Six Russian oligarchs – possibly including Putin himself – are building a €19 million mansion inside the walls of one of the world’s most exclusive residential estate – Marbella’s own Zagaleta.

 

Six Russian oligarchs – possibly including Putin himself – are building a €19 million mansion inside the walls of one of the world’s most exclusive residential estate – Marbella’s own Zagaleta. Putin is rumoured to have visited the area a number of times over the last few years. Marbella town hall statistics revealed that there has been a significant increase in Russian expats and holidaymakers over the last year. In that time, two Russian magazines and a radio station have opened, as well as various businesses entirely geared towards the Russian enclave.

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Spanish economic recovery in danger as Europe considers Russia action

Spain’s already fragile economy could be teetering on the brink as the EU decides whether to impose sanctions against Russia. A crackdown on Russian investment and assets in Europe would badly hit Spain, which has seen a large influx of Russian capital over the last few years. It comes after the UK government openly accused Russia of arming and supporting the Ukrainian rebels who shot down a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet last week, killing 295 people. Britain is now pushing for EU sanctions to freeze the assets of Putin’s wealthy group of ‘cronies’ – many of whom have financial connections with the Costa del Sol – unless Putin cooperates with a Flight MH17 probe. But Spain is joined by Italy, Finland and France in its reluctance to impose strong sanctions – in part because of strong economic ties with the country.

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Guadalhorce valley The beautifully scenic Guadalhorce valley in Spain is an area full of stunning natural views.

Guadalhorce valley The beautifully scenic Guadalhorce valley in Spain is an area full of stunning natural views. Lying within easy reach of key Spanish cities such as Malaga, and easily accessible from the nearby Costa del Sol airport, Guadalhorce is enjoying a renaissance in popularity, as investors purchase second homes in the area. Guadalhorce valley is also located ideally closely to market towns including Coin and Alhaurin el Grande, making it an ideal option for visitors and residents who enjoy the quiet and picturesque valley life, but who sometimes like to sample the more vibrant side of Spain’s culture. Increasing interest In recent years, Marbella has become Spain’s go-to place for property investment, with the Costa del Sol resort enjoying an unprecedented rise in popularity amongst the rich and famous. Whilst considerably helping an ailing global property market, this proved to be a difficult period for the more sedate and understated side of the Spanish economy, with Guadalhorce valley amongst the areas suffering. But now, Guadalhorce is enjoying its own rise and recovery, with investors from the UK, Belgium and Holland taking interest in properties that are reasonably priced between £150,000 and £200,000. Providing a much more authentic taste of Spanish lifestyle than the more party-orientated resorts such as Marbella, Guadalhorce is becoming ever more popular.

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Mayor and politician Arenas at La Sala Banus

Marbella’s illustrious Mayor, Maria Angeles Muñoz graced La Sala Banús with her presence on Saturday 19th July when the resort’s first lady enjoyed lunch on the terrace with Javier Arenas, the well-known Spanish politician, currently National Vice Secretary for territorial affairs for the Partido Popular, and formerly President of the party in Andalucía from 2004-2012. In the middle of a promotional campaign to create awareness among the population of residential tourists in Marbella about the advantages of registering at the Town Hall, the Mayor was campaigning from a large mobile office stationed opposite La Sala Banús at the entrance to the bustling Saturday market. The Town Hall are aiming to increase the number of people officially registered as resident in Marbella from 145,000 to 150,000 over the summer months and are outlining the benefits in terms of increased funding for Marbella from central government which translates to better services for the resort. At La Sala Banús, the Mayor, Mr. Arenas and a group of friends sampled an appetising array of La Sala signature dishes including Calamari, Mini Hamburgers, Duck Spring Rolls, Butterfly Shrimps and Pasta Vongole. The Mayor’s party enjoyed lunch on the terrace, one of eight available areas for dining at La Sala Banús.

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A small tornado causes widespread panic on the beaches of Huelva

A quiet evening beach became just seconds into "absolute chaos." It happened Sunday at the beach of La Bota, around three p.m. . A small tornado surprised people quietly sunbathing and enjoying the sea. The air lifted by this atmospheric phenomenon took everything he found his way, dragging chairs, floats and umbrellas , and lifting more than 20 meters. A few hours earlier, about half past one p.m. , a gust of wind affected similarly Portil beach . The phenomenon s and known as "dust devil" , and is a spiral airflow caused by rising warm air masses from the surface. In appearance and their effects may seem a small tornado and vary in intensity and height . According to Civil Protection caused no injuries , and coincided with the role of a northwest wind blowing southwest at that time.

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Airbus's folding saddle seat could be the cattle-class future for cheap flights

Airbus's folding saddle seat could be the cattle-class future for cheap flights As Airbus files a patent for a new space-saving design to jam many more economy class passengers in.

If you thought low-cost air travel couldn't get any more bleak, then Airbus has a treat in store for you. The aeroplane manufacturer has now filed patent for the what looks like a human battery-farm, but is in fact the future of budget flights: racks upon racks of folding saddle-seats for even more passengers to be jammed onto aeroplanes, packed in knee-to-rump.

While some airlines have already removed their folding tray tables and squeezed leg-room down to brutal knee-capping levels, Airbus have gone one step further, doing away with the idea of proper seating altogether. In their ultra-economy vision, seating aisles will instead take the form of long horizontal poles, from which bicycle-like saddles and small back and arm rests will pivot out, on to which humans will be placed, skewered together like table-football players.

“The design of the seats has to be optimised so that they present the smallest possible bulk,” says Airbus, explaining that the saddle-style seat has been developed “in order to reduce the distance needed to accommodate the legs of passengers between two rows of seating devices.”

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Gas reps detained for defrauding the elderly

THE Guardia Civil have arrested two representatives of a ‘gas company’ who were thieving in people’s houses when they went to make their inspections. The victims, always elderly, would get a phone call a few days before the inspection; during the phone call the representatives would always inquire as to the age of the people in the house. The victims would be informed that two representatives would visit the house to make sure that everything conformed to standards and was safe.

They would charge €356 for this service and, when the victims would go in search of the cash, the reps would follow them to find where they hid their money and then go back later, while their colleague distracted the elderly person, and steal whatever cash they could find. Investigations began when a complaint was made to the Guardia Civil, by an 84-year-old man, who claimed that after a gas inspection he was left €3,000 short - this was money he had been saving in order to buy a hearing aid. Police rapidly identified and arrested the two individuals who made the visits as well as the woman who would make the preliminary phone calls and the appointments. Investigations into the matter are ongoing as the police suspect that there are a lot of victims who have not yet spoken up about the matter. All three are out on bail until their case goes to court.

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THE Local Police in Benalmadena are one of the most tech savvy forces on the coast.

They regularly use the social networks to inform the public about crimes ranging from drug dealing to paedophilia and have an open communication policy on their Twitter account (@policia_benalm).   They tend to shy away from using institutional language and communicate in the same manner as the rest of the users of the social networks. #avoid accidents - grab a cab is one of their usual Saturday night reminders to the general public to avoid drink driving.   Benalmadena Local Police opened their Twitter account last year in April principally to send out press notes and official information but they soon realised that the system had enormous possibilities and started to send out messages about cyber bullying and domestic violence, as well as the usual warnings not to drive drunk.   Because they are a local force they can send messages which directly relate to the residents of the municipality on local matters like which roads are fluid, where there may be any problems around the town or if there may be a wave of pick pocketing going on.  

Police headquarters in the town commented that the decision to use the social networking site, which is not used by any of the other Local Police forces in the area - not even in the capital, was not an easy one as there are many ‘trolls’ online who can hack into an account and ruin it.   They decided to take the risk anyway as they thought it would heighten their profile with the public, which it has done, and help them to improve their image of helping the community rather than just handing out parking tickets.   In other Costa del Sol policing news, the Malaga police force are ageing, with no replacements in sight.   Currently, the average age of a local police officer in Malaga is 45.   Malaga Council is said to be concerned about the ageing force as, due to cutbacks, there has been no ‘new blood’ since the recession started.   Although the council is aware of the problem, they have stated that they are not going to do anything about it for the moment as they do not have the budget to remedy the generational handover needed.   The number of police officers on the roster in 2003 was 980, but the force now has only 924 officers. Of these 924, 40 per cent are over the age of 45 and another 130 have had to be given light duties due to physical problems.  

Due to the budget cuts the council has decided to ‘in the short term’ open up another 30 places, the same as they did when a similar problem happened with the fire brigade in 2008.   Francisco de la Torre, mayor of Malaga, has commented that even though experience is a good thing in a police officer, there is a need for a younger generation to take over in order to bring the average age down. He underscored the fact that all police officers over the age of 50 are given light duties unless they can pass a stringent, yearly, physical test.

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British family recount moment forest fire forced them to flee Spanish hotel in Costa del Sol

'It was like Pompeii': British family recount moment they were forced to evacuate Spanish holiday apartment as raging forest fire sent hot ash raining down on them Family arrived at resort and were unpacking when they were forced to flee Clarks were alerted when Spanish porter looked up at hillside and swore Hot ash rained down and smoke obliterated the sun Eight-year-old Isla screamed that the family was going to die

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THE Costa del Sol hospital has announced that it will be closing three operating rooms in the afternoons in July and four in August.

THE Costa del Sol hospital has announced that it will be closing three operating rooms in the afternoons in July and four in August.   Ana Corredera, spokesperson for the PP health department, commented that the works being done to expand the hospital have also been blocked for more than two years.   Corredera went on to underscore the fact that there would be no reduction in the number of beds available during the summer but that, due to the reduced budget this year, the summer reinforcements, brought in to cover the four-fold increase of the population, would be “minimal.” The PP spokesperson added that, in her party’s opinion, the delays in the expansion were due to bad local government by the PSOE.

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Costa Del Nightmares

Costa Del Nightmares (4×60’), which wrapped filming in Spain last week, has been pre-sold in 110 territories, including BBC Global (Africa, Poland, Asia), FX (India), Planet TV (Slovenia), SIC (Portugal), TV Joj (Slovakia), ABS (Philippines) and VTM (Belgium). The show follows Ramsay as he tries to help expat Brits living on the Costa Del Sol to turn around their struggling eateries

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MARBELLA taxi drivers have warned the council about the rising growth of the pirate taxi industry and are threatening a strike if something is not done about it.

MARBELLA taxi drivers have warned the council about the rising growth of the pirate taxi industry and are threatening a strike if something is not done about it. More than 150 cars stopped outside the fairgrounds for two hours to protest the situation about the amount of unauthorised vehicles which abound every summer in the town. “There are around 40 private individuals and companies endangering the livelihoods of the 316 legal taxi drivers in Marbella,” commented one driver at the two-hour protest. David Piquer, spokesperson for the taxi association of Marbella commented that this situation repeated itself every summer and the association was now asking for a sit down with the mayor in order to discuss the situation and find a remedy that would work for everybody. “We just want to be listened to and have our petitions taken into account by the council,” added Piquer. The petition, which summarises the association’s concerns along with the licence number plates of the rogue cars and photographs of their drivers, has been handed in to the council. One of the main bones of contention between the taxi association and the council is the Puerto Banus area which, according to one demonstrator, the police know about but have not taken any action on.

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Ricky Hatton looked to have put his recent troubles behind him as he partied with a group of topless, and bikini-clad women, in Marbella

Ricky Hatton looked to have put his recent troubles behind him as he partied with a group of topless, and bikini-clad women, in Marbella on Thursday.

The 35-year-old was even treated to a massage by one of his companions as he soaked up the sun with pals at the Spanish resort's Ocean Club.

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Surrounded! Ricky Hatton looked to be enjoying himself as he soaked up the sun at the Ocean Club in Marbella

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Sangria time: The boxer appeared to be enjoying a tipple during his break in the Spanish resort

There was no sign of his other half as he reclined on a lounger, while sipping on a drink and flashing his numerous tattoos.

The father-of-three opted for a simple, long pair of black trunks, complete with red logos, which he teamed with a chunky gold watch and bracelets.

He kept his dark aviators firmly on as he sat next to the swimming pool, however didn't appear to feel the need to take a dip despite the sunny weather.

Ricky appeared to be oblivious to the topless female sat next to him as he chatted to a brunette, who was sporting a pink two-piece.

During his day out, Ricky flexed his muscles as he posed for a snap with a leggy fan before reclining on a deck chair.

He tweeted his 396,000 followers the following day to say: 'Great to see old pals @mattmacklin @Seamo89 and what a place to train @MGM_Marbella first class'.

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It's a hard life...: The 35-year-old was treated to a massage from one of his bikini-clad companions

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R&R: It was recently reported Hatton had moved out of his family home after a bust-up with fiance Jennifer

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Keeping it simple: The Welterweight champion sported long black shorts for his day around the pool

His outing comes less than two weeks after he reportedly moved out of his £3million family home for a second time. 

The former two-weight world champion allegedly had a bust-up with Jennifer during a holiday in Tenerife with their children, Millie, two, and ten-month-old Fearne. 

He had flown to Lanzarote to watch a boxing fight, but 'went off the radar' after going out for a drink, a source told Richard Moriarty of The Sun. 

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Posing up a storm: The father-of-three flexed his muscles as he posed with a bikini-clad fan

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Time out: Ricky reclined on his sunbed while chatting to a female wearing pink next to him

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Inside joke: He tweeted later in the week to say: 'Great to see old pals @mattmacklin @Seamo89 and what a place to train @MGM_Marbella first class'

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Mind your step: The Stockport-born star flashed his striking arm tattoos while appearing far from keen from heading in for a swim

He eventually showed up at the family mansion in Hyde, Greater Manchester, two days later, where he was greeted by his 'furious' fiancé.

'Jennifer stood at the airport desperately ringing his mobile,' said the unnnamed source. 'She was humiliated and furious.' 

Last month, Hatton, who received an MBE in 2010, returned to the family home after moving out last December following another row with Jennifer.

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No help: Ricky's pals could be seen applying suncream, while a topless sunbather was sat next to them

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Readjusting? The Ocean Club is popular with famous holidaymakers, and Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan were recently spotted there

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Deep in conversation: The athlete appeared to have the ear of those nearby as he stood next to the sunbeds

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Take a break: At one point the star appeared to find something amusing as he laid on his stomach

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Keeping it simple: Ricky finished off her poolside outfit with a chunky gold watch, black bracelets and loafers

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2665636/Ricky-Hatton-soaks-Marbella-sun-topless-bikini-clad-women.html#ixzz361D9HVV3
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Antonio Banderas is looking to move back to his Malaga roots.

AFTER his split with wife of 18 years Melanie Griffith, it seems that actor Antonio Banderas is looking to move back to his Malaga roots. The Hollywood heart-throb, 53, is reported to have bought a penthouse in the historic heart of his home city and is said to be looking forward to spending more time with his Spanish friends and family rather than in Los Angeles, USA, where his wife and daughter live. The flat is close to the historic Roman theatre and Alcazaba castle and just a short stroll from the cathedral. Perhaps even more importantly it is said to have a superb view of the Brotherhoods' Easter processions, which Banderas often takes part in. It also has views of the Picasso museum. Banderas has always said he disliked living in LA, and he is now waiting for his daughter, Stella to leave college before making the move. It is thought he may keep a US base, but in New York rather than California.

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THE late David Eade, one of the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar's best known journalists, has been honoured at the United Nations.

The Rock's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo dedicated his speech at the UN in New York on decolonisation to Mr Eade, describing him as a "political journalist, socialist and friend.” Mr Eade, who died on June 14 aged 65, had written the Gibraltar Viewpoint column since 1993 for various publications as well as for his internet blogs. His websites Discover Cadiz and Discover Gib were also popular attracting more than 100,000 visits a month. Gibraltar Viewpoint was recognised as the longest running, and probably most widely read, column on Gibraltar. He started writing it soon after arriving in Spain more than 20 years ago. Most recently he was still writing for the Gibraltar daily Panorama right up to his untimely death in La Linea. He had made his home in Jimena de la Frontera

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The last Moorish palace of Andalucia Hollywood beckons for mini-Alhambra builder

HOLLYWOOD has come calling for a Sevilla businessman, who has built his own spectacular Alhambra-style home from scratch. The 68-year-old draper, Jose Luis Romero, crafted his Mudejar-style home, in Sevilla, over 12 years, with just the help of a few stonemason friends.  Hollywood starlet is so impressed with the elaborate construction that he has invited Romero to America to build his own home. Nicknamed ‘the last Moorish palace of Andalucia’, the house is built in the same style as the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada.

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FORMER King Juan Carlos is being threatened by two paternity suits

Politicians have admitted that they are now rushing to pass new legislation to protect the ex-ruler. Juan Carlos, 76, lost his immunity from prosecution following his abdication this month, after a 39-year reign. According to a senior politician, amendments will be added to a package of judicial reforms so that only the Supreme Court can hear cases against him. The two paternity suits were filed separately in 2012

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Mayor of Marbella boosts expat registration campaign

THE Mayor of Marbella has asked for help from expats to boost the town’s new census registration campaign. Estimates suggest there are more than 200,000 permanent residents in Marbella, but only 145,000 people are registered. Funds for town councils are calculated based on the number of inhabitants, which is why the campaign is so important for the town. Mayor Angeles Munoz hopes to add another 5,000 expats to the padron, to push Marbella into the highest possible bracket for allocated funds.

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Spain is on alert for showers and summer storms

Twenty-five Spanish provinces on alert for rain or storms.

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Emotional eating is when people use food as a way to deal with feelings instead of to satisfy hunger. We've all been there, finishing a whole bag of chips out of boredom or downing cookie after cookie while cramming for a big test. But when done a lot — especially without realizing it — emotional eating can affect weight, health, and overall well-being.

Not many of us make the connection between eating and our feelings. But understanding what drives emotional eating can help people take steps to change it.

One of the biggest myths about emotional eating is that it's prompted by negative feelings. Yes, people often turn to food when they're stressed out, lonely, sad, anxious, or bored. But emotional eating can be linked to positive feelings too, like the romance of sharing dessert on Valentine's Day or the celebration of a holiday feast.

Sometimes emotional eating is tied to major life events, like a death or a divorce. More often, though, it's the countless little daily stresses that cause someone to seek comfort or distraction in food.

Emotional eating patterns can be learned: A child who is given candy after a big achievement may grow up using candy as a reward for a job well done. A kid who is given cookies as a way to stop crying may learn to link cookies with comfort.

It's not easy to "unlearn" patterns of emotional eating. But it is possible. And it starts with an awareness of what's going on.

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