Bankers face the prospect of jail as Serious Fraud Office launches criminal probe into interest-rate fixing at Barclays

Hearing: Former chief executive Bob Diamond left Barclays over the matter, before appearing before MPs this week

A criminal investigation has been launched into alleged rigging of the Libor rate within the banking industry, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) confirmed today.

SFO director David Green QC formally accepted the Libor issue for investigation after Barclays was fined by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) last week for manipulating the key interbank lending rate which affects mortgages and loans.

The claims ultimately led to the resignation of Barclays boss Bob Diamond and have become the focal point of a fierce political debate over ethics in the banking sector.

The investigation could ultimately lead to criminal prosecutions and bankers facing charges in court.

The SFO's update came after it revealed earlier this week that it had been working closely with the FSA during its investigation and would consider the potential for criminal prosecutions.

The Government department, which is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious and complex fraud, said on Monday the issues surrounding Libor were "complex" and that assessing the evidence would take time.

Under fire: Barclays former chairman Marcus Agius (right) with former CEO Bob Diamond (centre), and former chief executive John Varley (left)

As the SFO prepares its investigation, Labour leader Ed Miliband continued to push for an independent inquiry into the banking scandal despite MPs rejecting the demands.

The Labour leader said that while the party would cooperate with a parliamentary investigation, its remit was too "narrow" and a judge-led probe was still needed.

Mr Miliband also defended the conduct of Ed Balls after the shadow chancellor engaged in a bitter war of words with his opposite number George Osborne in the Commons.

 

 

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Diabetes drug makes brain cells grow

The widely used diabetes drug metformin comes with a rather unexpected and alluring side effect: it encourages the growth of new neurons in the brain. The study reported in the July 6th issue of Cell Stem Cell, a Cell Press publication, also finds that those neural effects of the drug also make mice smarter. See Also: Health & Medicine Brain Tumor Stem Cells Nervous System Mind & Brain Brain Injury Intelligence Neuroscience Strange Science Reference Neural development Stem cell treatments Diabetes mellitus type 2 Embryonic stem cell The discovery is an important step toward therapies that aim to repair the brain not by introducing new stem cells but rather by spurring those that are already present into action, says the study's lead author Freda Miller of the University of Toronto-affiliated Hospital for Sick Children. The fact that it's a drug that is so widely used and so safe makes the news all that much better. Earlier work by Miller's team highlighted a pathway known as aPKC-CBP for its essential role in telling neural stem cells where and when to differentiate into mature neurons. As it happened, others had found before them that the same pathway is important for the metabolic effects of the drug metformin, but in liver cells. "We put two and two together," Miller says. If metformin activates the CBP pathway in the liver, they thought, maybe it could also do that in neural stem cells of the brain to encourage brain repair. The new evidence lends support to that promising idea in both mouse brains and human cells. Mice taking metformin not only showed an increase in the birth of new neurons, but they were also better able to learn the location of a hidden platform in a standard maze test of spatial learning. While it remains to be seen whether the very popular diabetes drug might already be serving as a brain booster for those who are now taking it, there are already some early hints that it may have cognitive benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease. It had been thought those improvements were the result of better diabetes control, Miller says, but it now appears that metformin may improve Alzheimer's symptoms by enhancing brain repair. Miller says they now hope to test whether metformin might help repair the brains of those who have suffered brain injury due to trauma or radiation therapies for cancer.

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Spanish Tourism Industry Prepares for Difficult Summer

Spain's tourism industry is bracing itself for a painful slowdown in bookings this summer, driven by a steep decline in local tourism, according to the country's leading hotel association. Reservations by Spanish vacationers for the month of July are 30% lower than last year, amid persistently high unemployment and a protracted economic recession, said Juan Molas, president of the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations. An influx of visitors from Russia and other countries in Eastern Europe has compensated somewhat for the decline in local tourism, but weak local demand is expected to weigh on an industry that accounts for about 11% of Spain's annual economic output. Hotel owners are concerned that the government may raise the industry's value-added tax to 18% from the current 8%, in a bid to reduce its yawning budget deficit, making Spain less attractive to foreign tourists compared with other less expensive destinations "If the VAT rises to 18%, it will be absolutely catastrophic for the sector," Mr. Molas said at an event Thursday in Madrid. Spain's government is working to secure €100 billion ($126 billion) in aid for its struggling banking sector from the European Union and plans to meet with EU officials next week to discuss new measures to improve its public finances. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has already implemented €45 billion in austerity measures, but weak tax revenue threatens to undermine his administration's goal of trimming its shortfall this year to 5.3% of gross domestic product from 8.9% last year. Sentiment in the hospitality industry is at its lowest level since 2009, according to an index developed by the hotel association and consulting firm PwC. Based on a survey of hotel firms, 57% of operators expect international tourism will hold steady this year, while 76% expect domestic tourism to decline. "The parts of the country that will suffer the most are those that cater to national tourists," Mr. Molas said.

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Holidaymakers in Spain this summer are facing a surprise new airport tax imposed by the Spanish government

Holidaymakers in Spain this summer are facing a surprise new airport tax imposed by the Spanish government as it tries to balance its books. Some airlines are passing the new departure tax on to passengers, even if they booked their flights months ago. Some passengers have received emails telling them either to pay an extra charge of up to seven euros (£6) per person - or to cancel their flights. Other airlines are deciding whether to absorb the cost themselves. The budget airline Ryanair said Spain's 2012 budget, passed into law at the end of June, obliged airlines to pay increased taxes. Spain is implementing drastic measures to try to slash its budget deficit to 5.3% from 8.5% in 2011. It has been promised bailout funds of up to 100bn euros for its banks, but wants to avoid a full state bailout. Retrospective The European travel agents' association ECTAA said the amount of the extra levy varied depending on which airport people used. It said the average rise in the tax was 18.9%, but at some of the larger airports it would almost double. For instance, at Madrid-Barajas the tax would rise from 6.95 euros to 14.44, while at Barcelona's El Prat airport it would rise from 6.12 euros to 13.44. Ryanair said it would pass the cost on to passengers, even those who had already paid in full for their flights, because the tax applied "retrospectively to customers who booked flights before 2 July 2012 and are travelling from 1 July onwards". It said for bookings made on or after 2 July, the increased tax would have been included in the price. The Spanish low-cost airline Vueling is also passing on the cost. It sent emails to passengers giving them seven days to cancel their flight, or the extra payment would be debited automatically from the card they used to book. British Airways and Iberia told the BBC they had not yet decided whether to pass on the cost or absorb it. ECTAA said in a statement it was "dismayed" by the rise, which was imposed "without proper consultation of airport users nor appropriate implementation time". It said travel agents faced a "technical and financial nightmare to recover the extra charge".

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I’m a bona fide Heath Ceramics addict. I’m slowly building a tableware collection that’s almost exclusively Heath-made, and I’ve never felt better about an investment.

I’m a bona fide Heath Ceramics addict. I’m slowly building a tableware collection that’s almost exclusively Heath-made, and I’ve never felt better about an investment. Their dinnerware is so well made, solid and timeless that it’s impossible not to make even the humblest of meals (like my morning fruit and yogurt) seem more beautiful. I’ve always taken the ferry from San Francisco to Marin to buy “seconds” ceramics from Heath’s Sausalito location, so I was thrilled to hear that they now have a new showroom, retail and gallery space right in the middle of the city in SF! The new space will have all of Heath’s dinnerware and tiles, as well as a factory space and plenty of room to highlight local food items and host events. I happened to drive past the space with my friends the other week, and it looks incredible. These photos are a little peek inside the space, so if you’re in town this summer, be sure to swing by. Next weekend, their very first gallery show — Akio Nukaga: Very New Work — will open so it’s definitely worth a visit. Congrats to everyone at Heath on the new location (2900 18th Street (at Florida Street), San Francisco)! xo, grace

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James Bond's style celebrated in Barbican exhibition

Designing 007 at the Barbican: A James Bond suit displayed on a Sean Connery waxwork next to an Aston Martin DB5. Photograph: Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images

The Chesterfield coat and hat Sean Connery wears in Dr No for his first meeting with M; Roger Moore's yellow ski suit and red backpack seen on the slopes in The Spy Who Loved Me; George Lazenby's kilt donned in On Her Majesty's Secret Service; the Brioni suit Pierce Brosnan wore to drive a tank in Goldeneye; and Daniel Craig's infamously snug baby-blue swim trunks of Casino Royale fame. All are featured in the Barbican's blockbuster summer show Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style, which opens on Friday

1. Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style
2. The Barbican,
 
3. London

1. Starts 6 July 2012
2. Until 5 September 2012

Every aspect of this extensive retrospective of the Bond films has been carefully thought through. It is as camp and fun as it is nerdishly packed with facts, production sketches, storyboards and costume drawings. Film screens playing classic clips are dotted throughout, with scenes relating to the paraphernalia, from clothing to props, gadgets to 25-carat diamonds.

The opening scene of Dr No, the first Bond film, featured a close-up of a turned-back silk cuff on a tuxedo jacket designed by Anthony Sinclair for Sean Connery. The tailor's involvement in shaping the look of Bond is integral to the character's image. A three-piece grey-check suit by Sinclair is worn by a Connery-lookalike mannequin leaning on a DB5 Aston Martin in this show.

Bronwyn Cosgrave, fashion historian and co-curator of the exhibition, says Sinclair's designs are the male equivalent of a Chanel suit. Its athletic cut, she says, inspired designers such as Hedi Slimane, Tom Ford and Thom Browne.

Ford's mohair and cashmere tuxedo, worn by Craig in 2008's Quantum of Solace, also puts in an appearance in a section of the exhibition dedicated to Bond casino moments.

As well as Craig's trunks, there is a recreation of Connery's Thunderball shorts, which Bond costume designer and Oscar-winner Lindy Hemming – the exhibition's other key curator – asked British brand Sunspel to recreate. Such is the power of Bond – Cosgrave says many fashion trends have been inspired by the fashions of this franchise – that Sunspel, who also created clothes for Craig's Casino Royale wardrobe, has launched a new swimwear line.

Designed to take visitors on a Bond-style narrative journey – there are rooms dedicated to M, ski slopes and foreign locations. Cosgrave says the show aims to reflect all 23 films. Visitors walk through a bullet-shaped entrance covered with stills from the films, before arriving in the Gold Room, which features a revolving circular bed complete with white sheets and a gold-painted female body – a nod to the classic scene from Goldfinger.

Pussy Galore's gold waistcoat and Scaramanga's golden gun are displayed in glass cases alongside black-and-white footage of Connery arriving at the premiere of Goldfinger and being mobbed by fans. "The film Goldfinger made Bond a pop-culture phenomenon rivalled only by the Beatles," says Cosgrave.

Other costume highlights in the exhibition include Ursula Andress's Dr No bikini, which was created from the actor's bra and some bottoms found locally during filming, alongside designs by Prada, Gucci and Versace.

In 2002's Die Another Day, Halle Berry's Jinx Johnson paid homage to Andress by emerging from the sea in a similar bikini. But it is Berry's Versace evening dress that is one of the exhibition's standouts. It is a typically flesh-revealing gown in a pinkish purple and featuring glittering jewels across the top section. Alongside the dress are the original sketches by the designer Donatella Versace.

Similarly eye catching is a canary yellow Roberto Cavalli affair which is slashed in the front and splattered with Swarovski crystals around the bust. This was worn by Ivana Milicevic to play Valenka, the girlfriend of Casino Royale's villian Le Chiffre. There is also the red silk georgette, one-shouldered dress worn by Eunice Gayson to play Bond's girlfriend Sylvia Trench in Dr No. This dress was apparently bought by the actor herself from an inexpensive shop near Pinewood studios following the film director Terence Young vetoing costume designer Julie Harris's original choice.

In a section dedicated to Bond villains and enigmas, Madonna's fencing ensemble from Die Another Day and Jaws' metal teeth also feature.

"It's the longest running and most successful film franchise of all time – and the most glamorously made," says Cosgrove. "Nothing can touch it. That is why Bond and his sidekicks are inspirational to people all over the world and to all ages."

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Odisha-based Sudarsan Patnaik selected for Solo International Sand art competition

International Sand art competition Spain 2012 will be held at Marbella city in Spain from 9th July to 15th July. International Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik from Odisha has been selected to represent India at this competition. Ten sculptors around the World will represent their country in this competition like Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Poland and Holland including India. Director of this competition Mr. Pavel Mylnikov, has informed Mr. Pttnaik that he has been selected for this event. The theme of the competition is "Secrets of the Sea”. There are Five different categories like Realistic, Creative, Fantastic, positive and people choice prize for winners.   Pattnaik recently won first prize at Copenhagen sand sculpture championship at Denmark. “I will create awareness sculpture on Secret of sea through which I will try to send message”, Sudarsan said. Pattnaik has participated in more than 50 international sand sculpture championships across the globe and has won many prizes for our country.

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Saudi princes, Hollywood stars or European royalty you are looking for, there is no shortage of celebrities living in Andalucia.

From the early days when Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant could be spotted chatting over breakfast in Marbella, to the current batch of publicity-hungry reality TV stars routinely spotted falling out of clubs, the trend has shown no sign of abating.

An attractive combination of fantastic weather, luxurious properties and discreet locations all add to the appeal, but that is not all.

“It gives them the Hollywood lifestyle just two hours from London,” reasons Giles Brown, editor of Marbella’s Hot magazine.

“We’ve had the likes of Ronnie Wood and Sean Connery owning property down here over the years, and Prince even painted his mansion purple and spray-painted his logo on the front.

“I also remember Oasis taking a villa in the hills above Marbella when they were in their prime and partying with the likes of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. The list is endless.”

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Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias has long owned a property in Ojen.

OJEN

Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias has long owned a property in Ojen.

Straddling three town boundaries, the palace has spectacular views.

The 68-year-old singer settled down there along with his wife, Dutch model Miranda Rijnsburger.

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Situated in the hills above San Pedro, La Zagaleta is said to be the most expensive housing estate in the world.

LA ZAGALETA

Situated in the hills above San Pedro, La Zagaleta is said to be the most expensive housing estate in the world.

Famous home-owners include Hugh Grant and the mayor of Moscow Yuri Luzhkov, with controversial Russian president Vladimir Putin reportedly keen to use it as a bolt-hole.

Rod Stewart is said to have a palatial pad at La Zagaleta, a far cry from his early career, when he was kicked out of Spain for vagrancy.

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Believed to have some of Spain’s most expensive real estate, it is no surprise that Sotogrande is a popular haunt for the great and the good.

SOTOGRANDE

Believed to have some of Spain’s most expensive real estate, it is no surprise that Sotogrande is a popular haunt for the great and the good.

Princes William and Harry are known to enjoy playing polo tournaments in the exclusive enclave, while the likes of Mariah Carey, Antonio Banderas and the Duchess of York are regular visitors.

Other notables often spotted in the place which inspired the novel Cocaine Nights include Formula One mogul Eddie Jordan and England footballer Glen Johnson.

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Freeze Fresh Herbs in Oil to Preserve Them

Have a few fresh herbs sitting around that you won't get to using before they turn? Sure, you can freeze them in water or dry them out, but if you know you'll use them relatively quickly, you can add a few weeks to their life without damaging their potency by freezing them in oil instead. We've shown you how to make simply syrups with them, and how to use sea salt to dry them, but if you have some lovely herbs you want to use, but won't get to before they turn brown, consider dropping them in an ice cube tray, filling up the cubes with olive oil (or any other oil of your choice, as long as it freezes nicely), and popping them in the freezer. When you're ready to fry some potatoes, for example, pop out a couple of rosemary oil cubes—you'll need the oil for the pan anyway, and the rosemary will be right at home. Need some oil in a baking dish or crock pot for a few chicken breasts? Grab a frozen sage oil cube. The sky's the limit. The only thing to note is that with some herbs have a shorter shelf life when frozen in oil than in water (like garlic, for example), so this won't beat drying if you're looking to keep your herbs fresh for months and months. It will, however, work for weeks on end, and if you freeze them, pop them out of the ice cube trays and put them into zippered baggies, they'll keep even longer. Then, the next time you need oil for a recipe, you can add a little fresh flavor at the same time. Hit the link below for even more oil-freezing tips, and some tips on which herbs take well to freezing and which don't.

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mclaren 12C spider convertible

'MP4-12C spider' by mclaren

mclaren automotive has produced its second 'MP4-12C' model, the '12C spider'. bred through the essence of a race car, the '12C spider' incorporates a 

convertible roof explicitly designed to let users experience the sounds of the vehicle's V8 twin turbo engine. unlike many other convertible models, 
the hard top roof can be operated whilst moving at speeds of up to 30 kph (20mph) taking less than 17 seconds to raise or lower. with the '12C' originally
designed as a convertible, its 75kg carbon fibre monocle frame required no additional strengthening for it to feature in the 'spider'. 

closing the hard-top

the raising of the roof frees 52 liters of space for storage. in 2013, vehicle lift will be available as an option, allowing for the '12C spider' to be raised 
in the front and rear for improved ground clearance, up to 40mm (1.5") at the front and 25mm (1") at the rear.

the MP4-12C will be launched in 'volcano red', one of 17 exterior paint finishes currently available for the '12C' and '12C spider'. 
first deliveries to customers are planned for november 2012. 

closed top

3/4 top view

 

3/4 rear view

 

top view

interior view

specifications: 

0-62 mph (0-100 kph) : 3.1 sec 
0-100 mph (0-161 kph) : 6.1 sec
0-124 mph (0-200 kph) : 9.0 sec
¼ mile (400m) : 10.8 sec at 134 mph (216 kph) 

engine configuration: V8 twin turbo, 7 speed automatic

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International Jazz Festival, Gibraltar

GIBRALTAR’S International Jazz Festival – the first of its kind ever on the Rock – was a massive success. And the good news is that saxophonist Dan Moretti and vibraphonist  Arturo  Serra have already told the Olive Press they would like to return next year. As a jazz novice, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this the three-day music bonanza held at the centrally located Casemates Square on June 28, 29 and 30. But I soon found myself instantly mesmerised and drawn in by the sound and artistic vision of the artists. The skill and sweet harmonising of the instruments, which soared through smooth and energetic rhythm sections, was nothing short of exceptional. A behind-the-scenes chat with Dan Moretti revealed he had never before played with any of the artists on stage – which came as a great surprise, given the harmonious combination of each individual’s sounds and style. It was as though they had played together hundreds of times before. Moretti has played saxophone since he was ‘a wee child’ – or 12 years old to be exact – he jovially explains. The American music professor said he found the people of Gibraltar ‘friendly’, and would like to return to play here next year. Gibraltar-born Elie Massias also wowed the audience when he took to the stage at his birthplace. He played multiple instruments on stage and switched between them with such sophistication that he – as all the greats manage to – made it look easy. He interjected the instrumental jazz with vocals (some scat singing), played guitar, soprano saxophone and the piano. For me, it was his voice and zealous energy that was the highlight of the night. Now based in New York, he doesn’t forget an old face. At one point he called out ‘hello’ to Mr Ceresi, his old school teacher from decades ago, who stood watching the festival at the front of the crowd. On the ‘vibes’ was Arturo Serra born in Valencia, the current professor at Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra. While his favourite place in the world to play is the US, his ideal scenario would be to do yearly tours, dividing his time between the European ‘triangle’ of France, Italy and Spain. Artists under the Blue Note Record label have inspired him most, and the likes of the vibraphonist Gary Burton, he tells the Olive Press. After the concert, the public was invited to attend more jazz sessions in the basement of the Eliott’s Hotel. The Gibraltar Jazz Society meets here every Thursday, with a performance by the ‘George Posso Trio’ and it features fellow musicians and guest artists. Over the past decade many musicians from all over the world have taken part. The society aims to promote jazz, and encourages the attendance of those interested in learning to play.

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Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, Marbella

 Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, Marbella, one of the most exclusive five-star hotels in Spain’s Costa del Sol, has named Mainly Spain as the property’s General Sales Agent in North America. As its GSA, Mainly Spain will represent the property to the U.S. travel trade market including establishing new revenue channels among travel agents, consortia, tour operators, meetings and incentive accounts as well as general groups. 

“We are very pleased to have Mainly Spain on board as part of our team, sharing their knowledge, experience and insight in the U.S. travel industry to increase recognition of our property among the travel agents, operators, and group planners,” said Martin Schneck, General Manager for Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, Marbella. 
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“At Mainly Spain, we are thrilled to be named the new GSA of Villa Padierna Palace Hotel,” said Brunilda De Jesus, President of Mainly Spain. “We look forward to making this spectacular property absolutely accessible and easy to do business with for agents, consortia, wholesalers and group planners throughout the United States. Travel professionals can look for us to visit them in person, run seminars and webinars, conduct contracting on behalf of the property, as well as to keep them aware of Villa Padierna Palace Hotel happenings, special offers and more via social media, PR initiatives, and other marketing channels.”

About Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, Marbella 
The luxurious, five-star Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, located in Marbella, Spain offers guests the ultimate in personalized service and amenities in breathtaking surroundings along the Costa del Sol. All of the property’s 129 well-appointed rooms, suites and villas feature exclusive pieces from the ARVI foundation art collection. Situated on the acclaimed Flamingos Golf Resort, the property boasts three impressive courses, making it one of the most prominent golf resorts in the area. On-site, guests can indulge lavish spa services at the property’s Thermal Spa and fitness center, savor gourmet cuisine at La Veranda, and enjoy a tailor-made special event in its Roman Amphitheatre, ideal for weddings and celebrations, product launches, incentives, and corporate functions. For further details, visitHotelVillaPadierna.com.

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the Marbella Club Spring Games

We’re doing six sports today: skiing, golf, shooting go-kart racing, water skiing, and paddle tennis. My opponents are zillionaire counts, aristocrats and captains of industry who learned to shoot when their nannies were rocking their bassinettes. The Games are hosted by the Marbella Club, a luxury resort boasting lovely, low-slung Andalusian-style bungalows and five-bedroom villas for ¤3,900 a night. Imagine a private pool, lush gardens and tiled patios to sip minty Sau Sau cocktails on and contemplate your fortune at being the 1%. The Games started in the ’70s. The resort’s owner, German prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, realized Marbella was one of the precious few destinations where you can alpine ski and water ski in one day. So he invented the Games, which he called “Ski golf swim bang.” His drinking buddies — including Sean Connery — loved the idea. They tried doing all six sports. But gave up by dinner after too much Champagne at lunch. It costs 450 euro to compete but it’s not for the great unwashed. It’s an invite-only mini-Olympics for counts and princesses. Sort of like a charming family event for friends who met back in private academies … plus me, the only Canadian-scribe-plebian. Event 1: GO-KARTING Circuito Campillos racetrack is 92.6 km north of Marbella. To get there, you roar past picturesque Andalusian hills and terrified pedestrians. We race in gendered heats, wearing numbered yellow pinneys. Five laps, no kicking or gouging. I’m worried Gianfranco and his buddies will bump me off track. But turns out they’re gentlemen who are quick to give advice. A former F1 driver tells me: “Use the whole track, swing wide before the turn, tap your brakes before each turn, and never take your foot off the gas.” Our karts line up. The lights flash green. Game on! I channel my inner Gianfranco and roar to an early lead. But my competitiveness kills. I drive too fast spin out, and finish ninth out of 16. Balls! The winning male: luxury car dealer Mario Guarnieri. TRAVEL TIP: I’m giraffe-y tall, which isn’t ideal. Go-karting favours short, compact drivers … so lose some weight and height. Event 2: GOLF We play six holes at the lovely Marbella Club Golf Resort. It has a sweeping hilltop view of the Rock of Gibraltar on the northern tip of Africa. A lovely, trap-filled demon. I’m horrible at golf. A Danish exec, Pieter, helps me turn my swing from wretched to acceptably miserable. But Gianfranco, who’s never played in his life, is a natural. Is there nothing these men can’t do? The winner, Rob, is a lanky entrepreneur who, judging by his bio, is superior to me in every way. TRAVEL TIP: On one hole, you have to launch your ball over a valley big enough for the entire Occupy Wall Street protest. God won’t help you, but try a 7-iron. Event 3: POLO I came to Spain expecting to kick ass at slalom skiing. But it’s too warm (Costa del Sol gets 320 days sun a year). So the prince’s nephew, Pablo, replaces it with polo. I think it’s the sport where you ride a horse and swing swords at peasants’ heads. Sounds fun! Pablo’s polo tip: “Stay on the horse.” “No way am I doing this!” Pieter says. “I’ll break my spine. Remember: only the Top 8 get points.” I count the riding boots. Ten pairs, including Gianfranco’s boots made of rich Corinthian leather. He rides his stallion like it’s growing from his body. Magnificent. TRAVEL TIP: William Shatner told me horses are incredibly sensitive. If you don’t mount correctly, the horse won’t respect you. It’ll go rogue and stomp you. Learn to ride, then show the horse you’re boss. Note: this doesn’t mean punching your horse in the nose. Event 4: SHOOTING We race back to drink Champagne on the Marbella Club beach. Someone sticks a laser rifle in my non-drinking hand. Then we fire at flying saucers that go “ping-ping-ping” if you hit them. Young boys try to catch the saucers. I only hit four saucers but both boys. TRAVEL TIP: Monarchs are skilled marksmen. That’s because they’re preparing for the revolution when the peasants storm their castles. To beat princes at their own game, practise playing shoot-’em-up video games with a glass of Veuve Clicquot in one hand. Event 5: WATER SKIING It’s cold and raining. The sea is angrier than a vengeful whale. Nobody wants to water ski. I’d rather jam my hand down a garburator than enter a cold sea without a wetsuit. Half the guys bail out of water skiing, but all eight women brave the choppy surf. Winner: Gregor von Opel, heir to the German auto fortune. TRAVEL TIP: On the Costa del Sol, it’s customary to give a stock tip to your Jet Ski driver. Event 6: PADDLE TENNIS Paddle tennis (a.k.a. “Padel”) is a wild mash-up of tennis and racquetball in a walled-in outdoor court. Spaniards chuckle when I ask how to hold the paddle. Then I DEMOLISH the competition. I’m like the idiot savant of paddle tennis! My partner, Mario, and I win three straight games against increasingly excellent opponents, including one fella in a wheelchair. Woohoo! In the semi-finals, I dive to make a thrilling, game-saving volley. My opponents were stunned but supportive. I’d won at a sport I’d never played before. Everyone wants a rematch. TRAVEL TIP: Mayans invented Padel so it’s popular in Spanish-speaking countries. To win dirty, trash-talk your opponents in Spanish. Just as they return serve, yell “Callate el osico gordota!” which means “Shut your snout, fatty!” The Games’ winners were crowned at an elegant, poolside awards ceremony. The victors: Gregor von Opel for two years running, and prince Alfonso’s niece, Flavia de Hohenlohe-Langenburg. I spoke with Pablo, who relaunched the Games after his uncle passed away. “Pablo,” I said, “next year, I want to win it all. Do I need to drop all my work, break up with my girlfriend, say goodbye to my family, sell my possessions and devote myself to training all year?” “I’m afraid you are 30 years too late for that,” he said with a smile. “Winning the Spring Games is not difficult if you are a very good skier, excellent driver, if your golf handicap is 5 or less, you can slalom at waterski, and [rode] horseback as a kid.” In other words, to quote my personal favourite noble, Lady Gaga, the Spring Games champions are simply born this way.

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Antonio Banderas to host gala

 Spanish actor Antonio Banderas will host for the third straight year the Starlite Gala, an international platform benefiting a series of charitable foundations. The event to be held Aug 4 in the southern Spanish resort city of Marbella is based on appearances by well-known spokespersons that help garner media coverage for different causes, the organization said in a communiqué. This year`s Starlite Gala will feature performances by stars like Jon Secada, while several auctions will be held during the event offering such prizes as an invitation for two to next year`s Oscars. Taking the stage with Antonio Banderas this time will be friends and personalities from the worlds of culture and showbiz. The gala`s sole purpose is to collect funds for the foundation with which the actor is involved - Lagrimas y Favores (Tears and Favors), Ninos en Alegria (Children in Happiness), Cudeca and Best Buddies International. This year`s humanitarian prize will be awarded to Anthony Kennedy for his work as founder of Best Buddies International, dedicated to integrating the mentally challenged into society. The foundation is present in 50 countries.

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Maurice sells 'too-big' €1m Marbella villa

Pain in Spain? Not in the Marbella property market at any rate. Maurice Boland and his wife Wendy are selling their palace in the hills overlooking Marbella for e1m. And, pardon my Spanish, but it is absolutely nothing to do with his relationship with a 16-year-old teenager in Marbella in the not-too-distant past, which the top Irish DJ described as "a massive error in judgment". "That was two years ago," he told me. "You learn from your mistakes. Wendy and I have just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We're stronger than ever," he said, adding that they have five lovely grandchildren. Maurice, who last year launched his new radio station iTalk FM in Marbella, told your diarist that the House Casa Eden (with three living rooms, two dining rooms and its own cinema set in more than an acre of land with incredible views) is just too big now for himself and Wendy. "Our sons are all married and have their own homes so Wendy and myself just don't need something as large as this," he said. "It's a magnificent home with amazing sea and mountain views. We are looking at a smaller place closer to Marbella with a view of the sea." Love triumphant, I call that.

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Beware of missed call to check SIM cloning

Next time if you get a missed call starting with +92; #90 or #09, don't show the courtesy of calling back because chances are it would lead to your SIM card being cloned. The telecom service providers are now issuing alerts to subscribers —particularly about the series mentioned above as the moment one press the call button after dialing the above number, someone at the other end will get your phone and SIM card cloned. According to reports, more than one lakh subscribers have fallen prey to this new telecom terror attack as the frequency of such calls continues to grow. Intelligence agencies have reportedly confirmed to the service providers particularly in UP West telecom division that such a racket is not only under way but the menace is growing fast. "We are sure there must be some more similar combinations that the miscreants are using to clone the handsets and all the information stored in them," an intelligence officer told TOI. General Manager (GM) BSNL, RV Verma, said the department had already issued alerts to all the broadband subscribers and now alert SMSes were being issued to other subscribers as well. As per Rakshit Tandon, an IT expert who also teaches at the police academy (UP), the crooks can use other combination of numbers as well while making a call. "It is better not to respond to calls received from unusual calling numbers," says Tandon. "At the same time one should avoid storing specifics of their bank account, ATM/ Credit/Debit card numbers and passwords in their phone memory because if one falls a prey to such crooks then the moment your cell phone or sim are cloned, the data will be available to the crooks who can withdraw amount from your bank accounts as well," warns Punit Misra; an IT expert who also owns a consultancy in Lucknow. The menace that threatens to steal the subscriber's information stored in the phone or external memory (sim, memory & data cards) has a very scary side as well. Once cloned, the culprits can well use the cloned copy to make calls to any number they wish to. This exposes the subscribers to the threat of their connection being used for terror calls. Though it will be established during the course of investigations that the cellphone has been cloned and misused elsewhere, it is sure to land the subscriber under quite some pressure till the time the fact about his or her phone being cloned and misused is established, intelligence sources said. "It usually starts with a miss call from a number starting with + 92. The moment the subscriber calls back on the miss call, his or her cell phone is cloned. In case the subscribers takes the call before it is dropped as a miss call then the caller on the other end poses as a call center executive checking the connectivity and call flow of the particular service provider. The caller then asks the subscriber to press # 09 or # 90 call back on his number to establish that the connectivity to the subscriber was seamless," says a victim who reported the matter to the BSNL office at Moradabad last week. "The moment I redialed the caller number, my account balance lost a sum of money. Thereafter, in the three days that followed every time I got my cell phone recharged, the balance would be reduced to single digits within the next few minutes," she told the BSNL officials.

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France brings in breathalyser law

New motoring laws have come into force in France making it compulsory for drivers to carry breathalyser kits in their vehicles. As of July 1, motorists and motorcyclists will face an on-the-spot fine unless they travel with two single-use devices as part of a government drive to reduce the number of drink-drive related deaths. The new regulations, which excludes mopeds, will be fully enforced and include foreigner drivers from November 1 following a four-month grace period. Anyone failing to produce a breathalyser after that date will receive an 11 euro fine. French police have warned they will be carrying out random checks on drivers crossing into France via ferries and through the Channel Tunnel to enforce the new rules. Retailers in the UK have reported a massive rise in breathalyser sales as British drivers travelling across the Channel ensure they do not fall foul of the new legislation. Car accessory retailer Halfords said it is selling one kit every minute of the day and has rushed extra stock into stores to cope with the unprecedented demand. Six out of 10 Britons travelling to France are not aware they have to carry two NF approved breathalysers at all times, according to the company. The French government hopes to save around 500 lives a year by introducing the new laws, which will encourage drivers who suspect they may be over the limit to test themselves with the kits. The French drink-driving limit is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood - substantially less than the UK limit of 80mg.

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