Euro Weekly News - Costa Blanca North 12 - 18 December 2013 Issue 1484

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ISSUE NO. 1484

EWN FRONT EXTRA

Gender bender

12 - 18 DECEMBER 2013

Christmas Special

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Festive Pullout Pages 41-56

A FEMALE university graduate in the Valencian Community earns about €400 less than her male counterpart. Average wages are respectively €1,111 and €1,516 a month, the regional education department found.

Fine to-do BENIDORM’S Trade Department inspected 3,939 businesses between January 1 and December 2. It found 281 operating without a licence, fining 41 of them a total of €60,000.

Belts tightened THE national government in Madrid plans to abolish the Valencian Region’s own Ombudsman and Accounts Syndicate to make an annual saving of €9 million.

Big spenders ALICANTE PROVINCE’S toy and turron manufacturers have predicted a 2 to 6 per cent sales’ increase over the holidays now that the Christmas bonus for municipal employees has been reinstated.

Top sports honour for Marina Baja town LA NUCIA, locally renowned for the quality of its sports facilities, has now won national recognition.

It has been granted the National Sports award for its installations and promoting and

Terra Mitica ex-bosses pursued NATIONAL GOVERNMENT legal advisers have recommended that four former Terra Mitica executives face prosecution. The Benidorm theme park company’s former chairman, director general, technical director and head of recruitment now face six-year prison terms. They are accused by Abogacia de Estado lawyers of defrauding Spain’s tax department, Hacienda, and issuing false invoices.

organising sport. This is Spain’s most important national sports honour, which this year also went to FC Barcelona, the Women’s Water Polo team and Taekwondo Olympic gold medallist Joel Gonzalez.

Access to sport in La Nucia allows the town’s 63 nationalities to integrate socially and maintain a healthy lifestyle, said Mayor Bernabe Cano, as he received the award at the Pardo Palace in Madrid.

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THIS WEEK IN

EWN News 1 - 18

Finance 21 - 26

Letters EL CASTILLO: Only the name remains today.

In protection of its old defences BENIDORM TOWN HALL is determined to protect its ‘castillo’.

Today all that remains of the fortified structure that once stood on the Canfali headland between the Levante and Poniente beaches is its name.

The town hall wants the castillo and the adjoining area - both of which are paved and developed - to be declared a Cultural Asset (BIC).

The town hall fears the impact of the

new seafront demarcation lines set by the national government’s Environment Ministry. Canfali is included in the six-metre strip set aside as public domain, as are properties on its seaward side leading from the Plaza Torrejo up to the church.

Special permission would be needed from the Environment Ministry before repairs could be made to frontages or structural reforms carried out, said Urban Planning Councillor Juan Ivorra.

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Leapy Lee 35

Daily TV Thu 28 Sun 34 Fri 30 Mon 36 Sat 32 Tues 38 Wed 40

Time out 59 - 62

Classifieds 88 - 90

Sport 95 - 96

NEWS Gift of tongues PUPILS at multilingual schools obtain better exam results than those in single-language centres, Generalitat researchers found.

They did particularly well in maths and verbal communication.

Out of control THOUSANDS of British air passengers were affected by technical hitches at the Swanwick (Hants) air control centre. There was chaos at Alicante airport where passengers were temporarily stranded.

Starting young A JATIVA (Valencia) primary school faces an investigation after pupils barracked regional president Alberto Fabra when he visited the town.

They called for closed regional broadcaster RTVV to reopen.

Lay-offs likely ALICANTE’S Chamber of Commerce is preparing to introduce a 12-month temporary redundancy plan for 60 employees in 2014. It also wants to reduce salaries for remaining staff members.

Watered down AQUALIA formally renounced its town hall contract to provide Altea’s water supply after the courts rejected its €2.01 million compensation claim. The contract will revert to Tyosa-Aguas de Valencia.

Benefits fraud REGIONAL work inspectors uncovered an organised Social Security scam that defrauded €8.8 million in state benefits. A total of 252 people were arrested in the Valencian Community and Murcia.

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True cost of Valencia F1 A LEAKED document revealed the true cost of the Valencia Grand Prix.

The regional government spent more than €300 million after signing the 2008 agreement with Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, revealed regional MP Ignacio Blanco.

The contract was cancelled after last year’s race owing to the

Generalitat’s precarious finances, but Ecclestone still earned more than €115 million net.

To this must be added €90 million for building the Valencia City circuit and the €75 million cost of assembling and dismantling it each time the race was run.

The contract stipulated secrecy and the government spokesman

and vice-president Jose Ciscar reminded Blanco he had signed a confidentiality agreement before he was allowed to see the document.

Blanco claimed that there had been no confidentiality agreement although he signed a dataprotection agreement and names were accordingly removed from the leaked document.

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ews watch

Cold snap

ALICANTE Province’s olive crop was saved by the recent low temperatures.

The cold air from central Europe killed off the olive fruit fly which threatened this year’s harvest.

Pedalling off EMPLOYEES at the Canastell industrial estate in San Vicente would use the tram if there was a link. Only 29 per cent said they would ride a bicycle to work.

Bird’s eye view EARLY CELEBRATION: Plaza Mayor in Salamanca hosts University New Year’s Eve.

Watching the clock New Year celebrations start early

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OW we are already in mid-December, the gummy sweets. In fact, it has become so popular that countdown to the New Year has begun, a sweet manufacturer in Madrid has created a bag of but students in Salamanca will be sweets specifically for the occasion with 12 grapeshaped sweets. celebrating tonight (Thursday).

The celebration began by chance when in 1999 a Founded in 1134, Salamanca University is the oldest group of Salamanca University students got together to in Spain to still be in operation.

It is the third oldest European university in celebrate New Year’s Eve early before each of them continuous operation, and the first in Europe to receive went home to a different part of Spain for the Christmas holidays. They drunk cava and ate sweets the formal title of ‘University’.

Salamanca is the top-ranking university in Spain while the clock in the square struck midnight. From then on, more people took part based on the number of students every year and now it is organised coming from other regions. by an events co-ordinator and Thousands of students at supported by the city hall.

Salamanca and other universities Companies have taken gather to celebrate ‘University New advantage of the celebration Year’s Eve’, normally two weeks to distribute before the proper promotional celebrations and on a items, and hotels Thursday, which is CHEERS: Cava is drunk and sweets eaten and discos hold traditionally ‘party’ night special events. for students in while the clock in the square strikes The event is Salamanca. midnight. broadcast on It is held in the Plaza Castilla y Leon Mayor, and instead of 12 regional TV. grapes, people eat 12

Quote of the Week YOU will feel my breath on the back of your necks.’

Jose Maria del Nido, President of Sevilla Football Club until this week, sentenced to seven years in prison and a fine of €2.8 million for embezzlement during his term as lawyer for Marbella City Hall.

Number of the week

16.2

per cent less money is earned on average by women in Spain than by men, according to data published by the EU which shows that the salary difference between women and men is on a par with the rest of Europe, although it is getting smaller.

ORBA has a new two-storey Civic Centre with a roof terrace on the site of the old Guardia Civil post. The provincial Diputacion met €784,000 of the €980,956 cost.

Keep warm THE Lions Club in Benidorm asked hotels and the public for blankets and warm clothing. They will be donated to Caritas for distribution amongst hardup local families.

Be prepared FGV, the regional railway is advising the army’s UME rapid response unit based in Betera (Valencia). Members will be trained to intervene if help is needed in a rail disaster.

Buyer’s market ALICANTE’S Sidi San Juan hotel will not be auctioned.

Two foreign companies, one of them Russian, have made offers in the region of €15 million for the five-star hotel.

And finally...

How many EWN logos the same as this one can you find in this week’s paper?

Visit www.euroweeklynews.com to enter your answer, for a chance to win €100! All correct answers will also go into a Christmas draw for a gift voucher to spend in local businesses.

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NEWS EXTRA

Growers wanting new water

Empty platforms SIX months after its inauguration, Villena’s AVE station is hardly used. On average 10 passengers board the five high speed trains that stop there each day.

Wage gap WOMEN in Alicante province receive smaller pensions than men owing to their shorter working lives.

Males receive an average €374 a month more, according to Social Security statistics.

Good try THE Standard and Poor’s rating agency continues to rank the Valencian Community debt as BB ‘junk bonds.’ The agency nevertheless acknowledged the Community’s efforts to reduce its deficit.

Any old iron JAVEA’S water board Amjasa donated €2,000 in oil, milk and food supplies to Caritas and the Red Cross. The money was raised by selling scrap metal removed after renewing infrastructure.

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SAFER: Pavement added to the road bridge at La Cala de Villajoyosa.

Pavement makes La Cala bridge safer THE road bridge on the main road at La Cala de Villajoyosa has a pavement at last.

Until now anyone going on foot in the direction of Benidorm has been obliged to walk on the side of the road with traffic

thundering past them.

“Residents have asked us to improve this section of road and to make it safer for pedestrians for some time,” explained Villajoyosa’s Technical Services’ councillor Jeronimo Lloret.

Constructing a pavement for the 130-metres between the La Cala de Villajoyosa entrance to the end of the bridge was covered by a budget of €12,000, Lloret said.

Neighbouring Finestrat has collaborated with the project by providing lighting for the area around the bridge, installing lampposts on the one car, wrenching off a door which flew left-hand side of the off and hit a Mercedes 20 metres away. road.

The Skoda continued on its way, Work should finish ramming another police car before it this month, Lloret could be intercepted. The passenger, a said, and will include 52-year-old Spanish man was arrested fixing anti-slip studs for kicking and punching a policeman to the zebra crossing and the Colombian driver, injured during and adding a bicycle the incident, was taken to hospital. lane.

Obstacle course A VALENCIA City police chase ended in two wrecked patrol cars and two arrests.

A Skoda flagged down by a National Police patrol in the early hours accelerated instead and drove through two red lights.

The Skoda was then confronted by five parked patrol cars where police were conducting breath tests. It crashed into

THE Rio Seco no longer lives up to its name.

Now that it receives millions of litres of water each day from the l’Alacanti Nord recycling plant in San Juan, wildlife and vegetation flourish along the banks of the once-dry river.

That water was promised for irrigating crops before the plant was finished two years ago, Muchamiel’s agricultural growers complained.

The installation included infrastructure for channelling the recycled water but was never equipped with a pumping station.

Neither did the €33 million project include the one kilometre of pipeline necessary for distribution amongst growers.

And yet again the regional government’s budget for 2014 has failed to include the €500,000 these additions would cost.

This is not a priority, the Generalitat argued, especially as growers already receive enough water for their needs from the Orgegia treatment plant and Tibi dam.

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Businessmen pay up to avoid jail REMANDED Benidorm businessmen Juan Ferri and Jose Baldo were released after each paid €7 million bail.

Their company Valfensal is under investigation by the National High Court in Madrid for tax fraud.

Together with former CAM bank executives Roberto Lopez Abad and Daniel Gil they allegedly used Valfensal to divert CAM funds.

They are accused of concealing more than €30 million from Spain’s tax authority Hacienda in offshore accounts.

Ferri and Baldo flew in voluntarily from Mexico to testify before examining judge Javier Gomez Bermudez.

They knew they would have to pay bail to stay out of prison but had expected to put up €5 million, sources said.

Instead, Judge Gomez Bermudez fixed bail at €7 million in cash and said he would have to study their offer of properties worth double that.

After three days on remand and without waiting for the judge’s decision, Ferri and Baldo’s families and their hotel chain, Mar Confort, deposited the required €14 million in the court’s bank account after selling properties and land.

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NEWS EXTRA

Curtain calls A 40-YEAR-OLD Spanish man was arrested after he and an accomplice broke into a Castellon home where they stole household appliances and curtains. Police are still seeking the second man.

BEFORE: A crumbling housefront in Altea.

AFTER: Same house, new look.

Facelifts and uplifts in Altea Old Town

ALTEA is renovating its old quarter.

Urban Planning Councillor Carolina Punset has embarked on a series of initiatives to restore the Portal Vell gateway, clear wasteland and repair houses on the point of collapse.

An inventory was made of houses whose facades were in bad condition, after which more than 100 owners were contacted and asked to comply with maintenance regulations.

At the same time help has been made available for property-owners wanting to paint and repair exteriors.

Months later the first restoration campaign has been completed and the results “couldn’t be better,” town hall sources said.

A train of thought on the Costa Blanca ALICANTE’S tourist industry has been calling for a rail link from the airport for decades.

“Is it acceptable for an airport to be isolated from the rest of the province?” asked Miguel Angel Martinez, Commercial Director of Servigroup Hotels. The question was rhetorical because Martinez, a 62-year-old who has worked in tourism for 42 years, knows the answer.

“An airport as important as Alicante’s needs a direct train connection with the centre of the city and the principal resorts,” Martinez argued. “Neither is it acceptable that Benidorm has no fast rail link with Alicante, Madrid or Valencia.”

More than a hundred facades have been painted, Punset confirmed.

“Not only have householders improved their homes, but they have enhanced our image as a tourist town,” the councillor added.

Around 25 per cent of

owners contacted about the state of their houses applied for grants.

“Most complied without requesting help, merely because for the first time ever, the town hall stepped in with the inventory and asked owners to meet their obligations,” said Punset.

Refuse refused IN January Benidorm Town Hall will begin fining business owners who put out rubbish before 9pm. Overflowing bins give the town a bad image, a councillor said.

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Deal in sight THREE firms have expressed interest in running Castellon Airport which opened in 2011 but has yet to function. The deal would cost the regional government €25 million a year for 10 years.

Easier dialysis THE regional health department has allocated €47 million for dialysis in private hospitals and clinics for Social Security patients.

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Big wage bill for small but popular village TOWN HALL wages cost more than €400 per resident a year in 14 of Alicante’s 141 municipalities.

But in Guadalest municipal wages work out at a staggering €1,489 per inhabitant.

There are 238 people registered on the padron - municipal roll - of this mountain village which

receives more visitors each year than the Prado art museum in Madrid.

The town hall spends €354,321 on wages for councillors and workers although the mayor, Enrique Ponsoda, costs nothing.

He is instead paid by the Alicante Diputacion (provincial government) where he is in charge of

the printing department.

It is the town’s popularity as a tourist destination that skews the municipal budget.

“This is a singular municipality with very few residents,” explained Guadalest’s Mayor Enrique Ponsoda.

“Every year we receive an enormous volume of visitors and the town

Drugs ring finally falls FORTY-THREE people have been arrested and 124 face charges in a Guardia Civil drugs swoop.

The operation began over a year ago after Colombian cocaine dealers were detected in Alicante, Guadalajara and Madrid.

The drugs were brought into Spain by ‘mules’ and smuggled into the country by post or camouflaged in container ship cargoes. Other consignments arrived at Madrid’s Barajas Airport where employees were paid to ensure they evaded police controls.

The cocaine was sent to other European countries, where police collaborated with the Guardia Civil investigation and helped to abort several operations before the cocaine reached its destination.

Searches at properties belonging to the network leaders revealed more than 62 kilos of cocaine, €32,000 in

RAID: One of two pistols seized. cash and more than $1.2 million (€876,232) in counterfeit banknotes.

There were cheques made out to bearer worth €175,533 as well as two guns with ammunition and forged identity documents.

The majority of those detained or facing charges were Colombian or Latin Americans but they included 36 Spaniards, an American, a Dutch citizen and a Romanian.

hall has to offer quality services. In fact, we only have 14 or 15 employees,” the mayor explained.

Balls! says Alcoy THE company contracted to provide Alcoy’s Christmas illuminations must try harder in Calle San Nicolas.

It will do so following numerous protests from residents.

Calle San Nicolas, located in the town centre, is the setting for many Christmas events including the Three Kings procession on the evening of January 5.

The illuminations’ budget has been reduced from last year’s €130,000 to €53,000 but the garlands hung with outsize balls at each end do not match illustrations presented by the contractors, the town hall claims.

The firm has now agreed to substitute the garlands and balls.

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Up in smoke THE Valencian Community’s seaports are a principal entry point for contraband cigarettes.

Police impounded almost 1.5 million packs this year, twice as many as in the same period in 2012.

Studio plea CIUDAD DE LA LUZ film studios in Alicante City are to appeal to the EU after they were ordered to repay a €256 million subsidy from the regional government.

5,000 births FIVE thousand babies have been born at Elche’s Vinalopo Hospital since it opened in June 2010. David, baby No 5,000, weighed in at 3.6 kilos.

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Mayor makes a stand ONDARA’S Partido Popular Mayor Ximo Ferrando recently joined in a demonstration against the regional PP government.

He was protesting as an ordinary citizen and not a politician, he explained outside the local health centre.

Ferrando, who was accompanied by council members, said he understood that spending cuts were necessary. But health was sacred, he insisted.

From the outset he was against the decision by Marina Salud – the private company that runs the Marina Alta’s healthcare – to close the night-time emergency service in Ondara.

“This was an error,” the mayor declared, “and the service should be restored without delay.”

If the regional government does not provide information regarding the meeting when the outsourcing was decided, he will back the petition

demanding cancellation of Marina Salud’s contract, Ferrando said.

Ondara is strategically placed, he claimed. “Before the cuts, this town and Vergel took turns in covering night-time emergencies, although even that arrangement was not ideal.”

Denia Hospital is only four kilometres away, Ferrando admitted, but the night emergency service was still necessary. “Healthcare should always be close,” he said.

Letting in some light on St Lucia INSTEAD of not seeing the wood for the trees, Javenses can’t see the chapel for the pines.

The Santa Lucia chapel up on its hill has stood above Javea in one form or other since the 14th century and is situated in a protected area.

Residents used to seeing the chapel from afar complained to the town hall that the little white building is now

entirely hidden by trees.

Before anything could be done, it was first necessary to obtain permission from the regional government’s environment department, Mayor Jose Chulvi explained.

This has now been granted and some of the trees have been selectively felled and branches pruned on the remaining trees.

PILGRIMAGE: Going up to the St Lucia chapel.

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‘Give us a break’ hotels say SPAIN’S hotel industry wants tax breaks and a crackdown on irregular holiday lets.

Hosbec, the Costa Blanca’s hoteliers association joined the calls for concessions for hotels and registered accommodation, especially during the low season.

National hoteliers’ association CEHAT will ask the government to reduce IVA value-added tax to 4 per cent instead of the current 10 per cent between November 1 and February 28.

This would allow many hotels to remain open, Hosbec sources said. Lower IVA would have a direct effect on tax revenue, they pointed out, as this would generate a cash flow that would not otherwise exist.

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Puffing along THE regional health department is soon to pronounce on the use of electronic cigarettes in schools, hospitals and other public buildings. It is waiting for the national government’s findings, a spokesman has said.

Keep out!

SANGUETA residents on the outskirts of Alicante Vity have put up a gate to keep out ‘botellon’ drinking sessions.

Revellers have littered the urbanisation with broken glass, used condoms, urine and worse, residents claimed.

Murder verdict A MAN accused of murdering another in Pena de Aguilas and hiding the body in a well has been convicted of murder.

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Three dates for Alfaz ALFAZ DEL PI Town Hall was separated from Polop and declared a municipality in 1812.

This was also the year of Spain’s first constitution, declared in Cadiz on March 19. It is the day when Josefinas, Josefas and Pepas celebrate their saint’s day, hence the

Jesus Pobre strikes it rich 200th BIRTHDAY: Defacing the engraving plates. constitution’s nickname of La Pepa. It was derogated two years later when Fernando VII returned from exile.

To honour these events, Alfaz

Mustang leaves the US THE Ford Mustang is to be made at the company’s Almussafes plant.

Until now the Mustang, first produced in 1964, was exclusively aimed at the American market, selling nine million models since then.

Ford announced its decision to produce the car in Almussafes at the company’s ‘Go further’ conference in

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Barcelona. The Mustang will be available in Europe in early 2015, with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox.

The car captures the spirit of an era, claimed Company President Bill Ford, who claimed it would “intensify its legend.”

Bringing the Mustang to Europe was also a landmark for the company, Ford added.

Council has published ‘L’Alfas, 200 anys’, relating the town’s history. It was officially presented on the anniversary of Spain’s 1978 constitution at the Fundacion Frax in Albir.

The historic content of the limited edition of 100 numbered, handmade copies was overseen by the director of the Archive of the Kingdom of Valencia, Francesc Torres Faus. The prologue was written by Pere Maria Orts i Bosch and the engravings for the illustrations made by Miquel Zaragoza. Copies of the book, which costs €500, have been presented to the sponsors and the municipal library as well as the Frax foundation.

During the presentation ceremony, the engraving plates were defaced, ensuring the books will grow in value.

JESUS POBRE is to have a free Wi-Fi connection, courtesy of neighbouring Benitachell.

Territorially speaking, Jesus Pobre is part of Denia and comes under its town hall.

Nevertheless, Benitachell Mayor Josep Femenia authorised the installation of an antenna which will link the town to the latter’s Wi-Fi supernodule up on Puig de Llorença. This peak has more communications antennae than any other in La Marina Alta.

The Benitachell nodule provides a free connection throughout the town and was installed, without charge,

by Telecommunications Councillor Manolo Segarra.

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NEWS EXTRA

Give a toy for local children CAMPELLO needs new or used toys in good condition for needy local children. They can be left at the ACA association on the social centre’s first floor until December 30.

Skaters’ waltz AN ice-rink has been installed in Denia’s Calle La Via over the Christmas holidays.

The only cost to the town hall will be the electricity used, Mayor Ana Kringe has stated.

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Mass poisoning of colony of stray cats AN Alicante City judge is investigating the mass poisoning of a colony of cats.

Thirty-two were found dead on a plot of municipal land in Calle Miguel Jimenez Reyes after the council arranged for it to be cleared.

Cleaning contractors UTE Alicante then subcontracted the job to another firm, revealed sources at the Benalua District Court. The first cats

were found dead after residents saw workers clearing the site between November 11 and 14.

Three private individuals and the Asoka El Grande association reported the deaths as the toll mounted in the following days.

Other people living nearby told the local Spanish media that they had seen workers beating some of the poisoned animals to hasten their

deaths. They also saw an employee drown another cat in the drinking water that locals put out for the cats with food, they claimed.

Although 32 cats were found dead over a period of four days, others died after being treated at veterinary clinics. The court has ordered postmortem examinations although vets are in no doubt that they were poisoned.

A Christmas under cover

Bright idea FOR the second year running, Ondara will not be having Christmas illuminations. The money saved will be used for ‘social cheques’ for disadvantaged families to spend in local shops.

Campello councillors announce Christmas events.

AN 840-square-metre marquee will be a central feature of Campello’s Christmas programme.

Located beside the social centre in Calle Francisco Antonio Balmis Berenguer, it will be used for events including film shows, a gastronomic exhibition, a children’s fair and fiestas as well as the

traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The marquee in the Plaza de la Constitucion has been a New Year’s Eve tradition for years but as it had be installed several weeks early for technical reasons, it was relocated to a site where it would not hinder traffic flow.

Meanwhile, shopkeepers and businessowners complained that the town hall’s programme had omitted incentives to boost local trade.

The town hall responded that 150 businesses were invited to set up a fair, free of charge, over a Christmas weekend but the initiative had to be cancelled after only six applied.

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Seen from another angle THIS coming Saturday, Alcoy councillors are going to discover for themselves how the town looks through the eyes of a wheelchair user.

The experiment has been organised

by Avanzar, which is a local association for persons with functional disabilities.

Taking part in the traditional wheelchair circuit of the town’s bridges, the councillors will set off at 12 noon and find out for themselves what it is like to be faced with architectural barriers on a daily basis.

Avanzar has arranged a series of different activities to take place throughout the month of December, to coincide with the recent International Day for Persons with Disabilities, International Volunteer Day and Human Rights Day.

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A year with fewer traffic deaths TWENTY-TWO people died on Alicante Province roads in the first 11 months of the year.

This is a 33 per cent improvement on 2012 when 33 people lost their lives in traffic accidents, announced Paula Sanchez de Leon, the national government’s delegate to the Valencian Community.

A total of 82 people were killed on the region’s roads, 22 per cent fewer than in 2012.

As well as the 22 Alicante Province victims, 46 people died in Valencia Province (10 per cent fewer) and 14 in Castellon (33 per cent fewer).

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Rail corridors set to open up Europe THE Mediterranean and Atlantic rail corridors have received European Parliament approval.

The Mediterranean section, starting in Algeciras (Cadiz) will link with France at Port Bou (Gerona).

The Atlantic corridor will connect Spain to Portugal and France via Madrid.

Minister of Public Works Ana Pastor was pleased with the transversal link between Bilbao in the north to Sagunto on the Mediterranean coast, she said.

It was also gratifying that Vigo’s seaport was classed as a major link and therefore eligible for EU funds, she added.

There was less enthusiasm for financing the project.

“We are reasonably satisfied,” Pastor remarked.

Isabel Bonig, Pastor’s counterpart in Valencia, was more upbeat.

Forty per cent of the cost to Spain will be covered by Brussels’ €23.2 billion allocation for the project, she pointed out.

Pastor also confirmed after meeting Bonig in Valencia that the region’s passenger section of the corridor would be completed by 2016, while the third line for freight trains will be finished a year earlier in 2015.

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Bumps in the road ACCESS roads for Alicante’s planned Ikea store are proving a headache for developer Enrique Ortiz.

The Ministry of Public Works wants two separate roads on either side of Alicante City’s A-70 ring-road. As this would cost around €40 million, Ortiz is hoping to come up with an alternative that will cost less and still keep the ministry happy.

In the meantime, the Ikea centre in Alfalfar (Valencia), which is beginning to engage staff, was overwhelmed with 20,000 applicants for 400 jobs.

Its website crashed, unable to cope with so many online applications.

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British woman in fall drama

NEWS EXTRA

Black economy POLICE have arrested the owner of a Elche shoe factory whose workers were not registered for social security. Police have dismantled 11 irregular businesses with 107 unregistered employees.

Carol singing A CHRISTMAS carol service will be held at Hotel Marina, Calle Cuenca, Benidorm at 3pm on December 15 with Pastor Alan Robertson from the English Church. Coffee, tea and mince pies provided.

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AFTERMATH: Clearing up Javea’s paseo after recent gales.

A month of contrasts LAST November was Alicante Province’s third driest in 43 years.

The province’s rainfall of 42.1 litres per square metre last month was 80 per cent below average, notwithstanding the 150 litres recorded in Callosa d’Ensarria.

For the first two weeks of the month it was also one of the warmest, with temperatures 3.3 degrees above average, said Spain’s met office AEMET. November 6 was the warmest day, registering 30 degrees in some coastal areas. Ten

days later temperatures plummeted, with snow in mountain areas. The remainder of the month was 3.6 degrees below average.

Rain and gales with gusts of up to 80 kilometres an hour returned during the night of November 30.

A 72-YEAR-OLD British woman, who weighs 200 kilos, had to be assisted from her Sax home.

She had received medical attention after a fall and was advised to see her own doctor later. But after her husband and neighbours failed to lift her from her bed, they contacted the emergency services. Red Cross volunteers and medics were also unable to move her and called the fire brigade, who managed to get her out in an adapted wheelchair.

She was admitted to Elda Hospital.

You lucky people!

BENITACHELL’s 70 municipal employees are eligible for help with medical or educational costs.

Employees have until January 15 to request up to €500 for assistance with dental and eye care, orthopaedic items and hearing aids, amongst other things.

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Spanish priest on the Vatican ladder THE Vatican’s Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has a new head of office.

He is Valencia-born Monsignor Alejandro Cifres Gimenez, who was a parish priest in the Alcoy area before leaving for the Vatican in 1991.

Until this latest appointment, the 53year-old was the archivist of this Vatican department, notorious for its previous FUGITIVE Andrew Moran was arrested in Calpe last May existence as the after four years on the run.

Inquisition.

Described as ‘a criminal thug’ and on the UK’s mostIn its present role, wanted list, Moran was sunbathing with a girlfriend when the CDF is the Vatican police raided his Calpe villa. A search of the villa revealed office that enforces firearms, live ammunition and false identity papers. adherence to Church Moran was extradited and his girlfriend Gemma teaching.

Harvieu is now on trial in Preston (Lancashire, UK).

The monsignor, a Charged with assisting an offender and money pupil at Valencia City’s laundering, Harvieu changed her plea to guilty on the Inmaculada Seminary, third day of the hearing. She was given a suspended 12studied theology at month jail term and ordered to do 300 hours unpaid San Vicente Ferrer work. university, also in “A gangster’s moll,” according to the prosecution, she Valencia. wired a total of £20,000 (€24,050) to Moran. The He was ordained in payments went to different Spanish addresses where June 1986.

Moran picked them up using false passports.

‘Gangster’s moll’ on trial in the UK

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NEWS EXTRA

School toy collection TOYS are being collected at schools in Javea to help needy families this Christmas in a campaign organised by Rotary Club in collaboration with the department for Education.

€540 donation ROMANIANS from Marina Baixa celebrated their most important feast day in Alfaz del Pi. The town hall thanked them for their donation of €540 to the town’s food bank.

Montgo fair THE FIRST edition of the Montgo Fair takes place in Les Sorts, Gata de Gorgos, on Sunday at 10am to promote ecological and handmade products and local traditions.

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NEWS

Don’t miss this traditional Ciudad Patricia Xmas market ON December 14, Ciudad Patricia will be holding its traditional Christmas Market.

There will be many festive stands, plus mulled wine, Christmas Cake and many other stands with food, decorations and gifts.

Ciudad Patricia has been holding this annual Christmas event for eight years and it has become a fixture on many people’s diaries, with over 1,000 people attending last year.

Ciudad Patricia is an excellent venue for a Christmas Market, set in the woodlands just next to Benidorm. It’s easy to get to with ample parking. What makes the event so successful is the incredible variety of stalls including: jewellery, Christmas cards, ornaments, decorations, gifts, flowers, delicacies and Christmas food and drinks.

Ciudad Patricia is the region’s leading senior resort, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for its residents to enjoy

CAKES: Just one festive stall. their senior years, living life to the full, with the safety net of an on-site doctor and caring neighbours. The apartments all have a wonderful outlook onto the parkland, with its diverse range of flora and fauna.

For people interested in living there, staff will be on hand to discuss the advantages - who

into a life-changing experience.

It is easily accessible. From the A7 take the exit Benidorm Levante. After you pass under the overpass, take the right exit N332 towards Albir/Valencia.

After about one kilometre take the exit Levante Benidorm, Aqualandia or Mundomar. At the traffic lights turn left. Straight through the next traffic lights.

After about 500m, turn left just before Deloix, signposted Ciudad Patricia. Follow the road for about 400m to the entrance to the resort. Simply park and walk up to ‘edificio central.’

Alternatively, you can also take bus 11 from downtown CHEESE: Enjoy with a glass of mulled wine.

Benidorm. It stops knows, a simple trip to a right in front of the main Christmas Market could turn building.

NEWS

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INVESTIGATION: Launched by specialist Guardia Civil unit in Alicante.

Voyeur held for indecent images A MAN has been arrested for taking pornographic images of women.

The suspect identified only as PFG was being investigated by a specialist Guardia Civil team from Alicante when they discovered more than 180Gb of digital film taken with a hidden camera on his computer, showing intimate parts of female bodies.

Investigations revealed that more than 100 women were recorded by the 49year-old, who always looked for those wearing short skirts and waiting in a queue or going upstairs before starting recording. He also installed cameras in toilets to obtain intimate and explicit images of women while they thought they were in private.

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NEWS EXTRA

Tax talk A TALK about tax obligations for foreign residents takes place next Thursday at the Casa de Cultura in Javea from 7pm.

Council visit STUDENTS from the Instituto IES l’Arabi high school in Alfaz del Pi have visited the town hall to learn about the work of the public institutions and the importance of the decisions that are made there.

NEWS

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Torrevieja resident wins almost €50,000 ONE Torrevieja resident will receive a total of €49,966.24 for a second prize in the Spanish El Gordo de la Primitiva lottery.

He was one of four second-class winners, with five numbers.

The other winning tickets were

sold in San Fernando (Cadiz), in Madrid, and in Moraleja (Caceres).

There are no first-prize-winning tickets (five numbers plus the key number), so the pot generated will roll over and come into play in the

draw for El Gordo de La Primitiva on Sunday, when €9 million will be up for grabs.

The winning combination was formed by the numbers 35, 26, 33, 38 and 49, with six as the key number.

Boat intercepted

Rector visits finalists’ projects

A SMALL boat was intercepted off the coast of Torrevieja with eight immigrants on board. Two of the occupants needed medical assistance for symptoms of hypothermia.

COOKIE TIME: Workshops offers chance to create festive treats.

Workshop to teach children the art of making Christmas cookies A CHRISTMAS cookie workshop takes place on Saturday in Benissa.

The town hall has organised the event, which runs from 11am-1pm in the Casal Jove in the town.

Councillor Jorge Ivars said: “The aim is to enjoy an educational activity, while having a fun time and creating

some lovely family moments.”

Places cost €12 per child and are limited.

On the day, children will have to bring a plastic bowl to mix the ingredients, a roller and an oven tray to take the cookies and cook them at home.

RECTOR of the University of Alicante (UA), Manuel Palomar, visited the exhibition of the 10 selected projects to restore the old town of Calpe.

Palomar was accompanied during the visit to the Gallery of Contemporary Art by First Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Works and Projects, Manuel Cabrera, along with the Second Deputy Mayor, Paco Cabrera, the municipal architect, Alberto Mengual, and the technician from Agencia 21, Jose Vicente Sanchez. Works of modern art are shown in the gallery housed in the old town hall building.

Charity starts at Caritas CARITAS in San Juan needs help.

“We’ve scraped the bottom of the

barrel. Without more money we cannot help new families,” warned local director Maria Dolores Sanchez.

Most parishes are in a

similar situation and financial resources are “very scarce,” admitted Jaime Perez, Caritas director for the OrihuelaAlicante diocese.

Property revamp due BENISSA plans to spend €635,000 on restoring the Cases de la Purissima, three 19th century properties.

They now house the cultural centre, the municipal library and the Salvador Soria Museum.

This leaves the charity with very little room for manoeuvre, Perez said.

Caritas food stocks will be distributed amongst all families, he stressed.

“If necessary we’ll put eight products in a bag instead of 10, but we shall do everything possible to cover all needs.”

Meanwhile, the charity is pinning its hopes on the Christmas campaign, Perez added.

NEWS

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A choral surprise at the shopping centre AFTER months of planning, the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir had an amazing time with an

‘impromptu’ flashmob concert at the Ondara Shopping Centre.

A flashmob is where a group of

LOTS OF GOODIES: Auction for children’s home.

Helping children to have an Xmas party JASPAS BAR at Balcon-AlMar, Javea, in conjunction with Rental Mania, held their monthly public auction.

It included a charity raffle for the Denia Preventorio (children’s home) Christmas Party.

The event featured a range of stalls, a fashion show by La Boutique, mulled wine and mince pies. Roasted chestnuts were available and Santa appeared with his helpers.

The proceedings started off with a performance by a local choir singing a medley of songs to a well attended appreciative audience.

At the end of the day more than €320 was raised for the charity, which sends its thanks for the generosity of local businesses who donated prizes, and also to auctioneer Andre Le Masurier, all the bar staff, Santa and helpers for all their hard work.

ON SONG: The Valley Voices mixed choir.

people perform an apparently impromptu song or dance routine, although normally it has been rehearsed.

As soon as the choir started to sing, an audience appeared and seemed to really enjoy the experience.

Many people commented how uplifting the singing was, according to the organisers.

They send their thanks to all the choir members who gave up their Saturday morning, plus Claire Post, the group’s Musical Director, and Kirsty Glen, its accompanist.

Cohen and Marry Mary, a The choir will be festive rock song. holding a concert at Tomorrow (Friday) at Benitachell Church next 7.30pm, the choir will be Wednesday at 7pm. All singing festive ‘Carols in are welcome and the Square’ in Jalon. entrance is free.

Festive songs in the valley VALLEY VOICES, the independent mixed choir based in Parcent, completed a successful performance at Los Arcos in aid of Denia

HELP Christmas Fayre.

They sang a variety of popular and festive music including their signature songs Hallelujah by Leonard

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MALLORCA

Still missing TEENAGER Malén, aged 15, is still missing since she disappeared last week leaving no clue as to her whereabouts.

Her parents are still worried and looking for her and the police have not ruled out kidnapping.

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News from our editions With six editions and read by more than half a million people, EWN is Spain’s largest free local English-language newspaper

NEWS DESK COSTA DE ALMERÍA

Two arrested TWO men who passed themselves off as electricians to rob the elderly have been arrested in Lorca. The men allegedly committed seven thefts in Almeria City, stealing jewellery and cash to the value of €1,000.

Dog-knapping

Raining stars

A DRUG ADDICT, aged 43, has been arrested by National Police after allegedly hitting his mother, aged 68, and stealing her dog to hold hostage until she gave him money.

THE Casa del Cine Museum in Almeria City through ‘Almeria en corto’ has opened an exhibition by Charles Bignon entitled Mini Hollywood. The exhibition will run for six months.

Mystery death

Cuevas marathon

A MAN, aged 26, has been found dead in a stream in S’Arenal. The forensics department has not yet determined the cause of death.

Catching fire POLICE believe squatters may have set fire to a flat to force a neighbour to leave. The woman is the only owner left in the building which has been taken over by squatters.

Smart drunk A MAN who killed a woman during a car accident while driving over the alcohol limit is alledging that his alcohol addiction is an illness that exonerates him from the chargers he’s being accused of.

AXARQUIA

FUN RUN: Santas turn Torrevieja red for the annual event.

Santa Fun Run in Torrevieja

THE fourth annual Santa Fun Run along Torrevieja promenade raised around €700 for the AECC cancer charity.

Organised by Maria Wilson and her Pink Ladies and Pink Panthers fundraising team, who work for the benefit of the AECC and its early cancer detection programme on the Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja, supporters old and young turned out in force for

the five kilometre walk or run.

Participants also brought items of non-perishable foods to put into the sleigh, which was then handed to the homeless charity Reach Out Torrevieja. The amount raised will be added to the €400 received the previous day from a charity fun day held at La Fuente Commercial Centre, almost bringing to a close this year’s fundraising activities for the AECC.

Anglers adrift

Unemployed youths

MORE than 1,000 churros were served at €2 each in La Herradura to raise funds for the 2014 Three Wise Men annual parade.

TWO anglers, aged 30 and 34, were rescued adrift in Salobreña after they lost the oars to their 1.5-metre-long boat.

Pervert sentenced

COSTA DEL SOL

ALMOST 70 per cent of people between 16 and 25 in Malaga Province are unemployed, according to the National Institute of Statistics, the third worst rate in Spain.

Churros galore

AN expatriate living in Almuñecar who had pictures and videos of child pornography on his computer has been sentenced to seven months in prison.

Restraining order A MAN in his 50s has been ordered to stay 200 metres away from a minor he reportedly sexually abused in Almachar.

Both the alleged pervert and the victim have a mental disability, according to judicial sources.

Well done VELEZ-MALAGA has paid tribute to 14 council workers who have retired this year. They have been given a copy of an official document issued by Queen Isabel I in 1499.

Numbers soaring

On the way

THE number of passengers using Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport in November increased by 12 per cent to 723,000, compared to the same month last year.

THE Malaga Angels of the Night Association has raised €40,000 towards building a social dining room in Malaga where they can serve 2,500 plates of food to the needy every day.

Fashion finalist

Staff complain

ANTEQUERA-BORN fashion designer Lorena Subires was the only person from Malaga to make it into the finals of the Andalucia Fashion competition with her collection Ixhcel.

STAFF at the Benalmadena Catering School have demanded that the money owed to them by the Junta de Andalucia since term began in November be paid immediately.

Paraguay a winner

Mayor on trial

PARAGUAY was the winner of a mini football league held in Malaga in which 320 players from 15 different countries took part.

THE mayor of Tolox, Juan Vera, is on trial this week for 14 crimes against urban planning. There are a further eight cases against him pending.

THE 13th half marathon Bajo Almanzora brought together 96 athletes in Cuevas del Almanzora. More than €1,400 was raised for the Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC).

Check mates FIFTY-FIVE youngsters from several chess clubs took part in the Municipal Games under 14 chess tournament in Almeria City. The winner was Salvador Perez from the Indalo Chess Club.

Coming of age THE mayor of Vicar has sent a letter of congratulations containing a copy of the Spanish Constitution of 1978 to the 222 townspeople who reached the age of 18 during 2013.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

FC support THE Casino Mediterraneo Orihuela, has signed a partnership agreement with CD Orihuela Costa Football Club to support the second regional team.

Pedalling off EMPLOYEES at the Canastell industrial estate in San Vicente would use the tram if there was a link. Only 29 per cent said they would ride a bicycle to work.

Owner arrested AN Elche shoe factory owner has been arrested after it was discovered his seven workers were not legal and registered for Social Security.

Festive planting MORE than 5,000 festive plants have been planted by Orihuela’s Department of Infrastructure across the city and municipality ahead of the Christmas holidays.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca Nor th

business & legal

Lighthouses hotels plans revealed Although the post of lighthouse-keeper is now practically superfluous, resident employees work for that area’s Port Authority.

The remaining buildings are empty and the national Ports Authority hopes to put the plan, which Pastor admitted was “ambitious,” into action as soon as possible. The number of lighthouses involved has yet to be revealed.

Iberia cutbacks hit managment IBERIA is eliminating 191 of its management posts.

The present number of 399 managers, assistant managers and unit managers will fall to 208, a reduction of 48 per cent.

The staff cuts follow last July’s 46 per cent cutback when senior positions were reduced from 82 to 44.

Two months earlier, the number of Iberia executives was cut from 11 to nine.

The true figure for the latest reductions is closer to 35 per cent, Iberia claimed, owing to ‘quasi-management positions’ not included in its original

reorganisation plans.

Iberia will study the future of the newlyaffected Iberia employees case by case.

Some could be relocated while others “might be leaving,” the company said.

The new structure responds to present and future needs, Iberia said, and reflects the best market practices.

Iberia, which merged with British Airways to form IAG in 2011, has a redundancy plan affecting 3,141 employees.

Salaries for air and cabin crews’ wages have been cut by 18 per cent and by 11 per cent for other staff.

B

usiness extra

Healthy figures SPANISH group BUPA Sanitas will buy at least 50 per cent, plus one share, of Chile health provider, Cruz Blanca Salud. Owners, the Said Somavia family, will receive €440 million.

Progress RATINGS’ agency Standard & Poor’s increased BBVA, Caixbank, Ibercaja and CecaBank rankings from ‘negative’ to ‘stable.’ The Spanish subsidiaries of Barclays, Deutsche Bank and BNP Paribas were also rated ‘stable.’

It’s cold comfort...

LAST winter 17.9 per cent of Spanish families cut down on central heating.

This was 4.3 percentage points more than in 2007 when the National Statistics Office (INE) carried out its last survey.

Famililes on less than €15,000 a year net were the worstaffected.

Twenty-five per cent turned their thermostats down in winter

2012 compared with 20.4 per cent in 2007, INE found.

The higher the income, the higher the thermostat as only 16.3 per cent of families earning between €15,000 and €28,000 complained of being cold indoors.

Even so, more of these higher earners economised on central heating last winter, compared with 11.9 per cent in 2007.

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STAT OF WEEK SPAIN’s consumers are less pessimistic. The Consumer Confidence Index (ICC) increased to 72.3 points last month, following a fall of 4.5 points in October.

creditAurelianusRex/Flikr

Holiday highspots DISUSED lighthouses could soon become private hotels.

The state wants to put them to good and profitable use while respecting their heritage value, announced minister of Public Works Ana Pastor at a working breakfast with the media.

At last count, between 50 and 60 of Spain’s 387 lighthouses were inhabited.

EWN

PEÑISCOLA: Could be put in priv ate hands?

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

LONDON - FTSE 100 C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. 5.90 1.26 7.00 0.58 -11.25 -0.69 0.00 0.00 -11.50 -0.87 -10.00 -1.30 -7.00 -0.69 -7.00 -0.31 -5.00 -0.14 10.60 2.53 -1.00 -0.08 0.64 0.15 0.95 0.36 -3.00 -0.24 -3.50 -0.19 -0.35 -0.07 -7.50 -0.23 0.92 0.15

NET VOLUME 366.90 21.19 35.68 36.18 491.15 100.91 195.67 37.93 63.12 1,253.39 17.72 485.17 2,205.45 221.17 709.74 941.61 245.65 46.44

CU RR EN CI ES

C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 9

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 473.15 Admiral Group PLC 1212.50 Aggreko PLC 1610.50 AMEC PLC 1098.00 Anglo American PLC 1313.50 Antofagasta PLC 759.25 ARM Holdings PLC 1011.00 Associated British Foods 2259.50 AstraZeneca PLC 3484.50 Aviva PLC 430.05 Babcock Intnl Group... 1273.00 BAE Systems PLC 416.45 Barclays PLC 266.57 BG Group PLC 1221.75 BHP Billiton PLC 1842.00 BP PLC 477.05 British Amcn Tobacco 3187.50 British Land Co PLC 602.00

0.83807

Units per €

United States $......................................................1.37172 Japan Yen ¥ ...........................................................141.495 Switzerland Francs................................................1.22365 Denmark Kroner ....................................................7.46034 Norway Kroner.......................................................8.43742

C O M PA N Y

PRICE(P)

British Sky Broadcasting BT Group PLC Bunzl PLC Burberry Group PLC Capita PLC Carnival PLC Centrica PLC Coca-Cola HBC AG Compass Group PLC CRH PLC

802.00 372.30 1359.00 1479.50 993.00 2145.00 329.10 1693.00 916.25 1470.00

DOW JONES

NASDAQ

C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 9

C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 9

C O M PA N Y MMM 3M Co AXP American Express Co T AT&T Inc BA Boeing Co CAT Caterpillar Inc CVX Chevron Corp CSCO Cisco Systems Inc DD Dupont E I De Nemours & Co XOM Exxon Mobil Corp GE General Electric Co GS Goldman Sachs Group Inc HD Home Depot Inc INTC Intel Corp IBM International Business Machine...

JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase and Co MCD McDonald's Corp MRK Merck & Co Inc MSFT Microsoft Corp NKE Nike Inc PFE Pfizer Inc PG Procter & Gamble Co KO The Coca-Cola Co TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies Corp UNH UnitedHealth Group Inc VZ Verizon Communications Inc V Visa Inc

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 128.61 85.93 34.53 135.18 85.50 122.29 21.28 61.34 95.65 26.94 167.21 79.84 24.82 177.67 94.44 56.06 96.80 49.39 38.36 79.86 31.54 84.52 40.46 89.01 111.12 73.50 49.48 201.87

+1.78 +1.39 +0.28 +2.45 +1.09 +1.19 +0.37 +1.23 +1.52 +0.49 +1.65 +1.30 +0.56 +1.59 +1.47 +0.24 +1.37 +0.58 +0.36 +0.91 +0.29 +1.83 +0.63 +1.09 +2.07 +0.75 +0.57 +0.16

+1.40% +1.64% +0.82% +1.85% +1.29% +0.98% +1.77% +2.05% +1.61% +1.85% +1.00% +1.66% +2.31% +0.90% +1.58% +0.43% +1.44% +1.19% +0.95% +1.15% +0.93% +2.21% +1.58% +1.24% +1.90% +1.03% +1.17% +0.08%

2.9M 2.7M 19.5M 5.3M 5.8M 4.2M 51.3M 2.7M 12.1M 25.3M 2.7M 5.1M 53.9M 4.7M 7.3M 18.7M 5.8M 7.4M 36.5M 1.9M 18.9M 7.2M 12.6M 1.8M 2.5M 3.9M 11.2M 2.3M

1.19321

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -2.00 1.76 -3.00 -3.00 3.00 3.00 -0.25 -1.00 -0.50 5.00

C O M PA N Y

-0.25 0.47 -0.22 -0.20 0.30 0.14 -0.08 -0.06 -0.05 0.34

NET VOLUME 160.95 1,215.61 12.07 47.26 38.77 18.87 671.11 4.64 140.87 52.39

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

$ 2.63 $ 3.28 $ 10.35 $ 21.64 $ 4.14 $ 7.25 $ 2.72 $ 14.37 $ 22.49 $ 2.84 $ 23.89

0.52 / +24.64% 0.52 / +18.84% 1.36 / +15.13% 2.31 / +11.95% 0.38 / +10.11% 0.65 / +9.85% 0.24 / +9.68% 1.25 / +9.53% 1.92 / +9.33% 0.24 / +9.23% 1.96 / +8.94%

$ 93.76 $ 12.03 $ 3.76 $ 4.065 $ 64.75 $ 36.47 $ 4.93 $ 92.04 $ 52.63 $ 8.51 $ 9.20

24.24 / -20.54% 2.37 / -16.46% 0.54 / -12.56% 0.505 / -11.05% 6.97 / -9.72% 3.48 / -8.71% 0.46 / -8.53% 7.97 / -7.97% 3.95 / -6.98% 0.62 / -6.79% 0.67 / -6.79%

Most Advanced RadiSys Corporation Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc. VisionChina Media, Inc. Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. China Recycling Energy Corporation Intevac, Inc. Double Eagle Petroleum Company Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. Farmer Brothers Company Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

Wix.com Ltd.

Most Declined Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. SeaChange International, Inc. China Auto Logistics Inc. ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. OSI Systems, Inc. Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Chart Industries, Inc. Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Credit Suisse Group RF Industries, Ltd.

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) Croda International PLC 2304.50 Diageo PLC 1919.50 easyJet PLC 1435.50 Experian PLC 1111.50 Fresnillo PLC 741.00 G4S PLC 261.85 GKN PLC 366.00 GlaxoSmithKline PLC 1606.00 Glencore Xstrata PLC 304.90 Hammerson PLC 502.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1219.00 HSBC Holdings PLC 664.40 IMI PLC 1445.00 Imperial Tobacco Group 2280.50 InterContinental Hotels 1882.00 International Consldtd ... 361.95 Intertek Group PLC 2955.50 ITV PLC 182.90 Johnson Matthey PLC 3146.50 Kingfisher PLC 364.55 Land Securities Group 941.25 Legal & General Group 207.70 Lloyds Banking Group 78.59 London Stock Exchange 1616.00 Marks & Spencer Group 471.80 Meggitt PLC 494.00 Melrose Industries PLC 287.30 Mondi PLC 954.00 National Grid PLC 749.75 Next PLC 5442.50 Old Mutual PLC 189.10 Pearson PLC 1288.00 Persimmon PLC 1182.50 Petrofac Ltd 1175.00 Prudential PLC 1264.00 Randgold Resources Ltd 3980.00 Reckitt Benckiser Gr 4756.00 Reed Elsevier PLC 867.50 Resolution Ltd 331.35 REXAM PLC 486.15 Rio Tinto PLC 3277.75 Rolls-Royce Holdings 1197.00 Royal Bank of Scotland 338.55 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2150.25 RSA Insurance Group 101.60 SABMiller PLC 3066.25 Sage Group (The) PLC 373.70 Sainsbury (J) PLC 389.45 Schroders PLC 2456.50 Severn Trent PLC 1661.00 Shire PLC 2733.50 Smith & Nephew PLC 848.50 Smiths Group PLC 1375.50 Sports Direct Intrntnl...

751.75 SSE PLC 1308.00 Standard Chartered PLC 1330.25 Standard Life PLC 343.15 Tate & Lyle PLC 778.75 Tesco PLC 333.18 Travis Perkins PLC 1729.00 TUI Travel PLC 378.80 Tullow Oil PLC 880.25 Unilever PLC 2460.50 United Utilities Group 646.00 Vedanta Resources PLC 843.00 Vodafone Group PLC 231.70 Weir Group PLC 2066.50 Whitbread PLC 3489.50 William Hill PLC 379.30 Wm Morrison Sprmrkts 260.25 Wolseley PLC 3138.50 WPP PLC 1325.50

CHANGE 5.00 -3.00 8.00 -5.00 -16.50 -0.80 1.60 1.19 -1.55 0.00 10.00 5.18 1.00 -8.00 1.00 4.30 -9.00 0.40 16.00 1.10 0.50 0.30 0.36 -11.00 1.24 -1.56 -1.80 -2.00 -1.00 -5.00 0.40 -2.40 -1.50 -18.72 8.00 -58.00 -16.00 4.00 0.50 0.50 -27.50 2.00 2.92 -6.00 -0.21 -11.00 1.70 0.50 12.00 -2.00 25.00 2.50 4.00 0.00 6.00 -0.50 2.71 -3.50 0.35 2.00 0.60 -19.00 -4.00 0.84 -1.50 0.80 14.00 -3.00 -0.20 0.12 14.00 11.00

% C H G. 0.22 -0.16 0.56 -0.45 -2.18 -0.30 0.44 0.07 -0.51 0.00 0.83 0.79 0.07 -0.35 0.05 1.20 -0.30 0.22 0.51 0.30 0.05 0.14 0.46 -0.68 0.26 -0.31 -0.62 -0.21 -0.13 -0.09 0.21 -0.19 -0.13 -1.57 0.64 -1.44 -0.34 0.46 0.15 0.10 -0.83 0.17 0.87 -0.28 -0.21 -0.36 0.46 0.13 0.49 -0.12 0.92 0.30 0.29 0.00 0.46 -0.04 0.80 -0.45 0.11 0.12 0.16 -2.11 -0.16 0.13 -0.18 0.35 0.68 -0.09 -0.05 0.05 0.45 0.84

VOLUME 18.93 481.95 79.00 174.56 52.87 120.55 119.63 168.34 2,827.89 26.30 23.49 7,836.63 19.10 65.69 30.17 715.62 26.30 300.48 14.35 150.05 45.36 934.86 7,378.38 24.24 156.21 75.36 61.62 53.22 226.71 15.67 676.84 26.58 40.23 114.16 119.99 37.83 49.28 74.86 78.39 132.82 242.88 135.20 1,035.52 273.06 587.48 84.68 303.25 583.11 41.30 65.30 140.81 74.65 44.72 62.92 137.13 576.26 244.26 53.67 638.00 16.05 127.04 251.53 168.54 98.81 27.43 7,811.98 41.82 53.53 157.82 419.09 48.79 115.47

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12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca North

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

The rise of the humble bicycle A look at finance for females

Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

HAVING been a car owner for six years, it was a nice relief when I moved to Spain to change four wheels for two.

Granted, the car did have its perks; it was fast, comfortable and had a radio, but none of those benefits outdo my bicycle, which is also comfortable, easy to park and keeps my legs in good shape!

But most importantly, it’s the money I save not having a car that is the most rewarding.

I remember being petrified every time something was wrong with my car. “How much is it going to cost me this time?” I feared. Whereas

now with the odd puncture or brake tightening needed, I skip down to the local bike shop and never hand over more than a few euros. I don’t know or care about the price of petrol!

Interestingly, a new report reveals that cycling now has the upper hand in Europe with bike sales beating car sales across Europe. More bicycles than cars were sold last year in 26 of the European Union’s 28 members, the exceptions being Belgium and Luxembourg, according to data from the cycle industry body Coliped and the auto industry association ACEA. Car sales have been falling since the start of Europe’s economic crisis, whereas bikes have proved pretty much crisisproof with 19.7 million sold Europe-wide in 2012, according to Coliped.

And while Northern European countries are famously more into their bicycles, nowadays the traditionally more carmad Southern European countries are switching cars for bikes, too.

Here in Spain, 780,000 bikes were sold last year against 700,000 cars, while Madrid is said to be developing a new bike rental scheme with plans for a ‘green ring’ of cycle paths looping 10 kilometres around the city centre.

The number of cyclists in Spain is steadily increasing. Cycle use for everyday journeys has jumped from 17 to 30 per cent, according to Spain’s road traffic agency.

It appears the gasguzzling car may be losing some of its appeal as a status symbol, whereas with a bicycle you won’t be losing anything especially your money!

Union sackings THE UGT and CCOO unions have dismissed more than 1,000 of their employees since 2011.

They blamed reduced state subsidies and the 500,000 members they and other unions have lost since the start of the financial crisis.

Now stable RATINGS agency Moody’s has upgraded Spain’s economic outlook from negative to ‘stable’.

Good news

PEDAL POWER: Sales of bikes are outstripping cars.

THE services sector in Spain expanded by its biggest amount in October since June 2010.

Consultants Markit’s Purchasing Managers’ Index rose from 49.6 in October to 51.5. The services sector accounts for two-thirds of Spain’s Gross Domestic Product.

Photo courtesy IBM

Loose change

BUSINESS EXTRA

Must we keep going to court?

Q. Our house was burgled last year.

Since then we have had to make three You and the visits to the police and the court in Torremolinos. They have caught the Law in Spain burglar, a young man who is now out on

By David Searl bail. Last week we had to go to the Minors’ Court, where our burglar was to be tried. Apparently, if we don't turn up, we can be subject to a fine.

However, our burglar did not appear and the judge suspended the case so that the police could find him. This is costing us transport and taxis and time and frustration. Do we have to go back every time we are summoned or does the thief get off because he doesn't appear? It seems that we, the victims, are threatened with a fine for not appearing but it’s OK for the thief.

JA (Torremolinos) A. It is infuriating and it is unfair. I am afraid that you must indeed attend the court when you are called. And, yes, you can be fined for failing to appear.

However, even if you fail to appear, as long as the police officers who apprehended your burglar do appear, the

young man will probably not get off.

There is one thing you can do, both to ensure that you are not fined and to aid the prosecution. That is to put a plea into the court, stating your reasons for not appearing, declaring that you wish to proceed with the case, and

confirming your charges.

You probably need a lawyer to do this for you.

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952-667090

PARTNERS: Bajo Bidasoa region has teamed up with IBM.

Becoming a Smarter City with the help of IBM THE Bajo Bidasoa area in the Basque region of Spain is working with computer giants IBM to use real-time data to make accurate predictions and use data in new ways to become a Smarter City The area, with a population of 78,000 people, is leading the way in mining patterns in vast quantities of diverse data, using real-time data to make accurate predictions and helping locals make the area a better place to live and work.

At the foundation of the project, IBM’s Intelligent Operations Centre software provides real-time insight into all city operations. It also powers the Smart City Centre, an integrated command centre where data is analysed and shared.

For example, city leaders can see the

correlation between water consumption and waste generation, monitor and predict the effect of bad weather on incidents within the area, or visualise the amount of resources used across water, waste management, transportation, energy and public works departments.

City leaders from the towns of Irun and Hondarribia set out to work together to improve sustainability, encourage more citizen participation and provide greater transparency.

They did this by working with technology partners IBM, Servicios de Txingudi, the local water and waste water management and street cleaning agency, and Smartland Technologies, a group of six companies including IBM Business Partner BuntPlanet.

OPINION & COMMENT

West to blame for much Third World poverty I TOO read D Blanchette’s comments on Third World poverty.

My reaction, however, in contrast to that of your correspondent Keith Hannan, (Letters, Issue 1483) was that D Blanchette was not only ill informed, but also guilty of blaming the oppressed for being oppressed.

It is the greed of the West as well as its own political elites which collude to keep much of the world’s poor in poverty.

The US in particular spends huge sums subsidising its own farmers who then flood world markets with cheap grain thus undercutting indigenous farmers and forcing them into poverty.

As long ago as 2006, the National Center For Policy Analysis reported that ‘Subsidised agriculture in the developed world is one of the greatest obstacles to economic growth in the developing world.’

Also education is indeed the quickest solution to poverty.

Here is an extract from Goal No. 3 of the UN’s 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): ‘Equal schooling for both boys and girls is the foundation for development.

‘No other policy intervention is likely to have a more positive multiplier effect on progress across all the MDGs than the education of women and girls.

‘Evidence shows a strong correlation between educating women and girls and an increase in women’s earnings, improved child and family health and nutrition, an increase in school enrolment, protection against HIV infection, higher maternal and child life expectancy, reduced fertility rates and delayed marriage.’

What looks like common sense is in fact more often than not nonsense.

Information gained from empirical evidence is a far more useful tool.

Helena McGinty, Alhaurin El Grande (Malaga)

www.euroweeklynews.com

12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca North

Letters YOURSAY@EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com, posted to Euro Weekly News, C/Moscatel 10, P-62, Polígono Industrial, Arroyo de la Miel, 29631 Benalmadena, Málaga, Spain or faxed to 0034 952 440 887

Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com

The ‘enjoy’ tabs in the postboxes pictured are part of a promotional leaflet. So now any local criminals just need to wait a couple of weeks to see which ones are not removed to get an indication of which houses might be vacant. Thank goodness our house is always occupied. But absent owners should be worried. The product being promoted might be very good. But, come on, this must be one of the most crass bits of advertising ever. Unless you know better, of course!

Andrew Johnson (by email)

Pen to paper I HAVE watched with interest the petitions objecting to the proposed cessation of the winter fuel allowance.

However, when we lived in the UK we were advised by a civil servant that a petition is treated by the authorities as one complainant as many people sign petitions without reading them.

Far the best way is to write to your old constituency MP; any expatriate living in Spain for less than 15 years will if they apply, be returned to their last constituency for voting purposes. Point this out as well as any objections you may have.

MPs are obliged to reply to letters from constituents and if they receive large numbers it will, if nothing else, be a nuisance.

In marginal constituencies it may well be seen as a threat to their parliamentary seat.

Nothing moves an MP’s feelings more than the chance of being voted out.

You could also ask friends and relatives still resident in

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:

www.euroweeklynews.com

the post office and bought a couple of packs of oblong envelopes for about €1 and transferred all my 22 little square cards into the oblong envelopes and sent them for 75 cents each.

What a saving, but how stupid! And once again it only affects foreigners.

Merry Christmas, ho ho ho.

Trilby (by email)

Not a good idea the UK to write also.

The address for all MPs is: Care of The House of Commons, SW1, London.

Lewis Rudge, Bellreguard (Valencia)

Ho, ho, ho POSTING a square Christmas card or a card in a red envelope to Europe costs €1.45.

Send the same card in a white oblong envelope and it costs 75 cents or nearly half the price.

Angry about this stupidity, I went to the shop next door to

LICENSING dogs ( Letters, Issue 1482) will mean that irresponsible owners will simply dump their dogs so only responsible owners will pay the price.

This will mean even more abandoned ones being neglected.

Many Spanish don’t have their dogs micro-chipped or neutered so how are they going to be licensed?

I have limited money but my dogs are my loyal companions and I feed them as I would any family member.

Licences would punish me even though my dogs stay in

EWN

27

my grounds and are not a problem to anyone.

Janet Hayden, La Vinuela, (Malaga)

Movistar woes WE have been customers of Movistar/Telefonica since we came to Spain some six years ago.

It was not until we had a problem with our bank account that things went amiss.

We received a text message from them. After four days of trying we eventually spoke to them but the amount owed went from €24 up to €176 then down to €157.

When we asked for details we were told we had a dongle (a mobile internet connection). We do not have one other than the items we got with our phone.

After telling them we do not use the internet connection via our phone, still no joy.

We have tried to get more information from the internet with again no joy.

If you had a meal and got a highly inflated bill, you would want to check the bill before paying, but we can only wait and see.

Cherry Atkinson ( Letters, Issue 1482) who suggested the text message route of getting help must have the advantage of either being a fluent Spanish speaker or have access to a fluent Spanish speaker.

Unfortunately, in this respect, we are not lucky, we are just ordinary expatriates.

Linda C Walton (by email)

Second helpings YET another downside of living above a bar.

The health department, the town hall and the administrator of our urbanisation all think that there is no problem when all the cooking smells from the bar below me are pumped into my apartment through a faulty chimney.

Nobody will take any responsibility.

Any advice?

Raymond Langhorn, Vera Playa (Almeria)

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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6:05pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:30pm Priceless Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Celebrity Eggheads 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:00pm Great British Garden Revival 9:00pm MasterChef: The Professionals 10:00pm The Silent War 11:00pm The Best of the Sarah 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Tudor Monastery Farm 1:20am The Review Show 2:20am Panorama

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10:00pm There's Something About Susan 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 4:25am ITV Nightscreen

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6:25am Countdown 7:10am According to Jim 7:35am According to Jim 8:00am Will and Grace 8:25am Will and Grace 8:55am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:25am Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00am Frasier 10:30am Frasier 11:00am Ruth Watson Means Business!

12:00pm The Big Bang Theory 12:35pm The Big Bang Theory 1:00pm Channel 4 News Summary 1:05pm Come Dine with Me 1:35pm Come Dine with Me 2:05pm Come Dine with Me 2:35pm Come Dine with Me 3:10pm Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 4:10pm Countdown 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 George Clarke's Amazing Spaces 10:00pm British Comedy Awards 2013 12:05am Gogglebox 12:55am 24 Hours in A and E 1:50am Random Acts 1:55am One Born: What Happened Next?

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12:55pm You've Been Framed!

1:25pm Emmerdale 1:55pm Coronation Street 2:25pm You've Been Framed!

2:55pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:05pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey

A Christmas Princess (Film, 2011)

SATELLITE CHANNELS/ Sky1/ 9:00am Stargate Atlantis 10:00am Hawaii Five-0 11:00am NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 1:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 2:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 3:00pm Hawaii Five-0 4:00pm Stargate Atlantis 5:00pm The Simpsons 5:30pm The Simpsons 6:00pm Futurama 6:30pm The Middle 7:00pm The Middle 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons

8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Inside RAF Brize Norton 10:00pm Moone Boy 10:30pm Trollied 11:00pm Brit Cops: Frontline Crime 12:00am Road Wars 1:00am Road Wars 2:00am Brit Cops: Frontline Crime 3:00am Road Wars

SkyMoviesComedy/ 6:30am Saving Mr. Banks Special 7:00am Salvation Boulevard

8:45am The Full Monty 10:30am Happy Gilmore 12:15pm The Campaign 1:55pm Pitch Perfect 3:50pm Here Comes the Boom 5:40pm Happy Gilmore 7:20pm The Full Monty 9:00pm The Campaign 10:30pm Pitch Perfect 12:25am Here Comes the Boom 2:10am Free Samples 3:35am The Out-of-Towners 5:10am Twins

SkyMoviesChristmas/ 4:25am Ernest Saves Christmas

•Katie McGrath •Roger Moore •Charlotte Salt •Sam Heughan

6:05am The 12 Dogs of Christmas 8:00am A Christmas Princess 9:45am Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas 11:00am Santa Buddies 12:45pm A Christmas Princess 2:30pm The Nightmare Before Christmas 4:00pm Rise of the Guardians 5:50pm Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas 7:15pm Naughty or Nice 9:00pm Rise of the Guardians 10:45pm The Nightmare Before Christmas 12:10am Santa Buddies

8:00pm Don't Tell the Bride 9:00pm Kung Fu Panda 10:30pm Russell Howard's Good News 11:00pm Him and Her 11:30pm EastEnders 12:00am Family Guy 12:25am Family Guy 12:45am American Dad! 1:10am American Dad! 1:30am Him and Her 2:00am The Revolution Will be Televised 2:30am Snow, Sex and Suspicious Parents 3:30am Sweat the Small Stuff 4:00am Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad 4:30am Him and Her

6:00pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:30pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here Now! Crown Jewels 10:00pm The Big Christmas Reunion 11:00pm Celebrity Juice 12:00am American Pie: The Wedding

SkyMoviesChristmas/

12:45pm

BBC3/

A down-onher-luck woman accepts an invitation to spend Christmas at the mansion of her late brother-in-law's father, where she falls for a dashing prince.

Kung Fu Panda (Film, 2008) BBC 3 from 9:00pm to 10:30pm Computer-animated comedy.

Po the Panda is overweight and works in his father's noodle bar but dreams of being a great Kung Fu warrior like his heroes, the Furious Five. When Master Oogway announces he is going to select the next Dragon Warrior to fight the evil Tai Lung, Po is desperate to be there to watch the historic ceremony. But to his and everyone else's surprise, Po finds out that the next Dragon Warrior is him. Master Shifu and the Furious Five, despite their misgivings, must prepare Po for his destiny - and the fight of his life.

BBC4/

1:55am Grumpy Old Men 3:45am Look Who's Talking Now! 5:25am Naughty or Nice

SkyMoviesAction/ 6:30am The Avengers Special 7:00am The Karate Kid, Part II 9:00am Chronicle 10:35am Coogan's Bluff 12:20pm Men in Black 3 2:15pm Bad Boys II 4:45pm The Karate Kid, Part II 6:45pm John Carter 9:00pm Men in Black 3 10:50pm Bad Boys II 1:20am The Marine: Homefront

3:00am Death Wish 4:40am Last Man Standing

TCM/ 7:55am Gunsmoke 9:00am Gunsmoke 10:05am The Iron Mistress 12:05pm The Naked Jungle 1:50pm Gunsmoke 2:55pm Gunsmoke 4:00pm The Mountain 6:00pm Cahill U.S. Marshal 7:55pm White Feather 10:00pm Executive Decision 12:30am In Her Shoes 2:50am Executive Decision

8:00pm World News Today 8:30pm Sounds of the 70s 9:00pm Ocean Giants 10:00pm Byzantium: A Tale of Three Cities 11:00pm Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home 12:00am Shipwrecks: Britain's Sunken History 1:00am Pop! The Science of Bubbles 2:00am Sounds of the 70s 2:30am Ocean Giants 3:30am Byzantium: A Tale of Three Cities

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10:00am Africa 2013: Countdown to the Rains 11:00am Question Time 12:00pm BBC News 12:30pm BBC World News 1:00pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm One Man and his Campervan 2:30pm Fred Dibnah's Age of Steam 3:00pm Cash in the Attic 3:45pm Expedition Borneo 4:15pm Orangutan Diary 4:45pm Cagney and Lacey 5:30pm Are You Being Served?

6:05pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

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7:10am According to Jim 7:35am According to Jim 8:00am Will and Grace 8:25am Will and Grace 8:50am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:25am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:55am Frasier 10:25am Frasier 11:00am Ruth Watson Means Business!

12:00pm The Big Bang Theory 12:30pm The Big Bang Theory 1:00pm Channel 4 News Summary 1:05pm Superscrimpers: Waste Not, Want Not 1:25pm Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 2:30pm Channel 4 Racing 4:30pm Countdown 5:15pm 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 Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 10:00pm Derren Brown 11:35pm Alan Carr: Chatty Man 12:40am Stand Up for the Week 1:25am Random Acts 1:30am British Comedy Awards 2013

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7:55am You've Been Framed!

8:20am You've Been Framed!

8:45am The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 9:30am Dinner Date 10:30am The Real Housewives of New York City 11:25am The Real Housewives of New Jersey 12:25pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 1:25pm Emmerdale 1:55pm Emmerdale 2:25pm You've Been Framed!

2:55pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:05pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 6:00pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:30pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out 10:00pm The Holiday 12:45am American Pie Presents Band Camp 2:35am The Big Christmas Reunion

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7:00pm The Middle 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Yonderland 9:30pm The Simpsons 10:00pm Glee 11:00pm An Idiot Abroad 12:00am Brit Cops: Frontline Crime 1:00am Last Action Hero 3:35am Road Wars 4:00am Brit Cops: Frontline Crime

5:00am Dog the Bounty Hunter 5:30am Dog the Bounty Hunter

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•Bobby Coleman •Bobb'e J. Thompson •Christian Martyn •Ray Liotta

Kumar Christmas 2:50am For a Good Time, Call...

4:30am Life of Pi 4:50am Runaway Bride

SkyMoviesChristmas/ 5:25am Naughty or Nice 7:00am Snowmen 8:30am Chilly Christmas 10:00am The Nutcracker 12:00pm Miracle on 34th Street 1:50pm Surviving Christmas

Snowmen (Film, 2010) Three youngsters try to break the world record for building the biggest number of snowmen.

Bobby Coleman, Bobb'e J Thompson, Christian Martyn.

BBC3/ 8:00pm Pop's Greatest Dance Crazes 8:25pm Doctor Who 9:15pm Doctor Who 10:00pm Sherlock 11:30pm EastEnders 12:05am Family Guy 12:30am Family Guy 12:50am American Dad! 1:10am American Dad! 1:30am Great Movie Mistakes 2013 3:30am The Revolution Will be Televised 4:00am Badults 4:30am Badults

Badults (Sitcom) BBC 3 from 4:00am to 4:30am Sitcom about flatmates Tom, Ben and Matthew, who go on a series of adventures that lead them to the brink of death, imprisonment and even worldwide fame. Bank heists or radioactive fish dinosaurs, which theme should Tom choose for his first movie? Matthew tries to take his job more seriously at Rachel's behest, as Mr Carabine launches an Apprentice style competition amongst his interns.

Meanwhile Ben's dealing with his debt problems by participating in a one-man sponsored silence.

Carabine's launched an Apprentice style marketing challenge and intern Matthew's sweating under the pressure of making a spatula sexy. Rachel's sweating at the prospect of her brother embarrassing her in front of her boss. Ben's money troubles have reached tipping point and even potato-printed banknotes aren't enough to solve his financial crisis. Tom's determined to make a blockbusting movie and wants Ben to be the hero.

BBC4/ 3:30pm Sleepless in Seattle 5:30pm Snowmen 7:10pm National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 9:00pm Surviving Christmas 10:45pm Sleepless in Seattle 12:30am National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 2:20am Snowmen 3:55am Chilly Christmas 5:30am Miracle on 34th Street

SkyMoviesAction/ 4:40am Last Man Standing

6:30am The Hobbit 7:00am The Next Karate Kid 9:00am In Time 11:00am The Grey 1:00pm The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 4:00pm Wrath of the Titans Special 4:15pm Wrath of the Titans 6:00pm The Next Karate Kid 8:00pm The Lord of the Rings 11:00pm Wrath of the Titans 12:45am Stealth 2:50am xXx

8:00pm World News Today 8:30pm Placido Domingo's Gala Concert 10:00pm David Bowie - Five Years 11:30pm The Genius of David Bowie 12:30am David Bowie and the Story of Ziggy Stardust 1:30am Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars 3:00am David Bowie - Five Years

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7:00am Breakfast 11:00am Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30pm Food and Drink 1:00pm Football Focus 1:45pm Saturday Sportsday 2:00pm BBC News 2:10pm BBC London News 2:15pm Gymnastics 5:00pm Final Score 6:30pm BBC News 6:40pm BBC London News 6:50pm Pointless 7:40pm Strictly Come Dancing 9:20pm Atlantis 10:05pm Casualty 10:55pm The National Lottery Live 11:05pm BBC News 11:25pm Match of the Day 12:55am The Football League Show 2:05am Weatherview 2:10am BBC News

7:00am This is BBC Two 7:35am Teacher's Pet 8:45am Anything But Christmas 10:15am Animal Farm 11:30am Reel History of Britain 12:00pm Animal Park 1:00pm Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 1:45pm Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 2:30pm Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 3:15pm Coast 4:10pm Doctor Who Mastermind 4:40pm The Weakest Link 5:30pm Flog It! 6:30pm Tron 8:00pm A Culture Show Special 9:00pm Tron Legacy 10:55pm The Science of Doctor Who 11:55pm The Wrong Mans 12:25am The Wrong Mans 12:55am The Wrong Mans 1:25am Shout at The Devil 3:35am This is BBC Two

8:00am Canimals 8:10am Canimals 8:15am Text Santa: Help with Hattitude 8:25am Bookaboo 8:35am Horrid Henry 8:45am Text Santa: Help with Hattitude 8:50am Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil 9:00am Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil 9:15am Bottom Knocker Street 9:30am The Munch Box 10:25am ITV News 10:30am The Home of Fabulous Cakes 11:30am Murder, She Wrote 12:25pm ITV News and Weather 12:30pm Columbo 2:30pm Doc Martin 3:30pm Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 6:05pm The Big Christmas Reunion 7:05pm ITV News London 7:15pm ITV News and Weather 7:30pm You've Been Framed!

8:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 9:00pm The X Factor 11:05pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:10am ITV News and Weather 12:25am Take Me Out

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7:15am The Hoobs 7:40am Beach Volleyball 8:30am Men's Health Survival of the Fittest 9:00am The Morning Line 10:00am The American Football Show 11:00am Frasier 11:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 12:00pm The Big Bang Theory 12:25pm The Big Bang Theory 12:55pm The Simpsons 1:25pm Heston's Fantastical Christmas 2:30pm Channel 4 Racing 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 5:35pm Come Dine with Me 6:05pm Come Dine with Me 6:35pm Come Dine with Me 7:05pm Come Dine with Me 7:35pm Channel 4 News 8:05pm Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 9:00pm Cornwall: Walking Through History 10:00pm Psychopath Night 11:55pm Clear and Present Danger 2:35am Stand Up for the Week 3:20am Fresh Meat 4:05am The Silent City

7:00am Coronation Street Omnibus 9:15am Emmerdale Omnibus 12:10pm The X Factor USA 2:00pm The X Factor USA 3:00pm Peter Andre: My Life 4:00pm The Only Way is Essexmas 5:05pm I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here Now! Trials and Tribulations 6:10pm You've Been Framed!

Christmas Special 6:40pm Johnny English 8:25pm The Perfect Storm 11:05pm The Xtra Factor 12:05am Celebrity Juice 1:10am Fearne and...

James Blunt 2:10am The X Factor 3:55am Teleshopping

SkyMoviesComedy/

4:10pm

SATELLITE CHANNELS/ Sky1/ 9:00am The Fantasy Football Club 10:00am Sky Sports Game Changers 11:00am Soccer A.M. 1:00pm World Wrestling Entertainment Superstars 2:00pm David Attenborough's Micro Monsters 2:30pm David Attenborough's Micro Monsters

3:00pm David Attenborough's Micro Monsters 3:30pm Harrow: A Very British School 4:30pm NCIS: Los Angeles 5:30pm Portrait Artist of the Year 7:00pm All Aboard: East Coast Trains 8:00pm Inside RAF Brize Norton 9:00pm The Simpsons 9:30pm The Simpsons 10:00pm Last Action Hero 12:35am Spartacus: Gods of the

Arena 1:50am Spartacus: Gods of the Arena 3:05am Road Wars 3:30am Caribbean Cops 4:20am Nothing to Declare 4:45am Nothing to Declare 5:10am Dog Patrol 5:35am Dog Patrol

SkyMoviesComedy/ 4:50am Runaway Bride 7:00am Liar Liar

•Mike Myers •Heather Graham •Michael York

8:40am Horrible Bosses 10:25am Dark Shadows 12:20pm Frozen Special 12:50pm Bad Santa 2:35pm Fun Size 4:10pm Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me 5:50pm Austin Powers in Goldmember 7:30pm Liar Liar 9:00pm Bad Santa 10:45pm Dark Shadows 12:40am Horrible Bosses

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (Film, 1999) Mike Myers returns as master spy Austin Danger Powers with a new sidekick in Felicity Shagwell. Dr Evil has invented a time machine and gone back in time to steal Austin's sexual powers, leaving our hero in 1999 without the ability to perform. Not only does he have to rescue his libido but he must also thwart Dr Evil's plan to devastate Earth with a moonbased laser.

SkyMoviesChristmas/ 11:30am Home Alone: The Holiday Heist 1:20pm Jingle All the Way 3:00pm Arthur Christmas 4:45pm The 12 Dogs of Christmas 6:45pm The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol 7:15pm Home Alone: The Holiday Heist 9:00pm Arthur Christmas

10:45pm Jingle All the Way 12:20am Ernest Saves Christmas

SkyMoviesAction/ 12:00pm The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 3:00pm The Mummy 5:10pm The Mummy Returns 7:30pm The Hobbit 8:00pm The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 11:00pm The Dark Knight Rises 1:45am Commando

BBC3/ 8:00pm Winter Wipeout 9:00pm Top Gear 10:00pm Russell Howard's Good News 10:30pm Russell Howard's Good News 11:00pm Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy 12:35am Family Guy 1:00am Family Guy 1:20am Family Guy 1:45am Family Guy 2:05am Family Guy 2:30am Family Guy 2:55am Family Guy 3:15am Family Guy 3:40am Sweat the Small Stuff 4:10am Him and Her 4:40am C-Bomb

Winter Wipeout (Game Show, 2011) BBC 3 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram present as 20 brave and chilly Brits face a new obstacle course in a snowy, winter wonderland setting. The five contestants left hanging on the brutal and rather amusing Ski Lift will take on Winter Blunderland. This sorts the wheat from the chaff - or the finalists from the nonfinalists. Those last three bruised and battered heroes must tackle the Winter Wipeout Zone. Only one can return from Argentina as the inaugural Winter Wipeout Champion and get their mittens on the most coveted trophy in gameshow land.

BBC4/ 8:00pm Frozen Planet 9:00pm Shipwrecks: Britain's Sunken History 10:00pm Borgen 11:00pm Borgen 12:00am Definitely Dusty 1:00am Dusty Springfield at the BBC 2:00am Dusty 2:25am Sounds of the 70s 2:55am Frozen Planet 3:50am Shipwrecks: Britain's Sunken History

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SUNDAY TV

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7:00am Breakfast 8:35am Match of the Day 10:00am The Andrew Marr Show 11:00am Fern Britton Meets...

12:00pm Wanted Down Under 12:45pm Helicopter Heroes Down Under 1:15pm MOTD2 Extra 2:00pm BBC News 2:15pm Nigel Slater's Simple Christmas 3:15pm Bargain Hunt 4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm Christmas Supermarket Secrets 5:45pm Lifeline 5:55pm Songs of Praise 6:30pm BBC News 6:50pm BBC London News 7:00pm Countryfile 8:00pm Strictly Come Dancing 8:40pm Sports Personality of the Year 2013 11:00pm BBC News 11:15pm BBC London News 11:25pm Match of the Day 2 12:35am Adventureland 2:15am Weatherview 2:20am BBC News

7:00am This is BBC Two 7:55am The Valley of Gwangi 9:30am Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein 10:00am Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein 10:30am Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:00pm Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 12:45pm Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 1:30pm EastEnders Omnibus 3:20pm Around the World in 80 Days 6:05pm Flog It! 6:55pm Ski Sunday 7:40pm Sports Personality of the Year at 60 8:40pm The Great British Sewing Bee 9:40pm The Duchess 11:20pm QI XL 12:05am Hebburn 12:35am Never Mind the Buzzcocks 1:05am The Culture Show 1:35am Countryfile 2:30am Holby City 3:30am This is BBC Two

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7:25am The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That 7:35am Dino Dan 7:50am Dino Dan 8:00am Canimals 8:10am Canimals 8:15am Text Santa: Help with Hattitude 8:25am Sooty 8:35am Horrid Henry 8:45am Text Santa: Help with Hattitude 8:50am Victorious 9:15am Bottom Knocker Street 9:30am Fort Boyard 10:25am ITV News 10:30am Storage Hoarders 11:30am Sunday Side Up 12:30pm Sunday Scoop 1:30pm ITV News and Weather 1:35pm Inside the National Trust 2:35pm Let's Do Christmas with Gino and Mel 3:35pm Love Your Garden 4:35pm The X Factor 6:40pm You've Been Framed!

7:05pm ITV News London 7:15pm ITV News and Weather 7:30pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 8:30pm The X Factor Results Show 10:30pm Through the Keyhole 11:30pm ITV News and Weather 11:45pm Hellboy II: The Golden Army 1:50am The Store

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6:25am 90210 7:10am The Hoobs 7:35am The American Football Show 8:30am Anglesey Sandman Triathlon 9:00am Jamie's Money Saving Meals 9:30am Jamie's Money Saving Meals 10:00am Jamie's Money Saving Meals 10:30am Sunday Brunch 1:30pm The Big Bang Theory 2:00pm The Big Bang Theory 2:30pm The Simpsons 3:00pm The Simpsons 3:30pm Gadget Man 4:05pm Diary of a Wimpy Kid 6:00pm Channel 4 News 6:20pm Fred Claus 8:30pm Brtain's Killer Storms 10:00pm Homeland 11:00pm Your Highness 1:05am Alan Carr: Chatty Man 2:00am American Football Live 5:45am KOTV Boxing Weekly

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6:55am ITV2 Nightscreen 7:00am Life's Funniest Moments 7:20am Emmerdale Omnibus 9:55am Coronation Street Omnibus 12:20pm The X Factor 2:30pm The Xtra Factor 3:30pm I'm a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here Now! Best of the Bush 4:30pm I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here Now! Crown Jewels 5:30pm You've Been Framed!

6:30pm Two Weeks Notice 8:30pm Land of the Lost 10:30pm The Xtra Factor 11:30pm 2 Fast 2 Furious 1:40am The Big Christmas Reunion 2:40am The Vampire Diaries 3:25am Life's Funniest Moments 3:50am Teleshopping

BBC3/ 8:00pm Doctor Who: The Ultimate Guide 9:00pm Great Movie Mistakes 2013 11:00pm Family Guy 11:25pm The Revolution Will be Televised 11:55pm Family Guy 12:20am American Dad! 12:45am American Dad! 1:05am Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad 1:35am The Revolution Will be Televised 2:05am Metro 3:55am Snow, Sex and Suspicious Parents

Metro (Film, 1997) BBC 3 from 2:05am to 3:55am Action thriller about a police hostage negotiator whose skills are tested to the limit as he hunts the criminal who killed his partner. Working uneasily with his new partner, an inexperienced cop, the hostage expert pursues the murderous bank robber around the city and is forced to use all of his skills when his girlfriend is kidnapped.

SkyMoviesComedy/

5:20pm

SATELLITE CHANNELS/ Sky1/ 12:00pm WWE Experience 1:00pm David Attenborough's Micro Monsters 1:30pm David Attenborough's Micro Monsters 2:00pm David Attenborough's Micro Monsters 2:30pm Ashley Banjo's Secret Street Crew

3:30pm Frozen Movie Special 4:00pm Futurama 4:30pm Futurama 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm Stephen Fry/Andy Sirkes Face 2 Face 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Yonderland

8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Simpsons 9:30pm The Simpsons 10:00pm Arrow 11:00pm Revolution 12:00am Banshee

SkyMoviesComedy/ 10:35am School of Rock 12:25pm Groundhog Day

•Bill Murray •Dan Aykroyd •Sigourney Weaver •Harold Ramis •Rick Moranis •Ernie Hudson

2:10pm Mr Woodcock 3:40pm Mean Girls 5:20pm Ghostbusters II 7:10pm School of Rock 9:00pm Groundhog Day 10:45pm Mr Woodcock 12:15am Tower Heist

SkyMoviesChristmas/ 8:40am The Flight Before Christmas

Ghostbusters II (Film, 1989) Five years on from their spectacular victory over the ghoulies, the supernatural sleuths have fallen on hard times, reduced to performing at children's parties.

When a medieval madman comes back to life, threatening to suck New York into a river of ectoplasm, who you gonna call?

10:15am Naughty or Nice 12:00pm Deck the Halls 1:45pm Elf 3:30pm Miracle on 34th Street 5:30pm All I Want for Christmas 7:15pm Elf 9:00pm Miracle on 34th Street 11:00pm A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas

SkyMoviesAction/ 11:10am The Hobbit 11:40am The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 3:00pm The Amazing 3:20pm The Amazing SpiderMan 5:40pm The Mask of Zorro 8:00pm The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

BBC4/ 8:00pm Jet! When Britain Ruled the Skies 9:00pm Jet! When Britain Ruled the Skies 10:00pm Lou Reed Remembered 11:00pm David Bowie - Five Years 12:30am Evidently... John Cooper Clarke 1:30am Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars 3:00am The Genius of David Bowie 4:00am Lou Reed Remembered

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca Nor th

I’m brainy, and that’s official!

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT

W

ELL, for the first time in something over 15 years, I feel somewhat overqualified to scribble this blurb. Last week, in the light of Boris Johnson’s dismal IQ test result on local radio, I completed a similar test that appeared in my favourite national paper. The result? Wait for it. I scored 22 out of 32.

The paper’s verdict for this score was as follows: ‘Congratulations superbrain - your IQ is off the charts. You’re among the chosen few, destined for a stellar career and blessed with stellar intellect.’

Obviously, with a result like that, I should be writing political comments in The Times, or perhaps ‘How to run the world’ pieces in The Guardian! Give us a break! If the test was intended to determine superbrain status or the intellect of future leaders, then we truly are in trouble. The dumbing down of our schools is now obviously manifesting itself in the adult population and frankly I find it all a bit scary.

I’ll run a couple by you; see what you think.

Q. ‘If you rearrange the letters CIFAIPC you get a kind of what? A. Country B. Animal C. Ocean.

Q. People climb me and burn me. My rings

aren’t made of gold, but do tell my age. What am I? Q. Which word is always spelt wrong?

Q. Which members of the family are defined by the crossword clue LAINWS? Get the picture? I really do despair of it all.

Ah well, it’s all a bit late for me to line up with the likes of Einstein and Socrates. I’m afraid you’ll just have to put up with my scribbling here for a while longer.

A couple of personal views this week.

Firstly, I think the 10-year prison sentence handed down to Royal Marine Alexander Blackman was a disgrace. I’m not saying that some form of retribution shouldn’t IQ TEST have been ordered, but RESULTS: to deliver a ‘Congratulations, punishment more severe than those superbrain.’ received by many rapists and civilians who murder in cold blood, is beyond belief. By this yardstick, Blair and Bush should be banged up for 1,000 years or more. Let’s hope some form of sanity prevails at his hopefully early appeal.

My second view is that if I hear of any more presents offered up to us by Ed Miliband, I’ll be looking out for him to arrive at The Commons

EWN

35

LEAPY LETTERS

Vote Lee I ENJOY your comments every week. Then when I have finished reading, I keep thinking why can this guy not become Prime Minister. Like most folk here in Spain I would hate to go back to the UK which has become a cesspit. UKIP must surely gain from the present unacceptable mess we are in. May my God always be with you.

Tom (By email)

More praise on a sleigh. When is this desperate party of political dinosaurs going to realise their policies are never going to work, and opposition is the very best they can expect for many a year to come? And as for Ed Balls...

Answers to the ‘Intellectual Quiz’ 1. PACIFIC 2. TREE 3. WRONG 4. INLAWS. Keep the Faith, Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

EVERYTHING you say is true. It is a pity the UK papers don’t print your articles. Why do you not go into politics? You would make a good Prime Minister. The UK press aren’t man enough to print the truth about these people. Keep up the good work! All the best.

EI (By email)

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MONDAY TV

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7:00am This is BBC Two 7:35am Homes Under the Hammer 8:35am Helicopter Heroes 9:20am The A to Z of TV Cooking 10:05am The House That £100k Built 11:05am Britain's Empty Homes 11:35am Click 12:00pm BBC News 12:30pm BBC World News 1:00pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm One Man and his Campervan 2:30pm Fred Dibnah's Age of Steam 3:00pm Cash in the Attic 3:45pm Madagascar 4:45pm Cagney and Lacey 5:30pm Are You Being Served?

6:00pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:30pm Priceless Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Celebrity Eggheads 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:00pm Nigellissima 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Tom Kerridge Cooks Christmas 10:00pm The Choir: Sing While You Work 11:00pm Never Mind the Buzzcocks 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Pilgrimage with Simon Reeve

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6:05am The Jeremy Kyle Show 7:00am Daybreak 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 12:25pm ITV News 12:30pm This Morning 1:30pm Let's Do Christmas with Gino and Mel 2:30pm ITV News and Weather 3:00pm Peter Andre's 60 Minute Makeover 4:00pm Dickinson's Real Deal 5:00pm Show Me the Telly 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Tales From 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm A Night of Heroes: The Sun Military Awards 11:30pm ITV News and Weather 12:05am Cliffhanger 2:05am Jackpot247 4:00am UEFA Champions League Weekly 4:25am ITV Nightscreen

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6:15am Countdown 6:55am Suburgatory 7:15am According to Jim 7:40am According to Jim 8:05am Will and Grace 8:30am Will and Grace 8:55am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:25am Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00am Frasier 10:30am Frasier 11:00am Ruth Watson Means Business!

12:00pm The Big Bang Theory 12:30pm The Big Bang Theory 1:00pm Come Dine with Me 1:35pm Come Dine with Me 2:05pm Come Dine with Me 2:35pm Come Dine with Me 3:10pm Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 4:10pm Countdown 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 Kirstie's Crafty Christmas 10:00pm Liberty of London 11:00pm Fresh Meat 11:50pm The Inbetweeners 12:20am The Inbetweeners 12:50am The Inbetweeners

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6:50am ITV2 Nightscreen 7:00am Emmerdale 7:25am Coronation Street 7:55am Coronation Street 8:20am You've Been Framed!

8:45am The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 9:30am Dinner Date 10:30am The Real Housewives of New York City 11:25am The Real Housewives of New Jersey 12:25pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 1:25pm Emmerdale 1:55pm Coronation Street 2:25pm Coronation Street 2:55pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:05pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 6:00pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:30pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm The Xtra Factor Brand new for 2013. The Xtra 10:00pm Peter Andre: My Life 11:00pm Celebrity Juice 12:00am Knocked Up 2:35am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 3:00am Life's Funniest Moments 3:25am Teleshopping

SkyMoviesChristmas/

9:00pm

SATELLITE CHANNELS/ Sky1/ 9:00am Stargate Atlantis 10:00am Hawaii Five-0 11:00am NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 1:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 2:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 3:00pm Hawaii Five-0 4:00pm Stargate Atlantis 5:00pm The Simpsons

5:30pm The Simpsons 6:00pm The Middle 6:30pm The Middle 7:00pm Yonderland 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Arrow 10:00pm Strike Back: Shadow Warfare

11:00pm Banshee 12:05am Spartacus

SkyMoviesComedy/ 9:00am The Next Best Thing 10:50am The Man with Two Brains 12:25pm Beavis and Butt-head Do America 1:55pm The Mask 3:40pm A Thousand Words

•Danny Elfman •Chris Sarandon •Catherine O'Hara

5:20pm Runaway Bride 7:20pm Surviving Christmas 9:00pm The Mask 10:45pm National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 12:30am A Thousand Words

SkyMoviesChristmas/ 12:30pm The Nightmare Before Christmas 2:00pm Chilly Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Film, 1993) A magical stop-motion animated musical fantasy created by Tim Burton and set in a world where every holiday has its own special land. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, tires of the same old routine in Hallowe'en Town and decides to gatecrash Christmas Town. He is instantly enraptured by the decorations, toys and warm spirit. However, not everyone feels the same about him.

3:30pm The 12 Dogs of Christmas 5:30pm Santa Buddies 7:15pm The Search for Santa Paws 9:00pm The Nightmare Before Christmas 10:30pm Turbulence 12:15am Christmas in Wonderland

SkyMoviesAction/ 7:00am Last Man Standing 8:45am Everything or Nothing 10:30am The Marine 12:05pm Dante's Peak 2:00pm Battleship 4:15pm Remember the Titans 6:10pm Volcano 8:00pm Dante's Peak 10:00pm Battleship

BBC3/ 8:00pm Great Movie Mistakes 2013 8:30pm Top Gear 9:30pm Snog, Marry, Avoid?

10:00pm Don't Tell the Bride 11:00pm Russell Howard's Good News 11:30pm EastEnders 12:00am Family Guy 12:25am Family Guy 12:50am American Dad! 1:10am American Dad! 1:30am The Revolution Will be Televised 2:00am Sweat the Small Stuff 2:30am Russell Howard's Good News 3:00am Him and Her 3:30am The Revolution Will be Televised 4:00am Don't Tell the Bride

The Revolution Will be Televised (Comedy, 2012) BBC 3 from 3:30am to 4:00am Satirical series featuring bite-sized comedy hits, from fictionalised characters to stunt-led sketches, which brings the corruption, greed and hypocrisy of politicians, multi-nationals and tax-shy billionaires who have been taking the British public for a ride for years to the fore. Whilst Dale attends the Notting Hill carnival, James and Barnaby go to a teachers' protest to get them to understand their Coalition's new thinking behind education.

HMRC receives a raft of 'thank yous', and the Israeli Embassy Expansion Team take to the streets to re-claim their land.

BBCOMGWTF is at Reading festival and the hunt for Tony Blair and George Bush continues... at The Hague.

BBC4/ 8:00pm Battlefield Britain 9:00pm Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

9:30pm Only Connect 10:00pm Shipwrecks: Britain's Sunken History 11:00pm Don't Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves 12:00am Patisserie with Michel Roux Jr 1:00am The Joy of (Train) Sets 2:00am Battlefield Britain 3:00am Only Connect 3:30am Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

4:00am Shipwrecks: Britain's Sunken History

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca Nor th

Looking after a new baby UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has unveiled a plan for new parents to share leave. After spending the first two weeks off work, a mother could then split up to 50 weeks’ leave between herself and her partner.

RETIRED Bob and Angela Davie, who lived on the Costa Blanca for nine years but have now moved back to Somerset, welcomed the plans.

Bob recalled he had to take two weeks of his annual leave when his sons were born. He said: “I think parents should be able to split it.” His wife was happy to stay at home with the children but said nowadays in a lot of families the women have a better job so it would be better financially for women to go

EWN

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ANN: Up to parents to decide.

We asked people in the street if they thought it old fashioned that only mothers stayed at home to look after babies and what benefits or drawbacks they saw in the plan.

STREET TALK

back to work. “I think as long as the child has one parent at home it is fine and fathers have a much more active role,” she remarked.

Costa Blanca airport worker Kara Blackstone, aged 28, doesn’t have children but would welcome the move. “I think it would help stop workplace discrimination against women of childbearing age. I have previously worked in HR departments and, although they say it doesn’t happen, I have seen women’s applications not taken as far as they should for concern they’ll be off having kids,” she said.

Jill Austin, retired, who lives in Rambla de Oria, Almeria, could see the benefits and drawbacks of the plan. She said: “It is not old fashioned that mothers stay at home. The benefits are that it gives both parents the chance to bond with the child and they are free to make a choice of when to take the leave.

BOB & ANGELA: Would welcome flexible maternity leave.

The drawback would be the problems it could cause for employers.”

And Ann Corry, also retired, who lives in Saliente, Almeria, agreed about the benefits. She said: “No, it is not old fashioned for a mother to stay at home. But it is up to the parents to decide.

The benefit is the father can stay at home, as my son is doing. I can’t see any real drawbacks to the plan.”

JILL: Not old fashioned.

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6:00am 3, 2, 1, Go! 7:00am This is BBC Two 7:35am Homes Under the Hammer 8:35am Helicopter Heroes 9:20am The A to Z of TV Cooking 10:05am Antiques Roadshow 11:05am Britain's Empty Homes 11:35am HARDtalk 12:00pm BBC News 12:30pm BBC World News 1:00pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm The Super League Show 3:00pm Cash in the Attic 3:45pm Madagascar 4:45pm Cagney and Lacey 5:30pm Are You Being Served?

6:00pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:30pm Priceless Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Celebrity Eggheads 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:00pm The Great British Sewing Bee 9:00pm The Great British Bake Off 10:00pm Pilgrimage with Simon Reeve 11:00pm Hebburn 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am The Choir: Sing While You Work 1:20am The Midwives 2:20am This is BBC Two 5:00am How it Works

05

6:05am The Jeremy Kyle Show 7:00am Daybreak 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 12:25pm ITV News 12:30pm This Morning 1:30pm Let's Do Christmas with Gino and Mel 2:30pm ITV News and Weather 3:00pm Peter Andre's 60 Minute Makeover 4:00pm Dickinson's Real Deal 5:00pm Show Me the Telly 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 11:25pm ITV News and Weather 12:00am The Lockerbie Bombing 1:00am The Jonathan Ross Show 2:00am Jackpot247 4:00am The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 4:45am ITV Nightscreen

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5:30am Deal or No Deal 6:25am Countdown 7:10am According to Jim 7:40am According to Jim 8:05am Will and Grace 8:30am Will and Grace 8:55am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:25am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:55am Frasier 10:30am Frasier 11:00am Ruth Watson Means Business!

12:00pm The Big Bang Theory 12:30pm The Big Bang Theory 1:00pm Come Dine with Me 1:30pm Come Dine with Me 2:05pm Come Dine with Me 2:40pm Come Dine with Me 3:10pm Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 4:10pm Countdown 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 Heston's Great British Food 11:00pm Masters of Sex 12:10am Masters of Sex 1:20am Pokerstars.Com and MonteCarlo Casino EPT Grand Final 2:20am KOTV Boxing Weekly

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6:55am ITV2 Nightscreen 7:00am Emmerdale 7:25am Coronation Street 7:55am Coronation Street 8:20am You've Been Framed!

8:45am The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 9:30am Dinner Date 10:30am The Real Housewives of New York City 11:25am The Real Housewives of New Jersey 12:25pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 1:25pm Emmerdale 1:55pm Coronation Street 2:25pm Coronation Street 2:55pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:05pm The Xtra Factor 6:05pm The ITV2 Panto 7:45pm Funniest Ever You've Been Framed!

8:30pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm The Xtra Factor 10:00pm The Vampire Diaries 11:00pm American Pie: The Wedding 1:00am Tricked 2:00am The Vampire Diaries 2:50am Life's Funniest Moments 3:15am Teleshopping

SkyMoviesAction/

2:55pm

SATELLITE CHANNELS/ Sky1/ 10:00am Hawaii Five-0 11:00am NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 1:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 2:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 3:00pm Hawaii Five-0 4:00pm Stargate Atlantis 5:00pm The Simpsons 5:30pm The Simpsons 6:00pm Futurama 6:30pm The Middle 7:00pm The Middle 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons

9:00pm All Aboard: East Coast Trains 10:00pm Karl Pilkington: The Moaning of Life 11:00pm Revolution 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles 1:00am NCIS: Los Angeles 2:00am Brit Cops: Frontline Crime 3:00am Cop Squad 4:00am Brit Cops: Frontline Crime 5:00am Dog the Bounty Hunter 5:30am Dog the Bounty Hunter

SkyMoviesComedy/ 5:15am Clue

7:00am The Sitter 8:35am Happy Gilmore 10:20am Anger Management 12:20pm The Guilt Trip 2:05pm Bad Santa 3:50pm Happy Gilmore 5:30pm All I Want for Christmas 7:10pm Anger Management 9:00pm The Guilt Trip 10:40pm What Women Want 12:50am Bad Santa 2:30am The Sitter 3:55am National Lampoon's Animal House 5:45am All I Want for Christmas

Flags of Our Fathers (Film, 2006)

•Ryan Phillippe •Jesse Bradford •Adam Beach

SkyMoviesChristmas/ 5:25am Chilly Christmas 7:00am Jingle All the Way 8:35am Ernest Saves Christmas 10:15am Rise of the Guardians 12:00pm Home Alone: The Holiday Heist 1:45pm Grumpy Old Men 3:35pm Jingle All the Way 5:15pm Miracle on 34th Street 7:15pm Rise of the Guardians 9:00pm Home Alone: The Holiday Heist 10:45pm Miracle on 34th Street 12:45am Grumpy Old Men

As America flinches at the cost of war, three "heroes" from the Pacific are sent home and fêted by thousands. Even after surviving the hell of a frontal assault on fortified Japanese positions, the shell-shocked trio are bewildered by the media manipulation.

Medic "Doc" Bradley (Ryan Phillippe) keeps quiet, Rene Gagnon (Jesse Bradford) smiles and imagines the postwar parties, while Native-American marine Ira Hayes (Adam Beach) descends into alcoholism: "I can't take them calling me a hero," he says. "All I did was try not to get shot."

2:40am The Top Ten Show 2013 2:55am Ernest Saves Christmas 4:35am Frozen Special 5:05am We're No Angels

SkyMoviesAction/ 5:25am Remember the Titans 7:25am Coogan's Bluff 9:10am Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 10:50am Spider-Man 12:55pm Wrath of the Titans Special 1:10pm Wrath of the Titans 2:55pm Flags of Our Fathers 5:15pm Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

6:55pm Spider-Man 9:00pm John Carter 11:15pm Wrath of the Titans

TCM/ 7:25am Gunsmoke 8:25am Gunsmoke 9:25am Gun Battle at Monterey 10:45am The Big Country 1:50pm Gunsmoke 2:55pm Gunsmoke 4:00pm The Last Wagon 5:55pm Sam Whiskey 7:45pm Scrooge 10:00pm Conan the Barbarian 12:35am Outlaw of Gor

BBC3/ 8:00pm Winter Wipeout 9:00pm Gavin and Stacey 9:30pm Gavin and Stacey 10:00pm The Call Centre 11:00pm Bad Education 11:30pm EastEnders 12:00am Family Guy 12:25am Family Guy 12:50am American Dad! 1:10am American Dad! 1:30am Bad Education 2:00am The Call Centre 3:00am The Revolution Will be Televised 3:30am Snow, Sex and Suspicious Parents 4:30am Bad Education

Bad Education (Sitcom, 2012) BBC 3 from 4:30am to 5:00am School-based sitcom. It is time for the Abbey Grove Christmas Play and with Miss Pickwell no longer around Mr Fraser decides Alfie is the obvious replacement to direct this year's production.

But with the class undecided about whether to put on the Nutcracker or Robocop, will Alfie's decision to write and direct a plot mash-up of Robocracker and casting school bully Grayson as colead prove successful?

Mitchell decides to do something lovely for Alfie and invite his estranged mother to the play, but will Mr Fraser and Mitchell come up with a good enough reason to lure her over from Spain with her new husband Javier? And will Miss Gulliver manage to persuade Alfie and his class to volunteer at the soup kitchen where a Scottish tramp makes quite an impression?

BBC4/ 8:00pm Battlefield Britain 9:00pm Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey 10:00pm Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home 11:00pm Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy 11:40pm Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy 12:25am Byzantium: A Tale of Three Cities 1:25am Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey 2:25am Battlefield Britain 3:25am Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home

FINANCE

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New Tax Information Exchange Agreements

The UK Crown Dependencies have signed their new agreements with the UK to automatically exchange tax information. Agreements are also in progress with Spain. Spain and Portugal have agreed to strengthen automatic exchange of information on tax matters.

These types of agreements are becoming more and more common, with countries globally starting to automatically share information bilaterally and unilaterally. This kind of information sharing leaves little room for tax evasion or concealed offshore funds going forward.

Around 1,100 new Tax Information Exchange Agreements were signed from 2009.

They tend to cover exchange of information on request.

Today we are seeing new intergovernmental agreements signed where financial information on taxpayers’ assets will be automatically reported each year, regardless of whether the individual’s home country suspects tax evasion or not.

On 10th October, the Isle of Man became the first UK Crown Dependency to sign an intergovernmental agreement with the UK on automatic exchange of

By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks tax information. This was closely followed by Jersey and Guernsey.

Gibraltar signed an intergovernmental agreement on 21st November to improve international tax compliance with the UK. Once in effect, a wide range of financial information on UK taxpayers will be automatically shared with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) every year.

This will significantly enhance HMRC’s ability to close in on those who fail to declare offshore assets.

Often referred to as ‘UK FACTA

agreements’ or ‘son of FATCA’, these agreements are modelled on the requirements of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), introduced by the US to ensure tax compliance of its citizens with international interests.

The Isle of Man and Guernsey already automatically share information on personal savings income with the UK and EU, under the Savings Tax Directive. Jersey has committed to start in 2015.

The new intergovernmental agreements extend the scope of automatic disclosure to include, for example, trusts and companies.

When the agreement was signed with the Isle of Man, UK Chancellor George Osborne said it was “a momentous step forward in tax transparency,” and warned: “For anyone attempting to hide their money offshore our message is clear: our resolve is stronger than ever, the net is closing in and the

world is becoming a smaller place to evade paying the taxes which are owed.”

Under the agreements, financial information on UK resident taxpayers will start to be forwarded to HMRC from January 2015. Under the reporting schedule, information for the 2014 and 2015 calendar years must be reported by 30th September 2016. Going forward, reporting will take place within nine months of the end of the year.

Disclosure facilities are available until September 2016 for UK taxpayers who have undisclosed assets and income in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey to disclose unpaid tax liabilities to HMRC under protection from the normal penalties.

Spain and exchange of information A press release from the Spanish government on 22nd November confirmed that exchange of information agreements with the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey are in

progress. It is also working on one with Monaco.

New Spain/Portugal agreement In October, Spain and Portugal signed agreements to improve automatic exchange of information and mutual assistance on tax matters.

They target tax evasion and fraud, and focus on self-employed Spanish tax residents who work in and receive income from Portugal, fictitious tax residency in Spain, ‘phantom’ entities in Spain.

International tax planning is becoming increasingly complex. It is essential to keep up to date and only use approved and legitimate tax planning arrangements. To avoid being caught out, and ensure your assets are in the right place, seek specialist professional advice.

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com

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WEDNESDAY TV

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BBC1/

BBC2/

ITV/

CH4/

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07 am

06 am

06 am

06 am

06 am

7:00am Breakfast 10:15am Heir Hunters 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Caught Red Handed 12:30pm Helicopter Heroes 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Perfection 3:30pm Escape to the Country 4:30pm Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm The First Great Train Robbery 10:30pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm A Question of Sport 12:05am The League Cup Show 12:55am Black Death 2:30am Weatherview 2:35am BBC News

6:00am The Modern Monarchy 7:00am This is BBC Two 7:30am Homes Under the Hammer 8:30am Helicopter Heroes 9:15am The A to Z of TV Cooking 10:00am Great Continental Railway Journeys 11:00am Ronnie's Animal Crackers 11:30am See Hear 12:00pm BBC News 12:30pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm One Man and his Campervan 2:30pm Fred Dibnah's Age of Steam 3:00pm Cash in the Attic 3:45pm Madagascar 4:45pm Cagney and Lacey 5:30pm Are You Being Served?

6:00pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:30pm Priceless Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Celebrity Eggheads 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:00pm Wartime Farm 9:00pm Food and Drink 10:00pm Tudor Monastery Farm 11:00pm The Sarah Millican Television Programme 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am The Silent War 1:20am See Hear 1:50am This is BBC Two 4:50am Locomotion: Dan Snow's History of Railways

05

6:05am The Jeremy Kyle Show 7:00am Daybreak 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 12:25pm ITV News 12:30pm This Morning 1:30pm Let's Do Christmas with Gino and Mel 2:30pm ITV News and Weather 3:00pm Peter Andre's 60 Minute Makeover 4:00pm Dickinson's Real Deal 5:00pm Show Me the Telly 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Surprise Surprise 10:00pm Lucan 11:30pm ITV News and Weather 12:10am Smokin' Aces 2:05am Jackpot247 2:50am Spartacus

15

6:15am Countdown 7:00am The Treacle People 7:15am According to Jim 7:40am According to Jim 8:05am Will and Grace 8:30am Will and Grace 8:55am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00am Frasier 10:30am Frasier 11:00am Ruth Watson Means Business!

12:00pm The Big Bang Theory 12:30pm The Big Bang Theory 1:00pm Come Dine with Me 1:30pm Come Dine with Me 2:00pm Come Dine with Me 2:35pm Come Dine with Me 3:10pm Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 4:10pm Countdown 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 Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners 10:00pm 24 Hours in A and E 11:00pm Gogglebox 11:45pm Jimmy Carr: Being Funny 12:50am Man Down 1:20am A Field in England

45

6:45am ITV2 Nightscreen 7:00am Emmerdale 7:25am The Cube 8:20am You've Been Framed!

8:45am The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 9:30am Dinner Date 10:30am The Real Housewives of New York City 11:25am The Xtra Factor 12:25pm The ITV2 Panto 2:00pm Emmerdale 2:30pm You've Been Framed!

3:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:10pm The Xtra Factor 6:15pm The ITV2 Panto 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:30pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm The Xtra Factor 10:00pm Miss Congeniality 12:15am The Only Way is Essexmas 1:15am The Xtra Factor 2:20am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 2:50am Life's Funniest Moments 3:20am Teleshopping

SkyMoviesChristmas/

2:35pm

SATELLITE CHANNELS/ Sky1/ 8:30am The Middle 9:00am Stargate Atlantis 10:00am Hawaii Five-0 11:00am NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 1:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 2:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 3:00pm Hawaii Five-0 4:00pm Stargate Atlantis 5:00pm The Simpsons 5:30pm The Simpsons 6:00pm Futurama 6:30pm The Middle 7:00pm The Middle 7:30pm The Simpsons

8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Glee 10:00pm Road Wars 11:00pm Strike Back: Shadow Warfare 12:00am Brit Cops: Frontline Crime 1:00am Road Wars 2:00am Road Wars 3:00am Cop Squad 4:00am Brit Cops: Frontline Crime

SkyMoviesComedy/ 5:45am All I Want for Christmas

7:20am Twins 9:20am 50 First Dates 11:05am Dark Shadows 1:00pm Elf 2:45pm The Watch 4:30pm The Longest Yard 6:25pm 50 First Dates 8:05pm Dark Shadows 10:00pm Elf 11:45pm The Watch 1:30am The Longest Yard 3:30am Project X 5:10am Zeus and Roxanne

SkyMoviesChristmas/ 5:05am We're No Angels 7:00am The Elf That Rescued

•James McAvoy •Hugh Laurie •Bill Nighy

Christmas 8:30am Mickey's Once upon a Christmas 9:50am The Nutcracker 11:40am A Christmas Princess 1:15pm Mickey's Once upon a Christmas 2:35pm Arthur Christmas 4:20pm National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 6:05pm A Christmas Princess 7:40pm The Elf That Rescued Christmas 9:00pm Arthur Christmas 10:45pm National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

BBC3/ 8:00pm Winter Wipeout 9:00pm Great Movie Mistakes 2013 9:15pm Kung Fu Panda Holiday 9:40pm Kung Fu Panda 11:00pm Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad 11:45pm Family Guy 12:10am Family Guy 12:30am American Dad! 12:55am American Dad! 1:15am Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad 2:00am Bad Education 2:30am Don't Tell the Bride 3:30am The Revolution Will be Televised 4:00am The Call Centre

The Call Centre (Documentary, 2013) BBC 3 from 4:00am to 5:00am At Swansea's third largest call centre, CEO Nev Wilshere and his staff are in festive mood.

Tea-lady Hayley is organising the office Christmas party, Nev is putting together a Christmas choir and, with bills to pay and presents to buy, an old face returns to the centre - but will this Grinch ever learn to love the festive fun?

BBC4/

Arthur Christmas (2011) Christmas is a busy time for Santa (Jim Broadbent) and over the years the demand on his resources has changed the way he does things. His cottage industry grotto in the North Pole is now a slick, technologically advanced command centre where nothing can go wrong usually.

When a present is accidentally missed from the Yuletide delivery, the aging Saint Nick is at a loss as to what to do, and with his eldest son Steve (Hugh Laurie) unconcerned about a single missed present, responsibility lands at the feet of clumsy but idealistic second son Arthur (James McAvoy).

12:30am A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas 2:15am A Christmas Princess 4:00am Booky and the Secret Santa 5:40am The Elf That Rescued Christmas

SkyMoviesAction/ 4:35am Uncommon Valor 6:30am The Avengers Special 7:00am The Darkest Hour 8:40am Premium Rush 10:20am Spider-Man 2 12:30pm The Mask of Zorro 2:50pm K-19: The Widowmaker

8:00pm Battlefield Britain 9:00pm The Secret Life of Ice 10:00pm Nigel Slater's Great British Biscuit 11:00pm Cleopatra: Portrait of a Killer 12:00am Jet! When Britain Ruled the Skies

5:10pm Lockout 6:50pm Spider-Man 2 9:00pm The Mask of Zorro 11:20pm Enter the Dragon

1:00am Frozen Planet 2:00am The Secret Life of Ice

TCM/ 7:40am Gunsmoke 8:45am Gunsmoke 9:50am Scrooge 12:00pm The Last Wagon 1:50pm Gunsmoke 2:55pm Gunsmoke 4:00pm Two Flags West 5:45pm The Spikes Gang 7:35pm Marjorie Morningstar 10:00pm Lethal Weapon 3 12:15am Trapped

3:00am Battlefield Britain 4:00am Nigel Slater's Great British Biscuit

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

Did you know?

IN Turkey, Noel Baba (Father Noel) is widely thought to bring New Year presents due to the country’s predominantly Muslim population.

- Little Christmas is one of the traditional names in Ireland for January 6, more commonly known in the rest of the world as the Feast of the Epiphany. Little Christmas is also called Women’s Christmas because of the Irish men taking on all the household duties for the day. Many women hold parties or go out to celebrate the day and children often buy presents for their mothers and grandmothers.

- In Norway and Sweden, Little Christmas Day refers to January 13, and is regarded as the day when decorations must be taken down and leftover food eaten.

- Christmas in July is celebrated in countries including Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in order to have Christmas with a winter feel as December 25 falls during their summer.

- While the birth year of Jesus is estimated among modern historians to have been between 7 and 2 BC, the exact month and day are unknown. By the earlyto-mid 4th century, the Western Christian Church had placed Christmas on December 25, chosen to correspond with the day exactly nine months after early Christians believed Jesus was conceived.

- The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century. From Germany the custom was introduced to Britain, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria. By 1841 the Christmas tree had become even more widespread throughout Britain.

- While the majority of families in the UK open their presents on the morning of Christmas Day, the Royal Family is an exception, opening their gifts on Christmas Eve, following German tradition introduced by the Hanoverians.

- Countries like Japan, where Christmas is popular despite there being only a small number of Christians, have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas, including gift-giving, decorations and trees.

- The US-based Coca-Cola Santa Claus was designed by the son of Finnish emigrants, Haddon Sundblom.

- Urban myth has it that the red suit only appeared after the Coca-Cola company started an advertising campaign depicting a redsuited Father Christmas in the 1930s. However, the red suit was used long before, including by American illustrator Thomas Nast in the 19th century.

CHRISTMAS: Observed the world over.

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HRISTMAS wouldn’t be Christmas in Spain without the traditional sweets and desserts.

Any good party needs plenty of food, and in Spain this is just as important as the decorations, nativity scene and the Three Wise Men. Many traditional Spanish Christmas dishes were simple, but nowadays, customs have changed and large family meals are celebrated.

The main events are the Christmas Eve dinner, the New Year’s Eve dinner and the afternoon snack on January 6.

Some of the best known sweets are the different varieties of ‘turron’, a nougattype confection, typically made of honey, sugar and egg white, with toasted almonds or other nuts, and usually shaped into a rectangular tablet.

The traditional varieties are the soft ‘Jijona’ turron, and the hard ‘Alicante’ turron. However, nowadays, there are dozens of varieties for all tastes. Amongst the most popular of these are the chocolate turron, the variety with candied fruits, the toasted egg yolk (yema tostada), cream and walnuts, marzipan and many more.

www.euroweeklynews.com

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

A sweet touch for the

TRADITIONAL: Turron, churros and mantecados.

Use of marzipan in Spanish sweets is very popular, and for Christmas there are figures and ‘breads’ made from marzipan.

Nuts are also covered in sugar and used to make dragées of different sizes, from the smaller variety with pine nuts, to the large and more traditional almonds covered in sugar.

Another two traditional sweets found in most Spanish households at Christmas are ‘mantecados’ and ‘polvorones.’

Mantecados (from manteca,

meaning lard) are made with lard although nowadays, they can be found made with vegetable oils and in a wide variety of different flavours. The other ingredients include flour, sugar, milk, and nuts.

A polvoron (from polvo, meaning powder or dust) is a type of mantecado, which is heavy, soft and very crumbly.

They are both mostly produced in Andalucia. When you are offered any of these sweets in a Spanish household over Christmas, you will normally also be given a shot of aniseflavoured liqueur to wash it down.

Although many children now receive gifts on December 25, in Spain, the tradition is that gifts are brought by the Three Kings (Tres Reyes Magos) on January 6, following large parades in towns and cities the night before.

On that day, it is also traditional to eat the ‘Roscon de Reyes’, an oval-shaped pastry which is normally decorated with candied fruit representing the jewels in the kings’ crowns and which can be plain or with different fillings.

It has two objects inside, one a gift, which makes the person who finds it ‘king for the day’ as they are given the crown which accompanies the cake; the other a bean, which means the finder will have to pay for the ‘Roscon’ the following year.

Advertising feature

Ruby Rocks Arenal Beach

LOCATED at the end of Javea’s Arenal Beach promenade, you can find Ruby Rocks Bar and Restaurant where you will feel warmly welcomed and surrounded by friends.

Alana Innes, its charming owner, opened Ruby Rocks in August and serves traditional English food. An English chef provides traditional English dishes whilst a second chef from Colombia cooks delicious curries, soups, chillies and sauces. Vegetarian options are available.

All the food is homemade and cooked with fresh vegetables. You cannot miss their yummy homemade gravy!

Ruby Rocks has a Christmas menu running from December 5-24 which includes three courses and dessert, including half bottle of wine, beer or soft drink

Rocks. e bay from Ruby th r ve O S: EW VI

for only €13.95. Booking is required.

The daily three-course menu will still be available during this period for €9.95.

Every Friday at 4pm they have a special afternoon tea party with finger sandwiches, cupcakes, scones and other delights. They also offer daily afternoon teas and cream teas from 12-3pm.

On December 21 they will have a ‘Christmas Cracker’ event with DJ Darrell playing disco music and Karaoke, and they will serve mulled wine and Christmas pies.

On Christmas Day an amazing menu

DINNER FOR TWO: Romantic tables on the terrace. with glass of cava on arrival, a choice of six starters, lemon sorbet, five main courses, five desserts, coffee and mince pies including free half bottle of wine or cava is available for just €35 per person.

At 7pm they have a disco party followed by a night of music.

DJ Darrel will be back on Boxing Day from 4pm till late with all bar meals

available for just €5 during the day. You can bring sweets to put under their Christmas tree.

On New Year’s Eve Ruby Rocks will serve a hot and cold buffet menu for €20, including a glass of cava and lucky grapes and on January 2 they have organised a family day, with lots of games and kids’ entertainment.

A function room and large covered garden is available for private parties and celebrations. Contact Alana on: 655 433 310.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Getting ready for a bigger SPANIARDS will spend more this Christmas, a study by professional services company Deloitte has revealed.

The average Spanish family is to spend €671 on Christmas shopping this year, as opposed to the €659 spent in 2012.

The study claims that Spaniards have become practical consumers who look for good value CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Spaniards are to spend products more this year.

at competitive prices. Half the people surveyed said they would buy presents taking into account price, with clothes, books and perfumes top of the shopping list, closely followed by high-tech items, especially popular amongst young people.

Most of the people, six out of 10, will buy their presents before December 15, whereas only 7 per cent claimed they would wait until the sales in January.

Of those who said they will spend more this Christmas, 40

per cent will do so to ‘take the financial crisis out of their heads’.

Meanwhile, 59 per cent of the people who will spend less this Christmas claim it’s because their income has dropped.

Department stores and specialised groups are the favourite options for Spaniards to buy Christmas presents from, with 61 per cent of people choosing them.

As for food, supermarkets remain the favourite places to buy goods, being the choice of 67 per cent of Spanish consumers.

The study showed a rise in the use of the internet to search for and compare prices. However, most of the people will buy in actual shops in order to ‘feel’ the product and get professional advice. In addition, the study claims Spaniards will use social networking websites not only to get information but also to share their own experiences.

Advertising feature

Nearly 20 years in the business ESTABLISHED in 1994, Top Cat & Co hairdressers have gone from strength to strength.

Need a new look for Christmas or just a trim?

Top Cat is the salon to visit with a friendly and fun atmosphere; you can be sure of a warm welcome and pleasant experience.

Top Cat has the lowest prices around but still use quality products.

While there, why not treat yourself to beautiful nails with nail technician

Danielle and shellac polish for only €12?

Bookings are a must for this busy salon so to avoid disappointment, give them a call on 966 491 737.

Find Top Cat in Calle Mostoles, Centro Comercial Tabaira. Direction Moraira turn right at roundabout opposite Mas y Mas. It is at the top of the hill on the left.

The salon is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-6pm. They have also a mobile service available.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

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Advertising Feature

Celebrate with authentic, high quality Indian food at Sarita Restaurant

SARITA INDIAN RESTAURANT looks after its customers by offering the highest quality food and service at reasonable prices.

The staff speak English and Spanish, but the menu is also available in German, French, Dutch, Norwegian and Russian.

Daniel and Claudine Hughes opened the business 10 years ago and have been very successful due to the quality of their authentic Indian homemade food. Punjabi chefs Joginder Singh, Kristian Lal and Love are from the Kashmir region of India and make their own blends by mixing fresh spices.

Sarita’s large and varied menu is typical of Indian cuisine; usually diners start with popadoms and chutneys before moving on to the hot starters. Their starter platter offers a selection of different choices for two to share including Bhajis, Samosas, Tikkas and Pakoras.

The extensive curry menu includes

these difficult times.

If you would like to join the scheme which will earn you a free meal, contact them or pop into the restaurant for more information. They have just started a new takeaway delivery service for all customers in Albir from 7-10.30pm seven days a week. The service is free and includes a free bottle of wine.

They are taking bookings for Christmas and have an excellent menu for only €59 per couple.

Sarita’s is located in Avenida del Albir, No. 11 (Albir).

Call 966 864 394 TASTE BUD PLEASERS: A tempting array of favourite curries. firm favourites like Madras, Masala, Korma and Saaq, all accompanied with a choice of rices and speciality naan bread cooked in a specialist clay oven. They also offer a selection of homemade desserts and imported

beers, ciders and wines.

They have a new system now in place for their ‘Luncheon Club Card’ promotion with members earning a free meal on their eighth visit, which is great value in

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Christmas lottery in Spain PREPARE to see people glued to television screens on December 22 for Spain often comes to a standstill as the Christmas lottery draw results are announced.

As children from the San Ildefonso school, Madrid’s oldest, draw numbers starting at 8.30am at the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre) in the capital, the nation will watch and listen.

There will be 24,486,400 prizes, from the ‘vuelta’ where people get their money back for having a certain number, to the big prize, FESTIVE DRAW: People will be glued to their TV screens on December 22 as the Christmas lottery results are announced.

El Gordo.

Each ticket (individual number) costs €200, and each ‘decimo’ are common with (10th of a ticket) €20, these being families, friends the most popular. even villages - buying According Since July, punters ranging tickets, splitting the cost and to the same study, while from wealthy businessmen to sharing the winnings. women prefer even numbers, work syndicates, from This year the total prize money the street and online, with men prefer odd. housewives keen for a change of will be €2.24 billion out of a total prices charged often slightly Madrid, Cataluña and Andalucia luck, to ardent gamblers, have revenue of €3.2 billion. higher than €20 once are the regions were more tickets been investing in Christmas The lottery organisation pays commissions have been added. have been sold as of October 23, lottery tickets. back 70 per cent in prize money, A study of the gambling habits according to the National With ticket prices high, given with a €4 million prize for El of Spaniards carried out by lottery Lotteries Authority (Loterias y the state of most people’s Gordo. website Ventura24 has revealed Apuestas del Estado). finances, especially in the present As well as at the official lottery men spend more money on the Meanwhile, Castilla Leon, La economic downturn, syndicates sales outlets, tickets are sold in Christmas lottery than women.

Rioja and Asturias are the regions

where people have spent the most on Christmas lottery tickets.

The first draw under the ‘Christmas lottery’ name was officially held on December 23, 1982.

But 80 years earlier, in 1812, the current Spanish lottery was introduced by the Cortes de Cadiz, the country’s legislative body, to increase state income.

El Gordo prize money has touched people from all walks of life. In 1930, as the world sank deeper into the Great Depression, part of the year’s main 30-millionpeseta prize went to a garage owner and his mechanics, who had each chipped in 22 cents to gain today’s equivalent of about €1,200 each.

In 2008, a bar in Soria, north of Madrid, sold all 1,950 of the third prize tickets, spreading €97 million among customers, family and friends.

With the familiar saying ‘you've gotta be in it to win it’, more than 30 million people are estimated to be lined up for this year’s draw.

Advertising Feature

Hip replacement THE hip is a ball and socket joint allowing a wide range of movement. Because of the heavy weight-bearing it has to endure, it is more prone to wear and tear.

Fortunately, hip replacement has become one of the most successful procedures performed.

Total hip replacement is a routine operation for the relief of pain and disability mainly due to osteoarthritis, giving some of the greatest quality of life increases of all medical procedures.

Typically for older people many get a good result though others do not reach their greatest potential due to the lack of follow-up rehabilitation.

Hip replacement is only performed when pain and consequent deformity becomes intolerable.

It is always advisable to have physiotherapy to prepare and strengthen the surrounding muscles of the hip before the operation. The most common approach is replacement of the head of the femur by a prosthesis which is fixed into the shaft of the femur. The socket in the pelvis is lined, giving pain-free movement.There are varying techniques for hip replacement and every surgeon has his particular procedure.

ROUTINE: Fitting a prosthesis.

Technology has greatly advanced over the years, reducing the problems after surgery. The cause of the replacement and the condition of the bones determine the procedure. The least invasive is hip resurfacing. Instead of removing the head of the femur, the ball is resurfaced and the cup is lined. This can only be done if the bone is in good condition.

Younger patients greatly benefit from this technique. Physiotherapy is very important after hip replacement.

Advice and guidance alleviates much worry and anxiety. Many patients are sent home without advice and progression is much slower and possibility of dislocation occurs. Learning to avoid certain movements is essential.

See Joan McLellan’s adjacent advert for more information.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

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Advertising feature

Majors and Cascara: first for men and women’s hairstyling

INTRODUCING a new concept of hairdressing to the Arenal, Javea: Majors Barbershop and Cascara Hairdressing.

Majors Barbers Javea is Joanna Forster’s second barber’s shop. It is a traditional barber with a modern twist.

With over 18 years’ experience, Joanna can offer all styles of men’s haircuts, beard trim and hot towel shaves with no appointment necessary. For Christmas and future offers, like their ‘majorsbarbersjavea’ Facebook page.

Working with Majors is Cascara Hairdressing, a luxurious, elegant salon both welcoming and contemporary. Shelly Dixon has run a successful business in the UK for many years and understands the need for modern yet wearable hairstyles and top quality products. Shelly pays the upmost attention to detail and

is a perfectionist in every way. Christmas party season is approaching and Cascara offers all types of styling and up-dos to make you look fabulous whatever the occasion. Both are open six days a week throughout the year with extensive hours throughout Christmas and New Year.

Visit them on Avda Arenal No. 1, Javea, next to bar Richmond or telephone: Majors 634 341 373 www.majorsbarbers.com Cascara 965 790 739 www.cascarahairdressingjavea.com

g. ra Hairdressin ndings at Casca ou rr su h is yl St ELEGANCE:

EXPERTISE: Joanna has over 18 years’ experience.

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Advertising Feature

New holiday care resort in La Cala Finestrat A FANTASTIC new holiday and care resort has been opened by the beach at La Cala, Finestrat, by Dutch company BMS S.L. The Ballesol complex provides ‘active with care’ holidays to enable senior and disabled people to have a holiday or take longer stays in this wonderful setting.

The complex is totally wheelchair friendly and it is possible to go by wheelchair or scooter throughout, as there are trough elevators everywhere.

In the resort there is a seven-day-a-week, 24-hour-a-day nursery available, supervised by trained nurses who hold diplomas and speak English. Most are Dutch

educated and trained with many years’ experience.

The complex has 42 apartments and 60 hotel rooms and offers stays from room only to full board. When people need special equipment, there is the possibility to loan or rent whatever is needed. There are high-low beds and lifts for people to enable them to get in and out of bed or a wheelchair.

The bathrooms are specially equipped for disabled visitors and our specialist nurses can help guests with showering, dressing, etc, if required.

In addition, for those with special needs like

A CARING HOLIDAY: The Ballesol complex. stoma or on dialysis, the nurses are trained to assist.

The apartments are all equipped with alarm buttons and telephone so you can call seven days a week, 24 hours a day for assistance when necessary.

Further into the complex is an indoor pool and Jacuzzi, an outdoor pool

and big garden with terraces. There is a restaurant and bar with a recreation room.

There are several roof terraces where it is possible to sit and enjoy the great views over the bay and sea.

BMS S.L. is working with the international hospitals in Benidorm including

Hospital Clinica Benidorm and Imed Levante. We also work with these hospitals on recuperation projects after surgery and for people on dialysis.

So if you are looking for a holiday where you can count on care, BMS S.L. can offer you this in a great place, just 100 metres from

the beach.

It is always possible to come and take a look at this beautiful resort, just call us for an appointment.

More information +34 965 060 200 or +34 634 324 954, or email to informatie@ballesolcosta blanca.com We hope to see you soon!

Grafique HAIR SALON

Advertising feature

A new concept in hairdressing GRAPHIQUE Hair Salon is pleased to announce that after a successful year they are continuing to deliver a new concept in one-to-one hairdressing.

Their approach brings together a high level of expertise with affordability, within an ambient and friendly atmosphere.

The aim is to cater for total hair care in both services and products, supported by professional advice and information.

At the helm is Alan Fentiman, who originally trained at Vidal Sassoon in London, quickly moving on to hair training at Harrods of Stockholm in

Sweden, and then to promoting shows and fronting seminars in Hong Kong.

Alan then returned to the UK where he worked for seven years as a technical consultant, travelling widely to train hairdressers of all calibres in technical knowledge, culminating in presenting heats of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy. Why not pop along and find out for yourself what makes Graphique stand out?

Call 683 570 600 for appointments.

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HRISTMAS in the UK is an important event for everyone, even for nonChristians, because it is a reason for celebration, for families to get together, and, as we all know, to eat plenty of rich and tasty food.

Christmas decorations are put up in shops and town centres from early November, and Christmas foods start to become available in stores.

Mince pies are popular throughout the Christmas celebrations. They are fruitbased sweet pies, the ingredients of which are traceable to the 13th century, when returning European crusaders brought with them Middle Eastern recipes containing meats, fruits and spices.

The early mince pie contained minced meat, suet, a range of fruits, and spices including cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

It is common in many UK households for children to put up advent calendars, which may contain chocolates or Christmas scenes behind their doors, which are opened every day during the countdown to Christmas.

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Set the turkey roasting and bri for a very traditional British fe Many families tell their children that Father Christmas comes with his reindeer to leave gifts and it is traditional in many households to leave out a plate of carrots for the reindeer and mince pies and Sherry for Father Christmas to help him on his way.

On Christmas Day, family and friends gather round for a traditional Christmas dinner, which is usually a turkey, with cranberry sauce,

parsnips, and roast potatoes. Alternatives to turkey include roast beef, duck, goose, pheasant or honey-glazed roast ham, as well as nut roast for vegetarians.

Other accompanying foods are bread sauce, Brussels sprouts and ‘Pigs in Blankets’ which are small sausages wrapped in bacon. The turkey is often stuffed with a mixture made traditionally of pork sausage meat and a wide choice of other ingredients, one of the favourites being chestnuts.

CHRISTMAS PUDDING: Full of alcohol.

This year’s Chris Would you want to

MULLED WINE: Contains brandy and spices.

During the meal, Christmas crackers, containing toys, jokes and a paper hat are pulled.

The meal is normally followed by hot Christmas pudding with cold brandy butter.

Christmas pudding has its origins in medieval England, and is sometimes known as plum pudding or just ‘pud’. The pudding is composed of dried fruits held together by egg and

IN an attempt to innovate, some brands have come up with Christmas concoctions which will either tempt you or put you right off your food.

Pringles has launched sweet cinnamon and mint choc flavoured varieties.

Pilgrim’s Choice cheese has unveiled a turkeyflavoured block of cheddar suet, flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and other spices. The pudding is full of alcohol, which means it can be aged for a month or even a year.

Traditionally, puddings were made on the Sunday before Advent started. Everyone in the household, or at least every

Advertising feature

Give new life to furniture with Upholstery Requena UPHOLSTERING any items can be and garden furniture. really easy if you contact Upholstery Upholstery Requena Requena in Javea. speak Spanish and English.

The charming owner, Mel You can find them in Javea, on Requena, has more than 10 years’ Avda Del Pla, Javea Park, local 11, experience and has been established just opposite Promociones Javea. for three years in Javea.

Call 636 747 632 or 632 207 425, They use materials such as cloth, or email natural leather, imitation leather, tapiceriarequena@hotmail.com or canvas and PVC to upholster and visit www.tapiceria repair car seats, steering wheels, requena.amawebs.com doors, mats and made-to-measure convertible tops.

They also work on motorcycle seats, ships’ equipment and household items like sofas, chairs and cushions, and even install inside and outside rugs.

Upholstery Requena will listen to your needs and upholster any item 10 YEARS’ EXPE you can imagine RIENCE: Tapiceria Requena. including parasols

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

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ing in the plum pudding estive season celebration

stmas innovations o try any of them? flecked with Brussels sprouts, grated carrot and bits of dried festive fruit.

Back in Britain, Tesco has come up with mince pieflavoured crisps, Marmite has brought out a Champagneinfused version of the spread, and there is even a Christmas Dinner Pot Noodle for a quick solution for your festive meal. child, gave the mixture a stir and made a wish while doing so.

It was common practice to include small silver coins in the pudding mixture, which could be kept by the person whose serving included them, and was believed to bring wealth in the coming year. Other tokens

included a tiny wishbone (to bring good luck), a silver thimble (for thrift), or an anchor (to symbolise safe harbour).

After lunch, it is traditional in many homes to finish off the meal with coffee, liqueurs and chocolates or biscuits.

Later on in the day, many families eat trifle, Yule logs or the traditional Christmas cake.

In the UK, Christmas cake is normally a rich fruitcake.

However, there are many different variations. In any case, most are covered with a layer of marzipan and then a layer of icing, and commonly decorated with figures like Christmas trees, holly, Santa Claus, reindeers, fir trees and houses. They are often made weeks before Christmas and doused with brandy every week until they are covered and iced shortly before Christmas Day.

e day. n later on in th YULE LOG: Eate

Some more natural products consumed around Christmas include nuts, especially roast chestnuts, and fruit, such as tangerines, although there are probably more people nowadays who snack on sweets.

Traditional drinks to accompany meals at Christmas are wine and Champagne, and

STUDIO H: Offering the best treatments in hair and beauty.

Advertising feature

Unbeatable prices for hair and beauty at Studio h Studio h professional salon offers everything you would expect at unbeatable prices; lots of special offers and great loyalty schemes earning free treatments.

Studio h’s hair team are highly trained in everything from wedding hair, cutting, technical expertise in colouring to Ultra Sonic Cold Fusion best quality hair extensions.

Offering an extensive list of treatments, they are renowned for their massage and facials and their

therapists have advanced skills in waxing, setting their experts apart from the competition. Using unique techniques, you will receive the best waxing service there is. Their make-up artists are qualified to work on TV, stage and film, and trained by an elite team in London with airbrush make-up which is very popular for weddings.

Studio h welcomes your enquiries and the opportunity to deliver you the best service in the industry. Located on the Moraira to Calpe road, next to Bar Cascada. Call 966 492 575 or email info@studioh-moraira.com

MINCE PIE: Luxury va rieties are available.

there is also Port. For refreshments throughout the day, some of the most popular options are hot mulled wine and eggnog.

Mulled wine contains wine, brandy and optionally other spirits, as well as spices especially cinnamon and cloves, sugar, and often orange.

Eggnog contains milk, sugar, eggs and most importantly whisky, brandy or rum.

After Christmas, most people make meals out of the leftovers from the main Christmas meal.

These include turkey and stuffing sandwiches, salads and stews.

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• PlayStation 4 PlayStation 4 is the desired gift this Christmas. Children want it, adults want it and it seems hard to get since it has sold out in every country since its launch two weeks ago. The latest Sony video game console comes with a new generation of graphics, online community, and a new controller with a tactile panel built-in at a recommended price of €399.

• iPhone 5S It is no surprise to see an iPhone as one of gifts written on many

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

What present to get your lov Christmas wish lists. Apple’s recent entry in their phone family comes with an upgraded rear camera able to record videos at 120fps and the newest fingerprint security system button. Prices start at €699 for the 16GB model.

• iPad Air Making a powerful processor and packing it in the thinnest and lightest tablet on the market seemed impossible right now, but Apple has done it in the fifth generation of the iPad. iPad Air comes with the powerful A7 chip capable of multitasking and the best video games graphics for a starting price of €479 for the 16GB model.

As Christmas fast approaches the big question is what to get for your loved ones. Here the Euro Weekly News takes a look at the top 10 gift ideas...

FOR COFFEE LOVERS: Nespresso offers a range of models.

• Kindle Paper White e-Books have revolutionised the world of literature thanks to products like Amazon’s Kindle. The newest Kindle Paper White offers a clear ink technology that allows users to read it as if it were a paper book, with Amazon claims, much less eye-strain than on a tablet PC. Storing more than 1,000 books and a battery that can go eight

weeks between charges, users can take their Kindle anywhere without worrying about forgetting the charger.

Kindle Paper White is available for €129.

• Nespresso One of the most desired gifts for coffee lovers. Nespresso, offering different models like Pixie, U,

Essenza, Maestria, Citiz and Lallisima+ at the starting price of €100.

GOLDEN VIEWS: What better way to see in 2014?

Advertising feature

Enjoy a great New Year at Golden Bay IF you are wondering how to spend a great New Year’s Eve, Golden Bay Chinese Restaurant in Moraira is offering something special for the last evening of 2013.

They will serve a large menu with typical Chinese food and free drinks for the special price of €59 per person. This big feast will include live music, party bags, lucky Spanish grapes, firecrackers and even fireworks. They will also give everybody a beautiful Chinese calendar for 2014.

With more than 30 years’ experience, Golden Bay in Calle Castillo, 22, close to the castle, offers new comfortable sofas, the perfect way to relax and make the most of the sea views. The kind staff will give you a warm welcome with permanent smiles. They are now providing a new home delivery service for all those who prefer to stay at home. Call 966 491 007 for more details.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

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ed one this year?

• Bluetooth Showerhead If you like to sing in the shower then this Bluetooth enabled showerhead and loudspeaker is the gadget for you. The Moxie showerhead + wireless speaker delivers up to seven hours of music, news and more by pairing wirelessly with your device enabled with Bluetooth technology.

Kohler offers it for €150.

• USB Led Beverage cooler The USB Mini Fridge can keep a cool beverage ready to drink at all times. It holds a single 330ml can, and is illuminated from the blue LED inside the fridge. A built-in cooling plate quickly drops to its lowest operating temperature within five minutes after being plugged in. It can be used in a cubicle, home office, bedroom or garage. It works with any computer

operating system and does not require batteries.

Several brands offer similar items for about €20.

• Man of Steel DVD/Blu-ray Superman’s latest movie, starring Henry Cavill is the perfect gift for children and superheroe lovers. It is now available on DVD and Bluray for €10/€20 each.

• Alex Ferguson’s Biography Over the past four years, Sir Alex has been reflecting on and jotting down the highlights of his extraordinary career and in his new book he reveals his amazing story as it unfolded, from his very early days in the tough shipyard areas of Govan. Perfect WISHED FOR: Everyone seems to want a PlayStation 4.

gift for football fans at a recommended price of €15.

• Nintendo 3DS XL Not forgetting the youngest members of the family, thanks to classic video games for all ages like Super Mario, Pokemon X & Y, The Legend of Zelda or Donkey Kong, the Nintendo 3DS in its three available models (3DS €149, 3DS XL €199 and 2DS for €129) it’s the right choice for the children this Christmas.

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Advertising Feature

Relax and unwind at El Cafetí de la Mar THE sophisticated El Cafetí de la Mar Restaurant in Moraira is proud to announce and welcome its new owners since April, who decided to refresh the place by contracting new managers to run their business.

Kees is a trained chef who worked in a big three-star hotel as head chef, and Inge is the lovely maîtred’. Both come from Holland and, along with the rest of the employees, speak several languages including English, Spanish, Dutch, French and German. The restaurant is in a fabulous location; its terrace has the most attractive views of the castle and beach. For the winter months, they have installed heaters on the terrace with soft blankets on the chairs to keep you warm and cosy while enjoying a

HOSTS: Inge and Kees from El Cafetí.

LAZY DAYS: On El Cafetí’s spacious terrace. drink or a meal outside.

El Cafetí Restaurant offers free Wi-Fi and is open all winter. Kees is specialised in international cuisine, so you can sample a very different range of dishes from. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner but the staff will be happy to welcome you if you just want to visit them for a drink. They have a special Christmas menu on offer and it will be adapted for the New Year.

You can find them at Calle Castillo No. 30, call 965 745 997 or visit www.elcafeti.nl

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Visit Rute, a chocolate and sugar wonderland

TETEGIL FLICKR

Other Christmas figures in Spain IN Spain, gifts are traditionally brought for children by the Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings or Three Magi); however, in different regions of Spain there are other figures.

In Cantabria, the Esteru is a friendly woodcutter who brings gifts on Christmas Day. In the Basque Country and Navarra, the Olentzero is a coal merchant who comes down from the mountains with a sack full of gifts. Children write to him asking for gifts which appear in their homes on Christmas morning.

There are also parades with the figures of the Olentzero; in many cases those who dress as the character ask for money for charity.

In Cataluña, the Tio de Nadal is a large log which is put in the house and ‘fed’ from December 8. When Christmas comes, children are allowed to beat the log, which then ‘poops’ gifts and sweets.

TIO DE NADAL: Logs are brought into homes and fed.

The Anguleru in Asturias, introduced in 2008, is an eel catcher as this is one of the traditional trades of the area.

In Galicia, the Apalpador, also a coal merchant, comes into town on the night of December 24 or 31 to touch children’s bellies to see if they have eaten enough during the year.

He leaves them chestnuts, gifts and

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

wishes them a year full of happiness and food.

In Ecija, Sevilla, there is a similar character the ‘tientapanzas’, brought back to popularity in 2004. In this case, the character comes to check children’s bellies to make sure they have eaten and then informs the Three Kings, so they can decide whether or not they get any gifts.

LESS than four hours’ drive from the coast is the small town of Rute, in Cordoba.

With fewer than 11,000 inhabitants, the town is famous for making traditional Spanish cakes and sweets and the anise liqueur which is often given to visitors at Christmas along with the cakes.

More importantly, it has something which is unique in Spain: a Nativity scene (Belen) made entirely of chocolate.

Made by the Galleros cake and chocolate factory, it can be visited until January 5. This year it is a replica of the city of Jaen, with streets, temples, characters and scenes of life in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus. It uses 1,400 kilos of white and dark chocolate and took four months to complete by seven master confectioners.

Also at Galleros, is a museum of chocolate figures, which includes famous personalities like the Spanish Royal Family.

For more information visit www.galleros artesanos.com or call 957 538 072.

While in the town, also plan a visit to the Anise Museum, where you can learn about the history of the liqueur and how it is made.

Try also the Mantecado Museum, to see how the traditional Spanish Christmas shortbread ‘mantecado’ is made.

In addition, it is well worth visiting an exhibition of the most famous monuments in Andalucia and the rest of the world, all made in sugar and chocolate, as well as life-size figures of Spanish and worldwide celebrities.

For more information visit www.laflorderute.es

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Advertising feature

Enjoy every aspect of dining at Hollys Bar and Restaurant LOOKING for something tasty and home-cooked whilst not wanting to pay a small fortune in the centre of Moraira?

Well try the recently refurbished Hollys Bar and Restaurant. They offer precisely that; tasty home-cooked fayre at fantastic prices. Choose from chicken and meat dishes through to daily pasta dishes, curries and burgers, all without bruising your wallet. They also offer daily five-star specials and build your own breakfasts. You will always find something to tickle your taste buds.

For the really hungry out there, why not try and tackle the ‘Hollys Deluxe Burger’?

Every time one is served all you can hear is: “Wow, look at the size of that!”

A similar remark can be heard when the Hollys’ full rack of ribs

appears; complemented by either a homemade BBQ, whisky or honey and mustard sauce.

Whatever your choice of food you can rest assured that all dishes are carefully prepared so that Hollys’ customers can enjoy every aspect of their dining experience.

Should you not have time for a meal, then relax and take a drink on the terrace while enjoying the daily hustle and bustle of Moraira, or sit inside the new light and bright surroundings.

Hollys promise that you won’t be disappointed. Great choice and great prices in Hollys Bar. Find them in the square, in Moraira, next to the pharmacy and near to the church.

Book now by calling 634 305 521.

STYLISH: The beautiful, reburbished bar area at Hollys.

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FREE AND NO OBLIGATION: Initial informative visits.

Advertising feature

Clinical El Arenal: For your family medical and healthcare needs SET UP in 1985, Clinica El Arenal is located in a lovely central area of Javea, very close to Playa del Arenal.

It provides its clients with a wide range of quality health services and personalised treatments which range from basic medical care and nursing for the whole family to minor or aesthetic surgery. Having more than 25 years of experience, Clinica El Arenal enables the healthcare staff to provide medical assistance not only in Spanish but also in English, French, German and Italian so that there are no language barriers for foreign patients.

With regard to aesthetic surgery, the centre is equipped with all the facilities needed to carry out any procedure that involves local anaesthesia and sedation.

All initial informative visits to the centre are always free and patients are under no obligation whatsoever to go through with anything that is recommended. As soon as an appointment has been made ahead of time, they will evaluate the case in question and establish the different possibilities and alternatives available.

You can always feel free to enquire about their prices and special offers. Their professional staff will be pleased to welcome you at Clinica El Arenal, in Avda Arenal, No. 2.

You can call for more information and appointments 965 792 418 or email to Dr.I.Poole@gmail.com. Dr Ignacio Poole also operates a 24-hour emergency service: call 652 286 720.

OPINION & COMMENT

E

XACTLY who will feel safer when the Public Safety act becomes law early next year?

Politicians, principally. Unauthorised demonstrations outside the national or regional parliaments could cost protesters €30,000.

They should consider themselves lucky that Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz, deafened but not chastened by roars of outrage, backtracked on the proposed €600,000.

The reduction is academic, because finding €30,000 is as impossible for most protesters as stumping up €600,000.

Public safety is the least of the public’s concerns and was placed 10th amongst Spain’s principal worries by an official CIS survey last October. Nevertheless, Fernandez Diaz’s law seeks to protect them from the dangers of ‘offences to Spain’ and its institutions.

The government, which must ride out next year’s European elections, followed by local, regional and finally general elections in 2015 might feel safer, believing itself buttressed against protest.

Instead it will be more vulnerable.

Nothing breeds protest like trying to eradicate it.

No-brainer WHATEVER trade union UGT says in Andalucia will sound like excuses, not explanations.

It is already up to its neck in the ERE scandal and now the regional government

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Protecting protesters from themselves Cassandra Nash

A weekly look and not entirely impartial reaction - to the Spanish political scene

is reclaiming €1.8 million for false invoices from 2009.

The regional secretary has resigned and UGT is in the throes of an internal debate.

Should it break with the past and come clean or keep quiet and let matters continue as they are?

Merely needing to ask these questions must have father of Spanish socialism Pablo Iglesias (and Keir Hardie) turning in their graves.

Short memories GENERAL

ALFONSO

ARMADA

died

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Juan Carlos, whom he later named his successor.

Armada became the then prince’s secretary in 1965 but resigned or was dismissed - there are conflicting versions in 1977 as democracy galloped through Spain. Armada always wanted to be president of Spain and thought his day had come with the February 1981 coup d’état.

The coup failed, entirely thanks to the King, a man now in his seventies whose popularity has gradually waned in the intervening years.

The next time Juan Carlos is booed by the public - assuming they dare to under Fernandez Diaz’s new law - they should remember the hero’s role he played almost 33 years ago.

Better together

BACKTRACKED: Jorge Fernandez Diaz. recently, aged 93.

He was a wily monarchist, one of the teachers appointed by Franco to tutor

COVERGENCIA I UNIO needs Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya’s support to retain control of Cataluña’s regional government.

CiU now wants a joint ticket with ERC for the European Elections in the belief that it will get better results if the two parties go hand in hand.

Trouble is, CiU is already two parties and Convergencia must persuade Unio less sold on separatism and none too fond of ERC - that this is a good idea.

Nor does it help that CiU wants independence only if the price is right but ERC wants it at any price.

Forget the Xmas gifts - it’s all about me!

Nora Johnson

Breaking Views A Costa del Sol resident for a number of years, Nora is the author of psychological suspense and crime thrillers. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/ norajohnson

ACCORDING to recent press reports about Amazon UK sales records being broken both on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we’re maybe shopping more for ourselves than for others when we’re out Christmas gift-buying! But is this really such a recent phenomenon?

There was this kid I read about whose dad bought his wife a spade one Christmas. Worse, he wrapped it up and left it under the tree for weeks prior to the big day, without making any effort to disguise the fact that he’d put some flash wrapping paper on a gardening tool.

It sat there until Christmas morning.

He then explained to her: “You really need to do something about the garden and at least this way you don’t have to buy your own spade - after all, I’m only thinking of you, dear!” At least she had something to bury him with after he’d eaten the poisoned prawn cocktail.

nt one for gardening?

GARDEN SPADE: Do you wa

Which reminds me of other times past.

One friend’s dad once got his wife an electric saw. To this day I'm amazed they didn’t have a repeat of the Texas chainsaw massacre. Another friend’s dad bought his wife a rolling pin as a hint.

Mistake, in more ways than one.

Although I’m not sure that tops the time my own father came home with a Dyson for Mum on her birthday. Or these Dear Santa letters from hopeful kids: “Please give me a big fat bank account and a slim body. And please, don’t mix those two up like you did last year!”

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Or perhaps an electric saw?

“Please text my dad - he has my whole list.” “And if you bring presents, bring batteries!”

Or the case of my best friend’s motherin-law who once gave her a blouse that she’d bought much earlier that year on holiday in Spain. The blouse itself was OK, although neither her style nor size, and had evidently come from a range of clothing for the much fuller-figured lady.

I don’t recall what the name of the original Spanish range was but the label read ‘Fat Beauty.’ She’s received M&S vouchers ever since.

PS Just heard on the radio this morning about the husband who’s bought his Mrs a set of windscreen wipers! Oh, err!

Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Retribution’, ‘Soul Stealer’, ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon (€0.89;£0.77) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca

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12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca Nor th

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EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

Famous quote

‘

I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.’

This week

British Olympic Diver Tom Daley has revealed he is in a relationship with a man.

Galileo Galilei (1564 – 1642) Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher

in history

Women’s wit

‘

1642: Dutch navigator Abel Tasman discovers New Zealand.

1773: A group of Massachusetts colonists board three British tea ships and dump 342 chests of tea into the sea. The raid was known as the Boston Tea Party.

1799: The first president of the US, George Washington, dies of acute laryngitis aged 67.

1890: Sioux Chief Sitting Bull is killed by Indian police at the Standing Rock reservation in South Dakota.

1900: German physicist Max Planck publishes a study that gives birth to quantum physics.

1913: Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is recovered in Florence two years after it was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris.

1917: More than 500 French soldiers die in a train accident when returning from fighting the First World War in Italy.

1969: 27 people die and 100 are injured after two bombs explode simultaneously in Rome and Milan.

1972: The last manned mission to the Moon so far, Apollo 17, returns to Earth.

1978: The US announces it will recognise the communist People's Republic of China.

1982: Spain’s socialist government opens to pedestrians the border with Gibraltar.

1995: Riots break out in Brixton after the death of black 26year-old, Wayne Douglas in police custody.

2000: Al Gore concedes defeat to George W Bush following weeks of legal battles over the recounting of votes in Florida.

2003: Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is captured by US soldiers.

Without pain, there would be no suffering, without suffering we would never learn from our mistakes. To make it right, pain and suffering is the key to all windows, without it, there is no way of life.’

Angelina Jolie (1975-) American actress, film director, screenwriter, and author.

World of English

K a k u ro

COSTA BLANCA weather for next 7 days TOMORROW JAVEA

DENIA JAVEA

DENIA

CALPE CALPE ALTEA ALTEA BENIDORM BENIDORM

ALICANTE

ALICANTE

TORREVIEJA

TORREVIEJA

ORIHUELA

ORIHUELA

Alicante TODAY:

Benidorm

CLOUDY MAX 17C, MIN 9C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 17 10 C Tues - 16 9 C Wed - 16 9 C

17 9 C 17 9 C 17 9 Cl

CLOUDY MAX 19C, MIN 11C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 18 12 C Tues - 17 12 Sh Wed - 17 11 C

19 12 C 18 12 C 18 11 C SUNNY

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX 15C, MIN 7C

14 7 C 14 7 C 14 8 C S Sun,

MAX MIN

Mon - 15 9 C Tues - 14 8 C Wed - 14 8 C Cl Clear,

TODAY:

13 2 C 14 2 C 11 2 C

Fog,

Fri Sat Sun -

18 10 C 17 19 C 17 10 C

TODAY:

SUNNY

Fri Sat Sun -

17 7 C 17 7 C 16 8 C

MAX MIN

Mon - 12 2 C Tues - 11 2 C Wed - 12 2 C

MAX 17C, MIN 9C MAX MIN

Mon - 17 10 C Tues - 17 9 Sh Wed - 17 9 Sh

MAX MIN

MAX 17C, MIN 6C MAX MIN

Mon - 16 9 C Tues - 16 9 C Wed - 14 9 C

Murcia

CLOUDY MAX 12C, MIN -1C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

CLOUDY MAX MIN

Mallorca

MAX MIN

Madrid

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 16 11 C Tues - 16 11 C Wed - 15 11 C

CLOUDY MAX 11C, MIN 1C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

17 10 C 16 10 C 15 11 C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Bilbao

Almeria TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Malaga

CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 10C

TODAY:

13 1 C 15 0 Cl 12 1 C C Cloudy,

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 13 1 C Tues - 12 1 C Wed - 13 1 C Sh Showers,

CLOUD MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

17 7 C 17 8 C 16 9 F

Sn Snow,

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.

MAX 17C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

Mon - 17 8 C Tues - 16 8 Sh Wed - 16 7 Sh Th Thunder

LOTTERY

TODAY

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

‘

Taken from a menu, Poland: Salad a firm's own make; limpid red beet soup with cheesy dumplings in the form of a finger; roasted duck let loose; beef rashers beaten in the country people's fashion.’

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

Saturday December 7

Saturday December 7

Saturday December 7

Friday December 6

Saturday December 7

Sunday December 8

10

12

2

12

20

1

11 17

28

12

30

42

22

12

15

26

16

19

35

20

39

49

2 21

33

18

35

44

36

13

33

31

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

25

9

31

LUCKY STARS

7

10

38

REINTEGRO

30

0

REINTEGRO

6

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E W N 12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca Nor th

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Time Out EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

Starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson.

Directed by James Wan. Runtime 112 minutes. Rated 15.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) An emotional cut-off from the past is not as bad as anticipated. Indeed, it confirms in your mind who you are and what your place in the world is. Inherited traits knit easily with your present life and bring contentment. All that you want to change at the moment are certain things round you that have been outgrown.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) An investment made recently is built upon and brings peace of mind. Finances do need consideration but more in the long than the short-term. Much is happening in the background that does not require your attention but, all the same, be aware. Life may be like a game of chess, but this week if you turn your back an opponent may cheat.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) You realise this week how liberating it is to share your thoughts and feelings with someone close. It is not always easy to do this, until you realise everyone has them. Some hopes and dreams are more attainable than others, of course, and someone has to find out which are which.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Time is precious this week because you are in demand. A chance lost in the past presents itself again but wonʼt be too easy. Holding back just a little makes you more desirable. A want to travel could be cramped by financial considerations. If making extra money is too difficult, consider sharing something of value with someone else.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) After a relaxed weekend, it might prove difficult to take up the reins of work again.

However, midweek sees you trotting along happily and minding your own business when someone stops you in your tracks. When a challenge is issued, your natural stubbornness comes to the fore.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) With a mind as sharp as a needle, you spin through the week, weaving your own charming spell. A bit of extra

H ex a g r a m

The Conjuring tells the true story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, world renowned paranormal investigators.

When the Perron family experience strange goings-on and are terrorised by a dark presence in their secluded farmhouse, they enlist the help of paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine. As they investigate, however, the couple begin to realise that, despite their expertise, they may not be equipped to deal with such a violent and foreboding evil.

BALLOT

OCEANS

BARELY

RENDER

CHEERS

RESENT

ENTERS

RESORT

HOLDER

RUMOUR

LUSTER

SPEARS

MENDER (10)

STEADY

METEOR

TESTED

MOULDY

UPPERS

MUSTER

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Nights, 2 Gander, 3 Thorns, 4 Barred, 5 Swords, 6 Leered, 7 Wearer, 8 Owners, 9 Neatly, 10 Wooded, 11 Breast, 12 Tilted, 13 Boards, 14 Volley, 15 Bitter, 16 Rotund, 17 Either, 18 Barren, 19 Shines

IF ITʼS YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: Make this a year to build on friendships. Busy as you are, your well-being is tied up with those close to you. Money is not everything.

Your Stars for his role of Sonny Crockett on TV show Miami Vice.

December 12: Jennifer Connelly, 43. American actress winner of an Academy Award for her role in ‘A Beautiful Mind.’

December 13: Taylor Swift, 24. American country singer and songwriter.

December 14: Michael Owen, 34.

English former footballer.

December 15: Don Johnson, 64. American actor and recording artist known confidence works wonders for your mood. Something that you read sets you thinking about doing some writing or creating something artistic, perhaps even a musical.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Although energy is not high, there is the need to have some kind of challenge. With the brain active, it is an ideal time to plot and plan your next moves. Maybe something that has been delayed might now be advanced. You find it hard to choose between opportunities.

The road ahead is open. Keeping things simple is best.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) The imagination stirs and the heart races at a suggestion this week. Your strong intuition tells you it is the right thing to do. You

December 18: Alejandro Sanz is a Spanish singersongwriter and musician. Born in Madrid, Sanz originally intended to become a flamenco singer, however, he decided to focus on pop music. This change paid off because Sanz became one of the most successful Spanish singers in history, winning 15 Latin Grammy and three Grammy Awards.

45

are a constant friend, but such an adventure may mean an absence from someone close.

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Reading the small print or being sure what is offered in a personal encounter is most important this week. Leave nothing to chance or you could be out of pocket. When discussing the future with someone close, you are expected to take the lead.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Being over-generous with cash midweek could see you making a poor move. Perhaps someone needs to be more hardworking or perhaps less of a spendthrift. Propping up a bad habit would be doing them no favours. There are doubts in your mind about a family holiday.

December 16: Benny Andersson, 67. Swedish singer and member of pop band ABBA.

10-Star Quiz IF ONLY

1. For which 1981 film did actor Henry Fonda win his only Oscar?

2. Only You was which British a cappella vocal group’s only UK number one hit single?

3. What was the title of Anna Sewell’s only published novel?

4. Which British jockey won his only Epsom Derby, on Pinza, in 1953?

5. Which French composer’s only opera was Pelleas and Melisande, which premiered in 1902?

6. Which is the only letter of the alphabet that does not appear in the name of any of the states of the US? 7. Which is the only play by William Shakespeare with an animal in its title?

8. Which is the only word in the English language that ends with the letters HTH? 9. Who is the only woman to have been awarded two Nobel Prizes (Physics 1903 and Chemistry 1911)?

10. Who wrote and sang the theme tunes (Only Fools and Horses and Hooky Street) for the television sitcom Only Fools and Horses?

Nonagram 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 P) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET: Average: 8 Good: 10

December 17: Milla Jovovich, 38.

Ukrainian born actress, model, singer and fashion designer.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) A suggestion made by you recently did not seem to be taken seriously. This week, however, negotiations could be opened. Circumstances change and it may seem someone gave up too early. Bide your time and even hold your tongue when someone in a strong position spouts rubbish.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Confidence in a close relationship should be maintained. Possibly someone who envies your position would like to see discord. A matter of spiritual or religious faith is questioned, but the answer comes more clearly and sharply than you would have thought. In discussions with yourself (sometimes the best kind) answers come easily.

Very good: 14 Excellent: 18

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION vamid, amir, dame, dime, dram, emir, emit, idem, item, lame, lime, made, maid, mail, male, mall, malt, mare, marl, mart, mate, mead, meal, meat, meld, melt, mild, mile, mill, milt, mire, mite, ream, rime, tame, team, term, time, tram, trim, admit, aimed, aimer, amide, armed, demit, derma, dimer, dream, lamed, lamer, limed, mated, mater, medal, media, merit, metal, miler, mired, miter, mitre, ramie, realm, remit, rimed, tamed, tamer, timed, timer, admire, armlet, dermal, dreamt, mailed, mailer, mallet, malted, marled, matier, medial, medlar, milder, milled, miller, millet, mitral, mitred, readmit, TREADMILL

Word Ladder LEAF

BUDS

Move from the start word (LEAF) to the end word (BUDS) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder.

You must only change one letter at a time.

LEAF LEAS LETS BETS BEDS BUDS

The Conjuring

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 (MENDER) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

1. ON GOLDEN POND, 2. FLYING PICKETS, 3. BLACK BEAUTY 4. GORDON RICHARDS, 5. CLAUDE DEBUSSY, 6. Q, 7. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, 8. EIGHTH, 9. MARIE CURIE, 10.

JOHN SULLIVAN

NEW ON DVD

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Crosswords

12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca Nor th

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For more information about the sponsor go to www.lineadirecta.com

Cryptic

Quick

Unscramble the name of a famous English film, television, and theatre actor: FLINT CHOIR

Across 1 Having had enough, was unhappy about note (5) 4 A bird has swallowed her cigar (7) 7 African president to supply workforce with New Deal? (7) 8 Rub tea with iron (5) 10 Inflexible outfit I associated with duke (5) 11 Stone thatʼs great in building (7) 12 Hiding in bushes to attack an animal (5) 14 Pass laws about a cent (5) 19 Provokes with sharp points (7) 21 Long story without direction (5) 22 Cast worth altering (5) 23 Stuck with tot holding present (7) 24 Reds die, but revolutionary lived (7) 25 Boss around from border control (5)

Unscramble the name of a famous James Bond novel/film (two words): A SCARY LOONIE FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: COLIN FIRTH, CASINO ROYALE

Play on Words

DOFTOR

9 Farm producers put to some purpose, we hear (4) 13 Everyone was in debt, thatʼs permitted (7) 15 Like badly cooked food getting woman in house embarrassed (7) 16 Oddly, I got tuna without a single

thing (4) 17 No man is one, but Man is (6) 18 The girl to have a meal upside down (4) 20 Features about 50 members of the House of Lords (5) 21 Brute in agency, a hooligan (5)

Code Breaker

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 10 represents P and 25 represents X, so fill in P every time the figure 10 appears and X every time the figure 25 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.

Across 1 Old manuscript copier (6) 4 Bonbons (6) 9 Element from sea water (7) 10 Royal rule (5) 11 Distressed (5) 12 Make good (7) 13 Carpenterʼs tool (11) 18 Pasta pockets (7) 20 Lacking freshness (5) 22 Large wading bird (5) 23 Stir up (7) 24 Avoids (6) 25 Inflamed (6)

Down 1 Conquer (6) 2 Origins (5) 3 Easily broken (7) 5 Does a job (5) 6 Instalment (7) 7 Verse form (6) 8 Naval officer (4,7) 14 Overlaid (7) 15 Fill with enthusiasm (7) 16 Type of flower (6) 17 Hinge on (6) 19 Unit of weight (5) 21 Separate (5)

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.

BELT HIT Answers: A foot in the door, Hit below the belt

Down 2 Thing to alter between today and tomorrow (7) 3 Fear right in the dead centre (5) 4 Transform some money (6) 5 Limit each innʼs brawling (7) 6 A wild animal but itʼs all right, a quiet one (5) 7 Grade old German money (4)

Funagram

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 1 Tedium, 3 Lambda, 8 Montana, 10 Otter, 11 Torso, 12 State, 13 Kites, 15 Tarns, 20 Ensue, 22 Plant, 24 Total, 25 Swear by, 26 Guards, 27 Ostend.

Down: 1 Tomato, 2 Dinar, 4 Aroma, 5 Bittern, 6 Arrest, 7 Pause, 9 Adore, 14 Inertia, 16 Apple, 17 Dog tag, 18 Feast, 19 Stayed, 21 Salad, 23 Agree.

QUICK Across: 1 Barracks, 5/24 Word game, 9 Outcome, 10 Lingo, 11 Surge, 12 Literal, 13 Sedate, 15 Shares, 18 Purpose, 20 Recap, 22 Irate, 23 Diaries, 25 Restless.

Down: 1 Boots, 2 Retired, 3 Adore, 4 Keenly, 6 Owner, 7 Doodles, 8 Glitch, 13 Sapling, 14 Trowel, 16 Recline, 17 Meddle, 19 Realm, 20 React, 21 Pests.

Across 1 Luck (6) 4 Esperar (4) 8 Clear (meaning, explanation) (5) 9 Corderos (5) 10 Grape (3) 11 Estrellas (5) 12 Tuberculosis (5) 15 Like that (3) 16 Otra vez (5) 18 Key (door) (5) 19 Train (railway) (4)

20 Cuello (6) Down 1 Calcetines (5) 2 Stage (of a journey) (5) 3 Mil (8) 5 Brazo (de persona) (3) 6 Cough (3) 7 Saucer (8) 13 Caracol (5) 14 Jurar (5) 16 Hormiga (3) 17 Bird (large) (3)

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Loser, 4 Add up, 7 Too, 8 Battery, 9 Stew, 10 Evitar, 14 Applaud, 16 Uso, 17 Oveja, 18 Debts.

Down: 1 Latas, 2 Smoke, 3 Rabo, 4 Actividad, 5 Dye, 6 Pay, 11 Thumb, 12 Rooms, 13 Baya, 14 Ajo, 15 Pie.

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E W N 12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca Nor th

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TOP 10 FEMALE MOVIE HEROES

For solutions: http://www.euroweeklynews.com/puzzle-answers.html

THE massive box office success of Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games, featuring a heroine, proves that women can and should star in action movies with the same success as male actors. This week’s Top 10 shows the best movie heroines of all time.

1. Ripley (Sigourney Weaver - Alien) SHE has to be one of the best female characters ever to feature on the big screen.

The Alien franchise has been a huge hit. With Ridley Scott directing, Alien would probably have been a success even without Weaver, but whether Ripley would ever have become such 1 an iconic character is doubtful.

2. Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie - Tomb Raider) Lara Croft is one of the biggest video game characters of all time and was one of the first to make the transition to the big screen. A strong female character with dangerous curves fights her way through mythological creatures, raiders and cults to retrieve mystical objects believed to be a myth.

Cooliris allows you to experience all your photos from Camera Roll, Instagram, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and a dozen more in just one app.

Available for iOS devices.

7. Leeloo (Milla Jovovich - The Fifth Element) Leeloo is a supreme being coming from space to save earth but her ship crashes.

Scientists recover a hand and then reconstructed her in a futuristic facility in a humanoid form. Trying to escape, Leeloo runs into Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) who helps her keep her captors at bay and eventually save the universe.

BOOKS books@euroweeklynews.com

A GENIUS KILLER sets his eye on Alex Cross and becomes his obsession, trying to prove that he is the greatest mind in the history of crime.

Taking a heart racing new level, James Patterson’s latest thriller describes detective Alex Cross, a family man whose family means everything and the love for his children, his grandmother and his wife Bree becomes his anchor. They give

him the strength to fight crime in his work, but a man starts studying Cross and discovers that Alex’s strength is also the best weapon against him and further events twist the story in unexpected ways in the most unsettling novel of James Patterson’s career.

When Cross’s family falls in danger, Alex will do anything in order to protect them, but doing this will be their death

wakes from a coma years later and sets out on a journey of revenge, slaying everyone who gets in her way.

4. Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton Terminator) Connor is one of the characters who undergoes huge changes during the Terminator films. From a frightened woman trying to understand why a robot is trying to kill her she turns

ANGELINA JOLIE: A strong female character.

Cooliris

made Trinity an example of creating a sci-fi heroine.

The greatest mind in the history of crime

3. The Bride (Uma Thurman - Kill Bill) The two-volume saga from Quentin Tarantino offers one of the deadliest women ever seen in a movie. Beatrix Kiddo, mostly known as ‘The Bride’ was left for dead by her former fiancé at her wedding rehearsal. She

App of the Week

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Sudoku 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.

sentence. What will Alex Cross do?

Cross my Heart is one of the best Alex Cross novels in the series, born by the genius mind of best selling writer James Patterson

into a fierce and cold heroine trying to save her son and the world.

5. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence - The Hunger Games) The main character from The Hunger Games comes from District 12, the poorest district in the fictional nation of Panem.

Primrose, her sister, gets elected as a tribute but Katniss volunteers as a replacement for the Reaping Day in which two children aged between 12 and 18 from each district are thrown into a gruesome fight to the death in an arena where only one child can come out alive.

6. Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss - Matrix) Trinity has one of the most iconic slow motion shots in the history of the movies, next to her movie-partner Neo. The sci-fi thriller featuring a futuristic world where everything is an illusion created from maneating robots that breed humans for energy featured the strong female character, and

8. Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson Avengers) First appearing in Iron Man 2, then in Avengers: Assemble and will also have an important role in next year’s Captain America: Winter Soldier. Natasha Romanov, mostly know as Black Widow, is a spy agent working for S.H.I.E.L.D. to protect the world. She’s a super hero and a well loved character in the Marvel universe.

9. Selene (Kate Beckinsale Underworld) Selene is a fictional character from the Underworld series. She is the main protagonist of the films Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, and Underworld: Awakening. A vampire woman fighting lycanthropes in a century-long war whoich will not finish until Selene finds a hybrid of Lycanthrope and Vampire who could change the eternal war.

10. Aeon Flux (Charlize Theron - Aeon Flux) A virus wiped out 99 per cent of the global population in 2415. Now, all of the survivors inhabit Bregna, the big city, where people routinely disappear. Aeon Flux is a member of the Monicans, an underground rebel organisation which communicates through telepathy technology.

Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules?

The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms.

No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice.

No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.

TARGET:

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Average: 30

Just Joking In memory of Tommy Cooper.

Some of his one liners...

‘Never trust an undertaker. He’ll always let you down.’

‘I’m on a whisky diet . . . last week I lost three days!’

‘Gambling has brought our family together. We had to move to a smaller house.’

Good: 38 Very good: 55 Excellent: 68

SCORING: 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points 8 or more letters: 11 points

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION twirl, twirls, twig, tram, trams, trig, tree, lass, lams, lame, lamer, slam, slams, sisal, salt, sari, saree, same, wire, weal, weals, wear, wears, weir, weirs, rams, ramie, real, ream, reams, realm, realms, arms, aerie, alms, smart, smear, smears, slier, slim, slime, eras, earl, earls, ears, earwig, malt, mass, mart, marl, mare, mewl, mewls, meal, meals, mils, liege, lime, girt, girl, girls, germ, germs, gear, gears, gems, flare, flame, flier, fliers, film, films

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SPOTLIGHT

12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca North

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Advertising feature

Neater Heaters beat cheaper heaters W

ITH fuel prices seeming to be constantly on the rise, our customers are frequently asking the following questions: “Are Neater Heaters economical to run?” And “Why should I buy Neater Heaters as opposed to the cheaper oil-filled heaters?”

The best way these questions can be answered is with a comparison.

We frequently install our heaters in bedrooms that the customers are already heating with cheap oil-filled heaters. These can be bought from most ferreterias for €60-€80. The customers frequently say: “I know they’re cheap, but at least they take the chill off.” Many of the ‘cheap’ heaters that we remove are 2.5 Kilowatts. An Iberdrola customer will be paying 45 cents/hour to run it. For 45 cents an hour I would expect better results than “Just take the chill off.”

The Neater Heater that we replace it with is often only 800 watts and costs, at the most, 15 cents/hour to run. The real cost of the Neater Heater will be less because the efficient element will raise the air temperature to a point where the thermostat will turn off the heater. This action will reduce the consumption. Many of the cheap oil-filled radiators don’t even have a thermostat!

What I am about to prove with boring figures and numbers can be summed up in the following statement: It can be as cheap to pay a bit more up front for a Neater Heater and run it for TWO winters, than to pay less for a ‘cheap’ oil-filled heater and run that for only one winter!

There, I’ve said it! Now I’ll prove it. All the following costs include IVA at 21 per cent.

SLIM-LINE: Neaters Heaters are elegant as well as economical to run.

I haven’t even included the reductions in the running cost of the Neater Heater caused by the efficiency of the state-of-theart element in conjunction with the sensitive thermostat.

But that’s a story for another day.

Unfortunately, there is a cost implication to all heating in Spain, as the general lack of insulation in buildings causes all heating to have to work hard. All the more reason, therefore, for you to choose your heaters wisely and base your choice on their

performance against cost. We know Neater Heaters aren’t the cheapest electric heaters, but we firmly believe that they are the best value-for-money option in their class.

Neater Heaters are pleased to announce the opening of three new outlets: Malaga Relocations, Mijas Costa, Costa del Sol; Almeria Relocations, Roquetas de Mar, Almeria; Lifestyle Enclosures, Antas, Almeria.

Lifestyle are replacing the retiring Eileen are Pete from Iron Art in Antas and we would like to wish them all the best for the future and for all their hard work over the last three years.

NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS: COSTA BLANCA NORTH PEGO/OLIVA/DENIA: Calicomfort. Tel. 687 694 038 MORAIRA: S&W, The Tool Bar. Tel. 965 745 805 JAVEA :Connect 2 Spain, Javea Port. Tel. 966 460 133 CALPE: K & M’s Electro Domesticos Tel 965 874 838 CALPE: Imprint, Avda Gabriel Miró. Tel. 965 874 451 ALTEA:Leo's Superstore. Tel. 965 844 848

Heaters also available for purchase at our online shop with free home delivery.

WWW.NEATERHEATER.ES OR Tel. 634 312 171

Advertising feature

Caravanas Sangar: your caravan and motorhomes dealer in Spain WHEN people ask which sector will help the country get out of the financial crisis, the most common answer is tourism.

Hotels, museums or beaches normally come into mind.

However, there are unknown, and sometimes forgotten, sectors that are not taken advantage of.

This is where Caravanas Sangar, a small family business opened 10 years ago, turns up.

Based in Cartagena (Murcia), Caravanas Sangar is more than a caravan and motorhomes dealer.

This family-run business offers a wide range of products that go from the sale of spare parts and accessories to their installation.

Their highly qualified and dedicated staff is always trying to ensure that their clients are given the highest possible levels of service. In fact, one of their mottos is: “There are no

Spare parts and accessories are available. problems, only solutions.”

Throughout its 10 years of history, Caravanas Sangar has helped clients from all around the world feel at home while visiting Spain.

Caravanas Sangar offers several possibilities to those who still don’t know whether to buy a caravan or not. The company sells secondhand caravans and

motorhomes in mint condition at excellent prices, warranty included.

They also have a motorhome rental service, being an official McRent point in Murcia. McRent is Europe’s largest motorhome rental company. For those who already have a caravan or a motorhome, the self-service shop at Caravanas Sangar offers

spare parts and accessories to make the most of their trips.

In addition, Caravanas Sangar offers a parking service with a surveillance and monitoring system to ensure the best protection to their clients’ vehicles. For more information call Caravanas Sangar on 968 554 586 and 666 235 507, or caravanassangar@hotmail.es

New and second-hand models.

Caravanas Sangar is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 8pm with no breaks. It also opens on Saturday mornings.

Caravanas Sangar, exit 800 on the AP7 motorway, next to the north entrance to the Camachos industrial estate, Cartagena (Murcia). www.caravanas sangar.es

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

ealth & beauty H TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EWNLIFESTYLE.COM

Ask the Optician: How does diabetes affect the eyesight?

By Jorge Martinez, Store Director from Specsavers Opticas Benidorm

There are 171 million diabetes sufferers worldwide.

Unfortunately, due to the increase in obesity, this is a growing problem throughout Europe and diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of blindness and partial sight.

Q. How can diabetes affect my eyes?

A. Diabetes affects the small blood vessels and capillaries of the body. The walls of these vessels can develop small bulges (micro-aneurysms) and become ‘leaky’. Diabetic changes can

occur in the blood vessels at the back of the eye; when diabetes results in these changes, it is referred to as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes can also have other ocular pathological effects including cataracts and retinal detachments. Severe changes, if left untreated, can result in blindness.

detected by an eye examination.

Q. How can these changes be identified?

A. A symptom of diabetic retinopathy developing is blurry vision which can often come and go throughout the day. If you experience this issue get an eye test right away.

Haemorrhages (blood leaking out of the vessels) and leaking fluid (oedema) can sometimes be

Q. Can the damage be treated?

A. The sooner the problem is identified, the easier it can be treated. However, even if it has progressed often the affected vessels can be cauterised by laser to reduce the damage.

Q. How can I reduce my risk of suffering vision loss?

A. The better the diabetes is controlled, the less likely vision issues will occur. However, the longer the patient has been diabetic, the greater the chances of eye disease.

To book an eye test or find your nearest store visit specsavers.es

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Spanish firm works on mattress to reduce infant cot death DIFFERENT organisations from Spain, reduction of sudden infant death.

The project also involves British England and Belgium are working together on a new research project with technology companies and Belgian advanced fabrics companies and European funding, focused on paediatric research developing a ‘smart’ cot mattress, associations. in a bid to reduce sudden infant death.

The project ‘Baby Sleep Care’ is working on an active prevention mattress that is able to predict respiratory problems in the baby while sleeping and act accordingly.

The European Sleep Institute (ESCI), the Institute of Biomechanics of Valencia (IBV), the Paediatric Unit of Chiron Hospital of PROJECT: Valencia and Mattresses To reduce Delax are leading Europe’s cot death. largest investment in innovation applied to the

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OPINION & COMMENT

The dark side of the English Channel Mike Walsh Mike Walsh. Based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

I

HAVE long suspected that Europeans and the British are far more than fish and chips apart.

Are those who retire to Europe better Europeans than those we leave behind? Are we returning to our roots? Most of England’s people can trace their lineage back to European ancestors.

However, many keep their Anglo-Saxon roots firmly fixed in what was once Celtic soil. As far as mainland Europe is concerned there is an ‘us and them’ detachment about Little Englanders.

To them, Spain appears to be a holiday theme park along the lines of the other one in Florida. Most British visitors enjoy their holidays then add, ‘but I couldn’t live here.’

Was it ever thus? During Queen Victoria’s reign it was commonly thought civilisation stopped at the English Channel. Any illfated person born on the far side of Dover’s lapping shoreline was regarded as ‘Johnny Foreigner.’ An oft repeated phrase was: “He’s a foreigner, ‘eave ‘alf a brick at him.”

My Great Grandmother would be as

EUROPEANS: Far more than fish and chips apart from the British. familiar with the Napoleonic Wars as we are to World War Two. Legend has it that a monkey on board a passing French ship, for entertainment purposes dressed in military uniform, survived the ship’s sinking on England’s east coast.

Soon afterwards Hartlepool’s alarmed citizenry discovered the shivering creature.

These worthy folk had been forewarned about the diabolical intentions of the French. Having little desire to speak in such lingo the beachcombers decided the hapless monkey to be a French spy.

The doomed monkey was duly questioned and its fate decided. At the close of the improvised trial, the hapless

creature was hanged from the cobble mast of a nearby fishing smack.

Such anti-European prejudice was set to continue. The beastly Germans, it was said, passed poisoned sweets to children during the Great War. Dachshund dogs were stoned and in 1939, the Press depicted the same breed of dog with swastikas crudely drawn on their backs.

Is mainstream media responsible for antiEuropeanism? On November 21 the worst imaginable human tragedy in northern Europe struck. Fifty-four shoppers were crushed to death when a Canadian designed, German built supermarket collapsed in Latvia’s capital. Riga is roughly the length of Britain away from England.

The indifference displayed by British media was grotesque, its disdain for all things European laid bare. It was day two before many papers reported the story. I first heard of the scale of the calamity on Facebook and Russian media.

A comparatively minor event in America, a storm, a mall shooting or unusual murder is given far greater coverage. The UK media hangs on every word stemming from Congress whilst Europe remains the dark side of the channel. Neither European nor American, has Britain lost its identity and if so where lies its future?

FOOD & DRINK

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Costa de Almeria’s best guide to local

To read more turn to Page 72 TO READ MORE VISIT: WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM/FEATURES/RESTAURANTS

Costa Blanca’s best guide for local restaurants

The most expensive Champagne is not always the best

THE price of Champagne is not always linked to its quality, a study by the universities of Oxford and London has revealed.

Instead, scientists argue there is a placebo effect with cost that makes us believe the more expensive a Champagne is, the better it is.

Scientists carried out blind tastings with experts asking them to choose from six Champagnes and an English sparkling wine with prices going from £18 (€21.50) to £400 (€477)

The results, published in Flavour Journal, indicate that these people ranked the £40 (€47.70) bottle with most points.

The participants were four people who work in the Champagne industry, six who work in the wine industry but are not experts in Champagne, and five social drinkers.

They wore black glasses to disguise both the bottles and the colour of the drink.

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Japanese treasure.

& DRINK

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Only the most expert tasters were able to appreciate the most expensive drinks.

According to scientists, that doesn’t mean expensive Champagne is not worth its price.

PLACEBO EFFECT: The price of Champagne is not always linked to its quality.

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FOOD & DRINK Photo: APEGA/FLICKR

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MULTI-AWARDED: Ruscalleda has won more Michelin stars than any other woman.

Only 7-Michelin starred female chef A SPANISH woman has become the world’s only seven-Michelin starred female chef.

Catalan Carme Ruscalleda earned this distinction after her restaurant in Tokyo

Now with Dutch owner!!!

Please come over and enjoy our lovely terrace and restaurant.

We still have the great food you're used to! We hope to see you for a coffee with our home-made Apple strudel.

And a coffee at Amix is a coffee with an extra!

Paseo Marítimo 20, Altea. Tel. 642 845 260.

Open 11-22 Wednesday 11th and 18th closed

(Japan) was awarded two of the coveted stars this year.

Ruscalleda already had three Michelin stars for her restaurant Sant Pau in San Pol de Mar (Barcelona) and two more for her Barcelona restaurant Moments, with her son Raul Balam as head chef.

The 61-year-old has thus surpassed fellow chef and competitor Frenchwoman Anne Sophie Pic, who has been awarded a total of six Michelin stars.

Her success matches that of Basque chef Martin Berasategui, who holds seven stars as well.

“We’re very happy.

There’s a huge and solid work behind this recognition,” the sevenstarred chef said.

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Japanese traditional cuisine declared ‘national treasure’

WASHOKU, or traditional Japanese cuisine, has been declared of

intangible cultural heritage by the United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

This decision is expected to give a boost to Japanese tourism and food exports.

The UN specialised agency valued the spirit and the respect for nature traditionally associated with Washoku.

According to the UNESCO report, Washoku is ‘a social practice based on a set

of skills, knowledge, practice and traditions related to the production, processing, preparation and consumption of food.’

These characteristics can be seen during the New Year celebrations.

The Japanese prepare several dishes to welcome the

incoming year, each with a different symbolic meaning and served on special plates.

The recipes followed to prepare these dishes are passed down to new generations at homes and schools, and favour the consumption of locally sourced ingredients while respecting nature.

FOOD & DRINK

A healthy low calorie November SUPERMARKETS are reporting a rise in the sale of healthy, low calorie foods in the lead-up to Christmas.

It is being put down to people trying to trim down for the festive party season.

Superfoods and green smoothie ingredients, both touted as miracle cures for bad skin, lacklustre hair and low energy, are as popular during November as in the summer months, with British store M&S reporting sales of their healthy eating ranges up 25 per cent on last month, while Waitrose said sales of fruit and vegetables are soaring with chard and kale up 32 per cent on this time last year.

KFC scented candles

WASHOKU: Locally sourced, environmental-friendly food.

THE state of Kentucky in the USA has released a collection of candles made to make your mouth water.

‘Fried Chicken Actual’ is made from real fried chicken and all-natural soy wax that smells just like KFC.

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omes&gardens

H

HOMES & GARDENS

SPONSORED BY

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA .COM

Attractive, colourful, perfumed and productive apartment terraces

Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner

Your efforts could become an enthralling and interesting hobby

By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.

S

INCE the publication of Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style three years ago, it has been encouraging to see more and more apartment dwellers make their terraces and balconies greener, more colourful and perfumed, and more productive.

The latter by setting up useful herb, vegetable and fruit gardens in containers.

The wide range of styles, sizes and colours of containers, and the offer of better compost ranges by many garden centres, has simplified doing so especially if awnings and blinds are

PRACTICAL: Herbs grown in a window box. installed to protect plants from the hottest summer and low winter suns.

As your 2014 New Year resolution, how about considering growing herbs in a window box, living well from one square metre, or planting a fantastic

petunia display for next summer?

It is such a pity that so many apartment blocks look cold and

unattractive to residents, passers-by and potential buyers. Although still few and

far between it is gratifying to see that some architects are now building ‘green’ apartment blocks so that every owner has prebuilt planters and in some cases all planted up before

they move in.

Your own efforts could be an enthralling and interesting hobby and add value to your apartment.

In addition, if residents’ associations encouraged such actions, the attractiveness and value of the entire block would improve as well as the environment of the area.

The carbon footprint of the block would be reduced with the right plantings and trees to cut pollution from traffic and microwaves.

It is not too late for you to brighten up your own terraces and balconies or do so for an aging friend as a Christmas present!

If you need inspiration and are in London over Christmas visit the Spanish Garden on top of the Virgin Building in Kensington. How come an Englishman constructed a 5,000-squaremetre Spanish garden on a rooftop with a metre and more of topsoil in the 1930s?

While we worry about carrying up a few pots, a bag of compost and a few plants!

Turn to Page 76

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HOMES & GARDENS

APARTMENT GARDENING: Large pots can be used to grow tomatoes.

Turn your efforts into a real hobby From Page 74 Even window boxes on railings planted with poinsettias, heathers, pansies, cyclamens, azaleas, cotons or kalenchoas during the next week would add

Christmas cheer.

There are hundreds of other ideas in our book Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style, which is easily obtainable from Santana or Amazon Books.

Happy Christmas plantings! ŠDick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain. com December 2013

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PROPERTY

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roperty P TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

Advertising Feature

Get your property sale moving!

Director of Spanish Property Auctions Timothy Baldwin was involved in the auction business for many years before moving to Spain more than 12 years ago.

Having successfully launched the propertyselling company, Spanish Homes Just For You, in late 2001, he then started selling Spanish properties to the UK market and beyond.

In recent years, the property market in Spain

has experienced many trends and dramatic downturns due to the recession and more. So Timothy had a vision of live property auctions, and wanted to be “one step ahead of his competitors” and this led to the launch of Spanish Property Auctions.

The process involves holding live auctions at their newly refurbished offices throughout the year, bringing the “buyer to the seller,” achieving fast results, helping clients in

VISION: The team at Spanish Property Auctions. situations where other avenues have failed. Now in its fourth year, Spanish Property Auctions is a successful and thriving business. Property entries are now being invited for future live auctions.

All available properties on their website www.spanish propertyauctions.com can be bought before, on the day, or after the live

auction process.

The current trend we are seeing is that properties are having bids submitted on them before the live auction and deals being secured and signed, some

within a four-week period.

Spanish Property Auctions have the most competitive prices in the marketplace today, and provide a professional service and unbiased

advice. If you want a quick sale then contact the only live auction property company on the Costa Blanca on 0034 966 761 189 or call in to see the team for a chat.

Price of second-hand homes fall SECOND-HAND property prices in Spain registered a year-on-year decrease of 8.3 per cent in the month of November, property website hogaria.net claims.

The average price of second-hand homes in Spain was €1,659 per square metre in November, 0.6 per cent less in relation to October and 8.3 per cent less in comparison with the same month last year.

By regions, the five Spanish provinces where prices dropped the most in November were Toledo and Almeria (both with a decrease of 1.3 per cent), La Rioja (1.1 per cent), and Navarra and Guadalajara (1 per cent each).

On the other hand, Orense ranks as the region where prices increased the most in November with a 0.5 per cent rise.

This province is followed by Cuenca, Teruel and Castellon with prices increasing 0.3 per cent each, and Lugo with a 0.2 per cent price increase.

The most expensive provinces in which to buy second-hand property are Guipuzcoa, Vizcaya, Barcelona and Alava.

Meanwhile, the cheapest second-hand homes can be found in Leon, Ciudad Real, Badajoz, Caceres and Cuenca.

PRICE DOWN: The average price per square metre was €1,659.

Madrid and Barcelona registered a decrease in second-hand homes in November of 0.4 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively.

This puts the square metre price in each city at an average of €2,769 and €3,100.

Sevilla and Valencia are the other two important cities in Spain where prices dropped in November.

Specifically, prices went down by 0.5 per cent and 0.3 per cent, with a square metre at an average price of €2,052 and €1,781 respectively.

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Advertising feature

Wet weather, boats and bilges PHOTO: Clarke Beek Sailfeed.

By Pete Woodall

T

heir catch phrase is: ‘any boat, any waters, any use, anywhere’.

Any waters? Nothing to worry about then, except perhaps rain.

Even with an Edward William Marine Services insurance policy owners still have the responsibility to maintain their boats properly even if they go away.

The best of boats will go down if enough rainwater gets into them.

With the unpredictable Mediterranean wet weather surely on its way, it’s time to give a little thought to your automatic bilge pumps and more importantly the batteries that run them. Simple formula, if the battery packs up, the pump packs in and should it rain very heavily your boat could go down.

Take a moment before the festive season gets under way to have a peek at your pumps and batteries, clean up the pumps and terminals, replace the batteries if needed.

GOING DOWN: Don’t let the unpredictable wet weather sink your boat.

With the boat maintenance sorted out, Edward William Marine Insurance confidently maintain that for every risk there is a premium and that all boats are considered and invariably accepted. All you have to do is ask.

The quotes are given straight away; the insurance policies are available in both English as well as Spanish and come in an internationally recognised format that’s not limited to just Spanish waters, a small but important point

that is often overlooked.

Extensive experience in marine insurance worldwide means this company is very comfortable with but not limited to - the insurance needs of expats and their craft, large or small.

In recent years based on their sensible attention to detail and good service, Edward William Marine Services have constantly made healthy in-roads into the insurance market for Spanish-owned boats. It is a progressive company that looks after its customers.

Remember if you’re in any boat business yourself, quality ‘introducers’ with integrity are welcome and remunerated for their efforts.

If you are a boat owner, visit their website www.edwardwilliam.com or give them a call on 952476090 before your next renewal is due and ask for a insurance quote for your boat.

Any boat, any waters, any use, anywhere.

Happy Christmas!

Advertising Feature

Don’t take a risk by skimping on travel cover David Deverson

GLOBELINK INTERNATIONAL Insurance correspondent david@globelink.co.uk

H

olidays are sacred, not least to us Brits. A recent travel industry survey showed that most of us would sooner economise on gadgets, home improvements or eating out, than cut back on our well-earned breaks. We’re taking longer holidays, even if that means cutting back on the number of trips we make. What’s more, we don’t mind splashing out on the extras that help turn a ‘ho-hum’ holiday into the stuff of memories.

Travel companies have woken up to that fact, and many now let you tailor your trip with special add-ons. A mini-cruise here, a scenic train journey there, and it can soon add up to a sizeable splurge. Whether you’re travelling under your own steam or on a package, the chances are you’ll be paying upfront... with more at stake if anything goes wrong. Suppose you’re

OUT OF THE BLUE: Check your policy to make sure you are covered. injured and have to cancel your trip because you’re unfit to travel? What if your flight from Spain is delayed, and you miss your connecting flight out of the UK? Or a relative back home falls seriously ill and you have to cut your holiday short to be there?

It’s human nature to think “it won’t happen to me” but if it does, you’ll certainly be glad you took out decent

travel cover to shield you against the kinds of things that can and do happen out of the blue. Do check your policy to make sure it fits the trip you’re planning, and consider taking out top-up cover if appropriate.

Cancellation costs can be peanuts compared to the head-spinning financial risks involved if you run into health problems without proper cover. People

generally underestimate the cost of medical treatment abroad, which has rocketed in recent years. That’s especially true of Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Japan and the US, where hospital stays alone can cost around £2,500 per day.

Even then, medical bills are often only the tip of the iceberg. At Globelink, we recently paid over £45,000 to repatriate one of our clients back to UK following heart surgery in USA! One last thing I must stress: don’t wait until the last minute to book your travel cover - it’s just asking to be caught out.

Remember, too, that single trip holiday insurance must cover the whole of your return trip, from the date you leave your country of residence to the date you return.

Don’t be tempted to book it from a friend’s address in the UK. Declaring you’re a UK resident when you live in Spain is fraud. If you do make a claim, it won’t wash, but you could find yourself in pretty hot water!

For an instant travel insurance quote and to arrange cover securely visit www.globelink.co.uk, or call (UK) +44 1353 699 082 or our Spanish link lines on 96 626 5000 or 95 124 2434

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NEWS / PETS

Join Dick and his lovable sidekick on a journey to mystical worlds JOIN Careline Theatre from January 8-12 at their theatre in Alcalali as they celebrate the centenary of the first

JAVEA International Baptist Church is hosting a traditional Christmas Carol Singing at Javea Port this Christmas.

Everyone is invited to go along and join in the festive carol singing opposite the Miramar Hotel on Saturday, December 21 at noon.

Enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafés, bring your family and friends and get into the mood for Christmas, singing carols old and new.

For more information visit: www.javeabaptist.com or phone 96 579 5847.

fortune but he’ll need your help! So come along to cheer, hiss and sing along as our hero and his loveable sidekick travel to

exotic lands and mystical worlds.

Will our hero defeat the evil Queen Rat and her terrible gang of vile vermin? Will he win the love of beautiful Alice?

And will he find the fortune he’s after?

Join loveable Dick Whittington and his loyal cat for a rags-toriches musical extravaganza that’s perfect for the whole family.

MEMBERS of Javea U3A have spread a little Doors open at 7pm each Christmas cheer among many poor families in evening with curtain up at 8pm; the area. matinee performances start at The association’s president, Peter Allin, 3pm. Proceeds from the first presented €2,600 to Caritas, the U3A’s night’s performance will be nominated charity for 2013, at the recent donated to Jalon Valley Help and Christmas Extravaganza held at the Parador Help of Denia and Marina Alta.

Hotel. Accepting the money on behalf of Caritas, The Box Office is now open for volunteer Ellie said: “Thank you. I am bookings on 652 294 750 or by emailing: overwhelmed. The money is so necessary. Three carelineboxoffice@ years ago, when we started out, two-thirds of gmail.com. Seats €12 for adults the people we were helping were foreign and a and €8 for children under 12 with third were Spanish; now it is half and half.

10% off for prepaid bookings of “Your donation is so welcome. Part of the 10+ seats.

For more information , visit the money will go towards vouchers for food. It will Careline Theatre website: be thanks to you that these needy families will www.carelinetheatre.com. have food on the table this Christmas.”

Spreading some seasonal cheer

Picture by Tom Miller

Join in the singing...

recorded pantomime version of Dick Whittington and his Cat. Dick is off to London to seek fame and

Javea U3A’s Peter Allin, left, and Malcolm Neil, right, hand over two cheques for €2,600 to Caritas.

No time to teach new tricks? Adopt a senior pet!

David THE Dogman Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10am to 11am Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm

THE upcoming holiday season may be an excellent time to adopt a senior pet.

Senior pets can and do bond strongly with adopters. Many seem to understand they have been given another chance at a happy life and are grateful for the opportunity to love someone and be loved in return.

Although shaping the life of a youngster sounds appealing, giving a second chance to an older companion can be equally rewarding. They like to share quiet moments and don’t chew or scratch everything in sight.

GETTING ON: An older pet can bond strongly with adopters, grateful for another chance at a happy life.

Older pets have plenty to offer adopters, not least of which is love.

What You See Is What You Get with adopted older dogs or cats - you will usually know about any behaviour challenges or health considerations before you adopt. In other words, there are no surprises.

If you have young children it is important to discuss this with the

shelter and in my opinion it is important to pay a dog trainer to visit your home and chat with you and the children. The senior pet will not need too much educating, but the children certainly will. For more information about adopting a senior pet contact the local shelters. ©2013 David The Dogman All rights reserved For your local radio frequency log onto www.talkradioeurope.com

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CLASSIFIEDS

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FOR RESULTS EVERY WEEK

BOATS / CARS / JOBS / SERVICES / PETS / BIKES / FURNITURE / PROPERTY / MOTORING / FOR SALES

AIR CONDITIONING

RIB Predator 2005. Optimax 135 engine. Awesome power. Carries 8 people. Good condition with extras. British registered.10,950€ ono. Tel 661 028 039 Benissa area (217594)

BUILDING SERVICES www.100percentplumbing.com Call for a free quotation 965 835 939 (87006)

ANTIQUES

COMPUTERS

I BUY RECORDS 50’s to the 90’s. Best prices for good records. Tel: 622 750 117 / 962 851 809 (218980)

CAMPING

FIREWOOD FIREWOOD. Stored one year under roof. Best prices. Carlos 607 470 223 (206683)

QUICK RENOVATIONS. www.eurobuild.es. We build and refurbish fast, at the best price & quality. Call 677 671 713 (217896)

VILLA Painting Northern Costa Blanca, Exterior, Interior, tidy-up your property or 10 year guarantee work call Paul on 667427271 (209216) www.dragonreforms.com Tel 966 807 098. Free quotes given.

(217756)

BUY & SELL

CARPENTRY www.dragonreforms.com. Tel 966 807 098 Free quotes given.

(217756) CARPENTER - All types of woodwork, floors, decks, doors, renovations, etc. 20 years of experience. Call Raul 657 434 369. Free quotes given. (219787)

CHARITIES

“RISING DAMP” can cure Rising Damp, Leaking Flat Roof or Terrace. WE can make your Underbuild Dry. Villa Re-painting Due! We can protect your villa and stop PENETRATING DAMP with a Protective coating. You can also pay in Sterling. Phone/email us for a free survey now. Tel 965 050 065 Mobile 634 322 672 www.dry zoneespana.com (217646)

DRIVEWAYS

INSURANCE

DRIVING SCHOOL ENGLISH speaking driving school in Benidorm - EUROVIAL - unbeatable special offers - flexible hours - intensive courses - refresher lessons - Benidorm, next Hotel Baly - 645 475 949 / www.autoescuelaeurovial.com (218112)

AT MICHAEL’S Several lovely Myer’s English divans with drawers.

See: www.michaels-javea.com (215377)

THE TEAM Gardening Maintenance. Pool and Jet Cleaning.

Quote Euro Weekly News for 10% discount. Call Stephen 650 984 348 (217949) ALL palm tree services. Please call Lee 618 146 228 or Thomas 699 524 934 (97547)

GOLD WANTED ALEXANDERS Antique Jewellers pay top London prices.

Est 2003, Open Mon-Sat 10am-2pm. Javea port seafront. 965 792 595 (217798)

HANDYMAN

CLEANING

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Thermallinings.com offers a system to insulate non-cavity walls saving 35% heating costs. 678 179 346 (217935)

GOLD WANTED. English jeweller will buy broken, unwanted jewellery and coins. 664 890 990 (217530)

CHIMNEY sweep.Clean,efficient service.660 844 623 (206562)

AT MICHAEL’S High quality preowned furniture and New beds. Deliveries free. www.michaels-javea .com (215377)

INSULATION

GARDENING DAMP

DON CHIMENEA, chimney sweep.

Denia to Calpe and beyond. Tel 647 897 710 www.donchimenea .com (218989)

For daily news visit

CHIROPODIST/PODIATRIST, Philip Mann, clinics in Benissa, Moraira, Javea, Calpe and Albir.

686 912 307 (217965)

FIND LOVE IN THE SUN w w w. i w a n t 2 m e e t y o u . c o m .

Browse for free Spain’s No. 1 online dating site. Bringing ex-pats together. (219566)

CHIMNEY SWEEP

AT MICHAEL’S Very high quality designer dining table in thick glass! Extends www.michaels-javea.com (215377)

HEALTH & BEUATY

FRIENDSHIP

SOCIETY for the protection of Animals in Need (S.P.A.I.N). We buy, sell and exchange anything at CHARITY WAREHOUSE in Gata de Gorgos. House clearances, furniture, collectables, bankrupt stock etc. Collect/deliver 965 756 215 / 665 653 998 (216721)

IT IS ILLEGAL TO SKIPPER BOATS WITHOUT A VALID LICENCE. If you are caught skippering a power boat without a licence, you WILL BE FINED. Possessing an (internationally recognised) RYA licence saves money. Contact us now with NO OBLIGATION. Richard Plaster 638 056 224 / enquiries@sereni tysailing.com / http://serenitysail ing.com/powerboating-level-2 (207534)

www.dragonreforms.com Tel. 966 807 098. Free quotes given.

(217756) ELECTRICAL UPGRADES. Moving meter boxes to boundaries.

Rewiring with all paperwork issued. Surge protectors. 20 yrs experience on the Costa Blanca.

ELECTRICS GOODMANS. Follow us on Facebook. Mark tel. 608 669 165 / 965 831 082 (217967)

MINI DIGGER, Dumper, Bobcat with operator for hire. Pedregeur based. Keith 639 620 448 (219568)

¡¡¡HEMME’S ROOF & BUILDING SERVICE!!! Traditional and modern Mediterranean roofing. 10 years guaranteed. Call 608 330 544 (200372)

BOATS

MICHAEL’S 30 YEARS IN JAVEA - ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! www.michaels-javea.com Tel 96-579 1328 (215377)

PURELY MAINTENANCE For all your maintenance needs - big or small, contact Carl on 965 878 866 or 669 218 928 email pure lymaintenance@hotmail.com (217916)

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SOS INSURANCE. www.sosin suranceinspain.com. Best prices available. CALL US FIRST for all your insurance needs, including best deals on funeral plans. Buildings and contents cover from just 98 euros per year. Tel: 966 787 123 / 686 116 297 (219746)

INSURANCE

ELECTRICIANS A1 SPECIALIST CLEANING. Carpets, upholstery, 15 years experience 965 058 177 / 697 511 071 marc@barnaclebills.co.uk www.britishbusinesspagesin spain.es (208039)

ALL washers/dryers/dishwashers/boilers/electrics in the house repaired. 626 828 974 (217992)

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Price per word: 0,42€ + IVA minimum 15 words - Discount: Book 10 weeks, get 2 weeks free - Deadline: 4pm Mondays Contact: Phone (0034) 952 561 245 • Fax (0034) 952 440 887 • email classifieds@euroweeklynews.com • www.euroweeklynews.com

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CLASSIFIEDS MOTORING

PEST CONTROL CHEAP, all insects and rodents.

648 057 091 (217992)

PETS

INTERNET

12 - 18 December 2013 / Costa Blanca Nor th POOL SERVICES

PROPERTY TO LET

YES YOU CAN HAVE A POOL We design & install Wooden Above-Ground Pools. Pools installed from 1,185€. With above ground pools there is “No Planning Permission Required”. You can also pay in Sterling. Phone or email for a FREE BROCHURE NOW. info@piscinasmadera.com Tel: 965 050 064 / 634 322 672 w w w. p i s c i n a s m a d e r a . c o m (217646)

ITEMS FOR SALE

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (217753) www.woofersandfriends.com . Your pets home from home while you are away. 663 540 300 (217879)

PET INSURANCE LOCKSMITH

PROTECTAPET. Spain’s leading pet insurance. 965 756 371. www.protectapet.eu (216721)

LOCKSMITH/ELECTRICIAN/ CARPENTER for emergency safe opening Altea area. Call Michael Rice 686 513 510 or Calpe area Sean Gannon 667 507 630 (218537)

METAL WORKS

MOBILE HOMES WE BUY, Sell, Remove all types of Mobile Homes. We pay CASH and cover all of Spain. More details call Suzi Caley 616 250 727 / 951 063 059 or email suzicaley@ gmail.com (207499)

MORTGAGES GROUND CLAUSE: Paying too much mortgage interest due to Ground Clause? For more information and free calculation: www.Clausula-Suelo.com (219595)

For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com

PET TRANSPORT

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!

(95302) WANTED Cars, vans, caravans, 4 X 4’s British Spanish 600 781 873 ibuyanycar@ hotmail.com (215783) DISCOUNT TYRES, Call 966 875 600 (216579)

PAINTER/DECORATOR W. D GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator. Established 35 years in Moraira. Estimates FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 197 170. (217855) www.decorlux.es painting, decorating, renovation. Covering the Costa Blanca and inland since 1996. Estimates free. Tel 649 181 526 (217755) PROFESSIONAL painter/decorator. Quick, clean and economical. Interior and exterio r. F R E E Q U OT E . C o v e r i n g Beniform into Denia. Tel 966 868 077 / 639 246 298 (218777)

INTERPAWS: 20 years’ licensed pet transportation. Competitive rates. Difficult dog? Effective behavioural training in your home. www.interpaws.com, janette@in terpaws.com 689 742 289 (218076)

PIANO TUNING PIANO TUNING and repairs.

PIANOMAN 607 346 658 + 608 191 616 pianoman@pianoman.es (217980)

PLUMBING www.100percentplumbing.com Call for a free quotation 965 835 939 (87006) www.dragonreforms.com Tel. 966 807 098. Free quotes given (217756) THE DRAIN TEAM 24 hour services. No call out charge. All blockages, leak detection, pressure jetting. Quote Euro Weekly News for 10% discount. Call Stephen 650 984 348 www.thedrainteam.es (217949) PLUMBING SERVICES. From leaking tap to full bathroom/kitchen installation. 24 hour call out. 634 303 830.

Moraira, Calpe, surrounding areas (217950)

For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com

ROLLER SHUTTERS REPAIRS, cords, slats, winding mechanisms, motors. Calpe + 40 kms. Tony Bowers 659 464 992 w w w . t o l d o s a l c h e m y. c o m (219022)

SCRAP VEHICLES

M100 - BENITACHELL, top floor apartment of a 2 storey block, 2 bedrooms, quiet location, stunning panoramic views. 420€ pcm - 965 745 969 (89468)

SCRAP VEHICLES wanted for cash. Call 646 726 377 (215811)

SERVICES

M141 - Second floor, 2 bed, 2 bath apartment in the sought after Port Xabia complex, Javea, walking distance to beach and all amenities 600 € per month plus bills. 965 745 969 (89468)

BLUE SKY REPAIRS to all domestic appliances, also all TV and home audio. Entertainment equipment, professional audio & commercial appliances. Contact 626 430 671 or 966 875 283 (209232)

SEWING PROPERTY WANTED

PROPERTY FOR SALE

FREE accommodation in Spain this winter in return for handyman work. For further details email: oasisparks@yahoo.co.uk or 696 090 776 (218521)

REMOVAL/STORAGE

HOUSE FOR REFURBISHING. Gata de Gorgos, 160m2 area, 825m2 plot, 2.5km from Gata, 10kms from beach. 965 832 658 / 629 991 543 (217990) LA NUCIA - FOR SALE. Top floor apartment 90m2 in hacienda style building, big terrace with double glazed sliding windows.

Incredible sea view, fenced park, large swimming pool, big garden. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, closed kitchen, marble floor, luxury furnishings, antique etc. Ready to live in. Tel 617 561 816, 136,000€.

(218778)

PROPERTY UK LUXURY STUDIO APARTMENT FOR SALE ST ANNES ON SEA, UK. 10 mins from Blackpool airport. Ideal UK base. Large lounge/bedroom. Luxury kitchen and bathroom. Large attic room above. Double glazed. Parking.

Near shops, beach and Royal Lytham Golf Course. Reduced to GBP54,000. Ring British owner 0044 1772 701 237 for details or email elisepeterson1@live.co.uk (215295)

MADE TO MEASURE loose covers.

Choose from a wide range of materials in your own home. Javea area 686 453 827 (219535)

SITUATIONS VACANT

NEW HOUSE. Benissa coast, 335m2 area, 2025m2 plot, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, pool, big garage, sea views, 415,000€.

(217990) BUNGALOW in PEGO. 2 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, lounge, porch, patio, garden, marvellous views. 35,000€. Tel 611 338 272 (218852)

UK - SPAIN Removals. Masses of experience. New clean vehicles. Insured with AXA. Genuinely CARING service.

FULL and part moves. ONLINE QUOTES!! bmceuropean.com UK 08456 443 784 / ES 634 344 787 (207584)

FURNITURE VAN FOR HIRE with driver. Careful local moves, Costa Blanca & UK. Hourly rate or fixed price. Call 676 644 014 (217894)

APARTAMENTOS PLAYA ALBIR SL. Quality rental accommodation with reception, 2 beds, 2 bath.

Washing machine, air con, sea views and swimming pool. Available for short or long term let. apartments@playaalbirsl.e.tele fonica.net / Tel/fax 966 866 206 (209176)

TO RENT, a spacious one bedroom apartment in excellent condition. Situated in Moraira, includes garden & swimming pool.

325€/pcm. Tel 672 541 728 (218943)

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BENIDORM AREA. TRANSPORT SERVICES. FROM 20€.

655 239 797 (218771)

PROPERTY FOR RENT

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 email us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227.

Email: info@pet-couriers.com or www.pet-couriers.com (200622)

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EUROPEAN removals and transport with scheduled UK routes. UK Company, fully legal, taking loads from 5kg to 24,000kg. Lowest prices and the best service. 952 816 582 or www.focus-transport.com (201300) INTERNATIONAL and European Removals. Expert removals worldwide. www.universalremovals. com. Tel: 951 247 834 (208021) VAN SPAIN-UK-SPAIN leaving every 2 weeks. Great rates.

Contact Joe on 966 074 576 or 650 341 087 or email civic1235@msn.com. Quote EWN1 (218889)

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SITUATIONS VACANT

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SOFT FURNISHINGS

SWIMMING POOLS

LOOSE COVERS, CURTAINS ETC. Made to Measure. Choose from a wide range of beautiful fabrics in your own home. Tel: 965 771 397 or 686 453 827 (217958)

15 DAYS SWIMMING POOL. www.edenpool.net. We build your pool in 15 days, at the best price & quality. Pool experts. Call 677 671 713 (217896)

SOLAR POWER

WANTED

TAX AFFAIRS

LOWEST PRICES IN SPAIN, www.solarmegastore.es (217507)

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS

I BUY porcelain and small antique pieces. Any vintage and antique items considered. 965 732 741 (218977)

MARK PADDON BSc Hons. Building surveying. MCIOB, CAAT. From 245 EUROS + IVA. Insured and legally registered in Spain.

Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurveyors.com (219957)

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WIG SPECIALISTS

TELECOMS FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC.COM TEL: 902 889 070 (0)

WIGS-R-US. Indoor Market Rincon de Loix, Benidorm. Monday Saturday 10 - 3. Also outlet at Wel Cisne, Benidorm Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 10 - 2. Home visits.

690 378 844 (215804)

XXX RELAXATION Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the advertisements in this section offensive.

TILING JUST TILING, all floors terracing, kitchens, bathrooms. No job too small. From Oliva to Altea.

Contact Geoff 620 237 869 / 966 456 546 (218754)

For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com SKIP HIRE CONTENEDORES MATA - SKIP HIRE 3-5-10m3. Tel 965 790 172 / 679 440 046 (217930)

For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com REMOVALS / STORAGE

FREESAT UK TV via satellite (non subscription) From 299â‚Ź, Sky+HD, SkyCards (Without UK Address) BASE SATELLITE 962800807, 620255928, info@basesatellite.com, www.basesatellite.com (209216)

GENTLEMEN the amazing chewable fast-acting Kamagra. Also blues and jellies. All guaranteed.

Same day delivery. Ring Keith 687 357 529 (218888) ALBIR, BENIDORM. Young beautiful lady, speaks English, offers massage and escort service. 626 096 866 (217944) GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLONDE 45 years, gives discreet massage, 1 hour or overnight stay. 15 mins Alicante airport. Tel Karen 662 049 021 (218999) JAVEA, Moraira, Christina, Eastern European lady massage and more. Older gentlemen welcome, also weekends. Tel: 667 817 407 or 661 034 261 (206501) DENIA, HALLE 36 years. Exotic luxury lady, attractive, sexy, playful, naughty, private apartment, full discretion. Only with previous appointments. 632 045 933. English & German spoken (218851) GENERIC Viagra extra strength 120mgs. Also Kamagra 100mgs and Weekenders (Cialis). www.costablues.com or phone Colin 680 878 735 (218839)

TV & SATELLITE

JAVEA SKIP HIRE 626 670 038, Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Denia from S & W TOOL HIRE & FERRETERIA MORAIRA (217861)

CLASSIFIEDS

BENIDORM. Luxury GermanSwiss girl, 28 years. Veronika.

High class escort service. Independent and discreet. 697 648 395 (217968)

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otoring M TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

MOTORING SPONSORED BY For best rates in motor insurance call: 952 89 33 80

Porsche launches a special edition of the Cayenne six-cylinder model

P

ORSCHE is upgrading the Cayenne six-cylinder model via a special series known as the Platinum Edition.

The Platinum Edition Cayenne and Cayenne Diesel models feature some especially high-quality equipment and offer many of the most requested options as standard.

The German manufacturer only assigns the Platinum Edition designation to its exclusive, elegant vehicle ranges that are available for a limited period only.

Painted in Platinum Silver Metallic, the lateral and central air intake grill fins, the side window strips, the rear spoiler lip and the trim strip on the tailgate create a shimmering effect.

The standard colour range includes

HIGH SPEC: Most requested options available as standard.

monotone paint finishes in Black and White, and Meteor Grey Metallic, Basalt Black Metallic and Mahogany Metallic are available as further colour options.

The Carrara White Metallic paint finish is also an option available for this Cayenne edition. The look is rounded off by the 19inch Cayenne Design II wheels with coloured crest.

The vehicles, available from January 2014 from â‚Ź75,569, come with a partial leather interior as standard, but Turn to Page 94

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Flamboyant debut for new Lamborghini Roadster THE Lamborghini Veneno Roadster made its public debut on board the Italian naval aircraft carrier Nave Cavour.

At an exclusive ‘Italian evening’, the limited edition super sports car, of which only nine will be made, was formally unveiled on the flight deck of the 240 metre ship while docked in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed port.

www.euroweeklynews.com

MOTORING

Lexus adds fourth model to GS range LEXUS is adding a fourth model to the GS range, the GS 300h, to be launched this month.

The GS 300h is expected to account for more than 55 per cent of all GS sales, a significant part of the percentage representing fleet customers.

The car will also be available as an F SPORT version, featuring bespoke design elements and model-specific technologies.

The new front engined, rear-wheel drive GS 300h’s second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system is similar to that installed in the IS 300h.

Featuring an L4 Atkinson cycle petrol engine with D-4S direct injection technology and two electric motors, it offers significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2.

The full hybrid drive system combines a powerful 105kW/143DIN hp electric motor with a 2.5 litre, fourcylinder, 16 valve, DOHC Atkinson cycle petrol engine featuring a next

generation D-4S fuel injection system, Dual VVT-i and a high-efficiency Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. The engine develops 133kW/181 DIN hp at 6,000rpm, and 221Nm of torque at 4,200-5,400rpm.

With the rear wheels driven through the hybrid system’s Electronically controlled Continuously Variable

Transmission (ECVT), total system power is 164kW/223DIN hp.

The new GS 300h, available from €45,900, shares the exterior design of the rest of the GS model range, including the brand’s trademark spindle grille design.

Platinum Porsche From Page 92 a full leather interior is also available.

The floor mats, with Luxor Beige edging and Porsche logo, and the front door entry guards with the ‘Platinum Edition’ logo, are further highlights.

The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, including a navigation module, is also a standard feature. PCM includes a high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen and a sound system with 11 loud-speakers.

The Cayenne Platinum Edition offers an output of 300hp (220 kW).

In combination with the Tiptronic S, the vehicle’s NEDC fuel consumption is 9.9 litres/100km.

The three litre V6 engine offers an output of 245hp (180kW) and a fuel consumption level of 7.2 litres of diesel over 100 kilometres.

SPORT

A good result for Calpe Bowls Club CALPE Bowls Club entertained the Swallows, from Finca Guila in Alfaz, and must still have been smarting from their pasting at Javea last week because they were in no mood to let it happen again.

Right from the outset Calpe played really well to restrict the Swallows scoring and really deserved the 95 - 46 shot victory (10 league points).

Liz Griffiths, Ray Heath and Alan Steed won 23 - 9.

They were 13 - nil up after six ends before the Swallows got a sniff of a chance, but even though they lost three ends they bounced back with a four on the 10th end to lead 17 - 4.

Stan Walmsley, Terry Street and Glenda Rowe won 27 - 9. They only got going after three ends - Gill Woodyatt took advantage of the home team’s sloppy play with some good lead bowling. But then 17 unanswered shots over the next nine ends saw them leading 18 - 5 then 23 - 7.

Martyn Tucker, Enid Duxbury and Paul Brown won 21 - 20. They started off really well and led 13 - 6 at the half-way mark.

Seemingly coasting at 16 9 up after 13 ends they hit a bad patch and dropped a five on the 14th end.

They recovered from that with two shots on the next only to drop another handful on the 16th to trail 18 - 19. Another shot on the 17th put them two behind but they combined well to get three shots on the last end to sneak home.

Ray Collom, Ernie Ritchie and Gerry Heath won 24 8. They were out of the blocks with a five on the first, and, apart from four ends in the middle, they dominated their game scoring regularly.

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Tough for English football, cricket and even snooker!

Tony Matthews

DID YOU KNOW?

International Sports 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.

LAST week, Blackpool had FIVE players sent-off in two Championship matches in four days, and in snooker, the Davis brothers, Joe and Fred, won 23 World titles between them over a period of 29 years: 1927-56.

Costa de Almeria

WE’LL start with the 2104 World Cup, and by now every England supporter knows that Roy Hodgson’s team has been drawn in a tough group along with Italy and Uruguay plus Costa Rica.

Spain will meet Australia, Chile and Holland.

Last week, Manchester United suffered successive home defeats for the first time in over a decade, losing 1-0 to Everton and 1-0 to Newcastle. In fact, it was Newcastle’s first win at Old Trafford for 41 years.

Stoke beat Chelsea (3rd) for the first time since 1975, Oussama Assaidi’s superb last minute goal giving the Potters a 3-2 victory.

Having won 4-3 at Sunderland a few days earlier, this was the first time Jose Mourinho’s side had conceded three

WORLD NUMBER ONE: Neil Robertson of Australian snooker. goals in successive PL games for 14 years.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are now five points clear at the top after a 1-1 draw with Everton (5th); Liverpool (2nd) walloped Norwich 5-1 and West Ham 4-1. Luis Suarez hit a four-timer against the Canaries, making it 11 goals in four PL games against the Carrow Road club.

Manchester City (4th) won 3-2 win at WBA and drew 1-1 at Southampton to remain with the leaders.

Burnley, Leyton Orient, Oxford and Celtic are top of the Championship, FL1, FL2 and the SPL

respectively. The latter are seven points ahead of Inverness in Scotland.

The draw for the 3rd round of the FA Cup has thrown up some terrific ties, including ArsenalSpurs, Blackburn-Manchester City, Derby-Chelsea, EvertonQPR, Liverpool-Oldham/ Mansfield, Manchester UnitedSwansea, Newcastle-Cardiff, Stoke-Leicester and holders Wigan-MK Dons. Non-Leaguers Kidderminster play Peterborough and Macclesfield meet Sheffield Wednesday.

FIFA member Michel Platini has called for the yellow card to be replaced by a sin bin penalty, perhaps 10 or 15 minutes, like in rugby. And he has the backing of several clubs, managers and players. It could be a good thing

JOSE MOURINHO: Manager of Chelsea football club.

and I agree with the former French international.

CRICKET - Poor England are now two-nil down in the fivematch Ashes series, having crashed to a 218 run defeat in the second Test in Adelaide. Geoffrey Boycott described some of England’s batting as absolute garbage... and I totally agree.

The third Test starts tomorrow in Perth.

Over 1,400 runs were scored in the recent drawn Test between New Zealand and the West Indies. And it has been revealed that three former New Zealand players are being investigated for match-fixing.

ROUND-UP - England’s Mark Selby was beaten by world number one Neil Robertson of Australia in the UK snooker final in York... Christine Ohuruogu has been named British Sportswoman of the Year... and Britain’s Rugby Union clubs have ALL reiterated that they will not compete in next year’s Heineken Cup.

2014 World Cup to be held in Brazil

By Tony Matthews ENGLAND have been drawn with Uruguay (Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan & Co), Italy (with Fabio Balotelli) and Costa Rica in group D of next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

“It will be tough but it’s not a disaster” said Wayne Rooney, “we have to beat the best if we are to become champions. Get out of the group and who knows.”

Midfielder Jack Wilshere admitted: “Okay, it’s a tough group, but so what? If we want to win the World Cup, we will have to play the top teams anyway!”

For former manager Glenn Hoddle, the draw is excellent. “The tougher the

The full World Cup draw Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon.

Group B: Spain, Holland, Chile, Australia.

Group C: Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan.

Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy.

Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras.

Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Iran, Nigeria.

Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA. Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea. opposition the better England play. We know that both Italy and Uruguay are good sides and don’t give too much away - but there’s a lot worse out there and we are better when

we are up against it,” he said.

Ex-England striker Alan Shearer also agrees: “It will be a tough challenge, knowing that their first game against Italy will take place in the Amazon rain forest with 99 per cent humidity.”

Another former skipper, Ray Wilkins, said: “Suarez is going to have a tough end to the season. I might have a word with John Terry - Chelsea face Liverpool on April 26.

For experienced midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, this for sure, is going to be their last major tournament and they’ll be determined to do well in Brazil. Let’s hope so.

The competition starts in earnest in mid-June.

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Sport Costa Blanca’s best guide to local sport

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Mark Selby beaten in UK snooker final.

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Warblers enjoy the sun DURING a visit to CLGolf when the weather was horrible, it was suggested that this would prevent the Orba Warblers from playing on Wednesday at Villaitana.

How wrong can you get, bright sunshine and clear blue sky was the order of the day.

The course, bunkers excluded, was in very good condition especially the greens which were slick

ORBA WARBLERS: Bright sunshine and clear blue sky was the order of the day. and caused the usual problems for most players.

It proved to be the Chris and Margaret show in the end as Chris Hoare topped division 1 and Margaret topped division 2 with a fabulous 40 points, they were also nearest the pin on the 3rd and 7th respectively and Chris managed a two. Following Chris in were Fred Cooley and Stafford Pemberton

SPORT

and right behind Margaret were Malcolm Robinson with an excellent 38 points.

Derek Gray and Ron Steele took the other two nearest the pin prizes courtesy of the captain’s birthday, congratulations Sheila.

The Warblers next game will be the annual Turkey Trot at Oliva Nova on Wednesday December 18.

Winning teams for Benitachell IN the last home game before the Festive break, Benitachell Bowls Club welcomed their neighbours from El Cid. BBC were hoping to build on their away win at Finca Guila. In a close competitive match, it was another good win for BBC with a score of 8-4 and a positive shot difference of 33, which keeps them in fifth place and in the chasing pack in the top half of the Winter League.

Another win for the BBC Lions, 9-1 against Javea Green Onyx, which keeps them in top place in the Northern League. The Lions Challengers also had a good 23-6 win.

It was also a great result for the Tigers this week, winning 8-2 away to Bonalba by 73 shots to 62. This keeps the Tigers in fourth place in the League.

A spirited performance by the Jaguars, playing away at Jávea, saw them win on three rinks to pick up six of the 10 points available against the Opals.

Mavericks extend their unbeaten run and are now four points clear of Los Lanzadores in second place after six games in the Winter Fours League.

Benitachell Bowls Club welcomes new bowlers. Please check out our website at www.benitachellbowlsclub.com.