Mike

Hello, Contents

Special thanks to our writers and contributorsAlan PearsonAlice MarriottAndrew ForbesJo Shovelton-FullickLisa Basden

Paul SuttonSandra WrightsonStephen PadleyStuart LangleyTricia Johnson

The Andalucian X5092417DCalle Juanito Romero s/nCampillos29320 Malaga

Contact usTelephone: +34 952 723075Email: info@theandalucian.com Website: www.theandalucian.com

Owner: Claire Marriott Editor: Mike Marriott

Contact us for all your advertising needs

Next deadline: 23 November

Ask about our amazing Christmas advertising packages

Join us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/theandalucian

We’re finally back in publication! It has been a hard year for my family — as it has for many of our readers too — but I am pleased to say that we are firing on all cylinders once more.

We hope to continue to bring you lots of interesting articles on Andalucía and things to do in this great area of Spain. We have expanded the distribution of The Andalucian across the east of the region to Nerja. It’s a fantastic area and well worth a visit if you’ve never been there.

With the dreaded C word of Christmas nearly upon us, I’m pleased to say that both our resident short story writer Ella Durham and our own Alice will be back with a vengeance for the Christmas issue. This month we feature Alan Parks, see page 10, author of Bloody Hell! What’s an Alpaca? It makes for an interesting take on day-to-day life and the trials and tribulations it can hold for us ex-pats. If you’re thinking of putting pen to paper, the Proof me Right article on page 5 is well worth a read. Thank you to all of you for your continued support

Law & Order

Spanish Powers of Attorney By Sandra Wrightson, Partner, De Cotta Law

What is a Power of Attorney?It is a legal document that appoints someone to undertake actions and execute documents on your behalf.

Can I grant a Power of Attorney to my spouse or partner for Spanish assets?Granting a power of attorney can be a practical solution where a spouse or civil partner works abroad and only one of the couple can attend in person when buying or selling property. Equally, you may not be available in Spain to undertake all the legal work and to sign documents when dealing with property or assets in Spain.

In Spain, a Power of Attorney must be signed before a notary public. The document can be executed in Spain or in England. The Spanish formalities for a power of attorney are dealt with under the notarial rules and their use is strictly governed by the Spanish Civil Code.

The Spanish Civil Code has strict rules on the use of powers of attorney. These include the obligation to use only the power on the instructions of the donee; the obligation to ensure proper record keeping and the duty to the donee to act in the best interests of the person granting the power.

Can a Power of attorney be misused?It is important to know that a Spanish form power of attorney cannot be used if the granter loses mental capacity to make decisions about its use. Also, it cannot be used after the death of the granter. The power can be specific to a particular act — or more general with wide faculties to act.

You may have heard stories of the misuse of powers of attorney by agents or others, so you should ensure that you are advised of any acts being undertaken on your behalf. It is always best to provide written instructions and to ask to be informed in writing of anything being done on your behalf so that no misunderstandings can arise.

For litigation purposes, a very comprehensive power of attorney has to be granted to Spanish lawyers (abogados) and court agents (procuradores) to present pleadings and pursue proceedings in the Spanish courts. There are regional colleges of lawyers and procurators who regulate the profession. The colleges are responsible for deontologia – professional conduct rules which include rules on conflicts, ethics, obtaining instructions and pursuing matters with due diligence, including reporting to the client.

Next time, we’ll discuss the use of a Lasting Power of Attorney for UK assets.

De Cotta Law specialises in dealing with all aspects of Spanish law for English-speaking and international clients. Offices in Coín, Mijas-Costa/Calahonda, Tenerife and Nerja.

If you would like De Cotta Law to prepare an LPA for you, or you wish to have a private consultation, please contact your nearest office in order to arrange it.

Head Office Spain (Mijas-Costa/Calahonda):Centro Comercial Valdepinos 1 y 3ªUrb. Calypso29649 Mijas Costa (Málaga)

Tel.: +34 952 931 781Fax: +34 952 933 547

Monday to Thursday 09.30 – 17.30 – no siesta09.30 - 14.30 Fridays

E-mail: mijas@decottalaw.net

4

Write it right by Proof Me Right

Trade Talk

5

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and nowhere is this more important than with the written word – on paper or in cyberspace.

Whether you are a student writing a dissertation, a job applicant struggling to impress with a compelling CV, a designer producing a website or perhaps a company compiling a publicity brochure, correct use of the English language is vital in order to establish your credentials.

Your writing style says more about you than you may realise, and simple mistakes in grammar, spelling or punctuation can so easily shatter your credibility. After all, would YOU place your faith in a co-called professional who could not even be bothered to ensure that his or her use of a mother tongue is correct?

It is costly, time-consuming — and often impossible — to correct mistakes after publication and by then, the damage has been done.

No matter how often you read and re-read your own work, mistakes can slip through; this is why even the most experienced writers always rely on a second pair of eyes.

So don’t take the risk. With more than 30 years’ experience in professional journalism on national, provincial and specialist publications, we offer a complete editing, sub-editing and proof-reading package, tailored to suit your individual needs.

Send us your raw material and we will transform it into sparkling, effective — and above all, CORRECT — English in a sympathetic, confidential, cost-effective and speedy manner.

Our highly-trained staff can also offer a complete English/Spanish or Spanish/English translation service, with all work carefully proof-read and double-checked to make sure any possible ambiguities are spotted and clarified.

So, with your credibility at stake, make sure that the first impression YOU give with your use of English or Spanish is the ‘write’ one!

For more information email our team at proofmeright@yahoo.com

See advert on page 33.

Roaming Andalucía

Istán - a jewel from the past by Jo Shovelton-Fullick

6

Occasionally in life, we seek tranquillity and a location which permits contemplation and adventure ahead of the intensity of the Andalucian summer. One such place can be found nestling securely beneath the Sierra Blanca at the head of the valley of the Rio Verde.

The serenity of this quaint village is enhanced by the soothing sound of water running from its drinking fountains. The pure mountain water of Istán’s fountains was much prized long before the Presa de la Concepción reservoir was created in 1972. On the outskirts of the village, where the water cascades purely and freely from the rocks, motorists can often be seen to stop and fill their drinking vessels as in days of old — albeit nowadays by wheeled transport rather than the four-legged variety.

Istán is home to a variety of examples of cultural and historical heritage and although it is by no means a vast selection, it is still of interest to the visitor. The Sphere, a modern sculpture by Salvador Calvo Marin, named as a favoured son of Istán, is located in Plaza El Calvario. The design of this piece combines modernity with symbolic and traditional elements of Andalucía, Istán and its specific location.

You can explore this pleasant location by following a defined route through the narrow white-washed streets of the village known as 'Via Crucis' or 'The way of the cross'. This well-preserved route consists of crosses nestling in hollows upon the façades of the buildings; some remain in their original locations and are still in their primitive state, while others have been reformed alongside the buildings which protect them.

Photographic opportunities abound in this stunning location and for the more active visitor wishing to explore the terrain there are six cycle routes to get the blood pumping: Ermita de San Miguel, Monda, Puerto de la Trocha, Castaño Santo, Casa Balatín and Puerto Barrancones. These vary in length and difficulty. Full details can be found at www.istan.es

In addition to the routes requiring wheels, there are 10 walking routes through the glorious surroundings, ranging from El Picacho at 800m to Ojén at a staggering 10,400m. This extensive walk is certainly not for the faint-hearted as it takes a staggering four and a half hours in each direction; it is definitely not one for the summer months! The additional walking routes are Ermita de San Miguel (San Miguel Hermitage) at 1200m, Cañada de los Laureles at 1400m, Errizas de la Gallega 2500m, Cañada del Infierno (Hell's Ravine) at 5700m, Camino de la Cuesta (Hill Path) at 4200m, La Concha at 5000m, Charco del Canalón 7200m and Marbella at a lengthy 9000m. Full details and maps for these routes can again be found on www.istan.es.

Despite its small size, Istán is home to a variety of à la carte restaurants such as Troyano, El Baron, Rincon de Curro, Entresierras and the new Las Harales in the Rural Hotel at the entrance of the village. There are also more traditional bars serving an excellent selection of tapas.

Whether the approaching years herald an influx of foreign visitors who may become the nucleus of a large expatriate community within Istán remains to be seen, but for the time being, this community remains closer to its roots than many of its cousins. Very little remains of Moorish Istán yet this village has a timeless air, holding great appeal to many outsiders. Let’s hope Istán remains as strong in future years as in conquests of old, and retains the qualities which make it a charming place to visit.

7

Trade Talk

Grief, healing and letting go - the finalfarewell

8

A conversation with Last Journey Memorial Events

Last Journey is a Nerja-based company launched to provide a ‘memorial events’ service throughout the Costa del Sol. Its aim is to help families create meaningful and memorable rituals when scattering their loved ones’ cremated remains. This in turn helps families face their grief and take that important step forward towards healing their wounds. Our Paul Sutton met Lisa Basden from Last Journey to talk about what options are now available to us on the Costa del Sol:

PS: What inspired you to offer a memorial events service on the Costa del Sol?

LB: Having lived in Spain for over 15 years, we know that many — if not all — foreign residents make a conscious decision to take control of their lives when first choosing to live here. So it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that these same people now want control over their last journey. They want a send-off which is a celebration of their life, rather than just tears. What they are hoping for is a memorial event which reflects their character — what they like and what they feel might rightly be expected of them by friends and family. But until now, this has meant that they had to try and organise everything themselves — a huge and stressful task which would probably involve months of research, a lot of frustration and, of course, the ability to speak Spanish fluently.

Trade Talk

9

PS: Are the memorial events you offer meant to replace a funeral ceremony at a crematorium?LB: Possibly, but many people still want a traditional, religious funeral ceremony at a crematorium and the scattering of ashes is a less sombre, more upbeat and memorable tribute at a later date. Having said that, times are changing and religion does not play such a significant part in everyone’s lives today, so it is quite likely that there will be a growing trend towards the personalised memorial event ceremony. A scattering of ashes ceremony may often be spiritual, but not necessarily religious.

PS: Is it a good idea for ashes to be scattered as soon as possible following cremation?LB: That depends entirely upon the wishes of the individual or, in the absence of such known or documented wishes, those of the immediate family. However, we would urge a family not to do so without careful consideration. In fact, the decision as to whether or not to scatter a loved one’s ashes at all should not be hurried either.

PS: Really? So you are suggesting that scattering of ashes may not be for everybody, even though you are offering this service?LB: Yes, we are. No-one should be under pressure to make a fast decision about this. The scattering of ashes is a dignified ritual; a tribute and a celebration of life which can help you to begin the healing process. So, it should only happen if and when you are ready.

PS: Wow! Do you mean that the ashes are actuallyinsideafirework?LB: Absolutely. We are working with a specialist pyrotechnics company who can incorporate ashes into fireworks. They are fully licensed and manage spectacular firework displays as part of a special tribute.

PS: What happens at a sea burial?LB: The captain takes the boat out to sea and once at the required distance from the coast, he will stop so that the ceremony may take place. We only use biodegradable urns which have been specifically approved for sea burials. When they are placed in the water, they slowly sink and then dissolve within four hours. Following this, a few chosen words may be said and perhaps petals may be thrown on the water, before returning to shore.

PS:Whatwouldyousayarethegreatestbenefitsto the family of a sea burial?LB: I think that the sense of freedom and peace whilst out at sea have to be the greatest benefits. Most people feel some kind of connection with the sea and facing the fresh sea breeze, it is as if a feeling of relief and calm is washing over you. No-one is going to feel that kind of release in a crematorium, and it is rare for a family to return to shore feeling gloomy. Most feel uplifted, happy and content that they have done the right thing in finally letting go.

PS: Thank you, Lisa. It is really interesting to hearhowyouarehelpingpeopletofindclosurein their own special way.

If anyone wants to know more about how to arrange a dignified memorial event here in Spain, there is further information and contact details online at www.scatteringashes-spain.com or see their advert on page 8.

PS: And how do you scatter ashes in Spain?LB: We aim to satisfy the needs and wishes of all our customers. The most popular memorial events are the release of ashes at sea or a celebration meal with the highlight of the evening being a spectacular send-off with a firework display....literally going out with a bang, in a firework!

Spotlight

Why and what are Alapcas? by Alan Parks

People always ask us ‘Why alpacas?’ Well, the answer is pretty simple really. We fell in love with them. One day, we were on a short break in Prague, and we decided to visit the local zoo. There, we met the strange animal that was to shape our destiny. He was a brown, goofy-looking, long-necked sheep. He was very friendly, and he came up to us for attention; we stayed with him for ages. Over time, I must have Googled alpacas, and found out that they were a lucrative business, both in the UK and around the world. One day, when Lorna and I were discussing her health problems, I suggested moving to Spain and breeding alpacas for income. We made some enquiries, visited a few farms, and fell in love with the animals.

Alpacas come in a range of 22 natural colours from white, through fawn, to brown, and also grey and black. The ancient Incan societies used to breed alpacas, and referred to the fleece as ‘fibre of the Gods!’ The recent worldwide population of alpacas originates from the altiplano in the Andes, and in the early 1990s, people started to import the animals into the UK, the US and Australia.

Throughout Europe, alpaca breeding is still relatively unknown, however there is an industry built up around it that includes clothing — alpaca fleece has no lanolin, and is therefore hypo-allergenic; it’s also considered to be of equivalent quality to cashmere — bedding, selling the animals as pets and chicken guards, and selling show-quality animals to be used to compete in competitions and win prizes. Obviously the better the animals you have to breed with, the better quality the offspring, and therefore the price you can command for sale. The real reason alpacas exist is because of the quality of the fleece, but most farms make money by producing the best animals they can, and selling them on to new breeders. In 2010, there was one stud male in the US, that sold for $675,000. One animal!

We looked into buying alpacas in Spain, and found a farm that could supply us with animals. The industry was still very much in its infancy there, and we hoped that if it took off as it had done in other countries around the world, we would be getting in at the start of something very big. Sadly, it is taking a lot longer to emerge in Spain as a real alternative for farmers, as here they are very traditional, and would much rather keep a goat which will cost a fraction of the price yet provide the family with milk and meat to eat.

Spaniards struggle to understand how you can justify high prices for an animal that stands around looking pretty and only gives you a ‘harvest’ of fleece once a year. With only three hundred or so alpacas in Spain, the fleece market is yet to take off as well. We are forever hopeful that one day, when the world is in slightly better shape, maybe, just maybe alpacas will take off in Spain. In Spain you can get alpacas ranging from pet quality males starting at a few hundred euros all the way up to show quality animals at a much higher price.

10

Spotlight

The locals around here were fascinated when we first had the animals delivered. We would have people outside taking pictures on phones and even fully-armed Guardia Civil out there, smiling at the girls. Nowadays, people are used to seeing them here, but occasionally a family will stop and we let the children meet the alpacas, and of course feed them.

Next year, we are hoping to start offering alpaca trekking in the olive groves, and I have also just finished writing a book which is now available on Amazon, called ‘Bloody Hell, What’s An Alpaca?’

To keep up to date with the book and the farm, please check out the website www.whats-an-alpaca.com

Download your copy of Alan’s great new book from http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloody-Hel l -Whats-Alpaca-ebook/dp/B009X9VE1I /ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351351096&sr=1-5

If you live in Spain and would like information on owning these amazing animals, please get in touch with us. You can email us on lornaalpacaselsol@gmail.com

11

Introducing the Viñuela Sew & Sews

The Viñuela Sew & Sews group held its October 2012 bi-annual exhibition to show off its latest creations and also to raise awareness and funds for the local children's charity Anne-Axarquia. The exhibition was held and sponsored by Garden La Palma garden centre, Velez Malaga….

As part of the exhibition, two quilts were raffled, with all proceeds going to Anne-Axarquia --- See December’s edition for how much was raised and more news and updates on the group!

The three founding members are Rachel, Jan and Kath, and the group was originally known as "Periana Stitchers." It was started back in 2007 in Jan’s house in Periana.

Now, these stitching enthusiasts meet up on a weekly basis to share knowledge, improve techniques and try out new skills. Group members enjoy various types of needlecrafts, and weekly meetings are held most Tuesdays at the meeting room to the right-hand-side of the Viñuela Post Office, 10-3pm. There are also regular workshops.

For more information about Viñuela Sew & Sews, you can contact Rachel Atienza on 664242988.www.vinuelasewandsews.eu

Also exhibiting at Garden La Palma was Mike Symons, who creates the most fantastic sculptures from old iron farm machinery parts.

Sew & Sews is an ever-increasing group of 40 ladies with varying skill levels and talents. They specialise in patchwork and quilting, crochet, knitting, cross-stitch and textile art. Helen’s embroidered pictures can take 10 hours a day and anywhere from six months to two years to complete. Memory quilts can take up to three months.

Originally a farmer from the UK, Mike was inspired to make his first piece after watching an egret battle a centipede (the egret won, by the way!) Mike is also drawn to the way the old farm pieces have been worn by years of work with the earth — something you just cannot reproduce with a grinder. Look out for Mike’s advert in the New Year!

Sport & Leisure

12

13

Short Story

Angela was shivering in the chill evening air. Her heavy cold had developed during the afternoon and she wanted very much to be in the warmth somewhere. She had been on these steps now for half an hour in this ridiculous dress. She walked up and down the stone flags at the entrance to the church, trying to keep warm as the noise inside grew.

Jim was shouting at the lighting crew as they tried to get the overhead spotlight on. The mist that had begun to form earlier was now quite thick, and she had trouble seeing across the small square where the old church stood.

They had started filming twice already, but the overhead spotlight had failed half-way through the take and ruined everything. Jim had gone into one of his rages and stomped into the church, shouting and swearing. The camera crew drifted off to get coffee from the café across the street. The take should have been completed an hour ago and would have been — if the spotlight had worked on cue.

Dead Empty By Alan Pearson

The mist was thickening perceptibly now and Angela felt a sudden chill in the air. She stamped her feet to keep her toes warm and blew into her hands to warm her frozen fingers. Inside she fumed. All those months at RADA and the endless trail around the agencies had produced nothing. All she needed was a chance for a good acting role she could get her teeth into. Like all who are drawn to the stage, Angela was bitten by the fame bug.

She wiped her nose with the now-sodden tissue, hoping that her make-up was not smudged. She was full of the flu that had been sweeping Britain before she left for France. She was considering going to the café herself, when she heard scuffling in the alley at the side of the church. For a moment she stopped to listen as the sound of the scuffling was accompanied by some words in French. Whoever it was in the mist was having difficulty walking. Angela turned to face the direction of the noise when suddenly, out of the mist, a young soldier appeared and promptly fell over the first few church steps. Angela stepped forward to help him and reached down to take his hand. He was obviously quite drunk and tried to stand up, but each attempt only made his efforts more ineffective.

His fall had grazed his cheek and a trickle of blood ran down his face. Without thinking, Angela wiped the blood away with the tissue and helped the young man to his knees. She stepped back to allow him to stand, when the perverse spotlight overhead suddenly lit the whole scene in brilliant white light.

The young soldier’s face was looking up at Angela when the light came on, and he gasped in fear and astonishment. She reached down and extended a hand to help him up, but he was transfixed by the sight of her. “Are you all right?” She asked.The soldier’s face was in rapture and tears ran down his cheeks. Angela had learned a little French at school and after a few seconds’ thought, she told the soldier to go home, in French, thinking that the advice was probably in his best interests.

Continued on page 16

They were filming an advertisement for a new car and Angela was to be a fairy godmother granting a wish. The director had toured the possible sites weeks before and selected this one as the most promising. Inevitably, the delays had slowed the production and filming had started later in the year than had been planned. The little priest had agreed to the crew using his church months before and had agreed a price; the money would help pay for the roof repairs. He had wanted to watch the filming, but the spluttering spotlight had dampened everyone’s spirits, and when the swearing began, he had beat a hasty retreat.

Short Story

At that instant, the spotlight went out and the church steps were in darkness again. Immediately, the swearing in the church began again and the director came out through the doors.

“Right, call it a draw, we’ll start again tomorrow night,” he announced. “Those idiots should be able to sort it out by then. Come on, Angela, let’s go get a drink.”

The director took Angela by the arm and started to lead her away from the church, when she pulled back. “Wait, Jim, there’s a soldier here who needs help to get home,” she said.The director stopped and turned to where Angela pointed. They both walked the few metres to where the soldier had been. Angela let out a gasp. The soldier had gone.“I don’t understand,” Angela said. “He was just there.” She pointed to the steps.“Come on, it’s probably just one of the locals taking the you-know-what,” Jim snapped.They turned away and walked across to the café where the film crew had been sitting for the last half an hour. They walked in and the director ordered two cafés with brandy. They joined the rest of the crew around the fire.

The director began giving instructions to the crew for the next day, and in his excellent French, asked the owner of the café if they could find lodgings for the night. The proprietor smiled and said they could all stay in his house for one or two nights. As the director talked to the owner about the rooms, Angela had a strange feeling that she had met the owner before. She shrugged, and put it down to the brandy. She began to look around the café while Jim joked with the owner. For a moment she scanned the small café until her eyes stopped at a photograph above the fireplace. It was of a young soldier standing to attention, rifle at his side. Angela felt herself go cold; this was the soldier she had seen on the steps of the church.

She walked over to where Jim was chatting with the owner. With a little trepidation, she tapped his shoulder and he turned to face her.

Short Story

“Jim, ask him who the soldier is in the photograph,” she said, pointing to the fireplace.Jim translated to the owner.The owner laughed and spoke at length to Jim in French. Angela thought she knew what he had said but she waited for the translation, just to be sure.“It’s the owner’s father. He was in the great war of 1914/18. He says that his father was the only villager to survive the war to return home to his village. The others were all killed in the last battle of the war. He survived because he was unfit for duty when the battle took place; he was in the infirmary with flu. The flu killed more people than the war did, you know.” The brandy was getting to Jim and he was talkative.The proprietor spoke again and Jim’s ears pricked up. He listened for a few moments then turned to Angela and said.

“His grandfather is famous, though, but for a different reason. He had a vision of an angel who told him he would survive the war and return to his village.”“An angel?” Angela said. More quietly she asked. “Where did he see the angel?” “He had a vision on the church steps two nights before he was due to return to the front line.” Jim explained.“Which church?” Angela asked, though she already knew the answer.

“No, Angela, your French is a little rusty,” Jim explained. “You said you will come home.” Angela, visibly shaken by the night’s events, turned to the owner and asked,“Is your father still alive?” “Between the wars he married his sweetheart from the village, my mother, and he started a family. I have an older brother and a sister. But he never saw the end of the second war.” Jim translated.“Why?” Angela asked.

Jim asked the proprietor, who simply pointed across the square at the church where they had been filming. Jim told the owner what Angela had seen and the owner looked at Angela strangely. Then, through Jim, he said, “What did you say to him, this soldier? What were your exact words?”Angela thought for a moment and then said the words she had spoken to the soldier.As she said them, the owner’s eyes opened wide for a moment and he spoke to Angela with a little awe in his voice.“Those are the exact words my father told me the angel spoke to him” he said in his heavily accented English.“But I told him to go home.” Angela protested.

The owner looked strangely at Angela and spoke again. “My older brother was in the Maquis and fought against the German occupation. He was one of a group who blew up a railway goods yard just before the invasion at Normandy. But the Germans took hostages, and my father was one of them. He would never betray his own family and we all knew it. But the Germans had a good idea who was responsible for the attack. They wanted my brother to give himself up and betray his comrades if his father was not to be shot.”“What happened?” Angela asked.The owner stood more erect for a moment. “The whole village stood behind my brother and persuaded him not to give himself up,” he said sadly. “The Germans let my family visit my father in the hope that they would weaken his resolve. But my father would have none of it. He would die before betray his own son.” “The Germans shot him?” Angela asked.The owner’s eyes filled with tears and pride. “Yes, they shot him — and four other villagers. But none of them betrayed the Maquis. Three months later the Americans liberated our village and the war moved on.”The bar was quiet for a few moments. The owner was the first to break the silence. “But there is one final part to the story that none outside my family knows.” He looked at Angela. “The angel appeared again to my father on the day he died.”“What happened?” Angela asked. “I do not know the whole of it, but when my father was led out with the other hostages, some of the people in the crowd saw a woman dressed in white walking beside him. When we all compared stories afterwards, not all of us saw the woman in white.But I did”

Continued on page 18.

Short Story

The owner drew a little closer to Angela and said in a whisper, “My father told me all my family would prosper and the Germans would be gone within three months, but that the angel had come to take him away today. I ran through the cordon and hugged my father. He said that to me before he was shot. That is when I saw the angel.”

Angela was taken aback by the events of the day and could not answer. But she understood his intimations. There was another role she still had to play.

Jim was a little fresh by now, and his attention was distracted by the film and lighting crews who had just walked into the little bar. The next day’s agenda was under review and Jim was trying to organise the arrangements. Whilst the next day’s filming was being discussed, Angela sat silent. After a few more moments, she finished her drink and said goodnight to everyone. Then she went back to her trailer.

The next morning, the sun was quite high in the sky before anyone stirred. As with all film crews, the night had gone well into the next day before the party had ended. The make-up and camera crews were first to stir, closely followed by the coffee trailer and

the fries bar. Angela was first in line for make-up and last in line for breakfast. There were two more shots in the commercial requiring the fairy, and although the makeup was not extensive, it was tedious. Filming began again about ten o’clock. This time, the take was to be of the fairy, having granted the wish, watching the lucky family driving off to a new life in the sun in their new car. Angela was briefed on her role, which was to smile and wave. But around eleven o’clock, problems had accumulated with continuity of the clothes and car, and filming was stopped whilst they were sorted out. Jim was becoming angrier by the minute.

She wandered around the set between the trailers, until she became bored. Her trailer was backed up against the church wall and a high wall separating the square from the graveyard. Still a little bit miffed at the delays, she had her head down looking at her feet. When she looked up, she was facing a door in the side of the church. For a moment she hesitated, but then reached for the iron ring that opened the door. The moment she touched it, she knew she had stepped into a different world. The door opened and she walked inside. Five men of all ages sat around in a small room and all looked terrified. But only one looked up at Angela. It was the soldier in the picture, the one she had seen on the steps the night before, but this time, much older.

He fell to his knees and tears ran down his face. Angela walked to him and reached down to take his hand. Without thinking, she knelt beside him and said in her best French, “Your family will grow and prosper and they will be proud of you. They will never forget you. In three months the Germans will be gone forever from your country and you will all be free again. Do not be afraid.”As she spoke the last words, the door to the little room opened again and an officer of the German army walked in. He commanded everyone to follow him. Angela rose with the others who were looking at her in awe and terror, she said to all of them.

“Come, I will walk with you, I will show you the way.”

Angela led them out into the sunshine. She knew she was playing a role that would be remembered for generations to come, and she knew she was working for the best director in the business.

Health & Beauty

Nailing the problemChipped, peeling, flaky fingernails are never in style. If you're reading this, you've probably tried a lot of different products and strategies to stop the problem from happening. Understanding how your nails got that way in the first place could help you come up with a better strategy.

Here are our top causes of peeling fingernails:

1. Climate changesNo, we're not talking about carbon emissions! Your nails are not suffering from global warming the way the polar bears are. It's just that sudden changes in the weather — or extreme weather conditions — might be affecting your nails. Usually, the culprit is cold, dry weather which dehydrates the nail plate, causing layers to separate and flake off. To solve it, try rubbing in a rich lotion or moisturiser every morning and evening —and wear gloves!

2. Dietary issuesMany people will say that if your nails are peeling, the cause is a lack of protein. This is really unlikely in North America or Western Europe, even if you're a hard-core vegan. Usually, if diet's to blame for your fingernail problems, it's a lack of biotin, sulphur, or B-vitamins (which is a concern for vegans). A good supplement, along with a few extra servings of raw vegetables and fruit, should alleviate the chipping.

4. Psoriasis, yeast infections or other skin conditionsIf you're suffering from a skin condition such as psoriasis or a yeast infection, there could be knock-on effects for your nails. Many psoriasis patients also report chipping and peeling nails. If you've been given a prescription ointment or cream for what's on your skin, try rubbing it on your nails, too.

5. Chemical exposureLots of people don't take proper precautions when cleaning the house or conducting pest control. For the sake of your lungs, ventilate the room. For the sake of your nails, wear gloves. Chemicals and solvents present in many cleaning products can dry out or damage your fingernails, leading to peeling.

6. Immersion in waterWater swells and separates the layers of the nail plate. If you keep re-wetting the nails, they never dry properly, leading to flaking and peels. If you're in a job where you soak your hands or have to wash them regularly, you're going to have nail problems unless you take evasive action. Wear gloves wherever possible, and moisturise at least twice a day — if not more often. Anyone who spends more than an hour in the pool should rub olive oil or petroleum jelly into their nails before taking the plunge.

7. Post-fake nail traumaReally well-done acrylic nails look great, but it's pretty much inevitable that your nails will be paper thin and damaged once you have the fakes taken off. You'll have to be patient, and stimulate new growth with diet, moisturisers and nail strengtheners. But don't just pick any nail strengthener… or nail technician! Ask friends for recommended salons.

8. The wrong kind of nail treatmentsNail strengtheners and peeling nail solutions contain a lot of chemicals. Most of them are designed to make your nails bond back together to prevent breaking and peeling. Some of them may actually be making the problem worse. Formaldehyde, an ingredient in several popular strengtheners, can cause drying and irritation of the skin and nails — not to mention being a suspected cause of breast cancer. Switch to a nail care product that's free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. Your entire body — not just your nails — will thank you.

3. Prescription medicationsSome medicines have a drying effect on the skin and nails. If your peeling nails became an issue after you started taking a certain drug, you should head to the manufacturer's website to double-check side effects. We'd never recommend quitting any physician-prescribed drug just for the sake of your fingernails. Instead, try improving your diet, as in step 2, and moisturising, as in step 1. If that doesn't work, pick a good nail strengthener (see 8).

Now is the ideal month to outline the main principles of pruning. The months of November and the following cooler winter months through to early March — even later if you live high up and in a windy exposed situation, or in a frost-prone area — are the best months to carry out all types of pruning, depending on the shrub, tree and of course personal choice. Many plants and shrubs do produce a flowering display over our festive season and the cooler months, therefore early pruning must be avoided or you will lose this display. All hard and severe pruning to be carried out on trees and shrubs must be left until the months of January and February, or later depending on the situation.

Pruning covers all aspects for the removal of wood growth from a plant; the plant part to be removed may be completely healthy, alive, diseased or dead. Pruning ranges from the removal of large branches from trees to the removal of the spent flower heads from the smallest of plants. The main purpose of pruning is to create a strong frame of branches which will allow air to circulate freely and also keep the plant rejuvenated and healthy, pruning to your desired shape to promote the production of abundant flowers, fruit or leaves, depending on the plant species.

The basic principles for pruning are as follows:• The pruning or total removal of weak and poor quality growth (spindly, twiggy growth); crossed, rubbing and inward growing branches which will exclude light from the heart of the plant and impede good free air circulation.

• The removal of all dead, diseased or damaged branches or growing stems which are non-productive. These branches will just create a dense thick centre which serves no purpose. Diseased branches should be pruned out as soon as they are noticed; this will avoid further infestation over the plant.

• The total removal of suckers from the base of a tree trunk or shrub (non suckering types only). These vigorous strong shoots need to be pruned in their early stages of growth, because they will take up nearly all of the plant’s goodness. Pruning of the suckers needs to be as close as possible to the stem or trunk in the case of root suckers, and the soil will have to be removed to expose the root.

• The removal of sappy water shoots. These are easily noticeable by there long vigorous shoots which grow to a height of one metre and look more like a vertical bamboo cane (mostly found on recently pruned trees and shrubs).

• Pruning to keep the shrub to the desired shape, which will require the removal in some cases of good healthy — but unwanted — growth. This harsh pruning needs to be carried out so that the growing strength of the plant is directed towards where you want the plant to grow.

• Always prune to an outward growing bud or shoot. This will assist in keeping the centre of the framework open and reduce branch congestion in the centre. Pruning can be carried out back to side shoots where you need to re-direct the growth and change the formal or informal shape of a shrub.

Green Fingers

20

In the garden this month By Stephen Padley

• Most shrubs — and some trees — need to be pruned annually to control and regulate the quality of growth and the quality and quantity of flower production throughout the forthcoming seasons.

• Trees and shrubs need to be trimmed and pruned so they are kept within their growing area and not creating overcrowding, too much shade or infringing on paths, buildings or other structures.

• Generally speaking, if a tree or shrub requires pruning or cutting back many times over a year, it is normally planted in the wrong place and therefore should be removed or transplanted.

• Regular pruning will greatly improve the flower production, display and duration of the plant’s life.

• All diseased parts from any plant should be burned or disposed of carefully to avoid further infestation.

• All large pruned cuts should have a sealing compound gel or paint applied in order to avoid any infestation, die-back or rot.

• Ornate trees and shrubs — be it flowering or non-flowering — which produce a season’s growth of, say, one metre, need to be pruned back by at least one metre. This will contain the height, plus in most cases keep the plant or flowers at eye level.

General monthly pruning guide: Now - January. Roses, Bougainvillea, Wisteria, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Oleander, Bignonia, palms, Dama-De-Noche Lantanas, fruit trees

February - March. Hibiscus, roses, Lantana, Brugmansia, Bougainvillea, Buddleia, palms, all hedging plants, grape vines, citrus trees, Eucalyptus, Hypericum, Hydrangea

Shears - numerous sizes and styles of shears are available for clipping and trimming hedges and bushes, and they are ideal for tidying up beds and borders.

Long-handed pruners/telescopic pruners - ideal for the pruning of tall shrubs and trees where extra reach is required or for the removal of the thicker stems and branches

Pruning saws - various length and shapes are on the market; all with different cutting teeth for a specific purpose. The slightly curved blade type will cut most of the everyday thick branches and stems.

Gloves - not correctly a pruning tool, but a ‘must buy’ for pruning prickly and thorny branches.

Next month: Dead heading, programmed pruning and increasing stock.

For more gardening advice contact Stephen Padley Landscapers. See advert on page 23 for full details.

Pruning ToolsSecateurs - two types of secateurs are available for pruning, one being the by-pass (scissor action) and the other is the anvil action (one blade against one plate). I prefer the by-pass action as the anvil action is prone to squeezing the stems unless the cutting blade is kept razor sharp at all times.

Green Fingers

21

Sports & Leisure

Ever seen those pictures of crystal clear rivers and deep, inviting pools surrounded by pristine nature, and wondered where they are? Well, these scenes are on our very doorstep and access is easier than you might think. With the intense summer temperatures of August now behind us, take an adventurous dip into those clear waters with a canyoning trip to Rio Verde.

Exploring from a new angle

- canyoning in Rio Verde by Andrew Forbes

For example, Team Xtreme gives you unrivalled access to the river and their professional, fully-insured guides will teach you new skills, including exhilarating and highly enjoyable abseils, climbs, jumps and of course some swimming. You don’t need to be an expert, as there are routes specially designed for beginners – you just need a strong sense of adventure and fun.

“Make exploring nature an adventure!” suggests Babak Alimoradian, the energetic and charismatic owner of Team Xtreme, one of Spain’s new breed of adventure activity companies.

“We’re so lucky living here in Andalucía; we have some of the finest scenery and adventure locations right here,” He says. “One of our most popular activities here is canyoning, as it is not too physically demanding and we can choose routes that match clients’ abilities. There are lots of opportunities to take a break and relax.”

So why not have a change from just a normal hike in the mountains and take advantage of some real active relaxation with one of Team Xtreme’s professionally-designed canyon routes? You’ll have a certified guide and be provided with all the equipment you need. “You’re guaranteed to have a great time,” Babak promises.

Contact Team Xtreme on 952 902 070 (Mon - Fri: 08.00 - 14.00) or mobile: 676 022 237. Email them info@teamxtreme.es or visit their website atwww.teamxtreme.es

This is the stunning river which borders Malaga and Granada provinces, and is the perfect playground for those who love exploring nature. With canyoning, you can see the region’s landscape from a whole new perspective.

Canyoning is an adventure activity where you can explore water gorges, wearing a wet suit, strong shoes and a safety helmet.

Andalucía has some of Europe’s most spectacular gorges and canyons, offering stunning waterfalls, deep natural pools and breathtaking scenery. The best way to do this is as part of a group, organised by a professional activity firm.

Local tourist offices will give you names of licensed firms which have access to the pristine waters of the Rio Verde.

Christmas Carolling at Los Arcos

Things to do

TAPAS (The Andalucía Performing Arts Society) is a group of fun-loving people who enjoy putting on productions and/or participating in the social scene which is a large part of the Society. They aim to stage at least two theatre productions per year in addition to an assortment of concert-style shows or musicals.

As a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens, one of Britain’s greatest-ever writers, TAPAS will be presenting “A Christmas Carol” on 7, 8 and 9 December at Los Arcos.

“A Christmas Carol” was published as a novella in 1843 and its message still has relevance today. Born in 1812, Charles Dickens was a prolific writer with most of his novels appearing originally as magazine serialisations which made them more accessible to everyone. All his novels reflect the social and economic situation prevalent in Victorian Britain and are as widely read now as they ever were.

“A Christmas Carol” is a classic Christmas story, with its characters well known the world over. It has been made into films on a number of occasions, including animated versions of the story.

The version being presented by TAPAS features both the dramatic recreation of the story and a musical presentation that complements the production. It’s a bold project and one you shouldn’t miss.

Tickets are available from the box office and usual ticket outlets – call 635 293 714 for more details.

Email info@tapassociety.comWebsite www.tapassociety.com

TAPAS is based at Los Arcos on the A7059 – Ctra Coin/Cártama between Km6 & Km5. A map can be found on the website http://www.tapassociety.com/2010/03/how-to-find-us/

Frenetic is the word for this month! As they approach the festive season, you’ll not be surprised to learn that TAPAS members are going to be very busy. After the excellent production of “A Gown for his Mistress,” the drama group is now busy rehearsing for the next production.

Speleology course in the Cave of Nerja

Things to do

The Cave of Nerja, the most important speleological site of the province and the second most visited monument in Andalucia, presents a unique opportunity thanks to the "Responsible Caving" speleotourism project in collaboration with the Cave of Nerja.

Visit the galleries, which are not open to the general public. The speleoadventure activity, also known as speleotourism, is directed at the most adventurous visitors and is for anyone who is up for the activity and its regulations.

It consists of a sport-based visit to the normally unseen area of the Nerja cave - the High and New galleries. During the activity, you will visit the areas of the Columns of Hercules, Immensity, the Gallery of Levels and the Spear Room among others, highlighting formations and especially the evidence of the most ancient human inhabitants of Nerja known by our species.

Well worth a visit, this course is taking place on 24 and 25 November.

For more information, contact reservas@guiasdelsur.es or visit www.guiasdelsur.es. Alternatively call 652 370 589 or 696 499328 for details.

Descent into darkness by Jo Shovelton-Fullick

Health & Beauty

“If depression is creeping up and must be faced, learn something about the nature of the beast: you may escape without a mauling.” Dr. R. W. Shepherd

It is reported that one in four people will, at some time during their lives, suffer from some form of mental distress, the most common condition being depression. Health professionals use the words depression, depressive illness or clinical depression to refer to it. As a society, we all too often use the word 'depression' to refer only to a general feeling of low mood, but clinical depression is a serious illness.

Depression is profoundly different to a feeling of temporary sadness which passes over a short time, and the descent into darkness can be a terrifying event. For some, the periods of illness will be short-lived while for others, the recovery will be long and arduous.

Studies have found that women are more likely to develop depression than men, and one in four women will require treatment for depression at some point, compared to one in 10 men. However men are far more likely than women to commit suicide, with young men below the age of 35 being most at risk.

Alarmingly, in men under 35, suicide is the second most common cause of death in England and Wales. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) in Spain, nine people per day take their own lives. The total number of suicides in Spain during 2008 was reportedly 3,421, compared to traffic-related deaths in the same period of 3,021. This shows an alarming level of suicide here in Spain.

Depression can affect people of any age, including children. Those with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. 20 years ago, depression in children was almost unknown yet now young people show the fastest rate of increase in this illness. Recent studies have shown that about four per cent of children aged between five and16 in the UK are affected by the illness.

An individual living with depressive illness will often battle against the all-consuming feelings of sadness for a considerable time prior to seeking help, often to a point of total debilitation, mistakenly believing that they will somehow be able to outrun the black cloud threatening them and seek sanctuary in the sunlit world they imagine is just within reach if they just keep running.

Unfortunately this is often far from the truth and most will descend into a chasm of hopelessness from which they will need help to climb back. The lack of control experienced in this dark descent is in itself distressing, and many references have been made to feelings of internal chaos akin to a washing machine on a spin cycle. Recognition of clinical depression as an illness is the first step to recovery, whether during an isolated or re-occurring crisis, and thankfully for many, diagnosis and treatment offer much-needed relief.

Health & Beauty

So how can a period of sadness differ from undiagnosed depression?

The most common signs and symptoms of depression are a sad mood that does not pass, an inability to experience pleasure, problems with sleep – either sleeping too much or not being able to sleep, and especially, waking up undesirably early in the morning over a period of weeks or months.

Additionally, an individual may experience altered eating habits – a loss of appetite or an uncharacteristically excessive consumption of food or a compromised ability to concentrate, together with feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Lastly and most alarmingly, though, suicidal thoughts and feelings as such are not a marker experienced by everyone.

Anyone experiencing any symptoms of depression is advised to seek medical advice.

Although the stigma attached to any form of mental distress is thankfully less in today’s society, some do still believe that depression is not a real illness and is more a form of weakness or admission of failure. This is absolutely not true.

Depression is a real illness, with real effects, and failure does not enter into the equation. If you were to break your leg, you would seek medical treatment. If you suspected you may have developed diabetes you would seek the same medical advice. So don't suffer in silence. Recovery is just a step away. Please ensure you take that all-important first step.

The limitless world of the internet offers a wide range of information and advice on the subject of depression and although it is not suggested that this should replace the advice of a medical professional, it can offer an additional form of support and guidance.

www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthproblems/depression.aspxwww.mentalhealth.org.ukwww.depressionalliance.orgwww.mind.org.uk

People often kill themselves just to escape what they see as an intolerable and otherwise inescapable situation, not necessarily because they want to die.

Things to Do

The Secrets of Paella

The authenticity of paella is judged by the community it builds. What better way to enjoy your friends’ company than to sit around the communal paella dish and share it together? Is that not what life is all about?

Paella originated in the Spanish countryside long ago. As with all fantastic-tasting dishes, its basic origins are simple. Farmhands made a fire in fields at lunchtime and simmered the local short grain rice in a flat pan. They added whatever edibles were at hand – snails might be added as well as artichokes and other local vegetables — or perhaps a stray chicken or rabbit caught in the fields. Ingredients were — and remain to this day — as varied as the beautiful landscape around us. Along the shore, fishermen would embellish their local paellas with fish and seafood.

As tourists from other parts of Spain vacationed on the Mediterranean coast in the summer, the dish spread throughout other regions of Spain. Variations

have evolved to include locally available produce. In Sevilla and Cádiz they add the widely available bigger prawns and langostinos. Along the Costa del Sol, mussels, prawns, ñora peppers and lemons became favoured ingredients. Today, paella has universal appeal with literally hundreds of regional variations. Other than a couple of key ingredients, it is the preparation that makes the difference. But do not be intimidated, if you use authentic ingredients to start with, you do not need to be a master chef to prepare something delightful for your friends and family. You will have fun experimenting — it can even be a common project, with everyone pitching in to prepare a perfect feast.

• Pay attention to your broth; this is the soul of the paella – make it rich and flavourful with fish or chicken stock, shrimp shells and seasonings (including bouillon cubes if you need the flavours strengthened).

• Use the correct strain of rice. It is the difference between passable and exquisite paella. Firm and absorbent rice is the watchword. Spaniards always use short-grained rice, such as Bomba or Calasparra – it absorbs lots of rich broth with each grain remaining distinct. Do not substitute creamy Arborio, sticky Asian short grain, fragile and aromatic basmati or regular long grain American rice, which is not absorbent.

• Use real Spanish saffron. In harder times, Spaniards substituted "colorante," a yellow artificial colouring with a turmeric base – but it is not the same thing. It will not have the deep aroma and flavour. You can buy reasonably-priced premium saffron at most supermarkets so there is no need for compromise.

• The fire must be very hot to start with; the heat being continually reduced during cooking. Ideally, it should be prepared on a wood or charcoal fire. You can improvise with what cooking surface you have available – a gas paella grill accomplishes much the same effect.

Things to Do

Remember, paella is a simple rice dish, and it is yours to prepare. If you use authentic ingredients, there is no such thing as failure – each one is unique. So keep it simple, but do not "cut corners."

This is a fantastic tasty chicken Paella recipe, an alternative way of tasting authentic Spanish recipes.

Serves: 6Preparation time: 60-90 minutes

Ingredients• 1/2 pint of oil • 1 chicken, cut to 8 pieces • 2 bowls of rice (1lb. 5 oz. approximately) • 5 bowls of meat broth • 1 green pepper • 1 red pepper • 1 small can of peas • 1 small onion • 2 tomatoes • Saffron • 1 clove of garlic (optional) • Parsley • Salt

MethodStart by heating half of the oil and once warm, add the cut chicken and let it cook for 15 mins. Once it's brown, reserve it in a dish. Add the chopped onion. After 5 minutes, add diced tomatoes, without seeds and peeled.

Let it braise about 5 minutes more, mashing the tomatoes with a skimmer. Strain it and throw it in the paella pan.

Meanwhile, in a mortar, mash a little bit of garlic (optional), the parsley and the saffron with a little bit of salt so that it doesn't slip, and it wet it with a couple of soup spoonfuls of temperate water. Spill this mixture on the rice and shake the paella pan again.When the broth has reduced by half, decorate the paella with the red pepper, cut to ribbons, and the peas.

Let it cook for about 20 minutes.

Once the rice is cooked and the broth has reduced, retire the paella pan from the fire, on a wet cloth, leaving it to rest for about 5 minutes.

Serve it with some big clusters of unpeeled lemon without peeling for decoration.

Add the rest of the oil to the paella pan. Throw in the green pepper, cut to square pieces of half inch. Add the fried chicken. Keep stirring with a wooden tablespoon, without letting it go brown. Throw in salt and the meat broth, hot but not boiling. This is completed with the 5 broth bowls.

Shake the paella pan a little, taking it by the handles so that the broth flows all over. All this should be done over a medium fire.

Introducing the Mollina Branch of The Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Armed Forces charity and one of its largest membership organisations. Members get together through the network of branches and clubs all over the country and overseas to participate in social, fundraising and welfare activities.

Mollina Branch meets at 11am on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month (except July and August) at Hotel Saydo, Mollina.

Membership is open to everyone. If you have an interest in the objectives of the Legion and want to help and support those who have served and their families, come and join us. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not.

Legion membership ensures that• Remembrance is kept alive and ensures the

sacrifices our brave servicemen and women have made are never forgotten.

• The ex-service community has a voice, and its concerns are brought to the public eye.

• Beneficiaries are helped directly and locally.

Becoming a member also provides the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities and events held locally, regionally and nationally throughout the year.

About the Royal British LegionWe provide financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces — past and present — and their families. The Legion is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces; it is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem, the red poppy.

The Legion was founded in 1921. It is not just about those who fought in the two World Wars of the last century, but also about those involved in the many conflicts since 1945 and those still fighting for the freedom we enjoy today.

CAN WE HELP YOU CAN YOU HELP US

Don’t forget to bring any empty shoeboxes or gifts for our forces in Afghanistan to Andalucian Auctions in Campillos, and they will be passed on to Teresa Batson, co-ordinator for Morale Boxes for Gibraltar.

Alternatively, for more information contact Teresa directly at terebat@hotmail.com

Charity News

32

Electrician all areas covered. Call Tom for a quote on 606 694 536

Gardening – all aspects undertaken. Free quotes. No job to small. Call 952 737643

General handyman and pool cleaner. Reliable and experienced call 680 323649

Contact us for all your advertising needs 952 723075

Services Offered

Puzzle AnswersCrossword Sudoku

Easy

Difficult

Deposito Legal MA-1110-2004Copyright © 2004 - 2012 All rights reservedAll advertisements are published in good faith and are for information purposes. We do not under any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy of such advertisements, nor is any kind of warranty or endorsement expressed or implied by such publication. The editorials are not a substitute for legal advice, and not intended or offered as such. The Andalucían does not therefore accept any duty of care to anyone who makes use of, or seeks to rely on, material in this publication.

No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without the prior written consent of the owner.

ClassifiedAdverts

34

Weblings

There’s nothing new in politics - it’s all been said before...

Puzzle Answers

35

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle .-- Winston Churchill

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.-- George Bernard Shaw

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress.-- John Adams

Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself.-- Mark Twain

A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.-- G. Gordon Liddy

Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.-- James Bovard, Civil Libertarian (1994)

Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries.-- Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University

Giving money and power to government is like giving whisky and car keys to teenage boys.-- P.J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian

Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavours to live at the expense of everybody else.-- Frederic Bastiat, French Economist (1801-1850)

Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: if it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidise it.-- Ronald Reagan (1986)

I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.-- Will Rogers

If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free!-- P.J. O'Rourke

In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other.-- Voltaire (1764)

Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.-- Pericles (430 B.C.)

No man's life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session.-- Mark Twain (1866)

The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other.-- Ronald Reagan

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery.-- Winston Churchill

The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.-- Mark Twain

The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.-- Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)

There is no distinctly native American criminal class.. except for Congress.-- Mark Twain

What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.-- Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995)

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.-- Thomas Jefferson