Turicomplex has won the distinguished Golden Beach awards, the Town hall of Antigua submitted Turicomplex in this category to the advisory board of the Tourism Council of Fuerteventura.
The three categories are Golden beach, silver beaches, Special mention.
These awards are to recognize the work that has been done for and with the tourism on the island of Fuerteventura.
Turicomplex was set up in 1987 and at present it is one of the leading Companies in the tourism sector here on the island and generates around 700 jobs on the island.
This Majorero group has also received numerous awards by major Tour Operators.
Antigua town hall believes that it is time to realize the appreciation in its own island through these awards.

The Fuerteventura tourist board has collaborated with the BBC working on the series "Last men standing" which starts in November.
The programme portrays the lives of 3 different people, a boxer, a fireman and a diving instructor, the diving instructor moves to Fuerteventura to get involved in diving activities with the sea.
The BBC were in Fuerteventura for 1 week where they filmed sequences in El Cotillo, Morro Jable, Corralejo, Tindaya and the Isla de Lobos and they were accompanied and assisted at all times by the Fuerteventura Tourist board.

The island of Fuerteventura suffered two blackouts in less than forty-eight hours, the second of them spread to Lanzarote,were expected by those involved in the production and distribution of electric power in the island.
Morro Jable, is where the the biggest problems are as the capacity is even lower - one of the enclaves of the Canary Islands where there has been increased tourism and population growth in recent times.

Both the operator of the system, electricity grid, and the Company Unelco-Endesa have been emphasizing for years that Fuerteventura is walking on a thin wire and there are predictions that there may be further blackouts in August.
The events of last week were the product of an electrical system which requires urgent reinforcement. The root of the problem is that infrastructure has continued at a slow pace whereas the population has increased dramatically.

The power station that provides Fuerteventura electricity is located in the Salinas central, Puerto del Rosario. But this production is at the limit and, worse still there is no solution possible

One of the alternatives is to relocate facilities elsewhere within the town of Puerto del Rosario. This option even has the approval of city councils, eager to free up the land that it now occupies. The mayor, Marcial Morales (CC), just put two conditions for the new project: away from core population and that its construction involves minimal environmentalimpact. Moreover, the local authority believes that the plant is a source of wealth for the local economy and even stresses the potential logistical proximity of the Port and Airport.

With memories of the historic victory of the Spanish national football team at this year’s “Eurocopa” still fresh in our minds high hopes are held for Spain’s 290 strong Olympic team which will be boasting the red and yellow colours in Peking this August and what’s more viewers in the Canarian Archipelago will be even more interested in the games this year as fifteen athletes from the Islands will be taking part.
With athletes as young as 17 years old , swimming , Tae Kwondo, Synchronized swimming, trampoline, weight lifting, pentathlon, tennis and athletics are the specialities of the canarian sportsmen and women who have been chosen to represent Spain in China but another group of Canarians we also be travelling east in August .
Jorge Angula, Airam Rodriguez, Diego Quintana, Tito Caceres, Sixto Jiménez and Juan Carlos Arteaga will not be participating in the games as sportsman but their action will influence the results since they will from part of the team of judges and referees fro the 2008 Olympics.
As well as the Peking Hong Kong, Shanghai, Qingdao, Shenyang, Qinhuangdao and Tianjin will be hosting the World’s most important sports meeting from 8th to 24th August.

We at El Sol News were intrigued to learn that our newspaper is being used as part of a Magic act here on the island!
As two of the acts in fact, one where the newspaper is ripped up then is put back together again and another, is when it changes into €20 notes (shame they weren't €50's!)
Apparently our paper is the best kind to use for their tricks.

So of course we had to invite Dave and Monica Cummings to our office for a private show, which they were more than happy to do!
Even though the tricks were done in our office to a small audience of 4, we still couldn't work out how they were done! Truly amazing!

Dave is a plumber by trade and Monica is a hairdresser but they both stumbled into magic as a hobby, then they were asked if they wanted to work on the cruise ships and the rest as they say, is history.

Dave and Monica have been living on the island since November last year after working for 11 years on the cruise ships, before deciding to move permenantly abroad.
They made a list of all the countries they had been to on the cruises, Fuerteventura, however, not being one of them, but they went to the neighbouring island of Lanzarote and were told about Fuerteventuras’ charm so after coming here 3 times a year for 8 years they eventually made the move last November.

They specialize in hotel entertainment, Childrens’ parties, private parties, for example, anniversaries, birthdays. Close up dinner table magic, balloon modeling and the list goes on.
Dave also has his own show on Radio QFM "Northern Soul" every Tuesday at 6-8pm.
They perform every other Friday at the Oasis Papagayo apartments in Corralejo at 10pm, the next show being the 22nd August.
They truly enjoy what they do and as Dave said "I am getting paid to play with my toys, I don't see it as work"
If you go to one of their shows you will be amazed and mesmorised by their show, but what we don't realise is the preparation that goes into each show, for an hours show, the preparation time is about 6 hours and Monica can have up to 11 costume changes in one show, so they must enjoy this and just by talking to them about their magic and their incredible journey you can so very clearly see that they do.

So thank you Dave and Monica for taking time out to give us our own private show!
If you want to book one of their shows or want to know where they are performing you can contact Dave and Monica on: 697 326938.

Although the verdict was officially registered on 1st July the TSJC The Canarian Supreme Courts of Justice’s decision to reject the proposals made by the developer was not made public until 7th August when the local press revealed that the Matas Blancas SL company together with the owners of the land in question had had their “get rich quick plans” ruined when Fuerteventura Cabildo via the Territorial Organizational Plan PIOT,changed the category of the land in question from urban land with building permission to non developable rustic land rendering the plans to construct the tourist resort null and void.

In the hope of somehow going ahead with the millionaire project Matas Blancas SL then set about getting the TSJC to revoke the decision of Fuerteventura Cabildo but the Supreme Court backed up the island government in its attempt to keep as much of the island as unspoiled as possible.

The decision was well received by the ecologists of Fuerteventura claiming that the island does not need even more cement structures backing up their opinions by explaining that the number of tourists visiting the island is on the decrease. Others however believe that the Plan Parcial could have been the answer to attracting more tourists to modern facilities.

The mayor of Pajara Rafael Perdomo was pleased to reveal that the local council has decided to extend the closing date for those families who wish to apply for one the grants being offered by the island government to subside the installation of mini water recycling plants. Perdomo explained that the application forms were available from the town hall offices in Morro Jable , Costa Calmaand La Lajita as well as Pajar town hall explaining that although the mini recylcing plants were intended for small “fincas” anyone residing in the borough is entitled to present their application since the idea is to recycle as much water as possible, adding that the closing date is now August 25th.

While the rising unemployment figures continue to break records not only in the Canary Islands but rather in the whole of Spain the number of immigrants from all over the world resident in Spain taking advantage of the voluntary repatriation plans set up by various non governmental organizations including the Red Cross, The Spanish Catholic Migration Commission and the International Migration Organisation has rocketed so much over the last eight months that more funds are needed urgently if the scheme is cater for the thousands of people who have put in an application.

The situation of these immigrants all of whom are experiencing extreme economic and social difficulties in Spain but who are unable to finance a return journey to their country of birth is carefully assessed by these organizations and if the application is approved help is given with paperwork . Then not only is a one way ticket paid for but the ex immigrants are also monitored by these organizations to ensure their reintegration.

Spanish secretary of State for Immigration Consuelo Rumi explained that although the voluntary repatriation schemes would seem to be an easy option only those with no other alternative are considered to be eligible adding that once they have left Spanish territory these immigrants will not be allowed to enter Spain for three years as the airports will be issued with a list of their names etc

British airways and Iberia to merge

British Airways has announced a €5 billion merger with long-term partner Iberia.
The BA and Iberia brands will be retained as part of a combined group listed on the FTSE 100 Index and the Madrid Stock Exchange.
A final agreement will be finalised in the coming months after the EU gave the move the green light.
British Airways’ chief executive, Willie Walsh, said: “The aviation landscape is changing and airline consolidation is long overdue. The combined balance sheet, anticipated synergies and network fit between the airlines make a merger an attractive proposition, particularly in the current economic environment.”

Overfill your bin and you’ll be treated worse than a shoplifter.

Families who overfill rubbish bins are to face bigger fines than those imposed on drunks or shoplifters the government has told local authorities.
New guidance instructs councils to impose fixed penalties of “not less than £75” and up to £110 in what the opposition has attacked as a “new stealth tax”.
The offences for which householders can be fined include leaving ajar the lid of a wheelie bin, putting out a bin the evening before collection or leaving the bin in the wrong place.
Although the government has previously claimed that it leaves local councils to decide on the level of fines, the Fly-capture Enforcement manual, produced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, stipulates that fixed penalties for offences involving “waste receptacles” must range from £75 to £110.
It suggests a standard fixed penalty of £100, adding that “if a notice is not paid, it is essential it is followed up”. The penalties are higher than the £80 on-the-spot fines levied by police for offences ranging from being drunk and disorderly to shoplifting.
Local councils have been sharply criticised for taking harsh measures against trivial misdemeanours.

Warning lights

Seven million British motorists are risking wrecking their cars by ignoring dashboard warning lights a report by tyre manufacturer Bridgestone reveals. Ignorance of what the signs indicate means that they are likely to run up very expensive repair bills.
Twenty five per cent of U K drivers say that they have continued driving despite being warned of potential problems with their cars, compromising their safety and other motorists, the survey of some 1,500 drivers has revealed.
Nearly half do not know what the engine warning lights mean. A third did not understand the brake warning system. Also, one in six confused the engine warning light representing a serious fault-with the icon advising drivers to check their water levels.
A spokesman for Bridgestone said:' Switching on a car ignition usually means that an array of different coloured dashboard lights start flashing at you. These should then disappear.
A warning light that stays on permanently indicates that your car is not operating correctly.
'Drivers should never ignore warning lights and should safely stop as soon as possible and refer to their handbook.'
Driving with a warning light illuminated could also lead to an MOT failure.
The message is that drivers who ignore the warning lights not only compromise the performance of their cars but also their safety.

Road rage.

Road rage, which up until 20 years ago didn’t have a name, is now seen as second only to cost in a list of the biggest changes to motoring compiled by the RAC in the company's annual report.
Nearly one in three of the 1,116 motorists polled said they had been victims of ‘road rage’ that had left them feeling threatened. Almost half admitted to shouting, swearing and making rude gestures.
The RAC Report on Motoring, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, says the top causes of stress on the road are: other motorists driving too close behind (84 per cent), others using mobiles while driving (79 per cent), those who don't pull over for faster cars on motorways, or who drive too slowly for the conditions (55 per cent) and congestion (48 per cent).

Gardening Al Fresco

One in every 20 gardeners are working on their plots stark naked, a new survey claims this week.
A third of people garden after dark and the over 54s spend 24 hours a week cultivating their beds and borders.
The survey by Grant’ s Blended Scotch Whisky revealed that gardening is now undergoing a boom in the UK as the housing market cools and homeowners invest their cash in their current properties.
Garden centres in the south east are reporting a 20 per cent growth in sales of night-blooming plants indicating that gardeners are making time at the end of busy days to
enjoy the revival of a Victorian fashion for enjoying the cool of the evening outdoors.
Award-winning gardener and television presenter Chris Beardshaw told Garden News: “The garden is often at its most vibrant and intense as the evening slips into the night; the fragrance is enhanced in many cases and the quality of light, either from the setting sun or the moon, adds an extra dynamic character so there really can be no better place to sit and unwind at the end of the day.
“Simply adding a few night-blooming plants, subtle lighting and the use of white or light-coloured materials where possible, will reflect the moonlight and make a real difference to the pleasure you can get out of your garden after hours.”

Free passports given in recognition of bravery.

Since October 2004, every British citizen born on or before 2 September 1929 has been exempt from application or renewal fees for UK passports in recognition of the bravery of both veterans and civilians during World War II.
More than half a million people have benefited from this.
This is a generation which faced incredible hardship and loss and demonstrated tremendous bravery both on the battlefield as well as on the home front. It is entirely right that those who endured these times to guarantee our liberty and security should be given the privilege of free passports

Fomula 1 standings

01 Lewis Hamilton 62
02 Kimi Räikkönen 57
03 Felipe Massa 54
04 Robert Kubica 49
05 Nick Heidfeld 41
06 Heikki Kovalainen 38
07 Jarno Trulli 22
08 Fernando Alonso 18
09 Mark Webber 18
10 Timo Glock 13

15th August

Name of the Event :- Men's 50m Freestyle Semifinal
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:00
End time :- 10:06
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Mark Foster

Name of the Event :- Women's 200m Breaststroke Final
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:09
End time :- 10:13
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Kirsty Balfour
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Men's 200m Backstroke Final
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:16
End time :- 10:20
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : James Goddard, Gregor Tait
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Women's 200m Backstroke Semifinal
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:23
End time :- 10:33
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Elizabeth Simmonds, Gemma Spofforth

Name of the Event :- Men's 200m Individual Medley Final
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:45
End time :- 10:49
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : James Goddard, Liam Tancock
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Women's 100m Freestyle Final
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 11:01
End time :- 11:04
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Francesca Halsall, Caitlin McClatchey
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Men's 100m Butterfly Semifinal
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 11:16
End time :- 11:24
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Todd Cooper, Michael Rock

Name of the Event :- Women's 50m Freestyle - Heat
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 18:30
End time :- 18:53
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Francesca Halsall

Name of the Event :- Men's 1500m Freestyle - Heat
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 18:57
End time :- 20:31
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Richard Charlesworth, David Davies

Name of the Event :- Women's 4 x 100m Medley Relay - Heat
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 20:36
End time :- 20:54
Venue :- National Aquatics Center

Name of the Event :- Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay - Heat
Date of Event :- 15/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 20:58
End time :- 21:16
Venue :- National Aquatics Center

16th August

Name of the Event :- Women's 200m Backstroke Final
Date of Event :- 16/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:00
End time :- 10:04
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Elizabeth Simmonds, Gemma Spofforth
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Men's 100m Butterfly Final
Date of Event :- 16/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:07
End time :- 10:10
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Todd Cooper, Michael Rock
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Men's 50m Freestyle Final
Date of Event :- 16/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:36
End time :- 10:39
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Mark Foster
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Women's 50m Freestyle Semifinal
Date of Event :- 16/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:51
End time :- 10:57
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Francesca Halsall

17th August

Name of the Event :- Women's 50m Freestyle Final
Date of Event :- 17/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:00
End time :- 10:03
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Francesca Halsall
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Men's 1500m Freestyle Final
Date of Event :- 17/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:06
End time :- 10:25
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Team GB Athletes Competing : Richard Charlesworth, David Davies
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Women's 4 x 100m Medley Relay Final
Date of Event :- 17/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:37
End time :- 10:43
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Gold Medals Avail: 1

Name of the Event :- Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay Final
Date of Event :- 17/08/2008
Swimming Start Time : - 10:55
End time :- 11:01
Venue :- National Aquatics Center
Gold Medals Avail: 1