ISSUE NO. 1440
7 - 13 FEBRUARY 2013
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Two held in charity box donations scam TWO men have been accused of keeping donations put in charity boxes in shops they managed in Mallorca.
Discount fares stay THE 50 per cent discount on ferry and train tickets for Balearic Island residents is to remain. The government is to foot the bill of more than €100 million.
The Guardia Civil claim that the men in Inca also pocketed proceeds from the sale of secondhand goods in the charity’s name, even though
they had no link to it The alleged crimes were uncovered when the Fibromyalgia Association of Inca (AFIC) president noticed a car with an association logo on its bonnet. However, neither the driver nor vehicle had any connection with the AFIC. The Guardia Civil were then contacted. The men managed shops in Inca where donation boxes had been installed but kept the money, amounting to more than €500, it is alleged. One who refused to answer charges has been bailed but his ex-partner said he had stopped working with him when he discovered he was using the association to gain money for his own use. STAYING: 50 per cent discount on trains and ferries.
NEWS EXTRA
Ambition for film awards PALMA should be put forward to host the 27th European Film Awards in 2014, the island’s Councillor of Tourism, Alvaro Gijón, has told the Ministry of Culture.
Loo blast NO injuries were caused by a homemade explosive device placed in Palma’s Son Espases hospital’s emergency room toilet.
Non-slip plan HALF of the fresh fish stands in Palma’s Plaza Olivar market have been forced to temporarily close while new anti-slip resistant flooring is installed.
Wind help EMERGENCY help-line 112 received 1,615 calls during high winds, mostly in Mallorca.
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Your EWN this week News 1-10
Finance 13-20
Letters 21
Life in Spain 22
NATURAL PARK: 2.52 million people have visited since 1988.
Natural park has 2.52m visitors THE S’Albufera area in Alcudia has been visited by 2.52 million people since it was declared a Natural Park in January 1988. Twenty-five per cent of the visitors were from the Balearic Islands and 68 per cent were from abroad. Almost 95,660 students have visited the Natural Park and, since 2009, the total number of visitors has risen by 22 per cent. Last year there were 109,000 visitors, and most people visit in the spring and autumn,
mainly to watch the birds which gather at the wetlands and to carry out any of the four signposted walks, one of which is apt for people with reduced mobility. There are currently 3,800 different plant and animal species registered within the park. The population of both animals and plants has increased thanks to the management of water-flow, canals and ecosystems.
Leapy Lee 24
TV 31
Time Out 33-36
Food 37
Health & Beauty 38-39
Classifieds 43-44
Motoring 47
Sport 48
NEWS
7 - 13 February 2013
Port closed due to winds THE Port of Mahon, Menorca was forced to close for seven hours due to severe winds. The Barcelona ferry service was forced to cancel last Saturday.
Car arson SIX cars in the last month have been intentionally set ablaze in different parts of Palma, mostly were parked in dark or poorly frequented areas.
Go north young man TWO HUNDRED unemployed residents of Mallorca joined a workshop to help them find work in Germany. The workshop is being held at the Balearic Government VicePresident’s office in Son Castello, where the Work Council was located. The workshop is carried out by members of the German State Employment Agency and
the Balearic Employment Service. Participants are taught how to write their CV and what they need to be chosen for a job in Germany, as well as what sectors have most jobs on offer and how the Social Security there works. It is aimed mainly at health care personnel, welders, industrial mechanics, electricians, plumbers, engineers and
catering staff. Candidates must speak German. Germany needs people who are well-prepared and according to the Head of the Balearic Employment Service, going there to work can be an “enriching experience.” Many of the jobs are temporary and will add to the participants’ knowledge and experience.
New use
COLOURSINMYLIFE
SOLLER’S old textile factory building is set to house a new museum that will focus on the history of textiles and local food production, from the Industrial Revolution through to the 21st century.
Film release DANISH director Adam Neutzsky-Wulff has released the trailer for thriller ‘The Stranger Inside’ staring William Baldwin, filmed in Mallorca towards the end of 2012.
Jobs figures THERE are now 95,509 jobless in the Balearics, yet in comparison to the mainland it’s still the only region in Spain to show an overall decline.
London calling BRITISH AIRWAYS will start flying from London Heathrow to Palma from March 31 as they announced an increase in the number of their flights to Spain and the Balearics.
Bird relief THE Ministry Of Agriculture And Environment and La Caixa bank have joined forces to buy and distribute 1,000 wooden bird houses to be placed around Mallorca’s wood lands.
FLASHBACK: Spanish celebrations will be less colourful than these in Hong Kong last year.
It’s Kung Hei Fat Choi as Year of the Snake nears
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ITH more than 176,000 Chinese officially registered as living in Spain, and possibly many thousands more, this Sunday’s Chinese New Year celebrations are set to go off with a bang. For on Saturday night - the Chinese New Year’s Eve - families by tradition meet for a feast, and then end the night with fireworks. The new year will be the Year of the Grass Snake, with this the strongest, most negative force of all signs.
Quote of the week
‘
The notepad doesn’t exist and that’s not my writing’
Luis Barcenas, former Partido Popular treasurer, regarding accusations that he paid leading party members backhanders, following the discovery of notes which suggest this.
The snake’s season is Spring, its month May and its element Fire. Many claim the Water energy clashes with the Fire element, meaning that during the Year of the Snake - not considered a calm period - there could be strange weather and possibly conflict in marriages. During the celebrations - with many Chinese shops expected to close despite their normal policy of opening daily for long hours children receive gifts of money in red paper envelopes.
Grown-ups exchange gifts, often including food and clothes, plus New Year greetings of Kung Hei Fat Choi. Chinese New Year tradition is to thoroughly clean the house to sweep away ill-fortune and make way for good luck. Windows and doors are decorated with red colour papercuts with themes including good fortune, happiness, wealth and longevity. It is also a New Year tradition to forget grudges and to wish peace and happiness for everyone.
Number of the week were sold by 84,667 properties Spain’s main banks in 2012.
Banco Santander sold 33,500 properties but will not reveal how much money it made, followed by Bankia, with 14,600 sales worth €1.6 billion.
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Time out as the best gets better... THE Euro Weekly News is getting even bigger and better. Last week’s issues included a 136-page Costa del Sol edition. And today, across all editions, the everpopular Time Out leisure section has doubled in size. Next month further special supplements are planned, and the EWN is displaying its commitment to remaining as the best local newspaper in YOUR region by increasing staffing in district offices. No other local newspaper offers readers and advertisers such a package as the EWN, which prints more copies than any other free Englishlanguage newspaper in Europe, and has more news, features and general coverage including business, motoring and sport, plus letters, property, health, food and much more.... week in, week out. But none of this would be possible without the full support of all of YOU... the readers and the advertisers. Thank you... and in return, we promise to remain Simply the Best and unbeatable, as everyone ‘gets it.’
and finally... SIX Spanish tourists and one Mexican woman were allegedly raped in their bungalow by five unknown armed intruders in Acapulco, Mexico, while the seven Spanish men who were with them were gagged and bound, according to local police investigating the crimes.
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Hospital waiting lists still growing
7 - 13 February 2013
23 years jail for rape of British woman A MAN has been jailed for 23 years for the vicious rape and attempted murder of a British woman in Magaluf. Palma Provincial Court has imposed the maximum sentence
on Mohamed Fadel, 31, after hearing how he raped and stabbed Cheryl Maddison on May 30, 2008. The court considered the gravity of the crime where the victim had been beaten, raped, obliged to
shower and then raped a second THE opposition parties in time, strangled, stabbed and left the Balearic Parliament for dead by her attacker. have complained that The Guardia Civil suspected waiting lists for Fadel had been Cheryl’s attacker operations have three years after the offence took increased. place when they They criticised the recovered evidence from Health, Family and Social another rape indicating it Welfare Council and IBhad been committed by Salut because, in some the same person. cases, people are waiting They followed Fadel up to 180 days. one night and retrieved a The Conservative cigarette end. DNA tests Partido Popular member confirmed he was of parliament, Catalina responsible. When he was arrested he admitted he Palau, hit back saying that 83.3 per cent of had committed the people on the lists are attack, although later in waiting for minor court he refused to surgery, and in the 3 per answer the accusation. cent of cases for serious The court had earlier illness, the wait is no heard that Maddison, 25, longer than 60 days. had been followed home However, PSM-IV-ExM and attacked by Fadel. MP Fina Santiafo said She had arrived in that the number of Magaluf in search of a people on waiting lists for new life just six days more than 180 days has before. DRINKING WATER: Only 51 per cent reaches the taps. gone from zero to 2,094 He raped her in her since the new term in rented apartment then office began. stabbed her with a seven Socialist MP, Vincenç inch knife before leaving Thomas, complained that her for dead. After there are 18,000 people emergency surgery on on the surgical waiting serious throat, back and list which he said means chest wounds she left the “people who can’t wait island and returned to her have to get private ONLY 51 per cent of the County Durham home. According to a report per cent of the water insurance” and added drinking water available carried out by the town was lost from the 89.5 that “this means that the for Manacor gets to the hall, the water network kilometre network. The PP is not interested in taps of local residents. managed by Aguas study was carried out by people’s health.” Manacor is supplied Manacor, 49 per cent of the Balearic Government In 2012, the average with water from five the water is lost from the Water Agency and the waiting time for an wells which produce aging network before it Local Co-operation operation shot up 63 per more than two million gets to users. Department of the THE Cirque du Soleil cent from 74 days to cubic metres of water The last report, two Balearic Council. circus will visit Mallorca in 121. per year. years ago, showed 40.3 Local Councillor for the August with its show Environment, Bernat Alegria. Amer, said that this The famous circus happens because there performance will take has been no place at the Palma Arena, maintenance work DOCUMENTS are being prepared so out at the request of the president of and tickets will be on sale done in 25 years. the ground occupied by the Palacio the Balearic Government, Jose on their website from The leaking water de Congresos hotel can be used for Ramon Bauza, to allow the hotel to tomorrow (Friday). means there is less other purposes. be sold separately from the congress Alegria has been seen pressure, something The deputy mayor for urban hall so that work can start again. by 10 million people which is also affected development at Mallorca Court, The changes could take eight throughout the world. by the rain. Jesus Valls, said that members of his months to put in place as they have There are 55 artists and To avoid this, the department are drawing up the to be approved by the musicians from 17 town hall will increase documents needed to modify the Environmental Department and different countries in the the horse power of one General Plan for Urban made public so local residents can show. of the motors which Development. This is being carried make any necessary appeals. More information from inject pressure into the www.cirquedusoleil.com. sa Moladora well.
Manacor gets only half of available water
Circus in town
Hotel plot sale planned
Mallorca
BRITISH
PRESS
Stories making headlines from the United Kingdom
Horse off the menu SUPERMARKET chain Aldi has dropped their contract with supplier Dalepak after horse meat was found in its products. Tests from beefburger products at a UK store tested positive for traces of horse DNA.
Sour milk A MANCHESTER hospital dropped plans to charge mothers of newborn babies for formula milk. The plan to charge mothers £5 (€5.83) for milk tokens was blasted by staff at the hospital saying it breached a fundamental NHS principle.
Home time A PAINTING that belonged to the young Queen Victoria is heading back to its original home at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. The painting called La Siesta is worth £73,000.
Two jailed TWO women have been jailed after they were found guilty of the torture and murder of 67-year-old Barry Reeve. The women, thought to be drug addicts were convicted at Norwich Crown Court and jailed for a total of 48 years.
Pool death A BRITISH teenager has drowned in an outdoor pool at a French ski resort. The tragedy happened during a night of drinking with friends at the Alpe d’Huez resort. The girl is thought to have dived into the pool, but failed to resurface from under the tarpaulin cover.
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Alleged killer remanded in custody in Palma A MAN, 50, who allegedly stabbed his exwife to death in Arta, has been remanded in prison without bail. The Balearic Supreme Court of Justice has said that he is charged with the murder of his ex-
wife, Margarita, of the same age. After she was stabbed, the woman was taken to Manacor Hospital alive, but her injuries were so serious that doctors were unable to save her. Her ex-husband was
also taken to Manacor Hospital having attempted to take his own life with the same knife with which he allegedly killed her. They were found in different rooms of her home.
He was admitted to intensive care due to his serious injuries, but later released as no vital organs were damaged. The judge went to the hospital to question him, but he refused to testify and will be taken to the
prisoners’ unit of Son Espases Hospital in Palma until he is well enough to be taken to prison. The man has no criminal record and his wife had never reported him for abuse.
War breaks out in clan rivalry FIGHTS between rival clans of gypsies in Son Banya have been caused by arguments over the control of the illegal drugs trade. The National Police had to intervene in an altercation about who would occupy the best positions for selling drugs. The explosion of violence, death threats and settling of scores was triggered by a police informant.
It appears that one clan hid drugs in a vehicle belonging to a member of another clan intending to incriminate them and then called the police. One of the clans is based in Son Banya but also has a large presence
in Son Gotleu. The police said they were aware of the tension between the two clans, but have not increased their presence for the moment. Officers have been advised to be alert.
SCANDINAVIAN PRESS Stories making headlines in Denmark, Norway and Sweden
School blast SWEDEN - Students were questioned by police after a homemade explosive device blew up in a teacher’s hand at a Stockholm school. The blast injured 13 people.
Green day DENMARK Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue will join the ranks of the world’s most famous landmarks to turn green in honour of St Patrick’s Day. Sydney Opera House was the first.
Duty tour NORWAY - From 2001 to 2012, 8,363 Norwegians served on average 172 days in Afghanistan, one out of three have been twice or more. Seven per cent were women.
Nude demo
DRUG WARS: Rival gypsy clans are fighting over the control of the illegal drugs trade.
Policeman hurt in fight after assault A GHANAIAN was detained for allegedly assaulting a policeman who intervened in a fight in San Gotelu last Sunday. The officer and a witness were injured when they tried to break up a fight that had broken out amongst a large group of Africans. Both men needed medical attention after being kicked and punched. The incident took place around midnight in Calle Indalecio Prieto. When the National Police arrived the majority of the group ran off, except one who allegedly continued to hit the witness and then kicked the officer.
SWEDEN - Egyptian activist Aliaa al-Mahdy chose to bare all, despite sub-zero temperatures, outside her country’s embassy in Stockholm in her latest protest against Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi.
No work DENMARK - Only three of Denmark’s 98 councils have a majority of employed residents. This is a significant reduction from 2009, when there were 59.
New fuel NORWAY - Statoil is looking into the possibility of exploring for oil and gas in Burma. It already has petroleum operations in 36 countries.
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Secondary students take to the streets TWO HUNDRED secondary school students held a protest outside the Education Department. The protest was organised via social networks and although students say 60 per cent attended, the Education Department says
Jailed for health worker assault PALMA COURT jailed a man for six months and ordered him to pay the sum of â‚Ź21,616 in compensation after he assaulted an ambulanceman. The health worker went to help the accused after receiving a report of his possible death. The victim found the accused on the ground and started to examine him for signs of life. But the jailed man suddenly got up and started to hit the paramedic repeatedly about the body. Local police came to the rescue and arrested the aggressor, who then made death threats against the innocent ambulanceman. The ambulance worker required medical attention at the scene and was admitted to hospital for nine days. He needed surgery and rehabilitation treatment. As a consequence of the attack he has lost 10 per cent of the movement of his shoulder.
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it was only 10 per cent. Whether or not they went to the protest is unclear, but a visit to the areas surrounding the schools at normally busy times made it clear many students did not attend classes. Slogans were chanted against the education
system and the minister in charge, including complaints that at some schools pupils have to take blankets in the winter because there is no money for heating, while politicians stay in luxury hotels. Others complain of leaking roofs and lack of support teachers.
Youth stabs two brothers A YOUTH accused of stabbing his girlfriend’s two brothers has been remanded in custody after appearing before a judge. He allegedly attacked the woman and her brothers when they defended her.
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Now car hire faces eco-tax BALEARIC rent-a-car agencies plan to appeal against a new ‘Eco-Tax’ due to take effect in April. They claim it will hit the tourism sector, until now fairly stable in the Balearics despite Spain’s economic crisis. Despite abolishment of the 2003 failed Balearic ‘eco-tax’, the Spanish government recently announced a national environmental tax which will directly affect tourism and car hire in Mallorca. The rate of tax charged will be scaled according to vehicle emissions. This so-called ‘green tax’ will also impose taxes on large stores and supermarkets that can cause ‘environmental damage’, including pollution from consumers travelling to and from their stores by car. The tax will also apply to excessive use of water and non-recyclable drink containers. The total to be raised by these taxes is approximately €135 million. The taxes are aimed at benefitting the environment and raising money to pay off Spain’s debts.
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Jealous husband’s involved in car rage A MAN, 55, was arrested for attempting to run over another, aged 73, with his car because he thought he was sleeping with his wife.
He also attempted to set fire to the victim’s house and presented a false report of mugging against him. He called the police last month claiming he had been
mugged by two men who attacked him and stole €370. He claimed they were acting on the orders of a man who was his enemy. The police didn’t believe him, but he made a formal complaint which they later found to be untrue. They also discovered he had driven onto a pavement in an attempt to run over the other man.
Danger roof AUTO-GAS: Grants may be on offer to purchasers of cars who run on gas.
Inca gas converts
INCA Town Hall has promised that the new vehicles it purchases will run on auto-gas. This comes following an agreement with
Repsol, which aims to promote the use of this alternative fuel which is used by 21 million people in the world. The council also plans
Man missing A MAN, 27, has been reported missing from Palma. Argentinian, Diego Sebastian Franco disappeared in the early hours of January 26 after leaving the Camelot disco in Joan Miro, Gomila. Anyone with information should call 091.
to adapt some of the municipal vehicles so they can use auto-gas, although this will depend on a report on the profitability of such a plan. There are already 15 vehicles in Inca which run on gas. The town hall will also look into the possibility of offering grants of up to €2,000 to people who purchase cars which run on gas.
THE football field in Sa Pobla has been closed because the roof is in danger of collapsing. The metal structure which covers the main stalls at the football field is in a very unstable condition, an industrial engineer and the municipal architect have confirmed. Following their report, the local mayor, Biel Serra, ordered the ground be closed, and as it is close to the main entrance to the sports centre, another door will have to be used. The 400m2 roof, erected 30 years ago, has rusted and it is due to be removed at the end of this week. The budget to take it down is €30,000 but the town hall does not have money for a new one.
A real trial for the family of ‘La Paca’ A BROTHER of one of Palma’s most renowned drug dealers, ‘La Paca’, has been sentenced to pay a fine of €3 per day for a year. The fine comes after he failed to do 44 days of community services to which he was sentenced for crimes against traffic safety. He accepted the fine. Meanwhile, ‘La Paca’s’ former sister-in-law, 43, is facing 12-anda-half years in prison for attempting to kill a man, 75, in his home in July 2011. She allegedly stabbed him in the neck when he
refused to give her money to buy drugs or have sex with her in exchange for money. She then stole €180 from his wallet. He sustained serious injuries and had to undergo emergency surgery. She was reportedly living in his home without paying rent and began to demand the money, becoming increasingly aggressive. She is charged with attempted murder and violent robbery. The Provincial Court in Palma continues with the case against ‘La
Paca’ herself, the largest trial in the Balearic Islands for drug trafficking. Fifty-five people are facing a total of 690 years in prison and €29.4 million in fines. Due to the enormity of the trial, the hearing is being held in a hall provided by the Balearic Government at Palma’s Son Rossinyol Industrial Estate. The trial of the so-called ‘Kabul’ case, began on January 14 and the 55 people are accused of introducing huge quantities of
cocaine, heroin and cannabis into Mallorca and Ibiza. Amongst them is the suspected ringleader, Francisca Cortes (‘La Paca’), who is the matriarch of the main drug trafficking clan of Son Banya. She is facing 19 years in prison and a fine of €900,000. She is already in prison for another case in which she was sentenced to 22 years for retaining people against their will, money laundering, coercion, threats and inciting false testimony.
Mallorca
GERMAN
PRESS
Stories making headlines from Germany
Retiring early MORE Germans are taking early retirement, according to new figures. A record number in 2011 opted to take a reduced pension in order to enjoy more free time.
Camels die EIGHTY-SIX camels were killed when flames engulfed a building at a family-run animal farm in the southwestern German state of BadenWüttermberg. The blaze caused €1 million worth of damage.
Flying visit CHANCELLOR Angela Merkel urged visiting Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi to ensure dialogue remains an option as his country grapples with a political crisis that has sparked deadly unrest.
Beer slump GERMANS are losing their thirst for beer as consumption has hit the lowest point since 1990 according to official figures.
Music links YOUTUBE’S dispute with Germany’s music rights authority GEMA means the country is unable to see 61.5 per cent of YouTube’s top 1,000 videos, far more than 5 per cent in the Vatican.
Noisy star ACTOR George Clooney feared his group had been too noisy in a Berlin restaurant so he paid a neighbouring table’s bill. The businessman sitting there had not even noticed the actor.
7 - 13 February 2013
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The baby birth blues ON top of its economic woes, Spain is experiencing a baby crisis as the birth rate continues to fall. The country needs an additional 280,000 babies each year to maintain the population balance between young and old, according to family policies institute, IPF. For years Spain had the lowest birth rate in Europe but this rose as young immigrants flocked to the country during the boom years. By 2008 the birth rate had risen to 1.46 children per woman but has steadily dropped as the economic crisis deepens. Only Hungary, Romania and Poland have fewer births. “That means less prosperity, economic growth and above all, future,” warned IPF president Eduardo Hertfelder. The current birth rate is now 1.36 children per woman, well below the EU average of 1.57 children and far from the 2.1 babies needed to guarantee generation renewal. Murcia now has the highest birth rate in Spain and Asturias the lowest. Spain needs a total of 752,000 births a year instead of the current 472,000, Hertfelder said. There is a direct link between family allowances and a high birth rate, he continued. “Countries that give all-round help to families have higher birth rates,” he said, citing Ireland (2.05 children), France (2.01) and the UK (1.91).
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Mallorca
Police wise to false kidnap claims FALSE abduction claims doubled in 2012. Last year the Policia Nacional dealt with 24 bogus kidnappings, which are classed as an offence and punishable under Spain’s penal code. Every reported kidnapping and
abduction last year - of which 24 turned out to be bogus and 17 genuine - had to be investigated according to established procedure, police revealed. All were successfully solved and 87 arrests were made. False kidnappings are invariably
intended to raise money from the family and friends of the ‘victims’, police explained. “There are people who can’t pay their debts and they fake an abduction,” explained Chief Inspector Alberto C Gonzalez.
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Finance,
Stat of week Inflation is slowing according to the National Statistics Institute. Prices rose by 2.6 per cent year on year in January, the slowest rate since August.
business
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legal www.ewnbusiness.com
€19bn Santander write off
Bank sets aside cash to cover property and loan debt SPANISH banking giant Santander has had to write off nearly €19 billion for sour loans and failed property assets. That sent net profit down by 60 per cent last year as the bank made extra provision for bad debts.
The group said it put aside €12.7 billion for non-performing loans in Spain and another €6.1 billion for Spanish property exposure. Despite the write off, Santander remains one of the few Spanish banks not to ask for government help.
Cyber access big business FOR many, living without internet access would be like living in limbo. But only 32 per cent of adults in 148 countries could access the internet in 2011, a Gallup poll revealed, although this did not imply a home connection. In Spain, 70 per cent of adults had an internet connection and 62 per cent of Spanish homes had broadband in 2011, according to INE, Spain’s statistics office. And that means there is still huge potential for growth for internet providers in Spain. Internet access influences a nation’s productivity and economic strength. The greater the prosperity, the wider the internet access and greater the opportunity to buy and sell online.
Only 1 per cent of adults accessed the internet in Burundi, Haiti and Mali, three of the world’s poorest countries. In contrast, Sweden and Singapore topped the Gallup list with 93 per cent, followed by Denmark (92 per cent). In the US, the world’s largest economy, 80 per cent accessed the internet. So did 73 per cent of the Japanese and 77 per cent of Germans. Things were different in China – the world’s secondlargest economy – with 34 per cent. Russia and Brazil did better with a respective 51 and 40 per cent. India’s IT industry is booming but has a yawning gulf between rich and poor, just 3 per cent of the population could access the internet.
That left Santander with 73 per cent of its Spanish bad loans covered. The move meant the bank met the demands of new legislation forcing banks to set aside more money to cover bad property debt.
B
usiness extra
Easier to start MEN under 30 and women under 35 starting new businesses will pay €50 a month social security for six months, followed by a 30 per cent reduction for two years.
Small mercies INFLATION fell by three percentage points in January. Lower prices for electricity and fuel were responsible for the fall.
Tipping scales SPAIN’S balance of payments last November showed a surplus of €1,777.4 million, the widest margin since 1990.
Piece of cake from Bimbo BIMBO could target neighbourhoods near schools with cut-price products approaching their sell-by date. Spain’s largest industrial baker has plans to market popular lines in areas easily able to absorb them, near schools and markets. It would only do so where the products would sell quickly, the company said.
Care would be taken not to provoke complaints from nearby businesses, it added. Chosen shops would need to conform to certain specifications and have authorisation to sell food products. Business-owners would also have to pay transport costs from Bimbo depots.
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CASH ASIDE: Alfredo Saenz Abad, CEO, Santander bank.
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The medical certificate for driving licence stays valid Q: RESIDENTS of Spain who continue to use a UK driving licence need to have a medical certificate, which is renewed every 10 years or five years, just like Spanish drivers, as you have You and the reported in earlier columns. Now I find various rumours Law in Spain By David Searl that the medical certificate for drivers lasts only THREE MONTHS. Can you tell me the correct position? DJ (e-mail) A: NOT to worry. If you obtain the medical certificate for drivers, it is valid for the next five or 10 years, depending on your age, when you must renew it in order to continue driving on your UK licence. The confusion arises because the certificate itself states it is valid for three months. This means only that, if you obtain the certificate and then do not apply for your licence or renewal within three months, you will have to obtain a new and up to date medical certificate. Many Spanish documents which are needed in order to obtain some other document, contain this three month limit. If you have your medical certificate and carry it with your UK driving licence, you are in compliance with Spanish law.
Early renewal of driving licence Q. My wife’s Spanish driving licence runs out in April. We are going to be in Australia during May and June. I know that it takes Trafico some time to process the new licence. Is it possible to apply for her new licence early? RC (e-mail) A. Yes, you can apply to renew your Spanish driving licence three months before the expiry date. David will respond to queries but reserves the right to select letters which will be of interest to the greatest number of readers. You can also consult David through lawyers Ubeda-Retana and Associates in Fuengirola. ask@lawtaxspain.com or call 952 667 090.
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
7 - 13 February 2013 Mallorca
Olympics boost for companies COMPANIES that helped stage the Olympics will be able to use their games connections to promote their companies after stringent licensing rules were relaxed. Originally only official sponsors that paid millions of pounds were allowed to advertise their links. Now companies that worked on the London games can apply for licences to promote their Olympic role at trade fairs.
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ritish usiness riefs £££
ROYAL Dutch Shell’s profits fell 6 per cent in 2012, to $27bn (€19.8bn) as fourth-quarter earnings significantly undershot expectations due to a surprise
slump in exploration production profits.
and
£££ THE Johnnie Walker-to-Smirnoff vodka maker Diageo says its £1.3 billion (€1.5bn) deal for a majority stake in Indian drinks giant United Spirits should go through by March. Finance director Deirdre Mahlan said talks with an Indian regulator would not delay the acquisition.
Politicians fiddling while Rome continues to burn AN ex-treasurer of the Partido Popular (conservative) has stirred things up with his assertions that he paid ‘bonuses’ to the then leaders of the Spanish political party with money from ‘black’ contributions. Of course, the present PP leaders are strenuously denying any such payments in ‘cash, envelopes, or any other form,’ whilst the main opposition parties, PSOE (socialist) and Izquierda Plural, are baying for blood. The present PP leaders have announced, publicly and repeatedly, that the anticorruption policy of the party is that assertions will always be investigated and rooted-out. Maria Dolores de Cospedal, one of the two vice-presidents, has warned: “If you have taken part in any such activity, you will pay the price.” You’ll note, if you’ve been following this story, that up until now there is only the extreasurer’s word that any of this occurred, and one might be forgiven for asking how he could have paid out these ‘bonuses’ whilst at the same time allegedly accruing millions for himself, to be salted away in a secret Swiss account. Diverging for a moment, I wonder how many cases of corruption and fraud will come to light now that Swiss banks have begun to reveal their secrets. The opposition parties are
Jim Collins Costa Blanca
demanding a full parliamentary commission to investigate the matter, whilst the PP for its part has announced that the party’s finances, in their entirety, will now be thrown open to an independent auditor. It goes on and on; accusations and denials, but to what purpose? The opposition is saying this will not do, and that the parliamentary commission is the only way forward if the truth is to come out, putting the government in the unenviable (and perhaps legally questionable) position of proving a negative! Do these politicians give even a passing thought to what they are doing, as distinct to what they were elected to do? The present PSOE and Izquierda Plural leaders, Alfredo Rubalcaba and Lara Cayo appear to be interested only in creating turmoil and blackening the reputations of their opposite numbers on the government benches. Understandable perhaps, but
CASH IN HAND: No envelopes of money handed over, claim PP party leaders. hardly representing their obligation to the country, which surely is to question, modify where possible and ameliorate, policies which they feel they have a right and a duty, to oppose. But look: if corruption, with its concomitant possible fraud, has really taken place, shouldn’t that be for the National Police and maybe the Guardia Civil to investigate? Crime is crime, after all. It’s possible that Luis Bárcenas, the ex-treasurer, did pay ‘bonuses’, creating a pool of accessories who would keep their mouths shut and thus conceal his real activity, which was to set up a personal Swiss account. Should this prove to be the case then no doubt there will be a number of long-retired politicians trembling in their boots. This opening of formerly-secret Swiss accounts could turn out to be a world-wide Pandora’s Box.
7 - 13 February 2013
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
www.euroweeklynews.com When you move from one country to another, or buy and spend time in a property abroad, your first tax consideration should be to establish where you are resident for tax purposes. The most well-known rule is the 183-days-a-year rule, which many countries use. Spend 183 days in a country in one tax year and you are tax resident there; spend less than 183 days and you are not. There are, however, other factors that can make you liable for tax in a country even if you spend under 183 days there. People do get caught out and end up with unexpected tax bills, sometimes large ones. This applies to countries like Spain, though the UK’s current residency rules are particularly complex and vague. Residence is largely determined by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) guidance, as opposed to law, and principles established from case law. There has been no statutory definition of residence, and although this will change from April 2013, this is too late for some people. Day counting is not enough if you want to be sure you cannot be deemed resident or ordinarily resident in the UK for tax purposes. First of all, you need to be able to show that you have left the UK. If you retain strong ties it will be hard to prove that you have made a distinct break.
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Have You Really Left The UK For Tax Purposes? by Bill Blevins, Financia l Correspondent, Blevins Franks
Even if you meet the tax residency criteria here in Spain, you could also be resident in the UK at the same time. Since this is a complex matter, for certainty on your situation you should seek expert advice. A firm like Blevins Franks pays very close attention to the residency rules in both the UK and Spain, and how the two interact and affect British expatriates. HMRC has won a number of tax residency court cases. Last October the First-Tier Tribunal ruled in the tax authority’s favour again, this time against a woman who was found to be resident in the UK for capital gains tax purposes, even though she had been living in Spain for a number of years at the time.
Lynette Dawn Yates, a UK citizen, moved to Spain in 2000 for health reasons. The plan was for her husband to retire and join her, but he was unable to do so and she returned to live permanently in the UK in 2008. She initially rented, then bought a property in Spain and spent over 200 days a year there on average. HMRC assessed her for capital gains tax on asset disposals in three UK tax years; years when she had spent 72, 83 and 108 days in the UK. Ms Yates appealed the assessments on the grounds that she was not a UK resident and exempt from capital gains tax under the terms of the UK/Spain double tax treaty. The Judge accepted that Ms Yates was resident in Spain at the time, but said that at the same time she was resident in the UK, and also resident in the UK when considering the tax treaty rules because her personal and economic ties were stronger with the UK than in Spain. He ruled that she was resident and ordinarily resident in
the UK throughout her time in Spain, and so liable to UK capital gains tax on the disposals made in the relevant years. There were a number of reasons why she was considered UK resident. She had a permanent home available in the UK and her husband remained UK resident. She visited her husband and other relatives frequently, staying in the marital home. She used her UK address for bank and credit card accounts. She continued to use doctors in the UK and receive a disability allowance only available to UK residents. She remained on the electoral register. Her telephone bills were also used as evidence – the fact that she made more calls to the UK than in Spain showed her social life was primarily UK based. This case demonstrates how connecting ties can be more relevant than day counting. British expatriates need to be aware of what ties you retain with the UK and what significance they can have on your tax position. Do not assume that because you are resident in one country you
cannot be resident in another. In this case, tie-breaker clauses in the double tax treaty would normally determine where you pay tax, but it may not be the country you expect. The Statutory Residence Test will come into effect on 6th April in the UK. Ms Yates would have been clearly UK resident under the new rules. However, while the test does provide much more certainty, it is very long and detailed. To be sure you have understood your situation correctly, you should still take professional advice from a specialist firm like Blevins Franks on your situation. The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual should take personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com.
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
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LONDON - FTSE 100 C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -0.30 -0.07 5.75 0.47 -23.00 -1.42 -0.12 -0.01 -2.00 -0.10 -25.00 -2.16 3.00 0.34 1.16 0.07 -5.00 -0.16 -6.71 -1.82 8.00 0.76 -0.30 -0.09 -0.80 -0.27 1.35 0.12 -14.50 -0.65 -1.45 -0.31 -9.72 -0.29 -0.34 -0.06
NET VOLUME 175.52 38.29 165.80 297.47 375.05 248.73 939.63 164.43 285.52 2,431.35 49.59 531.69 10,143.02 906.73 722.98 2,775.90 257.44 168.86
CU RR EN CI ES
C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 4
PRICE(P) C O M PA N Y Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 405.95 Admiral Group PLC 1239.00 Aggreko PLC 1600.00 AMEC PLC 1084.50 Anglo American PLC 1951.75 Antofagasta PLC 1133.50 ARM Holdings PLC 896.75 Associated British Foods 1766.50 AstraZeneca PLC 3063.75 Aviva PLC 361.25 Babcock Intrntnl Grp 1056.00 BAE Systems PLC 337.65 Barclays PLC 299.15 BG Group PLC 1124.00 BHP Billiton PLC 2200.00 BP PLC 471.03 British Am Tobacco PLC 3317.50 British Land Co PLC 564.00
0.86450
Units per €
United States $......................................................1.35914 Japan Yen ¥ ...........................................................126.526 Switzerland Francs................................................1.23704 Denmark Kroner ....................................................7.46085 Norway Kroner.......................................................7.43622
C O M PA N Y
PRICE(P)
British Sky Broad Gr... BT Group PLC Bunzl PLC Burberry Group PLC Capita PLC Capital Shopping Cntrs Carnival PLC Centrica PLC Compass Group PLC CRH PLC
826.25 265.55 1150.00 1408.50 790.50 357.50 2584.00 354.50 777.00 1345.50
DOW JONES
NASDAQ
C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 4
C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 4
C O M PA N Y
PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME
MMM 3M Co 101.56 AA Alcoa Inc 9.00 AXP American Express Co 59.91 T AT&T Inc 35.51 BAC Bank of America Corp 11.71 BA Boeing Co 74.87 CAT Caterpillar Inc 99.49 CVX Chevron Corp 116.50 CSCO Cisco Systems Inc 20.83 DD E. I. du Pont de Nemours and C... 47.98 XOM Exxon Mobil Corp 90.04 GE General Electric Co 22.62 HPQ Hewlett-Packard Co 16.46 HD Home Depot Inc 67.30 INTC Intel Corp 21.36 IBM International Business Machine... 205.18 JNJ Johnson & Johnson 74.18 JPM JPMorgan Chase and Co 47.85 MCD McDonald's Corp 95.95 MRK Merck & Co Inc 41.83 MSFT Microsoft Corp 27.93
+1.01 +0.16 +1.10 +0.72 +0.39 +1.00 +1.10 +1.35 +0.26 +0.53 +0.07 +0.34 -0.05 +0.38 +0.315 +2.11 +0.26 +0.80 +0.66 -1.42 +0.48
+1.00% +1.81% +1.87% +2.07% +3.45% +1.35% +1.12% +1.17% +1.26% +1.12% +0.08% +1.53% -0.30% +0.57% +1.50% +1.04% +0.35% +1.70% +0.69% -3.28% +1.75%
3.9M 18.2M 6.0M 29.2M 161.2M 6.7M 6.1M 6.4M 25.8M 5.2M 15.7M 43.8M 16.8M 5.0M 31.9M 3.4M 10.0M 24.5M 5.5M 37.7M 55.6M
1.15673
C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. 0.15 0.78 1.56 22.00 -0.50 -1.70 -2.00 1.34 0.21 -25.00
C O M PA N Y
Most Advanced Alimera Sciences, Inc. Cache, Inc. EDAP TMS S.A. Audience, Inc. Concurrent Computer Corporation ABAXIS, Inc. PMC - Sierra, Inc. Omnicell, Inc. Community West Bancshares
0.02 0.29 0.14 1.59 -0.06 -0.47 -0.08 0.38 0.03 -1.83
NET VOLUME 311.47 3,164.87 39.10 163.04 77.75 40.46 93.33 927.05 249.62 295.58
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
$ 2.35 $ 2.88 $ 3.04 $ 14.10 $ 7.49 $ 44.29 $ 6.53 $ 17.81 $ 4.82
0.39 / +19.90% 0.44 / +18.03% 0.46 / +17.83% 1.88 / +15.38% 0.95 / +14.53% 5.57 / +14.39% 0.75 / +12.98% 2.01 / +12.72% 0.52 / +12.09%
$ 6.11 $ 7.26 $ 4.72 $ 48 $ 2.40 $ 7.47 $ 5.47 $ 3.98 $ 2.85
2.31 / -27.43% 1.1401 / -13.57% 0.53 / -10.10% 4.61 / -8.76% 0.23 / -8.75% 0.68 / -8.34% 0.49 / -8.22% 0.35 / -8.08% 0.245 / -7.92%
Most Declined Brightcove Inc. P & F Industries, Inc. Learning Tree International, Inc. Computer Programs and Systems, Inc. Pixelworks, Inc. Zoltek Companies, Inc. HMN Financial, Inc. Education Management Corporation Mecox Lane Limited
C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) CHANGE Croda International PLC 2460.50 1.00 Diageo PLC 1895.75 -11.00 Eurasian Nat Resources 335.80 -2.50 EVRAZ PLC 304.20 6.94 Experian PLC 1102.50 -7.88 Fresnillo PLC 1697.50 -8.00 G4S PLC 279.65 -3.20 GKN PLC 249.20 -0.04 GlaxoSmithKline PLC 1450.50 -1.50 Glencore Int PLC 393.72 -4.15 Hammerson PLC 482.30 -1.80 Hargreaves Lansdown 704.75 2.00 HSBC Holdings PLC 719.60 0.10 IMI PLC 1180.50 -4.00 Imperial Tobacco Grp 2359.00 1.00 InterContinental Hotels 1912.00 16.00 International Consldtd 213.65 0.10 Intertek Group PLC 3166.00 -19.00 ITV PLC 119.60 2.20 Johnson Matthey PLC 2280.50 -45.36 Kazakhmys PLC 744.75 -9.50 Kingfisher PLC 275.60 0.80 Land Securities Grp PLC 804.25 -0.18 Legal & General Grp PLC 150.30 -1.50 Lloyds Banking Grp PLC 51.55 -0.11 Marks & Spencer Grp PLC 380.15 -2.30 Meggitt PLC 432.90 -8.36 Melrose Industries PLC 238.30 -2.04 National Grid PLC 698.50 1.60 Next PLC 4094.00 -4.00 Old Mutual PLC 188.40 -0.80 Pearson PLC 1205.00 -4.00 Petrofac Ltd 1653.00 4.00 Polymetal International 1100.00 8.00 Prudential PLC 962.25 -3.00 Randgold Resources Ltd 6272.50 195.00 Reckitt Benckiser Grp 4225.50 -8.00 Reed Elsevier PLC 708.75 -5.00 Resolution Ltd 262.80 0.90 REXAM PLC 467.10 -6.60 Rio Tinto PLC 3655.50 -23.00 Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC 976.00 5.00 Royal Bank of Scotland 337.90 -2.50 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2300.50 -4.00 RSA Insurance Group 132.50 0.08 SABMiller PLC 3164.50 7.00 Sage Group (The) PLC 327.80 2.10 Sainsbury (J) PLC 333.40 0.23 Schroders PLC 1960.00 -9.00 Serco Group PLC 558.50 -2.00 Severn Trent PLC 1640.00 12.73 Shire PLC 2159.00 24.00 Smith & Nephew PLC 732.50 4.50 Smiths Group PLC 1241.00 -2.00 SSE PLC 1434.00 6.58 Standard Chartered PLC 1682.75 -5.50 Standard Life PLC 345.00 -3.60 Tate & Lyle PLC 805.50 1.50 Tesco PLC 359.25 -1.33 TUI Travel PLC 298.55 1.50 Tullow Oil PLC 1179.50 0.88 Unilever PLC 2592.50 -12.00 United Utilities Group PLC 735.75 4.50 Vedanta Resources PLC 1257.00 -2.73 Vodafone Group PLC 170.35 -3.10 Weir Group PLC 2002.00 -13.83 Whitbread PLC 2646.00 2.40 Wm Morrison Suprmrkts 252.10 0.36 Wolseley PLC 2984.00 -13.00 Wood Group (John) PLC 830.00 2.50 WPP PLC 1006.50 -3.64 Xstrata PLC 1183.25 -11.50
% C H G. 0.04 -0.58 -0.74 2.34 -0.71 -0.47 -1.13 -0.02 -0.10 -1.04 -0.37 0.28 0.01 -0.34 0.04 0.84 0.05 -0.60 1.87 -1.95 -1.26 0.29 -0.02 -0.99 -0.21 -0.60 -1.89 -0.85 0.23 -0.10 -0.42 -0.33 0.24 0.73 -0.31 3.20 -0.19 -0.70 0.34 -1.39 -0.63 0.51 -0.73 -0.17 0.06 0.22 0.65 0.07 -0.46 -0.36 0.78 1.12 0.62 -0.16 0.46 -0.33 -1.03 0.19 -0.37 0.51 0.07 -0.46 0.62 -0.22 -1.79 -0.69 0.09 0.14 -0.43 0.30 -0.36 -0.96
VOLUME 17.71 382.51 444.08 576.91 113.41 35.64 161.65 778.21 801.30 1,305.89 61.19 42.52 3,030.53 43.80 132.82 117.37 634.83 23.61 3,271.92 348.12 118.66 507.37 64.56 1,414.67 19,116.52 459.21 744.85 163.25 528.99 29.83 514.24 97.91 118.13 91.73 340.60 98.26 94.05 470.73 451.90 211.10 590.60 1,574.92 1,549.43 397.74 1,022.86 307.74 185.33 471.77 18.48 39.43 48.97 239.43 241.26 64.49 374.44 290.15 372.50 215.09 1,076.55 199.37 266.88 215.66 336.04 327.09 21,469.85 25.80 23.32 588.89 26.09 81.14 118.02 298.01
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
7 - 13 February 2013
LOBAL
IZ Card charge US shoppers could face paying a fee to shops for the privilege of using a credit card. Retailers settled a case with card companies winning the right to charge consumers who want to pay with plastic.
Profits leap HONDA’S profit jumped nearly 63 per cent as production picked-up after disruptions from natural disasters. Profits for the last quarter was 77.4 billion yen (€627million).
Income fall AMAZON saw net income fall 45 per cent, in its last quarter as higher revenue failed to keep up with increased spending.
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SEA CELLAR: Wine being aged underwater.
Sea change in wine fermenting BODEGAS Luis Perez is hoping to boost profits by taking a lesson from the ancient world. The Cadiz vineyard has started producing red wines aged in Roman-style amphorae. And instead of being kept in a cellar, the red wine has been stored submerged in the sea for one year. The first batch, limited to 50 amphorae, each costing €200, has gone on sale. The wine, called ‘Garum Submarino,’ is said to have the same characteristics as a fresh young wine.
Profit falls as group grows SWEDISH company Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) saw profits fall 0.4 per cent in 2012 partly due to a decline in Spanish sales. H&M have a total of 146 outlets in Spain, opening 16 new shops and closing two others.
But despite the growth profits went down. At the end of the last fiscal year, they had opened 339 and closed 35 stores around the world, raising the group’s total number of shops to 2,776.
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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
7 - 13 February 2013 Mallorca
UK economy is stagnating as euro grows stronger despite the crisis IT has been a terrible start to the year for the pound which has fallen against its major peers including the euro. In the UK the cost of living is increasing across the board, leaving most of us with much less to spend and consumers are still facing the squeeze of inflation rising more sharply than take home pay. In 2012, the gains in the pound have been a major drag on Britain’s export market further hampering growth. Sterling finished the year more than 5 per cent higher against the US Dollar, and finished also 2 per cent up on the euro from the start of the year. The move higher was down to a post-Olympic increase in Q3 GDP and higher inflation figures. The pound also managed to ride a trend of aggressive central bank action by the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan, which has
BAD NEWS: The pound has fallen against the euro. weakened the USD and Japanese Yen respectively and aided the pound. But it looks increasingly likely the Sterling bull has now run out of steam. This is highly evident with the start to 2013. The UK economy now seems stuck in a rut and it’s unlikely to see much growth in 2013. Government austerity measures,
coupled with the Bank of England’s reduced scope for further quantitative easing make it seem likely that 2013 could be a weak year for the pound. Adding to the potential misery for the pound is the positive outlook for the US economy which is expected to outperform a stagnating UK economy.
In Europe, the support from the ECB has been the key driver behind a renewed confidence in the euro and its periphery. This is reflected in a significant fall in the financing costs that is apparent throughout the periphery. The euro has posted impressive gains so far in 2013 following the perception that Europe has cleared significant tail risks and the ECB has moved away for now from a rate cut. The ECB is expected to be less aggressive in 2013 than the Fed and the BOJ which is also euro supportive. But wait! Euro supportive in the wider market: yes, but what about the right level of the euro for the eurozone economies? Are we seeing with the euro what we saw with the pound last year? Economic indicators are still mixed with Spain reporting yet another increase in unemployment in the last quarter of 2012 to 26.02 per cent. In real terms,
this means another 187,300 people joining the ranks of the unemployed… That’s hardly news which would make you think the currency of this economy is ready for, or can handle a sharp strengthening of its currency. The good work of the ECB and renewed confidence in the euro now point to a new problem: the single currency is strong, maybe too strong for the economies using it. That leads to loss of competitiveness for exporters at a time when we cannot really afford losing any market shares which are critical to the recovery plans of the zone… 10 per cent increase in the last six months against the Dollar and 25 per cent against the Yen! A strong euro is certainly good news for the US, Japanese and British markets as ironically this will boost their exports, but all at the expense of the eurozone and this alone is a real threat to any European recovery…
Get fit to boost the economy I AM currently recovering from exhaustion, a dose of humiliation and a hell of a good time. Thanks to a friend, I spent the past weekend in the village of Hornachuelos running a small crosscountry race. I’m A look not a seasoned at finance GET FIT: runner and only females for Help to started training a make week before the Jane Plunkett event, so needless us all to say, I didn’t jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews. richer. com come first, or second, or third, or … well, report from the Davos I’ll just admit that I gave up World Econ-omic Forum before the end, after being taking place in Switzerland, passed by all the runners “healthy people create on my first lap of three. economic wealth”. Despite the rude According to Davos, awakening that I really sickness and disease are a need to train harder, it was drain on an economy, while great fun and it feels good fitness is the way to to be exercising. healthy, active and wealthy And also, according to a lives. Huge behavioural and
Loose change
cultural change is needed for people to start looking after their health, and therefore lessen the burden on the economy. The bottom line is that exercise makes many people feel good, it encourages people to stay healthy and it may give people the energy to go after the things they want in life. So let’s not wait to be pushed into a healthy lifestyle, get your trainers on and help make the economy richer!
7 - 13 February 2013
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Points check is vital for peace of mind IN the time between applying to change my UK driving licence for a Spanish one, I received a letter from the traffic authorities (DGT) informing me that I may have six points or less. As I had not lost any points since taking up residency, I showed the letter to my solicitor and was told “that is just a formality” and ignored it. On receiving my licence I decided to check my points via the DGT website and on doing so was astounded to find I had NIL POINTS and was therefore suspended from driving for six months. Luckily after a visit to the traffic office in Alicante the problem was diagnosed as a “computer error” and I was reinstated with 12 points. For anyone else swopping licences, check the points you have, otherwise you may be in a position where if stopped by police, you may be liable for arrest as a disqualified driver. Catral, (Alicante)
Metro dismay IT is disappointing that Málaga City Council is still obstructing progress on the metro by objecting to the sensible plan by the Junta to have the section from Guadalmedina to La Malagueta on the surface. This will be much cheaper and quicker to implement than continuing underground. The project has been taking far too long to complete and the mayor should be co-operating with the Regional Government to get the metro open and functioning. The metro vehicles are in any case trams of a type used at street level in many other Spanish cities, and the benefits they will bring to the city will be considerable. Peter J Owen, Fuengirola, Malaga
Facts on fat YOUR article ( Puppy fat Issue 1436) is misleading and falsely reassuring. I am aware of the American study referred to, but the truth is that most of the evidence that being overweight is beneficial
L etters OPINION & COMMENT
Snapped! By Terry Stacey, San Javier, (Murcia)
P pub hotog r l em icati aphs pho ail w on sh for p o ton ews ith a f uld b ossibl e es @e ull e c uro wee aptio nt by klyn n to ews : .com
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TV listings Remember the kids’ character Where’s Wally? You had to hunt high and low to find him. Well, with your excellent paper getting bigger and bigger, it’s getting harder to find the TV guide. Last week, after frustratingly thumbing through 50 pages, I eventually found the first telly page. I feel you should tell readers where to find your TV guide, with some kind of index near the front of the newspaper. By the way, it’s great to have the local times for programmes, unlike some rivals who are too lazy to change the times from England, or don’t even have them. Margaret Anderson, Torreblanca Editor’s note: Great minds think alike! After planning re-introduction of a Page 2 Contents index from this week, we received this letter.
Two pilots having fun over our house in Santiago de la Ribera. I thought it unusual enough to share.
WHEN YOU WRITE
All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:
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for life expectancy, belongs to a much older age group than that of the ‘Puppy Fat’ generation. The problem is that what most lay people regard as ‘Puppy Fat’ is in a medical sense obesity, and obesity in babies, children or teenagers is detrimental to long term health and life expectancy. Neither parents nor teenagers can afford to be complacent about obesity, but neither should they aim to be stick thin, which is very bad for health. Any teenager who is unsure about where they are on the overweight/obesity scale should consult a health professional. For the obese, regular aerobic exercise can lesson the risk, whether or not they lose weight. Dr Geoff Hall, Alcalali (Alicante)
Super sales! IMAGINE my surprise when I returned a T-shirt given as a Christmas gift for exchange at a Malaga boutique because it was too small, only to be told by the assistant at the till when I returned with the bigger but same design shirt, that I had a further €14 credit as the shirt price was now reduced in the sales! Strange economic decision in these tough economic times, but appreciated. M Watson, Alora (Malaga)
Grammar police AT the risk of accusations of being a ‘grammar Nazi,’ I feel the need to question why the word ‘Spanish’ is often seen or heard being used as a noun to describe Spaniards. An example from your newspaper is ‘More than 1,600 Spanish applied [for an aupair job].’ The people are called Spaniards. The lower case ‘spanish’ is an adjective. Therefore to say ‘1,600 Spaniards’ or ‘1,600 spanish people’ would be correct. Ed Tarwinski, Marbella (Malaga) Editor’s note: Yes we feel corrected!
Help thanks I TAKE care of my mother, soon to be 102 years old. What home help we were receiving through the government has been frozen due to the crisis and I am finding it very difficult to care for her alone as she is very incapacitated. Age Care came to my rescue and volunteered to pay a month’s fee of €2,000 to a local elderly people’s home, which enabled me to visit my son and grandson and take a much needed break. I can’t thank them enough for their kindness and generosity, because without them it wouldn't have been possible. Louise Dodge (By e-mail)
Hospital cheer I WOULD like to pass on my most sincere thanks to staff at Denia hospital. From the chirpy dinner lady and smiling cleaning personnel, to the straight faced doctors with their professional attitude and demeanour. Then there are the nurses that made my two week stay in hospital not only bearable, but may I say enjoyable! Their empathy and attitude towards the tasks required of them was superb. Carl Worley. Senija (Alicante)
The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.
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in Spain
Did you know?
A weekly focus aimed at keeping expatriate readers informed on various aspects of Life in Spain
By Gabrielle Devon
Tying the knot in Spain can be a red tape tangle IF you have made Spain your home and are planning to get married, you may want to do so here. But just how do you go about it? To help you through the red tape it is worth finding out if your town hall has a foreign residents’ department. Often they can help you through the process in your own language. Contact the relevant authority (town hall/registry office/court/religious authority) where you are planning to hold the wedding, to find out which documents they require. Civil marriages Applications must be made to the civil registry, district court or town hall where the marriage is to be held. It may take some time to get an appointment and for paperwork to be processed, so contact them as soon as possible. Religious marriages Requirements vary according to the denomination and area. Religious marriages are legal under Spanish law, but to obtain an official marriage certificate, the marriage must subsequently be registered with the local civil authorities. It is important to confirm that the officiator of the marriage is licensed and check
Here are a few words you may need to get married in Spain. Casarse – To get married Quiero casarme – I want to get married Boda – wedding Empadronamiento – Registration at town hall Ayuntamiento – Town/City Hall Registro Civil – Registry Office Juzgado – Court Iglesia – Church Religioso - Religious Documentos – Paperwork Cita – Appointment Oficiar – Officiate Certificado – Certificate Estado civil – Marital Status Traductor jurado – Sworn Translator
whether they will register the marriage on your behalf or provide the paperwork to do so yourselves. Marriage banns This is an Informative Note you may need to submit to the Spanish Civil Registry. There are two versions: one for those who have given Notice of Marriage at a British Consulate in Spain or in another country and another for those who have given Notice of Marriage in the UK. Documents issued by British Consulates in Spain Certificate of Marital Status You may require a document to confirm your current marital status. To obtain it you will need to ask a solicitor to draw up a declaration to take to the consulate printed on their headed paper. You will need to swear and sign it in front of the consular officer. Certificate of No Impediment To obtain the certificate, which confirms there is no reason why you can’t marry, you will need to publish your banns. Check with your local Spanish civil registry if you require this, and visit the following site. http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/helpfor-british-nationals/notarial-andcertificates/cert-no-impediment. Proof of previous or current address in the UK The Spanish civil registry requires proof of where you have been living during the last two years. If you have not been registered two full years at your Spanish town hall, or if you are not resident in Spain but are marrying someone who is or a Spanish national, you will need it. Consular Registration Letter It is not obligatory to register at the nearest British consulate; however, if the Spanish authorities insist you submit proof of registration your nearest British consulate will be able to provide it. Documents obtained elsewhere UK life event certificates British Birth-Death-Marriage certificates, recently issued, legalised and translated, and copies of British divorce decrees can be obtained from
the General Register Office in the UK. www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certifica tes/default.asp. Certificado de Empadronamiento (Town Hall Registration Certificate) Registering on your local ‘padron’ is a process which varies from one town to another, but proof of identity, your NIE number and either the title deeds or rental contract to your house are needed. Registering is a fast process, but normally you have to wait about a month until you can request the certificate, so do this well in advance. Translation of documents British birth/death/marriage/divorce certificates may need translating by an official, or sworn, translator. Sworn translators registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.maec.es/es/MenuPpal/Ministeri o/Tablondeanuncios/InterpretesJurad os/Documents/2012DICIEMBRE_IIJJ. pdf.
THE larg est group Spain is Romania of foreign nation a n, with 9 The UK is 13,405 re ls in in fifth p s id ents. o s it British re ion, with gistered as living 246,533 In total, in there are residents 5,363,68 Spain. in Spain 8 foreign regis town hall s or who tered at their lo ca h permits. Unregiste ave valid residen l cy red resid en included in the fig ts are not ures.
HAPPY TIME: Getting married in Spain.
Facing a roadside breath test DRIVERS cannot refuse to take a breath test. If they do so they can be accused of committing a crime of serious disobedience which can lead to between six months and a year in prison, as well as a driving ban of between one and four years. Pedestrians can also be asked to take a test if involved in a road accident. However, after the first test, 10 minutes must pass before a second one is carried out to confirm the result. The driver has the right to: - Have someone else present to check that 10 minutes have passed between tests. - Appeal the results. - Demand a blood test to confirm a breath test. What are the permitted alcohol levels? For an experienced driver (holder of a licence for more than one year): 0.25 milligrammes of
alcohol per litre of air and 0.5 grammes per litre of blood. New driver (held a licence for less than one year): 0.15mg/l of air and 0.3g/l of blood. Professional driver (for example a bus/taxi driver): 0.15mg/l of air and 0.3g/l of blood. For an experienced male driver weighing approximately 70kg, the maximum would be two normal strength 33cl cans of beer, twoand-a-half glasses of wine or two glasses of whisky. However, alcohol levels can also depend on: - What you drink - How fast you drink - Whether you have eaten - Weight - Gender - Age (alcohol has worse effects on those under 25 and over 60).
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Mallorca
EUR weekly currency update Another good week for the euro saw it adding four yen and the best part of two cents against the pound and the US dollar. In the year to date the euro has strengthened by seven cents against the pound, a gain of 6%. Again it was sentiment that took it higher. The great reason for buying last week was that some euro area banks were repaying the loans they took out as part of the European Central Bank’s Long Term Refinancing Operations. It is not a very good reason and there was an element of chicken-and-egg about the logic (perhaps they were making the repayments because the stronger euro put them in a better financial position). But any excuse was enough and the euro powered ahead to a 15-month high against sterling. USD weekly currency update Sterling covered a range of nearly two cents against the dollar, rising during the first four days of the week before handing back all its gain on Friday. The net result was zero net change. By and large, the US economic statistics were respectable but there were two notable exceptions. The first estimate of gross domestic product (GDP) came out on Wednesday. Analysts had predicted annual expansion of 1.1% in the last quarter of 2012. The figure that came out was -0.1% shrinkage. Although,
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converted to a quarterly change, -0.025%, too small to be visible, it was a disappointment and the dollar suffered. The other disappointment was an unexpected six-point fall in consumer confidence, which registered 58.6 in January. But there was better news from Friday’s employment report, which showed non-farm payrolls increasing by 157k in January; almost exactly the number forecast. CAD weekly currency update The pound remained steadily within a one-cent range until Friday afternoon, when it lurched lower. It suffered a net loss of two cents on the week. The early steadiness was by courtesy of an almost statistic-free week in Canada. Thursday’s figures GDP in the year to November were respectable enough, showing the economy grew by a monthly 0.1% and by 1.3% in the 12 months. But any enthusiasm for the data was cancelled out by the previous day’s disappointing US GDP figures, which
Clarisse Musselwhite is Moneycorp’s Account Manger for Mallorca
She can be contacted on Tel: +34 902 887 243 Mobile: +34 687 932 472 Email:mallorca@moneycorp.com
902887243 mallorca@moneycorp.com
showed zero growth in the fourth quarter of 2012. There was better news on Friday when
the US employment report showed 157k new jobs in January. Taken together with upward revisions to earlier months the number was better than expected and helped the Canadian and US dollars higher on Friday afternoon. AUD weekly currency update The Aussie did slightly better than the pound, strengthening by a third of a cent on the week. Sterling was looking good until Friday, when it was forced to give back the cent and a half it had made in the previous four days. Australia’s week got off to a slow start with Monday’s Australia Day holiday. A thin scattering of economic statistics produced mostly positive results but the data were not sufficiently high-profile to affect the currency. Business confidence improved by 12 points to 3. New home sales were up by 6.2% in December. Private sector lending grew by 3.6% in the calendar 2012. The manufacturing sector reported further contraction as the purchasing managers' index fell four points to 40.2. The AUD’s lucky break came on Friday, partly as a result of investors’ disenchantment with sterling but mainly as the result of a strong US employment report. Payrolls in the States increased by 157k in January and earlier figures were revised higher. The news was as positive for the Aussie as it was for the US, Canadian and New Zealand dollars.
OPINION & COMMENT
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Donation a mere drop in ocean for Brand Becks LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT me even more would be for the whole thing to have been done anonymously. No chance of that, of course. On the relentless road to knighthood, acts of generosity need to be as publicly aired as possible. To me the whole thing reeks of more plotting en route to Posh’s pout outside the palace, one leg placed delicately in front of the
Barbie cafe in the pink TOY MAKERS Mattel have opened the first Barbie Doll themed cafe in Taiwan, decorated in bright pink.
US record
DAVID BECKHAM: Is donating all his French wages to charity one big PR stunt? other as her David dangles his ultimate accolade for all the world to see. Lord and Lady Beckham. The mind boggles. While we’re on the subject of football, which we are sort of, I could hardly believe my ears when a friend informed me that football songs like I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, The Penny Arcade and The Fields of Athenry, are now banned from many bar Karaoke sessions. Apparently they’ve been
provoking arguments and even violence among the customers. You really couldn’t make it up. I used to think the quote football is ‘a game played by morons for morons’ a little unfair. The more I see of the so-called ‘beautiful game’ with its supporters and participants in this day and age, the more I’m convinced this particular quote could be right on the button. Keep the faith. Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com
HIGH SCHOOL students in New Jersey, US, have set a new Guinness World Record, popping 8,000 square feet of bubble wrap in just two minutes.
ENDS COLUM
’M sorry; I just can’t get my head around the euphoric adulation following Beckham’s decision to donate all his ‘French wages’ to charity. Personally I think it is a cynical PR exercise in the worst possible taste. I simply can’t stand people who use charity as a way of gaining personal publicity and this particular manoeuvre reeks of it. I’ve no doubt the recipients of the £3 million (€3.46m) in question will be highly grateful. But frankly, to the phenomenally wealthy ‘Brand Beckham’ the amount is a mere pittance. The free publicity they have already received would itself run into millions were they paying for it. And of course, what has not exactly made the popular headlines is the vast income that will be generated by the accompanying marketing exercises. A lavishly oiled money-making machine that is no doubt in full overdrive as we speak. Beckham’s slice of this huge amount of earnings will dwarf the paltry £3 million he is ‘so generously’ forfeiting from his wage packet. No, what would impress me would be for Beckham to donate his entire income for the three months in question. Now wouldn’t that be something? What would impress
Mallorca
Crocs flee FIFTEEN THOUSAND crocodiles have escaped from a South African farm. The dangerous reptiles fled after heavy flooding forced gates open.
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Y son and I were discussing the nature of the universe as we strolled to the Chinese restaurant for our usual, ‘just been paid’, menu del dia. Is the universe finite or infinite? Theoretically if you left Earth on a voyage across the stars leaving from say Houston, would you eventually land back at the selfsame launch pad or would you drift endlessly through dark matter avoiding asteroids, meteorites and no end of space debris for ever and ever amen? Is the universe a ball of ‘stuff’ swinging to and fro like a Christmas tree bauble or is it a very long, very straight road with only one service station and no tea shops or roadside burger stands to ease the tedium and stave off hunger and loneliness. As my son pondered these immense and deeply terrifying questions sucking up every last drop of his teenage angst ridden Nietzschian despair and flinging it with not a thought for the souls of innocent bystanders, I was pondering the infinite nature of my hips (I told you I lack focus). Why is it that beneath the gentle glow of the streetlamps my hips look lithe yet under the hideous glare of an unforgiving sun they are of a size to rival a not so small dwarf star? Of course I did not dare to throw this conundrum into the pit of philosophising that had suddenly, without warning opened up in front of me. My son, as is his wont, does not give a fig for the size of my hips or anyone else’s
Mallorca
Who gives a fig about the size of my hips anyway? hips for that matter. He is made of much deeper stuff than that, but then he has never been on the receiving end of a carelessly hurled insult and his hips are so slim they defy the laws of physics (perhaps I should start feeding him). Even when drifting in and out of focus I enjoy our talks immensely and am inordinately proud of this shambling loose limbed philosopher beside me. Our topics of soul searching have changed radically over the years, from the one about the physical dexterity of a Power Ranger action figure compared with the Doctor Who Dalek he carried constantly, to the question he posed as a toddler as to whether or not if you licked a tree frog its colour would come off. I still have not recovered from the image
Suzanne Manners With a degree in Fine Art and an MA in Writing Suzanne is currently teaching in Alicante and writing a book for teenagers. To comment on any of the issues raised in this column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/suzanne-manners.
of grown men licking frogs then sticking out bright green tongues (or was that a heavy Vodka night?). He once posited the theory that a worm hides its legs under its skirt and that when no one is looking hoiks it up and gallops off into the sunset like a maid in crinoline. As to the universe, personally I find it easier to believe that it is finite. There is
HIPSTER: Why do my hips vary under different lights? something deeply troubling about the thought that we are floating around in our own dirt. I like Douglas Adams’ take on it all: “There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. “There is another theory which states that this has already happened.” See you at the other side.
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If the going gets tough, go cruising MORE and more of Globelink’s clients are turning to cruises, and we’re delighted to cover them under the terms of our standard travel insurance policy. In fact, 1.76 million of us are expected to take an ocean cruise holiday this year, according to the UK’s Passenger Shipping Association (PSA). That’s 2 per cent more than last year, and more than twice as many as a decade ago. That shouldn’t come as a surprise when you consider what remarkable value cruises offer, with accommodation, meals and entertainment all included in the package. And all of that with a minimum of packing and unpacking, as yet another exciting destination sails into view... Cruises were once seen as the preserve of mature travellers who liked to dress for dinner every night. These days, the average passenger is under 55 and there are almost as many cruise types as there are kinds of passenger. Adult-only cruises offer the ultimate in sophisticated getaways. Multi-generation cruises cater for all the family, from Playstation-mad children with energy to burn, through to granddads who want to sharpen up their putting skills, or get expert tuition on how to work their iPads. Theme cruises have gone from strength to strength. Book one, and you’ll wonder
David Deverson Insurance correspondent david@globelink.co.uk
GLOBELINK INTERNATIONAL why you bothered packing those paperbacks. Many mainstream cruises now provide classes on everything from history, antiques or painting to salsa dancing or the art of chocolate-making. Whatever your interest, you’re sure to find something that floats your boat. That value for money extends to whatever level of cruise you opt for. If you
FLOAT YOUR BOAT: Globelink include cruises in their standard travel insurance policies. splurge on a boutique cruise, you’ll experience a degree of luxury that many up-market hotels would envy. Another advantage of smaller ships is that their itineraries often take in lesser-known ports that score high on charm. If you really want to leave the crowds behind, a river cruise - on the Amazon, the Mississippi, the Yangtze - offers an original alternative. Closer to home, Round-Britain cruises are an unexpected hit of recent years, proving what most of us suspected all along: that you don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to enjoy amazing heritage and coastal beauty.
Many operators offer short taster cruises which can be appealing for first-timers. But with so many cruises available, it makes good sense to speak to a specialist travel agent who can steer you through the options, and find the cruise that’s just right for you. Even with the best planning, though, the unexpected can happen. A missed transfer, and the ship leaves without you. A cruise that has to be cut short when a close relative falls ill back home. Wise travellers take out travel insurance cover, but even they can be caught out. Unlike Globelink, some insurers exclude cruises from their standard travel insurance policies - which means you could end up paying a hefty premium for adequate coverage before you go. Remember, if you live in Spain your Travel Insurance might be invalid if it does not cover the entire duration of your return trip from the date you leave Spain until the date you arrive back in Spain. For an instant quote and to arrange cover securely online, enabling you to print your policy documents immediately, visit www.globelink..co.uk or you can telephone Globelink on 00 44 1353 699 082 or their Spanish links line on 966 265 000 or 951 242 434.
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LEEP, snooze, siesta…. hand on heart, it is one of my favourite pastimes; which is quite convenient since we spend some 25 years of our lives doing it. I have never been able to understand those that get up when they don’t have to, there is really nothing more indulgent than spending some quality time under a cosy, fluffy duvet. No innuendos intended, just pure blissful rest. Unless insomnia hits, of course. Then the bed becomes a battlefield and the night your worst enemy. Margaret Thatcher and Napoleon survived on a mere four hours each night, which doesn’t necessarily weaken the case for a good night’s sleep. However, there are apparently some key steps to aid sleep. Keeping a regular bedtime, limiting alcohol and cutting out caffeine after noon remain valid, but experts also say the temperature of the room is important. A young adult
Sleeping is one of my favourite things
Expat Strife Swedish-born Ulrica is a freelance journalist living in Mallorca with her family. Her debut novel $Expat Wives is available on Amazon and iBooks. To comment on any of the issues raised in Ulrica’s column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/ ulrica-marshall
SLEEPING: We spend on average a quarter of a century asleep.
optimum temperature. ULRICA MARSHALL Some fresh ulrica @euroweeklynews.com air and a bit of exercise goes can regulate blood flow a long way to preparing the efficiently between 18 to 30 body, too. You should also degrees centigrade, but as avoid big meals before we age this band shrinks to bedtime; not only does it 23 to 25 degrees as the wreck your sleep, it also
wreaks havoc with your body. Sleeping pills may seem a handy solution, but some suppress the ability to achieve Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is the restorative and crucial part of the sleep pattern.
A natural alternative, melatonin, has recently been approved for sale without prescription in Spain. It regulates sleep and is a powerful antioxidant with a capacity of reducing tumours. Staying on the natural path, a particularly ‘zen’
and well-rested friend bestows the merits of removing all electrical appliances from your bedroom to clear the disruptive Electro Magnetic Field. So you may have to revert to an alarm clock. Oh, and if the other half snores, send them to the doctor as there may be an underlying medical problem. Failing that, invest in some good earplugs. Still in doubt over the importance of sleep? Some cunning scientists recently revealed that a marriage where both spouses get a decent night’s sleep is more likely to survive than a sleep-deprived one. Other than that, it boosts the immune system, slows ageing (it’s not called beauty sleep for nothing), prevents diabetes, helps to keep you happy and your memory sharp. But if sleep still remains elusive, you can always read the nearest instruction manual for any appliance guaranteed to send you to the Land of Nod in record time.
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OPINION & COMMENT
28 EWN
7 - 13 February 2013
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Mallorca
A call to arms in a Miserable affair - let’s get it together CALL me crazy, but I hope I may have had a vision of the future. The other day I sat and watched Les Miserables (the movie, I saw the original stage musical back in 1986 at The Palace Theatre just after it had transferred from the Barbican). I’d forgotten how moving the show was, and how touching. Anne Hathaway had me in floods of tears; I literally bawled my eyes out. And ever since seeing the movie I’ve had snippets of the musical score flashing through my memory at opportune moments. One of those moments was whilst I was reading about the Duke of Palma (who is the husband of Princess Christina, the daughter of the King and Queen of Spain). The Duke, a member of the Spanish Royal family, has been charged with fraud. Another moment popped up when Luis Barcenas, the treasurer
Family Matters Mallorca
Vicki Mcleod
UNCANNY: Snippets from the film Les Miserables starring Anne Hathaway seem to appear in daily life. for the Partido Popular admitted to having €22 million in a Swiss bank account expressly for giving as back handers to keep people sweet, including allegedly, Prime Minister Rajoy who last weekend denied that he had done anything
illegal. Just those examples are really the tip of the iceberg. There are 300 cases of political corruption and fraud being investigated in Spain at the moment. Three hundred. Phew.
The phrase that keeps running through my head is “Do you hear the people sing, singing the song of angry men?” This is sung repeatedly through the musical, it’s used as a refrain and a rallying cry by the French Revolutionaries as they struggle to take control of their country and push King Louis XVI off the throne. It’s a pretty catchy tune and it has been nagging away at me for a while now. My question is why aren’t the Spanish people angrier about the situation that their politicians have put them in? I’ve asked a lot of my Mallorcan friends and they just shrug as if that is what you should expect from a politician and there’s nothing you can do to change it. I strongly disagree. I am not allowed to vote in the national elections, although I would love to be able to do that. No, no, they like me to pay my taxes but they don’t really want me to have a say
in how the country that I live in is run. Silly me. But if I had voted these people into power I would be looking for some answers. I know the situation seems to be turning and more corrupt politicians are being brought to task, but it can’t come quickly enough in my opinion. Spain cannot hold up its head when it is being embarrassed by its Royal family and its senior politicians. Do we really want to be seen as a laughing stock? What does that say about a nation who may very well need a serious financial bailout? The financial markets slumped as a direct response to Prime Minister Rajoy’s protestations of innocence. So, hurry up with the revolution please. If the French can take time out from their extended lunch break to take control of their country, why can’t we get it together in Spain. www.familymattersmallorca.com
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ADDY took me on one final shopping spree before he left. We returned to the garage we visited at the start of his two-week visit and where we checked out - together several new vehicles on display. I like to pass on to Daddy tips on what I like, little hints here and there. That way, he knows exactly what I want. Every year after the summer is over, he begins to think of upgrading our family fleet of cars. Let’s face it, no matter what, people are judged on the car they drive, giving a peep into the owner’s personality and financial standing. Turning up looking like Del Boy Trotter from Only Fools and Horses doesn’t exactly install faith in a person…! But sadly, though four cars lined up, all brand spanking new, I noticed not one matched my expectations. Sure, they were all new models as normal, but none was styled in my preferred colour; white. When I asked Daddy about it, he dismissed it. I had to choose from one of these cars. Almost a take it or leave it approach. Really surprising, and disappointing. I have not been accustomed to this type of behaviour from father. All my life I’ve grown up with everything I ask for. Whether a new pair of shoes or my
Mallorca
The end of the road for father’s stopover As I see it... Ana Jefferson-Smith takes an irreverent look at life as a “rich child” singleton expat in Spain favourite apartment in the Marbella hills of Sierra Blanca, one of the most sought after locations in the Costa del Sol. So this attitude over my next car was a little unnerving. Astounded by his dismissal of my needs - I have a reputation to withhold after all – I settled with the silver Mercedes SLS. And there wasn’t a soft top in sight. I was not a happy bunny on the long – albeit very comfortable and fast – drive home…
THREE WHEELER: Not exactly the perception we want to achieve.
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Spectrum FM’s prize winner - loved the service she received
SANTA PONSA’S AJ’s Garage, run by Johnny Lambert and Chris Davy, were keen on participating in Spectrum FM’s breakfast show contest ‘Terrible Teaser’ and even more pleased to present the prize to first time customer Sally Booley from El Toro, Calvia. Sally works for the Salvation Army and has been on Mallorca for 25 years. She and her family of three are regular listeners of Spectrum FM, so upon hearing the question - “30 per cent of drivers say that although their car has one of these they have never used it.” – knowing the answer was a cup holder, she rang in. Given that Sally had never used AJ’s it was a win – win situation all round because she found a new garage that she could trust while the AJ gang gained a new customer. West Yorkshireman, Johnny (the ‘J’ in AJ’s) has been in Mallorca for nine years and previously racked up 25 years in the trade back in the UK. Despite only having been open for
PROUD WINNER: Johnny and Chris with winner Sally (centre). three years, AJ’s senior technician Chris said “it’s now the first choice garage for the expatriate community, known for the high quality of service and reasonable prices.” Chris, originally
participated in a radio contest, but since they play Spectrum AJ’s Garage radio all day at work it is known seemed like a good idea at for its the time and they were high quality spot on because winner of service Sally was overjoyed. and In addition to offering a reasonable minor service with oil prices change and full inspection for her vehicle, Sally was pleasantly surprised that they also decided to include a bottle of Rioja wine. When asked about what she liked best about AJ’s she said it was the “lovely people working there” and when commenting on what aspect of the service she received for her Ford Focus, she laughed and blurted out “the wine!”
from Essex, worked for Renault for more than 10 years and has been enjoying Mallorcan life for over five years now. It was the first time the garage had
AJ's Garage, Illes Canaries 29 – 2, Poligono Son Bugadelles, Santa Ponsa, 07180 Tel: 971 695 806 info@ajsgaragemallorca.com.
TV
7 - 13 February 2013
LISTINGS
EWN
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FRIDAY
THURSDAY
BBC1 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Waterloo Road 10:00pm Silent Witness 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm Question Time 12:35am This Week 1:20am Skiing Weatherview
BBC2
5:15pm Life on Earth 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys Goes to Ireland 8:00pm Railway Walks 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm The Planners 10:00pm The Genius of Invention 11:00pm Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am The Brain Doctors 1:20am The Culture Show 1:50am Panorama 2:20am Wonderland
ITV
5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Nursing the Nation 10:00pm Martin Clunes: Heavy Horsepower 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:40am The Late Debate 1:05am Jackpot247 4:00am Tonight
Channel 4
5:00pm Deal or No Deal 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm 4thought.tv 9:00pm Location, Location, Location 10:00pm How to Build a Bionic Man 11:00pm Dreams of a Life 12:50am Random Acts 12:55am The Undateables 1:55am Too Poor for Posh School?
Channel 5
6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Police Interceptors 9:00pm Dangerous Drivers' School 10:00pm Winter Road Rescue 11:00pm The Matrix Reloaded 1:40am Super Casino 5:00am House Doctor 5:25am House Doctor 5:50am Michaela's Wild Challenge
BBC1 5:00pm Escape to the Country 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Room 101 10:00pm Silent Witness 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Graham Norton Show 12:25am Reign of Fire 2:00am Weatherview 2:05am BBC News
BBC2
7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys Goes to Ireland 8:00pm Railway Walks 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm Mastermind 9:30pm Masterchef: The Professionals - Michel's Classics 10:00pm Monty Don's French Gardens 11:00pm QI Quiz show. Stephen Fry looks at jam, jelly and juice. 11:30pm Newsnight 12:00am The Review Show 12:50am The Painted Veil 2:45am Question Time
ITV
5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Wild Britain with Ray Mears 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Great Night Out 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm The Birds 1:50am Jackpot247 4:00am Psycho 5:50am ITV Nightscreen
Channel 4
6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm 4thought.tv 9:00pm First Time Farmers 10:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats 10:30pm The Last Leg 11:00pm Paddy's TV Guide 11:50pm Rude Tube 12:50am The New Normal 1:15am Random Acts 1:20am 2 Broke Girls 1:45am Happy Endings
Channel 5
6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Rory and Will: Champions of the World 9:00pm Ice Road Truckers 10:00pm Bad Boys II 12:50am Campus Pd 12:55am Inside Hollywood 1:05am Super Casino
31
Mallorca
SATURDAY
BBC1
SUNDAY
BBC1
MONDAY
BBC1
5:30pm Six Nations Rugby Union 8:00pm BBC News 8:10pm Regional News 8:15pm Weather 8:20pm Britain's Brightest 9:20pm The National Lottery: In It to Win It 10:10pm Casualty 11:00pm BBC News 11:15pm Weather 11:20pm Match of the Day 12:40am The Football League Show 1:55am Weatherview 2:00am BBC News
6:00pm Africa 7:00pm BBC News 7:20pm Regional News 7:25pm Weather 7:30pm Blandings 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Call the Midwife 10:00pm The British Academy Film Awards 12:00am BBC News 12:15am Regional News 12:20am Weather 12:25am Room 101 1:05am Celebrity Apprentice USA 2:25am Weatherview 2:30am BBC News
7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Inside Out 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Panorama 10:00pm Penguin Spy in the Huddle 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm Being Eileen 12:05am Blandings 12:35am The Graham Norton Show 1:20am Thirteen Days
5:30pm Final Score 6:30pm A Culture Show Special 7:30pm Dad's Army 8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm Natural World 10:00pm Howard Goodall's Story of Music 11:00pm Dancing on the Edge 12:35am Milk
5:40pm Songs of Praise 6:15pm In Orbit: How Satellites Rule Our World 7:15pm Ski Sunday 8:00pm Food and Drink 8:30pm Open All Hours 9:00pm Top Gear 10:00pm Wonders of Life 11:00pm Match of the Day 2
7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Flog it! Trade Secrets 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Food and Drink 10:00pm Dancing on the Edge 11:00pm Mock the Week...Again 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Wonders of Life 1:20am Film 2013
BBC2
BBC2
ITV SATURDAY
7:00pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang
Starring Emma Thompson
ITV 7:00pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 9:05pm Take Me Out 10:20pm The Jonathan Ross Show 11:20pmITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm Knocked Up 1:50am Jackpot247 4:00am In Plain Sight
Channel 4
7:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:25pm Channel 4 News 7:50pm 4thought.tv 7:55pm Crocodile Dundee II 10:00pm World Without End 11:05pm Kiss the Girls 1:20am Porky's 3:05am The Confession
Channel 5
8:20pm 5 News 8:25pm NCIS 9:10pm NCIS 10:00pm Law and Order 11:00pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit 11:55pm Law and Order: Criminal Intent 12:50am Inside Hollywood 2013
12:00am Dancing on the Edge 1:05am Six Nations Highlights 1:50am Holby City
ITV
7:00pm ITV News and Weather 7:15pm Dancing on Ice 8:45pm All Star Family Fortunes 9:30pm Dancing on Ice 10:00pm Mr Selfridge 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:15pm Duplicity 1:30am Aviva Premiership Rugby Highlights 2:25am The Store
Channel 4
7:55pm 4thought.tv 8:00pm The Political Slot 8:05pm Come Dine with Me 9:00pm The Hotel 10:00pm Die Hard 4.0 12:35am Changing Lanes 2:15am The Last Mitterand
Channel 5
8:10pm Inside the Titanic 9:55pm 5 News Weekend 10:00pm Person of Interest 11:00pm Piranha 12:50am Red Water 2:30am Super Casino 5:00am HouseBusters
BBC2
ITV
7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Cornwall with Caroline Quentin 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Lewis 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm Agenda 12:05am Monk 1:00am Jackpot247 4:00am Champions League Weekly 4:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show
Channel 4
7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm 4thought.tv 9:00pm Dispatches 9:30pm Wild Things 10:00pm My Big Fat Gypsy Valentine 11:00pm Black Mirror 12:05am Random Acts 12:10am My Daughter the Teenage Nudist 1:15am The Shooting Gallery
Channel 5
7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Rory and Will: Champions of the World 9:00pm Police Interceptors 10:00pm Britain's Funniest Comedy Characters 12:55am Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll: The 60s Revealed 1:55am Super Casino 5:00am House Doctor
TUESDAY
BBC1 5:00pm Escape to the Country 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm Death in Paradise 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm The Hunt for Britain's Metal Thieves 12:25am The Hand That Rocks the Cradle 2:10am Weatherview
BBC2
5:15pm Life on Earth 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Flog it! Trade Secrets 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 10:00pm Network Rail 11:00pm The Sarah Millican Television Programme 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Abraham Lincoln 1:20am Britain's Hidden Heritage 5:00am Strictly Soulmates 5:30am Ask Lara
ITV
5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm UEFA Champions League 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm Mourinho 12:35am UEFA Champions League Highlights 1:30am Jackpot247
Channel 4
5:00pm Deal or No Deal 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm 4thought.tv 9:00pm Supersize v Superskinny 10:00pm The Year Britain Flooded 11:00pm Utopia 12:05am Random Acts 12:10am Derek 12:45am One Born Every Minute 1:45am Pokerstars.co.uk and Monte-Carlo Casino EPT Grand Final 2:40am KOTV Boxing Weekly
Channel 5
6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Monkey Life 8:30pm Highland Emergency 9:00pm Benidorm ER 10:00pm Dallas 11:00pm Brain Hospital: Saving Lives 12:00am CSI: NY 12:55am CSI: Miami 1:50am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours 2:15am Super Casino 5:00am House Doctor
WEDNESDAY
BBC1 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm Holiday Hit Squad 10:00pm DIY SOS The Big Build 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm A Question of Sport 12:05am Film 2013 12:35am City by the Sea
BBC2
6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Flog it! Trade Secrets 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm Hairy Bikers Everyday Gourmets 10:00pm Brain Doctors 11:00pm The Culture Show 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am The Genius of Invention 1:20am See Hear 1:50am The World's Most Dangerous Roads 4:55am How to Have a Clear Skin 5:05am Just a Few Drinks
ITV
5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Tonight 10:00pm From the Heart 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm Martin Clunes: Heavy Horsepower 12:35am Safari Vet School 1:35am Jackpot247 4:00am Adventures of Brear Rabbit
Channel 4
7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm 4thought.tv 9:00pm Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners 10:00pm One Born Every Minute 11:00pm Derek 11:30pm 8 Out of 10 Cats 12:20am The Last Leg 12:50am 2 Broke Girls 1:20am Random Acts 1:25am Launched at Red Bull Studio in Association with Lacoste! 1:40am Launched at Red Bull Studio in Association with Lacoste!
Channel 5
6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Benidorm ER 9:00pm Killers Behind Bars: The Untold Story 10:00pm NCIS 11:00pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit 11:55pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 12:55am CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 1:50am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours 2:15am Super Casino
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MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE
Famous quote
‘
Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”
10-star quiz
Gay marriage becomes hot potato among British politicians with Prime Minister Cameron in firing line
AND SO TO ZED…
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955) German born, Inventor and Scientist
1. The world’s last quagga died in Amsterdam Zoo in 1883, which creature is this animal’s only living relative? 2. Lusaka is the capital of which republic in central Africa? 3. On which stringed instrument did the Viennese musician Anton Karas perform the theme to the 1949 film The Third Man? 4. On which African river are the Victoria Falls located? 5. What is the German word for 20? 6. Which American rock band, formed in Houston, Texas, in June 1969 consists of guitarist and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons, bassist and co-lead vocalist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard? 7. What is the name of the Italian dessert made of whipped and heated egg yolks, sugar and Marsala wine, served hot or cold? 8. Which city is the capital of Croatia? 9. What is the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet? 10. Which bluish-white lustrous metallic element, brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated, is used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanising iron?
Women’s wit
‘
Do not, on a rainy day ask your child what he feels like doing, because I assure you that what he feels like doing, you won’t feel like watching’
World of English
‘
33
Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar Cocktail lounge , Norway :
Kakuro
Local weather for next 7 days MALLORCA TODAY AND TOMORROW
Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.
ALCUDIA POLLENÇA
CALA MILLOR
INCA CALVIA PALMA
CALA d’OR
ANDRATX LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF
ALCUDIA POLLENÇA
CALA MILLOR
INCA CALVIA PALMA
CALA d’OR
1. ZEBRA, 2. ZAMBIA, 3. ZITHER, 4. ZAMBEZI, 5. ZWANZIG, 6. ZZ TOP, 7. ZABAGLIONE, 8. ZAGREB, 9. ZETA, 10. ZINC.
ANDRATX LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF
Benidorm MAX 17C, MIN 8C Mon - 17 8 Sh Tues - 16 7 Cl Wed - 16 7 Cl
TODAY: CLEAR, Fri - 17 8 Cl Sat - 16 8 Cl Sun - 16 8 Cl
MAX 17C, MIN 11C Mon - 16 9 Sh Tues - 15 9 Cl Wed - 15 9 Cl
TODAY: CLEAR Fri - 10 1 Cl Sat - 9 1 Cl Sun - 9 1 Cl
MAX 9C, MIN 1C Mon - 9 1 Sh Tues - 9 1 Cl Wed - 11 2 Cl
TODAY: CLEAR, Fri - 17 6 Cl Sat - 15 6 Cl Sun - 16 6 Cl
UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
MAX 12C, MIN 7C Mon - 14 7 Sh Tues - 13 7 Sh Wed - 13 7 Cl
Saturday February 2
Murcia MAX 16C, MIN 6C Mon - 16 6 Sh Tues - 16 6 Cl Wed - 16 6 Cl
Malaga
Barcelona TODAY: CLEAR Fri - 11 3 Cl Sat - 12 3 Cl Sun - 11 5 Cl
TODAY: CLEAR, Fri - 13 5 Cl Sat - 11 5 Sh Sun -12 6 Cl
Madrid
Almeria TODAY: CLEAR Fri - 17 11 Cl Sat - 16 8 Cl Sun - 16 8 Cl
Mallorca MAX 17C, MIN 8C Mon - 17 8 Sh Tues - 16 7 Cl Wed - 16 7 Cl
MAX 13C, MIN 7C Mon - 13 8 Cl Tues - 12 7 Sh Wed - 12 7 Cl
TODAY: CLEAR, Fri - 17 8 Cll Sat - 15 8 Cl Sun - 16 8 Cl
MAX 17C, MIN 8C Mon - 16 8 Sh Tues - 16 8 Cl Wed - 16 9 Cl
S Sun,
Cl Clear,
Fog,
LOTTERY
Alicante TODAY: CLEAR Fri - 17 8 Cl Sat - 15 7 Cl Sun - 15 7 Cl
12
2
EURO MILLIONS
Saturday February 2
Saturday February 2
Friday February 1
6
13
14
17
21
30
33
12
4
5
THUNDERBALL
LA PRIMITIVA Saturday February 2
15
27
34
36
43
38
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA Sunday February 3
7
8
8
31
33
20
34
47
47
21
16 37
28
BONUS BALL
39
LUCKY STARS
REINTEGRO
REINTEGRO
Sh Showers,
39 Sn Snow,
IRISH LOTTO
16
BONUS BALL C Cloud,
UK THUNDERBALL
Th Thunder
1
21
1
6
6
4
8
34 EWN
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Time Out
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Itʼs both a vertical and horizontal week. What goes right somewhere could easily go wrong elsewhere. Sensitive Venus conspires with touchy Mars to trigger tensions and troubles. If you're aware of where others are coming from, you'll be fine. ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Your efforts to get your message across might be best delayed for seven days. Fickle Venus and flighty Mercury will cross swords with other planets, so keep your ideas and emotions grounded. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Donʼt jump from one financial frying pan into another. Take it easy on all fronts, especially where your money, emotions and other people's moods are at odds with your ideas. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You will see the advantage of working towards a new location, or even a specific makeover for your domestic scene. Either way, wait for a further green light, especially where moneyʼs concerned. CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Refuse to be miffed by whatever disagreements or difficulties clutter your world. The sooner you get on with things, the better for your peace of mind. Even this week's affrays and dismays are simply passing clouds.
IF ITʼS YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: Important things are signalled by the stars. There are gains to be made in many different areas. Just keep believing things will work out for the best for you and they will.
February 9 – Gypsy Rose Lee (1914) Burlesque dancer who performed on stage and screen February 10 – Holly Willoughby (1982) English television host of This Morning LEO (July 24 - August 23) Move forward on this weekʼs positive waves of optimism. Treat yourself, but donʼt overindulge your temptations. The planets arenʼt dancing to all your wants and desires. If certain situations or individuals seem complicated, wait until the dust settles, then follow your hunches. VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) There's a saying that if it doesnʼt rain, it pours, so keep an umbrella of humour to hand. Spring is around the corner, and with it, a much happier trend for your workaday, social and financial prospects. Strive through this showery emotional week, and the sunshine will surely follow.
MINDED
BANGLE(10)
NEATLY
BRAVER
PAPERS
DESERT
SICKLY
DETAIL
SPARKS
DOLLAR
TASTES
DONKEY
TREATY
FARMER
VEERED
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Monkey, 2 Adhere, 3 Niches, 4 Barely, 5 Sharks, 6 Lights, 7 Reacts, 8 Grease, 9 Guests, 10 Chance, 11 Triple, 12 Potter, 13 Planet, 14 Soiled, 15 Caller, 16 Deeper, 17 Stripe, 18 Galley, 19 Slayer.
Your Stars
February 7 – Charles Dickens (1812) Author of Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol February 8 – James Dean (1931) American actor who died tragically young
MEAGER
Joaquin Sabina. Born on February 12, 1949, he is a Spanish singer, songwriter and poet. He began composing at 14. His revolutionary ideology led him to be related to anti-fascist groups and in 1970 he went into exile in London using a fake passport. In 1975, he began singing in bars and performed before George Harrison, who gave him a five-pound note as tip, which he preserves to this day.
64
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Scanning the rest of the starsigns, youʼll see that you have many things in common this week: challenging influences at work and play, and during other clogging capers. Unexpected events, finances, or the usual everyday frustrations could pile on the pressure. SCORPIO (October 24 November 22) Youʼre not the only member of the zodiac whoʼll have to toughen up. Itʼll pay you to chill on Tuesday, be patient on Wednesday, and put your potent insights into orbit throughout the weekend.
February 11 – Thomas Edison (1847) Inventor of light bulb, phonograph and movies February 12 – Charles Darwin (1809) Evolutionary author of Origin of Species February 13 – Jerry Springer (1944) Former mayor Cincinnati and outlandish TV show host of The Jerry Springer Show
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 December 21) The full moon in your own sign is a powerful ally against this weekʼs planetary fracas. Speak from the heart and reject any ambiguous emotional games. It's the only way to clear the air and truly know where you're heading. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Thereʼs a financial theme to many of your plans and ideas. Above all, spend with care and examine all offers carefully. Rely on your sixth sense, especially where close-to-you matters are concerned. Give more thought to what you hope to have achieved in 12 months from now. Be patient, especially over personal stresses and strains.
This day in history • February 7 – The Beatles land on American shores for the first time – 1964 • February 8 – Mary, Queen of Scots, is beheaded – 1587 • February 10 – Joanne Woodward earns the first ever star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – 1960 • February 11 – Ziggy Stardust makes his debut – 1972 • February 12 – Birth control pioneer arrested – 1916 • February 13– Abraham Lincoln was born – 1809 • February 14 - Teddy Roosevelt discusses America’s race problem, 1905.
Nonagram
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Your emotions, extra expenses and other domestic pressures are on the boil. Put off major decisions until next week. Meanwhile, loosen up, walk into some creative space, and if necessary, talk to someone who understands your ups and downs.
APPEAL AVOIDS
LISTEN
JUAN TAMARGO
Marty is a struggling writer who dreams of finishing his screenplay, ‘Seven Psychopaths.’ Billy, Marty’s best friend, an unemployed actor, wants to help Marty by any means necessary. Hans is Billy’s partner in crime. Charlie is a psychopathetic gangster whose dog, Billy and Hans have just stolen. Charlie's unpredictable, extremely violent and wouldn’t think twice about killing anyone or anything associated with the theft. Marty is going to get all the focus and inspiration he needs, just as long as he lives to tell the tale 1hr49 Starring: Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson
H ex a g r a m
Seven Psychopaths Comedy
TARGET: Average: 11 Good: 14
Very good: 20 Excellent: 24
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION aged, agin, ague, dang, ding, dung, egad, gain, gait, game, gate, gaud, gean, gent, gnat, mage, magi, mega, mung, tang, ting, tung, agent, deign, gamed, gamut gated, gaunt, giant, guide, image, mange, midge, nudge, tinge, augend, augite, dating, eating, enigma, gained, guinea, imaged, magnet, mating, meting, midget, midgut, muting, nutmeg, taming, tinged, unaged, augment, mintage, mutagen, teaming, MAGNITUDE
How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case D) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
Word ladder DUMB
DOWN
Move from the start word (DUMB) to the end word (DOWN) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
DUMB DUMP DAMP DAMN DAWN DOWN
The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (BANGLE) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.
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Crosswords CRYPTIC
ENGLISH - SPANISH
Across 1 Cereal, what with energy in it? (5) 4 Goes out with dried fruits (5) 7 Attributes it to a writerʼs talent (8) 8 Middle East location: a place for thieves? (4) 9 Dog with no tail - get back! (8) 11 Current event? (4) 12 One new aspect of being locked up (6) 14 Harridanʼs dead crafty (6) 16 Cafe broke a mug (4) 18 Previews of American caravans (8) 20 Middle Eastern oil is hard work (4) 21 Helped to show Neddy is another diminutive for Edward (8) 23 Or any processed artificial fabric (5) 24 Could change Blur (5) Down 1 New rest problem for cowboy movie (7) 2 Dread, after openerʼs dismissal, making a mistake (5) 3 Nevertheless, sent back the barrel (3) 4 Dicky spied a spy with upset stomach (9)
The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
5 Renegade and characteristic alternative (7) 6 Comes back up in deep sea diverʼs rush (5) 10 Looks at coach with optical problem (9) 13 In a perfect world Iʼd have an
QUICK Across 1 Modify (6) 4 Napping (6) 9 Automobile (3) 10 Shake up (7) 11 Defraud (7) 12 Name (5) 13 Normal (5) 15 Minor (5) 20 Ask for (5) 22 Alluring charm (7) 24 Seafaring (7) 25 Strong liquor (3) 26 Study (6) 27 Kind (6)
oriental friend (7) 15 South American bird hiding in bundle missile (7) 17 Our ma changed her lover (5) 19 Ill-assorted bunch has the rope (5) 22 It sounds none too good but thatʼs how it was written (3)
Across 2 Cabbage (3) 6 Cat (domestic) (4) 7 Attack (6) 8 Rum (3) 9 Box (4) 10 To put out (fire, candle, match) (6) 12 Broom (brush) (6) 15 Luxury (4) 17 Mentira (embuste) (3) 18 Panaderos (6) 19 Alquiler (4) 20 Bear (animal) (3) Down 1 Room (large, public) (4) 2 Hearts (organs, symbols of love) (9) 3 Wool (4) 4 Gentleman (having gentlemanly qualities) (9) 5 Priest (Christian) (4) 9 Taco (billar) (3) 11 River (3) 13 Estrella (astronomía) (4) 14 También (además) (4) 16 Junio (4)
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS Down 1 Charge (6) 2 Sleeveless collarless jackets (7) 3 Endure (5) 5 Surprise (7) 6 Choose by ballot (5) 7 Small container (6) 8 Repaired (5) 14 Whenever (7) 16 Idea (7) 17 Well-known (6) 18 Once more (5) 19 Large European country (6) 21 Baffling question (5) 23 Quarrel (5)
CRYPTIC Across: 4 Catches, 8 Routine, 9 Arrange, 10 Needles, 11 Easiest,
Co d e B r e a ke r
12 Design, 14 Erased, 18 Scatter, 21 Dollars, 22 Imitate, 23 Restore, 24 Engines. Down: 1 Granted, 2 Dunes, 3 Willing, 4 Ceased, 5 Terms, 6 Hunters, 7 Scent, 13 Skating, 15 Realise, 16 Dossier, 17 Orders, 18 Spice, 19 Train, 20 Major. QUICK - Across: 1 Sham, 3 Syllabus, 9 Replica, 10 Again, 11 Inept, 12 Linear, 14 Happen, 16 Virtue, 19 Polite, 21 Smart, 24 Apple, 25 Village, 26 Harmless, 27 Bets. Down: 1 Straight, 2 Ample, 4 Yearly, 5 Learn, 6 Blatant, 7 Sent, 8 Little, 13 Restless, 15 Prosper, 17 Insult, 18 Leaves, 20 Ideal, 22 Aware, 23 Dash. ENGLISH - SPANISH Across: 1 Autumn, 4 Beso,
1. Unscramble the name of a famous Channel 4 sitcom that was originally broadcast from 1995 to 1998: DAFT THREE 2. Unscramble the name of a former world heavyweight boxing champion: PINK LESSON
+
Play on Words HO USE
2
Answers: A house divided, In addition to
Funagram
8 Beans, 9 Eagle, 10 Hay, 11 Loser, 12 Broma, 15 Oro, 16 Brazo, 18 Abajo, 19 Skin, 20 Idioma. Down: Arbol, 2 Teams, 3 Mushroom, 5 Egg, 6 One, 7 Keyboard, 13 Opalo, 14 Ahora, 16 Bus, 17 Ahi.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 19 represents C and 20 represents M, so fill in C every time the figure 19 appears and M every time the figure 20 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.
FUNAGRAM SOLUTION FATHER TED LEON SPINKS
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The fault in our stars By John Green This heart-catching novel is fuelled by the rawest emotions deftly handled but never falsely diluted. The role a book plays in their lives lies at the heart of the burgeoning relationship between Hazel and Augustus, teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. Hazel’s cancer is incurable: she is ‘managing’ her situation; Augustus has already lost a leg to his but he has an 80 per cent chance of survival. But cancer does not rule them; here are two teens being as normal as they can be while carrying the grisly physical side effects of their treatments and in the complicated face of an uncertain future. The result is a touching, questioning, funny and insightful novel that can’t be put down. The cutting room By Jilliane Hoffman This is a gritty, graphic, disturbing psychological thriller and it is very good. A girl is abducted and tortured in New York, another is found horribly mutilated and left in a dumpster in Miami seemingly unrelated; but a Miami policeman and attorney find a lead which hints at something altogether worse. The beauty of murder By A. K. Benedict A compelling genre-bending crime debut packed full of atmospheric detail that brings a dark and macabre Cambridge to life. The author studied English at Cambridge, hence the pin sharp detail, and the plot has you moving between the present day and the seventeenth century with an elusive violent serial killer who seems to have all the time in the world. If you are looking for something a little different in the crime genre, look no further ...
Capital By John Lanchester The lives of a disparate group of characters based on a street in London - Pepys Road. We dart quickly between their stories, building up portraits of each and leading us through the dramas of their mostly separate lives. It’s easy to read, well researched, long and full of recognisable characters, some coming over as stereotypes, not ‘The Great London Novel’ but certainly fun.
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Forgive me By Lesley Pearse On returning home from work Eva Patterson finds her mother dead, by her own hand, and a suicide note saying simply ‘Forgive Me’. The reading of the will leads her on an emotional journey to discover more about her Mother who, unbeknownst to Eva, was a successful artist in the 60s. Forgive Me is an intense and gripping story of love and forgiveness.
Fill the grid so that every row, every column and
every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.
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Cupcakes at Carringtons By Alexandra Brown First in a series of deliciously indulgent and funny books following the ups and downs in life and work for sales assistant, Georgie Hart, who loves her job running the luxury handbags concession in a seaside department store. But the arrival of femme fatale ‘cost cutter’ Maxine means that she finds herself having to fend off more than avid shoppers.
SU DOKU HOW TO PLAY
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petty theft, he is sent to an isolated ward where he and the other boys tend livestock, work in the surrounding bogs and endure violent beatings at the hands of the Christian Brothers.Finn’s story is one of survival - yet he compart mentalises the experience as one of inevitable darkness wherein its recounting sheds only brief moments of light.
Queen’s gambit By Elizabeth Fremantle Rich in atmosphere and period detail, and told through the eyes of Katherine and her young maid Dot, Queen’s Gambit is the riveting account of Katherine Parr, the Tudor queen who married four men and outlived three of them - including Henry VIII. The story of these two very different women during a terrifying and turbulent time is utterly engaging and compelling. A treacherous likeness By Lynn Shepherd In the dying days of 1850 the young detective Charles Maddox takes on a new case. His client? The only surviving son of the long-dead poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and his wife Mary, author of Frankenstein. Charles soon finds himself being drawn into the bitter battle being waged over the poet's literary
legacy, but then he makes a chance discovery that raises new doubts about the death of Shelley’s first wife, Harriet, and he starts to question whether she did indeed kill herself, or whether what really happened was far more sinister than suicide. The boot camp By Kate Harrison How far would YOU go to feel good about yourself? It’s New Year and three desperate women begin the toughest week of their lives ... No booze, no carbs, no men, no excuses. Steph invents puddings for a living - now the only part of her body she doesn’t hate is her wrists. Will she prove to herself - and her ex - that she can change? TV presenter Darcy is living the dream - yet haunted by nightmares of a single night where she made the wrong choice. Can she let go of the past? Mum of three Vicki is under doctor’s orders to lose weight - but it’s not the only burden she’s carrying. Three women, seven days ...and one last chance to change their lives for good. The blind man’s garden By Nadeem Aslam A searing, exquisitely written novel set in Pakistan and Afghanistan in the months following 9/11 - a story of war, of one family’s losses, and of the simplest, most enduring human impulses. Jeo and Mikal, foster-brothers from a small Pakistani city, secretly enter Afghanistan: not to fight with the Taliban, but to help and care for wounded civilians. But it soon becomes apparent that good intentions can’t keep them out of harm’s way...
App of the week 1 second everyday one Record second everyday of your life, and at the end of the year, you will have a six minute video to relive the past year.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Just joking What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh What did one plate say to the other? Dinner’s on me. How do scientists keep their breath fresh? With experi-mints. Why did the Orange go out with a Prune? ‘Cos he couldn’t find a Date!
FOOD
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Mallorca
Mallorca’s expat teens have talent to spare
AROMA RESTAURANT in El Toro held the grand finale of its first edition of Mallorca’s Got Talent contest after four Saturday nights of blood, sweat, tears and a lot of talent. Although it was open to all ages and categories; singers, musicians, jugglers or any other kind of acts, last Saturday’s six finalists consisted of mostly local and expatriate teenagers. In January when the contest began, owner of Aroma, Mark Scott, told EWN: “We already know that Mallorca has a lot of talent and we want to see some new faces and acts. The restaurant is already known for its live music and showcasing new talent to the island and we are looking for people to come and entertain in any way they can to make
some great, memorable evenings.” Sponsored by Katie Roscoe, owner of L&M Hydraulics and with a lot of help from promoter Laura Penn at SpectrumFM radio, Mallorca’s Got Talent was so successful that the 2014 edition is already in the making, this time in a much bigger venue. Mark knew what he was doing when he procured two insightful judges: Izzy Neumann, singer and Mallorca Today TV show presenter originally from Windsor, and American George Peña, stand-up comedian and vocal coach. Aided by the lively antics and timeless songs performed between acts by MC’s Halliday and Martin, the audience was treated to two rounds of
performances. During the final round, the judges took turns critiquing each performer and encouraging them to carry on with their musical endeavours. Unlike the previous nights, at the beginning of the show the audience was asked to participate in the voting process and numbered ballots were handed out to the crowd. Among the 24 numbers performed were electric guitar solos, modern dance routines, rock and pop tunes, all well worthy of a much deserved prize. The first and second prize-winners were announced as Jessica Yenilmez and Jordan Winter respectively. Jessica, 15, a student at Queens College in Genova, took away first prize and €250 worth of prize money
as well as a chance to be interviewed by Izzy Neuman on Mallorca Today, who also offered to film and produce Jessica’s first music video. Jordan, 12, studying at The Academy in Marratxi, gave a tender rendition of Eric Clapton’s ‘Tears in Heaven’, pformed on a Banjuk, a cross between a banjo and a ukulele. He was presented with €150 in prize money.
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SHE’S GOT TALENT: Jessica claimed the top spot.
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38 EWN
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Mallorca
Changing the face of O the coast
Advertising Feature
PENING Ocean Clinic in 2008, Dr Kai Kaye set out to create a boutique practice in Marbella; personable, professional, unique. With one surgery and three overnight rooms, there is no clinical feel like that of a hospital, the soothing music and pristine cream décor lends itself to the style in which it operates. Owner and chief-of-surgery Dr Kaye has all the necessary qualifications and experience, receiving his medical degree from the University of Munich in 2001 and subsequently his University Doctorate Magna cum Laude a year later. “Our main focus is on our patients,” explains Dr Kaye. “Having surgery no matter how big or small can be an unnerving experience, but with our skilled surgeons and nurses, we make you feel relaxed and comfortable OCEAN CLINIC: The newly renovated in your surroundings.” surgery. Ocean Clinic offers a UNIQUE: A boutique practice which is complete range of plastic both personable and professional. surgery, surgical rejuvenation and body-shaping procedures. coast dedicated to plastic with From invasive surgeries surgery that has its own special including liposuction and installations as rates.” breast augmentation, to opposed to renting Of Patient non-invasive procedures them out.” course percentages including botox and And why is the media has had a huge 450 patients a year fillers, everything is Ocean Clinic effect on the popularity of women (75), men (25) delivered in safe and so popular cosmetic surgery, being German (30), International tranquil premises, in the COSMETIC and bombarded through images of English (30), Spanish (30), heart of Marbella on the SURGEON: Dr successful? beautiful supermodels of all Kaye performing mixed (10) Costa del Sol. “The main ages. It has become a part of residents (85), visitors (15) The most popular one of his part is modern lifestyle, but invasive surgery (66), nonsurgery that Ocean Clinic surgeries. consistency,” nowadays, our human culture invasive surgery (33) carries out is breast explains Dr has the tendency to make life augmentation in women Kaye. “We’re easier, more comfortable and and liposuction for men. proud we deliver more beautiful. With women aged between 30 an overnight stay. everything that a Having surgery isn’t a new and 45 years old, they “We perform plastic hospital can, but in a more notion, people have always perform what Dr Kaye has and cosmetic surgery on human package. tried to alter their bodies, coined the ‘mummy people who want to improve I see and care for every we’re just more aware of it makeover’, where women their form and appearance, single patient, and even those now. However this hasn’t want to regain their figure and reconstruction proced- flying from other countries, changed the views of Ocean they had before having ures on people who are we can organise places for Clinic’s consults. children. disfigured through a birth- them to stay whilst they are “My patients always have a The practice also has all the defect or through accident.” here having surgery, and we realistic idea of what they necessary aftercare facilities Dr Kaye describes. have a close connection with want to achieve,” Dr Kaye should your procedure involve “We’re the only clinic on the a number of high-class hotels says. “We treat everyone
Pro bono practice
Along with tending to the aesthetic and reconstructive needs of expatriates, Ocean Clinic is also the practice that gives back. In October, Dr Kaye and his trained surgeons will be travelling to Peru, South America, on an eight-day trip to carry out reconstructive surgeries to those less fortunate. “We’ll perform about 50 operations in total, including treating burns, malfunctions and disfigurations,” explains Dr Kaye. “It’s so important to care for those who don’t have access to the things we do, and we hope to do pro bono work like this every year.”
differently, as it is a scary concept to most people, but my highly qualified staff are available every step of the way should you have any queries or questions. “We want to ease you through the process of changing your life.” For the future, Ocean Clinic is looking to continue to grow, but withhold the same customer care and personalisation as always. With a five-year anniversary event planned for some time later this year, Dr Kaye and his success story are celebrating firmly establishing themselves as the personable practice changing the face in southern Spain.
O c e a n C l i n i c - Av. Ra m o n y C a j a l , 7, 2 9 6 0 0 , M a r b e l l a - 9 5 1 7 7 5 5 1 8 - w w w. o c e a n c l i n i c . n e t
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Self-help books LOVED by some, dismissed by others, self-help books are a growing industry. Now Scottish researchers say the books really do help motivate people and relieve depression. In a study, patients who were offered books had significantly lower levels of depression four months later. More than 200 patients who had been diagnosed with depression by their doctor took part in study. Half of them were given antidepressant drugs and some were provided with a self-help guide. Four months later those who had read the books based on cognitive behavioural therapy had lower levels of depression than those with only GP care.
Counting calories RECOMMENDED daily calorie intakes vary across the world. According to the UK National Health Service, the average male adult needs approximately 2,500 calories per day to keep his weight at a healthy level, while the average adult female needs 2,000. The number of calories people should be consuming per day depends on several factors including age, size, height and lifestyle. Although important to keep track of how many calories we are consuming, it is more important people focus on diet and regular exercise.
Visit www.ewnlifestyle.com for more reading
Health & Beauty
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Mallorca
Hot secret of lips...
WINTER weather can cause lips to chap and become dry and sore but they are also a sign of the body suffering from dehydration and vitamin deficiencies. But experts suggest it is also important to consider more serious underlying problems that dry lips can be a sign of illnesses, including diabetes and other blood conditions.
HEALTHY: It is important to consider underlying problems of sore lips.
New guidelines for cosmetic surgery NEW guidelines on managing someone’s expectations of cosmetic surgery have been unveiled. Issued by the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK, it is hoped the guide will become compulsory for British practitioners. They say that patients undergoing cosmetic surgery should not be given false hope and told they will ‘feel better’ or ‘look nicer’ but use more general terms such as ‘bigger’ or ‘smaller.’ Currently, certain cosmetic treatments can be administered anywhere and by anyone even if they do not have medical training, but the new guidelines call for an end to this. It states that only surgeons,
SURGERY GUIDELINES: Patients should no longer be given false hope of ‘looking nicer’. doctors, dentists and nurses with a qualified medical background should be able to carry out procedures such as Botox and laser treatments. The Royal College of
Surgeons is urging the UK government to make the rules compulsory as it prepares to report on a review of the regulation of cosmetic surgery in the coming months.
We want to hear from YOU! Send in your news and views to laura@euroweeklynews.com. Everybody gets it! Do you?
40 EWN www.euroweeklynews.com
7 - 13 February 2013
H
Mallorca
&
Sponsored by
OMES Gardens
For more information about the sponsor go to www.lineadirecta.com
Mini gardens within gardens M
OST gardens in Spain benefit from being designed as a series of interesting mini gardens. Preferably each with its own soul and style, but integrated into an overall holistic landscape that enables great enjoyment the year round. Possible types include: • The pool or Jacuzzi garden surrounded by shrubs and trees to give privacy and a sense of being in a natural glade when cooling off or sunbathing. • A summer flower garden. • A winter flower garden. • A Japanese racked chipping or water and rock based garden. • A shady garden under a square, oblong or round gazebo. • A water garden with fountains and fish ponds. • A dry cacti and succulent garden. • A rockery or embankment garden. • A container garden with 50 to 100 plants in containers of various shapes, sizes and colours. • A rose garden with a collection of climbers, standards and bush forms. • A mini orchard with perhaps a secret garden hidden in the centre.
Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com. February 2003
Gardening Corner
By Clodagh and Dick Handscombe
Spain’s best known gardening authors who have lived and gardened in Spain for 25 years. www.gardenspain.com.
42 EWN
PROPERTY
7 - 13 February 2013 Mallorca
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Choosing right builder can stop a nightmare Builders in Spain: running your building project (Part 1)! SO, you have your Schedule of Works, a Specification and Contract and you are all ready to start your building project. The trouble is you now have to choose a builder. That is a major decision you have to get right if your work is to be done successfully. The question is: how do you find a builder who will do justice to your dreams? This is no small matter when you are in your own country but can be very difficult when you are in a foreign state. Well, clearly one useful way is to find one by recommendation, preferably from a professional, such as an architect or building surveyor. This is, undoubtedly, a sensible move, as any professional should
Nick Snelling Web master www.culturespain.com and author of 5 books including: ‘How to Buy Spanish Property and Move to Spain – Safely’ and ‘The Laptop Entrepreneur’
know who is or is not competent to deal with your contract. However, builders are like most people and can ‘go off the boil’ or not always live up to their previous reputation. This can often be the case and an excellent builder can be so overwhelmed with work that he is not able to properly supervise or man a project.
Always get a quote ALWAYS obtain at least three quotations for work. These should be based upon the same instructions to each builder, otherwise any quotations received will be impossible to assess. Equally, do not be too keen to take just the cheapest quote, ‘come what may’! A quote that is considerably cheaper than others may quite simply mean that the builder concerned has incorrectly priced the work and will have financial problems
SEEK SUPPORT: Always ask for references from other jobs. long before the completion of your project. This will be as much of a problem for you as it will be for him and can lead to disastrous consequences.
Home improvements MANY Spanish banks offer non residents in Spain the possibility of obtaining home improvement loans, which is worth considering as interest rates in Spain are generally much lower than interest rates in the UK and other EU countries. Loan applications are generally straight forward. Applicants should have a document detailing the estimated cost of the home improvements to be carried out and this must be presented together with the application.
So, it is important to check recent work of any builder you are considering using, irrespective of recommendations. When you do this, make sure you see more than one example of his work and ensure you meet the owners of the property concerned (preferably without the builder present!). Meanwhile, it is essential you only use a builder who is properly registered and insured. Most people rarely check this is the case and are all too ready to save money by paying cash. Certainly, as I have written before, the best way to start (and run) a building project is on the basis that something will go wrong at some stage. It often does and you have to be prepared for the possibility of a dispute and have clear evidence on your side that matters have not proceeded as agreed.
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Mallorca
SURVEY: London hotels are the worst in the world.
London’s lousy hotels are worst T
wouldn’t be doing HERE appears to this (street be no end of polls prostitution) if it and reviews. Spain were not for my has done well in an three children.” international Trivago These are the meta-search engine for words of a 43-year the most and least old Spanish criticised hotels. London By Mike Walsh national, an exwas revealed to have the dental nurse, who world’s worst hotels. with her sister, has Spain was listed in www.michaelwalsh.es turned to the sex fifth place. Germany’s To comment on any of the issues raised in Mike’s column, go to industry for Dresden took top www.euroweeklynews.com /columnists/mikewalsh salvation. position. When a 20-strong The search for gang of Romanian quality is thorough; the survey covered 600,000 hotels hookers violently confronted the two in a territorial dispute, the sisters and more than 100 booking sites. London got the thumbs down for were nicked. Eight Romanians testified against overcrowding, being overpriced, having small rooms with lousy views them. The sisters’ disappeared for three days; they were jailed. and poor service. Entire city areas have been taken over by sex workers and their pimps; they are gang-controlled. The police are more or less powerless. They turn a blind eye or ‘manage the problem’. Where will it all end one sighs WEEP for Spain; weep for Europe. “I despairingly.
Images of Spain
Weeping for Spain
Kept in the dark THE independent Open Budget Survey 2012 reveals that Russia scores higher for government expenditure transparency than does Germany or Spain. Russia made it into the top 10 whereas Spain, at 19th position, was playing catch-up with Uganda and Bulgaria. Sadly, few will be surprised.
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POOL TABLES, Snooker Tables, Table Tennis Tables, Darts and Juke Boxes. Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com (203168)
MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 153, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 153 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)
IVECO Luton Van, year 2000, RHD, excellent condition throughout, diesel, economical, €3,700. 633 977 903 (206969)
Chimney Sweep “SOOTY & SWEEP”, chimneys swept, repaired and installed. 971 231 623 / Mob. 629 547 685 (206811)
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2 WHITE leather sofas, modern, 300 euros each or 500 euros for both. San Agustin, tlf 609 312 544 (201121)
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FIND LOVE IN THE SUN www.iwant2meetyou.com. Browse for free Spain’s No 1 online dating site. Bringing ex-pats together. (201369)
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Car Hire LEARN TO DRIVE IN MALLORCA. Scottish Driving Instructor now qualified to teach in Mallorca. Classes in English or Spanish. Obtain your Spanish licence easier or have refresher lessons and get behind that wheel. Interested! Call 648 133 929 (202628)
AIMPOINT green reading clinics in Mallorca. Aimpoint (as seen on TV) is easy to learn and legal to use in competitions. Visit www.aimpoint golf.com or contact peter@mal lorcagolfacademy.com for info. Tel 669 188 050 (201387)
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Pets PET-COURIERS.COM – If you love your pet try us first – we are the best. Door to door service throughout Europe. Specialised vehicles – bespoke service. Full legal service including documentation if required. For further information call or e-mail us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227. Email: info@pet-couriers.com or www.pet-couriers.com (200622) ACCOMPANY your pets to their new home. Fully licensed pet transport service. Denise www.petchauffeur .eu 952 197 187 / 696 233 848 info@petchauffeur.eu (206829) FELIX Dog and Cat Kennels. Based at Manacor. Boarding available. Home sitting Island wide. Tel 689 795 049 (201091)
LLUCMAJOR: 2 bedroom apartment of 65m2, 1 bathroom, lounge with American kitchen, community pool. €475 pm Inmobiliaria Llucmajor. Tel 971 662 402 (200576) TOLLERIC: Furnished apartment of 50m2 plus 8m2 terrace. 1 bedroom, bathroom, lounge with American kitchen. €550 pm Ref 2807A. Inmobiliaria Llucmajor. Tel 971 662 402 RENTAL Santa Ponsa centre, bright 2 bed apartment, pool, sea view, 650€ pcm, tlf 620 241 893
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HOUSE/VILLA for sale in Alaro-Mallorca. 1,700m2 plot, 200m2 house, pool, 4x8 garage for 2 vehicles. 599,000€. Tel 661 427 008 (Juan) (201447)
THE Man & Van Island wide removals & storage. Cheap Cheerful and most importantly LEGAL. Tel: 626 792 037 (201062)
Rubbish Clearance
“PRECIOUS CARDS”. A distributor of greetings cards, giftware and confectionery require an English/Spanish sales agent to join our team, own transport required, commission based. For more information email cv to sales@precious-cards.com (new email address) (206789)
DARRAMAR Excavation, demolition, overgrown gardens cleared, ponds and swimming pools, reforms prepared, tree felling & landscaping. 608 790 007 (200710)
ENGLISH teacher needed for new academy in Campos. Native and some experience. Send CV to joboffers@oxfor denglish-campos.com (201120)
PLOT for sale in Alaro-Mallorca. 3,500m2 with small house 83m2, with refurbishment project and licence, pool. 150,000€. Tel 661 427 008 (Juan)
PALMANOVA studio, fully furnished/equipped, satellite tv, terrace, sea view, pool, parking, private rental, €385, tlf 693 971 990 (201118)
BINISSALEM - In the country, 1,800m2, house 65m2, 1 double bedroom, 1 single bedroom, bath, kitchen, lounge, electricity and water. €160,000. 608 243 489 (201414)
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FIRST LINE APARTMENT for sale in El Toro, 5th floor, fantastic view, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, good condition, €220,000, negotiable. Phone 662 272 940 (206920)
VAN MAN Island Wide Removals. At exceptionally good rates. 638 478 204 (201391)
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Pet Insurance PROTECTAPET Spain’s leading pet insurance. 965 756 371 www.in fo@protectapet.eu (95962)
RECEPTIONIST/ADMIN ASSISTANT for Delicioso. Hard working, self starter with a flexible team player attitude. Bilingual English & Spanish (knowledge of German an advantage). Computer literate. Will have excellent organisational skills, accounts experience & an ability to manage suppliers. Please send CVs to info@deli-delicioso.com
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Storage 50m3 Dry secure storage space available, Poligono Son Bugadelles. 300€/month. 971 231 623 / Mob. 629 547 685 (206811)
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READERS OF A SENSITIVE DISPOSITION MAY FIND SOME OF THE ADVERTISEMENTS IN THIS SECTION OFFENSIVE.
Property for Rent LLUCMAJOR: Small chalet with 2 bedrooms, shower room, lounge with fireplace and kitchenette. No electricity, water by tanker delivery, living area about 45m2. Plot 1,500m2. €370 / month. Inmobiliaria Llucmajor. Tel 971 662 402
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Mallorca For best rates in motor insurance call: 952 89 33 80
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SPEEDY: New Kia is due in Spain by the middle of the year.
New sporty Kia to hit roads THE new Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT – the brand’s most performance focused production cars ever – will have their world premieres at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on March 5.
Designed in Europe under the direction of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the two debutants feature bold athletic styling, LED daytime running lights, dual-exhaust pipes, 18-inch alloy wheels
and eye-catching red brake calipers. Prices and specifications to be confirmed later. The new turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine powering the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission
will allow the Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 7.9 seconds. Production of the newest members of the cee’d family is scheduled to start at Kia’s Zilina plant in Slovakia in mid-May, and they will go on sale in Spain from the middle of the year.
Smart choice for music lovers - listen to all your favourite songs as you drive FORD SYNC AppLink – a system that offers drivers a mobile jukebox through voice control of smartphone music apps – is coming to Spain. The car giant says the system has the potential to
deliver more entertainment options than ever before. SYNC AppLink, which is being showcased at Midem, a leading music industry conference in Cannes, France, enables drivers on the move to
listen to their favourite radio stations and songs streamed to the car via their smartphone while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. AppLink is targeted for launch in Europe in 2013.
Ford recently launched the automotive industry’s first open mobile app developer programme for AppLink. Unveiled at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Ford
Adam sales take off JUST one week after the Opel Adam market launch, orders from all across Europe for the chic, urban car exceeded 20,000. Deputy Chairman of the Opel Management Board, Dr Thomas Sedran said: “This was an outstanding start for our new small lifestyle car from Eisenach, Germany, especially if one considers that the market launch in many European markets is yet to come. The Adam sparks excitement and is a popular new ambassador for
SALES BOOST: New Opel is proving popular. our brand.” Prices in Spain will reportedly range between €13,650 and €16,315 according to model. The Adam success story started with its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October 2012. Even at this early stage, readers of Auto Zeitung chose the Adam as the Number One City Car for the Auto Trophy. In the magazine Auto Motor
und Sport’s ‘The Best Cars of 2013’ poll, the small Opel came out ahead of all its direct competitors in the lifestyle segment. One of the Adam’s major plus points is its diversity. Opel claims there is no other car in its class that can offer more than 61,000 variants for the exterior and nearly 82,000 for the interior from a vast selection of colours and trims.
Developer Programme enables developers to create their own SYNC voice-control apps for services from connected smartphones. The Ford SYNC system debuted in Europe last year.
SPORT
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By Tony Matthews
again dumped South Africa out of the African Cup of Nations… and Jose Mourinho wants to ‘come back home’ (to Chelsea). • Cricket: Sri Lanka beat the holders England in the first match of the women’s World Cup in India. But the English hit back by winning their second game against the hosts. And tomorrow, South Africa’s Graeme Smith will become the first player to captain his country in 100 Tests (v Pakistan). • Golf: Vijay Singh is under investigation by the PGA for using Deer Antler spray which contains a muscle enhancing substance. In the Phoenix Open, Phil Mickelson missed his putt on the 18th green and so failed to join the exclusive band of stars who have carded a round of 59. He had seven birdies in his first nine holes. And Stephen Gallacher (Scotland) won the Dubai Classic, only his second title in 18 years. • American Football: 40 million TV viewers saw two superb touchdowns as the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers 3431 to win the Super Bowl in New Orleans. • F1: Ferrari boss Luca di
Lukas Rosol: Davis Cup doubles marathon with Thomas Berdych. Montezemolo said Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel will NEVER be partners in his team. • Tennis: Thomas Berdych and Lukas Rosol (Czech Republic) beat Stanislas Wawrinka and Marco Chiudinelli (Switzerland) in the longest-ever game in Davis Cup history. Their doubles encounter lasted seven hours, two minutes. • Skating: GB’s Elise Christie won her sixth medal of the season with bronze in the 1,500m short-track speed skating World Cup event in Sochi. • On the move: More than 100 players
found new clubs last Thursday with David Beckham’s move to Paris St-Germain hitting the headlines. The former England star signed a fivemonth deal with the French club and will donate his wages, £3.4 million (€3.92 million), to a children’s charity in Paris. Bad boy Mario Balotelli left Manchester City for AC Milan for £19 million (€22 million)… Arsenal signed Malaga’s full-back Nacho Monreal for £10 million (€11.53 million)… Birmingham and England goalkeeper Jack Butland moved to Stoke for £3.5 million (€4.03 million) but will remain at St Andrew’s on loan until May… Chris Samba and Jermaine Jenas joined QPR… Danny Graham switched from Swansea to Sunderland for £5 million (€5.76 million)... Newcastle signed five French players… while former England stars Kevin Phillips, Stephen Warnock, Matthew Upson and Kieron Dyer found new clubs as loanees. The WBA striker Peter Odemwingie drove down to London in the hope of joining QPR. But there was no deal forthcoming, and his manager and chairman are not happy chappies.
M CK.CO TERSTO
A former football player and the world’s most prolific author of football books (more than 100 published), Tony is also the sports reporter for Spectrum Radio and lives in the Cabrera mountains.
Sebastian Vettel: The Red Bull driver is a first choice replacement. Foto011 / Shutterstock.com
SPORTS SCENE
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ASTON VILLA Football Club’s 28-year-old Scottish international Alan Hutton is set to join Real Mallorca on loan until June 30.
SPORTS ROUND-UP • Rugby: England, Italy (the Azzurri) and Ireland began the Six Nations campaign with excellent wins over Scotland, France and Wales respectively. For reigning champions Wales it was their eighth successive defeat as Brian O’Driscoll claimed his record-breaking 46th try. Debutant Billy Twelvetrees scored one of England’s four tries as they lifted the Calcutta Cup for the fourth successive year. • Football: Wayne Rooney’s late strike gave Manchester United victory at Fulham… Frank Lampard’s 197th goal for Chelsea was insignificant as they lost at Newcastle, new boy Moussa Sissoko hitting a last-gasp winner… Tottenham beat 10 man WBA… Arsenal, Reading and West Ham also won… while the games between Everton and Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, Wigan and Southampton and QPR and Norwich ended in draws… Championship leaders Cardiff are 10 points clear of Leicester… Tranmere and Port Vale top Leagues One and Two… Celtic are still in the Scottish Cup but Rangers are out, k’od by Dundee United… Mali once
Fernando Alonso: Under contract to Ferrari until 2016.
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Loan star
WITH games fast running out, Manchester United’s massive nine-point lead at the top of the PL could increase this weekend when they play Everton at Old Trafford, while neighbours, out-of-sorts Manchester City, travel to Southampton. Elsewhere, Chelsea meet Wigan, Arsenal visit Sunderland, Liverpool play fading WBA (Monday) and Spurs entertain New-castle. And tomorrow night, there’s a top-of-the-table Championship clash between Watford and Crystal Palace. Also on Saturday/ Sunday, the Six Nations, it’s Ireland v England, France v out-of-form Wales and Scotland v cock-a-hoop Italy.
EFECRE
REAL MALLORCA have appointed former coach Gregorio Manzano as their new manager. He will return to the club for his third stint following the sacking of Joaquin Caparros. In a statement on their website Mallorca said: “RCD Mallorca have come to an agreement in principle with Gregorio Manzano for him to take charge of the first team.” Mallorca dismissed Caparros after a poor run of form left the team languishing in 19th place in the Primera Liga, one place from bottom. Last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Real Sociedad was just too much for the club’s board. Manzano is still viewed as a hero at the club, despite being previously sacked, as he was in charge of Mallorca when they won the King’s Cup for the first and only time in 2003. The 56-year-old has also had spells at clubs including Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Malaga, Real Valladolid and Racing Santander.
Time running out for catch up DAVID ACOSTA ALLELY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Mallorca get new manager
Solo sailor in drama INTREPID Mallorcan yachtsman Bubi Sansó, aged 43, was plucked to safety by a helicopter after his boat, the Acciona, capsized. He spent 12 hours in an inflatable life raft after the midAtlantic mishap in the Vendee Globe non-stop solo round the world race. He was reportedly just five days from the finishing line, having already covered 26,000 nautical miles in 85 days.