Week 155

Edition 155

www.thecourier.es

Friday, February 7, 2014

A HARD LESSON Catalogue of woe for non-Spanish speaking Brits

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By TONY MAYES An 82­year­old Playa Flamenca man with a newly­fitted heart pacemaker was dis­ charged from Alicante General Hospital, bundled into a taxi and driven home, without any warning to his wife.

Luckily, Joyce Butler, aged 84, was at her Flamingo Hills house when the taxi driver banged on her door to demand 74 Euros. This was only one of a number of heart­wrench­ ing incidents for the couple since leaving England in September, not helped by their inability to speak

Spanish.

Jim Butler had his pace­ maker initially fitted in Blackpool Hospital, and was given the choice of either returning there to have some modifications done, or to return to their Spanish home and have the work done at a local hospi­ tal. Because they had previ­ ously booked the flight back to Spain (the last one of the season to San Javier), they opted for the work to be done over here ­ but little did they know the catalogue of problems that would hit them.

The Butlers were given a date and time to arrive at Alicante Hospital and were

driven there by a friend, but when they turned up, they were told that Jim could not be admitted for another two hours. The friend had to return to Torrevieja for work, so Jim opted to stay in reception, while Joyce went back to Flamingo Hills.

Shortly after she arrived home, she had a telephone call from Jim saying he was in bed, and they had admit­

ted him early because he had fainted while in recep­ tion. It was two days later when Jim suddenly arrived back home by taxi.

"Why on earth the hospi­ tal didn't call me I just don't know?” Joan told The Courier. “Luckily, I had enough money to pay the taxi driver, but what would have happened if I had been out? Jim hadn't any money, or house keys on him, I suppose the driver would have taken him back to the hospital. What a way to carry on. It's dreadful."

Joyce then asked the driver where Jim's wheel­ chair was. It went with him to the hospital, but ward staff failed to put the chair into the taxi. When Joyce phoned to ask where the chair had gone, no­one

Continued on page 2

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Friday, February 7, 2014

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E­MAIL office@thecourier.es WEB www.thecourier.es HEAD OFFICE Calle Luis Canovas Martinez 1. Urb Aguas Nuevas, Torrevieja 03183, ALICANTE PHONE: 96 692 1003 Email: office@thecourier.es OPENING HOURS Mon ­ Fri 1030 to 1730 EDITOR Alex Trelinski CONSULTANT EDITOR Donna Gee ADVERTISING SALES 966 921 003 office@thecourier.es TELESALES 966 921 003 679 096 309 Sally Los Alcazares, San Javier 618 391 491 Myra Quesada, Rojales, Torrevieja, San Miguel Tel. 618 583 765 Jean La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig Tel. 618 898 034 Patrick International Rep 5 Languages Tel 685 901 265 Donna Tel 616 332 178 Writers Donna Gee Sally Bengtsson Jeanette Erath Alex Trelinski Dave Silver Tony Mayes John McGregor

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Picture of the Week

96 692 1003 679 096 309

Time standing still at Playa Flamenca Photo by COLIN AITKEN

A HARD LESSON From Page 1 knew anything about it, but the problems continued to mount up for the Butlers. Later on, the hospital called to say they had a heart monitor for Jim, which was an expen­ sive piece of equipment which could send information down a phone line to the hospi­ tal from Jim's bed at home. They asked Joyce to arrange for a dedicated phone line to be installed beside the bed, and this is what she did. She went to the hospital to pick up the box and got from the cardiac unit to the exit only to be grabbed by two nurses who told her they had forgotten to take the unit number of the equipment they had given her. She went back to the ward, and after a few minutes was given the equipment back. But when she arrived home, she was phoned by the hospital once again to say they had given her the wrong monitor and she would have to return with Jim at a later date.

Joyce commented: "Jim is ill and neither

of us is in our youth any more. The basic problem is a lack of communication between the hospital and us. They are all Spanish and they want us to speak Spanish. When we only speak English that's when the problems start. It's been hell on earth for us because of the lack of com­ munication. It's all very well living in Spain when you are fit and well, but people really should learn the language because when you are ill and trying to cope over here it is very, very difficult if you don't speak the lan­ guage.”

"I doubt whether British people really could cope that well, because half the time they are speaking medical jargon and who knows that? We really wish we had stayed in the UK and had the complete work done there. It would have been a lot less strain and worry," she added.

Jim is a retired post office manager and Joyce ran three hairdressing shops in the Scunthorpe area.

WOMEN TERRORISED A man who was “high” on drugs and alcohol and terrorised 2 victims by using a blood­stained needle whilst claiming he was an AIDS sufferer, has been sentenced to over 8 years behind bars. The Murcia court sent him down after his two assaults on May 17th last year on 2 women in San Javier and El Palmar. In the first incident in El Palmar, he stole the woman’s car after threatening to prick her with the needle, and then drove to the Dos Mares shopping centre in San Javier to strike again. In the 2nd case, he again threatened a female who was just parking up at the centre, and locked her up in the boot of his car. He let her out 3 times, as she made 3 withdrawals adding up to 960 Euros from local ATM machines, before dumping her in Santiago de la Ribera. The defendant, who is appealing to the High Court, said that everything happened because of a family row which made him take a lot of pills and drink a lot of alcohol.

Split naranjas

Never give up on a good thing

Valencia region farmers have lost 100 million oranges in the last year according to their asso­ ciation, caused by the splitting and cracking of the fruit. The amount of oranges that have suf­ fered from split peels, therefore halving their size making them impossible to sell has doubled. The disorder is known as clareta and farmers say that it has been brought on by strange weather pat­ terns in 2013 which included high temperatures, dry winds, and a lack of rain at the right time.

A 34 year old Alicante City crook has a record to envy!

He’s been arrested more 60 times for breaking into hous­ es in 2013, and he’s started 2014 on a roll with 7 arrests.

He was nicked in the early hours of last Saturday morn­ ing trying to force the gate of a city bar. He was spotted by some police officers who chased him on foot and caught him hiding under a van. Despite the multiple incidents, the man has been released on bail.

WANTED – MORE HEADLINE NEWS! DO YOU have a story that might grab the headlines?

What’s all the gossip about round your way? A spate of robberies, perhaps – or maybe you’ve spotted a celebrity in the neighbourhood. Whether your news involves fire, police, ambulance, accidents – or hap­

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Friday Sunny High 13 Low 9° Chance of rain 0% Monday Sunny & windy High 18 Low 8° Chance of rain 0%

Tuesday Sunny & windy High 18° Low 10° Chance of rain 0%

Saturday Sunny High 19° Low 11° Chance of rain 0% Wednesday Sunny High 21° Low 14° Chance of rain 0%

Sunday Showers High 17° Low 9° Chance of rain 55% Thursday Sunny High 21° Low 10° Chance of rain 0%

Friday, February 7, 2014

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SLIGHT OF HAND RYANAIR SEES RED Last month’s electricity price hike was a lot higher than politicians led voters to believe, with the part of a household bill relating to government charges and taxes soaring up by 18%. All the pre­ New Year publicity had been about overturning a double digit rise in the consumption based tariff, which was slashed to 2.3%. No mention had been pub­ lically made of the other increase which was then spotted by journalists in the State Official Bulletin (BOE), where any govern­ ment decisions have to be published and, once they have been, any move is said to have been declared and published.

The element of electricity bills which goes into the government's pocket in taxes and charges totals 55% of the consumer's invoice, and will now rise to 42.04 Euros per kilowatt (kW). This part of the bill has not changed since August 2013, when the State approved a 'general' rise of 1.2% following new measures being introduced to its ener­ gy reform. For most consumers, 45% relates

to consumption, which is dictated by the prices achieved in the three­monthly State 'auctions' of the energy supply franchise, and the remaining 55% – the government's taxes and charges – covers transport, distri­ bution, 'green' taxes, and other fees.

As a result, cutting down on electricity use Low cost carrier Ryanair, which runs serv­ only has a relatively small impact on the ices to and from Alicante­Elche and San actual amount billed to households every Javier airports, made a loss in the final three month or every two months. months of last year as lower fares and the weakness of sterling against the Euro hurt trading. The no­frills airline said average fares were 9% lower leading to a 35 million Euro loss for the quarter. The fall came despite a 6% rise in passenger numbers, which chief executive Michael O'Leary attrib­ uted to seat promotions and lower fares.

"Our loss of 35m euros is in line with pre­ vious guidance," he claimed.

Despite the profit drop, the airline said "ancillary" revenues, which include reserved seating, priority boarding and credit card fees, rose by 13%. Ryanair said bookings in the fourth quarter were "significantly" ahead of last year, but prices were still weaker In November, the company warned full­year

STOP, IF YOU KNOW! Torrevieja council has been ordered to cough up over 7 thou­ sand Euros in compensation after an Elche court ruled that a car acci­ dent was caused by a Stop sign lying on the pavement. The incident happened 3 years ago on a junction with Calle San Emigdio Maldonado, when the driver could not see the mandatory warning and collided with another vehicle. The judge ruled that the warning sign was not visible and that the council were liable to pay for the damage to the car because that they hadn’t done their job properly in warning drivers of the junction.

Don’t hold your breath

Despite pledges from Murcia’s leading politicians last autumn, construction of the Paramount Theme Park has been put back until at least the summer as the necessary licenses have not yet been granted by the Alhama de Murcia council. The problems appear to stem over “negotiations “with

owners of various plots of land.

Meanwhile, Murcia’s other long­running saga of the un­opened Corvera airport took a fresh twist this week with the sug­ gestion that it might now open this autumn and run in tandem with the current facility at San Javier.

profits to the end of this financial year were likely to be down on last year, a first annual profits fall in five years.

Ryanair said it had now finished imple­ menting a series of initiatives aimed at improving passenger experience, including a free small second carry­on bag, a 24­hour grace period to correct minor booking errors and reduced boarding card and airport and bag fees It said it also now had allocated seating on all flights, charging passengers five Euros to select their preferred seat. It said uptake of this had "grown significantly".

"It now appears that sales of reserved/allocated seats will exceed the rev­ enue loss from cutting airport and bag fees," it said. In September, Ryanair pledged to reform its "abrupt culture", following share­ holder concerns that customer service issues were hitting sales.

BLOWN OVER

The Mar Menor coastline took a bashing on Wednesday morning with winds reaching up to 96 kilometres an hour.

Such was the intensity of some of the

gusts, that a road sign keeled over at 10.15 am on the northbound carriageway of the AP7 close to Los Alcazares. No vehicle was hit in the incident.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

MUM REFUSED BAIL Murder confirmed

A Swiss woman wanted by Interpol for kid­ napping her baby from a Zürich hospital has been remanded in custody after killing the infant in Torrevieja over a fortnight ago.

Katharina Katit­Stäheli testified for two­and­ a­half hours at the Valencian High Court, before judge Natalia Martínez ordered the 40­year­old mother to be held in jail pending trial.

A gagging order means it is not known whether she killed her son before attempting suicide or whether she is mentally ill. Several police officers were needed to pin her down in Torrevieja Hospital after stabbing herself in the jugular with a six­inch knife, following the death of her son Dylan. Her court appearance saw her with a bandage around her neck, having undergone emergency sur­ gery to her main artery and trachea, and she had lost a considerable amount of weight, which made her look different to recently issued police photos.

Katit­Stäheli, who is against conventional medicine, had lost custody of Dylan to his Egyptian father, after she refused to give him his medication for water on the brain and blocked a second operation to relieve the pressure. She took him to Prague for a sec­

ond opinion on his condition and then to Germany, where she was caught and deported to Switzerland, but later kidnapped the baby from a Zürich hospital and fled the country by car.

Emails to her father, who has been arrest­ ed for aiding and abetting, claimed she had been to Ljubljana and was on her way to Athens, but it is believed she had been in Torrevieja at the time of the message.

There’s a suggestion that Katit­Stäheli knew of a natural health guru in northern Portugal and was on her way to see him about Dylan.

Gay “cure” Cardinal investigated

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into newly chosen Spanish Cardinal Fernando Sebastián Aguilar after a gay­rights group accused him of hate speech for calling homosexuality a "defect". The public prosecu­ tor for the southern province of Malaga, Juan Carlos Lopez, said he had opened a preliminary inquiry "to clarify whether the allegations con­ stitute a criminal offence."

A week after being picked, the 84­year­old archbishop emeritus of Pamplona gave an interview to a Malaga newspaper that drew con­ demnation from gay­rights activists. He compared homosexuality to his own high blood pressure ­ "a

Authorities say that a man killed his wife and then hung himself in a Santa Pola apartment last week. As reported in last Friday’s Courier, police found two bodies in their flat on Avenida Portus, and a judge has now determined that the 58 year old husband murdered his 59 year old partner before com­ mitting suicide. The man had a long history of violence against his wife, and had been found guilty of domestic abuse 5 years ago.

Royals go public on cash King Don Juan Carlos has gone against the trend of royal secrecy in Spain and publicised the new fixed salaries of his wife Queen Sofía and daughter­in­law Princess Letizia. It’s the first time the 76­year­old monarch has willingly made information on royal earn­ ings available to the general public. Queen Sofía of Spain will earn 131,739 Euros this year, whilst Letizia Ortiz, wife of Prince Felipe and future queen of Spain, will get 102,460 Euros.

“It’s more transparent, fair and professional to do it like this,” a royal spokesperson told El País. The Royal

Family has also publicised the total cost of King Juan Carlos’ three hip and back operations in 2013 which came to 165,189 Euros. The family were forced to make a positive move after the on­ going scandal involving the

King’s youngest daughter, Cristina, made their popular­ ity drop to an all­time low.

The ageing monarch now earns 292,752 Euros a year, after a 2% cut and his son and heir exactly half that amount.

A 5 year old girl died on Tuesday after an incident in the Alicante city area of San Gabriel, with police taking her 32 year old Venezuelan stepmother away for questioning. An ambulance was called to their home, with the woman claiming that the child was suffering with a fever, but medics spotted wounds and bruising to her head, chest and legs, and called in the National Police. She died in Alicante General Hospital on Tuesday lunchtime, with the autopsy confirming that she had

been abused. Her step­ mother said that she suf­ fered injuries when she fell as she was trying to pour water on her head in their bathroom to help cool her down. The girl’s father is

serving a sentence in Villena prison, which meant that his partner has been looking after the girl, though police have made contact with her actual mother.

DEAD CHILD ABUSED

defect I have that I have to correct as far as I can". After the interview was published, gay and lesbian rights group Colegas lodged a complaint

against the cardinal violating the constitution's guarantees of dignity and non­discrimi­ nation and for "clearly incit­ ing hate and discrimination".

Family riddle solved

The three members of a Seville family who died at home last December suffered from phosphine poisoning, according to toxicology experts. Investigators found large amounts of container caps in one of the apartment bathrooms, containing trace amounts of the toxic chemical, which is widely used as a fumigant. It is believed that the father, who was unemployed, sold the caps for recycling purposes. Initial

reports wrongly suggested that the family had eaten out­ of­ date food. A fourth family member, a 13 year old girl, did not eat with her family on that fateful evening, and returned when the volatile effects of the chemical had already disappeared. Her court testimony did not provide any infor­ mation that might suggest a collective sui­ cide or a crime by one of the family mem­ The bathing waters around San Pedro bers. del Pinatar are going to be safer this sum­ mer. The local council has spent just under 12 thousand Euros in a buying a new lifeboat which also features first aid gear including half a dozen new defibrillators.

The boat will be used for to stop any possi­ ble problems amongst swimmers as well as dealing with emergency incidents in the area, which will take in the monitoring of 8 beaches in the high summer season between July 1st and September 15th.

SAFER SWIM

LOVE TO WIN

Pilar de la Horadada shop­ pers could win a 70 Euro gift voucher up to and including next Friday, Valentine’s Day, in the Cuore Loto (Heart Lottery). 55 local shops, bars and restaurants are taking part, and if a customer spends at least 5 Euros at a participating outlet, then could win one of 14 vouchers that are on offer, as they get a free lottery ticket. The draw takes place at Pilar Town Hall on Friday February 21st.

GOULASHED

Three Hungarians hiding out in the Vega Baja have been arrested by the National Police. Two men and a woman, all in their forties, were convicted of fraud in their native country, but fled to Spain. Acting on a

European Arrest Warrant, the trio were dis­ covered living separately in Algorfa, Rojales, and Torrevieja, and are now set to be deport­ ed to start their jail sentences of between 3 and 8 years.

Friday, February 7, 2014

FLASH BANG FINED

16 new speed cameras costing over 72 thousand Euros each have been bought by Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT. The gizmos are flexible, so can be put inside a police car, or erected in a fixed location. They’re going to be used on the secondary routes, the so­called N roads, where the DGT say the majority of accidents happen.

The new cameras operate take two photos of the offending driver's car when he or she passes it at more than the speed limit. They will also be able to detect speeding cars over two lanes. There’s been no mention as to which parts of Spain the new radar cameras will be used in.

RUSSKIES WANTED

Costa Blanca tourist chiefs were shaking Russian hands this week in a meeting at Alicante­Elche airport to encourage more visitors from the country. Local representa­

tives met with bosses of one of Russia’s biggest tourist operators, Versa, to look at increasing tourism, including expanding the number of off­season travellers.

Natural Gas company Cegas has officially launched the project to bring natural gas to Torrevieja. Cegas say they are investing a total of 7 million Euros in building a distribu­ tion network which stretches to 45 kms, which will be linked up over the next 2 years to more than 96 thousand homes and busi­ nesses in the city. The new network will con­

nect Torrevieja to the pipeline which already serves Orihuela, Redován, Benejúzar, Algorfa, Rojales, and Los Montesinos.

Torrevieja Hospital and the Sports City region will be amongst the first areas to be hooked up. Torrevieja Mayor, Eduardo Dolon took part in Tuesday’s symbolic “turning on” of the gas, along with Cegas bosses.

Spain's dole queues got longer last month, but the government would have been boost­ ed by the news that it was the smallest January rise since 2007, just as the reces­ sion started to kick in. The government hailed the result as a sign that the labour market is steadying as the economy emerges from a double­dip recession sparked by the 2008 property crash.

The number of people registered as unemployed rose month­on­month by 113,097, or 2.41% to 4.81 million in January, according to raw figures from the Labour Ministry. The official unemployment rate edged up to 26.03% in the final quarter of 2013, according to a separate household survey run by the National Statistics Institute.

TORREVIEJA GASSED

UP BUT SMALLER

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Friday, February 7, 2014

editor@thecourier.es COURIER POSTBAG: YOUR VIEWS ON OUR NEWS

Nic whack is right on track FURTHER to the correspondence relating to rising tennis champion Nicola Kuhn, I agree that insufficient publicity and support is given to our young sports stars and I welcome the coverage now being given by The Courier.

I know this lad quite well, and the complete dedication he has displayed in his efforts to reach the top in his sport demonstrate to me that he is going to make the top grade.

What a shame for Spain that there was no way the authorities could have found a way to ease the financial burden carried by his par­ ents, and to retain his services for Spain.

I have had personal experience with my own grandson in the ice­skating world. His parents had to sacrifice so much, arriving at rinks at 5am, or staying until midnight in order to be able to practise without members of the public skating at the same time.

He had to leave home at 14 to be near his coach. Even when selected to skate for GB, his parents had to pay all his air fares/accom­ modation etc., and also the fares of his coach who had to accompany him at the competi­ tions.

Nicola’s parents should be applauded for their dedication to his dreams.

I only have one regret regarding his tennis.

His parents asked me if I could play tennis with him before he even had a racquet. I declined because I felt too old to chase the ball wherever this young lad would hit it.

Sorry now. When he wins Wimbledon I could have basked in the glory of being his first­ever coach.

Please keep us all up to date on his progress.

CHARLES ISAAC, Torrevieja.

Nico Kuhn celebrates yet another title victory

ORIHUELA’S VOTERS MUST FIGHT FOR A FAIRER DEAL MR. Greg Moore of La Marina is advising non­Spanish resi­ dents in Spain not to get involved in local politics.

If he is happy in La Marina and prefers not to make use of his demo­ cratic rights that is his choice. But if he lived in Orihuela Costa he might feel differently.

We have a resident population of some 35,000, of which 85% are non­ Spanish; the majority British and Irish.

The resident population of Orihuela Costa is now equal to or probably exceeds that of Orihuela city. We live 30 kilometres from Orihuela city and for years have been short changed by the Orihuela Town Council where, until 2011, there was not a single councillor directly elected from Orihuela Costa and not a single non­ Spanish councillor.

Now there is one, myself, in opposi­ tion, not in power as Mr. Moore seems to believe.

We pay a disproportionately high level of property taxes to Orihuela Town Hall and in return get a dispro­ portionately low level of service.

Mr. Moore might not believe in the democratic principle of “no taxation without representation” but those of us living in Orihuela Costa are fed up with dirty streets, broken pavements, no real parks or gardens, too few police, no police station open 24 hours a day, no real civic or cultural centre and no facilities for senior citizens.

When we go to Orihuela city we see the difference and see how our taxes are subsidising a higher standard and

Who pulls the strings in high stakes grab?

SOME 40­50 young trees were planted 18 months ago on waste ground near where I live.

The stakes that were used were so thin and most not even in the ground that within a day or so two snapped off with the wind.

I informed the town hall and within a short time, really big stakes were put in to give them a good chance of growing.

Some of us have been re­tieing as the months went on as the various

string used to tie to the stakes rotted away.

Recently I have noticed that about half of these stakes have gone missing.

Last Saturday at about 9am my hus­ band saw a man take one and march off with it...but was

quality of life for the people living in the city compared to what we enjoy in Orihuela Costa.

Does Mr. Moore really think we should sit back and let the estab­ lished Spanish political parties, who have traditionally regarded Orihuela Costa as their gold mine, continue to deny us a fair return for our taxes and a fair deal in relation to municipal services?

Letters and emails will only be considered for publication on this page if an address and contact number are provided in case we need to call you.

too far away to chal­ lenge him.

He was wearing a woolly hat, red jack­ et or fleece and had a large black and white dog with him.

He walked up C/ Tiberiades towards C/Baikal.and could be described as dark skinned.

He could be using the stakes for his fire or building something.The thing is...he is steal­ ing from the town hall and the people of Orihuela Costa.

CONCERNED RESIDENT, Orihuela Costa

Mr. Moore should know that my party, C.L.A.R.O., is not an expat party but seeks to represent all those living in Orihuela Costa.

We have enthusiastic support from the local Spanish population and have active Spanish members who occupy elected posts in the party.

Working together, we can under­ stand the Spanish culture and which Mr. Moore seems to think is impossible.

To allege that we are seeking “power” is a figment of Mr. Moore’s imagination.

Because there are so few non­ Spanish who register to vote in

Orihuela Costa, even together with the Spanish, who are automatically registered to vote, we have barely enough voters to elect one councillor out of the 25 which comprise the Town Council.

“Power” would be centuries away.

But with one voice we can begin to make a difference and hopefully if enough people think differently to Mr. Moore and register to vote in suffi­ cient number, we will be more than one after the next election in 2015.

With only one councillor we can achieve nothing on our own for Orihuela Costa and have to try to cooperate with the established Orihuela city based parties.

But Mr. Moore should get his facts right about “daily mind­changing”.

CLARO contested the last election in 2011 in an electoral alliance with an Orihuela­based party, CLR. Four months after serving in government together, our CLR partner expelled me from the joint group in which they had the majority.

I did not change my mind, they did.

Three months later I resigned from the government because I could no longer achieve anything for the peo­ ple of Orihuela Costa in the face of CLR hostility.

We tried, as an alternative, to ally ourselves with the Popular Party which is the biggest party in the pres­ ent council and negotiated an agree­ ment with them which would have been very beneficial to Orihuela Costa if we had come into govern­ ment together. We did not and just

Bob-a-job expats are a Brit much WELL said Mr. Greg Moore!

(Letters Page last week).

Some expats, from their petty machinations at Urbanisation level to their officious meddling in the quasi political arena of their own making, are trying to Anglicise their lifestyle (and ours) all over again!

Always someone Bobbing up to whinge! (free pun to Donna!)

C. DOWLING, Orihuela Costa. before Christmas, the Popular Party dumped us and formed an alliance with CLR. Again, we did not change our mind. The Popular Party dumped us.

We learned about it in the press.

Are we going to give up and go home as Mr. Moore would advise?

Certainly not.

We will fight on legally and demo­ cratically to get a better and fairer deal for the people living in Orihuela Costa. All the people, not just expats.

BOB HOULISTON, CLARO Councillor Orihuela Costa

THE COURIER MANAGEMENT DOES NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE

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Friday, February 7, 2014

DID you spend your entire working life paying tax and insurance through the nose ­ with never a sniff at sick pay or benefits?

Have you now chosen to spend your hard­earned retirement out here in Spain, where your arthritis and other ailments respond more readily to a sunshine remedy?

Do you regard your new life as a sort of permanent holiday away from the cold and damp that attacked your health and made life intolerable in the UK? And would you like the option of continuing the NHS cover you’ve had all your life rather than being obliged to switch to the Spanish system?

If you answered ‘yes’ to all those questions, then it’s time we staged a rebellion ­ because I reckon Big Brother (or is that Big Bandage?) is persecuting us.

Spain’s health facilities are regarded by many as superior to anything the NHS can offer but for all that, lots of oldies think in terms of ‘better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know’.

So why the devil can’t WE decide whether to stay within the system we have funded all our lives ­ however inconven­ ient that may be?

I have no idea how much I paid in National Insurance during half a century of employment. But it cer­ tainly helped to finance the med­ ical needs of people who were either unable or unwilling to pay their own way.

Now, at the time I need that sys­

A SUITABLE CASE FOR TREATMENT

tem more than ever, I am told that I must transfer my allegiance to the medical maestros of ‘nuestra pais’.

What I want to know is WHY nervous pensioners who wish to remain under the NHS cannot do so if they choose to spend their retirement in another country? At

least, that is how it looks to me.

The NHS decrees that to qualify for full, free health cover, you must spend at least 183 days a year in the UK (more than half the time, that is).

Britain also pays good money to the Spanish authorities to cover the treatment of UK expats.

We, the people at the centre of the battle, have little or no say in th matter. So is it surprising that so many sit on the fence waiting to be pushed, rather than leaping Rajoy fully into the arms of Manuel and his Medicos?

I am in the process of ‘changing over’, something I have put off for

as long as I could because my records may well send the Spanish system into meltdown.

Treatment for angina and Parkinson’s have turned me into a walking medicine cabinet, and I fear that when all the documenta­ tion is transferred to Spain, some­ thing will be lost in translation.

So I won’t be entirely surprised if my SIP card bears the name of Ann Gina Parkinson.

Not that I’m convinced I will ever get a SIP card from a nation where red tape and paperwork take priority over getting things done.

A decade ago, frustrated Brits would regularly queue up before dawn at Elche Police Station to process their NIE applications.

I’m told nothing has changed ­ right down to the surly policeman on the door.

And the bad news is that I’ll either have to join them to get my SIP card ­ or pay someone to do the job for me.

PORRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DAUGHTER FATS ‘N FIGURES WEIGHT LOSS, Week 1

1.5 kilos (3.3lbs) January 27: Weighed in at 88.4 kilos (194.8lbs, 13st 12.8lb).

February 4: Weighed in at 86.9 kilos (191.6lb, 13st 9.6lb) Target weight ­ 80 kilos.

MY daughter Hayley was insistent. ‘’DON’T have the porridge,’’ she urged me. ‘’It tastes HORRIBLE.’’ Minutes earlier, Cambridge Weight Plan consultant Debi Winston had been singing he praises of her favourite supplementary prod­ uct. “The porridge is amazing,’’ she told me. “I absolutely love it.’’I was fascinated. How could two people have such opposite views on the same product, I wondered. There was only one option ­ try it for myself.

I am following the Cambridge 800 Plan in an attempt to shed the 10 kilos I regained follow­

ing my 2013 megadiet in aid of Crohn’s Disease research. Hayley, who’s life seems to be one perpetual diet, uses Cambridge prod­ ucts in her battle of the bulge. And while the diet itself works for her, she steers clear of the porridge.

Well, I can tell her it’s not as bad as she says. On the contrary, I found it delicious.

My first five days on Cambridge’s Plan 800 saw me lose an impressive 1.5 kilos ­ that’s 3.3lbs in layman’s language and 15 per cent of my planned total loss.

The Cambridge is not a difficult Plan to fol­

low. I’m on Step 2, which allows me 1,200 calories a day. This includes two of Cambridge own supplements, each of which contains 200 calories. So far, it’s working a treat ­ apart from the fact I simply cannot drink 2.5 litres of liquid every day, as recommended.

In fact I struggle to get through just one litre, even with an added flavoured sweetener which turns boring water into an appetising fruit juice.

The end product is that I became constipat­ ed and for four days there was no end prod­ uct. Otherwise I’d have lost at least a stone...

8

Friday, February 7, 2014

Friday, February 7, 2014

9

10

Friday, February 7, 2014

SEEING STARS

I have decided to write a book. Now there's a novel idea.

'But what on earth could you possibly contribute to the reading public that would be of the remotest interest?' asked Dave the barman down at the pub.

I snorted with displeasure at mein host's contemptuous comment. 'I shall have you know that there are many varied plotlines coursing through my head. I might write a Western, a war novel, a womance . . . I mean romance. I might even pen my autobiography.'

Dave the barman howled with laughter. 'The story of your life! Do me a favour!' He slammed his open palm on the bar top in a gesture of uncontrollable mirth. 'Well, your story might make a mildly interesting pamphlet, I suppose, but get real, my friend. I'd rather sit on an uncomfortable stool and watch an application of undercoat dry on a large wall than read your autobiogra­ phy.'

Then a strange thing hap­ pened. The oldest and sleepiest member of our pub discussion group raised his semi­conscious head from the bar counter and spoke in my defence.

'You SHOULD pen a liter­ ary opus,' announced Ol' Red Eyes. 'We all have a book inside us. And I should know because I used to be a teacher of English before I fell in with a bad crowd, namely you lot, and lost everything apart from my lucky rabbit's foot. Now before I slide off my bar stool onto the floor and commence to snore loudly, would some­ body please supply me with a bottle of red.'

Dave the barman glared at him. 'No way! You've already consumed two bottles of red.

You're costing me a fortune drinking all my tomato ketchup.'

However, Ol' Red Eyes had already slid off his bar stool onto the floor and was snoring loudly. Dave the bar­ man tutted. 'I bet the book inside HIM wasn't Sleeping

Beauty.'

But then another strange thing happened. All of my fel­ low members of the pub dis­ cussion group clustered around me, careful not to step on Ol' Red Eyes' stretched­out form.

'If you do write your autobi­ ography, Dave,' they cho­ rused, 'and it is later made into a movie, which actors are going to portray us?'

'George Clooney has got to play me,' said Fearful Phil.

'He certainly has the looks, gravitas and modesty which I also possess in abundance.'

Fearful Phil clearly was deluded, which was no sur­ prise really. Being an ultra­ superstitious person, he had only recently arisen after spending the whole of 2013 in bed because the year had a 13 in it.

Another member of our group who had once spent all his time at home was Indoor Lou. He had refused to go out because he was a staunch conspiracy theorist who had sincerely believed that the 'mysterious powers

of his rare incursions indoors to re­ignite the great film­of­ the­book debate.

'I want Robert De Niro to play me,' said Fag Ash Bill who then turned on his heels that be' were stalking him. and ran out of the pub to light Yours truly was the one up again. who had convinced him to By this time, Dave the leave the house and join the barman had stopped pub's even more weird clien­ laughing at my literary tele. As the most intelligent of ambition and he, too, our crowd, he had never was considering quite forgiven me for plung­ which thespian would ing him into that particular portray him in a pool of potty people. movie version of my Anyway, Indoor Lou was now caught up in the excite­ ment of casting himself in the film version of my life story. 'I think Charlton Heston should play me,' he opined.

'But Charlton Heston is no longer with us,' I pointed out.

Indoor Lou shrugged. 'It's an academic point because the film will NEVER get made.

And the reason why is that the book will NEVER get writ­ ten. It is all a pipedream.'

'Never say never again,' I mumbled in feeble response.

There followed a stunned silence broken only by the sound of Fag Ash Bill racing into the hostelry. The afore­ mentioned pub regular pre­ ferred to stay outside the premises smoking continu­ ously but he had made one

life story. 'I'm not sure you shall even figure in my book or subsequent film,' I told him, revenge indeed tasting sweet.

'We've still not decided which movie star is going to portray Ol' Red Eyes,' somebody said. I gazed at the old snoozer curled up semi­ comatose on the floor. 'Whoever we get,' I said, 'I don't believe we shall require a stunt double.'

11

Friday, February 7, 2014

YOUR MARBLES? PHONE CUT ROW LOSING Don’t be floored by stains and damage

Help at Home (HAH) Costa Blanca have had to change their crucial phone numbers due to the row between the two founders of the charity. After an EGM that brought in a new administration, HAH phones were connected and re­ connected 8 times, with the accusation from President Eileen Mayes that this was “done by people who no longer had anything to do with the organisation”.

“Orange customer servic­ es told us who was doing it, said Mrs.Mayes, “Yet, despite new passwords being set up, we had the final straw last week of the phones being cut again!”

Mrs Mayes continued: "There was a seri­ ous problem with a patient with all kinds of

health issues and some vital equipment was going to be delivered to him. The driver did not have his address but he could not call us because all the phones had been cut­off, and so he could not make the delivery.

I cannot understand how anyone could be so petty as to cut off telephones to a charity, especially one which has people's health and well­being at the centre of their efforts.

It really is a most serious matter, where somebody could be very ill and need our help desperately," she added.

HAH Costa Blanca now has new numbers for people to contact them: ­ Office, 604 151 364; Nurse's phone, 603 267 140; Fund raising, 611386881; and Quesada branch, 693 027 026.

Spain tops list of shame

The biggest amount of benefit fraudsters living abroad and cheating the UK system live in Spain, according to the latest British Government figures. The Department for Work and Pensions investigated more than 750 cases in Spain in 2013, with Pakistan coming second on the list of shame with 628, followed by Turkey on 298.

Benefit cheats living abroad cost UK tax­ payers an estimated £84m in 2012/13 ­ up 90% in the last two years. It is now the third largest type of benefit cheating and includes fraudulent claims for Pension Credit (£52m), Housing Benefit (£19m) and Income Support (£12m).

Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord David Freud, said: "Benefits are there to help those who need it and the vast majority play by the rules and

would not once dream of cheating. But there is a minority who really try to take the biscuit.

"We have safeguards in place to bring these types of cases to our attention and we will make sure benefits are stopped when there is evidence of a fraud being commit­ ted."

– clean up with Simply Pro Floor Care

Mike Butler, who owns Simply Pro Floor Care, has been in the cleaning business for over 30 years; from 1997 till 2008, he had specialised in floor maintenance and carpet cleaning in the south of England and the last 5 years he has specialised in marble care in Spain.

After attending several stone restoration courses in London, he sold a very successful cleaning busi­ ness in Hastings and moved over to Spain to concentrate on stone floor care. There is very little Mike doesn't know when it comes to the cleaning industry and in the last few years his passion for stone restoration and mar­ ble polishing has grown as he has worked all over the Murcia region and along the Costa Blanca

and Costa Calida.

Mike’s main work is pol­ ishing and repairing dull and damaged marble floors but he also reno­ vates stone stairs, fire places, furniture, bath­ room tops and kitchen work tops. He is very happy to come out and give you a no obligation quote and a demonstra­ tion to show you how good your marble can look. If you need any work done or would just like to

talk to a professional, please call him on 691 649 515 ­ Day 966 721 331 – Evenings.

12

Friday, February 7, 2014

RONI’S GREAT RECOVERY

This week I would like to tell you the story of Roni. Roni is a dog from Romania, an Airedale Terrier mix dog. He was found on the streets of Romania two years ago and the rescue centre that took him in, found out that he had been aban­ doned. He stayed at the centre for around twenty months and in that time he went through some very difficult times to say the least.

About six months ago the staff went to the centre as usual one morning, only to see that Roni had been severely attacked by other dogs in his enclosure. His injuries were horrific. He was disfigured and had to also have teeth removed, such was the injuries to his gums and mouth.

As you can imagine, I am very busy help­ ing Spanish dogs, but one of my very good

Roni, when we first met

friends in London, Lynne Driscoll, who does tremendous work helping rescue dogs from around the globe, informed me of Roni’s plight and the desperate help he needed.

After reading his story and seeing the terri­ ble photos, I said that if they could get Roni to Spain, I would help and rehabilitate this beautiful dog.

Within two weeks funds were raised for the flight from Bucharest to Valencia and on a cloudy, overcast morning I drove from Pinoso to Valencia airport to collect Roni. I will always remember arriving at the cargo department, where Roni was being kept and first setting eyes on him. It was from a dis­ tance and I remember this shape of a dog in a kennel and all I can remember is thinking, “What are you going through at the moment”?

You have been through hell, for nearly two years and now you have been put on a flight, to where and why, you have no idea and all I knew at that moment was right there in front of me was a beautiful dog who needed a lot of help.

After going through all the paperwork, I finally met Roni and I will never forget the Spanish customs staff reaction to seeing him for the first time. They were horrified by his scars. I knew what he needed though and that was a lot of understanding and time to get used to life as it was actually meant to be for this dog, rather than the horrors he had been through.

The people that looked after Roni in

Romania are dedicated and passionate peo­ ple, but due to a lack of resources, they can only do so much. Now though this was an opportunity for Roni to experience the joys of being a dog and since he has been with me here in Spain, he certainly has. I treated his skin with Aloe Vera oil and he now looks like a different dog to the one I collected. His face has healed really well and he has turned into the Prince he was always meant to be.

We now go on wonderful cycle rides together through the Spanish countryside and we have some very special moments together. Last week, on one of our rides, we took a break and played in the grass in the countryside. He rolled around on his back and I lay there playing with him, looking into his beautiful sparking eyes and knowing that soon I will have to say goodbye to this very dear friend of mind. That’s the trouble with rehabilitating dogs and re­homing them ­ I have to say goodbye and for me that is diffi­ cult. But I know it is for their benefit, so I will wait until Roni has gone before my first tear rolls down my face.

I am available for consultations through­ out the Costa Blanca region, if you are hav­ ing problems with your furry best friend. To book a consultation you can email me at peter@thedogyouneed.com and I will con­ tact you straight away, or you can call me on 966 847 827.

We have set up an animal charity, where we help the most severely abused and

Roni and me now injured animals in Spain. If you would be kind enough to donate anything to this spe­ cial cause you can do by Paypal, where the account details are peter@thedogyouneed.com or to our Nat West charity account, where the sort code is 60­16­03 and the account number is 73754900.

IBAN: GB83 NWBK 6016 0373 7549 00.

BIC: NWBK GB 2L Even one Euro will help, so please, please, try and support us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

PETS’ CORNER: CAN YOU TAKE IN A HOMELESS DOG OR CAT? Romeo is a Chihuahua cross and was living on the streets for 2 weeks before mana­ ging to res­ cue him. His age is around 2 years and is very good Romeo with other dogs and cats. Call: 645 469 253 www.petsinspain.com Taylor is looking for a new home. He is 9 months old and was rescued from a drainpipe at four weeks of age. He is castrated and vaccinated, and looking for love. Contact 616655789 for more details.

Taylor Toby is a 12 week o l d Podenco that has been found in the campo. He is still a bit Toby nervous and needs a good home for more info call 650 304 746 or Email: p.e.p.a.animalcha­ rity@gmail.com

MAXI & ALLEGRA are 9 year old female Labrador cross­ breeds. They were originally adopted together from SAT 8 years ago; sadly, their owner has returned to his home country due to serious health issues. Both dogs are loving, affectionate and are defini­ tely used to their home com­ forts. If you have some spare love to give please call 966 710 047.

Maxi & Allegra

Five year old Janey was fos­ tered as a tiny kitten, but since returning to the APAH Cattery she has never been offered a loving home. This small cat is lovely and affec­ tionate and needs her first loving home. Can you give this little girl a home? To meet Janey, please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563.

Janey

These 6 puppies were found in a box beside a bin, they are around 5 weeks old and will be quite small when fully grown. Call: 645 469 253. www.petsinspain.com

Twix is one of the many black cats living in the APAH Cattery. For some reason no­one seems to want to adopt black cats.

Please call 630 422 563.

Rebecca is 12 weeks old and she has just been res­ cued along with other pup­ pies from the campo, despi­ te the fact that she has not been with people she is already Rebecca a real swe­ etheart and is coming out of her shell. To find out more about Rebecca or one of the other puppies all different, please call 650 304 746 or Email: p.e.p.a.animalcha­ rity@gmail.com

Luna and her brother Malik will be 2 years old on Valentines Day. They were born in the APAH kennels after their pregnant mother Izzie was rescued off the streets. Could you make Valentines Day a special day for one of them by giving them their first loving home?

Please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563.

Luna

13

Friday, February 7, 2014

LOCAL KILLER FLOODS NEARLY A CENTURY AGO

By Andrew Atkinson “In Alicante two small lads, both homeless orphans, were carried away by the torrent, and locked in each other’s arms, were rapid­ ly borne towards the sea. They managed to clutch hold of a palm tree on the sea front and were rescued, after holding on for sev­ eral hours, by a rope which was thrown to them. It is feared that the number of victims in Alicante is considerable.”

I stumbled across this devastation in Spain nearly a century ago when I was researching some archives dating back to 1919 in the North West of England. It was by

luck that I came across the headline 'Houses demolished: Terrible Flood Devastation in Spain' on Friday October 3rd 1919 in the Lancashire Daily Post. It puts into context us moaning and groaning when we get the occasional gota fria or surprise hailstorm!

The report, filed by Reuters from Madrid on October 2nd reads: “The news received here regarding the floods is practically con­ fined to the towns of Valencia, Alicante and Carthagena (A different spelling in those days!). The almost total interruption of com­ munities making it impossible as yet to ascertain the effects of the disaster in the

country districts of the provinces affected.”

“At St Blaise, nr Valencia, a hut occupied by five persons was caught by the torrent and carried away. Three dead bodies were subsequently recovered at a considerable distance away. The Archbishop of Valencia, while on a Pastoral tour of the Province, was isolated by the floods and remained a pris­ oner for two days. At Alicante the glass roofs of the markets and of the interior courtyards of houses gave way under the weight of the enormous hailstones which in some cases are piled up to a height of four to five feet inside the buildings. A number of small dwellings have been demolished. The breaking of bridges and railways in various places has rendered all traffic impossible. In one suburb of Alicante, a hut containing six

persons was carried away by the current.

Five of the occupants were found drowned a mile and a half away.”

“At Carthagena, 18 dead bodies have been recovered up to the present. A school collapsed in the commune of Pacheo, a lady teacher being crushed to death. Streets are impassable. There is almost total lack of drinking water in Carthagena, owing to the bursting of the pipes and the destruction of the wells. A torpedo boat is carrying the mail service with the nearest port. Supplies of grain and flour are being sent immediately from various centres­ Reuters.”

The graphic report really does conjure up horrific images with little or no flood protec­ tion, and very limited emergency provision compared to what we have now!

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

A woman in the town of China, Maine, USA, was worried after hearing the terrifying screams coming from her neighbour's home.

She rung the police fear­ ing that a woman inside was the victim of domestic abuse.

Happily, police who inves­ tigated the property found that it wasn't from a cou­ ple fighting ­ but from one very horny pig.

The woman who answered the door at the property explained that she raises pigs and the screaming

was coming from an over­ joyed male pig that had been placed in a pen with five sows in heat.

Clearly not believing his luck, the pig whooped for joy.

Police say there was no assault and no distur­ bance "other than the screaming male pig".

No one is sure exactly what the females thought of their new arrival...

14

Friday, February 7, 2014

DEATH DEFYING MOBILE RESCUE!

Have you ever had one of those days when your hands don´t seem to want to work and everything seems to go wrong?

Some days seem to go with­ out a hitch, and then there are others when we struggle to even get dressed! I had such a day a short time ago when I helped a friend with her boiler. Girl power cer­ tainly came into play as it was just the two of us attempting to remove two boilers and put one up. This is a bit of a saga, therefore it will take two weeks to reach its conclusion but stick with me, it will be worth it!

We started with her old boiler, and as she turned the nut to detach her pipe all was going well. There was a trickle of water but nothing too bad, and I checked with her that the water had been turned off and she said she wasn´t sure. In true girl style I turned a tap that was visi­ ble to the left then to the

right, and kept my fingers crossed that all would be well as I disconnected my cable. I began to turn it and we had a bathmat held up to prevent the water spitting out from soaking us. I turned and turned and final­ ly the water pipe jumped from the boiler and spewed cold water all over my trousers!

Apparently I hadn´t turned the tap off after all and I was having an unwanted shower from a stream of water flowing end­ lessly from the pipe. I quick­ ly turned it off and my friend

and I stood, laughing at the state of her coat and my trousers. At times like this the only thing to do is have a giggle and get on!

I was tempted to change my clothes but as we still had another boiler to unat­ tach, I decided that we would get that done first; no point in getting dry clothes wet, I mused as we drove to the other house.

Once there, we knew the water was off so there wasn´t going to be the same problem with getting a soak­ ing however there was still

the problem of getting the boiler empty and off the wall. We managed to detach the pipes without much of a drama, apart from a spurt of water which fell over my head like a gar­ den sprinkler, but at least it wasn´t a soaking! Then we tried to lift the boiler from its fixings and realised that this wasn´t going to happen. It was too high and too heavy for two women, so in the best tradition of game shows I phoned a friend and he told me he´d be on his way, and so we went to

the balcony to await his arrival.

As we were waiting I had to fix my phone. My mobile is a bit temperamental and sometimes when I ring someone, I can´t hang up so I have to take the battery out to disconnect the call.

So, there I was, standing on the balcony replacing my phone in its holder, three floors up, when I pushed my phone down to clip it in the case and it certainly clipped alright! It went straight through the case and went plummeting 3 floors to its doom, clipping a car. The battery detached itself from the front of the phone, sliding under the car and into the road, lying there in two pieces daring a car to run over it. Once the choice words had subsided, I told my friend that need to salvage the unit and as I went down she was left,

watching the broken phone lying there, and praying that no car ran over it. As I reached the road there were a few cars approaching and one by one they went around it but the last car was heading straight towards it, so, like a mother protecting her young, I ran into the road flapping my arms for the car to go around, not over, this piece of plastic that, as far as I knew may already be broken! I reached my phone and picked it up, surprised to see the screen intact and no visible damage apart from a few scuffs! Good old cheap phones I thought as I clipped it back together and turned it on. I still can´t hang up but at least it works and I avoided being run over! Next week I´ll continue with whether we actually achieved what we set out to do or whether our Saturday high jinx were just that!

15

Friday, February 7, 2014

FLOOD, BANG, WALLOP! Politicians don’t get the picture I always hate it, whatever the country, when you get politicians appearing at scenes of natural disasters or tragedies.

No offence meant, but did the relatives of those killed in last summer’s train crash at Santiago in Northern Spain feel any better that Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy whizzed over to the scene?

The list can carry on for ages, and we’ve now had over the last few weeks in England and Wales, politi­ cians popping up all over the place in front of the cameras, promising to stop every flood in humanity, as they’re con­ fronted by angry residents.

It’s the same old bull, no mat­ ter what the political party in charge is, and you know that nothing will happen.

Environment secretary, Owen Paterson, got short shrift from his visit to

Somerset and in recent days all he has said is that “every­ thing possible is being done to help those affected by flooding”. Like what? It’s not funny for those flooded, but people are having a quiet tit­ ter that Paterson doesn’t believe that global warming has had a part to play in the increased UK floods in recent years, and that’s total­ ly at odds to his boss, David Cameron. Mr.Paterson then needs to explain to the countless flooded what exactly is the root cause behind these increasing fre­ quencies of heart­breaking floods?

Here’s a bit of fun cour­ tesy of the UK coalition government. The Education Secretary, Michael Gove removes the OFSTED head, Baroness Roberts, saying that he wanted a change.

The opposition cries foul say­

q

ing that she was removed because she was a Labour supporter, though they forgot to say that everybody knew that when Gove gave her the job back in 2010. The great sport in all this is that Gove’s deputy is the articulate Lib Dem, David Laws, who’s now attacked him for trying to politicise school inspections in England. Isn’t it wonderful that we get the two top fig­ ures in a Government min­ istry rowing in public, proving again that having an open coalition is a lot better than a bunch of dancing mari­ onettes operated by one party in charge?

Don’t times change in British politics? We have Labour leader Ed Miliband rightly sticking it up to what’s left of the old style trade union bosses by saying that there will be no block voting in any future leader­

q

ship elections, as the party will adopt a simple piece of democracy called one man, one vote. Meanwhile, the Conservatives are behaving like old fashioned lefties de­ selecting MP’s in safe seats that they don’t like for what­ ever reason, including Anne McIntosh in Thirsk last week, who was said to be too pro­ EU. Not surprisingly, that Thirsk vote by the way was not one member, one vote: ­ almost like old style Labour!

HOME COMFORTS

Home Comforts, OK you’ve possibly not heard of us, is a family run pre­owned furni­ ture shop on the Filton Centre, Los Balcones (behind Supervalu and opposite Alingui).

We have been here for 6 years and offer a fast and efficient service whether you are buying, selling or part exchanging.

Our range of furniture and white goods are all good quality and soft furnishings are steam cleaned to look as good as new. Take a look at a quality pre­owned sofa before buying a cheap new one often poorly made and uncomfortable.

If you are a rental agent we can replace

broken items the same day to avoid prob­ lems with your tenants. Just give us a ring.

Home Comforts also offers a service for investors. We can fit out an empty property so that it is ready to rent. We can even arrange for painting if needed.

Pop in to see pictures of houses we have transformed.

We are very friendly so call in for a chat or phone us on 966798764/ 634055168/ 603128377.

Open Monday­Friday 11­6 Saturday Sunday 11­3.

Bring this article in with you to get a 10% reduction on anything over 30€.

16

Tony

Friday, February 7, 2014

HE ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT

Mayes THANKS FOR NOTHING, MR DUNCAN SMITH! I'VE fallen out with Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, who has hammered out details of a new ‘temperature test’ that will remove the winter fuel allowance hand out, worth up to £300 a year, from ex­ pats living in so­called warm countries, like Spain, France, Greece, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus and Gibraltar.

He aims to save UK taxpayers £17million a year. Ex­pats in countries where the average annual temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK – the South West at 5.6C (42F) – will be affected. The biggest ex­pat population is here in Spain, where 49,443 pensioners are receiving the payment, worth £200 for the over­60s and £300 for those over the age of 80, costing UK taxpayers £8.85million a year. It's not clear when the payment for ex­pats will start to be reined in, but David Cameron promised that it would not start happening in the life of the present parliament, taking us to 2015. But some in the Cabinet want to start the process sooner, meaning the next winter. It's a move which will be welcomed by people living in the UK, enduring the sad winter there and, of course, it's the politics of envy at work. People in Britain are convinced that the sun shines all day every day in Spain and the temperature never falls low enough to stop us going in the swimming pool or sea.

Personally, I think that as the winter fuel allowance is a uni­ versal benefit to all UK pensioners, we ex­pats should not be discriminated against. After all, we have paid tax and nation­ al insurance all our working lives, contributing thousands of pounds to the British coffers. And where we choose to live in retirement is none of the British government's business!

Also, I challenge any MP to come to Spain in the winter and discover exactly how cold it can get, and how little protection Spanish­built homes give when the mercury goes down. I write this as my feet get ever colder on traditional tiled floors ­ the cold gradually creeping up my legs. Thanks, Iain Duncan Smith.

In the last decade, under the Blair years, and when the Labour government had a dream of creating a multi­ cultural Britain, I wrote a column about the dangers of uncontrolled immigration. I warned that although the country was attracting many good, worthwhile immigrants, it was also the magnet of all manner of undesirables, the flotsam and jetsam from around the world. Well, that went down like a lead balloon with all the do­gooders and crazy reformers, and I had a barrage of letters claiming I was a racist, and quite a few letters of support, I may add. However, one read­ er demanded I should be immediately sacked! Well, I was ahead of the times, and a few years later even politicians

q

British people who are not signed up for the Spanish healthcare system and need medical cover can now join a new health insurance scheme. Ex­pats on the Costa Blanca can benefit from the Convenio Especial, a scheme that is part of wide­ ranging reforms to the health system announced last year.

Martyn Standing, from the healthcare team at the British Consulate in Alicante, said: “This is great news. It means almost everyone who currently lacks the right to state healthcare can now get themselves covered. We would urge people who are in need of health cover to sign­up.

realised they had got it wrong and we don't hear the clap­ trap from the do­gooders anymore. Yet still the Government hasn't got to grips with the problem and now we hear that one foreign criminal applies for asylum in Britain every day.

More than 800 crooks applied for UK residency over the last two years, despite committing offences either in Britain or abroad. The statistics released by the Home Office show how convicts from overseas are looking for refuge in the UK by taking advantage of Human Rights laws. What should happen is that they are given the order of the boot ­ but sadly that is not the case. Almost 20,000 foreigners have been allowed to stay in the last 6 years after claiming that depor­ tation would breach their human rights. Nearly 70,000 applied to stay once they had been detected, and one in three were successful. And it doesn't stop there. Foreign prisoners were being released from jail early because offi­ cials assumed they would be deported when they were released. Yet 13 % fewer foreign criminals are being deport­ ed since the Coalition government took over. It really is sick­ ening that these people, who have no right to be in Britain, are fuelling criminal activity in the country and are avoiding natural justice. The wretched Human Rights Act and the absurd rule that even the worst criminals have a right to fam­ ily life is making the British electorate ever angrier. All it does is strengthen UKIP's argument for decisive action and make them ever more electorally attractive.

Laws in some supposedly "civilised" parts of the world disgust me ­ and Islamic law is one. How can anyone possibly want to visit or have anything to do with the United Arab Emirates when this appalling injustice goes on? An Austrian woman who was raped in Dubai, reported the attack to police and was immediately arrested for having extra martial sex. Then she was told by police she could only avoid jail if she married her attacker! The 29­year­old stu­ dent from Vienna was facing a jail sentence having been accused of having sex outside of marriage and drinking alcohol, both of which are illegal in the United Arab Emirate capital. It was only after the Austrian Foreign Ministry inter­ vened, that she was able to leave the country and return home. The student was released after a special crisis team was sent by Austria to Dubai to negotiate with the authori­ ties. An online petition also helped to bring attention to the situation, gaining over 260,000 signatures calling for her release in just a few days. The student is not the only female to be treated this way in the UAE. A Norwegian woman was jailed for 16 months by a Dubai court last year after she reported her own rape. Instead of being treated as a victim, she was found guilty of alcohol abuse and extramarital sex.

She was later pardoned and allowed to return to Norway after there was a global outcry about her treatment. Sadly for the rest of the world, black gold was found under ground in the Middle East. What a shame that Britain and any other country has to do business with these countries, and why anyone would want to visit is beyond me. And to think there are crazy people who want to introduce such laws into Britain and elsewhere in the world. Frightening or what?

How much exercise do you do each day? Do you walk half an hour along the beach, or down to the shops, or go jogging, cycling, or play a sport? I couldn't believe it when I read that 40% of people living in Manchester do less than half an hour of exercise a MONTH! Not surprising, is it, that

q

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they are classed as inactive. The city has been dubbed the laziest place in Britain and there are other communities, par­ ticularly in the north of the UK faring little better.

Southerners, it seems, do much more walking and jogging than their northern counterparts. It's not surprising, with these statistics, that people are getting ever widening waist­ lines. The country's increasingly sedentary lifestyle means that by 2030, the average person will use just a quarter more energy in a day than if they had stayed in bed. The statistics have come from public health experts Ukactive, who report the ‘pandemic’ of inactivity, particularly in the poorer areas of England, is leading to 17% of premature deaths. Inactivity costs the economy in each local authority £18 million per 100,000 people every year on average, the study found.

Cutting physical inactivity by just 1% a year over a 5 year period would save the UK economy just under £1.2 billion, it said. I've got one of those pedometers you can buy from WeightWatchers and today it tells me I've taken more than 5,000 steps, the equivalent of walking 5km, which is very low for me. These clever little gadgets are an excellent incentive for encouraging more exercise and keeping the weight down.

Do you like the name chosen for you by your parents?

Probably the majority of us don't, but one US woman is going to extreme lengths to change hers ­ from Sheila to Sexy! Mother of two, Mrs Crabtree from Pataskala, Ohio, said she hated her first name, Shelia so much, that she only used her middle name, Renea. She believes her name is ugly and has been counting down the days until she can appear in the court to get it officially changed. However, it might not be plain sailing. The judge has a track record of refusing some name changes, like Tasmanian Devil and Winnie the Pooh, so she has a back­up plan and might go for Sparkle.

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WOULD YOU CALL THIS WOMAN SHEILA CRABTREE SEXY

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And finally, I burst out laughing when I read a window sign at Stevie’s hairdressers in Playa Flamenca. It said "haircuts while U wait". How on earth can you not wait to have your hair cut, unless it's a wig? Shall I ask him if I could leave my hair with him for an hour and call back later? Better not, he's armed with scissors and I'm not!

HEALTHY COVER Waiting until you’re ill before you sort out access to a doctor can easily result in an unwelcome bill.”

The Convenio Especial is another option for people to obtain access to state healthcare if they currently lack the right to other forms of cover. To be eligible you must have been living in Spain for at least one year prior to applying – this is nor­ mally proven through being registered on the padrón.

You cannot join if you

already have the right to healthcare through other means ­ e.g. as a state pensioner. All applications must be made in writing to the Regional Health Authority – people cannot apply through their health centre.

The cost is 60 Euros a month for working­age people; children must also be paid for in their own right as they are not included as dependants. People with pre­existing conditions can join – this

insurance scheme gives full access to the state healthcare system. Pharmacy costs are additional – customers must pay 100% of the cost of any prescriptions.

However medications given whilst some­ one is in hospital are free. The scheme does not currently provide the right to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) More information can be found on the Valencian Government website:­ www.gva.es/es/inicio/procedimientos?id_ proc=17044&id_page=&id_site, General information on healthcare in Spain, including the rights and entitle­ ments of EHIC holders can be found at: ­ http://www.healthcareinspain.eu/faq.php

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SAY IT IN SPANISH Learn the lingo - with a little help from JEANETTE ERATH Now we are going to do some work, chose the correct pos­ Spanish 108 This week we are continuing with the possessive pro­ sessive pronoun from the list: 1. mine (el cuaderno) nouns, which are mine, yours, etc. I hope you all read my les­ el mío la mía los míos las mías son last week as there will be some translations for you to 2. yours ­ informal (las clases) check your knowledge at the end of this lesson. If you missed el tuyo la tuya los tuyos las tuyas it you can check it out online at www.thecourier.es and you 3. yours ­ formal (el teléfono) can check up on past lessons and practise any you feel you el suyo la suya los suyos las suyas need to revise.

4. his (el hijo) We learnt last week that in Spanish before the possessive el suyo la suya los suyos las suyas pronoun we put the definite article (the) this week we are 5. hers (los hijos) going to learn when last weeks rules are broken, there aren´t el suyo la suya los suyos las suyas too many don´t worry, you will get used to using the following 6. ours (la hija) forms the more that you do it. el nuestro la nuestra los nuestros las nuestras The definite article is normally left out when the possessive 7. yours ­ informal (el coche) pronoun comes after the verb SER – to be, for example: El el tuyo la tuya los tuyos las tuyas coche grande es mío – the big car is mine, el coche 8. theirs (los libros) pequeño es suyo – the small car is hers. el suyo la suya los suyos las suyas I hope you noticed that the same word is used for yours 9. mine (la corbata) (formal), his and hers, for example: el mío la mía los míos las mías el coche grande es suyo could mean ´the big car is his´ B. Select the correct possessive pronouns. or ´the big car is yours´ or ´the big car is hers´ 10. ¿Dónde trabaja su esposo?

So to avoid confusion if we are not sure who the pronoun Where does your husband work? will refer to we can of course use ´de él´ or ´de ella´ which El mío El tuyo El suyo trabaja en el aeropuerto. would translate as ´of him´ or ´of her´, and of course ´de Mine works at the airport. ellos´or ´de ellas´ which would mean ´of them´ So, to say ´the big car is his´ when the person is not obvi­ 11. ¿Dónde está su tienda? ous we could say ´ el coche grande es de él´ to say ´the Where is her store? small car is hers´ we could say ´el coche pequeño es suyo´ La mía La tuya La suya está en el centro. or ´el coche pequeño es de ella´ Hers is downtown. to say ´the small house is theirs´ we could say ´la casa pequeña es suyo´ or ´la casa pequeña es de ellos (ellas 12. ¿Cómo están los padres de Ernesto? if they are all women)´ How are Ernest's parents?

The red book is theirs – el libro rojo es suyo / el libro Los míos Los tuyos Los suyos están bien. rojo es de ellos His are fine.

The big cars are theirs – los coches grandes son suyos / los coches grandes son de ellos 13. ¿Cuántos años tiene la hermana de Raquel?

Remember de + el is contracted to form del, but de + él How old is Raquel's sister? never is.

La mía La tuya La suya Hers is five years old.

tiene cinco años.

14. ¿Dónde están nuestros vecinos?

Where are our neighbors?

Los míos Los tuyos Los nuestros están en sus casas.

Ours are in their houses.

15. ¿Cuándo abren los niños sus regalos?

When do the kids open their gifts?

Ellos abren los míos los tuyos los suyos They open theirs tomorrow.

mañana.

16. ¿Necesitan ustedes nuestros libros?

Do you­all need our books?

Sí, necesitamos los míos los tuyos los suyos.

Yes, we need yours (formal).

C. Select the correct possessive pronouns.

17. her book (el libro) el mío la mía el tuyo la tuya el suyo la suya el nue­ stro la nuestra el vuestro la vuestra 18. Marta's pen (la pluma) la mía las mías la tuya las tuyas la suya las suyas la nuestra las nuestras la vuestra las vuestras 19. her pen (la pluma) la mía las mías la tuya las tuyas la suya las suyas la nuestra las nuestras la vuestra las vuestras 20. their pens (las plumas) los míos las mías los tuyos las tuyas los suyos las suyas los nuestros las nuestras los vuestros las vues­ tras Next week the answers!

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Boost Your Immune System You may not be aware of it, but every day there’s a battle raging inside your body as it is under con­ stant attack from danger­ ous free radicals and for­ eign invaders like bacteria and viruses. What keeps ill health at bay is a strong immune system.

Your immune system con­ sists of various antibodies, each with a special protec­ tive role. These are depend­ ent on good nutrition and a supportive lifestyle.

However, if your immune system becomes over­ worked or is not nourished properly, it gives up the fight and surrenders to the bad guys. Once this happens, not only will you be ill fre­ quently, but you will also take a long time to recover from whatever has made you ill.

A healthy immune system is a by­product of a healthy lifestyle — regular sleep, a healthy diet, no smoking, exercise on a regular basis and good stress­busting mechanisms all contribute to your health.

However, nutrition plays a particularly important part in maintaining immune func­ tion, and insufficiency in one or more essential nutrients may prevent the immune system from functioning at its peak.

Given the complexity of the immune system, there isn’t one type of food that

It also seems to have anti­ inflammatory effects. Trade at least one cup of coffee each day for green tea and, to derive the optimal benefit, let the bag steep for at least three minutes.

will magically make you repel cold germs and flu viruses. And while there are specific supplements that can be taken in order to boost your immune system, nothing can beat the collec­ tive result of the healthy choices you make.

What can you do to give your immune system that extra boost? Here are a few suggestions:

Supplement it:

A multivitamin is well worth taking. If you have even a marginal deficiency of certain nutrients — partic­ ularly the B vitamins, A, C, E, selenium, iron and zinc — your immune system’s func­ tion could be impaired. Be sure to choose a multivita­ min specifically formulated for your gender or age.

Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables:

You should stock up on raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre and enzymes. The nutritional content you receive from raw fruits and veggies is unparalleled, and the vita­ mins and phytochemicals that lend fruits and vegeta­ bles their colour serve as antioxidants that promote immune function.

Dark coloured produce such as berries, kale and broccoli tend to be higher in flavonoids, polyphenols and other antioxidants, while any other orange vegetables, like sweet potatoes, carrots, squash and pumpkin, are a great way to add vitamin A to your diet. These are great sources of beta­carotene, which the body quickly turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A, in turn, is important for the skin, which serves as the first line of defence for your

immune system.

Eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. To maximize the variety of vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants, aim to consume two different colours of vegetables and fruits with each meal.

Keep it lean:

The amino acids that are found in protein form the building blocks of a body’s cells — including the cells that power your immune system. If you don’t con­ sume enough protein, you’ll manufacture fewer white blood cells to combat anti­ gens. Choose lean protein such as fish, seafood, poul­ try (without the skin), eggs, lentils, beans and soy prod­ ucts.

Very lean beef is an important source of zinc, which helps develop white blood cells, the cells we need to fight of foreign bac­ teria and viruses. Zinc defi­ ciency can greatly increase your risk of infection.

Vegetarians and those who do not eat red meat can look for their zinc supply in poultry, pork, fortified cere­ als, yogurt and milk. If you

like oysters, they are also a fantastic source of zinc.

Make time for tea:

Black and green tea is a great source of polyphenols, which clean up free radicals, the damaging compounds that can hurt your DNA and accelerate aging.

Antioxidants take care of the free radicals, and tea has more antioxidants per part than fruits and vegetables.

Green tea, especially, is a rich source of antioxidants, and should be consumed in place of sugary beverages with little nutritional benefit.

Try an alternative:

Hundreds of herbal sup­ plements exist to give the immune system additional support during winter.

Essential oils can be partic­ ularly excellent source of immune­stimulating com­ pounds. Fresh herbs and whole food remedies are always preferable over packaged herbs or supple­ ments, since they have a much higher potency and frequency and your body absorbs more of their value.

Drink plenty of water:

This is almost, but not

quite, a given: most headaches occur because despite the number of reminders, people still aren't getting enough water.

Headaches and thirst are both signs of dehydration.

You should be drinking, in daily ounces, half your body weight in pounds, i.e. body weight in pounds, divided by 2 = number of ounces of water per day.

Get enough sleep:

Whatever amount of sleep you need to feel refreshed in the morning, whether that’s 6 hours or 10 — make sure you get it! Insufficient sleep depresses the immune sys­ tem, opening the door to colds, upper­respiratory infections, and other nag­ ging ills.

Nurture yourself:

Make sure you take time to yourself. Spend some time with friends, and indulge yourself in a mas­ sage, a hot bath, or an ener­ gy work session when you want one. Our bodies respond to our emotions. If you’re feeling harassed and anxious, it can manifest in a sore throat or a cold. Create a space within yourself and your living environment for harmony, self­love and joy.

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF X-RAYS AND CT-SCANS DR MACHI MANNU’S ADVICE CLINIC Email your questions and comments to contact@medb.es

X­rays and CT­scans are among the most commonly ordered medical investiga­ tions today. Such imaging diagnostic systems help doctors tell what´s wrong with the body by taking pictures of the internal organs, however they achieve this by exposing the body to deadly electro­ magnetic waves: X­rays.

Unknown to a lot of peo­ ple, CT­scans or CAT Scans (Computerized tomography) are essential­ ly 3­D X­ray machines that are capable of taking pic­ tures of the organs from multiple angles. And by doing so, they expose the body to radiation levels that are up to 1000 times those produced by X­ray machines. The relationship between human exposure to radiation and the devel­ opment of cancer is well known and well document­ ed. A single CT scan exposes the body to more

radiation than is consid­ ered safe by experts. And as there are no standard guidelines regarding the amount of radiation used during a CT scan, it can be 50 times higher in some hospitals than in others.

Furthermore, some health disorders tend to demand more CT scans than oth­ ers. A recent study found that a third of patients undergoing heart examina­ tions in a New York hospi­ tal, received about 100 millisieverts of radiation – the equivalent of 5000 X­ rays.

Many medical experts fail to see how the increased use of CT­scans over the years has improved healthcare; in fact the opposite seems to be the case as many stud­ ies are now linking them to harmful health effects. A report sponsored by Susan G Komen – one of the biggest breast cancer organisations in the world,

concluded that radiation from medical imaging and hormone therapy were the leading environmental causes of breast cancer.

The question to ask before a CT­scan or X­ray is: Do I really need one? Even more importantly: Are there other safer alterna­ tives? For example, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is safer and more accurate than a CT­scan, but is rarely recommended by doctors, perhaps due to high costs. And then there are very modern, accurate and extremely safe tech­ nologies such as the Sensitiv Imago Diagnostic technology used at MedB Diagnostic Clinic. To find out more visit www.medb.es or call Dr Machi Mannu on 965071745 TO BOOK A FULL BODY SCAN CALL DR MACHI MANNU: 965071745

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Nutrients keep your brain ticking over Q

I am 75 years old, and in good health, however my wife thinks my memory is not so good, and I think she’s right. I am finding it difficult to recall very recent events. I need prompting to remember them. I’ll appre­ ciate your opinion on what to do, as I am worried it may worsen to Alzheimer’s.

A

There is a type of memory loss that is associated with increasing age, and so it’s important to make the dis­ tinction between this normal kind of memory loss, and that due to pathology such as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s can only be diagnosed only by clinical examinations, which will include mental exams, clinical exams and a clinical his­ tory which also considers history from family members. And in your case, your wife also thinks your memory is failing, so there is reason to be concerned. But the good thing is that there are simple steps you can take to reverse Memory loss, Alzheimer’s and other neuro­degenerative disorders, or at least prevent them from progressing especially if detected early. The most exciting recent evidence albeit reliable anec­ dotal evidence is suggesting that Coconut oil prevents and even reverses a number of brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. What’s equally exciting is that scien­ tists have now reclassified Alzheimer’s to Type 3 Diabetes.

And there is good reason for this. Researchers are discov­ ering that just like in Type 2 Diabetes, brain cells can also develop insulin resistance. When cells develop insulin resist­ ance, they become unable to utilize glucose for the produc­ tion of energy. Without energy, cells cannot perform basic functions to stay alive such as producing essential proteins and chemicals, as well as getting rid of waste materials. This dysfunction eventually leads to the build­up of abnormal pro­

teins such as Plaques and Tangles, the characteristic hall­ mark of Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless your brain is capable of using an alternate fuel source called Ketone bod­ ies. The body is capable of making these ketone bodies, under conditions of severe stress such as starvation. And this is how coconut oil comes into the picture. Coconut oil is very rich in ketone bodies called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT), also a type of fat. Unlike other kinds of fat in foods, this MCT is not digested by the stomach, but instead is absorbed straight into the intestinal blood stream. And from here, it crosses into the brain where it is used up as fuel.

There is much anecdotal evidence especially on the internet from several dozen people claiming to have either been cured completely or have improved remarkably from Memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and other Neurological problems since they started taking coconut oil. You should take about 2 table spoonful in the morning, afternoon and evening. The best option is actually to cook with it. Coconut oil has been demonized in the past as a source of high cho­ lesterol, because it is high in saturated fats; however we now know that many kinds of saturated fats, including those in coconut oil are very healthy for you. People who have used coconut oil for a while even report an improvement in their cholesterol reading. In addition to coconut oil, you should also make sure your diet is healthy, and a healthy diet is one rich in fresh raw plant based foods. Many nutrients found exclusively in plants are also known to improve brain func­ tion and memory.

Q

What other drugs can I use other than statins to lower my cholesterol levels?

A

There are 4 powerful natural products for lowering cho­ lesterol, and either one or a combination of 2 of these will lower and most importantly regulate cholesterol more than the dangerous statin drugs. These 4 natural products are niacin, policosanol, pantethine and garlic. Niacin is another name for Vitamin B3, and is the most powerful nat­ ural anti­cholesterol agents known. It increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) by up to 32% while lowering triglyc­ erides and bad cholesterol by 23 and 26% respectively. The effective therapeutic dose is between 1500 and 3000 mg daily. A side effect of niacin is that it causes skin flusing, and to avoid this, a modified naturally form known as niacinate is preferable. Policosanol is a waxy substance derived from cane sugar, and it too has been found to be as effective as niacin in regulating cholesterol levels. It also has the added advantage of normalizing blood sugar levels. Pantethine or Vitamin B5 is another excellent cholesterol buster especially for diabetics who should choose it against niacin which may adversely affect blood sugar levels. It also normalises blood viscosity, preventing the platelets (blood clotting cells) from clumping together. Last but not least is the humble garlic which is very effective for cholesterol control because of its active ingredient alliin. The effective dose is about 4grammes of fresh chopped garlic or between 1­4 cloves daily. It must be chopped or crushed to release the active ingredient. At our clinic MedB, our preferred choice is Policosanol, because we have documented its beneficial effects on high cholesterol. It increases HDL (good choles­ terol) and reduces LDL (bad cholesterol). Policosanol from Douglas Laboratories is available at MedB health shop; 60 capsules – 25.22 Euros. Call 965071745, delivery is free.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Focus on

LA MARINA

Property people you can trust Staff members Samantha and Rosanna of OP Group Spain based in La Marina have been collectively working within Property Management, Sales and Rentals for more than 8 years now. They have an established reputation for finding exactly the right property at the right price for their clients. OP Group Spain have a flexible choice in Long term rentals and stunning Holiday Rentals available and also provide a pro­ fessional Property Management Service. Right now the opportunity to invest in buying a property in Spain has never been greater and Samantha and Rosanna at OP Group Spain in La Marina will gladly provide you with all the information you require to help you find your ideal 'Place in the Sun'. OP Group Spain also have offices in Gran Alacant and La Finca Golf, Algorfa and are always looking for more properties for sale and rentals. For more information visit their website www.opgroupspain.com or email info@opgroupspain.com

Manhattan Island ….. an Isle of Joy

IN the charm and tranquil setting of the 'round house' in urban­ isation La Marina, Manhattan Island is going from strength to strength celebrating four months in the area.

Manhattan Island is the sister restaurant to the popular Manhattan Quality home food restaurant in Cabo Roig which has been established for almost four years. Now both share the same exciting menu of fabulous home cooked meals.

A very extensive menu of Sandwiches, jackets and lighter snacks is available including delicious main means with every­ thing from fresh salmon fillet homemade Steak Pie and Curries to mixed Grills and steaks along with Homemade Lasagnes, Fish Pies, Chicken Pies and the list goes on all served with home­ made chips and fresh vegetables.

There is a large range of deliciously tempting homemade desserts including Rhubarb Crumble, Bread and Butter Pudding, Apple Pie and Bakewell Tart.

Already fully booked for Valentines night they are serving the special menu on Saturday 15th as well to avoid disappointment.

Sandra's got News 4 You Sandra the owner of News 4 You Shop based in La Marina Urb has been in Spain for just over 3 years. News 4 You is open 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 5.30pm and 8.00am to 1pm on Sundays. News 4 You is even open on Red Days so you can still pick up your daily newspapers. In store there are 3 com­ puters for Internet access with the facility to be able to print off boarding passes etc. News 4 You sell Newspapers and Magazines (English, German, Norwegian, French), Greeting Cards, Gift Wrap, Ink Cartridges, Cabin Bags and Eurodirect Cards. There is also a wide selection of Gifts, Helium Balloons, Sweets and Drinks. They stock unlocked Mobile Phones, Sim Cards and do Mobile Phone Top Ups. Also now in stock are refill­ able Electronic Cigarettes and E­liquids. News 4 You are agents for the UK postal system for letters and parcels, and also offer a UK Passport Renewal Service. They provide a photocopying and laminating service, and are also agents for the Free Blanket Factory Tours. Now in stock­Electronic Cigarettes plus Oils.

Lounge around with Beauty Jan and Frank owners of The Lounge Bar in La Marina moved to Spain 12 years ago, and opened the Lounge Bar 6 years ago.

A family run bar with friendly staff there is something on offer for everyone and the bar is very popular with the locals. Live enter­ tainment is provided by Top Artistes from all over the Costa Blanca every Thursday afternoon 5pm­8pm, and Saturday nights from 9pm with an optional meal deal available on both evenings for only 5.00€ per person with a bottle of wine on offer for only 4€, if dining. The bar boasts a large comfortable games room with Pool Table and TVs showing all footie matches. For reservations Tel: 626 501 147. Jan has also operated successfully for the last 10 years a Beauty business. She has an ITEC certificate which is recognised world­wide. Jan has installed a CACI non­surgical face/body lifting machine in her Beauty Rooms and uses only top class products that are also used in the Melia chain of Hotels in Spain. To make an appointment Tel: 966 790 506

Willem Cars for an unbeatable deal Willem Cars is a long­established second­hand car busi­ ness with over 35 years experience of trading on the Costa Blanca.

The cost of second­hand vehicles here in Spain can seem a bit of a shock compared to prices in the UK. But cars hold their value better here and with the drier warmer climate suffer far fewer problems with corrosion.

However, you want to be certain you are getting a good deal and the staff at Willem Cars pride themselves on being straight with their customers.. They stock a good range of vehicles, too ­ RHD and LHD models, petrol, diesel, manual and automatic.

Willem Cars also offer part exchange trade­ins, can organ­ ise insurance ­ and even an NIE number if required.

You’ll find them in La Marina Village or call them on 965 419 508. Website is www.willemcars.com and email info@willem­ cars.com.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Focus on

LA MARINA

Cook in Style with the Kitchen Shop The Kitchen Shop in La Marina Urb is a family run busi­ ness who supply quality fitted kitchens, wardrobes and bath­ rooms and have been established on the Costa Blanca since 2002. Choose from an extensive range of top quality doors in many colours and designs.

From modern to traditional, high gloss to dark oak there is something to suit everyone, including our range of stylish high quality German Kitchens.

If you would like to just modernise or brighten up the look of your kitchen, then why not consider replacement doors and worktops. Worktops come in a variety of colours and are available in Formica, Laminate, Granite or Silestone.

We offer DIY­ supply only service with free local delivery.

Why not visit our showroom to see our selection of kitchen displays. We are open Monday ­ Saturday, please call or email for opening times.

Protect Your Smile with Ruver Dental Clinic The Ruver Dental Clinic in La Marina Village was opened approximately one year ago by Spanish Orthodontist Dr Rufina Parres Garcia. The Dental Clinic has new modern facilities and specialise in children’s and teenagers dentistry, including fillings, providing braces, and carrying out X­rays when required. Staff in the clinic speak 5 different languages and provide a friendly relaxed atmosphere for anxious clients who may have some fears when attending a Dentist. The Clinic has a large international clientele who are extremely happy with the service they receive. Ruver Dental Clinic is very easy to find with easy off street parking available. The Clinic provides a 24 hour emergency service which is avail­ able during week­ends and Fiestas. Ruver Dental Clinic is open Monday to Friday from 09.30am to 8pm and the first Review Appointment is absolutely Free! For further informa­ tion and advice Telephone 965 419 527.

Enjoy Some TLC At ATM Wellness Centre!

ATM Wellness Centre in La Marina Village is well worth a visit. There are 8 toning tables that are designed to tone your muscles and enhance your flexibility without corporal effort and are especially beneficial for people with arthritis. Many other beauty treatments are available including Anti Cellulite Treatments (Body Wrapping, Sauna Belts, and Vacu Trimmer), Facial Skincare, Permanent Make­Up, Waxing, French Manicure, Acrylic and Gel Nails, Chiropody and relax­ ing Aromatherapy Massages including Syogra, which is a unique massage experience with warm stones of Jade aligned along the spinal column. On sale in the Centre is a large selection of Professional Cosmetics and Forever Living products. The ATM Wellness Centre is open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm. If you feel like pampering yourself then pop along to the Centre and enjoy your preferred treatment in a therapeutic relaxing atmosphere.

Keeping up with the Joneses at Rivingtons Rivingtons Café Bar Restaurant is a developing family run business situated on the boundary of Guardamar Del Segura, next to Camping International La Marina, opposite the pine for­ est leading to the beautiful sandy beach of Playa del Rebollo .

After following their parents out to Spain, Steven and Anita Jones, a dynamic brother and sister partnership, made the deci­ sion in the winter of 2012 to establish their classic new eating place. Steven brings extensive experience to the business, hav­ ing managed a number of bars and restaurants in England and in the French Alps, giving him an excellent grounding in European cuisine, which is reflected in his Menu’s. Anita has brought her public service background to the fore, aiming for continuous improvement in every area of the business. Steven and Anita provide a friendly welcoming service and fresh food is prepared to order from the extensive Tapas and Lunch menu, A la carte options or Menu Del Dia. Our regular clientele is multi­ national, which we hope mirrors our cosmopolitan approach.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

HEALTHY SOUPS These healthy soups are brilliant for cold nights, tight budgets - and bulging waistlines!

PUMPKIN SOUP Ingredients 2tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 700g (1lb 6oz) pumpkin flesh, roughly chopped (can use butternut squash instead) 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped 1.2 ltrs (2pts) water or vegetable stock 200ml (7fl oz) milk or soya light alternative to milk 4tbsp cream or soya alternative to cream

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan, add the onion and garlic and cook for a few minutes to soften.

2. Add the pumpkin and sweet potato and cook for a couple of mins, then add the water or stock. Season with salt and ground black pepper, cover and bring to the boil, then simmer for 25 mins until the pumpkin and sweet potato are really ten­ der.

3. Stir the soya light into the soup, whiz everything together in blender or processor in batches until smooth. Return to the pan and gently warm through. Pour into bowls and finish with a swirl of soya alternative to cream.

ROAST TOMATO AND ORANGE SUMMER SOUP Ingredients 900g tomatoes, halved (small ones left whole) 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 4 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, diced 2 carrots, peeled or scrubbed and diced 1 celery stick, diced 560ml hot vegetable stock 100ml orange juice The zest of 1 small orange, to serve Edible flowers, to serve (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/160ºC fan/gas mark 4.

2. Put the tomatoes on a large baking tray and scatter with the chopped garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and a grind or two of black pepper. Place the tomatoes in the oven and roast for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

3. After you’ve stirred the tomatoes, heat the remaining olive oil in a large, deep­sided pan and cook the onions, carrots and celery over a low heat for 20 minutes. Tip in the roasted

tomatoes and garlic, add the stock and orange juice to the pan and give everything a good stir.

4. Bring the soup to a simmer for a minute or two, then take it off the heat and allow it to cool slightly before liquidizing.

5. Return the soup to the pan and check the seasoning, adding more salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’re serving it immediately, make sure it’s properly heated through.

6. If you’re going to serve the soup cold, let it cool completely, pour in to a large container and chill for a couple of hours in the fridge.

7. Serve with a pinch of orange zest and, if you feel like it, decorate with some fresh edible flowers such as borage or nasturtium.

SPRING VEG SOUP Ingredients 1 litre hot vegetable or chicken stock 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped 100g Chantenay or baby carrots, trimmed and halved length­ ways 1 stick celery, finely sliced 4 baby leeks, trimmed and chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced 250g baby new potatoes, quartered 100g fresh or frozen peas 3­4 heads baby pak choi or spring greens About 12 mint leaves

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Method 1. Bring the stock to the boil in a large pan. Add the onion, carrots, celery, leeks and garlic. Return to the boil, then add the potatoes. Simmer for 12­15 mins, until just tender.

2. Add the peas, then put the pak choi on top, so it’s just below the level of the stock, and simmer for another 5 mins.

3. Spoon into warm bowls and garnish with the mint, roughly chopped.

MUSHROOM SOUP Ingredients 50g butter 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped 400g mushrooms, wiped and roughly chopped 600ml vegetable stock Salt and freshly ground black pepper 100ml double cream Freshly chopped parsley and finely chopped mushroom, to garnish

Method

1. Heat the butter in a large pan and fry the shallots and gar­ lic for 5 mins until softened but not brown. Add the mush­ rooms and fry gently for 5 mins, stirring occasionally.

2. Pour in the stock and season with salt and freshly­ground black pepper. Simmer for 10 mins until the mushrooms are very tender.

3. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 5 mins, then puree the soup with a stick blender or transfer to a food processor and process until smooth.

4. Stir the cream into the pureed soup and heat through gen­ tly for 2­3 mins. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve in warmed bowls garnished with parsley and chopped mush­ room.

CHICKEN SOUP Ingredients

1 small/medium chicken 2.5 litres (5 pts) water 2 chicken stock cubes (optional, not for gluten­free version) or use extra chicken wings 1 large onion, peeled and quartered 3 carrots, thickly sliced 2 celery stalks with their leaves, cut into large chunks 1 medium leek, trimmed, reserve green part, chop the rest

6 fresh parsley stalks 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 garlic cloves, chopped (optional)

Method

1. Cut the chicken into four portions (two breasts and two leg portions), removing any visible fat and cutting off the skin from the neck and the tail openings. Put all the pieces into a very large pan, along with the carcass (this will add extra flavour), then pour in the water and add a teaspoon of salt.

2. Bring to the boil, then immediately turn down the heat to simmer. Find a large spoon and skim off the scum and fat that rises to the surface. Make sure the water is just letting up small bubbles and keep removing the scum until the soup is clear. This will take about 5­10 mins and if you do not look after it at this stage, the soup could taste bitter and look cloudy.

3. Now add all the other ingredients, except the green part of the leek, turn up the heat slightly to bring it back to simmer and carry on removing any froth or scum.

4. When the soup is clear again, turn the heat down as low as possible, place the green part of the leek on top, and put the lid on the pot. Simmer for 2½ hrs, but remove the chicken breast portions after 1 hr (leave in the legs).

5. Lift out all the large solids from the pan, then carefully strain the broth using a large sieve. Press down all the veg­ etables to extract as much of their juices as you can, then discard them. There should be approximately two litres of broth.

6. If you want to remove the fat floating on the top, take three sheets of kitchen paper and lay them on the surface then remove and throw away. Taste the broth and add more salt and pepper if needed.

7. Shred the breast meat into small strips, add to the broth and re­heat. Add chopped parsley and serve the soup very hot.

CARROT AND CORIANDER SOUP Ingredients

1tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 450g carrots, washed and sliced 1 clove garlic, crushed 1tsp ground coriander 1.2 ltr vegetable stock 3tbsp chopped fresh coriander Squeeze of lemon juice Freshly grated nutmeg to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Sauté the onions, carrots and garlic in a large pan with the oil for 4 mins. Once they have softened, but not coloured, add the ground corinader and stir. Season with salt and black pepper.

2. Pour the vegetable stock into the pan and bring to the boil. Cover the pan and allow to simmer until the carrots are tender, this should take around 20 mins.

3. Stir through the fresh cori­ nader, remove from the heat and blend the soup, adding the lemon juice, nutmeg and seasoning to taste as you do. You can use a hand blender or a food processor to blend your soup.

4. The soup will have cooled whilst blending, so if you plan to eat it right away, gently reheat the soup, with­ out boiling it, and serve. If you are saving it for later, allow to cool and place in a airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

TUSCAN BEAN SOUP Ingredients 2tbsp hemp seed oil 1 small red onion, finely

chopped 1 fat clove garlic, crushed or finely chopped 1 carrot, peeled and diced 2 sticks celery, chopped 400g can chopped tomatoes 400g can of mixed beans, drained and rinsed 1tbsp sundried toma­ to paste 600ml well­flavoured vegetable stock 2 sprigs fresh thyme Salt and freshly ground black pepper Fresh green pesto to serve

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large non­stick saucepan and sauté the onion for about 5 mins or until soft. Stir in the garlic, carrot, celery and continue to cook for a further 5 mins.

2. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, stock and seasoning.

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20­30 mins or until the vegeta­ bles are soft.

3. Place half of the vegetable mixture into a food processor and blend until smooth, then return to the pan. Add the beans, and simmer for a further 10 mins or until the beans have been heated through.

Spoon into bowl and garnish with a spoonful of fresh pesto.

MINESTRONE SOUP Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, peeled and chopped 500g carton passata (tomato sauce) 150g can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 60g (2oz) orzo (rice­ shaped) pasta 1 vegetable or chicken stock cube Good pinch of dried oregano About 125g (4oz) cooked vegetables, eg, carrots and parsnips, chopped About 100g (3½ oz) cooked meat — we used gammon Handful of cooked cabbage Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Put the oil and onion in a large pan, and cook for about 5 mins until the onion is soft.

2. Add the passata, plus 500ml (16fl oz) water, the beans, pasta, a crumbled stock cube and the oregano.

3. Bring to the boil, simmer for 10 minutes. Add the chopped vegetables and cooked meat. Heat through and serve topped with shredded, cooked cabbage that’s also been heated through, in a microwave. Season and serve.

SPICY TOMATO AND BEAN SOUP Ingredients 415g can baked beans 2tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, roughly chopped 125g (4oz) celery stick, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 2tsp dried mixed herbs 1tsp dried crushed chilli 400g (13oz) can chopped tomatoes 600ml (1pt) vegetable stock To serve: 4tbsp soured cream Toasted bread

Method

1. Heat the oil in a heavy­based pan. Add the onion, celery, garlic, mixed herbs and chilli and cook over a medium heat for 5 mins.

2. Add the tomatoes, baked beans and stock to the pan.

Bring to the boil, cover then simmer for 25 mins.

3. Serve the soup in warm bowls, topped with a swirl of soured cream and accompanied with chunks of bread.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

SPANISH NEWS

THE BIG HAUL BASHING THE ARCHBISHOP

The Guardia Civil have seized a massive stash of cocaine that was destined for the Costa del Sol, with 900 kilos of the drug found floating in the sea in rucksacks that were fitted with tracking devices. "The cocaine was hidden inside 37 rucksacks that had been anchored with a sophisticat­ ed flotation and tracking system so that they could later be picked up from the sea

off Valencia," said a Guardia spokesman.

Officers arrested five Spaniards in raids on a gang suspected of trafficking the drugs and money­laundering in Valencia and Malaga. The police did not say how much the drugs were worth. They also seized 72,000 Euros in cash as well as jewellery, luxury watches, vehicles and a boat.

Fair price power call

Thousands of people took to the streets last Saturday to protest about the ever­ increasing spiral of electricity prices. Demonstrations were held in 23 cities, including Alicante and Murcia (pic­ tured). Carrying banners call­ ing for Luz a precio justo ('electricity at a fair price'), the demonstrators protested against the government's forc­ ing the consumer to bear the cost of its own debt with ener­ gy suppliers, leaving already hard­pressed householders suffering prohibitive prices.

Those trying to feed a family on the basic unemployment benefit of 425 Euros a month often end up living literally by candlelight and washing in cold water because their supply is cut off due to non­payment. Around 500 different organisations, including consumer group ADICAE were behind the march, which they say was intended to push for a 'reform of the electricity reform' and to 'con­ demn the abuse suffered by millions of households' in Spain.

Bare­breasted women gave the Archbishop of Madrid an unusual wel­ come on Sunday as he arrived in church last Sunday. The scantily clad ladies threw their knickers at the lead­ ing cleric as a protest against his sup­ port for Spain’s proposed tough new abortion laws.

Five topless protesters swooped on Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela as he got out of a car to attend an evening mass at a central Madrid

church. Clerics and worshippers rushed out of the church to fend off the protesters, who fled before the police were called.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's gov­ ernment announced last December that they would roll back a 2010 law that allows women to opt freely for abortion in the first 14 weeks of preg­ nancy. The bill has caused division within the ruling Popular Party and has not yet been sent to parliament.

95% of Spanish institu­ tions are corrupt, and that’s the view of Spanish people, accord­ ing to a report from the E u r o p e a n Commission. The EU Anti­ Corruption Report estimated the cost of cor­ ruption across the continent to be "probably much higher" than the official 120 billion Euros which is the equivalent of the entire EU annual budget. Spain fared particularly badly, trailing only Greece (99%) and Italy (97%) in terms of how many of its citizens perceive corruption to be institution­

alised. The aver­ age across Europe was 76%.

Spanish people surveyed were the most pes­ simistic in Europe in two key areas.

77% believed that corruption had risen in the last three years, and two­thirds said that they were personally affect­ ed by corruption in daily life. Despite corruption in Spain being described as "a serious concern", the survey highlighted the fact that bribery is rare, with less than 3% of those surveyed claiming to have any first­hand experience of it.

SPAIN IS CORRUPT

“Consumers are not going to continue to accept this situation, and we want to see immediate and urgent changes including a review of the mechanisms involved in fixing electricity prices and all other costs that make up the total of the electricity bill,” said ADICAE. “We want a guaranteed supply at a rea­ sonable price and an independent audit of the alleged energy debt carried out with con­ sumers' participation, which clarifies how much exactly this debt is and what part of it is genuine.”

Friday, February 7, 2014

29

SPANISH NEWS

CRISTINA AVOIDS SPAIN RELAXES “WALK OF SHAME” LIQUIDS RULE

A judge has decided that King Juan Carlos' youngest daughter Infanta Cristina may drive to court for tomor­ row’s (Saturday) fraud hearing, rather than endure a walk under the gaze of the world's media. It is not clear, however, if the 48­year­ old Cristina will take advantage of the ruling, issued "strictly on secu­ rity grounds", when she heads to the Palma de Mallorca court tomor­ row morning. Judge Juan Castro's decision, which is in line with police advice, allows the princess to drive all the way to the court rather than walking the last steps from the main street to the door of the court.

Cristina will be the first direct member of

the Spanish royal fam­ ily in modern times to face court as a suspect when she answers the summons in a scandal that has plunged the royals into crisis.

Lawyers defending the princess, known as the Infanta, insist she is innocent of accusa­ tions of tax fraud and money­laundering.

The case is linked to the business affairs of Cristina's husband, former Olympic hand­ ball player Inaki Urdangarin, who is himself under investi­ gation for alleged embezzlement of pub­ lic funds. Cristina has been made a formal suspect in the case, but neither she nor Urdangarin have so far been charged with any crime.

Madrid’s road to debt A 9.4 km toll road that so far has lost 550 million Euros and which is barely used has been declared one of Spain’s biggest white elephants in a survey from the leading news­ paper, El Pais. Also featured are disastrous unopened air­ ports at Ciudad Real (with a 450 million Euro debt), and Castellon (190 million in the red), and the still to be opened Corvera in Murcia (200 million in the red).

The disastrous toll road was built to absorb the bulk of the traffic between Madrid and Barajas airport, but the debt skyrocket­ ed due to runaway construction costs and cost conscious drivers preferring to use the free road that runs alongside the M12. The construction company OHL Concesiones opened the toll route in 2005 after investing 380 million Euros in anticipation of a surge in traffic from the fourth terminal being built at the airport. Almost ten years later, the expected rise in numbers has failed to occur and OHL has found itself filing for bankruptcy

Spanish airports have relaxed restrictions on car­ rying liquids in hand lug­ gage and plan to scrap them altogether by 2016. As of last weekend, any drinks, aerosols or gels bought in 'transit' countries whilst on connecting flights will be allowed through the X­ray machines. They will only be scanned, not confiscated.

So in the past, if a passenger was travel­ ling from a Latin American country to an air­ port in Italy and changing planes in Madrid, where he or she had bought a bottle of whisky in the duty free in the Latin American airport, it would be confiscated in Madrid.

But this will no longer be the case, provided it is in a sealed bag provided at the check­ out by the duty free store. The same would apply with duty free goods purchased on

board a plane.

Also, liquids exceeding 100ml in volume which are classed as medica­ tion, baby food or diet products will now be allowed through into the departure lounge provid­ ed they are inspected first.

Spain's airport governing body, AENA, which manages the country's 47 terminals and 187 million annual passengers, believes the relaxation of the rules will only affect around one percent of travellers initially, but says that according to the European Commission, if this tentative first step is suc­ cessful, liquids may no longer be prohibited in hand luggage two years from now. This will be a decade after the initial restrictions came into force, on November 6, 2006.

ILLEGAL TESTS

A Spanish HIV researcher will have to cough up 210 thousand Euros after he was after declaring total debts of over 550 million caught performing unauthorised medical Euros. tests on 311 patients using a powerful new Only 7 thousand vehicles per day use the compound thought to lessen the side effects road, many of them because they have of AIDS treatment. Vicente Soriano, who become lost as a result of the poor signpost­ works at Madrid’s Carlos III Hospital, was ing. Forecasts predicted that up to 50,000 found guilty by the city’s Supreme Court of vehicles would use the M12 every day Justice of conducting a clinical trial without despite the presence of an alternative, and the approval of Spain’s Agency for free, major trunk road running alongside it. Medicines and Health Products. They also It’s the biggest toll road disaster in Spain, found him liable for failing to obtain insur­ which also includes the empty stretches of ance for the medical trials and lying to the AP7 between Alicante and Cartagena, patients when claiming he had been given with so far more than 4 billion Euros in debts the green light by the hospital to perform the from failed toll roads being declared. tests.

Soriano, a world­leading investigator and author in the field of HIV and AIDS, lost all of his appeals except the one in which he claimed not to have withheld information from the hospital’s managers. His unautho­ rized investigations looked to establish whether HIV patients with undetectable lev­ els of the virus in their blood could be treated with raltegravir, a powerful new compound known to have fewer side effects.

Even after being found guilty, Soriano has continued to claim he carried out “observa­ tional studies” on an already commercialised product rather than a clinical test that requires authorisation from official medical bodies.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

A WALK ON Great Danes coming THE BARKSIDE

If you and your dog fancy a nice bracing seaside walk, then a “Walk on the Barkside” might be the event for you next month! It’s been put together by Cruz Azul for Pets in San Javier and it’s going to be a 3km stroll along the Esplanada de Barnuevo in Santiago de la Ribera on Sunday March 16th. It’ll be a great chance to meet other dog­lovers as well as raising money for the charity.

Entry is just 5 Euros and your pooch will receive a dog tag when he/she completes the walk. Entry forms and sponsorship forms can be found at the Cruz Azul shop in San Javier, next door to Yorkshire Linen, or on the website’s “What’s On” page: www.uk.cruzazulmurcia.es Cruz Azul is run along similar lines to the

The San Miguel­based Vivace Classical Choir is getting ready to welcome some special international visitors at the end of March. They’re going to be joined by a visit­ ing choir from Denmark – The Lyngby Kammerchor (pictured) for an evening at the Casa de Clutura in San Miguel on Friday March 28th, starting at 8.00pm, with entry free of charge.

Vivace is already a truly international PDSA in the UK and its mission is to pro­ choir, with singers from many European vide veterinary care for the sick and injured countries, and the music chosen for this pets of people in need and to promote combined concert will reflect an internation­ responsible pet ownership. In addition to al theme. Vivace members Tomas and Tove fundraising events, the Cruz Azul shop in Andgren, who live in Denmark for part of the San Javier is open daily and sells clothes, accessories, jewellery, furniture, household goods, bric­a­brac, etc. The shop is open Monday to Saturday, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm each day and now proudly displays some great graphic signage, which was donated to Cruz Azul by volunteer, Mr Bill Conway.

Manager, Sue Thomason, will be delight­ ed to see new customers and to receive donations for the shop. You can email her on shop@cruzazulmurcia.es or call her on 693 017 616.

year, have invited this chamber choir to join with Vivace for this special event.

The concert will feature individual items sung by each choir, and then they will link up in grand fashion for “The Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah, conducted

by Vivace’s Musical Director Tom Pargeter.

It’s a busy time for Vivace, as they’re in rehearsal “Messiah” for their main concerts at the beginning of April, to be performed in San Miguel de Salinas, La Siesta Church and the Iglesia del Colegio de Santo Domingo in Orihuela...

For more details about Vivace 965 720 919.

Over 200 thousand people are estimat­ ed to have dropped into Orihuela’s 16th Medieval Market last weekend, which has established itself as one of the most important markets in Spain. The festive

Mick “The Grip” Reeve had his golden locks all chopped off in aid of a good cause, namely the Torrevieja­based homeless char­ ity, Reach Out. The Cut Above Hairdressers Moors and Christians parades blended in in Villamartin hosted the hair­raising or per­ with many stalls offering something for haps more accurately hair­removing experi­ everybody, including plenty of chances to ence for Mick! The local fund­raiser’s horror have some much needed liquid refresh­ at seeing his hair hit the deck was very much ment!

tempered by a surprise guest, Keith Carter, the chairman of the Royal British Legion, Orihuela Costa and District Branch. Keith popped in to say thank you to Mick for rais­ ing over 5 thousand Euros amongst his golf­ ing buddies for the 2013 Poppy Appeal, and gave him a special trophy in recognition of his efforts.

Mick’s cruellest cut

MARKET LEADERS

GET THOSE CASTANETS OUT!

Flamenco fans have even better facilities to enjoy if they fancy giving the great Spanish tradition a go themselves, with the official opening of spacious new studios in Pilar de la Horadada for the Flamenco for All Association.

DOUBLE HEARTED WEEKEND Help at Home Costa Blanca is celebrating Valentine’s next weekend with a bang, with two events!

First up is Valentine’s Day itself, next Friday February 14th, with a 3 course meal and entertainment from the Sunflower Valley duo at the Emerald Isle, La Florida, which comes in at 15 Euros per head. On Saturday 15th, there’s a Heart & Soul dinner

dance at Restaurante Los Rosales on the Lemon Tree Road, CV 895, Guardamar.

The price is 21 Euros a head for a three­ course meal with wine and a show, with Richie Alexander and JJ Soulman entertaining as Heart & Soul. For more details phone 697 501 992. There will be a raffle at both events to

raise funds for HAH Costa Blanca, with tickets on sale at both venues or at the Charity Centre, Flamenca Beach. You can also E­mail:­ helpathomecb@gmail.com to reserve seats.

Friday, February 7, 2014

HOUSE FULL FOR WEST SIDE

31

SILVER CELEBRATION

The Footlights Youth Theatre Group production of West Side Story is sold out. The modern musical re­working of Romeo and Juliet in Torrevieja’s Teatro Municipal is being presented in conjunction with the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club, who will be rais­ ing money on the night for the Torrevieja homeless charity, Reach Out. The Lions are going link up with the Footlights team later this year, when they will return to the Teatro Muncipal in November to stage a charity pres­ entation of the musical, Half A Sixpence.

MABS NEEDS MORE

Gran Alacant’s MABS can­ cer support group are after some new blood to help co­ ordinate their activities after Angela Knapman and Jan Wright decided that it was a good point to retire from the charity after 7 years of hard work.

Angela and Jan said that they enjoyed all the work that they’ve done and are now looking for 2 more people to step into their shoes.

“It is not tiring, difficult or very time consuming but all that is needed is the wish to help cancer patients and organ­ ise volunteers to translate or drive them to hospital”, said Angela.

“Everything is set up and runs smoothly, and we have a register of volunteers for driv­ ing and translating and helping in general,”

The Torrevieja Branch of the Royal British Legion got their 25th anniversary year off to a piping hot start recently with a Burns Night Supper at the Coopers Arms, Quesada. Bagpipes accompanied the hag­ gis being brought in and addressed to the guests, who were also told about an excit­ ing year for the branch, which is the oldest in Spain.

A special anniversary dinner and dance will be staged in April, and the centenary of the start of World War 1 will be commemo­ rated in June. The group would be happing to meet any potential new or even returning members at their branch meeting at Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja which is on the 2nd Friday of each month, starting at 6.30pm for 7.00pm.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A RASCAL?

added Jan. The two ladies will continue until the end of February to give more time to find more volunteers and if you want to find out more about the work of MABS in Gran Alacant, call Jan on 966 697 754 or Angela on 965 060 182.

The Rascals are always looking for new members and they have raised over 125 thousand Euros for local charities in the 20 years that they have been going. Their next show will be the “The Best of Times, which will be put on this spring. The Rascals not only stage shows as charity fund­raisers but they also put on social events and get involved in the local community. To find out more details, look at their website, www.therascals.info or come along to their Open Day at Sacko´s Bar, El Limonar, Torrevieja on Thursday February 13th between 3pm and 7pm., where you can chat to some of the club members.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Horoscopes Aries March 21 ­ April 19 Are you suddenly falling for an old friend, Aries? This may have you confused and a little frightened since you've never viewed this person in this way before. However, this person probably does reciprocate the attrac­ tion, so don't completely write it off.

Consider this: could this person be a strong part of your future? How well do you know each other? Do you respect this person the way you should? If the answers to these questions are positive, give it a try!

Taurus April 20 ­ May 20 Are you in love, Taurus? You might find that thoughts of your beloved haunt you today, even while you're apart. Desire and passion could be practically obsessive, and they'll interfere with your other proj­ ects if you aren't careful. Try to stay focused on the tasks at hand and make a date to get together with your partner later.

After all, you want to keep all departments of your life in their proper perspective!

Gemini May 21 ­ June 20 A picture of an art object from a different culture could arouse some strange feel­ ings in you, Gemini. You won't know why, but it will spark a new interest in that cul­ ture. This probably relates to events deep in your past that you don't remember. Go ahead and explore this new interest. It will be intriguing and at the same time could help you release old traumas or phobias.

Enjoy!

Cancer June 21 ­ July 22 Are you worried about the psychological and emotional state of a friend, Cancer?

Don't get yourself too worked up over it.

Your friend is probably more troubled about money than anything else. If this is your love partner, you should be especial­ ly careful not to push for confidences, as this could be a turn­off. Your beloved will talk to you when the time is right. In the meantime, be patient and a good listener.

By Pandora Leo July 23 ­ August 22 Your current love interest could be experi­ encing some family problems, Leo. Therefore, don't expect too much scintillating conversation this evening. Your partner may seem preoccupied and not be in the best of moods. Rest assured that this has nothing to do with you. Don't let your insecurities get the best of you. Don't demand an explanation.

Be there, even if it means being silent, and let your partner think things out.

Virgo August 23 ­ September 22 Is someone you know having a birthday, Virgo? If so, beware of all the great food that will undoubtedly be brought to the party! If you're trying to improve your level of health and fitness, you'll be sorely tempted to depart from the program. Be as firm as you can, but remember that we all need a little indulgence occasionally. Chocolate cake and ice cream might not be on your diet, but think of them as emotional health food.

Enjoy a little bit!

Libra September 23 ­ October 22 Are you into abstract art forms, Libra? Today you could find yourself irresistibly drawn to them, whether blank verse, abstract paint­ ing, or New Age music. If you're into the arts yourself, you might want to try your hand at whatever discipline appeals to you the most.

If you aren't, attend a concert, stroll through an art gallery, or go to a poetry reading.

Whatever you do, enjoy your day!

Scorpio October 23 ­ November 21 Have you been toying with the idea of redec­ orating your house, Scorpio? If so, you might actually come up with a few solid ideas, although you'll have a difficult time deciding among them. Sometimes making a list can help you work out the details of each and dis­ cern which is the most workable at this time.

Look at home decorating magazines and fur­ niture catalogs. Write down what appeals to you. You'll decide something. What fun!

Sagittarius November 22 ­ December 21 Emotions run high today as a love partner calls on you to discuss some troubles, Sagittarius. These don't directly concern you, but you’d still like to see them straightened out, as you tend to feel help­ less when someone you care for is upset.

At times like this, it's really best to listen rather than try to give advice. Your partner probably just needs to talk it out. Be patient and all will be well.

Capricorn December 22 ­ January 19 A close friend or your love partner may pres­ ent you with a gift, Capricorn. You'll be touched but you'll also feel uncomfortable.

Maybe the present is costly or not something you really like. You might also feel that your friend is too eager. What you do in this situa­ tion is, of course, up to you. Tip: don't refuse the gift unless you genuinely feel it’s totally inappropriate. And definitely don't give it back because that's what your mother would do!

Aquarius January 20 ­ February 18 Love matters may seem to be far worse than they really are, Aquarius. Emotion runs high as your current love interest seems preoccupied and uncommunicative; however, it wouldn't be a good idea to let your insecurities get the best of you and lash out. Your partner's heart is with you, though the mind is another matter. Family or career problems are getting in the way of your enjoyment of each other. Bite your tongue, be patient, and hang in there.

Pisces February 19 ­ March 20 Is your imagination brimming over with ideas for new projects, Pisces? Are you drawing upon old memories for inspiration? Your past can be a very fruitful resource; however, today you may find that some of these recollections make you feel more emotional than you should. Let them all go. This is a necessary release. Channeling your feelings into creative work could prove cathartic. By the end of the day you should feel great. Go with the flow.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

RICHARD CAVENDER

Bluemoon Solutions www.bluemoonsolutions.es

BlueMoon Solutions is the computer and IT services com­ pany on the Costa Blanca, they provide quality computer services at realistic prices and specialise in working with home users and small businesses.

Richard moved to Spain seven years ago hav­ ing left his management background behind in the UK and decided to use his IT skills to help home users and small businesses with their PC problems. Now a relaxed 'computer man' he is out and about in the Spanish sun every day, making house and shop calls and using his vast experience and qualifications to (usually) sort out the problem there and then. Computers are his hobby as well as his work so don’t be surprised to get an answer to your email in the early hours!

ADVICE: Derek was having problems removing the ADVICE: Dennis wanted to know whether there was any Searchamong.com browser hijacker way to control the amount of spam he was receiving.

Hi Richard I wonder if you can help me please I have got lumbered with the virus/malware SEARCHAMONG.COM and I just can’t get rid of it I have googled it and the answers given state to go in to control panel and uninstall from programs done and also remove from web browsers and reset defaults etc. all done.

Avast scan done also full scans of super antispyware and malware bytes all have found noth­ ing but it’s still there when I open up Google chrome to go on to the Internet. I am running win­ dows 7 and my wife is running XP with the same problem we believe it came in on a video link attachment sent on Hotmail.

I am sorry that I didn’t get a chance to speak to you after your presentation at the ARPO meet­ ing but I had to go as I had a plumber coming to see me. It was a very interesting talk. Derek

Q

Hi Derek, apologies for the delay in replying, it’s by far our busiest time at the moment!

Of course, due to their very nature to infect your computer and either attempt to cause chaos or steal valuable information viruses are indeed difficult to remove.

Your particular virus is a “browser hijacker” and certainly appears after installing some unknown video players so that fits with your description.

There are a number of websites that describe the process to follow to attempt to remove it from your system and I wouldn’t necessarily say that any one site is better than another, they all describe the processes that a professional would take to attempt to remove the virus. I suspect that your antivirus software is not picking it up because browser hijackers are not really regarded as viruses (the strict definition does get complicated so it’s not worth going into here).

What I can suggest is that you arrange to get your local computer professional to have a look at it or pop it along to our market shop on the Moncayo market any Saturday between 9 and 2 and I can take a look, you can find more details here… http://www.bluemoonsolutions.es/tech­shop

A

Hi my name is Dennis and I have a problem with spam mail I get e­mails from peo­ ple selling drugs, handbags, watches etc. and I would like them to stop but they don’t have an unsubscribe link ­ have you any ideas that I might use to stop them from coming to me. Thank you, Dennis

Q A

Hi Dennis, it’s part of modern life I’m afraid, we all get spam, even though it’s against the law to send unsolicited email without an unsubscribe link, it still happens. You can mark the email as spam in your email client and that will result in that email address being automat­ ically marked as spam and it will also send a com­ plaint back to the sender of the spam email (i.e.

Movistar for example, if it was sent from one of their accounts) and eventually that address will be blocked if enough people mark it as spam.

If you download your email to an email client (Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird etc.) rather than checking your email online then there are some additional tools that are available with this type of email receipt to help with controlling spam, like MailWasher for example.

ADVICE: Chris was having problems with her screen rotating!

Q

Hi Richard, one little problem, I was using my lap top and I have hit a key by mistake that has turned my screen sideways, would you be able to tell me how to correct it.

Hi Chris, try holding down the CTRL and the ALT keys at the same time and then press the arrow keys on the keyboard, you will notice that your display should change with each press of the arrow key.

Update: Thanks for the information, it worked, you’re a star

Don’t forget you can follow me on twitter @bluemoonspain Alternately why don’t you sign up for my newsletter. You can do this by going to:­ www.bluemoonsolutions.es and fill in the form that is on any page except the front page.

ADVICE: Alan was having problems with junk email in Hotmail.

Q A

Hi, my problem is junk emails I am getting an average of 25 per day. They all go into junk folder which I then use sweep on Hotmail to block further mail from these people but following day they all come back but with different sender address. Help please.

Hi Alan, spam is something that we all have to deal with, usually on a daily basis and although you seem to be receiving more than some there is nothing practical that you can do about it other than changing the settings available in the "preventing junk mail" section in your set up.

In order to access these settings, log onto your account at www.outlook.com (best to use this now as you will be forced to move over to it soon enough along with all the other Hotmail users. Once logged on you should click the "cog" icon in the top right hand portion of the screen and then select an option under the junk mail section.

Of course you always have the extreme option of changing your email account, however over time you will tend to receive more and more junk email so this is not really a long term solu­ tion.

office@bluemoonsolutions.es www.bluemoonsolutions.es Mobile: 655 044 970

Office: 902 906 200

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Friday, February 7, 2014

EU police planning continent-wide network of sensors to stop cars PLASTIC FANTASTIC

Details of a scheme designed to let law enforcement agencies stop cars in their tracks using a Europe­wide network of sensors has been detailed in a document obtained by civil liberties group Statewatch.

The document, which was written by the general secretary of the European Council, outlines plans for a European Network of Law Enforcement Technology Services (ENLETS) "Work programme" that will run from 2014 to 2020.

Part of that programme, "Remote Stopping Vehicles", proposes a "built­in standard" for all cars in Europe to have a device fitted that can be activated from a computer in an agency's headquarters.

Once enabled, it would stop a car being used by a fugitive by cutting the engine's fuel supply and switching it off.

Police, stop!

Law enforcement agencies are also aim­ ing towards standardising their equipment, noting that "many kinds of sensors" are deployed to connect IT systems at the moment, with integrating the two being a key challenge.

Financial contributions from the UK and the Netherlands towards this project are listed, showing that the idea has govern­ ment backing in the country. So far, how­ ever, there is no technical specification for what type of device the police may eventu­ ally use.

Lots of kids growing up may remember having a pedal car to use around the back garden or your home street.

Commonly known as the ‘Cozy Coupe’, this plastic, brightly coloured toy has been transformed by one man (or big kid) into an adult­sized petrol car.

The creator of the full­size Cozy Coupe is John Bitmead. With help from his brother Geoff and friend Nigel Douglas, John took a Daewoo Matiz and spent five months converting it to look like a

big Cozy Coupe.

The result is certainly distinctive. A standard­sized Cozy Coupe would set you back about £50, while Mr Bitmead’s adult­size children’s toy cost £35,000 to build. With that kind of money you could buy a new Nissan 370Z coupe.

Then again, compared to this large toy car, you’re unlikely to achieve any­ where near as much attention. Unless you crashed it maybe...

Off-duty police officer arrested for stealing... a police car Reports of someone stealing a car proba­ bly seem far from earth­shattering. However, extra intrigue is added if you say the offender is, of all people, a police officer and the stolen vehicle is in fact a police car.

This is exactly what happened in Cheshire this week when an off­duty cop allegedly took a patrol car without permission to meet his police bosses.

The officer, PC Szabo, had reportedly two days before the theft been involved in a six­ hour standoff in North Wales.

He reportedly barricaded himself into a house during an incident which prompted five police cars and two riot vans to show up at the scene. He only backed down after specialist negotiators managed to convince the officer to leave the property.

Whatever the reasons for the incident, naturally you would think you’d want to put on a dignified display when your bosses call you in. Stealing a police car probably isn’t the best way to make a good first impres­ sion.

Liverpool Football Club’s star strik­ er Daniel Sturridge has reasons to be cheerful. Since joining his current club he has been a prolific scorer in the Premier League.

Even better, it was just a few days ago that he scored two goals against local rivals Everton during Liverpool’s 4­0 win in the Merseyside Derby.

However, during that game Daniel Sturridge also blazed a penalty off­ target ­ something he admitted annoyed him a lot.

Never mind Daniel, what better way to cheer yourself up than buying yourself a white Ferrari 458 Italia (seen in the centre of Liverpool above). The car has a current asking price of £178,461 ­ or prob­ ably pocket change in the view of Premiership footballers these days.

With a zero to 60mph sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202mph, the car certainly has pace – more than any player currently at Liverpool. Also, because it’s Italian, it might actually be able to score a penalty as well.

Sturridge treats himself to a Ferrari supercar

Friday, February 7, 2014

35

36

Friday, February 7, 2014

CODE CRACKER Code Cracker is a crossword puzzle with no clues; instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number. In this week’s puzzle, 18 represents L and 24 represents Q, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

QUICKIE

Across

Down

1 Wearing eyeglasses (12) 8 Four quarts (6) 9 Large artillery gun (6) 10 Italian dessert (8) 11 As well (4) 12 Concise (5) 14 End (5) 18 Hence (4) 20 Adjudicator (8) 22 Fondle (6) 23 Devious (6) 24 Acceptable (12)

2 Analyse (7) 3 Bohemian dance (5) 4 Frank (6) 5 Accumulate (6) 6 Ancestry (7) 7 Impurity (5) 13 Distrust (7) 15 Cover (7) 16 Against (6) 17 Sickness (6) 19 Skulls (5) 21 Fool (5)

Last weeks Solution

Across: 1 Cinema, 4 Crisis, 9 Arrange, 10 Spoon, 11 Show, 12 Realise, 15 Fasten, 16 Gentle, 19 Gripped, 21 Fair, 24 Again, 25 Tragedy, 26 Tastes, 27 Ceased.

Down: 1 Classify, 2 Nervous, 3 Many, 5 Resolved, 6 Shoes, 7 Send, 8 Never, 13 Response, 14 Betrayed, 17 Traders, 18 Debts, 20 Reads, 22 Fast, 23 Bare.

Scribble Pad

DOUBLE CROSS-WORD Solve the Double Cross­Word puzzle using either the standard or cryptic clues, the answers are exactly the same.

CRYTPIC CLUES Across 1 Thursday, mid­afternoon, I’ll rush (6) 4 Stays out of damaged Escort (6) 9 Grand camera used for coarse lace (7) 10 Test the Tory leader and the liar somehow (5) 11 Learn from a book about placing a short advertisement (4) 12 Actually faced to storm (2,5) 15 Order dancing in road (6) 16 Cross one side of Glasgow (6) 19 Rummages for a long time (7) 21 Remaining, having gone away (4) 24 Major’s wife converted Roman (5) 25 Inventor redesigned reactor (7) 26 Move with the first financial plan (6) 27 Hairpiece there’s an outstanding invoice for, I hear (6)

Down 1 Root worm out in the future (8) 2 Sir Cliff is spotted in Zurich, Ardennes and St Tropez (7) 3 Metal in first place (4) 5 A decomposed dead tout is obsolete (8) 6 Dean’s favourite bird (5) 7 After a short time every­ body is high (4) 8 Renew stew with some­ thing more novel (5) 13 Car I gave out at the churchman’s house (8) 14 No penalty paid by this Caledonian just let out (4­ 4) 17 Move Peter to a better vantage point (7) 18 Bawdy female spanner has no right (5) 20 Rowed with love over a claret (5) 22 Ignore cooked buns (4) 23 Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven has her own champion (4)

STANDARD CLUES Down Across 1 Day after today (8) 1 Excitement (6) 2 Lionheart king (7) 4 Close­fitting stiff inner 3 Show the way (4) bodice (6) 5 Old fashioned (8) 9 Art of knotting string (7) 6 Moving at high speed (5) 10 Test (5) 7 Great in vertical dimen­ 11 Look at (4) 12 Actual, even if not by law sion (4) (2,5) 8 More modern (5) 15 Consecrate to office (6) 16 Ancient Irish language 13 Parsonage (8) 14 Without being punished (6) (4­4) 19 Hunts for food (7) 21 Went away (4) 17 Upper branches (7) 24 Marilyn Monroe’s real 18 Young woman (5) first name (5) 20 Propelled a boat (5) 25 Maker (7) 22 Rebuff rudely (4) 26 Plan expenditures (6) 23 Man of courage (4) 27 Small hairpiece (6) Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Alga, 3 Estimate, 9 Snuggle, 10 Peers, 11 Salvo, 12 Layers, 14 Envies, 16 Pledge, 19 Enigma, 21 Women, 24 Snake, 25 Atelier, 26 Overeats, 27 Hero.

Down: 1 Assisted, 2 Gruel, 4 Swells, 5 Imply, 6 Averred, 7 Else, 8 Ignore, 13 Leonardo, 15 Vintage, 17 Lawyer, 18 Savant, 20 Geese, 22 Maine, 23 Oslo.

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

3 letter words Age Ale Bet Ego Hay Hem Lea Pad Tad The Use Vat 4 letter words Acts Alit Dart

Dire Diva Drab Else Ergo Erse Esse Ewer Fief Hero Iced Idea Into Iris Kava Leap Long Magi Olla

Pals Poem Pont Reap Reed Rial Sled Sloe Suet Teat Tuna Vest Visa Year 5 letter words Alibi Alone Bides

Bosun Buret Busks Cards Enate Glean Lived Loess Lofty Moped Perch Rarer Reeve Ryder Salon Scrub Stair State Usual

6 letter words Astral Denier Iambic Muesli Native Unable 7 letter words Bureaus Elation Enables Rawhide 8 letter words Referrer Resulted

SPANISH-ENGLISH CROSSWORD

Improve your Spanish ­ clues in Spanish, answers in English or vice versa.

Across 7 To want (6) 8 Picture (6) 9 Wedding (4) 10 Frost (substance) (8) 11 Drawers (in a desk) (7) 13 Historia (5) 15 Medalla (5) 17 Perejil (7) 20 Lancha de socorro (8) 21 Jabón (para lavar) (4) 23 Daño (a algo) (6) 24 Suecia (6)

Down 1 Kiss (4) 2 Revision (for exams) (6) 3 Brisas (7) 4 Circus (entertainment) (5) 5 Zanahoria (6) 6 Caballito de mar (3,5) 12 Estadounidense (8) 14 El más gordo (7) 16 Bees (6) 18 Hermana (6) 19 Huesos (5) 22 Yesterday (4)

37

Friday, February 7, 2014 Across 1 Sport or practice of fighting with the fists, espe­ cially with padded gloves in a roped square ring accord­ ing to the Queensberry Rules (6) 5 Of or relating to pre­ cious stones or the art of working with them (8) 9 Eighteenth century Italian adventurer who wrote vivid accounts of his sexual encounters, played on BBC TV in1971 by Frank Finlay (8) 10 Set of instructions for preparing a particular dish, including a list of the ingre­ dients required (6) 11 Adventurer, especially one who led the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century (12) 13 Sharp projection near the end of an arrow, fish hook or similar object, which is angled away from the main point so as to

make extraction difficult (4) 14 Person qualified to prescribe and dispense glasses and contact lenses and to detect eye diseases (8) 17 Portuguese navigator in the service of Spain who commanded an expedition that was the first to circum­ navigate the world (8) 18 In the Roman calendar the 15th of March, May, July, October or the 13th of any other month (4) 20 The largest lake in Africa, with shores in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya, and drained by the Nile (4,8) 23 Pause or break in con­ tinuity in a sequence or activity (6) 24 Following or conform­ ing to the traditional or gen­ erally accepted rules or beliefs of a religion, philoso­ phy or practice (8) 25 Thick, dark brown juice obtained from raw

SUDOKU (Hard)

Quiz Word

sugar during the refining process (8) 26 Division of territory, constituting in Switzerland a

separate government, in France a subdivision of an arrondissement (6)

Down 2 Strategically located monarchy on the southern and eastern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula. Its economy is dominated by oil (4) 3 Having or showing a tendency to be easily angered (9) 4 Low wall or sturdy tim­ ber barrier built out into the sea from a beach to check erosion and drifting (6) 5 International organisa­ tion formed in 1920 to pro­ mote cooperation and peace among nations, which was dissolved in 1946 after the UN was formed (6,2,7) 6 Organism which lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other’s expense. (8) 7 Capital and largest city of Bangladesh (5) 8 People without moral scruples (10)

12 Capital and largest city and major port of Surinam (10) 15 American 1974 neo­ noir film, directed by Roman Polanski from a screenplay

by Robert Towne, starring Jack Nicholson as Jake Gittes, Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Cross Mulwray and John Huston as Noah Cross (9) 16 Omission or suppres­ sion of parts of words or sentences (8) 19 Relating to the regions around the North Pole (6) 21 In cricket, a run scored other than from a hit with the bat, credited to the bat­ ting side rather than to a batsman (5) 22 Southern California country rock band originally formed by Richie Furay, Jim Messina and Rusty Young following the demise of Buffalo Springfield in 1968 (4)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH

Expresiones con hace Match these words with their Spanish translations then find them in the wordsearch.

(Answers below)

el hace amigos

hace poco

hace años

hace sol

hace calor

hace tiempo

hace cola

hace tres días

hace daño

hace un favor

hace dos días

hace viento

hace frio

me hace falta

hace mal tiempo

me hace reír

science QUIZ

ANSEWRS: 1. Navel 2. Atlantic Puffin 3. Korea 4.

Stainless Steel 5. 1990 6. A Killer Whale 7. Supermarine 8.

Jurassic 9. Tuberculosis 10. Black & Decker 11. Loudness 12. Dates 13. The ear and it's diseases 14. Thermometer 15. Northern France

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Word Solution Across: 1 Bumbag, 4 Scissors, 10 Iron Age, 12 Kale, 13 Illiterate, 15 Reggae, 16 Ammonia, 20 Ottoman, 21 Argyll, 24 Chimpanzee, 26 Zest, 28 Tea tree, 29 Stopgap, 30 Cronyism, 31 Briefs.

Down: 1 Blinkers, 2 Moonlight, 3/11 Adam Adamant, 5 Charisma, 6 Skateboard, 7 Obama, 8 Setter, 9 Cello, 14 Labor Party, 17 Ivy league, 18 Painless, 19 Platypus, 22 Acetic, 23 Welsh, 25 Idaho, 27 Bohr.

Empareja estas palabras ­ Match the Spanish and English words You will find the answers at the bottom of the quiz.

1.el hace amigos, 2.hace años, 3.hace calor, 4.(el/ella) hace cola, 5.hace daño, 6.hace dos días, 7.hace frio, 8.hace mal tiempo, 9.hace poco, 10.hace sol, 11.hace tiempo, 12.hace tres días, 13.hace un favor, 14.hace viento,

Soduko

15.me hace falta, 16.me hace reír.

g.it’s windy, h.three days ago, i.it hurts, j.years ago, k.I need ….,l.it’s sunny, m.it’s cold, n.some time ago, o.it’s bad weather, p.a short time ago.

a.he/she does a favor, b.it’s warm, c.it makes me laugh, d.two days ago, e.he/she queues up, f.he makes friends,

Span ­ Eng

Answers: 1f, 2j, 3b, 4e, 5i, 6d, 7m, 8o, 9p, 10l, 11n, 12h, 13a, 14g, 15k, 16c.

1. Omphalitis is an infection of which part of the body?

2. Which Sea Bird Has A Black & White Body And A Very Large , Bright Yellow & Red Beak?

3. In Which Country Is The Daewoo Company Based?

4. An alloy of iron, chromium and nickel makes what?

5. Which Year Was The Orbiting Hubble Telescope Launched?

6. What Kind Of Animal Was Willy In Free Willy?

7. Which Aircraft Manufactuer Produced The Spitfire?

8. In Geology What Period followed The Cretaceous?

9. What Does The BCG Vaccine Immunise Against?

10. The Lightweight Portable Drill Was First Marketed In 1917 By 2 Americans With The First Names Duncan & Alonso, What Were 11. A Phon is a unit of what?

12. What Is The Principal Crop Of The United Arab Emirates?

13. What does an otologist study?

14. Which medical tool was developed by Sanctorius in 1612?

15. Where Did Wilbur Wright Demonstrate Flight In Public For The First Time?

Quizword

Fill It In

38

Friday, February 7, 2014

TRELI ON THE TELLY

A BRIDGE NOT TOO FAR

What a fantastic Swedish/Danish drama series this was, with an end­ ing that saw my jaw drop to the floor as Detective Saga Nothing will beat Hayley Noren surprisingly shopped Cropper meeting the Grim her Danish police partner, Reaper on Corrie for sheer Martin Rohde for poisoning blubbering this year, but I the jailed baddy who mur­ have to say that I was emo­ dered his son in series one. It tionally spent come the was totally unexpected and end of series two of The downright disloyal, but exact­ Bridge on BBC 4 last ly the sort of quality surprise Saturday night.

with ALEX TRELINSKI

from this drama that has gripped over 1 and a half mil­ lion Brits every Saturday. It’s been an enthralling 10 hours watch, with the lead charac­ ters of Saga and Martin one of the most extraordinary TV detective pairings that I’ve ever seen.

Noren has no social graces as a female detective that in­between the lines suf­ fers from Aspergers, whilst

Rohde is a balding bearded overweight teddy bear who has cheated on his wives during his life. The first two series have brought no happy endings, but the writ­ ing and plotting and the lead characters makes this show very special indeed. The great news is that a third run is being written, but we’re unlikely to get it before the end of 2015, which gives you plenty of time to order box sets (sub­titled of course) of the first two series just to see how the style of Broadchurch was very much inspired by this gem. Avoid like the plague a dreadful American re­­make if you stumble across it, and even Sky’s The Tunnel from the autumn, though entertaining, was not a patch on the original.

Quality screen partner­ ships do make a TV

q

series, and in a very different vein from The Bridge, Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz have made a wel­ come return to series 9 of Bones on Sky Living, plus countless screenings on La Sexta here in Spain. For a show that’s churned out the best part of 200 episodes and has already been booked for series 10, that’s no mean achievement, with the characters of Brennan and Booth, along with their fine supporting crew, making you care and keeping your interest going, despite the inevitable duff episode here and there. There’s a weekly whodunit, as well the viewer not being sure whether a par­ ticular episode will be played for laughs, or be done in a more serious vein. There’s also a will they, won’t they get married routine for the

stars at the moment, but we will see it all end up in an utter opposite to The Bridge in a few weeks time.

q

Disbelief was my reac­ tion to the madness that the BBC had ordered a full series of Still Open All Hours after the “success” of the Boxing Day special. A BBC spokesman said that the high audience figures showed the viewers wanted more, which is absolute twaddle. Of course millions watched because it was Christmas plus they had a lot of affec­ tion for the old show but were let down badly. I remember over 2 years ago, millions of viewers watching David Jason in the first episode of the awful Royal Bodyguard, and look what happened there!

The Courier Friday TV 00:35 This Week 01:20 Skiing Weatherview 01:25 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 A Question of Sport 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Room 101 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:25 National Lottery Update 23:35 The Graham Norton Show

00:20 This World 01:20 Panorama 01:50 Pilgrimage with Simon

Reeve 02:50 This Is BBC Two 05:00 Schools 07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 08:45 Saints and Scroungers 09:15 The A to Z of TV Cooking 10:00 Cold War, Hot Jets 11:00 Question Time 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Britain's First Photo Album 14:30 Cash in the Attic 15:00 The Great British Bake Off 16:00 Coast 16:30 Live Winter Olympics 20:30 Great Continental Railway Journeys 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 An Island Parish 22:00 Torvill & Dean: The Perfect Day 23:00 Alan Davies Apres­Ski 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 The Last Word 01:05 Jackpot247 04:00 Tonight 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV Meridian Weather 15:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Martin Lewis Money Show 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Piers Morgan's Life Stories 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV Meridian Weather 23:35 The Americans

PIERS MORGAN LIFE STORIES The veteran DJ, currently celebrating 50 years in broadcasting, looks back on his life and career, which included launching Radio 1 in 1967 and, more recently, being banned from the airwaves for playing Cliff Richard records. Tony talks about how he became addicted to Valium following the breakdown of his first marriage to actress Tessa Wyatt. Other revelations include romping with a girlfriend in Frank Sinatra's London flat.

00:05 My Baggy Body 01:05 24 Hours in A&E 02:00 Random Acts 02:05 Undercover Boss USA 03:00 Food Unwrapped 03:25 Health Freaks 03:55 Hunted 04:50 Dispatches 05:25 Location, Location, Location 06:20 Deal or No Deal 07:15 The Treacle People 07:25 Countdown 08:10 Will & Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Sarah Beeny's Selling Houses 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 13:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast 22:00 Peter Kay: Live & Back on Nights!

23:00 The Last Leg 23:50 Brooklyn Nine­Nine

February 7

00:00 CSI: NY 00:55 Access 01:00 SuperCasino 04:05 She's 78, He's 39: Age Gap Love 05:00 House Doctor 05:50 Divine Designs 06:15 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Nick's Quest 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:25 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olly the Little White Van 07:55 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Police Interceptors 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 While I Was Gone 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 The True Story 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 23:00 World's

39

The Courier Saturday TV

February 8

00:05 Passchendaele 00:25 Pound Shop Wars

01:50 Question Time

00:30 Benidorm 01:25 Jackpot247 04:00 Always 03:50 This Is BBC Two 05:55 ITV Nightscreen 07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:00 Pat & Stan 07:25 Dino Dan 07:30 Annie Oakley 07:50 Canimals 09:00 Live Winter Olympics 08:10 Om Nom Stories 08:15 Sooty 12:00 See Hear 08:30 Scrambled!

12:30 Great British Railway Journeys 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Dinner Date 13:00 The Great British Bake Off 11:25 Murder, She Wrote 14:00 Easy Virtue 12:25 ITV News and Weather 15:30 Live Winter Olympics 12:29 ITV Meridian Weather 12:30 Catchphrase 17:30 Final Score 13:15 The Crocodile Hunter Diaries 18:10 Live Winter Olympics 14:15 Midsomer Murders 20:00 Winter Olympics: Today at the 16:15 You've Been Framed!

17:15 ITV Meridian Weather Games 17:25 ITV News and Weather 21:00 Torvill & Dean: The Perfect Day 17:40 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith 22:00 Dad's Army 20:10 Splash!

21:40 Take Me Out 22:30 The Culture Show 22:55 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:30 My Beautiful Laundrette 23:55 ITV News and Weather 02:50 Secrets of the Sales

00:55 EastEnders 02:50 Weatherview 02:55 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Food & Drink 13:00 Football Focus 13:45 Sportsday 14:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 14:15 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 17:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 19:55 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 20:10 The Voice UK 21:35 The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins

00:20 Weekend 02:05 Random Acts 02:10 Southland 02:55 Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 03:40 According to Jim 04:25 The Three Day Nanny 05:20 Location, Location, Location 06:15 Deal or No Deal 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Trans World Sport 09:00 The Morning Line 10:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:30 Frasier 11:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:00 How I Met Your Mother 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 Undercover Boss USA 14:30 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Come Dine with Me 19:35 Channel 4 News 20:00 Bigfoot Files 21:00 Walking Through History 22:00 Hostages 23:00 Source Code

MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE

22:25 Casualty 23:15 BBC News; Weather 23:30 National Lottery Update 23:30 Match of the Day

Drama starring Daniel Day­Lewis and Gordon Warnecke. After his shady uncle makes him manag­ er of a neglected London launderette, Omar, an eager Asian youth, seeks the help of his old school friend Johnny who has links with a racist gang.

Against a background of racial tension in the area, Omar and Johnny set about giving their new busi­ ness a facelift.

00:00 Weather

00:00 Criminals: Caught on Camera 01:00 SuperCasino 04:05 Brain Hospital: Saving Lives 04:55 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Nick's Quest 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 Bubble Guppies 07:40 The Mr Men Show 07:50 Chloe's Closet 08:00 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:05 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 City of Friends 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 Jelly Jamm 10:30 LazyTown 11:00 An American Tail 12:35 Thunderpants 14:15 Phenomenon 16:40 Diagnosis Murder 17:40 Columbo: an Exercise In Fatality 19:40 NCIS 20:30 NCIS 21:30 5 News Weekend 21:35 NCIS 23:15 Willed to Kill

The Courier Sunday TV

February 9

and Weather 01:00 The Football League Show

23:25 Match of the Day 2

02:20 Weatherview 02:25 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 08:25 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Sunday Politics 13:15 MOTD2 Extra 14:00 BBC News 14:10 Weather for the Week Ahead 14:15 Bargain Hunt 14:45 The Indian Doctor 15:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 18:00 Songs of Praise 18:35 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:00 Fake or Fortune?

20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Call the Midwife 22:00 The Musketeers 23:00 BBC News; Regional News

01:05 The Mother 02:50 This Is BBC Two 07:00 Live Winter Olympics 12:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 13:30 The Gumball Rally 15:10 Live Winter Olympics 17:30 Live Winter Olympics 20:10 Winter Olympics: Today at the Games 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Dragons' Den 23:00 Alan Davies Apres­Ski 23:30 QI XL

00:09 00:10 02:05 04:00 04:45 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:10 08:15 08:30 10:25 11:20 12:15 12:19 12:20 12:50 13:50 14:50 16:20 18:50 19:00 19:15 20:45 21:30 22:00 23:00 23:14 23:15 23:45

ITV Meridian Weather 2 Fast 2 Furious Jackpot247 Ladette to Lady: Australia ITV Nightscreen Pat & Stan Dino Dan Canimals Om Nom Stories Sooty Scrambled!

Murder, She Wrote Dickinson's Real Deal ITV News and Weather ITV Meridian Weather The Unforgettable Inside the National Trust The Crocodile Hunter Diaries Splash!

Thunderball ITV News Meridian ITV News and Weather Dancing on Ice All Star Family Fortunes Dancing on Ice: The Skate Off Mr Selfridge ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV Meridian Weather Birds of a Feather Piers Morgan's Life Stories

THE EXPENDABLES Action adventure starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham and Jet Li. A highly skilled group of merce­ naries is commissioned by a shady operative to assassinate the murderous dictator of a South American island. But they should know that an operation like this is never straightforward.

00:40 Jackie Brown 03:25 Southland 04:10 Hollyoaks 06:20 Deal or No Deal 07:15 The Hoobs 08:05 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:30 Frasier 09:25 The Taste 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:25 How I Met Your Mother 15:25 The Simpsons 15:55 The Simpsons 16:30 Three Men and a Baby 18:30 Deal or No Deal 19:30 Channel 4 News 20:00 Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast 21:00 Scandimania 22:00 Babylon 23:35 The Bank Job

01:05 SuperCasino 04:10 Gibraltar: Britain in the Sun 05:00 Wildlife SOS 05:25 Make It Big 05:50 The Funky Valley Show 06:00 Angels of Jarm 06:10 Hana's Helpline 06:20 Angels of Jarm 06:25 The Funky Valley Show 06:40 Hana's Helpline 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 Bubble Guppies 07:35 The Mr Men Show 07:50 Chloe's Closet 08:00 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:10 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:35 Milkshake! Monkey 08:40 City of Friends 08:55 Little Princess 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:20 Angelina Ballerina 09:35 Mio Mao 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 Jelly Jamm 10:30 LazyTown 11:00 Power Rangers Super Samurai 11:35 Power Rangers Megaforce 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:05 Ice Road Truckers 14:05 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 15:05 Police Interceptors 16:10 Daddy Day Camp 17:50 Land of the Lost 19:45 Planet of the Apes 21:55 5 News Weekend 22:00 The Expendables 23:55 Full Metal Jacket

40

The Courier Monday TV

February 10

00:25 Brooklyn's Finest 02:30 Weatherview 02:35 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Bargain Hunt 13:00 Live Winter Olympics 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Britain's Great War 23:00 BBC News

00:45 Premiership Rugby Union 01:40 The Store 03:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 01:15 Countryfile 05:05 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 02:10 Holby City 07:00 Daybreak 03:10 The Search for Alfred the 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show Great 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 04:10 This Is BBC Two 14:30 ITV News and Weather 06:00 Live Winter Olympics 14:55 ITV Meridian Weather 15:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 13:00 Daily Politics 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 14:00 Live Winter Olympics 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 17:10 Live Winter Olympics 19:00 ITV News Meridian 20:00 Winter Olympics: Today at the 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale Games 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 A Great Welsh Adventure with 21:00 University Challenge Griff Rhys Jones 21:30 Food & Drink 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 DCI Banks 22:00 Horizon 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:00 The Culture Show 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:30 Weather 23:35 The Agenda 00:15 Royal Cousins at War

01:40 Tigerland 03:20 Boss 04:20 Abductees 04:30 Eating for Two 04:35 Location, Location, Location 05:35 Supernanny US 06:15 River Cottage Bites 06:30 Deal or No Deal 07:25 Countdown 08:10 Will & Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Sarah Beeny's Selling Houses 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 13:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 Food Unwrapped 22:00 Benefits Street 23:00 Benefits Britain: The Debate

PANORAMA An investigation into Britain's multimillion­pound trade in immigration visas that allow bogus stu­ dents, some with little or no English, to remain in the UK and work illegally. Richard Watson exposes the fraudulent processes involved, from forging documents such as bank statements to getting fake sitters to take exams in place of the sham students.

23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Have I Got Old News for You

02:15 SuperCasino 04:10 Ultimate Emergency Bikers 05:00 Wildlife SOS 05:20 Make It Big 05:45 The Funky Valley Show 06:00 Angels of Jarm 06:05 Hana's Helpline 06:20 Angels of Jarm 06:25 The Funky Valley Show 06:40 Hana's Helpline 06:50 Hana's Helpline 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olly the Little White Van 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Winter Road Rescue 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Do You Know Me? 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 World's 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Jim Davidson: At Least I'm Not Boring 23:00 Helix

The Courier Tuesday TV

February 11

00:20 Who Do You Think You Are? USA 01:00 The Graham Norton Show 01:45 Weatherview 01:50 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Bargain Hunt 13:00 Live Winter Olympics 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Death in Paradise 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 A Question of Sport

00:20 Royal Cousins at War 01:20 Letters of Service 01:35 Film 2014 02:05 Inspire: The Olympic Journey 02:35 Russia on Four Wheels 03:35 This Is BBC Two 05:00 Inside the Human Body 06:00 Schools ­ Get Lost 06:30 Schools ­ Curious Cat: Wool, Glass, Paper 06:55 Wonders of Nature: Stoat ­ Play 07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Live Winter Olympics 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Winter Olympics 17:00 Live Winter Olympics 20:00 Winter Olympics: Today at the Games 21:00 Children's Emergency Rescue 22:00 Inside the Animal Mind 23:00 House of Fools 23:30 Newsnight

00:05 The Mighty Mississippi with Trevor McDonald 01:05 Jackpot247 04:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Meridian 15:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 River Monsters 21:00 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

22:00 Births, Deaths and Marriages 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV Meridian Weather 23:35 Sports Life Stories

200 NIPS & TUCKS AND I WANT MORE! The stories of people whose pursuit of the ulti­ mate body has taken over their lives and led them to have a great number of cosmetic surgery proce­ dures. In California, 58­year­old Monique has been going under the knife for more than 35 years since undergoing gender reassignment surgery, but is now registered as permanently disabled after an operation performed by an unregulated doctor went wrong.

00:00 Payday 01:00 Random Acts 01:05 One Born Every Minute 02:00 Scandal 02:45 Hostages 03:35 World Without End 04:25 Akbar's Cheetah 04:30 Location, Location, Location 05:25 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 05:30 Supernanny US 06:15 River Cottage Bites 06:30 Deal or No Deal 07:25 Countdown 08:10 Will & Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Sarah Beeny's Selling Houses 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 13:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 The Taste 23:00 Secrets of the Pickpockets

00:00 Death Race 02:00 SuperCasino 04:05 She's 78, He's 39: Age Gap Love 04:55 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Nick's Quest 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olly the Little White Van 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ultimate Emergency Bikers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Murder 101 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 The Dog Rescuers 20:30 Police 5 21:00 Gibraltar: Britain in the Sun 22:00 200 Nips & Tucks and I Want More!

23:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

41

The Courier Wednesday TV

February 12

01:20 The Super League Show 02:05 Inspire: The Olympic Journey 00:05 Film 2014

00:35 01:05 Dan Snow 04:00 03:35 Natural World 04:45 04:35 This Is BBC Two 06:05 05:00 Schools ­ One Hundred Years 07:00 09:30 of the Women's Movement 10:25 05:30 Fit to Rule 11:30 06:00 Schools ­ True Stories 13:30 06:55 Schools ­ Wonders of Nature: 14:30 Knots ­ Flocking 14:55 15:00 07:00 This Is BBC Two 16:00 07:45 Live Winter Olympics 16:59 12:30 Daily Politics 17:00 14:00 Live Winter Olympics 18:00 17:00 Live Winter Olympics 19:00 20:00 Winter Olympics: Today at the 19:30 20:00 Games 20:30 21:00 The Restaurant Man 21:00 22:00 Line of Duty 23:00 23:00 Inside No 9 23:30 23:30 Weather 23:35 02:35 Operation Grand Canyon with

00:35 The Hoax 02:25 Weatherview 02:30 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Bargain Hunt 12:30 Live Winter Olympics 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 Outnumbered 22:30 Mrs Brown's Boys 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Match of the Day

The Crocodile Hunter Diaries Jackpot247 Loose Women ITV Nightscreen The Jeremy Kyle Show Daybreak Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV News and Weather ITV News Meridian Dickinson's Real Deal The Alan Titchmarsh Show ITV Meridian Weather Britain's Best Bakery The Chase ITV News Meridian ITV News and Weather Emmerdale Coronation Street Midsomer Murders ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV Meridian Weather The Jonathan Ross Show

00:00 01:00 01:05 02:05 02:35 03:30 04:25 05:20 06:00 06:30 07:25 08:10 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:05 13:35 Under 16:10 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Benefits Street Random Acts Poker KOTV Boxing Weekly Trans World Sport Terror in the Skies Secret Removers Supernanny US Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard Location, Location, Location Countdown Will & Grace Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Undercover Boss Canada Sarah Beeny's Selling Houses Channel 4 News Jamie's 15 Minute Meals Come Dine with Me Down Countdown Deal or No Deal Come Dine with Me Coach Trip The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Restoration Man 24 Hours in A&E First Dates

LINE OF DUTY The return of the crime thriller about a police anti­ corruption unit. DI Lindsay Denton is the sole survivor of the ambush of a police convoy in which three of her colleagues are killed and a wit­ ness is seriously injured. AC­12's commanding officer Ted Hastings assigns new recruit Georgia Trotman to work alongside Steve Arnott on the investigation, and suspicions are soon raised about Denton.

00:20 Dragons' Den

00:00 Body of Proof 00:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 01:50 SuperCasino 04:05 Snowtrapped 04:55 House Doctor 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Nick's Quest 06:35 Nick's Quest 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olly the Little White Van 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Snowtrapped 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Dangerous Attraction 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 Trauma Doctors 21:00 Ultimate Emergency Bikers 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Suspects

The Courier Thursday TV

February 13

04:00 Wonders of Life 04:40 Wonders of Life 01:05 Weatherview

05:15 Schools ­ William

01:10 BBC News

Whiskerson: Fishing

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Bargain Hunt 13:00 Live Winter Olympics 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Pound Shop Wars 21:30 Inspector George Gently 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Question Time

00:20 Top Gear 01:20 See Hear 01:50 Dolphins ­ Spy in the Pod 02:50 Children's Emergency Rescue 03:50 This Is BBC Two

00:40 Corfu: A Tale of Two Islands

01:05 Jackpot247 04:00 Columbo: Murder in Malibu 05:25 Schools ­ William 05:35 ITV Nightscreen Whiskerson: Fossils 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 05:35 Schools ­ William 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine Whiskerson: Eco Village 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 05:45 Schools ­ William 11:30 This Morning Whiskerson: Mountain 13:30 Loose Women 05:55 Wonders of Nature ­ Emperor 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Meridian Penguin ­ Caring 15:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 06:00 Live Winter Olympics 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 13:00 Daily Politics 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 14:00 Live Winter Olympics 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 17:00 Live Winter Olympics 19:00 ITV News Meridian 20:30 Winter Olympics: Today at the 19:30 ITV News and Weather Games 20:00 Emmerdale 21:00 The Hairy Bikers' Asian 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale Adventure 21:30 Birds of a Feather 22:00 Bible Hunters 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 Charlie Brooker's Weekly 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Wipe Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:30 Weather 23:35 The Cube

THE KIDNAPPING OF SHERGAR In February 1983, Epsom Derby winner Shergar was abducted from his home at the Ballymany Stud in Co Kildare by an armed gang and taken away in a trailer ­ the racehorse's fate remains a mystery. This documentary traces the life and career of Shergar and speculates on how the crime unfolded, featuring interviews with key wit­ nesses.

00:00 01:00 01:05 02:50

Troy Random Acts I Love You Phillip Morris Keeping Mum 04:35 How to Cope with Death 04:40 Location, Location, Location 05:35 Supernanny US 06:15 River Cottage Bites 06:30 Deal or No Deal 07:25 Countdown 08:10 Will & Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Sarah Beeny's Selling Houses 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 13:35 Come Dine with Me: Ireland 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 22:00 Big Ballet 23:00 Bodyshockers

00:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 01:00 Poker 01:55 SuperCasino 04:05 Brain Hospital: Saving Lives 04:55 House Doctor 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Nick's Quest 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olly the Little White Van 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Like Mother, Like Daughter 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 The True Story 21:00 The Kidnapping of Shergar 22:00 The Hotel Inspector 23:00 Brain Hospital: Saving Lives

42

Friday, February 7, 2014

INSURANCE

AUCTIONS

CASER SEGUROS ­ for all your insurance needs, home, car, health, funeral.

Policies available in English and German.

Call Professional Business Support on 966 923 963 for a quick quote from our friendly staff. warm welcome to friends old and new. The mediums for febuary are 2nd Jacqueline Holland hunt, 5th Morag bul­ lock 9th & 12th Sammy Fitzsimons, 16th & 19th David Darnbourgh 23rd Paul Hamnett 26th Debbie Blevins. For further informa­ tion call Trish on 966 844 795 therainbowcentre­ costablanca@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANTS Pro Business Support – for all your accountancy needs in English; bookkeeping, taxes, wage slips and more.

We cater for companies and self­employed people; we can deal with everything for you. Call us on 966 923 963 for first consultation free of charge.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Bar for traspaso Well established, 9 year old, beach front terrace on the Mar Menor, with a good mix of both British and Spanish clientele. Hard working bar.

For more information contact 637 362 863 (157)

CHURCH SERVICES International Christian Assembly, Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja.

Evangelical non­denomina­ tional church. Sunday serv­ ices 11am. Children's church 11am. House groups in Torrevieja, Los Balcones, San Javier. Ladies meeting Thursdays 11am. Craft club, Tuesdays, 2pm.

Pastor, Rafael Restrepo. All nation­ alities welcome. Call 966 799 273 or 660 127 276.

Pilar Christian Community Church Calle Canalejas 3.

Pilar de la Horadada.

Sunday Service at 11am, and Thursday at 5pm for Prayer and Praise and

Worship Home groups meet during the week. All wel­ come from any church back­ ground or none. For further information contact PilarChristian.CommunityCh urch@gmail.com 968575417 or 966848806.

Reg No:2009­SG/A The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) meet at 10.00 each Sunday at their Torrevieja meetinghouse in the Torreaguas building on the corner of Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 104, close to the windmill in Torrevieja, 667 533 597.

The rainbow (spiritual awareness centre) Costa Blanca. Behind Sacos bar el liminar just of the cv 905 Rojales to torrevieja road.

We have a divine service on Sundays at 11am and on wed we hold an evening of clairvoyance at 7.30pm. Also on Wednesdays there is an open circle at 5.45pm for those wishing to develop there mediumistic skills.

Healing is available by trained and certificated heal­ ers after each meeting. A

CATERING

PERSONAL

Viva Villa and Vacation Services, For Short or Long Term Rentals visit: www.vil­ laandvacation.com or Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 2 or 3 bed / 2 bath apartments in San Miguel. Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry system. Available for short or long term rent from 350 pcm. Tel 966723437 or 616 493 487. (148) Ref: 61, A lovely two bed­ roomed ground floor apart­

ment, located in the centre of the small Spanish town of Los Montesinos, With a pleasant communal swim­ ming pool adjacent & all amenities in walking dis­ tance. Long and short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 104, 2 Bedroom apart­ ment in Torrevieja, (near gypsy lane), small balcony, near all amenities and Friday market. €350pcm Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 112, Spacious 3 bed­ room detached villa with its private pool is located on the El Raso urbanisation near Guardamar. Convenient for all amenities, shops, super­ market, restaurants and bars. Short term rental avail­ able. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 63, Two bedroom 1st floor apartment situated in Molino Blanco. The property overlooks a superb commu­ nal pool area, in within walk­ ing distance of bars, restau­ rants and shops. Short or long term rental available.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

CARPENTER

CAR HIRE

FOR SALE Karaoke Amplifier with mikes and Wharfdale speakers 120€. Mini Awia Hi­Fi 30€.

Oil filled radiator 20€.

Halogen Heater 10€.

Complete kitchen with cook­ er, microwave & sink 250€ 619 800 752 (156) A bulk buy of fragrance flame candles, 3 in a box each candle burns for an hour ideal for garden or ter­ race, great seller for markets or boots even shops, enquires to Glen on 606926437.(158) For sale Mens flip flops ,24 in a carton, great seller with summer coming,24 in a car­ ton, bulk buy available for enquires ring Glen 606926437 (158)

CARS FOR SALE Car insurance quotes – new extra discount on fully com­ prehensive policies at the price of third party!

Excellent prices for expats, all policies and call centre staff in English. We will call you back with a quote. 966 923 963

BARBER

NEW mature sexy English Blonde offers massage and more. Orihuela Costa Tel: 633 853 794 (154)

PROPERTY FOR RENT

ALARMS

LONG TERM RENTALS WANTED! Properties, all types, in the Torrevieja area wanted for long term rentals.

Call us on 96 692 3963

PROPERTY FOR SALE 31.000€ ono.

Studio.

Terrace bedroom. 2nd floor.

San Luis. South Facing. On Bus route. Walk to commer­ cial centres, water park, medical, church, furnished, low community. Call 672 057 272 (156) Ground Floor Duplex, on the Monte y Mar estate of Gran Alacant. 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Fully furnished, Private Parking, Communal pool Ref. GA0094 NOw only 83.000e Tel. 680333242 Ref: KP3100, €183,000.

Three bedroom, two bath­ room detached villa, located in San Luis, on a 450sqm plot, with communal pool.

Garage to side of house.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Rare opportunity to pur­ chase on Mediterrania III, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Private Parking, F/Furnished, Large commu­ nal pools & Tennis courts S/W facing, Dramatically reduced for quick sale to 126.000 euros. Ref No. K58 Call 627 711 155 for immedi­ ate viewing Lovely Corner property in Novamar V, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Being sold fully furnished including appliances, Has secure underground parking and faces large oasis com­

CLEANERS

43

Friday, February 7, 2014 munal pool. Walking dis­ tance to beach. 139.000 Euros, Call 627 711 155 and quote Ref No. K10 Don Pueblo, Gran Alacant. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Large Kitchen with Galleria, Secure underground park­ ing, Gas Central Heating, Glazed in Porch, Solarium with stunning views.

Viewings absolutely essen­ tial. Very large property at reduced price of 190.000 euros. Ref No. K38 Call 627 711 155 Viva Villa and Vacation Services are pleased to offer property sales for the Torrevieja and Oriheula areas of the Costa Blanca, Spain. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 or Visit : www.villaandvacation.com Immaculate ground floor Duplex, 2 beds, 2 bath, Private Parking, Situated in Novamar, Gran Alacant.

Price includes very tasteful furniture and white goods.

Walking distance to all local amenities and beach. Now only 129,750 euros. Ref No

K24. 627 711 155 Opportunity to purchase at the off plan price of 195.000 euros. Large 4 Bed, 3 Bath Brand new property. Secure underground parking for 2 cars and communal pool.

Situated opposite Gran Alacant and over looks pro­ jected golf course. Ref No. K52. 627 711 155 Ref: 78, €110,000. Three bedroom Quad in Jardin Del Mar VII. There is off­road parking and small storage shed in the enclosed garden area, communal pool near­ by. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 2 Bed, 1 Bath Ground floor duplex. Central heating, Grills, Fully furnished, Glazed in Galleria, 2 com­ munal pools, private parking and walking distance to the Gran Alacant commercial centre. Situated in the popu­ lar urbanisation of Puerto Marino. Now only 96,500 euros for quick sale Ref No. K46. 627 711 155 Recently reduced 4 Bed, 3 Bath Villa, in Gran Alacant.

CAR BREAKERS

Quiet Location, Exceptional Views. Converted Under build, 2 Lounges, 2 Kitchens, Private Garage and being sold Fully Furnished, now only 239.950 Ref: L81 Tel. 680333242 Gran Alacant Detached villa, located in a very sought after location.Situated on a 560m2 S/W facing plot and constructed in 2005.

Comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 full baths), Lounge­Diner, fully equipped Kitchen, Porch and Solarium with Alicante & Sea Views. ref.L81. €258,000 neg. Tel. 680333242 Corner Plot Property in the lower end of Gran Alacant. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Under build, Roof top Solarium Being sold Fully Furnished including White goods. Walking distance to all local amenities. 139.950e Ref. GA0087 Tel. 680333242 Gran Alacant Town House with a difference.

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms,

Glazed in Porch, Quiet Location, Extra storage areas, and South Facing Private Pool as well as 2 communal pools. Fully Furnished, All mod cons.

Greenland Views and all local amenities close by.

Ref. No L79. 179.000 euros 680 333 242 Gran Alacant immaculate villa, 3 bedroomed, 3 bath­ roomed property maintained to a very high standard inside and out and the interi­ or furnishings are top quality, offering a feeling of luxury and good taste. The plot size is 400m2 and has been beautifully tiles, and grav­ eled and has established palms and plants. Oil fired central heating throughout, log effect fire place, ceiling fans in all rooms, towel heater rails, glazed in show­ er units, instant hot water, water purifier, free English TV, phone & internet lines, fitted double hanging wardrobes, safe, glazed in front porch, vanity units and

DRAINAGE

much more. The pool is an 8 X 4 m2 salt water pool, meaning maintenance is much easier plus outside toi­ let and shower. Sea views to front with Greenland views to the rear. ref K51. €245,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 516, €23,950. Studio apartment in San Luis, close to amenities. Open plan fully equipped kitchen. Good sized lounge, bedroom and out onto balcony which has been glazed to create anoth­ er room. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Large 4 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom, 2 Kitchens, 2 Lounges, 600m2+ plot Large Retractable Glazed in Pool for all year swimming, Private Parking for 4 cars, Very low­maintenance, Fully Furnished. 330.000e but Negotiable. Very different to the other properties in Gran Alacant and is disabled friendly Ref: L80 Tel. 680333242 Ref: 520, €72,000. Two bed­ room apartment in Dream Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge,

glazed­in terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large commu­ nal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Lovely clean detached Villa just as you enter Gran Alacant. Very central loca­ tion, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Glazed in Porch, Garden Shed, Private Parking, Attractive Gardens, Private pool Ref: K59 240.000e Tel. 627711155 Ref: 104 Lovely 2 Bedroom Apartment, close to Shops, walking distance to Friday Market and Town Centre and the beach. The property is close to the Habaneres Shopping Centre and Aquapark. Recently refur­ bished apartment in a good central location.

Conveniently situated for all the facilities of this modern vibrant town, and only a few blocks away from Torreviejas excellent sea front with its abundant cafes, restaurants and shops. Price €43950 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

PETS

44

Friday, February 7, 2014

Gran Alacant, Situated in the "Alto" part of Gran Alacant, this 3 bedroomed, 4th floor apartment, offers luxury accommodation, with absolutely stunning sea views, as well as views of Alicante bay and the famous Santa Barbara Castle.The apartment is 89 square meters with open plan kitchen / living room and includes all electrical appli­ ances & furniture also there is a utility room, open ter­ race, and private parking.

The urbanisation also offers many communal pools, ten­ nis courts, restaurants and bars. Ref. K20 €109,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant villa located in a very quiet area , situated at the end of a cul­de­sac means there is no through traffic.3 bed, 3 bath, 330m2 plot, established large gar­ dens, working fireplace, solar panel for hot water,pri­ vate parking, south facing great views, fully furnished, fantastic opportunity. ref.

L85. €215,000 Tel 680333242 Beach front Line property, over looks Carabassi Beach, Gran Alacant. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Secure Underground Parking, Fully furnished, Roof Top Solarium.

3 Large Communal Pools, Fantastic communal Gardens, Tennis Courts and much more.

125.000 Euros Ref No. K23.

Tel. 627 711 155 Ref: 709, €60,000 A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach.

There is a terrace outside with views to the sea. Short or long term rental available.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Limited Edition Fortaleze in Gran Alacant Exceptionally Large Plot. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Large Private Pool with Decorative Garden, Private Parking, Electric Gates, Glazed in Porch, Solarium, Under build. Quiet sought after area. Very tastefully fur­ nished and all included 370.000e Ref. K52 Tel. 627711155 Gran Alacant, Situated front line to the famous blue flag beaches of Carabassi, the real beauty of this property is

its proximity to the beach, but also on offer is a fantas­ tic communal pool situated in beautifully kept gardens with little Spanish walk ways.Comprising of 2 bed­ rooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge diner, American style kitchen including all appliances, roof top solarium with stunning views, front porch area with front garden and a secure underground garage. fully furnished Ref. K23 €125,000 rare opportunity Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant limited edition villa, not very often available on the market. Only a few of this type were ever con­ structed­ Very large 5 bed­ rooms, 4 bathroom(2 en­ suit) property, situated on a large corner plot with a 10 x 5 private pool and private parking. Lounge­diner with working fireplace, fully equipped kitchen with utility room. Large landing area, leading onto solarium, with extra storage external room.

Front porch area leading into large well established gar­ dens with irrigation system and fruit trees. Being sold fully furnished. Within walk­ ing distance to Gran Alacant commercial centre and 5 minute drive to Carabassi beaches. ref. K11. €270,000 Tel 680333242 Mid Terraced Townhouse on Avda Polognia, Gran Alacant Furnished to a very high standard and includes White Goods. 3 Bed, 2 Bath, Lounge Diner, Fully convert­ ed Under build offering a second lounge and large storage area. Roof top Solarium, Glazed in galleria with extended worktops.

Front Garden with BBQ, Communal Pool with Gardens. 132.000e Ref. K16 Tel. 627711155 Semi­Detached Villa with Open Greenland Views to the Rear and Alicante Views to the Front, means this property in Gran Alacant would appeal to anybody looking for a quiet location.

Comprising of 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Lounge diner, with working Fire place, Porch, Solarium, Established Gardens and Private Pool, Private Parking on a large plot. 265.000e Ref. L95 Tel. 680333242 Gran Alacant, detached villa

POOLS

SURVEYOR

PLUMBERS

POOL TABLES

in desirable road close to all amenities, comprising of 3 double bedrooms, 3 baths, lounge diner with working fire place, brand new kitchen with all appliances and black granite work tops, private pool, plot of 550m2, estab­ lished irrigated gardens and fruit trees, private parking, solarium, also there is a con­ verted under build giving more bedrooms ,bathroom & kitchen, this house has many extras and is being sold fully furnished. Ref.k47. €280,000 neg Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant large detached villa with 3 double bed­ rooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge­ diner, fully equipped kitchen, large porch, roof top solari­ um, 400 m2 Plot, with estab­ lished low maintenance very private gardens with irriga­ tion system, electronic gates, private parking, out­ side wc, sink & shower, ter­ races, air con ( h & c ), mos­ quito nets, grills, alarmed, large spa pool with separate Jacuzzi section. Within easy walking distance to Gran Alacant commercial centre and close to local bus and tram route. Ref K33. €260,000 neg Tel 680333242 Offers Invited on a mid Terraced Town house in Gran Alacant. Comprising of 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge Diner, Galleria, Solarium, Under build.

Communal Pool and Gardens, and with Exceptional Views of Alicante. Being Sold Fully Furnished including White

SITUATIONS VACANT

Goods. Ref. K42 Tel. 627711155 (reasonable offers only) 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, Unfurnished Mid Terraced Townhouse in GA. Recently decorated throughout means this property is a very clean black canvass. Has Air­Con & Security Grills and the use of a Communal Pool. Price recently reduced to 110.000e Ref.K12 Tel. 627711155 Reduced for a quick sale to 95.000 e 2 Bedroom, 1 bath­ room, Top Floor Duplex in Gran Alacant. Very Modern Property with Many extras.

Glazed in Porch, Roof Top Solarium, Wooden Flooring.

Immaculate condition and ready to move in. Ref. K15 Tel. 627711155.

Gran Alacant, Situated on

REMOVALS

the very first urbanisation as you enter Gran Alacant, this 2nd floor duplex offers taste and quality. Comprising of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lounge­diner, independent kitchen, full roof­top solarium with superb views and recently glazed in porch offering extra living area as well as extra privacy as the glass is mirrored. Ref.K44 €108,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant south­facing, very private villa, with wood­ land and Alicante views.

Situated at the end of a small cul­de­sac which means this villa enjoys a very peaceful location.3 Bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 3 Bathrooms, lounge­diner with working fireplace, fully fitted kitchen with including white goods, large front porch, solarium,workshop and stor­ age in under build, central heating, air con H/C, ceiling fans, grills, UK T.V, off road parking and plenty of outside parking also. Due to its ori­ entation of this property

WANTED

enjoys full sun, all day, something very important in the winter months. Ref.K24. €237,000 Tel 680333242

QUIZZES Experienced quiz­ master/question setter with personality available to host quiz nights in local bars. Tel:­ 664 838 581

SITUATIONS VACANT RADIO COSTA INTERNA­ TIONAL needs motivated sellers. Spanish, English and German language is a bonus but not essential.

Training and good earnings guaranteed. For more info call 644 126 600 or email info@radicocostainterna­ tional.com Medaesthetics require a Beautician. Must have NVQ Level 3 and working self employed email cv to sabinebrooks@hotmail.com

SOLICITORS Need English speaking solicitors in Torrevieja? Let us help to solve your prob­ lems with debt recovery, divorce, property, fraud, criminal defence. Call us on 966 923 963, give us brief details and get in touch with your specialist solicitor today

WIG SPECIALIST SALON MARGARETHAS, 23 years in Torrevieja Hair/Wig specialist for Medical illness and Hair Loss problems. We offer dif­ ferent Hair Replacements, top fillers, Hair prostheses, Toupees and Wigs, Natural and Artificial hair and much more. Also fashion/festival accessories TV/TS are wel­ come to our service. Please call our salon reception for an appointment with Margaretha on Tel no 966 921 846 Torrevieja (90)

VAN HIRE

Friday, February 7, 2014

Greenside Gossip

45

IVIE DAVIES takes a weekly look at the golf scene - golfdavies@gmail.com

RORY HAS MORE TO LEARN Rory McIlroy is getting his act together and the Ulsterman hardly put a foot wrong in last month’s first appearance of the year at the Abu Dhabi Championship, with some splendid moments which bodes well for the 2013 majors.

He was also in serious contention for last weekend’s Dubai Desert Classic, before a wretched final round saw him finish ninth­ equal, as Stephen Gallagher became the first player to successfully defend the title. But back to Abu Dhabi, where Rory really put his size nines in it, so to speak, by coming out with an astonishing remark as he was grilled on the two­shot penalty for a rules infringe­ ment that effectively cost him a winning start to the year as he was pipped for the title by Pablo Larrazabal.

McIlroy was asked, innocently enough by a colleague if top players like him either “referred to” or “kept updating” themselves on the Rules of Golf. “No,” he replied, thought­ lessly. “I guess that’s why we’ve got the refer­ ees here. They sort of do that stuff. I’ve got better things to think about.” Seriously Rory: ­ Better things to think about? It was an astonishing thing to say and, sadly, another example of the immaturity McIlroy displays every now and again to take the gloss off his obvious talent.

Something similar happened in the Open at Royal St George’s three years ago when he came out with a nonsen­ sical remark about “not having the game” to win on a links course.

Bluntly, McIlroy has the game to win on any type of course and he should know that. There’s no finer sight in the sport than watching him rip his driver the way he did in the UAE and it, hopefully, was just a taste of things to come this year.

To say, however, that he did not really have to know the Rules of Golf because he had the safety net of others being there to keep him right was a joke. Where was that safety net on that Abu Dhabi Saturday when he breached Rule 25/1 by failing to take full relief from a spectator walkway and played a shot to the second green with his left foot standing on the white line? While JP Fitzgerald, McIlroy’s own caddie, didn’t spot the infringement – and he should be taking a stern look in the mirror because of that – the more experi­ enced Dave Renwick did. It wouldn’t have mattered to Renwick if it had been Rory McIlroy or Rory Bremner! A rule had been broken and he could not have lived with himself if he had turned a blind eye.

Dave Renwick, the experienced Scottish caddie, left a note on Rory McIlroy’s locker before the two­times major winner headed out for the final round at Abu Dhabi. It wasn’t to apol­ ogise for alerting McIlroy to the rules infringement and the two stroke penalty that cost him the title. Renwick, who cad­ died for Jose Maria Olazabal, Vijay Singh and Steve Elkington when they all won majors, told McIlroy in the mes­ sage that his actions had been in “good faith” as he simply couldn’t have lived with a guilty conscience. If he hadn’t said anything and Rory had won the tournament by a shot, that wouldn’t have been right and he couldn’t have lived with himself.

He did the right thing and if he could have stopped him

Tiger Woods, The holy grail of rules incidents, he was penalised two strokes after­the­fact for making an ille­ gal drop on the 15th hole in the 2013 Masters, despite having signed an incorrect scorecard. Woods did not know he had broken a rule, and it was only when the Augusta officials investi­ gated it that the violation was noticed.

Why wasn't he disqualified? Augusta officials cited relatively new Rule 33 that states "that disqualification can be waived at the committee's discretion."

Tiger Again: On the fifth hole at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Championship, he hit his drive into deep brush to the right of the fairway. After consulting with his playing partner, Woods took a free drop for an embedded lie. The area where Woods took the drop is known locally as a sandy area, meaning that he was not allowed a free drop. The error resulted in a two­stroke penalty causing Woods to miss the cut by one before he hit the shot he would have. He had to alert McIlroy and did so after he holed out at the 18th, asking him to have a look at the shot again before signing for his card and risk­ ing potential disqualification. Of course there wouldn’t be any animosity towards Dave, since a rule is a rule, no matter how miniscule it is, and a rule had been broken. Therefore, Rory hasn’t said anything about it. More importantly, it was the second time he had missed out on landing the Abu Dhabi honours due to a penalty, after sweeping sand from the fringe of a green two years ago. Add in Tiger Woods finding himself at the centre of a string of rules controversies last year and other players, including Padraig Harrington, open­ ing themselves up to penalties, it’s no wonder people are starting to ask questions.

Players are getting lazy because they’ve got referees, and if there’s ever any doubt, there are always refs about! It’s bad enough that golf has so many questionable rules, some of which will be broken occasionally and, in the process, show the game in a bad light. Players have a duty to know the rules as well as they possibly can and not breach them as carelessly as we have been seeing. The last time the European Tour tried to help, a series of seminars were poor­ ly attended. Try again, I say, and this time they should make attendance mandatory for every single member.

shot.

And again: Tiger Woods made a mess of the first hole in his second round at the BMW Championship, finishing with a double­bogey 6. It got uglier after his round. In the scoring tent, officials told Woods that when he was removing loose impediments from around his ball on the first hole, his ball moved slightly. Woods disagreed but was charged with two strokes anyway.

I.K. Kim: At the 2013 Kraft Nabisco Championship, she was standing over a putt when her ball moved slightly. After con­ ferring with her playing partner, Kim charged herself a stroke. Unbeknownst to Kim, that rule had been changed two years before so that players were not penalized in such situations if "it is known, or virtually certain, that he or she did not cause the ball to move."

OTHER RECENT MEMORY LAPSES INCLUDED:Justin Rose: In the third round of the BMW Championship, U.S. Open champ Justin Rose was making a practice swing in the fairway when his divot flew forward and hit his golf ball causing it to move. The flap resulted in a frustrating one­ stroke penalty for the Englishman.

TITTER ON THE TEE KNOW YOUR RULES QUESTION What is the best way to handle a rules dispute on the course? Am I allowed to play two balls and then research the rule after the round?

ANSWER Yes, using two balls is acceptable and R&A approved ­­ if you're playing stroke play. Rule 3­3a allows you to play two balls without penalty, mark down two scores, and then con­ sult the rules committee before signing your card to get it right. In match play, though, that's off­limits. If there's a ques­ tion in match play, try to settle things with your opponent ­­ either his way or yours ­­ right then and there. Rule 2­5 holds that rules claims must be lodged before the match tees off on the next hole (or, if you're on the final hole, before you leave the green).

While shopping for holiday clothes, a husband and his wife passed a display of bathing costumes. It had been at least ten years and 9 kilos since she had even consid­ ered buying a bathing suit, so she sought her husband's advice.

'What do you think?' she asked. 'Should I get a bikini or an all­in­one?'

'Better get a bikini,' he replied. 'You'd never get it all in one.'

He's still in intensive care.

46

Friday, February 7, 2014

Herrera’s luck delivers BARCA TOPPLED ELCHE 1 ALMERIA 0

Elche moved four points clear of the La Liga relegation zone after earning a narrow but deserved win at home to fellow strug­ glers Almeria last Sunday. A fortuitous goal from Cristian Herrera after 59 minutes was all it took for Fran Escriba's side to take all three points. Esteban came to punch a cross and Herrera tried to volley the rebound but slipped and completely missed the ball. It fell to Javi Marquez outside the area, who hit the ball towards goal, deflect­ ing off the leg of Herrera on the floor and

into the bottom corner.

Elche had to endure a nervy few minutes of injury time after Damian Suarez was sent off in the 90th minute for picking up two yel­ low cards. The result means Almeria replace Elche as the team occupying the final spot above the drop zone, while the Ilicitanos moved up to 15th in the table. Elche can get more breathing space away from the relega­ tion area when they go away to third from bottom Valladolid tomorrow night (Saturday).

RONALDO SEES RED

BARCELONA 2 VALENCIA 3

Ten­man Barcelona suffered their first home defeat of the season as Jordi Alba was sent off in a 3­2 loss to Valencia, and saw their leadership of La Liga surren­ dered to Atletico Madrid.

Few would have predicted the outcome when Alexis Sanchez gave Barca the lead in the seventh minute, but Gerardo Martino's faltering side released their early

grip on the game and went behind to goals from Dani Parejo and Pablo Piatti either side of half­time. Lionel Messi responded quickly by equalising from the penalty spot, but Paco Alcacer (pictured) scored the visitors' third goal on 59 minutes and this time Barcelona had no answer. The Catalan side are away to Sevilla this Sunday night.

UNINSPIRING DRAW FC TORREVIEJA 1 MURO CF 1

ATHLETIC BILBAO 1 REAL MADRID 1

Cristiano Ronaldo was controversially sent off, resulting in a three match league ban, as 10­man Real Madrid were held to a 1­1 draw at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday at San Mames. The forward was sent off for react­ ing to a shove by Carlos Gurpegi and then a confrontation with Ander Iturraspe in the 75th minute, although he appeared to be more sinned against than sinner. Only a minute earlier Athletic had scored a brilliant equaliser through substitute Ibai with only his second touch after coming on, firing in a

bouncing ball from the edge of the area.

Madrid held on for a point, having gone ahead after 65 minutes through striker Jese on his first league start, but the loss of Ronaldo now through suspension, for a pos­ sible three games, could well have an impact in the Primera Division title race. These two dropped points left them three points behind city rivals Atletico and level with Barcelona, with Real(minus the suspended Ronaldo) entertaining Villarreal tomorrow night (Saturday).

Monte hang on for win BIGASTRO 2 CD MONTESINOS 3

Montesinos bagged all 3 points in an entertaining encounter last Saturday, which saw Bigastro deservedly take the lead after just 10 minutes. Not long after, Roberto made a good save to keep the deficit down to just one goal, and on the 20th minute, Monte were back on level terms through Rodrigo, who was set up via a Vaz cross. Vaz him­ self should have made it 2­1 but the keeper got the best of him in a one­to­ one situation. But the visitors then took lead 10 minutes through the break with a

terrific head from Dimitry.

Bigastro started the 2nd half in positive fashion, whilst at the other end, Vaz again couldn’t take advantage of a situation where he only had the keeper to beat. Roberto was still kept busy in the Monte goal, including pulling off a great double save, but Edu made it 3­1 after 65 min­ utes. It was just as well, as Bigastro refused to lie down and made it 3­2, and then Rubio was sent off to leave Monte putting 10 men behind the ball to hang on grimly for their win.

Montesinos entertain Playas de Orihuela this Sunday with a 4.00pm kick off.

Torrevieja returned to the lush pastures of the Vicente Garcia stadium after more work on the pitch forced them onto the artificial turf of the Nelson Mandela stadium, but there was no victory to celebrate, as Torry played out a draw against a team that had not won in their previous six matches.

Muro didn’t read the script and took the lead after just 11 minutes with a close range header from Carbonell. That strike kicked Torrevieja into action who countered quickly and were rewarded just 4 minutes later when

a Pastor header from a Carrasco cross lev­ elled up matters. The match though failed to ignite as much as of a spectacle though the lively Carrasco had two good second half chances to put Torry ahead, including the frustration of a header hitting the post. But deep into added time, Muro saw a long range shot hit the woodwork, and so it could have been worse for the home side. Torry lie now exactly in mid­table, but 5 points off the play­off zone, and travel to bottom club Utiel this Sunday.

TWO IN, TWO OUT

FC Torrevieja boosted their squad with 2 signings ahead of last week’s transfer dead­ line. 30 year old Enrique Granados Vazquez, better known as Kike Granados (pictured) joins from Orihuela CF, having played for Torrevieja 3 years ago, and then linking up with Torry coach Anselmo at his old club, CD Almoradi. The other newcomer is 24 year old Guinean centre­half, Martín Gerard Mendy, better known as "Martin", who has signed from Jumilla FC, with 2nd division B experience playing for CD Roquetas. Manu Amores and Eloy have both left FC Torrevieja after asking to be released from their commitments.

Friday, February 7, 2014

47

KEEP A LOOK OUT LADS LAUDRUP’S ‘LEFT’ NOW! Swansea have sacked their highly-respected Danish manager – who’s next?

IF ever David Moyes should think the unthinkable, well…it’s happened at Swansea. After losing a relatively important game on Saturday to relegation­threatened West Ham the vultures had been circulating round the Liberty Stadium, and on Tuesday the very capable Swans chairman Huw Jenkins (he’s Welsh) finally nailed out the Dane’s carcass to be picked over by all.

Many of us will have a great deal of sympathy for Laudrup, a big winner so far in his illustrious career. But football has such a short patience level – ask Roberto di Matteo, Tony Pulis – or just pop down the M4 and ask Malky Mackay, late of neighbours Cardiff.

Strangely, ironically, and perhaps significantly Swansea face their nearest and bitterest rivals against Wales’ capital team on Saturday, and it is left to club captain and Swansea stalwart Garry Monk to try to pick up the pieces and put them together to win the derby: their oppo­ nents no doubt will be up from hav­ ing won at last

at the weekend.

It’s worth noting also that Swansea are still in the FA Cup and the Europa League. Ten years ago the Swans were in the old Fourth Division with a battered old stadium at Vetch Field. Yes, the sacking looks harsh – but understandable if you follow football and the intensely­pressurized cauldron that is the Premier League. The last two seasons at The Liberty Stadium have been good for the fans after Laudrup somewhat surprisingly joined the Swans after Brendan Rodgers had moved onwards and upwards to Liverpool. The Welsh team finished a respectable ninth last year, but also won the Capital One Cup to give everyone at the club expectations of greater things this season: except football doesn’t necessarily work like that.

Since winning that trophy, Swansea have won only eight of thirty­five league games, losing eighteen, over half. Just one win in the last ten games is grim form and although the Welsh club sit 12th in the league ­ not bad on paper ­ on closer inspection the table reveals Swansea are only five points above bottom­placed Fulham. To put even more spice into Saturday’s derby, the Swans are only three points above Cardiff ­ a significant sum.

Strike power ­ or the lack of it ­ has been a big factor at the Liberty Stadium. In a similar way to Manchester United and Robin van Persie, Swansea have badly missed their main man Michu who is out injured. His last season’s total of eight­ een goals was only bettered by Benteke, Bale, Suarez – and van Persie. Big investment at £12m, Wilfried Bony has come in and done well with seven so far this season, but he was supposed to play off Michu, not replace him. Laudrup also looks to have made a mistake releasing Ki to go on loan to struggling Sunderland where the South Korean is doing well ­ Gus Poyet’s gain. Against the

SWIMMERS IN FORM

backdrop of Cardiff, who have sensibly signed Premiership players Wilfried Zaha from Man U and Kenwyne Jones from Stoke, in the just­closed transfer window Swansea opted for Championship class material from David Ngog from Bolton and Marvin Emnes from Middlesborough: second best staff?

Looking to the future, who will come in now to resuscitate the savaged Swans? Dynamic new young continental with a good playing career behind him – like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? Erm, no, that won’t work, they’ve just sacked one with a pedigree as long as a Swan’s neck – and the nearby Norwegian hasn’t exactly covered himself in glory so far. He still looks a bit shell­shocked – and he certainly will be if the Red/Bluebirds lose at the weekend, but It seems a fortuitous gift to be playing your biggest rivals at a time when they’ve just sacked their manager. Neutrally it’s very interesting watching West Brom with their new Spanish jefe Pape Mel, a man experienced in the La Liga lions den. Should that be where Swansea seek a successor to Laudrup – or maybe Monk might manage?

A last irony for Swansea is that the defeat which finally perpetrated Laudrup’s dismissal came from a club whose owners have backed their man publicly, openly declaring their support for their beleaguered team boss: West Ham have backed big Sam Allardyce to the hilt and appear to be the only club prepared to do this as yet another competitor knee­jerks and fires their man. Three teams must go down in just fourteen games’ time – so will Swansea be one of them?

BYE BYE LUIS

Club Natacion Torrevieja’s Zoe Connolly (pictured) was amongst a whole raft of swimmers that achieved personal bests and improved regional qualifying times in last week­ end’s at Petrer. Saw of the club’s youngest members joined the older swimmers in preparation for this weekend’s Winter Alevin Regional Championships in Xirivella, Valencia.

Last Saturday, 14 members of the squad raced against 14 other clubs and a total of 306 swimmers, with Elian Rio de Castillo and Zoe Connolly earning new regional qualifying times in the 400m and 800m Freestyle events. On Sunday,

Vicki Pigneur and Zoe Connolly attacked the 400m medley, 50m Breaststroke and 200m Freestyle events. Zoe’s goal, swimming in the 400m and 200m events, was to earn regional qualifying times for the Valencian Infantil Winter Regional Championships in Castellon next weekend. She got both her target times knocking a massive 23 seconds off her 400m medley time. Vicki matched previous personal bests in the 50m breast stroke and 200m Freestyle events in preparation for the National Spanish Winter Masters Championships in Palma, Majorca in a fortnight’s time.

Spain’s winning Euro 2008 coach, Luis Aragones, died last Saturday at the age of 75. As well as the Spanish national side, Aragones managed 10 different clubs during a 35­year coaching career and also had a decorated playing career. He is most fondly remembered at Atletico Madrid, where he won three league titles as a player and one as a coach in the 1976/77 season.

Friday, February 7, 2014

48

THE YEAR OF THE OX?

Chelsea cracking, City lacking, Laudrup sacking – what a week!

It was the Chinese New Year last week ­ could this be the year of The Ox? Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade­ Chamberlain stormed back with a vengeance from four months out from injury, scoring both the Gunners goals in their 2 – 0 win over Pulis’s Palace ­ no push­ overs these days. So with Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsay and Theo Walcott all out injured, this was a great result for Arsene’s Army with 14 Prem games to go ­ and the Ox’s return could bode well for England in Brazil too.

Those of us who thought Man City were about to go top on Monday, and stay there for the duration were reminded sharply that you can never, ever take any­ thing for granted in football. City have been annihilat­ ing (nearly) all comers lately, but in The Battle of The Blues, City didn’t do it, ‘cos masterful Mourinho set out his team to counter attack their hosts with speed – and they did, breathtakingly, the 1 – 0 result was no fluke. After Chelsea’s chokingly goalless perform­ ance against last­century (!) West Ham the previous week, the Bridge Boys from Brazil didn’t go top, though. No Sir, the Arsenal are still there, leading by two points with Chelsea and City locked together in second. Mou is badly feigning indifference to this season’s ending, no doubt still remembering Madrid.

Manuel’s still trying to work out what went wrong.

Adams are adamant at the mo: firstly toothless Charlie Adams put the gale­force wind up Man United’s hopes of revival, crucial for the Reds to qual­ ify for Europe. The ugly Scot belted in his brace for deserving Stoke to eventually overcome van Persie’s equaliser, significantly silkily supplied by Man U’s

John McGregor reports

Mata man. Talking of Scots, our David, worrabout Laudrup’s demise, eh? Och, it can happen to anyone ­ watch yer back, Jimmy.

T’other Adam added more excitement at St James Park; jubilant Johnson did it again to grant gaffer Gus the Geordie gems by winning the Tyneside derby 3 – 0 against confused­dot­com (again) Newcastle.

Good/bad Magpie news: Remy’s ruled out red­carded, Joeking Kinnear has jerked­off at last, followed out of the door by classy­but­controversial Cabaye clearing off back to France. Why aye man, no replacement signed in the transfer window ­ remember Demba Ba? We all do, Alain.

Ole Cardiff did it at last, getting off the bottom via a win over nervy Norwich where the Swalians came back from an early Percy Snodgrass snifter: newbies Wilfried Zaha and Kenwyne Jones both played big parts, boding well for the Red Bluebirds. Get the woad on, boyos, it’s Swansea on Saturday ­ doubt if there’ll be a welcome in the hillsides or the dales there: sav­ age six­pointer situation.

Using good, old­fashioned 19th century football Andy Carroll nearly got it right, Tony Hateley* style, coming out clean­shaven to soar through the air twice, and nod down twice for his mate Kevin Nolan to score ­ twice. Only problem was then Hammers Handy Andy got back to the dressing rooms before everyone else, Nolan­style as the big striker was summarily sent off for swatting that little shyster Chico Flores. N.B that defeat for Swansea precipitated Michael Laudrup’s departure: cruel (see over for summary).

Baldie Butch Wilkins bench banter at Craven Cottage: ‘Listen Rene, I will say zis only once’ Doesn’t matter if you repeat it Ray, obviously no­one’s listening. Rene says they’re ‘rock­bottom’, rightly propping up the Prem. Berbatov’s gone, as predicted, and last week­ end Southampton’s Three Lions savaged the

Cottagers cruelly, Lallana, Lambert and Rodriguez all appearing on the score sheet (good for England, eh, you Celts?). Just when it couldn’t get any worse, Fulham crashed out of the FA Cup Tuesday, courtesy of League One strugglers Sheffield United, Hang on ­ yes, it can get worse ­ Man U, Liverpool and Chelsea are coming. We’re all doomed, Cap’n Mainwaring!

It hissed it down persistently at Goodison to finally wash away Villa’s valiant efforts, the Villains going ahead via Bacuna, but the Toffees stuck at it with late goals from Naismith and a winning belter from Mirallas. After last week’s drubbing by their close­in­ points­only nasty neighbours Liverpool, Everton would then have been pleased on Monday evening to see the Reds couldn’t beat Pepeed­up West Brom.

Sturridge’s 50th league goal (wot no Suarez?) was eclipsed by a terrible Kolo Toure mistake letting old Everton boy Anichebe in for the equaliser ­ bet that hurt at Anfield!

PICK OF THE PREM THIS WEEKEND (PLUS A FULL PROGRAMME ON TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY 11th/12th FEB!) Star­studded Saturday: Liverpool v Arsenal (13.45), Aston Villa v West Ham, Chelsea v Newcastle, Crystal Palace v West Brom, Norwich v Man City, Southampton v Stoke, Sunderland v Hull, Swansea v Cardiff (all 16.00).

Super Sunday: Tottenham v Everton (14.30), Man United v Fulham (17.00) * Tony Hateley sadly died this week after a long illness aged 72. A prolific header of the ball, Tony started his long career with Notts County and went on to fame via Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Coventry, Birmingham, Notts County again, and Oldham, scor­ ing over 250 goals in his long career. He was the father of England striker Mark Hateley, and the grand­ father of Motherwell’s Tom Hateley. RIP, Tony.