Independence for Catalonia ???

1.8 million people vote in favor of independence for Catalonia

Over a third of those eligible turned out to vote, according to census estimates

The Catalan government has released its results for participation in the unofficial poll on independence for the northeastern Spanish region that was held on Sunday. Deputy premier Joana Ortega announced that 2,305,290 people had come out to cast their vote, just over a third of those eligible.
She went on to say that 80.76% of the participants had voted yes to the two questions asked: “Do you want Catalonia to be a state?” was the first; in the case of a positive response, voters were asked: “Do you want Catalonia to be an independent state?”
The “yes-no” response obtained 10.07%; “no-no” 4.54%; and blank votes accounted for 0.56%.
The results were released with 100% of votes counted. (El País)

 

Gachas

“Gachas” are a simple dish, made from toasted flour, oil and milk. In many parts of Spain, including the region of La Mancha, shepherds who lived in the hills with their flocks would prepare a pan of “gachas” with meat. In Andalucia, it is more common as a dessert, prepared with anise seeds or liqueur, sugar and cinnamon. This recipe is for the dessert version and is absolutely sweet and delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 thin slices baguette
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, such as corn or canola
• 1/2 cup unbleached white wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp anis seeds
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2 %)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle on top
• 3/4 cup warm milk to serve with “gachas”

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

 

Preparation

This sweet gachas recipe makes 4 servings.
Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan and heat. When hot, fry the bread slices, browning them on both sides. Remove from pan and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Heat milk in a medium saucepan, but do not boil.
Fry the flour in the same oil on low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk. When the flour is toasted, remove the pan from the burner. Slowly pour the hot milk into the frying pan, stirring constantly so that no lumps form. As the mixture thickens, add the sugar while stirring and return to low heat. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.

Tip: Make sure that the milk is hot and stir constantly as it is poured into the fried flour. Doing this will help prevent lumps from forming.
Pour the 3/4 cup milk into a saucepan and heat to lukewarm.
While milk is heating, spoon the gachas into individual bowls, then pour in the milk. Sprinkle top with sugar and cinnamon. Top with a slice of fried bread. Serve warm. (spanishfood.about.com)

Galapagos tortoises out of danger

Giant Galapagos tortoises were a symbol for endangered animals. In the 1960s, there were just 15 of them. They were dying out. Wild goats were eating their food and damaging their habitat, so conservationists took action to help them. Now, the tortoises are doing well. There are over 1,000 of them living and breeding in the wild. It is a conservation success story. Conservationist James Gibb said that about half of the tortoises that were released have survived. Mr Gibbs added: "That's actually pretty amazing." He added that the tortoises could now survive without human help.

 
Giant tortoises used to live all over the world. People hunted them so they almost became extinct. There were over 250,000 in the 16th century and just a few thousand in the 1970s. Giant tortoises can weigh up to 250 kg and can live for over 100 years. One tortoise lived in captivity for more than 170 years. Wikipedia says: "Tortoises also live very uncomplicated lives, and can nap up to 16 hours a day." The conservation story in the Galapagos Islands will continue. Next year, a small island that lost all of its tortoises a few years ago will get 200 more. (Breaking News English)

Guy Fawkes