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Weird Christmas Traditions
Christmas Number 1’s
What Not To Buy Your Partner
December 2013 - Edition 114
The Jungle Drums
December 2013
Inside this month’s magazine Things you never knew about the North Pole The wonderful snowy Arctic Circle p4
What not to buy your partner this Christmas A must read p7
Inspekta Gadget All the latest gizmos and gadgets p9
Weird & wonderful Christmas traditions Strange things from around the world p12
Movies & Books Reviews of the latest movies and books p18
Have you got a story?
Christmas number 1’s That have nothing to do with Christmas p20
Why not share it with us, or just tell us what you think Call 965 99 66 66 or email office@thejungledrums.es
Motoring Santa’s Sleigh p22
Dingbats Can you solve them?
p30
Also in this issue Legal Jargon - pg6 Food Fix - pg14 Out & About - pg16 Crossword - pg28
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A right roaring read!
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December 2013
Things You Never Knew About the North Pole Way up north in the snowy Arctic Circle is Lapland a wonderfully unique place. It doesn’t belong to any one nation and overlaps the borders of four different countries. Say "North Pole" and most people think of Santa, but did you know that the region is a hotbed for international intrigue! Or that it has a special connection to the unicorn! Just in time for Christmas, here are 10 fun facts about the most mythical place on earth. There's more to the North Pole than just snow and Santa. Ever since it was discovered by Robert E. Peary, Matthew Henson and four Eskimo companions back in 1909, the North Pole has been a place of international intrigue: did you know several countries are now fighting over vast underground oil reserves in the Arctic Circle? There are two North Poles Unlike the South Pole, which lies over the continent of Antarctica, there is no land beneath the North Pole but more of a floating Arctic ice sheet that expands during colder months and shrinks to half its size in the summer. To complicate things even more, there are two different definitions of the North Pole. The first is the magnetic North Pole, which is, quite literally, a magnetic phenomenon which changes daily depending on changes under
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the Earth's crust. Additionally, there is a terrestrial North Pole, which is the fixed point that references the top of the Earth. Regardless of how you define the North Pole, global warming continues to be a problem here, as the polar ice caps melt, the sea levels rise, eliminating the land that polar bears and other wildlife depend on for survival. It's at the centre of an international controversy right now Did you know 30 percent of the world's untapped oil reserves are located in the Arctic Circle? The U.S. Geological Survey says that amount could actually be higher, since so much of the region has yet to be explored. Complicating matters is the fact that multiple countries lay claim to the Arctic Circle: Russia, Canada, Norway, Denmark (via Greenland), and the United States (via Alaska). Each country is allowed to explore potential oil reserves within 200 miles of their coastlines but in 2007, Russia used a mini-submarine to plant the country's flag on the floor of the Arctic Ocean in an attempt to claim the region and its natural resources, a move that was rejected by the U.N. as the countries continue to work toward a solution. The North Pole has seasons Just like everywhere else on Earth, the temperature varies here depending on the time of year. The North Pole is warmest in July, if by warm you mean it's actually freezing, 0oC. If that gives you the shivers, brace yourself. Temperatures in February drop
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December 2013 to a bone-chilling 31 degrees below zero. The amount of light each day depends on the time of year too. Alaska, as well as Norway and the other Arctic Circle countries each face six months of broad daylight and six months of almost total darkness because of the angle at which this top portion of the Earth receives sunlight. Yet, it is not the coldest place in the world It might come as a shock, but even with temperatures with a high of just 0oC, the North Pole is not the coldest place on Earth. The South Pole is: in winter temperatures average -60oC. Unlike the North Pole, the South Pole sits on top of a thick sheet of ice, which in turn sits on top of a piece of land, Antarctica. At more than 9,000 feet above sea level, Antarctica is also the world's tallest continent. The North Pole, on the other hand, is made up of a thin Arctic ice sheet that sits barely a foot above sea level, a fact that allows the landscape to absorb heat from the surrounding Arctic Ocean. There is life up there While the conditions may be considered too tough for most humans, there are native Inuit tribes living in northern Canada and Alaska. The outer reaches of the Arctic Circle are a great place to see polar bears in the wild. Keep an eye out for other Arctic dwellers like Orca, Humpback, and Beluga whales, the arctic fox, and Svalbard reindeer. This isn't the only place to see reindeer in the world; a reindeer herd in the U.K. inhabits the Cairngorm Mountains of northern Scotland. One animal you won't see in the North Pole is the penguin. They live in the South Pole. Several species of flying penguin-like birds called auks, guillemots, and puffins can be seen in the Arctic Circle, though. There are hot springs up there If you are in the frigid Arctic Circle, you'll need to find a way to warm up. Chena Hot Springs, located about an hour outside Fairbanks, AK, has a natural geothermal hot spring in a rock lake surrounded by nature. The hot springs are open from 7 a.m. to mid- night, giving you plenty of time to soak and get a front row seat for the Aurora Borealis (best viewed between August and May). A number of hot springs can also be found in Norway's Svalbard Islands, in Iceland (the Landmannalaugar Hot Springs is well-known) and in Russia. There is a North Pole marathon every year The North Pole Marathon bills itself as the World's Coolest Marathon, and with an average wind chill temperature of 22 degrees below zero, they'd be right. It's happened every year since 2002, in 2011, 255 people from 38 nations around the world braved the condi-
tions to compete in the 26.2 mile marathon race on top of a floating Arctic ice shelf. Competitors are transported to an international North Pole Camp on the polar ice shelf to start the race. And they layer upthermal layers, windproof pants, gloves, two pairs of socks, and even goggles are necessary. The next North Pole Marathon takes place on April 9, 2014, and costs a pretty penny, about â‚Ź11,900 for the entry fee that includes return flights from Svalbard (Norway) to the North Pole camp, accommodation while at the Pole, entry to the official North Pole Marathon, helicopter flights in the polar region, the opportunity to stand at the exact Geographic North Pole, t-shirts, medals, certificates and souvenirs, professional photography of the race, professional video of the race, medical support during the trip, emergency medical evacuation insurance and the bragging rights are priceless. Santa Claus is not the only legendary character in the North Pole Did you know that the creature that inspired myths about unicorns comes from the North Pole? The narwhal, a small whale that lives in the chilly waters of the Arctic Circle, has a six-to-10-foot long tusk, a trait that earned it the nickname "unicorn of the sea." Back in the 16th century, they were often believed to possess magical powers that could be used to cure diseases. Demand was high, and legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I shelled out 10,000 pounds to get her hands on her very own narwhal tusk. Nowadays, narwhal populations are on the decline, due to hunting (Inuit peoples use the meat, tusks, and vitamin-C-rich skin in their everyday lives), climate change, and fishing for halibut, their main source of food. Santa's magical workshop isn't in the North Pole, but it is nearby Shh! Don't tell the kids, but Santa's Workshop isn't really in the North Pole, it's in Lapland. You can visit Santa Claus Village in the Finnish town of Rovaniemi year round, send letters to and from his post office (they'll bear the official postmark of the Arctic Circle), and spend time exploring Santa Park, a series of Christmas-themed caves where you can meet jolly old St. Nick and his elves. You can even visit Santa's reindeer at the onsite Sirmakko Reindeer Family Farm. If Finnish Lapland seems a little out of reach, Santa also has a satellite workshop in the holiday-themed town of North Pole, Alaska where the streets have names like Kris Kringle, Mistletoe, Donner, and Blitzen.
emal: Keith@PhotoVideoSpain.com
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The Jungle Drums
December 2013
Legal Jargon
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VEHICLE INSURANCE IN SPAIN You must, by law, have insurance to drive a car, motorcycle or scooter in Spain; a minimum of third party cover is required. Once you insure a vehicle in Spain with CASER, it is usually then covered for any driver over 28 (who has held a licence for more than 2 years) and all policies include breakdown assistance. It is important to carry your insurance documents with you in the vehicle at all times. We recommend having your receipt from the bank showing payment of your insurance in the car, for reference should you be stopped. Heavy fines can be issued for vehicles found to be driving on Spanish roads without the required insurance cover. In some cases, penalty points will also be added to your licence for this offence. When insuring a vehicle in Spain, many companies can take into consideration your No Claims Bonus from the UK or another EU country, as well as your age and how long you have held a driving licence. It is useful to bring written proof of your no claims from a previous insurer when coming to Spain. Other documentation necessary to take out a policy: • Copy of the Permiso de Circulación and Ficha Técnica • Copy of policy holders Passport and NIE (or residencia) • Copy of latest ITV (if applicable) • Copy of policy holders driving licence • Bank account details for payment Also ensure that you have a valid ITV test certificate for the vehicle, or the insurance company will refuse to pay out in the event of a claim. When a car is over four years old it will be necessary to have the vehicle undertake a road safety test, generally known as an ITV in Spain (similar to an MOT in the UK). This must then be undertaken every two years until the car is ten years old, when it is compulsory to take every year. Failures under the test will be listed on a separate sheet and you will be allowed 15 days in which to get the faults repaired and have a re-test at the ITV centre. You will also be issued with a sticker which must be displayed in the window of your vehicle, or adhered to your motorcycle, on an easy to view area. The Sticker displays the year and month that the ITV on that vehicle, expires. Caser Expat Car Insurance can provide from basic very cheap third party up to fully comprehensive insurance policies in English, for all Spanish registered cars. You will also have access to friendly, helpful, English speaking telephone staff on a 24 hour emergency number. We provide the very best competitive rates for car, van and bike insurance in Spain, why not enquire on 966 923 963 for a quotation. We have been providing car insurance in Spain since 1943.
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December 2013
There are more than a few ways to delight your husband for Christmas, but there are also definitely a few things NOT to get him. Some presents seem like great ideas at the time of purchase but end up being duds upon opening. Before you buy a gift that's silly and has no purpose, ask yourself if you'd want to receive the same present. Keep your husband happy by avoiding these gifts.
OK, let’s be honest. Sometimes men are bad at choosing gifts. Your intentions are good, but pick the wrong gift and you send the wrong message. So before you go out and buy a present for your wife, girlfriend or whoever that lovely lady is in your life, be sure to read these gift no-no’s first.
ULTIMATE LIFT PUSHUP BRA YET ANOTHER TIE Not that a teddie isn’t a fun gift for you both, but she It almost sounds cliché not to get a man a tie for Christmas, birthdays or may take offense to all the extra padding. Also, do holidays. You would think with so many warnings you actually know her size? No? Don’t try guess, too against it, men would never receive another tie ever big or too small and you’re in the dog house. again. In reality, this isn't the case; men still get loads of ties they honestly don't really want or need, no DUST MOP SLIPPERS matter how cute or adorable you think they are. Even When she said she wanted if your husband is a suit-wearing tie lover, chances some comfy slippers this probably isn’t what she had are he doesn't want another one. in mind. It’s not a very sincere gesture that you want her to be comfortable and relax when you get slipTICKETS TO THE BALLET OR OPERA pers that double as a cleaning supply. And don’t try Unless your husband specifically enjoys opera, balto sell on her on what a time saver. let, or musicals, please don't give him tickets to these. While your attempt to enculturate your husNAMING A STAR band comes with the best of intentions, save the theNaming a Star after a girl is a sweet gesture, but atre tickets for another time. when she realizes how much cash you blew on a cheesy certificate she might not be as impressed and there’s definitely room for this to backfire. Artwork Decor is another one that’s never going to top the list of things men think about on a regular basis. Best NONO RAZOR case: they hang it up and never notice it again. Worst Whether or not she enjoys personal grooming, she case: It’s off to the charity shop. probably doesn’t want to hear from you that she should shave her legs. We understand that this was a thoughtful gift because of its Thermacon technology PERSONAL GROOMING TOOLS that gently transmits heat to the hair and can be used Even if your husband has out-of-control nose hair or frequently to eliminate rashes and ingrown hairs. an untrimmed beard, do not get him clippers or razors and beard trimmers for Christmas. Try to think WINE RACK back to when you were a kid: you loathed the For some unexplainable reason women just don’t see dreaded 'sweater gift' even though it would keep you the importance of drinking novelty items. The Wine warm during the winter. People usually prefer gifts Rack is a great diverse tool that lets her drink wine they want rather than need. Sometimes you luck out conveniently AND makes her look great. Even still for and those two things are one in the same, but if your whatever reason the Wine Rack doesn’t seem to go husband hasn't been dropping hints of wanting these items, don't get them. down very well with the ladies. SOMETHING VERY PRACTICAL A practical gift, such as a first aid kit for his car or a new smoke detector, may seem like a good idea. It's thoughtful, after all, and shows that you care about your husband's safety and health. However, such gifts could be seen as lacking a level of caring that your husband may expect from his partner. Save the super-practical gifts for non-Christmas occasions and go for something that your husband wants rather than needs. FRAMED PICTURES We get it, you’re going for sentimental. But guys don’t enjoy sentimental gifts as much as fun ones. We can appreciate couple or family photos to glance over at from our workplace desk, but don’t expect us to be excited about unwrapping this.
TEDDY BEAR LAMP If she likes stuffed animals it’s probably because she thinks they have cute faces and are huggable. The Teddy Bear Lamp seems like a great gift for a girl who loves plushies at first, but it doesn’t actually fit either requirements. It doesn’t have a head let alone a cute face. Also it’s probably not a good idea to hug a lamp what with all the brightness and possible burning. WEIGHT WATCHER DIGITAL SCALE Yep, she said she needs a scale and that she is starting weight watchers. Those are things you’ve never ever heard her say, and certainly if you did, you didn’t take seriously because she’s perfect and therefore must have been joking. She might have mentioned this around you, but experience says that it was a set up. Basically if you buy her this it was be the equivalent of saying “Yes” every time she ever asked “Does this make me look fat?”
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December 2013
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December 2013
all the newsest gadgets and gizmos are right here! LED Reading Light
Foodie Map The perfect gift for those who like to indulge in gourmet delights, Foodie Map will help you to explore some of Europe's most weird, wonderful and celebrated food. With a scratchable surface that will allow you to pinpoint which delicacies you've sampled, you'll also be able to tempt your tastebuds by planning your next foodie adventure. €21.95
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Micro Foam Sponge Perfect your vocal abilities whilst you shower with the Micro Foam Shower Sponge. Although it won't actually amplify your voice, it will allow you to put on a convincing performance whilst you scrub yourself clean. With a soft foam head and a sturdy plastic handle, the sponge also comes with a handy hanging strap for easy storage. A cool and quirky gift idea, it's great for karaoke kings and queens. €6.15
Perfect for when you want to keep your light on to read before bed but your other half doesn't, the LED Booklight will shine light in the area you want without disturbing your partner. The flexible reading light can be propped onto the page of a book, an eReader or even a computer screen. Just bend its legs around any object to angle where you want the light to shine. Its powerful and bright LED light will work in the darkest environments providing you with a strong enough light to read in. €6.09
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Grumpy Old Man Mug The Grumpy Old Man Mug and Socks Set is the perfect gift for that moaning, miserable grumbler in your life. With a 300ml ceramic mug for his tea and a pair of socks for him to potter around the house in, the items also come with a warning triangle, just so your guests can brace themselves for the grouch they're about to be faced with! €12.25
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iwantoneofthose.com
Splash Chopping Board Add a splash of colour to your kitchen whenever you're chopping ingredients, this unique chopping board features a vertical drip that can be easily removed to make a completely flat worktop saver. €18.35
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Pocket Poker Set The Pocket Poker Set is a pocket sized version of the classic game. With this compact set you can enjoy a game of poker anywhere you go. Whether it's a royal flush on the plane, you go all in on a train or bluff your way to a win on a coach, this Pocket Poker Set is the ideal way to enjoy a game. The set contains a pack of playing cards, 108 magnetic chips and a storage tin that doubles as the pot. Playing this classic card game on the move has never been easier or more enjoyable. iwantoneofthose.com
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€7.35
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December 2013
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING CHESTNUTS Botanically chestnuts belong to the beech or Fagaceae family of the genus: Castenea. Scientific name: Castanea sativa. Four main species of chestnut trees are being cultivated around the world for their nuts; Castanea sativa in Europe, Castanea dentata in North America, Castanea mollissima in China and Castanea crenata in Japan. United States is the chief importer of chestnuts from European Union, although China has been the largest exporter of nuts worldwide, especially to Japan.
baking. Chestnut is most abundant during winter season but canned and bottled peeled chestnuts are available year-round. Nutrient Content Chestnuts provide 195 calories per 100 g serving, mostly coming from their high carbo-
Roasted chestnuts commonly spark thoughts of the holiday season and sitting by an open fire. These tree nuts are more than just the topic of song lyrics. Chestnuts are lower in fat than similar nuts such as pecans and walnuts -- good news if you have been advised by your doctor to watch your intake. Chestnuts have a pleasing taste and are packed with nutrients. Chestnuts are different from other nuts in that they are low in fat and have high starch content. They have a crumbly texture and a sweet, mild flavor. Chestnut are usually eaten boiled or roasted and are often added to stuffing or soups, or served as a side dish. It can also be ground into flour and used for
hydrate content, according to a study published in the April 2009 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." Chestnuts are high in vitamin C, minerals, such as potassium, copper and magnesium, amino acids and antioxidants. Chestnuts are also low in kidney stone-forming oxalate compounds, with less than 85 mg per 100 g, in
comparison to other nuts. Fatty Acids Chestnuts contain high levels of essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid, which are beneficial to cardiovascular health and proper neurological development in infants, according to the book "Tree Nuts: Composition, Phytochemicals, and Health Effects." A study conducted at the CIMO-Escola Superior Agraria, Instituto Politecnico de Braganca, Portugal, also identified four forms of triglycerides in chestnut and researchers note that this was the first such study to do a complete analysis of the triglycerides in chestnuts. Their fat content of 12 percent makes chestnuts a low-fat nut without the health benefits of the high polyunsaturated fats found in walnuts and other nuts eaten for their heart-healthy oils, says naturopath Michael Murray, in his book "The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods." Chestnut oil mostly consists of palmitic acid and oleic acid -- the fatty acid found in high quantities in olive oil. Digestive Health Chestnuts have a high fiber content. Dietary fiber comes in the form of soluble and insoluble. Soluble gets absorbed in water and forms a gel-like consistency in the intestines.
Health Benefits The pomegranate is known as a superfood. Its jewel-like seeds (arils) have been used for medicinal purposes for millennia. Packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamins, this rubyred fruit has been shown to be a cure-all for just about any ailment. It helps stomach upsets,
menopausal hot flashes, hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, osteoarthritis, lowers blood pressure, stimulates the immune system, wards off the flu, reduces inflammation, reduces risk of heart disease and lowers cholesterol. The peel is good for the heart
and blood vessels; the white membrane is good for stopping diarrhea and good for wounds and ulcers of the mouth and throat. The fruit also strengthens the brain, cleanses the body and blood from toxins, and is very good at expelling worms from the intestines.
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December 2013 This type helps reduce cholesterol and stabilizes blood-sugar levels. Insoluble fiber creates bulk in the stool and helps it pass through the system quickly. This helps reduce the risk for constipation and intestinal complications like diverticulosis, a condition where small pockets on the intestinal wall lining become inflamed. The fiber content of chestnuts, 3 g per 100 g, is higher than that of walnuts, with 2.1 g per 100 g, pecans, 2.3 g per 100 g, and pistachios 1.9 g per 100 g but about half that of hazelnuts. Their fiber content makes them a low glycemic index food -- one that raises blood sugar slowly. Stable Energy Levels Most nuts are low in carbohydrates, which is why they often are part of low-carb diet plans. Chestnuts, however, have a high amount of carbs. They contain 45 grams per 3-ounce serving. Carbs are needed for short- and long-term energy, and they help with nervous system function. The carbs that come from chestnuts are complex. Unlike simple carbs, complex carbs are digested slowly, which gives you even energy levels. Simple carbs tend to give you a fast spike of energy followed by a fast dip. Improved Brain Function The fat-soluble B vitamins help produce red blood cells, break down protein, carbs and fats for energy, promote healthy skin and enhance brain function. Chestnuts have a generous blend of B vitamins in moderately high amounts. A 3-ounce serving contains 21 percent of the recommended daily value of B-6, 15 percent of folate, 14 percent of thiamine and 9 percent of riboflavin. Eat roasted chestnuts as appetizers
with a leafy green salad and lean meat for a vitamin B-packed meal. Disease Risk Reduction Chestnuts have a high content of the trace mineral manganese - an antioxidant, which soaks up free radicals in the system and reduces the risk for cancer and heart disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, manganese also plays a key role in the aging process. A 3-ouce serving of chestnuts contains just over 1 microgram of manganese, which is 50 percent of the recommended daily intake. Manganese also helps with connectivetissue production and blood clotting. Add chopped chestnuts to a bowl of oatmeal for a manganese-packed breakfast. Stronger Bones Copper is a trace mineral that enhances bone strength, helps with red blood cell formation and nerve function and boosts the immune system. A trace mineral is only needed in a small amount by the body. Chestnuts contain 22 percent of the recommended daily value of copper per 3-ounce serving. Pair roasted chestnuts with dried prunes for a snack high in copper. Gluten-free While all nuts are gluten-free, chestnuts can be ground into a meal which is a great replacement in baked products for those with Coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. Coeliac disease is a condition that requires a lifelong change to diet removing all sources of gluten.
Chestnut and other nut meals as ingredients help provide variety to these diets. Since gluten free diets are more likely to have a high GI, nuts in general help lower the GI of these diets.
Here is a tasty treat recipe... Caramelised c h e s t n u t cheesecake Ingredients 100g caster sugar 100g chestnuts pinch salt 200ml double cream 150g cream cheese 1 orange, finely chopped butter, for greasing pinch chilli powder pinch black pepper Preparation method 1. Place the caster sugar into a frying pan and cook over a medium heat until the sugar has turned a golden-brown colour, shaking the pan to help the sugar dissolve. 2. Add the chestnuts to the pan and stir the mixture to coat the chestnuts in caramelised sugar. 3. Pour the chestnuts onto a non-stick silicon mat and leave to cool. 4. In a large bowl, mix together the double cream, cream cheese and chopped orange. 5. Grease two 6cm/2½in chefs' rings with butter and place them on a serving plate. Spoon the cream mixture into the chefs' rings. 6. Top with the caramelised chestnuts and sprinkle with chilli powder and a grinding of black pepper. 7. Serve straightaway or store in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
of Pomegranate Chinese herbology cites pomegranate juice as a longevity treatment. And thanks to the pomegranate’s antioxidant extracts, modern science and the cosmetics industry agree that topical application of products containing the ruby red fruit can keep wrinkles at bay. Pomegranatetinged anti-aging creams, mas-
sage oils, masques and toners are readily available. Pomegranate oil is a rich source of punicic acid and this helps fight wrinkles. It is a rare omega-5 conjugated fatty acid that has been shown to improve skin tone and elasticity.
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Pomegranate juice packs a high antioxidant potency punch and protects against heart attack and stroke. This royal red juice has an even higher concentration of antioxidants than other sources of dietary antioxidants such as red wine, grape juice, blueberry juice, cranberry juice and green tea.
The Jungle Drums
December 2013
Weird & Wonderful
Christmas is mostly about celebrations, gift-giving, merry-making and church-attending. There are so many different elements that contribute to the celebration that we have come to know as Christmas: tucking into the Christmas feast of yummy pudding and turkey, hanging up socks and leaving out cookies and milk for Santa, opening presents under the Christmas trees, and having a great time with family and friends. At least, that’s what the common notion of Christmas is to most of us. But in some parts of the world, you may find strange and bizarre traditions and customs that would raise an eyebrow or two. Here are some of the strange things people around the world do for Christmas in the name of celebration.
India Go Bananas With Christmas In India, only about 2.3% of the population are Christians, but because of the large population they have, we are talking about 25 million people here! Christians here celebrate Christmas with midnight mass and gift-giving like the rest of the world, but with the absence of fir trees or pine trees to decorate, they usually made do with banana trees and mango trees instead. That means instead of Christmas pine trees lining up celebrating households, you’ll find brightly lit, well-decorated Christmas banana or mango trees on the streets. They even use the leaves of those trees to decorate their houses.
lic Toss Your Shoes b u p e R h c e z C
If you don’t want to celebrate another Christmas single, then try this: stand with your back to the door and throw a shoe over your shoulders on Christmas day! If the shoe lands with the toe pointing to the door, congratulations, you’re going to get married soon! There’s no clue as to how long before you meet your prince charming though.
Japan Kentucky Fried Christmas No kidding – just like how Christmas turkey is a must on Christmas, for the Japanese it’s the Colonel’s Chicken. Since the beginning of this marketing campaign four decades ago, KFC has been associated with Christmas in the minds of the Japanese for generations, a tradition passed on from parent to child in spite of its commercialized beginnings. More than 240,000 barrels of chicken will be sold during Christmas, five to ten times its normal monthly sales. "In Japan, Christmas equals KFC."
Japan Christmas Cakes
Another Christmas food associated with Japan is the Christmas cake. These sponge cakes with whipped cream, chocolate and strawberries on top are ordered months in advanced and are eaten on Christmas Eve. Any cake that is not sold after the 25th is unwanted. For the same reason, single Japanese women over the age of 25 used to be called Christmas Cakes (yikes!).
Finland Christmas of Remembrance Families in Finland usually visit the graves of their ancestors and relatives on Christmas Eve to light candles in memory of the deceased. Even those who don’t have their kin’s graves nearby visit cemeteries to place candles in honor of their family members buried elsewhere. Hence, on Christmas eve, cemeteries would be lit up with candles presenting a beautiful sight. Food will also be left on tables and family members leave their beds to sleep on the floor to give the dead a nice meal and a place to rest when they visit.
Venezuela Skating Your Way To Christmas In the capital city, Caracas, before young children go to bed on Christmas Eve, they tie one end of a string to their big toe, leaving the other end outside their bedroom window. The fun part of the Christmas celebration is on the day of the "Early Morning Mass". Streets were closed off to cars until 8 a.m. for people to roller-skate to the service, and they customarily proceed to tug on any of the strings they see hanging.
Sweden Let The Goat Live Until Christmas In 1966 a 13-metre tall goat figure made of straw was erected in the town square of Gavle. At the stroke of midnight, Christmas Eve, the goat went up in flames. But the town never stopped building it year after year, and vandals never stopped trying to burn the goat down! By 2011, the goat has already been burned down 25 times. The burning of the Gavle goat happened so often that bookmakers began taking bets for the survival of the goat since 1988. Just to be clear, the town doesn’t want the goat to be burned down; in fact, In 2001, an American tourist served time in jail and was fined for successfully doing so.
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December 2013
Christmas Traditions
Ukraine A Spidey Christmas
Instead of glittering ornaments and tinsel, Ukrainian Christmas trees are covered with an artificial spiders and cobwebs. Why the eccentric taste in spiders? According to the local folklore, there was a poor woman who could not afford to decorate their Christmas tree. But the next morning, her children woke up to see the tree covered with webs and when the first light of Christmas morning touched the web threads, they turned into gold and silver and the family was never left for wanting again. Hence, it is believed that seeing a spider web on Christmas morning brings luck.
Finland The Christmas Sauna
H0H 0H0 Santa’s Own Postal Code
Where do you send your letters to Santa to? The North Pole? Santa’s workshop? Actually Santa has his own postal code, H0H 0H0 (with zeros instead of the letter ‘o’) and it’s in Canada where postal codes are alphanumeric. Letters – the kind that bypass parents – used to end up undelivered because there was no centralized address for Kris Kringle. But for the past 30 years, Canada Post volunteers (in the thousands) had been helping Santa reply to a million letters (every year!) from children around the world in different languages, including Braille.
Most Finnish families have their own sauna because it’s believed that a sauna ‘elf’ lives in there to protect it and to make sure people behave themselves. And every Christmas Eve, people would head to their sauna, strip to their toes, and enjoy a nice, good soak, naked. After sunset though, the place is for the spirits of dead ancestors.
Spain The Caganer
A Catalonia specialty, the caganer is a little porcelain gnome-like figure with his trousers down who is seen defecating somewhere in the nativity scene. Children enjoy looking for the little guy, who is usually hidden among the more traditional items. Surprisingly not invented by the post-South Park generation - Caganer has been offering his unique presents to the nativity scene since at least the middle of the 18th or 19th century, depending on who you believe.
Britaim Pudding & Wishes The Christmas pudding is served on Christmas Day but the traditions we’re looking at has to do with how it is made. Every member of the family (especially the kids) is to stir the mix clockwise while making a wish. Earlier traditions include putting a coin in the mix which brings wealth to whoever finds it in their serving. Other additions include a ring for luck in marriage and a thimble for good luck in life.
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This month we have a collection of tasty and fun Christmas inspired recipes
Christmas Pudding Trifle Ingredients 3 oranges 1 tbsp demerara sugar 2 tbsp Grand Marnier 300g leftover Christmas pudding 500g pot custard 250g pot mascarpone 284ml pot double cream To serve handful flaked almonds, toasted dark chocolate, grated Method 1.Peel the oranges and slice as thinly as possible and arrange over a dinner plate. Sprinkle with the demerara sugar, Grand Marnier and set aside. 2.Crumble the Christmas pudding into large pieces and scatter over the bottom of a trifle bowl. Lift the oranges onto the pudding in a layer and pour over any juices.
3.Beat the mascarpone until smooth, then stir in the custard. Spoon the mixture over the top of the oranges. 4.Lightly whip the cream and spoon over the custard. Sprinkle with the flaked almonds and grated chocolate. You can make this a day in advance if you like, chill until ready to serve.
Boxing Day Soup Ingredients 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 celery sticks, chopped 2 medium potatoes 1 tbsp curry paste 1.2l vegetable stock, made from a stock cube 550g leftover roasted or boiled vegetables natural yogurt or crème fraîche, to serve Method 1.Fry the onion for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in the celery and fry for 5 minutes, then tip in the potatoes and fry for a further 1-2 minutes. 2.Stir in the curry paste, let it cook, then pour in the stock. Bring to the boil and stir well. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are ten-
Mini Panettone Ingredients 2 eggs plus 1 yolk 1 tsp vanilla extract 500g plain flour 2 x 7g dried yeast 100g caster sugar 200ml warm milk 200g soft butter 140g mixed dried fruits 100g mixed peel milk, for brushing 1-2 tbsp flaked almonds Method 1.Beat the eggs and yolk with the vanilla. Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and ½ tsp salt. Add the warm milk and egg mixture, then beat to a very soft, sticky dough with a wooden spoon. Cover with cling film and leave in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size. 2.Drop large muffin wraps into a muffin tray.
3.Blend the butter, fruit and peel into the risen dough, with Cut into 10 equal pieces and drop a piece into the muffin tray. Cover again and leave until they are very well risen. 4.Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5.Gently brush the panettone with milk, scatter over the almonds and bake for 25-30 mins until golden.
Christmas Tree Pops Ingredients 200g marshmallows 3 tbsp golden syrup 100g Rice Krispies 6 ice-cream cones 500g icing sugar ½ tsp green food colouring sweets and sprinkles, to decorate der. 3.Warm through for a few minutes and pour the soup into a food processor and blitz. 4.Serve in bowls with spoonfuls of yogurt or crème fraîche swirled on top.
Method 1.Melt the marshmallows and golden syrup in a pan, then stir in Rice Krispies. 2.Working quickly, pack the mixture into ice cream cones and push a lolly stick into the middle of each one. 3.Chill the cones for 1 hr until
completely firm. 4.Mix icing sugar with green food colouring and enough water to make a thick icing. Dip the cones into the icing and decorate with sweets and sprinkles. 5.Prop up on a wire cooling rack to set.
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SEVILLA THE ANDALUCIAN CAPITAL OF FIESTAS by Sally Bengtsson Sevilla is one of the cities which you shouldn’t leave Spain without seeing. With its stunning Arabic palaces, gypsy quarters, impressive places of worship and orange filled parks and gardens, this city has a character all its own. Despite many of the older buildings looking in need of a slight make-over, the charm of Sevilla is lost on no visitors. Andalucian people are famously friendly and it is easy to see why here. Ask for directions and you’ll be almost taken to your destination. Sevillanos are proud of their city and happy to show visitors around. They are cool dressers too, their shiny shoes and tailored suits putting many a tourist to shame. Wander around Sevilla and you will come across tiled courtyards, narrow streets, flower filled balconies and shaded plazas. If you are lucky you may even see a spontaneous flamenco show with the eerie flamenco singing. Walking round parts of the city give many a visitor a feeling of nostalgia. Shoe shine boys (or older men) still vie for your custom, benches are often full of men with their heads buried in the local daily paper, strong coffee is still served in small mugs, and street sellers offer their wares in push along trollies.
Sevilla is the capital of Andalucia, the 4th largest in Spain, with 700,000 inhabitants. The best time to visit is Easter time for the processions, which are then followed by the April Fair, filling the streets with colour and dancing from dawn until the early hours of the morning. Book your accommodation well in advance, though, as things get fully booked very quickly. Whatever time you visit though, you will be impressed by Sevilla’s welcoming nature and open air feel. Five Things to Do in Seville: · Visit the Alcazar Palace and its lush gardens · Go up the Giralda tower, one of the last remnants of the Moorish influence on Seville · See a flamenco show · Stroll around the Plaza de España, an attractive curved square near the city center. A scene from Star Wars Episode II was filmed here · Get lost in the Barrio Santa Cruz, stopping for tapas as you try to find your way out.
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December 2013 Sevilla is situated on the banks of the tranquil waters of the River Guadalquivir, which divides the city into two halves: Sevilla and Triana. The Guadalquivir (known as Betis by the Romans and as Betik Wahd-Al-Khabir by the Arabs) has had a major impact in the history of the city. The location of Seville is the point where the river stops being useful for navigation, where ships would moor and unload their commerce. It is at this point that the cereal producing region of the Guadalquivir Valley starts, and Seville has acted as a sea-port for commerce of agricultural goods produced farther west. Intense trade existed in the area from as far back as Roman times, then continued under Muslim rule, and exploded as Seville monopolized the new trade with the Americas in the 1500’s. As the monopoly was broken and Cádiz largely took Seville's place, the city entered a period of relative decline. In the 19th century Seville gained a reputation for its architecture and culture and was a stop along the Romantic "Grand Tour" of Europe. Seville has built on its tourism industry since, playing host to the International Exposition in 1992, which spurred the construction of a new airport, a new train station, a bullet train link to Madrid, new bridges and im-
provements to the main boulevards. Tourist facilities are topnotch and the city is buzzing with festivals, color and a thriving nightlife scene. To get around the best way to see the city is on foot. Beware of taxi drivers trying to overcharge tourists. Try to negotiate a price before you set off. The beautiful horse drawn carriages are the nicest way to see the city, but be prepared to pay at least 20 euros for the treat. Sevilla does have a great public transport system. The buses run frequently and cover the majority of the city in their routes. You can purchase bus cards at many news stands. Trips cost 60c or 70c, and it costs €1.50 to buy a refillable bus card (which can be topped up at many newsstands).
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New Movie Reviews Thor: The Dark World Description
Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.
Critics Reviews Alone in the Dark: “But the real selling point is the humour. Where the first film largely was largely comprised of Thor’s fish out of water antics, this time everyone gets the opportunity for a one-liner or two, and most comedies wish they were as funny as this.
Action | Adventure | Biography Release date: OUT NOW! Description
The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.
Jungle Drums Rating:
The Counselor
Action | Adventure | Fantasy Release date: OUT NOW!
It’s on a modest scale compared to the Avengers, but then so is almost every movie, but Thor: The Dark World will do very nicely until the next one of those comes along.”
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Captain Philips
December 2013
Critics Reviews Blu-ray.com: “Tom Hanks, who delivers a sensational performance of authority melting into panic, somehow saving his true emotional might for the finale, where the weight of it all finally knocks Phillips flat. It’s an outstanding articulation of suppressed trauma and hindered control that keeps “Captain Phillips” on task, winning back the viewer when Greengrass loses himself in the thick of planning stages. In fact, without Hanks, I’m fearful of the distance the director might’ve achieved here, relaying on old habits to work through a story that, in a way, he’s already told a few times before.”
Crime | Drama | Thriller Release date: OUT NOW! Description
A lawyer finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking.
Critics Reviews Blue-ray.com: “It’s a provocative theme massaged well by the production, creating the sensation of a choke hold as the movie carries into its far more effective (and vicious) second half. The film is not as compelling as hoped for, but McCarthy’s choice lines and Scott’s indefatigable respect for his writer hold “The Counselor” in place, creating more than a few tight physical and psychological spaces to carry the picture.”
Jungle Drums Rating:
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Book Reviews Dust by Patricia Cornwell
After working on one of the worst mass killings in US history, Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta returns home to recover, but an unsettling call drives her straight back to work. The body of a young woman has been discovered inside the sheltered gates of MIT, draped in an
Raising Steam
unusual cloth and posed in a way that is too deliberate to be the killer's first strike. A preliminary examination reveals that the body is covered in a fine dust that under ultra-violet light fluoresces bloodred, emerald-green and sapphireblue, and physical evidence links this to another series of disturbing homicides in Washington, DC.
As she pieces together the fragments of evidence, Scarpetta discovers that the cases connect, yet also seem to conflict, drawing herself and her team deeper into the dark world of designer drugs, drone technology, organised crime, and shocking corruption at the highest level.
by Terry Pratchett
To the consternation of the patrician, Lord Vetinari, a new invention has arrived in Ankh-Morpork - a great clanging monster of a machine that harnesses the power of all of the elements: earth, air, fire and water. This being Ankh-Morpork, it's soon drawing astonished crowds, some of whom caught the zeitgeist early and arrive armed with notepads and very sensible rain-
wear. Moist von Lipwig is not a man who enjoys hard work - as master of the Post Office, the Mint and the Royal Bank his input is, of course, vital . . . but largely dependent on words, which are fortunately not very heavy and don't always need greasing. However, he does enjoy being alive, which makes a new job offer from Vetinari hard to refuse . . .
Saints of the Shadow Bible When a young woman is found unconscious at the wheel of her car, evidence at the scene suggests this was no ordinary crash. Especially when it turns out her boyfriend is the son of the Scottish Justice Minister and neither of them is willing to talk to the police. Meanwhile, John Rebus is back on the force, albeit with a big demotion
Steam is rising over Discworld, driven by Mister Simnel, the man wi' t'flat cap and sliding rule who has an interesting arrangement with the sine and cosine. Moist will have to grapple with gallons of grease, goblins, a fat controller with a history of throwing employees down the stairs and some very angry dwarfs if he's going to stop it all going off the rails.
by Ian Rankin
and an even larger chip on his shoulder. A new law has been passed allowing the Scottish police to re-prosecute old crimes and a thirtyyear-old case is being reopened, with Rebus and his team from back then suspected of corruption and worse. Known as 'the Saints', his colleagues swore a bond of mutual loyalty on something called 'the Shadow Bible'.
But with Malcolm Fox as the investigating officer - and determined to use Rebus for his own ends - the crimes of the past may not stay hidden much longer. With political turmoil threatening to envelop Scotland, who really are the saints and who the sinners? And can the one ever become the other?
Undisputed Truth: My Autobiography Love him or loathe him, ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson is an icon and one of the most fascinating sporting figures of our time. In this no-holds-barred autobiography, Tyson lays bare his demons and tells his story: from poverty to stardom to hell and back again In this, his first, autobiography, ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson pulls no punches and lays
bare the story of his remarkable life and career. Co-written with Larry Sloman, author of Antony Keidis’s bestselling memoir ‘Scar Tissue’, this is a visceral, and unputdown-able story of a man born and raised to brutality, who reached the heights of stardom before falling to crime, substance abuse and infamy.
by Mike Tyson
Full of all the controversy and complexity that you would expect from a man who delighted as much as he shocked, this is a book that will surprise people and reveal a fascinating character beneath the exterior of violence. If you think you know all about Mike Tyson, read this book and think again.
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10
s a m t s i Chr s ’ e n O r N u mb e
The Christmas number one: where charity songs and novelty acts are regarded as the cream of the crop for one week only. It is here the weird, wacky, wonderful and what the, all congregate for the traditional Christmas sermon of tackiness from Sir Cliff. The first Christmas number one actually on the subject of Christmas came in 1955, in the fourth year of the charts’ existence, with “Christmas Alphabet” by pop singer Dickie Valentine. However, it was only really in 1973 when the idea of Christmas songs gunning for number one was established, when Slade released their timeless “Merry Xmas Everybody” in a deliberate (and successful) ploy, beating out the other big song of the year; Wizzard’s wondrous “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday”. The following year saw Mud’s “Lonely This Christmas” and two years after that we had “When A Child Is Born” from Johnny Mathis. A new British phenomenon had come into fruition, but every now and then you get bizarre anomalies, as this list will demonstrate. Stateside, the Christmas number 1 spot is a non-event. In fact, since the chart introduction in 1955 there hasn’t been a single Christmas-themed song at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100. Are they in need of a dose of Mistletoe & Wine to find their holiday spirit or are they much more in tune with realism? Here in the UK, Christmas songs are quite often the best-selling singles of any particular year, Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is the UK’s second highest selling single of all time (though you may wish to attribute that to the charity factor). There have been many, many non-festive songs that proved successful at Christmas: the Beatles had 3 consecutive Christmas no.1′s (4 in total) and the Spice Girls had 3 in the 90s but these were clearly based on the groups’ popularity rather than any sort of message from the public. So which are the more surprising acts to reach the top of the snowy mountain and which songs evoke anything but this fabled Christmas spirit? Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name Year: 2009 - Weeks at No.1: 1 In the first successful campaign of its kind, a Facebook group launched to appeal in the public to prevent an X-Factor contestant reaching number one for the fifth consecutive year. Since then, the likes of The Wombles, The Trashmen and the cast of The Only Way is Essex (God forbid) have had ineffective backing on social networks in another bid to derail the charts. The single became the first download-only Christmas number one, selling over 500,000 copies with proceeds eventually going to charity. The campaign was supported by many celebrities and musicians, even backed by Paul McCartney. Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody Year: 1975 & 1991 - Weeks at No.1: 14 Before release, executives told Queen that at 5:55 the song was too long and critical reaction was poor; it wouldn’t be a hit. Queen went ahead with the release at the end of October anyway and it would break sales records, hitting number one for a massive nine weeks (including Christmas). Its second Christmas stay at top spot followed the death of singer Freddie Mercury in November 1991 as a result
of bronchopneumonia, brought on by AIDS. The music video was one of the very first made, hailed as the launch of the ‘MTV era’, and made in just four hours at a cost of £4,500. To this day it is the third best-selling single of all time in the UK, and the first song to reach number one on two separate occasions. Jimmy Osmond Long Haired Lover From Liverpool Year: 1972 - Weeks at No.1: 5 Don’t let it fool you, the lyrics have nothing in common with Christmas. After all, Jimmy has the audacity to mention ‘sunshine’ six times in the song. To his credit, Osmond is actually the youngest ever chart topper in the UK at just nine years and eight months old. The hit came during the peak of Osmond popularity, with Puppy Love & Crazy Horses also coming out in 1972. The family enjoyed more chart hits in this 12-month period than any other band in history, so I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this ditty would flourish the way it did, with nearly one million sales. Mr. Blobby - Mr. Blobby Year: 1993 - Weeks at No.1: 3 The first official novelty act of this list and boy, what an act. Watching it back, just what on God’s green Earth were we thinking in 1993? This incredulous yet catchy song remarkably
knocked Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything For Love” off the number one spot at the start of December. Not content on having one week at the top, it returned to #1 on Christmas week by bumping off Take That. Not even a boy band in their peak of popularity could prevent Blobbymania, with 600,000 sales (meaning platinum status). Reneé & Renato - Save Your Love Year: 1982 - Weeks at No.1: 4 Everybody loved Save Your Love, right? Right? So just me then? And the 607,000 lunatics who bought the record. Some find it cheesy while others consider the blossoming romance totally endearing. Save Your Love started as a slow burner, entering the chart in October at no.54. Somehow, sales picked up at the start of the Christmas period and before long, radio stations were playing it non-stop. Reneé credits the success as being the only romantic song during a time where heavy rock music dominated the charts. Well, I say Reneé, but her real name is in fact Hilary Lester, a professional singer, who was paired with aspiring-tenor Renato Pagliari by the song writer Johnny Edward. For some unknown reason, when it came to shooting the music video, Lester (also an actress) was curiously replaced by a model.
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y l t u l o s b A e v a h t i That H W o D o T g n Nothi s a m t s C h ri Bob the Builder - Can We Fix It? Year: 2000 - Weeks at No.1: 3 I’ll go ahead and say it, this is even worse than Mr. Blobby. It managed to knock Eminem’s Stan off number one and even prevented Westlife from scoring their 8th consecutive #1, which would’ve matched The Beatles’ record (one comfort to take from the song’s achievements I suppose). Over one million copies of this song were sold, making it the highest seller of 2000 and the 80th best-selling single of all time. And amazingly, Bob the Builder wasn’t even a one-hit wonder. He had a second #1 hit with a cover of a cover: Mambo No.5. Jackie Wilson - Reet Petite Year: 1986 - Weeks at No.1: 4 Reet Petite was Jackie Wilson's first solo release after leaving his R & B group The Dominoes. It was originally released in November 1957, reaching number six in the UK charts. But it was not until a 1986 BBC documentary arts Showed a claymation video series (as seen above) by London animation studio Giblets That the song was re-issued - some three years after Wilson's death. Considered a legendary song for many reasons, the original release was Also a spark in the creation of motown - as royalties from the song enabled one writer of the song, Berry Gordy (the other was Tyran Carlo), to start up Motown Records. Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) Year: 1979 - Weeks at No.1: 5 Home to another disturbing video for children everywhere, Another Brick in the Wall was part of Pink Floyd’s rock opera album The Wall. Broken into 3 parts across the album, Part 2 (also known by the working title ‘Education’) is the most globally recognised and the band’s
biggest mainstream success. The song is regarded as a protest against rigid schooling and strict boarding schools, which bassist and lyricist of the song Roger Walters had endured in his youth. Seen as controversial due to its branding as an anarchistic hymn, it was even banned in South Africa after it was adopted by the supporters of a boycott protesting racial inequities in education Despite their mass appeal and fame, it turned out to be the band’s only ever #1.
necessarily when hoped. Those who have bagged the Christmas #1 include Shayne Ward, Leon Jackson and Matt Cardle; who have all now predictably faded into obscurity. The only two winners who have made a name for themselves seem to be Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke. But credit to the show makers their formula has worked year in year out. This leaves me to wonder just where and when the next festive song to hit #1 will come.
Benny Hill - Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West) Year: 1971 - Weeks at No.1: 4 Benny Hill is not famed for his singing. The comedian and actor is one of England’s most famous comedic exports, known for The Benny Hill Show as well as appearances in films like The Italian Job and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The song Ernie first featured in 1970 on the aforementioned Benny Hill Show, before a revised version was released the year after. The innuendo-laden song, filled with rhymes and limericks, relives the story of a milkman called Ernie (based loosely on Hill’s job earlier in life), his horse-cart and his feud with breaddelivery man Two-Ton Ted From Teddington to win the affection of Sue at number 22. It was completely silly and surreal, hence why it proved so popular,it was Hill’s forte. This wasn’t the only song by Hill; he released other humorous singles in earlier years that were all relatively successful (usually ranging around #20 in the charts) but none did anywhere near as well as Ernie. Every X-Factor song Year: 2005 - 2008 & 2010 Weeks at No.1: 17 (combined) The televised shows begin around August and culminate with the live shows in the build up to Christmas before crowning a winner a couple of weeks before. Every year the winner has gone on to number one glory, though not
Everybodies Favourite Christmas Songs Slade - Merry Christmas Everybody "Merry Christmas Everybody" was Slade's best-selling single, released at the peak of their popularity, and sold over a million copies upon its first release. It was Slade's last number-one single, but by far their most successful. It has been released during every decade since 1973. In a 2007 poll, it was voted the UK's most popular Christmas song. The single was in such demand that Polydor records had to make special arrangements to have 250,000 discs sent from Los Angeles. Wizzard I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday First released in 1973 by the British glam rock band Wizzard but despite the song's strong, longlasting popularity, it has reached no higher than No. 4 in the UK's Official Singles Chart, a position that the song occupied for four consecutive weeks from December 1973 to January 1974. As with most Wizzard songs, it was written and produced by Roy Wood, formerly of The Move and a founding member of ELO. The song was famously beaten to the 1973 Christmas number one spot by Slade's "Merry Xmas Everybody" which remained at the top of the charts for five weeks.
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Santa’s h g i e l S
Everyone has their own traditional image of Santa's sleigh, but could there be more to it than just a sled and a team of reindeer? Although no one may ever know for sure just how Santa operates, we at The Jungle Drums have what we think are the most logical explanations for how the big guy accomplishes all that he does. Sure, demystifying Santa's modus operandi puts us at risk of getting nothing but coal in our stockings this year, but it's all for the noble pursuit of yuletide knowledge. After all, have you ever wondered how Santa's sleigh flies? What about the reindeer? And how does Santa fit all of those presents into one bag? Rustic on the outside and state-of-the-art on the inside, Santa's sleigh would have to be a marvel in engineering. These are the main parts of the sleigh that would be needed to get Santa across the world in one night. The front of the sleigh's dashboard would be dominated by Santa's own GPS navigator, the elves would map out millions of destinations before Christmas Eve, just to make sure Santa doesn't miss anyone. The device would also have a built-in Naughty-or-Nice sensor that keeps Santa updated on children's activities. This is important, as even the most minor of naughty deeds committed within the last few hours of Christmas Eve can determine whether or not a child receives a shiny lump of coal. A speedometer on the far left of the dashboard would allow Santa to monitor his flying speeds. On the far right would be a radio communicator where Mrs. Claus sends broadcasts, and the elves update Santa with weather reports and toy inventory. For in-flight entertainment, we'd like to the think that the elves would have installed an iPod dock, perhaps even a red-and-green iPod, which would come with enough memory to play Christmas songs for the entire year through. There would also be a hot cocoa dispenser in the middle of the console, and fuel for the reindeer (in the form of carrots) in a compartment located on the left side of the sleigh. Transdimensional Present Compartment Ever wonder how Santa fits all of those presents into one bag? Think of a transdimensional present compartment in the form of a traditional gift sack, which would act as a portal between the sleigh and the North Pole. However, we'd also like to think that Santa may have harnessed the power of nanotechnology and found a way to minia-
turize millions of presents into one large bag. But this information remains unconfirmed. The Stardust Antimatter Propulsion Unit What is antimatter? Is it some kind of magical substance Santa uses to power his sleigh? Antimatter is the opposite of regular matter, the mirror image of normal particles that make up everything we can see or touch. The big draw to antimatter is the amount of energy it helps create. When antimatter and matter come into contact, they annihilate each other, breaking apart into tons of smaller particles, and 100 percent of their masses convert into energy. Although antimatter propulsion rockets are mainly used in sciencefiction shows to allow spaceships to travel at warp speed, the possibility of designing one is very real, NASA is currently developing one that would get us to Mars within a matter of weeks. Santa would have to be way ahead of the game however, and we'd like to imagine that he has his own custom Stardust Antimatter Rocket. It would be small enough to install in the back of his sleigh and fast enough to deliver every present to all good children across the globe. Of course, if the rocket ever malfunctions, the reindeer would be there to back Santa up. Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen! Sleighs are large sleds or carriages used for transportation in colder climates, they have two runners on the bottom instead of wheels, making it easier to barrel across snow and ice. With the aid of kinetic energy, a sleigh can easily travel downhill. But once it
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plateaus, it needs momentum to keep moving and navigate any steep terrain or in Santa's case, take flight. But what if the Stardust Antimatter Propulsion Unit malfunctions? Enter plan B: reindeer, the engines behind the sleigh. What we know about these majestic creatures, aside from their steady diet of carrots, is that these particular reindeer would need wings to properly fly. Paolo Viscardi, a flight physiologist from the University of Leeds, suggests that Santa's reindeer would need a 33-foot-long wingspan in order take flight, and a sizeable team of reindeer would be required to lift Santa's sleigh. An extra source of heat from the hot cocoa maker in the dashboard would send out hot air, acting like a thermal unit in a hot air balloon, giving the reindeer an extra lift that Viscardi recommends for optimal flying conditions. According to the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore, and the disgruntled elf, a team of reindeer drive Santa's sleigh. These are the reindeer we know of: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. The most widely recognized reindeer is Rudolph. Folklore has it that during a particularly foggy Christmas Eve one year, Santa was unable to fly his sleigh due to poor visibility. We've posited that Rudolph helped guide Santa's sleigh through the bad weather with his bioluminescent nose radiating a red light.
Based on what we know about reindeer and science, we think that Santa would have to have a state-of-art training facility in order to get reindeer ready for the rigors of flight. A simple, idyllic barn in the middle of the Arctic would make an ideal facility for such activities. A comfortably large stable would have enough room to provide fatigued reindeer with a place to sleep as well as contain equipment such as flight simulators, treadmills and steering practice platforms. Specially trained elves would be on-site to take care of the reindeer and guide them through their training exercises. This is also where the elves would make any repairs or additions to Santa's sleigh when he needs a little something extra. The runners on the bottom of the sleigh, for example, would need to be examined pretty frequently. Since Santa lands on so many roofs on Christmas Eve, the elves would need to make sure the sleigh's landing equipment can handle a few scratches and dents. Without his sleigh, Santa would have a tough time getting airborne the night before Christmas. Fortunately, elves, reindeer and technology could all be available for help, keeping St. Nick as jolly as possible. Mince Pies and Sherry could help as well of course, but don't forget to leave the reindeer a couple of carrots too.
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December 2013 BlueMoon Solutions is a computer and IT services company on the Costa Blanca. We aim to provide high quality computer services at realistic prices - we specialise in providing services to small businesses and home users
For all your home and business computer needs Welcome to this month’s computer article written by Richard from BlueMoon Solutions
Crypto Locker Virus Ok, I know that we are all cautious when it comes to viruses and we always try to ensure that we have our anti-virus programs up to date. However, in reality the worst case scenario is that if you are unlucky enough to become infected all you will need to do is pay someone like me some folding stuff to come and sort it out for you. Even if you are badly infected, computer experts can in most cases recover all of your important data (as long as you haven’t tried too hard to fix it yourself that is!) Well that was until now! In our UK office we are starting to see more and more infections of the new Crypto Locker virus – and this one’s a real nasty! The virus works in a very similar way to others that we have commonly seen here. It is classed as “ransomware” so, like the FBI style virus that you have probably heard about, it locks you out of your computer and then demands some form of payment from you. Believe it or not I have had some customers feel so intimidated that they have actually paid up – all I can tell you is that the virus did not disappear and of course the customer had handed over his credit card details to criminals; but I’m sure they wouldn’t use them again, would they?? As I was saying the Crypto Locker virus is “ransomware” so it locks you out of your computer
and demands money from you in order to get access again and in my experience even if you pay up you won’t get back into your computer. The difference with this virus is that it also encrypts all of your data! The upshot of this is that it’s going to be pretty much impossible to get your data back; and as I said before even if you
pay them it’s still not very likely! The virus not only encrypts the data on your computer, but if you are part of a network (i.e. in an office) then it also encrypts any data that you have access to from your computer - like that on external hard drives (if they are plugged in) and drives connected via network shares. So if you are in
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an office this thing could cause some major issues! This brings me, again, onto the subject of backups because this is your ONLY form of protection from this virus – if you don’t have a backup of your data then you will lose all your data, it’s really quite as simple as that. We can even do the backup for you…at our shop on the Moncayo market, we offer a free backup service when you buy one of our memory sticks and we even put a free program on your computer so that you can continue to take your own backups going forward. If you have your own memory stick or external hard drive and just want the free program installing and setting up, with a bit of training, then pop along anyway - we are really not expensive and you would be protecting yourself from potentially losing everything important to you on your computer. Please remember to only open emails from people that you know. Don’t ever click on links in emails unless you are VERY sure that they are legitimate, some of these emails look very legitimate, but just “engage brain before clicking”. If you are ever unsure then give me a ring before you click! In next months Jungle Drums I will help you protect againt the virus.
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The Jungle Drums - Tel: 965 99 66 66
The Jungle Drums
December 2013
email: oďŹƒce@thejungledrums.es
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The Jungle Drums
December 2013
Monthly Caption Competition Sponsored by
Can you think of a witty caption to go with this picture? For a chance to win a “10€ voucher to be spent on cards and gifts” in News Express, send your ideas to office@thejungledrums.es or call 965 99 66 66
Last month’s winner:
Alex Wright La Marina “They say pets look like their owners” PAGE
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The Jungle Drums - Tel: 965 99 66 66
The Jungle Drums
December 2013
Wordsearch and Suduko Can you find all these Christmas related words? Carrots Christmas Tree Elf Lights Mince Pies Presents Reindeer Santa Claus Sleigh Snow Tinsel Wreaths
1 solution on page 38
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The Jungle Drums
December 2013
Thinking caps on for this one! Answers in next month’s edition. Across 1/11. Which fictional detective has been portrayed on film by Basil Rathbone and on television by Jeremy Brett and Benedict Cumberbatch? (8,6) 7. Which venomous snake with large hinged fangs, typically has a broad head and stout body, with dark patterns on a lighter background? (5) 8. Who was the lead singer of 1980s pop group Culture Club? (3,6) 9. From the Latin, from ‘and the rest’, which adverb is used at the end of a list to indicate that further, similar items are included? (3) 10. Which one of the five Great Lakes of North America is situated on the border between Canada and the US? (4) 11. See 1 13. What name is given to a small boat of a kind used in the Far East, typically with an oar or oars at the stern? (6) 14. Which desert-dwelling rodent with very long hind legs that enable it to walk upright and perform long jumps, is found from North Africa to central Asia? (6) 17. What is the state capital of New York? (6) 18. Derived from the Latin for ‘to swallow’, which word means ‘an excessively abundant supply of something’? (4) 20. Which alcoholic spirit is distilled from sugar-cane residues
Last Months Answers: Across: 1 Shrapnel, 7 China, 8 Costa Rica, 9 DNA, 10 Sari, 11 Karate, 13 Temple, 14 Markka, 18 Opus, 20 Gnu, 22/17 Petrified Forest, 23 Eagle, 24 Pentagon. PAGE
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or molasses? (3) 22. Which actor starred opposite Paul Newman in the 1986 film The Color of Money? (3,6) 23. What names are given to the hinge joints that are formed by the meeting of the thigh bone (femur) and the larger bone (tibia) of the lower leg? (5) 24. See 13 Down Down 1. Which graceful carnivore of the weasel family, Mustelidae, is found in the forests of northern Asia and is highly valued for its fine fur? (5) 2. In Greek mythology, what was the name of the place at the ends of the Earth to which certain favoured heroes were conveyed by the gods after death? (7) 3. In law, what name is given to a right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged? (4) 4. What name is given to the movable indicator on a computer screen identifying the point that will be affected by input from the user? (6) 5. Which town in NW Belgium, near the border with France, was the scene of some of the bitterest fighting of the First World War? (5) 6. Which fictional vampire first appeared in an 1897 gothic horror novel by the Irish author Bram Stoker? (7) 7. Jan who was a 17th century Dutch painter who generally painted domestic genre scenes, such as The Kitchen-Maid? (7) 12. In chess, what names are given to openings in which a player makes a sacrifice, typically of a pawn, for the sake of some compensating advantage? (7) 13/24. Which undercover cops were played on television in the 1970s by Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul and on film in 2004 by Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson? (7,3,5) 15. In which 1968 movie does Steve McQueen play a San Francisco detective who conceals the death of an underground witness in his charge and goes off after the killers himself? (7) 16. What is the name of the projecting piece on a sundial that shows the time by the position of its shadow? (6) 17. Which hard translucent fossilised resin originating from extinct coniferous trees of the Tertiary period, is typically yellowish in colour? (5) 19. Which bony enamel-coated structures in the jaws of most vertebrates are used for biting and chewing? (5) 21. What name is given to a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it? (4)
Down: 1 Sachs, 2 Rostrum, 3 Pear, 4 Elijah, 5 Wilde, 6 Jamaica, 7 Caravan, 12 Old rope, 13 Trigger, 15 Kipling, 16 Tsetse, 17 Fudge, 19 Sedan, 21 Fiat.
The Jungle Drums - Tel: 965 99 66 66
The Jungle Drums
December 2013
b
Aries 21 March - 19 April A spiritual crisis of sorts may be on the menu for December of 2013. If this is the case, turn to a friend who seems to have things figured out. They have advice that will get you back to balance.
d
Libra 23 September - 23 October
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e
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f
Taurus 20 April - 20 May If work has become difficult, have an honest conversation with your boss. Ask for feedback and take that feedback to heart. This conversation is going to help you in the coming months.
Gemini 21 May - 21 June To celebrate your balance in life, throw a party. Invite the people who have loved you, Gemini, and dance the night away. You deserve it.
a
Cancer 22 June - 22 July As the end of the year unfolds, remember that your body needs extra care. Watch your diet carefully and get enough rest. You deserve to be in good shape.
b c
Leo 23 July - 22 August While you might be ready for a new gym routine, stick with what you know. This isn’t a time for more work, but it is a time for more fun. What fun classes can you take to get your body moving?
Virgo 23 August - 22 September A relationship that was once close to you finally comes to an end. This is not a bad thing. You have learned a lot and you are ready to focus on others in your life.
If you’re having a hard time being positive, you need to spend some time with children. They’re great teachers to those who need to be reminded of how great life is. Take time to play and you’ll reap the rewards.
Scorpio 24 October - 21 November Choose to end the year with a time of rest. This has been a busy year and you deserve a little time alone. You have a lot coming up next year, so don't feel like you’re getting behind.
Sagittarius 22 November - 21 December Since you’re probably run down at this point of the year, take a few days to sleep and to rest. You deserve some time off your feet. Schedule a spa day or a day in the woods to rejuvenate yourself.
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Capricorn 22 December - 19 January
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Aquarius 20 January - 18 February
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If there was ever a time to be happy, this month is it. With everything going so well, you should give thanks to those who are important in your life. They want to hear that you care.
Change the way that you’re looking at a current relationship. Though they might be causing you to feel down, recognize the lessons you can learn. You may find that the most challenging relationship is the best one for you.
Pisces 19 February - 20 March Art is on your mind right now. Take a few minutes to create something to hang on the wall. Or you might want to try an art class that you’ve never taken before.
You’ve got to be joking
A very sexy attractive young girl, chaperoned by an ugly old lady, entered the doctor's office. "We have come for an examination," said the young girl.
I launched my own clothing line last night.
"All right," said the doctor. "Go behind that curtain and take your clothes off."
I knew I should have taken the washing in before setting the fireworks off.
"No, not me," said the girl. "it's my old aunt here."
Archaeologists digging on a Pyramid in Egypt have found a mummy covered in chocolate and nuts. Experts believe it to be Pharaoh Roche
"My wife found a False Widow in the bath last night," I told my neighbour this morning. "What's that then?" He asked. I said "It's a big white tub you sit in to wash yourself"
People think I'm weird because I swallowed an Abacus. It's what's inside that counts.
God creates Adam, and soon Adam is complaining that he's all alone in the Garden of Eden. So God says, "Okay, I'll make you a companion, a beautiful creature who'll cook and clean for you. It will be able to converse intelligently on any subject, and never ever complain or argue." Adam says, "That sounds great." God says, "The only thing is, it will cost you an arm and a leg." Adam says, "Damn, that's expensive. What can I get for a rib?"
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"Very well," said the doctor. "Madam, stick your tongue out."
I think it should be compulsory for women to wear makeup when driving.... Just so they'll look in the mirror occasionally !!
Any man that thinks women are the weaker sex should try pulling the duvet back to his side.
The Jungle Drums
December 2013
Dingbats Can You Solve These?? It Could Be A Famous Phrase Or Saying, It Could Be A Movie, A Song Or A Little More Complex...GOOD LUCK!
Nigmassht 1.
STUN
5.
XMAS 6.
Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night
9.
Mistletoe
13.
To frank uch 4.
PPPPP
Our planet 7.
Hello Spring! Hi Summer! Hewdey Autumn! Yo! Winter
8.
Pres
ents A3 tortilla A4
xxxx 10.
stel
Cottage Shepherd Apple
3.
2.
CCCCCC FESTIVE
Spear Pepper Garden
11.
W 14.
S O
12.
FIR
N
Here Here Here Here
15.
TURKEY SSSSSSSS 16.
SUDUKO ANSWERS
Aswers: 1. Midnight mass 2. Mixed nuts 3. Mincepies 4. Frankinsense 5. Festive season 6. White Christmas 7. Peace on earth 8. Seasons greetings 9. Twelfth Night 10. Kiss under the mistletoe 11.Opening presents 12. Wrapping Paper 13. Tinsel 14. Snowball 15. Presents under the tree 16. Turkey leftovers PAGE
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The Jungle Drums - Tel: 965 99 66 66
The Jungle Drums
December 2013
email: oďŹƒce@thejungledrums.es
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