Report from Palma

At the beginning of November, one of our companionships on the island of Mallorca were setting their goals for the month and felt strongly that there was a family being prepared in their area for baptism during the month. They set a goal to find and baptize that family. Then they made plans and went to work. They discussed their feelings and goals with the branch mission leader and branch missionaries and invited them to pray for this family. They asked about families that branch members knew. 

"We went to work, and we talked to a lot of people. We met families from all over the world, from Spain, from Argentine, for Colombia, from Ecuador, and from a handful of other countries. But the family that the Lord had prepared to receive the fullness of His gospel came from a different country, and it came in a way that was most unexpected."

Three weeks ago we held the semi-annual district conference of the Baleares District in Palma. Since the chapel is small, the Sunday session of district conference is held in a rented auditorium. That Sunday morning a young man and his father were on their way to church and, forgetting that it was district conference, went to the chapel as usual, only to find it locked. But standing outside the chapel was a family of 5. The young man talked to them and discovered that they had come to attend church, so he invited them to walk with him to the district conference. They attended the conference session and met the missionaries following the meeting. The Elders set up an appointment to meet with them on the following day. At that first lesson, the missionaries invited each member of the family to prepare to be baptized on November 26th, and each of them accepted the invitation. They began reading the Book of Mormon, they fasted and prayed together as a family. They attended Church each Sunday. And last Saturday they were baptized.

"We had a lot of white clothes to iron..."

A few notes...

While we were in Valencia for stake conference a couple of weeks ago, we took the opportunity to drive up to Albacete to see the new piso where the elders live. It is a great piso located in a good building in the center of town. Small, clean, and just right for missionaries. We are excited about re-starting the work in this branch after several years!

Home of the Albacete elders

 Late at night from our hotel room window in Valencia there was plenty of action on the streets below. The intersection was crowded with itinerant vendors. Anybody looking for cheap knock-offs?

Street vendors in Valencia

For those more interested in eating than buying a 10 euro pair of "Ray-Ban" sunglasses, there are plenty of tables available on the sidewalk.

Sidewalk cafes in Valencia

Last weekend took us to Zaragoza. We drove up on Saturday morning and met Hna. Clarissa Dalton, who arrived on the train from Madrid just a couple of hours before we arrived! She has been waiting for a visa in the Provo MTC and the Temple Square Mission for the past few weeks, and has now finally arrived! Since we had to be in Zaragoza for branch conferences on Saturday, and she was going to be assigned to Zaragoza and leave Madrid on Saturday, we skipped the usual visit to Barcelona and put her right to work!

Hna. Dalton with the Hinckley's in Zaragoza

Hna. Dalton and her trainer, Hna. Fuentes

 Following the branch conferences in Zaragoza, we drove back to Barcelona and prepared for a full day of training with the recently arrived missionaries (those arriving during the past four weeks) and their trainers. Since many of these new missionaries came from Spain, they received only 3-weeks training and did not attend the Provo MTC, so we spent an extra day with them helping them get a jump-start! They are are remarkable group of missionaries. We are very proud of them and very glad to have them in the mission!

New missionaries and their trainers at leadership training

Gaudi Chimneys: The Amazing Surreal Shapes of Catalan Art Nouveau

When you step into Casa Mila's rooftop, you enter a surreal realm of uncanny figures begotten in the womb of some eerie creature or conceived in the unfathomable labyrinth of a very insane but wise mind, figures that remind alien chrysalides about to eclose or deceiving chess pieces that seem to move ominously behind your back. Apparently they are only chimneys but definitely there is something mysterious about them, as if they had been alive and were now under some spell. Some may resemble totems, others look vigilant towards the horizon like soldiers watching from the battlements of some medieval castle. Many interpretations are possible here. Whatever your appreciation is in the end, you certainly will not remain indifferent.

Gaudi Chimneys: The Amazing Surreal Shapes of Catalan Art Nouveau

When you step into Casa Mila's rooftop, you enter a surreal realm of uncanny figures begotten in the womb of some eerie creature or conceived in the unfathomable labyrinth of a very insane but wise mind, figures that remind alien chrysalides about to eclose or deceiving chess pieces that seem to move ominously behind your back. Apparently they are only chimneys but definitely there is something mysterious about them, as if they had been alive and were now under some spell. Some may resemble totems, others look vigilant towards the horizon like soldiers watching from the battlements of some medieval castle. Many interpretations are possible here. Whatever your appreciation is in the end, you certainly will not remain indifferent.

Dry Reeds on Delta de L'Ebre Beach, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain

Sometimes an abstraction can be created out of the most unusual things. It is all in your head or on many occasions inside mother nature's head which is more complex and experienced. Any odd root, next to the soil where it is supposed to grow is no big deal but what if we put it upside down against a seascape? It is very common to find dry reeds along L'Illa de Buda beach, Deltebre, Tarragona but this sort of Martian scene, is in fact part of a natural park, 320 km² of wetland on the Mediterranean coast which is a paradise for birds and well known for its rice crops, its paellas and the history behind agricultural villages near Ebro river mouth.

Dry Reeds on Delta de L'Ebre Beach, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain

Sometimes an abstraction can be created out of the most unusual things. It is all in your head or on many occasions inside mother nature's head which is more complex and experienced. Any odd root, next to the soil where it is supposed to grow is no big deal but what if we put it upside down against a seascape? It is very common to find dry reeds along L'Illa de Buda beach, Deltebre, Tarragona but this sort of Martian scene, is in fact part of a natural park, 320 km² of wetland on the Mediterranean coast which is a paradise for birds and well known for its rice crops, its paellas and the history behind agricultural villages near Ebro river mouth.

Specialized Training

We just finished our sixth training conference this month. This week we trained missionaries in Palma, Barcelona, and Bilbao.

It has been a great, if tiring, two weeks. We had inspiring meetings and are excited to go out and help 74 more people repent and be baptized this year!

Benfica's Pablo Aimar.

Benfica's Pablo Aimar: Barcelona's Lionel Messi is at the same level as Diego Maradona to the 32-year-old midfielder says that the Barca attacker is as talented as the retired striker hailing the finishing attributes of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Benfica playmaker Pablo Aimar believes Barcelona star Lionel Messi is as good now as Argentina legend Diego Maradona was in his prime.Messi broke into Barca's senior ranks in 2004 has won several individual awards such as the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or honours and is now widely considered to be the best player in the world to former Argentina coach Maradona has often praised the 24-year-old, proclaiming him as his true successor and Aimar believes that comparisons between the two are justified.

A 32-year-old playmaker also praised Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, claims the Portugal international falls short of Messi and the "Cristiano Ronaldo's statistics are from a different time," Aimar noted in the "More than 50 goals in a season? That is absurd you cannot score 50 goals every year in Cristiano continues to do it to those are statistics from a different time.

The Aimar, who played in Spain for 7 years in spells at Valencia and Zaragoza, believes La Liga's big two, Madrid and Barca, are well ahead of the rest in Europe and i believe that if Chelsea, Manchester United, AC Milan, Inter or Bayern Munich, for example, played in the same league as Real Madrid and Barcelona to they would always finish below them," he explained.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez Ruled Out.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez ruled out of Uruguay italy friendly and they says coach Oscar Tabarez confirmed that the in-form forward would not take the field at the Stadio Olimpico and has picked Sebastian Fernandez to partner Edison Cavani in attack.

The uruguay's four-goal hero from Friday, Luis Suarez, will miss out on the Celeste's encounter with Italy on Tuesday, despite recovering from a minor muscle strain sustained in the last World Cup qualifying clash and the Liverpool striker was in sensational form before the weekend against Chile, scoring all Uruguay's goals in a 4-0 destruction in South American rivals Oscar Tabarez's team at the top to the Conmebol standings for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

A coach confirmed on Monday evening in Rome that Suarez would not play a part in the next fixture, as the discomfort which forced him off the Centenario field early proved enough to convince the ex-Milan trainer not to risk him in this friendly to suarez's place will be occupied by Sebastian Fernandez in the Malaga forward partnering Edison Cavani up front.

The Fernandez's entrance is one of 3 changes made for the Italy match for a Benfica's Maxi Pereira starts on the right of midfield in place of Alvaro Gonzalez, Porto's Cristian Rodriguez gets the nod ahead of Gaston Ramirez.

Uruguay XI vs. Italy (4-4-2):

Muslera; Caceres, Lugano, Godin, A. Pereira; M. Pereira, Arevalo Rios, Perez, Rodriguez; Cavani, Fernandez.

A Every Player Dreams Of Barcelona Says Ajax's Christian Eriksen.

The Denmark international has admitted that a move to Camp Nou is tempting to added that he is in no rush to leave his current club and the ajax star christian Eriksen said he would be open to a transfer to Barcelona in added that he still has plenty of things to achieve at his current club.

A report on Wednesday suggested that the Catalans consider the Denmark international to be the perfect replacement for Xavi once the midfield maestro hangs up his boots in riksen has admitted that wearing the Barcelona jersey is a dream for most players, he is not in a rush to make the move to Camp Nou i think that most footballers dream of playing for Barcelona," Eriksen was quoted as saying by sporten.dk.

I think that Barcelona's style would fit me very well and a transfer to Camp Nou would be great to i still have plenty of challenges left with Ajax We'll see what happens when the time is right to move on the 19-year-old playmaker recently revealed that he turned down an approach from Manchester City in the summer transfer window, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are also believed to be keeping tabs on Eriksen.

Gabriel Agbonlahor Out For England Squad Due To A Hamstring Injury.

The Gabriel Agbonlahor has withdrawn from the England squad due to a hamstring injury and returned to Aston Villa and the agbonlahor has been in magnificent form for Villa during the early part of the Premier League season and had been rewarded with a callup by Fabio Capello for the friendly against Spain on Saturday and next Tuesday's clash with Sweden.

He had been hoping to get the opportunity to impress at the Wembley and stake his claim for a place in England's final Euro 2012 squad Capello reconsidering his attacking options following the news that Wayne Rooney would be suspended to group games next summer to the 25-year-old sat out training on Friday and England's doctors have now allowed him to head back to Villa.

He has this morning returned to Aston Villa," read a short statement on the Football Association's official website to having been assessed by the England medical staff, Agbonlahor is unable to train today at Wembley and has returned to his club Villa will be hoping the injury is not serious and that Agbonlahor will be fit to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on 21st November.

England players and coaching staff held a two minutes silence in the Wembley centre circle in honour of Remembrance Day before undertaking their final training session ahead of Saturday's game to skipper John Terry stood alongside head coach Capello while Frank Lampard, tipped to wear the armband if Terry is not selected, was next to Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce he is fit enough to participate against Spain will not be revealed until Capello stages his pre-match media conference later on Friday.

Real Madrid VS Barcelona Players Unite To Launch New Spain Kit Ahead Of England Friendly.

The several of La Roja's top players met in Madrid on Thursday to unveil their team's new strip for the European Championships next summer, while the side's centurions were honoured and the spain launched their new kit for Euro 2012 on Thursday with a clear message for the past does not count.

A slogan used by Adidas at the event in Madrid, where Spain and Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas was joined by club colleagues Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Raul Albiol, Barcelona stars Xavi and David Villa, as well as Malaga's Nacho Monreal and Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente and Casillas hope his side can repeat the success of 2008 to they went all the way to win the continental competition in Austria and Switzerland.

This new shirt, we want to repeat the success of Austria and Switzerland, the goalkeeper told reporters we know it won't be easy but we will try and defend our title I'm sure we are going to do it was flanked by the European and World Cup trophies, team mate Villa admitted he hoped Spain could be the first side to claim a Euro, a World Cup and another Euro title consecutively.

The zubizarreta and Xavi were also there to receive medals, but Raul remained in Germany with his club, Schalke and will pick up his award later to a javi Martinez will miss the game against England through injury after failing to shake off the knock he picked up in a 2-2 draw at Barcelona on Sunday.

Newcastle's Naming Rights Worth Up To £10m a Year Derek Llambias Says The Club Had To Move Forward And Consider Stadium Sponsorship.

The Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias says the club can generate up to £10m a season by attracting a joint shirt and stadium sponsor and the Magpies have changed the name of a St James' Park stadium to the Sports Direct Arena in an effort to attract a new naming partner.

Llambias says the club need extra funds to compete in the Premier League and i would be hope to generate between £8m-10m a year, that will give us another player," Llambias told BBC Newcastle to compete we need to go further, we've had a fantastic start of a newcastle are third in the Premier League and having won seven of their opening 11 matches.

Llambias added, The fans want us to buy more players, we need a new striker in January, we'll need replacements in the summer to we need to give ourselves as much of a chance as possible to stadium sponsorship is growing in English football, with most new-build venues such as Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and Brighton's Amex Stadium utilising brands to help finance costs.

The Manchester City completed a deal worth £400m over 10 years to sponsor their existing City of Manchester Stadium with Etihad Airways in July of this year to Newcastle's plans, Chelsea are considering the option of selling the naming rights of Stamford Bridge, a venue they have been synonymous with since their formation in 1905 for "The history is always going to be there, we need to become part of the history," Llambias said.

Report Says, Atletico Madrid's Jose Antonio Reyes In Talks About Sevilla Return

The Spain international has reportedly grown unsettled at the Vicente Calderon and a move back to the Seville-based club appears to be a strong possibility and the Atletico Madrid winger Jose Antonio Reyes has engaged in talks with Sevilla about a return to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Diario de Sevilla reports.

A 28-year-old has been linked with a new challenge after falling out with coach Gregorio Manzano last month for the tv footage appeared to show Reyes swearing at the coach after being substituted in the second half of his side's 3-0 La Liga defeat at Athletic Bilbao and the reyes has not been included in a match squad ever and reports suggest the player is looking for a way out of his situation.

The Spain international reportedly travelled to Seville on Monday in the company of his father and his agent to listen to learn the conditions about a potential move to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan outfit and he represented from 1994 to 2004 and the former Real Madrid and Benfica loanee has been at Atletico Madrid since 2007 when he joined the club from Arsenal.

Andrey Arshavin Drops.

Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin admits he could be forced to consider his future if he does not start playing regularly soon and the russian has found himself playing a bit-part role for most of the season at the Emirates with Arshavin admitting his performances have been 'average' and he fails to play enough games.

He has dropped down the pecking order in Arsene Wenger's plans and he has been linked with a move away from the club and big spending Russians Anzhi Makhachkala have been credited with an interest in Arshavin in the diminutive attacker insists he has had no contact with Anzhi.

He admits he is not considering moving to a new club to that he could be forced to review his options if his first team chances do not improve to right now I don't think about changing clubs will be benched for a very long time, then such an issue might be relevant," Arshavin told Sport Express i still want to play for 90 minutes, but now I am glued to the bench would not like to play for a Russian club other than Zenit [St Petersburg], and there were no contacts with Anzhi Makhachkala.

David Cameron Wants FIFA

The Prime Minister David Cameron will write to Fifa asking it to lift the ban on England wearing shirts embroidered with poppies in Saturday's game with Spain on Tuesday, football's governing body rejected a second Football Association (FA) request to overturn the ban it seems outrageous," said Mr Cameron and, "I hope Fifa will reconsider."

The FA said England players will wear black armbands during the game and lay a wreath on the pitch during the national anthems and the mr Cameron added, The idea that wearing a poppy to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom is a political act is absurd to the "Wearing a poppy is an act of huge respect and national pride."

Fifa decrees that shirts should not carry political, religious or commercial messages for such initiatives would open the door to similar initiatives from all over the world, jeopardising the neutrality of football, it said and the fifa has allowed a period of silence to be held prior to the game against Spain at takes place the day before Remembrance Sunday.

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor

Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor likens Harry Redknapp to Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho and the striker who spent a short period working under the Portuguese coach last season, hailed his new manager due to his approach with players.

Emmanuel Adebayor has hailed Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp as ‘special’ and likened him to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho to he arrived at White Hart Lane on loan from Manchester City after spending six months under Mourinho’s command at the Bernabeu for the second half of last season for the striker has compared Redknapp's man-management skills to Mourinho's and has conceded the Real Madrid boss still tracks his progress.

Speaking to Hotspur magazine, the former Arsenal man said: "Harry Redknapp is a top manager “I would put him closer to Mourinho because of the way he treats players and he gives you full confidence to he  knows how to talk to players and that makes him special as well to  have huge respect for Mourinho of a learned a lot at Real Madridto even after my goal at Wolves I woke up the next morning and had a message from him to that is what he is like and it is appreciated.

Fifa Boss Urges Poppy Talks & Vice President Boyce Would Welcome FA Debate.

Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce would welcome further talks between world football's governing body and The FA over their request for England players to wear poppies in friendly international with Spain and the Fifa will allow a minute's silence at Wembley to the England players will wear poppies on their training kit on Friday.

They will also stand for the traditional two minutes' silence to mark the 11th hour and the 11th day of the 11 month in an act of remembrance in the Fifa will not allow the Three Lions to wear poppies during the game because it contravenes their rules regarding shirt emblems.

The Football Association have once again written to Fifa asking them to change their minds and Boyce has sympathy with the request for the fully understand why The FA has made this request, Boyce told Sky Sports News i will understand why Fifa has this regulation because it could be abused if there was not such a regulation in place and i also feel that are individual circumstances, these should be treated separately and judged on their merits.

The International Football Association Board meet once a year to discuss the Laws of the Game, so Fifa alone cannot change its rules to the FA have made it plain they have no wish to get embroiled in a row over the matter and the chief executive Alex Horne has been in contact with the world governing body asking them to reconsider.

Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak Accuses Man Utd Of 'Slave' Treatment & He Has Not Played A First Team Game Since May.

Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak has claimed he is being treated like a "slave" by Manchester United after a proposed loan move to Leeds was blocked and the Poland international was keen to join the Championship club to boost his chances of selection for Euro 2012 according to the 29-year-old his request was turned down by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The comments reported by a number of national newspapers, Kuszczak said: "I've become a slave to Manchester and the Pole added: "I'm frustrated but I don't want to slander or criticise Ferguson it is not my style to i have talked to Ferguson recently. I asked him to let me leave the club now, before the January transfer window.

I told him I want to play and get back into the national team, because Euro 2012 [which Poland will co-host with Ukraine] is just around the corner it seems he doesn't care to the possibility of a two-month loan to Leeds United came up two weeks later and the club blocked it.

It was a glimmer of hope for me to it would have reminded the Poland manager about me to i did not get the club's approval in the have respect for Ferguson because, for me, he's a great manager, but I hope he will let me go in January.

Tomasz Kuszczak Manchester United Carrier: 2006-07: 13 appearances, 2007-08: 18 appearances, 2008-09: 8 appearances, 2009-10: 14 appearances, 2010-11: 10 appearances, 2011-12: 0 appearances.

Trencadis Detail: Z, La Pedrera, Barcelona

Shards of tile, irregularly distributed creating harmony out of an apparent mess. Somewhere some symbols may be found left behind by the artist on the tile. This a detail of one of those chimneys on La Pedrera or Casa Mila's roof. If you want to see how trencadis looks here is an arch found on the same roof. Soon, more details.

Trencadis Detail: Z, La Pedrera, Barcelona

Shards of tile, irregularly distributed creating harmony out of an apparent mess. Somewhere some symbols may be found left behind by the artist on the tile. This a detail of one of those chimneys on La Pedrera or Casa Mila's roof. If you want to see how trencadis looks here is an arch found on the same roof. Soon, more details.

Barcelona Are The Best Club In The World Says Santos Neymar.

The Brazilian sensation is in awe of the Catalan giants and has conceded he is eagerly anticipating a match against them in the Fifa Club World Cup final and the santos forward Neymar has heaped praise on Barcelona, branding the Champions League holders as the strongest club in the globe.

The Copa Libertadores champions will have the chance to lock horns with Barca in December as the two sides will compete in the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan and the Camp Nou oufit have been suggested as one of the likeliest destinations for Neymar when he decides to move to Europe to despite being heavily linked with their rivals Real Madrid and the 19-year-old has conceded he is relishing the opportunity to meet the Liga champions on the pitch.

The santos are preparing for the last match of the year to will be the match of our lives, he told reporters after Santos victory against Vasco da Gama and We will improve our playing pace for the right now, Barca are the best team in the world, but if that will make them win or not, it will be seen on the field of play in the santos are ninth in the Brazilian league, 10 points shy of leaders Corinthians.

Blackburn Rovers Are Considering A Move To Sign Mexican International Jonathan Dos Santos From Barcelona Says Report.

The Rovers are reportedly interested in the young Mexico international midfielder, who has so far been unable to maintain a place in the Blaugrana 1st team and the 21-year-old is the son of former Brazilian footballer Zizinho and brother of Tottenham’s Giovani dos Santos and has appeared regularly for the Barcelona B side.

It is said that Rovers scouts have been watching Dos Santos at recent B games and he made his debut for Barcelona in 2009 has featured infrequently for Guardiola’s side and may decide to leave for more 1st-team opportunities and the midfielder was controversially sent home with seven others from Mexico’s squad in the Copa America earlier this year after an alleged prostitution scandal for which he has since apologised.

Dos Santos plays in central or defensive midfield and would add to the selection of young players manager Steve Kean has signed for Blackburn over in the summer transfer window to has included the Mexican's former team-mate Ruben Rochina from Barcelona B.

Best Set To Miss Ireland Games & Best Could Be Out Of Euro 2012 Play-offs Due To Injury And Child Birth.

Newcastle striker Leon Best is set to miss the Republic of Ireland's crucial Euro 2012 play-off games against Estonia and the Magpies forward was substituted during Saturday's win over Everton and has to since complained of groin and toe problems.

The 25-year-old was only named in Giovanni Trapattoni's squad last Friday after fitness doubts over West Brom striker Shane Long and he will join up with his team-mates in Ireland on Monday to be assessed by the medical team on the newcastle boss Alan Pardew feels it is the birth of his child that may be the deciding factor.

Pardew said: Leon's wife is imminent and they are in discussions to he is desperate to play don't get me wrong and we have spoken to the manager and spoken to the medical team about maybe a bit of compassion in terms of him staying about today because she's that close to we will see and the ireland face Estonia after finishing second in Group B and have a chance to reach their first major tournament since World Cup 2002 to the trapattoni has had other injury problems to contend with after Portsmouth midfielder Liam Lawrence was withdrawn from the squad with an ankle ligament injury.

¡Bienvenidos a los nuevos!

The new missionaries who arrived last week were welcomed with this short video. We hope it gave them a feel for the mission and the miracles they will see! We hope it will also give you a feel for the mission and the miracles we see!

Barcelona's Lionel Messi Says Bayern Munich Have A And That The Bundesliga Outfit Are Stronger Than Last Season.

The Bavarian outfit have stormed to the top of the Bundesliga and a difficult Champions League Group A, and the Argentine feels Jupp Heynckes' side are a European threat and to following the summer appointment of Jupp Heynckes in the Allianz Arena outfit have impressed both domestically and in Europe, unlike in their disappointing 2010-11.

The Spanish side looking to make it three Champions League crowns in four years this term, their South American attacker has identified the Bavarians as a key contender in the continent's top club competition for the bayern have a great team, and a very dangerous team," the diminutive forward told Bild.

They are stronger than last year in the except for Bastian Schweinsteiger they are all in top form and importantly, the final of the Champions League takes place in their stadium this is also a plus for them the 24-year-old stated to when asked if he would ever consider leaving the Camp Nou for another club, Messi remained defiant in his answer.

My plan is to play my whole career for Barcelona and i would only go when I'm not good enough or the club does not want me, he concluded for the barcelona and Bayern Munich look like two of the favourites for this campaign's Champions League and are on the verge of qualification from Group A and H respectively.

Why Sir Alex Ferguson Is The Greatest Survivor And The Football's Top Names Pay Tribute To The Longevity Of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Berlin were at number one with the theme to Top Gun when Sir Alex Ferguson took charge of Manchester United in November 1986 to a more appropriate cinematic reference from the autumn of that year is Highlander the story of an ageless Scottish warrior whose feats transcend time and the ferguson's kind of magic is his ability to win trophies and his haul of silverware and his longevity at Old Trafford are undoubtedly related.

And the putting to one side his repeated successes, the fact he has lasted 25 years as United manager is an unprecedented achievement at any level in the professional game in the modern era in England, let alone the very highest for there are 13 managers above him in the long-serving list in this country but all of them began their tenures more than 100 years ago and cannot be fairly compared.

Unless, like Highlander's Connor MacLeod, Ferguson really IS immortal, he is unlikely to outlast Fred Everiss to a spent 46 years as manager of West Bromwich Albion from 1902, for example for a back then, management was more of an administrative role than the delicate mix of tactical nous, mind games, media and man-management plus financial acumen that it is now.

It has become a cut-throat business to since its formation in 1992, the average time spent in situ by Premier League managers is 4.09 seasons and, in the entire Football League and the drops to 2.14 seasons in the same period to the League Managers' Association (LMA), a body Ferguson helped form almost 20 years ago, 1,052 managers in the English game have been sacked, resigned or left by mutual consent since he was appointed to replace Ron Atkinson on 6 November 1986.

November Concilio

Zone Leader Council is usually held on the first Friday of each month, and this month the first Friday followed transfers, so it has been a busy week around the office and the mission home!

As is the tradition, the morning began with a pancake breakfast cooked by the Ayudantes - this was Elder Hadley's first week as a new Ayudante, so it was his first time in the kitchen!

Elders Hadley and Allphin doing kitchen duty

Following breakfast, we moved into the living room where we had a wonderful morning as the zone leaders reported on the month of October and discussed their goals and plans for November.

View from the breakfast table to the living room

We took a lunch break at 2:00 p.m. and were able to get all the zone leaders in a photograph before they began dessert.

Zone leaders around the table
Ayudantes with Pte. Hinckley (standing)

We were fed both physically and spiritually as we discussed goals and plans for the coming months. We have been greatly blessed during the past several months, and we are praying, planning, and working to bring at least 90 souls into the Kingdom during November and December.

Albacete Tape

Because so many asked, here is the "Secret Albacete Tape." Not much, really, but it's rumored existence has been the source of much speculation. Enjoy!

November Nuevos

This was a big week - we received 5 new elders and 3 new hermanas! And what made things even better, no missionaries returned home this week. So we now have 103 missionaries - 84 elders and 19 hermanas - in addition to our two wonderful couples. This is the largest complement of missionaries we have had in a long time - we are clawing our way back from a low of 78 missionaries in July 2010.

As is our tradition, we traveled from the train station to Montjuic to take in a view of the mission field and hear the story of Columbus.

Overlooking the city on a cloudy day

 After lunch and orientation at the mission home, each of the new missionaries spent the afternoon and evening with a pair of missionaries in the Barcelona area. It was their first real experience proselyting, and it was great fun. Elder Castillo was able to meet with a father and husband whose wife was recently reactivated and whose two children were recently baptized. They had a powerful visit and Elder Castillo was able to invite this brother to be baptized. He is preparing for November 19th!

On Wednesday morning we introduced the new missionaries to their trainers, then spent a couple of hours studying the doctrine of Christ and practicing inviting investigators to be baptized (because that is what we do).

Hna. Ratcliff (from Auckland, NZ) practices the baptismal invitation
with her trainer, Hna. Soderquist.
 In the background, Elder Rios (Granada, Spain),
practices with his trainer, Elder Gallegos

Elder Cerqueira (Elvas, Portugal), practices with his trainer, Elder Greep.
Hna. Farrell (Rolling Hills Estates, CA) practices with Hna. Boone.

Trainers (back row): Elders Gallegos, Greep, Hnas. Boone, Soderquist, Ruz, Elders Keller, Bennington, Buchkovich.
Nuevos (front row): Elders Rios, Cerqueira, Hnas. Farrell, Ratcliff, Mancera, Elders Castillo, Arce, Gonzalez

Assignments:

Elders Gallegos / Rios: Manacor

Elders Greep / Cerqueira: Mataro

Hnas. Boone / Farrell: Benidorm

Hnas. Soderquist / Ratcliff: Sabadell 1

Hnas. Ruz / Mancera: Inca

Elders Keller / Castillo: Menorca

Elders Bennington / Arce: Albacete

Elders Buchkovich / Gonzalez: Granollers

Albacete hasn't had missionaries for about 7 years, so Elders Bennington and Arce have an exciting few months ahead of them as the build up this little branch! (Note to ex-misioneros del faro: if you would like to listen to the "secret Albacete tape" just let me know!)

Trencadis Butterfly at Casa Fajol next to B Hotel in Barcelona

How can a place evolve so much, how can you witness the pass of time by taking a glimpse at just one odd corner of your city? You ban easily guess in this picture which building came first: yes, Casa Fajol also known as Casa de la Papallona (Catalan word for butterfly) dating back to 1912. Is it possible to combine historic buildings with a touristic resort and a leisure center? Well, our architects do think so, and who are we to contradict their expertise. In 2005 they built a 3 star hotel (B-Hotel), with a fantastic swimming pool overlooking Plaza Espanya and Fira de Barcelona, that our butterfly almost touches with her antennae. That must be good for our visitors, a room with a view over our culture. But why not framing the whole scene from the platform of a brand new leisure center like Las Arenas literally rising over an old bull ring to really appreciate the clash of styles? Barcelona is the perfect spot.

Disclaimer: This post is meant to bring debate over architectural topics, culture and the pass of time and is not interested whatsoever in what should have been done or who is to blame for such contrasts.

Trencadis Butterfly at Casa Fajol next to B Hotel in Barcelona

How can a place evolve so much, how can you witness the pass of time by taking a glimpse at just one odd corner of your city? You can easily guess in this picture which building came first: yes, Casa Fajol also known as Casa de la Papallona (Catalan word for butterfly) dating back to 1912. Is it possible to combine historic buildings with a touristic resort and a leisure center? Well, our architects do think so, and who are we to contradict their expertise. In 2005 they built a 3 star hotel (B-Hotel), with a fantastic swimming pool overlooking Plaza Espanya and Fira de Barcelona, that our butterfly almost touches with her antennae. That must be good for our visitors, a room with a view over our culture. But why not framing the whole scene from the platform of a brand new leisure center like Las Arenas literally rising over an old bull ring to really appreciate the clash of styles? Barcelona is the perfect spot.

Disclaimer: This post is meant to bring debate over architectural topics, culture and the pass of time and is not interested whatsoever in what should have been done or who is to blame for such contrasts.

David Beckham Says 'Will Know When To Quit' Football & Beckham Flattered By Interest From Premier League And PSG.

David Beckham says he can still perform at the highest level and that he will know when it is time to quit football and los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham, 36, also restated his aim to represent the Great Britain football team at the 2012 Olympics for the "People have been saying, i am too old for the last 10 or 15 years and I've still continued to play for my country," he told BBC Sport.

Right now, I feel fit and still love playing, so I'm not finishing yet and he said he was "flattered" by reports linking him to top European clubs but that he was focused on helping LA Galaxy attain success in Major League Soccer in paris Saint-Germain are said to be keen to sign Beckham, who told BBC sport editor David Bond that "certain clubs in the Premiership" have also shown an interest.

And the Beckham, whose five-year deal with Galaxy runs out in the next few weeks, said: "At 36-years-old, to still have that interest in me is an honour, I'm very flattered and right now I'm a Galaxy player and I will continue to be a Galaxy player until we win the league the MLS Cup and then we'll see for the i haven't even sat down and thought about what my options are yet.

Beckham also says he might be interested in buying a team in the United States when he gives the game up and he added: "I have the option and it's something I probably will do a obviously I have to wait until I finish playing and i want to be part of something that is going to grow and I believe that this sport is going to grow.

The Argentina Legend Diego Maradona Says Football Needs AC Milan's Antonio Cassano.

The Argentina legend offered his solace for the Rossoneri star who is in hospital and waiting to undergo an operation that will keep him out of action for some time and the Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona has offered Antonio Cassano his full support after learning the Italian striker requires heart surgery for a AC Milan announced Cassano needs surgery to his heart after tests showed he suffered cerebal trauma following the 3-2 Serie A win over Roma on Saturday.

An extract of the note reads to these are very difficult moments where Cassano must be strong, think about himself to his family and children. I am thinking of you a lot in these days and I was struck by what has happened and i know the feelings when going through a dark period and so I am close to you and Gennaro Gattuso who is also going through a sad time.

And i know that from the time I met you in Rome that you have a strong and positive character to the affections of those who love you will help you overcome this i hope football can see your return soon because the fantasy of players like you in football is never enough and the milan said Cassano would be out for some time once surgery is completed, but they did not confirm how many months.

A Team News For The Alexis Sanchez Returns To The Bench As Isaac Cuenca Earns Starting Slot For Barcelona Versus Viktoria Plzen.

Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol partner each other at the back as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Javier Mascherano are left on the bench for the European champions and the barcelona welcome back Alexis Sanchez from injury, who is fit enough to earn a place on the bench in tonight's Group H Champions League encounter with Czech side Viktoria Plzen and the Catalan side managed to defeat 2-0 in their last European match.

Pep Guardiola also awards Isaac Cuenca another start as the young Spaniard continues to impress in barca attack and there is no place in the squad for David Villa as Adriano takes up the role on the left of the attacking trio and viktoria Plzen opt for a 5 man midfield against the European Champions and Marek Bakos is selected in the lone striker role.

Viktoria Plzen (4-5-1): Pavlik, Limbersky, Bystron, Cisovsky, Pilar, Horvath, Petrzela, Jiracek,
Kolar, Rajtoral, Bakos

Subs: Tichacek, Reznik, Sevinsky, Fillo, Darida, Duris, Hora

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes, Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal, Fabregas, Thiago, Busquets, Adriano, Cuenca, Messi

Subs: Pinto, Maxwell, Xavi, Iniesta, Mascherano, Keita, Sanchez

Jordan Rhodes Has Won His First Call-up For Scotland's Friendly With Cyprus & Barry Bannan Has Been Dropped From The Squad.

Norwich defender Russell Martin and Queens Park Rangers striker Jamie Mackie have also won recalls from Scotland boss Craig Levein and the mackie's last appearance for the Scots was almost a year ago against the Faroe Islands for the Martin earned his only cap against Wales in the Carling Nations Cup in May.

Levein revealed over the weekend that in-form Huddersfield striker Rhodes was in line for his 1st senior cap against Cyprus and that he would link up with the Under 21 squad for the European Championship qualifier against Holland on 14th November for the aston Villa midfielder Bannan has been omitted from the squad, following his arrest on suspicion of drink-driving and the rangers forward Steven Naismith and Celtic midfielder Scott Brown are both missing through injury.

Full squad:

Allan McGregor (Rangers), David Marshall (Cardiff City), Matt Gilks (Blackpool), Phil Bardsley (Sunderland), Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Gary Caldwell (Wigan Athletic), Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers), Alan Hutton (Aston Villa), Russell Martin (Norwich City), Lee Wallace (Rangers), Steven Whittaker (Rangers), Charlie Adam (Liverpool), Don Cowie (Cardiff City), Graham Dorrans (West Bromwich Albion), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), James McArthur (Wigan Athletic), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Barry Robson (Middlesbrough), Robert Snodgrass (Leeds United), David Goodwillie (Blackburn Rovers), Craig Mackail-Smith (Brighton and Hove Albion), Jamie Mackie (Queens Park Rangers), Kenny Miller (Cardiff City), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield Town)

Wayne Rooney Is Only British Player On Ballon d'Or World Footballer Of The Year Shortlist.

Barcelona have eight players on the list, including Lionel Messi, who has won the award for the past two seasons and the nani (Man Utd), Luis Suarez (Liverpool) and Sergio Aguero (Man City) are the other England-based players named.

BRITISH BALLON D'OR WINNERS for a 1956: Stanley Matthews, 1964: Denis Law, 1966: Bobby Charlton, 1968: George Best, 1978/79: Kevin Keegan and the 2001: Michael Owen.

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger joins Sir Alex Ferguson and Chelsea's Andre Villas-Boas on the managerial list for a decision will be made on 9 January and the rooney helped Manchester United lift a record 19th league title in 2011 and reach the final of the European Cup and the european champions Barcelona dominate Fifa's list, Cesc Fabregas, who spent part of 2011 with Arsenal, named alongside Messi.

Real Madrid have 5 nominees, including former Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo and ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and the shortlist will be narrowed down to three names for each category on 5 December.

Player nominees:

Eric Abidal (France), Sergio Aguero (Argentina), Karim Benzema (France), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Dani Alves (Brazil), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Diego Forlan (Uruguay), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Nani (Portugal), Neymar (Brazil), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Gerard Pique (Spain), Wayne Rooney (England), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), Luis Suarez (Uruguay), David Villa (Spain), Xabi Alonso (Spain), Xavi (Spain).

Coach nominees:

Vicente Del Bosque (Spain/Spain national team), Sir Alex Ferguson (Scotland/Manchester United), Rudi Garcia (France/Lille), Pep Guardiola (Spain/Barcelona), Jurgen Klopp (Germany/Borussia Dortmund), Joachim Loew (Germany/Germany national team), Jose Mourinho (Portugal/Real Madrid), Oscar Tabarez (Uruguay/Uruguay national team), Andre Villas-Boas (Portugal/Porto, Chelsea), Arsene Wenger (France/Arsenal).