Issue 239 Page 01 Uk Mortons - think
Transcription
Issue 239 Page 01 Uk Mortons - think
T H E F I R S T W E E K LY N AT I O N A L ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER FOR SPAIN NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 6, 2007 No 239 VIVA LOSS OR LAS VEGAS Centre pages www.thinkspain.com/today AVAILABLE AT NEWSAGENTS THROUGHOUT SPAIN PAZ’S BUFFDAY IS REAL GEM Jewel love her on p43 MY PART IN ENGLAND’S DOWNFALL Wrong lyrics leave Croats laughin’ and home side’s Euro dream in TATTERS EXCLUSIVE by DUNCAN DANLEY S PANISH singing sensation Tony Henry played a major part in England football team’s downfall as they crashed out of the Euro 2008 championship. The man dubbed the black Pavarotti, who brought the house down with his stunning tenor voice at the Benidorm Palace last week, had the Croatian national team in stitches – when he led the singing of their anthem at the Wembley showdown. For the booming voice of Henry, an instant hit at the Proms at the Palace extravanganza and a guest on Graham Norton’s TV programme this week, dropped the biggest possible lyrical clanger. The Brit star accidentally sang ‘My penis is a mountain’ for one of the lines in the TURN TO PAGE 6 Pen’s porn to be wild CELEBS’ RASTRO SPECIAL INSIDE SPAIN IMMIGRATION All aboard the surfin’ special IT wasn’t quite the owl and the pussycat – but the Straits of Gibraltar had probably not seen anything like it before. For three migrants bidding for a new life in Spain were rescued after rowing a windsurfing board with toy oars – and pulling their belongings behind them in a tyre. The three were trying to cross the strait when they got into difficulty and were saved by a passing ferry. “They had no shoes and they were soaked through”, said ferry passenger Miguel Marín. SPAIN SPORT SHOCK 1 Game on for world player THE world of sport revolved in ever decreasing circles this week – with high and lows for the country. On the up were potential bids for the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2018 World Cup in a joint venture with neighbours Portugal. (see page 8) In a sensational development, a 22-year-old Spanish-based soccer boss became a stalking horse for the vacant Engand football manager’s job – arguably the worst career move imaginable. Other candidates include Spaniard Rafa Benítez and the bookies’ favourite – former real Madrid boss Fabio Capello. (see back page) SPAIN SPORT SHOCK 2 Spain coach an AraGONEr HERE today, Aragonés tomorrow! Spanish coach Luis Aragonés said he intends to step down after next year’s European championship. He revealed his decision after Spain qualified for the tournament in Austria and Switzerland by beating Sweden 3-0. SEE BACK PAGE 02 Friday, November 30, 2007 NEWS NOTICIAS Marcelle D’ARGY SMITH “ Life Truth No 143: There’s never a good time to have a baby, take a holiday or visit the Post Office. SEE PAGE 51 Sporting JOHN DAVIES “ Stripped to the waist, it’s hard to believe that Louis was once a right winger with aspirations for Real SEE PAGE 60 Zap retains his zip as the most popular leader LATEST Lo último THERE’S no joy for Rajoy, but it’s not much fun for Zap either. While president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero remains the most popular leader – with Mariano Rajoy languishing in fifth place – the Partido Popular are closing the gap on the governing Socialists, a survey says. In the latest barometer from the Centre for Sociological Investigation, the poll results give the ruling PSOE 39.7 per cent – with the opposition Partido Popular just 2.3 points behind them on 37.4 per cent. The previous survey in July gave the Socialists 40.5 per cent of the vote and the opposition 37 per cent. The survey was carried out over a seven-day period at the end of October, and is bad news for the leaders of both the main parties, neither of whom come out particularly high in the popularity stakes. President Zapatero gets the highest marks, with 4.92, but is down from his previous 5.01. The PP leader, Mariano Rajoy, is beaten by Gaspar Llamazares, leader of the left-wing coalition, Izquierda Unida, who gets a mark of 4.15. Rajoy himself is given 3.75 points, and is in fifth place behind the leaders of the Catalan party, CiU, and the PNV Basque Socialists. Izquierda Unida comes out in third place in voting intention, with 5.5 per cent of the vote, followed by CiU, in fourth. Unemployment is the major concern for Spaniards, 37.4 per cent of whom put it in top place, behind housing and immigration. Why we’re on a real winner Candidates are confident as election fever grips By Phil Balding WE’RE going to win the day – that was the boast of Junta de Andalucía president Manuel Chaves as general election fever begins to grip Spain. He made his claim at a rally held by the Socialist Workers’ Party in the Madrid dormitory town of Fuenlabrada, which saw Spain’s president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero declared the PSOE official candidate to lead them into the March poll. Señor Zapatero said the party had to deserve to win, and he was confident the country would prosper towards freedom. His objectives are to increase the levels of social welfare, improve innovation and development, and guarantee a greater peace between those of differing backgrounds and ideals. He said he wanted to do away with the ‘useless insulting’ between the political parties. He listed some of the party’s achievements over the past four years: The withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq; the baby cheque; sions when the president was the Dependency Law which accompanied by his wife, gives a wage to family carers Sonsoles Espinosa. and the new Sexual Equality Meanwhile, Mariano Rajoy, Law. the Partido Popular’s candiUp to 70,000 party members date for president, spoke on attended the rally, which one of the main concerns of was one of the rare occathe Murcia region – the sup- ■ RALLY- ING CALL: Delegates applaud José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his wife, left, and Mariano Rajoy, above ply of water – at a rally of 6,000 people in Murcia City. He said if elected he would bring in a national agreement on water to transfer excess supply from elsewhere in Spain to areas lacking in resources. Such an agree- ment would lay down a timetable for building the infrastructure necessary for the transfers to take place. He said there is not much surplus of water, but there is a surplus, and there “can be, should be and will be enough for everyone.” He is confident of victory and continues to campaign on the promise anyone who earns less than €16,000 a year will pay no income tax, and children across the country will have the right to be taught Castellano. It has been a weekend of campaigning in the Murcia region, with the justice minister, Mariano Fernández Bermejo, in Lorca. Senor Bermejo, who heads the Socialist Party’s list of candidates for Murcia in the upcoming general election, told a crowd of 3,500 party supporters: “I have come here to dedicate myself, body and soul, to Murcia.” He described himself as a man with a hard-line approach, in the sense, he said, that he will not put up with any injustice. Terrorist arrested after 21 years ETA terrorist María Jesús Arriaga Martínez – wanted for attempted murder in the 1980s – has been arrested in the French basque country. She was arrested on a street in Saint Martin d’Arrosa, close to the border with Spain. Arriaga has not been seen in Spain for the past 21 years, after she fled her home in Pamplona with her then-husband and fellow ETA member, Ángel Íñigo Arlabán, in 1986. She was a member of the ETA gang which seriously injured a national police officer in a car bomb attack in the 1980s. The officer lost an arm and both legs in the attack on May 7, 1985, in Pamplona. Arriaga is also accused of a part in the terrorist attack which killed the Guardia Civil general, Juan Atarés, in Pamplona in 1985. She was arrested in Saint Martin d’Arrosa in 2000, but was freed by authorities in France on the grounds that the extradition order from Spain had expired. It’s the third arrest by French police in recent days, after Pedro María Goikoetxea Elorza was arrested in Behobia and Concepción Iglesias Álvarez near Bayonne. Both are wanted in connection with terrorist attacks. Graphic images sent to niece, 11 A TEACHER could lose her job after she emailed graphic images of aborted foetuses to her 11-year-old niece as part of a bitter custody battle. Her brother-in-law and sister-in-law – the girl’s parents – are going through a difficult separation. But she tried to use the child as a pawn in the row – and imply that the girl’s mother had had an abortion. She sent pictures, details of methodology and a message, which said: “This is for mummy. If she wants to teach you.” A Valencian court judge said her actions were “devious, cruel and insensitive. “Her suitability as a person charged with the education of minors must be evaluated.” A court summary said the teacher had got too closely involved with the case and her actions were an attempt to “prejudice the case of the child’s mother.” The teacher was fined €240 and now faces disciplinary action by education authorities. Murdered teenager, 17, sparks police crackdown THE murder of a 17-year-old outside a disco in Málaga province has prompted a police crackdown on drink-driving, weapons and noise. Scores of national officers have been deployed to patrol nightspots in Benalmádena, which have been hit by regular botellones – street parties. The move follows a teenage footballer being stabbed to death in the Plaza Solymar – for which two lads, aged 18 and 20, are being held in custody. Authorities say up to 18,000 people descend on the resort in summer, compared with 5,000 out of season. Benalmádena mayor Javier Carnero and the central government representative for Málaga province, Hilario López Luna, announced a heightened police presence. First demo by soldiers as president arrested ATTEN-SHUN! Around 100 Spanish soldiers demonstrated outside the offices of the ministry of defence in Madrid. In the first demonstration of soldiers during the time of Spain’s democracy, they gathered in support of Jorge Bravo, the president of the Unified Association of Spanish Soldiers, who has been arrested for supporting and taking part in an earlier demonstration by the Guardia Civil. Jorge Bravo is the only Spanish soldier to be held in custody for making public statements in favour of soldiers’ rights and questioning the official version of a Cougar helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2005. Man survives being run over, stabbed and thrown from car A MIRACLE man survived being thrown from a car, run over and stabbed several times in southern Spain. It is thought the 30-year-old was caught up in a settling of scores between two criminal gangs in Jerez, near Cádiz. He is said to be in a serious but stable condition after surgery in hospital. Health workers say it was a miracle that he survived. Police investigating the incident, which happened near the Torrox lagoon, plan to interview him once he has recovered. Friday, November 30, 2007 NOTICIAS NEWS 03 Budget will be a blockbuster LIGHTS, camera, action – Andalucía is nearly trebling its state film budget to €8.15m for next year. Recent Andalucian productions include Javier Gutiérrez’s Before the Fall, co-produced by Antonio Banderas’ Green Moon, Alain Gomis’ Andalucía, which world premiered at this month’s Sevilla fest, and Laura Mana’s La Roldana, now in production. A new Andalucian Institute for Cultural Industries is also being set up. In a separate move, the Andalucía government will give Cuba’s ICAIC Film Institute €1m in aid. The cash is earmarked for the restoration of ICAIC’s cinema vaults and making films digital. ICAIC boasts more than 10,000 film prints, 2,000 of Cuban productions. According to ICAIC director Omar González, there is a real danger of this treasure trove suffering irreparable damage. ■ A BRUSH WITH SUCCESS: Some of the paintings by Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla, whose work is on display in the Bancaja cultural centre, Valencia MAKING PROGRESS ■ MUSEUM VISIT: Baroness Carmen Thyssen was in Málaga to visit the building site at the Villalón Palace in the city centre. Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, accompanied her with other local dignitaries to inspect how the work is progressing on the new museum which will be named after her. Spain set to get wind up SPAIN plans to replace gas with wind as the main source of energy by the year 2020. It’s not an imaginative scheme involving the famous fabada bean stew from Asturias, but a ministry of energy plan to build and harness many more wind farms throughout Spain. This will require a further investment of about €45,000m, with plans to put turbines in controversial beauty spots such as in the sea at the site of the Battle of Trafalgar off southern Spain. By also increasing solar power, the government hopes to reduce harmful greenhouse gases given off by burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. Another key part of the plan is to encourage factories, offices and homes to become more energy efficient. Sunday boost is now in store SHOPAHOLICS in Madrid have been given a boost with stores announcing plans to open on more Sundays. High street shops are battling to open for 25 Sundays a year, instead of the current 20. Madrid already benefits from more public holidays than any other region. Struggling shoppers in Barcelona can only feed their habit on eight Sundays a year. But retail bosses in the capital want to sign a new deal with unions, authorising them to open doors for a maximum of 90 hours a week. The museum is expected to open to the public in 2010, with building work alone costing €1.4m and expected to continue until the end of next year. The baroness owns a Sorolla – El Patio de la casa – at her museum in Madrid, across the street from the Prado Museum. IT’S ALL RELATIVE I’m a secret offspring of artist, claim A SECRET grand-daughter of the renowned Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla has come forward – more than 80 years after his death. Encarna Martínez claims she is the daughter of the artist’s illegitimate lovechild José Martínez Fossatti. She revealed her identity as tens of thousands of people descend on an exhibition of Sorolla’s work in Valencia. But Encarna said: “I don’t want money or pictures, only Sorolla’s Queue would have thought it, night viewing’s a hit! THE only hope Sorolla fans have of seeing the Visions of Spain exhibition is by queueing through the night. Every viewing in January was sold out within nine hours when the ticket office opened in November. Now bosses from the Bancaja cultural centre have started all-night views at the weekend to cope with the unprecedented interest. More than 36,000 people have visited the 14 panels of Valencian artist Sorolla at the Bancaja cultural DNA, which can be easily obtained from his remains. This will prove I’m his grand-daughter.” Now she is pleading with Francisco Camps, the Valencia regional president, to help her get recognition. Her roots date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s when Sorolla was painting the city’s Malvarrosa centre since the exhibition opened on November 7. This is more than the total number of people who went to see it at New York’s Hispanic Society, who commissioned the pictures in 1911. The exhibition leaves Valencia on March 31 to tour the country. Meanwhile, in Madrid, the Sorolla museum, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, is working on 6,500 unedited photographs of the artist and his family. They will be published in 2008. beach, Valencia. She says Sorolla used to stay with her greatgrandfather, Pelegrín Fossati Magdalena, who was the mayor of Cabanyal. Pelegrín’s daughter, Carmen, was a girl when Sorolla first came to visit. According to Encarna, Sorolla “fell in love with her like an adolescent.” “He only had two loves in his life, his wife Clotilde and my grandmother Carmen.” The son of Sorolla and Carmen was born in 1905 by the name José Martínez Fossatti. Sorolla didn’t give his name but acknowledged him by paying for his education and referring to him in various documents. Friday, November 30, 2007 04 NEWS NOTICIAS SPAIN BREVES Two accused of aiding illegal abortion service TWO people accused of aiding an illegal abortion service have been arrested in Barcelona. Police believe the culprits were taking cash payments of €4,000 or more in order to perform abortions after the 12-week limit set in law. They seized scores of documents during raids on a series of private clinics across the city. The medical centres have already received hefty fines for “irregularities.” The new arrests follow a complaint by a Christian organisation, after a Danish TV station reported that clinics were performing operations as late as the seventh month of pregnancy. It is claimed many of the clients travelled into Spain for the operation from Germany, Britain or Denmark. The clinics denied the charges when the programme was aired last year. Crowds turn out to see Pope make archbishop a cardinal A LARGE delegation from the Comunitat Valenciana, including president Francisco Camps and mayoress Rita Barberá, were in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome for the naming of Valencian archbishop Agustín GarcíaGasco as a cardinal. Pope Benedict XVI bestowed on the new cardinal the title of cardinal of Santo Marcello de Corso – a church in Rome. Also named as cardinal was Lluis Martínez Sistach of Barcelona. With these new cardinals – 23 in all – the numbers of voting and non-voting cardinals are 104 in Europe, 234 in Latin America, 20 in North America, 18 in Africa, 21 in Asia and four in Oceania. COMMERCIAL SENSE ■ SPANISH banking giant Santander is selling its portfolio of 1,173 properties in Spain to Hugh Osmond, the entrepreneur who has just won the battle to take over closed life assurer Resolution Group. His investment vehicle, Sun Capital Partners, is expected to sign a deal within days to purchase them from Santander. It is understood that the Spanish banking giant is selling the portfolio of 1,173 properties – consisting mainly of high-street banks – as part of its plans to dispose of €4bn worth of commercial property assets in the country. Santander was part of the consortium that bought Dutch bank ABN Amro in October. Sun Capital is thought to be keen to buy the properties as it is understood to have secured a sale and leaseback agreement with Santander. Plane crash: There were errors, says judge A JUDGE said there were errors in identifying 30 of the 62 Spanish troops killed when their plane crashed in Turkey in 2003. But Judge Fernando GrandeMarlaska said although there were errors it could not constitute a criminal offence as there was no evidence of any document forgery in the death certificates. Now he has decided to archive investigations into alleged irregularities in the identification of bodies from the Yak-42 tragedy. The case is named after the plane which crashed, a Ukrainian Yakolev 42, which caused the highest ever number of casualties the Spanish Offering the hand of friendship THE second meeting of state co-operation with Cuba is set for Bilbao from December 14-16. The meeting has been called by the Euskadi-Cuba Association urging friendship associations and other institutions interested in having ties with the island to participate in the event. Some of the topics to be discussed are food sovereignty, the environment, ecology and renewable sources of energy. It’s harmony on the buses UNIONS have agreed to end the 14-day strike action in the Auto Res bus company. The stoppages are thought to have affected thousands of passengers in both the north of Spain and on the Levante coast. Armed Forces has suffered in times of peace. Those killed were returning home I am innocent, says ex mayor But I’d admit to 9/11 attack if it keeps me out of jail for life By Phil Balding and Nick Hudson FORMER mayor Julián Muñoz protested his innocence in court this week as the Malaya corruption case started to unravel in public. Th ex Marbella civic head sensationally told the trial that he would admit responsibility for the 9/11 terrorist outrage if it stopped him being caged for life. Muñoz said he is innocent of the charges, and said all his actions during his time at the town hall were within the law. When asked why he accept- Probe into death of baby A BABY who died 18 days after being circumcised may have been victim of his parents’ neglect, a Spanish court has said. An autopsy showed the child died from loss of blood from his penis, which caused hypovolemic shock. Police have questioned his Nigerian parents and another un-named person in connection with his death. A court in Tarragona is now investigating whether they committed negligent homicide. ■ DOOMED: The crashed Yak-42 plane from a humanitarian mission in Afghanistan. There were no survivors. Judge Grande-Marlaska made mention of the ‘moral damage’ caused to the families of 30 of the victims who died, whose bodies “were exhumed and then buried again.” The judge also noted ‘serious conduct’ on the part of the forensic medical team sent by the then defence minister, Federico Trillo, to identify the bodies: identification was carried out in the space of 24 hours. An association set up by the families of those who died that day say they will appeal the judge’s decision. ■ IN COURT: Julian Munoz ed a €9,000 fine and a nineyear ban from office in his last case, the ex mayor said he was innocent in that case also, but would accept whatever he has to accept, “even if it meant admitting to the Twin Towers,” to avoid spending the rest of his life in prison. He reminded the Málaga court that there are 83 cases outstanding against him, and would spend 83 years in prison if he did not take such decisions. Muñoz was back in the dock with former municipal real estate assessor Juan Antonio Roca and the ex first deputy mayor Pedro Román – accused of perverting the course of justice. This is the first time that Roca has faced this charge in court – in the case known as Incopromar. This was one of the first allegedly illegal licences granted by late mayor Jesús Gil y Gil, and in its time caused a stir because the person who owned 95 per cent of the shares in the Incopromar company was the late journalist Antonio Herrero. His firm obtained a licence to build 68 homes on a plot designated for public facilities. The prosecutor is calling for 18 months in prison and eight more out of public office for Julián Muñoz and seven other councillors in the case who were in power when the licence was granted in 1997. Roca faces a six month prison sentence because it was he who held the talks over the deal with Señor Herrero. Jesús Gil’s personal lawyer at the time, José Luis Sierra, is also charged in the case, which reached the court after a postponement last May. The councillors who appeared in court said they assumed the agenda items they approved fell within the law if they came with favourable technical and legal reports, and denied they received any instructions from municipal real estate assessor at the time, Juan Antonio Roca. Roca said the reports were the responsibility of the chief of the town planning department’s legal service, Jorge González, who is called as a witness in the case. The case continues. COURT ORDERS DOG POUND TO CLOSE AND VET TO BE BANNED ■ A COURT has ordered the dog pound in Puerto Real to close and has banned the vet who works there from practising and from owning animals. The pound is at the centre of allegations of animal abuse, where more than 550 animals are said to have been put down this year by a method which produces a slow, agonising death. Basing its decision on a 64-page report from the Guardia Civil nature protection branch, Seprona, together with statements from witnesses and suspects, the court said the vet could have infringed article 337 of the Penal Code, by unjustified and cruel abuse of domestic animals causing their death. Nacho Paunero, president of El Refugio, the animal rights association which reported the abuse, said: “This ruling is a great step forward in animal rights protection. “El Refugio applauds each and every paragraph of the four sheets drawn up by the court. This decision gives us the inspiration to continue with our work in the defence of animals.” Friday, November 30, 2007 Four people are found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning FOUR people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Madrid on Sunday. Two people were found dead at their home in the Vicálvaro district. The bodies of a 59-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman were found in the flat on Calle Condesa de Vega del Pozo shortly after 2pm, where firemen also found two women who had been taken ill. The victims are sisters, aged 25 and 31, and were both still conscious when they were rescued, but are said to be in a serious condition. Two children who live in the neighbouring flat, aged nine and 13, were admitted to the Gregorio Marañón Hospital with shock, and minor symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Another neighbour of the dead couple said the flat’s gas heating system had recently undergone repair. Meanwhile, a second couple, aged 22 and 21, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while they were sleeping in Torrejón de Ardoz. My days of being foot Loos and fancy free Beckham’s back in at Deep End By Duncan Danley STRIKE FORCE: A ■ young David Beckham at Deepdale, above, and for Real Madrid, below. Left is Rebecca Loos So much to be thankful for FOOD for thought – the United States consul, Roberta Aaron, was among 200 guests to celebrate Thanksgiving at the Valparaíso Restaurant in Mijas with the traditional turkey and all the trimmings, together with pumpkin pie. Meanwhile, Russian canned meat and rye bread were served for Thanksgiving on the International Space Station – where astronauts are orbiting 220 miles above the earth. THE WORLD’S best-known footballer – once the target of allegations of an affair with his Spanish personal assistant – has been in at the Deep End before. And this week a Spanish-based sports journalist talked about David Beckham’s past in a sensational new book about a part of his life untouched, until now, by the media glare. The book on Real Madrid’s most famous soccer import finds him in his humblest football setting. For former Man United, Real and now American LA Galaxy star David Beckham once plied his trade in the backwaters of Preston. David Beckham – In at The Deep End is a book on the star’s time at Preston North End in the mid-nineties. Exclusive photographers of Beckham, married to ‘Posh’ Spice Girl Victoria Adams and the subject of allegations about an alleged affair with his Real Madrid assistant Rebecca Loos, show him playing and in a social setting during his time at Preston. The book, published in the New Year, includes quotes from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who loaned Beckham to Preston in 1995. Author and journalist Andrew Atkinson, from Los Montesinos, said: “David Beckham has acknowledged that Preston North End played a big part in his career.” Beckham was loaned out to Preston North End from Manchester United in 1995 at a time during the old third division status in English football. Old Trafford manager Ferguson comments in the book about his reasons behind his policy that saw Beckham at Deepdale. Comments from former team-mates of Beckham during his time at Deepdale, include that of Gareth Ainsworth: “Gareth has been very helpful in giving a background insight into Beckham’s time at Preston North End,” said Andrew. QPR and ex-Preston star Gareth reveals that Beckham drove the players during nights out during his time at Deepdale. Photos of Beckham include him wearing a fans’ Town Ender t-shirt, and a teenage 19-year-old Beckham with slicked-back hair, taken within the corridors of Deepdale. For more details on the book, email [email protected]. co.uk CLIMBER DIES Tunnel will be right on track AN 18-YEAR-OLD climber died from his injuries after he fell 60m from a cliff at a beauty spot in the Alicante province. He died at the site near L’Ample Cave in the Vall d’Ebo. TRAM–TASIC news! Work has begun in Alicante City on the metro-tram tunnel which will run for 470 metres below the underground car park on Avenida El Sabio. It will connect the Mercado Central station with the station under construction in Luceros. It is expected to take 11 months to complete, and uses a system which advances at a slow pace to prevent damage to properties above. BIG ISSUE: Pages 16 & 17 BIG FEATURE: Centre pages SPORT: Pages 59-64 NOTICIAS NEWS 05 Journalist’s death after road crash in Bolivia A WOMAN journalist was among five people killed in a road crash in Bolivia. BBC video journalist Lola Almudévar was travelling by taxi to Sucre in the early hours of Sunday after all flights to the city were suspended. Eduardo García Gil, a Spanish reporter with Reuters, was also said to have been injured in the accident. It happened amid violent protests in the country after the Bolivian president, Evo Morales, approved the draft text of a new constitution. The journalists crashed near Ayo Ayo, 87 kilometres south of the capital. Their driver was unable to brake in time to avoid two lorries which had collided just minutes before. The others who died were three lorry drivers and the taxi driver’s wife. Gang snared by sham weddings A GANG of Colombian thieves lived double lives by posing as policemen and having sham weddings to run a secret jewellery and drugs empire, claim police. Five suspects are being held in Madrid, accused of pretending to be policemen to rob jewellery salesmen. Others thought to be drug dealers have also been arrested. They were all snared when they tried to get citizenship by undergoing regular arranged marriages in Valencia. Officials told the Valencian High Court, which demanded the sham weddings be annulled. Driver is killed by falling pipes A YOUNG lorry driver has become the 14th person to die in an accident at work in Málaga. The 25-year-old was killed when pipes fell from his truck onto his body at a building site. He was the youngest of 12 brothers who live in Villanueva de la Concepción. The accident happened near the Guadalmina Urbanisation in San Pedro de Alcántara. 06 Friday, November 30, 2007 NEWS NOTICIAS Ten arrested as groups of youths clash TEN people have been arrested as groups of youths clashed with police in Spain’s northern city of Pamplona. The clashes followed the arrests of five people suspected of having links with the armed Basque separatist group ETA and who were wanted in connection with 32 incidents of street violence. Gangs burned rubbish bins and threw bottles and stones at police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes that lasted several hours. Two policemen were slightly injured. Spanish police chief Joan Mesquida said 109 people had been arrested in connection with pro-ETA street violence since the Socialists took office in 2004. The gangs resumed attacks after ETA ended a cease-fire in June it had called 15 months earlier. JUDGEMENT DAY Supremo at trial helps wife in tell-tale case book Javier Gómez Bermúdez found himself on trial – accused of disclosing private conversations, and criticisms of police, lawyers and staff. It also names secret key witnesses, who now fear they will be hunted down by Islamic extremists. The book “La Soledad del Juzgador” (The Solitude of the Judge), was released just three weeks after the National Court delivered verdicts on the bombings, which killed 191 and injured more than 1,800. Now the General Council of the Judiciary is opening an investigation, at the request of Gómez Bermúdez, to see whether he should face disciplinary action for sharing information improperly. The authority will also investigate his wife Elisa Beni. She also works as a spokeswoman for a regional court in Madrid, so is subject to the same guidelines. The move comes as critics slate Bermúdez for sapping his moral authority by sharing confidential information. Victims’ associations said the timing of the book is only designed to make money out of their misfortune. Pilar Manjón, the president Prisoners hold guards hostage CRIMINALS in a high-security jail wing held three officers hostage for 12 HOURS after a suspected drugs feud. A Civil Guard assault team and negotiators spent four hours diffusing the situation at Picassent Prison, Valencia. Now authorities have launched an investigation into how the situation happened, as well as details of the motive behind it. The prisoners will now be moved to a different unit. The drama unfolded at 6pm on Tuesday, when three or four prisoners launched the attack. Experts said the situation was “calm” by 10pm. Soon after, in the early hours, two of the officers were released, and the last one was freed just after 6am on Wednesday. ‘Unfair’ airlines are fined a whopping €740,000 By Susie Carter A PROBE is under way in Spain after the judge in the Madrid bombings revealed confidential information to his journalist wife for a tell-all book about the case. SPAIN TODAY ■ UNDER PRESSURE: AVT president Fransico José Alcaraz is accused oF making personal gain from the group THE main support group for victims of Basque terrorism – the Asociación Víctimas del Terrorismo – could only muster half the support it had last year for its latest demonstration in Madrid. The turnout varies wildly between 70,000 – estimated by experts – and 500,000 quoted by organisers. But what is certain is that neither government officials nor the leader of the main opposition party, the Partido Popular, took part. Some have raised serious concerns about the personal ambitions of the AVT president Francisco José Alcaraz, accusing him of using the group for his own personal gain. Some say he could end up facing charges of slandering the government by saying they are accomplices of ETA. Officially, in Madrid’s Plaza Colón, his association launched a new attempt to crack down on ETA – the Basque separatist terrorist cell. Members demanded a ban on ETA’s latest political wing, ANV, and an associated communist ally, PCTV. They also called for an end to the law that allows the Spanish government to try to negotiate with ETA. But behind the scenes, a different conflict was unfolding in AVT itself. The bulk of its members are genuine victims of the Basque terrorism, which has claimed more than 800 victims during over of one the victims associations — whose 20-year-old son died in the bombings — has said the book makes her a target for Islamic extremists. Numbers fall at victim rally as AVT boss faces critics 40 years of violence. But there is growing suspicion that the association has been hijacked by unscrupulous people. ATV president Alcaraz, 39, is accused of ruthlessly using the association for his own ambitions. He was a hairdresser from Jaén when he was staying at a civil guard barracks in Zaragoza in 1987 that was bombed by ETA. His brother and twin three-year-old nieces were killed. While opening three treatment centres against hair loss, he set up the Jaen Association of Victims of Terrorism in 2000 with his wife, Carmen, making himself president. In 2004, he was also elected president of the national association, in an election which some members of AVT say was rigged. At least one rival resigned in protest. She revealed vital information which led to the conviction of one of the bombers. “I asked for an appointment with the judge. “It was a confidential conversation. This irresponsible frivolity means I am in the cross-hairs of the jihadists,” she said. A WHOPPING €740,000 worth of fines has been slapped on at least 22 airlines in Spain – for being unfair and misleading customers. A watchdog found “significant breaches” such as hiding taxes and fees so that advertised prices were four times lower than the real cost. All the offending companies were operating in Catalonia. Some were also pulled up for running adverts in the local dialect, which is unauthorised. Now the Catalan Cosumer Agency (CCA) has stepped in and issued €417,000 worth of fines for miselading ads and €145,700 worth for the language issue. Misleading advertsing and unfair terms are classed as grave breaches – carrying fines of up to €30,000. SKI WHIZZ, WE’RE BACK ■ BACK on the piste again as the Sierra Nevada ski season starts tomorrow. There was a heavy snowfall at the station last Thursday and the 120 snow cannons have now been turned on. It’s not yet known how many kilometres of pistes will be open initially. That depends on any further snowfall before the end of this week. SEE SKI WHIZZ in Pleasure Zone on page 25. Tony’s crooning cock-up lifts Croatian crackers FROM PAGE ONE Croatian national anthem. Fans said the mispronounciation helped the players relax before the big game which Croatia when on to win 3-2 against England – and also brought the downfall of coach Steve McClaren. The national anthem is written in old style Croatian, and there can be slightly different interpretations in English because it is a very lyrical language. The line in which Henry slipped up should have been “mila kuda si planina” (You know my dear how we love your mountains). But what he actually sang was “mila kura si planina” which means “Dear Penis, you are a Mountain” or “My Dear, my penis is a mountain”. Croat players like Manchester City’s Vedran Corluka and Arsenal target Luka Modric started looking at each other and grinning when they realised what he was singing. It certainly made it an uphill struggle for England on the night. Croat fan websites have been calling for Henry to be given a medal of honour for helping the players relax, they also want him made an official team mascot for the tournament. Mate Prlic, publisher of the top Croatian footballing Torcida Magazine said: “It would be great if Tony Henry could join the Croatian team and fans at the European Championship in Austria and Switzerland. “He obviously relaxed the Croatian players before the match at Wembley and if that’s a winning combination why not invite him to join the team at Euro 2008 to keep the winning streak going.” Henry is preparing to wow the crowds again at a special gala night in Spain. He is topping the bill at an exclu- sive hotel in Marbella – with all proceeds going to Spanish charities. The night will also feature a gourmet meal with wine, charity auction and champagne reception. There will also be dancing until dawn, thanks to live music from Timeless – a Soul and R&B sensation. The event, sponsored by thinkSPAINtoday, and organised by Going Live Productions, is on Saturday, December 15 at Puente Romano Hotel. Friday, November 30, 2007 NOTICIAS NEWS 07 Outbreak of fatal disease: Ice rink is in the spotlight AN ICE rink in a tourist haven is at the centre of a probe into a fatal outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease. Two Brits and one Spaniard died and a further 15 became ill in the area around the attraction in Torremolinos. The deaths were caused by an outbreak of the disease traced to a refrigeration tower in the complex. Now an instruction court in Torremolinos has asked for documentation on the Benalmádena ice rink complex from both the town hall and the Junta de Andalucía. It is thought the court dossier will include the centre’s management arrangement and the contracting procedure for the centre, as well as a report on the complex which is to come from the Junta de Andalucía’s provincial health department. FUNNY SPOT LAUGH, the Madrid ■ parliament couldn’t stop when foreign minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos referred to Spanish enclaves Ceuta and Melilla as being part of Morocco. However, several members of the conservative Partido Popular didn’t see the funny side later. They said the error committed in public was absolutely inexcusable and clearly showed why Spain had now sunk so low in international importance. Tots got wrong doses, claim PARENTS are calling for an investigation after their twomonth-old babies were all given overdoses of a vaccine – but medics kept it quiet. For one week, their tots were given doses suitable for four-year-old children at the Felipe II Health Centre in Móstoles, they claim. The Patient Defender Association says nobody really knows the consequences the error could have on the children and it is “unbelievable” parents were not informed. It has demanded the Madrid regional health authorities carry out exhaustive examinations. ■ SIX OF THE BEST: Some of the Hooters Girls who have been serving up a real treat. Now the firm’s spreading its wings to Spain ■ A WORLD-FAMOUS restaurant name – with loads of spice and served up by saucy girls – is landing on Spanish soil this weekend. The international brand of Hooters is spreading its chicken wings and coming to the Canary Islands. Tenerife will be the 440th location for the popular chain, which was started more than 20 years ago by the late Coby Brooks. The all-American food outlet is the first of 15 planned for Spain. A VIP celebration is planned for tomorrow, attended by the 37-year-old company president Coby Brooks junior, with an official opening next week. You’ll have a real hoot at Hooters The restaurant, which boasts a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters’ signature spicy chicken wings, and service provided by the all-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls, is one of two opening in the world in the next seven days. Hooters of Poleg in Israel opened its doors on Tuesday and the company’s international profile now stretches to 25 countries. In 2008, Hooters will reached 32 countries with new markets in Dubai, Thailand, New Zealand and Columbia. “It’s a great week for the brand to be able to claim two new countries,” said Señor Brooks. His father founded Naturally Fresh Foods in Atlanta in 1966 and is credited with the development of nondairy coffee creamer and preservative free refrigerated dressings in grocery store produce sections. He added to his fame when he acquired a small Tampa Bay area restaurant concept called Hooters in 1986. Over the past 20 years the chain has grown into a multi-national success, with locations in 46 US states and 25 countries, including China, Australia and Greece. He also was instrumental in the launching of a magazine, Pro Golf Tour; Stock Car Racing Series, credit card and casino under the Hooters name. However, it was his foray into aviation that truly captured the public’s interest when he launched Hooters Air in 2003. No sex please, we’re kids Children exposed to too much sex on TV – watchdog EXCLUSIVE by Jayne Lovett CHILDREN are exposed to too much sex and dirty talk on Spanish television before the watershed, watchdogs have warned. Kids can watch tales of adultery, prostitution, vulgar insults and sexual deviance for more than two hours every day, according to the audience monitoring agency SOFERS. And Spain is the only country in Europe which does not have an agency to independently monitor standards. Now experts have claimed that Spain’s system of self-regulation isn’t working and have called for a review. On the hit list are the La Sexta show How to Know Your Mother, which recently broadcast the line: “You’re my tart, do you think I’m going to call for a whore without teeth from the port?” at 5pm. ■ MAKING A POINT: María Teresa Fernández And the cartoon series Family Guy, on the same channel, ran the still raging about Patricia’s tightened has been launched line: “I want you to know Diary – where a guest made by Spain’s vice-president, that I’m thinking of you a surprise proposal to his ex María Teresa Fernández de when I’m doing it with my and days later was accused la Vega, and Núñez Encabo wife” at 2pm. of her murder. – a former member of the Meanwhile, the storm is Now a battle for rules to be country’s only TV advisory de la Vega, right, and The Simpsons, above left committee. Encabo said: “The problem is that the television stations are both judge and jury.” Most shows under fire are cartoons directed at adults, but watched by children – including The Simpsons. The TV companies agree that kids are not profitable – and it’s not worth making programmes just for them. 08 Friday, November 30, 2007 NEWS NOTICIAS SPAIN TODAY Mum’s the word for saucy calendar girls Alleged planning corruption: 8 held AT least eight people have been arrested in connection with alleged planning corruption in the town of Totana, where more than two million hectares of land are said to have been reclassified for a project from a company from Galicia to build thousands of homes. The arrests in Totana include two women connected with the former Partido Popular mayor of the town, Juan Morales: his ex wife and his current partner. Also in custody is the owner of an agricultural company based in Totana, who is believed to have acted as an intermediary between the Galician company and those they allegedly bribed in Totana. Property searches were also being carried out in a local egg factory and in a legal assessor’s office, with reports that clients’ safety deposit boxes were being searched at a branch of Caja Murcia. Two more arrests took place in Murcia City, and another in Madrid. And in Galicia, the director of the company concerned, together with an assistant, were arrested in Nigrán, Pontevedra. Relations are strong and solid – Kuwait and see! STRONG and solid – that’s the relations between Spain and the state of Kuwait. Spain’s deputy parliament speaker Ignacio Gil Lázaro praised relations between the two countries when he arrived in Kuwait on a four-day visit. He said Kuwait’s national assembly plays a vital and obvious role in the international arena and world parliamentary union conferences. The Spanish official said he will meet officials from the Kuwaiti government and parliament, focussing on political and economic relations. NOW IN CRUISE CONTROL ■ YUMMY mummies got their baubels out to make a special stocking filler – and raise cash for kids. The gang used only tinsel, umbrellas and giant cake to cover their modesty before doing a ‘photo shoot’ at the swimming pool, bakery, doctor’s surgery, tourist information centre and public places for a calendar. All proceeds from the €5 creation will be donated to after-school activities at the Tierra Alba primary school in Serradilla del Arroyo, Salamanca, where their children are pupils. The seven women – some of whom appear on more than one month – say they had the full support of their husbands, despite the provocative shots. Whether their kids feel the same in a few years remains to be seen. Let us prove we are good sports There is no reason why we shouldn’t host the Olympic Games and the World Cup, says Spain’s sports minister SPECIAL REPORT by Phil Balding ■ SPAIN is in cruise control after taking delivery of two Taurus KEPD 350 missiles for its air force. A total of 43 of the cruise missiles have been ordered to equip the country’s EF-18 fighter aircraft. The missiles have been delivered ahead of schedule by Taurus Systems GmbH. “The missile system will in future support the Spanish Air Force to even better fulfil the challenging tasks it has been entrusted with. Being the first export customer, Spain is of enormous strategic importance to us,” said Helmut Hederer, managing director of Taurus Systems GmbH. Passports man deported A MAN carrying two passports has been deported after fighting the Guardia Civil in a millionaires’ harbour haven in Ibiza. He snatched one officer’s gun and damaged a patrol car at Marina Botafoch when he was stopped on suspicion of using false papers. Police found he had two passports, one for Nigeria, the other for the Ivory Coast. The public prosecutor would have sought an 18-month jail term but he was spared when he agreed to leave the country. Many a good tale from old Fidel A BOOK including interviews by French Spanish-born journalist Ignacio Ramonet with Cuban president Fidel Castro has been translated into Galician by José Manuel García Crego. The book Fidel Castro: A mina vida will be launched at Havana’s International Book Fair in February. SPAIN is keeping its fingers crossed – for hosting the two greatest shows on Earth over the next decade. The country has the 2016 Olympics Games and, in a joint bid with Portugal, the 2018 World Cup in its sporting sights. Certainly after the success of Eurocopa in Portugal in 2004, the two member states that make up the Iberian peninsular could be well placed for the football bonanza. And Spain’s sports minister Jaime Lissavetzky says the country SHOULD win the right to host the 2016 Olympic Games. Madrid was edged out by London in the bid to hold the 2012 Olympics, but the ODDS ON: Sports minis■ter Jaime Lissavetzky Spanish capital has already declared its intention to run for the 2016 Games and Señor Lissavetzky is optimistic this time it will win. “When you enter a race you do it because you believe you can win,” he said. “I don’t know if I’m too subjective but I think we have a real chance of getting the Olympics. Some people say because London have got the Games in 2012 then Europe won’t get them again in 2016, but nowhere is it written down that this is the case.” Winning the right to hold the games would be the perfect way to celebrate the sporting achievements of a new generation of Spanish sportsmen, he said. “Spain is enjoying great success in collective sports like basketball, volleyball, hockey and water polo. “We have a series of emerging figures in motorsport like Fernando Alonso, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo. “In tennis we’ve got Nadal, the world number two, who has made a huge impact in the media, and we’ve got three players in the top 10. “We are successful at European level in athletics and we’ve had the last two winners of the Tour de France in Óscar Pereiro and Village erupts into swift action A VILLAGE in Tenerife looked like a set from a disaster movie as emergency crews recovered six bodies and 35 injured from a volcanic eruption. But all the ‘casualties’ were back on their feet within min- utes after the mock rescue mission. It was designed to allow public services to practise how to deal with real-life crises. The event followed an annual religious service in Chinyero, West Tenerife, to commemorate when the volcano erupted for real almost 100 years ago. The lava flow stopped just short of the village when residents placed a statue of the Virgin Mary in its path. Alberto Contador. “In football the national team seems to be improving too. The clubs are among the best in Europe and, of course, football is still the king of sports in Spain. “We just need that icing on the cake of Spain winning or getting to the final of a big tournament.” Spain has won 72 per cent of all its Olympic medals at the last four summer games and the country’s Olympic committee believes they could exceed the record haul of 22 they achieved at Barcelona in 1992 when they compete in Beijing next year. “Our whole strategy is designed to ensure that the Beijing Olympics are the best in the history of Spanish sport,” said Señor Lissavetzky. Madrid will be up against bids from Chicago, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Doha, Prague and Baku. Friday, November 30, 2007 NOTICIAS NEWS 09 It’s China in your hands in fostering world peace The times they are a changing, but Dylan classic will promote fair ■ LONG MAY HE RAIN – Bob Dylan has recorded a new version of his 1963 classic A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall exclusively for the Expo Zaragoza 2008 world fair. And the ageless American singersongwriter has chosen multi-platinum EMI-signed band Amaral, from Zaragoza, to record a version of the song in Spanish. The two versions will form part of a promotional campaign for the fair, to be held from June 14 until September 14 next year in the northern Spanish ‘Dead man’ calls may hold clue on murder A MURDER probe launched after a mayor was shot dead in Alicante province took a step forward this week. Police are investigating a series of anonymous phone calls, which spoke of a “dead man,” and were made to a former councillor’s relative. The unknown caller spoke in German the first time but remained silent in the sec- city, which includes a TV spot which begins airing on December 17. More than 100 countries have confirmed their attendance at the Expo, which organizers expect will draw five million visitors over three months. Expo Zaragoza president Roque Gistau said he is “delighted” that Dylan has offered his voice and face as the sound and image of the world fair, whose theme is “water and sustainable development.” Amaral performed as the support band on a Dylan tour of Spain a few years ago. Dylan was this year awarded the Prince of Asturias award for the arts, Spain’s equivalent to the Nobel prize, although he was unable to attend the award ceremony in the Asturian capital of Oviedo, northern Spain. He has been a major figure in popular music for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when he became an informal chronicler and a figurehead of American unrest. Jam and Jerusalem’s salvation for sisters It’s just the job as nuns find recipe to success By John Davies THE words of The Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin rang true for an ancient order of nuns faced with the trauma of redundancy. ond and third calls. It is thought the former councillor could be Juan Andrés Llorens, who had responsibility for town planning in the previous local government. Alejandro Ponsoda, the Mayor of Polop de la Marina, above, died eight days after he was shot outside his home in Xirles. A number of his songs, such as Blowin’ in the Wind and The Times They Are a-Changin’, became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights movements. His most recent studio album, Modern Times, released on August 29, 2006, entered the UK album charts at number one, making him, at 65, the oldest living person to top the charts. Amaral, pictured above left, consists of Eva Amaral (vocalist) and Juan Aguirre (guitarist). Their musical style is often called pop rock. The threat of the axe forced the sisters to adopt a “doing it for themselves” approach – by launching jam-making sessions. And the Benedictine nuns have stumbled upon a recipe for success as thousands of jars of their preserves were snapped up by the high street chain El Corte Inglés. The sisters used to work in the Manacor pearl factory in Mallorca, which recently laid off scores of staff. But unlike hundreds of European workers who fall into deep mental depression when they are made redundant, nuns from the Santa Familia de Manacor Monastery, Mallorca, rolled up the sleeves of their dis- SPAIN now plays an increasingly important role in fostering world peace, stability and development. That’s the view of China’s vice-premier Hui Liangyu on a visit to the country. China hopes to promote healthier and faster development of its relations with Spain, he said. Señor Liangyu said after his arrival at Madrid airport that Spain has made great contribution to world civilization and human progress. “The Chinese government attaches great importance to its ties with Spain. China also attaches importance to Spain’s important position and influence in Europe.” The vice-premier said he planned to meet Spanish leaders to further “enhance mutual understanding, broaden consensus and promote healthy development of bilateral relations.” Mum’s outburst THE mother of a local policeman killed by ETA member Joseba Pagazaurtundua has called the Socialist party a bunch of shameless people. Pilar Ruiz hit out after it became clear that the Socialists were undertaking talks with the Basque terror group prior to, and after, the killing. Others taking part in a seminar on terrorism in the Basque Country expressed the belief that the Socialist government was only undertaking talks with ETA in the interests of self-promotion. ■ BUBBLING: The store which is selling the jams, and one of the recipes on the boil tinctive habits and started their own business. The industrious team created a new line of homemade jams and preserves, made without preservatives or additives. They even print their own colourful labels, which say: Monges Benedictines, productes artisans-Benedictine nuns, homemade products. Four of the nine sisters in the community are responsible for jam-making. And their hard work has paid off as El Corte Inglés, worth hundreds of millions of euros, agreed to sell the fruits of their labours. The products are now in great demand at the Club Del Gourmet in Palma’s luxury store El Corte Inglés. Tel. 96 568 29 67 - 608 766 777 e-mail [email protected] We also sell cars parking Bring this advert to get a 5% discount Long-term parking €360 for a yearly pass Alicante-Airport www.robertocar.com Friday, November 30, 2007 10 editorial & comment editorial y opinión Viva, Las Vegas! But is it a gamble you want to take? SO, Las Vegas is coming to Spain – and, like in a cartoon, you can almost sense the bank rolls spinning in the eyes of fat cat executives. What great news, they decry, as plans are approved to tear out the heart of untouched desert home to sensitive plants and wildlife. Gran Scala is the world’s biggest, most expensive and jawdropping theme park. It’s also an example of capitalism gone bonkers. At a time when Spain is intent on creating a classier kind of tourism, is a neon, technicolour, ringing, singing, whirling, racing eyesore, that churns out lame paella and burgers, washed down with Coca-Cola really going to help its cause? Yes, it will offer a quick-fix, a half day of amusement for all the family. But long-term residents of Spain won’t be amused when the water supply runs dry and river levels fall within a few decades. The red herring is that the project offers tens of thousands of desperately-needed jobs to the community. It’s an offer most councils would struggle to resist. But is this park sustainable? Or could it just become the world’s biggest White Elephant? The jewel in Spain’s crown is its natural landscape. Its wildlife, plants, contrasts between north and south. Its people are special because they value their families without commercialism and don’t like following the rules. This park is totally the opposite. The execs will be the cats who got the cream – but it could well turn sour for Spain. Editor Nick Hudson Deputy editor Philip Balding News editor Susie Carter Reporters Samantha Kett, Jayne Lovett, Nick Clayton, John Davies Corry Granger, Colin Kirby, Edward Owen, Heather Sadtler Special guest columnist Marcelle d’Argy Smith Cartoonist Higgins Newspaper production team Sandi Tullett, Cheryl Earley, Dean Mullock & Cristina Sabater Magazine production Berta Chulvi, Alfredo Serrano & Penny Lapenna Sales director Lawrence Francis Regional sales managers Fernando Gadea, Emilio Irigoyen Agency sales Mar Milá and Lawrence Francis Field sales team Gemma Broad, Marin Guerrero, David Ribes, Linda Williams, Mark Ottiwell, Elena Theanne, Carolina Abadías, Gregory Quiroga, Colina González Telesales manager David Lovett-Hume Telesales team Izzy Ratray, Jodie Briggs, Malcolm Carrington, Felipe García, Dan Wells, Kath Poole, Sarah Mahrenholz, Pablo Otero, Karen Richbell, Natasha Thomas, Colin Rich Managing director Berni Walker HOW TO CONTACT US Tel. 96 648 08 14 / Fax 96 648 01 10 [email protected] Have you got a story? Tel. 96 648 00 52 - [email protected] Display adverts [email protected] Classifieds [email protected] Think Press S.L., C.I.F. B/54152202 Registration T-59-07 - ISSN 1887-4223 I AM beginning to think I am a witch. A white witch you understand, the kind of wise woman of the woods who knew how to heal a boil by rubbing it with eye of newt and leg of frog. Or maybe not a witch but more of a vehicle by which strange and wonderful things happen to the people around me. I am an enabler. The cynical among you of whom there are many (I know) will ask on what grounds I base my supposition. I know it to be true, therefore it is. At hallowe’en 2006 I had the good fortune to be living in Cornwall (fairy capital of England). I was in the only nightclub in St Austell and I was dressed as a traditional witch, warts and all. I decided to try a little experiment. Standing on the edge of the dance floor I allowed my mind to wander. The amount of alcohol which I had consumed was merely an aid in opening the portal from which my powers would flow. I chose a random few fellow revellers and went up to each one saying the first thing that came into my mind. “Don’t worry it will all work out for you, I know that you are in pain but it will soon ease” that sort of thing. I was of course cold reading, or was I? Could it have been that I was connecting with my sixth sense? O N a serious note I have had very strange experiences. Things that have no real rational explanation. Travelling from England to Scotland for the first time when passing through Carlisle, I was overcome with intense emotion so much so that it moved me to tears. I later recounted this to my mother and she said “well you would feel like that, your grandfather was born there.” I had no idea OF NEWT, LEG OF FROG: Witch spell would you be brewing up to help ■EYE those around you if you thought it would really help to do the trick? A trick of the mind? No, this feeling does make perfect sense – try it today By Sara Gosser her father was born in Carlisle. My grandfather died when I was five years old. On moving to Spain my husband negotiated the lease of our house whilst I was still in England. He told me that on their first meeting the landlady embraced him and said “You are not a stranger to me”. Nothing too odd about that you may say, quite a Spanish thing to do in fact. However several months later my mother-in-law came to stay with us and met our landlady in the street. I introduced them in my best Spanglish. Again an embrace from our Spanish friend, this time my mother-in-law (who is not openly emotionally demonstrative by her own admission) dissolved into tears. When I asked her what was the matter she could not explain except to say that she felt she had known the woman and was overcome with emotion. This is something that I cannot explain. This is not coincidence. I will say, however, that both my husband and mother-in-law have Mediterranean features being dark skinned with black hair and dark eyes. I will also add that it was me who first saw the job advertisement which brought my husband and me to this part of Spain. (Spooky eh!). D o we all possess a sixth sense which due to our evolution is no longer needed? We all recognise feelings of dejà-vus from time-to-time. A trick of the mind, or an affirmation of our past life. Women in particular have a heightened sense of foreboding. “Mother knows best”. She certainly does. Great men throughout history have been consulting their soothsayers and wise women. They say that behind every great man there is an even greater woman. So your mission for this week, if you decided to take it, is to practise your sixth sense and remember – I know it to be true, therefore it is. Friday, November 30, 2007 11 By Samantha Kett S EX education always brought about mixed feelings at school. Girls will remember that fateful day, just short of their teens, when the boys were sent out to play football while the females were taken into a room on their own. There, they watched a video and inspected the contents of lots of colourful plastic packages. Later, more suspect packages and dire warnings about pregnancy and AIDS were passed around in weekly Health and Social Education classes. So, it seems nothing new, but for youngsters in Spain, such excruciatingly embarrassing debates – both for teachers and pupils – started this term with a brand new subject on the curriculum. But it’s not all about sex. In Educación para la Ciudadanía, or Education for Citizenship, pupils will discuss a wide range of moral and ethical issues including homosexuality, religion, immigration, alternatives to the nuclear family – and even how to budget for their expenses, support fair trade and care for the environment. It’s a good idea in principle, but the idea has already attracted controversy. Parents and teachers have presented mixed views. Some of the more devout Catholics are against teaching about sex or homosexuality in the classroom, and fear traditional religious education lessons could be compromised. Others say the topic reflects a similar subject presented in schools during Franco’s time, apparently to support the dictator’s radical views and groom children to be his followers. The education law LOE – Ley Orgánica de la Educación – itself came under fire all round as parents and teachers feared its provisions would mean dumbing down exams and making it too easy for pupils to pass. Fear of failure is much more pronounced in Spain, since children from around the age of nine upwards take tests and exams every few weeks. If they fail too many subjects, they are forced to repeat a year. But with Spain becoming more cosmopolitan by the day – its population of foreigners has reached 9.5 per cent and a multi-faith society has been established – tolerance and acceptance is crucial. And where better to start creating an openminded society than in the classroom? The subject is aimed at the 1215 age-group, but most believe it should be taught from earliest childhood. Let’s talk about sex and otherstuffliketolerance, charity and housework ■ IT’S GOOD TO TALK: But it’s not all about sex. Pupils discuss a wide range of moral and ethical issues Ainoa, 14, from Barcelona, said she finds it interesting learning to respect other cultures and finding out about how the Spanish constitution deals with human rights and equality. She said: “You have to respect different forms of sexuality, but the danger is that we might all end up thinking the same thoughts. Each of us should have our own opinions.” Iván, 14, said: “They should teach us this subject much earlier than at this age.” Neither do they understand the controversy behind the subject. Daniel, Guillermo, Fátima, Eunice and Andrea, 14 and 15, from Zaragoza, said they found their new class interesting and cannot see why anyone should object to it. It’s a challenge, say Isabel and Manuel, both 14, from Mérida. But they’re happy, because this is the one school subject in which they won’t have to sit an exam. There will be an evalua- tion, but practical and ongoing. A Barcelona state school’s first class on Citizenship Education is about equality and sexuality. The teacher asks a boy if he knows any other lads who would prefer to have boyfriends rather than girlfriends. “No, but if I did, it’s up to him,” he replies. Next, the teacher asks a girl the same question. “I’ve got two female friends who prefer girls and I think it’s absolutely fine. It’s up to them,” she responds. According to Spain’s publiclyrun gay society FELGTB, truancy and failure rates among adolescents who discover they are not heterosexual are shockingly high. This is because children fear ridicule, violence and losing their friends if their secret is discovered. Thanks to the LOE’s requirement that homosexuality be dealt with in the school curriculum, and the fact that Spain is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the western world, the next generation of homosexual teens could have a much smoother ride. Despite the reservations of the faithful, it does not seem as though Educación para la Ciudadanía is going to produce a new generation of heretics. A private school in Jaén states that it will teach the subject “in accordance with the centre’s Christian ideals” and will “preserve the religious values that inspire the school.” And in their classrooms, open, frank discussions about human relations, politics, sexual orientation, multi-religious societies, charities and immigration flow freely. The teacher asks the class to define “a plural society” and a pupil replies that it is one where different cultures, religions and opinions are all valid. “And different sexual orientations, too,” the teacher adds. “Being charitable isn’t just about giving to charity. It’s also about giving your seat up on a bus to an old person,” says Ana, from Jaén. “Or buying a Barça shirt, because UNICEF sponsors them,” adds Alfonso. They have just been taught that if they don’t help in the house, they are not charitable, even if they give all their pocket money to Oxfam. This is supposed to educate boys from an early age that housework and child-rearing is not simply “women’s work”, but that in modern society, both sexes should have the right to go out to work. Pupils are even made to think about the consequences of their behaviour. Pushing and shoving in the corridor at break-times, not buying fair trade goods and failing to switch off lights which are not needed, all come up in class discussion. These help their understanding of aggressive behaviour, sweat-shops, poverty and the environment. ‘You have to respect the different forms of sexuality’ 12 Friday, November 30, 2007 NEWS NOTICIAS Poet and translator dies of cancer aged 91 SPAIN TODAY PAUL Roche, a noted poet and translator, has died from cancer at his home in Sóller, Mallorca, aged 91. He was among the last living associates of the Bloomsbury group, the artists and writers twined around Virginia Woolf and her family. The author of several wellreceived volumes of poetry, Mr Roche (pronounced “rawsh”) taught over the years at colleges and universities throughout the United States. His translations of Greek and Latin works, published in the Signet Classics series and by New American Library, have been familiar to students in the United States and in Britain. He was also known for his three-decade-long relationship with the prominent English painter Duncan Grant, a founder of the unorthodox Bloomsbury circle. His translations include the works of Plautus, Aeschylus, Euripides and Sappho. Mr Roche, right, wrote the screenplay for the film “Oedi- pus the King,” based on a translation of the Sophocles play. “Poetry is awareness heightened to the point of love,” Mr Roche wrote in 1970 in an essay for the reference work “Contemporary Poets.” “It is a way of apprehending the intensity of being. I try to recreate experience more intensely, reduce it to a luminous whole, render intuitive the meaning and metaphysics of the universe, and so feed myself and others the kernel of being.” Final curtain call for fiery Fernando Tougher budgets passed despite workers’ protest MARBELLA Town Hall has approved new austere budgets for next year, despite protests from civil servants and other council workers. A group of workers demonstrated outside the debating chamber shouting “negotiation, not imposition,” causing a 15-minute interruption in the proceedings. Police had to be called to evict the protesters from the chamber. The budgets were passed with the Partido Popular overall majority. Council workers are angry about the cancelling of their private health cover, which has been a local authority perk for the past 13 years. A series of redundancies and overtime restrictions are also expected to be enforced. Aiming to ensure that you’re well connected SPAIN is aiming to get well connected – to broadband internet lines. The ministry of industry hopes the country will reach more than eight million broadband internet lines by the end of this year. In 2003, Spain had only 2.1 million broadband accesses. A total of €1,440m has been allocated this year to broaden broadband penetration in the whole country, especially in rural areas. And by 2008 this amount will be up to €1,800m. By the end of this year, the ministry hopes Spain will have 18.4 internet connections for every 100 inhabitants, compared with five connections for every 100 inhabitants in 2004. SECRET TRANSFER CLAIM ■ ■ A FINAL FAREWELL: Fernando Fernán-Gómez’s coffin, covered by an anarchist flag, on the stage of the Teatro Español in Madrid. A picture of the famous character is above the coffin. He is also pictured right as people will remember him A larger-than-life A FITTING LAST FAREWELL FROM THE STAGE an anarchist flag draped over of famous faces from the Spanish character who had WITH his coffin, Fernando Fernán-Gómez world of stage and screen. said goodbye from the stage. His Among those to pay their respects a 60-year career body spent last Thursday ‘lying in were Pilar Bardem, who arrived By Susie Carter SPANISH screen star legend Fernando Fernán-Gómez – known for being larger-than-life in size, volume and emotion – has died in Madrid, aged 86. state’ on the stage of the Teatro Español in Madrid, where the public were invited to pay their respects to the actor and director. It was the same stage where he starred in Las bicicletas son para el verano, and thousands turned out to file past the coffin. His wife, Emma Cohen, and children Fernando and Helena were in attendance and joined by hundreds He appeared in 200 films, directed 20 and wrote novels, plays and poetry and was known for his booming town public school teacher at voice, stern and imposing the outbreak of the Civil War presence and fiery temper. in La Lengua de Las MaripoHighlights of his 60-year sas (Butterfly) in 1999. career included the 1992 film Off screen, he was known Belle Epoque, in which he for his fierce temper, particuplayed the father of four pretlarly when dealing with the ty daughters, including Penémedia. lope Cruz. The movie won At a news conference at nine Spanish Goya Awards the Berlin festival in 2005, he and the Oscar for Best Forroared at a journalist to sit eign Language Film. down and not ask him any He also received praise for more questions. his role as a liberal smallBorn in Peru in 1921, he with tears in her eyes, Pedro Almodóvar and his brother Agustín, Marisa Paredes, Verónica Forqué, Raphael and Víctor Manuel. Among the politicians to attend were president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and the mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón. Fernán-Gómez was cremated on Friday at the Almudena Cemetery in the capital. moved to Spain when he was aged three and went on to study philosophy and literature in Madrid. His career was delayed by the Spanish Civil War in 1936 but he became one of the best-known faces during Franco’s reign. He hit the big screen in the 1943 production Cristina Guzmán, before starring in several fast-paced comedies. He worked with scores of big-time directors, was the only actor to become a member of the Spanish Royal Academy – which promotes language, and won scores of awards. He married and divorced Spanish singer María Dolores Pradera. In 2000, he married actress Emma Cohen. He is survived by Cohen and two children – Fernando and Helena – from his marriage with Pradera. SPAIN collaborated in the secret transfer of prisoners from Afghanistan to Guantánamo Bay, inmates claim. It is alleged that the first such flight used the Morón airbase near Sevilla for a stop-over, saying 23 prisoners were on board a United States Air Force C-141 which landed at 1.50pm on January 11, 2002. It is claimed these were the very first prisoners to be taken from Afghanistan to Guantánamo, and the illegal transfer took place after the then Spanish president, José María Aznar, relaxed Spanish control on the United States airbase in Spain. Lawyers for the prisoners say this shows the systematic collaboration of the Spanish government in the secret transfer of prisoners to Guantánamo. Outrage over claims that history is being re-written SPANISH history has been re-written in scores of children’s text books, it was claimed this week. Now the Partido Popular has demanded an explanation from socialist minister of education, Mercedes Cabrera, about why different versions of the same national syllabus books have been released. The PP says nationalists have changed content in a fourth grade history book. The Madrid version shows a picture of university students demonstrating against an ETA assassination. The Basque one shows a protest against racism. In a 1,200-word text on recent history in Euskadithere is not a single mention of ETA Basque terrorists or their 833 victims. Friday, November 30, 2007 The torture must stop Human rights group accuses government of turning a blind eye By Phil Balding A HUMAN rights group has accused Spain’s government of turning a blind eye to what it calls the “widespread and persistent” torture and abuse of people held in custody. Amnesty International also called for closed-circuit television cameras in police stations and an independent body to look into suspected cases of torture. “Up to now, the official attitude, from ministries to prosecutors and judges, is that there are only isolated cases. Our investigations show this is not so,” said Esteban Beltrán, director of Amnesty in Spain. There have been allegations in the A DREAM RECORDING FOR JOSÉ ON THE RIGHT TRACK: Cerebral palsy sufferer José ■ Ibáñez from Granada has just realised a dream by recording his first single of heavy metal music with the group Carromato. Some of José’s fans have described him as “the king, he moves and feels the heavy metal more than anyone else.” His concert stunts have included launching himself off from his motorised wheelchair – to be caught in the arms of the crowd below. A €750,000 lifeline to help cyclone victims SPAIN will send €750,000 worth of lifeline aid to families in Bangladesh left stricken by Cyclone Sidr. The eight-tonne haul of medicine, water-treatment tablets, tents and blankets was due to be jetted out on a commercial flight this week. Around 3,500 people were killed and tens of thousands left homeless when Sidr struck the Indian city. Now an arm of the Spanish foreign ministry has agreed to stump up cash to help victims. past of torture and mistreatment by Spanish police toward jailed members of armed Basque separatist group ETA, but London-based Amnesty said abuse occurs with all types of suspects. “In Spain, torture and mistreatment of detained people by officers responsible for making sure the law is obeyed is a widespread and persistent practice,” Amnesty said. A senior interior ministry official rejected Amnesty’s claims that torture and abuse was common. The official said that with some 150,000 police officers, it was only logical that there would be some “isolated” cases. The report referred to 15 sample cases, most involving beatings by police and threats of further violence to the victims. NOTICIAS NEWS 13 Rising parking charges protest CAR parking charges at Ibiza Airport have soared – prompting a complaint by consumer groups. A change in the law means operators can up their prices by as much as 50 per cent for some visitors, especially those on short stays. The increases mean it now costs €9 for a short stay, instead of €6. The airport is a lifeline for those who need to travel to get vital medical or specialist services. 14 Friday, November 30, 2007 NEWS NOTICIAS Capital LETTER A VIEW FROM MADRID F AMOUS battles associated with Madrid include Jarama, Ikea and Zara. The first of these took place during the Spanish Civil War, but Ikea and Zara are more recent affairs, occurring most Saturdays at shopping centres in and around the city. In their legions, Madrileños love their centros comerciales. One of the biggest centres has a dome, in much the same way as St Paul’s or the Vatican. It’s a splendid glass construction, and a potent symbol of how the city’s love of shopping borders on worship. A pilgrim’s progress, or lack of it, makes for a stirring office tale come Monday morning. Traffic queues and vast crowds are sometimes overcome in order to follow a path to some nice shelving or a trendy jacket. Strangely, one city suburb is trying to buck the consumerism trend. In Alameda de Osuna, a neighbourhood church is about to be sold and there are rumours of a supermarket being planned in its place. A new church has been constructed, but the residents are objecting to the change of use for the old one. I feel the conflict could be resolved by a joint venture. Most famous churches and cathedrals have progressed to selling postcards and souvenirs. Business is business, so instead of a supermarket or a church, perhaps Madrileños should be offered a supermarket and a church. Together. Same space, different aisles. Marketing would need to be addressed, but some product lines immediately spring to mind – sacrificial lamb, holy mackerel, almost forbidden fruit. Some of the ten commandments can even be directly linked to a modern shopping spree. ‘You shall not covet your neighbour’s ass’ may seem out of date, until you realize that a modern ass is a loaded supermarket trolley. Do not envy other trolleys, nor anything in them. Of course, a real ass is a rarity nowadays, but only last week I went to pay and found that I’d forgotten my wallet, so you do still get one from time-to-time. Supermarkets offer plenty of opportunity for cursing, but there’s guidance in ‘you shall not take the Lord’s name in vain’. Don’t mention the Almighty when faced with a malfunctioning credit card. When a customer interprets ‘ten items or less’ as ‘eleven items or more’, please remember ‘you shall not kill’. And ‘you shall not commit adultery’ is a question of health, safety and hygiene in food display areas. The most surprising association is to be found in ‘you shall have no other Gods’, which is clearly a veiled reference to loyalty cards. The card schemes encourage us to stay with the store. We’re rewarded with points. And how do you get value for points? You redeem them. Redemption at last. Madrileños would face dilemmas. A priest pointing out marriage responsibilities together with a special offer on bed sheets would be deemed inappropriate. But the real flaw would be parking. The citizens of Madrid love their cars even more than their commercial centres, and there are only so many vehicles you can fit in a chapel. At present, there’s no sanctuary from shopping, and there are always mortals who drain from the strain. One centre in Barcelona has just started an ‘aparcamaridos’ scheme – a waiting area for husbands. Men can relax, read or watch TV while the rest of their party continue the crusade. With sixty per cent of Madrileños wanting more Sunday opening hours, I suspect Madrid will go further. Not just husband areas, but dormitories, kitchens, storage units and education facilities. As for the residents of Alameda de Osuna, they’d prefer to see their former church turned into an old people’s home, a kindergarten or a music academy. The father, the son, and maybe Bruce Springsteen. That doesn’t sound so bad. And not a dome in sight. Gone off my trolley? – aisle bet it would work a real treat! JEFF WISEMAN Demands for hit TV chat show to be dropped A SPANISH television station faced demands to drop a hit chat show after claims a man stabbed to death his ex days after she refused his on-screen marriage proposal. The Spanish suspect got on one knee and begged a Russian mother-of-one to take him back on the prime-time programme. Five days later, she was killed by multiple stab wounds to the neck at her home in Alicante. She leaves a two-year-old son. Bosses from the TV show are accused of using deceit to lure Svetlana Orlova onto the stage – despite her winning a restraining order against him after a previous case of abuse. Now the Association of Television Viewers in the eastern region of Cataluña, has demanded that Antena 3 drops the Patricia’s Diary show, which attracts more than ■ TV PLEA: Svetlana’s exboyfriend Ricardo Navarro two million viewers a day. And women’s groups have demanded an apology. “You can’t mislead a woman into meeting her abuser, because of the consequences which we now know of,” said Ana María Pérez del Campo, of the Federation of Separated and Divorced Women. Covadonga Naredo, of Spain’s Federation of Progressivist Women, said: “We believe that media professionals should be capable of assessing when a situation is delicate when treating women.” Ms Naredo’s federation is teaming up with other women’s groups in Spain to file a case against the TV station and said Antena 3 should apologise. Patricia’s Diary specialises in getting ordinary people to reveal their most intimate problems and confront errant loved ones in front of an afternoon television audience. In last week’s appearance the spurned Ricardo Navarro told the woman, identified as Svetlana: “I want you to marry me. You’re everything for me.” She looked visibly uncomfortable as he brought out a ring. Presenter Patricia Gaztañaga pushed Svetlana to respond, saying, “Come on Svetlana, say something, we’re all here waiting.” She answered: “No.” During their talk show appearance, Navarro blamed the end of their four-year relationship on financial troubles but Svetlana said other factors were involved, although she did not provide details. TV researchers had failed to find out that Navarro was required to keep at least 500 metres away from her by a court order due to a previous case of abuse. Presenter Gaztañaga expressed sorrow for the victim at the start of Tuesday’s show but said her murder could not have been foreseen. A chief judge of the region’s supreme court has called for a review of such shows, saying they may “add fire” to a heated situation. After being arrested, Svetlana’s ex-boyfriend Ricardo Navarro has appeared in court charged with her murder. Women step out to stop violence Thousands protest in memory of 69 killed this year By Phil Balding THE stop. violence has to That’s the message loud and clear that was delivered across Spain on Sunday. Thousands of people attended protests on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to remember the 69 women who have died as victims of domestic violence in Spain this year. The latest such killing illustrated one of the most common scenarios: a man received a restraining order to keep a certain distance away from his former partner, and reacted by attacking her. Such attacks tend to result in the woman’s death. The murder took place in the northern Spanish city of Santander, when a 78-yearold man stabbed his wife, who had reported him to the authorities on October 25 for threatening her, and had obtained an injunction forbidding him to come within 200 metres of her. Another high-profile case of a separated couple happened after a television programme. A young Russian woman living in Madrid was invited to a private television channel. While she was live on camera, her ex-partner, from whom she was separated, appeared on the set. He said: “I love you. There’s only one life and I want to ■ MAKING THEIR MARK: spend it with you. Forever. I want you to marry me. You are everything to me. Everything. Everything.” Five days later she was stabbed to death on her doorstep. Actress Pilar Bardem read out a statement on Sunday at a protest organised by Amnesty International in Madrid, calling on governments for more ‘political will’ to end what was described as the ‘atrocity’ of violence by men. Her colleague, Charo López, called at the Salamanca demonstration for women who suffer abuse to be brave and to leave their partners. One of the more graphic protests was in the Andalucian capital, Sevilla, where a group of women brought up the rear of the demonstration, using a coloured liquid to leave behind them the bloody footprints of domestic violence. Marches, films and more Women protesting in Sevilla than 200 talks and events were held and 8,000 brochures distributed in Málaga, which has the highest level of reported crime against women in Andalucía. Between January and September of this year, there were 2,552 reports of attacks, 35 per cent of which came from foreign women. Montserrat Comas, the head of the observatory on domestic and gender violence, sponsored by the general council of the judicial branch, said that the increase in the number of murders by husbands or partners “is a response to efforts by the victims of abuse to get out of the hell they live in.” “Nowadays women won’t tolerate what they would put up with 15 or 20 years ago,” she said. Since 2004 there have been 306,682 criminal prosecutions in the courts for violence against women, and 24,634 civil actions. Nearly 72,000 protective measures have been sought, 75 per cent of which have been granted. An increasing number of foreign women have been issued restraining orders, accounting for 35 per cent of the total in 2007, five percentage points more than two years ago. In spite of the continuing abuse and murders, progress towards gender equality and respect for women has been made, in particular by the March 15 entry into force of the gender equality law, which was unanimously passed by parliament. The law includes obligatory negotiation of equality strategies in companies with more than 250 workers, including gender parity on administrative councils. For elections, 40 per cent of candidates in the first five listed positions must be women, except in villages or towns with less than 5,000 people. Enriqueta Chicano Jávega, head of the federation of progressive women, acknowledged that advances have been made in legislation, but said there is still much to be done, because “laws do not change people’s mentalities.” In her view it is essential for the rights of women and men to be priority subjects in educational curricula, from primary school on. WOMEN TOO DEPENDANT ON EMOTION?: SEE WHO’S WHO IN SPAIN IN THE PLEASURE ZONE ON PAGE 34 Friday, November 30, 2007 NOTICIAS NEWS Questions asked of Maddie detectives QUESTIONS are being asked about the competence of a Spanish private detective agency hired by the parents of missing four-year-old Madeleine McCann. Doubts emerged after the head of Método 3 admitted the agency does not like working for individual members of the public. Francisco Marco boasted that his firm is unique because it only works for companies. The recording, made for a Spanish business magazine, was four years old – but many say it fuels fears. Marco, director-general of the family-run firm, has bragged to the BBC that he was “100 per cent sure” she was alive and he was “very, very close” to finding her. Portuguese detectives are said to have ridiculed the agency’s claims. But Método 3, hired for six months, says it has a proven track record of finding missing children. Leicestershire toddler Madeleine has been missing since May from her parent’s apartment in Portugal. On the road to faster journeys CHRISTMAS has come early for frustrated motorists in Málaga province. A €350m motorway will be built – cutting journey times by more than half. A new road linking Ronda to the Costa del Sol will be open in 2012. The 32.5km route will comprise 26 viaducts and only one tunnel, in order to minimise the environmental impact. It will join the coast just above San Pedro de Alcántara and experts say will cut journey times from 50 to 22 minutes. Murder in mind IT WAS a weekend of murder, mystery and intrigue in Tenerife at the first Agatha Christie festival. Films and plays of the crime writer’s work were staged in Puerto de la Cruz to mark the 80th anniversary of her visit to the city – which inspired her to write the short story The Man From The Sea. Her grandson Mathew Prichard was guest of honour and the climax saw a bust of the author unveiled and the Calle Ciprés renamed to Calle Agatha Christie. 15 Blanco’s all set to make London date SPANISH fashion retailer Blanco is to open its first UK store in west London next year. The firm has earmarked the Westfield shopping centre in White City, London, for its debut and wants to open more stores between next year and 2010. Blanco, founded in 1960 in Bilbao, has about 100 stores in Spain and Portugal. The retailer will also expand in Italy from next year. Blanco is regarded widely as a competitor to Zara in both retailers’ home market of Spain. Blanco has three store formats; women’s fashion shop Blanco, accessories and lingerie specialist Blanco Accessories and outlet store Blanco Stock. ■ BULLY FOR YOU! The main picture shows one of giant black bulls that loom over the country’s motorways, while inset are flamenco dancer Joaquín Cortés and model Inés Sastre who will paint replicas of the bulls Sherry interesting – and no bull! A peaceful start PEACE be with you – Spanish King Juan Carlos discussed the Annapolis Peace Conference with Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad. A presidential statement said the two leaders talked about conference developments in a telephone call by the Spanish monarch. Unofficial symbol of Spain celebrates half a century By Phil Balding NO BULL – the iron silhouettes of Spain’s most famous animal that loom large over the country’s motorways are celebrating their 50th birthday. Jet black, 14 metres high and weighing 4,000kg, the bulls started life as an advertising campaign for sherry. Since then they have become the unofficial symbol of Spain. Half a century on you can find the image on flags, Tshirts and guidebooks, at sporting events and national festivals. In a scene from the 1992 film Jamón, Jamón, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem make love underneath one of the bulls. Wherever you see Spain, the bull is never far behind. The Osborne sherry company, founded by an English immigrant to Andalucía in the late 18th century, originally placed the bulls on roadside bends to catch drivers’ attention. They used to bear the company logo and the name of its Veterano brandy, but the words were removed in 1988 after it was ruled that they were distracting drivers. By then the silhouettes were so famous that the company decided drivers would need no reminding of what the bulls were promoting. There was a national outcry when, in the wake of new EU laws banning roadside advertising outside towns, the bulls faced extinction. But following petitions and nationwide protests the bulls were reclassified as official historical monuments and lived on. In the mid-90s a new law banned the siting of structures too close to roads, so Osborne moved its bulls to hillsides overlooking the motorways. But they still faced legal challenges. By then, though, the public had so grown to love the bulls that even the supreme court could not sanction their removal. In 1997 judges ruled that the bulls had “become part of the landscape.” This year Osborne is marking its half-century by inviting 50 Spanish stars to paint small replicas of the bulls, which will be auctioned. The artists include Real Madrid footballers, model Inés Sastre and flamenco dancer Joaquín Cortés. INVESTMENT | SAVINGS PENSION | EQUITY RELEASE Richard Morris Jávea Office 966 462 960 Ian Clack Murcia Region 902 947 637 / 667 306 972 Mark Harrison Torrevieja Office 966 773 796 WWW.OFSSPAIN.COM [email protected] Friday, November 30, 2007 16 the big issue tema de la semana Spain tops table for an Taking UP and 15-34 age group biggest users in EU By Nick Hudson C UT-PRICE cocaine is pushing up usage in Spain to record levels – despite the country’s tough line on decriminalising cannabis. Consumption is up 30 per cent with Spain, and the UK, topping a European league table. Adults aged between 15 and 34 in Spain and Britain are the biggest consumers of the hard drug, whose main entry point into the EU remains the Iberian peninsula. More Europeans are taking cocaine than ever before as its price falls, with most users concentrated in Spain and Britain. At least 4.5 million Europeans used cocaine last year, up from 3.5 million in 2005. That has coincided with record hauls of the drug with an estimated 107 tonnes seized in 2005, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction THRILLS AND PILLS: The untidy table top full of drugs and smokes are a tell-tale sign of the growing problem for said in its 2007 drugs report. Spain and its younger population “It is estimated that cocaine has been used at least once by more than 12 million Europeans, representing almost four per cent of all adults,” said the agency. At least 4.5 million Europeans used cocaine last year, up from 3.5 million in 2005. That Council, which hopes to create a has coincided with record A HOSPITAL boss in Ibiza has working group to develop a code hauls of the drug in recent called for discos to be shut for of practice so that everyone can years, with an estimated 107 eight hours a day in order to curb enjoy the island – without its tonnes seized in 2005, the Euyoung people’s drug-taking. seedier side. ropean Monitoring Centre New laws coming into force next It is also intended to prevent for Drugs and Drug Addicsummer will curb the 24-hour Ibiza’s young people getting tion (EMCDDA) said in its clubbing culture and see hefty sucked into the spiral of drug 2007 drugs report. fines imposed on venues operattaking. “Cocaine is now, after caning between 6am and noon. Experts from Liverpool John nabis, the second most comBut Carlos Rodríguez, head of Moores University are expected monly used illicit drug in emergency services at Can Misses to attend. Last year, they surveyed many EU member states and Hospital, said the ban should be hundreds of British young people in the EU as a whole,” said tougher. who visited Ibiza. One in five the EMCDDA in its report of He said a break of eight hours cited taking recreational drugs as the 27-nation bloc. is essential to break the link out sleeping for such a long time global experts in nightlife, viothe main reason for their trip. The latest report comes between clubbing and drugs. And without help. If it was going to lence, justice, tourism, the leiBut the most popular reason in the wake of the Spanish tourists abuse substances because be over for eight hours, many sure industry, sexual risk and given for coming to the island parliamentary commission clubs are open all day and night. young people would not consume security sign up for a conference was to enjoy the music and the in Congress turning down He said: “The body has cycles so many drugs to enable them to to tackle Ibiza’s problems, next second choice was generally hava proposal to decriminalise which must be respected. It is keep going.” June 23-25. ing a good time, while drug conpossession of small amounts physically impossible to last withHis call comes as hundreds of It is the brainchild of the Island sumption was third. of cannabis – despite thou- ■ Hospital boss calls for 8-hour disco ban sands pushing for a softer legal stance. Experts say growing demand for cocaine and a strong euro have increased the pressure for South American drug cartels to break through Europe’s tight borders. The EMCDDA said that although cocaine prices had fallen in recent years, a gram of the white powder can still fetch up to €120. Wolfgang Goetz, head of the EMCDDA, said in September that traffickers were increasingly relying on poor West African countries like Guinea Bissau to store their cocaine before sending it to Europe’s lucrative market. However, heroin and injected drugs have become less common in Europe while the use of cannabis is stabilising after a sustained period of growth, the agency said. “Nevertheless, positive messages are marred by high levels of drug-related deaths and rising cocaine use,” said the EMCDDA, which estimates there are up to 8,000 overdose deaths every year – mostly linked to the consumption of opiates like heroin. Friday, November 30, 2007 17 unwanted drugs’ club Drugged-up drivers even WORSE than the booze-fuelled ones on the country’s roads MORE drivers get behind the wheel on drugs than booze in Spain, a top cop has revealed. A shocking number of drivers were caught under the influence during random drugs tests. It is a further blow to Spain’s appalling driving record. Statistics show more people die on Europe’s roads than from murders, drugs and AIDS put together. And more than half the 6,000 people involved in death crashes in Spain don’t have a licence. Now Bartolomé Vargas, the road safety prosecutor in Spain, has revealed the extent of the problem. He said the results of roadside drug tests carried out in Cataluña would be replicated across Spain. Drivers have to complete two tests. The first shows whether they are positive or negative and the second, involving saliva or blood samples, gives a more scientific result. The crackdown comes in the same week that motorists could face jail for the first time for exceeding speed limits on rural roads and motorways. SO ■ RANDOM: The results of roadside tests in Spain make appalling reading 18 Friday, November 30, 2007 NEWS NOTICIAS Poem with a €30,000 tag A CRUCIFICTION poem written by the guru of Spanish poetry fetched an ungodly sum at auction this week. Experts correctly predicted the manuscript, hand-written by Federico García Lorca, would drain up to €30,000 from the winning bidder’s purse. The Spanish Ministry for Culture was the successful bidder on the day – going under the hammer at €30,757. Lorca wrote the poem in New York in October 1929 and later gave it to his friend Miguel Benítez. It went missing until tracked down after his death. Moor the merrier for new marina MOOR, moor, moor. Málaga City Hall is expected to approve building a new €30m marina in El Morlaco, between Baños del Carmen and La Caleta. The marina itself would include 544 mooring points and a sailing school, with a 35,000 square metre park also forming part of the project, together with a centre for marine investigation and commercial premises. Bangers and crash fears A WOMAN air traveller almost gave fellow passengers an explosive journey after she carried 1kg of FIREWORKS onto a plane. The culprit brought 33 rockets and 26 bangers into the passenger cabin of a private flight from Moscow to Málaga. Police say the explosives could have detonated at any time because they were not packed correctly. Officers destroyed the material when she arrived in Málaga. Quake, rattle and roll, then dial 112 FRIGHTENED residents called police when a small earthquake shook the Murcia region. Around 10 homeowners dialled 112 when tremors started at a point Southeast of Aledo and south west of Totana before rippling outside just before 2pm. Experts say the quake measure 3.2 on the Richter Scale and caused no injuries or damage. The €650m tax timebomb that’s ticking away waiting for Brits who own properties in Spain A €650m tax timebomb is ticking for hundreds of thousands of Brits who own property in Spain. Experts say up to half of all homeowners are not paying the required taxes – leaving them wide open to huge fines, as well as demands for lump-sum payments. In the worst cases, authorities could seize dream homes. In the meantime, Brits unwittingly caught up in the mess are now finding they are being named and shamed in Spanish newspapers, as part of a crackdown on tax evaders. Some have merely fallen into a trap, where the former owner of the property burdened buyers with their tax. It is thought 100,000 people in Ireland alone will soon be investigated for the last four years of returns, facing 300 per cent of the liability. It means tax on a €300,000 prop- erty normally amounts to €1,000 a year. If that bill is left unpaid, it can spiral to €13,000 in four years. Paul Connolly of Dublin-based IFG mortgages, said: “It’s only a matter of time before thousands of Irish property owners are faced with big tax penalties.” It’s home, sweet home, says firm 17,000 new houses to be built By Nick Hudson SPAIN’S No 1 housebuilder is pressing ahead with ambitious plans to develop 17,000 new homes – despite gloomy forecasts for the immediate future. The Polaris World company says it will sidestep the current downturn in the real estate sector and move ahead with the exciting proposals. The Murcia-based company has, however, revised its forecasts DOWNWARDS for this year and admits that the marketplace is more complicated than two years ago. The firm specialises in resorts where it sells second homes generally with golf, and has been using television advertising to sell to the Spanish market since October 2006. Company president José Luis Hernández forecast that cashflow for this year will be 35 per cent lower than the €800m first forecast a year ago. But he admitted the first figure was “off the top of his head.” The company has handed over the keys to 5,500 homes since 2001, has another 4,500 pending and plans to build 17,000 more, most of them in the Murcia town of Alhama. The government is continuing with its forecast of a gentle landing for the sector, but given the delay in the assembly of statistics it could be that prices are really falling already. The BBVA is forecasting a 1.9 per cent fall in 2009. ■ CRUEL SEA: Waves lash the rocks at Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava. Thomas and Jay Howlett were swept out to sea from the circled rock. Jay and his dad are pictured below Drowning tragedy: Soccer boss’ condolences ■ SIR Alex Ferguson offered his condolences to a football-mad father and one of his sons who drowned when they were swept out to sea by a huge wave in Spain. The Man United soccer boss said his team was Sex charge boys released TWO boys who sexually abused a young girl and circulated a mobile phone video of the attack in their school have escaped scot free. One of the boys committed an offence against her and the other forced her to perform a sex act on him. Teachers at the school in Sevilla realised what was happening and told the girl’s parents, who pressed charges. Both the boys handed over their phones, but were released without charge because it was their first offence. shocked to hear of the deaths of Simon Howlett and his son Jay. The little boy and his brother Thomas, seven, were pulled into stormy seas at Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, as their dad was taking photographs. Mr Howlett, 32, from Market Drayton in Shropshire, pulled Thomas back to shore but died alongside Jay as he tried to rescue him. His wife and mother of the boys, Deborah Howlett, watched in vain as they drowned. Fellow guests, Karen Garratty, her partner Michael Harrison and their son Robert, 13, witnessed the tragedy. 80 jobs in store EIGHTY jobs will be created when a Fnac multimedia superstore opens in Málaga city. The company will take over the first floor of the Plaza shopping centre and should open next autumn. It will be Fnac’s 16th store in Spain. She said they looked for lifebelts on the beach but none were provided. Other tourists ran to help but the force of the sea overpowered. Friends of the family said Mr Howlett ran a bathroom-fitting company. An energy surge that will give a needed lift SWITCHED-ON developers are bringing four renewable energy companies to Southern Spain – creating 2,000 jobs. A further four un-named businesses are also coming to Andalucía, as part of a multi million euro industrialisation scheme. The scheme is designed to boost competitivity and jobs. It will offer a lifeline to Cádiz City, Chiclana, El Puerto de Santa María, Puerto Real, San Fernando and Jerez – which were hit hard by the closure of the Delphi car parts factory in Puerto Real earlier this year. It was approved by the Junta de Andalucía, which has approved €2m worth of public funding for the scheme in the Bahía de Cádiz district. The plan is in place until 2013, and is described by the president of the Junta de Andalucía, Manuel Chaves, as a ‘great opportunity.’ He denied claims it is a crisis plan. Residents flee falling building TERRIFIED residents narrowly escaped serious injury when the two-storey building they were living in collapsed around them. Two women sustained minor injuries and were rescued by firemen. Other occupants fought through rubble to reach safety and were later treated for shock. The building, on Calle Lealas, Jerez de la Frontera, was thought to be ageing badly. A relacement is under construction. Plunge girl goes home A BRITISH girl seriously hurt in a mysterious 50ft plunge from a Mallorca hotel balcony has gone home from hospital. But it is not known when Gianna Cooper, seven, will be well enough to tell whether she fell accidentally or was pushed. Her mother Sara, 45, was found drowned in a sea cave two days after the holiday drama. Gianna is being cared for by dad Ian, 44, at home in Foxton, Cambs. She was on holiday with her parents and two teenage brothers when she hurtled from the balcony. Friday, November 30, 2007 19 It’s a pig of a problem as porkers stumble in Plane drama as engine catches fire A PILOT flying out of Lanzarote was forced to make an emergency landing when the engine burst into flames. Terrified passengers on board the Boeing 757 to Manchester heard four loud bangs and saw fires out of the windows, just after take-off. The Thomsonfly flight circled Fuerteventura while fuel was dumped before making a smooth landing on the island. The pilot shut down the engine and fire crews tackled the blaze. Relieved travellers were fed at the unscheduled stop as they waited for a replacement plane to arrive to complete their onward journey. Animals make life hell for villagers By John Davies SPAIN SPOT AN ARMY of prime porkers is making life hell for scores of people living in a quiet mountain village in Mallorca. ■ POLICE smelt something fishy going on when they raided an industrial estate in Valmojado. They found 18 tons of cannabis resin in a lorry, hidden between two pallets of frozen fish. A Málaga lorry driver is under arrest in Toledo, along with five other suspects from Morocco. NOTICIAS NEWS ■ PAPER REIGN: This man’s crowning glory is to sell tissues to motorists at traffic lights in the centre of Sevilla Around 10 pigs escaped from a farm and have been breeding so successfully they have multiplied FIVEFOLD, making a 50-strong clan. Its members have devoured whole crops of cabbages and trampled over people’s land. Now authorities in Estellencs, between the Tramuntan Mountains and the sea, have been inundated with complaints from fed-up farmers, smallholders and homeowners. One poultry farmer said the hungry pigs had guzzled a day’s supply of freshly-laid eggs, destined for a supermarket in Andratx. Estellencs Council has appealed for help from the Balearic ministry for the environment and Natura Parc. Experts have studied the rogue porkers’ behaviour and have placed traps around the area. But many say the animals have access to so much free food, they won’t fall for the traps. A sow can produce a litter of eight to 10 piglets every three months and 20 days. 20 Friday, November 30, 2007 NEWS NOTICIAS Yes, minister – but rail boss swings job vote by three THE head honcho of the doomed railway service in Barcelona was saved from being ousted by just three of her peers. Development minister, Magdalena Álvarez, was in the firing line when politicians voted in congress about whether she should keep her job. The referendum was called after more than one month of delays and disruption to rail services, caused by work on the AVE high speed network. The proposal was put by the Izquierda Unida-ICV, which claimed she should be held to account. Only seven members were absent for the vote – which swung in her favour by just three yeses. The vote in the lower chamber came just hours after the secretary of state for infrastructure, Víctor Morlán, announced that Barcelona’s Cercanías local train network will be back to normal service. She is the sixth politician to face the grilling. Keep a gain in planes in Spain, says carrier Don’t sell it to foreign firm: Shareholder BURIED treasure – and now you must keep it close to your chest! A judge in Florida has asked the Spanish government and the Odyssey exploration company to agree a pact on confidentiality over the treasure which was found last May. At the same time the judge rejected the agreement proposed by Odyssey which would have seen them informing Spain about the exact location of the find and other details. Odyssey president Greg Stemm made a brief statement to the court and said that his company was clearly willing to share information on the three exploration sites. The estimated value of the treasure is €336m, but the Spanish ministry for culture considers that it could have been taken from a sunken Spanish galleon. Odyssey has said that it is made up of gold and silver coins and was found outside Spanish waters. The next public hearing has been set for January 10. QUEEN Sofía marked the 800th birthday of a spiritual guru by watching a traditional meditation ceremony full of colour and costumes. She watched scores of whirling dervishes – followers of a branch of Islam who perform a spinning ritual in order to reach a higher mental state. The event in Madrid was staged to mark the 800th anniversary of Jalal ud-Din Muhammed Rumi, known as Mevlana. He was a great philosopher, who founded the Sufi order Mevlevi – a path followers choose in order to reach enlightenment. His most important work, composed during the last 10 years of his life, is the Mesnevi –which comprises 30,000 couplets in six books, giving insight into laws of physics and psychology. The performance was organised by the Turkish Culture & Tourism Ministry and the Turkish Embassy in Madrid. A SPANISH shareholder in Iberia airlines says the carrier should not be sold to foreign investors. cal opposition to the sale of Iberia, a company that is important to the capital’s economy, said Manuel Zayas, an analyst at Fortis in Madrid. Iberia received a takeover approach worth as much as €3.7bn last week from a group of Spanish investors led by Gala Capital Partners Equity. Iberia said it would study Gala’s offer and may open up its books. British Airways said it will not exercise its preemption rights to acquire any of the shares in Iberia. It said its position as Iberia’s “key industrial partner” remained important and did not depend on an increase in its shareholding. The UK flag carrier’s chief financial officer, Keith Williams, said: “We will enter into discussions with Caja Madrid in order to maximise the value of our relationship with Iberia.” And Air France is studying its options in taking over Iberia, without any Spanish support. Judge asks for pact over buried treasure Queen marks spiritual guru’s 800th birthday By Phil Balding The Latin American routes of Iberia have attracted potential bidders including British Airways, which already holds a 10 per cent stake, and Air France-KLM Group, which said it is exploring a possible offer. Caja Madrid, a savings bank based in the Spanish capital, agreed this week to buy Iberia shares from Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria and Compañía de Distribución Integral Logista to increase its stake to 23 per cent from about 10 per cent. “Caja Madrid would like the airline to stay in Spanish hands,” said a spokesman for the savings bank. The lender would prefer to see a big, Spanish shareholder in control at Iberia, he said. Caja Madrid, the second-biggest Spanish savings bank after La Caixa, may be responding to local politi- SPAIN TODAY PUNDITS are already predicting the train to oust the plane in travelling between Madrid and Málaga – where Costa takes on a whole new dimension. Informed critics fear the launch of the new bargain basement AVE high speed rail link next month could spell the “beginning of the end” of air travel between the two cities. But the air companies are not ready to roll over as they plan to hit back with their own discount fares. It’s no secret that flights between European cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris were badly hit following the launch of the TGV and Thalys services between them. Stopping trains on Andalucía’s new rail service, which is due to start on Christmas Eve, will take just under three hours. But the airlines will have to compete against four non stop trains a day which will make the journey in only two-and-a-half, at speeds of up to 300 It’s a rail quandary: Will passengers go by rail or will they travel by air? kilometres an hour. The route has always seen fierce competition but now with RENFE offering tickets for bookings 15 days in advance of departure for just over €30 one way, the airlines have responded by offering own bargain fares. Looking at a typical journey in January, Air Europa, Spanair and Iberia are all offering return journeys priced at around €50, including all airport taxes. Abelardo Jiménez, RENFE’s boss of high speed trains, said the extra comfort, space and facilities on board the type S102 and S103 trains would bring a new era for travel to the Costa del Sol. There will be up to 13 trains a day in each direction, with RENFE making 1.65 million seats available per year, compared with just over one million now. Señor Jiménez and his southern area boss, Magdalena Alonso, said that the anticipation of demand would bring extra trains on Fridays and Sundays. “We have no doubt that many more people will see the train as a more comfortable way of travelling between Málaga and Madrid,” he said. The official tourist class AVE fare between the two cities has been set at €76 one way, with a return priced at €121.76. Preferente Class is approximately fifty per cent more, while the ultra-exclusive Club class almost double the basic fare. ■ NOW A-VEIL-ABLE: A Murcia company has introduced the Islamic veil as part of their work uniform. It means that from January the 850 workers at Agromediterránea SCL can wear a plain white veil if they so wish. The preserves company employs as many as 150 Muslim workers, and it’s thought to be the first case of its type where a Murcia company has changed uniform regulations to accommodate the religious customs of their workers. President calls to strengthen the relationships with Cuba CANARY Islands president Paulino Rivero has called for a strengthening of relations with Cuba after meeting with Cuban foreign minister Felipe Pérez Roque in Havana. The autonomous president Rivero pointed out the Canary Islands has never interrupted its relations with Cuba, and there are more than 100 co-operation projects fostered by the Canary Islands with Cuba, and 11 in development. “We want to keep and strengthen our commitment to improve living conditions by support of the people of the Canary Islands and their Cuban descendents,” he said. Friday, November 30, 2007 NOTICIAS NEWS 21 Show is aiming for the heights King must apologise to me – Chávez ■ IN STORE: It may be cold outside but the sun will shine brightly on Valencia when performers from the world-famous Cirque du Soleil descend on the city. International musicians, ballerinas, actors and acrobats will perform on a 46m stage – the only one big enough for them – in front of huge IMAX cinema screens, projecting films and holograms to the crowd. They hope their show, called Delirium, will send culture vultures into a frenzy. It’s designed to show humans’ quest to find balance and peace in a shifting world. The show takes place at the Feria complex from December 13 – 16. Websites on eating disorders are shut FOUR websites accused of promoting anorexia and bulimia as acceptable ways to lose weight have been shut down by Microsoft in Spain. The offending blogs were picked up by the Catalan iternet quality control agency, Iqua. No specific details of their content have been released. It is the first time in Spain that a company housing internet sites has shut down web pages seen to promote eating disorders after complaints by the authorities. Normally computer firms only close websites after a court order has been issued. Blogs with tips on how to become extremely thin, aimed mainly at young girls, have sprouted in cyberspace, alarming health officials who say they promote eating disorders. In January, Spanish authorities banned an internet site dubbed “the Porcelain Princesses”, which planned to run a competition for young women suffering from anorexia. The contest offered points to those reducing their calorie intake to a minimum, with starvation rations of 50-150 calories a day worth nine points, while a maximum 10 points was offered for not eating all day. Da Vinci mode tops gong list ■ BRUSH STROKES: Leonardo da Vinci completing a self-portrait and a picture, left, to advertise the film Perpetuum Mobile Oscars set to honour one of the world’s greatest painters By Nick Hudson SPAIN’S Oscars are set to take a 500-year step back in history – to honour one of the world’s greatest painters of all time. Renaissance painter Leonardo da Vinci, whose brushes stroked the masterpieces The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, is the subject of the film Perpetuum Mobile – being tipped for a gong at the Goya Awards. The movie, by Raquel García-Ajofrín Virtus and Enrique García Rodríguez, is a favourite in the best animated short film nominees for the awards. The film tells the story of a young Da Vinci and events that motivated him. Da Vinci was so interested in realistic painting he dissected a human body to see how it worked. Apart from his masterpieces, he also was credited with having created the designs for the modern-day helicopter. Silverspace used Maya 3D and Pixar’s Renderman to make the film. It has already received 12 award nominations and has won awards at the Independent Film Festival of California, L’Uovo de Napoli, the Las Vegas International Film Festival and the Oregon Da Vinci Film Festival. The film has also been translated into 12 different languages and was shown at SIGGRAPH 2007 and the Sitges Cinema Festival in Cataluña, Spain. The full nominees for the section are: Perpetuum Mobile by Raquel García-Ajofrín Virtus and Enrique García Rodríguez; Atención al cliente by Marcos Valin and David Alonso; El bufón y la infanta by Juan Ramón Galiñanes García; La flor más grande del mundo by Juan Pablo Etcheverry; Tadeo Jones y el sótano maldito by Enrique Gato Borregán. APOLOGISE – or relations stay frozen. That’s the message to Spain from Venezuela president Hugo Chávez. He says there will be no change until the King apologises for his now famous comment ‘¿Por qué no te callas? – Why don’t you shut up’, made at the IberoAmerican summit two weeks ago. Señor Chávez said that King Juan Carlos “must recognise that he made a mistake.” He said he was freezing relations because of dignity. The king “has the moral, human and political obligation to present his apology,” he said, adding that he was revising relations with Spain, but then also saying that he did not want a conflict with Madrid. Spanish officials sought clarification of the remarks by Señor Chávez that he was “freezing” bilateral relations. The foreign ministry’s top official for Latin America, Trinidad Jiménez, said she had telephoned Venezuelan Ambassador Alfredo Toro and arranged to meet. “There have not been any consequences in diplomatic and economic relations,” she said. Man badly hurt in blaze protest A SPANISH man set fire to himself in a desperate protest over a separation from his wife and children. He returned to her home to collect his stuff, then poured petrol over his legs and ignited it in the street. Neighbours in the Cañada de San Urbano district of Almería City managed to extinguish the flames and rushed him to hospital. He is said to be in a serious condition in hospital, suffering burns to 18 per cent of his body. 22 Friday, November 30, 2007 NEWS NOTICIAS SPAIN TODAY Sienta turns Santa for Christmas hair SPANISH designers have dreamt up an original way of giving people a hair-py Christmas. They’ve found a way to transform lacklustre locks into a Come-look-at-me Christmas tree. But models don’t look like they’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards. The creation takes hours of work, as well as wires, spraypaint and lacquer. It’s the brainchild of Sienta La Cabeza – a group of skilled hair artists who create new styles in an eyecatching way, like a performance. Fafa Franco, founder of the Barcelona group, which includes a sculptor and a musician, rolled out the new look in Hong Kong. She said her work is designed to make people feel good about themselves, and to stand out in a crowd. Work on Big Brother project at standstill SPAIN is being blocked from playing a key role in a Big Brother is Watching You scheme being developed in Europe, insiders claim. Space scientists are working on Galileo – a mutli million euro satellite project where individuals can be tracked to within one metre of their exact location. But politicians in Germany and Italy are seeking to prevent Spain from taking a key role in the project, led by the European Commission, according to a report by the ministry of public works. The document is dated several months ago, but is still thought to be a sore point. Work on Galileo has stalled as cost over-runs piled up, private contractors bickered and member nations pushed their own industrial interests. The 2008 launch date is now been put back to 2013. SCHOOL HIT BY TRAIN I’m part of a very special species, says former prime minister who ‘always kept his promises’ before polling SPAIN’S former prime minister José María Aznar has spoken of being in a small, select group of world leaders. The country’s ex-political leader told a university audience in Brazil that he was part of a “strange species”. Aznar said he was odd in politics as he had kept his promises ahead of being re-elected – such as retiring after his second term of office. TWO goods trains – one carrying dangerous solvents – crashed 80 metres from homes near Alcalá de Henares in Madrid. One of the trains did hit a local school building – but luckily no-one was hurt in the incident. Classes at the Doctora Alcalá centre were cancelled. Six wagons in all came off the tracks, and two were carrying dangerous substances of solvent and oxygenated water. Game claims 3rd death A POST-MORTEM will be carried out on the body of a Spanish student who dropped dead playing basketball in Ireland. He is the third student to die in similar circumstances within six months. His parents were due to travel from Valencia to The Emerald Isle on Wednesday. The incident took place at the Athlone Institute of Technology, County Westmeath, on Tuesday night. Please send this gift BACK IT’S a gift with a twist – a bag given to clients who spent more than €24 on Yves Rocher products is being recalled, because it contains toxic metal. Yves Rocher said the bag it has given to clients as a promotional item should be returned as it contains cadmium. Several European countries, including Spain, are affected. us’, he said, ‘and we have the right to defend ourselves”. Calling himself a friend of Israel, Aznar said that he liked to express himself and that now there were so many “light and decaffeinated” leaders. “We can be tolerant, but with the pre-requisite of having ideas”, he told the Bar-Ullan University of Israel in Sao Paulo. ■ SELECT BAND: José María Aznar 7 in heaven but most miss treat Tourist freebie gets a ‘no-show’ response as holiday chiefs worry about Tenerife appeal EXCLUSIVE by Colin Kirby TOURISM chiefs in Tenerife had to cancel a lavish three-day jolly for British travel agents after almost 1,300 showed no interest in attending. ■ “I didn’t lose the elections, I wasn’t sacked, there was no political judgement, I went voluntarily,’ he said boldly. He claimed that put him into a small select group in history. Aznar defended the entry of countries such as Israel, Australia and Japan into NATO saying that global threats needed global responses. “A radical part of the world wants to eliminate They were promised free accommodation in five-star hotels, meals, transport, entertainment and adventurous activities – but only seven took up the offer. Now serious questions are being asked about how to promote Tenerife and curb falling visitor numbers. The Canary Islands are the only region of Spain to show a drop in foreign tourists for the first 10 months of this year. In an attempt to generate more interest, the Tenerife Tourism Corporation coordinated a comprehensive programme prior to a convention by ABTA. Bosses offered British travel agents a complimentary four-night stay at the 5 star Botanico and others such as the Florida, Puerto Palace and Sol. The programme also included the chance to go paragliding, ride in antique carriages and visit many leading attractions in the Puerto de la Cruz and Orotavo Valley areas. But only seven – 143 short of expectations – signed up. They have now been promised a sole trip through its national park. Business and tourism leaders said they were disappointed, blaming a bad image and poor transport to the North of Tenerife. A spokesman for ABTA blamed a lack of time – as members had already committed to three days. The ABTA Convention took place this week at the Magma Congress Centre in Tenerife South. New figures show the British and German tourism markets are falling away, with foreign tourist numbers down 240,500. ■ LIFE’S a beach on the Costa Blanca after it overtook the Balearic Islands and the Canaries as the main tourist destination for Spaniards last month. More than 153,000 people chose hotels on the Alicante coast for a holiday break by the sea in October. Numbers from the National Statistics Institute also put the province ahead of other popular destinations such as the Costa del Sol and the Costa Daurada. It follows high numbers reported this summer, when 600,000 Spaniards spent their holidays on the Costa Blanca in July and August, with figures reported to be greater than those for hotels in Madrid and Barcelona combined. Benidorm was the most popular destination on the Alicante coast with Spaniards last month. Spain aids after bomb blast INDIA’S cultural capital of Varanasi is to get a Spanish makeover after it was rocked by three bomb blasts which killed 11 people. The Andalucian government, and Unesco, will fund the project through the network of Indian Cities of Living Heritage, which provides technical support. “Andalucía has always been interested in cross-cultural dialogue. Like Varanasi, it has a rich history and many influences,” said a Unesco spokesperson. “These two places have a lot in common.” The Andalucian govern- ment will also lend expertise on monuments and management and prepare a master plan for the restoration. “We have provided technical help to Morocco and Ecuador before,” said Gaspar Zarrias, the vice-president of the regional government of Andalucía. ■ BLOODY OUTRAGE: In the heart of India Friday, November 30, 2007 23 Families’ anger at civil war game Woman has half her ear cut off A WOMAN had half her ear cut off during a violent street fight in the centre of Málaga. The 51-year-old Senagalese had been in a long-running dispute with her attackers, who were of the same nationality. One of the culprits was arrested by police, but the other, her partner, fled the scene. The missing part of her ear could not be found. Quarry is the hardest word! A BUSINESSMAN accused of destroying animal and plant life with an illegal quarry faces two years in jail and a €150,000 fine. The Formentera man claims he closed the quarry in 2001 when approached by Guardia Civil but re-opened when the mayor said the island would be without sand. Players are invited to rewrite history By Susie Carter A COMPUTER game that invites players to rewrite the history of Spain’s devastating civil war has prompted outcry among grieving families. Why booking is not hard to do PLENTY of room – hotel occupancy in Spain fell 1.4 per cent to 53.8 per cent in October from a year earlier. The National Statistics Institute said hotel prices grew 1.7 per cent year-onyear. NOTICIAS NEWS ■ DIG THIS: A group is shown the latest excavation work undertaken by archaeologists in the last year in the ancient Roman city of Iesso in Guissona Shadows of War went on sale in the same week as protests against the leader of the conflict Francisco Franco and a new law to banish his image and name from public places. Immediately, relatives of those killed in the conflict accused manufacturers of trivialising the war. Carlota Leret, whose father, Virgilio Leret Ruiz, was executed at the beginning of the war by troops loyal to Franco said: “It will not serve to help reconstruct our historical memory, but to render death, tyranny and violence banal.” Players join either the nationalist or republican teams in order to change the outcome of the war. They manage limited supplies of food and gold and battle with 50 military units. Friday, November 30, 2007 24 the big feature el gran reportaje VIVA LAS VEGAS SPECIAL REPORT by Susie Carter and Jayne Lovett L AS Vegas was known as Sin City for a reason... sex, gambling, boozing. Just ask Britney Spears – who married a friend, and was forced to get it annulled days later. Now, in a move that will cause waves of delight – and horror – a BIGGER version will be built in the desert in Northern Spain. The world’s biggest leisure park – comprising 32 hotels, casinos, golf courses, a hippodrome, bullring and five theme parks will be created in a €12.2 BILLION project, creating 30,000 jobs. Among the attractions will be a James Bond-style Spyworld – designed to showcase the breath-taking plots, as well as gadgets and gizmos used in real-life crime cases. Backers plan to invite Daniel Craig and Eva Green, stars of Casino Royale, the latest Bond film, to bring a touch of glamour to the project. And in a move that will be music to Britney’s ears, the park, named Gran Scala, could also feature authentic wedding chapels. It’s party time for developers and gamblers but environmental groups say it’s a recipe for disaster. It’s earmarked for the desert of Monegros, Navarra – one of the hottest, driest areas of Spain, which already suffers from a serious shortage of water. And the leisure park has re-ignited a heated row about supply, which has been debated in and out of the European courts for almost a decade. So, just who are the winners and losers in Gran Scala? Spain gets the biggest leisure park in the WORLD THE PROMOTERS The project, which will dwarf Disneyland Paris, will channel billions of euros into the Aragón Valley. Its hostile, undeveloped terrain is unsuitable for almost every kind of development – but perfect for a development of this size. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create 30,000 desperately-needed new jobs. And the site is sustainable. It is a stone’s throw from the airport in Zaragoza – which will also soon be home to a high-speed rail link to Madrid. And it’s in a strategic position between Spain’s three biggest cities – Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Backers are planning to invite Bond stars Daniel Craig ■ O-O-HEAVEN: (the special agent himself) and Casino Royale actress Eva Green, above The project is the brainchild of International Leisure Development (ILD), a London-based consortium comprising 12 companies from the UK, America, Australia and France. A spokesman for ILD said: “We want to create a mixture of Las Vegas and Orlando. “The aim is to combine the best of both towns – leisure with play and culture with spectaculars. It will be something totally new. “We could create something in Dubai or China, but who is going to go there? Spain is a country with 60 million tourists, on top of which there’s the local population and the people who would travel to Aragón purely for the Gran Scala.” Bosses say the attraction could be a major draw for millions of Brits – especially after plans for super casinos were set back by Gordon Brown. Friday, November 30, 2007 41 Park leaves bad taste in mouth in divertionary tactic SUPPORT for the sprawling ■ theme park has restarted a political tug-of-war about how water from the Ebro River should be used. The provinces of Valencia, Murcia and Aragón reached such a deadlock they had to face each other in the European Court. Desperately short of water and losing staple industries of agriculture, tourism and construction, Valencia and Murcia begged Aragón to help by diverting their supply. But bosses from Aragón said no, claiming it would only be used for commercial gain – such as golf courses and leisure resorts. So it leaves a bad taste in the mouth when Aragón diverts its supply for the world’s biggest theme park. Greenpeace spokesman Julio Barea, who is responsible for the charity’s water campaign, said: “The paradox is that Aragón is one of the regions that fought hardest against the diversion of the river Ebro, Spain’s longest river. They were totally against the Valencia region and Murcia receiving any benefit from a possible diversion, arguing those places only wanted the water for urbanisations and golf courses. “And now look. They have double standards. They don’t want anyone else to have the water but it’s different when it comes to them.” Señor Barea also argued that the park is so big, it could become a large-scale white elephant. “The developers need look no further than the Warner Brothers theme park in Madrid. It has no visitors and is not a successful business. It has also been built in a hot, dry area.” Adolfo Barrena, a left-wing deputy in the opposition in Aragón, is fighting the development. He said: “Once again we are seeing that the local government is on the side of private developers instead of the needs of local people.” will contain 80 per cent less water, which includes the river Ebro. And that’s without projects like these. “Gran Scala is simply not a solution and will cause more problems.” THE POLITICAL VIEW: PRO THE ECOLOGISTS GREENPEACE has already dubbed the park Gran Scandal. The Aragón Valley is one of the hottest, driest places in Spain – and already suffers from a crippling shor- tage of water. That’s without the huge demand created by an aqua park, lawns, restaurants and services. The commercial park would plunder water from the River Ebro – the longest in Spain. And it would channel in hundreds of thousands of cars, disturbing the natural environment. A spokesman for Greenpeace said: “Gran Escala is like a get-rich-quickscheme, where financial considerations have taken precedence over everything else. “The sustainable development of an area is not achieved by misusing or exploiting its natural resources. “Globally, Spain is one of the countries most affected by climatic change and a lack of water. By the summer of 2050, the rivers CHRISTMAS came early for the Aragón government, which approved plans for Gran Scala. José Ángel Biel, vice president, appealed for negative media coverage to be silenced and said: “There are other countries and other regions who would be delighted to be involved with the project, so don’t let’s make it easy for them. “This is a project of extraordinary character and enormous magnitude and importance. It has strong financial backing. And it is a wholly private venture”. Next year Zaragoza will host Expo 2008, a world fair with an ecological theme that has attracted contributions from 95 countries. Biel said “Gran Scala is 12 times bigger than the Expo in terms of investment”. Señor Biel said central government would be co-operative in the scheme. “There won’t be any problem in terms of giving a helping hand and improving the infrastructure, ”but he denied there was an urbanisation project behind it all. It sounds extraordinarily ambitious, to say the least: the casinos will cover the sweep of history, featuring cavemen croupiers, Roman centurions or courtiers from the time of France’s Louis XIV – not to mention agents of the KGB. ● SPAIN’S love of gambling just got deeper as an international poker website launched a Spanish-language version. Sean Jones, a spokesman for Poker Source Online said: “We want to acknowledge... the 300 million native Spanish speakers. Spanish is the third most used language on the Internet.” Friday, November 30, 2007 42 ■ PROGRESSIVE metallers Symphony X have been confirmed for Granada’s rescheduled Atarfe Vega Rock festival. March 7-8, 2008, are the dates and the Coliseo Ciudad Atarfe, in Atarfe, the setting for the fest. Billing is as follows: Destruction, Exciter, Grave Digger, Katatonia, Korpiklaani, Kotipelto, Mayhem, My Dying Bride, Symphony X, Tribal and Unleashed. It’s back to the country for our international fashion icon I NTERNATIONAL fashion icon, C a r o l i n e of Monaco, exchanged her favourite Chanel for a warm jacket and scarf to keep a long-standing date with the Spanish countryside. Her parents Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, first stayed in Cáceres as guests of Fernando Díaz de Bustamente in 1975. Now a Grimaldi family tradition, Caroline brought along her husband, Ernest of Hannover. Adopting the country look, Monaco’s first Princess remained the epitomy of elegance. An excellent shot, she didn’t come to shoot partridge, as on previous occasions, but to relax and enjoy the landscape. Javier and the case of a bad-hair scare day ■ ■ SPANISH heart-throb actor Javier Bardem, above, had a bad hair day for his latest role – and ended up looking the spitting image of aging Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, inset top, and dead British actor Oliver Reed, inset bottom. Bardem had the Dumb and Dumber-like cut to play psychopathic murderer Anton Chigurh in No Country For Old Men, the chilling Coen brothers adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name. And he says it was the bad hair day that enabled him to put in such a good performance. For it was the haircut, he says, that helped him find the character. Bardem claims no credit for it, saying it was the production’s hairdresser who suggested the Prince Valiant-like cut. Bardem told his agent years ago that he wanted to work with the Coen brothers. “And he told me, that’s not going to happen, ever. And truly, truly, that’s what I most wanted. But I’m from Spain, so that could never happen. “And then they called. And I didn’t believe at first. And then I read the material, the script and I thought, no I can’t do this. But then I read the novel and I talk to them and they explained the themes. And so here I am,” he says. Bardem, born in the Canary Islands and raised in Madrid, has acting in his blood. He’s part of a third generation of actors. Both older siblings, Carlos and Mónica Bardem, act. His uncle, Juan Antonio Bardem, is a screenwriter and director. His mother, Pilar, is a well-known actress as was his grandfather, Rafael Bardem. But his mother, he says, endured long periods without work and, at times, was employed as a cleaning lady. COUNTRY GIRL: Princess Caroline kept a long-standing date with Spain’s countryside Chance to see Celine Why soul queen Gloria ■ SINGING sensation Celine Dion has announced a world tour – and two of the dates are in Spain. A ticket in the seated category for the Taking Chances tour in the Palau Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona on July 11 next year will cost almost €300. The other Spanish venue is the Palacio De Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid, two days later. The Taking Chances tour, organised to support the Taking Chances album is a year long and will visit five continents in 85 cities. never can say goodbye PROVING she never can say goodbye, Gloria Gaynor is saying a big hello to Valencia over the Christmas holiday. The star will be belting out her famous philosophy of survival at the city’s Palau de la Música on December 29. Reach out and she’ll be there – the soul queen will be centre stage two days after Lucie Silva who kicks off the city of Valencia’s first Winter Festival two days after Christmas. Silvas, born in Surrey but brought up in New Zealand, was a backing vocalist for ex-Take That vocalist Gary Barlow and singer-songwriter Judie Tzuke. In 2000, Lucie signed to Chrysalis Records and recorded an album, entitled Forget Me Not. We haven’t and Valencia won’t either. Meanwhile, fans of the glamorous Latin American singer María Dolores Pradera can enjoy her popular touch on January 4. A high note of the festival is the eagerly awaited appearance of the Boys from the choir or Los Chicos del Coro. They will be singing at Valencia’s Palacio de Congresos on January 19. Originally a French film, it enjoyed a runaway success compared with the Harry Potter boom in the UK. Now the boys will perform in person. Spanish actress and singer Ana Belén ends the festival back at the Palau, on February 6 with a review of all her much loved hits. Ticket prices vary from between €20 and €72. They can be obtained directly from the Palau de la Música and Servientrada. “It gave me great respect for the profession,” he says, “and taught me that when you do have a chance to work break your back because you are showing respect to all the actors who are not working.” A member of the Spanish national rugby team before he turned to acting (“I had to stop because I kept breaking my bones”), Bardem describes himself as “a pain-in-the-ass kind of actor.” “He says the Coen brothers’ approach was completely different from that of the film he had just finished shooting, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, in Spain with Woody Allen and Scarlett Johansson. “That was very intense,” he says. “No rehearsals. Two takes.” Bardem is also starring in the soon-to-be-released film adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s Love In the Time of Cholera. Friday, November 30, 2007 43 CELEBRITY YOU’LL LOVE IT WITH JAYNE LOVETT Why sexy Penélope’s just porn to be wild S HE’S Spain’s sexiest siren – and now she’s about to get even hotter. Penélope Cruz and her sister Mónica will play porn stars in a music video. Diamonds prove Paz’s best friend ■ DIAMONDS are a girl’s best friend as this stunning nude photo-shoot of Spanish actress Paz Vega proves. But maybe the old adage also rings true for the lucky lad who had the job of placing 6,000 glittering gems on her naked body one by one. Vega, 31, spent 14 HOURS motionless for the session. It was the first time she had bared all since her pregnancy – and she certainly did it in style. The image is on the front cover of the Christmas edition of Elle – only 15,000 copies are on sale. More news on Paz. She is starring in a new romantic comedy called The Human Contract. The sitcom actress shot to fame in Sex and Lucía, described in a BBC review as erotic and inventive. Her onscreen charm has made her one of the stars of European cinema. In this film the free-spirited Vega introduces a businessman, played by actor Jason Clarke, to the joy of reckless love. Shooting has just begun on the movie which is directed by Will Smith’s wife, Jade Pinkett-Smith. But there won’t be a lucky male accomplice – as they’re only doing the shoot for their BROTHER, Eduardo, who is recording an album called ‘Cosas Que Contar.’ But it’ll give Penélope herself some good singing training. She has been ordered to quit smoking so she’s ready to exercise her vocal chords for her next film, Nine, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sophia Loren. It’s not the first time Penélope – a Golden Globe and Academy Awardnominated actress – has worked with her sister. The duo designed a 25-piece collection for the Barcelonabased fashion chain Mango in May, 2007. Meanwhile, it seems even movie icons are in awe of La Cruz. For Scarlett Johansson, not a bad-looking girl herself, has claimed that the film director Woody Allen turned into a “stammering idiot” in the presence of the Madrid actress. Woody was so taken by the beauty of Penélope Cruz when they were working together over the summer on the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona that he just went to jelly. Scarlett said: “Without any doubt Woody was incredibly in love with her. He would say something like ‘Uh, Uh, Uh, P- Penélope”. The film was shot in Barcelona, Oviedo and New York and opens on September 19 next year. Friday, November 30, 2007 44 world news noticias del mundo Fork handles? This sketch will fetch a fork-tune! IT’S one of the Two Ronnies’ best known sketches and now the original script could fetch its owner €120,000 when it goes to auction. The handwritten script for the Fork Handles sketch was written by Ronnie Barker in the 1970s on four sides of A4 lined paper in red ink under his pseudonym Gerald Wiley. The script first came to light in 2006 on BBC One’s The Antiques Roadshow. The sketch features Ronnie Corbett as a shopkeeper who becomes irritated by workman Ronnie Barker with his requests for items with double meanings. It includes the classic opener where Corbett produces four candles when Barker insists he actually wanted fork handles. The privately-owned script was taken to Ronnie Corbett, who confirmed its authenticity. “It was quite sweet for me to see his handwriting again,” he said. Barker died in 2005. If US attacks Iran, heaven help us! It would be a bad day for all concerned, says Sheik By Charles Barrington 15 people dead in bomb blast TWO suspected suicide blasts have killed at least 15 people and injured others in the Pakistani garrison city of Rawalpindi. One explosion hit a bus carrying security forces, killing at least 15 people. Another left officers badly wounded at an army checkpoint. There have been a number of suicide bombings in Pakistan in recent months, including an attack that left at least 135 people dead in Karachi last month. This is the third recent strike on Rawalpindi. ■ MAKE a date with us and test your memory to see if you remember these important milestones in our new “lunch-time” look at history in THIS WEEK over the last century. November 30 The Trade Descriptions Act made it a 1968 crime for a trader to knowingly sell an item with a misleading label or description. Almost 1,000 people were forced to 1994 abandon a luxury cruise ship in the Indian Ocean after it caught fire. The Achille Lauro – which made headlines in 1985 when it was hijacked by Palestinian guerrillas – was sailing 50 miles off the Somali coast when the fire started. December 1 A black woman was arrested by poli1955 ce in Montgomery, Alabama, after refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white person. Guinness shares plunged by £300m 1986 after the government ordered an inquiry into the affairs of the company. Construction workers drilled through 1990 the final wall of rock to join the two halves of the Channel Tunnel and link Britain to France. The momentous breakthrough linked the UK to Europe for the first time since the Ice Age, about 8,000 years ago. December 2 The United States Senate censured 1954 Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy for conduct unbecoming a senator. The vote was 67 to 22, with all the Democrats and about half the Republicans voting against him. Security police in South Africa were exonerated of any blame in the death of black leader Steve Biko, who died while in detention. Former futures trader Nick Leeson was jailed for six-and-a-half years for his part in the collapse of Britain’s oldest merchant bank. The 28-year-old admitted to a judge in Singapore two charges of fraud connected with Barings Bank’s €1290m ruin. 1977 IF the United States attac ks Iran, then heaven help us all. These are the words of Sheik Ahmed Zaki Yamani in an assessment of the world today made for the Royal Elcano Institute in Madrid. The Sheik, who was Saudi oil minister for more than twentyfive years, said that he thought if the United States were to intervene militarily against Iran in order to destroy the nuclear installations, Iran would in all probability try to close the Straits of Hormuz, which would lead to oil prices rising above all known levels. The first countries to suffer from this would be China and India, as a great deal of their industry depends on petroleum products, but it would not be too long before the United States started to feel the effects as well. In his opinion, Germany and the United Kingdom have sufficient reserves to ward off price rises for a short time, but the same cannot be said of other European countries. THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS 1995 ■ DEFENCE POLICY: An American soldier plays football with some children in Bayji, Iraq December 3 Hundreds of people died from the 1984 effects of toxic gases which leaked from a chemical factory near the central Indian city of Bhopal. The accident happened in the early hours of the morning at the American-owned Union Carbide Pesticide Plant. Health minister Edwina Currie provoked outrage by saying most of Britain’s egg production was infected with the salmonella bacteria. 1988 December 4 Women wishing to have oral con1961 traception were able to get it on the National Health Service. The health minister, Enoch The Sheik, who has lived in London for many years, and was at one time held hostage by the terrorist Carlos in Vienna, also stated that he does not usually pay attention or read any of the statements made by Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chávez, but in this instance did agree with him that a barrel of oil could rise to a value of €134 if the United States did invade Iran. The Sheik also voiced the Imagine it’s a budgie! FROM me to you! An image originally used in Beatle John Lennon’s book, A Spaniard in the Works, is going on sale this Christmas, Oxfam said. The yellow Fat Budgie picture – first used on the charity’s cards during Beatlemania in 1965 – will be reprinted for the first time with Yoko Ono’s permission. The cards will be sold in limited edition packs of 10 for £2.99. opinion that several countries are now well on the way to producing alternative energy sources, but this has been offset by the tremendous demand from developing countries, currently led by China and India. Chirac to face a court case FORMER French president Jacques Chirac has been accused of diverting public funds when he was mayor of Paris. It is the first time a French former head of state has been part of a court action. Mr Chirac said he had never sought personal enrichment, however the prosecutor believes the former president played a key role in setting up false pay packets under which several members of the RPR Party received a benefit from Paris Town Hall. Powell, made an announcement in the House of Commons but did not give any guidelines as to whom the pill should be given. Benjamin Britten, considered to be Britain’s leading composer, died aged 63. He had been fighting ill health since a heart operation in 1973. Mr Britten died at his home, in Aldeburgh, in Suffolk. 1976 December 5 Administrators were called in to try to 1991 salvage the Maxwell business empire, which was at least €1.5bn in debt. Two sons of the late business tycoon Robert Maxwell, Kevin and Ian, called in administrators from accountants Arthur Andersen as the enormity of their father’s financial difficulties emerged. Mirror Group Newspapers revealed Mr Maxwell, who died a month ago, removed €475m from its pension fund in the weeks before his death apparently without proper authority. December 6 Three armed IRA men on the run 1975 from police burst into a flat in central London and took at least two people hostage. Officers sealed off the corner of Dorset Square and Balcombe Street, in Marylebone. The first heart and lung transplant operation to be performed in Britain was successfully carried out. Swedish journalist, Lars Ljungberg, underwent the transplant receiving the organs of a woman from the south of England who had died the day before. 1983 Friday, November 30, 2007 45 Briefing A fondo HEALTH SALUD Service to help new mums to give birth A LIFELINE has been thrown to expectant mums, who were forced to adopt uncomfortable positions in impersonal surroundings in order to give birth. The Spanish government is channelling millions of euros into improving its ‘behind-the-times’ maternity care. Many women are still obliged to give birth with their legs in stirrups. Gas and air is rarely offered, nor are TENS machines which administer pain relief. There is limited access to birthing pools and only one milk bank, where mothers donate breast milk for ill and premature babies, in Spain. Now health bosses are unveiling a “Strategy for Normal Birth” – aimed at giving women more choice and control over how they give birth. Spain also has the highest number of caesarean sections in Europe. Statistics show 23-40 per cent of all births are by caesarean, while the average for the rest of Europe is about 17 per cent. ENVIRONMENT AMBIENTE Getting a boost from chocolate CHOCS away! A environmentally-friendly pair of adventurers have set off on an unusual 7,200-kilometre road trip – which will take them through Spain –in a truck fuelled by CHOCOLATE. The route of UK pair Andy Pag and John Grimshaw will take them by ferry across to France, before they continue their chocolate-powered journey via Spain, across the Straits of Gibraltar and through Morocco and Mauritania to Mali. The trip is expected to take three weeks and will be powered by 2,000 litres of bio-diesel made from 4,000 kilograms of chocolate. They also have a small processing unit on board which can convert waste oil products into fuel. Although the fuel is chocolate-based, it will not provide an emergency snack – it is made from cocoa butter extracted from waste chocolate. ISSUES THAT REALLY AFFECT YOUR WORLD IN SPAIN SCIENCE CIENCIA ENVIRONMENT MEDIO AMBIENTE Science cash joy ■ THE winds of change are set to take place in Hungary, where Spanish firm Iberdrola is to build a €225m wind power plant. The power plant – with a capacity of 27 megawatts and consisting of 13 towers – will be built next spring in Ikervár, Zala County. SPANISH science is set for a slice of a €4bn grant programme from the European Research Council. The Advanced Grants scheme, seen as exceptional by researchers, is envisaged as the flagship funding programme of the ERC through to 2013. The programme will dispense about two-thirds of the budget of the ERC, whose sole focus is “blue skies” study. It will operate alongside the already established ERC Starting Grant scheme targeted at emerging scientific talent. The ERC Starting Grant scheme received more than 9,000 grant applications in its first year and the process of selecting the winners will be finalised over the next few weeks. The ERC is a pan-European funding agency set up solely for frontier research. It runs under the EU’s new Seventh Framework Programme. It was established after scientists warned that Europe faced a “brain drain” if it did not fulfil promises to boost its knowledge-based economy. EDUCATION EDUCACIÓN It’s an English classic! EDUCATION EDUCACIÓN A shortage of child carers in classroom Now parents may get the call to help By Samantha Kett THOUSANDS of working parents could be called into school to change their children’s clothes if they wet themselves, due to a drastic shortage of child carers. Mum and dad could be dragged out of the office to deal with routine mishaps in children aged three to six – including cuts and bruises, sickness and wet pants. Over-stretched teachers are unable to leave classes unattended to deal with minor mishaps and there are not enough assistants in Alicante province. But the education authority says addressing the problem is “not a priority,” as new nursery staff will be drafted in, in FOUR YEARS’ time. A spokesman for the Valencian government said: “At this age, children tend not to urinate or defecate on themselves anyway.” Now the Federación de Asociaciones de Padres de Alumnos (Association of Parents and Teachers) has hit out at the situation – claiming it is impossible to combine work with school runs to clean up after their kids. A spokesman for FAPA said: “Nowadays, almost all couples work because they have to. It’s really difficult for them to drop everything and do the schoolrun. If the teacher won’t do it, and the parent can’t come to the school, well maybe the child has to spend the whole day in wet, dirty clothing.” Members of FAPA have been campaigning for years for extra classroom assistants to help with basic child care. But regional and central governments have only drafted them into special cases – such as classes with a high number of pupils with disabilities or learning difficulties. Now local education authorities in Mutxamel, Petrer, San Miguel de Salinas, Aspe, Elche, Benimantell and Alicante city are considering forking out for their own school nurses. A RADICAL move means pupils in three Spanish provinces could be forced to take Educación de la Ciudadanía in ENGLISH. Pundits in the Comunitat Valenciana says it’s a decision roughly similar to teaching an entire subject in a UK school in French or German. While regional president Francisco Camps supports the idea, saying “English is the main driving language in the world,” he forgets that not all children have a head for languages. This means those who struggle with English will not gain the benefit of this important key subject. It might help them to see English as a living language and not just exercises in a textbook, but Educación de la Ciudadanía contains vital messages that should not be lost in translation, says one Valencia teacher. ■ MILLIONS of young Spanish people could damage their future careers with the details about themselves they post on social networking websites, a survey has warned. The study found more than half of those asked made most of their information public. Some 71 per cent of 2,000 14 to 21-yearolds said they would not want colleges or employers to do a web search on them before they had removed some material. And young people could be putting themselves at risk of identity fraud because of the material they post on social networks such as Facebook and MySpace. The survey found that two thirds of those questioned accepted as friends on such websites people they did not even know. Some 60 per cent posted their date of birth, a quarter put their job title and almost one in 10 gave home addresses. “We have to help teenagers wise up to every aspect of the internet age they’re living in,”said David Smith, a spokesman for the watchdog which carried out the survey. HEALTH SALUD Virus may be linked EVIDENCE is building that the cold sore virus may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists have discovered that In lab tests, brains infected with the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1, saw a rise in a protein linked to Alzheimer’s. And they believe the discovery could pave the way for a vaccine that may help prevent the brain disorder, although such a breakthrough is a long way off. Friday, November 30, 2007 46 your money tu dinero MONEY ROUND Deal appeal as pressure takes its toll on firms and they split THE stakes are high as rival tollroad firms have ended a five year partnership. Spanish firm Abertis has acquired 4.58 per cent of its smaller Portuguese rival Brisa, bringing its stake up to 14.58 per cent. Brisa has taken umbrage at the larger firm’s stakebuilding, saying it had ended its partnership with Abertis because it had not told Brisa’s management about its share purchases. Abertis hit back, saying it had informed Brisa’s management of the stake buy, although it was not obliged to because the percentage shareholding did not cross any significant threshold. The Spanish firm added it had not had a working partnership with Brisa since December 2005. The stakebuilding in the Portuguese firm comes at a time of waning management support for a revival of a €14bn shelved merger with Italian toll-road firm Atlanta. Abertis said last month it was less willing to push forward with the deal, which was put on ice last December with both companies blaming Italy for throwing up obstacles to the merger. Phone company in call to probe rivals SPANISH phone company Telefónica has asked Mexico’s anti-trust agency to investigate rivals Telmex and Telcel for possible anti-competitive practices. Telefónica Mexico wants regulators to force the two firms to connect rivals to their networks on non-discriminatory terms, and put an end to anti-competitive practices such as Telcel offering calls between its clients at prices below what it charges rivals to terminate calls made by their clients on its network. Firm achieves net profit of €10.04m THREE cheers – Spanish-based La Seda de Barcelona has achieved a net profit of €10.04m, nearly tripling last year’s earnings. Oman Oil Company, the Omani-government-owned overseas energy investment vehicle, has a six per cent equity shareholding in La Seda. The company – which supplies polyester-based chemicals and materials – has substantially increased its annual turnover, currently €963m. SPANISH finance ■ minister Pedro Solbes has said he ■ TOLL YOU SO: The impressive headquarters of Abertis, which has acquired a 4.58 per cent in its smaller Portuguese rival Bruisa. The two sides are not talking That’s rich for Zara’s Ortega Profits down this year but firm made €1.4m ■ By Charles Barrington SPAIN’S richest man, Amancio Ortega, will be keeping his eye on the fortunes of Zara in Ireland. Ortega, who is also ranked as the eighth wealthiest man in the world, heads Zara’s parent company, Inditex. Although Zara’s turnover in Ireland this year was about 30 per cent higher than 2006, the company’s profits are down about a fifth. Zara, which opened its first store in Ireland about four years ago, made profits of about €1.4m this year, com- pared to €1.7m in 2006. This could be due to rising staff costs at Zara’s Irish wing, ZA Clothing Ireland. The company now employs 245 staff – up from 220 last year, according to accounts just filed. At €7m, staff costs this year were about 25 per cent higher than last year. But Ortega might take some comfort from the latest consumer spending figures, which show that the Irish continue to spend freely. Although Irish consumer sentiment hit a four-year low last July, retail sales increased by 7.1 per cent in the first nine months of this year. FINANCIAL CLOUT: Spain’s richest man, Amancio Ortega, who will be keeping his eye on Zara in Ireland intends to remain in his post if the current Socialist government is re-elected in the March general election. “My answer is yes,” he said, after being asked about earlier reports about his plans. In opinion polls, Solbes regularly scores as one of the most popular members of the current government. Solbes, a former European Union commissioner, has served as finance minister since José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was elected president in 2004. He was also briefly in the post in the mid1990s, under previous prime minister Felipe González. The best of health FRESENIUS’S clinical nutrition unit Fresenius Kabi has agreed to buy Nestle’s nutrition businesses in Spain and France. The companies agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction, which is expected to be finalised this year. The European Commission made the sale a condition of Nestle’s acquisition of the worldwide clinical nutrition business of Novartis. €55m refinery order IN the money – technical services provider Imtech has won a €55m order to expand oil producer Cepsa’s ‘La Rábida’ refinery in Huelva. As a result of this expansion, the production capacity of Cepsa will be doubled to about 10 million tonnes of ready-to-use diesel products per year. FOOTNOTE SPANISH industrial prices rose 0.9 per cent from the prior month in October. The industrial price index moved up 0.3 per cent in September. On a yearly basis, industrial prices climbed 4.7 per cent, larger than the 3.4 per cent rise in the previous month. Friday, November 30, 2007 47 business & economy economía Airbus deal taking off Moving SEAT up the gears TAKING off – that’s Airbus, which has just sold 160 planes to China for €11bn. It’s good news for Spanish workers in Airbus. The deal is for 110 A320 model planes for national flights, and 50 A330 models for other routes in configurations of 250 and 375 seats. Meanwhile, a shareholders’ meeting has taken place in the Spanish low cost carrier Vueling. New president, Josep Piqué, said he thinks company shares are undervalued. He said he will revise the pricing structure, claiming tickets are too cheap. THE Volkswagen Group has put three German executives into its Spanish subsidiary SEAT in a bid to drive it forward. The three – chairman Eric Schmitt, research and development head Frank Bekemeier and sales boss Berthold Kruger – have been brought in to get the firm back to profitability and to hit new production peaks. Design will be a big theme in SEAT’s revival, and Luc Donkerwolke has been hooked out of Lamborghini to bring controlled creativity. He is very keen that all future SEAT designs have “higher quality.” By that he means the way the cars’ proportions and details are better realised: “We will do much better in quality in future.” BIZ SPOT ■ EADS, the parent company of Airbus, has announced losses of €705m for the first nine months of the year. The company said income was one per cent higher than last year for the same time, but the costs of developing and launching the huge A380 airbus and the A400M military plane have led to the results. Ensuring you are entertained THAT’S entertainment – Spanish production and distribution company Imira Entertainment has done a number of deals to bring shows to television viewers. The firm has partnered with ZDF Enterprises to place two of its shows on RTVE. The public broadcaster has acquired Wicked Science for TV2 and Clan TV, and The Lost Treasure of Fiji for Clan TV. In another deal, Jetix’s new girl-skewed magazine Jetix Chic – which has a circulation of more than 100,000 in Spain – has signed a deal to feature hit property Lola & Virginia in each monthly issue. The series airs in Spain on the Disney Channel, as well as RTVE, TV3 and ETB. BIZ SPOT ■ THE Endesa power company has announced a 21 per cent fall in profits for the first nine months of the year compared to last. Serving up a tasty delight ■ BIG WHEELS TURNING: Some of the casting parts to arrive from Iran’s giant automaker Iran Khodro Industrial group ■ A CAST of millions will be helping one of Spain’s leading clutch and car component manufacturers. For Spanish company Valeo is to import €5m worth of casting parts from Iran’s giant automaker Iran Khodro Industrial Group by March. A spokesman for Valeo said: “Casting parts made by the Iranian firm are of the highest quality and the company is eager to step up cooperation with Iran Khodro.” Valeo ranks among the world’s top automotive suppliers and supplies all major vehicle manufacturers. Present in 29 countries, the group employs 72,300 people. Iran’s auto manufacturing industry, Cast of millions is set to help one of Spain’s leading clutch companies born in 1957 with the assembling of Jeep, is currently the 16th largest in the world, producing one million buses, lorries and cars. The country plans to increase car production to 1.6 million next year. Revenues from Iran’s car exports are expected to hit a record €403m high this year. Spain is investing in a bright future Bid to stem the flow of illegal migrants to territory By Phil Balding SPAIN is turning to West Africa as a potential investment destination in a bid to stem the flow of illegal migrants to its territory. Minister of industry, tourism and trade Joan Clos led a large Spanish business delegation to Senegal, where he was due to sign a bilateral investment agreement. Spain, which last year launched a “Plan Africa” for stronger political and eco- nomic engagement with the West African region on its southern flank, is also negotiating an investment agreement with Mauritania. Clos said an illegal migration crisis, which saw more than 30,000 Africans risk their lives in rickety open boats to reach the Spanish Canary Islands last year, had shown the need for better trade and co-operation with West Africa. “The signing of the reciprocal investment accords aims in this direction, to make things easier to start a cycle of investment and business participation which helps to develop the economy of the region,” the minister said. Señor Clos was accompanied by executives from 60 Spanish companies who met in Dakar with counterparts from 120 companies from Senegal, Gambia, GuineaBissau, Mali, Guinea, Cape Verde, Mauritania and Burkina Faso. The delegation included executives from Spain’s major energy company Endesa and from other companies in the energy, agro- business, infrastructure and tourism sectors. Señor Clos said Spain was working to increase the number of legal job opportunities in its labour market that could be offered to West Africans. Earlier this month, Madrid announced it was making available 2,000 jobs in its fisheries sector and 700 jobs in agriculture for Senegalese workers. As part of its three-year Plan Africa, Spain has increased its diplomatic and law enforcement presence in West Africa. EE,BAH GUM – Spanish diners are getting their claws into Yorkshire lobsters. The Bridlington variety is so popular that they are being flown out regularly from Robin Hood Airport, to be served up in the restaurants of Málaga by Goole company GX Danbrit Logistics. Managing director of GX Danbrit Logistics, Graham Cross, said: “Lobsters are flying out live each week, 14 boxes of 20 at a time. “I think a lot of people think they are eating Spanish lobster in Spanish restaurants, when it is actually the Bridlington variety.” Firms call for legal stability THE main Spanish companies with investments in Latin America have said they need legal stability to protect their investments in the region. BBVA and Repsol have both said that only with such stability can they do away with the poverty in the region. It comes after criticism of the Spanish companies from some quarters, most notably from Hugo Chávez in Venezuela. Still keeping up the interest THE European Central Bank has kept interest rates unchanged at four per cent, despite the increase in inflation now been seen across the Eurozone and in Spain. The provisional IPC for October across the Eurozone is six points above the target level. 48 Friday, November 30, 2007 WIND DOWN RELÁJATE Rules and answers on page 50 QUICK QUIZ CROSSWORD LOTTERY LOTTO ELIMINATIONS 1. What fishing weight sits on the bottom? 2 2. What does a viticulturist grow? 46 3. Who beat Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF light welterweight title in June 2005? 9 14 18 4. What do we call the words to an opera? 6 40 5. Who sang On the good ship Lollipop in the film Bright Eyes? 33 6. Which group’s chart career started with the Fun Boy Three? Your six jackpot balls must total 123 LANDMARKS 35 23 8. What is an asexually produced genetic copy of an animal? 10. Which two colours feature in the Spanish national flag? 21 43 7. When is St George’s day? 9. Which queen was executed in 1793? wordgames.co.uk and all even-numbered balls with one 2 and balls with digits total more than 10 and its odd-numbered multiples and the ball which is half this number and its double and two balls which total 6 and odd-numbered balls with digits total 4 and the three nearest balls and all balls on its circle with a 1 and two balls which total 35 and the ball with reverse these digits and next-but-two ball on its diameter CHILDREN’S WORDSEARCH ACROSS 1. Reveal (secrets) (7) 5. Improvising jazz singing (4) 10. Distribute in portions (5) 11. Holiday home on wheels (7) 12. Tampered (7) 14. Opposite of ‘narrow’ (4) 16. Cultural trend that embraces mysticism and astrology (3,3) 19. Fair-haired (6) 22. Asian language (4) 23. Making a serrated edge on (material) (7) 26. Bundled up, wrapped (7) 27. Made on a loom (5) 29. Very small amount (4) 30. Taking medical photos (1-6) DOWN 2. Black liquid mineral (3) 3. Ending in death (5) 4. Make up your mind (6) 6. Collapsed, gave way (5,2) 7. Colour slightly (4) 8. Packing tightly (7) 9. Gardener’s digging hand tool (6) 13. Genetic blueprint (inits) (3) 15. Bordering (on) (7) 17. Document sanctioning a police search (7) 18. Socially clumsy (6) 20. Furniture timber (3) 21. Common fly-eating creature (6) 24. Not under any circumstances! (2,3) 25. Sparkling wine from Italy (4) 28. Delivery vehicle (3) THIS WEEK FIND WORDS RELATED TO TARZAN ANAGRAMS Where in Spain would you find this building? Theme: LANGUAGES The answer is a Spanish word 1. Zorba spoke this language. IG GO RE 2. The language of love. S A FRNÉC BOAT ENGLISH GORILLA GREYSTOKE JANE 3. The Little Mermaid was first written in this language. N ÉDAS 4. This language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. SO UR 5. This language is known as the Holy language. RH O BEE SUDOKU We would like your feedback on the puzzles in thinkSPAIN|today. Please email your thoughts and comments to [email protected] JUNGLE LORD ORPHAN TARZAN VINES Friday, November 30, 2007 49 WIND DOWN RELÁJATE Rules and answers on page 50 LOGIC CLUES 1. Blodwen played her dulcimer on a later evening in the week than Sir Poltroon’s music night. 2. Aled was not the Friday performer, and the lute was not played on Thursday evenings. 3. The viol was the instrument played by the Saturday gangster. 4. Tuesday was music night in the castle of Sir Spyneless de Feete. 5. Idris was hired by Sir Sorely à Frayde. 6. Madoc performed regularly the night before the harp was played in the Great Hall of Sir Coward’s castle. BATTLESHIPS Aircraft carrier: Battleship: Cruiser: Destroyer: WORD JIG FILL THE WORDS BELOW INTO THE GRID. 5 LETTER WORDS ASIDE BUGLE COAST DENSE EASEL FLESH GNASH LEARN LITRE NEWER OVERT PSALM REFER RISEN SALVE SHADE SLOTH SPANK STATE STRAP 7 LETTER WORDS DEPRESS DISCERN PRE-DATE SCARLET SERPENT STRUDEL TERRACE UNEARTH E L A R U E D N D The clue for the nine-letter word this week is: TO MOVE MONEY WHICH HAS BEEN OBTAINED ILLEGALLY THROUGH BANKS AND OTHER BUSINESSES TO MAKE IT SEEM TO HAVE BEEN OBTAINED LEGALLY Please email your thoughts and comments on the puzzle pages to [email protected] WIND DOWN A LITTLE KNIGHT-MUSIC The five knock-kneed knights of the Round Table had recently read and discussed an article suggesting that listening to music was an effective way of calming fears. As a result, each applied to the Minstrel Agency in Camelot, and engaged the services of a different Welsh minstrel on a regular basis for one evening each week. While this did not result in any noticeable increase in their courage factor, it did at least provide some enjoyment during the long winter evenings in their respective castles. From the clues given below, can you work out which knight hired which minstrel on which evening, and match the minstrels with their instruments? Relájate WORD WHEEL 50 Friday, November 30, 2007 WIND DOWN RELÁJATE THE Stars with Mystic Tara each and every week. Libra (sep 23 - oct 23) It’s not universally true that opposites attract, but you’ve been noticing some hot magnetic energy between two very different (and very single) people in your life. You are in a position to put them in the same room together. Are you up for the matchmaking thing? Think about what it’s like to be your friends and subtly dig for some clues about how interested these two parties may be in each other. Follow your gut, and if you’re ready to connect these hot dots, do it! Aries (mar 21 - apr 19) Just because your phone hasn’t been ringing off the hook doesn’t mean that people don’t want to connect with you. They are probably just waiting for you to make the first move – but are you sure you even want to, right now? Your social life may have been winding down lately, but that can be a very good thing. You should use this downtime to organise some of the more hectic areas of your life and get back on top of financial issues you may be neglecting. Taurus (apr 20 - may 20) New beginnings are not always marked by ceremonies or starting pistols. All it takes to branch out in a new direction or get that project finally off the ground is you! Stop waiting for the green light – there isn’t going to be one. Right now, you need to move forward on your own. If the funding you’ve been waiting for is nowhere in sight, don’t let that stop you. If your partners haven’t materialised, forget them. Gemini (may 21 - jun 21) Good things come to those who wait – so if you have been waiting for a time when things might free up a bit, this just might be the week! Get ready for some last minute cancellations on meetings or dates – and sort out some backup plans so you can make use of the extra time. Think of something that you can do by yourself at a moment’s notice. Patience is an extremely hard skill to master, but you’ve been an excellent student, and this week will bring you your reward. Cancer (jun 22 - jul 22) The silent treatment won’t get you anywhere this week, so if you’re using that tactic you’d better come up with something else. Here’s a wacky idea – how about talking it through? It can be hard to start the conversation, but it won’t be hard to continue it once you know someone is listening. There is no communication without an exchange of ideas, so break down your wall of silence and open up. You will make a bigger, better point by talking than you ever could by being silent. Leo (jul 23 - aug 22) Someone who’s been at the edge of your radar for a very long time will suddenly move bang into your field of vision this week. They want your attention, and they want to inspire you, and if you give them a chance to make their case, they just might. They are ready to prove to you that what they have to offer isn’t a correction – it’s just a suggestion. Getting involved in a new venture could give you the energy (and ego) boost you have been looking for, so say ‘yes’ to a proposal this week. Virgo (aug 23 - sep 22) As your social life starts heating up again, be sure to dedicate some of your outings to cultural events. Jazz music, sushi restaurants, and even foreign films will make a welcome break from your usual social plans. Plus, they will expose you to some very interesting and attractive people. Stimulating your mind by trying something new will earn you respect and admiration. You’ll impress some sophisticated people who are new to the local scene. Scorpio (oct 24 - nov 21) The confusing behaviour of someone you are just getting to know is becoming frustrating – this week it might be time to push things all the way and find out once and for all what is really going on. Taking an unexpected action could wobble this person’s boat, but it’s nothing compared to the uncertainty they have been putting you through. In order to feel confident about what you are doing, you have to know more about what is going on in their world. Sagittarius (nov 22 - dec 21) While you may want to work diligently through your week, your mind is on other things. You will have a difficult time staying on track. Whether it’s an unexpectedly beautiful day, the piercing eyes of someone new on the scene, or just your own short attention span that causes your frequent detours, you won’t really mind the disruption in your routine. Each little interruption will lead to an amusing revelation, a brilliant idea, or a good chuckle. Money matters are looking very good this week, if you fancy a flutter, now’s the time. Capricorn (dec 22 - jan 19) This week, someone’s brilliant one-liner will do more than tickle your funny bone, it will ignite a tiny spark in your heart. Few people realise how having fun can lead to romance, although you have always understood the connection, haven’t you? Your ideal mate is more likely to be someone who makes you smile than someone who makes you swoon. Remember this when you are considering which crushes to pursue. Hold off on accepting an invitation from anyone who’s coming on too strong. Aquarius (jan 20 - feb 18) You may think that you are judged by the company you keep, but that isn’t necessarily true. This week, don’t worry about people making assumptions about who you are, based on who you are with. Your true personality is too bright to hide, and will shine through boring meetings, dull meals, and meaningless small talk. You can be confident that being the person you want to be one hundred per cent of the time, encourages other people to do the same, which is good for all of us. Pisces (feb 19 - mar 20) Every now and again, you go through what could be called a ‘velcro phase’, when you feel a strong need to stick close – physically and emotionally – to the people you love the most. But right now, you could be moving away from that, detaching yourself and going off on your own. Don’t be frightened by this change of attitude, it is perfectly healthy and normal. You’re not moving away from people, you are just moving in a different direction from them for a while, and when you swing back into cycle with them you’ll be even more windswept and interesting than you are now. Read Mystic Tara ONLY in your No 1 national paper for Spain. RULES AND ANSWERS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES RULES CROSSWORD SUDOKU Lottery Lotto Eliminate 43 balls and WIN THE JACKPOT! Link all eliminated balls as you go. Word wheel Find as many words as possible using the letters in the wheel. Each word must include the letter in the centre, and at least three other letters. Plurals and proper nouns do not count. See if you can make some Spanish words. Solving Logic Problems Read the information about the problem and then, using the clues, solve the problem using the grid. The grid cross-references all possible solutions and once you know whether a solution is correct or not you can mark a definite “no” with a cross (X) and a definite “yes” with a tick (✓). Once you have marked off everything you can find out from the clues, use the grid to find out new answers and then check through the clues again – don’t forget to include information in all the relevant places in the grid! Use the reference table below the grid to help you. (Hint: when you know something is right, don’t forget to cross off everything that therefore must be wrong.) Sudoku Complete grid so that each column, row and 3x3 square contains the numbers 1 to 9. Battleships: Find all the ships in the grid. Some parts of the boats or sea have already been filled in, and the number next to a row or column refers to the total number of squares in that row/column occupied by ships. Boats may be positioned horizontally or vertically but no boats can touch each other so boat parts are never in adjacent squares – horizontally, vertically or diagonally. LOGIC ANAGRAMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. GRIEGO FRANCÉS DANÉS R USO HEBREO Lottery LOTTO WORDSEARCH BATTLESHIPS WORD JIG QUICK QUIZ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Ledger Grapes Ricky Hatton Libretto Shirley Temple (Black) Bananarama 23rd April Clone Marie Antoinette Red and yellow WORD WHEEL English words:- Drued, duel, dueler, dune, elude, eluded, endure, endured, launder, lure, lured, nude, rude, rule, ruled, udder, under, unread, unreel Spanish words:- Dudar, duda, duende, duna, luna, lunar, lunera. Nine-letter word:- LAUNDERED LANDMARKS Castilla y León castle in Simancas MARCELLE Friday, November 30, 2007 51 D’ARGY SMITH FORMER COSMOPOLITAN EDITOR’S WEEKLY LOOK AT LIFE T HIS is a terrible time of year. I am too panicked to frolic. Last week Christmas seemed ages away. Now it’s heading this way like a fire-breathing monster. Look – I intended, for once in my life, to be ready. At a Spirit of Christmas fair I bought cashmere scarves for three men. And I bought Christmas cards last December. I was coming back through Kennedy Airport the day after Boxing Day. (They don’t have Boxing Day in the USA. But one of my friends did ask “Hey – what are you doing on Dog Day?”) Anyway, forward to this year and about two weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon sitting with my mother, I addressed about 14 of the Christmas cards and took the train home feeling pretty damned smug. A bit of a mission accomplished I thought, as I swung along the station platform. Course you don’t post too early. You don’t want to look ridiculous by posting them in November. I DIDN’T send any cards last year. The truth is lots of people don’t even notice. Okay, okay some people notice, I’ve three aunts who hang on my every festive wish and an ex-lover who certainly notices. So today there’s the pile of cards sitting on my desk in front of me – along with another 50 more unwritten ones. There are 15 crimson smartypants diaries I bought that should go out with the cards. There are the scarves. There are 37 other things to do on my List. And apart from all the things in my life that are falling apart and friends ringing up stressed or tetchy – I have an envelope problem. This has stumped me most of the day. I thought about it when Darren and Mark came to repair the lights that keep blowing in the living room since they fixed them last week. I was thinking about it again when Saeed and Nabil came to repair the two TV sets that won’t change channels. It wasn’t a good time to mislay the TV controller which is normally somewhere in the sofa cushions. But my mind was elsewhere. Don’t even get me started on the stamp problem. I queued for 45 minutes to get stamps last Saturday. I thought I’d picked a quiet time of day. (Life Truth No 143 - There’s never a good time to have a baby, take a holiday or visit the Post Office.) Mind you – at least I was inside the Post Office. In the queue. At ten minutes past twelve, twenty minutes before closing time, they closed the doors. Customers outside had to bang on the windows. They had to beg to be let in. You’d think businesses needed customers. One impeccably polite Iraqi with polished shoes was finally allowed in. He said to me: “I took a taxi here to send this recorded delivery package. It’s so urgent. I thought they closed at closing time”. Welcome to our world, I said. He smiled and said it was a lot better than his world at the moment. But you know how it is. By the time I got to the counter I forgot my luck at not living in Baghdad. “You can find details of our inland and overseas postage charges ONLINE.” said the ■ QUEUE CRAZY: It’s sadly that time of year in the Post Office Serenity is skin-deep this time of year. But itʼs okay to panic Y now and frolic later. clue what packages cost and how much it cost to send a diary to Malta. Look – I use a computer. Tomorrow I may calm down and try to make sense of the Post Office website. All I can tell you is when I tried to renew my parking permit online at the weekend the application form appeared with letters the size of a large movie poster. Renewing the permit in person took three hours. Everything and everyone breaks down this time of the year. And it’s going to get worse. Jo said isn’t everybody irritable and she wasn’t even bothering with the Christmas thing as she and Tony are off to New Zealand in four weeks. “It’s so blissful to be able to sail past all the crowds in the shops knowing it’s nothing to do with me” she said. She’s very serene these days. She wasn’t at all like that when she was single. I decided not to tell her the real details of my flat falling apart, the missed dates and how hard it is to get out of the front door just now. The panic is making me so forgetful and disorganised. woman behind the glass partition. “We don’t print that information any more”. My heart always sinks when anyone tells me I can do anything online. You should see our local Post Office. It’s stuffed to the gills with leaflets advertising every single service they ever dreamt up in competition with any other business. They’ve racks of sticky sentimental Christmas cards. How come there’s nothing about the cost of postage? Still at least, as I told Jo on the phone, I’ve got the sodding stamps even if I haven’t a ES, I did go to a party yesterday but I can’t tell you how long it took me to find my black belt with the gold dangly bits. Jo insisted we must meet up before she goes. I said: “Give me a date”. A guttural sound of pain could be heard. “Oh God” she said, “I can’t think. We’ve got so much to do. Let me come back to you”. Serenity is only skin-deep this time of year. I think padded envelopes are the answer to the envelope problem. I also think it’s okay to panic now and frolic later. Friday, November 30, 2007 52 relax relájate Bob’s walking back to happiness in the mountain areas he so loves Costa Blanca Sketchbook by Bob Stansfield Published by PP Publishing 2007 Review by Roger Massingham WHETHER you are a mountaineer or simply frequent the mountain areas on the Costa Blanca, there will be pleasure to be found in Bob’s latest publication. For those new to the area, Bob is still the foremost, and has been for some 20 years, author of scores of mountain related articles in the local press and numerous walking guides of the region. Retired now to the Manchester suburbs, and ■ JUST THE JOB, BOB: Bob Stansfield, who has put together the sketchbook, right, showing mountains like the one above health and strength not what they used to be, our prolific guide found his thoughts wandering back to his beloved mountains and friends here in Alicante. It was at this time he unearthed a cardboard box containing most of his sketches from his leader days in the Costa Blanca Walkers’ club. It came as quite a surprise as he thought them lost. So, as a way of reliving his adventures and, putting to use his recent studies at the local art school, the idea for this book was born. A first of its kind in Spain. The Costa Blanca Sketchbook has some 180 pages, with seventy full-page sketches all beautifully detailed and enhanced in watercolours reproduced on good quality satin paper. The collection, design and layout by his friend Clarke Rogerson is worthy of mention too. The clean and easy flowing format is colourcoded into eleven areas. At the beginning of each section you will find a description of the area with useful information, history, and wry comments. Each print is accompanied on a facing page with a brief description of the location and how to get there. Should you feel the urge to get your boots on you will also find references to the corresponding walk in Bob’s guide books. At €18 it is well worth the money and should surely be on every walker’s and art lover’s coffee table. This title is available online at http://www.costablancawalking.info/sketchbook Friday, November 30, 2007 53 SALES & SERVICES LAWYERS/SOLICITORS A.S.K British & Spanish Legal Services Avda. Alegría 7, Local 1, La Marina Pueblo, 03194 Elche/Elx (Alicante) Tel. 664468378 www. asklegalservices.com Andalucía Lawyers Lawyers in Andalucia, Granada and Costa Tropical. Bi-lingual law firm with a strong commitment to providing complete legal, accountancy and tax advice. Cº de Ronda, 74 - 3º4ª, 18001 Granada Tel. 958290580 www.andalucia-lawyers.com Ángel Poveda Abogados International law firm of abogados and solicitors advising on property law, taxation, family law, wills and inheritance law, company law, environmental law, media and entertainment law, Intellectual Property law, European and International law. Audience before the Spanish, British and Irish Courts. Avda. Barón de Cárcer 31-3º-6ª, 46001 Valencia Tel. 963530196 www.angelpoveda-abogados.com Bufete Frau San Miguel, 36 - 1º, 07002 Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca) Tel. 971228036 www.bufetefrau.com Cornish & Co Abogados Bi-lingual law firm providing clients with a complete legal service for their personal and business affairs in Spain. Avda. Ricardo Soriano 22, Edificio Sabadell. 4º-6, 29601 Marbella (Málaga) Tel. 952866830 www.interlex-spain.com Costa Blanca Lawyers This unique service from English lawyers is designed to help the English in Spain, particularly on the Costa Blanca. Whether you live, work, run your own business or have any assets in Spain then our extremely affordable services are there for you. Arabí Plaza 22, Paseo de la Media Legua, 03580 l’Alfàs del Pi (Alicante) Tel. 966814506 www. costablancalawyers.com Davies Solicitors Honest, independent advice for your legal requirements - from wills and inheritance to building and property claims, specialists in Spanish inheritance and probate. Whatever your requirements feel free to contact us for a no obligation chat to assess your needs. Parque Commercial 49 & 50, 04638 Mojácar (Almería) Tel. 950472775 www. daviessolicitors.com Eshkeri & Grau At Eshkeri & Grau we ensure that you are able to make your plans with complete confidence that you will get what you pay for and will also avoid the unexpected and unwelcome pitfalls often experienced by people unfamiliar with Spain’s legal system and business culture. 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Specializing in property law, non resident fiscal liabilities, inheritance and company law. Paseo Vista Alegre 8, Piso 1, 03181 Torrevieja (Alicante) Tel. 965713685 www.miguelmateo.com Puerta Vides S.L. Lawyers, Solicitors and Accountants for Spain. The Law firm of Puerta Vides is based in Marbella and provides complete legal and tax advisory services for the Costa del Sol and the southern Andalucía region of Spain. Avda. Ricardo Soriano 22, 29601 Marbella (Málaga) Tel. 952764181 www.puertavides.com Richarte, Duque & Hortelano We are fully qualified lawyers and members of the Spanish Law Society. Founded in 1987, we have built an exceptional reputation by providing excellent legal services to British Citizens living in Spain. Our services include Conveyancing, Wills, Mortgage Applications and Foreign Investments. Av. Los Almendros, ed. Etxezuri III 7,2,A, 03501 Benidorm (Alicante) Tel. 965864339 www.rdhsolicitors.net Ross Legal Services S.L. 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Rambla Nova 118, 43001 Tarragona Tel. 977228912 www.vahusari.com Velasco Lawyers Fluent in English and many other European languages, Velasco Lawyers are practising solicitors and barristers in Spanish Law, providing legal services such as property purchase/selling, family, employment and commercial law. Please visit our website or call for further assistance. Mariana Pineda, Edif. Mercadona 2ª planta, oficina 6, 18690 Almuñécar (Granada) Tel. 958630114 www.velascolawyers.com White & Baos English solicitors and Spanish lawyers. Spanish conveyancing, tax advice and representation, wills and probate/ inheritance, company formations, tenancy agreements, legal translations, process serving. C/ Diana, 19, 2º, D, 03700 Dénia (Alicante). E-mail: info@white-baos. com - www.white-baos.com. Tel. 966426185. Mobile 677204355. Fax 965784471. MORTGAGES Abbey Mortgages SL Continuing to offer the best interest rates on the Costa Blanca “Guaranteed”. Purchase and re-mortgages, 100% Casahipoteca S.L. Your mortgage broker in Spain. Plaza Virgen del Carmen 14b 770, 03724 Moraira (Alicante) Tel. 965749078 www. casahipoteca.com International Mortgage Solutions (IMS) Ltd NEED A MORTGAGE? IMS are independent Spanish mortgage specialists based in the UK and Spain. For a no obligation quote visit our website or call UK 0870 800 1144, Spain 952815681. www.international-mortgages.org Mortgages & Hipotecas Group SL Your professional financial adviser and mortgage broker in Spain providing interest only loans up to 100%, call us for a no obligation assessment of your requirements. Paseo de Mallorca 18, 07012 Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca) Tel. 637463724 CAR RENTAL 1984 - 2004 S YEARAT YOUR SERVICE ® RENT A CAR WE ARE THE CHEAPEST *NEW CARS * BEST SERVICE * *AIRPORT SERVICE* Reservations locally: (0034) 96 579 33 12 UK - Local charge: 0871 711 33 45 Fax 96 579 60 52. · Ctra. Cabo La Nao, Pla 37, JÁVEA. www.javeacars.com ALICANTE, VALENCIA AND MURCIA-SAN JAVIER AIRPORTS Mortgages In Spain - No income proof mortgages and re-mortgages, up to 100% funding, up to 30 year term, interest only, 24hr in-principle decision, quick completion times, our mortgages allow you to pay less e.g. €100,000 over 30 years, interest only = €437.50pm Tel. 965584313 www. mortgagesinspain.biz www.victoriacars.com or call us: 0034 965 830 254 Do not forget our short or long-term parking at Alicante airport: www.victoria-parking.com Spanish Mortgage Services is a completely independent Mortgage Broker, working exclusively for you, the buyer - nobody else. We search Hundreds of Mortgages to find the service that is the best for you. Wherever you want to be in Spain, you want to be with us! Calle Valencianas, 03580 Altea (Alicante) Tel. 620409173 www. spanishmortgageservices.co.uk Exchange Business Are you thinking of buying a holiday home or moving to Spain? If so, The Xchange Business can help. Your experienced personal account manager will ensure that your move does not cost more than it should by advising on the best time to buy currency. Tel. +44 (0)8009530221 www.xchangebusiness.co.uk Crystal Clear Satellite TV We are a professional family-run business based in Jalón supplying affordable satellite TV. Most of our work is concentrated in the area between Benidorm – Gandia and inland. Our aim is total customer satisfaction and many of our clients have become friends. Partida Solana No 3, Camino Lloso, 03727 Xaló (Alicante) Tel. 660186505 FINANCIAL SERVICES Halo Financial Ltd is one of the UK’s leading foreign exchange providers specialising in providing highly competitive exchange rates, charge no commission fees and offer a facility enabling you to guarantee an exchange rate for a future date. Tel. +44 (0) 2073505474 www.halofinancial.com Seabrights Satellite Systems A family run company, our reputation is your Guarantee! Free site survey. Re-alignment and fault finding. Fully legal and registered installers offering European and micro-mesh Systems. Torrevieja to Dénia, inland and coastal. Tel. 606139591 Langtons Spain S.L. Independent financial planners. Centro Commercial, Mar y Sol, Local 28, 11311 Sotogrande (Cádiz) Tel. 956796791 www.langtonsspain.com Offshore World S.L. Property and financial advisers - qualified advice on low risk investment, retirement planning, equity release and Spanish mortgages. Specialists in non stock market related plans that provide both guaranteed and high returns for income and capital growth. Free financial health check. Avienda del Alicante 6B, 03726 Benitachell (Alicante) Tel. 966493797 www.offshoreworldsl. com Golden Leaves Funeral Plans Thousands of people have now woken up to the fact that they can not only pre-plan their funerals, but also pre-pay their own funeral expenses - now - and at today’s prices, beating the soaring cost of funerals. Tel. +44 (0)2086843464 Graydon & Associates SL is an independent accountancy and financial services company dedicated to providing sound financial advice to individuals living in Spain. We are committed to understanding our clients needs and in providing solid & reliable solutions. Centro Plaza, Oficina 4 - Planta 1, Nueva Andalucía, 29660 Marbella (Málaga) Tel. 952906370 www.graydon-associates.com CURRENCY BROKERS Escape Currency Whether you are buying property abroad, paying utility bills or sending remittances to your family, with Escape currency you can get better exchange rates, save money and protect yourself against currency fluctuations. Tel. +44 (0)1296339811 www.escapecurrency.com International FX Ltd When buying or Investing abroad, emigrating or making regular overseas payments you need to be sure that your you can get the best possible rate for your transaction. Even slight fluctuations in the market can make a huge difference to the price you pay. Tel. +44 (0)1689868138 www.internationalfx.co.uk CARS FOR SALE LWB Toyota Hiace panel van. S reg, 6 seats, side windows, rear bulk head, alarm, VGC. Ideal for builder or family returning to UK. Dénia area. Price: 1,500 euros. Tel. 667298576 Mini one Cabrio for sale. Registered in Dec 2005, red with black hood. Following upgraded features are included: 5 spoke alloy wheels, chrome pack incl. wing mirrors, run flat tyres, on board computer, reverse parking sensors, Harman Karden CD, MP3 and speaker system, sports steering wheel with music system controls, cruise control, visibility pack and climate control installed. Interior is cobalt grey with half leather sports seats. In Excellent condition, company car forces sale. Price 18,500 euros. Tel. 676302199 SATELLITE TV Britsat Your one stop shop for all Sky Digital TV and Satellite Broadband Internet throughout Europe. Serving English-speaking European satellite customers since 1998, we pride ourselves in offering complete customer service and satisfaction. Alforja (Tarragona) Tel. 616369913 www.britsat.tv INTERNET Costa Blanca Web Design Services. Competitive professional and visually exciting websites that will effectively market you and your company. We also offer a graphic design service which can be of great benefit when seeking to promote a fully-integrated company image. Four-page websites starting at 495 Euros. Check out our portfolio on our website. Ctra, Dénia-Jávea, 38, Local F, 03700 Dénia (Alicante) Tel. 966433220 www. web-designservices.com Go Atlantic A complete, innovative web solution for your company. We offer website and logo designs, dynamic data-driven solutions, web and email hosting, search engine optimisation, intellectual property legal support and Micrsoft-certified training. Call now! C/ Torrevella 16, No 3, 03560 El Campello (Alicante) Tel. 635115114 www.goatlantic.net nets – all with FREE delivery and installation! Calle Laguna de Villasinda , 24, Poligino In Municipal de Balsicas, 30591 Torre-Pacheco (Murcia) Tel. 968580712 www.insiderightespana.com Inside Right UK The most stylish furniture packages for your Spanish property, available for you to select in the UK. You’ll find everything you need – from chairs to cutlery, wardrobes to wine glasses – all with FREE delivery and installation! Unit 2, Rosevale Road, Rosevale Business Park, ST5 7UB Newcastle -under-Lyme Tel. +44 (0)1782567656 www.insiderightespana.com RNA Home Decor SL specialises in furnishing properties for investment/rental purposes as well as complete bespoke interior design. Quality, durability and “WOW” factor appeal are our main areas of focus. We provide affordability without compromising on quality! Calle Luis Bunuel 13, 29680 Estepona (Málaga) Tel. 952804800 www.rnahomedecor. com Villapac Ltd Providing furniture packages and the perfect solution for your home abroad. Our packages contain everything you will need for your new home. Whether you have bought your apartment as an investment or you intend to live abroad our packages will suit all your needs. Calle Mallorca, 22 , Local Bajo, 29640 Fuengirola (Málaga) Tel. 952465982 www.villapac.co.uk ITEMS FOR SALE CRAFTSMAN MADE PERIOD MODEL HOUSE (820x750x500mm deep), weight 30 kilos. Must be seent to appreciate. Price: 1,200 euros. Tel. 966480890 DELIVERY SERVICE Break-up households and clear out. Quick and reliable. From Gandia to Benidorm. Phone 965973348 ASTROLOGY Meaningful Christmas present to yourself or others. Individual astrological counselling by a qualified astrologer, or a fully printed personality analysis, including forecast for 2008. Tel. 659175014 for more information. ADULT Kamagra 12 tablets - PRICE 30 euros, 24 tablets - price 50 euros, 48 tablets - price 95 euros. Tel. 664340861 - www.kamagra-pillsgells.com SPAS Hotspring Portable Spas are famous for their quality with over 750,000 sold worldwide and 4 BEST BUY awards. Hotspring spas are the biggest spa company on the Costa Blanca with showrooms in Dénia and Teulada. Carreterra Dénia-Ondara KM1, 03700 Dénia (Alicante) Tel. 966426045 www. hotspring.es Ju.ju.ju.Aqua - Pools, saunas, spas, air conditioning, C/H, baths, garden and water treatment, more than 30.000 items and 600 brand marks, 40 years experience, interactive exhibition 2,000m2, pioneers in hydromassage, more than 30 spa-models, own fitters. Pol. Ind. La Pedrera, 03720 Benissa (Alicante) Tel. 965734025 www.jujuju. com Nivola Spas - Your spa and sauna specialist. Choose from 22 Spa models, ergonomically designed for your best comfort and relaxation. Made in the UK by SPAFORM, Europe’s largest spa manufacturer with over 23 years experience developing high quality spas. Camí del la Mar 16, 03580 l’Alfàs del Pi (Alicante) Tel. 966814302 www. nivolaspas.com SURGERY HealthyPets - your suppliers of natural, holistic dog foods delivered to your door anywhere in Spain, including Naturediet. Call 965733496 or shop online www. healthypets.es Marbella Clinic (Dr Albrecht) Our services include surgical and nonsurgical procedures for both the face and body and our specialities range from orthodontics to gynaecology. Please visit our website for a list of our services and to arrange your consultation today. Marbella Clinic has recently won the “essential Marbella 2007 business of excellence award.” Calle Los Gladiolos, Urb Royal Garden, 29600 Nueva Andalucía (Málaga) Tel. 952816981 www.marbellaclinic.com Trans-Pet We offer a secure door to door Transportation for your pets anywhere from the UK to Spain and back to the UK. Independently family run company, specially-equipped transport. Short stay cattery and kennels with a vet on call 24hrs a day .We can also arrange relevant documents and passports for your pets. Partida 29, Baiona Alta, 03110 Mutxamel (Alicante) Tel. 600552030 www.trans-pet.co.uk Mills & Mills Medical Group is a professional cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine company based in Marbella, Spain. Established by UK cosmetic surgery specialists, offering men and women a personalised service. Free consultations available. MHC International private hospital, Casa Sta. Isabel, Urb. Las Mimosas, 29660 Nueva Andalucía, Marbella Tel. 952908538 www.millsmedical.com PETS Looking for Pet Insurance? Insure with Spain’s leading pet insurance provider, Protectapet. Freephone: 900801123 www.protectapet.eu FURNITURE 4Decor Furnishing and interior design company based on the Costa del Sol, Spain. From super budget furniture packs ideal for rental properties to state-of-theart Interiors for luxury villas and apartments. Creating beautiful homes is what our Business is about. C/ Platino 38, Pol Ind. Costa del Sol, 29600 Marbella Tel. 952939939 www.4decor.biz Inside Right España The most stylish furniture packages, available for you to select from our Murcia showroom. You’ll find everything you need for your Spanish property - from tables to towels, beds to bathroom cabi- Dr. Bernard Willis - Dr. Mark Palka HOURS: MON - FRI: 08.30 - 20 -00 + SAT: 09.00 - 13.00 We care about your health Established since 1991 Clínica Tarraula is a traditional Family Doctor Practice that is committed to providing the best possible modern medical care and health treatment. With the modern treatment facilities of our clinic our doctors are able to offer a wide range of services that provide an integrated approach to all aspects of health with the backup of a range of specialist services. For appointments please ring 96 579 00 00 or 96 646 01 66 Enquiries 96 579 41 79 www.ctonlineclinic.com Fax: (+34) 96 648 01 10 ETL Mallorca Lawyers Offices in Palma and Felantix. English speaking specialists in European Tax Consultancy and Civil Law - Offering all aspects of specialist legal advise in Mallorca since 1989. Paseo Mallorca, 18 - entlo. 1º, 07012 Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca) Tel. 971214700 Iglesias & Partners 20 years on the Costa del Sol. Real Estate conveyancing - Civil and Criminal Litigation. Construction Law. Wills Inheritance Tax - General Taxation. NIEs - Residencias - Companies Incorporation. Cl Gerald Brenan 57-59, 1º, 29640 Alhaurín el Grande (Málaga) Tel. 656980000 – 952596427 www.iglesiasasociados.com L.T.V mortgages for residents. 30 year interest only mortgages. Equity release. Mortgages arranged up to the age of 75. Inheritance tax guaranteed solution. Calle Sevilla 30 Local 1, Urb La Marina, 03177 (Alicante) Tel. 966795740 www.abbeymortgagessl.com Call Classified Phone: (+34) 96 648 08 14 www.thinkSPAIN.com/today classified clasificados classifi[email protected] www.thinkSPAIN.com/today (+34) 96 648 08 14 Friday, November 30, 2007 54 property inmobiliaria Property for sale ALCALALÍ, Alicante - Bargain for quick sale - 170m, 3 beds, with large upstairs studio with potential for further beds or living space 50m2, kitchen, lounge, dining room, bath, guest toilet, terrace. Spacious townhouse in the attractive and historic town of Alcalalí, all the advantages of being in the centre near shops and bars while having the charm of a townhouse with wooden beams and original fireplace. A must see bargain and will be a great home or fantastic investment in the idyllic Jalón Valley. Price 169,950 euros. Tel. 627435376 ALCALALÍ, Alicante - To rent shop/ warehouse on Future Roundabout. 250m2 ground floor, 250m2 top floor. Possible to rent all or separate. Price: 1,800 euros pm. Tel. 965780854 - 630128536 ALCALALÍ, Alicante - Shop in Alcalalí. Ideal for restaurant. Easy access for Murla, Parcent, Jalón and Alcalalí. 250m2. Price: on request. Tel. 965780854 - 680128536 ALGORFA, Alicante - Villa - 365,000 euros. 620m² plot, 3 bed, 3 bath, pool, A/C. ALGORFA det. villa - 3 bed, 3 bath, 620m2 plot fully walled. Large villa located just 2 mins from La Finca... Ref TT239-2280a ALTEA LA VELLA, Alicante - Flat with 3 beds, 2 baths, new kitchen. 1 min walk to supermarket, bars and restaurants. Price: 225,000 euros private sale. Tel. 617893036 ASPE, Alicante - Finca/Country House - 174,000 euros. 70m², 6,000m² plot, 3 bed, 1 bath. Spanish country house 5 mins from Aspe. Land includes olive grove with 130 olive trees. 30m² workshop. Ref TT239-2289a BENIJÓFAR, Alicante - Bungalow - 147,000 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath, pool. Ground floor bungalow near the Ciudad Quesada golf course and Benijófar town. A very small development and property has a... Ref TT239-2063a BENIMANTELL, Alicante - Guadalest - Brand new pretty and sunny 2 bed apartment. Block of 6 only with lift. 25 mins inland from Benidorm. Totally furnished, ready for moving into. Price: 155,000 euros. Tel. 965747997 - 677509106 - 650472578 BENITACHELL, Alicante - In Moraira, Benitachell and Jávea, Sales and Rentals. www. alicantevilla4u.co.uk Tel. 0034 677353331 james@alicante4u. co.uk CALPE, Alicante - Villa - 575,000 euros. 180m², 540m² Plot, 4 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool. CALALGA Surface area: 180m², Plot: 540m². 4 beds. Price: 575,000€ 95.671.950 pts. Extended... Ref TT239-2067a CALPE, Alicante - Bungalow 260,000 euros. 150m², 200m² plot, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 toilet, pool, A/C. EMPEDROLA. Surface area: 150m², Plot: 185m². 2 rooms, 2 beds. Price: 260,000€ 43.260.360 pts. Extended... Ref TT239-2066a CAMPELLO (EL), Alicante - Apartment - 258,500 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, pool. Nearly new! Situated in the CENTRE of Campello, right opposite the beach is waiting to be discovered. From the apartment... Ref TT239-2070a CIUDAD QUESADA, Alicante - Townhouse - 266,500 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Superbly spacious 3 bed/2 bath corner Lola townhouses located on small complexes with uniquely designed comm. pools and garden areas... Ref TT239-2213a COCENTAINA, Alicante - Villa 133,000 euros. 80m², 5,700m² plot, 2 bed, 1 bath, garage, pool, A/C. Small 2 bed cottage near Cocentaina, on a plot with mature trees, shrubs and plants. This property... Ref TT239-2076a COCENTAINA, Alicante - Townhouse - 66,000 euros. Ref: t1200 Townhouses in Cocentaina. 3 beds, mains elec. and water, bath, kitchen, terrace, aprox. 200m2 needs full... Ref TT239-2075a Commission only 2% exclusive 3% Multi-Agency BARGAIN OF THE WEEK GATA RESIDENCIAL Almost new 199 m detached villa with private pool and fabulous sea views, 3 beds, 2 baths + W/C, gas C/H, master bedroom en-suite with dressing room and private terrace. Fully landscaped 670 m2 plot with carport & BBQ. Was €375,000 Reduced to 2 €357,000 Avda. del Oeste, 8 03709 La Xara (Alicante) Tel/fax 96 642 45 05 Mobiles (0034) 609 512 745 / 669 386 710 www.vacationvillasspain.com DAYA NUEVA, Alicante - Villa 230,000 euros. 230m², 3 bed, 3 bath, 3 toilets, garage. Fully furnished 3 storey house in the village of Daya Nueva. 230m2 build on 3 floors, 3 beds... Ref TT239-2080a JÁVEA, Alicante - Villa - 500,000 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath. 4 bed, 3 bath det. villa with private pool located in a very private cul-de-sac in the Montgó area of Jávea. Accommodation is on 2... Ref TT239-2178a DÉNIA, Alicante - Villa - 765,000 euros. 5 bed, 3 bath, pool. The imposing Montgó massif in the background and the immense blue of the Mediterranean Sea within walking distance, this luxury villa... Ref TT239-2085a LLOSA DE CAMACHO, Alicante - Townhouse, new construction. 3 beds, comm. pool, excellent quality. Direct from promoter. Price: from 229,000 euros. Tel. 965780854 - 630128536 DÉNIA, Alicante - Villa - 375,000 euros. 101m², 300m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Brand new det. villa located on a small private complex of only 4 villas with private gated entrance.... Ref TT239-2084a DENIA, Alicante - Townhouse 245,000 euros. 145m², 3 bed, 2 bath, toilet, garage, A/C, C/H. Spacious townhouse in Dénia, very central, on 3 levels. In very good repair. Ref TT239-2082a DENIA, Alicante - Apartment 220,500 euros. 77m², 2 bed, 2 bath, pool, A/C. Las Marinas km. 1,5: Very well-kept apartment with A/C (hot-cold). Direct access to the comm. pool from the spacious... Ref TT239-2083a DENIA, Alicante - 2 bed flat. Sea views. Bath and toilet. Excellent quality. Central zone. Price: 186,000 euros. Tel. 965780854 - 630128536 DENIA, Alicante - 1 bed. flat, next to Chabás Park in Dénia. Next construction, ready in 2 years. Payable in convenient instalments. Price: on request. Tel. 965780854 DÉNIA, Alicante - Flat in Edf. Faroleta Puerto, 3 beds. New construction. Central Dénia. Excellent quality. Direct from promoter. Price: 228,423 euros. Tel. 965780854 - 630128536 DÉNIA, Alicante - Penthouse with views of Montgó, castle and sea. 3 beds. Recently built. Price: 366,000 euros. Tel. 96578085 - 630128536 DÉNIA, Alicante - Shop for sale or rent in Playa de las Marinas KM11. 104/40m2 terrace. Price for sale: 172,000 euros. Price for rent: 1,100 euros pm. Tel. 965780854 630128536 DOLORES, Alicante - Apartment - 125,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath. Contact us for further information. Ref TT239-2086a JALÓN, Alicante - Villa - 577,500 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath. Delightful residence set in the heart of the beautiful Jalón Valley. The present owners have built up a very successful bed and breakfast... Ref TT239-2181a JÁVEA, Alicante - Villa - 820,000 euros. 350m², 900m² plot, 4 bed, 4 bath, 2 toilets, pool, A/C. Very private, charming villa located in the est. and sort after area of Portichol, and offers... Ref TT239-2180a JÁVEA, Alicante - Villa - 750,000 euros. 297m², 1,632m² plot, 4 bed, 3 bath, garage. High ceiling in the living room and big windows create lots of light in this spacious southfacing villa. Big... Ref TT2392179a MONTESINOS (LOS), Alicante - Apartment - 108,000 euros. 60m², 2 bed, 1 bath, pool. Located in Los Montesinos, on the Southern end of the Costa Blanca. This buy little town is sit. in the heart of the Vega Baja... Ref TT239-2072a MORAIRA, Alicante - Villa - 650,000 euros. 210m², 600m² plot, 5 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, A/C. VILLA – 150M FROM EL PORTET BEACH – MORAIRA. Located very close to the El Portet beach, on a flat... Ref TT239-2187a MORAIRA, Alicante - Villa - 495,000 euros. 160m², 600m² plot, 4 bed, 3 bath, 3 toilets, pool, C/H. Villa and guesthouse completely renovated and extended, modern finished by now! Sorry for old photo.... Ref TT239-2185a MORAIRA, Alicante - Villa - 475,000 euros. 5 bed, 3 bath. Lovely 5 bed, 3 bath det. villa built in 1980 with sep. guest apartment and 10x5m pool. Main accommodation comprises... Ref TT239-2186a MORAIRA, Alicante - Villa - 375,000 euros. 3 bed, 3 bath, pool. Designed in Finca style, with farmhouse kitchen with wood burning stove and rustic features inside and out. Views over the vineyards and... Ref TT239-2184a MORAIRA, Alicante - Villa - 259,000 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath, pool. COSTA BLANCA, SPAIN, MORAIRA. An immaculate 2 bed det. villa, sit. on a small well kept urbanisation and within easy... Ref TT239-2183a MORAIRA, Alicante - 6 bed, 4 bath det. villa in the heart of Moraira, close to new Algas development with bars, restaurants, gym and spa. 1st floor: 3 beds, 1 en-suite and bath. New f/f kitchen, dining area and access to large terrace. Living area. Sea and mountain views. Ground floor: 2 beds, new bath with jacuzzi, new fitted kitchen and living/dining area. Sep. apartment with bed/sofa, shower and toilet. 8x4 pool, parking for 8 cars, gas C/H, internet and sat TV. Fantastic family home. Price: 570,000 euros. Tel. 626939223 - no agents MUCHAMIEL, Alicante - Apartment - 210,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, pool. Sit. in the fabulous Bonalba Golf Spa Resort. Development of 2 bed/2 bath apartments overlooking the fairways.... Ref TT239-2118a NUCÍA (LA), Alicante - Villa 334,500 euros. 210m², 700m² plot, 4 bed, 2 bath, garage. Very complete property, semi-det. - attached via the garage. Renovated in January 2006. 2 comm. tennis... Ref TT2392119a PEDREGUER, Alicante - Villa 444,800 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath. 2 beds, Tel: 625 92 81 83 Email: [email protected] Web: www.julmar.es Tel. 0034 902 51 45 55 • WWW.ARENAGROUP.ES To enquire about properties with the TT reference code prefix: Send us an email and we will send you the five best offers of the week NEW CONSTRUCTION IN INLAND VALENCIA www.thinkSPAIN.com/today (+34) 902 102 580 1 lounge/dining room, 2 kitchens, 2 baths. Only few minutes away from towns like... Ref TT239-2127a PINAR DE CAMPOVERDE, Alicante - Villa - 460,000 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath, 1 toilet, pool. Opportunity to purchase a substantial det. villa with a well laid out garden, private pool and purpose built... Ref TT2392211a PINAR DE CAMPOVERDE, Alicante - Townhouse - 140,000 euros. 70m², 38m² plot, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 toilet. Lovely terraced house with 2 large beds, 1 full bath and a cloakroom. Galley kitchen with a small... Ref TT239-2210a PINOSO, Alicante - Finca/Country House - 144,000 euros. 170m², 20,000m² Plot, 4 bed, 1 bath. Pinoso Campo - 40mins Alicante City, Airport and Coast. Pinoso an active large village with all main amenities inc. 24hr.... Ref TT239-2128a PLAYA FLAMENCA, Alicante Townhouse - 150,000 euros. 3 bed, 3 bath, pool, A/C. Attractive townhouse sit. in an attractive urbanisation in Playa Flamenca. Includes many extra features, including air... Ref TT239-2212a POBLETS (ELS), Alicante - Villa - 298,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Very beautiful villa with pool and carport near the beach of Els Poblets. Very well maintained villa at one of the most beautiful... Ref TT239-2130a RÁFOL DE ALMUNIA, Alicante - New 3 bed townhouse built on the flat in Ráfol de Almunia. F/F kitchen. Incl. white goods. 3 beds, 2 baths. (Mitsubishi) hot/cold air units installed in lounge and master bed. Double glazed throughout. Comm. pool and gardens. Place to park your car. Price: €174.000 No agents please. Tel: 615297572 ROJALES, Alicante - Semi-det. villa - 155,000 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath, garage, pool, A/C, C/H. THIS PROPERTY HAS NO COMMISSION EASY BUY SCHEME REDUCED. Semi-det. with 3 beds, 1 bath, sep. kitchen.... Ref TT239-2135a SAX, Alicante - Villa - 320,000 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath, pool. Modern design bright and spacious villa on a 10,000m2 plot. 3 beds, 2 baths, living/dining room, fully... Ref TT2392150a SAX, Alicante - Sax/Salinas - 2 rustic plots for building, over 10,000m2 each. Water, elec. already installed. Build of up to 200m2 living area available. Next to town, panoramic views. Price: 140,000 euros for both. Tel. 659821599 [email protected] SAX, Alicante - Sax/Salinas, rustic plot 16,000m2. Water, elec. installed. Building permissions obtained. Can build up to 300m2 living area. Next to town, panoramic views. Price: 120,000 euros. Tel. 659821599 - [email protected] SELLA, Alicante - Villa - 529,500 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath. Pretty 4 bed, 3 bath det. villa with 9x4m pool (with cover) sea and valley views, sit. in La Sella close to the golf... Ref TT239-2152a SELLA, Alicante - Villa - 237,600 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath linked villa with 2 resident pools and gardens located in the La Sella development just mins away from the golf... Ref TT239-2151a SENIJA, Alicante - MUST SELL charming village house, excellent condition, ready for immediate occupation. Spacious lounge, kitchen, utility area. Bath/toilet with bidet, heater/fan. Outside storage, laundry area. Open area for office with built in cupboards and A/C. 2 beds. Outside terrace/dining area. Ideal for 1st time buyer. Bargain at only 117,000 euros. Tel. 966481253 - 685004020 TORMOS, Alicante - Apartment 145,000 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath. Costa Blanca, Spain, Tormas - Jalón a new development of 8 luxury, 2 and 3 bed apartments that are located in the village of... Ref TT239-2160a TORRE DE LA HORADADA, Alicante - Villa - 300,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Only 10 min walk to the beach from this 3 bed, 2 bath det. villa with a large roof solarium. Located within a highly sought after... Ref TT239-2209a TORRETA (LA), Alicante - Townhouse - 235,000 euros. 68m². CASHBACK on this Property - Contact Agent for details full description: A wonderful 3 bed, 2 bath townhouse close to all facilities in the Salt... Ref TT239-2239a TORREVIEJA, Alicante - Villa 320,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Det. villa sit. just a 10 min. drive from the beach and a 5 min drive from 3 golf courses. Also a selection... Ref TT239-2167a TORREVIEJA, Alicante - Villa 199,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Quatro house in Dream Hills, nice lounge, sep. kitchen, 3 beds, 2 baths, large terrace with tiled garden, balcony, solarium... Ref TT239-2165a TORREVIEJA, Alicante - Apartment - 182,100 euros. 82m², 2 bed, 2 bath, pool, A/C. Stylish apartments located to the south of Torrevieja, within mins of the beach. Ground floor homes have a... Ref TT239-2164a TORREVIEJA, Alicante - Townhouse - 148,500 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 toilet, pool. THIS PROPERTY HAS NO COMMISSION EASY BUY SCHEME 2 Storey townhouse with 2 beds, 1.5 baths, lounge/diner, kitchen and utility... Ref TT2392162a TORREVIEJA, Alicante - Apartment - 81,000 euros. 1 bed, 1 bath. Resale top floor apartment in Calas Blancas, Torrevieja. Sit. within walking distance to a variety of amenities and only a 5... Ref TT239-2163a ALMANZORA, Almería - Villa 590,000 euros. 3 bed, 3 bath. Playa Marques, Bahia de Almanzora in Almería, you’ll find superbly sit. 3 bed villas with underbuild and 2/3 bed courtyard style... Ref TT2392214a ALMERIMAR, Almería - Ground floor apartment 85m2. 2 beds, 2 baths. Built-in wardrobes, marble floors, excellent condition. Parking space included. Price: 205,000 euros. Tel. 696408014 ARBOLEAS, Almería - Apartment - 184,000 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath. Under construction: 4 bed duplex sit. within walking distance of Arboleas. Ground floor: kitchen (not fitted) with... Ref TT239-2286a GARRUCHA, Almería - Apartment - 185,200 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath, pool. Delightful apartments set back from the beach but within easy walking distance of both the beach and shops. 2 to... Ref TT239-2101a PALOMARES, Almería - Apartment - 136,800 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, garage. New apartments in the village of Palomares, f/f kitchens, granite worktops, all the white goods are inc.,... Ref TT239-2207a ROQUETAS DE MAR, Almería Apartment - 290,240 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, pool. NEW PROMOTION IN ROQUETAS DE MAR READY FOR 2009. THESE APARTMENTS ARE BUILT TO A HIGH QUALITY WITH MASSAGE BATHS, LUXURY APARTMENTS CLOSE... Ref TT239-2136a SALIENTE ALTO, Almería - Townhouse - 78,750 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath. End terrace house with 3 beds and 1 bath. Fully refurbished to an extremely high standard, the beds are all... Ref TT239-2238a TABERNAS, Almería - Finca/Country House - 239,000 euros. 180m², 5,000m² Plot, 6 bed, 3 bath, pool, A/ C. Wonderful renovated cortijo of 180m2 approx., set on a fenced and gated plot of 5,000m2 with amazing 20x10 swimming... Ref TT239-2158a BARCELONA, Barcelona - Flat - 618,000 euros. 90m², 100m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, A/C, C/H. Very luminous flat of 90m2 with elevator in the district of Poblenou. 2 comm. swimming... Ref TT2392290a OLIVELLA, Barcelona - Terraced Villa - 375,000 euros. 155m², 230m² Plot, 4 bed, 3 bath, 3 toilets, garage, pool, C/H. Beautiful house in Urb. Mas Mestre (Sitges Hills) urbanisation of Mas Mestrain a small... Ref TT239-2122a SITGES, Barcelona - Villa 1,290,000 euros. 5 bed, 5 bath, pool. Contact us for further information. Ref TT239-2156a VILLENA, Alicante - Apartment 189,990 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath. Very large apartment, in the very middle of the sought after town of Villena. 2 reception rooms, 1 with a goodsized... Ref TT239-2176a SITGES, Barcelona - Villa - 620,000 euros. 5 bed, 4 bath. Spectacular modern property, made with the best quality materials and is very well thought of. Huge living with sliding... Ref TT239-2155a VILLENA, Alicante - Townhouse 84,000 euros. 136m², 3 bed, 1 bath. Located in the small railway village of La Encina, just 15 mins from the town of Villena and only 45... Ref TT239-2175a SITGES, Barcelona - Villa - 498,000 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath, pool. Ibiza style house! We build the house of your dreams in Sitges Hills. Typical Ibiza style with terracotta floors,... Ref TT239-2154a Friday, November 30, 2007 55 CÁDIZ, Cádiz - Finca/Country House - 315,000 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath, pool. Country home near Olvera.........large country home, located only a few mins drive into the town of Olvera. The property... Ref TT239-2065a CALETA DE FUSTE, Fuerteventura Townhouse - 157,500 euros. 112m², 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Popular houses on this development and the added advantage that this one is on the back row with fab views to the mountains. Close... Ref TT239-2257a CORRALEJO, Fuerteventura - Apartment - 100,000 euros. Furnished apartment in Corralejo, fabulous seaside location in Fuerteventura! Enjoy wandering around the Canarian-style town, amazing tourist and... Ref TT239-2258a MATORRAL (EL), Fuerteventura Townhouse - 221,052 euros. 156m², 3 bed, bath, toilet, garage. Situated in El Matorral, spacious townhouse close by to schools, and easily accessible to the beach resort... Ref TT239-2267a OLIVA (LA), Fuerteventura - Apartment - 195,000 euros. 97m², 3 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, A/C. With architecture of clear Moresque inspiration, El Sultán development offers 2 bed apartments and houses with... Ref TT239-2121a ALBONS, Girona - Finca/Country House - 950,000 euros. 288m², 26,000m² plot, 6 bed, 2 bath. BEAUTIFUL RUSTIC FARMHOUSE with various outbuildings. Very well located. 6 beds and 2 baths. The... Ref TT239-2274a ESCALA (L’), Girona - Villa - 450,000 euros. 125m², 600m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool. Attractive villa with 3 double beds, 2 baths, kitchen, living/dining room, store-room, terrace, garage,... Ref TT239-2091a SANT FELIU DE GUÍXOLS, Girona - Apartment - 265,000 euros. Pool. Excellent apartment at St. Feliu de Guixols. 3 beds, 1 bath, lounge/ diner, fitted kitchen, balcony, fitted wardrobes, C/H, air... Ref TT2392141a TAMARIU, Girona - Villa - 685,000 euros. 130m², 1,000m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 toilets, garage, pool, C/H. Comfortable villa in perfect condition, built on only 1 storey, located in a quiet urbanisation... Ref TT2392215a TORROELLA DE MONTGRI, Girona - Beach Apartment - 149,000 euros. 32m², 1 bed, 1 bath. Apartamento de 1 habitacion a pocos metros de la playa de Griells (L’Estartit). Consta de 2 terrazas , comedor, cocina americana,... Ref TT239-2168a PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, Gran Canaria - Bungalow - 186,400 euros. 38m², 140m² plot, 1 bed, 1 bath. Cosy well appointed 1 bed bungalow with private terrace and garden in a popular complex close to the centre of Playa del... Ref TT239-2206a ALAJAR, Huelva - Finca/Country House - 770,000 euros. 200m², 1,500m² plot, 4 bed, 3 bath, pool. Restored old mill of 200m2 on 2 floors sit. in 1,500m2 of land. 4 beds, 3 baths, large... Ref TT239-2271a COSTA TEGUISE, Lanzarote - Semidet. villa - 315,000 euros. 160m², 200m² plot, 3 bed, 3 bath. Semi-det. duplex recently renovated, plot size of 200m2 and build size of 160m2. The well... Ref TT239-2197a IBIZA, Ibiza - Penthouse - 650,000 euros. Luxury penthouse of 200m², 3 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, A/C, sea view, duplex, 2 terraces, big living area, pool, parking, close to the golf club Ref TT239-2088a COSTA TEGUISE, Lanzarote - Villa - 205,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath. Very well maintained terraced duplex sit. on a complex, built approx. 1 year ago. Build size: 141m2 and build... Ref TT239-2196a IBIZA, Ibiza - Finca/Country House - 630,000 euros. 180m², 1,000m² plot, 3 bed, 3 bath. Finca close to the Salinas beach, 1,000m2 plot, 180m2 house, 3 beds Ref TT239-2089a PUERTO DEL CARMEN, Lanzarote - Apartment - 228,000 euros. 70m², 2 bed, 1 bath, pool. Large ground floor apartment sit. on the corner of a small complex with comm. swimming pool and OFFERS sea views from the... Ref TT239-2192a IBIZA, Ibiza - Apartment - 425,000 euros. 100m², 3 bed, 2 bath, pool, A/C, C/H. Ibiza Botafoch apartment with modern design, 3 beds, 2 baths, terrace, pool. Ref TT2392090a IBIZA, Ibiza - Penthouse - 375,000 euros. 98m², 3 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, A/C, solarium 112 - located in S.Gertrudis Ref TT239-2087a SANT ANTONI DE PORTMANY, Ibiza - Building Plot - 390,000 euros. 900m² plot, sea view, for building a house of about 350m2 - 2 level, we can also build the house - price/m2 - about 1,200€... Ref TT239-2140a PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, Gran Canaria - Apartment - 116,000 euros. 58m², 1 bed, 1 bath, pool. SAN BARTOLOME DE TIRAJANA in PLAYA DEL INGLES. Price: 116,000€, 19.300.776 Pts. Financed: 489,13 €/month. Community: 126€,... Ref TT239-2205a SANT ANTONI DE PORTMANY, Ibiza - Apartment - 167,693 euros. 51m², 1 bed, 1 bath, garage. New development of exclusive Beachfront homes, enjoying an enviable position round the bay of San Antonio in Cala de Bou. They... Ref TT239-2139a SAN BARTOLOMÉ DE TIRAJANA, Gran Canaria - Finca/Country House - 260,000 euros. 75m², 695m² plot, 4 bed, 2 bath. Nice house located only 5 mins from the Chira Lake in the middle of the countryside. Large plot of... Ref TT2392138a SANTA EULALIA , Ibiza - Finca/ Country House - 1,750,000 euros. 350m², 2,000m² plot, 4 bed, 4 bath, garage, pool, A/C, C/H. Rustic style newly constructed villa in S.Eulalia. Garage, pool, jacuzzi, heating AA under... Ref TT239-2147a ALMUÑÉCAR, Granada - Villa 799,000 euros. 7 bed, 7 bath, pool. Large villa recently reformed, only 10 mins from beach and the centre of Almuñécar, located in the prestigious Cotobro... Ref TT239-2282a SANTA EULALIA , Ibiza - Finca/ Country House - 1,575,000 euros. 300m², 15,000m² plot, 4 bed, 4 bath, garage, pool, A/C, C/H. New House with sea view close to S.Carlos, pool, tropical garden, bar, garage, heating... Ref TT239-2146a PUERTO DEL CARMEN, Lanzarote - Apartment - 225,750 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath, pool. Refurbished top floor apartment on a well est. complex in a central, but peaceful location. Well maintained and... Ref TT2392191a PUERTO DEL CARMEN, Lanzarote - Apartment - 205,000 euros. 65m², 2 bed, 1 bath, pool. Fantastic opportunity to acquire a 2 bed apartment sit. on a beach front complex. Build size of... Ref TT239-2195a PUERTO DEL CARMEN, Lanzarote - Apartment - 145,000 euros. 50m², 55m² plot, 1 bed, 1 bath, pool. Ground floor, 1 bed apartment with comm. pool located in the centre of Puerto del Carmen. Also has a... Ref TT239-2194a PUERTO DEL CARMEN, Lanzarote - Apartment - 110,000 euros. 45m², 50m² plot, 1 bed, 1 bath. Variety of spacious 1 bed apartments on a complex with comm. pools. Located close to both old and new town of... Ref TT239-2193a SAN BARTOLOMÉ, Lanzarote Townhouse - 367,500 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, garage, C/H. To view our extensive list of properties visit www. ThePropertyWarehouse.com. Are you looking for a mortgage? Then we can help! Non... Ref TT239-2137a TAHICHE, Lanzarote - Villa - 787,500 euros. 475m², 5,000m² plot, 4 bed, 4 bath, garage, pool. Very attractive, luxurious and spacious det, villa, with a 2 bed, 1 bath villa attached to it... Ref TT239-2189a TAHICHE, Lanzarote - Villa 378,000 euros. 200m², 500m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, garage. Spacious det. villa, approx. 9 years of age, with a plot size of 500m2 and build size of 200m2. The... Ref TT239-2190a TIAS, Lanzarote - Villa - 450,000 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath, pool. 3 brand NEW det. villas to choose from. Each plot size 1,134m2 with a build size of 204m2. Each... Ref TT2392159a ALCALÁ DE HENARES, Madrid - Terraced Villa - 684,000 euros. 7 bed. House of 297m2 with 7 beds, garden, garage. Ref TT239-2275a BENAHAVIS, Málaga - Villa 1,900,000 euros. 371m², 2,731m² plot, 5 bed, 4 bath, 1 toilet, garage. Rustic style villa currently under construction on a west facing hillside, offering beautiful... Ref TT239-2060a BENAHAVIS, Málaga - Apartment - 460,000 euros. 89m², 136m² plot, 2 bed, 2 bath, 2 toilets, garage. Fantastic 2 bed apartment sit. in an elevated ground floor position, with stunning views to the sea... Ref TT239-2291a BENAJARAFE, Málaga - Apartment - 209,000 euros. 60m², 1 bed, 1 bath, garage, pool. 4 year old, 60m2 ground floor apartment in good condition. Lounge, fitted kitchen, 1 bed with... Ref TT239-2224a ALGARROBO, Málaga - Apartment - 262,500 euros. 80m², 2 bed, 1 bath, garage. Very nice 2 bed apartment sit. in 1ST line beach of Algarrobo Costa, fully reformed and furnished, A/C,... Ref TT239-2278a BENALMÁDENA COSTA, Málaga - Apartment - 226,000 euros. 107m², 3 bed, 2 bath, garage. Nicely appointed and spacious 3 bed apartment only a few mins drive to the beach or local Golf Course. Very... Ref TT239-2218a ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Málaga - Apartment - 335,000 euros. 114m², 3 bed, 2 bath, garage. Apartment, Frontline Golf, equipped kitchen. Panoramic views of Golf, hills and mountains. ADSL, A/C hot/cold,... Ref TT239-2281a BENALMÁDENA COSTA, Málaga - Apartment - 199,950 euros. 1 bed, 1 bath, pool. 1 bed apartment opposite the beach in Benalmádena, 46m2 build with 1 full bath. Brand new quality... Ref TT239-2221a ÁLORA, Málaga - Townhouse 190,450 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath. Pretty townhouse tucked away on the edge of Álora town in a pedestrian only street. Just a few mins walk into the centre and 15... Ref TT2392283a ANTEQUERA, Málaga - Townhouse - 252,500 euros. 5 bed, 2 bath. Very large centrally located village house. Excellent condition throughout and has further living space at the garage level,... Ref TT239-2285a ARCHEZ, Málaga - Undeveloped Land - 127,000 euros. A plot of land in an elevated position just 5 mins drive from the white village of Competa. Approx. 7,000m2 and already has an area... Ref TT2392287a BENAMARGOSA, Málaga - Ruin 300,000 euros. Rural ruin, off road parking, private garden, south and west facing with views of the countryside and mountains. Ref TT239-2062a BENAMARGOSA, Málaga - Finca/ Country House - 299,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Lovely finca in Benamargosa.............built to modern standards 3 years ago. Short track to the... Ref TT239-2061a CABOPINO, Málaga - Apartment - 250,000 euros. 85m², 105m² plot, 2 bed, 2 bath, garage. Fantastic 2 bed, 2 bath apartment very spacious in size. Sit. just a few minutes from the... Ref TT239-2222a CASABERMEJA, Málaga - Finca/ Country House - 420,000 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath, pool. Country finca near Casabermeja.............Recently built single storey house built in a typical Spanish country... Ref TT239-2073a COMPETA, Málaga - Apartment - 170,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath. 79.80m2 forms part of a luxury development of 2 penthouses and 4 apartments. Designed by one... Ref TT239-2078a COMPETA, Málaga - Ruin - 38,000 euros. shell of a former building of approx. 90m2, lying on a plot of land of approx. 600m2, about a 10-15 min drive to the south of Competa. The ruin is... Ref TT239-2077a CORTES DE LA FRONTERA, Málaga - Finca/Country House - 183,500 euros. 80m², 3,000m² plot, 4 bed, 1 bath. Rustic charm. Lovely spacious well built wooden house with fantastic views from the large portch position. Sit. just... Ref TT239-2079a ESTEPONA, Málaga - Apartment 1,195,000 euros. 2 bed, 3 bath, pool. Sit. within the renowned Alcazaba beach complex, located in the 4th y for investers, villa red uce tunit r o d p €750,000 Op ,000 from//mysite.orange.co.uto €695 b : k/priva , p 5 on htt tesa 000 les €5 etails y ESCALA (L’), Girona - Apartment 220,000 euros. 60m², 2 bed, 1 bath, pool. Beautiful apartment, 7th floor with lift, 2 double beds, living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, big terrace (10m2) with a extra... Ref TT239-2092a LLAGOSTERA, Girona - Townhouse - 195,000 euros. 170m², 50m² plot. Ref: 1601. Girona city, Llagostera. Built surface: 170m², garden. Price: 195,000.00€ Ref TT239-2102a www.thinkSPAIN.com/today (+34) 902 102 580 d see pai Or call 677 509 106 - 650 472 578 n Call Property Phone: (+34) 902 102 580 www.thinkSPAIN.com/today property inmobiliaria To enquire about properties with the TT reference code prefix: Fax: (+34) 96 648 01 10 Friday, November 30, 2007 56 property inmobiliaria and last phase, completed beginning... Ref TT239-2095a ESTEPONA, Málaga - Finca/Country House - 680,000 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath, pool. Small and attractive finca, a couple of mins drive to the 5-star Kempinski hotel and the beach, in a peaceful environment. The... Ref TT239-2094a ESTEPONA, Málaga - Villa 680,000 euros. 185m², 850m² plot, 4 bed, 3 bath, garage. Sit. in a quiet urbanisation just a few mins from Estepona town and from the beach. Lovely house enjoys a... Ref TT239-2093a MACHARAVIAYA, Málaga - Townhouse - 210,000 euros. 90m², 215m² plot, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1 toilet. Beautiful 3 bed family home sit. in Macharaviaya, just 7km from Rincón de la Victoria. Only 5... Ref TT239-2106a MARBELLA, Málaga - Villa 2,250,000 euros. 348m², 1,700m² plot, 4 bed, 3 bath, 1 toilet, garage, pool, A/C. BEAUTIFUL VILLA WITH STUNNING VIEWS OVER THE MEDITERRANEAN AND SURROUNDING MOUNTAINS. Lovely... Ref TT239-2114a MARBELLA, Málaga - Apartment - 575,000 euros. 110m², 3 bed, 2 bath, garage. Central 3 bed apartment sit. very close to the beach in Marbella’s centre. 3 beds, 2... Ref TT239-2112a MARBELLA, Málaga - Apartment - 410,000 euros. 124m², 2 bed, 2 bath, 1 toilet, garage. Beautiful penthouse built on just 1 floor sit. close to several golf courses and just a few mins drive from... Ref TT239-2113a MIJAS COSTA, Málaga - Apartment - 152,250 euros. 55m², 1 bed, 1 bath, garage, A/C. Apartment in Mijas - Las Lagunas, in a private urbanisation, 1 bed, 1 bath, 55m2, 5m2 terrace, garage,... Ref TT239-2223a NUEVA ANDALUCÍA, Málaga Penthouse - 589,000 euros. 147m², 2 bed, 2 bath, garage. Converted from 3 beds to 2, providing an outstandingly large L shaped living room but could easily be... Ref TT239-2217a PUERTO BANÚS, Málaga - Penthouse - 750,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Impressive duplex penthouse sit. beachside in the exclusive urbanisation of El Embrujo Marbella providing 24-hr security and large... Ref TT239-2188a TORRE DEL MAR, Málaga - Apartment - 240,000 euros. 78m², 78m² plot, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 toilet. MARAVILLOSO PISO DE UNA SUPERFICIE CONSTRUIDA DE 78M2 APROXIMADAMENTE: COCINA INDEPENDIENTE CON SU LAVADERO, 2... Ref TT239-2208a TORREMOLINOS, Málaga - Apartment - 147,000 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath, pool. 3 beds flat, 60m2, independent kitchen, bath, living room. Ref TT239-2161a TORROX, Málaga - Townhouse 315,000 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath, pool. Fabulous location, spacious family house, in the town centre of Torrox-Costa. Walking distance to the beach, promenade and all the bars and... Ref TT239-2171a TORROX, Málaga - Townhouse 160,000 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath. NICE HOUSE OF 90m APPROX. GROUND FLOOR: LIVING ROOM, KITCHEN WITH PANTRY, PATIO AND TOILET. 1ST FLOOR: 2 DOUBLE BEDS AND FULL BATH.... Ref TT239-2170a TORROX, Málaga - Apartment 135,450 euros. 40m², 1 bed, 1 bath, garage. Apartment in Torrox Costa (Torrox Park). Located in Sun Coast, 500m. to beach, next to camping EL Pino. Placed in very good... Ref TT239-2169a TORROX PARK, Málaga - Villa 410,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, pool. Det. villa, Urbanisation, furnished, independent kitchen, garage, private pool and garden, west facing, views... Ref TT239-2233a ALARO, Mallorca - Villa - 190,000 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath. Nice 100 year old rustic townhouse in need of restoration. 120m2, with 3 beds, 1 exterior bath, 40m2 garden,... Ref TT239-2273a ALCÚDIA, Mallorca - Villa - 499,000 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath. Typical Mallorcan front-line villa that has been lovingly reformed to an exceptional standard by profesionals. Only 20m from the beach... Ref TT239-2276a ALGAIDA, Mallorca - Finca/Country House - 2,310,000 euros. 385m², 25,000m² plot, 7 bed, 5 bath, 2 toilets, pool, A/C, C/H. Absolutely fabulous property comprising 3 sep. f/f dwellings all with many... Ref: TT239-2277a BENDINAT, Mallorca - Apartment - 450,000 euros. 81m², 95m² plot, 1 bed, 1 bath, pool, A/C. Located in a quiet, private comm. overlooking the golf course of Real Bendinat. Golf Bendinat is an increasingly... Ref TT239-2199a CALA D’OR, Mallorca - Building Plot - 450,000 euros. 16,000m² plot. Idyllic country plot of 16,000m2, with licence to build a 2 storey det. house. Excellently located plot only a 5 min. drive from... Ref TT239-2226a To enquire about properties with the TT reference code prefix: www.thinkSPAIN.com/today (+34) 902 102 580 CAN PASTILLA, Mallorca - Semidet. Villa - 407,000 euros. 135m², 430m² plot, 4 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, A/C, C/H. Ref: 10062 276,683 GBP (407,000 euros). Attractive semi-det. house in a quiet but central location... Ref TT239-2230a PALMANOVA, Mallorca - Apartment - 190,500 euros. 64m², 1 bed, 1 bath, pool. Exciting 1 bed apartment very close to the beach and all amenities. Totally reformed and very modern and... Ref TT2392245a RAPITA (SA), Mallorca - Finca/ Country House - 575,000 euros. 300m², 15,000m² plot, 4 bed, 4 bath, garage. Country house located in quiet area close to a popular beach area and marina. Plot: 15,000m2 is of... Ref TT239-2229a CA’N PICAFORT, Mallorca - Apartment - 228,913 euros. 90m², 3 bed, 2 bath. Beautiful apartment sit. in Ca’n Picafort. 3 beds, 2 baths, kitchen and cosy living room with dining... Ref TT239-2241a PEGUERA, Mallorca - Finca/Country House - 525,000 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath. Beautiful villa located in a quiet and private position with 300m2 of terraces and garden. 2 living rooms, dining area,... Ref TT239-2232a SA TORRE (LLUCMAJOR), Mallorca - Apartment - 353,000 euros. 153m², 4 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool. Ref: 10048. 239,973 GBP (353,000 euros). Very nice, large ground floor apartment in a well cared residents complex. Large... Ref TT239-2262a POBLA (SA), Mallorca - Apartment - 177,744 euros. 79m², 3 bed, 1 bath, 1 toilet, pool, A/C. Ground floor apartment sit. in Sa Pobla. In approx. 10 mins you can reach the beach and in approx. 20 mins... Ref TT239-2129a SANTA EUGENIA, Mallorca - Villa - 798,000 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath. Interesting opportunity to acquire a very large rural finca in Santa Eugenia. Currently half of the house has been fully restored with a further... Ref TT239-2145a POLLENSA, Mallorca - Villa 1,100,000 euros. 240m², 1,037m² plot, 4 bed, 4 bath, garage, pool, A/C, C/H. Very contemporary residence, with minimalist lines exhuding sheer design, is sit. on a... Ref TT239-2132a SANTA PONSA, Mallorca - Apartment - 525,000 euros. 152m², 4 bed, 3 bath, pool, A/C, C/H. Amazing off-plan returns! New development under construction in Santa Ponsa. Top quality build from major Mallorcan... Ref TT239-1656 POLLENSA, Mallorca - Apartment - 325,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath. Perfectly located central apartmenT in Puerto Pollensa. Sit. in the main square with magnificent views out to the Tramontana... Ref TT2392131a SANTA PONSA, Mallorca - Apartment - 281,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, A/C. New Complex 2 bed Apartments. Residential complex with 4 three-storey buildings with a total number of 41... Ref TT239-2202a PORTALS NOUS, Mallorca - Apartment - 370,000 euros. 90m², 3 bed, 2 bath, A/C. 3 Bed apartment Sit. in a quiet area, 2 double beds, 1 single bed, 1 bath en-suite, 1... Ref TT239-2251a SANTA PONSA, Mallorca - Apartment - 264,500 euros. 80m², 2 bed, 1 bath, garage, pool, A/C, C/H. What a bargain!! Totally reformed frontline marina apartment with stunning marina views. 2 bed, 2 bath... Ref TT239-2201a CA’N PICAFORT, Mallorca - Apartment - 151,500 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath. Apartment located in the popular resort village of Ca’n Picafort, only 100m from beach. 2 bed, 1 complete... Ref TT239-2242a CAPDEPERA, Mallorca - Villa 845,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Fantastic villa located in the privileged area of Canaymel. Boasts 3 beds, 2 bath, toilet, good size... Ref TT239-2071a COSTA D’EN BLANES, Mallorca - Finca/Country House - 3,150,000 euros. 5 bed, 3 bath. Wonderfully unique house sit. in one of the most prestigious areas of Mallorca - Costa den Blanes, with truly uninterupted panoramic views... Ref TT239-2250a FELANITX, Mallorca - Villa 1,700,000 euros. 600m², 25,000m² plot, 6 bed, 5 bath, garage, pool, C/H. Idyllic finca sit. between Felanitx and Manacor, a little before Son Macia, nestled on a small... Ref TT239-2096a TORROX PARK, Málaga - Villa 296,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Ref: 381 Semi-det. villa sit. in the urbanisation Torrox Park with several comm. pools,... Ref TT239-2234a CALA D’OR, Mallorca - Apartment - 168,000 euros. 40m², 1 bed, 1 bath, garage, pool, C/H. Ref: 30169 Nice apartment in a very well-tended urbanisation with comm. pool! Modern Mediterranean style... Ref TT239-2225a VENTA BAJA, Málaga - Villa 325,000 euros. 125m², 870m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 toilets, pool, A/C. Charming house near to all local amenities in the villages of Puente don Manuel and Alcaucín! The house has... Ref TT239-2240a CALA RATJADA, Mallorca - Villa - 480,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, pool. Well maintained bright and tranquil semi-det. house in Cala Ratjada enjoying panoramic views over the town and sea and out... Ref TT2392227a VILLANUEVA DE ALGAIDAS, Málaga - Townhouse - 138,500 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath. Sit. in a quiet street on the edge of the town of Villanueva de Algaidas, well maintained and is being sold at a very... Ref TT239-2173a CALA VINYES/CALA VINYAS/CALA VIÑAS, Mallorca - Apartment - 352,000 euros. 2 double bed, 2 bath apartment located in complex with comm. gardens and pool, with nice sea views. It comprises... Ref TT239-2252a LLUCMAJOR, Mallorca - Finca/ Country House - 350,000 euros. 100m², 1,800m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 toilets, garage, A/C. Dear Mr. Grandison, thank you for being interested in our offers. in the attachment I send you more... Ref TT239-2105a VIÑUELA, Málaga - Townhouse - 179,995 euros. A/C. Exquisite 2 bed house, fully reformed in an enchanting rustic style. Spectacular views over Lake Viñuela. Walking distance to all amenities of... Ref TT239-2177a CALVIA, Mallorca - Finca/Country House - 1,080,000 euros. 580m², 535m² plot, 5 bed, 4 bath, 1 toilet, garage, pool, A/C. Spacious chalet on 2 floors plus ample basement, pool and garden, sit. in Calvia. Beautiful... Ref: TT239-2068a ALARO, Mallorca - Villa - 1,100,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Beautifully sit. rural finca enjoying spectacular far reaching mountain and countryside views close to the village of Alaro. Sitting... Ref TT239-2272a CAMPANET, Mallorca - Villa 480,000 euros. 4 bed, 1 bath, pool. House in Campanet enjoying wonderful panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and mountains. Ready... Ref: TT2392069a LLOSETA, Mallorca - Finca/Country House - 1,900,000 euros. 800m², 1,300m² plot. Ref: 10102. 1,291,639 GBP (1,900,000 euros) Great XVIII’s historical-country house in Lloseta, excellente like gastronomic or hostelry... Ref TT239-2104a PORTOCOLOM, Mallorca - Villa - 395,000 euros. 173m², 303m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, pool, C/H. Wonderful new construction with modern style and high quality in detail. Next to the shopping and restaurant mal... Ref TT239-2228a SANTANYI, Mallorca - Townhouse - 305,000 euros. 460m² plot, 4 bed, 1 bath. Townhouse to be renovated in the centre of Santanyi. Piece of land in the back and positioned in a... Ref TT239-2148a PORTOL, Mallorca - Apartment 570,000 euros. 175m², 7,232m² plot, 4 bed, 3 bath, pool, C/H. Brand new villa sit. in the popular village of Portol only a few kilometres north of Palma with panoramic views... Ref TT239-2263a SINEU, Mallorca - Finca/Country House - 495,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath. Well reformed and newly extended finca of 163m2 enjoying a quiet location with superb country and mountain views. Set on a plot of 8,000m2... Ref TT239-2153a PALMA DE MALLORCA, Mallorca - Flat - 612,700 euros. 170m², 4 bed, 2 bath, 1 toilet, garage, A/C, C/H. Splendid apartment in residential area near schools. Good quality materials have been used and there are 2... Ref TT239-2124a PUERTO DE ALCÚDIA, Mallorca - Building Plot - 1,000,000 euros. 1,000m² plot. Beautiful plot sit. directly in front of the sea in Playa de Muro. Only 75m away from the fantastic beach. On the plot you can... Ref TT239-2244a SOL DE MALLORCA, Mallorca - Villa - 2,400,000 euros. 440m², 1,360m² plot, 4 bed, 4 bath, garage, pool, A/C, C/H. Ref: 20076. 1,631,544 GBP (2,400,000 euros). Turn your dream of a sunny and easygoing life in the... Ref TT239-2247a PALMA DE MALLORCA, Mallorca - Apartment - 450,000 euros. 150m², 2 bed, 2 bath, garage, A/C, C/H. Ref: 09931. 305,915 GBP (450,000 euros). Possibility to rent or buy, parking. Plot of land. Automatic entryphone... Ref TT239-2123a PUERTO DE ALCÚDIA, Mallorca - Terraced Villa - 380,880 euros. 180m², 3 bed, 1 bath, 1 toilet, garage, C/H. Nice terraced house sit. in the Port of Alcúdia in a quiet but also central area. 3 beds, 1... Ref: TT239-2243a SOL DE MALLORCA, Mallorca Apartment - 265,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, pool. Beautifully modernised apartment sit. within walking distance to Cap Falco beach, and a short drive to all amenities. Set in tranquil... Ref TT239-2246a SON SERVERA, Mallorca - Villa 630,000 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath. Beautiful townhouse in a quiet area of Son Servera. 4 beds, 2 reception rooms with fireplaces, sep. dining room,... Ref: TT239-2157a TOLLERIC, Mallorca - Semi-det. villa - 475,000 euros. 100m², 320m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, pool, A/C. One of 2 semi-det., 2 storey houses. The purchaser will have freedom of... Ref TT239-2261a TORRENOVA, Mallorca - Apartment - 395,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, A/C. Beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath apartment in superb condition and restored with quality new fittings and decor. Ground floor, with huge... Ref TT239-2248a ALAIOR, Menorca - Villa - 634,800 euros. 200m², 2,200m² plot, 4 bed, 1 bath, garage. Villa of 200m² including garage, on 2,200m² of land. 3 double beds with fitted wardrobes and 1... Ref TT239-2270a ALAIOR, Menorca - Villa - 295,000 euros. 77m², 230m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. Semi-det. villa of 77.32m² on 230.09m² of land.. 3 beds, 2 baths, lounge/dining room, kitchen.... Ref TT239-2269a BINIBECA, Menorca - Villa 2,500,000 euros. 350m², 20,000m² plot, 5 bed, 3 bath, garage, pool, C/H. What can I say about this luxury villa but WOW! Unbeatable location very private and with sea views... Ref TT239-2265a CASTELL (ES), Menorca - Villa - 390,000 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath. Old villa enjoying a privileged situation with fabulous sea views, in need of reform. Double bed, single bed, cloakroom,... Ref TT239-2074a MAHÓN, Menorca - Villa - 850,000 euros. 255m², 1,282m² plot, 4 bed, 4 bath, garage, pool, A/C, C/H. Exceptional villa in Bini Dali one of the most sort after areas of Menorca, the villa has... Ref TT239-2111a MAHÓN, Menorca - Villa - 698,000 euros. 201m², 1,000m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, C/H. Luxury villa built to a high standard in 2001. 201m² set on 1,000m² of land close to the beach and sea.... Ref TT239-2110a MAHÓN, Menorca - Apartment 691,000 euros. 83m², 3 bed, 2 bath, pool, A/C, C/H. Front-line,ground floor luxury apartment of 83,39m². 3 double beds with fitted wardrobes, 2 full baths,... Ref TT239-2109a MAHÓN, Menorca - Penthouse - 675,000 euros. 156m², 3 bed, 1 bath, 1 toilet, garage, A/C, C/H. Extra-ordinary duplex with 3 beds, Friday, November 30, 2007 57 property inmobiliaria MERCADAL (ES), Menorca - Apartment - 298,000 euros. 80m², 80m² plot, 2 bed, 1 bath, pool. Charming apartment with excellent views and a private garden which is a rarity. Built surface 80m2, 2 rooms (2... Ref: TT239-2116a SANT LLUIS, Menorca - Villa 687,700 euros. 230m², 800m² plot, 4 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, A/C. CAP D’EN FONT. Ref: TT239-2143a SANT LLUIS, Menorca - Villa 685,000 euros. 215m², 1,000m² plot, 4 bed, 3 bath, garage, pool, A/C. Fabulous villa sit. in a peaceful road only 5 mins from Binisafua Beach. 215m2 on a... Ref: TT239-2144a SANT LLUIS, Menorca - Villa 340,000 euros. 98m², 500m² plot, 3 bed, 1 bath, garage, A/C, C/H. Villa of 98m² in grounds of 500m², close to the sea and beaches. 3 double beds with fitted... Ref TT239-2142a ÁGUILAS, Murcia - Apartment 170,000 euros. 70m², 2 bed, 2 bath. 2 bed apartments sit. in the coastal area of Águilas next to a future golf course. The development has all necessary... Ref TT239-2268a BALSICAS, Murcia - Apartment 159,000 euros. 69m², 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 toilet, garage, pool, A/C. ACACIAS. Quality South-East facing 2 bed apartment, with fitted wardrobes in each room, in... Ref TT239-2253a BULLAS, Murcia - Finca/Country House - 275,000 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath, pool. *Resale *Reformed Country House *Private Swimming Pool *Large Garage *Outside kitchen, BBQ and wood oven *Possibility of an... Ref TT239-2064a FORTUNA, Murcia - Det. top villa 130/1,100m2, 3 beds, 2 baths, living room 35m2, kitchen, garage, carport, C/H, A/C, double glazing, Sat dish (180). Can be split to build a 2ND house. Price: 240,000 euros. Tel. 968687297 MURCIA, Murcia - Apartment 137,400 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath. Apartments on the front-line of golf, built in traditional Mediterranean architecture. 1, 2 and 3 beds, in 4 storey... Ref TT239-2117a TERCIA (LA), Murcia - Villa 456,000 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath, pool. Top of the range 4 beds, 3 baths, St. George Villa sit. 1st or 2nd line golf on La Tercia United Golf Resort. Villa of 153m2 plus 70m2... Ref TT239-2216a AMPOLLA (L’), Tarragona - Finca/ Country House - 210,000 euros. 100m², 5,000m² plot, 2 bed, 2 bath, 2 toilets. Two storey house sit. on high ground with fabulous views to the sea and delta. A totally private retreat. From... Ref TT239-2284a ASCO, Tarragona - Finca/Country House - 170,000 euros. 98m², 69,000m² plot, 1 bed, 2 bath, 2 toilets, A/C. Casa La Vall 6.9 Hectares about 10 mins from the village and accessed off a tarmac track. Land planted with... Ref TT239-2288a DELTEBRE, Tarragona - Finca/ Country House - 175,000 euros. 20m², 23m² plot. This is a great opportunity to buy a good size peace of land with a building already on it. THERE IS A CARAVAN ON SITE WHICH YOU COULD LIVE IN... Ref TT239-2081a FREGINALS, Tarragona - Finca/ Country House - 187,000 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath. FREGINALS 120m, 10,000m solar, with Chalet for internal completion 3 beds, bath, kitchen, lounge, water, electrical installation is... Ref TT239-2097a TORTOSA, Tarragona - Finca/ Country House - 250,000 euros. 120m², 13,140m² plot, 2 bed, 1 bath. RIVER FRONTAGE PROPERTY. Lovely countryside property with oranges on land. New building legalised. Direct access to river... Ref TT239-2172a XERTA, Tarragona - Finca/Country House - 72,000 euros. 90m², 40,000m² plot, garage. Rustic finca, in the countryside, facing south with breathtaking views of countryside, Ebro´s Delta, Mountains, River Ebro. Features:... Ref TT2392182a ADEJE, Tenerife - Townhouse 310,500 euros. 5 bed, 3 bath, pool. What great value for money! 5 bed, 3 bath townhouse set within a huge living area of 158m. Fully furnished with a light, bright... Ref TT239-2059a ADEJE, Tenerife - Apartment 162,750 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath. Close to all facilities, 4 bed apartment, 2 baths, furnished and equipped American kitchen, very quiet area, lift, bright airy and has... Ref TT2392058a CHAYOFA, Tenerife - Apartment 272,000 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath, pool. German built less than 3 years ago, this 2 bed apartment was built to an exceptionally high standard. Located in a quiet residential... Ref TT239-2235a CRISTIANOS (LOS), Tenerife - Penthouse - 292,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool. 2 double beds, 2 baths, independent kitchen, dining room, terrace, comm. garden, garage, cupboards,... Ref TT239-2231a Orange Villas Jalón sl specialise in the Jalón Valley GIGANTES (LOS), Tenerife - Apartment - 106,000 euros. 1 bed, 1 bath, pool. Sit. on outskirts of Los Gigantes, this complex has panoramic sea and cliff views. Selection of 1 bed apartments of various... Ref TT239-2259a GOLF DEL SUR, Tenerife - Apartment - 357,000 euros. 92m², 192m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, garage, pool, A/C. Delightful penthouse with sea views, being sold partially furnished. Fully air... Ref TT239-2255a GOLF DEL SUR, Tenerife - Terraced Villa - 249,500 euros. 3 bed, 1 bath, pool. Lovely semi-det. house on 2 floors, 3 beds and roof terrace with spectacular ocean views, set in landscaped gardens. Located... Ref TT239-2256a GOLF DEL SUR, Tenerife - Penthouse - 179,900 euros. 1 bed, 1 bath, pool. Live on top of the world in this spacious 1 bed penthouse and gasp at the glorious ocean views from your huge 44m terrace.... Ref TT239-2254a PLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS, Tenerife - Villa - 577,500 euros. 4 bed, 3 bath. Absolutely outstanding 4 bed, 3 bath villa. Spacious and beautifully furnished with large terraces, plenty of room to... Ref TT239-2237a PLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS, Tenerife - Bungalow - 419,580 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath. Fully furnished duplex bungalow sit. in the popular area of Puerto Colon, Las Américas. 2 beds, bath,... Ref TT239-2236a PLAYA SAN JUAN, Tenerife Apartment - 395,000 euros. 2 bed, 2 bath, pool. If you’re looking for a spacious luxury apartment close to the beach then look no further! 2 double beds, 2 baths, marble... Ref TT239-2264a PUERTO SANTIAGO, Tenerife Apartment - 108,000 euros. 2 bed, 1 bath. Sit. in upper Puerto de Santiago in a quiet area. Recently completely refurbished. 2 beds, 1... Ref TT239-2260a SAN MIGUEL DE ABONA, Tenerife - Apartment - 185,000 euros. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. New development of 2 and 3 bed apartments, built in Andalucía style, all overlooking the swimming pool and gardens Ref TT239-2266a SANTA ÚRSULA, Tenerife - Fantastic business opportunity. Busy supermarket for sale due to owner relocating. Fully functioning and open for business. Excellent price. Tel. 6677597753 SANTIAGO DEL TEIDE, Tenerife - Apartment - 138,000 euros. 45m², www.thinkSPAIN.com/today (+34) 902 102 580 1 bed, 1 bath, pool. 4th floor apartment of 45m² sit. in the centre of Playa de la Arena only 2 mins walk from the beach and all amenities, one... Ref TT239-2149a ALGINET, Valencia - Villa 552,900 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath, pool. Construction approx. 420m2 - Plot approx. 2,500m2. 4 beds with fitted wardrobe, lounge/dining room with... Ref TT239-2279a LLÍRIA, Valencia - Finca/Country House - 236,960 euros. 3 bed, 3 bath, pool. Lliria, villa, near urbanisation Vall de Liria, all redone, parquet, C/H, 3 beds, 3 baths, hydromassage, office... Ref TT239-2103a MASSAMAGRELL, Valencia Apartment - 195,002 euros. 4 bed, 2 bath. Massamagrell, centre, good building, lift, large apartment, 127m2, all redone, oak wooden kitchen, 4 beds, 2 baths, big lounge, nice... Ref TT2392115a OLIVA, Valencia - Semi-det. Villa 276,000 euros. 110m², 243m² plot, 2 bed, 2 bath, 2 TOILETS, A/C. MODERN BEACH HOUSE IN DEVESA. Excellent opportunity to purchase a modern semi-det. house only 350m... Ref TT239-2120a OLIVA, Valencia - Oliva Nova Semi-det. property with 2 beds, 2 baths, kitchen, terraces, 200m from the sea. Price 192,000 euros. Tel. 629639573 PEDRALBA, Valencia - Villa 225,000 euros. 120m², 6,000m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, pool. WELL MAINTAINED VILLA, WITH GREAT COUNTRY VIEWS, COMPLETE WITH SUN TERRACES AND ITS OWN BAR. NEWLY FITTED BATHROOMS... Ref TT239-2126a POBLETS (ELS), Alicante - Comfortable 2 double bed bungalow near Dénia. Fully equipped including ADSL. Close to nice beach. Will suit disabled. Tel. 965755273 - [email protected] MARCHUQUERA, Valencia - Self contained studio flat in Marxuquera, a quiet area with stunning views. Pool, tennis courts. Newly refurbished. Ideally looking for someone to maintain property for cheap rent. Price: on request. Tel. 0044 7976 722351 Business / Offices TORREVIEJA, Alicante - Restaurant/Bar - 241,900 euros. 2 toilets. Excellent business opportunity located in one of most busy areas of Torrevieja, close to a popular supermarket in town centre and shops. It is... Ref TT239-2166a MASPLOMAS, Gran Canaria - Business - 99,500 euros. 59m². Brand new kiosk (25m²) on the Boulevard Las Dunas in Maspalomas is fitted out and licensed as a bar-cafe which can be open for up to 20hrs per day.... Ref TT2392204a PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA (LAS), Gran Canaria - Commercial - 1,437,000 euros. 420m². 1st line beach freehold property (420m²) on 2 floors overlooking Las Canteras Beach. Enjoys a prominent location at one end of... Ref TT2392125a BENALMÁDENA COSTA, Málaga - Restaurant/Bar - 62,950 euros. Busy sea-front Cafe Bar in Benalmádena. If you dream of a lovely sea-front cafe/bar comfortably sized for a couple to run, serving cool drinks and tasty... Ref TT239-2220a BENALMÁDENA COSTA, Málaga - Restaurant/Bar. Price: 50,000 euros. A very well established cafe-bar situated on a busy main road, near the beach. Built to high standards and very well... Ref TT239-2219a FUENGIROLA, Málaga - Restaurant/Bar. Price: 680,000 euros. 157m², garage. High quality restaurant situated 2nd line to the beach with a catchment area of both holiday and residential property as well as... Ref TT2392100a FUENGIROLA, Málaga - Restaurant/Bar. Price: 155,000 euros. 125m². Sit on the famous Fish Alley, which is probably the busiest pedestrian street in Fuengirola, and has recently had a total refurbishment... Ref TT239-2098a FUENGIROLA, Málaga - Restaurant/Bar - 127,500 euros. 100m², garage. Fantastic opportunity. Offering one of the best loca- Easy access from Valencia & Alicante airports Spectacular views For more information visit www.fincaschicote.com €115,000 (IVA not included) SANTA PONSA, Mallorca - Restaurant/Bar - 260,000 euros. 110m², A/C. REF: 20113 Business transfer: 176,751 GBP. Restaurant in the south-west of Mallorca. Decorated completely in the ancient Mallorquin style. Fantastic... Ref TT239-2200a SANTA PONSA, Mallorca - Commercial - 80,000 euros. 240m². REF: 20082 Business transfer: 54,385 GBP GLOBO21 is holding the key to your successful future - storage hall in best location in the southwest of... Ref TT2392203a SAN EUGENIO, Tenerife - Commercial - 115,500 euros. This bar has good daytime trade from the visitors to the Agua Park opposite. Bar and kitchen area furnished to a good standard with stainless steel... Ref TT239-2249a MORAIRA, Alicante - 3 beds, 21/2 baths, newly renovated, furnished villa. Large lounge/diner with wood burner, gas CH, pool. Quiet location close to amenities. Price: 1,000 euros p/m exc bills. Tel. 966499878 - 618182503 FOR SALE: Spectacular Exclusive Luxury Villa in Calpe Los Hidalgos Terrazas costa del sol (manilva) de los Hidalgos • 2 AND 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND PENTHOUSES • FROM 77 TO 123 M2 BUILD PLUS TERRACES • MADE-TO-MEASURE CREDIT TERMS • KEYS IN HAND T ● 2,750 m2 plot, 680 m2 house and 290 m2 terraces. ● Pool, spa, lift, guest apartment. ● Latest technology and high quality materials. Telephone: 690 100 084 e-mail: [email protected] errazas de los Hidalgos is an exclusive development located at the top of Los Hidalgos Urbanisation, offering you unbeatable sea views, views of the Golf Course, La Duquesa Yacht Marina and even the African coast. The apartments have 2 or 3 bedrooms. Those on the ground floor boast a private garden and penthouses have a private terrace with spectacular views. The apartments are built with high-quality materials, marble floor tiles indoors, fully-fitted kitchens and pre-installation of air conditioning. The exterior resembles a typical Mediterranean village, surrounded by extensive gardens and paths throughout the grounds. Parking area and communal pools. Tel. (0034) 952 93 68 45 E-mail: ofi[email protected] TYPICAL PLAN FOR A 2-BED APARTMENT Build area: approx. 98 m2 Price €78,000 free gift 37” LCD TV AYORA (VALENCIA) Country House & plot of 2,700 m2. Ref. 6732 €81,000 AYORA (VALENCIA) Country house & plot of 18,000 m2. Ref. 6803 €90,000 free gift 37” LCD TV LA GILA (ALBACETE) Double house fully equipped. Ref. 6784 €169,000 CASAS JUAN GUL (ALBACETE) Villa with plot of land. Ref. 6712 €54,000 free gift 37” LCD TV ALATOZ (ALBACETE) Large town house of traditional style. Ref. 6781 €36,000 JARAFUEL (VALENCIA) To reform to your liking! Ref. 6798 from: €185,000 Terrace: 8.54 m2 Garage EXCLUSIVE TO INLAND PROPERTY AND WOODEN HOUSES €70,000 free gift CORTES 37” LCD TV DE PALLAS (VALENCIA) Country house overlooking the lagoon! Ref. 6736 €96,000 CORTES DE PALLAS (VALENCIA) Townhouse in a stunning area! Ref. 6774 Fax: (+34) 96 648 01 10 PARADISE VALLEY 10,000 m2 plots choice of design, ten years guarantee, tranquil living, open space From RIOGORDO, Málaga - Business - 240,000 euros. 800m². SHELL FOR SEVERAL APARTMENTS OR SMALL HOTEL. Includes 4 floors of which the basement is designed to be the underground car park. Each of the... Ref TT239-2134a 100 m2 build, 800m2 plot, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, closed kitchen, storage room. Terrace with open views. Separate apartment can be built on the ground floor. Property for Rent Tel. 619 228 558 & 680 845 754 - C/ Virgen del Rosario, 3. AYORA (Valencia) info@fincaschicote.com www.fincaschicote.com (VALENCIA) MÁLAGA, Málaga - Business - 495,000 euros. 20,000m² plot, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 toilets, garage, pool. Freehold rural kennels and cattery - Málaga. Fully licensed and very successful boarding kennels and cattery... Ref TT2392107a VILLAR DEL ARZOBISPO, Valencia - Finca/Country House 65,000 euros. 190m², 3,000m² plot, garage, pool. Investment property Ref: TT239-2174a REAL ESTATE AGENCY Detached luxury wooden chalet bungalows COFRENTES tions, right on the beach-front with picturesque views of the... Ref TT239-2099a REQUENA, Valencia - Townhouse - 80,000 euros. 125m², 400m² plot, 3 bed, bath. Requena area of the main town which is 35 mins to Valencia airport and city. Famous for its... Ref TT239-2133a PRICE: €2,750,000 / £1,920,000 ● Fabulous sea and mountain views. www.orange-villas.com COSTA TEGUISE, Lanzarote Commercial - 285,000 euros. 2 bath. One of the finest bars in Lanzarote, beautifully furnished and presented, set in one of the busiest areas of Costa Teguise along the main... Ref TT2392198a Call Property Phone: (+34) 902 102 580 www.thinkSPAIN.com/today 2 baths, kitchen, dining/living with an elevated studio, large... Ref TT239-2108a To enquire about properties with the TT reference code prefix: Friday, November 30, 2007 58 jobs & education trabajo y formación Situations Vacant Madrid INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SALES *Show yourself*Work with a stable multicultural ethical company* Uncapped commission in a dynamic environment* Career development* Email your CV to: [email protected]. Visit www.bmeglobal.com Cartagena, Murcia - SALES MANAGER Teletek Spas, the exclusive distributor for Murcia and Almeria provinces for Caldera Spas are looking for an experienced and highly motivated sales orientated manager for Cartagena showroom. The candidate must be local to Cartagena, and ideally have lived in Spain for several years, with good knowledge of local area. Tremendous oportunities for successful applicant, join a winning team now. Tel. 687845730 - Leo, for an informal chat. A varied role which will use all your multi-tasking abilities. Must be multi-lingual. Tel. 971633545 or email admin@sunsearchrecr uitment.com Deià, Mallorca - LIVE IN NANNY to look after two children. Key duties will include assisting with homework, meals and some housework. Flexible hours, one day off a week. Use of car. Tel. 971633545 or email admin@suns earchrecruitment.com Barcelona - SIEBEL ANALYTICS CONSULTANT required. Must have: CRM, BI & Data Warehousing, SQL & Informatics/BO Data Integrator. Email [email protected] or call Nicole 952 587 533 for more info. Quote NI/1087 Seville, Sevilla - SALES ROLE in Sevilla, for an important company dedicated to the distribution of construction materials. 1200 net + great commissions. Tel. 952587453 or email [email protected] Marbella, Málaga - RECRUITMENT CONSULTANTS Two consultants required for company based in Marbella, offering an excellent package and commission structure. Minimum 1 year recruitment experience. Please send applications to [email protected] Marbella, Málaga - SELF MOTIVATED PERSON that can handle accounts for one of our online product lines. The position requires a sales orientated person with the ability to generate business on the phone. Great commissions. Tel. 952587453 or email [email protected] Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca - SALES/MARKETING EXECUTIVES - We are recruiting Sales Executives for the launch of a new Multi lingual Business Directory for Mallorca. Enthusiasm, energy and a desire to earn excellent money are the key skills being sought. Tel. 971633545 or email admin@suns earchrecruitment.com Marbella, Málaga - JUNIOR SALES GIRL for an exclusive interior design company in Marbella. Being bilingual is a must. Age 25-30, must live in Marbella area. 1500 net salary + bonus. Tel. 952587453 or email [email protected] Bendinat, Mallorca - PATISSERIE & PASTRY CHEF - A high quality Italian/French restaurant in Bendinat is seeking an experienced Pastry Chef. Must be an innovative, qualified and experienced professional chef. Tel. 971633545 - admin@sunsearchr ecruitment.com Barcelona - CONFERENCE PRODUCER *structuring conference agendas *live research with senior managers from a cross section of MNCs *developing partnerships with media and trade associations* great incentives* recruitment@bmeglobal. com Llucmajor, Mallorca - SALES EXECUTIVE for a major international leisure company. Determination, dedication, and competition with a will to succeed are the qualities they are looking for. Tel. 971633545 or email admin@s unsearchrecruitment.com Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca - CALL CENTRE STAFF - Fast growing travel company are looking for staff to support their Customer Service Team. Fluent spoken English as well as additional languages of German, Italian and French are a requirement. Tel. 971633545 or email admin@sunsearchrecruitment. com Santa Ponsa, Mallorca - RECEPTIONIST/ADMINISTRATOR for a leading magazine company must be organised and efficient. Barcelona - WEB DEVELOPER with JavaScript, C# & Sql skillset required. Tel. Sacha on 952587533 or Email info@ambientjobs. com for more info. Quote ref: SA/1049. Madrid - BILINGUAL GENERAL MANAGER required with management, B2B sales & short cycle sales experience. Email [email protected] or call Nicole on 952 587 533 for more info. Quote REF: JA/1030 Gibraltar - TRUST ADMINISTRATOR required for law firm. Part or fully qualified in STEP required with 3yrs experience. Knowledge of accounts advantageous. Please send CV to [email protected] or call 952587553 Cristianos (Los), Tenerife - TECHNICAL SUPPORT HELPDESK - Leading telecoms company require helpdesk operator. Knowledge of Windows (XP / Vista), Routers, Networks required. Send CVs to info@ambientjobs. com or call 952587553. Madrid - INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT SALES *Show yourself*Work with a stable multicultural ethical company*Uncapped commission in a dynamic environment*Career development* Email your CV to: [email protected]. Visit www.bmeglobal.com Gibraltar - 2ND LEVEL SUPPORT SPECIALIST responsible for taking new applications developed by the software development team and managing the deployment of such into various systems. Tel. 952587533 or email [email protected] Gibraltar - COPYWRITER - must have at least 3/4 years of experience within consumer communication, have experience with direct response media and with online community websites and to hold a 2nd European language. Tel. 952587553 or email [email protected] Marbella, Málaga - TELEMARKETING - We currently have a number of clients seeking dynamic and bright individuals for well paid Telemarketing roles in Marbella. Search and Apply now: www.exposurejobs.com Sotogrande, Cádiz - SALES REPRESENTATIVE - IT solutions. Our client is seeking a Sales Exec to offer IT solutions and support to both residential users and medium sized businesses. Apply now: www.exposurejobs.com Madrid - AIRLINE SALES EXECUTIVE - Well respected UK based airline looking for dynamic and experienced sales executive to develop sales strategy for Spain and Portugal. Apply now: www. exposurejobs.com Barcelona - ONLINE MARKETING SPECIALIST - Leading player in research, development and commercialisation of collaborative and communicative remote support software. Apply now: www.exposurejobs.com Gibraltar - PROJECT MANAGER Leading online gaming company seeking an IT Project Manager to deliver against project briefs and specifications. Apply now: www.exposurejobs.com Madrid - SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT - Leader in web information and resources for the environmental industry. Highly results oriented, consistently exceeding personal targets. Apply now: www.exposurejobs.com Barcelona - INTERNATIONAL VENDOR SALES *Show yourself *Work with a stable multicultural ethical company *Uncapped commission in a dynamic environment *Career development* Email your CV to: [email protected]. Visit www.bmeglobal.com Madrid - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - Leading organisation. Reporting to the CEO, the CFO will align business strategies to the goals and direction of the organisation. Apply now: www. exposurejobs.com Barcelona - CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER - Security software development start-up responsible for establishing the Company’s technical vision, technology development and implementation. Apply at: www.exposurejobs. com Barcelona - RECRUITMENT MANAGER EMEA Global FORTUNE 500 org providing business process outsourcing, requires senior-level responsible for recruiting services to entire EMEA. Apply: www.exposurejobs.com Barcelona - SUMMIT DELEGATE ACQUISITION SALES *Show yourself *Work with a stable multicultural ethical company *Uncapped commission in a dynamic environment *Career development* Email your CV to: [email protected]. Visit www.bmeglobal.com Barcelona - RECRUITMENT ACCOUNT MANAGER - Exposure have been recruiting in Spain since 2003. We are now seeking a Recruitment Manager to join the team in Barcelona. Apply now: www.exposurejobs.com Gibraltar - ORACLE DBA CONTRACTOR A gaming company is implementing an Oracle Apps developed solution to integrate the HR and Payments systems. £400 a day. Tel. 07764501564 or email david@quadconsultancy. com Barcelona - INTERNATIONAL SPONSORSHIP SALES *Show yourself *Work with a stable multicultural ethical company *Uncapped commission in a dynamic environment *Career development* Email your CV to: [email protected]. Visit www.bmeglobal.com Gibraltar - LEAD SECURITY ENGINEER to improve Information Security at a leading gaming company, responsible for strengthening system. £55K+ ben. Call David on +350 43226 or email david@quadconsultancy. com Gibraltar - TRUST OFFICER for a busy Trust department, STEP or 3yrs exp necessary. £27.5K. For info call Tom on 0035043226 or email tom@quadconsultancy. com Gibraltar - TRUST MANAGER for a growing team. £50K. STEP or Trust exp necessary. For more information contact Tom on 0035043226 or email [email protected] Gibraltar - INVESTMENT ADVISOR with exp in alternative investments for their Gib office to look after their HNWI clientelle. £Neg. For more info call on 0035043226 or email [email protected] Gibraltar - COMPANY ADMINISTRATOR/MANAGER for their Gibraltar Office, ICSA/STEP quls desirable, experience considered. £25K. For more info contact Tom on +350 43226 or [email protected] Gibraltar - INTERNATIONAL TAX PLANNER - Practice background prefered, salary neg, for more info please call Tom on 00350 43226 or tom@quadconsultancy. com Gibraltar - ACCOUNTANTS - We have requirements for Accountants with ACA/ACCA/ CIMA/AAT for more information call Tom on 00350 43226 or [email protected] Barcelona - INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SALES *Show yourself *Work with a stable multicultural ethical company *Uncapped commission in a dynamic environment *Career development* Email your CV to: [email protected]. Visit www.bmeglobal.com Marbella, Málaga - RECEPTIONIST /ADMINISTRATOR for all aspects of reception duties, administration of reports, attendance of office meetings, some translation work salary €1600 gross Tel. 952667986 - www.RecruitSpain.com Gibraltar - ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT with 2+ years of accounting experience up to trial balance, be part or fully qualified AAT. Tel. 952667986 - www.RecruitSpain. com Marbella, Málaga - SALES PEOPLE needed urgently for International Property Investment. Amazing salary, including high basic. Tel.952667986 - www.RecruitSpain.com Gibraltar - MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT part or fully qualified for leading company in Gibraltar £30k - £50k. Tel. 952477594 - www.RecruitSpain.com Línea de la Concepción (La), Cádiz - CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENTS - German speaking working on the phone and email £15k. Tel. 952477594 - www.RecruitSpain.com Línea de la Concepción (La), Cádiz - CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENTS Must be Swedish Speaking for our Gibraltar office working on the phone and email £15k. Tel.952477594 - www.RecruitSpain.com Alicante - INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SALES *Show yourself *Work with a stable multicultural ethical company *Uncapped commission in a dynamic environment *Career development* Email your CV to: [email protected]. Visit www.bmeglobal.com Marbella, Málaga - BILINGUAL MARKETING SPECIALIST to plan, co-ordinate and support all interaction with the media to ensure a consistent message that supports our marketing and campaign. Tel. 952667986 - www. RecruitSpain.com Elviria, Málaga - CONFIDENT TELEMARKETERS for a database of leads. You will be office based 5 days a week (no travel) and deal exclusively with UK based clients - Basic €1300 net and Com Tel. 952667986 - www.RecruitSpain.com Marbella, Málaga - BUSINESS MANAGER to establish and manage contractual relationships with property agents throughout Spain and overseas, in addition to marketing the portal to 3rd parties. Tel. 952667986 - www. RecruitSpain.com Barcelona - MARKETING EXECUTIVE *Develop strategies *Building awareness campaigns *Research into targeted marketing *Email marketing and company reports *Computer literacy and English language essential. Email recruitment@bmeglobal. com Marbella, Málaga - TELEMARKETERS to work out luxurious Marbella offices. You will receive full company and product training with salary €1200 basic plus commission www.RecruitSpain.com 952 667986 Gibraltar - CLIENT ACCOUNT MANAGER for a leading Insurance Company, must have accounting experience, AAT qualification is desirable. Tel. Tom on 0035043226 or email [email protected] Gibraltar - FULL OR PART QUALIFIED ACA/ACCA - for full details on this exciting opportunity plus others please call Tom on 00350 43226 or e-mail [email protected] Barcelona INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT SALES *Show yourself*Work with a stable multicultural ethical company*Uncapped commission in a dynamic environment*Career development* Email your CV to: [email protected]. Visit www.bmeglobal.com Situations Wanted RESPONSIBLE WOMAN LOOKING FOR WORK as a cleaner in the area of Moraira. Tel. 965744543 Schools El Limonar International School is a private fee-paying bilingual school founded in 1990 and governed by a permanent board of directors. The School is accredited by the Middle States Association and by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Colonia Buenavista, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia Tel. 968882818 www.ellimonarinternational.com Mayfair Academy Mayfair Primary and Secondary are located five minutes from San Pedro. Small classes ensure individual attention. Alongside the standard British curriculum Mayfair offers a Sports, Skills and Study Curriculum. School buses run from Estepona and Marbella ages 4 to 18. Avenida Golandrina 16, Atalaya Park, Estepona, 29688 Marbella (Málaga). Tel. 952784923 www.mayfairacademy.com The Firs independent Primary School Offering a continuous education from Nursery to Year 6, following the British National Curriculum, with small classes and high standards in a friendly and caring environment. Good discipline and attention to individual needs. Ctra. La Guardia 125, 03730 Jávea (Alicante) Tel. 966472929 www.firsprimary. com The International School Estepona Bi-lingual private education for children 2-12 years. Situated on the A7, 3 KM from San Pedro. British National Curriculum with a maximum of 15 children per class. Fully licensed with the local authorities. Centro Commercial La Zarza, Camino de Cortes, Urbanización El Paraíso, 29688 Estepona (Málaga) Tel. 952884789 www.marbellaschool. com Xàbia International College One of our aims is to encourage students to have a positive involvement in College life, whether through formal work or otherwise. We value such contributions highly and recognise them by awarding Certificates of Merit and book tokens at the end of each term. Ctra. Cabo la Nao 21, Apartado de Correos 311 , 03730 Jávea/ Xàbia (Alicante) Tel. 966472121 - 966471785 www.xabiainternationalcollege.com Courses The Beauty Institute. Your passport to an International Career.... a career in Beauty. The Beauty Institute, Costa Blanca, Fully ITEC Accredited, is now accepting applications for courses starting January 2008. Successful students graduate with Beauty qualifications recognised and respected worlwide. Ideal courses for school leavers and those serious about a career in Beauty. Tel. 965583442 - email info@thebeautyinstitute. es - www.thebeautyinstitute.es/ www.itecworld.co.uk Academia de Idiomas Trinity Language School Trinity offer a range of courses and activities to suit your requirements and help you feel comfortable and confident in speaking the language - click here to visit our site and find out why we are more than just another language school! Calle Ave del Paraiso 6, El Puerto de Santa Maria, 11500 Cádiz Tel. 956871926 www.trinitylanguageschool.com Aula Hispánica Our Spanish Language school specializes in teaching Spanish as a foreign language in the city of Jaca in the Pyrénées. We teach in small groups which allows you to maximise the time you spend speaking Spanish in a studious and friendly environment. Avda. Regimiento Galicia 15, 22700 Jaca (Huesca) Tel. 974355390 www.aulahispanica.com Lingualink Academy is a privately-owned language school in Dénia, Costa Blanca. We offer dynamic and interesting classes in Spanish, English, German and French, in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Made to measure courses, modern facilities and fully qualified native teachers. Avda Montgó, 12G, 03700 Dénia (Alicante) Tel. 966435481 www.lingualink.net Escuela Montalbán offers Intensive Spanish Courses in Granada since 1986. The school is accredited by the Spanish Instituto Cervantes and is a member of TANDEM International with more schools in San Sebastián, Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Málaga and Cádiz. C/ Conde Cifuentes, 11, 18005 Granada Tel. 958256875 www.escuelamontalban.com Preston Language Institute We offer intensive Spanish language courses and cultural classes in the centre of Salamanca personalised to suit your specific needs. Accommodation with local Spanish families. We also offer optional fun cultural experiences such as Tapas, dance classes and movies. Calle Prado 5, escalera A, 1º. Izq., 37002 Salamanca Tel. 923262219 www.prestoninst.com LATEST JOB VACANCIES Apply on-line at www.thinkSPAIN.com/services/joboffers Skincare & Cosmetics Consultant - Andalucía Job Type: Self-employed / Part-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish None REF: TS-7124902607 Pysiotherapist - Estepona, Málaga Job Type: Self-employed / Part-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish Basic REF: TS-4767724872 Radio Sales Executive - Alicante Job Type: Self-employed / Full-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish None REF: TS-9189721942 Singer / Karaoke Presenter - Santa Ponsa, Mallorca Job Type: Contract / Part-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish None REF: TS-1572992206 Telemarketing - La Manga Club, Murcia Job Type: Employee - Permanent / Part-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish None REF: TS-959588886 Investment Adviser - Valencia Job Type: Employee - Permanent / Full-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish Advanced REF: TS-4919092060 Secretary - Dénia, Alicante Job Type: Employee - Permanent / Full-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish Advanced REF: TS-8193017841 Web Developer - Alicante Job Type: Employee - Permanent / Full-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish None REF: TS-9542505146 Sales Representatives - Jávea, Alicante Job Type: Employee - Permanent / Full-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish Intermediate REF: TS-168725849 Sales Executive - Madrid Job Type: Employee - Permanent / Full-time Languages: English Intermediate - Spanish Fluent REF: TS-6350976825 Singers/Performers - Jávea, Alicante Job Type: Employee - Contract / Full-time Languages: English Fluent - Spanish None REF: TS-1059533954 www.thinkSPAIN.com Friday, November 30, 2007 59 SPORT deportes starts here Garay could be Racing to the Prem FOOTBALL: RACING Santander star Ezequiel Garay has admitted that he would like to play in England after Manchester United and Liverpool were reported to be watching his progress. The Argentinian defender has attracted attention with some powerful displays at the heart of the Cantabrian rearguard and would fancy trying his luck in the Premiership. Racing admitted recently that they may have to let him leave next summer after Real Madrid were rumoured to be preparing an offer that would be difficult to turn down. Now Garay has revealed that he would be open to a transfer, but admitted that he has heard nothing concrete about interest from any clubs. “To play in England is a dream,” he said. “But I insist that I do not want to talk about the hypothesis. I do not have any preferences about any clubs.” Discipline is the key at Valencia FOOTBALL: VALENCIA’S sporting director Miguel Ángel Ruiz has praised new coach Ronald Koeman for his hard-knock approach to club discipline. “Koeman’s a man who likes order and discipline to be understood,” he said. “He’s a man who likes order and discipline, and always emphasises structure and the group. He’s also a very easy person to deal with. “We wanted a new person that would start from scratch socially, in sporting terms, and with the media. “Above all, we wanted someone with the ambition to be a winning champion.” Valencia lost 2-0 to Rosenborg immediately following Koeman’s appointment, but then roared back to life with a 3-0 win over Murcia. Mentally I am very strong FOOTBALL: ARJEN Robben believes he has not suffered too much despite missing the majority of the season through injury after joining Real Madrid in the summer. “I feel very good, the team is doing well and I feel mentally strong, but it is never good for a player to be injured,” said the Dutch forward. “All my team-mates are great. They all tried to help me adapt and gave me a very warm welcome when I joined the team. We all work hard and laugh a lot. There is a very good atmosphere. I think this is obvious when we play. “You always feel pressure here because this is the greatest club.” seven-times ■ RETIRED Formula One world motor racing champion Michael Schumacher will test again for Ferrari at Jerez in southern Spain next month. Schumacher retired at the end of the 2006 season, but returned to the race track this month in a test that Ferrari described at the time as “half for pleasure, half for technical reasons.” He was the fastest driver on both days he tested at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. The 38-year-old German has ruled out a return to racing. “My love for this sport has never faded and to drive the F1 car is the best you can do as a motorsportsman,” Schumacher said on his website. “It has nothing to do with my decision to retire though, that is irrevocable. I hope I can give Ferrari some support in preparations for the new season.” Ferrari won both world championships this year, with Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen taking the drivers’ title. New sting in tale for a sailing cup Hopes are raised that 2009 event will now be held SAILING by Phil Balding A NEW twist to the America’s Cup has just unfurled with news that champion Alinghi has lost its court battle against rivals BMW Oracle – raising hopes of the reinstatement of the 2009 event. Organisers postponed the next race after BMW Oracle took Alinghi to court claiming they had chosen an illegitimate yacht club as challenger. The New York State Supreme Court ruled BMW Oracle’s Golden Gate Yacht club was Challenger of Record. That means it can negotiate the rules of the next regatta in Valencia, Spain. BMW Oracle Racing owner Larry Ellison had argued the rules of the next event were unfairly weighted in Alinghi’s favour, including the right to disqualify teams or bar them entering sailing’s most prestigious regatta. Alinghi had chosen Spain’s Club Náutico Español de Vela as Challenger of Record, a status that allows it to set the rules with the holder. But Judge Herman J Cahn ruled it was not eligible for the role because it does not hold an annual regatta. Alinghi owner Ernesto Bertarelli, who had accused Ellison of trying to win in the courtroom where he had twice failed on the water, said he was disappointed with the decision. “There will now be a thorough review of the judge’s decision and an analysis of the various options offered,” he said in a statement. BMW Oracle chief executive Russell Coutts said he wanted a meeting with Alinghi as soon as possible to set the rules. “We will be very happy if we can put the last few months behind us and get on with sailing,” said the former Alinghi skipper who fell out with Bertarelli and was sacked in 2004. BMW Oracle Racing spokesman Tom Ehman added that the team wanted “a proper, traditional, multichallenge regatta here in Valencia in 2009 with a challenger selection series. We want to do it with mutual consent, not having the defender dictate terms to us,” said Mr Ehman. ● A TOTAL of 88 craft and 353 crew members took to the waters of Valencia Bay to celebrate and compete in the first Spanish challenge trophy organised by the Spanish sailing club. In the four races, and after time corrections, Scampi 45 of Antonio Savall came first in the RN 1 class, followed by Sercotel Hotels and Fernando López, with Itaca IX of Manuel Gallego coming third. All four classes of craft were competed again in two regattas, with a special prize-giving ceremony taking place on the Spanish challenge base in the America’s Cup port in Valencia. BRIEFS BREVES It is the Real deal for Diego FOOTBALL: WERDER Bremen midfielder Diego wants to team up with his former Santos team-mate Robinho at the Bernabeu. According to reports, if Real Madrid were to make a move for him then the Bundesliga side would accept a bid of around €18m, but they will only let him go next summer. “It is very difficult to say no to Madrid,” Diego’s father, Djair Ribas de Cunha explained. “But nobody has made any contact with me.” Bernd Schuster has already stated that he is a big fan of the Brazilian playmaker and has reportedly told the Madrid board that a creative midfielder is all that the squad is missing. The German coach also believes that Werder would find it hard to resist a substantial offer for their star player. HOME internationals ■ are set to return to the fixture list as early as February 2008, but do not currently include England. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will take part in a new competition, called the Celtic Cup. The quartet would play fixtures in February and March with the final in May. England have about a week to come to an agreement if they wish to take part. Prime minister Gordon Brown said he would welcome the revival of home internationals to ease the pain of Euro 2008 misery for the four home nations. England’s defeat by Croatia, following the failures of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, triggered calls for the sides to face each other in 2008. Davies leaves Derby County FOOTBALL: DERBY County manager Billy Davies has left the Premier League strugglers after talks with chairman Adam Pearson. The club are two points adrift at the foot of the table following a 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on Saturday. “We have decided mutually in the best interest of both parties that to go our separate ways is the correct decision at this time,” said Pearson. On Wednesday Derby appointed former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell to take over from Davies. Friday, November 30, 2007 60 SPORT deportes Garbajosa is down – but is he really out? Riddle over whether Spain’s basketball star is crocked BASKETBALL by Phil Balding BASKETBALL star Jorge Garbajosa – whose hails from Madrid – has had his wonky, never-quite-healed left ankle and leg examined by a specialist in Baltimore to finally put to rest rumours that he is not really injured at all. “Future treatment and therapy options remain undetermined at this point,” the Toronto Raptors, who Garbajosa plays for, said in a team statement. One of those options could be surgery, and it might take that to change the mind of some conspiracy theorists. Several Spanish journalists were in Toronto for the NBA contest against the Chicago Bulls. And the buzz among the fans and the media is that the national team hero is not really hurt at all. Garbajosa, some are saying overseas, is being punished by the Raptors for refusing to have surgery in the summer and then helping his country win a silver medal at the 2007 Eurobasket tournament. “The people in Spain are thinking that not playing Garbajosa has been a Raptors’ vendetta for the summer,” said Héctor Martínez, a sports reporter. Garbajosa initially mangled the leg during a game against the Boston Celtics last March. Instead of surgery, as was prescribed by the Raptors, he sought a second opinion from the doctors back home. The diagnosis in Spain did not call for an operation. And when the Spanish basketball federation agreed to insure his damaged leg, the Raptors gave Garbajosa permission to play at Eurobasket. The 29-year-old insisted from the start of Toronto’s training camp that the leg felt fine. But Garbajosa’s performance, prior to being placed on Toronto’s inactive list on November 20, suggested otherwise. Garbajosa began his career playing for Tau Vitoria between 1995–2000. In the 1998–99 season, he guided Vitoria to a THE MAN WHO MIXED WITH THE LEGENDS OF SPORT MUSCLE: Louis Vidal from Consell has ■ MR built himself into the body beautiful L OUIS Vidal, from the tiny Mallorcan pueblo of Consell – formerly famous for its wineproducing grape, unique anis-based liquor called Hierbas and an agricultural boot sale every Sunday – is bodybuilding’s answer to boxing’s undisputed champion of the world. LOUIS HAS BUILT UP A STRONG BODY AND REPUTATION TO BE A CHAMPION Seeing Louis stripped to the waist, biceps, triceps, abs, and the rest of the body’s muscular repertoire bulging like cannon balls, it is hard to believe that just over 18 years ago he was a lithe professional right winger with aspirations of stardom with Real Madrid. Whether he was perhaps a little short on the high level of skills required to make the top level at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where the most successful club in the world is based, or his growing disillusionment with the life of a pro’ soccer player, Louis packed his training bag and went searching for another challenge to sate his sporting passion. It is convenient for Louis’ Don’t tell Louis that you subformidable training schedule scribe to a widely held theory with weights and cardiovasthat bodybuilding is not a sport cular machines that he is the but an ego trip to build a frame part owner of the Elite Fitness enabling him to kick sand in Club in San Agustín, Palma de the face of men with walnut Mallorca. sized sinews sitting alongside There, at the crack of dawn a shapely blonde on a golden most mornings, as a member Balearic playa. of the club I see him pumping For 16 years he has honed, iron, pushing weights that shaped, pressured and punwould test a working elephant ished his body until he has and toiling up step machines achieved his aim of becomthat you swear you can hear ing absoluto world champion the lilt of ‘Climb Every Moununder bodybuilding’s three tain’. organisations – WABBA, AEF All this accompanied by a and IFBB. specially designed diet that Louis is ‘The Man’ that any includes half a dozen, white of aspiring body builder who egg, omelettes, brown rice and wants one of those three ruling protein pan cakes. titles has to get past. “As a professional footballer “Take no notice of those who with Real Madrid like the decry bodybuilding,” argues other lads I would be required this gentle giant. “It is the most to train for an hour or so every complete sport in the world. day and then play a game for You have to work at it 24 hours one of the reserve teams at the a day if you want to reach and weekend,” Louis explained. stay at the top.” “After training we would go You need dedication to succeed DOWN: But is basketball star ■ HE’S Jorge Garbajosa really injured? Spanish National Cup victory. He then spent four seasons at Benetton Treviso between 2000–2004, where he won two national cups, two super cups and two national championships, All-Euroleague first team honours and being named 2003 Eurobasket.com Player of the Year. He spent his next two seasons 2004–2006 with Unicaja Málaga, helping them to the 2005–06 ACB League championship and Spanish National Cup. On July 24, 2006 the Toronto Raptors officially signed Garbajosa to a three-year contract. On September 3, 2006, Garbajosa and the Spanish national team won the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, scoring a game high 20 points and collecting 10 rebounds. out in the evening for a drink and looking for girls. “I wanted a stronger training discipline and that’s what I got from bodybuilding, but the climb to the top has been hard, and it’s even harder to keep there.” Vidal has a long honours list in the back-breaking world of bodybuilding. He has been champion of Spain four times, absoluto champion of Spain three times before going to claim the European and World titles. But beneath that massive frame beats a generous heart. I have seen Louis giving his time to work out with some of his gym members to help them to recover from debilitating strokes. Talking of hearts he totally refutes the allegation that bodybuilders pay a high price with heart problems later in life for punishing their body over the years in training. “You believe in fairies if you think that,” he asserts. “It depends on how you look after yourself. If people stopped eating convenience food, took regular exercise, even just a daily walk, there would be much less obesity, much fewer strokes, heart attacks, and yes, cancers. “As I said, bodybuilding is not only the most complete 24 hour a day sport, but also the way to enjoy a longer life.” Friday, November 30, 2007 SPORTS ROUND-UP A revenge for Russia EUROPEAN volleyball champions Spain were beaten in the third round of the men’s world cup tournament by Athens Olympic bronze medal winners Russia on Sunday. It avenged their loss in the continental championship final. Semen Poltavskiy scored 15 points, while Sergey Tetyukhin, Yury Berezhko and Alexander Volkov scored 11 points each to lead Russia to a 2521, 25-13, 25-15 victory for a sixth straight win. Spain’s coach Marcelo Méndez said the Russians’ performance was excellent. “They played a great game today, especially in serve and attack,” he said. “Our team could not play our 100 per cent, so I’m very disappointed with this game.” The top three finishers in the 12-team round robin competition qualify for the Beijing Olympics next year. In other games, Argentina defeated Puerto Rico 19-25, 2225, 25-16, 25-21, 15-13, while Japan squeezed through to a 25-17, 19-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-9 win over African champions Egypt. In Okayama, world champions Brazil beat Australia 25-19, 25-19, 25-21 for a 5-1 win-loss record. World bronze medal winners Bulgaria whipped South Korea 25-20, 25-20, 25-19, while the United States outclassed Tunisia 22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-17. Clubs bid to sign James A 17-year-old footballer from Scotland is attracting attention from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool. James McCarthy, who currently plays for Scottish First Division side Hamilton Academical, is considered one of the hottest talents in football. McCarthy made his first team debut for Hamilton at the age of 15 and has since clocked up more than 40 senior appearances. His international future has already been sorted. With two grandparents from County Donegal, family links to Ireland are strong. He made his under-17 debut against Italy, weeks after his grandfather died. “I always used to watch Ireland matches with grandad, and it was his dream that I play for Ireland,” said the teenager. 61 PREMIER LEAGUE Defoe’s tale of woe as penalty SPORT breves miss in injury-time seals draw Marvellous Messi TOTTENHAM’S Jermain Defoe missed an injury-time penalty against his old club in an exciting draw at West Ham. The Hammers seized on a Younes Kaboul mistake to take the lead as Luis Boa Morte stole in to find Nolberto Solano, who crossed for Carlton Cole to tap in. Spurs were furious at being denied a penalty when goalkeeper Robert Green seemed to have fouled Robbie Keane, but Michael Dawson’s header hauled them level. Defoe won a penalty after a Lucas Neill foul but saw his effort saved by Green. Meanwhile, Gary Megson claimed his first win in charge of Bolton with the unlikely scalp of Manchester United, thanks to Nicolas Anelka’s early strike. Anelka slotted home Iván Campo’s free-kick after 11 minutes. And an out-of-sorts United were left frustrated as Jussi Jaaskelainen kept out Owen Hargreaves’ free-kick. Meanwhile, late goals by William Gallas and Tomas Rosicky moved Arsenal three points clear at the top of the Premier League against Wigan. In the first half a superb save from Mike Pollitt denied Emmanuel Adebayor. Chelsea moved into fourth place in the Premier League with a comfortable win over struggling Derby County, but saw Michael Essien sent off late on. They took the lead after 17 minutes when Salomon Kalou finished calmly from Steve Sidwell’s through ball. Chelsea wrapped up the win after 73 minutes, Shaun-Wright Phillips scoring after Frank Lampard had hit a post. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, booed by rival fans for his part in England’s Euro 2008 qualifying failure, answered the jeers by powering in a 30-yard shot for the Reds and put them on the way to a win over Newcastle. Dirk Kuyt bundled in a Reds second, before Ryan Babel slid in the third to give them a comfortable 3-0 victory. And Everton went on the goal trail against poor Sunderland, who went down 7-1. Yakubu’s early strike and Tim Cahill’s shot on the turn put Everton in charge. Steven Pienaar fired home a brilliant third before Sunderland’s Dwight Yorke scored on the stroke of half-time. Cahill slid home another composed finish after the break before Yakubu pounced from a corner to make it five. Substitute Andrew Johnson raced through to make it six before Leon Osman’s late solo effort rounded off the scoring. And Stephen Ireland smashed home a stunning injury-time volley to break Reading hearts and maintain Manchester City’s 100 per cent league record at Eastlands. City dominated the opening half and Martin Petrov fired them ahead after a goalmouth melee saw Elano hit the post. But Reading equalised before the break with their first shot on target, James Harper curling in after a neat move. Geovanni wasted a glorious late chance for the home side before Ireland’s winner. Meanwhile, Birmingham caretaker boss Eric Black’s first game in charge ended in a defeat to high-flying Portsmouth. Black chose to give Richard Kingson his debut in goal, but the decision backfired when he let a Sulley Muntari shot creep in under his body. Niko Kranjcar’s stunning late free-kick compounded Birmingham’s misery. XAVI SNEAKS IRELAND LUCK Long shot sure pays off for Spain EURO 2008 by Martin Pitchwell SPAIN beat Northern Ireland in their last match to finish top of their group and deprive their opponents of a place in the Euro 2008 finals. Having already qualified after the win against Sweden, Luis Aragonés used the occasion to try out some of his lesser used players. And although his side were on top for much of the match, they were unable to break through until early in the second half, when Craigan got a head to Xavi Hernández’s long shot only to deflect it past Taylor into his own net. While dominating possession for the majority of the game, Spain insisted on looking for that one final pass before shooting and that ensured that they had to remain patient until the deadlock was finally broken. In the first few minutes the referee waved away claims for a penalty as David Silva went down in the area after a challenge from Craigan, while David Healy registered the visitors first shot from distance that flew over the bar. Daniel Güiza was hoping to make an impact on his international debut but, against a side that was defending in such numbers, it was difficult for the Mallorca striker to find space. After Cesc Fàbregas had fired a drive straight at Maik Taylor, Güiza had his best chance of the encounter four minutes before the break. Xavi clipped a ball over the Northern Ireland defence where the debutant had beaten the offside trap, but the striker could only steer his header wide of the goal. The chances came thick and fast as the break approached and Taylor was called into action again to keep out a longrange drive from Marcos Senna, moments before he was down again to save a shot from Silva. Joaquín was introduced at the break, but his arrival had little to do with Spain taking the lead in the 52nd minute. Iniesta edged towards the area before laying the ball off to Xavi and the Barça midfielder took aim and was delighted to see his shot headed past Taylor and into the corner by Craigan. Just before the hour mark Joaquín’s superb crosses was just inches away from being met by the diving head of substitute Raúl Tamudo. lands top trophy BRAVO for Messi! Barcelona and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi has won the Bravo trophy for the best under-21 player in Europe. The cup, awarded annually based on performances in the previous season, went to the young Argentine for his showings in the 2006-07 campaign. Messi becomes the first player from Argentina to lift the award, and the third from Barcelona after Josep Guardiola won it 15 years ago and Ronaldo was given it in 1997. Arsenal’s Cesc Fàbregas – who is himself a Barcelona youth product – won the prize last year. Former winners include Real Madrid’s Emilio Butragueño, who won twice in 1985 and 1986, Barcelona’s Josep Guardiola in 1992, Barcelona’s Ronaldo in 1997, Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas in 2000 and Wayne Rooney in 2003. The first winner was Liverpool’s Jimmy Case. REAL Madrid are reportedly interested ■Sporting in American teenage star Jozy Altidore. director assistant Carlos Bucero travelled to New York amid reports the Spanish champions are interested in signing the 18-year-old New York Red Bulls striker. Altidore made his US national team debut in a 1-0 friendly win over South Africa on November 17. He scored four goals as the United States reached the quarter-finals at the under-20 World Cup earlier this year, and had nine goals in 22 games in major league soccer this season. Sevilla growing on and off pitch JOSÉ María del Nido is determined to continue Sevilla’s growth both on and off the pitch. The Nervion side’s president offered a lecture at the University of Granada about the growth of the ‘sports company’, and the importance of maintaining incremental growth. “Sevilla has tried to be much more than a football club, and we’ve been fortunate in being able to sell our image,” he said. “But we must continue to grow slowly and in a phased fashion.” Financially, the club’s annual turnover has increased fourfold since 2001/02, and the president is also set to announce plans for a new stadium in conjunction. LUCKY BREAK: ■ Xavi Hernández’s long shot was deflected past Taylor in the Northern Ireland goal by Craigan. Cesc Fàbregas fired a drive straight at Maik Taylor and then Güiza has a good chance to put the result beyond doubt Friday, November 30, 2007 62 SPORT deportes Not cutting the mustard CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Dominant Sevilla go on the goal rampage TIME looks like running out for Chris Coleman’s reign at Real Sociedad. His side beat Málaga 2-0 at the weekend, with goals from Mikel Aranburu and Carlos Martínez, and could have bought him the chance of seeing in the new year in San Sebastián. The former Fulham manager was promised time to build a young home-grown side when he took over in the summer, but the president who made that promise resigned a week ago. All notions of slow growth have been forgotten and, if results do not improve, Coleman’s time is up. ARSENAL lost their long unbeaten record and top spot in Group H after slumping to a Champions League defeat by a dominant Sevilla. Arsenal had not been beaten in a competitive match since the start of April, but goals from Seydou Keita, Luis Fabiano and former Tottenham striker Frederic Kanoute saw Sevilla join the already-qualified Arsenal in the last 16. Eduardo Da Silva scored for Arsenal but it was not enough, and they will need to beat Steaua Bucharest in their final match and hope Sevilla slip up against Slavia Prague to clinch first place. It was a good night for Spain in the Champions League, with both Barcelona and Sevilla qualifying as leaders of their groups. Barcelona drew in their match against Olympique Lyon 2 – 2 in a game where Ronaldinho was left on the bench, and Bojan and Gudjonsen were given playing time. Roma join race to sign Baptista ROMA have joined the race to sign Julio Baptista from Real Madrid, only days after Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City were linked with the Brazilian. The Italian outfit are keen to add strength to their attacking options. Like Tottenham, the Serie A outfit are considering Baptista joining them in January, as they would like him on loan. Spurs boss Juande Ramos is reported to have included Baptista on his list of players that he would like to bring in during January. Alonso: Is he on way back? XABI Alonso has refused to dismiss rumours linking him with a return to Spain, while Atlético de Madrid coach Javier Aguirre has admitted he is a fan. The Liverpool midfielder admitted that he had heard the stories linking him with Atlético de Madrid and also with Barcelona, where his father Periko was a hero during his playing days. “I have heard about the rumours involving Atlético and Barcelona but, formally, I know nothing,” he said. Hinkel is set to leave Sevilla ANDREAS Hinkel has revealed his intention to leave Spanish side Sevilla in the winter-break. “I have decided to look for a new club. I want to move and preferably in the winter break,” he said. He has recently been linked with a switch to Wolfsburg, where he would link up again with Felix Magath, who coached him during his time at Stuttgart. Will Klinsmann lead England? FROM BACK PAGE HIGH FIVES: Spain are the new European five-a-side football champions after beating Italy 3-1 in the final in ■ Oporto. Spain dominated the game with better possession and depth. It is the fourth time they have won the title. Captain Javi Rodríguez is pictured kissing the trophy. Qualify at all costs – Villar EXCLUSIVE by Mort Birch SPANISH FA president Ángel María Villar is determined that the national side reach the 2010 World Cup with the minimum of fuss. The team took a circuitous route to Euro 2008 and, while they eventually emerged as group winners, Villar is hoping for a straight passage this time around. “The only thing that counts is qualification,” he said, when faced with the news that his side would face Turkey, Belgium, BosniaHerzegovina, Armenia, and Estonia. “We’ll face all the teams involved,” said the former Athletic Bilbao player. “We have to win.” England, meanwhile, have been President’s World Cup verdict drawn against their Euro 2008 nemeses Croatia. It gives them a chance to avenge last week’s defeat by Croatia, which eliminated them from next summer’s Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland. Thirty-one nations will join hosts South Africa in the 2010 finals. The 53 European teams were divided into eight groups of six and one of five, and only the winners are sure to go to the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa. The best eight runners-up go into play-offs to determine the other four spots. The groups are as follows: Group 1: Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta; Group 2: Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg; Group 3: Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino; Group 4: Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein; Group 5: Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia; Group 6: Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra; Group 7: France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands;Group 8: Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro; Group 9: Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, FYR Macedonia, Iceland. set-up. Who can lead the boys with the three lions out of their coma? One name comes immediately to mind. Jurgen Klinsmann. “He’d have three years until the 2010 World Cup to form a new team and he wouldn’t have to worry about old baggage.” Klinsmann is just one of a long line of well-known names being linked to the job after Steve McClaren was sacked last week. Liverpool boss Rafael Benítez has said he may be interested in the job after an apparent disagreement with the club’s owners over transfer targets. “Maybe I could be Steve McClaren’s replacement if I improve my English,” said the 47year-old Spaniard. One man who definitely wants the job is former Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello. Capello was sacked by Madrid despite leading the Spanish giants to the Primera Liga crown earlier this year. “Me to coach England? It would be a challenge, a beautiful test to overcome and I would have the right age,” he said. The 61-year-old – who has also enjoyed successful spells at AC Milan, Juventus and Roma – was recently linked with a move to Tottenham, but the London club appointed Spanish coach Juande Ramos instead. Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has admitted his surprise at being linked with the job. Reports in Spain have claimed that the German is among those being considered by the FA. Friday, November 30, 2007 Real Madrid Villarreal Barcelona Espanyol 63 Premier League table (Top Four) LA LIGA TABLE (Top Four) P GD PTS 13 13 13 13 17 7 16 5 29 28 27 25 P Arsenal Man Utd Man City Chelsea 13 14 14 14 GD 19 16 4 12 PTS 33 30 29 28 BARÇA STILL FEEL HEAT But Milito is inspiration for a motivating 3-0 victory BARCELONA defender Gabriel Milito said his side are still feeling the heat, despite a motivating 3-0 victory over Recreativo on Saturday. Controversy has surrounded the Spanish giants ever since the surprising declarations made by the club’s Brazilian international Edmilson, who said that there is a “black sheep” in the team, in relation to Ronaldinho. “There was never a crisis between the group.” In the game against Recreativo, Milito, Bojan and Messi all scored. Sevilla drop further down the table though after losing 2-1 at home to a Mallorca side who themselves are just two points off the European spots. Ibagaza fired the visitors into the lead early on after good work by Jonás, and Varela scored a spectacular second with a shot from way outside of the area close to half-time. Kanouté headed one back soon after the restart and Mallorca were left with ten men after Varela picked up a second booking. Murcia let a poor Real Madrid off the hook on Saturday, in a game which ended 1-1. Robinho put the visitors ahead in what many thought was an offside position, and De Lucas equalised at the start of the second half. Guti was sent off in the 82nd minute for getting into a dispute with a player. Villarreal lost the chance to go top of La Liga with a close-fought 1-1 draw with Almería. With Real Madrid dropping points the previous night, the stakes were high, but the Yellow Submarine seemed able to call them as Nihat tapped in following Guille Franco’s excellent work down the right. Almería scored just after halftime. Former Real Madrid youth Álvaro Negredo bundled home Aitor López Rekarte’s far post cross to send the small but vocal visiting fan contingent into a frenzy. Rampant attacks and sloppy defending ruled the day at the Vicente Calderón as a seven-goal thriller opened up between Atlético de Madrid and Valladolid. Three minutes into the game Maniche got on the end of a fine cross from Agüero to leave Butelle stranded. But Valladolid have shown a tendency for fightbacks before, not least away to Zaragoza recently. That seemed to be the pattern again as they began to control possession, much to the REAL TENSE: ■ Real Madrid’s Robinho scores to put the visitor’s ahead, far left, against Murcia, while De Lucas celebrates his equaliser, above. Gago is pictured in action, left. PICS: MARK WELTON LIGA ■LA FIXTURES: disgust of the home support. And the fans were whistling and jeering in earnest by the time Víctor equalised six minutes from the interval. The ex-Villarreal veteran took advantage of a defensive error from Pablo to sweep home. Just after the interval, things went from bad to worse for the hosts as Sisi capitalised on yet more laughable defending to shoot past Leo Franco. Captain Maxi Rodríguez strode forward and, still deputising for the recovering Diego Forlán in an advanced role, struck the equaliser with a rocket of a shot. Almost inevitably, Llorente became the latest beneficiary of a charitable Atlético backline as he made it 2-3 with an unmarked shot from Jonathan Sesma’s cross. Maxi fired back yet another leveller two minutes later from a Reyes cross, which the visitors felt was marred by a foul. Right at the death, Pedro López had his head in his hands after putting through his own net from Forlán’s cross. Just in case Spain hadn’t had enough of seven-goal encounters, Levante and Betis served up a relegation clash that was as exciting as the 4-3 scoreline suggests. It also proved that there’s life in the hosts yet as they fought back from 2-0 down to command a brief lead. Betis looked to be on the road to victory early on as Arzu opened the scoring with a truly memorable drive from 35 yards as the Levante defence looked on. Edu made it 2-0 with a penalty a quarter hour later. Levante suddenly sprung into life half an hour in. They eventually pulled one back with a close-range finish after Juanito and Lima conspicuously failed to clear the ball from the box, and two minutes later the granota side were on level terms as Riga fired home after yet another mix-up in the back line. Five minutes after the interval it was 3-2 as Riga struck home superbly from 25 yards after evading Somoza – what a strike on a day of wondergoals – only for the comeback king of two weeks ago, Mariano Pavone, to equalise two minutes later with an opportunist finish. Levante’s Javi Fuego got the decider in this nail-biter. And as the Beticos fell to pieces, captain Juanito picked up a red card for a professional foul, leaving coach Héctor Cúper stunned on the sidelines. Espanyol deservedly left Pamplona with all three points as Osasuna’s miseries continue. The Periquitos started the better side, although it took them 30 minutes to gain the lead. Valdo nodded on Riera’s fine cross in the direction of Ángel, who made no mistake from close range. Valdo silenced the home fans with his side’s second three minutes later, firing in his first of the season. The rojillos seemed to be out of it, but the half-time break did them good as they planned a fightback. Dady came close just before the hour mark, but it took Javier Portillo to act as supersub. The former Real Madrid man scored his first goal in the blue-and-red after a fine header from Arsenal loanee Carlos Vela. Vela tried his damndest to level the scores, but Espanyol were able to hold on for an ultimately deserved win. Deportivo La Coruña fought back from 2-0 down to earn a deserved point against an Athletic Bilbao outfit that didn’t kill the game off when they had the chance. The Basques seemed to be firmly in control early on, Dude Aouate having to act quickly Division two results: Eibar 0 Hércules 3, Poli Ejido 1 Castellón 0, Las Palmas 3 Cordoba 1, Elche 2 Alavés 2, Xerez 1 Salamanca 1, Albacete 0 Tenerife 0, Numancia 0 Granada 74 2, Sporting Gijón 4 Cádiz 2, Racing Ferrol 1 Sevilla B 1, Real Sociedad 2 Málaga 0, Celta 1 Gimnastic 1. to snuff out through balls and crosses on more than one occasion. And the hosts got their reward early on when Antonio Barragán scored an own goal in what was his first Liga start of the season. The young right back accidentally bundled Iraola’s cross into his own net as he attempted to clear Llorente’s missed ball. Athletic looked confident enough as they scored yet again just minutes after the restart. This time, David López got on the end of Llorente’s miscued shot to fire home. But then came the fightback, and the unlikely figure of Riki made it 2-1 with a neat finish from Sergio’s cross. And although the Liones began to defend more doggedly, Sebastián Taborda was to have the last laugh as he headed Guardado’s cross past standin goalie Dani Aranzubia for a merited point. Almería v Sevilla; Valladolid v Villarreal; Betis v Atlético; Getafe v Levante; Recreativo v Zaragoza; Espanyol v Barcelona; Deportivo v Osasuna; Valencia v Athletic; R Madrid v Racing; Mallorca v Murcia. ■ PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES: SATURDAY: Aston Villa v Arsenal; Blackburn v Newcastle; Chelsea v West Ham; Portsmouth v Everton; Reading v Middlesbrough, Sunderland v Derby; Wigan v Man City. SUNDAY: Liverpool v Bolton; Tottenham v Birmingham. MONDAY: Man City v Sunderland. Friday, November 30, 2007 64 the winner el ganador Here today, AraGONÉs tomorrow SPANISH coach Luis Aragonés said he intends to step down after next year’s European championship. He revealed his decision after Spain qualified for the tournament in Austria and Switzerland by beating Sweden 3-0. “I have an expiry date and you all know that. It’s like milk. When it goes off you don’t drink it,” the 69-yearold Aragonés said. He took charge of the national team in 2004 and has endured a rocky relationship with the country’s media. He has reportedly come close on several occasions to resigning during his tenure, particularly after the team’s early elimination from last year’s World Cup. He raised a storm soon after his appointment when he made a racist remark about Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry during a training session. He was fined €2,533 by Spain’s soccer federation. Aragonés began his coaching career in 1975 at Atlético de Madrid, where he played, leading the club to the world club championship title in his first season and the Spanish league title two years later. As well as undertaking three more spells at Atlético, Aragonés was in charge of seven more clubs – including FC Barcelona and Valencia – for a total of 757 Spanish league games. SPAIN’S WORLD CUP DRAW: See page 61 Will it be yo ho, or out you go? IT could be yo, ho, ho... or out you go! Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard could be getting more than he bargained for from Santa this year. For it is rumoured that the Camp Nou boss is facing the sack. And pundits are predicting that he will know his fate by Christmas. With tough away games looming – Valencia, for one – and the visit of Real Madrid to Camp Nou also on the horizon, it seems that only an impressive Christmas season will save him. FULL LA LIGA ROUND-UP: See pages 62 & 63 READ JOHN DAVIES INSIDE LOUIS THE STRONG MAN & BIG HEART SO, ZEY THINK EETS ALL UBER Well eet eez nooow as German to Klin up for World Cup By Phil Balding S PANIARDS want it, former La Liga bosses are being tipped for it, but thinkSPAIN|today have the inside track on the favourite for the most pressured job in world football. DEAN-O! The man who can save the English game from sinking further in the mire – Dean ■DEAN-O, Mullock, who says he is not afraid to drop players if they are not up to scratch Deano the stalking horse for England job A WORLD Cup winner from Spain threw his hat into the ring to emerge as the dark horse for the England soccer boss’ job. The 22-year-old, with no less than *TEN Jules Rimmet trophies to his name, has written to FA boss Brian Barwick to officially apply for the vacant post. A football manager since 1996, winning the World Cup and European Cup, he’s taken his side from Division Three and turned them into Champions League winners. “I’ve won the league championships in Spain, Germany and Italy... and now I’m aiming to succeed where so many men have failed before,” said the Alcalalíbased soccer guru Dean Mullock. In his letter top the FA chief executive, the no-nonsence Mullock said: “Yes, Mr Barwick, please note. I’m young, ambitious, experienced and not afraid to drop players if they are not up to scratch. “I’m the man to come up with new ideas to change England’s fortunes and transform the side from a laughing stock to a force to be reckoned with once more. “I’m the man who can save us from embarrassment and despair. “So, please Mr Barwick. Don’t spend millions searching for a coach when the answer is right here in front of you.” The first thing he would do is bring Gordon Banks back in goal. He added: “I feel that even with one good eye he has more chance of keeping a clean sheet than that clown Scott Carson who appeared for us against Croatia. “We need a goalscorer, so I would suggest a return for Manchester United favourite Bobby Charlton.” Last night, the young Spanish pretender, who spends his day jetting between the Bernabeu Stadium and the Nou Camp as a talent scout, had his application acknowledged by the Football Association in Soho Square. If you would like to see Dean to land the hotseat, write to Mr Barwick at The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, Westminster, London, W1D 4FA, England. We’ll let you know how he gets on. (*Dean has won these, and many more footballing competitions, on his PC.) And pitchside sources are tipping the unthinkable – the English national team managed by a German. Well-qualified Spaniard Rafa Benítez may be up for it and former Madrid boss Fabio Capello looks the bookies’ favourite to replace the ill-equipped Steve McClaren. But an unthinkable scenario of a few years ago for most English die-hard football supporters is emerging. An English team managed by former German boss Jurgen Klinsmann. Better still, a world cup game between the two nations with the 1990 winning medallist at the helm. Frans Beckenbauer says Klinsmann, 43, has the right credentials, having guided Germany to the semi-finals in the 2006 world cup and played with Tottenham. “The job would be ideal for him and England as well,” Beckenbauer said. “Jurgen has very clear ideas who can enforce them. He knows what he wants, he speaks very good English and would revel in the England job.” German football icon Beckenbauer, captain and coach of the teams that won the world cup in 1974 and 1990, believes Klinsmann would not be afraid to shake things up within the England TURN TO PAGE 62 COURT SETTLES AMERICA’S CUP ROW?: SEE PAGE 59 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR