue five of Gran Alacant News, Gran Alacant is seeing something of a boom in recent times with more new people moving to live in the area and businesses, as a result, on the whole benefiting from this influx to Gran Alacant. Nowhere is this improvement in the local economy better exemplified than by the huge amount of new properties being constructed. I counted 11 in Gran Alacant alone and having spoken to promoters, estate agents and potential buyers it bodes well for the area. Alongside the N332 is where the majority of new properties are being built with at least seven projects under way and many having been sold already – up to 65% on some projects. This steady but significant future growth for the area is clearly a good sign for local businesses, Continued Page 3
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
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USEFUL NUMBERS
Emergencies – 112 Fire Station – 085 Local Police (Gran Alacant) - 96 669 7749 Local Police (Santa Pola) - 96 541 11 03 Guardia Civil - 96 541 12 90 Red Cross – 96 541 69 36 Town Hall 96 669 77 49 Hidraqua - 900 210 100 Hidraqua (Leaks/Problems) 900 101 270 Iberdrola - 901 202 020 Airport - 96 691 9000 Library - 96 669 7110 Sports Centre - 96 667 8152 Health Centre - 96 691 2360 Health Centre Santa Pola - 96 691 5300 Tourist Office - 96 669 6052 SUMA - 96 529 2036 Taxis - 96 541 11 11 - 96 541 2525
Gran Alacant News
LOCAL WEATHER - Your fortnightly forecast
Europe Fuel Price Comparison Portugal Spain Sweden UK Italy Latvia Netherl’nd Norway
95 € 1.50 € 1.23 € 1.37 € 1.32 € 1.55 € 1.09 € 1.53 € 1.57
Diesel € 1.36 € 1.15 € 1.40 € 1.36 € 1.38 € 0.99 € 1.23 € 1.48
SUNRISE & SET
March Rise 4 07:40 5 07:38 6 07:37 7 07:35 8 07:34 9 07:32 10 07:31 11 07:29 12 07:28 13 07:26 14 07:25 15 07:24 16 07:22 17 07:21
Set 20:29 20:30 20:31 20:32 20:33 20:34 20:34 20:35 20:36 20:37 20:38 20:39 20:40 20:41
P12
GRAN ALACANT TOURIST TRAIN
Timetable FROM 16/SEPTEMBER TO 15/OCTOBER Monday to Sundays 10:00h to 14:00h and from 16:00h to 22:00h FROM 16/OCTOBER TO 31/MARCH Tuesday to Saturday 11:00h to 14:00h No service on Sundays or Mondays.
Spain The Kingdom of Spain, as it’s officially known, is the second largest country in the EU – with an area of 505,955 square kilometres, Spain covers about 85 percent of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal. Today, there are 17 autonomous regions (15 on the mainland and the Balearic and Canary Islands), and two autonomous enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa
Your horoscope
FROM 01/APRIL TO 31/MAY Monday to Saturday 10:00h to 14:00h and from 16:00h to 20:00h Sundays 11:00h to 14:00h Stop for annual maintenance From 07/January to 31/January.
BUS TIMES Gran Alacant: Same as Santa Pola + 5 SANTA POLA - ALICANTE
Monday to Friday Santa Pola: 6.00am. 6.45. 7.10. 8.05. 8.25. 9.00. 9.30. 10.30. 11.00. 12.00. 13.00. 13.30. 14.30. 15.30. 16.00. 17.00. 18.00. 19.00. 20.00. 21.15. (10.00 - Only Mondays)
minutes
Gran Alacant: 6.05. 6.55. 7.20. 8.35. 9.30. 10.40. 11.30. 12.10. 13.10. 13.40. 14.40. 15.40. 17.00. 18.10. 19.10. 20.10. 21.25.
Monday to Friday Santa Pola: 7.00. 7.30. 8.00. 8.30. 9.00. 10.00 11.00 12.00. 13.00 14.00. 15.00. 16.30. 17.30. 18.30. 19.30. 21.00
Arenales del Sol: Same as Gran Alacant + 5 minutes
Weekends & Fiestas Santa Pola: 7.00. 8.30. 10.00. 11.00 (Only Saturdays) 11.30. 13.00. 14.30. 16.00. 17.30. 19.00 20.30. 22.00. (Only Saturdays)
Weekends & Fiestas Santa Pola: 7.05. 8.05. 9.05. 9.30. 10.05. 11.05. 12.05. 13.05. 14.05. 15.05. 16.05. 17.05. 18.05. 19.05. 20.05. 21.05. 22.05 (Sundays & Fiestas in bold)
Los Arenales: Same as Gran Alacant Pola + 5 minutes (Except 9.30. 11.05. 12.05.)
SANTA POLA - ELCHE
CHURCH SERVICES
Saturdays & Evening prayer: 18.00. Sundays & Fiestas 12.00. DUTY PHARMACY Monte De Santa Pola, 32 Urb. Don Pueblo Gran Alacant. Tel. 96 669 74 71 UPCOMING HOLIDAYS
Tuesday, May 1st Labour Day Sunday May 6th Mothers Day
AIPORT - ALICANTE Every 20 mins (Bus C6)
Old Age in Spain The United Nations projects that Spain Spain has the fourth highest life expecwill be the world’s oldest country by 2050 tancy of all the OECD countries – with – with 40 percent of the population aged a life expectancy of 82 years, it comes over 60. after Switzerland, Italy and Japan, and ranks 15th in the world. Spanish women Only 13.6 percent of Spain’s population live longer than men: 85 compared to 79 actually goes to church on Sundays – yet years. some 70 percent of the population are Roman Catholic, according to a 2012 study by the Centre for Sociological Studies in Spain.
MOON PHASES FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS - New Moon will be on April 16th.
GRAN ALACANT NEWS Editor: Dave Bull Sales: 606
540 408
or: granalacantnews@gmail.com Deadlines: 7 days before publication date Next issue: 20th April 2018 Images/Graphics: 300DPI
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Gran Alacant News
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from front page but it does raise some questions too. For example, are the authorities going to do anything about the poor access into and out of Gran Alacant onto the N332 where, as it currently stands, there is just one small road which can see heavy traffic at peak times.
Centro Comercial de Carabassi, Avenida de Noruega, 214, Local Nº7, 03130 Santa Pola, www.granalacantproperties.com
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any kind of investment in Gran Alacant and that during all this time it has been abandoned, as residents who live there know and suffer with it. Now, in addition, they say that the Ministry of Health has no documentation or knowledge of the work done by the previous Popular Party headed council team of the request to bring a proper health service to the town hall and we’ll print their this neighbourhood. response as to how they see the area developing over the coming FORMER MAYOR ADMITS years. ‘ERRORS’ IN GAof CLINIC RENTAL Former mayor Santa Pola and
PP Declares Gran Alacant “has been abandoned by the current town hall”
Also, with all these new properties, of which many will house full time residents, is the town hall going to improve the local amenities and finally get the second school built? Will the already busy doctors surgery cope with all these new residents and holiday makers? And will Gran Alacant once again benefit from its own councillor for foreigners? We´ll be asking these questions to
There is one year left until the next local elections and the political parties of the municipality begin to make their points with the Popular Party hitting out at the Socialist Party for what it calls “3 years of abandonment in Gran Alacant. The Socialist Party has held a meeting at the Department of Infrastructure to learn about the health infrastructure of Gran Alacant, with the PP adding, “it is nothing but bad; after three years governing, they have finally achieved the first meeting to find out about health matters in this neighbourhood of Santa Pola.” According to the PP, “after three years they have not made
bers, including his sister, Pilar Zaragoza. Both she and the former councillor of Personnel, Jorge Perelló, also appeared and are being investigated. Senor Zaragoza has argued that his performance at the head of the council had always been “honourable and flawless”. The head of said body, Gemma Somavilla, is investigating the alleged commission of crimes of bribery, influence peddling and prevarication for the alleged favour to a private medical clinic located in Gran Alacant. It is claimed that the then mayor and Perelló waived the rental fee of more than 10,000 euros a year that the council had to charge a clinic for setting up an office in a municipal facility.
NEW SANTA POLA ACCESS
current deputy of Social Services of the Diputación de Alicante, Miguel Zaragoza, admitted last week in the Elche court that he had made mistakes in respect of the Gran Alacant clinic. He does so in a condition of being investigated for alleged influence peddling, prevarication and bribery when renting municipal facilities in Gran Alacant to install a private clinic in favour of family mem-
The ministry for Development has provisionally approved a new access road to cut down on the amount of accidents at the notorious N332 turn of into Santa Pola at the top of the hill. The access to the ring road in Santa Pola with the N-332 will have central lanes to channel the left turns and will include a roundabout and a lower road that will act as a connection between the current road and the new one. Expats enjoying life in Spainb
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Gran Alacant News
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
STAY SAFE THIS EASTER SAY RED CROSS Red Cross asks bathers not to lower the guard and take sun and sea prevention on beaches Although it is the low season on the beaches of the region, there are many people who are expected to enjoy the beaches over the Easter period and the Red Cross is asking bathers to be aware and not to lower their guard, stating that beach users maintain a safe attitude at all times. The Red Cross asks people who, if they choose to bathe, do so on the guarded beaches and near the lifeguard services. And also recommends that people, even
Gran Alacant News
8, and 9 of April at Los Arenales beach.
if they it is not sunny, to use sunscreen and constantly hydrate. During the period of Holy Week the institution has a total of forty lifeguards performing the rescue and lifeguard service in the towns of Guardamar, Santa Pola and Xábia, with the support of ambulances and boats. In Guardamar the Cruz Roja is providing a service over Easter in Playa Centro. In Santa Pola, in the same period for the beaches in Gran Playa and Levante. In the town, the Cruz Roja will also offer a bathroom adapted for people with disabilities and also the days,1, 2, 7,
EURPEANS FLOCK TO SPAIN
The British, the French, the Italians, the Dutch and the Swedish all have their own favorite vacation styles: some like hotels, others prefer apartment rentals; some return to the same place year after year, while the more adventurous types try something new every season. But they all have something in common: most of them are planning to spend their 2015 summer holidays on the Spanish costas. Despite its decades-long rela-
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tionship with European holidaymakers, Spain is still viewed by many as an exotic destination with an attractively different lifestyle. A study conducted by consultancy YouGov asked 7,562 people in seven European countries where they were planning to spend their summer vacation this year. Of those who mentioned a European destination, Spain came up most often: 25 percent of British respondents said they were coming here, as did 28 percent of French, 17 percent of Germans, 16 percent of Swedes, 18 percent of Italians and 15 percent of the Dutch.
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Gran Alacant News
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Gran Alacant News
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The ‘Padron’ - What’s it all about? Registering on the padrón is a simple and straightforward process which comes with lots of benefits for not only you but also your community. By Spanish law, it is obligatory to register on the padrón at the town hall where you habitually reside. The process which gives the town hall a good idea of how many people live in the area which in turn determines how much funding the area receives. Apart from better public services, registering on the padrón can also come with many personal benefits; including potential tax reductions, access to social care as well as discounted travel. Yet many expats do not register, maybe because they are unsure of how to register or even why they should register. Who should register? If you habitually reside in Spain you are required to register on the padrón (a process called “empadronarse” in Spanish). You do not have to own or rent the property you are residing in, you just need to have the address of where you habitually live. Why register on the padrón? You will find that you are required to have a padrón in order to carry out a number of administrative tasks in Spain. This includes registering for healthcare and changing your car to Spanish number plates. It is also important to register on the padrón in order to enroll a child into public schooling. How to register You need to fill in a form at the padrón office of your local town hall and provide some official personal documentation such as a passport and a NIE or residency certificate. You will also need some doc-
umentation regarding the property you are living in, such as a recent utility bill, a rental contract or the deeds to the property (it is a good idea to get these documents photocopied before you register). You may find that your town hall has a foreigners department which deals with expats and the padrón registration process, among offering other useful services. The process is very straightforward and the registration is completed the same day. For a couple of euros you can request a printed certificate of the padrón (Certificado de empadronamiento) which is often issued there and then, although some town halls may require you to return to collect it at a later date. Benefits of registering on the padrón Improved public services: The amount of money allocated to municipalities by the Spanish central government depends on how many people are registered on the padrón. The more people who are registered on the padrón means more money the area receives to improve public services, such as health centres, police officers, fire fighters and schools. Access to social care & benefits: In order to access some income-related benefits and social care available through your town hall, you need to have been registered on the padrón for a certain length of time. Tax reductions: Registering on the padrón could give you a reduction in certain community charges and inheritance tax (although this does depend on your town hall). Discounts: The padrón can give you access to discounted courses and cultural activities run through the town hall as well as reductions in travel fares; in some towns
a Cerificado de Empadronamiento gives residents of the Spanish Islands discounts on air fares and ferry tickets between the islands and mainland. The right to vote: You must be registered on the padrón if you wish to vote in local and other European elections. Do I need to update the padrón? If you are an EU citizen, there is currently no law in place which makes it obligatory to renew your padrón, according to Citizens Advice Bureau Spain. However, you may receive a letter from the town hall asking you to renew your inscription for a number of reasons; you may have changed your address, there is a fine or official notification which has not arrived at your address or if any authoritarian body have not been able to contact you at your registered address, in which case you should go to your town hall and update your details. In some cases, such as applying for a school placement or social care, you may be required to have an upto-date padrón certificate, one which has been issued within the last 3 months.
EHIC AND BREXIT At present the EHIC entitles UK residents to treatment in all EU countries on the the same basis as local people. One detail has been cleared up: Anyone abroad on 29th March 2019 will continue to be covered by the EHIC for as long as they remain abroad. While that clarification will affect very few holidaymakers or business travellers, the open-ended nature of the commitment – “as long as that stay, residence or treatment continues” – suggests that the EHIC
scheme will remain in place. Almost everything else about the future of travel is unclear, starting with whether the Open Skies agreement will continue after Brexit; when negotiations begin, aviation is likely to be at the top of the list. Airlines are already planning their summer 2019 operations even though there is a regulatory vacuum.
ART AND NATURE IN SANTA POLA
The Santa Pola Sea Museum will host the exhibition “Pilar Sala, Entre Texturas” from April 14th until May 27th. The artist will exhibit some of her most representative works, showing the value and dignity of elements of nature and everyday objects in each of her sculptures, installations, tapestries or collages, where she uses various recycled materials and plant textures. Born in Murcia in 1942 and with a career spanning more than 30 years, Sala has developed her own language with natural elements such as palm trees and palm hearts, esparto grass, stones or shells, and even creating her own craft paper from plants. Art and nature come together in her work, valuing the Mediterranean landscape and its link with the sea. Pilar Sala, graduated in Pharmacy from the University of Granada, began making tapestries and has always worked in the world of fibres, both of fabric and paper, merging her research and creative vocation. In fact, she calls them ‘paper textures’, because she does not only intend to make paper as a medium for engraving, but also as an element with a sculptural value. Later, she discovered the geometry of palms and palm hearts, as well as the plasticity of natural things.
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
News
Gran Alacant News
Local People
Have you got a story to tell? granalacantnews@gmail.com
The Albury Street Masquerade Amanda Tams
Local author, and contributor to GA News Amanda Tams, is from Stone in England, and is proud to announce the release of her second book The Albury Street Masquerade, a fiction story woven around facts. The release is with a difference, but as authors do, she wants a huge launch as book sales mean profits, but this time the profits will be going to Cancer Research and the Air Ambulance. ‘Its been an awful start to the year’ says Amanda, and this delayed the release but now I want to put any profits to good use, so the donation depends on the generosity
of the public. It has been one thing after another starting with the Australian flu, which took five weeks to recover from, then the awful death of my mother and now the terrible and frightening diagnosis of a close relative with cancer. ‘Being disabled myself, it is sometimes a struggle to help physically when things go wrong.’ Says Amanda, this way I feel I can at least give something to help. The book is a love story with a difference and has been written with a co-author, Mr Harry
Horsman. We are all somebody’s son or daughter, but what influenced us to be who we are, nature or nurture? William, a wealthy young man, is distracted from the grief of losing his parents by a kindly uncle who trains him in his trade, the art of butchery until he is old enough to control his inherited wealth and his life. In his desperation for love, he falls head over heels in love with a young widow he meets in an art gallery until she proves false. On the rebound, he marries, an unmitigated disaster, his wife turns out to be nothing less than a lady of the night. Is this the beginning of his career as the infamous Jack the Ripper and how far does he go did his career really end eight months later or did it carry on?’ All the bodies in this story were real people, either washed up on the Thames or discovered around the country. Unnamed and unclaimed by society. This is our story of their fate. ‘The release will be on Tuesday, available from Amazon in paperback, and available to pre-order for the ebook release on the 30th April, which would have been my mums birthday, says Amanda.’
&
II
Life
Wednesday April16th 4th 2018 Gran Alacant News Issue no. 58 - Friday February
Living
YOUR BIKE SHOP IN GRAN ALACANT
Ride, run, jump and prepare yourself to travel miles and miles without stopping with your new friend: a new bike! That’s the philosophy of local cycling experts For Riders who have their store and workshop in the Gran Alacant Commercial Centre. If you are a cycling lover, For Riders Bike Shop is your place. More than just a bicycle shop, For Riders is much more. A place where you will find everything you need to get cycling, whether that’s mountain, road, town or electric; at For Riders they have a wide range to suit all needs. In addition to bicycles, parts and spare parts, and equipment for cycling are in stock and with plenty to choose from Javi and his team offer our customers professional technical assistance, repair and a fully equipped service workshop plus a MTB and City Bike rental service. If you are ready to live some new experiences, adventures and you are looking for something more that allows you to get out and about (the electric bikes are perfect for the GA hills!) call in and see what they can offer you. From city bikes to competition bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, e-bikes, downhill bikes and even bikes for the little ones. Bikes for all ages and abilities with expert and experienced help from the staff. If you are living in Gran Alacant, Santa Pola or surroundings and and you want to get out and about try our rental service which includes, city and mountain bikes. Plus they offer different pricing plans depending on the hours or days you need it. Just contact them and tell them which plan is most suitable for you. In For Riders you will find the bicycle repair workshop to solve any problem or breakdown your bike may have. The professional technical service team can handle everything from kids bicycles to competition machines and as they say, “At For Riders, your comfort and safety is our priority. For this reason we work with the best brands of cycling equipment so that when you go out to ride on a bicycle, you do it comfortably and safely. We also have a wide range of spare parts so that your bike is always as good as new.” Call in and see Javi and the team for some great advice on cycling, and what better way to enjoy this wonderful part of the coast than on a bicycle, in the spring sunshine. Ask about riding out with other cyclists who regularly meet at the shop. For Riders can be contacted on 966 697 179 or via email at: info@forriders.es
LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!
NO ONE EVER SAID LIFE WOULD BE EASY!
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By Violet King
Remember taking exams? Remember the pain, the stress and the anxiety?….or was I the only one?!!… Finally though, when the results came through you had the feedback you needed as to whether you had been a success or a failure in that particular subject. Now let’s think about LIFE and problems in life, and let’s try to do the maddest thing and find something positive to say about problems. See the problem as the exam and the results as whether or not you have passed successfully! Success and failure in life are all tied up with the end result of the problems we have had to handle and we ALL have problems. Life is not easy. With the way things are in the world today there cannot be a time when we all stand problem free, but when one of us is down, others can help to encourage us and pull us up. If you think that you have no one to do that, why? If no one is putting out arms to you, why don’t you put out your arms to others, and make friends? We all know the person who says they never go anywhere, never do anything, and the phone never rings. If life is really a two way street, then I wonder why they don’t take the step they are waiting for someone else to take? Talk to someone, make a plan or two!!! I was talking to a neighbour a few months ago who said she had met a lady at a bus stop who had just arrived in the area and said she was feeling lonely. After chatting, my neighbour said she invited the newcomer for a meal and told her there was no need to feel alone, and a gate was opened for a friendship to start. You may feel that it takes courage to do that, but then if you feel lonely see which you prefer. That situation went a long way to solving two people’s loneliness and someone had to make the first move, or lose it for good. That lady is a success in my book, and no doubt she repeats the formula whenever the opportunity arises. We need the end result of situations to assess ourselves. How many times have we heard people say they are hopeless at something, based on past experiences? On the other hand, if you are good at something, doesn’t it make you feel worthwhile? When others commend you, doesn’t your self- esteem shoot up? When problems surround you, try not to let them pull you down,….. aim for a successful result. Try it and see! Take care, Till the next time!
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Gran Alacant News
ARCADE CLASSICS BY FRAN SANCHEZ
WHO HAS NEVER PLAYED TETRIS? Tetris is one of the most famous games in history, more than 3 Image of the Real first Tetris Game. decades have passed since its creation and I’m pretty sure that if someone asks today if they know Tetris, they will respond with a blunt YES! However, behind its creation there is a curious story that many people do not know and is that Tetris marked a before and after in the video game industry in that time in a very primitive state. The birth To go to the birth of Tetris we must travel back to June 6th, 1984, during the cold war, more specifically to Moscow, to the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, where a young Alekséi Pázhitnov, computer engineer interested at that time. Enigma and a tennis fan, he set out to create a game with the intention of trying new computers created in Russia, such as the “Elektronika 60”, in which the Tetris was executed for the first time. Why ‘Tetris’? The name Tetris derives from the Greek word “Tetra”, which means four, and why did you choose that name? Very simple, when Pázhitnov created this puzzle, the pieces were formed by four squares, figures that are also known as “tetramino”, a word that conjugated with “tennis” since he was a great admirer of that sport and it resulted in Tetris.
material, took all its rights. Once the USSR was made with the maximum rights of the game, it began to spread first through Eastern Europe, and then to North America, being little by little one of the most played puzzles of all time. In this section it can be said that, after the expansion of Tetris, Russia created the company “Elorg”, an organisation that was in charge of managing in a very doubtful way the licenses of the title all over the world, practically giving this license for free that would lead to problems later. Original Atari Tetris Cabinet
Alekséi Pázhitnov – The father of Tetris
The appearance of Nintendo and the definitive leap to world fame. Henk Rogers, who stumbles over Tetris at a video game fair in the United States, was in charge of “capturing” new games and offering them to the great Nintendo in Japan, so when he first saw Tetris he was so hooked that he did not hesitate to announce the Japanese company to convince them that it was an excellent option for the new console they were about to launch, Game Boy. Nintendo went to work to obtain the licenses and rights of what they imagined could be a great success, however, a small obstacle was found in its way since Tetris licenses were practically granted to many companies that developed their way to market it. In their machines, however, what they did not know, among them Atari, is that these licenses did not give them the right to launch this title in portable consoles, but only and exclusively in PC format.
The hard and tortuous road to big success. Pazhitnov and his team decided to market the Tetris, however the political conditions of Russia at that time were not very favorable, so they had no choice but to give it away, first started with their friends and acquaintances, these with other friends, etc. on diskettes, until a great commotion was formed that reached the ears of the government, which then, under the pretext that it had been created with state
It is for the previous reason that Nintendo was very easy, they sent Henk Rogers to meet the creator (with whom he had a very good friendly relationship) and together they went to the offices of Elorg where, through judicial means, they committed themselves to fight for get the rights to launch it on the consoles, and of course, since practically none of the other companies had it, it won the test. In the end, Nintendo was able to order destroy each and every one of the Tetris cartridges that were released to the
market and those that were still in process, and that’s how Tetris, we might say, definitely rose to fame with Game Boy. ♣ The creator of Tetris did not see a cent for his creation until in 1996, 12 years after his departure and together with Henk Rogers, they fought for copyright and finally founded the company Tetris Company, which will be dedicated to there to manage licenses and title rights. ♣ It is played in more than 185 countries ♣ Since its first launch, it has been translated into more than 50 languages ♣ Its launch has been done in more than 50 different platforms ♣ Its version for Game Boy had more than 35 million units sold ♣ It has obtained more than 500 million mobile downloads, a number that is still increasing. ♣ There are more than 20 billion battles of Tetris disputed on Facebook ♣ According to a study carried out in the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Oxford, playing Tetris helps to overcome, in some patients, post-traumatic stress. ♣ Of SEGA’s version for Mega Drive, which was launched despite not having the due rights, there are now 8 units worldwide that are auctioned at millions of dollars. ♣ It has been shown that playing Tetris improves brain efficiency for some tasks as well as increases the thickness of the cerebral cortex. ♣ Today there is an international championships on Tetris in which the best player in the world is chosen.
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Gran Alacant News
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
HOROSCOPES Aries March 21-April 20 Social relationships may be extremely unpredictable this week. Before Thursday watch for long- term friends or trusted work companions to offer quickly changing opinions and unexpected reversals. Taurus April 21-May 20 Monday through Wednesday watch for loved ones to review past accomplishments and/or redefine their current goals. Some Taureans may also experience a wave of nostalgic thinking or subtle regrets. Gemini May 21-June 21 Love, romantic attractions and commitments of loyalty to friends may not be as simple as anticipated this week. Before Thursday watch for friends or romantic partners to offer powerful words of affection. Cancer June 22-July 22 Recent workplace disputes will now be quickly forgotten or denied. Monday through Wednesday expect colleagues and older officials to revert to old habits, display an overly cheerful attitude. Leo July 22-August 22 Workplace ethics and short-term job contracts may be the source of much discussion this week. Monday through Thursday watch for colleagues or older officials to push for added responsibilities. Virgo August 23-September 22 After a brief period of silence or inaction, family relations will now begin moving forward. Social reversals, changing opinions and lost home ambition will no longer be bothersome.
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Libra September 23-October 23 Friendly reminders from key officials or older work mates may be both confusing and emotionally draining early this week. Monday through Wednesday expect colleagues to be highly focused on rules. Scorpio October 24-November 22 Friends and long-term colleagues may this week express deep feelings of restlessness or boredom. Monday through Thursday watch for an atmosphere of social anxiety or group distrust. Sagittarius Nov 23-December 21 Romantic proposals and unique social gatherings will bring added confidence and excitement this week. Over the next few days watch for previously reluctant friends or lovers to openly arrange group events. Capricorn December 22-January 20 Workplace celebrations and social gatherings for business reasons may be unusually strained over the next few days. Although an atmosphere of private moodiness exists. Aquarius January 21-February 19 Friends and relatives will be privately moody but outwardly excited this week. Recent emotional changes to key relationships may now cause loved ones to feel both hopeful and anxious. Pisces February 20-March 20 Financial promises may be misleading or poorly timed this week. Monday through Wednesday watch for authority figures or long-term business partners to verbally agree to unreasonable payments
Clubs & Associations Aircrew Association Costa Blanca Former and serving of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are very welcome to join this friendly organisation founded here in 1988. Details from the secretary on 96 640 4123 Alcoholics Anonymous Costa Blanca South 625 912 078 www. aa-costablanca.org ASPETGA We are the Pet Owners Association of Santa Pola and Gran Alacant. Together we´ll have more strength to defend our rights, to fulfill our responsibilities, to live in peaceful coexistence with our neighbours and to lobby for new projects. www.aspetga.es Costa Blanca Computer Club We meet regularly every Saturday from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Sierra Bernia School, Alicante. Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers The CBMW who get together twice a week to enjoy walking in the mountains of the Costa Blanca. Anyone is welcome to come along. Visit www.cbmwalkers.org for info. Crime Watch Spain (Vecinos Colaborando) We try to reduce crime and vandalism in our communities. We try to look after the citizens. We also teach Spanish. Email: colaborando.crimewatch@gmail.com K9 Animal Shelter If you have spare time we would love to hear from you. 600 845 420 - 610 852 726
Ford C-Max 1.8TDCi one owner, low km’s, immaculate, extras 11995€
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Gran Alacant News
M.A.B.S. CANCER SUPPORT We are here for you when you need us. Call Bob Clayrton 96 679 0775 or 699 894 183 Pets in Spain - Animal Rescue www.petsinspain.com - info@petsinspain. com Road Bike Riding Group in GA We are a small group who spend most of the winter here in Gran Alacant. If you are interested in joining one of our rides look us up on Facebook Gran Alacant Road Cyclist (bici Gran Alacant) Royal British Legion Gran Alacant Meets on the first Monday of the month at 6.00pm at La Taberna, next to Monte y Mar Bowls Club, Plaza Mayor. You do not need to be ex-services to join. Contact Brian 639 917 971 or Robin 96 669 5423. Email, granalacant.secretary@gmail.com Samaritans in Spain If you have something on your mind give us a call. Talk to us any time you like, in complete confidence. You don’t have to be suicidal to get in touch. 24 hour confidential telephone support line on Freephone: 900 525 100 - pat@samaritansinspain.com Walking Football Any creaking oldies out there who would like to move about a bit more? How about getting together for VERY SLOWLY walking football? (No walking sticks allowed) - Every Thursday. For more info: Barry at laneinspain@hotmail.com for start times, venue and weekly updates.
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Gran Alacant News
Page 13
OH LITTLE TOY TOWN OF IBI
“I don’t know whether this is the finest land in the world, but I do know that its glow, its atmosphere, its dews, draws a line through our lives with the gentleness of pouring oil, and the strength of old wine.” These magical words by the great Alicante writer Gabriel Miró conjure up a beautiful image of this incredible part of Spain. Certainly, it’s an idyllic location for making dreams come true for children and the young at heart. It’s a magical place for children because, not only is Ibi the toy capital of Spain but it’s also a top-notch town for producing delicious ice-creams of many
flavours. That’s not bad going for a little town nestled midway between the stunning mountain ranges of the Sierra del Maigmó and Sierra de Mariola! Younger children will be delighted to know the Three Kings who bring their presents on January 6 are said to have set up their headquarters in Ibi because it’s such a wonderful location for collecting the toys. You can see the statue dedicated to the Three Kings in the square bearing their name, Plaza de los Reyes Magos. This is believed to be the only monument in the world to be dedicated to these three wise men.
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Ever since the first toy was produced here more than 100 years ago, Ibi has been making children’s wishes come true. Head to the Museo Del Juguete toy museum for a trip down memory lane for adults and an eye-opener for children who can see how their parents and grandparents used to play. Fascinating old cars, train sets and dolls are among the 4,000-plus exhibits in the museum on the site of the old Payá factory. The Payá Hermanos company was once Spain’s leading manufacturer of tin model trains set up by Raimundo Payá and his brothers at the turn of the 20th century. From these beginnings, the town grew to become the largest toy manufacturing town in Spain with about 37 companies still producing around 40% of all the country’s toys. It seems only right that hand in hand with making children’s dreams come true, the town should also be a top producer of their favourite dessert – ice-cream. In the mountains around Alicante, the snow was collected and sold in the towns where people kept it in special wells so they could preserve their food, keep cool in the hot summer months and make ice-cream. To celebrate its long tradition of making ice-creams, Ibi holds the Festa dels Gela-
dors ice-cream festival each February with games for the children and there’s also a monument to the town’s makers in a park of the same name, Parc dels Geladors. You’ll find several artisanal ice-cream shops in town to sample the locally-made varieties. For a small town, the locals certainly love to have fun! On the Day of the Innocents, December 28, the locals meet up to plaster each other with flour. The protagonists are the group of Enfarinats whose weapons are flour, eggs and bangers so expect a lot of mess and even more noise! All in all, there are plenty of reasons to take a day trip to Ibi, marvel at the toys, sample the ice-creams or be amazed by the fiestas.
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Gran Alacant News
Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
TEA BREAK FUN DOWN 1 Balkan country (7) 2 Plants of a particular region (5) 3 Edible shellfish (7) 4 Characteristics (6) 5 Modify (5) 6 African country, formerly Basutoland (7) 7 Paces (5) 13 Rescued (anag.) (7) 15 Booming bird (7) 16 Chicken-livered (7) 17 Boisterous laugh (6) 18 Recurring theme (5) 19 Wear away (5) Across 1 Insult (7) 5 Book of maps (5) 8 Footwear for hikers (5) 9 Performer (7) 10 Closest (7) 11 Religious observances (5) 12 Home of St Francis (6)
14 Rectangle (6) 18 Troublesome little insect (5) 20 Tense, repressed (7) 22 Rebuke (4,3) 23 Run away to be wed (5) 24 Coercion (5) 25 Victors (7)
Sudoku - Easy
DOWN 1 Young cat (6) 2 North American falls (7) 3 Mushrooms and toadstools (5) 5 Marvels (7) 6 Itinerary (5) 7 Soundness of mind (6) 9 Large fleshy fruit (9) 13 Model of perfection (7) 14 Protection (7) 15 Gardener’s tool (6) 16 At a leisurely pace (6) 18 King of Troy (5) 20 Savour (5)
Across
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Days a week!
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General Knowledge 1) Which peninsular is associated with the countries of Portugal and Spain? 2) Which massive nation island is off the southeast coast of Africa? 3) In which country was Hitler born? 4) Name the famous 1821 John Constable painting which depicts a rural scene on the River Stour? 5) What is the currency of Japan? 6) Who wrote the books 1984 and Animal Farm? 7) The Canary Islands are named after which animals? 8) Who had friends Bill Bagder, Edward Trunk and Podgy Pig? 9) Name the most famous mistress of King Charles II who once sold oranges? 10) How many train stations are there on a monopoly board? 11) Name the Bolton steeplejack and television personality who had a keen interest in raod locomotives? 12) Which country is made up of 26 cantons? 13) Which sort of antelope is an anagram of gun? 14) In which country would you find a statue called Christ the Redeemer close to Sugar Loaf Mountain? 15) What do we call a word or phrase that reads the same backwards as forwards, e.g. madam?
Bus One day a woman walks onto a bus. The bus driver said “urgh, what an ugly child you have”. The woman goes and sits next to another man and says “the bus driver just offended me”. The man sitting next to her said “don’t you worry, go on tell him off, i will hold your monkey for you”
Arm and a Leg Did you hear about the guy who lost his left leg and arm in a car crash? He’s all right now.
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Library A blonde walks into a library and says, “Can I have a burger and fries?”. The librarian says, “I’m sorry, this is a library.” ... So the blonde whispers, “Can I have a burger and fries?”
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General Building Tiling Patios (incl. Ballustrades) Painting Galleria Enclosures
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Sheep What do sheep do on a sunny day. Have a barbecue.
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How Old ? A woman walked up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch. “I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look,” she said. “What’s your secret for a long happy life?”. “I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day,” he said. “I also drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fatty foods, and never exercise.” “That’s amazing,” the woman said. “How old are you?’....”Twenty-six,” he said.
NEWLIFE
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Gorillas Why do gorillas have big nostrils? Because they have big fingers.
17 More mature (5) 19 Wretched (7) 21 Squirm (7) 22 Tendon (5) 23 Mourn (6) 24 Crunchy salad vegetable (6)
1 Chinese martial art (4,2) 4 Fencers’ weapons (6) 8 Rail transport (5) 9 Antarctic bird (7) 10 Euphoria (7) 11 Upright (5) 12 Evaluated (9)
Gran Alacant News
Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
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Gran Alacant News
ENTERTAINMENT in GRAN ALACANT Page 14
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
The Pub Family Fortunes & Blockbusters 5pm
Gran Alacant Market
The Pub Susie’s Free Entry Quiz 4pm
Santa Pola Market
Voices Karaoke 2pm
Santa Pola Market
Shaker Maker 2 Tone Tuesdays 2pm
4th
5th
Shaker Maker Thirsty Thursdays 2pm
6th
Voices Wed-Fri 6pm karaoke Zest Fun Darts 8.30pm
Molly Malone’s Line dancing 4.30pm
The Pub 7-80’s Disco 9pm
Bar Sioux Quiz 9.30pm
Shooters Bar Karaoke 9.30pm
Brothers Bar Jam session 9.30pm
American rock Live Music 10pm
Websters Quiz & Karaoke 9.30pm
Walking Football Contact: laneinspain@ hotmail.com
COMING SOON! Gran Alacant Flea Market
Molly Malone’s 9.30pm Karaoke with Tony Hall American rock Live Music 10pm
Sunday 18th April Next to Sports Centre
7th
Voices Karaoke 2pm Shooters Bar Karaoke 9.30pm Websters Karaoke 9.30pm Bar Sioux Karaoke 9.30pm
8th
9th
The Pub Mr Bojangles 4pm The Pub Live music 6pm
Voices Karaoke 2pm Lounge D Quiz 8pm
The Pub Kev’s Karaoke 8pm
10th
Voices Karaoke 2pm Bar Sioux Eyes Down 9.30pm
JAM SESSIONS Every Wednesday Brother Bar
Tablao Lunares Dinner & Flamenco Show 10pm American rock Live Music 10pm
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
The Pub Family Fortunes & Blockbusters 5pm
Gran Alacant Market
The Pub Susie’s Free Entry Quiz 4pm
Santa Pola Market
Voices Karaoke 2pm
Santa Pola Market
Shaker Maker 2 Tone Tuesdays 2pm
11th
Voices Wed-Fri 6pm karaoke Zest Fun Darts 8.30pm Brothers Bar Jam session 9.30pm
12th
Shaker Maker Thirsty Thursdays 2pm Molly Malone’s Line dancing 4.30pm Bar Sioux Quiz 9.30pm American rock Live Music 10pm Walking Football Contact: laneinspain@ hotmail.com
13th
The Pub 7-80’s Disco 9pm
14th
Voices Karaoke 2pm
15th
16th
The Pub Mr Bojangles 4pm
Shooters Bar Karaoke 9.30pm
Shooters Bar Karaoke 9.30pm
The Pub Live music 6pm
Websters Karaoke 9.30pm
The Pub Kev’s Karaoke 8pm
Websters Quiz & Karaoke 9.30pm
Bar Sioux Karaoke 9.30pm
Molly Malone’s 9.30pm Karaoke with Tony Hall
Tablao Lunares Dinner & Flamenco Show 10pm
American rock Live Music 10pm
American rock Live Music 10pm
Voices Karaoke 2pm Lounge D Quiz 8pm
17th
Voices Karaoke 2pm Bar Sioux Eyes Down 9.30pm
Got something on? Get it in! granalacantnews@gmail.com
Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Gran Alacant News
AROUND THE REGION
IFA EXHIBITION CENTRE
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VEGAN TRAINING CAMP Benidorm, Spain Sun Apr 8th 2018 to Sun Apr 15th 2018 at 00:00 until 00:00 Alicante , Benidorm Event Details Train and learn with top-vegan-athletes!!!
Busot April 15 L’Alfàs del Pi April 15 Half-year Relleu April 15 Virgin of the Miracle
CURRY ON COOKING at Akinon Resort, La Nucia, Sunny Spain ;o) Curry On Cooking Fri Apr 13th 2018 to Wed Apr 18th 2018 at 11:00 until 14:00 Alicante, Carrer Vall de Ceta, 48, La Nucia
San Vicente del Raspeig April 16 San Vicente Teulada April 16 San Vicente Ferrer
Friday Alfaz del Pi, Azafara, Crevillente, Dénia (Rastro), Delores, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, Moraira, Muro de Alcoy, Monforte del Cid, Pilar de Horadada, La Nucia, Onil, Vergel and Torrevieja.
Cocentaina 19 of April Virgin of the Miracle
GENERAL BUILDER
La Nucia 18 April San Vicente
Clive Coomber Fully legal Basements/Damp Int. Ext. Plastering Extensions
Benissa 20 April Festivities
Saturday Alcoy, Alicante, Almoradí, Benejuzar, Benejama, Benissa, Calpe, Castalla, Cocentaina, Elche (Plaza de la fruta, Plaza de Barcelona and Plaza de Sant Josep, Elda, Novelda, Pinoso, Pedreguer, San Juan, San Vincente, Sax, SANTA POLA and Jálon (Rastro).
Tel.
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Sunday Elche (Plaza del Raval handicrafts market), La Alguena, La Matanza, La Murada de los Vicentes, La Nucia (Rastro), Pedreguer (Rastro) and Torremanzanas.
Sierra Mar Square
• The family friendly bar • Good fun!
Alicante April 12 Pilgrimage of the Holy Face 2018
Thursday Alicante, Agost, Albatera, Castilla, Cocentania, GRAN ALACANT, Jávea, Pego, Rojales, Villajoyosa, Villena.
Marian’s Bar
Selection of beers
ATP CHALLENGER TOUR Tennis in Alicante Top tennis stars in Alicante! Sun Apr 8th 2018 Alicante , Alicante City Event Details
Jávea April 10 Crafts Fair
Wednesday Alcoy, Banereres, Benejama, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Campello, Guardamar del Segura, Muchamiel, Novelda, Ondara, Petrer, Sax, Teulada, Polop de la Marina (farm produce).
Bake House
ELCHE LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018 Elche Live Music Festival Sat Apr 7th 2018 to Sun Apr 8th 2018 at 18:00 until 03:00 Alicante, Parking Candalix , Elche
Elda April 8 Baroque market
Tuesday Altea (farm produce), Aspe, Benidorm (farm produce), Elda. Jijona, Orihuela, Pilar de Horardada (Mil Palmeras).
Contact Clive or Wendy on: 617 872 405
Interesting Events
Crevillente April 7 Roman Market
Monday Callosa d’En Sarria, Dénia, Elche (Plaza de la fruta, Plaza de Barcelona and Plaza de Sant Josep), Ibi, Monovar, Petrer, SANTA POLA, La Nucia
Free Estimates
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Algorfa April 5 San Vicente Ferrer
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
Things to do with the
Gran Alacant News
! S D KI
10 Adventurous & Fun Things to do with the Kids! 1. The Algar Waterfalls, Alicante Discover the Algar Waterfalls in beautiful Les Fonts de l’Algar Nature Reserve. Take a dip in the natural pools, admire the waterfalls and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A perfect day activity for the whole family!
4. Aqua Natura Waterpark, Benidorm The 40,000 m² water park is designed for anyone who wants to have an amazing day of fun in the water. The park includes a wave pool, water slides, children’s pool and beach area where parents can relax in peace while the kids play in the water. 5. Rio Safari Park, Elche, Alicante Rio Safari Park is a great place for a day out. The park is surrounded by a forest of palm trees and is home to hundreds of animals from all over the world, it holds daily shows and animal encounters. 6. Aqualandia Waterpark, Benidorm With no less than 15 water attractions and Europe’s tallest water slide, Aqualandia offers a fun day out for all the family. 7. Swim with Dolphins, Mundomar, Benidorm At Mundomar you can see lot of different species of mammals, birds and reptiles. There are a number of daily shows and you have the opportunity to swim with sea lions or enjoy a special dolphin encounter. A day at Mundomar is an eventful and exciting day for children, both young and old. 8. Toy Museum, Denia Pandas in a nativity scene outside Ibi toy museum Wooden soldiers, toy cars, rocking horses and dollhouses with miniature furniture take you back in time. Enjoy an interesting day out with your children at the toy museum in Denia, Alicante. 9. Boat Trip to Tabarca Island Tabarca pirateneiland Every day from Santa Pola Marina, boats leave for Tabarca Island which was once a haven for pirates. Enjoy a refreshing boat trip on the water, plus a day exploring the island.
2. Terra Mítica Theme Park, Benidorm Rides at Terra Mitica theme park, Benidorm Terra Mítica is a theme park in Benidorm which is divided into five themed areas. The wide variety of rides and attractions makes it suitable for all ages. 3. Terra Natura Zoo Theme Park, Benidorm Terra Natura is a zoo theme park in Benidorm. The park has a special “zoo immersion” concept which mimics the animals’ natural habitat and means visitors can get closer to the animals.
10. A Day at the Beach on the Costa Blanca Levante strand Benidorm During your Costa Blanca holiday, a day at the beach can not be missed! Visit one of the many beaches on this beautiful coast. One of the most popular beaches is the Levante beach in Benidorm which is great for sailing, jet skiing and paragliding. It is also Blue Flag recognised, so very safe and extremely family friendly.
Stationery Supplies Gift ideas Fax & Photocopy service School & Office materials Laminating & Framing
Tea Break Fun Solutions From page 15 1) The Iberian Peninsula 2) Madagascar 3) Austria 4) The Hay Wain 5) Yen 6) George Orwell 7) Dogs (from canine) 8) Rupert the Bear 9) Nell Gwynn 10) Four 11) Fred Dibnah 12) Switzerland 13) Gnu 14) Brazil 15) Palindrome ANSWERS
Hard Easy
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
ON TV
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SPORT
WEDNESDAY 4TH APRIL 2018 Barcelona v Roma UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg 19:45 BT Sport 3 Liverpool v Man City UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg 19:45 BT Sport 2/BT Sport 4K UHD
Coming to Netflix from 6th April
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman: Jay Z The rapper, mogul and Mr Beyoncé talks business and rhymes Fastest Car: season 1 Is this Netflix’s answer to Amazon’s The Grand Tour? The new motoring series sees three souped-up “sleeper” cars go head-to-head with one of the world’s most sought-after supercars
Friday 13th April Lost in Space: season 1 The Robinson family head to space in this revival of the 1960s series of the same name Come Sunday Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as real-life evangelist Carlton Pearson, who was labelled a heretic for preaching that there is no hell Chef’s Table: Pastry The mesmerising food docuseries hones in on dessert
6 Balloons Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson stars as Katie, a woman who discovers her brother (Dave Franco), a recovering heroin addict, has relapsed
Sunday 15th April Monty Python collection The Life of Brian, The Meaning of Live, Flying Circus and more arrive on Netflix
Tuesday 10th April Greg Davies: You Magnificent Beast The British comic brings his latest stand-up tour to Netflix
Thursday 19th April The Alienist: season 1 A creepy period crime drama set in New York in the late 19th century. Stars Daniel Bruhl and Dakota Fanning
Delivery Man Vince Vaughan stars as a frequent sperm donor who discovers he has hundreds of children Thursday 12th April Pickpockets A trio of aspiring thieves learn how to pickpocket
Alice Through the Looking Glass Sequel to Tim Burton’s live action Alice in Wonderland film Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Tina Fey stars as a journalist reporting from wartime Afghanistan
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SATURDAY 7TH APRIL 2018 Everton v Liverpool 12:30 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD Man City v Man Utd 17:30 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD SUNDAY 8TH APRIL 2018 Arsenal v Southampton 14:15 Sky Sports /Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD Chelsea v West Ham 16:30 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix - Race Sky Sports F1 HD (16:10) TUESDAY 10TH APRIL 2018 Roma v Barcelona UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg 19:45 BT Sport TBC Man City v Liverpool UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg 19:45 BT Sport TBC WEDNESDAY 11TH APRIL 2018 Bayern Munich v Sevilla UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg 19:45 BT Sport TBC Real Madrid v Juventus UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg 19:45 BT Sport TBC
Page 19
Formula 1 15th April
Chinese Grand Prix Sky Sports F1 7.10am
SATURDAY 14TH APRIL 2018 Southampton v Chelsea 12:30 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth 17:30BT Sport 1/BT Sport 4K UHD Tottenham Hotspur v Man City 19:45 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD SUNDAY 15TH APRIL 2018 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix – 07.10 Newcastle United v Arsenal 13:30 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD Man Utd v West Brom 16:00 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD MONDAY 16TH APRIL 2018 West Ham v Stoke City 20:00 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD TUESDAY 17TH APRIL 2018 Brighton & Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur 19:45 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD WEDNESDAY 18TH APRIL 2018 AFC Bournemouth v Man Utd 19:45 BT Sport 1/BT Sport 4K UHD THURSDAY 19TH APRIL 2018 Burnley v Chelsea 19:45 Sky Sports/Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Ultra HD
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Gran Alacant News Issue no. 8 - Wednesday April 4th 2018
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SPORTS REPORT
By Malcolm Palmer
CHAMPIONS’ LEAGUE QUARTER FINALS
So now we know who plays who in the ‘quarters.’ And there are some fascinating ties in prospect, with injuries and suspensions likely to play a prominent part, as is usual at this late stage in the season. The all-English clash between Manchester City and the only side to have beaten them in the league so far this term, Liverpool, is going to be a highly-charged affair, with on-form Egyptian striker Salah leading the Anfield side against the midfield power of City. Sevilla look to have easily the hardest task of the Spanish trio, drawn against the might of Bayern Munich, for whom Lewandowski seems to score at will – but don’t rule out the Andalucian team, whose cup-fighting record is excellent. Barça face a young Roma side, who won’t fancy their visit to the Nou Camp – who does? The Catalans should have little trouble in progressing, over-confidence possibly their worst enemy. Real Madrid have to deal with a ‘revenge’ match
against Juventus, whom they beat in last year’s Cardiff final, but the aging Italian side is without the suspended Betania and Pjanic for the first leg. Of course, all the above can go out of the window, if there are unforeseen injury problems after the upcoming round of international ‘friendlies’ – the curse of all managers. Real Madrid and Barcelona, for instance, will have all of their players in action for one country or another during the ‘international weekend.’
EQUALITY IN SPORT The recent enormous manifestation, and subsequent strike held by women in favour of equality should bring with it a focus on the issue of equality in sport. Okay, so women can’t run as fast as the fastest men, nor or they as physically strong, but as far as endurance goes, they are hard on
the heels of we menfolk. And taking athletics as an example, authorities have very slowly taken on board the simple fact that women are perfectly capable of doing the same events as men. When are they going to stop at the heptathlon for the girls, and let them have a bash at the decathlon, just like the guys? After all, they only need to add the discus, pole vault and 1500 metres, all women’s events already. From a spectator’s point of view, who cares if a women ‘only’ triple jumps 15 metres, a couple of metres less than the men? The competition is what counts, and it can be just as exciting. Women’s tennis is often much better to watch than the male version – the rallies are longer, the serves less dominant – and that leaves aside the aesthetic appeal. (Yes, I know, they’ve got nice legs!) The ladies are fast catching up in cricket, where Lords was packed to capacity for the World Cup final last year, and they are making considerable strides in football and golf too. Then there are some sports where men can’t begin to compete, like gymnastics. So let us hope that the sporting bodies give recognition to this movement, in terms of financial reward