Euro Weekly News - Mallorca 6 - 12 March 2014 Issue 1496

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ISSUE NO. 1496

It’s an honour THE Balearic Islands University has started the necessary procedures to make tennis superstar Rafael Nadal an honorary doctor.

Nice gesture DURING a hospital visit RCD Mallorca’s former manager, Jose Luis Oltra, gave a nine-year-old boy who almost lost a finger after a football accident, a shirt of the team signed by all the players.

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Case shelved against Palma controllers A COURT in Palma has shelved the case against 22 Palma air traffic controllers who failed to go to work during a lightning strike in December 2010.

Holidaymakers faced chaos and long delays as the unexpected strike hit and made headlines around the world.

The strike came after the Cabinet approved a Royal Decree which stated that the maximum number of hours which controllers can work is 1,670 a year.

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PHOTO: Wusel007/Wikipedia

EWNFRONT EXTRA

6 - 12 MARCH 2014

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THIS WEEK IN

EWN News 1 - 16

Finance 17 - 22

Letters TOURISTS: A rise in German, French and Scandinavian visitors is expected.

Mallorca expects a great summer

TEN per cent more German tourists are expected in Mallorca this summer, while the number of French and Scandinavian tourists is also on the rise.

Mallorca has seen three years running of rising tourism figures and according to predictions amongst tour operators and agencies from Germany, France and Sweden, it will

continue to do so. Not only that, they are expected to spend more, and tour operators are warning that demand is exceeding the available number of hotel beds on offer.

Reservations from Germany have risen 13 per cent during the winter months and advance bookings for the summer are already up 5 per cent

from last year, meaning an average 4.4 million German tourists could visit Mallorca.

Meanwhile, reservations from France are up 16.5 per cent on last year, meaning there could be almost 400,000 French visitors.

In 2013, the number of Swedish tourists rose by 27 per cent to 322,753, and airlines are planning more connections to Sweden.

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Daily TV 26

Leapy Lee 28

Time out 32 - 33

Classifieds 43 - 45

Sport 47-48

NEWS No to by-law MORE than 1,500 signatures have been raised to ask Palma City Council to withdraw a new by-law that would fine beggars €600 or those who sleep in the streets €200.

Family rescued A WOMAN and her two children were rescued in good condition after they were trapped in their house in Soller when a fire broke out. A heater is believed to have started the blaze, which destroyed their home and could have affected the building’s structure.

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Jet blown off Palma runway ALARMS were raised at the Son Sant Joan airport when an F18 jet from the Spanish Air Force attempting to land was forced off the runway by strong winds.

Guardia Civil and Palma firefighters activated an emergency protocol, although the pilot wasn’t injured and the supersonic jet was barely damaged.

The F18 was taking part in the ‘Sirio Tormenta 2014’ training exercises at the Son Sant Joan airport with three other jets.

When the time came to land, winds of up to 80 kilometres per hour made the pilot lose control of the jet, which ended up off the runway.

Thanks to his flying skills, the pilot managed to avoid colliding with anything, said authorities.

The remaining F18 jets, which were waiting their turn to land, received orders to do so at Ibiza airport as the Palma one was going to be temporarily closed. The normal operation of the airport wasn’t affected by this incident, according to sources.

Biker dies A MOTORCYCLIST, 51, died as a consequence of the injuries he sustained after he accidentally went off the road connecting Llucmajor with Porreres.

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ews watch

Surgeries up

A TOTAL of 50,502 surgical interventions were performed in the Balearic Islands in 2013.

That’s 14.06 per cent more than in 2012, according to the regional government’s Health department.

NATIONAL POLICE are investigating the death of a Portuguese homeless man, 53, whose body was found next to Ses Estaciones park in Palma.

Drivers rescued TWO men, 21 and 25, were trapped in their vehicles after they were in collision on the road from Campos to Colonia de Sant Jordi. They were both taken to hospital, one of them in a critical condition.

Not forgotten NEARLY 300 people demonstrated last weekend in remembrance of Malen Zoe Ortiz, the 15-year-old girl who went missing in December while she was going to her boyfriend’s home in Son Ferrer.

Angry customer A JEWELLER from Manacor had to call police when a drunk client got angry after the woman refused to reduce the price of a pair of earrings.

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Body found CELEBRATE: A day for women’s rights and world peace.

System failure A FAILURE in its leaning system caused a dump lorry to topple over and damage the wall of a hotel in S’Arenal de Llucmajor.

No remedy A DRUG addict who was taken to the Palma police court for his involvement in a robbery was arrested after he allegedly stole a worker’s mobile phone when leaving the premises.

EWN

Drugs behind

It’s Women’s Day I NTERNATIONAL Women’s Day will be marked across Spain as in many parts of the rest of the world on Saturday.

Celebrations range from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to celebration of their economic, political, and social achievements.

International Women’s Day was first observed as a popular event after 1977 when the United Nations invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.

The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2014 is ‘Equality for Women is Progress for All.’ In Spain, only 29 per cent of women claim to pay daily attention to their eating habits, exercise and getting plenty of rest.

Quote of the Week THE labour market has now turned around,” Employment Minister, Fatima Bañez, regarding the 0.04 per cent fall in the number of unemployed in Spain last month. She added that “this is positive data which encourages us to continue working to offer more chances.”

According to a study by the Rey Juan Carlos I University and the DKV group carried out amongst women aged between 18 and 65, 7 per cent of women say that they take practically no care of themselves.

Those who have a most healthy lifestyle are reportedly women in Navarra (40 per cent) and Valencia (34.8 per cent), while those who take the least care are in Murcia (23.9 per cent).

What women care most about is hygiene (82 per cent) and sleep (32 per cent), while 64 per cent admit that they should eat more carefully.

Fifty-seven per cent eat fruit every day and only 46 per cent eat vegetables every day.

Despite this, 60 per cent of women who took part in the survey claim to feel well.

Number of the week

4,812,486

were unemployed in February in Spain, according to recent data from the Ministry of Employment and Social Security. This is 0.04 per cent fewer than the previous month and the first time that unemployment has fallen in February since 2007.

A MAN, 24, was arrested in Pollensa for leaving 25 kilos of marihuana in a car when he was being chased after avoiding a traffic control. He is accused of an alleged crime against public health.

Tunnel closed THE Son Vic tunnel in Andratx had to be closed to traffic for almost an hour after two vehicles were in collision. One of the drivers involved sustained minor injuries.

Death road WORK to widen the MA19 from Llucmajor to Campos is expected to start this year with a budget of €35 million. The so-called ‘road of death’ has claimed the lives of 13 people in 195 accidents since 2006.

And finally...

A WOMAN in Cataluña has sued her former employers after sustaining spine injuries which incapacitated her for a year during a ‘game’ in which staff were told that the first person to grab a €50 note which one of the managers dropped to the floor could keep it.

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Airport protests From Front page.

The protest disrupted the travel plans of not only people in Spain, but across Europe.

The government declared a state of alert, which placed the controllers under military command with the threat of jail terms for refusing orders.

It was the first time the measure had been imposed since Spain became a democracy in 1975.

Organising abandonment of a position, a crime which is specified in Article 409 of the Penal Code, foresees daily fines payable for between eight and 12 months and suspension for six months to two years.

Throughout Spain, the airport authority AENA opened disciplinary proceedings against 442 controllers.

The strike received little sympathy from the Spanish public, seeing that the average yearly salary of Air Traffic Controllers is around €200,000 per year.

The court considered the Palma controllers committed no crime, although they abandoned their positions.

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Pensioners eat cannabis cake TWO men, 67 and 78, have been charged for making a cake with cannabis that got a group of pensioners hallucinating after eating it.

The men frequented a bar in Arta where they take it in turns to bake cakes then bring them in to share.

This time the cake - a traditional ‘coca’ pastry - had been made by one of the accused, who was given the drug by his fellow pensioner.

According to Guardia Civil, all the pensioners knew what was in the cake before eating it.

Only three people, the bar owners and a family member of theirs, were unaware of the ‘extra’ ingredient of the cake.

Three people had to be rushed to A&E, including one of the owners who is said to have been laughing and crying non-stop for a long time afterwards.

As for the rest of the pensioners, one reportedly went to plough his fields after eating the cake, and told his family and friends that ‘clouds were falling down on him all afternoon.’

Another went to feed his pigs and was found much later clinging to a fig tree and claiming he was surrounded by hundreds of sheep.

This is not the first time the group of pensioners added cannabis to food for their own consumption, Guardia Civil said.

COCA: The traditional pastry had an ‘extra’ ingredient.

NEWS EXTRA

Hostel opens THE Ca Ses Monges convent in Lloseta has reopened its doors as a hostel. The 150-year-old building was closed down in 2011 after the last nuns living there were assigned a new home.

Wild goats THERE are nearly 14,000 wild goats currently living on the island of Mallorca. This overpopulation is threatening the reforestation of the Tramuntana mountains, according to the Mallorca government Hunting Service chief Bartomeu Segui.

Drop outs NEARLY 20 per cent of Balearic students drop out of university in their first year, according to figures

by Ministry of Education.

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Death fire caused by overload A HOUSE fire in Porreres in which a child, five, died, was caused by an overload.

An electric heater was connected when other appliances were already plugged in, causing an overload which started the fire, according to Guardia Civil which has handled the investigation.

Two adults and three children had to be treated at the scene.

The dead child was trapped in his room on the second floor and suffocated.

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Eight arrested for luxury car thefts NATIONAL POLICE arrested eight people in Mallorca allegedly involved in hundreds of luxury car thefts.

The gang had a towtruck used to remove the cars which were then taken to pieces and the parts used to fix vehicles purchased at low prices at auctions and scrapyards.

The work was carried out in car workshops and once completed, the vehicles were sold online, some of them to the

LUXURY CARS: Targeted by gang and taken to pieces for parts. mainland or abroad. Police recovered 20 stolen

vehicles and seized â‚Ź15,000 in cash and a small

quantity of marihuana amongst other items.

Meals for needy families on offer from Manacor bars MANACOR Social Services are getting together a network of bars and restaurants which can offer unsold dishes to families

in need.

The idea came from a bar owner who contacted the town hall to offer them the food he

had left over every day.

Each establishment will determine how many menus it can offer.

Social Services will hand out tickets to families in real need so they can go and pick up their meals.

NEWS

2 years for erotic video A MAN has accepted two years in prison for distributing an erotic video of a work colleague amongst other co-workers.

The events took place in March 2011 when the female victim gave him her computer to repair. He copied the file in which she kept her passwords, took her mobile phone at work and downloaded a photo and videos in which she appeared naked. He later showed them to other colleagues.

Farmhouse robbery GUARDIA CIVIL are searching for two men who threatened a woman in her farmhouse in Lloseta with a gun and stole â‚Ź7,000.

They fled on a motorbike after breaking into the house when the woman was alone.

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3 on trial for sexual abuse of children A MAN, facing five years in prison for allegedly sexually abusing his six-year-old son in Palma has denied the charges.

The boy, who is now 10 and has lived at a shelter since March 2011, told the Provincial Court via videoconference, that his father touched him and “did bad things”, but didn’t remember much more.

His father’s former flatmate, who is facing four years in prison for sexually abusing the child, also denied having abused him or taken videos. The boy said he couldn’t remember him, or if either of the men had told him to walk around the flat naked.

The accused said his son slept in his bed, sometimes naked in the summer, and that when he bathed him, he did of course touch him and tickle him as a game.

He also said he had filmed him naked.

The child has behavioural, learning and social problems and requires therapy.

In a separate case, a man, 55, has been remanded in prison for allegedly sexually abusing his niece in Palma when she was four-years-old. The events have been reported by the girl, now 21, and confirmed by the man’s son, who claims he was forced to have sex with her

when they were both children while his father watched x-rated films. The man had been arrested in 1989 for similar charges.

In yet another case, a man, 34, has admitted raping his stepdaughter and her friend when they were aged between 13 and 15, and sexually abusing his stepson and another girl. By admitting the offences he has avoided a 37-year prison sentence and will instead accept a 12-year sentence.

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Arrested for theft FOUR people have been arrested for reportedly stealing goods to sell them in second-hand shops in Palma. The culprits stole bikes and musical instruments worth nearly €10,000, most of which Police have been able to recover.

Two of the arrested, aged only 16 and 17, burgled two houses and stole from a shop by climbing the walls. The four have been charged with burglary.

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Still time for the Gordon treatment STRUGGLING restaurateurs in Mallorca still have a chance to get the Gordon Ramsay treatment.

The chef, whose restaurants have at one time or another won 16 Michelin stars, is due to start filming in Spain, as reported in last week’s EWN. So the producers of the Channel 4 show Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares are looking for restaurants which need the benefit of his advice.

The latest series is looking to help struggling British owned-restaurants, hotels and B&Bs throughout Europe. Over the space of a week he (along with his team) will act as your own personal guru,

pinpointing what works and eliminating what doesn’t.

With his Michelin star expertise and professional know-how, he’ll be on hand to give advice on anything from staffing issues to balancing the books, dwindling trade to menu dilemmas.

Whether you need help motivating your team, barely breaking even or you just need a helping hand, Gordon can help your business recognise its full potential.

GORDON RAMSAY: Coming to Mallorca to help struggling restaurants.

Officer attacked

If you would like Gordon’s advice please respond to restaurants@ onepotatotwopotato.tv or call +44(0)203 227 5867.

S bukley Shutterstock

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A LOCAL POLICE officer sustained minor injuries when he was attacked by a burglar in a house in Manacor.

The officer avoided a knife attack, but was injured when the burglar kicked him when he was trying to immobilise him.

The event took place when a Manacor resident found a burglar in his home.

The man immediately called Local Police and tried to hold the burglar.

Officers found the man locked in one of the rooms.

When they tried to identify him, the burglar took out a knife and attacked one of the officers.

The officer managed to dodge the attack, although he later sustained injuries to his leg.

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NEWS

Two more arrested for abortion protests NATIONAL POLICE have arrested two people for their involvement in a pro-abortion protest which interrupted Mass at a church in Palma.

This makes a total of five people arrested for this event, which took place earlier in February.

The two new detainees testified

at the National Police station in Palma, and were due to be remanded into custody.

They were charged with an alleged crime against religious freedom and, according to Spanish Law, can face up to seven years in prison.

The other three arrested were

released with charges after they invoked their right to silence.

They were all part of a group of 20 activists that broke into the Sant Miquel church in Palma with chants and calls for abortion rights.

Police arrested them following a complaint from the Mallorca Bishopric.

Drunk officer at it again A NATIONAL POLICE officer was arrested for drunk driving only days after he was sentenced to pay a fine for the same offence.

The man was caught with symptoms of being drunk when he had just started his car at his house.

A test proved he was well over the legal alcohol limit, so he was arrested and charged with a crime against road safety.

A few days before, the man had been sentenced for his involvement in the death of a German tourist in 2012 in Llucmajor.

He was fined for drunk driving after switching seats with a fellow officer who knocked the 64-year-old woman off her bike, causing her death.

He was also banned for driving for a year.

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Vehicle registration 30 per cent boost FEBRUARY’S figures for vehicle registration in the Balearic Islands shot up over 31 per cent with 1,788 cars and SUVs registered.

This is up from 1,363 the year before.

February’s figures are in line with those of the combined months of January and February where this year’s registrations for those two months (3,282) was 29 per cent more (2,544).

Dealers attributed the rise to increased promotion to consumers, particularly the latest round of the PIVE incentive programme which STUDENTS at Son Rullan primary school in Palma have gives a minimum trade in had to use hallways for class due to leaky ceilings. value for vehicles older than As the infrastructure problems have led to students 10 years as long as they are being shifted around the building, teachers have been scrapped when buying a forced to use space under the stairs for tutoring sessions new car. and have even used the hallway on certain occasions to Dealership association conduct classes.

Faconauto spokesman said The president of the parents’ association claims the many new cars had been problem goes back to 2009 when the first leaks were kept waiting in the wings detected. They were quickly repaired but reappeared in until the fifth phase of the May 2011 with greater force to the point where many of PIVE plan was approved, the school’s library books were left soaked. leading to heightened sales In early 2013 an agreement with the Balearic once it was passed. government was reached that would have the entire roof PIVE 5 was launched at repaired by summer at a cost of €88,000. the beginning of February Those waiting claim that the plans haven’t even been after late January approval. drawn up, much less acted upon.

Leaky ceilings force students into halls

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NEWS

New report points to a natural death A MAN has spent 16 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, but experts believe she may have died of natural causes.

In 1995, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend in Vizcaya.

She was found dead one morning,

and a post mortem examination at the time ruled that she had been suffocated.

He always maintained his innocence, and recent advances in legal medicine led him to ask for a new expert report two years ago. The results have encouraged his lawyers

to bring a case against three Supreme Court judges who they believe know that he is innocent and are keeping him in prison anyway.

The results point to the young woman having died from myocarditis, a series of diseases characterised by inflammation of the heart and which can cause sudden death in young people.

The man’s lawyers have asked the Supreme Court to evaluate the new evidence. In the time he has been in prison, he has staged two hunger strikes. Now, he says he doesn’t want a pardon or any other benefits, and remains in prison until he is acquitted of the crime.

Anything like a bullfight ban

Illegal immigrant is found in a suitcase A MAN, 39, was arrested for attempting to smuggle a 19-year-old illegal immigrant into Spanish territory in a suitcase.

The Moroccan man was asked by Guardia Civil to open the suitcase at the border control in Beni-Enzar, between Morocco and the Spanish

enclave of Melilla, in North Africa.

He was dragging a large suitcase along with difficulty which aroused the officers’ suspicions.

When he was asked for ID and told to open it, he ran away, leaving the case, but was quickly caught and arrested.

BARCELONA City Hall plans to ban anything resembling a bullfight.

In June 2013, bullfights and any other celebration which included the death of bulls were banned.

However, now the council wants to ban any of the steps involved in a bullfight to prevent animals from suffering.

This will be included in a new law for the Protection, Ownership and Sale of Animals, due to come into effect in September.

It will also include a ban on ‘bullfighting shows’ for performances, films, adverts or any other matter.

NEWS

Sacked for eating a €5.50 sandwich THE Supreme Court has declared it has no jurisdiction to decide whether low-cost airline Ryanair broke the law by dismissing a Spanish steward for eating a sandwich.

The Dublin-based airline’s rules are that cabin crew must ask for permission to consume food on sale to passengers on board and pay for them beforehand.

The steward appealed against the dismissal but the Supreme Court can’t handle it as he was hired under Irish labour laws.

He began working for Ryanair in June 2007 on a series of temporary contracts, the last of which he signed in June 2010 and was due to expire in June 2013. He was fired at the start of 2011, having eaten the sandwich, costing, €5.50, in December 2010.

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Spanish amongst the worst drivers SPANISH, Italian and French drivers are Swedish drivers were seen as the the worst in Europe according to a most responsible drivers, with 47 per survey. cent naming them as the safest, The research carried out by followed by the Germans, French motoring foundation who got 26 per cent of the Spanish, Vinci Autoroutes and the votes, and the British, with Italian Europe-wide market research 13 per cent. and French firm IPSO, surveyed 7,000 Survey subjects were asked worst people in the UK, Spain, about their own dangerous in Europe France, Italy, Sweden, habits, and it was found Spanish drivers are more Germany and Belgium and 50 likely to use their horns in per cent believe that the Italians are the most dangerous drivers. stressful situations – 67 per cent of Sixteen per cent felt Spaniards were motorists in Spain admitted to doing so, the worst, and 14 per cent considered compared to the European average of 47 per cent. the French to be the most dangerous.

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Soldier injured by jealous ex A MAN, 28, was seriously injured in Ceuta after allegedly being shot six times by his partner’s former boyfriend.

The victim, a soldier, was walking in the street near his home, when the alleged attacker, a sergeant in the army, came up to him and reportedly shot him without a word. He sustained wounds to the arms, shoulders, abdomen and genitals.

The motive was allegedly jealousy and the shooter fled the scene, although he later went to the Guardia Civil and confessed to the crime.

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Stories making headlines in Europe

S CANDINAVIAN P RESS

vv

SWEDEN - The widow of a Swedish media tycoon donated two paintings by Picasso to Stockholm’s Museum of Modern Art, along with six other pieces by other European artists.

Taken back

World success

Euro lenience

THE Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by British novelist EL James has sold 100 million copies worldwide. A film adaptation will be released on Valentine’s Day 2015.

A LABOUR Europe spokesman, Lord Liddle, said the UK should not permanently rule out joining the euro and called for the party to adopt a less ‘defensive’ stance on the EU.

LEIPZIG zookeepers found out the sex of their two-month-old baby gorilla and gave him a name after weeks of waiting for an opportunity to examine the animal.

Pups released

Even busier

Street opening

EIGHT seal pups separated from their mothers

by December storms have been released back into the wild at Winterton-on-Sea in Norfolk.

BRITAIN’S busiest railway stations are becoming ever more crowded, according to figures. The 10 busiest stations reported an increase in passengers from April 2012 to March 2013.

THE central Berlin street home to the British Embassy could be opened to traffic again after 11 years, with politicians putting pressure on security officials to remove the bollards.

SWEDEN - Swedish police retracted a statement that an eightyear-old in Stockholm was selling narcotics, part of a network of underage couriers.

Wettest winter SEAL PUPS: Released back into the wild.

Dirty cop NORWAY - One of Oslo’s top undercover policemen was charged with gross corruption after a local drug kingpin said he made regular protection payments to him.

Too cold NORWAY - British soldiers are avoiding doing exercises at the Allied Training Centre in Porsangmoen, Norway’s most northerly military base because they can’t stand the cold.

Still growing DENMARK - Biologists in Denmark have discovered the world’s largest oyster, measuring in at nearly 14 inches long, and say that the giant mollusc is not done growing yet.

New setting

Protecting children

THE likely setting for the fifth instalment of the Assassin’s Creed videogame is Russia, according to reports about the game which is due to be released this year.

RUSSIA is moving towards banning children from taking part in beauty pageants, a step which has already been taken by France.

BANNED: No more beauty pageants for children.

Mostly smartphones

Solo hike

MOBILE operator Tele2 Russia said that smartphones accounted for 24 per cent of devices connected to its network at the end of 2013, and 58 per cent had the Android OS.

AN Italian man, 28, who lost his sight in a 2009 parachute accident, said he plans to backpack solo through Russia this month.

Ban still on

Military ready

THE head of Russia’s Federal Drug Control Service called marihuana a dangerous drug and said authorities did not plan to legalise it, or allow methadone treatment for heroin addicts.

PERSONNEL of the real estate department of RABO bank didn’t get bonuses over 2013 because of poor results. Bonuses of executives were cut by 40 to 70 per cent.

A HANDICAPPED man in a

IT has been the wettest winter in the UK since records began almost 250 years ago, new figures from the Met Office show.

RUSSIAN PRESS

Culture shock

Litter fine

GERMAN

PRESS Baby boy

BRITISH PRESS Museum donation

EUROPEAN PRESS

BRITISH households face possible power shortages and soaring energy bills as a result of Russia’s decision to place its military on alert for war over the situation in Ukraine.

DUTCH PRESS wheelchair in the city of Groningen was fined €140 for accidentally losing a receipt in front of a supermarket.

Nuclear summit THE Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), where 58 world leaders

gather in The Hague on March 24 and 25, costs €24 million, security costs not included.

migrants could have dramatic consequences on Rotterdam’s society.

Migrant fear

Cold case

ROTTERDAM Mayor Aboutaleb fears that a massive influx of Bulgarian and Romanian

A COLD CASE team of Dutch police arrested a 47-year-old, nicknamed Tattoo-Piet, who

Highest hotel DEVELOPERS revealed plans to build Germany’s highest hotel rising 175 metres above the city in Berlin. It will boast 814 rooms on 46 floors.

Weed criticism GERMAN researchers who claimed in a study that cannabis can be deadly have faced criticism for exaggerating the dangers of marihuana.

Shirts off GERMAN sports giant Adidas removed two World Cup t-shirts from sale following complaints from hosts Brazil that they were promoting prostitution.

Best ratings FIVE German universities made it into the top 20 world rankings by subject area, listings revealed.

Physics and languages emerged on top.

allegedly had slain a couple 16 years ago. More arrests are expected.

Technical women MORE women are choosing to study technical careers in The Netherlands attracted by a better image and better paid jobs. The figures have increased 44.9 per cent since 2008.

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COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Crime wave ebbs EIGHTEEN crimes were reported in Teulada last January, a 63 per cent reduction compared with January 2013.

Reported misdemeanours fell by 37.5 per cent from 24 to 15.

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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 AXARQUIA

Fire meeting THE Motril Security Committee met last week to analyse whether a fire that recently burnt part of a local park is linked with other fires registered in the town.

Cut-price

Pedal day

A SQUATTER who occupied an apartment for a fortnight was fined €150 by a Benidorm court. The owner complained that this was cheaper than paying rent and would encourage more squatters.

SOME 2,200 people took part in the 26th Pedal Day held last Friday in Nerja. Joaquin Alonso, an 81-year-old local was given the prize for the oldest participant.

Job offer

Tall story A MOROCCAN who threw a bound and gagged 60-year-old man from a secondfloor window in Villajoyosa received a five-year sentence. The high court rejected his claims that the man jumped of his own accord.

Market go-ahead MUCHAMIEL’S planned open-air Sunday market will go ahead, the town hall confirmed.

It is listening to local objections by banning fast food takeaways as this offer already exists, sources said.

Easy terms OLIVA residents can now pay local taxes in instalments. All households paying a total of more than €300 a year are eligible, with a 3 per cent reduction for payment by standing order.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Kiosk contracts THE contract for operating the beach kiosks of Torrevieja this summer has been put out to tender. Interested parties have until March 18 to apply for the concession extendible for four years.

Online ease RESIDENTS in Almoradi can now renew their padron and download other official documents via a new website from the town hall; almoradi.sedeelectronica.es

Night cover EMERGENCY night time cover has resumed at Bigastro’s health centre, with residents in Jacarilla and Benejuzar also covered in off peak times.

Centre confusion RESIDENTS in Camposol are campaigning for hot water in their

LIVING HELL: A local charity is on standby to rescue the horses.

20 horses are in a ‘living hell’ A LOCAL expatriate run animal charity is on standby for the mass rescue of 20 horses from a ‘living hell.’

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) centre in Rojales is currently working closely with other animal welfare agencies to remove the animals from a premises in Callosa

de Segura in what has been described as a “living hell.”

The case has even drawn attention from British MEP Arlene McCarthy who contacted the Animal Welfare Intergroup of the European Parliament. Speaking to the Euro Weekly News she said: “After hearing of the horrendous and

pitiful conditions, in conjunction with Spanish organisation ANDA and the European Parliament Intergroup, we wrote to the Council for Agriculture of Alicante and asked them to take action.

“I have always worked to ensure that animal welfare has remained a priority for the EU.”

Load of rubbish

social centre. Residents say they are confused as to if the building on the urbanisation is a social or culture centre but say it is inadequate for either job.

THE town hall of Benahadux has collected 120,000 kilos of rubbish from two Ramblas in the town.

Mobility vehicle

Flower power

A NEW specially adapted vehicle costing €37,000 has been provided by Mazarron Town Hall. It will help transport those attending the children’s development centre and day centre for people with disabilities.

TO mark Andalucia Day the City Hall of Almeria used 1,000 flowers to make two Andalucian flags.

COSTA DE ALMERÍA

Gas supply ENERGY company Redexia Gas has signed a contract with the Andalucia Health Service to supply gas to the Inmaculada Hospital in HuercalOvera.

Women’s race THE second Women’s solidarity race takes place in Almeria City on Sunday.

Up to 1,000 women are expected to take part.

Prom extension THE extension to the promenade in Almeria City will be ready for mid April.

NICOLAS CASTAN, a Torrox publicist whose video CV got more than 50,000 views on YouTube, has been offered a job in Malaga. The 25-year-old had moved to Cataluña looking for better chances to get a job.

Traffic jam WORK in the Rules Bridge connecting the Tropical coast with Granada City caused tailbacks of up to three kilometres on the way to Motril during the weekend.

Appeal dismissed A MALAGA court has dismissed an appeal by Azucarera Larios to stop the work to build the access road to the future fire station of Nerja. The sugar company argued that part of the road was being built on land of their property.

COSTA DEL SOL

Wanted man A DUTCHMAN, aged 60, who was wanted by the authorities in Belgium, was arrested by National Police in Mijas.

Sexual favours THE former Chief Inspector of Ronda National Police has been sentenced to pay a fine of €1,560 for turning a blind eye to illegal immigration in exchange for sexual favours.

Sticky fingers THE President of a Residents’ Community in Fuengirola has been sentenced to a year in prison for keeping €8,351 which he had been given by the community to pay bills.

Beach death A WOMAN, 77, died on Malapesquera Beach in Benalmadena. Her body was found floating in the water, five metres from the shore.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

inance F A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM

business & legal

Profits should be seen in 2014

UNPROFITABLE Iberia could soon be out of the red.

Cabin crews have now joined pilots in agreeing to measures aimed at increasing productivity, said London-based IAG. The latest agreement keeps the 14 per cent pay cut for flight attendants and a wage freeze until 2015. A 4 per cent reduction introduced after earlier

productivity talks collapsed, has been discarded.

Although more than 3,000 jobs have been lost since BA and Iberia merged to form IAG, Europe’s third-largest airline has pursued long-term changes at Iberia parallel to redundancies and elimination of money-losing short-haul routes.

Iberia should be in profit in 2014, a key

Nuclear firm is hard to woo NUCLENOR, owner of the Garoña nuclear power station, faces a €30 million fine.

The plant ceased activities at the end of 2012 but by shutting down seven months early it incurred the wrath of the CNMV, Spain’s stock market regulator.

Nuclenor, the joint property of Endesa and Iberdrola, has been under scrutiny since the beginning of last year, admitted Iberdrola in its annual company accounts registered with the CNMV. Nuclenor is contesting the fine, arguing that nuclear power stations are not subject to ‘habitual commercial procedures’ but answers

to Spain’s nuclear safety council, the CSN. The plant would prove too costly to run, Nuclenor decided in 2012, following safety measures introduced after the 2011 Fukushima tsunami disaster. These would have required a €100 million investment in the 43-year-old plant, coupled with a €152 million increase in fuel costs.

Nuclenor shut down the reactor in December 2012 instead of continuing until its licence expired in July 2013.

The Spanish government recently offered to renew Nuclenor’s licence but the company responded by saying it would “think about it.”

B

usiness extra

Tough medicine BARCELONA-based Almirall made a €33.7 million loss last year after registering profits of €76.4 million in 2012.

The pharmaceuticals company had to allocate €80.3 million to restructuring in Spain and abroad.

Late payers REPSOL accepted $5 billion (€3.650 billion) in guaranteed Argentine government bonds for its 51 per cent holding in YPF seized. In return it will drop legal claims to the energy company seized in 2012.

The €100 million player BARCELONA FC paid Hacienda €13.5 million following accusations of irregularities over Neymar’s contract.

They have committed no offence, Barça insisted. The club made the payment merely ‘to cover eventual interpretations’ of all the contracts linked to the Brazilian forward’s signing.

Barça was convinced its fiscal obligations were fulfilled from the outset, said Josep Maria Bartomeu who substituted defenestrated Sandro Rosell as club president.

Barcelona acted lawfully when signing Neymar and owed nothing, Bartomeu stressed. When Rosell left, the club admitted that Neymar had cost a total of €86.2 million.

17

STAT OF WEEK ONLY one Spanish company is included amongst the world’s 20 best dividend-payers. This is Santander, ranked eighth in 2012 but now ninth after the incorporation of Apple.

SENOHRABEK / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Iberia out of red soon

EWN

SHORT HAUL: Money-losing routes were eliminated.

turnaround to IAG plans for an operating profit of €1.8 billion by 2015.

The pilots’ union Sepla acceded to IAG’s

terms on February 13 and only agreement with ground staff is still pending, said Iberia chairman and CEO Luis Gallego.

18

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

LONDON - FTSE 100 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 3

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 373.60 Admiral Group PLC 1415.50 Aggreko PLC 1544.50 AMEC PLC 1107.50 Anglo American PLC 1478.75 Antofagasta PLC 882.75 ARM Holdings PLC 985.50 Ashtead Group PLC 846.50 Associated British Foods 2970.50 AstraZeneca PLC 3993.75 Aviva PLC 460.00 Babcock Interntnl Gr... 1429.50 BAE Systems PLC 409.65 Barclays PLC 247.85 BG Group PLC 1083.50 BHP Billiton PLC 1904.50 BP PLC 492.93 British Amercn Tobacco 3210.75

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -16.90 -4.33 -18.00 -1.25 -14.00 -0.90 -16.00 -1.42 -52.50 -3.43 -18.00 -2.00 -24.00 -2.38 -30.00 -3.42 -28.00 -0.93 -90.00 -2.20 -13.70 -2.89 -41.00 -2.79 -1.40 -0.34 -4.25 -1.69 -4.50 -0.41 -23.50 -1.22 -11.50 -2.28 -39.50 -1.22

NET VOLUME 7,250.10 532.98 1,541.42 1,189.96 6,800.57 4,806.79 3,209.16 2,260.93 959.29 2,941.74 5,811.75 886.65 8,653.34 53,499.78 6,501.07 6,625.05 38,155.53 4,035.93

See our advert on page 21

0.82422

Units per €

US dollar.................................................................1.37594 Japan yen ..............................................................139.547 Switzerland franc................................................1.21260 Denmark kroner..................................................7.46271 Norway kroner ....................................................8.31282

currenciesdirect.com/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226 C O M PA N Y

PRICE(P)

British Land Co PLC British Sky Broadcasting BT Group PLC Bunzl PLC Burberry Group PLC Capita PLC Carnival PLC

688.75 932.50 402.10 1543.50 1512.50 1114.00 2382.50

DOW JONES

NASDAQ

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 3

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 3

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 E I du Pont de Nemours and 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 WMT Wal-Mart Stores Inc DIS Walt Disney Co

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 132.20 89.64 31.82 127.49 95.89 114.73 21.47 65.83 95.22 25.05 164.01 81.54 24.46 183.31 91.01 55.95 94.17 56.23 37.67 77.16 31.93 77.49 38.07 83.03 116.53 76.85 47.29 221.64 74.00 79.16

-2.53 -1.64 -0.10 -1.43 -1.08 -0.60 -0.33 -0.79 -1.05 -0.41 -2.44 -0.49 -0.30 -1.86 -1.11 -0.87 -0.98 -0.76 -0.64 -1.14 -0.18 -1.17 -0.135 -0.81 -0.49 -0.42 -0.29 -4.30 -0.70 -1.65

-1.88% -1.80% -0.33% -1.11% -1.11% -0.52% -1.54% -1.19% -1.09% -1.63% -1.47% -0.60% -1.21% -1.00% -1.20% -1.53% -1.04% -1.33% -1.67% -1.46% -0.56% -1.49% -0.35% -0.97% -0.42% -0.54% -0.61% -1.90% -0.94% -2.04%

3.2M 4.7M 43.5M 4.4M 5.4M 6.9M 40.9M 4.7M 12.7M 29.5M 4.3M 7.2M 23.5M 4.7M 9.6M 10.8M 2.7M 4.8M 14.4M 1.8M 12.7M 4.1M 9.3M 896.9K 1.4M 2.1M 42.5M 2.2M 2.9M 4.7M

1.21326

C O M PA N Y

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -8.50 -8.50 -7.50 -30.00 -30.00 -26.00 -81.00

-1.22 -0.90 -1.83 -1.91 -1.95 -2.28 -3.29

NET VOLUME 2,242.34 2,690.34 20,206.97 459.76 1,157.77 2,613.31 1,502.42

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. $ 4.74 Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. $ 23.66 China BAK Battery, Inc. $ 3.71 Hong Kong Highpower Technology $ 5.18 Federated National Holding Company $ 15.88 Maxwell Technologies, Inc. $ 10.21 Sky-mobi Limited $ 7.20 RMG Networks Holding Corporation $ 6.03 Arotech Corporation $ 3.41 The9 Limited $ 2.80 Burcon Nutrascience Corp $ 3.09

2.03 ▲ 74.91% 4.46 ▲ 23.23% 0.69 ▲ 22.85% 0.96 ▲ 22.75% 2.15 ▲ 15.66% 1.35 ▲ 15.24% 0.92 ▲ 14.65% 0.7601 ▲ 14.42% 0.41 ▲ 13.67% 0.33 ▲ 13.36% 0.3524 ▲ 12.87%

Most Advanced

Most Declined Intermolecular, Inc. Endologix, Inc. American Public Education, Inc. Compugen Ltd. Medivation, Inc. Auspex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Clean Energy Fuels Corp.

Deckers Outdoor Corporation Cempra, Inc. Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.

$ 2.65 $ 13.50 $ 35.42 $ 11.34 $ 71.91 $ 24.70 $ 14.80 $ 8.37 $ 74.35 $ 11.39 $ 14.09

1.20 ▼ 31.17% 4.37 ▼ 24.45% 10.83 ▼ 23.42% 2.86 ▼ 20.14% 12.61 ▼ 14.92% 4.15 ▼ 14.38% 2.41 ▼ 14.00% 1.33 ▼ 13.71% 10.32 ▼ 12.19% 1.58 ▼ 12.18% 1.93 ▼ 12.05%

C O M PA N Y Centrica PLC Coca-Cola HBC AG Compass Group PLC CRH PLC Diageo PLC easyJet PLC Experian PLC Fresnillo PLC G4S PLC GKN PLC GlaxoSmithKline PLC Glencore Xstrata PLC Hammerson PLC Hargreaves Lansdown HSBC Holdings PLC IMI PLC Imperial Tobacco Group InterContinental Hotels International Consoldtd Intertek Group PLC ITV PLC Johnson Matthey PLC Kingfisher PLC Land Securities Group Legal & General Group Lloyds Banking Group London Stock Exchange Marks & Spencer Group Meggitt PLC Melrose Industries PLC Mondi PLC National Grid PLC Next PLC Old Mutual PLC Pearson PLC Persimmon PLC Petrofac Ltd Prudential PLC Randgold Resources Reckitt Benckiser Reed Elsevier PLC Resolution Ltd REXAM PLC Rio Tinto PLC Rolls-Royce Holdings Royal Bank of Scotland Royal Dutch Shell PLC Royal Mail PLC RSA Insurance Group SABMiller PLC Sage Group (The) PLC Sainsbury (J) PLC Schroders PLC Severn Trent PLC Shire PLC Smith & Nephew PLC Smiths Group PLC Sports Direct Internatnl SSE PLC Standard Chartered Standard Life PLC Tate & Lyle PLC Tesco PLC Travis Perkins PLC TUI Travel PLC Tullow Oil PLC Unilever PLC United Utilities Group Vodafone Group PLC Weir Group PLC Whitbread PLC William Hill PLC Wm Morrison Wolseley PLC WPP PLC

PRICE(P) 313.45 1443.00 937.75 1710.50 1842.25 1675.50 1078.00 969.75 232.55 392.80 1663.75 326.12 570.75 1366.50 622.50 1492.50 2419.00 1901.00 422.40 2971.50 195.90 3185.00 390.25 1070.50 236.95 81.31 1994.50 499.90 495.70 319.25 1072.50 826.00 6647.50 194.85 1023.00 1432.50 1348.50 1341.00 4947.50 4869.50 897.25 369.50 487.15 3350.00 999.50 321.75 2302.75 596.00 93.60 2891.75 422.70 337.35 2587.50 1825.50 3293.00 935.75 1343.50 799.00 1394.50 1251.75 378.95 630.50 322.88 1903.00 438.35 788.50 2398.50 779.75 243.65 2508.00 4380.50 379.05 230.95 3448.00 1254.50

CHANGE -5.70 -43.00 -6.50 -51.00 -36.50 -46.00 -3.00 18.50 -5.10 -12.70 -7.50 -2.95 -4.00 -30.00 -7.10 -30.00 -16.00 -44.00 -14.20 29.00 -5.80 -75.00 -3.70 -16.00 -3.40 -1.26 -31.00 -3.60 -9.10 -9.70 -22.00 -8.00 -85.00 -2.40 10.00 -15.00 -20.00 -15.00 206.00 -39.00 -18.00 -8.20 -6.30 -82.00 1.00 -6.30 -21.00 -6.00 -3.70 -34.00 -8.90 -5.40 -124.00 -24.00 -23.00 -17.00 -25.00 -8.00 -7.00 -13.00 -11.00 -11.50 -6.55 -51.00 -9.50 -10.50 -46.00 0.50 -5.45 -62.00 -109.00 -19.10 -4.80 -33.00 -54.00

% C H G. VOLUME -1.79 15,670.07 -2.90 252.46 -0.69 4,021.67 -2.89 2,187.80 -1.94 3,210.25 -2.67 1,390.04 -0.28 2,246.44 1.94 1,552.04 -2.15 2,643.98 -3.13 7,524.00 -0.45 6,327.43 -0.90 27,223.67 -0.70 1,147.29 -2.15 901.40 -1.13 30,465.72 -1.97 637.74 -0.66 2,134.33 -2.27 940.41 -3.25 10,233.10 0.99 702.21 -2.87 10,143.36 -2.30 361.79 -0.94 4,544.58 -1.47 1,404.16 -1.41 19,246.16 -1.53 146,507.50 -1.53 342.70 -0.71 2,820.62 -1.81 1,888.20 -2.96 2,038.95 -2.01 3,025.63 -0.96 7,597.22 -1.26 284.15 -1.22 14,181.33 0.99 4,528.02 -1.04 1,440.28 -1.46 1,027.85 -1.11 5,346.64 4.34 1,149.10 -0.79 1,014.00 -1.97 3,640.21 -2.17 3,254.38 -1.28 2,951.98 -2.39 4,693.07 0.10 7,908.82 -1.92 13,719.08 -0.90 5,061.26 -1.00 2,550.43 -3.80 72,692.83 -1.16 2,304.72 -2.06 1,679.56 -1.58 10,374.48 -4.57 325.80 -1.30 711.01 -0.69 4,383.41 -1.79 2,340.69 -1.83 869.68 -0.99 564.34 -0.50 3,293.04 -1.03 6,477.62 -2.82 3,838.71 -1.79 2,162.74 -1.99 12,696.31 -2.61 617.54 -2.12 1,379.94 -1.31 3,214.25 -1.88 2,436.59 0.06 2,353.12 -2.19 77,580.46 -2.42 1,212.15 -2.43 554.33 -4.80 7,100.85 -2.04 9,498.47 -0.95 513.47 -4.13 10,282.40

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

EWN

19

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Great British Pound continues to strengthen THE pound is currently the darling of the currency markets and is outperforming its major currency peers. Recently the improvement in UK economic growth and falling unemployment have driven appetite for the pound as expectations of an interest rate increase have risen.

Mark Carney gave the pound a further leg up through the Bank of England’s quarterly inflation report in which the BoE upgraded their growth forecast for 2014 from 2.8 per cent to 3.4 per cent and hence back to levels witnessed in 2007. In addition the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have also recently upgraded the UK growth forecast giving the pound additional support.

The BoE governor Mark Carney has attempted to reassure us that interest rates are not set to increase in the near future,

Ask the expert Peter Loveday Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com

however, the markets are not convinced and are pricing in a rate rise sooner than anticipated by the BoE. Importantly it is now becoming more likely that the UK could hike interest rates before major economies such as the US and Europe and this is really giving the pound momentum.

UK economic data will continue to come under the spotlight and continued outperformance will raise expectations of the first rate hike to come before the current expectation of spring 2015.

However, in the latter half of February we witnessed a few data releases that disappointed with unemployment ticking back

ECONOMIC DATA: Has been mixed, but leaning to the positive. up slightly to 7.1 per cent from 7.2 per cent and retail sales much weaker than expected. Inflation also fell to 1.9 per cent which takes some sting out of the hawks cry for an early rate rise so ongoing data releases will be key.

In the Eurozone economic data has been mixed but leaning to positive. Business growth in the Eurozone eased off slightly in

February, the latest Eurozone (PMI) fell to 52.7 from 52.9 in January. However, the economy has continued to grow at a healthy pace. In Germany, strong demand meant that companies saw activity and new orders grow at the fastest pace since June 2011, while job creation was at the fastest rate since January 2012. But in France, the rate of

decline in business activity picked up, with firms continuing to cut jobs.

Overall, when looking at the pounds performance against the euro the pound is nicely positioned. As the Bank of England starts to turn more hawkish it is evident that the European Central Bank will need to ease further in the coming months.

Inflation has fallen sharply in the Euro area and this is raising pressure for the European Central Bank to do more. We could see a further interest rate cut and the introduction of negative interest rates or confirmation of full blown Quantitative Easing.

This should keep the euro under pressure and with the ‘Carney Effect’ boosting the pound the outlook is promising for the rest of 2014 and we could see a move back over 1.25.

Visit us at our Spanish offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Almeria, North Costa Blanca and South Costa Blanca.

Telephone: UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 SPAIN +34 950 478 914 Email: euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com • www.currenciesdirect.com

Spain ordered to return €13 billion from illegal fuel tax THE Spanish government has been ordered to return the €13 billion it raised between 2002 and 2011 from a tax on fuels to finance the health system.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) demanded it after ruling that the tax, known as ‘centimo sanitario’ (health cent), was illegal.

The tax was introduced in 2002 to help the Spanish regions finance the back then newly-transferred competences in the field of health.

In January 2013, the tax was integrated into the excise duty on mineral oils to comply with the European Union law.

The ECJ declared the tax illegal arguing it didn’t have a specific purpose, and therefore going against EU legislation.

According to the court, the fact that the revenue from the tax had to be allocated to covering health expenditure was a matter of budget organisation, and not sufficient for it to be considered as specific.

FUEL TAX: Was used illegally to finance the health system.

The court added that for it to be legal, the health cent tax would have had to be directed at protecting health and environment as a result of the damage caused by fossil fuels.

The case arose after a haulage company from Cataluña filed a complaint against the tax to its regional High Court.

The company argued it had paid €45,632.38 in respect of the tax

from 2005 to 2008. The Catalan High Court asked the ECJ whether the health cent was compatible with the EU legislation, to which it replied declaring it illegal.

The ECJ also rejected a petition by both the Spanish and Catalan governments to limit the effects of the ruling, considering they didn’t act in good faith for maintaining the tax into force for 10 years.

That’s the way the money goes!

ONE euro in every four does a disappearing act in Spain. That elusive €1 is either undeclared or concealed from Spain’s tax authority, Hacienda.

It will have been earned illegally or in morally unacceptable circumstances, owing to the inescapable reality that more than 24 per cent of Spain’s economy is submerged.

“The figure has increased over the years, particularly since the crisis,” explained Jordi Sardá, Economics lecturer at Tarragona’s Rovira i Virgili University.

“It makes complete sense because with the current unemployment rate there would be social conflict otherwise,” Sarda commented.

The 24 per cent estimate is easily arrived-at, he said.

“You take a variable like cash in circulation and

compare it with other variables like the tax burden.” Hacienda also takes this into account when tracking down tax fraud, Sarda added.

Tax inspectors use discrepancies between consumption and tax declarations to flag up fraud, agreed Jose Maria Mollinedo, secretary general of tax officials’ union Gestha.

Inconsistencies come to light because computer cross-referencing increasingly identifies potential swindlers.

Not only businesses and banks are obliged to inform Hacienda about their earnings. Information is now gleaned from notaries.

Electricity bills are scrutinised, as are building licences from town halls.

“We are gathering information all the time,” Mollinedo warned.

20

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

Loose change A look at finance for females

Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

W

HAT do you do when you are on the lookout for a potential partner? Buy a sexy new little black dress?

Visit the hairdressers to get your locks looking stunning thanks to the hands of a professional?

Or maybe just slap on some new ruby red lipstick courtesy of one of your favourite make-up brands?

All these things will indeed make you feel more attractive, but they will also cost you a pretty penny to acquire. So guess what, here’s some good news for all you ladies that are looking for love, but don’t want to spend a fortune getting there!

Being budget-savvy - or even cheap - will make you more attractive to potential mates, according to a new study.

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Being cheap has never been so sexy

DINING OUT: In real life, having self-control over saving money is more appealing.

Romantic movies would have us believe that dinners out, spontaneous romantic weekend trips to Paris and other extravagant treats are what dating is all about, but in real life, however, it seems

sex appeal comes in the form of having the selfcontrol to save your money.

According to the researchers, big-spending tactics can backfire, as forking out on things like

flashy watches or purses can be perceived as wasteful and lacking in self-control.

Whereas, using coupons or waiting for the sale may be wildly attractive, as these qualities can show that

you’re resourceful and have a strategy. Hence, good characteristics for a potential mate.

In fact, the results of a recent survey showed that more than one-quarter of adult daters have used a coupon on a first date, and 73 per cent of those surveyed said they would continue dating someone who used a coupon to save money on their outing.

The fact we are slowly crawling out of a recession could have impacted the results of this particular study.

Regardless, it’s nice to know that being cheap can be attractive too. Why spend a fortune on a first date when you can show off your financial tact with a little bit of sexy frugality!

BUSINESS EXTRA

Down the drain HOUSEHOLDERS can pay up to 440 per cent more for water, depending on where they live. Three hundred cubic metres of water cost €1,393 in Barcelona, but €258 in Guadalajara.

Last-ditch PRODUCTION company Zinkia, which makes the Pocoyo children’s television series, miscalculated its pre-tax predictions by 90 per cent. The company president did not rule out bankruptcy proceedings but left it “in God’s hands.”

No agreement GIJON Council has decided to withdraw a sponsorship agreement worth between €50,000 and €70,000 with Coca-Cola as a way to protest against the company’s decision to close its bottling plant in the city.

Can a husband and wife both hold Community office?

Q. I am the president of a Community of 365 villas and apartments. The You and the urbanisation is mainly seasonal with Law in Spain fewer than 10 per cent of the properties

By David Searl having permanent residents. We struggle to get enough volunteers to form a committee. Last year it was four permanent residents and two part-timers who helped when they visited. Two of the permanent committee were myself and my wife who has been a member for the last six years. Last year I was told by our Administrator that two people from the same property may not be on the committee. It is against the law. Can you tell me if this is correct?

Your book, which has been very helpful in the past, has no mention of this subject. The answer is very important to me, as volunteers are thin on the ground and I need all the help I can get.

P.H. (Costa Blanca) A. Your Administrator is quite right. Each property in the Community is considered as one unit and so only one member can represent that unit.

This is not specified in the Horizontal Law but it is a

well-established principle.

However, in real life, principles are sometimes stretched. A Community of 365 units is a major responsibility. If the AGM continues to elect you as President and your wife as

a Committee member, the supreme authority of the Community is satisfied. If anyone objects, let them take the job.

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.

ELECTRICITY REFORMS: Have been a costly business.

Ibedrola makes its excuses IGNACIO SANCHEZ GALAN, Iberdrola president, did some fast talking not long ago.

Earlier he had apparently hit out at the Spanish government’s emergency policies while announcing a reduction in Iberdrola’s Spanish investments.

Speaking in London during the presentation of the company’s 2013 results, he announced a €9.6 billion investment, principally in the UK, the US, Mexico and Brazil, over the next three years.

The company’s Spanish investment would drop to €1.5 billion, 15 per cent of the total.

“Iberdrola feels more British, Mexican and American than Spanish,” Sanchez

Galan commented. The Iberdrola chief afterwards told an Onda Cero interviewer that he was misinterpreted.

“I feel proud to be Spanish and it hurts me when analysts speak badly of Spain’s energy sector regulation,” he said “We were talking about Iberdrola, not Spain; we were referring to our business.”

Over the last year he has continually taken part in international forums to defend the Spanish brand.

Rajoy’s government has embarked on reforms that were badly needed for years, he insisted. However, electricity sector reforms have already cost Iberdrola €800 million and could this year rise to €1.3 billion.

OPINION & COMMENT

Fight back don’t let the phone companies win HAVING read of other people’s bad experiences dealing with the ever-powerful phone companies I thought I would share some positive news for a change.

I signed a contract with Movistar on a Wednesday afternoon in Ondara. On my return home I was called and texted by my previous provider Orange, who suddenly decided I was their favourite client.

They offered me a better deal, keeping my mobile with them and transferring ADSL and fixed line from Movistar on a cheaper package. When I phoned Movistar office next day to advise them, the phone switched to fax.

I finally got through to be told I was too late to change my mind; I only had up till 2pm that same day and had to visit in person. Movistar would fine me €190 for breaking the contract. Twenty-four hours after signing it? Charming.

Thursday evening I sent Movistar a fax, confirming cancellation. Friday morning Movistar, against my specific wishes, ‘took’ my mobile over.

After various visits, phone calls and some six weeks of stress and aggravation I was able to sort out the transfer from Movistar.

Then Movistar took €190 from my bank account.

I went back, requested and completed the Reclamation Form they are legally obliged to supply to customers. Benissa FROB office (same premises as OMIC) prepared a resume of the saga and gave me a file number.

Everything was sent off to Alicante who promptly dealt with Movistar on my behalf and I have just been advised that Movistar have repaid the 190 euros. Result!

Do not let them get away with it. Fight your corner. OMIC (the Consumer Protection Office) and Servicio Territorial de Comerc i Consum in Alicante

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6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

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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

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IT’S carnival time and you are never too old to have fun.

A lady from one of the groups at Benalmadena Carnival had a great sense of humour and a performance to match.

Ernie Barnes, (By email)

EWN

23

immediately went back to the town hall and presented the paperwork and asked them to check that it was on their records so that I would not receive a bill for the Road Tax. I had been informed I would have to pay a percentage, as it runs from January to December, which of course was acceptable.

Imagine my astonishment when I was informed I would still have to pay the full road tax. Apparently I had paid out good money for a completely useless piece of paper!

I would be extremely grateful if anyone can explain why this particular form, which does absolutely nothing but cost money, should exist.

Gill Nickson, Albox (Almeria).

A fair point are there to help you if you have a just complaint.

Sheila Skinner El Moreral, Parcent (Alicante)

Profit-makers A SPLENDID gesture from Cassie Alcaide who paid €162 to put a stray kitten out of its misery (Issue 1495).

Thankfully not all vets are so mercenary. I appreciate that she could not ‘shop around’ in the circumstances, but although they have businesses to run, there are others with kinder hearts who are content to make smaller profits. A year ago I was charged only €78 to have an elderly cat put to sleep, and this was done gently and with compassion.

Deirdre Baxter (By email)

Bring Beeb back AS a partial expat spending five months per year in Spain, I note that there has been a rather restrained response to the loss of UK television in southern Spain, your cartoon in this week’s edition notwithstanding.

I wonder whether the UK government realise the calibre of the shell that they used on their foot?

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

Apart from the reported 150,000 expats affected, I am sure that many others in southern Europe will now tune to the Murd(och)ered version of UK news to replace the impartial BBC version.

Will Sky carry the party political broadcasts in the runup to next year’s election?

How many electors will be deprived of the party’s public explanation of their manifestos, the cost of broadcasting which will no doubt be justified by party HQ as vote-winning?

With the current forecast of another year’s gloomy weather, more and more pensioners can be expected to become partial expats, returning to the UK just in time to vote.

In view of the current policies of all parties to slam the pensioners, it won’t be the current bunch that attract the votes, especially after Sky and

the Sun/Mail have mauled their manifestos!

Michael Warren (By email)

Heartfelt thanks JOSE RIVERO, from Crime Watch Spain who recently suffered a heart attack in Catral, wishes to thank all Vega Baja nurses and doctors who looked after him and cared for him so well.

He also wants to thank his Spanish language students and Crime Watch members who visited him during his 21 days in the hospital.

Jose Rivero, Crime Watch Spain

Worthless paper I HAVE an unusable car that I don’t want to scrap, but to keep for spare parts for my current car.

I know that in this situation in the UK you apply to DVLA for a SORN and thus you no longer have to pay road tax. So I enquired at Albox Town Hall and was told to apply to Trafico in Almeria for a Baja Temporal.

I employed a Gestor to do this and subsequently received the necessary paperwork.

Knowing communications are not always good here, I

THANKS for publishing my response to Mike Walsh’s enquiry about Spanish singers.

Now, unfortunately, there is a much more serious point to take up with him: The question of ‘Charity Inc’ in this week’s issue.

What he says is, of course, quite correct, but I think it is grossly unfair that he doesn’t make the point that not all (only most, it seems) are run by people ‘on the make’ like the CEO of UNICEF. He, I believe, takes more than twice as much as Mike quotes.

I think it very wrong that he doesn’t even mention the very minimal salary taken by the head of the Salvation Army. It is almost criminal that he fails to point out that Rotary and Lions Clubs put every penny/cent that they take into charities.

As a professional writer he must realise the importance of putting every side to a story.

It’s sad that he uses your journal to put such a one-sided view.

John Westood Tormos (Alicante) Editor’s note: Mike last week questioned the cynicism of some charities and the high life of some of their CEOs.

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.

24

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Mad March Mood! Time to get working!

UH oh, there is so much going on in a very short space of time. For kick off there is International Women’s Day this Saturday, March 8, at Mood.

Doors open at 9.30am and the event starts at 10am. If you don’t already have a lunch ticket then you need to reserve right away on info@moodbeach.com. The €20 lunch ticket includes welcome coffee, a two course lunch, a glass of wine and water. If you don’t have time to stay for lunch, but you want to have a look around the stalls then come between 11am and 1pm and you can look round for free. There are a lot of different businesses exhibiting, offering freebies and discounts, so make sure you pop in!

One of the businesses exhibiting is 3Phase. They do intensive Spanish courses for ‘Frustrated Beginners.’ This completely sums me up.

How can I have lived in Mallorca for almost a decade and STILL worry about

Vicki Mcleod

Family Matters FRUSTRATION: Need a different take on learning languages? conjugating the past tenses of verbs? I’ve been on two 3Phase courses over the years and every time I have made significant breakthroughs, I grow in confidence speaking Spanish, and I continue to make progress.

It’s quite possible that I will get myself onto their next intensive course which is scheduled to be in Santa Ponsa on Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23. The method really suits me as it’s a mix up of different teaching styles and is very interactive so there’s no napping at the back of the class! Although there is actually a scheduled ‘nap time’ which apparently,

according to the teacher Alwin, is when the waveforms in your brain pick up the information and establish it in a different way.

You lie down in a darkened room for 20 minutes and listen to recordings of

vocabulary and conversation.

You also play games, have fun, make new friends and shed some shyness about speaking in another language: us Brits aren’t so keen on making fools of ourselves, Al understands that. You can

meet him at Women’s Day on Saturday or you can hit www.3phase.es and see for yourself.

Next week on Thursday, March 13, EPORE (Europeos Por Espana) is organising a free presentation at 6.30pm at Mood in Costa D’en Blanes.

The presentation is by lawyer Miguel Angel Serra and the talk is on Fiscal Residency.

It’s the follow up on an explanation on the 720 Form and its (for some) life changing implications. You can RSVP by emailing them on epore.baleares@ gmail.com.

There’s also a fundraising karaoke party for the street kids in Manila, Spanish Father’s Day, UK Mother’s Day, the Crew Show coming up, events for ESRA, Age Concern, the Calvia Lions and that’s just the start… Choo choo! Time to get working!

For more information visit www.moodbeach.com and www.familymattersmallorca. com.

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E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

Thursday

Friday

SATELLITE CHANNELS - SkyMoviesComedy/

BBC1/

BBC1/

4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm James Martin: Home Comforts 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holiday Hit Squad 10:00pm DIY SOS The Big Build 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm Question Time

4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm James Martin: Home Comforts 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Room 101 10:00pm Jonathan Creek 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Proposal

BBC2/ 4:25pm Bergerac 5:15pm Are You Being Served?

5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Permission Impossible 9:00pm The Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure 10:00pm 37 Days 11:00pm Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Birds of a Feather 10:00pm Coronation Street: A Moving Story 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm Edge of Heaven

CH4/ 4:30pm Deal or No Deal 5:30pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Coach Trip 6:30pm Superstar Dogs: Countdown to Crufts 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm Paralympic Winter 9:00pm The Hoarder Next Door 10:00pm The Floods That Foiled New Year 11:00pm The Repo Man

ITV2/ 4:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:10pm The Real 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:30pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm The Big Reunion 11:00pm Fake Reaction 11:50pm Mom

BBC2/ 4:25pm Bergerac 5:15pm Are You Being Served?

5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Athletics 9:30pm Gardeners' World 10:00pm 37 Days 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Student Nurses: Bedpans and Bandages 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Edge of Heaven 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm The Americans

CH4/ 4:30pm Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Crufts 2014 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm The Last Leg 11:45pm 8 Out of 10 Cats

ITV2/ 4:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:10pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:30pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Coyote Ugly

TV LISTING

www.euroweeklynews.com

9:00pm Sunday

• Meryl Streep • Anne Hathaway • Emily Blunt

Saturday BBC1/ 5:25pm BBC News 5:30pm Regional News 5:35pm Weather 5:40pm Six Nations Rugby Union 8:00pm The Voice UK 10:10pm The National Lottery Live 10:20pm Casualty 11:10pm BBC News 11:25pm Weather

BBC2/ 5:30pm Final Score 6:10pm Athletics 9:15pm Dad's Army 9:45pm The Perfect Morecambe and Wise 10:15pm 37 Days 11:15pm Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle 11:45pm QI XL

The Devil Wears Prada (Film, 2006)

BBC1/ 6:00pm Deadly on a Mission: Pole to Pole 6:30pm Songs of Praise 7:05pm BBC News 7:20pm Regional News 7:25pm Weather 7:30pm Blandings 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Call the Midwife 10:00pm The Musketeers 11:00pm BBC News 11:15pm Regional News 11:20pm Weather 11:25pm Bruce Almighty

BBC2/

ITV/ 6:05pm Off Their Rockers 6:35pm Local News and Weather 6:45pm ITV News and Weather 7:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:00pm Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 9:20pm The Cube 10:20pm The Jonathan Ross Show 11:20pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm The FA Cup Highlights.

CH4/ 5:10pm Come Dine with Me 7:10pm Channel 4 News 7:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 8:00pm Crufts 2014 10:00pm Hostages 11:00pm X-Men: The Last Stand

ITV2/ 4:50pm Curly Sue 5:50pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 6:50pm FYI Daily 6:55pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 8:00pm The Incredible Hulk 9:00pm FYI Daily 9:05pm The Incredible Hulk 10:15pm The Sweetest Thing 11:15pm FYI Daily 11:20pm The Sweetest Thing

BBC1/

Wannabe writer Andy Sachs (Hathaway) is hired as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (Streep), the notorious editor of Runway, a famous fashion magazine. After a less than promising start, Andy learns how to dress like a supermodel, organise a busy international office and anticipate her boss's evermore outrageous demands.

Sunday

7:00pm Flog It! 7:30pm Mystery of the Moor 8:00pm Wild Burma 9:00pm Top Gear 10:00pm Fast and Fearless: Britain's Banger Racers 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:35pm Line of Duty

ITV/ 7:35pm Local News and Weather 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Dancing on Ice 10:00pm Mr Selfridge 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:15pm Birds of a Feather 11:45pm The FA Cup

CH4/ 4:30pm How I Met Your Mother 5:00pm The Simpsons 6:00pm Deal or No Deal 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 8:00pm Crufts 2014 10:00pm One Day

ITV2/ 5:25pm Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 6:40pm Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed 7:40pm FYI Daily 7:45pm Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed 8:30pm Batman and Robin 9:30pm FYI Daily 9:35pm Batman and Robin 11:00pm The Only Way is Essex 11:50pm Party Wright Around the World

Tuesday

Monday BBC1/ 5:15pm Flog it! Trade Secrets 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Bang Goes the Theory 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Panorama 10:00pm Silk 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather

BBC2/ 5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Mary Berry Cooks 11:00pm The Culture Show 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm I Never Knew That About Britain 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm DCI Banks 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather

CH4/ 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 9:00pm Food Unwrapped 10:00pm One Born Every Minute 11:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats

ITV2/ 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Mom 10:30pm Mom 11:00pm 40 Days and 40 Nights

4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm James Martin's Food Map of Britain 5:15pm Flog it! Trade Secrets 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm Shetland 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm Insane Fight Club

BBC2/ 4:25pm Bergerac 5:15pm Are You Being Served?

5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Permission Impossible 9:00pm The Great British Sewing Bee 10:00pm An Hour to Save Your Life 11:00pm The Sarah Millican Television Programme 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm UEFA Champions League 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm UEFA Champions League

Wednesday BBC1/ 4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm James Martin's Food Map of Britain 5:15pm Flog it! Trade Secrets 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm Waterloo Road 10:00pm Famous, Rich and Hungry 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm A Question of Sport

BBC2/ 4:25pm Bergerac 5:15pm Are You Being Served?

5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 6:55pm Party Political Broadcast by the Conservative Party 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Collectaholics 10:00pm Line of Duty 11:00pm Inside No 9 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm You Saw Them Here First 10:00pm Law and Order 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm The Miners Strike and Me

CH4/

CH4/

5:30pm Four in a Bed 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 9:00pm Kirstie's Best of Both Worlds 10:00pm The Taste 11:00pm Strippers

5:30pm Four in a Bed 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 9:00pm Secret Eaters 10:00pm Astronauts 11:00pm First Dates

ITV2/ 4:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:10pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm The Vampire Diaries 11:00pm White Chicks

ITV2/ 4:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:10pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Party Wright Around the World 11:00pm The Only Way is Essex 11:50pm The Big Reunion

FINANCE

EUROPEAN PRESS

www.euroweeklynews.com

6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

EWN

27

New Global Standard For Automatic Exchange Of Information

We are entering a new era for international tax planning. Financial privacy is no more. 2013 saw unprecedented support for global automatic exchange of information and multilateral tax agreements. Now, in a concrete step forward, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has released the new global standard for the automatic exchange of financial information. It will apply from the end of next year.

The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) was developed with G20 countries and in close cooperation with the EU. Released in February, OECD secretarygeneral, Angel Gurría, described it as a “real game changer.”

It is expected to be adopted by all G20 countries and many other financial centres. So far 42 jurisdictions have committed to the new standard, from as far afield as Argentina and South Africa and including Spain, France, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, UK, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and all UK Overseas Territories.

A joint statement explained that “tax evasion is a global problem and requires a

By Peter Worthington, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

global solution, removing the hiding places for those who would seek to evade their legal obligations.” They believe the single worldwide standard for automatic exchange of information between tax authorities will provide a step change in their ability to clamp down on tax evasion.

They committed to the early adoption of the Common Reporting Standard, and called on other countries and jurisdictions to commit

to join at the earliest. They warned that only financial centres which embrace the new tax transparency and work to tackle cross border tax evasion will prosper in future.

After G20 Finance Ministers met in Sydney later in February, a communique confirmed that they will begin to exchange information by the end of 2015. The final common standard is expected to be published when they meet in September.

The new standard sets out the type of financial information to be exchanged, the institutions that need to report, the various types of accounts and taxpayers covered. It also includes common due diligence procedures which financial institutions will need to follow.

Each country and jurisdiction will have to obtain information from financial institutions on their clients, and forward this to the clients’ local tax

authority on an annual basis. This will happen automatically, for all clients.

The standard has been designed with a very wide scope, to catch a range of income. It includes all types of investment income, including interest, dividends, insurance policy pay-outs and similar income. Notably it also covers account balances and the proceeds made on selling assets.

The financial institutions required to report do not only include banks and custodians, but also brokers, certain collective investment vehicles and certain insurance companies.

Reportable accounts include those held by individuals and entities such as trusts and foundations.

The OECD noted that the recent intergovernmental implementation of the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) “acted as a catalyst for the move towards automatic exchange of information in a multilateral

context.” Unlike FATCA, though, it is based on residence rather than citizenship.

It is important for everyone to consider how the loss of financial privacy could affect you, and ensure your tax planning is fully compliant with the tax legislation in Spain. You also need to consider any country where you have assets or an interest.

For example, if you leave an inheritance to children in the UK, your tax mitigation arrangements and estate planning need to pass scrutiny

by HMRC, as well as by your local tax authority.

Cross border tax planning can be a minefield at the best of times, it is now even more critical that you get it right.

It is a new world. Are you prepared?

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

28

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Both sides must move on I

BELIEVE that Britain has, in the past, behaved abominably toward the Irish. They have watched them starve, turned parts of the country into penal colonies and slaughtered thousands of its innocent citizens.

Past British leaders have treated the Irish with an arrogant contempt that should make us all bow our heads in shame.

The outcome of all this has resulted in what is still a bitterly divided country, with so many immigrants living in its northern climes insisting that they are all British, that they, and successive British governments, still consider the six counties are actually part of the United Kingdom.

I digress. Bearing all this in mind I think the decision by Tony Blair, who quite rightly, is by now one of the most reviled politicians of modern times, to give the ‘get out of jail free’ card to evil John Downey and compatriots is a disgrace, I don’t intend to get into that debate, but what I really

OUR adoptive land has been compared to Britain in the 70s, but have you heard this one?

Spain could be going back in time.

A parliamentary commission has called for fundamental reform to traditional working hours and practices as part of Spain’s effort to reverse the recession and bring down the unemployment levels.

They recommend switching from Central European Time to Greenwich Mean Time.

Madrid, they argue, is further west than Plymouth after all. The commission wants to encourage more flexible working hours, shorten lunch breaks and promote punctuality, and they say that this will reduce accidents and absenteeism and raise productivity and the country’s low birth rate.

Long lunch breaks, like the long school summer holidays are a throwback to the days before air con was invented and working became intolerable in the midday heat. The commission claims that although Spanish workers put in more hours, they are less productive than equivalent workers in Germany.

The original clock change happened in World War II when

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT BEAUTIFUL IRELAND: Get on with life. do feel most strongly is that what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

If the majority of Irish republicans truly do want to put as much of their tragic history behind them as possible, it is imperative that the soldiers who took part in the Bloody Sunday tragedy are also given a complete pardon for their involvement.

These were frightened young men surrounded by hatred and revilement. Young men, who were dying by the day from an enemy who wore no uniforms and could have been anyone from a padre to the girl who invited them home.

Confronted by a raging mob of seething hatred and knowing they could all shortly be torn to

pieces, is it any wonder they simply ‘lost it’ and opened up?

No, I’m all for moving on, but the past has to be forgotten and forgiven by both sides, however difficult some of these decisions can understandably be. And while we are on this subject, I think that many Irish people still too frightened or unwilling to speak out, know exactly who fired the first shot on that fateful day! Let the whole sad time of the ‘troubles’ now RIP. The Irish are a wonderful bunch of folk. I should know, I married two of ‘em; and

thoroughly deserve a future of peace, love and happiness for their children’s children. So for heaven’s sake stop the marching and antagonising rhetoric, shake hands, have a glass of Guinness and get on with life in that beautiful country of yours. To be sure, to be sure.

Just found out my little David could be representing Spain in the coming European Karate championships. Bursting with pride big man. Go for it.

Keep the faith.

Love Leapy.

Leapylee2002@gmail.com

Hour change not the answer Franco moved the Vicki Mcleod this idea? Improve clocks forward to punctuality?

I fall into step with don’t know about Business Nazi Germany you, but all of the who he sympameetings I was at Matters thised with, as did today with Portugal. After Spanish people the war ended Portugal returned started on time or they were to GMT, but Spain didn’t. waiting for me, not the other way It does make sense to instil around. It’s a ridiculous cliché. more efficient working times, but The people that I know and hang on a minute, Portugal’s work with are some of the hardly in great shape either and hardest working people that I that country reverted to GMT. have ever met. They’re not lolling Aren’t there many more around taking siestas; no they important things to be doing to are working on tiny wages and get Spain working properly? juggling two jobs.

In my experience encouraging I think we should start with entrepreneurs and small petitioning for fairer selfbusinesses with carrots rather employment conditions. The than sticks gets better and faster government has just approved results. Why can’t the system for four new tax increases and fees autonomos (self employed) be to freelancers and entrepreneurs, modified? How is it easier to which added to the already high change the time of day than fees that are being charged for thinking of ways to get more self-employment in this country people into business? make it virtually impossible to Are the Spanish not insulted by start a business. And, answer this

LEAPY LETTERS

Scots are Brits too IN Leapy Lee’s article on Scottish independence he summed up in one clause the reason there remains disquiet in Scottish/ English relationships.

He said: “I do know that large numbers of Scots truly hate the Brits,” demonstrating that Leapy believes Scots and Brits are two different things and that only the English should be given the Moniker “Brits.”

Wake up Leapy!

As long as you and others believe that Scots are not Brits there will always be tensions between Scots and English, independent or not.

Rick Telford, Torrevieja (Alicante) & England.

WORKING HOURS: Spain could be going back in time.

please, why can you have a job as a part time employee but you cannot be a part time autonomous worker or pay progressive instalments which are adjusted to your earnings?

Visit this link www.businessmattersmallorca. com and follow the link to the petition to register your agreement. It’s time for the system to change.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

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31

ealth & beauty H TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EWNLIFESTYLE.COM

SO here we are in the six-week period of Lent.

As Spain is a predominantly Catholic country from now until Palm Sunday on April 13 there will be absolutely no fun allowed!

No fiestas, no parties, no revelry and definitely no fireworks.

Except that this is Mallorca and normal rules do not apply!

Any excuse for a party and the Mallorcans are all over it like a rash, but in this case it is not the native islanders but the immigrants from Valencia who take up the baton of jollity and give it a good run for its money.

In the small town of El Toro, between Magaluf and Santa Ponsa, there is a large community of Valencians and they will be breaking all the rules during Lent to hold the annual Fallas fiesta.

This is a mini-version of the much larger Fallas held in Valencia itself every year and, like almost-all

BRIAN MAUDSLEY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

No fun in Lent? Well, think again…

Penn to Paper Laura Penn Spanish fiestas, it has its roots steeped in tradition and history.

This one goes back to around 1740 when the Guild of Carpenters decided to celebrate the feast day of their patron, Saint Joseph. If you recall your bible he was Mary’s spouse and a carpenter himself. So every year on the eve of the Feast Day of St Jose (March 18) each carpenter in Valencia had a good spring-clean of his workshop and brought any unused wood onto the streets of the town… where he set fire to it!

Theses piles of firewood developed into carved caricatures of local people as satirical as ‘Spitting Image’ puppets. These were subjected to public

EFFIGIES: These days the figures are made out of polystyrene and can depict TV personalities or famous figures of fun. humiliation before being consumed by the flames. These days the figures are made out of polystyrene and can depict TV personalities, politicians and other famous figures of fun. Around

Alcohol found to be the dieter’s biggest downfall ALCOHOL has been found to be the biggest temptation to those trying to lose weight.

Research suggests that drink, rather than chocolate, is the downfall with dieters giving in to temptation more than half of the time.

Eighty men and women who were trying to lose weight or keep it off were asked to keep a diary of any temptations that came their way, record how they felt at the time and whether they gave into their craving.

The researchers in Britain found that over the course of a week, they faced the urge to break their diet 11

times on average and gave in on over half the occasions. They also discovered that both men and women were more likely to succumb to alcohol than to snacks.

The researchers hoped that by learning more about dieting downfalls they will be

able to help slimmers plan for problems and strengthen their willpower.

385 of them are positioned around Valencia for the festivities which this year will take place from March 15 to 19 and will attract a million tourists to the city.

The event in El Toro is much smaller with just two sets of effigies erected near the entrance to Port Adriano but it still has the traditional parade, Queen of the Fallas and (of course) a firework display to round off the conflagration. It takes almost a year to plan, construct, paint and assemble the displays and roughly 10 minutes to burn them to the ground. Then the whole process begins again for next year!

If you get the chance join in the Fallas fiestas but be warned… it is not a quiet experience. One event during the festivities involves hundreds of balloons and kids with needles who pop them as fast as they can. Not for anyone with an aversion to noise…but then again if you don’t like noise, don’t live on Mallorca!

Laura Penn is a presenter on the Holiday & Cruise Channel 284 on SKY TV.

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CROSSWORDS

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Time Out EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

Mallorca weather

NEW ON DVD MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

for next 7 days

The Emperor Tommy Lee Jones stars as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers Army General Douglas MacArthur in director Peter Webber's postWorld War II drama. Set in 1945 in the days following Japan’s surrender, the film follows the decision whether or not to indict Japan’s emperor as a war criminal. Matthew Fox plays Brigadier General Bonner Fellers who is tasked with investigating Emperor Hirohito (played by Takataro Kataoka) and is given just 10 days to complete his findings.

TODAY

ALCUDIA

POLLENÇA

CALA MILLOR

INCA

CALVIA

CALA d’OR

PALMA ANDRATX

LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF

ALCUDIA

POLLENÇA

Starring Matthew Fox and Tommy Lee Jones.

Directed by Peter Webber. Runtime 105 minutes. Rated 13.

TOMORROW CALA MILLOR

INCA

CALVIA

CALA d’OR

PALMA ANDRATX

LLUCMAJOR

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Emotional and monetary wealth go hand in hand at the beginning of this energetic week.

Someone is likely to make demands that you find unacceptable and you will need all your tact to avoid unpleasantness, but any resistance by you will, in the longer term, only gain you respect.

is all very well if you are willing, but if not keep your distance. As thoughts turn to summer, it is not surprising that a holiday is on your mind.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) You may feel a bit like Sherlock Holmes when you solve a tricky dilemma.

With your intellect soaring, it is little surprise that others come to you with their problems.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Someone with a romantic interest in you starts buzzing around. This

1. ‘I am just going outside and may be some time’ were reported to be the last words of which famous Antarctic explorer in March 1912?

2. Released August 16, 1966, what was the title of the debut single by The Monkees?

3. Since he was the last to reenter the lunar module Challenger after the third and final extra-vehicular activity, which American astronaut was the ‘the last man on the Moon’?

4. The characters William Compo Simmonite, Norman Cleggy Clegg, Cyril Blamire and Walter C Foggy Dewhurst all featured in which BBC sitcom that ran from 1973 to 2010?

5. The Weir of Hermiston, was the last and unfinished novel by which Scottish novelist?

6. What was the name of the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII? 7. Which group, in 1997, were the last British act to win the Eurovision Song Contest?

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Small matters start to clog up the emotional works. You would rather be somewhere else, but grit your teeth and deal with necessary matters. Finances certainly must be watched most carefully.

Get your glad rags on at the weekend and really let your hair down. time.

70

needs exactly. As a Leo, you will never willingly accept second best but how can others know your standards?

you may not have received the expected response to a question recently, it is no reason to brood. .

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Putting your thoughts and feelings on a par with someone else will help you to understand their point of view.

As painful as it seems, there will need to be some compromise if everyone is to be happy. Are you feeling the need for some activity and excitement?

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) The way to bring energy levels up this week is to spend time with energetic people. You may feel a little on the fringes initially but, at the end of the day, your spirit will be lifted.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Look ahead to see how exactly you can make this summer extra special.

Making your plans clear to others means a smooth journey as opposed to unnecessary delays. A particular place brings back memories of a love long past. .

Sudoku

CAPRICORN (December 22 January 20) There is an incredibly romantic week ahead if you only enter into the spirit of it. Let your feelings be seen and felt, showing appreciation for loved ones. You do not need the excuse of a birthday or anniversary to give a gift, just a heart full of love.

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.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

AQUARIUS (January 21 February 19) Being at the forefront of a learning experience is pleasurable this week. An unexpected offer seems small but could have a big effect. A friend in need may go over the top and annoy you. It may be necessary to distance yourself and give help through others.

Planning ahead to the weekend means that you have more time and energy to get things done.

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

Saturday March 1

Saturday March 1

Saturday March 1

Friday February 28

9

10

13

29

40

8

10 24

22 29

6

18

19

38

40

42

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

45

13

23

Almeria

CLEAR MAX 17C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

12

32 43

44

7

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Fri Sat Sun -

SUNNY

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 16 9 Cl Tues - 16 9 Cl Wed - 15 7 S

Madrid

18 10 C 14 9 C 16 8 Cl

CLEAR

Fri Sat Sun -

18 7 S 19 7 C 18 9 Cl S Sun,

MAX 18C, MIN 2CC MAX MIN

18 4 Cl 19 4 Cl 19 6 Cl

Mon - 18 6 Cl Tues - 19 5 Cl Wed - 17 5 Cl

Murcia MAX 16C, MIN 6C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

CLEAR MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 8 S Tues - 16 8 S Wed - 17 9 S

Mallorca TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 10 C Tues - 17 13 C Wed - 16 13 S

16 12 S 16 12 S 16 3 Cl

TODAY:

MAX 18C, MIN 11C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

CLEAR MAX 16C, MIN 11C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

16 8 S 15 9 S 16 9 Sh

CLEAR

MAX MIN

Mon - 18 12 S Tues - 19 12 Cl Wed - 19 12 S

19 11 Cl 19 11 Cl 19 12 Cl

TODAY:

MAX 14C, MIN 8C

Malaga TODAY:

MAX 19C, MIN 11C

Benidorm

Barcelona TODAY:

CLEAR MAX MIN

Mon - 18 11 Cl Tues - 18 11 Cl Wed - 18 11 Cl

17 8 Cl 18 10 Cl 18 11 Cl

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 9 Cl Tues - 17 10 S Wed - 16 9 S Cl Clear,

CLEAR MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun Fog,

Sn Snow,

MAX 19C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

19 6 Cl 22 6 Cl 21 9 Cl

Mon - 21 9 Cl Tues - 22 11 Cl Wed - 20 9 S

C Cloud,

Sh Showers,

Th Thunder

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 G) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET:

Average: 16

Very good: 30

Good: 21

Excellent: 37

adit, aide, arid, dale, dare, dart, date, deal ,dear, dial, diet, dire, dirt, dole, edit, idea, idle, idol, laid, lard, lead, lido, lied, load, lord, raid, read, redo, ride, road, rode, tide, tied, toad, toed, told, trod, adore, aider, ailed, aired, dealt, delta, ideal, idiot, idler, laird, oared, oiled, older, radio, rated, riled, tidal, tiled, tired, trade, tread, triad, tried, adroit, derail, detail, dilate, editor, loader, orated, ordeal, railed, redial, relaid, reload, retold, rioted, roadie, tailed, tidier, tirade, toiled, dilator, diorite, leotard, redtail, trailed, trialed, idolater, tailored, EDITORIAL

2

17

19

20

21

26

REINTEGRO 41

7

MILK

Sunday March 2

Saturday March 1

38

LUCKY STARS 2

TODAY:

Word Ladder

LOTTERY 4

Alicante TODAY:

MAX MIN

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Sometimes, you retreat into your shell and your normally gregarious personality takes a back seat. Although

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Mutual plans are exciting but make sure that others know your

7-Star Quiz LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Your Stars

Antonio Mercero, March 7. Spanish film director and screenwriter.

Born in Guipuzcoa. He is known to Spanish audiences for directing the TV series Verano Azul (Blue Summer) and Farmacia de Guardia.

He received an Emmy award for his 1972 film La Cabina. His most recent award was the Honorary Goya Award in 2010.

9

15 38

24 39

REINTEGRO 8

RUNS

Move from the start word (MILK) to the end word (RUNS) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.

SUNK SUNS RUNS

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: Meeting a stimulating person is both surprising and delightful. A few busy months see you burning the candle at both ends.

A spring holiday can recharge batteries.

MILK SILK SULK

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Even as you prepare to go on a trip or start something new this week, the future beckons. In small things there are clues to the way forward. A chance encounter brings humour and opens your eyes to a friendship lately neglected.

MAGALLUF

1.

CAPTAIN LAWRENCE OATES, 2. LAST TRAIN TO CLARKSVILLE, 3. EUGENE CERNAN, 4. LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE, 5. ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, 6.

CATHERINE PARR, 7.

KATRINA AND THE WAVES (Love Shine a Light),

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CROSSWORDS

Crosswords

6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

EWN

33

SPONSORED BY

For more information about the sponsor go to www.lineadirecta.com

Cryptic

Quick

Across 1 Country noble with an alteration (7) 5 Criminal’s staff (5) 8 What was a performance to be precise (5) 9 Party he arranged for treatment (7) 10 Here toes are twisted in these footwear devices (4,5) 12 At first go over old matter (3) 13 Ten died at sea from this salt (6) 14 Split from Charlie and go (6) 17 Nut returns for the barrel (3) 18 Come after break for stuffing (9) 20 Fellow starting New Deal as a statesman (7) 21 Letter from home galaxy (5) 23 Very little in the way of dessert (5) 24 Old-timer set on a pedestal (7) Down 1 Vegetables are running out of water, we hear (5) 2 Snake hiding in airing cupboard (3) 3 Wrote down “Don’t eat bananas” (7) 4 Gossip about a rat net (6) 5 Game played by revolutionary onboard a ship (5) 6 Agreed on a cocktail for drink (9) 7 Essential record for principal speaker (7)

11 Mandate one in artillery (9) 13 This turned out to sum up Panama, for example (7) 15 Told fib with particular relaxation (3,4) 16 Such spirits as are included in

prohibitionists’ publicity (6) 18 Quick to take shelter between foxtrot and tango (5) 19 Follow the path (5) 22 Biblical character in the lion’s den (3)

Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 13 represents P and 10 represents W, so fill in P every time the figure 13 appears and W every time the figure 10 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.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 1 Perverse, 5 Lots, 9 Lantern, 10 Voile, 11 Trout, 12 Earnest, 13 Monaco, 15 Mousse, 18 Deplore, 20 Tails, 22 Craft, 23 Minaret, 24 Mate, 25 Intruded.

Down: 1 Pilot, 2 Rundown, 3 Elect, 4 Sunset, 6 Olive, 7 Sceptre, 8 Overdo, 13 Modicum, 14 Clouts, 16 Stirred, 17 Seaman, 19 Plant, 20 Tenor, 21 Sated.

QUICK Across: 7 Uranium, 9 Plain, 10 Ode, 11 Terminate, 12 Order, 14 Hostile, 16 Sustain, 18 Cheap, 19 Harmonica, 20 Gun, 21 Stern, 22 Elevate.

Down: 1 Humorous, 2 Sane, 3 Litter, 4 Spoils, 5 Paradise, 6 Once, 8 Merchandise, 13 Discreet, 15 Expanded, 17 Around, 18 Chapel, 19 Hush, 20 Grab.

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 7 Hablar, 8 Llorar, 9 Face, 10 Cobardes, 11 Hairdresser, 14 Ochocientos, 18 Apricots, 19 Team, 20 Beetle, 21 Diario.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Down: 1 Bacalao, 2 Glue, 3 Crecer, 4 Globos, 5 Fourteen, 6 Baker, 12 Receipts, 13 Horario, 15 Oponer, 16 Inside, 17 Speed, 19 Tray.

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.

Across 1 Ira (de persona) (5) 3 Dar clases de (5) 5 Costilla (3) 7 Thirty (7) 9 Atreverse (4) 10 Campana (de iglesia, puerta) (4) 13 Delay (hold-up) (7) 14 Brazo (de persona) (3) 15 Barrios bajos (5) 16 Toads (5) Down 1 Bottle openers (9) 2 Route (4) 3 Three (4) 4 Faros (automóvil) (9) 6 Boina (5) 8 Granddaughter (5) 11 Country (nation) (4) 12 Perros (4)

Hexagram 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 (BALLET) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

ANGERS

HISSED

BALLET (10)

HUGGED

BANKER

RAKING

BARREL

REARED

BARREN

REELED

DESIRE

SHEETS

DREAMS

SPEARS

GATHER

STEALS

HERDED

WATERS

HINGES

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Funagram Unscramble the name of a former president of the United States of American: FROG LADDER FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: IAN FLEMING, GERALD FORD

Unscramble the name of a famous English author: LEAF MINING

Across 1 From time to time (12) 7 In this place (4) 8 Distinct personality (8) 9 Military engagement (6) 10 Mistakes (6) 11 Long thin implement (3) 12 Get healthy again (5) 14 Grown up (5) 16 Hearing organ (3) 18 Not open (6) 20 Overseas (6) 22 Gifted (8) 23 Red meat (4) 24 Dimensions (12) Down 1 Function (7) 2 Trunk (5) 3 Shake, as from cold (6) 4 Complied with commands (6) 5 Changed (7) 6 At some time in the future (5) 13 Pays attention (7) 15 Heads (7) 16 Newsroom chief (6) 17 Haphazard (6) 19 Depart (5) 21 Small songbird (5)

1 Cleats, 2 Racket, 3 Settle, 4 5 Thinks, 6 Steeds, 7 Assent, 8 9 Ceases, 10 Tights, 11 Senses, 12 13 Things, 14 Swayed, 15 Letter, 16 17 Galley, 18 Resume, 19 Cherry

Awaits, Sighed, Weasel, Refuge,

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OPINION & COMMENT

Should celebrity trials be televised?

The judge in the murder trial of South African Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius announced that the trial will be televised. EWN wanted to know: Should the public be able to watch such trials live (like that of American OJ Simpson) as

T

HERE were split opinions on the Costa Blanca this week between brothers Kim and Stephen Bullimore who were on holiday in La Marina (Alicante) from London.

Kim, aged 60, an insurance underwriter, thinks it would be interesting to see the trial of Oscar Pistorius televised: “I don’t have any objections to it. He is in the public eye and there is public interest in it. I would watch it if it was on.”

His brother Stephen, aged 57, who works in central government, disagrees: “I’m not interested at all.

I think the problem is

if it was a TV drama? Or is it right that these persons be held up to public scrutiny? Would you watch a live broadcast trial of a famous athlete or celebrity?

STREET TALK they will have a hard time to find a juror not influenced by the media. By televising it I think the bloke probably won’t get a fair trial.”

Michelle Brookwhite, 41, a nurse on holiday in Malaga from Birmingham, said she wouldn’t be watching. “I’m not a fan of celebrity TV, and not really into watching live trials on TV. If it really is a criminal case, the important people involved are the defendant, the judge, the jury and the lawyers and those directly affected by

the alleged crime. I don’t think anything beyond that is the business of the public.”

Chris Hookway, 64, lives in Vera and Worthing and works at Gatwick Airport. He said that he wouldn’t be watching it. Chris stated: “There is enough fly on the wall TV without watching this. I think the TV should show highlights each night and not the whole case. He added: “Until proven guilty, they shouldn’t be in the spotlight. Too many innocent people have had their careers trashed.”

Deidre Sundstrum, 64, is a retired midwife living in Arboleas (Almeria) who also said she wouldn’t watch it.

Deidre said: “He is innocent until proven guilty and sometimes you make incorrect judgements. It is unfortunate that he is a celebrity; if he was a normal person nobody would be that interested. She added: “I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing to see a trial televised,” said Mrs Blackwood, aged 60, in Guardamar (Alicante) for the winter from Wales. “I think people in general are just interested in the verdict.”

(From l-r) STEPHEN: Not interested; CHRIS: Will not be watching; and KIM: There is public interest.

FEATURE

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6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

EWN

35

Advertising Feature

Euro played get-out-of-jail free card Commentary by Moneycorp

EUR The week cost the euro half a cent against sterling and pennies against the US Dollar. Although the German data was pretty good it was hard to find evidence of respectable economic performance elsewhere in the zone. The euro played its get-out-of-jail-free card at the very end of the week; an inflation rate of 0.8 per cent. It was higher than expected and reduces the chance of an interest rate cut by the ECB. USD Roughly half the US economic statistics were good and half were bad, so it was a no-score-draw for the dollar. The only

notable event was the testimony of the Federal Reserve chairperson to the Senate Banking Committee. One of her answers suggested less than a total commitment to winding down the Fed’s money-printing stimulus and it sent the dollar lower. On the week the dollar was minutely higher against the euro and half a cent down against sterling.

CAD The Canadian dollar began well but faded in the second half of the week. It could have done better had it not been that news of a higher 1.5 per rate rate of inflation (positive for the Loonie) was offset by a disappointing -1.8 per cent

Clarisse Musselwhite is Moneycorp’s Account Manager for Mallorca

She can be contacted on Tel: +34 902 887 243 Mobile: +34 687 932 472 Email:mallorca@moneycorp.com

902887243 mallorca@moneycorp.com monthly fall for retail sales (a negative indicator). The Canadian dollar was left to shadow the US dollar and its net performance was similar; a fractional gain against the euro and a half-cent loss to sterling.

AUD Unusually, the Aussie and the Kiwi headed in opposite directions at roughly the same pace. The Australian dollar got

the rough end of the stick, falling by a cent and a half against sterling and by half a cent against the US dollar. Its main problem was a sharp fall in Australian capital investment. The news persuaded investors the Reserve Bank of Australia would give more consideration to the idea of an interest rate cut.

NZD Unusually, the Kiwi and the Aussie headed in opposite directions at roughly the same pace. The NZ dollar got the better end of the deal, strengthening by a cent and a half against sterling and by three quarters of a cent against the US dollar. A couple of upbeat economic statistics helped it on its way; New Zealand’s first annual trade surplus in two years and the strongest reading for NZ business confidence since 1994.

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E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

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& DRINKS

ood F

FOOD & DRINK

Costa de Almeria’s best guide to local sport

Mallorca’s best guide for local restaurants

TO READ MORE VISIT: WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM/FEATURES/RESTAURANTS

Red a lucky colour for wine sales in both China and Spain CHINA has become the world’s number one consumer of red wine, overtaking both France and Italy, according to London-based wine and spirits trade association VINEXPO. With sales of 1,865 billion bottles of red sold last year, the Chinese increased consumption by a massive 136 per cent in the last five years.

Apart from growing affluence, the surge may be attributed to China’s cultural preference for the colour red over white, as in China red is the colour of good luck while white is the colour of death.

This bodes well for Spain as it tries to figure out how to maximise its potential in this massive market of the future.

In fact, China is the focus of the 6th annual Diam Bouchage conference in Logroño, La Rioja on April 9.

Supported by the Rioja

CHEERS: Chinese now the top consumers of red wine worldwide Association of Oenologists (wine scientists), Diam conferences are attended by Spain’s wine sector professionals to discuss varying

industry themes like technology in international markets; sustainable viticulture and oenology; and wine tourism.

This year’s conference will highlight making and selling the best wines in the high-stakes Chinese

Tio Pepe a winner A SPANISH winery has been named best visitor centre in this year’s edition of the Wine Tourism Awards.

The Tio Pepe winery, part of the Gonzalez Byass group based in Jerez de la

Frontera (Cadiz), was chosen for its commitment to wine tourism.

Organised by the Drinks International magazine, the awards aim to recognise innovation and excellence among wine producers.

In this third edition, a panel of judges praised numerous activities offered in eight languages, including English.

Visitors to the sherry producer headquarters in Jerez de la Frontera can enjoy flamenco and horseriding shows, wine tastings or concerts with its history.

market. Demei Li, one of the top wine scientists in the world, will attend.

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FOOD & DRINK

Researchers find best way to hold a burger JAPANESE scientists have found a way to avoid hamburgers falling out all over the place when eating them.

The researchers - an expert in fluid mechanics, an engineer and a dentist - used 3D technology to discover the best way to eat a large burger.

Their four-month research revealed the way most people hold a hamburger, with their thumbs on the bottom and fingers on top, results in many ingredients being spilled.

Instead, they suggest the meat sandwich should be held using both thumbs and pinkies to hold its bottom.

This way the remaining fingers are on the top, visually dividing the food into equal parts.

BURGERS: There’s a science behind how to hold them.

Garlic gets better with old age GARLIC that has sprouted has even more health properties than its fresher counterpart, a new study has revealed.

This brings new possibilities to a food that usually ends up in the rubbish bin when thought to be past its prime.

Based on the fact that seedlings make new compounds when they grow into green plants, a team of researchers decided to find out if the same thing would happen in old heads of garlic.

The results, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published by the American Chemical Society, showed that garlic sprouted for five days had higher antioxidant activity than fresher, younger bulbs.

They also seemed to have different metabolites, suggesting that it also makes different substances.

Extracts from this garlic even protected cells in a laboratory dish

from certain types of damage. “Therefore, sprouting may be a useful way to improve the antioxidant potential of garlic,� the researchers conclude.

6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

EWN

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omes&gardens

HOMES & GARDENS

H Some thoughts on plant colours SPONSORED BY

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

boxes and tubs we restrict ourselves to the bright coloured annuals, petunias, busy lizzies and portulacas.

We only plant geraniums in north facing window boxes.

Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner

By Dick Handscombe Spain’s best known expat gardening author about to start his 26th winter cut back.

Cool thrivers

C

OMPARED to 20 years ago there are many more garden centres from which to purchase plants and many more varieties to choose from.

However today many of the plants on display have not been grown in Spain and some newly imported varieties struggle to survive in even the most protected gardens. So if you are interested in planting up a garden that is likely to be colourful in all seasons, but won’t break the bank each year with the need for replacement plants and heavy watering, we suggest you select plants that have a good chance of really thriving, rather than hopefully just surviving the hottest days of summer or

SPECTACULAR: Gardens can be colourful in all seasons. the coldest days of winter.

Firstly that means plants that are reasonably drought resistant once established with deep roots and reasonably frost resistant if you are high up or inland.

Secondly since we are in

Spain it makes sense to plant up parts of the garden with hot rich vivid colours such as reds, oranges and yellows to match the Spanish lifestyle and brighten up the cloudy days and to create a cool restful feeling for semi shaded siesta areas by

planting with more subdued colours such as greens, whites, blues and mauves. Good choices include:

Hot thrivers The back bone of many Spanish gardens are

lantanas, bougainvilleas, hibiscus, cassias, gazanias, geraniums, and the exotic bird of paradise caesalpinia gilliesii flowering tree of medium height.

Lantanas come in a range of colours, the most spectacular being the red and orange ‘bandera’ variety. Likewise bougainvilleas can be in all shades of purple, red, orange and yellow.

Other favourites are the long flowering crimson pineapple sage and the yellow flowered daisy like euryops and the late summer flowering lagerstromias.

For summer window

Popular blue summer choices include agapanthus bulbs which after a few years develop into large clumps, the daisy like felicias and columnar echiums.

Mauves include pelargoniums, ground cover lantana and tulbaghia (society garlic); and white possibilities include ground cover lantana, agapanthus, lilies, climbing jasmines and roses, margaritas, geraniums and bougainvilleas.

But sadly the latter is for hot coastal gardens only as it is very frost tender. In reality only the deep purple glabra bougainvillea is hardy enough for inland gardens that expect frosts.

Our book ‘Your Garden in Spain’ includes a chapter entitled ‘Painting with plants’ which provides you with other creative colour combining ideas.

In Part Four of the book some 350 plants and trees are described together with photographs and their Botanical, English and Spanish names and an indication of the most appropriate soil for each.

If you live on the Costa Blanca you will have the opportunity to discuss your gardening ambitions and problems face to face with Dick Handscombe at the Homes Gardens and Lifestyle Show at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, April 3 and 4, from 10am until 5pm. © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com March 2014.

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OPINION & COMMENT

6 - 12 March 2014 / Mallorca

EWN

39

Knee deep in spring cleaning A

LMOND blossoms have just about withered and fallen like snowflakes from the trees and it looks as if we have survived this year without the unusual cold and snow of the past couple of winters. So there is no way out of it: it is time for the ‘Limpieza de Primavera.’

While I love spring - the promise of the new and warmth yet to come - the cleaning part of it has never scored highly in my chart of all time favourites. But as I don’t seem to have the staff, there is little choice but to roll up the sleeves, put on some deflecting music and get stuck in, marigolds and ‘multiusos’ spray at the ready.

Since my enthusiasm waned rather quickly, I resorted to that great guru of inspiration the internet.

I discovered wise words from a chap known solely as John, who shares his

Ulrica Marshall

Expat Strife Swedish-born Ulrica is a freelance journalist living in Mallorca with her family. Her debut novel $Expat Wives is available on Amazon and iBooks.

To comment on any of the issues raised in Ulrica’s column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/ulrica-marshall

ulrica@euroweeklynews.com

pearls of wisdom on how to simplify your life by reducing our worldly possessions to 300 - one fork counting as one item…

Feng Shui to the extreme, but it rather appeals given my present conundrum of having a gazillion things to clean.

John argues that we keep too many possessions for reasons other than usefulness - such as items we keep for sentimental reasons, societal pressures or simply because we may need them on a rainy day. He may as well have written this directly for my

benefit, as I consider the many pairs of shoes that are too high to walk in, but would be perfect when the Sultan of Brunei invites me around for high tea.

Or the multitude of plates and cups that pile up because the dishwasher (me) doesn’t get around to them as frequently as I should.

Mainly, though, I identify items to dispose of from other members of the household: kids’ toys? Hardly ever played with, in the gifting bin they go. Husband’s collection of strange DIY tools and stamp collection?

No use whatsoever, off they go to a better home, where more than 300 items are welcome.

Meanwhile, the rest of the house is no cleaner.

NO CHOICE: It’s time to get stuck in.

Do cobwebs count as an item? What I really need is Kim Woodburn to descend on my house, while I recline with a chilled glass of rose as a just reward for my efforts. Even my fine work of disposing of unnecessary items is quickly undone when husband and kids return to protest my selection.

Perhaps I should just listen to the wise words of sociologist Ann Oakley ‘Housework is work directly opposed to the possibility of human self-actualisation.’

So there. Off come the marigolds and the ‘multiusos’ spray is back in its situ under the sink.

Perhaps I could just open all the doors and let the wind do the work for me?

This, too turns out to be inadvisable, as the spring breeze leaves a fine layer of yellowish pollen behind. Best wait for summer to do the spring clean - mañana seems a good day to do it.

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PROPERTY

roperty P TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

PROPERTY PRICES: Kept falling in 2013, but to a lesser degree.

Property prices registered a lower decrease in 2013 PROPERTY prices in Spain continued to decrease in 2013, but to a lesser degree than in previous years.

The price of houses in Spain registered a yearon-year decrease of 4.2 per cent during the

fourth quarter of 2013, according to the Ministry of Public Works. This percentage, though negative, confirms a soft landing of prices, which were of -4.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2013.

Such a low decrease in

prices hasn’t been registered since 2010, figures by the ministry reveal. Back then, prices decreased by 3.5 per cent, and would plummet by -10 per cent in 2012.

From 2013, the situation has been

More cash property sales in Spain

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NEARLY 40 per cent of the houses sold in Spain last year were paid for in cash, the Land Registrar Association has revealed.

According to property statistics from the association, 329,146 houses were sold in Spain in 2013, with 200,124 mortgages granted.

This means 39.2 per cent were cash sales.

Foreign buyers account for most of these mortgage-free purchases, a spokesperson of the association said in a press conference.

Foreign investors are gaining importance in the Spanish property market, with the British, French and

Russians leading the way.

The number of transactions, including the buying and selling of houses, by these customers reached 12.8 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Statistics by the association also show the number of houses sold in Spain decreased by 0.48 per cent last year.

Out of the 329,146 sold, 53.7 per cent were second-hand homes, whereas the rest were new.

As for mortgages, statistics show the average mortgage in Spain increased in the fourth quarter of 2013 to €104,487.

These had an average length of 22 years.

gradually improving until reaching the current -4.2 per cent.

By region, the biggest year-on-year decreases in property prices were registered in La Rioja (-16.4 per cent), Castilla La Mancha and Cantabria (-12.3 both) and Aragon (-11.5 per cent). The Balearic Islands, Madrid, Galicia and Canaries were the only regions where property prices increased. The average price of the square metre has also decreased, accumulating a fall of 30.1 per cent since 2008, to the current €1,466.9.

Surprisingly, the municipalities of more than 25,000 inhabitants where the square metre is most expensive are all in the Basque Country.

Thus, the square metre in San Sebastian is at €3,365.6, in Getxo at €2,950.4 and in Leioa €2,571.8. The cheapest square metre is found in Jumilla, in Murcia, at €524.5.

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PETS/BOATING

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JOAN CARDONA, Aina Colom and the duo made up of Paula Barcelo and Margarita Alba have become the new 2014 Balearic champions in their categories.

The young sailors achieved their titles thanks to their performances during the 2014 Balearic Islands Dinghy Sailing Championship.

The sailing competition concluded on Sunday after four days of competition, with races taking part at the Molinar Sailing Club and the Ibiza Sailing Club simultaneously.

Joan Cardona became the 2014 champion in the Laser Radial class after delivering a strong performance in the last day of competition.

The young Royal Palma Sailing Club (RCNP) member claimed two victories and a second position in the three races held on Sunday in Ibizan waters.

Only Christian Poulet, a fellow team member of Cardona’s, managed to snatch away from him one of the victories.

Meanwhile, Arenal Sailing Club star Aina Colom took advantage of the 12-knot south-west winds on the last day of the competition to win three races at the Ibiza Sailing Club.

The 2014 Jordi Calafat Tournament winner was thus proclaimed champion in the Optimist class.

RCNP sailor Albert Torres

Photo by Laura G Guerra with the permission of RCNP

The new 2014 Balearic Dinghy Sailing champions announced

YOUNG SAILOR: Joan Cardona became the 2014 Laser Radial class champion. was runner-up in the Optimist class, a rather disappointing result considering he led the classification in the two first days of the competition.

Paula Barcelo and Margarita Alba, from the Arenal Sailing Club and

the San Antonio de la Playa Sailing Club, are the new 420 class champions.

There were no 420 class races on the last day of competition as the weather at the Molinar Sailing Club on Sunday was bad.

This meant Barcelo and Alba’s consistency the previous day - with three second positions paid off and they became champions in the 420 class.

Runners-up in this category was the sailing duo made up of Marc

Llado and Valerio Petris, coming from the RCNP and the Arenal Sailing Club respectively.

The Ibiza Sailing Club will now be in charge of organising the Balearic Championship races for the Laser Standard and Laser 4.7 classes.

More tips on introducing a new baby to the family pet LAST week I gave advice on how to prepare your family pet on the arrival of a new baby in the house. Here I continue the advice.

Make sure you develop a routine and stick to it when baby arrives. It is important the dog receives sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Try not to make a big deal with the dog about the arrival of the baby. Teach the dog how to approach the baby properly and gently. Let the dog make initial investigations and approaches.

Associate the baby’s presence with positive things. Give the dog titbits and lavish praise for desired behaviour around the baby. Do not place the baby on the floor with the dog and never shout at or hit your dog for approaching the baby incorrectly.

Gently show the dog what you wish and offer a reward for responding.

Due to the fact the baby’s immune system is not strong, ensure that your dog is healthy and is up to date with worming and

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vaccinations before baby arrives. If your dog has any behavioural problems, make sure that you resolve these before baby arrives or if you are in doubt about your dog’s behaviour after your baby arrives, consult your vet who can refer you to a local animal behaviour counsellor.

NEVER leave any baby or child unattended with any dog.

Of course all the above rules must apply when grandchildren or visitors come for a few weeks, where dogs are not used to being around children.

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NEVER: Leave any baby with any dog.

RCNP’s Trofeo Carnaval results THE Airlan Aermec, Bruix and Tearal vessels claimed victory in the Trofeo Carnaval (Carnival Trophy) sailed last Saturday in Palma.

More than 20 vessels took part in the competition, which was organised by the Royal Palma Sailing Club (RCNP).

It consisted on a 17mile race for the ORC 0-1 and 2 classes, and a 15-mile one for the ORC-3 class.

South-west winds of up to 30 knots marked the competition, which saw its prizegiving ceremony taking place at the RCNP premises.

The Airlan Aermec, owned by Juan Cabrer, won in the ORC 0-1 class after prevailing over its competitors during the whole race.

Juan Jose Torres’ Histolab, and Jose Luis Cernuda’s Seven Teams ended up second and third respectively.

The Seven Teams had a special guest on board in the race, Palma sailor Javier ‘Bubi’ Sanso.

The ORC-2 class race was won by the Bruix, which is owned by Miguel Angel Mercadal.

Second was the Mestral Fast, owned

by Jaume Morell; and third was Martin Aizcorbe’s Yabadaba Too. Finally, the Tearal claimed victory in the ORC-3 class.

The boat owned by Antoni Piza was accompanied by Maria Campins’ IBE Tres Mares and Pedro Rigo’s Blau in the podium.

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FOR RESULTS EVERY WEEK

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COLLECTOR seeks rare: Coins, Banknotes, Medals, Stamps, Autographs, Antique Silver, Art Deco Jewellery, Rolex watches, best price and confidentiality guaranteed. Andrew 640 509 761 / a.fill ingham@tiscali.co.uk (216943)

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MOTORING

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MOTORING

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SPONSORED BY For best rates in motor insurance call: 952 89 33 80

Ford launches redesigned Focus FORD will unveil its redesigned Focus at the Geneva Motor Show, to be held from today (Thursday).

The new Focus, which debuted in Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress, is expected to go on sale from the second half of 2014.

The design of the new Focus is based on the language carried through the new Mondeo and Fiesta.

The car has a lower, wider stance, with a new bonnet, front fascia and grille.

Slimmer front headlamps and more rectangular, elongated fog lamps add to the front end.

The rear of the car also is sleeker with a new fascia and tailgate arrangement, as well as thinner tail lamps.

The new Focus interior aims at responding to consumer feedback, the manufacturer claims.

It stands out with a more intuitive layout achieved

REDESIGNED: The new focus is inspired on the Mondeo and Fiesta models.

FUEL EFFICIENT: With up to 19 per cent fuel consumption reduction. thanks to a steering wheel and central stack with fewer controls and switches.

The new black satin trim and chrome detailing contribute to a more logical and intuitive function, Ford said.

Drivers will enjoy a

quieter ride, achieved by thicker carpets, thicker side window glass, and improved engine bay insulation.

The new Focus offers significantly improved fuel efficiency on many versions compared to

the current model thanks to new engine options.

According to the

manufacturer, the diesel model will offer a 19 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, while the petrol model will offer a 17 per cent improvement.

The new Focus will be the first vehicle in Europe to offer the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, and will be offered equipped with the new 1.5litre TDCi diesel engine.

The redesigned car will also be available with paddle-shift controls that enable drivers to control gear changes while keeping their hands on the steering wheel.

Paddle-shift controls will be available as an option with all automatic and PowerShift transmissions, diesel and petrol.

Venom GT sets record HENNESSEY’S Venom GT model has set a new world speed record for two-seat sports cars by reaching a top speed of 435.1 km/h.

The run was performed at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US, on the 3.2-miles (5.1kilometre) Space Shuttle landing runway.

The power of the Venom GT comes from its 7.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine, with a power output of 1,244hp.

Weighing 1,244 kilograms, the Venom delivers one horsepower per kilogram, reportedly making it the hardestaccelerating and fastest

US PRIDE: Venom GT set new world speed record. vehicle in the world.

To date, Hennessey has built and delivered 11 Venom GTs to owners around the world.

Each vehicle is built to order and takes six months to complete.

A representative from GPS data-acquisition systems maker Racelogic verified and documented the Venom’s speed record.

The Venom GT thus broke the record set by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, which reached a speed of 431.07 km/h in Germany four years ago.

The sports car also owns the title for world’s fastest from 0300 km/h in just 13.63 seconds, and 0-200 mph (321.86 km/h) in 14.51 seconds.

SPORT

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From back page time the score was 25 points to 5. A yellow card for TRUC at the beginning of the second half gave RC Ponent a chance to catch-up, scoring two tries in quick succession so that the home team were obliged to take control of the match once again. Special mention must go to veteran Jason Boas, for his spectacular tackles and two tries.

In their penultimate match of the National League season RC Ponent were far too strong for bottom of the league Ejea RC. By beating them 56 to 10 and also thanks to the defeat of leaders Fénix, RC Ponent returned to the top of the table. The encounter was dominated by the home team from the beginning although they went 0 - 3 down early in the match due to giving away a penalty. If RC Ponent win the last match away against GEiEG next weekend with a bonus point they will be League Champions.

A defeat or win without bonus will mean a play-off.

A new girls’ team from Bahia RC was presented last Saturday in S’Arraco and

Boris Gutierrez, Baleares Rugby Federation.

Some spectacular tackles and 2 tries from veteran Jason Boas

U21s: Played in muddy conditions.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Found Ponent versus bottom of the league Ejea. to mark the occasion the other girls’ teams from around the island turned out to play in a friendly tournament.

This brings to four the number of

girls’ teams on the island; El Toro RC, Corsaris RFC and RC Ponent and newly formed

Bahia RC. In the ninth Rugby Day hosted by Mallorca Bocs in Inca the home team triumphed in the U8 category for the first time since their formation at the beginning of the season. In the U10 category RC Ponent were outright winners again with the combined El Toro RC, Dimonis and Mallorca Bocs team in second place. Agora Portals maintain their lead in the U12 group with wins against RC Ponent, El Toro RC and Dimonis RC. The sunny weather ensured plenty of supporters for the younger players who also enjoyed the traditional shared ‘tercer tiempo’ after the games.

In the Senior National League Corsaris RFC meet TRUC Menorca on Saturday.

In Son Caliu the U18’s from El Toro RC meet Dimonis also on Saturday.

The tenth Rugby Day organised

by RC Ponent takes place on Sunday along with the next leg in the U14 League.

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Sport Mallorca’s best guide to local sport

Yaya Toure Scored one of Manchester City’s finest goals at Wembley.

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B Championships. The second place for the U18’s and the third place for the U21 team were not sufficient to take

them up to the highest category but in spite of this they all gave their best in the matches.

The final score of 8 points to 3 against Galicia for the U18 team which took place in the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Tudela, did not reflect the superior quality of play from the islands’ players and they were unlucky not to score the try needed for their ascent to

Boris Gutierrez, Baleares Rugby Federation.

Mixed fortunes for the Baleares rugby teams

By Lynda Demangeat THE Baleares U18 and U21 teams spent the weekend in Tudela, Navarra at the Provincial

SPORT

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U21s: The team finished in third place.8 the A group championships. To reach the final the Baleares beat Extremadura and drew with Murcia.

During the classification phase the U21 team drew with Galicia, beat Navarra and lost to Extremadura and it was only because

Galicia scored more points when playing that they finished in third place.

In the Senior Rgional League a rescheduled game was played between TRUC Menorca and RC Ponent with the former winning 44 points

to 15. TRUC found their match rhythm very quickly and spent much of the first half in the RC Ponent end of the pitch.

TRUC’s first try was scored after five minutes followed by two more for the home team. By half Turn to page 47