Monthly Archives: March 2010

Vitamin C

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“Aiming for the moon and missing it is better than aiming
for the ditch and hitting it.“  ~Author Unknown

It´s another fine day although the beautiful sunshine masks a definite dip in the temperature. Although others see this differently, it would appear that nature has a few cold clearouts before allowing the Spring to settle. I always think we should expect these cold snaps otherwise bugs would ploriferate. R3member, the experts have been known to miss the odd hurricane etc! Let´s get the weather for the days ahead here in the Alicante Province.

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday
Clear
15° C | 8° C
Chance of Rain
11° C | 6° C
Chance of Rain
14° C | 5° C
Chance of Rain
15° C | 6° C
Clear
17° C | 7° C

I´ve just been watching how criminals are flooding the world with fake prescription drugs and the BBC highlightede this horrendous problem by showing a family who were given fake syringes by the NHS. Obviously unwittingly, the NHS itself had been duped and the family in the TV show would have been allowing these needles to have been used on their young child had she not complained about their effects on her body. Apparently, there is more profitability in producuing and distributing these drugs than is smuggling cannabis and other drugs. The profit margin can be a s high as 2000%  which is why I have always been very suspicious of the Health industry for many years. Please do not for one minute think I am questioning the hard-working nurses, doctors and support staff. However, there is a huge business of selling legal drugs operating every minute of every day and pharmaceutical companies are making fortunes  from ill health. That´s why I always try to include articles from reswpected doctors and professionals who look critically at their own industry.

It´s relatively easy to spot how drugs can affect the body. However, it´s less easy to spot the psychological harm inflicted on society in subtle ways. TV levels of violence would be a quick reference point. Oh dear. Time flies…..I must rush off to my Spanish class……….

News from Spain

The President of the Government began his interview by acknowledging he had not foreseen the “magnitude” of the economic crisis, as could also be said for the majority of governments around the world.

Regarding the worst crisis in 80 years and whose greatest consequence has been the significant job losses, he said “I feel responsible for each and every one of the people who have lost their jobs”.

He explained to the three journalists who interviewed him at TVE that the Government has implemented 137 economic measures to help those people. He added that the effects would have been more negative had these measures not been implemented. Full Story

..and another thing

Good news + bad advice = bad news

In a UK study, researchers found that middle-aged and older subjects with the highest levels of vitamin C were more that 60 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to subjects with the lowest levels of the vitamin.

That’s the good news.

Now for the bad advice…

When a local newscast here in Baltimore featured this study, the anchor introduced it by suggesting that a couple of glasses of orange juice every day might help prevent type 2 diabetes.

In fact, a glass of orange juice is practically a full day’s serving of type 2 diabetes!

And that’s why newsroom copywriters with a background in newsroom copywriting should not give nutrition advice.

The fruit of an orange is high in unrefined, water-soluble fiber. And that makes it very different (and healthier) than orange juice. Many types of fruit juices (such as orange, grapefruit and grape juices) actually contain as much sugar per serving as a soft drink.

In a previous e-mail I told you about a Tulane School of Public Health study that analyzed dietary and medical records in more than 70,000 subjects. Results showed type 2 diabetes risk increased by nearly 20 percent among subjects who drank one serving of fruit juice daily.

The study also found that three daily servings of whole fruit

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An 86-year-old man went to his doctor for his quarterly check-up…

When asked how he was feeling, the 86-year-old replied,
“Things are just great and I’ve never felt better.’

I now have a 20 year-old bride who is pregnant with my child.

‘So what do you think about that Doc?”

The Doctor considered his question for a minute and then began to tell a story.

‘I have an elderly friend, much like you, who is an avid hunter and never misses a season.’

One day he was setting off to go hunting.

In a bit of a hurry , he accidentally picked up his walking cane instead of his gun.’

‘As he neared a lake , he came across a very large male beaver sitting at the water’s edge.

He realized he’d left his gun at home and so he couldn’t shoot the magnificent creature.

Out of habit he raised his cane, aimed it at the animal as if it were his favorite hunting rifle and went ‘Bang Bang’.’

‘Incredibly, two shots rang out and the beaver fell over dead.

Now, what do you think of that?’ asked the Doctor.

The 86-year-old thought for a minute and said,

‘Logic would strongly suggest that somebody else pumped a couple of rounds into that beaver.’
The Doctor replied, ‘My point exactly

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Dear Reader,

Do you ever experience numbness in an isolated area in either of your legs? How about a prickly feeling or leg pain while walking?

If so, it’s time to face the reality that it’s probably not going away. In fact, there’s a very good chance it may be peripheral artery disease (PAD) caused by impeded blood flow in the legs.

Most people with PAD are undiagnosed and unaware there’s a problem lurking. And that’s especially troubling for diabetics, who (along with smokers) are most likely to develop PAD.

The danger: PAD patients are four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

But new evidence shows that a well-known botanical may reduce these risks.

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One man’s success story
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A few months ago I told you about a study that found ginkgo biloba to be ineffective in reducing risk of heart attack or stroke in people over the age of 75.

But during that six-year study, about twice as many subjects in the placebo group developed PAD compared to the ginkgo group.

That’s not proof that ginkgo prevents PAD, but the suggestion is there. And an HSI member named Bertram agrees.

Bertram writes: “In 2006 I had an accident which threw by intrinsic rhythms off and resulted in elevated blood pressure levels. I researched alternative solutions after I was prescribed a lopressor and coumadin without any satisfactory explanation as to why. My arteries were clean; triglycerides, CRP, sugar and homocysteine were within acceptable levels.

“The doctors, including the chief cardiologist at the Interfaith Hospital in Brooklyn, told me that these drugs were prescribed as a preventative measure to prevent a blood clot even though my heart structure was sound.

“Total bunk! I started using ginkgo in 2006 after stumbling on the site of Dr. Blaylock who recommended ginkgo among other supplements.

“The end result is that I can now go out in the cold or touch ice without suffering from extremely white, blood starved fingers and toes. Today, I can walk in the cold New York…even Ottawa…winter and my fingers and toes remain red. This is evidence that there is blood circulation to my peripheral members.

“I will be 57 in two weeks and today my blood pressure is 110/60. Ginkgo is one of the main reasons for that.”

Those are great results. But I have two notes to add: 1) Beware taking ginkgo biloba with other drugs to address a heart condition, especially warfarin or aspirin. 2) Another HSI member wrote to warn that ginkgo might prompt adverse reactions in diabetics who take metformin.

Ginkgo is one of those very useful botanicals that should be researched before trying, and ideally used under the care of an herbalist or medical professional.


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Word of the Day

rebotar reh-boh-tar’  (intransitive verb)

to bounce, to ricochet, to shoot up/out of something

EXAMPLES

A mi perro le compré una pelota que brilla al rebotar. – I bought my dog a ball that lights up when it bounces.

El e-mail enviado a esta dirección incorrecta que me ha rebotado. – The email sent to this address has been bounced back to me.
For more information and examples, visit the SpanishDict.com entry for rebotar.

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Music Stuff March 11th

1963, The Mann Hugg Blues Brothers (later to become Manfred Mann) played at London’s Marquee Club in England.
1964, The Beatles spent the day filming at Twickenham Studios for A Hard Day’s Night.
1965, Tom Jones was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘It’s Not Unusual.’
1966, This week’s ITV music show ‘Ready Steady Go’, was entirely devoted to the music of James Brown.
1967, The Supremes had their ninth US No.1 single with ‘Love Is Here And Now Your Gone’ a No.17 hit in the UK.
1967, music publisher, Dick James, announced that 446 different versions of the Paul McCartney song ‘Yesterday’ had been recorded so far.
1968, The Otis Redding single ‘Dock Of The Bay’, went gold in the US three months after the singer was killed in a plane crash.
1970, winners at this years Grammy awards included Joe South for song of the year with ‘Games People Play’, Crosby Stills and Nash won best new artist, The Fifth Dimension won Record of the year with ‘Aquarius / Let The Sun Shine In.’
1971, Jim Morrison of The Doors arrived in Paris booking into The Hotel George’s, the following week he moved into an apartment at 17 Rue Beautreillis in Paris.
1972, Neil Young US No.1 with ‘Harvest.’ The album featured the hit single ‘Heart Of Gold.’
1972, Harry Nilsson UK No.1 with his version of The Peter Ham and Tom Evans song ‘Without You’.
1978, The debut single from Kate Bush, ‘Wuthering Heights’ UK No.1.
1989, Jason Donovan UK No.1 with ‘Too Many Broken Hearts. A Stock, Aitken and Waterman hit.
1993, Oasis recorded their first demos at The Real People’s studio in Liverpool.
1996, Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker walked free from Kensington police station after police failed to charge him with any criminal offence following his ‘stage invasion’, during Michael Jackson’s performance at the Brit Awards on 19th February 1996.
2001, Westlife UK No.1 with their version of the 1983 Billy Joel song, ‘Uptown Girl.’
2005, the front door of Ozzy Osbourne’s childhood home in Birmingham went up for sale because the current owner was fed up with fans defacing it.
2006, the Disney Channel Original Movie, ‘High School Musical’ was at No.1 on the US album chart.
2008, Madonna was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a star-studded ceremony in New York City, she received her honour at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel from singer Justin Timberlake. The 49-year-old thanked her detractors in an acceptance speech, including those who “said I couldn’t sing, that I was a one hit wonder”.

Birthday Boys and Girls March 11th

1944, Ric Rothwell, drummer with The Mindbenders
1948, George Kooymans, Golden Earring
1950, Bobby McFerrin, vocalist and conductor
1951, Katie Kissoon,

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Shay!

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It is a beautiful day and the sky is blue as far as the eye can see. The definition on the mountains is sharp and the sea is blue. The rest of Spain varies between cold and very cold and even the Canaries are in for another day of heavy rainfall.

I was watching a fly-on-the-wall documentary last night when four rich people experienced being poor for four days. They were given about 40 pounds and a place to stay and then monitored for their progress in getting a job. The cameras were marking their progress. Well, how true to life is all this. People aren´t automatically given a place to stay and tghey aren´t given the support of programme directors and camera crews. Nor do they leave the programme after four days! It was interesting to see that they cracked up during the first day and, with millions to fall back on the programme makers don´t really seem to realise that these shows are merely a palliative. In fact, we had to switch off as it was becoming patronising….

Here´s the weather for Alicante…remember, Benidorm has a micro climate so check for Benidorm if you´re coming……….

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Clear
13° C | 3° C
Clear
15° C | 6° C
Chance of Rain
11° C | 3° C
Clear
15° C | 4° C
Clear

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Word of the Day
el rato rah’-toh (noun)

while, time
EXAMPLES

Con esto hay para rato. – That should keep us going for a while.

Tengo para rato. – It’ll be a while.

IDIOMS

Pasar el rato – To while away the time

A cada rato – Every other minute

For more information and examples, visit the SpanishDict.com entry for el rato.
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Midsummer’s Night 2010 may well be the last time that the Spanish, residents and visitors, can enjoy a ‘smoke’ inside a public space in Spain, without fear of prosecution. June 22nd, 2010 is provisionally the day that Spain’s anti-smoking laws are expected to change, according to articles in the Spanish Press and TV.

The irony on the Costa Blanca is that traditional midsummer’s night parties in honour of San Juan (St. John the Baptist) take place on the evening of June 23rd and since 1928 Alicante has celebrated with the Bonfires of Saint John, which have developed into elaborate constructions inspired by the Valencia’s Fallas. No doubt someone with a sense of humour will build one depicting a smoker going up in flames!

This action from the Ministry of Health is to once and for all bring Spain into line with many other European Countries and ban smoking in public areas. The government aims to eliminate all those areas where smoking is allowed at present. This means that there will be no longer be any special areas reserved for smokers and that all bars, restaurants, hotels (which can now have up to 30% of rooms reserved for smokers), nightclubs, gaming establishments, casinos plus the designated zones in airports, bus stations, trains, shipping terminals and anywhere else presently permitted, will now have to close down these areas due to changes in the enforcement of the law. Congress still must approve this, but it looks like that they will have the approval of all parties. Full Story

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This really is the most bizarre thing you might ever have seen.It´s the border ceremony between India and Pakistan. It´s very strange!

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Frightening new soy product on the horizon

If you think the soy assault is bad now… just wait.

Mad scientists burning through USDA dollars are hard at work trying to create even more deceptive soy products that look, taste and feel like real food — but make no mistake, anything based on soy is a nutrition-free demon in disguise.

This latest lab monster is created through a new high- moisture process, and is supposed to mimic chicken… although the researchers admit it tastes more like turkey. In any case, it’s no bird at all — it’s “meat analogue.”

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t be caught dead eating anything called a “meat analogue.” It may look like chicken and taste like turkey, but I smell a meat-free rat here… because the researchers are using some pretty bizarre logic to make the case that their non-bird is actually nutritious.

They fed this new “meatier” soy product to a bunch of mice. Compared to a second set of mice, these rodents seemed to develop just fine, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

What did the second set of mice eat?

A different soy product!

That doesn’t prove this lab waste is nutritious — all they can really say is that neither of these two non-foods caused the mice to drop dead right away.

But believe me, this garbage isn’t fit for man or mouse.

Soy mimics estrogen to the point where your body thinks it’s getting a hormonal boost. And for most people, that’s bad news. This fake food has been linked to heart disease, cancer, thyroid problems, sex problems, homosexuality and other mental disorders.

Even if they do manage to concoct a soy “meat analogue” that looks, tastes and feels just like meat… your body will always know the difference. Last time I checked, you could still get genuine fresh meat at every corner butcher, so do yourself and your body a favor: Insist on the real thing.

William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.
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Here´s a nice story sent to me by Frank Tomenson…….

Two Choices

What would you do?….you make the choice. Don’t look for a punch line, there isn’t one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its

dedicated staff, he offered a question:

‘When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?’

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. ‘I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.’

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, ‘Do you think they’ll let me play?’ I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, ‘We’re losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we’ll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.’

Shay struggled over to the team’s bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay’s team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay’s team scored again..

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn’t even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the

plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay’s life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman’s head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, ‘Shay, run to first!

Run to first!’

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, ‘Run to second, run to second!’

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher’s intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman’s head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, ‘Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay’

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, ‘Run to third!

Shay, run to third!’

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, ‘Shay, run home! Run home!’

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

‘That day’, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, ‘the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world’.

Shay didn’t make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

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Music Stuff March 10th

1960, UK trade paper Record Retailer published the UK’s first ever EP (extended player) chart and LP chart. No. 1 EP was ‘Expresso Bongo’ by Cliff Richard & The Shadows
1962, Bruce Channel US No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Hey! Baby’, UK No.2
1973, This week’s UK Top 5 singles: No.5, Focus, ‘Sylvia’, No.4, Detroit Emeralds, ‘Feel The Need In Me’, No.3, The Strawbs, ‘Part Of The Union’, No.2, The Faces, ‘Cindy Incidentally’, No.1, Slade, ‘Cum On Feel The Noize.’
1979, Gloria Gaynor US No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘I Will Survive’, also a UK No.1
1984, Van Halen US No.1 position with ‘Jump’.
1988, younger brother of The Bee Gees Andy Gibb died in hospital. His death from myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) followed a long battle with cocaine addiction, which had weakened his heart.
1997, American rhythm and blues singer Lavern Baker died from coronary complications aged 57.
2000, Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde was arrested for leading an animal rights protest against the clothing firm Gap
2001, TV’s ‘Pop Idol’ winner Will Young revealed in an exclusive News Of The World interview that he was gay
2002, ‘The Essential Barbra Streisand’ UK No.1
2003, Johnny Cash was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee to undergo treatment for pneumonia.
2005, a survey carried out by Music Choice concluded that ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams was the song Britons would most like played at their funeral. Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ was second and Monty Python’s ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ was voted into third place.
2005, Michael Jackson arrived in court an hour late dressed in his pyjamas after being treated for a back injury
2009, Tickets for a one-off gig by Sir Paul McCartney in Las Vegas sold out seven seconds after going on sale.

Birthday Boys and Girls March 10th

1945, Pete Nelson, The Flowerpot Men
1954,Tina Charles
1964, Neneh Cherry, singer, songwriter

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To Wii or not to Wii?

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Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength. - Eric Hoffer, 1902-1983

I love this old Internet thing. I was Skyped, which is extremely painless, by my friend Les in Newquay as I switched on this morning. I find it a privilege to be sitting in Spain talking to a friend in Newquay without hardly lifting a finger. How long will it be before we can be ´beamed´like Dr Spock and co into each others´company? The mind boggles! I slipped up a bit last night. We were out late and had drunk a coffee before we went out. We drank another coffee whilst we were out and a hot chocolate at the end of our night. You can see how we live it up here in Spain! The consequence was worse than if I´d had a few pints of beer. I was a s high as a kite and couldn´t get to sleep for hours on end. This, then, gets you lying in bed and thinking….OK, so I am seeing friends today and I always look forward to seeing friends BUT……..could I get to sleep! Incidentally, speaking of the internet this is interesting……………………………………………………….

* Internet Making our Brains Different, Not Dumb *

A decade from now, Google won’t make us “stupid,” the Internet may make us more literate in a different kind of way and efforts to protect individual anonymity will be even more difficult to achieve, according to many of the experts surveyed for a look at “The Future of the Internet” in 2020.

Go here for complete news story.

Rafa is going to have to move on. I cannot see Liverpool getting the 4th Champions League spot now. To come on TV and tell the fans the players had a wrong attitude beggars belief. These guys win the lottery every week of the season whilst we flog ourselves to death to earn a living. Sorry boys I expect any Liverpool player to run himself into the ground for the club. It´s not just an exotic foreign interlude you are playing for thousand and millions of fans around the globe not your agent and your bank balance.

Our weather is decidedly nicer but will the forecast for Alicante reflect this? Don´t forget our micro-climate around Benidorm will always give you an advantage if you´re coming on holiday…

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Chance of Rain
14° C | 1° C
Clear
13° C | 5° C
Clear
15° C | 6° C
Chance of Rain
13° C | 4° C
Clear
14° C | 5° C

I like to look at other points of view and this next item is really very different from my own experience. Let´s look at the article first……..

Fitness game does real harm

The exercise is fake — but the damage is real. I’ve already told you how the so-called exercises in the “Wii Fit” videogame provide no workout at all…barely even rising to the level of simple walking.

But while you won’t get a real workout…you may get something else that exercise offers: Injuries. A recent letter in the New England Journal of Medicine shows Wii Twits suffering from sprains, broken bones, head injuries, chest trauma and dislocations — all from playing a stupid TV game!

And if you don’t wreck your body attempting these ridiculous exercises, you might wreck your home. Wii players are accidentally smashing TVs, windows and furniture with their full-motion games.

Just enter “Wii damage videos” or “Wii injuries” in your favorite search engine or on YouTube. You’ll see dummies hurting themselves, hurting each other and destroying their homes in the name of this moronic game.

You’ll laugh so hard at these poor fools you might get hurt yourself.

Humans aren’t the only ones at risk. Just last month, a Wii player in Michigan walloped her dog with one accidental swing of the controller. The pooch had no breath or pulse… but was revived by a skilled neighbor.

Remember, the best exercise is no exercise at all — just make sure your body gets a steady amount of natural movement.

And that means turning off the TV.

Out to prove that health is not a game,

William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.

I use the Wii Fitness programme and it is very good for certain exercises. I see the doctor´s point of view because , like everything in life, there will always be people who go too far or take unnecessary risks. However, if you take exercise seriously you know what to do and what to avoid doing. When it is raini9ng or the weather is particularly unkind then this exercise programme is very useful. It can be a discipline that helps keep to an exercise routine. I think it is best to select parts of the programme which are beswt for your needs but to dismiss it out of hand is not right. The yoga is good and the exercises are useful. Used carefully, there is little wrong with the programme. It encourages you to weigh yourself regularly and also it does advise you when you might be overdoing things.

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IDIOMS

Word of the Day

endulzar ehn-dool-sar’  (transitive verb)

to sweeten; to make more bearable, to ease, to soften, to make mild; to brighten (life)

EXAMPLES

Un poco de buena música puede endulzar los sentidos después de un día difícil. – A bit of good music can ease the nerves after a difficult day.

Deberías endulzar el té un poco más. – You should sweeten the tea a little more.

Endulzar los oídos – To whisper sweet nothings in someone’s ear
For more information and examples, visit the SpanishDict.com entry for endulzar.

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* Happiness Makes for a Healthy Heart *

People who are usually happy and enthusiastic are less likely to develop heart disease than those who tend to be glum, scientists said on Thursday, and boosting positive emotions could help cut heart health risks.

U.S. researchers said their observational study was the first to show an independent relationship between positive emotions and coronary heart disease, but stressed that more work was needed before any treatment recommendations could be made.

Go here for complete news story.

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Music Stuff March 9th
1960, Adam Faith was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Poor Me’ The singers second and final No.1.
1963, Tommy Roe, Chris Montez and The Beatles appeared at the East Ham Granada in London.
1964, The Beatles filmed the last day of train scenes for the movie A Hard Dad’s Night.
1966, The Beach Boys started recording ‘God Only Knows’. UK No.2 single in 1966
1968, Bob Dylan started a ten-week run at No.1 on the UK chart with his ninth album ‘John Wesley Harding’.
1974, Alvin Stardust UK No.1 with ‘Jealous Mind’. He was Shane Fenton in the 1960s
1975, actor Telly Savalas (Kojak) UK No.1 with ‘If’.
1985, Dead Or Alive UK No.1 with ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record).
1985, REO Speedwagon US No.1 with ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’, it made No.16 in the UK.
1991, Chris Rea scored his second UK No.1 album with ‘Auberge’ the follow up to ‘The Road To Hell’
1991, ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’ gave The Clash their only UK No.1 single also used for a Levi’s TV advertisement.
1996, Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher walked off stage during a gig at the Vernon Valley Gorge ski resort in New Jersey because his hands were too cold to play.
1996, Take That scored their eighth and last UK No.1 single (until re-forming in 2006) with their version of The Bee Gees 1977 song ‘How Deep Is Your Love’.
1997, The Spice Girls No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Spice Girls.’
2004, Tom Jones was banned from wearing tight leather pants by his own son and manager Mark Jones.
2008, Duffy UK No.1 on the UK album charts with ‘Rockferry’ the Welsh singers debut album.

Birthday Boys and Girls March 9th
1934, Lloyd Price, US singer, songwriter
1944, Trevor Burton, The Move
1945, Ron Wilson, drummer, The Surfaris
1948,Jeffrey Osborne, soul singer
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Finally, and it is a big finally, I want to share this newsletter with you. You might wish to subscribe to it yourself so I will tell you it influences me and let you decide what you would like to read. Until tomorrow…………….

* Self Improvement and Personal Growth Weekly Newsletter *
Issue # 600, Week of March 8-9, 2010
Publisher: David Riklan – http://www.SelfGrowth.com

In this issue:

– Quotes of the Week
– Recommended Resource of the Week
– Article: Five Performance Lessons from The Biggest Loser – By Kevin Eikenberry
– Article: Stop Trying to Be Normal – By Michael Beck
– Book Review: Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind - By Joe Dispenza
– Brief News of the World
– How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe from this Newsletter

Current Subscribers – 281,972 subscribers
Removal instructions are listed at the end of the newsletter.

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*** Quotes of the Week ***
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Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength. – Eric Hoffer, 1902-1983

Evil deeds do not prosper; the slow man catches up with the swift. – Homer, 800 BC-700 BC

I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God’s business. - Michael J. Fox, 1961-present
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*** Recommended Resource of the Week ***
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Beat diabetes without drugs… WITHOUT needles… without giving up chocolate!

The mainstream’s got it all wrong. Diabetes doesn’t have to be a life sentence of needle pokes, pills, and passing up the dessert table.

In fact, squashing this “epidemic” has never been easier…

Discover the 10 do-it-yourself secrets that can help you eliminate the threat of diabetes FOR GOOD–without becoming a human pin cushion, popping handfuls of pills, or giving up chocolate.

Learn more…

————————————————————
*** Article: Five Performance Lessons from The Biggest Loser – By Kevin Eikenberry ***
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My wife’s favorite television show is the The Biggest Loser. If you’re not familiar, it’s an NBC reality television show that chronicles a group of seriously overweight people from all walks of life as they try to become more healthy – and lose lots of weight.

To give you an idea, the most recent winner, Danny Cahill a 40-year-old man from Oklahoma, went from 430 pounds to 191 pounds in 7 months (that’s 239 pounds LOST).

When my wife first began watching the show and telling me how fascinating it was, I wasn’t that interested; reality TV didn’t seem very real to me, and I didn’t really want to watch. After a few more conversations, I decided to watch with her.

The show is “reality TV” and therefore there are elements that don’t interest me that much, and I wish it wasn’t so long (it’s the perfect candidate for your DVR), but overall I really enjoy the show.

Why?

I enjoy the show because of the truths it highlights week after week about human performance, success, goal achievement and leadership. And, of course, these lessons are available to us all regardless of how much we weigh.

Here are five of the most valuable lessons you can take from this show and apply in your life.

The importance of vision. How can we arrive at any destination if we don’t know what it is? Contestants on the show often say “I’m not ready to go home yet” (most weeks at least one contestant leaves “the ranch” where all contestants live while they pursue their weight loss full time). This statement connects to their vision. Often what they mean but don’t say is that they don’t yet have the skills, tools, and more to be successful on their own at home in reaching their vision. Their vision is clear and those who stay the most focused on it have the best results.

The power of purpose. As with most reality television, there is a monetary prize for the person who loses the most weight (as a percentage of their initial weight). Yet, if you didn’t already know that as you watched the show, you wouldn’t learn it from the contestants. Do they want to win $250,000? I’m sure they do. However, that is never a topic of conversation; rather they talk about why they want to lose the weight – to play with their children, to live longer, to be a grandparent, to literally be able to have children, and more. These statements of purpose are the real “why” – the real reason they are putting their bodies and minds through extremes. Those with the strongest purposes, make the most progress.

The need for massive action. You must agree that you can’t lose 20-50+% of your body weight in 7 months by eating a few less chips or walking once in awhile. The people on the show aren’t timid about their actions. They are doing the extreme! When I watch them I am continually reminded that if you want massive change, you must take massive action.

The value of new habits. During the course of the show, there are episodes where all the remaining contestants go home for one or more weeks. During this time, they need to continue to exercise and eat correctly because when they return for the weekly weigh in, they will be accountable for their actions of the week. Those that are most successful at home are those who have built new habits of thinking and acting; habits that transcend the time away from home. So it is for us – we must consciously build habits that support the goals we want to achieve, and make choices that are consistent with those goals.

The consequences of coaching. The show has two trainers who work with the contestants throughout the show – helping them with diet, exercise and mindset changes. Would the contestants be as successful without a coach to help them with their improvement? Of course not! Few of us would embark on physical fitness change without some coaching; yet often we try to reach other personal or professional goals without informed help. Crazy isn’t it? If you want great success, get informed, caring, wise assistance.

Each of these lessons is incredibly valuable, and when intentionally applied can create great change. They apply to those we lead as well. When you take these lessons and apply them to your leadership activities, you can make a bigger difference within your organization.

Am I telling you to watch the new season, or watch past episodes online?

Not necessary; that is up to you.

What I am telling you is that if you want greater results in any part of your life, pay attention to the lessons I have shared above.

Because they work.

** To comment on this article or to read comments about this article, go here.


About the Author:

Remarkable leaders know that their ability to master these ideas makes them more effective leaders. One of the ways you can learn the skills related to goal achievement, focus and influence (and much more) is by participating in The Remarkable Leadership Learning System – a one skill at a time, one month at a time approach to becoming a more confident and successful leader. Get $748.25 worth of leadership development materials including two months of that unique system as part of Kevin Eikenberry’s Most Remarkable Free Leadership Gift Ever today. Kevin is a bestselling author, speaker, trainer, consultant and the Chief Potential Officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group.

Beat diabetes without drugs… WITHOUT needles… without giving up chocolate!

The mainstream’s got it all wrong. Diabetes doesn’t have to be a life sentence of needle pokes, pills, and passing up the dessert table.

In fact, squashing this “epidemic” has never been easier…

Discover the 10 do-it-yourself secrets that can help you eliminate the threat of diabetes FOR GOOD–without becoming a human pin cushion, popping handfuls of pills, or giving up chocolate.

Learn more…

————————————————————
*** Article: Stop Trying to Be Normal – By Michael Beck ***
————————————————————

Stop trying to be normal. It undermines your success and keeps you in a state of mediocrity. It’s an interesting phenomenon.

This idea of being “normal” starts to take hold in high school. There begins to form this desire to “fit in” – to be part of a group. Or at least, not be singled out as someone who “doesn’t fit in”. Along with that comes the desire to be an “insider”. This need to belong and to be an insider can be very strong for many people.

Although the challenges and insecurities from our high school days are long gone, that need to belong – to be part of the group – to be accepted – to belong – can still be very strong. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be accepted and/or wanting to fit in, but when this “wanting” turns to “needing”, it becomes detrimental to a person’s success.

This often occurs when a person has an “external frame of reference” rather than an “internal frame of reference”. Having an external frame of reference means looking outside of one’s self to determine the truth of things. Things like right vs. wrong, appropriate vs. inappropriate, and successful vs. unsuccessful. When a person has an external frame of reference, they look to others for approval. They base their self-worth and their self-image on what others think and say about them.

Conversely, having an internal frame of reference means looking within one’s self to determine the truth of things; to determine right vs. wrong, appropriate vs. inappropriate, and successful vs. unsuccessful. When a person has an internal frame of reference, they don’t look to others for approval. I’m not saying recognition and acknowledgment aren’t meaningful to someone with an internal frame of reference. I’m simply saying that they aren’t the driving forces for their actions. Someone with an internal frame of reference bases their self-worth and their self-confidence on what they know to be true about themselves.

Which brings us back to the idea of being “normal”. Most people consider themselves to be “normal” and consequently most groups of people consider themselves to be “normal”. Therefore, in order to remain part of the group, one needs to remain “normal”.

And being “normal” – by definition – means being “average”. Consequently, many people – in an attempt to fit in and belong – spend their lives striving to be average. Sometimes they do it consciously and sometimes they do it unconsciously. Sometimes it’s done by intent and sometimes inadvertently. But it happens nonetheless…

A person is striving to be average (or “normal”) when they work hard to meet a quota rather than exceed it. A person is striving to be average when they purposely minimize themselves and their dreams so that their associates, family and/or friends don’t belittle them for dreaming big. A person strives to be average by “playing it safe” – not in terms of taking physical or financial risks, but in terms of taking the risks inherent in hoping for, dreaming of, and working towards the things that would set you apart from the others.

It takes courage to break away from “normal”; to separate oneself from the crowd. You risk not fitting in and not being accepted by the group of people you’ve been a part of. You risk feeling embarrassed if you don’t achieve your goals when you said you would. You risk being disappointed and frustrated.

But when you reach your goals – when you realize your dreams – you will know that you are not “normal”. You will not be average. And interestingly enough, you will find that you’ve become part of a new, different group. You will be part of a group that is not “normal”. You will be part of a group that knows that each member is not “average”.

Mark Twain once said, “Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

The decision to separate yourself from the crowd comes from a within. It arises from a desire to realize one’s full potential and a resolve to take responsibility for one’s future. It doesn’t matter what others say or do or think. None of them pay your bills. None of them have your dreams.

Sometimes it’s a lonely path. Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it’s frustrating. But one thing is true for sure. It’s always worthwhile.

I know what it’s like to try to fit in. I know what it’s like to try to be normal. I used to have an external frame of reference.

But I changed. I stopped trying to fit in. I stopped trying to be average and I started striving for excellence. I started setting bigger and bigger dreams and goals. I started associating with other successful people. I don’t fit in very well with people who are “normal”. I never have. But I’ve come to realize that I fit in with people who are extraordinary.

So stop trying to be normal. Come and join me instead…

** To comment on this article or to read comments about this article, go here.
About the Author:

Written by Michael Beck, Business Philosopher & Strategist. For more articles and to subscribe to his free monthly newsletter, “Full Potential”, please visit http://www.mbeckweb.com. Permission to reprint with full attribution. © 2010 Michael Beck International, Inc.

Beat diabetes without drugs… WITHOUT needles… without giving up chocolate!

The mainstream’s got it all wrong. Diabetes doesn’t have to be a life sentence of needle pokes, pills, and passing up the dessert table.

In fact, squashing this “epidemic” has never been easier…

Discover the 10 do-it-yourself secrets that can help you eliminate the threat of diabetes FOR GOOD–without becoming a human pin cushion, popping handfuls of pills, or giving up chocolate.

Learn more…

————————————————————
*** Book Review: Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind - By
Joe Dispenza ***
————————————————————

Take your first step toward true evolution.

Ever wonder why you repeat the same negative thoughts in your head? Why you keep coming back for more from hurtful family members, friends, or significant others? Why you keep falling into the same detrimental habits or limiting attitudes–even when you know that they are going to make you feel bad?

Dr. Joe Dispenza has spent decades studying the human mind–how it works, how it stores information, and why it perpetuates the same behavioral patterns over and over. In the acclaimed film What the Bleep Do We Know!? he began to explain how the brain evolves–by learning new skills, developing the ability to concentrate in the midst of chaos, and even healing the body and the psyche.

Evolve Your Brain presents this information in depth, while helping you take control of your mind, explaining how thoughts can create chemical reactions that keep you addicted to patterns and feelings–including ones that make you unhappy. And when you know how these bad habits are created, it’s possible to not only break these patterns, but also reprogram and evolve your brain, so that new, positive, and beneficial habits can take over.

This is something you can start to do right now. You and only you have the power to change your mind and evolve your brain for a better life–for good.
*****
The list price of this book is $16.95. To purchase it from Amazon.com at a price of $11.53, a 32% discount, go here.

————————————————————
*** Brief News of the World ***
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Positive:

* Badge Saves Las Vegas Officer from Bullet *

A police officer’s badge may have saved his life when it stopped a bullet during an exchange of gunfire in North Las Vegas.

Police say the 31-year-old officer was patrolling just before 10 p.m. Saturday when he heard shots being fired in an apartment complex.Go here for complete news story.

* ‘Magic Happened’ After She Gave Ex-Cons a Chance at New Lives *

At the bus terminal in downtown Los Angeles, they’re easy to spot. Dressed in blue jeans, they carry boxes, bags or large envelopes with their name and a number on it. They are ex-offenders, just released from California’s prison system. When they step off the bus with $200 in “gate money” in their pockets, many have hopes of making a fresh start.

But in this seedy area just blocks from Skid Row, the new arrivals are easy targets for pimps and drug dealers. For some, the temptation is too much. While not everyone succumbs to the streets so quickly, nearly 60 percent return to prison within three years, according to California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It’s a cycle that Susan Burton is striving to break through her reentry program.Go here for complete news story.

* Prince William in Photo Shoot for Homeless *

In the studio one of London’s top fashion photographers, a prince and a pauper took turns behind the lens.

CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reports, it was Britain’s Prince William up first, putting Jeff Hubbard – who spent years on the streets homeless – in his sights.

Then they switched places, and even teamed up for a two-shot, all for a good cause.Go here for complete news story.
** For more positive news, please visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/news.html
Other:

* Upcoming Census Hiring Set to Boost Jobs Reports By Over Half a Million *

Temporary help is on the way for the country’s battered job market, thanks to the upcoming U.S. Census.

According to a new study released today by the Commerce Department, which includes the Census Bureau the survey will add up to 635,000 temporary jobs by May to the nation’s employment reports.Go here for complete news story.

* Happiness Makes for a Healthy Heart *

People who are usually happy and enthusiastic are less likely to develop heart disease than those who tend to be glum, scientists said on Thursday, and boosting positive emotions could help cut heart health risks.

U.S. researchers said their observational study was the first to show an independent relationship between positive emotions and coronary heart disease, but stressed that more work was needed before any treatment recommendations could be made.Go here for complete news story.

* Internet Making our Brains Different, Not Dumb *

A decade from now, Google won’t make us “stupid,” the Internet may make us more literate in a different kind of way and efforts to protect individual anonymity will be even more difficult to achieve, according to many of the experts surveyed for a look at “The Future of the Internet” in 2020.Go here for complete news story.
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To be removed from this newsletter, please click the Unsubscribe link at the very bottom of this email.
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Self Improvement Online, Inc.
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Copyright (C) 2010 by Self Improvement Online, Inc.
Permission is granted to reproduce or distribute this newsletter only in its entirety and provided copyright is acknowledged.
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Did you hear anything?

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Would you believe it….Portsmouth versus Tottenham for the cup semi-finals.? You couldn´t have written a better script for Harry Redknapp and the boys, could you? Chelsea will also find Villa difficult but it does look like a Chelsea v Tottenham final. We´ll wait and see. Elsewhere, Everton move up to 8th after thumping Hull 5-1, England is now looking at the cost of its investment in Tennis after lowly Lithuania see them off and shocks galore in both rugby codes. An interesting week for sport.

The twists of fate are quite acute

For soccer managers ..some very astute

Redknapp´s the manager for any team

And falls on his feet every time it would seem

Southampton and Portsmouth shared Harry´s charms

Then off  to Tottenham without many qualms

Success seems to follow wherever he goes

Harry´s had highs but he´s also had lows

Tottenham´s success means Harry is up

Who´d bet against Harry winning this next FA Cup?

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Well the day started off miserable and wet but just as I´m writing this blog the clouds are clearing and there´s enough blue sky to make a pair of sailor´s trousers. I´m told this augurs well………………

There will be people who have never seen me do my Rocking Rupert. Here´s a link to a recent show.

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Here´s the weather for Alicante Province…don´t forget Benidorm has its micro climate..if the sun´s about Benidorm will find it…

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Chance of Rain
13° C | 3° C
Scattered Clouds
14° C | 2° C
Clear
17° C | 4° C
Clear
14° C | 6° C
Chance of Rain
11° C | 6° C
Chance of Rain

30% chance of precipitation
 Scattered Clouds Clear Clear Chance of Rain

You’ve Got Mail

Working at the post office, I’m used to dealing with a moody public. So, when one irate customer stormed my desk, I responded in my calmest voice, “What’s the trouble?”

“I went out this morning,” she began, “and when I came home, I found a card saying the mailman tried to deliver a package, but no one was home. I’ll have you know, my husband was in all morning! He never heard a thing!”

After apologizing, I got her parcel.

“Oh good!” she gushed. “We’ve been waiting for this for ages!”

“What is it?” I asked.

“My husband’s new hearing aid.”
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Scent of a woman gets men going

Ladies, if you’re looking to grab a man by his nose and get a reaction from another part of his body, forget the usual pricey and toxic chemical perfumes.

Your own natural body odor will do just fine if you use it right.

I know what you’re thinking… B.O. = P.U.!

But a new study finds that all it takes is a whiff of an ovulating woman to get a man literally drooling with extra testosterone. You can’t put that in a bottle — but there’s already talk of trying.

Researchers found two women who were ovulating, two who were not and gave each a plain white T-shirt. Then, they told the gals to sleep in those shirts each night for three straight nights.

Hey, I know people who’ve gone much longer without changing their shirt — so why not?

The shirts were then labeled and frozen while they gathered some men to come and take a whiff of the ladies’ laundry. Shouldn’t have been too hard to find volunteers — I read about these sniffers being arrested all the time.

As the men sniffed, researchers collected saliva samples for testosterone tests. And it turns out there’s nothing like the smell of the egg factory kicking into overdrive to get a man going: Men who sniffed the shirts of the ovulating women had 37 percent more testosterone than those who sniffed the shirts of the non-ovulating women.

In a second experiment, they had some men sniff the shirts of the ovulating women, while others sniffed plain shirts that had never been worn. Men sniffing the shirts of the ovulating women had, on average, 15 percent more testosterone than those who sniffed the new shirts, according to a recent paper in Psychological Science.

Of course, these are shirts frozen in plastic bags like peas and carrots — I expect the scent of a real, live highly fertile woman would give most red-blooded men an even bigger testosterone boost.

Ladies, remember: If men were attracted to perfume, we’d be three-deep at the cosmetics counters just hoping for a whiff, instead of standing impatiently off to the side holding your bags.

What’s more, those perfumes are packed with completely unregulated chemical scents. They also contain phthalates — a powerful chemical linked to sexual dysfunction in men. If you’ve been forcing him to inhale that junk, no wonder he’s not in the mood anymore.

So next time, skip the toilet water and bask in your own odor instead. You might be surprised at the results.

Sniffing out the truth,

William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.

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Word of the Day

engorroso ehn-goh-rroh’-so  (adjective)

bothersome, cumbersome, troublesome, trying; awkward, difficult, complicated, thorny

EXAMPLES

Es un asunto algo engorroso. – It’s a thorny situation.

Tengo problemas con la traducción de este párrafo engorroso. – I have problems with the translation of this troublesome paragraph.

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Music Stuff March 8th

1961, The Beatles played at the Cavern Club in Liverpool at lunchtime.
1962, The Beatles made their radio debut on the BBC’s ‘Teenagers Turn’, (Here We Go), singing Roy Orbison’s ‘Dream Baby’.
1966, Lulu became the first British female singer to appear behind the Iron curtain, when she toured Poland with The Hollies.
1966, Bob Dylan recorded ‘Just Like A Woman’
1969, The Small Faces split up after singer Steve Marriott announced he was leaving the band. Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan and Kenny Jones linked up with Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart and formed The Faces.
1970, Diana Ross made her first performance as a solo act
1973, Paul McCartney was fined £100 for growing cannabis at his farm in Scotland. McCartney claimed some fans gave the seeds to him and that he didn’t know what they would grow.
1986, Diana Ross was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with the ‘Chain Reaction.’ Written and produced by the Bee Gees, (who also provided the backing vocals for the single).
2003, singer, actor Adam Faith died.
2004, Westlife singer Bryan McFadden told the Daily Star he was quitting the group to spend more time with he wife and two children.
2008, Bjork caused controversy by shouting “Tibet, Tibet” at a Shanghai concert after a powerful performance of her song Declare Independence. Talk of Tibetan independence was considered taboo in China, which had ruled the territory since 1951.
2009, A blue  heritage plaque in honour of The Who drummer Keith Moon was unveiled on the site of the Marquee Club in Soho, London, where in 1964 the band played the first of 29 gigs there.
2009, Malcolm Jones, guitarist with Scottish band Runrig, was seriously ill in hospital after collapsing at Waverley rail station in Edinburgh.

Birthday Boys and Girls March 8th

1942, Ralph Ellis, The Swinging Blue Jeans
1943,Andrew Semple, guitar, vocals, The Fortunes
1945, Michael Dolenz, vocals, drums, The Monkees
1946, Carole Bayer Sager, singer, songwriter. Wrote ‘Groovy Kind Of Love’, hit for The Mindbenders and Phil Collins.
1954, Cheryl Baker, Bucks Fizz
1958, Gary Numan,

Latest Podcast

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We Coped!

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Another grey and rainy day but a buoyant show with Cool Fm. Neil Colbourne joined me on the show and on the phone I spoke with Iris, Paul Melba and Ron Mitchell. The texts were flooding in and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Iris had quite a few telling her it was Mary Hopkins. Last night I watched Real Madrid scrape a win against Sevilla. Ronaldo was extremelygood and the Sevilla goalkeeper was brilliant. Well done Portsmouth and come on Reading, Stoke and Tottenham

Three conservative regions of Spain defended bullfighting on Friday and pledged legislation to enshrine it as a pillar of their cultural heritage, as another area of the country considers banning the sport.

Bullfighting remains very popular in some regions of Spain, but it is no longer the powerful draw it was generations ago. Today´s crowds at bull rings are largely middle-aged, while younger generations find their heroes in music or soccer. Some people find the killing and bloodshed of the sport too repugnant.

But in Spain, it is up to each region to decide whether to keep bullfighting legal, not the national government.  Full Story

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Iris’s Challenge .Answer at the foot of the page.

(1)   Was born 3 May 1950,and is a Welsh folk singer. She is best known as one of the first musicians to sign to The Beatles’ Apple label. The model Twiggy saw her winning the British ITV television talent show, Opportunity Knocks and recommended her to Paul McCartney.

(2)   Her first hit song was produced by Paul McCartney and was released in the UK on 30 August 1968, her version became a number one hit in the UK Singles Chart despite competition from a well-established star, Sandie Shaw, who released her version of the same song as a single that same year .On 2 October 1968 she appeared at St Paul’s Cathedral, London for the ‘Pop Experience’ where she sang “Morning Of My Life” and “Turn Turn Turn”  She also sang the title tracks for two of Stanley  Baker’s films, Where’s Jack? and Kidnapped.

(3)    On 21 February 1969 her debut album, Postcard, also produced by McCartney, was released. It included covers of three songs from Donovan, who also played on the album, and one song each from George Martin and Harry Nilsson. It reached number three on the UK Albums Chart, although it proved to be her solitary success story in that particular chart. In the United States Postcard reached Number 28 on the Billboard albums chart

(4)   Her third single, ” Temma Harbour “, was released on 16 January 1970 and peaked at Number 6 in the UK Singles Chart. In March of that year she represented the United Kingdom in the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest singing “Knock Knock, Who’s There”. But despite being the pre-contest favourite, she came second to “All Kinds of Everything”, performed by Irish singer Dana.

(5)   Although no other singles or albums came out in her name until 1976, she sang on numerous recordings that her husband Tony Visconti produced, such as those featuring Tom Paxton, Ralph McTell, David Bowie, Thin Lizzy, Sarstedt Brothers, and Elaine Paige.

(6)   She made a guest appearance on The Crocketts’ album The Great Brain Robbery, sang the theme song for Billy Connolly’s BBC TV series The World Tour, and re-recorded “Those Were The Days” with Robin Williams rapping. She also appeared in the Sarah Sugarman film Very Annie Mary and duetted with Dolly Parton on her 2005 album, Those Were the Days…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Word of the Day

engullir ehn-goo-yeer’  (transitive verb)

to devour, to gobble up, to wolf down, to bolt down

EXAMPLES

Cuando tenía 6 años, mi sobrina engullía libros, casi a uno por día. – When she was 6 years old, my niece devoured books, almost one every day.

Siempre engullo demasiado pastel en las fiestas. – I always wolf down too much cake at parties.

For more information and examples, visit the SpanishDict.com entry for engullir.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Work Wisdom

- Kauffman’s Paradox of the Corporation: The less important
you are to the corporation, the more your tardiness or
absence is noticed.

- The Salary Axiom: The pay raise is just large enough to
increase your taxes and just small enough to have no effect
on your take-home pay.

……………………………………………………………………………..

Here´s the weather for Alicante Province

Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Chance of Rain
14° C | 6° C
Chance of Rain
14° C | 3° C
Chance of Rain
11° C | 1° C
Clear
13° C | 3° C
Clear

Young Love

One night at the dinner table, the wife commented, “When we
were first married, you took the small piece of steak and
gave me the larger. Now you take the large one and leave me
the smaller. You don’t love me any more?”

“Nonsense, darling,” replied the husband, “you just cook
better now.”

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE 1930′s 1940′s, 50′s, 60′s and early 70′s !

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat, tuna from a can, and didn’t get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.

Then after that trauma, our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.

We had no childproof  lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops, McDonald’s , KFC, Subway or Nandos.

Even though all the shops closed at 6.00pm and didn’t open on the weekends, somehow we didn’t starve to death!

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy  Toffees, Gobstoppers, Bubble Gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren’t overweight because……

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of old prams and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and dens and played in river beds with matchbox cars.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo Wii , X-boxes, no video games at all, no 999 channels on SKY ,
no video/dvd  films, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms……….WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no Lawsuits from these accidents.

Only girls had pierced ears!

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

You could only buy Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns at Easter time…

We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthdays,

We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!

Mum didn’t have to go to work to help dad make ends meet!

RUGBY and CRICKET had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! Getting into the team was based on MERIT

Our teachers used to hit us with canes and gym shoes and bullies always ruled the playground at school.

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of…They actually sided with the law!

Our parents didn’t invent stupid names for their kids like ‘Kiora’ and ‘Blade’ and ‘Ridge’ and ‘Vanilla’

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL !
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Music Stuff March 7th

1953, Guy Mitchell UK No.1 ‘She Wears Red Feathers’.
1962, The Beatles recorded their first radio appearance, at the Playhouse Theatre, Hulme, Manchester, for the BBC radio program ‘Teenager’s Turn – Here We Go’.
1964, for the first time ever the UK Top Ten Singles Chart was composed entirely of British acts.
1964, The Dave Clark Five made their radio debut on the BBC’s ‘Saturday Club.’
1966, Mike Millward guitarist from The Fourmost died, aged 23.
1966, Tina Turner recorded her vocal on the Phil Spector produced ‘River Deep Mountain High’.
1967, The Beatles recorded additional overdubs for ‘Lovely Rita’
1970, Lee Marvin UK No.1  with ‘Wand’rin Star’, taken from the film ‘Paint Your Wagon.’
1970, Simon and Garfunkels album ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’  No.1 on the US chart.
1976, Elton John was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London.
1987, The first five Beatles albums, Please Please Me, With the Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night, Beatles for Sale and Help! were released on Compact disc.
1988, British pedal steel guitar player Gordon Huntley died of cancer. Was a member of Matthews Southern Comfort, (UK No.1 single ‘Woodstock) and worked with many acts including Elton John, Rod Stewart, The Pretty Things, Cliff Richard and Fairport Convention.
1998, Madonna UK No.1 with ‘Frozen’ the singers eighth UK No.1.
1999, Boyzone scored their fifth UK No. 1 single with ‘When The Going Gets Tough’… recorded for Comic Relief
2004, Britney Spears scored her fourth UK No.1 single with ‘Toxic’,

Birthday Boys and Girls March 7th

1945, Chris White, bass, The Zombies
1946, Matthew Fisher, Procol Harum
1948, Little Peggy March, US singer
1952, Ernie Isley, The Isley Brothers

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Smarty Pants

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We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.
Aristotle

It´s a funny old day with clouds in evidence and a grey sky only pierced by the sun every now and again. Nevertheless when we stack our luck against others in the world we live like kings. I´ve just been down to do my show with Cool FM on 97.4 and found we have no Stuey Lewis today as he´s gone back to the UK for a funeral. This is the price we pay for living out here. We seem to be going back for too many funerals.

Has anyone else been following the mysterious happenings in Bridgend, Wales. Twenty eight young people have committed suicide there since 2007 according to this newspaper report . The number of these suicides has dramatically increased in the past two years. What on earth is causing the problem? Isn´t this matter of the Venables identity cover up strange? Of course, everyone knows he will have changed dramatically but more importantly what has he done and why is he being treated so differently. If you´ve not followed events, this is one of the two boys who killed Jamie Bulger in Bootle all those years ago. Whatever he has done, and we´re told he´s broken the terms of his release, it probably is in the public interest to know what has happened although we all realise his safety is in jeopardy.

Word of the Day

el abono ah-boh’-no  (noun)

season ticket; subscription; fertilizer; payment, credit card entry; installment

EXAMPLES

Si compras un abono, tendrás el mismo asiento para todos los juegos en tu plan. – If you buy a season ticket, you will have the same seat for all the games in your plan.

En invierno es el mejor momento para aportar abonos orgánicos al suelo. – Wintertime is the best time to add organic fertilizer to the soil.

For more information and examples, visit the SpanishDict.com entry for el abono.

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Iris’s Challenge/ answer at the foot of the page/

(1)Were an English pop trio, created in 1964, and consisted of John Carter, Ken Lewis and Perry Ford. They enjoyed two Top 10 hit singles in the UK Singles Chart in 1965. The group’s sound was characterised by rich, three-part vocal harmonies, and they had started out as session singers.

(2) They were first heard doing background vocals for The Who on their hit single “I Can’t Explain” in November 1964

(3) Their debut single, “What More Do You Want” generated little interest but the second release, “Funny How Love Can Be” made the UK chart’s Top 10. Further hits followed, including “That’s why I’m Crying” and UK chart #3 “Tossing and Turning”.

(4) Carter and Lewis left the group and masterminded The Flower Pot Men, having a #4 hit in the UK with “(Let’s Go To) San Francisco

(5) In the 1980s “a” band started touring and performed the group’s hits at nightclubs and Sixties nostalgia events, even though none of the earlier members were involved. In the 1990s, a number of compilations were released. A band of the same name continues to perform, without any connection to the original band that existed between 1964 and 1975. The present day line-up consists of Jon Brennan (bass guitar/vocals; Dave Buckley (drums, vocals) and Mike Brice (guitar, vocals).

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Global warming plan could leave humans extinct

Forget climate change — the real threat to the planet and all of us riding on it comes from screwball scientists and their schemes to “save” us from nonexistent threats.

The latest plot sounds like it might have been hatched by a Bond villain: a series of simulated volcanic explosions to fill the atmosphere with a manmade chemical sunblock that would shield the entire planet.

Can you imagine anyone saying this stuff with a straight face? Yet that’s just one of a number of dead-serious proposals in the growing field of “geoengineering.”

Another scheme involves spraying seawater into the sky around the planet to create more clouds, lowering the global temperature. I hope you’ve invested in a good umbrella.

What’s even more disturbing is that our government is actually taking this nonsense seriously. The National Science Foundation just awarded $382,000 of YOUR money to University of Montana researchers just to study the ethics of geoengineering.

They should have asked me — I could solve that one for free: Ethics won’t matter one whit if we’re all dead after scientists blow their volcanic loads and dump the sea into the sky.

I wasn’t around when the dinosaurs got wiped out — I’m not that old — but the leading theory says it started with a meteor impact. The space rock itself didn’t kill off the creatures…instead, the real culprit was a massive cloud of dust kicked up by the impact, blocking out the sun.

Sound familiar?

I’m not convinced the climate is changing in the first place — and even if it is, it’s certainly not because of anything we’ve done. The planet’s a lot older and stronger than us.

But if we give in to this manufactured panic and let the mad scientists engineer the environment for us, we’ll go the way of the dinosaurs ourselves.

Hoping common sense isn’t extinct,

William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.

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SMART ARSED ANSWERS 2008

The last one is a worthy winner.

6th Place

It was mealtime during a flight on a British Airways plane:

‘Would you like dinner?’ the flight attendant asked the man seated in

the front row.

‘What are my choices?’ the man asked.

‘Yes or no,’ she replied.

5th Place

A flight attendant was stationed at the Qantas departure gate to check

tickets.

As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket and he

opened his trench coat and flashed at her

Without blinking an eyelid she said,

‘Sir, I need to see your ticket not your stub.’

4th Place

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at a Woolworth’s store but she couldn’t find one big enough for her family.

She asked a passing assistant, ‘Do these turkeys get any bigger?’

The assistant replied, ‘ I’m afraid not, they’re dead.’

3rd Place

The policeman got out of his car and approached the boy racer he stopped for speeding.

‘I’ve been waiting for you all day,’ the policeman said.

The kid replied, ‘Yes, well I got here as fast as I could.’

2nd Place

A semi-trailer driver was driving along on a country road. A sign came up that read ‘ Low Bridge Ahead.’  Before he realised it, the bridge was directly ahead and he got stuck

under it. Cars are backed up for miles. Finally, a police car came up. The policeman got out of his car and walked to the lorry’s cab And said to the driver,

‘Got stuck, eh?’

The lorry driver said, ‘No, I was delivering this bridge and ran out of petrol!’

SMART ARSED ANSWER OF THE YEAR 2008

A teacher at a  College reminded her pupils of tomorrow’s final exam.

‘Now listen to me, I won’t tolerate any excuses for you not being here tomorrow. I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury, illness, or a death in your immediate family, but that’s it, no other excuses whatsoever!’

A smart-arsed guy at the back of the room raised his hand and asked,

‘What would happen if I came in tomorrow suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?’

The entire class was reduced to laughter and sniggering.

When silence was restored, the teacher smiled knowingly at the student, shook her head and sweetly said, ‘Well, I suppose you’d have to write with your other hand’.

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Website: Rocket Spanish

Full Money Back Guarantee: 60 days

Learn Spanish Like Crazy (Learn Latin American Spanish)

Finally, this course is quite specific in teaching Latin American Spanish so it’s of particular interest to North American readers who visit Central and South America. There are significant differences in the Spanish spoken in Europe and that spoken in the Americas so if Spain isn’t where you’ll be speaking your Spanish then this course is well worth a look. Their website provides free instant access to the first two lessons and 10 free video lessons.

Website: Learn Spanish Like Crazy

Full Money Back Guarantee: 60 days

Gerry

spain@spanish-fiestas.com

http://www.spanish-fiestas.com

Music Stuff March 6th

1951, Welsh composer, singer and actor Ivor Novello died aged 58. He first became known for the song ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning,’ which he composed during World War I. The annual British songwriter award is named after him.

1955, Former radio DJ from Tennessee, Ernie Ford UK No.1 with ‘Give Me Your Word.’

1961, George Formby died aged 57. UK singing comedian and ukulele player. Made over 20 films, best known song ‘Leaning On A Lamp Post.’ Made an OBE in 1946.

1965, The Temptations US No.1 with the Smokey Robinson penned song ‘My Girl’, making the group the first male act to have a No.1 for Motown

1967, The Beatles recorded sound effects onto the song ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ at Abbey Road studios in London. The beginning audience murmurs and sounds of a band preparing for a performance are added, along with screams from a tape of the Beatles in concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

1968, UK singer Sandie Shaw married fashion designer Jeff Banks.

1971, Mungo Jerry UK No.1 with ‘Baby Jump.

1973, an attempt to bring Elvis Presley to the UK for shows at London’s Earl’s Court failed.

1973, Slade scored their fourth UK No.1 single with ‘Cum On Feel The Noize’, the first single to enter the charts at No.1 since The Beatles ‘Get Back’ in 1969.

1976, Tina Charles UK No.1 with the single ‘I Love to Love’ (But My Baby Loves to Dance).

1982, Tight Fit UK No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of The Tokens hit ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight.’

1994, Chaka Demus and Pliers went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Tease Me.’

1998, Oasis singer Liam Gallagher appeared handcuffed in a Brisbane court on charges of head butting a fan during a gig in Australia. Gallagher was released on bail.

2001, a man who hid for 24 hours in the rafters of a Cathedral and secretly filmed the Christening of Madonna’s baby appeared in court. Security staff discovered the man after the ceremony when he made a noise as he climbed down from the rafters.

2005, G4 No.1 on the UK album chart with their self-titled debut, the four piece boy band had been featured on UK TV talent show X-Factor.

2005, Stereophonics No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Dakota’, the Welsh band’s first No.1, eight years after their first hit.

2008, a UK charity warned that nine out of ten young people had experienced the first signs of hearing damage after listening to loud music.

Birthday Boys and Girls March 6th

1893, Memphis blues artist Walter “Furry” Lewis. He once supported The Rolling Stones. Joni Mitchell wrote the song ‘Furry Sings The Blues’ after him.

1944, David Gilmour, guitarist, singer, songwriter, joined Pink Floyd in 1968,

1944, Mary Wilson, vocals, The Supremes.

1946, Murray Head, UK singer

1947, Kiki Dee, singer and actress.

1940, Richard Kew OCI Listener!

Iris’s Challenge/ The Ivy League

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Freak Wave

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“Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
-Winston Churchill
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Once again we have this Cornish Haar hanging around. Will it clear up? I don´t think so…..here´s the forecast for the week ahead in Alicante! Remember, we have the micro climate in Benidorm so if there´s any sun about that´s where you´ll probably find it. I´ll be getting on with my work!

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday
Chance of Rain
15° C | 4° C
Chance of Rain
13° C | 6° C
Chance of Rain
13° C | 0° C
Chance of Rain
16° C | 3° C
Chance of Rain

My friend from Cornwall, Simon Hall, suggested it was important to know who had reported what John Lennon had said about the Beatles being more important than Jesus. The journalist was Maureen Cleave and she has written…..

The last time I visited John, he had been reading about religion and – typically John – had strong views about it. “Christianity will go,” he said. “It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that. I’m right and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now; I don’t know which will go first, rock’n’roll or Christianity.”

It was March 1966 and the quote appeared, not in the headline but well down the page. Only John Grigg in The Guardian picked it up. “God is not mocked,” he wrote. Months went by until July when an American magazine called Datebook printed it and all hell broke loose. Radio stations banned the Beatles, shares in Northern Song plummeted, the Beatles finished their last US tour and never played in public again.  Source

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Synergy Spanish (Easy Learning For Beginners)

I’ve listed this option first as it strikes me as the one which would suit the requirements of holidaymakers visiting Spain. You will not master the Spanish language using this course but you will quickly pick up enough to get by during daily interactions. The course uses a novel approach which concentrates on the language’s 138 most common words of vocabulary. Each of the 68 lessons is about 15 minutes long so you can learn a lot of basic Spanish in a very short time.

Website: Synergy Spanish
Full Money Back Guarantee: 60 days

Gerry
spain@spanish-fiestas.com
http://www.spanish-fiestas.com

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Defend Yourself Against Computer Hijacking

Police in Spain have just reported the arrest of three men thought to be responsible for the Mariposa Botnet, a network of almost 13 million virus-infected computers. Mariposa infected and hijacked computers around the world — in corporations, government agencies, schools, and private homes.

Mariposa initially spread by way of a bug in the Internet Explorer browser, and those affected were subject to silent keystroke monitoring that resulted in the theft of online banking login credentials and credit card numbers. Computers caught up in the botnet could also be “rented” to other hackers for the purpose of sending spam or participating in denial of service attacks.

Could your computer be hijacked? Imagine the police asking you why you downloaded child pornography. You say you didn’t, of course. But there it is on your hard drive, courtesy of a hijacker who used your computer to download and distribute the stuff. It can be very difficult and expensive to prove that you didn’t do it.  Read Further

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Word of the Day
abrir ah-breer’ (transitive verb)

to open, to unfold; to spread; to cut open; to turn on; to unlock; to begin
EXAMPLES

¿A qué hora abren la oficina de correos? – What time does the post office open?

Abriremos un armario en esta pared. – We’ll make an opening in this wall for a closet.

IDIOMS

En un abrir y cerrar de ojos – In the twinkling of an eye

For more information and examples, visit the SpanishDict.com entry for abrir.
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I think the remarks here, intended for the USA, could apply anywhere in Spain or the UK

…and another thing

“In the ER, nurses provide most of the hands-on care. So be nice.”

That good advice – from an RN named Donna Mason – appears in a recent Reader’s Digest article titled “15 Secrets the Emergency Room Staff Won’t Tell You.”

Here are three more “secrets” that I thought stood out as particularly useful…

“When we arrive, don’t expect us to say hello. We’re focused on the patient. Once he’s stable, then we’ll introduce ourselves.”
—Don Lundy, paramedic

“Not all ERs are equally equipped to deal with children. Check with your pediatrician to see which ER he or she recommends.”
—Joan Shook, MD

“Calling from a landline can save your life because we can pinpoint your location instantly. If you call from a cell phone, we waste a lot of time asking where you are or searching for you.”
—Arthur Hsieh, paramedic

To Your Good Health (and hoping you never need to rely on any of these ER tips),

Jenny Thompson

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Giant waves slammed into a cruise ship off the coast of Marseille killing two passengers, a German and an Italian, and injuring 14 others.

Reports said two cruise liner passengers were killed after the rouge waves hit the luxury liner Louis Majesty and blew out several windows. Full Story
Did you see the footage shown on TV last night?   Having been caught in a cross channel gale force 9 this would have scared me to death…….

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IRISH MEDICAL DICTIONARY:- from Dr Ian K Villamar

Artery -The study of paintings

Bacteria-Back door to cafeteria

Barium-What doctors do when patients die

Benign-What you be, after you be eight

Caesarean Section-A neighbourhood in Rome

Cat scan-Searching for Kitty

Cauterize-Made eye contact with her

Colic´-Like a sheep dog

Coma-A punctuation mark

Dilate-To live long

Enema-Not a friend

Fester-Quicker than someone else

Fibula-A small lie

Impotent-Distinguished, well known

Labour Pain-Getting hurt at work

Medical Staff-A Doctor’s cane

Morbid-A higher offer

Nitrates-Cheaper than day rates

Node-I knew it

Outpatient-A person who has fainted

Pelvis-Second cousin to Elvis

Post Operative-A letter carrier

Recovery Room-Place to do upholstery

Rectum-Nearly killed him

Secretion-Hiding something

Seizure-Roman emperor

Tablet-A small table

Terminal Illness-Getting sick at the airport

Tumour-One plus one more

Urine-Opposite of you’re out

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Music Stuff March 5th
1955, Elvis Presley made his TV debut when he appeared on the weekend show ‘Louisiana Hayride’ on KWKH TV
1963, Country singer Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash at Dyersburg, Virginia, along with The Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins. Cline was the first country singer to cross over as a pop artist.
1963, The Beatles recorded ‘From Me to You’
1965, The Rolling Stones kicked off their fifth UK tour at The Regal Theatre, Edmonton, London. A 14-date package tour with The Hollies, The Konrads and Dave Berry and the Cruisers.
1966, Herb Alpert And The Tijuana Brass US No.1 on the album chart with ‘Going Places.’
1966, Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler US No.1 with ‘Ballad Of The Green Berets’, it made No.24 in the UK.
1973, the former US manager of Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jeffrey was one of 68 people killed in a plane crash in France. Jeffery was en-route to a court appearance in London related to Hendrix.
1975, Rod Stewart met Swedish actress, Britt Ekland at a party in Los Angeles
1977, Barbra Streisand US No.1 singles chart with ‘Love Theme From A Star Is Born’
1982, actor and singer John Belushi died from an overdose of cocaine and heroin.
1983, Michael Jackson US No.1 on the singles chart with ‘Billie Jean’
1992, R.E.M. cleaned up in The Rolling Stone Music Awards winning Album of the year, for ‘Out Of Time’, Artist of the year, Best single for ‘Losing My Religion’, Best video for ‘Losing My Religion’ and Best band, Best guitarist and Best songwriter awards.
1995, Viv Stanshall of The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band was killed in a house fire.
1999, Sir Elton John won a court case against The Daily Star, after they had published long-lens photographs of Spice Girl Victoria Adams and footballer David Beckham while they were staying at Elton’s home.
2000, former rap artist MC Hammer became a preacher at the Jubilee Christian Centre in San Jose.
2000, Madonna UK No.1 on the singles chart with her version of the Don McLean 1972 hit ‘American Pie’
2002, the first episode of ‘The Osbournes’ TV show was aired on MTV in the US. Focusing on the madman and his family (his wife Sharon, and two of their three children).
2006, Corinne Bailey Rae UK No.1 on the album chart with her debut album ‘Corinne Bailey Rae.’
2006, Chico scored his only UK No.1 single with ‘It’s Chico Time’.
2007, records by the Rolling Stones and Paul Simon were chosen for preservation by the US Library of Congress. The Stones’ Satisfaction and Simon’s Graceland album entered the National Recordings Registry, which preserves historic works for future generations. Other recordings chosen this year included Carl Perkins’ Blue Suede Shoes, Be My Baby, The Ronettes, A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke and the album The Velvet Underground and Nico
2009, Michael Jackson was mobbed by screaming fans as he took his two youngest children to see Oliver! at Drury Lane.

Birthday Boys and Girls March 5th

1948, Eddy Grant, singer, The Equals
1951, Elaine Page, singer.
1952, Alan Clark, keyboards, Dire Straits
1956, Teena Marie, US singer
1958, Andy Gibb, younger brother of The Bee Gees.

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Liberty

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We enjoy a micro climate caused by the mountains surrounding Benidorm and its area. Today we have a beautiful day of warmth and sunshine. It´s a different world to yesterday and we´ve a lovely blue sky. People appear to be in a better frame of mind.  Benidorm enjoyed sunshine whilst around the area the skies were mixing between grey and sunshine breaking through.

In the football friendlies, Spain looked comfortable against France from what I saw.  Peter Crouch continues to show Rafa Benitez how silly Liverpool have been to part company with him. England had their victory and will probably be hailed as world champions, Scotland had a good win and Wales and N. Ireland suffered defeats.

A young friend came to visit yesterday. He doesn´t really excel at PE but he really enjoyed the physical exercise on the Wii board. He ran like the devil to beat me for a full 15 minutes and then loved the boxing exercise. I am quite happy to recommend schools to get a large screen installed in the school hall or gymnasium and get t<he children involved in Wii games once or twice a week as an incentive to get fit. Britain is aware it has a problem with jumbo sized children and this would be an innovatory way to encourage exercise.

———————————————————————-

The Council of Ministers once again focused its attention on those social groups most affected by the economic crisis and those in a more severe situation of social vulnerability. Therefore, approval was granted for those measures that will best enhance and support this year’s National Action Plan for Social Inclusion.

The First Vice-President of the Government, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, emphasised that the new initiatives are focused on areas such as direct care to citizens at risk of social exclusion and are committed to providing more resources to local organisations and organisations aimed at local action. Full Story
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The weather will be changing yet again after today´s sunshine if the Alicante forecast is accurate..

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday
Clear
22° C | 3° C
Chance of Rain
16° C | 5° C
Chance of Rain
13° C | 7° C
Chance of Rain
14° C | 4° C
Chance of Rain
15° C | 1° C

Word of the Day

batir bah-teer’  (transitive verb)

to beat, to whisk, to whip, to churn; to break, to beat against; to flap, to beat (wings)

EXAMPLES

Tiene que batir los huevos antes de añair el azucar. – You need to beat the eggs before adding the sugar.

Las olas batían la arena. – The waves beat against the sand.
For more information and examples, visit the SpanishDict.com entry for batir.

—————————————————————

This is doing the rounds as a speech allegedly delivered by Robin Williams so here goes…………………….

You gotta love Robin Williams…….. Even if he’s nuts! Leave it to Robin Williams to come up with the perfect plan. What we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message.
Robin Williams’ plan…..(Hard to argue with this logic!)

‘I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here’s one plan.’

1) ‘The US / UK / AUSTRALIA will apologise to the world for our ‘interference’ in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those ‘good ‘ole’ boys’, we will never ‘interfere’ again.

2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany , South Korea , the Middle East , and the Philippines . They don’t want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence.

3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave We’ll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are from. They’re illegal!!! France will welcome them..

4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don’t like it there, change it yourself and don’t hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don’t need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.

5) No foreign ‘students’ over age 21. The older ones are the bombers.. If they don’t attend classes, they get a ‘D’ and it’s back home baby.

6) The US /UK/ Australia will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing non-polluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while.

7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don’t like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production.. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)

8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not ‘interfere.’ They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.

9) Ship the UN  Headquarters to an isolated island someplace. We don’t need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.

10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us ‘Ugly Americans’ any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH..learn it…or LEAVE…Now, isn’t that a winner of a plan?

‘The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.’ She’s got a baseball bat and she’s yelling, ‘you want a piece of me?’ ‘

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This is a quiz for people who know everything! There are only nine questions……thank you Ian K

These are not trick questions. They are straight questions with straight answers.

1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.

2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?

3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?

4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?

5.. In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn’t been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?

6. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters ‘ dw’ and they are all common words. Name two of them.

7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar.
Can you name at least half of them?

8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.

9.. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter ‘S.’

Answers To Quiz:

1… The one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends: Boxing.

2. North American landmark constantly moving backward: Niagara Falls .
(The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.)

3. Only two vegetables that can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons: Asparagus and rhubarb.

4. The fruit with its seeds on the outside: Strawberry.

5. How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle.
The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems.

6. Three English words beginning with dw: Dwarf, dwell and dwindle…

7. Fourteen punctuation marks in English grammar: Period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe,question mark, exclamation point, quotation mark, brackets, parenthesis, braces, and ellipses.

8. The only vegetable or fruit never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh: Lettuce.

9. Six or more things you can wear on your feet beginning with ‘S’: Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings, stilts.
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Short Witty Dctionary…..thank you Sheenagh…and Happy Birthday Dave!

ADULT:
A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.

BEAUTY PARLOUR:
A place where women curl up and dye.

CANNIBAL:
Someone who is fed up with people.

CHICKENS:
The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead.

COMMITTEE:
A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

DUST:
Mud with the juice squeezed out.

EGOTIST:
Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation.

HANDKERCHIEF:
Cold Storage.

INFLATION:
Cutting money in half without damaging the paper.

MOSQUITO:
An insect that makes you like flies better.

RAISIN:
Grape with a sunburn.

SECRET:
Something you tell to one person at a time.

SKELETON:
A bunch of bones with the person scraped off.

TOOTHACHE:
The pain that drives you to extraction.

TOMORROW:
One of the greatest labour saving devices of today.

YAWN:
An honest opinion openly expressed.

and last but not least…..
WRINKLES:
Something other people have,
similar to my character lines.
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Music Stuff March 4th
1955, Jazz great Charlie Bird Parker played at Birdland in what would be his last public performance.
1959, The winners of the first Grammy Awards were announced. Domenico Modugno’s ‘Volare’ was Record of the Year; Henry Mancini’s ‘Peter Gunn’ was Album of the Year and The Champs ‘Tequila’ won best R&B performance.
1966, John Lennon’s statement that The Beatles were ‘more popular than Jesus Christ’ was published in The London Evening Standard.
1967, The Rolling Stones went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Ruby Tuesday’, the group’s fourth US No.1 single.
1978, Younger brother of The Bee Gees, Andy Gibb died in hospital, five days after his 30th birthday. His death from myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) followed a long battle with cocaine addiction, which had weakened his heart.
1978, The US internal Revenue Service carried out a dawn raid at the home of Jerry Lee Lewis and removed cars worth over £100,000 to pay off his tax debts.
1986, American songwriter Howard Greenfield died of a brain tumour aged 50. Working out of the famous Brill Building with Neil Sedaka he co-wrote many hits including ‘Calendar Girl’, ‘Breaking Up Is Hard To Do’, and ‘Crying In The Rain’ with Carole King. Also wrote TV theme songs including the theme to ‘Bewitched.’
1999, Victoria ‘Posh’ Spice gave birth to a baby son, Brooklyn, father Manchester United Football player David Beckham greeted the media with the news.
2001, Shaggy featuring Rikrok went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘It Wasn’t Me’. It became the best-selling single of 2001, and was also a No.1 in the US.
2003, a noisy neighbour was banned from playing her music and had her stereo system impounded, after she had played Cliff Richard music too loudly. 23 year-old Sian Davies was fined £1,000 plus court costs after environmental protection officers raided her flat in Porth, Rhondda, Wales and seized 15 amplifiers and speakers, plus 135 CDs and cassette tapes.
2007, Take That went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Shine’, their 10th UK No.1 single. The song was featured in several commercials for the relaunched Morrisons supermarkets in the UK, and went on to win the British single of the year award at the 2008 Brit Awards.

Birthday Boys and Girls March 4th
1925, Paul Mauriat, French, conductor, arranger
1936, Eric Allandale, The Foundations
1944, Bobby Womack, soul singer, session guitarist
1944, Michael Wilson, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich
1946,  Red Stripe, singer, The Flying Pickets, (1983 UK No.1 single ‘Only You’).
1948, Shakin’ Stevens
1950, Emilio Estefan, Miami Sound Machine
1951, Chris Rea, singer, songwriter, guitarist

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Is Ignorance Bliss?

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We have yet another grey day with rain during the night clearing up to give us this dull, overcast picture with clouds shrouding the mountains and grey looking sea.

Madelaine McCann is in the news again with evidence of more police bungling i9n Portugal. How these poor people have suffered since the disappearance of their daughter. It would lift world spirits if little Madelaine is found and I continue to wish them the best of luck in this eventuality.

So the pound has dropped again to practically parity against the euro. I was reading that it has been caused by the state of the political stage in Britain with the likelihood of a hung parliament. Who starts saying such things? Surely it´s because the recession is not receding and that every day there are job losses and there doesn´t seem to be a light at the end of this financial crisis. Maybe, also, people are discouraged by knowing public money has bailed out the banks then seeing headlines such as  …………

LLOYDS sparked fury yesterday by vowing to reward its top bankers – despite running up losses of £6.3BILLION in 2009.
The bailed-out giant revealed it plunged into the red last year after writing off dodgy loans worth a staggering £24BILLION.

That is equivalent to the annual economic output of Lithuania.  About £200million will be shared out among Lloyds staff – with directors in line for more than a million each. Read more:

How can this be jusified when these already well-paid few would have no job had it not been for public money. Moreover, I am not a champagne lover but this just gets sillier when we read…………

A BANKER ran up a £44,000 bar tab in a two-and-a-half hour champagne and vodka spree………….The mystery American and five pals ordered 40 bottles of Cristal fizz at £330 each……..When that ran out they moved on to bigger sizes – MAGNUMS, or double bottles, JEROBOAMS, double that again, and SALMANAZARS, nine-litre bottles at £5,000 each………….They finished their party at Aura in Mayfair, central London, with two magnums of vodka..A source said: “They seemed determined to celebrate. They were ordering bottle after bottle and handing them out to everyone in the bar.”  Read more

I´m sorry, but commonsense is well and truly out of the window. These stories are not even at the top of the page. A football story is deemed more important than the economy in the newspaper with the largest circulation. In fact it´s not really a football story it´s a story about a whingeing player. The real story should be linking Portsmouth and the plight of other struggling clubs to the nonsensical wages being paid to the players.

It´s the same old British problem which I became weary of seeing. We´ll sort out the bankers. We´ll sort out the MPs. We´ll sort out the troublesome members in society. The Sun spends a few days with the headlines and the MPs, the Bankers and everyone else who breaks the law gets away with murder. Meanwhile those who work hard and keep out of trouble get penalised. This is not a condemnation of any one party. Both political parties have been as bad as each other in Britain. I can´t really say a lot about the Spanish situation as I am still learning. I am told, however, that ignorance is bliss……

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The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain….I´ve often heard this said

But how far away is this Spanish plain is the thought lurking in my head

The rain seems everywhere this year and often far too much

The balancing act twixt flood and drought is definitely out of touch

So why do we waste this water when countries have none at all

We´ve known for quite some time where it´s likely gonna fall?

Can´t we trap the excess  and take it to the drought

Whatever we get to Ethiopia will be better than their current nowt!

With worldwide unemployment and millions needing food

Why not think of water instead of thinking crude

Designate new tankers designate new pipes

The man who gets this going could maybe earn his stripes

We  need a different Band Aid, Bob Geldof or Midge Ure

To give the people water that´s for drinking and is pure

So while the world´s in turmoil let´s use these alternative ideas

It´s time to use this water…don´t you all agree m´dears?

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Word of the Day

Sudar soo-darr’  (intransitive verb)

to sweat, to perspire; to work hard

EXAMPLES

Nunca dejo de sudar cuando estoy en México. – I never stop sweating when I am in Mexico.

Las mujeres no sudan sino que brillan. – Women don’t sweat; they glisten.
For more information and examples, visit the SpanishDict.com entry for Sudar.

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Music Stuff March 3rd
1963, The Beatles played the last show on a UK tour supporting Helen Shapiro at The Gaumont Cinema, Hanley, Stoke.
1967, A twice-nightly tour kicked off in the UK at The ABC in Romford Essex featuring, The Small Faces, Jeff Beck, Roy Orbison and Paul and Barry Ryan.
1968, this week’s UK Top 5 singles: No.5, Don Partridge, ‘Rosie’, No.4, Manfred Mann, ‘Mighty Quinn’, No.3, The Move, ‘Fire Brigade’, No.2, ‘Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, ‘Legend Of Xanadu’, No.1, Esther and Abi Ofarim, ‘Cinderella Rockefella.’
1973, Slade’s ‘Com On Feel The Noize’, entered the UK at No.1, making Slade the first act to achieve this since The Beatles.
1973, winners at this years Grammy Awards included, Roberta Flack who won Song of the year and Record of the year with ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ and Harry Nilsson won Best pop vocal performance for ‘Without You.’
1979, The Bee Gees scored their fourth UK No.1 single with ‘Tragedy.’
1984, Nena started a three week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ’99 Red Balloons.’ Originally sung in German, ’99 Luftballons’ was re-recorded in English as ’99 Red Balloons’.
1985, Michael Jackson visited Madame Tussauds Waxworks in London to unveil his waxwork look-alike.
1990, Lindy Layton and Beats International were at No.1 in the UK with the single ‘Dub Be Good To Me.’ Formed by ex-Housemartins Norman Cook, the song was based on the SOS Band’s 1984 hit ‘Just Be Good To Me’ and The Clash’s ‘Guns of Brixton’.
1990, during a world tour Paul McCartney played the first of 6 sold-out nights at the Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan.
1999, Oasis agreed to pay their former drummer Tony McCarroll a one-off sum of £550,000 after he sued the Manchester band for millions in unpaid royalties. McCarroll had been sacked from the band in 1995.
1999, US music professor Peter Jeffrey went to court to sue The Smashing Pumpkins, their promoters and a company who make ear plugs after claiming his hearing was damaged at a concert in Connecticut.
2000, former Bay City Roller, Derek Longmuir was released on bail on charges of downloading child pornographic images from the internet and keeping indecent videos in his home.
2000, Tom Jones won the Best male artist at this year’s Brit Awards. Best single went to Robbie Williams for ‘She’s The One’ and Outstanding Contribution went to The Spice Girls.
2001, Stereophonics were forced to change the title of their new album after car manufacturer Daimler Chrysler objected to their use of the copyrighted word ‘Jeep’. The UK title became ‘Just Enough Education To Perform.’
2002, TV show ‘Pop Idol’ winner Will Young UK No.1 with ‘Anything Is Possible / Evergreen.’
2003, Ray Jackson who found fame with Lindisfarne took out legal action against Rod Stewart over his 1970s hit song ‘Maggie May.’ Jackson claimed he came up with the worldwide hit’s classic mandolin melody and claimed he may have lost at least £1m because he was not credited for the track’s distinctive “hook.” Jackson was paid just £15 for the recording session by Stewart in 1971.
2004, Elton John announced he was planning to marry his long-term partner David Furnish
2008, The Beatles’ engineer Norman Smith died at the age of 85. Smith who worked on every studio recording the band made between 1962 and 1965 was nicknamed “Normal Norman” by John Lennon.
2009, To celebrate the release of U2’s twelfth studio album and their appearance every night for a week on The Late Show with David Letterman, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg temporarily renamed part of 53rd street in Midtown Manhattan U2 Way.

Birthday Boys and Girls March 3rd:
1942, Mike Pender, The Searchers,
1944, 1947, Dave Mount, Mud,
1947, Jennifer Warnes, singer, ).
1977, Ronan Keating, vocals, Boyzone

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Watch the Frizzbies!

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We  have yet another change in the weather! From yesterday´s brilliant sunshine we have a day of Cornish Haar. Rain is on the forecast and we´ll get an update shortly. I rushed off to my  Spanish class in Benidorm and had to cut it short as I was asked to do a bit of interpreting at the hopital in Altea. I rushed off to join the heavy traffic and decided to take a short cut. This shortcut ended up in a 20 minute extra deviation which tested my patience to the limit. Is it completely unreasonable to expect a detour to be signed.  No. It must be me expecting too much!

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France has declared a national disaster after violent storms battered parts of the country leaving death and destruction in their wake. Prime Minister Francois Fillon said the move would release funds to help communities rebuild. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has arrived at the storm-battered Atlantic coast, where at least 47 people died. As the storm swept north-eastwards across Western Europe, others died in Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Germany. Many of those on the French coast drowned, while those elsewhere were hit by…………..Full Story

Here´s our Alicante forecast…………………………………

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Chance of Rain
19° C | 10° C
Chance of Rain
21° C | 10° C
Chance of Rain
20° C | 9° C
Clear
15° C | 6° C
Chance of Rain
13° C | 6° C
Chance of Rain

20% chance of precipitation
 Chance of Rain

40% chance of precipitation
 Chance of Rain

20% chance of precipitation
 Clear Chance of Rain

20% chance of precipitation

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Watch the Frisbees

Here´s the Real Thing!

How sunlight boosts your love life

I’ve been shedding light on America’s sex problems for decades…and now the mainstream is finally coming around.
Toss your dangerous penis pills, because the REAL answer to most cases of erectile dysfunction can be found in a single hormone: testosterone. And a new study suggests that you can get your own bedroom boost by simply stepping outside — because your testosterone rises and falls alongside your sun-powered vitamin D levels.

But don’t count on the sun alone to get your sex life cooking. It might give your testosterone levels a little kick, but it won’t be enough for most sexually challenged men.

There’s a simple reason for that: As you get older, your body makes less testosterone. It happens to the best of us. Getting fat will also cause your levels to go limp. And if you’re fat and old, you’re up the creek — but let me throw you a paddle: Switch to a high-protein diet rich in animal fats, and drop the carbs down to almost nothing.

The protein will give you energy. The zinc in the meat will boost your testosterone levels. And the lack of carbs will help you shed those extra pounds. Add it all up, and you’ll be back on track in the sack — but most men over 50 will need an extra hormone boost to really complete the picture.

Forget off-the-shelf testosterone supplements. Visit a doc who knows something about natural hormones. He can check your levels and top you off the right way: with a series of injections.

Finally, don’t be afraid of that big yellow thing in the sky. The media’s Chicken Little act over sunlight is out of control — I actually read an article in the online edition of the St. Petersburg Times that said you should get your vitamin D through sunlight “only with your doctor’s approval.”  I kept looking for the punchline, but it wasn’t a joke.

So consider this your permission slip — get outside and bask for a few minutes every day. Skip the sunblock and head back inside when your skin turns just a little pink.

The sun won’t poison you if you use some common sense, but your food might………………………………..

William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.

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Word of the Day

La etiqueta eh-tee-keh’-tah  (noun)

tag, label; etiquette

EXAMPLES

Pon una etiqueta con la dirección en cada sobre. – Put an address label on every envelope.

¿Vas a vestirse de etiqueta para la fiesta? – Are you going to wear a formal dress for the party?
For more information and examples, visit the SpanishDict.com entry for La etiqueta.

SpanishDict has upgraded! Check out the New SpanishDict.

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Music Stuff March 2nd

1955, Bo Diddley has his first recording session at Universal Recording Studio in Chicago, where he laid down ‘Bo Diddley’,
1960, after completing his national service and flying back to America, Elvis Presley stepped on British soil for the first and only time in his life when the plane carrying him stopped for refuelling at Prestwick Airport, Scotland.
1961, The Everly Brothers UK No.1 single with ‘Walk Right Back’
1963, The Four Seasons became the first group to have 3 consecutive No.1′s in the US with ‘Walk Like A man’
1964, The Beatles began filming ‘A Hard Days Night’ at Marylebone train station in London.
1967, Engelbert Humperdinck UK No.1 with ‘Release Me.’
1974, at this year’s Grammys Stevie Wonder won Album of the year for ‘Innervisions’, Best R&B song and Best vocal for ‘Superstition’ and Pop vocal performance for ‘You Are The Sunshine Of My Life’.
1974, Terry Jacks US No.1 with ‘Seasons In The Sun’, also No.1 in the UK. The song (written in French by Belgian, Jacques Brel), had English lyrics by poet Rod McKuen.
1983, a new digital audio system, a five-inch compact disc containing up to 1 hour of music was launched by Sony, Philips and Polygram.
1985, Phil Collins UK No.1 with his third solo LP ‘No Jacket Required’.
1985, The Smiths UK No.1 on the indie charts with ‘How Soon Is Now.’
1985, Wham! US No.1 with ‘Make It Big’
1991, 21 years after it’s first release ‘All Right Now’ by Free made No.2 in the UK singles chart after being re-issued to coincide with its use in a Wrigleys Chewing gum TV ad.
1991, French singer Serge Gainsbourg died of a heart attack. During his career, he wrote the soundtracks for more than 40 films.
1991, Madonna’s ‘Rescue Me’, entered the US hot 100 at No.15, making her the highest- debuting female artist in rock history.
1991, Mariah Carey US No.1 with her debut ‘Mariah Carey.’
1991, Oleta Adams UK No.1 with her debut LP ‘Circle Of One.’
1996, Oasis UK No.1 single when ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ went to No.1. It was the first Oasis single to feature Noel on lead vocals instead of his brother, Liam Gallagher.
1999, Dusty Springfield died after a long battle against cancer, aged 59.
2002, the NME published the winners from this years Carling Awards: Band of the year went to The Strokes, Album of the year, The Strokes for ‘Is This It’, Best live act was U2, Single of the year went to Ash for ‘Burn Baby Burn’ and Best solo artist was won by Ian Brown.
2003, Christina Aguilera UK No.1 with ‘Beautiful’.
2003, Norah Jones UK No.1 on the UK album chart with her debut album ‘Come Away With Me.’
2003, singer, songwriter Hank Ballard died from throat cancer. Wrote and recorded ‘The Twist,’ but it was only released on the B-side of a record. One year later, Chubby Checker debuted his own version of ‘The Twist’ on Dick Clark’s Philadelphia television show. It topped the charts and launched a dance craze that prompted the creation of other Twist songs, including ‘Twist and Shout’ by the Isley Brothers and ‘Twistin’ the Night Away’ by Sam Cooke.
2007, Jimi Hendrix was crowned the ‘wildest guitar hero’ of all-time in a poll of music fans for Classic Rock magazine. Hendrix beat Keith Richards into second place, with Stevie Ray Vaughan in third.
2008, Canadian guitarist, singer, Jeff Healey, died of cancer. Healey lost his sight to retinoblastoma, a rare cancer of the eyes when he was eight months old, resulting in his eyes being surgically removed. After living cancer-free for 38 years, he developed sarcoma in his legs. Despite surgery for this, the sarcoma spread to his lungs and ultimately was the cause of his death. Healey released over 12 albums, presented a long running radio show and worked with many artists including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, BB King, ZZ Top, Steve Lukather, Eric Clapton and Ian Gillan.
2008, Three months after its initial release, the deluxe edition of Amy Winehouse’s Grammy Award-winning album ‘Back to Black’ went to No.1 on the UK album chart.
2009, Liverpool University launched a Masters degree on The Beatles, popular music and society. Liverpool Hope University claimed the course which looked at the studio sound and compositions of The Beatles was the first of its kind in the UK and “probably the world”.

Birthday Boys and Girls March 2nd

1938,Lawrence Payton, vocals, The Four Tops
1943, Lou Reed, Velvet Underground.
1943, Tony Meehan, drummer, The Shadows,
1948, Rory Gallagher, Irish blues guitarist
1950, Karen Carpenter, vocals, drums, The Carpenters.
1955, Jay Osmond, The Osmonds
1962, Jon Bon Jovi, vocals,

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