The Olive Press January 2009 | Page 2

2 the olive press - Eastern Edition - Issue 62 the olive press - Eastern Edition - Issue 62 the olive press

Olive Press Media SL Apto . 258 , Órgiva , 18400 , Granada CIF : B18780791 Tel : [phone] / 913 / 914 www . theolivepress . es

Editor : Mark Roulston ( mark @ theolivepress . es ) Associate editor : Jon Clarke ( jon @ theolivepress . es ) Sales and editorial : Mary Roulston ( mary @ theolivepress . es ) Proof reading : Mary Fogarty Page design : Tofi Pishneshin ( tofi @ theolivepress . es ) Web master : Dan Myers ( dan @ theolivepress . es )

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Distribution

The Olive Press can be found at various points around eastern Andalucia , listed below are some of the main ones . For more distribution points or suggestions call 958 763 913

ALHAMA DE GRANADA : The British Hairdresser , Tourist Info , Alhambra Rambler ALMUÑECAR : Olivares , Delfin Books , El Faro , Bar Bikini , Spar ( C / Bikini ), Tourist info CADIAR : Sunshine Properties SL , Talk of the Town , Jananadels COMPETA : Todo Papel GRANADA : Carrefour Centro , Hannigans Bar , Tourist Info Plz Nueva , Metro Books , Umbela Ecotienda ( behind El Chiquito ), Alhambra Palace GUADIX : The English Centre LOJA : Tourist Info Points , Verde Garden Centre , Hotel Almazara MOTRIL : Al Campo , New Tourist Information NERJA : Supersolx2 , Smiffs Books , Nerja Book Centre , Speakeasy , Nerjamar , Blue Lagoon , El Bosque , Dream España , White Truffle , Mawells , Lewis SC ÓRGIVA : Camac , Alpujarra Supermarket , News Kiosko ROQUETAS del MAR : HMS Spain , Almeria Spanish Properties SALOBREÑA : Supersol , Tourist Information , Cyber Surfer Café , Limonero , SW Designs

Give a dog a home

In issue 55 , the Olive Press launched an appeal to help Granada animal shelter El Refugio de Sierra Nevada , which has been hit by the current economic crisis . As people tighten their belts , more and more family pets are being abandoned at the centre and donations dry up .

We are proud to continue helping El Refugio de Sierra Nevada with the launch of our fortnightly Adopt an Animal slot , whereby we feature a needy dog or cat that the refuge wants to rehome .

THIS issue , we are featuring the lovely Lila . Lila has become one of the unfortunate post-Christmas unwanted statistics , after having been found curled up on the edge of a bridge , inches from death either side of her .

She is a beautiful puppy that looks as if she is partcocker spaniel , taking on the biscuit and speckled colours of the English versions . Her fur is incredibly soft and so is she ! She has a very affectionate nature and desperately wants to be your friend . She shows signs of being able to learn quickly . Approximately 4 months old and very good with young children ( being one herself ), she mixes easily with other dogs . Lila would make an ideal addition to any home .

The people of Southern Spain ’ s attitude toward castrating and neutering dogs must change if we are to combat the ever increasing problem of stray and abandoned dogs – please accept responsibility for your dog and have it neutered before it is too late .

The refuge is a lifeline to the abandoned animals in its care . We aim to keep them happy , healthy and safe until a suitable home can be found . For information about ways you can help the refuge , visit : www . refugioanimales-sierranevada . org . es

El Refugio de Sierra Nevada where animals matter .

Catch-all emergency number : 112 Ambulance : 958 282 000 Fire brigade : 080 Guardia Civil : 062 Policia Local : 092 Weather forecast : www . aemet . es Olive Press : www . theolivepress . es

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Spanish wake up from afternoon slumber

Survey dispels the siesta myth

“ IT is little more than a myth that is interesting from a tourism point of view .” That is the opinion of a sleep expert after a survey claims that almost 60 per cent of Spaniards never take an afternoon nap .

According to FUNDADEPS , the body that observes national health trends , only 40 per cent of the nation claims to take a nap after lunch and , of those , only 28 per cent choose to do so in bed .

The study found that men older than 45 are the ones more likely to take the traditional siesta tucked up in bed rather than on the sofa .

“ We need to start debunking this myth that every Spaniard takes a nap ; today , there are only a few people who nod off after lunch ,” said FUNDEPS president , María Sáinz .

The research also surveyed the population ’ s sleep patterns , and the results show that only 68 per cent wake up in the morning feeling well-rested . Thirteen per cent experience muscle cramps when they get out of bed and 18 per cent of those questioned said they normally feel tired and listless first thing in the morning .

There were variations between the different regions of Spain , however . Galicians claim they rest more than other Spaniards at night ( 78 per cent )

Dem bones ...

... dem dried animal bones were used in Moorish constructions , study claims

SLEEPY ? Only 40 per cent of the nation naps after lunch

while La Rioja and Murcia had the highest numbers of restless residents .

Only 53 per cent of Madrileños – as the citizens of the capital are known – said they feel energetic when they wake in the morning .

© Olive Press Media S . L 2008

No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without the explicit permission of the publishers . While efforts are made to ensure the authenticity of advertisements and articles appearing in The Olive Press the publisher does not accept any responsibility for claims made . The opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent the opinions of The Olive Press .

A CHANCE discovery has shed light on construction methods used by the Moors , the race of people who ruled much of the Iberian peninsula for 800 years .

Geologists have found powdered animal bones in a 14th century clay oven during excavation work close to the Islamic Alhambra fortress and palace in Granada .

The finding represents the first evidence of powdered bones used in Moorish architecture .

“ We previously knew of this method being used in Greek , Roman and Celtic structures , but never before in Islamic building ,” said Carolina Cardell , a geologist at the University of Granada .

According to the study – which appears in the latest edition of journal Analytical Chemistry – the oven was discovered during restoration work on a medieval Moorish wall , believed to have been built by ruler Yusuf I between 1333 and 1354 .

Tests showed that the oven had operated at temperatures of 1,000 degrees Celsius .

“ This was far higher than the temperature normally used in firing ovens . It was obvious they used it for something else ,” explained Señora Cardell .

Traces on the oven ’ s brickwork revealed hydroxyapatite – a mineral that is the main component of bones . Further tests revealed the same substance on the wall .

Cardell said there is evidence that the bone powder , mostly from pigs , may have been used in other Moorish structures in the area , but so far there is nothing to indicate it was used in the Alhambra , Spain ’ s most popular tourist attraction .