October 2010 - Issue 10 www.vida.com.mt Addressing the nation Sunset splendour Lou Bondi Down with carbon Mirror mirror on the wall Do you like what you see? “I lost five babies” Helping parents overcome miscarriage A Maltese man with £68 million worth of phones Malta’s first shipyards Beauty parlour in your kitchen Autumn fashion: Let’s get fierce • Free wood furniture • Solar water heaters • Avoiding wedding disasters • Lippy ladies • Choosing a camera • & more... Eating out Rock ‘n‘ roll On a sesame seed bun C O M P E T I T I O N S SURROUND SOUND SYSTEMS & CASH VOUCHERS! WIN! G R E E N & T E C H N O L O G Y S P E C I A L
Transcript
Oct
ober
201
0 - I
ssue
10
ww
w.v
ida.
com
.mt
Addressing the nation Sunset splendour Lou BondiDown with carbon
Mirror mirror on the wallDo you like what you see?
“I lost five babies”Helping parents overcome miscarriage
A Maltese man with£68 million
worth of phones
Malta’s first shipyards
Beauty parlour in your kitchen
Autumn fashion: Let’s get fierce
• Free wood furniture • Solar water heaters • Avoiding wedding disasters • Lippy ladies • Choosing a camera • & more...
Eating outRock ‘n‘ roll
On a sesame seed bun
COMPETITION
SSURROUND
SOUND SYSTEMS&
CASH VOUCHERS!
WIN!
G R E E N &
TE
CH
NO
LOGY SPE
CI
AL
Editorial
At BOV, we can help you make the process of buying your first home as easy as possible - that is why we offer you great rates, no processing fees, 50% discount on the Bank’s legal fees and a term of up to 40 years.
Our flexible home loan for first-time buyers will make it much easier for your first home to be in your sight.
Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Zachary Street, Valletta VLT 1130 - MaltaBO
V 2
1236
Loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV branch. Terms & conditions apply. Each sms costs 5 cent.
a step closer to home
BOV Home Loan Package for First-Time Buyers
Apply online at www.bov.com
For further enquiries, send a blank sms to 7969 6975
homeloans 287x210.indd 1 8/26/10 2:31:23 PM
Edito
rial
vida.com.mt
Issue 10 - October 2010
Vida Magazine is a monthly lifestyle magazine distributed to all households in Malta and Gozo. It aims to empower the people to lead a better, healthier and happier life.
Publisher
Focused Knowledge LtdPitkali Road, Attard ATD 2214Malta, Europe
[email protected] Cover photoSophia by Pearl Works (see Page 63) It is understood that all material supplied by agents (printed or otherwise) to promote their products is supplied with all necessary permissions for reproduction. Whilst great care and attention has been taken by the editorial team to ensure accuracy of text, advertising and other published matter, we disclaim all responsibility for any omissions and errors. The editor and publisher do not necessarily agree with views expressed in articles, adverts, letters, or other content appearing in this publication.
Distributed by:
VIDA IN NOVEMBER... • Wedding Special
• Lacey lady
• 19 year-old on a mission
The changes we have made to the earth in the past couple of centuries have managed to undo most of the good work Mother Nature had done millions of years before. In just a fraction of the time it took to create all the natural resources we were blessed with we have managed to bring the world to a very dangerous tipping point.
The irony is that it all started in good faith - every time we made a brilliant discovery we were improving productivity, longevity, comfort or luxury. This was all well and good at the time because people were mainly looking at the short term gains, never once reflecting to see the repercussions of their innovations. Now we have to look at technological advances through a very different light. All possible effects need to be evaluated, because sometimes even the most positive turn in science and technology can have a serious impact a few years down the line.
The biggest change we can make, therefore, is to seriously think about the long-term impact of our actions on the world around us. In our interview with George Pullicino we saw a classic example of having to solve a problem after decades of not thinking about it. Maghtab is now costing us tens of millions to neutralise, however some forward-planning could have made life so much easier. It is great to see that the country now seems to have some very exciting plans in place for the future - let us just hope we are just as enthusiastic in implementing them.
Enjoy the issue.
Richard Muscat Azzopardi
At BOV, we can help you make the process of buying your first home as easy as possible - that is why we offer you great rates, no processing fees, 50% discount on the Bank’s legal fees and a term of up to 40 years.
Our flexible home loan for first-time buyers will make it much easier for your first home to be in your sight.
Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Zachary Street, Valletta VLT 1130 - MaltaBO
V 2
1236
Loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV branch. Terms & conditions apply. Each sms costs 5 cent.
a step closer to home
BOV Home Loan Package for First-Time Buyers
Apply online at www.bov.com
For further enquiries, send a blank sms to 7969 6975
homeloans 287x210.indd 1 8/26/10 2:31:23 PM
Cont
ents
Upd
ates
7420 9 14
11
22
Homemade Beauty RemediesSarah Micallef 9
I Like MeClaire Camilleri 10
Our Angels In HeavenDavid Vella 11
Silver Screen WizardJane Vella interviews Andrew Bonello 14
Masterful MazumaDavid Vella 16
“I Try To Be Fair”Miriam Dalli interviews Lou Bondi 18
Metal To Metal 20High Voltage Trash
The Environment Minister interviewed 22Down On Carbon
Richard Muscat Azzopardi 57Fashion Fairground
Sarah Micallef 60Sunsets - PhotographyRichard Muscat Azzopardi 68
Getting Ready For A Books BonanzaNational Book Council 70
Malta’s Medieval ArsenalJoyce Guillaumier 72
October At The MoviesMark Camilleri 74
Living In A Rock And Roll FantasyEd Eats 76
Events in October 78
NEW
4 Letters
5 Ask the Experts
6 Pawlu Borg BonaciKeeping it Short
Where’s Your Rubbish Going?Marita Hatherly reports
Send your letters, questions to the experts and suggestions to The Editor, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on [email protected].
E. Mizzi asked: What is flesh-eating bacteria? Is it true you can get this disease after undergoing major surgery?
Flesh eating bacteria belong to a group of bacteria called Clostridia. They are normally found in soil and the gastrointestinal
tract of humans and animals. These organisms cause an infection called gas gangrene. Clostridia most often cause disease in the setting of trauma or surgery but can also occur spontaneously in the absence of definite risk factors or exposures. However, not all wounds contaminated with Clostridia develop gas gangrene; the death of muscle tissue seems to only develop when sufficient devitalised tissue is present to support the growth of these bacteria.
Traumatic gas gangrene and surgical gas gangrene occur through direct inoculation of a wound. With a poor blood supply, the wound has the ideal growing environment for the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, the cause of 80-95% of cases of gas gangrene. However, it is not true that these bacteria eat flesh. The damage that they cause is due to the release of harmful products which are formed while these bacteria grow.
One should also note that although the risk of getting this infection after surgery exists, it is very infrequent to occur especially due to the high level of hygiene that is maintained in the operating theatres and by the operating staff and also due to the strong antibiotics that are available which can be administered to prevent or cure this infection.
Dr. Malcolm Paul Galea, MD
Ask The Experts
Ask a question and win!Published questions to the experts get in the draw to win the prize of our Suggestions & Questions Competition - a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*!
A.R. asked: I am currently thinking of investing a sum of cash I saved up over the past years. At the moment it is sitting in a current account. Is it worth my while to withdraw the money from a current account and invest it in bonds?
Bonds offer a fixed income with a fixed maturity date which is always better than a current account. One can always withdraw his investment at market price, so there can be either gains or losses on the capital. Always be in full control of your capital by seeking liquid markets. Keep your options open to both the local and international markets. Do not get carried away by the interest income. The higher the interest income, the higher the risk. Try to minimise your risks by avoiding the currency risk. Make sure that you are aware of the bond classification within the company. Not all bonds from the same company carry the same risk. Set your exit targets before you invest.
Never trade by emotion but by market discipline. You can either have a passive investment strategy (income-oriented) or an active investment strategy (aiming for short term capital gains).
Alex Mangion, MA Fin & Inv (Nott); B.Com (Hons) Bnk & Fin; CeFA
Dear Editor,
Firstly I’d like to say well done to you and your staff for Vida. I want to
draw attention to something I feel really brings our country’s name
down – our bus drivers.
In my experience, not only are they often rude and unprofessional, but
also sometimes downright scary. I refer to an incident that happened a
few weeks ago. A man got on the bus and handed the driver 50 cents.
The driver gave him his ticket but refused point blank to give him his
change. When the passenger protested at this unfair treatment, the
driver became visibly angry. After a few seconds of arguing, the driver
leapt out of his seat and to everyone’s surprise started swearing and
offending the man. Was it not for two good Samaritans pulling him
away, he would surely have hurt him!
Another incident occurred a couple of days ago. Due to the extra time
taken trying to negotiate a new passage after encountering road works,
the bus driver decided to take a shortcut, leaving me to walk a good 10
minutes in the sun to reach my destination. I’m sure you’ll agree that
this behaviour is unacceptable, and the wrongdoings of a few can surely
taint the many. I have also met great bus drivers – one of whom even
offered me some change for the next bus, upon my discovering that
I had forgotten my wallet! Is there some sort of screening process in
place? A good idea, now that we are about to get a new public transport
service, would be to conduct regular checks on professionalism, as some
bus drivers are giving their kind a bad name!
S. FalzonMosta
Back pain reliefDear Editor,Congrats on a fabulous mag and some really great articles! I like all sections of Vida, but last month I found ‘Back Up’ so helpful and interesting, I simply had to write.
I work at a desk all day, and even though I knew it was somehow responsible for my backache, I just didn’t know how to make it better. Since reading your article I have adjusted my computer to eye level and ordered a chair with arm rests and already feel some relief. I’m also trying really hard to fix my posture – something that I find very difficult but will hopefully be worth it! Thanks again for the advice Vida, and keep the helpful articles coming!Becky MicallefSiggiewi
Dear Editor,This summer Vida kept us updated on the best music events happening in Malta. Considering the small size of the country, we do get a very good share of the world’s best musical talent.
I always wondered whether we could ever be lucky enough to be included in one of the world tours of the legendary band U2. I have many friends who have had the chance to enjoy live concerts by this band in Italy, UK, or Spain. Some of them simply adore the band, others are not such great fans – however, both exclaim amazement at this band’s massive live performances.
Is U2 Live in Malta a mission impossible? Can anyone ever make this dream come true before Bono and company get too old and grumpy? Joseph MalliaBirkirkara
The writer of the Star Letter wins a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*.
Your say
U2 in Malta?
Do you have a wedding disaster story to share?
Send us your story and get in the draw to win €100!Go to page 34 for more details.
October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 5
ask the experts
Ask The ExpertsJ. Falzon asked: Our notary informed us that the apartment we have just bought is in a registration area and asked us to consult our architect to get some plans. What is the difference between registration and non-registration areas? What are
the implications of having property in a registration area?
The difference between a registration and a non-registration area is basically that within the former, property can be registered in the name of the official owner whilst within the latter, to date, such registration cannot be carried out, except for governmental entities. If your property is sited within a registration area drawings indicating properly and clearly the common parts/areas and any servitudes are requested.
Perit Joseph Attard, B.E.&A. (Hons.) A.&C.E.
A. S. asked: When my father died our notary informed us that to get the inheritance, all his children have to sign the will. One of my brothers is refusing to sign the will, meaning that we are not able to get the inheritance (a sum of money). What is going to happen
to the money, which my father kept in a bank account? Is there a time limit for a decision to be taken? How can we resolve this problem?
Indeed the bank does require the signature of all the heirs to release the deposited money. In your case, one would need to establish the reason for your brother’s dissent to authorise the withdrawal. If the reason is that such heir is contesting the will, typically on the grounds that he was not awarded his reserved portion - the right on the estate of the deceased reserved by law in favour of the descendants (and the surviving spouse) of the deceased – the heir’s right to demand such reserved portion is barred by the lapse of 10 years from the day of opening of the succession. If on the other hand, the dissenting heir has actually accepted the inheritance and is capriciously refusing to sign the authorisation for the bank to release the money, the testamentary executor could serve such heir with a judicial letter requesting him to do so, on failure of which an application to the Court of Voluntary Jurisdiction to appoint a curator in his stead would be the remaining remedy. Finally, if it is unclear whether the heir in question has accepted or renounced the inheritance, any interested person may request the Court to compel him to declare, within one month, whether he is accepting or renouncing the inheritance, on failure of which, the inheritance is deemed to be renounced. In any case, it is advisable that the case be discussed with a notary or lawyer who will need to see a copy of the will as the above may be subject to certain dispositions therein or to other relevant factual matters. Dr. Adrian Muscat Azzopardi, B.A., M.A., LL.D
Do you have a wedding disaster story to share?
Send us your story and get in the draw to win €100!Go to page 34 for more details.
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 20106
updates
Pawlu is answering Vida’s questions and running late… as usual. The Borg Bonacis are creative, perfectionists, and hardheaded people with a great sense of humour. My band ‘Fakawi’ is 10 years old, fun, crazy, laid back and loud. I want to be a milkman.I am not good at wrapping presents.I’m not funny when I’ve just woken up or when I’m taking decisions. When I’m not singing or playing guitar I am doing a 1,000 other things.I can play better than Fr. David. Rockestra was… one of the best days of my life – truly magical. Being between the National Orchestra and the best crowd I’ve ever seen in Malta simply blew my mind. Reggae is the colour in music – red, gold and green. Positive vibes!Our music is jump, jump, jump... breathe in, out... jump, jump, jump. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.My favourite ‘Fakawi’ cover is… mmmmm... difficult one... but if I had to pick up one right now I would say ‘Xemx’ mixed with Live and Let Die (the reggae bridge fits perfectly) and the Joseph Calleja opera part ‘tidhol kexxun’... then the Queen’s “anywhere the wind blows” (Bohemian Rhapsody) gives it the best ending. Emm… sorry, you said one song ‘hux’?Playing with Jon Bon Jovi felt like… Hehehe... well I was happy as my sister is a big fan of Bon Jovi. But it happened so fast that I didn’t even realise it happened until it was over. Anyway, I’m not into Bon Jovi, so it was no big deal. I would have preferred to play with Angelina Jolie! The Luqa monument is a statement. Censorship is a pain in the neck.I would love to censor censorship.
War on terror is terror in itself.Wardens are white and green. They hide in dark places and behind trees. Some take the risk and stay in blind corners. Oqqowww!Love is my religion.
Divorce is a product that should be put on shelves.The best word is freedom. The best world is planet earth - stop abusing it!If I were a girl I would be a lesbian.If I were a politician everyone would be happy!My message to the nation is when you think, think LOVE. One more thing - now that I have the chance - if we, Maltese, want our music, dance, theatre and other art forms to grow strong and creative we need to be more supportive of the local scene. The authorities have to give artists total freedom and space for expression. Most importantly, we need more venues and spaces to perform in! One love.
Pawlu Borg Bonaci
KEEPING IT SHORT ...Where’s your rubbish going?
Marita Hatherly, a Junior College student, writes about the perils of a very dangerous type of waste – our garbage – and warns that unless we separate our refuse before throwing it away, we’re in for some nasty surprises.
On our small islands, space is limited and finding a place where to get rid of our waste is not easy. No place is distant enough to not be in someone else’s neighbourhood, and who would want
a landfill in their own backyard?
We cannot afford to have more places like the Maghtab waste tip, where, for decades, tonnes of unseparated domestic waste were dumped without any thought as to its effects on future generations. Such waste tips can have very dangerous consequences. They produce hazardous gases and liquids, such as leachate, which comes out of compressed garbage. This harmful substance can penetrate through the ground and contaminate agricultural and natural land. It can also seep down to the underground aquifers, which supply our tap water. Unseparated waste also releases harmful gasses.
The authorities are doing their utmost to control the toxic effects of the unseparated waste we throw away from our homes. However, the ultimate solution is to generate less of this kind of litter, and to send most of it for recycling.
Every locality in Malta and Gozo has bring-in sites, where we can take separated garbage. Waste is placed into four containers - white for paper, blue for plastic, brown for glass and black for metal. It is then collected and taken to the Sant’ Antnin Waste Treatment Plant in Marsascala, where it is sorted by hand and sent for recycling abroad. Another way of separating waste is to place that which can be recycled in the grey or green refuse bags and leave it outside your home on specific days. It is then collected and taken to the waste treatment plant by a special refuse truck. Unless we make use of one of these options, our unseparated garbage will end up at the landfill, where getting rid of it or making sure it does not pollute the environment is much more difficult.
For bulkier and hazardous waste which cannot be deposited at the bring-in sites or in the recyclable waste refuse bags, we also have five civic amenity sites at Maghtab, Mriehel, Hal Far, Luqa and Xewkija (Gozo). Here we can dispose of items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, refrigerators and other white goods, garden waste, spent batteries, neon tubes, used syringes, paint and other hazardous domestic waste. These facilities are open every day between 07:30 and 17:30, including weekends and public holidays.
According to statistics provided by Cancer Research UK, in 2007, 125 women per day were diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK alone, making it the most common cancer of all. In order to back up this statement, just think of your circle of acquaintances – chances are you know of someone, or someone who knows someone, who has been afflicted with this disease.
This month is the 26th edition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, home to a global health campaign coordinated by a number of major breast cancer charities aimed at increasing awareness and raising funds for cancer research. The campaign also helps those who have been affected by this form of cancer, providing information and support including information on mammograms and screening, detection and different forms of breast cancer as well as practical tips on coping, including recipes using foods best tolerated and easing the symptoms during treatment. The charities behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month have also organised various fundraising events around the world over the years, including Race for the Cure, which has enjoyed variants in over 100 US cities, Germany, Italy, Canada, the UK and other countries.
Campaigns such as this are of utmost importance as the funds raised contribute to research into the cure for the disease. In fact, the news is not all bad – survival rates continue to rise, meaning more women are overcoming breast cancer today than ever before.
NOT FOR PROFITMaltese voluntary organisations
It all began… in 1961, when Joseph Sammut, a local businessman from Valletta, gathered a group of friends interested in photography. Thanks to the intervention of Fr. Celestino Portelli OSA, an Augustinian monk and one of the co-founders of the Society, the first meetings were held in the corridors of the Priory of St. Augustine in Valletta. In 1966, the Society moved to its present premises further down the same street.Our mission is… to promote an appreciation of all forms of photography, to spread the word that photography is fun, and to help enthusiasts further their photographic skills irrespective of their level of experience or area of interest. We have… over 200 members. Anyone interested in photography can join us – from complete beginners to experienced professional photographers. No one is too young or too old to become a member of our society.Our greatest achievement is… the International Photo Competition which attracted many photographers from all over the world to participate with a very high level of photography.We are… about to start this year’s ‘Starting Photography’ course. It consists of ten weekly sessions delivered by some of the society’s most experienced members. The first course starts on Tuesday, October 5th and costs €80. The price includes the lectures, a CD with all the lecture notes and a practical session at the end of the course. For more information visit our website.
We all want to look our best, and for some that might mean costly beauty products and regular trips to the salon. However, there
is another easy and fun way to achieve the same benefits. Ever tried natural alternatives to pricey makeup products that will make you look and feel great? Beauty remedies don’t have to cost the earth – just take a peek into your pantries to find the best ingredients for beautifully healthy skin and hair.
Homemade beauty remediesby Sarah Micallef
And there you have it – all natural beauty on a budget. Besides the examples mentioned here, there are loads more you can try – have a look on the internet or ask your grandmother for a handy recipe she swears by. Who said beauty can’t be fun? Homemade beauty remedies mean no big price tag, no extra chemicals and the perfect excuse for a girlie night in!
• To soothe sunburn: You’ll need ¼ fresh melon, ½ lemon and a teaspoon of olive oil. Peel and deseed the melon and juice the lemon. Blend the melon and filter its juice through a sieve. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice and the olive oil to the melon juice. Apply to sunburnt skin whenever necessary – this lotion can be stored in a closed bottle for later use.
• For wrinkles: Blend two apricots (chopped and deseeded), two tablespoons of honey, the juice of a lime and a small amount of cold milk to form a smooth paste. Apply to the face and neck, leaving on for 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and a little lemon juice for
glowing skin! The apricots nourish the skin whilst the lime juice acts as an astringent and tightens your wrinkles.
• For greasy hair: If you’ve got to rush out and have no time to shampoo your greasy mop, simply brush a tablespoon of corn flour or talcum powder through your hair – it will soak up the oiliness in no time!
• For puffy, tired eyes: Fresh castor oil massaged into the eyelids can reduce puffiness, whereas thick slices of cucumber or cotton pads soaked in cold milk laid onto the eyes can work wonders – refreshing and revitalising them.
• For dry hair: Is your hair dry and damaged after summer’s escapades? Simply beat two eggs with a little milk and run through your hair. Leave the mixture in for five minutes and rinse for shiny, vibrant hair. Another tip is to rinse your hair with two tablespoons of malt vinegar after washing – this will make your hair the shiniest it’s ever been!
The study and use of natural ingredients for medicinal purposes dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerians, who used laurel, caraway, and thyme to treat physical ailments. The Ancient Egyptians are also reputed to have used garlic, opium, castor oil, coriander, mint, and other herbs for treatments. Even nowadays, herbs and extracts from food and plants play a large role in modern medicine as well as in cosmetics, so why not go directly to the source? Here are a few easy recipes worth giving a go:
• To remove dead skin cells: Mix ¼ cup granulated sugar, a finely chopped tomato and two tablespoons of yoghurt or sour cream in a small bowl. Rinse your face with clean water and apply the mixture, leaving on for around 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat lightly to reveal a smooth layer of new skin.
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201010
real life
I Like Me by Claire Camilleri
Many people today are suffering with self-acceptance issues. Could this be a result of what we see in the media everyday? Or maybe it is due to those people in our lives who constantly put us down? Whatever the reason, it is no secret that it feels horrible to hate yourself!
It is a great shame that so few of us are in fact actually able to say the words “I like me”. This might be because it is hard to say it if we do not really believe it, and unfortunately, many of us do not. Few people are entirely happy with the way they are, however it is only once you accept yourself that you can truly be content. Indeed, a person’s self-esteem is the reflection of what they really think of themselves. Having high self-esteem comes with acceptance and appreciation of who you are, both in relation to physical and psychological attributes.
A lack of self love can lead to a number of conditions, including depression, plastic surgery addiction and, most commonly, anorexia – all of which have resulted in serious repercussions in certain cases. Avoiding these by learning to love yourself will make your world a much happier place.
Make an agreement with yourself to accept, love and respect all that you have been granted, even with the things you would like to change. Acceptance will eventually allow change – it helps people to feel okay about themselves, even before any goals are reached. People cannot improve unless they feel good enough about themselves to believe they can improve.
Be pleased with what you are and what you have to offer by concentrating on the more important things in life, like family and love, and your life will be a much happier one.
Life, ove
&
Body: Whether it is due to size, shape, colouring or features, something that most people find hard to love is their looks. If the physical aspect that is bothering you is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle (such as being overweight), then my advice would be to seek professional help. Living in self pity without attempting to better the situation will only make you feel incompetent and worse about yourself.
Personality: One should never change who they are for anyone. However if you feel that a negative aspect of your character may need work, as it is affecting the way people see you, then it is sometimes best to work towards making a change for the better. Everyone has flaws and everyone makes mistakes, but when certain attributes may be harming you as well as those around you, action may need to be taken.
Family, friends & others: One’s level of self-acceptance is determined greatly by whether they feel accepted by the important people in their life. Self-worth is brought about by feeling part of the community you live in. Being accepted by others in turn helps people to accept themselves. So by respecting those around you, you will in turn gain others’ respect.
Job: Do work you love and that satisfies you so that you can enjoy the person you are at work. Feeling accomplished at what you do and forming part of your work society promotes self respect. If one is made to feel incompetent at their work place, then how can they feel confident in other aspects of life?
Everyone has flaws and
everyone makes mistakes
Love the following to love yourself
October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 11
special feature
When parents lose a babySally* was 20 when she had her first miscarriage. “I was expecting twins – the first babies in our family, my parents’ first grandchildren. After 36 weeks of pregnancy, I had an abruption of the placenta and lost both babies. That’s when the nightmare started.” David Vella meets a mother of seven - including five stillborn babies - and Richard Cassar, from the voluntary organisation that helps parents come to terms with the pain of a miscarriage.
“During my pregnancy I used to dream of seeing my twins growing up, practising a sport, going to ballet lessons, and having fun with my husband and I. Suddenly I was rushed to hospital and all those visions disintegrated,” Sally says.
“I was young, and had no idea how to handle grief. I felt I had let my entire family down, especially my husband. I kept thinking I failed as a woman. I felt like an empty tomb. I was even angry at God – I couldn’t understand why this had happened to me and not to someone else.”
At the time there were no support services to help parents who had just gone through this trauma. Hospital staff were not equipped or trained to offer them emotional support. Sally was sent home soon after delivering the stillborn twins. She did not even know where her twins were taken. At home she found out that her relatives had decided to clear away all the items she had bought for the babies. “I felt like everyone was trying to erase all memories of my babies, as if they never existed.”
To add insult to injury, a few months later, she received a letter from hospital urging her to take her babies to be inoculated. The hospital did not keep records of whether a child had been born dead or alive. So Sally was sent the letter informing her that she ‘failed’ to take her babies to hospital.
Eventually she too tried to forget what happened. However, the
words of relatives and friends, albeit well-intended, used to make her feel even worse. “After a miscarriage people try to
find something to blame. Some told me it was because I worked during pregnancy, or because I carried out certain physical tasks
such as hanging the washing on the line or scrubbing floors. My mother-in-law immediately started urging us to start trying for another child.” Sally admits that such comments were unbearable and made it harder to get over the grief of losing her babies. She felt guilty and dysfunctional.
Richard Cassar, Voluntary Services Officer at Mater Dei Hospital and a member of SANDS (Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Society) urges relatives of parents who have a miscarriage to avoid phrases that we commonly use to console bereaved persons. “In such moments, the best way to help is to support the parents simply by being by their side, listening to what they have to say, and not trying to attribute what happened to one thing or another. Any couple can have a miscarriage, regardless of how careful they were during the pregnancy, or whether or not they had similar cases in their family.” He insists that telling parents not to worry because they’ll soon have another pregnancy will not help. It is even worse when relatives try to downplay the loss by comparing it to other situations. “I’ve heard relatives telling parents ‘you’re better off this way, rather than your child growing up to become a drug addict’.”
Sally explains that even her relationship with her husband began to suffer. “I was edgy and argued with him for no reason. We started having sexual problems as well, which eventually made it even more difficult when we started trying for a child again. We
Our angels in heaven
“I felt like an empty tomb. I was even angry
at God”
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201012
special feature
later discovered that my own anxiety was keeping me from getting pregnant.”
A few years later Sally got pregnant again and had her first daughter. “It was not easy. Once you have a miscarriage you can never enjoy a pregnancy again. You’re always walking on eggshells, afraid of waking up and finding out you have problems again.” However, the birth of her first child was a relief to all the family. “We started feeling better. Holding my daughter in my arms took away some of the pain of my first pregnancy.”
Encouraged by the birth of her daughter, Sally and her husband tried for a second child. “We love children and wanted a big family. I was raised in a family of nine.” That’s when she started having more problems – in the next few years she would have another three miscarriages. “Each one was as heartbreaking as the first miscarriage. You can never get used to the pain of losing a baby.”
“I was about to give up, but then, with a lot of help from medical professionals, I managed to give birth to my son. I spent days at the Intensive Care Unit after giving birth – for some time I was in a critical condition. When I regained my health, doctors advised me to stop trying for more children. I would have loved to have another child, but it was not to be.”
In order to help parents like Sally, in November 1994 a group of volunteers, including parents and hospital staff, launched SANDS Malta to provide free support services to parents of stillborns. Richard, one of the organisation’s founders, explains how this group helps bereaved parents. Today, when a mother has a miscarriage, she and her partner are given a chance to be with their baby in a
dedicated bereavement room. Members of SANDS also offer to take photos, palm- and foot-prints, and a lock of the baby’s hair for the parents to keep.
Some people may think that it is best to try and move on. “Parents who try to do this will simply be postponing their grief – it is likely to revisit them later in life,” Richard says, “we have seen fathers who hold back their emotions, who refuse to cry, because they feel they have to ‘be strong’. Instead, they may vent their feelings in other ways, for example through alcohol abuse. This will simply make things worse. The couple has to mourn the loss of their child together, learn to live with this pain, regain self-confidence, and fall
in love again.”
A few weeks after the mother leaves hospital, SANDS members invite parents to group support sessions. Here they are given the chance to express their feelings in the presence of other couples in the same situation, as well as being offered advice and one-to-one counselling from psychologists. “Parents need to speak out,” Richard
explains, “some may be angry at God, others may have complaints or doubts about how they, or their dead baby,
were treated in hospital. Most of them have questions on when they can try for another baby. They are also consoled by the support and advice of parents who lived through this experience before them.”
Sally admits that 20 years after losing her babies she still thinks about them everyday. “I can never forget the babies I lost – I can never pretend that I have not been through this difficult experience. The pain will never go away, but with time and with the happiness of my family around me I learnt to live with that memory and get on with my life.”
“you can never enjoy a
pregnancy again. You’re always
walking on eggshells.”
Flowers on a white coffin
Before SANDS was set up, stillborn babies were placed in the same coffin of the first corpse that left the mortuary. Parents were left feeling that they did not have a child they could mourn – they were not even allowed to give their babies a proper funerary ceremony.
Nowadays, babies who die before 22 weeks of pregnancy are kept at the Mater Dei mortuary to be buried together in a burial ceremony at the Addolorata Cemetery, which is held once a year at the end of November. Two graves in this cemetery are purposely reserved and managed by SANDS to be used for stillborn babies. During the ceremony parents get the chance to give their stillborn babies a fitting goodbye. Nurses and staff at Mater Dei Hospital’s maternity wards also join the parents to express their support. The babies are placed in a small white coffin, decorated with flowers painted by the nurses themselves. Rev. Joseph Mizzi, the Director of the Cana Movement, and a number of other priests, accompany the parents during the ceremony. When a baby dies after the 22nd week of pregnancy, the family is invited to hold a private burial ceremony. Sometimes, parents are asked whether they would like to donate their babies’ bodies to the University of Malta to be used for research purposes. If they accept, the university keeps the babies for a few months, before returning them to the mortuary to be buried during the annual ceremony.
There were 28 stillbirths among 4,180 babies delivered in Malta and Gozo in 2009. Another 17 babies died within 28 days of their birth (neonatal deaths), the National Obstetric Information System (NOIS) of the Department of Health Information and Research reported.
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When a close relative has a miscarriage or loses a newborn baby we would do anything to ease the parents’ pain. Here’s some advice from SANDS:
• If you’re the closest relative to the bereaved parents, visit them in hospital and show them you’re there to offer all your support.
• If possible, ask to see the baby. It will help parents share their grief.
• Offer to help in the practical tasks that the mother and father have to attend to in this situation – help them fill in hospital forms, take care of their other children, or arrange the funeral.
• If you talk to the parents about the dead baby, use the name they may have given him/her.
• Avoid ‘comforting’ phrases like “you can have another baby soon”. The baby was wanted for him or herself – other children will not replace them.
• This is one situation where a hug is worth a thousand words.
• You too are grieving the death of a nephew or a grandchild so if you feel like crying, do not be embarrassed to do so. The baby’s parents will find consolation in the fact that they are not the only ones grieving their baby.
• It will take months, sometimes even a year, for parents to start recovering from the loss of a baby. Keep listening to what they have to say, even if it seems like they’re constantly repeating the same thing, day after day. Don’t condemn them if they express anger or jealousy at the fact that other parents had their babies without difficulty.
• In future pregnancies, the parents will be very nervous. Let them express their anxieties and encourage them all the way.
SANDS is supported by the CANA Movement, a catholic organisation which helps Maltese couples prepare for marriage and strengthen their families. For more information on SANDS and its support groups, contact Richard Cassar by calling 2545 4150 or by email on [email protected].
When a relative loses a baby…
* The mother’s name was changed as she wished to remain anonymous.
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Before moving to the land of celluloid and dreams, Andrew worked in the UK for about four years as a software engineer. “At one point I decided to switch to a career in visual-effects. And I knew that the best opportunities in that field would be in Southern California,” he says. Andrew admits that leaving his friends and family in England was a big step and felt quite daunting at first.
“When I arrived in Los Angeles, I spent my first month living in corporate apartments. They were the sort of places with a really high turnover,” he explains. “Most of the other residents were wannabe actors and screenwriters, freshly arrived in California from their small hometowns in the mid-Western US. You could hear rehearsals and parties going on right through the night in many of the apartments,” he recalls.
“I remember sitting in my apartment, shortly after arriving. I was watching the then-US president give a press conference on TV. It all felt quite alien, and I recall asking myself: ‘What on Earth am I doing here?’” Luckily, once he started working, Andrew’s initial fears disappeared.
Working with a visual effects studio involved writing software which uses computer graphics to create visual-effects in movies. “At DreamWorks Animation, I wrote compositing software. Compositors combine partial image elements to make a final frame in the movie,” he explains. “For example, a digital matte-painting would form the background. Another image is overlaid on this, containing the actual characters. The top-most layer might be an image element with smoke, water or particle-effects.”
Andrew adds that it’s important to combine the images correctly. “The transparency needs to be just right so that the characters and background are visible behind the smoke effects. Think of it as ‘image arithmetic’,”
he says. “The software knows the mathematical formula needed to add two images together, subtract one image
from another, blend two images together, and so on.”
In another job, Andrew wrote image-processing software to restore classic Hollywood movies once they were scanned onto a computer. “Old films contain a lot of dirt and other imperfections. So the tools would digitally clean the film, eliminate flicker, and reduce the graininess.”
Andrew also worked on software for motion-capture. “This is a process you’ve probably seen on TV. An actor wearing a special suit moves around whilst being filmed by a special multi-camera rig. The movements are recorded in 3D on the computer. They are then used to animate digital characters in a movie,” he explains. “This makes the characters’ movement more believable in the finished film.”
Andrew admits that seeing the actual finished product at the cinema is very satisfying. “Knowing how much work is involved, and how many people it took to do it is a great feeling. And seeing my name in the credits at the end of the film isn’t a bad bonus, either,” he says, laughing.
I ask Andrew how the opportunity with Google came about. “It was through my interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI). I worked on the help websites that users visit when they encounter problems or have
Leaving Malta for the UK at the age of two, this technologically inclined individual later took the big step of moving to California, leading
him to work with companies such as DreamWorks and Google. Self-confessed technophobe Jane Vella meets Andrew Bonello, in the hope of learning more about the magic formulae that give us the pictures we see at the cinema and the internet software that manages to keep up with the human mind.
Silver screen wizardThe Maltese software engineer at Dreamworks and Google
“I recall asking myself: ‘What on Earth
am I doing here?’”
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questions about one of Google’s many products,” he explains. “We try to understand user behaviour. This lets us present help articles and recommendations to get them to the information they need as quickly as possible. It’s actually pretty complicated, since the number of users, products and help queries is very large and is, of course, always growing.”
When thinking of AI, most of us think of the walking, talking breathing robots we see in films. I ask Andrew if public opinion is far from the truth. As a science-fiction lover, Andrew admits that he’s dreamt of a world where computers have true ‘artificial intelligence’, where robots could do all those tedious household chores for us, letting us concentrate on the more fun parts of life. Realistically technology is still far from this scenario. “Most real-world examples of AI can be classified as ‘narrow’: they deal with one specific problem,” he explains. “The speech recognition tool in your smartphone is pretty good at recognising spoken words and turning them into text. But it won’t do anything else.”
In truth, technology is still some way from creating a machine versatile enough to be able to deal with more than one action or problem at the same time. “Consider driving a car: while operating a vehicle, your brain is subconsciously processing many pieces of information: the road ahead of you; sounds from other vehicles, the radio. For a computer to make sense of all that in real-time is a mighty feat indeed,” says Andrew.
Having worked in large and small companies during his career, Andrew has seen the best (and worst) of both. “Big companies have advantages: benefits tend to be
better, and there are lots of services in place to make the employees’ lives easier,” he says. “But there are some downsides too. In a large organisation, your efforts get diluted with a lot of other peoples’ work. This can make it harder to really “get ahead” and obtain full recognition for all your achievements. At a smaller company this barrier is almost non-existent. The success or failure of the company is dependent on just a few key individuals,” he explains.
Andrew’s choice in career is time-intensive and very technology-oriented. However, his interests include the violin. “I’ve played the violin at various times in my life since I was about 10 years old,” he says. “Whilst in Los Angeles, I found time to play in a local community orchestra. We rehearsed every week, and gave free concerts about five times a year. It was a lot of work, but ultimately was incredibly rewarding and fun,” he says, smiling. Andrew also admits it was a nice change of scene from the rather intense world of visual-effects.
Having left Malta at a very young age, I wrongly assume that Andrew feels little affinity with our islands. “I’ve visited Malta quite regularly since leaving, despite sometimes having to travel from a
great distance,” he says. “I can definitely see myself coming back one day. The lifestyle is hard to beat. And somehow,
Malta still feels like home to me.”
Is there anyone you’d like to introduce to the nation through this section? Send your suggestions to [email protected] and get in the draw to win a €100 voucher.
• Monsters Vs Aliens (2009)• Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)• Kung Fu Panda (2008)• Shrek the Third (2007)• Bee Movie (2007)• Madagascar (2005)• X-Men 2 (2003)
Digital Image Processing:
• The Aviator (2004)• Ray (2004)• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Masterful MazumaThe Maltese man with 150,000 mobile phones a month
Some things never change; mobile phones are definitely not one of them. Even the most stubborn Luddite gets a new one every couple of years. One Maltese man recognised the potential of making money out of the disused handsets abandoned in Britain’s forgotten drawers. David Vella meets Charlo Carabott, the entrepreneur who in four years gave Britons over £68 million in exchange for their old mobile phones.
The first time I watched an advert for Mazuma Mobile on British television, I was impressed. Let’s face it, we all love an opportunity to make money out of stuff we don’t need. Unfortunately for us, it is not a common occurrence so I wondered who would go to the trouble of spending thousands of pounds on an elaborate advertising campaign to tempt people to trade their old mobile phones for cash. Upon a visit to the company’s website I was met with an even bigger surprise – the brains behind this venture belonged to none other than a Maltese man from Zejtun.
The system is in fact very simple, Charlo explains. Customers don’t even have to pay for posting their mobile phone to Mazuma. “They check the value of their handset model on our website. Then they can register their interest in recycling their phone with us. Once they do this, we send them a Free Post bag, which they use to send us their unwanted phone. We send them the money for the value of the phone as soon as we receive the handset. Non-working phones that cannot be re-used are recycled. The rest are sent on to developing countries for re-use.”
Mazuma processes over 150,000 old mobile phones every month. In less than four years it has received over two million phones.
Getting cash is the crux of the matter for Mazuma customers. In fact, the word Mazuma is Hebrew slang meaning ‘cash’. However, by sending their unwanted handsets to be re-used or broken down for recycling, people are doing their bit for the environment as well. Almost one million handsets are upgraded every month in the UK alone. Most people do not change their mobile phones because they are faulty but because they want to upgrade to a better one. In turn, research has shown that 48% of the older mobile phones are left lying around people’s homes.
“Unused old mobile phones left at home will devaluate to a point where they become almost worthless. At this point, most of these handsets would simply be thrown away,” Charlo says. By sending mobile phones to be sold to someone else, they are allowing other people to make good use of them, essentially saving them from the dump.
Mobile phones sent to Mazuma are refurbished and re-sold in developing countries. Charlo tells me that this helps people in these countries develop their communication systems by giving them cheaper access to modern mobile phones. “In the developed world we
Thieves
In less than four years it has
received over two million phones
A few months ago, Charlo helped in the setting up of a national system to prevent thieves from using companies like Mazuma to get money for stolen phones.
“We wanted to make it as enticing as possible for people to sell phones to us,” Charlo told BBC in July. Mazuma pays up to £200 for certain phones. “However, it became obvious to us that high prices like that could also encourage people to go out and steal handsets.”
To solve this problem, when customers register their interest in recycling their phone they are asked to provide an IMEI registration number found on their phone. This number is then cross-checked on a database of stolen phones. If it turns out to be stolen, the company will not take the phone.
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From Down Under to the UKCharlo Carabott was born in Malta in 1972, but two years later his parents migrated to Australia. In 1993, at the age of 21, he moved to the UK.
He explains that back then the mobile industry was in its infancy, and mobile phones were still very much a tool for businesses. “I was lucky enough to get a job in dealer sales at a company called Euronet. It was a new company which had teamed up with Talkland (now Vodafone) to distribute mobile phones and airtime to retailers across the country and help make mobile phones a popular consumer product.”
Charlo loved his job and was promoted to general manager after a few years. In 1998, he moved to Intec, a mobile phone repair centre, as Business Development Director. He was responsible for the setting up of a new company, Intec Distribution, which specialised in refurbished mobile phone distribution.
“In 2003, I figured that if I can successfully build a company for someone else then I should definitely have a go at doing it for myself.” He joined his business partner John Lam to start Ventura Telecom. At first the company purchased large volumes of second hand mobile phones from operators and repair centres and exported them to various countries. “We both worked very hard, often for up to 15 hour days, but it paid off as we managed to turn over £5.3 million in our first year.
Three years later, Charlo and his partner decided to start getting second-hand mobile phones directly from the public. That’s when Mazuma Mobile was launched. Since then, they’ve never looked back. In 2009, Mazuma was ranked first among companies offering mobile phone recycling services in the UK. The company has recently launched its services in Australia, where it is also proving to be very successful. Charlo now looks forward to launching his business in a number of other countries too.
What about Malta? “You never know,” he smiles.
Charlo’s Malta Experience“I still have a lot of family in Zejtun and love to visit Malta whenever I can. I love the island - beautiful people, lovely weather, fantastic food, amazing clear blue sea and a country that oozes character and history. I have fond childhood memories of spending the day with my Uncle Vitor, on his bus doing his run and stopping off for a tea and ‘pastizzi’ break at every opportunity!”
are fortunate enough to be able to afford to buy new phones or receive them as part of our network subscription free of charge,” Charlo says, “however, in developing countries, large portions of the population are on pay-as-you-go or simply cannot afford to buy a new handset. This is why the demand for second hand phones is so high in those countries.”
The company does not only take in mobile phones that can be re-sold. It also offers a freepost service for customers wishing to recycle very old non-value models. These mobile phones, along with faulty handsets that cannot be repaired are broken down to extract their components and re-use them to manufacture other products. This process stops the components from ending up as toxic waste in landfills. “Mazuma has an EU-approved treatment and waste facility which allows us to recycle components and discard waste in an environmentally-responsible manner.”
I ask Mr Carabott about his company’s hilarious TV commercials. The spots featuring some of the UK’s best-known celebrities including the 2009 Britain’s Got Talent finalists Stavros Flatley, aim to explain how easy it is for people to trade in their old mobile phones for cash. “Fun and humour have always been an important aspect of our brand,” Charlo explains, “after all, our customers know that recycling their phone with Mazuma is so easy, they will be laughing all the way to bank!”
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As soon as I enter his office, his computer’s desktop wallpaper - a photo of Marsalforn bay - catches my eye. Lou Bondi tells me that he’s just returned to work after spending weeks relaxing at Marsalforn in Gozo, the place where he lived as a child. We talk about holidays, music, and relaxation but soon get to work.
In the 1990s Bondi was the founding chairman of Radio 101, the Nationalist Party’s radio station. A few decades later his opinion about political party owned media has changed drastically. Today he believes that these organisations are giving a perverse picture of reality. “Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici was right when he questioned the need for a political party to own a radio station if not to carry out its own propaganda. Back then I argued that in Italy political parties have their own media. But things did not work quite the same here in Malta,” he states. Bondi goes on to say that his only hope is that once political stations close down there will be a privately-owned station that can be commercially viable.
Does his media company, Where’s Everybody, want to have it’s own private station, I ask. “In the past we have discussed the possibility but we never made a serious attempt at having our own private TV station,” he declares, “as things stand today with both political parties having their own TV stations I don’t feel that we should have our own TV channel. Political parties can ask the people for funds but a private station cannot do that.”
Does he consider himself impartial? “I think that neutral unbiased people can only be found in cemeteries,” he declares, “I try to be fair. Television shows your true colours, and if you’re not being fair, people will notice.” In fact many people do comment about his apparent bias, I point out. “I have my own views but I try to be fair. I
always ask tough questions to both the Nationalist and Labour politicians. However, when people label you, there isn’t
much you can do to change their opinion and the way they perceive what you say.”
He complains that the level of journalism in Malta has gone down. I ask him how he helped to raise the bar of
local journalism in Malta, but he falls short of commenting. “I don’t like speaking about myself, and I’d rather let others
comment about me.” Indeed, Lou Bondi has been criticised by many opinion columnists in local newspapers. Jacques Rene Zammit and Pamela Hansen are just two of them. “I don’t read them,” is his reply. Does he boycott them because they frown upon him, I ask, “No, I don’t read them because they are dull and boring. I only read Pamela Hansen when she writes about me,” he declares.
Which columns does he like to read? “I like to read Daphne Caruana Galizia, Ranier Fsadni, Austin Bencini and Mark Anthony Falzon.” Of the four commentators mentioned, Daphne Caruana Galiza is by far the most controversial. I ask him whether he agrees with all that she writes. “There is a big difference between enjoying the way a person writes and agreeing with what they say,”
He insists that neutral people can only be found in cemeteries. He states that he is willing to speak about his conflicts of interest if everyone else accepts to do the same. Miriam Dalli catches up with Lou Bondi, the TV presenter and journalist who describes our University as a glorified high school, and adamantly refuses to call his colleague - Joe Azzopardi - Peppi.
“I try to be fair”Lou Bondi on almost everybody
“I only read Pamela Hansen
when she writes about
me”
Love to Hate
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he remarks, “I don’t agree with whatever she writes. I think that Daphne is sometimes her own worst enemy. She has a clear mind on certain issues, but then she undermines her own arguments because she knows no limits. Despite this, she has the ability to analyse our society in a brilliant sociological and anthropological manner.”
Sociology and philosophy are Bondi’s pet topics. He used to lecture these subjects at the University of Malta. Ten years ago he decided to quit this job. “I used to love lecturing. It was my passion. However, after 12 years I got tired of trying to lecture students who were simply not interested. Plato once said that a good lecturer is one who manages to produce students who debate his ideas. I never had that experience,” he laughs, “our University is simply a glorified high school. Unfortunately, it’s not the place where students debate and challenge ideas.” I ask Lou Bondi about his partner in business, fellow Where’s Everybody director and TV presenter Joe Azzopardi, better known as Peppi. He tells me he refuses to call him Peppi because he has known him as Joe all his life. I wonder, do the two of them get along well? “No we don’t. Joe and I live on two different planets. Joe does not know how to enjoy himself and I love music and food. Joe enjoys working, and my continuous struggle is to keep him from working non-stop. Joe worries about everything and I’m not one to get worried easily.”
I next refer to the reported alleged conflict of interest that his company has in producing current affairs programmes on national television while also managing the public relations and marketing of projects such as the White Rocks project. “I’d be ready to discuss
our conflict of interest if everyone else is ready to discuss their own conflict of interest. I would be willing to discuss
the fact that a public relations person is chairman of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, or the fact that a newspaper editor features in the TV commercial of a bank that advertises with the same newspaper she works for.”
As Bondi’s programme on TVM ‘Bondiplus’ goes on air for yet another year as from this month, the journalist
tells me that he is seriously thinking about whether or not it is time to call it a day. I am surprised to hear this, but then he explains: “I’m 54 and the view from my Marsalforn balcony is extremely tempting.”
Who do you love to hate? Who do you want Miriam to interview? Send your suggestions to [email protected] and get in the draw to win €100.
Name: Lou BondiBirthplace: Victoria, GozoAge: 54Feels like: Age is just a number until I look in the mirrorStar Sign: No idea Current job: Journalist / DirectorDream job: To produce Later, a programme by Jools Holland Favourite Colour: BlackFavourite Film: 12 angry men Favourite Song: In my Life – The Beatles Wouldn’t live without: Rachel, and my kidsFavourite quote: “Am I screwed up because I have listened to rock music all my life or have I listened to rock music all my life because I’m screwed up” - Nick Hornby Loved by: Rachel, my kids and all my family. Hated by: Those who don’t know me.
“Joe and I live on two
different planets.”
Lou Bondi holds a B.A. Honours degree in Sociology from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Social & Political Thought from the University of York, Toronto, Canada. He taught Sociology and Philosophy at the University of Malta for over a decade. Bondi was the CEO of AZAD, the Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment and the founding chairman of Radio 101. He has produced and presented a series of current affairs programmes on Public Broadcasting Services’ television and radio stations for the last 17 years, making him the longest serving journalist in such a role in the history of Maltese TV. Bondiplus, which he has been producing on TVM since 2001, has repeatedly won Broadcasting Authority TV Awards and Malta TV Awards. In 1999 Lou Bondi co-founded Where’s Everybody, one of Malta’s largest TV production companies. Over the last few years Lou has chaired consortia which were tasked with the execution of some of the largest national communications and events projects.
17 years on TV
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You enter a massive yard packed with heaps of scrap metal. In one corner, a conveyor belt is carrying small bits of iron and steel to a towering mound of shreds. The processing of old
and unwanted metal to be melted and re-used is one of the earliest forms of recycling adopted in Malta.
Maurice Gouder, from Hompesch Steel Co. Ltd, explains how metal recycling companies save tonnes of metal from our landfills. “We receive unwanted metal objects from companies and private individuals. We pay them back in cash according to the weight and condition of the metal brought in. One of our principles is to give people payment that reflects the fair value of the metal they bring us.”
All the metal waste received is divided into two groups. The first is ferrous metals, or those materials that contain iron. All other metals that do not contain iron (non-ferrous) make up the second group. Both types of metal are then cut up into small pieces in the company’s processing plant in Fgura, and then temporarily stored in the same yard. When a large quantity of metal is gathered, the materials are loaded on containers and sent to the company’s partners abroad. Here the metal is treated and recycled – the new material is used in different metal products. These are then exported to various European countries, including Malta.
“Unfortunately we do not have the human resources or the time to collect metal dumped in the countryside,” Maurice explains, “however, there are many individuals and entities who bring us metal collected during clean ups in fields and other rural areas.”
In the past Hompesch Steel also considered the possibility of completing the recycling process in Malta, but Malta does not produce enough metal waste to keep a recycling plant running efficiently. Such a plant can only be built on a large area of land, and requires extensive energy consumption to operate.
The company has been operating in this business for 50 years. Originally it was more focused on the production of reinforced steel bars for the construction industry. Eventually its directors realised the potential of shifting resources to metal scrapping and invested in advanced machinery to process larger quantities of metal waste.
“Today, we continue to do our utmost to send as much metal waste for recycling as we can,” Maurice concludes, “after all, recycling metal is not only a matter of protecting our natural environment - it provides jobs and as an export it also contributes to our economy.”
Metal to metal
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High voltage trashOur waste reeks of precious electricity
Gone are the days when we dumped it in the bin and forgot about it. As the toxic ghosts of tonnes of rubbish from the past come to haunt us at the Maghtab and Il-Qortin landfills, every tiny bit of our garbage becomes an issue as hot as our major environmental quest – the search for cleaner, cheaper energy sources. Luckily for us, if these two troubles collide, we may one
day get rid of both. Richard Muscat Azzopardi and David Vella interview the Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs George Pullicino.
Your ministry asked a technical committee to come up with a report on the introduction of environment-friendly transport, including electric cars. Why should people opt for electric cars if they still have to use electricity generated by fuel-burning power stations to charge them?
The amount of carbon dioxide emitted to charge an electric vehicle is much less than that emitted by conventional vehicles using petrol or diesel. In the meantime, electric vehicle technology is constantly improving. Car manufacturers are now starting to use advanced lithium-ion batteries that give a much longer range and can be recharged in a shorter time.
How will government be encouraging drivers to go electric?
We currently only have around 30 licensed electric vehicles on Maltese roads. We also have at least another 40 hybrid vehicles, including mine. The Government has already removed all registration tax on the importation of electric vehicles. I am now waiting for the committee to conclude its report on how we can do more to encourage drivers to drive electric cars.
The incentives to drive electric vehicles may not necessarily consist of financial grants or subsidies. We can also give electric car drivers additional benefits. For example, electric car owners do not pay for parking in Valletta. I also asked the committee to list the infrastructure that is needed to facilitate the use of electric cars. These may include charging points in public places.
Almost 2,000 families applied for the latest government scheme to receive grants for the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) system. Will government be launching a similar scheme next year?
When we launched the first grant scheme for the installation of PV systems in domestic households, 300 families applied. Last summer we raised the feed-in tariff for electricity generated by these systems to €0.25 – this clearly achieved the desired effect as the number of applications for this year’s scheme was significantly higher. All applications that are in line with the scheme’s regulations will be accepted. The grants will be funded through the EU’s Structural Funds. Once installed, all these domestic PV systems put together will extend to an area as large as six football fields. Together they will be producing over €1 million worth of electricity every year. In addition, Government will soon be installing another 67,000 square metres of PV systems on public buildings.
There are no immediate plans to issue another scheme for the installation of PV systems. In the near future however, the Government may decide to shift Structural Funds originally allocated to other projects to launch another scheme. Alternatively, we can also use national funds to help more families install PV systems.
A year ago the Government launched studies to assess the possibility of building the first offshore wind farm in Maltese waters. Has a final decision been taken yet?
The wind studies which we started last year to evaluate the weather conditions
“These may include charging points in public
places”
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special report
at the Sikka l-Bajda site are now being concluded. This 12-month study will give us information on the electricity that can be generated from wind turbines at this site.
The Sikka l-Bajda site is currently a bunkering zone, meaning that the seabed is constantly being disturbed by ships’ anchors. The good thing about erecting wind turbines on this reef is that once the works are completed the whole area can be turned into Malta’s largest marine conservation zone as well as an additional diving site. Scientists have found out that if properly installed, wind masts help an area’s biodiversity to flourish, as they create a sheltered area and give rise to new habitats.
We estimate that we can have 18 to 20 wind masts at the Sikka l-Bajda to generate up to 100 Megawatts of electricity. This will make up a large share of the energy which Malta requires to reach the EU’s 2020 target of having 10% of each member state’s energy coming from renewable sources.
Some of this renewable energy will come from waste incineration. Where will the new waste incinerator be built?
Our technical advisors have proposed a site next to the Delimara Power Station. This would make it easier to feed the electricity produced by the incinerator into the same grid serviced by the power station. Alternatively the incinerator can produce steam that can be used by the power station itself. However we have not taken a final decision yet. We want to carry out a proper Site Selection Exercise before choosing the best location for this project.
The Maltese people have bitter experiences of waste incinerators. The emissions of the St. Luke’s Hospital chimney are hard to forget. How can you convince them this experience won’t be repeated?
The St. Luke’s Hospital incinerator was anything but an incinerator – all it consisted of was a large open furnace with a chimney. We were wrong to call it an incinerator. After this experience, I can understand why the Maltese people are wary of incinerators.
Luckily, incineration today is a completely different concept. Consider the small incinerator we have at the abattoir in Marsa – two thirds of this plant consists of a filtration system to make sure that the burning of waste does not emit toxic or polluting gasses. We have not received any complaints about it since it started operating.
EU regulations on incinerators are very strict when it comes to emissions. As long as you have the right technology in place, there is no risk of contaminating the air with hazardous gasses. We have already seen this happening at the Marsa incinerator. Here the emission readings are constantly being recorded and presented online in real time – anyone can access them. Emission levels have never exceeded the maximum levels specified by MEPA, even if these are stricter than those set by the EU.
How much domestic waste will be incinerated?
Most of us take out our garbage bags without ever considering what happens to them. It is high time we start thinking of the consequences of the waste we generate and how we can get rid of it responsibly.
While other EU member states, such as Denmark, incinerate up to 90% of the waste they produce, we opted for another solution to keep incineration to a minimum – we also introduced systems for recycling and bio-digestion.
Only waste known as Residue Derived Fuel (RDF), which makes up around 20% of Malta’s domestic waste, will be incinerated. RDF is waste that can neither be processed through bio-digestion in waste treatment plants nor sent for recycling. These items include for example, plastic that has been mixed with food items and cannot be cleaned, or wood stained with oil or other chemicals. Such materials need not be dumped in the engineered landfill because they still contain energy that can be extracted and converted to electricity.
In line with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive, by 2020 Malta has to produce 10% of its required energy from renewable sources. The National Renewable Energy Action Plan proposes to reach this target through these sources:
Bio-fuel 2.4%Photovoltaic Systems 0.69%Offshore wind farms 3.48%Onshore wind farms 0.61%Energy from waste 2.5%Solar water heaters 0.52%TOTAL: 10.2%
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201024
special report
Other waste will be converted to energy through bio-digestion. This process will take place at the Sant. Antnin Waste Treatment Facility and in another similar plant which we will be building at Maghtab. The Sant’Antnin plant, which is expected to be fully-completed next month, will be generating enough electricity to meet the demands of up to 1,500 households every year. Moreover, the system will also produce steam which we will be using to heat the nearby swimming pools used by Inspire, the NGO that provides health services to persons with disability.
Finally, we will also continue to dump some of our waste in the engineered landfills. However, our target is a zero waste society where the percentage of waste taken to the landfill, if at all, is kept to a minimum. The engineered landfill we have at Ghallis is not a bottomless pit. Sooner or later it will be completely filled as well, and we will have to start looking for a new place to set up another one – when this happens I don’t think there’ll be anyone coming forward to have a new one built in their backyard.
Do you think that the Maltese people really understand the importance of separating waste for recycling before disposing of it?
We currently have two schemes for waste recycling – Recycle Tuesdays and Bring-In Sites. Both are becoming more popular. When compared to the first seven months of 2009, between January and July the amount of garbage that Maltese households separated to be sent for recycling increased by 34%. This shows that we are managing to convince people to dispose of their rubbish responsibly.
You recently announced that the Maghtab landfill will be ‘family-friendly’ by 2014. What should we expect?
We will have a large part of the Maghtab landfill site converted to a public park. It will be one of Malta’s largest parks where people can enjoy some of the best views of the islands. We already have the necessary permits and initial works are expected to begin early next year. We also have similar plans to rehabilitate the landfill at Qortin, Gozo into another park.
We spent over €8 million to install a system of pipelines and 400 wells to extract methane and other toxic gasses that are being produced by the waste dumped in the landfill through the years. These gasses are then burnt at a very high temperature to stop them from being emitted into the atmosphere. Each well has two pipes, one for methane, which amounts to 10% of the gasses extracted from the landfill, and another one for the remaining toxic gasses. Methane gas is used to provide the energy required by the mechanism used to burn the toxic gasses.
At the Ghallis Engineered Landfill, where we are currently dumping unseparated waste, we have a different situation. Most of the gasses released by this landfill consist of methane. Only a small percentage of the gasses have to be burnt. This means that we will be able to produce much more energy from the engineered landfill. Our estimates show that this facility will be producing enough energy for 4,000 households every year. Will the old landfill at Maghtab still be releasing toxic gasses by the time it is turned into a park?
We stopped dumping at the Maghtab landfill in 2004 but the waste tipped there through the years and subsequently covered with construction debris is still fermenting and burning. Expert reports on the landfill show that it will take over 20 years to tame the fires beneath the surface. The wells and the pipeline help to reduce this combustion by reducing the flammable toxic gasses. To make sure no gasses are released in the atmosphere we are now in the process of sealing the whole area with an impermeable material. The only way out for the gasses will be through the wells connected to the incineration system. The park’s landscaping will then be safely built over this protective layer.
The full rehabilitation of the two landfills will be costing Malta over €50 million. This shows how important it is for us to plan our waste management wisely.
Wrong practices today will cost us millions to fix tomorrow – and the price to pay will not be just a matter of money. Our wellbeing will be affected too.
“it will take over 20 years to tame the fires beneath
the surface”
Glossary Carbon dioxide – this odourless gas produced by burning fuels and waste decomposition contributes to global warming.
Feed-in tariff – the rate at which the electricity company pays you for feeding the excess energy produced by your PV system (or other alternative energy system) into the national grid.
Hybrid vehicles – a vehicle powered by two energy sources, normally a combustion (petrol/diesel) engine and an electric motor.
Lithium-ion batteries – the latest rechargeable batteries for electric cars, made of a very light metal (lithium) that minimises power loss with repeated charging.
Methane – a gas produced by decomposing waste, which if released in the atmosphere contributes to global warming, but if harnessed can be used as a fuel in power plants.
Photovoltaic (PV) system – a series of panels with cells capable of converting sunlight into electricity.
Renewable energy – sources of energy, such as wind and the sun, which occur naturally and constantly, making their supply virtually infinite.
Structural Funds – EU funds allocated to help European countries or specific regions catch up with more prosperous member states.
Wind turbine – a mast with a propellor which, when rotated by the wind, generates an electric current.
Zero waste society – a situation where all the waste generated is recycled or processed in waste-to-energy plants, and none of it is dumped in landfills.
SHOPPING LEISURE&
Company news
Focused Knowledge Limited has recently started offering its services for custom corporate publications.
Such publications can be very important tools if handled correctly - the applications vary greatly but Focused Knowledge, the publisher of Vida Magazine, can handle them all. Even though this is not yet a major industry in Malta, it is constantly growing and the company has been receiving enquiries steadily.
Corporate publishing involves any medium an organisation might use to communicate with its employees (such as an internal newsletter) or its customers (such as a regular brochure or magazine which companies send out to their clients). Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of publishing, though, Focused Knowledge has made the best of its relationships with printers and other suppliers to ensure a one-stop solution to all their clients’ publishing needs. A client does not even need to know exactly what they want from the publication, because Focused Knowledge will send its experts to discuss the issue and find the best solutions.
One of Focused Knowledge’s publishing experts said that “while many underestimate the expertise that goes into corporate publishing, we take every part of the process into consideration. Subtle things such as the font, the kind of paper or colour schemes used all make a difference in achieving
the desired results - and we take great pride in involving and educating our clients while we’re working on their publications.” He added “we are also proud to say that we will never push a client into taking something they do not want. We can work on the project from concept to execution or else simply help out with certain aspects the client can’t cope with.”
Some of the most popular forms of corporate publishing include regular newsletters or magazines - depending on the size of the company, annual publications and celebratory one off-publications that commemorate a milestone in the company’s history. Focused Knowledge is also adept at publishing corporate brochures and profiles.
It’s been just over a month since Pollino’s, located near the cinema complex in St George’s Bay, threw open its doors, and diners are already loving its style and delicious chicken dishes – and that’s not even mentioning the fact that the food is both delicious and extremely healthy.
Pollino’s innovative ‘You Chill, while we Grill’ philosophy takes hold as each piece of meat is never friend, but grilled to perfection over a naked flame, sealing in the vibrant flavours of the marinades and ensuring the chicken remains juicy and moist. For this reason, our diners can relax, safe in the knowledge that their food is being prepared to the highest standards before their very eyes, and served piping hot.
While the popularity of chicken has certainly been proved at Pollino’s, the eatery also serves up a wide range of other dishes. These include a self-service salad bar offering a selection of fresh vegetables and cold salads, as well as freshly cooked corn-on-the-cob, baked beans, garlic bread, and potato wedges. One unique aspect is the ‘bottomless soft drinks’ where if one chooses; they can have repeated servings of the beverage for the same price.
St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s T: 2137 8800 www.pollinos.net
Nothing beats the taste of our chicken, marinated in herbs and spicy sauces
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Focused Knowledge offering custom publishing servicesComplete Publishing Solutions Sometimes you need someone who can handle every aspect of a publication. This is where Focused Knowledge can take over and make use of its professionals to offer a complete product.
Writing & PR Focused Knowledge can help you no matter whether you are starting from scratch and want to increase awareness on your products or services or simply need someone to write out your ideas professionally.
DesignEvery line, every colour, every space, says a thousand words about your company, brands, products or services. Effective design is as important as all other aspects of your PR and marketing efforts.
PhotographyFrom selecting the models, extras and locations to handing over the finished product, Focused Knowledge offers complete photography services.
PrintingThanks to strong partnerships with leading printers and related suppliers, a top quality publication is guaranteed.
Photography has become much more accessible in the digital age. Gone are the days when you’d need to spend an arm and a leg to buy a camera and then be very careful with the number of photos you took because developing would cost you the leg you were standing on.
Choosing a camera
Sifting through all the options might be scary to start off with, however we aim to make the choice slightly easier here. The first step would be to find out what you really want from your camera. What is the major use you will be making of your camera? There is no use buying a bulky SLR if you are after a camera which you want to be able to take with you on a night out. On the other hand if you’re looking at taking photography slightly more seriously you have to avoid models which are strictly point-and-shoot.
Before going into the specific types of cameras you can choose from, we need to take a look at some of the main jargon involved:
x1 x3 x12
MegapixelsMost camera makers boast gigantic numbers of megapixels as if they were the only thing that mattered in a camera. This might have been the case when we were still happy to get 2 megapixels out of a camera and still thought we needed to print every photo we take. Don’t get me wrong, megapixels are important, however they are not the only measure of a camera’s quality. So what do these numbers signify? Basically the larger the number of megapixels, the larger you can print your photos. For example a 6MP camera should be good enough for prints of up to over 40cm wide! When was the last time you printed at that size? In fact, when was the last time you printed photos at all - in the internet generation most people simply upload their photos on facebook and forget about them.
Zoom & Lens widthThe lens is probably the most important single feature of a camera. It impacts how much information you can let in onto the sensor. The first and most obvious specification is the zoom factor - this is usually displayed like this: 3X, which means you can bring the subject you are shooting up to three times closer. You should only look out for Optical Zoom, because digital zoom reduces quality drastically. Most compact cameras offer anywhere between 3X and 5X. If you want to be able to take photos of objects at a distance (such as wildlife or photos of players in a stadium) you’d want to look at superzooms, which offer anywhere between 10X and 15X zoom.
The other factor is finding a camera which has a wider angle zoom. A wide angle allows more to be captured without having to move the camera back physically. The compromise is that at the other end of the zoom (i.e. when zoomed in completely) you will not be bringing images in as close.
Other specificationsThe specification list for cameras might seem daunting, however there are quite a few other things which will make a difference, depending on your needs. Sometimes it is worth looking for specs which are most important for you because it would be useless to find a camera which is perfect in every respect except the major criterion.
Video - does the camera take HD video? If it doesn’t, what are the resolutions it supports, does it also record sound, is the frame-rate decent (at least 30fps)? Do you intend to use its video functions? HD video is
very memory-hungry.
Start up time - is the camera very slow to start, and will it take ages to react again once you’ve taken a photo?
Continuous drive - is the camera good enough to take photos in quick succession? If you intend to photograph action (such as sports) you will need to take this into consideration. (This is measured in
shots per second)
Battery life - will the camera of your choice give you enough juice for a week-long holiday if you won’t be able to charge the battery in the meantime?
Weight & volume - do you absolutely need to carry the camera along with you everywhere you go? If yes you are going to have to forfeit some more advanced features.
Water resistance - Nowadays you can find cameras which can take a splash or two, but you can also find ones which can be submerged up to three metres.
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All persons are supposed to be equal. All computers are supposed to be equal. Both, in fact are not. Some computers, like people, are ‘made’ not to be equal to others. What am I ranting on about you may well ask? Well the truth is that for most people a computer is nothing more than a box which is attached to a keyboard, mouse and monitor.
Not all computers are equal
This is in fact where most misconceptions arise. A computer’s efficiency is the sum of its parts or, to be more technical: its components. I always use the analogue of a car as an example. You can buy a formula one car shape but if you put a silly engine in it, it will look good but will not be able to compete.
Here we come to the first bridge. Some people prefer to buy branded products. Ready-made ‘ta barra’, to speak the lingo. Like everything in life, this is a good thing and a bad thing. I have seen branded PCs which made me fall over backwards with the silly architecture used. Old fashioned, way out of sync and preposterous parts. And you have just paid a top of the line premium price for the privilege of a ‘branded’ PC. Admittedly buying a branded PC ensures you have a good image, but is this more important than the substance? Some local builders take great pains to ensure that part A goes with Part B, which together make Part C work more efficiently, give a better response and the combination of all three makes the system more reliable and stable.
The advantage with a conscientious PC builder is that he/she can actually try out and test the combination of parts to provide a truly exhilarating performance in a PC. Usually ‘branded’ PCs do not take this ‘luxury’ route and would usually settle for more mundane parts which ensure an above average reliability but is no cutting edge product. I have seen this time and time again. Any PC that I have had the pleasure to build has always
and unfailingly knocked the socks off any branded PC. Why? Because I take my time to ensure that the parts that go in the box actually lock and complement each other to provide the best reliability factor and certainly the best throughput (i.e. speed). More importantly, the parts are chosen to ensure a reliable expansion path rather than a dead end approach.
Today’s PCs are becoming more and more sophisticated especially the ones that need to output heavy graphics. By this I don’t just mean gaming rigs but all systems for draughtsmen, architects, video editors etc. In other words all those who might be involved with heavy duty graphics. Certainly here the ‘home grown’ PC has the edge over branded models. The technology surrounding graphics cards is moving way too fast nowadays.
Large scale ‘brand’ manufacturers would have committed their product line to a specific card. If that card is superseded – as it invariably & quickly is – the production has to remain with the ‘old’ card. As a result, one can easily surmise that the put together PC has an added advantage. The trick (isn’t there always?) is that you have to have the knowhow to be able to ‘match’ the pieces in terms of performance and capability. A slow
processor will push graphics code to the graphics card slower than a faster one. But (believe you me) it is better to have an inferior processor with a good graphics card than the other way round. A naff graphics card will give you a naff output irrespective of what processor you have.
I hope that my small expose has displelled the grudge against home grown PCs - especially if done by a true professional with his heart in the job.
By Steve Saliba, Managing Director at Datax Ltd.
1st prize: 5.1 system - 2nd & 3rd: 4.1 system
What do AGP and PCI-e stand for ? Send your answer on [email protected] or to DATAX Competition,Vida Magazine, Pitkali Rd, Attard, ATD2214 (incl. your name, address, email and mobile number)
Modern equipment.Experienced operators.Total peace of mind.
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31vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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I Do, Don’t I? Avoiding Wedding Disasters
Your wedding day is supposed to be the most important (and therefore memorable) day of you and your partner’s lives. But what if it’s memorable for all the wrong reasons? As with every big event, panic and stress sometimes drives disaster, so in order to avoid any major mistakes, here are a few tips to keep you on the right track.
Do you have any wedding disaster stories to share? Did you narrowly avoid a serious mishap on your big day? We want to know! Send us your stories,
photos and even tips and suggestions to [email protected] to be featured in next month’s Vida Wedding Special
and get in the draw to
Keep the rings safe. Make sure the ring bearer is trustworthy and avoid missing ring mishaps! Make sure you taste the food
beforehand. The last things you want on your big day are hungry guests and terrible food. Order more drinks than you might
need. Take the guests’ preferences into consideration – will your grandparents really be into Pina Coladas? Don’t go overboard with the alcohol –
you do want to remember your big day don’t you?
Try out wedding hair and makeup beforehand. Your wedding is no time for experimentation! Also, make sure your dress fits well. There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable all evening in an ill-fitting dress – except perhaps, splitting it. Make sure you’ve got a rough idea of
how many people will be attending. If you have a large number of maybes, perhaps it’s best to get on the phone and find out. Ensure that you have power backup at
your location (generator). Unless you’re after the romantic candle light effect, that is. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding,
make sure you have an alternative location/gazebo rental just in case it rains! Lastly, be careful who you invite. It’s
always best to avoid drama, so don’t invite any disgruntled exes to the party! WIN
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34 vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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I Do, Don’t I? Avoiding Wedding Disasters Lippy Ladies
Starting off in Ancient Egypt, lipstick was made using dye from fucus-algin, iodine and bromine mannite – the latter often causing serious illness. Later variants included crushed carmine beetles (as was Cleopatra’s preference) and pearlescence – a substance found in fish scales. As with every other beauty and fashion trend, lipstick experienced highs and lows – termed an ‘incarnation of Satan’ in Medieval Europe, enjoying popularity in 16th
century England (endorsed by Queen Elizabeth I) and falling out of favour (as with everything else that was remotely exciting) in Victorian times. Nowadays many variants of the traditional lipstick are available – from the popular lip gloss (which makes the lips shiny rather than deeply coloured) to lip stain (which ‘stains’ the lips with colour for a longer amount of time than traditional lipstick).
We all know of the myth that lipstick first gained popularity because it made the mouth resemble women’s sexual organs but, whether this is true or not, the development of lipstick is nonetheless interesting to trace.
Warm colours: Complexions with warm undertones including Asian, Hispanic and some warm black skin colours look best in colours like salmon, coral and golden brown.Cool colours: Pastel colours suit paler complexions with cool undertones best, as well as pinkish European complexions and black skin with reddish undertones. For added wow factor, go for fuchsia or plum and add some drama to your look.Neutral colours: These are the colours that work well on everyone – ranging from peachy shades to orangey reds and everything in between.
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Before After
Before After
35vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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Down the Drain
Sometimes the blockage is complete and immediate – in this case there’s nothing much you can do, with the exception of calling a plumber – and praying that you don’t need to access parts of the drain which are buried behind tiling.
When the clog is slow and gradual however, the solution is usually much simpler – you can buy a drain cleaner which is poured down the drain and should unblock the clogged section in a matter of minutes. There are drain cleaners of various strengths and capabilities, although we usually recommend starting with the weaker varieties because they might be enough.
Before going ahead and using drain cleaner, you should try physically unblocking the drain with a toilet plunger, and removing the dirt trap beneath sinks and cleaning it out. If this doesn’t sort out the problem, it means the blockage is further down the line. It is crucial to try this out before applying the cleaner because the chemicals will be dangerous if stuck in your drains when you’re disassembling.
Drain cleaners usually come in powder, liquid or gel formats. Granulated cleaners are ideal for blocked toilets. Different strengths of drain cleaner can be bought from your local supermarket, but the best ones are usually thick (either ones you purchase as gel or ones which turn to foam) and include bleach (to dissolve hair, cosmetics and soaps) and alkali (to soften oils).
The strongest liquid varieties of drain cleaner can only be bought from hardware stores (ironmongers) and are planned for use by professional plumbers, so they should be treated with extreme caution. Their main advantage however, is that they contain very high levels of corrosive materials and are usually very effective – even when domestic cleaners have failed.
A last word of advice - you should not wait for your drains to be clogged completely before applying drain cleaner. Pour in a small dose on a regular basis – for example once a month – to keep your drains nice and clean. Also remember that prevention is better than cure so avoid throwing things down the drain whenever possible, especially hair and food debris.
BEWARE
BEWARE
BEWARE
Wear rubber gloves, open all windows and exercise extreme caution when
applying drain cleaner!
BEWARE
If you have a coloured bath or sink, make sure you don’t splash any drain cleaner outside the drains because it
can bleach the colour away!
Having a blocked drain must surely rank among one of the most annoying things that can happen at home.
36 vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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Down the Drain Free wood furniture!
Here are some tips to get your recycled, eco-friendly furniture projects underway:
Get the pallets: Many importers receive their orders on wooden pallets. Some sell them to packaging companies for no more than €5 each. Others discard them. Ideally look for the latter, and you’ll be helping the environment too. Keep your eyes open for pallets when you’re driving through an industrial zone (or, sadly, in the countryside). Avoid the ones made of thin cross planks, or that are soiled.
Pull it apart: Pallets are normally made out of unvarnished natural wooden planks. Dismantling them to put their wood to good use is easy if you have the right tools. Use a crowbar (or a mallet and a thin chisel if you don’t have one) to pry the cross planks from the support beams. Be careful not to split the wood around the nails or staples. Remove the nails, and cut away any jagged edges.
Get inspired: You don’t have to be a carpenter to design a wooden box for your garden plants or a stool for the box room. If you are short on ideas, go online and look up ‘pallet furniture’. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to build anything from a large playhouse to a table lamp, from a two-seater garden bench to a coffee table. Some can be downloaded free of charge.
Get to work: Once you set your mind on what you want to build, start cutting the wood to size. For a smoother finish, use a sander or a planer to smoothen the surfaces that will be visible or that will come in contact with the skin. Some furniture, such as garden chairs, may look better if the wood is left in its natural coarseness. If you are using screws to put your piece together, drill counter sink holes with a bit the same size as the width of the screw head, or with a counter sink bit. This will make sure that the screw heads do not stick out and hurt anyone. Avoid any other sharp edges.
Decorate: You can decorate your new furniture by painting it in your favourite colour, or in a style that matches your home décor. Once again, go online and find out how other people across the globe are spicing up their pallet furniture. Chairs and benches will be much more comfortable, and look even better, if you add cushions.
We live in a small island state that imports most of its food items, almost all its household goods, industrial equipment, cosmetics, computers and a trillion other products. All these items are transported on wooden shipping pallets that, more often than not, end up being thrown away or sold at a pittance. It’s time to take out our saws and hammers and turn all this surplus wood into sturdy garden chairs, rustic planters, and creative coffee tables.
A free designer stool…
British designer Nina Tolstrup is renowned for her designer furniture made of pallet wood. Her website, www.studiomama.com, features many of her designs and is a great source of pallet furniture ideas. Look up her ‘Crafty Pallet Stool’ and download a free step-by-step guide to make it your first piece of pallet furniture!
LOG ON to LetsGoDine.com and participate during this month’s competition. The winners will be announced on the letsgodine.com
IT’S EASY – Mention one of the opposite ingredients and you can win a meal voucher for 2 persons from the below restaurants. Terms & Conditions Apply.
Voucher 1 – FREE DINNER for 2 persons at Rickshaw – Corinthia Palace Attard
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The LetsGoDine.com team know that true dining enthusiasts get sudden cravings so they have come up with the mobile version of the letsgodine site - letsgodine.mobi.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Honey & Mustard Grilled Chicken
Ingredients80 ml Dijon mustard60 ml honey30 ml mayonnaise5 ml steak sauce4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
DirectionsPreheat the grill for medium heat.
In a shallow bowl, mix the mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and steak sauce. Set aside a small amount of the honey mustard sauce for basting, and dip the chicken into the remaining sauce to coat.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken over indirect heat for 18 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until juices run clear. Baste occasionally with the reserved sauce during the last 10 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
4 Servings
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Competition
LOG ON NOW & WIN !43vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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A lovely evening in Marsaxlokk
Dining out
Vida readers Fabrizio and Carina Paolucci sent us this restaurant review after being highly impressed at a restaurant in Marsaxlokk - Gente di Mare.
We visit Malta on a regular basis since we love getting away from all the hustle and bustle in our life in Italy, love the better weather, love the Casinos and most of all enjoy the good food. Despite all the complaints we seem to hear from our Maltese friends, we think that there is a very good level of restaurants on the Island. Recently a couple of friends were visiting us and we decided to take them out to dinner in Marsaxlokk after we heard that this picturesque fishing village is dotted with some amazing seafood restaurants. Our experience was so good that we could not help but sit down and write our experiences to send them over to Vida, which we read every time we’re here and since you led us to a great restaurant.
In fact there was no real reason why we chose Gente di Mare, but since we had seen it recommended in Vida’s restaurant pages the name clicked and we walked in. The display of fresh fish which could be seen as soon as we entered helped convince us that we had made the right choice. We were greeted by the Chef (who we assume is the owner too) - Mauro, who led us to a table on the inside of the restaurant since there were a couple of families with children and we were after a quiet meal. We ordered aperitifs and a bottle of Gavi to keep us busy until we chose our food. After ordering our food Mauro presented us with complimentary antipasti - a lovely touch seeing that the choice was a combination of home made onion rings, fish cakes (polpette) and bruschetta.
For starters, three of us went for pasta (two spagetti ai Ricci - or Sea urchin - and one Penne Vongole al cartoccio) which was cooked to perfection and all were served in very delicate sauces. The fourth had a fish soup which really brought out all the goodness of the freshly caught fish. Mauro recommended four different types of fish for main courses - two were grilled and two were served “al cartoccio”. Each fish offered its own peculiarities, however it was really hard to choose which was best. The main courses were complemented by a salad, hot vegetables and roast potatoes but there was far too much for us to eat - Italian restaurants do not usually serve so much food.
Two of us were courageous enough to finish the meal off with desserts and finally we all ordered a coffee. The coffee did take a bit longer than we would have liked, but this was to be expected since the restaurant had filled up completely by then. Once we requested the bill a free liquor was offered to us - and though this was quickly dispatched, the bill did take some time coming along. We were set back around €35 each, however when you consider the quality of the food it seemed like exceptional value. Our guests really summed up the evening though, they commented that they felt as if they were eating at their local trattoria.
For more information call2339 2261 / 7906 0223 | [email protected] | Pitkali Road, Attard, Malta
The road ahead is green
Benefit from 25c feed-in tariff
Very good return on investment
Reduce your current electricity bill
Our qualified engineers offer FREE consultation on any Renewable product
Let the sun cut down your electricity bills
44 vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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For more information call2339 2261 / 7906 0223 | [email protected] | Pitkali Road, Attard, Malta
The road ahead is green
Benefit from 25c feed-in tariff
Very good return on investment
Reduce your current electricity bill
Our qualified engineers offer FREE consultation on any Renewable product
Let the sun cut down your electricity bills
alTe
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e e
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y
October garden
This is the month in which summer plants are done, making way for preparation for the autumn and winter. All tomatoes, cour-gettes and similar vegetables are to be taken out. Ideally do not work the old or dying vegetation into the soil. Pull them up and place on a heap to dry, then burn the heap on a calm day. It is true that it is more time consuming, but it reduces disease.
You are just about in time to plant tomato seedlings for autumn and winter consumption. It is too late however to plant your own seeds. Luckily, there are some very good strains of seedlings on the market. The planting position is very critical here – do not plant tomatoes where you had tomatoes growing last year. If at all pos-sible, plant them close to a South facing wall. If this is not possible, protect them from the cold North/North Westerly winter wind (Tra-muntana and Majjistral) with some garden netting. Fertilise the ground well with a composite fertilizer. All tomatoes planted now
will need to be staked. There are many forms of staking but the quickest and cheapest, unless you want to invest in tomato cages, are simple canes that have been cut and allowed to dry out well (otherwise you will have cane plants interspersed with tomatoes!) Then care for the tomatoes as usual, pruning suckers and training the young plants up the canes.
Browse the nurseries for other ideas in autumn vegetable produce. Plan your planting to anticipate watering the plants throughout au-tumn, as dry spells are still very critical in our type of climate. There is still time to plant early potatoes. Brussels sprouts and cabbage will do well and require a minimum of work when the soil is wet. Rocket and spinach can be sown throughout the month, as can parsley and broad beans. Remember to use a balanced fertilizer and to never work the soil when it is too wet, as this damages the topsoil considerably and will make your work much, much harder.
Your business cannot afford black outs.Beat the power cuts.
Sales & Service
46 vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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The flower patch will also need some work. Roses should be inspect-ed for any suckers that have grown out from below the graft. It is also time to give them some proper fertilizer in order to strengthen their roots and prepare them for winter’s sleep. This is done by applying a liquid 0-10-10 (Phosphorous and Pot Ash) fertilizer two times per month until mid-November. Use a fertilizer that is diluted quickly, as granular fertilizer will take too long to dissolve and the roses may be getting the fertilizer long after it is necessary or desirable.
Dhalias are to be carefully taken out by digging a large hole around the main stem, as the roots will have spread out quite a bit. Re-move as much soil as possible from the bunch of tubers. Resist the temptation to rinse out the tubers, but eliminate any small tubers that may have been damaged during lifting. Do not separate the tubers from the main stalk, as it is the stalk that will generate new shoots next year. Cut the leaves off so that there remains a three
to four inch stem on the roots. The best method of storing dahlia tubers is in cardboard boxes filled with a few centimeters of sawdust or peat. Cover the tubers with the sawdust or peat, leaving part of the stems out. Sprinkle some water lightly over the box and place in a cool place like the garage. Check the tubers regularly and again around January for signs of shriveling. Add a small amount of water if shriveling has occurred.
This is also the appropriate time to transplant chrysanthemums, along with orange/red marigolds and to put a large variety of bulbs into the beds you have chosen. Some flower earlier than others and with careful planning you will have continuous blooming through autumn and winter. The nurseries will give you information about the anticipated time of flowering of each variety.
by G
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47vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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Suppliers:
Homes & More
Jason Vella Stone works
Clima 755Airconditioners & solar systems.Tel: 2723 [email protected]
Zurrieq - 1st floor MAISONETTE having a massive living room, K/D, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & a good sized yard.€209,500. Ref: 065-fgr-04127. Call Jon: 99052935.
Fgura: APARTMENT comprising of K/L/D 2 good sized bedrooms, bathroom, and 2 yards that let in ample natural light into apartment. €86,700. Ref: 065-fgr-04138. Call Jon 99052935.
Marsascala - A ground floor MAISONETTE having a kitchen with appliances including a 42inch TV, K/L/D, 3 bedrooms, 2 yards & garage €202,200. Ref: 066-fgr-04040Call Jon: 99052935
Lija: spacious and boasts of natural light, 3 bedroom APARTMENT in a block of 4. €155,000. Ref: 068-ATT-04174. Call Lara: 99052920
Zebbug: Unique HOUSE OF CHARACTER set in quiet area and rich with original features. €185,100. Ref: 068-ATT-04114 Call Lara: 99052920.
Mellieha: Beautiful FARMHOUSE built on 6 tumoli of land with unobstructed country views. €2,329, 800. Ref: 068-ATT-04167 Call Lara: 99052920
Zurrieq – HOC converted to high standards comprising a kitchen, living overlooking terrace, kitchen, 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. €221,000 Call Jon: 9905 2935
Gharghur: three bed apartment main with en suite .It is set on two roads having balconies from each side with country views. €212,000 Ref: 058-spb-04195.Call Mario: 99052928
Msida: APARTMENT comprising of a massive open plan K/L/D with front balcony measuring approx. 6 by 10 mtrs 3 bedrooms. €111,000. Ref.no 002-att-02539. Call Jon: 99052935.
www.coldwellbankermalta.com
Birkirkara: A highly designed finish larger than usual 4 bedroom TERRACED HOUSE. Bargain price of € 360,000. Ref: 062-SPB-04221.Call Lee: 99052930
San Pawl Ta’Targa - New on the market is this 3 bedroom groundfloor luxuriously finished MAISONETTE in this sought after area. €194,000. Ref: 012-SPB-01311. Call Josephine: 79311117.
Zurrieq - Paradise on earth, ready to move into Farmhouse set on 3 tumoli of land with 3 bedrooms, pool & stables €869,200. Ref: 045-att-03322. Call Josephine: 79311117
Bugibba: Luxury finished larger then usual three double bedroom APARTMENT few metres away from the promenade . 106,072 . Ref 012-SPB-02602 . Call Josephine: 79311177
Naxxar: MAISONETTE having a large open plan K/L/D, 3 bed-rooms and bathroom leading all to the good sized back yard . €144,400. Ref: Spb-nhd-065. Call Mario: 99052928
Attard – VILLA comprising of 3 bedrooms, hall, L/D, S, study room,toilet, kitchen, dining & garage.€493,361. Ref: 041-att-04027. Call Dorian: 99052937
Rabat: HOC with a hall, K/L/D, study, 2 bedrooms both with en-suite, storage room, washroom on roof enjoying panoramic views valley. €215,000. Ref:002-att-01568 Call Jon: 99052935.
Bugibba : Newly built with lift , two bedroom APARTMENT with parquet flooring and balconies. €94,500. Ref : 059-SPB-03806. Call Josephine: 79311177
Senglea :Rare find unconvert-ed HOUSE OF CHARACTER with yard .Can be easily converted into a sweet home set in a historical city. €51,900. Ref: 028-MSD-02119. Call Josephine: 79311177
Zurrieq - 1st floor MAISONETTE having a massive living room, K/D, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & a good sized yard.€209,500. Ref: 065-fgr-04127. Call Jon: 99052935.
Fgura: APARTMENT comprising of K/L/D 2 good sized bedrooms, bathroom, and 2 yards that let in ample natural light into apartment. €86,700. Ref: 065-fgr-04138. Call Jon 99052935.
Marsascala - A ground floor MAISONETTE having a kitchen with appliances including a 42inch TV, K/L/D, 3 bedrooms, 2 yards & garage €202,200. Ref: 066-fgr-04040Call Jon: 99052935
Lija: spacious and boasts of natural light, 3 bedroom APARTMENT in a block of 4. €155,000. Ref: 068-ATT-04174. Call Lara: 99052920
Zebbug: Unique HOUSE OF CHARACTER set in quiet area and rich with original features. €185,100. Ref: 068-ATT-04114 Call Lara: 99052920.
Mellieha: Beautiful FARMHOUSE built on 6 tumoli of land with unobstructed country views. €2,329, 800. Ref: 068-ATT-04167 Call Lara: 99052920
Zurrieq – HOC converted to high standards comprising a kitchen, living overlooking terrace, kitchen, 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. €221,000 Call Jon: 9905 2935
Gharghur: three bed apartment main with en suite .It is set on two roads having balconies from each side with country views. €212,000 Ref: 058-spb-04195.Call Mario: 99052928
Msida: APARTMENT comprising of a massive open plan K/L/D with front balcony measuring approx. 6 by 10 mtrs 3 bedrooms. €111,000. Ref.no 002-att-02539. Call Jon: 99052935.
www.coldwellbankermalta.com
Birkirkara: A highly designed finish larger than usual 4 bedroom TERRACED HOUSE. Bargain price of € 360,000. Ref: 062-SPB-04221.Call Lee: 99052930
San Pawl Ta’Targa - New on the market is this 3 bedroom groundfloor luxuriously finished MAISONETTE in this sought after area. €194,000. Ref: 012-SPB-01311. Call Josephine: 79311117.
Zurrieq - Paradise on earth, ready to move into Farmhouse set on 3 tumoli of land with 3 bedrooms, pool & stables €869,200. Ref: 045-att-03322. Call Josephine: 79311117
Bugibba: Luxury finished larger then usual three double bedroom APARTMENT few metres away from the promenade . 106,072 . Ref 012-SPB-02602 . Call Josephine: 79311177
Naxxar: MAISONETTE having a large open plan K/L/D, 3 bed-rooms and bathroom leading all to the good sized back yard . €144,400. Ref: Spb-nhd-065. Call Mario: 99052928
Attard – VILLA comprising of 3 bedrooms, hall, L/D, S, study room,toilet, kitchen, dining & garage.€493,361. Ref: 041-att-04027. Call Dorian: 99052937
Rabat: HOC with a hall, K/L/D, study, 2 bedrooms both with en-suite, storage room, washroom on roof enjoying panoramic views valley. €215,000. Ref:002-att-01568 Call Jon: 99052935.
Bugibba : Newly built with lift , two bedroom APARTMENT with parquet flooring and balconies. €94,500. Ref : 059-SPB-03806. Call Josephine: 79311177
Senglea :Rare find unconvert-ed HOUSE OF CHARACTER with yard .Can be easily converted into a sweet home set in a historical city. €51,900. Ref: 028-MSD-02119. Call Josephine: 79311177
51vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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COMPETITIONS
Theresa Demanuele, the reader who suggested the special report on parents who have had a miscarriage (See page 11), is the winner of this month’s Suggestions and Questions Competition. Suggestions and questions to the experts (see page 5) published will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*. Miriam Dalli and Jane Vella, two of our regular contributors, are waiting for your ideas as well. Let us know who you want them to interview.
SUGGESTIONS & QUESTIONS COMPETITION
Complete this Sudoku game and send it to us by post or via email. The correct answers will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*.
Vida vouchers for September’s competitions are valid at: BOV, Clima 755, Coldwell Banker, Datax, Die Ecke, Diva, Fahrenheit Freight Forwarders, Frenchies, Fritz Energy, General Soft Drinks Ltd (GSD), J.Vella Stoneworks, Krosse Holdings Ltd, KTM, La Gatta, Living Concept, MiddleSea Valletta Life, New Look, Pat’s Classics, PC Wizards, Piscopo Gardens, Pollinos, Shoe Mark, Sylvia Bazaar, Ta’ Dernis, Ta Marija Restaurant, Tanaya’s Development, Tat-Tarag, Xaghra hotel, Zoo
All competition replies should reach our offices by Saturday October 16th. Send your entries to Competitions, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on [email protected].** See bottom of page for more information on the prizes. By sending in an entry to any of Vida magazine’s competitions, you are giving Focused Knowledge Ltd and carefully selected partners permission to store and use your contact details.
The winner of last month’s Vida competitions is Josette Pace, from Victoria. Her sudoku solution was randomly drawn from the competition entries received last month. In the other competition, the correct answer was page 8 – the update on biscuits is the one featuring a bourbon cream.
OTHER COMPETITION WINNERS: Myriam Warrington is the winner of last month’s NNG competition. She won 2 VIP tickets to the Elton John concert held at The Granaries, Floriana, on September 26th.
September’s solution
September Winner!
Here’s another chance of winning the
€100 voucher*. Just answer the question above, send us your reply, and enter the draw to win.
MME International are giving Vida readers 50 free tickets to The Go Malta Music Awards 2010, on November 27th, at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali. To get in the draw to win, answer this question: In which year were the first Malta Music Awards held? 199520002004
MALTA MUSIC AWARDS COMPETITION:
132769584
478215639
569483127
857396241
321547896
694821753
283174965
746952318
915638472
49
86
57862
47
14
36 4 8
1
54
27
95843
31
69
Puzzle by websudoku.com
ww
w.m
egamusic.com
.mt
In which page of Vida can you find graffiti?
WIN:
The winner of the Mecca Enterprises Ltd. Competition is Ms Carmen Camilleri. She wins a Maxxon MW200SL Dinghy. Her entry, “Our toy brands are not to be toyed with...” was chosen as the best slogan for Mecca’s toyshop.
Mecca Competition Winner
Answer the following question and enter the draw to win one of two pairs of tickets to The Go Zoo Goes Scary, on November 5th, 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th, in Valletta: What is the theme of Zoo’s upcoming show?HorrorSuper HeroesMovies
ZOO GOES SCARY COMPETITION:
www.zoo.com.mt
Win tickets to Zoo Goes Scary!Pollino’s Competition WinnersThe winners of last month’s ‘Spot the Chicken’ Competition are: S Hamilton, Marylou Marshall, Rodianne Vella, Marisa Vella, Danika Azzopardi, Lietje Bonello, Michelle Gauci, Josette Farrugia, Antoinette Psaila, Jessica Cilia Custo`, Stefan Attard, Chris Alexander, Jacques Camilleri, Ilona Tagliaferro, Melania Farrugia, Mariella Muscat, Colin Stapley, Juan Dingli, Marisa Cortis, Stephanie Bonello, Clive Chipperfield, Josephine Farrugia, Bernice Gerada, Nicole Sant Fournier and Stephanie Cutajar.
VACANCIESHotel Xlendi Resort & Spa is under new management and is currently implementing an EU project known as: Hotel Xlendi Stepping Steady. This project shall enable the Hotel to tackle new niche markets such as Medical Tourism and F.I.T.s. Consequently it has increased employment opportunities and therefore the following posts are available :
Car Tyres - For all types of new tyres at competitive prices, express fitting and puncture repairs. Call David for more information - 2131 6058 / 7931 6058.
From €10 / issue Approx. 15 wordsTo book your advert you can:• Send the details and photos you wish to include in the advert, to-gether with a cheque payable to ‘Focused Knowledge Ltd’, by post to:CLASSIFIEDS, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214.
• Send the advert details and photos by email followed by a cheque sent by post to the same postal address [email protected]
• Visit our offices at Pitkali Road, Attard, and ask for our Sales Team to book your advert and pay in cash or by cheque.
All bookings and payments must reach our offices by no later than 10 August 2010. Bookings that reach our offices after this date will be published in the following issue.
With 162,000 copiesthese classifieds reach
all Maltese families BOOK NOW2339 2333
Land Rover - Series IIA. Ex Army Long wheel base. Power steering. 2.5 Diesel Engine. €2,300 negotiable. 9982 7074
Maths & Maltese Lessons – Form 1- 5 Students. Maltese for foreigners. 7906 7396 / 7926 5796
Models wanted – Male and female models between the ages of 18 and 50 wanted for advertising and fashion magazine shoots. Send recent photos (close up and full body shot) to [email protected].
Valletta - Expertly converted 17th century Palazzo with underlying flatlet. Features ‘Piano Nobile’. 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Can also be let furnished & with garage. Call 9947 1250. €2,800 monthly, negotiable.
Mellieha - Large 3 bedroom maisonette. Must be seen. €125,000. Negoti-able. Call 9982 7074.
Private Tuition
BMW 320D M Sport - Dec. 2004. €15,000. Immaculate Condition. Call 9949 0515.
Satellite T.V. – Professional satellite dish installation and repairs of all satellite decoders. Call 9985 6742.
Wanted
Mercedes - ML420. V8 Diesel. Full Extras. As new condition. Call 7905 6660.
Red, purple and black velvet - Any quantities and in any condition. No fancy prices. Call 7930 3685.
Tennis / Squash Grips – Discover for yourself why top pros depend on the non-slip quality of the Tourna Grips. Starting from €2.50. Call 9982 1286.
Land Rover - SWB Series IIA converted to Defender - 2.5l TD engine, Coil springs, power steering & brakes, disc brakes. €4,000 negotiable - 9989 5100.
Tutor Needed – ECONOMICS. Private tutor wanted for A-level economics student. Must have achieved grade A at A-Level. Please respond. 9985 6082.
Nikon D50 digital SLR body, 18-55mm & 70-300mm Nikon lenses, battery & charger, bag, 2 close up lenses & shutter release remote. €350 Call 7972 7843
St Julians ( Limits of San Gwann ) Large , Class 4 Shop. Ideal for office etc. €167,710 ( LM72,000). Call 9989 5183.
Sicily, Ragusa - 165sqm fully detached unconverted farmhouse with 2991sqm of land €120,000.00 freehold. Call 9949 0515.
Senglea - 1 bedroom maisonette in senglea near gardiola gardens, brand new fully furnished. €50,000. Call 9944 2993 / 9920 8205.
Rabat – Prime Area 2 bedrooms apartment, Shellform with common part and lift ready. €87,350 ( LM37,500 ). Call 9989 5183.
Then send us your CV by e-mail to [email protected], or by post to The Branch Manager, Coldwell Banker, Pitkali Road, Attard ATD 2214
... interested?
Letting & Sales AssociatesFull Time
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
We Offer:
Our Sales and Letting division is expanding again and to reap the
benefits of our success we are looking for individuals who possess:
• Good communication skills• Ability to work independently• Strong determination• Own transport• Initiative & be disciplined• Experience in Real Estate
• Attractive remuneration packages • Excellent commissions • Equipped offices with a vast database of properties • Ongoing professional training • Back-up of a professional team.
Vacancy
52 vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
Cla
ss
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ds
COMPETITIONS
Theresa Demanuele, the reader who suggested the special report on parents who have had a miscarriage (See page 11), is the winner of this month’s Suggestions and Questions Competition. Suggestions and questions to the experts (see page 5) published will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*. Miriam Dalli and Jane Vella, two of our regular contributors, are waiting for your ideas as well. Let us know who you want them to interview.
SUGGESTIONS & QUESTIONS COMPETITION
Complete this Sudoku game and send it to us by post or via email. The correct answers will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*.
Vida vouchers for September’s competitions are valid at: BOV, Clima 755, Coldwell Banker, Datax, Die Ecke, Diva, Fahrenheit Freight Forwarders, Frenchies, Fritz Energy, General Soft Drinks Ltd (GSD), J.Vella Stoneworks, Krosse Holdings Ltd, KTM, La Gatta, Living Concept, MiddleSea Valletta Life, New Look, Pat’s Classics, PC Wizards, Piscopo Gardens, Pollinos, Shoe Mark, Sylvia Bazaar, Ta’ Dernis, Ta Marija Restaurant, Tanaya’s Development, Tat-Tarag, Xaghra hotel, Zoo
All competition replies should reach our offices by Saturday October 16th. Send your entries to Competitions, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on [email protected].** See bottom of page for more information on the prizes. By sending in an entry to any of Vida magazine’s competitions, you are giving Focused Knowledge Ltd and carefully selected partners permission to store and use your contact details.
The winner of last month’s Vida competitions is Josette Pace, from Victoria. Her sudoku solution was randomly drawn from the competition entries received last month. In the other competition, the correct answer was page 8 – the update on biscuits is the one featuring a bourbon cream.
OTHER COMPETITION WINNERS: Myriam Warrington is the winner of last month’s NNG competition. She won 2 VIP tickets to the Elton John concert held at The Granaries, Floriana, on September 26th.
September’s solution
September Winner!
Here’s another chance of winning the
€100 voucher*. Just answer the question above, send us your reply, and enter the draw to win.
MME International are giving Vida readers 50 free tickets to The Go Malta Music Awards 2010, on November 27th, at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali. To get in the draw to win, answer this question: In which year were the first Malta Music Awards held? 199520002004
MALTA MUSIC AWARDS COMPETITION:
132769584
478215639
569483127
857396241
321547896
694821753
283174965
746952318
915638472
49
86
57862
47
14
36 4 8
1
54
27
95843
31
69
Puzzle by websudoku.com
ww
w.m
egamusic.com
.mt
In which page of Vida can you find graffiti?
WIN:
The winner of the Mecca Enterprises Ltd. Competition is Ms Carmen Camilleri. She wins a Maxxon MW200SL Dinghy. Her entry, “Our toy brands are not to be toyed with...” was chosen as the best slogan for Mecca’s toyshop.
Mecca Competition Winner
Answer the following question and enter the draw to win one of two pairs of tickets to The Go Zoo Goes Scary, on November 5th, 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th, in Valletta: What is the theme of Zoo’s upcoming show?HorrorSuper HeroesMovies
ZOO GOES SCARY COMPETITION:
www.zoo.com.mt
Win tickets to Zoo Goes Scary!Pollino’s Competition WinnersThe winners of last month’s ‘Spot the Chicken’ Competition are: S Hamilton, Marylou Marshall, Rodianne Vella, Marisa Vella, Danika Azzopardi, Lietje Bonello, Michelle Gauci, Josette Farrugia, Antoinette Psaila, Jessica Cilia Custo`, Stefan Attard, Chris Alexander, Jacques Camilleri, Ilona Tagliaferro, Melania Farrugia, Mariella Muscat, Colin Stapley, Juan Dingli, Marisa Cortis, Stephanie Bonello, Clive Chipperfield, Josephine Farrugia, Bernice Gerada, Nicole Sant Fournier and Stephanie Cutajar.
53vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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As the days get shorter and we begin to feel the chill in the air, the stage is slowly being set for autumn’s holiday on October 31st – Halloween! Whereas being most popular in America and generally not widely celebrated in Malta, the holiday is gaining popularity year after year on our islands, among kids of all ages. We’re not surprised of course, who would pass up the chance to dress up in fun costumes and receive free sweets?
OriginsHalloween finds its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain which means ‘summer’s end’. The word Halloween is a variant of the Scottish ‘All Hallows Eve’, with hallows meaning saints. The ancient Celts believed that the borders between our world and the spirit world become blurred on Samhain, letting spirits pass into our world. The tradition of dressing up in costumes started here in fact – as a way of scaring off harmful spirits.
SymbolsThere are various symbols associated with Halloween, including the jack-o-lantern, black cat, ghost and witch. A jack-o-lantern is made by hollowing out a pumpkin, carving a face into it, and placing a candle or light source inside. This tradition was originally associated with harvest time, and later with Halloween in the 1800s. Witches are associated with Halloween because in ancient times it was thought that supernatural powers were strongest on All Hallows Eve – making witches extra powerful and extra scary! Cats are also superstitiously considered magical, and some were believed to be witches’ familiars, especially black ones.
ActivitiesThe fun part for kids (besides the costume) is trick-or-treating. In Malta, trick-or-treating has taken place in some areas over the last few years, but it is still not as widespread as it is abroad. Trick-or-treating is when you dress up in your costume, ring someone’s doorbell and say ‘trick-or-treat’. Whoever answers the door then chooses to either give you a treat (usually a sweet or chocolate) or not. If they don’t, according to tradition, you can play a trick on them (such as toilet-papering their front yard) – but be careful, some people might get angry!
A traditional game played at some Halloween parties is apple bobbing – a number of apples are placed into a basin of water and people positioned around the basin (with their hands tied behind their backs) try to fish them out using only their teeth. This game is fun to play with your friends but beware; you’ll probably get very wet! Another Halloween tradition associated with apples is the making of candy or taffy apples. This sweet treat is made by rolling the apples in sticky sugar syrup or caramel, thus coating them. It is sometimes followed by rolling them in nuts too. Other fun things to do on Halloween, if you’re not up for trick-or-treating, are telling ghost stories and watching horror movies – as long as it’s scary it will work for Halloween!
Only for Kids
Halloween
Another chance to winShow us your Halloween spirit by sending us a scary drawing. Remember, Halloween’s traditional colours are black and orange, and make sure it’s not bigger than A4 sized! Impress us with your petrifying picture and be in with another chance of winning the €100 voucher.
Send your competition replies, together with your name, surname, age and contact details (address, telephone number, email address), to: Kids Competition, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214 by no later than October 16th 2010.
Last month we asked you to send us your collages. Here are some of the entries we received:
Kids CompetitionWe have hidden the names of 10 symbols associated with Halloween. Find them all, including the secret word and send us the solution by post. The correct answers will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher (see page 53 for more info).
Secret Word:
Halloween is a holiday in which you wear a _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Kristin Attard
Elena Mallia
Fran
cesc
a Sa
liba
Maya D
ebono
Word Search Competition !A X R T F B Y U K L P F HR W R E F Q L H E L L S JU C S F O Q R A D Z S S LY J F R A W F S C H N P DU A P W I T C H S K E L FC C G R F E R D G B C W GN K X M Q G W I A X B A TE O Y G M N W F C N R F TF L K H W K D G O M O B GV A V O C B U T V U O E SW N E S H X E F C E M G PQ T S T P L P W O A S L IX E U R E S Q W S X T E DV R Q K R W Q T T V I T EF N S C T T A Y D N C E RZ X Q W O M A S K E K M WY B F O D K O G M O N K EP W T R R D H U S R R T BL X D O Q F T A N C C W V
M X N U L S D D Q C A W S
U Y G K O F D K V G B C RN M V C F S Y E M 0 O N D
Witch
Broomstick
Jack-o-Lantern
Black Cat
Ghost
Skeleton
Spider web
Mask
Moon
Chelsea Micallef
SeptemberCompetitionWINNER!
Gianluca Desira Buttigieg, 11, from Sliema is the winner
of last month’s competition.
kid
s
As the days get shorter and we begin to feel the chill in the air, the stage is slowly being set for autumn’s holiday on October 31st – Halloween! Whereas being most popular in America and generally not widely celebrated in Malta, the holiday is gaining popularity year after year on our islands, among kids of all ages. We’re not surprised of course, who would pass up the chance to dress up in fun costumes and receive free sweets?
OriginsHalloween finds its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain which means ‘summer’s end’. The word Halloween is a variant of the Scottish ‘All Hallows Eve’, with hallows meaning saints. The ancient Celts believed that the borders between our world and the spirit world become blurred on Samhain, letting spirits pass into our world. The tradition of dressing up in costumes started here in fact – as a way of scaring off harmful spirits.
SymbolsThere are various symbols associated with Halloween, including the jack-o-lantern, black cat, ghost and witch. A jack-o-lantern is made by hollowing out a pumpkin, carving a face into it, and placing a candle or light source inside. This tradition was originally associated with harvest time, and later with Halloween in the 1800s. Witches are associated with Halloween because in ancient times it was thought that supernatural powers were strongest on All Hallows Eve – making witches extra powerful and extra scary! Cats are also superstitiously considered magical, and some were believed to be witches’ familiars, especially black ones.
ActivitiesThe fun part for kids (besides the costume) is trick-or-treating. In Malta, trick-or-treating has taken place in some areas over the last few years, but it is still not as widespread as it is abroad. Trick-or-treating is when you dress up in your costume, ring someone’s doorbell and say ‘trick-or-treat’. Whoever answers the door then chooses to either give you a treat (usually a sweet or chocolate) or not. If they don’t, according to tradition, you can play a trick on them (such as toilet-papering their front yard) – but be careful, some people might get angry!
A traditional game played at some Halloween parties is apple bobbing – a number of apples are placed into a basin of water and people positioned around the basin (with their hands tied behind their backs) try to fish them out using only their teeth. This game is fun to play with your friends but beware; you’ll probably get very wet! Another Halloween tradition associated with apples is the making of candy or taffy apples. This sweet treat is made by rolling the apples in sticky sugar syrup or caramel, thus coating them. It is sometimes followed by rolling them in nuts too. Other fun things to do on Halloween, if you’re not up for trick-or-treating, are telling ghost stories and watching horror movies – as long as it’s scary it will work for Halloween!
Only for Kids
Halloween
Another chance to winShow us your Halloween spirit by sending us a scary drawing. Remember, Halloween’s traditional colours are black and orange, and make sure it’s not bigger than A4 sized! Impress us with your petrifying picture and be in with another chance of winning the €100 voucher.
Send your competition replies, together with your name, surname, age and contact details (address, telephone number, email address), to: Kids Competition, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214 by no later than October 16th 2010.
Last month we asked you to send us your collages. Here are some of the entries we received:
Kids CompetitionWe have hidden the names of 10 symbols associated with Halloween. Find them all, including the secret word and send us the solution by post. The correct answers will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher (see page 53 for more info).
Secret Word:
Halloween is a holiday in which you wear a _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Kristin Attard
Elena Mallia
Fran
cesc
a Sa
liba
Maya D
ebono
Word Search Competition !A X R T F B Y U K L P F HR W R E F Q L H E L L S JU C S F O Q R A D Z S S LY J F R A W F S C H N P DU A P W I T C H S K E L FC C G R F E R D G B C W GN K X M Q G W I A X B A TE O Y G M N W F C N R F TF L K H W K D G O M O B GV A V O C B U T V U O E SW N E S H X E F C E M G PQ T S T P L P W O A S L IX E U R E S Q W S X T E DV R Q K R W Q T T V I T EF N S C T T A Y D N C E RZ X Q W O M A S K E K M WY B F O D K O G M O N K EP W T R R D H U S R R T BL X D O Q F T A N C C W V
M X N U L S D D Q C A W S
U Y G K O F D K V G B C RN M V C F S Y E M 0 O N D
Witch
Broomstick
Jack-o-Lantern
Black Cat
Ghost
Skeleton
Spider web
Mask
Moon
Chelsea Micallef
SeptemberCompetitionWINNER!
Gianluca Desira Buttigieg, 11, from Sliema is the winner
of last month’s competition.
kid
s
Personal Loan and Credit Card facilities are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV branch. Terms and Conditions apply. Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Zachary Street, Valletta, VLT1130.Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is licensed to conduct Investment Services business by the Malta Financial Services Authority
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Visit your nearest BOV branch where our trained staff is available to discuss your borrowing requirements, and to provide you with all the information you need regarding home loans and other financial options. You will thus be able to reach the best possible solution before you make a commitment.
Alternatively, you may contact our Home Loans Office, at 1st Floor, St. Bartholomeo Street, Qormi, or on telephone numbers: 2275 3484, 2275 3486, 2275 3487 or by sending a blank mobile phone SMS message on telephone number 79696975.
BOV Home LoansAt Bank of Valletta we know that whether you are a first time buyer or you’re acquiring your second residence, the purchase of a new home requires careful consideration. In order to facilitate this process, we offer a professional service to assist you in finding the appropriate financial option that best suits your needs and requirements.
56 vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 2010
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October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 57
motoring
Down with Carbon!As part of our Green Special, Richard Muscat Azzopardi takes a look at the greener motoring alternatives on the market.
Studies show that electric vehicles are constantly on the rise - hardly a week goes by without one of the motoring giants announcing a new prototype. A recent study by Eurotax Glass has estimated that by 2020 about 9-13 per cent of all vehicles sold in Europe will be electric. Even though these numbers are very promising, our addiction to fossil fuels seems to be with us for the long term.
All is not lost, however. In the last 10 - 15 years car manufacturers have come forward in leaps and bounds. From creating engines which are far more economical and emit much less CO2 to making the hybrid concept more pervasive, car giants from all over the world are making a concerted effort to reduce our carbon footprint. Call me a cynic, but they have a vested interest too - the more fuel they save now, the longer they can sell cars based on existing technology.
There is no need to wait any longer though, we selected four very different vehicles which are immediately available locally and took them out for a spin.
G R E E N &
TE
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NO
LOGY SPE
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vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201058
motoring
Peugeot 107 Honda Insight Toyota Auris HSD Lexus RX450H
The trio of vehicles built by a joint venture between Toyota (Aygo), Peugeot (107) and Citroen (C1) will surely go a long way in helping the planet. By creating an entry level vehicle which is not only low-cost but also very economical to drive, they have given most city drivers a real incentive to change their cars to a more fuel efficient equivalent. If we take the 107’s predecessor we can find that Peugeot managed to shave off at least 30% emissions from the outgoing Peugeot 106.
The 107 is the most “normal” car of the lot we tried out. It does not have too many technologically advanced features, but instead relies on its low weight and highly efficient engine to economise on fuel usage. It will definitely outsell all the other three vehicles combined, so if it you think it might be out of place in this company, think again - this class of vehicle will account for the biggest savings in CO2 overall in the next few years. In addition it looks good and is fun to drive around town, so it is not like you have to make any big sacrifices.
The Honda Insight was the first car to be launched in the West, however it was quickly overshadowed by the Toyota Prius which had a much better image and a set of seats at the back. With the new Insight, Honda has once again chosen to go for a different formula than Toyota’s. Somewhat along the same lines as the 107 above, Honda thinks that it would be better to have 10 cars saving 10 extra grammes of CO2 than one saving 20. To that end it went for a mild hybrid which means that it can sell the Insight (which is technically in the same class as the VW Golf or Opel Astra) at the same price as its rivals while consuming as much petrol and emitting the same CO2 as a car two steps down.
The Insight is a real pleasure to drive, despite playing on your guilt to get you to save even more fuel. Its dashboard features a series of flowers which grow or wilt depending on your driving style. It is really easy to forget you’re driving a hybrid because the insight drives and feels just like a regular Honda - and that is certainly not a bad thing. The cherry on the cake is that this car is also the cheapest hybrid on the market.
Chirpy Cheerful
Specifications
Life is a flowerPeugeot 107 Honda Insight
The low emissions, standard combustion engine vehicle. The Mild Parellel Hybrid.
October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 59
motoring
Every time you mention a hybrid vehicle to someone who is not a car buff you have to explain the concept. Once you’ve done that their eyes invariably widen and they say - “oh you mean a car like the Prius”. Yes, I mean like the Prius. Toyota has managed to impress itself (and more importantly the Prius) into the public’s collective mind as the leader in hybrid technology - which, to be fair, it is. This notwithstanding, only a fool would overlook the Auris Hybrid when walking into a Toyota showroom.
Even though the Auris might not be the most exciting car to behold, this C-Segment hatchback has brought the price of a full hybrid down to be able to compete with most petrol powered vehicles in the category. The Auris can function for short distances as a proper electric vehicle, and even though range and speeds are quite limited, it is perfect when stuck in traffic jams. In addition to the electric motors driving its wheels, it has all the technological wizardry you’d expect in a car from the future, including a video camera which projects the view behind your rear bumper on the rear-view mirror when you engage the reverse gear!
Even though the Honda Insight and the Toyota Auris use similar technology, the cars approach the problem very differently. The obvious commonality is that both combine electric motors with a petrol engine to drive the vehicle. They also make the best of the vehicle’s inertia (moving energy) to recharge batteries which are significantly larger than those in conventional cars.
The Insight is commonly referred to as a mild parallel hybrid - the electric motor is relatively small and is mainly used to assist the petrol engine to perform energy intensive manoeuvres such as accelerating. This saves a significant amount of fuel and allows the car to use a smaller engine.
The Auris, on the other hand, is a classic parallel hybrid. Here the car can drive on 100% electric motor, 100% petrol engine or any combination in between. The car chooses the appropriate ratio depending on myriad factors, including the state of the battery charge, how hard you press the accelerator and the economy setting you’re on.
Parallel Hybrids Vs Mild Parallel Hybrids
Positive AuraToyota Auris HSD
Giants can be kind tooLexus RX450H
A gentle luxury-SUV might sound like the oxymoron of the year, however Lexus has really pulled all the plugs with the RX450H. Consider this simple statistic - ten years ago a Lexus RX consumed 195% more fuel than the hybrid version. Even though we can try and convince people that buying a smaller, lighter car will save the planet, you are still going to have people who want to buy large, luxurious vehicles. Lexus accepted this fact and chose to do its bit for the environment by making its gigantic SUV only available as a hybrid.
The beauty of it all is that it is completely unobtrusive. Unless you fiddle around with the settings you can use this vehicle as you would any other. The “H” appended to the model number will give you away, however once inside the car you never feel like you’re making an effort to save the planet - look deeper, though, and you can find all the data stored inside the car’s on-board computer. Even though diametrically opposed to the Peugeot 107, this vehicle will also be doing a lot of good if it can allow luxury car drivers to enjoy their vehicles to the full while doing their bit for the planet.
Next year we should also see another innovation thanks to the Peugeot 3008 - the first diesel hybrid. It promises 99g of CO2 and about 75mpg in a crossover - around 33% savings on current engine lineups.
The Parallel Hybrid. The Luxury Hybrid SUV.
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201060
fashion fairground
Autumn’s Key PiecesDon’t you just love the smell of the beginning of a new season in the morning? Autumn is finally upon us, and with some exciting things going on in the Fall Runway shows this year, I can hardly wait to get new season-savvy in Autumn’s must-have pieces! Whereas it may be best to save the more wintry items for a little later on in Malta’s persistently warm climate, some Autumn trend tickers are simply perfect for that slight chill in the air. Failsafe options this year are leather and lace, with predominant colours ranging from slate grey, crimson and berry to camel. Stock up on basics and knits, and you’ll find the rest here:
Aviator Jacket: Make like a fighter pilot in this season’s aviator – top marks for a turned up sheepskin collar! Team with form-fitting peg-leg trousers for maximum
fashion points and sleeker silhouettes for an edgier chic.
1
Fur Gilet: The fur gilet is the perfect mix of comfy and cool, not to mention seriously show stopping. Take Dries Van Noten’s leopard-print fur vest as inspiration
and rock that (faux) fur – just make sure it’s belted.
2
Dusky Nude: Summer’s nude colours are carried over into Autumn, this time round teamed with black for an edgier feminine romance. Anything from a button down
silk blouse worn over denim or leggings to a sheer ruffled dress, you can’t go wrong in nude this season.
3
Updated Maxi: While we can all bid farewell to summer’s popular cut-offs and thigh-skimming skirts, the maxi is definitely here to stay. As seen on Dolce
& Gabbana’s runways, the maxi gets restyled for the winter, enjoying knitted fabric, lace detail and lengthened sleeves. What’s more, you can wear your wooly tights underneath when it gets really cold, and onlookers will be none the wiser!
4
New Season Knit: You can never really go wrong with a knitted cardi, but this time round, knits are slouchy and belted for a laid-back yet feminine twist. There are no
hard-and-fast rules when it comes to design and colour (with Inca-inspired patterns providing a distinct interest here) but a noteworthy development has been brought to our attention – buttons are falling out of favour!
5
Ankle Boots: The variety here is quite frankly ridiculous. You can go for worker boots, flats, Cuban heels, platforms, lace-ups, buckled, fur or knitted
varieties – we’re simply spoiled for choice with boots! Sure enough, there’s a pair to suit any occasion!
6
Hot Leather Leather wasn’t just limited to winter this year. Nor was it only for shoes, bags and biker jackets. This summer saw the emergence of the leather shorts trend, and it seems set to carry on over to autumn, with leather accents lending a tough edge to our autumn look. Go for always-chic black or be a little adventurous in coloured leather – have fun!
Leopard SpotsLeopard print is a classic style staple that just keeps on giving, and this year is certainly no exception. The distinctive print can be found on anything. A friendly word of advice for those who may be tempted to take the trend a little too far – don’t. Try to team leopard print with neutral colours such as black to keep it chic and stylish – you don’t want a beastly fashion disaster on your hands do you?
by Sarah Micallef
Debenhams
Debenhams
Accessorize
DebenhamsPeacocks
October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 61
fashion fairground
61
What’s in your wardrobeOurs is constantly overflowing, but we simply can’t resist fresh ideas from your fashion diaries! Send us your ideas, tips, questions, even photos, on [email protected], or to Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214
?
Take a BowI love bows, and consider them as a sort of style signature. For this reason, you can imagine my delight upon seeing the main embellishment on Autumn’s sleek silhouette – that’s right, bows! Add a touch of girlish quirkiness to your image with a bow on your Alice band, handbag or even cheekily sitting on your pumps.
Name: Rachel Agius
Describe your style in 3 words: Casual, comfortable and kooky.
Favourite item of clothing: Dark blue shirt with silver pinstripes.
Most expensive piece: My purple admiral coat with gold buttons from Dorothy Perkins.
Best bargain buy: A shirt from Pull and Bear’s sale that cost me all of €5. That was about three years ago and it’s still going strong!
3 items everyone should own: A pair of Chuck Taylors (authentic or otherwise), a hoodie you’ve had for years and has as many memories attached to it and at least one pair of matching socks.
Ultimate fashion rule: Just one item can change your entire look – choose wisely or you could go from Lady Di to Ludacris!
Wardrobe Diaries
Debenhams
Accessorize
Accessorize
Monsoon
Monsoon
Outfits & Accessories - La Gatta Couture, Blue Grotto Avenue, Zurrieq T: 21641417Shoes – Soul Embassy Complex, Valletta T: 2702 0127
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Jul
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798
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4Photography by Jacob Sam
mut Carabez - Pearl W
orks T: 79857733 Model: Adriana Zarb
The Point, Sliema
window shopping
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Womenswear
€5.00
€170 €75
€90
€33
€80
€54.99
€18.99
€19.00
€39.99
Styling by Sarah Micallef - Focused Knowledge T: 23392403Photography by Jacob Sammut Carabez – Pearl Works T: 79857733
Hair by Styling by Mandy T: 79604497Makeup by Marian Baker at www.beautifyme.info T: 79374628
Model: Sophia Cefai via PlatinumFaceLocation: Hompesch Steel, Fgura
Bodysuit & Bangle – StradivariusNecklace & Shoes – New LookJeans – RIOT BoutiqueGlasses – model’s own
Dress – RIOT BoutiqueNecklace – New LookShoes – Topshop
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201068
photography
Sunsets have fascinated people from the very beginning of humankind. From the illustrations found on pyramids in ancient Egypt to the lonely cowboy riding into the sunset, it is one of the day’s most obvious punctuation marks.
Sunsets
Photos do not need to have been taken with a professional camera - sometimes your phone camera can be enough. We usually need photos which are at least 2MP (approx 1600X1200 pixels). Please feel free to send in as many photos as you deem necessary, however do not send more than 2 photos per email.
CompetitionDecember 2010
You have a month to go out and try to take the nicest sunset shot you can muster. Follow our tips and you should be well on the way, however feel free to experiment further with things we have not mentioned. As long as the photo includes a sunset we shall only care about the end result.
SUNSETS
Conditions Send your entries by post on the address below or on [email protected] by not later than November 5th 2010 and you could win €100! If posting entries physically and want the prints/ CD returned please include a self-addressed envelope and post to: Photography Competition, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD2214
October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 69
photography
Taking a photo of a sunset is not as simple as pointing your camera at the horizon when the sun is going down and hoping for the best. Keep in mind that you’re shooting on digital, so do not worry if you have to shoot loads of pictures to get the perfect one.
Now find a few spots, take your camera along, do your very best, practice and most of all remember that the ultimate aim is for you to enjoy yourself. When done, don’t forget to send your best efforts in to Vida’s photography competition (see left).
Find the perfect spot (or spots) Ensure that you have a clear view of the horizon (or any foreground you wish to include) on the side the sun goes down. Check this some time before you intend on shooting, because you can very easily miss the opportunity - at this time of the year you can only get around 20 - 30 min-utes of photogenic time at the very most.
Timing is King Remember that you have a limited time-frame in which to shoot sunsets - don’t try too early because you can hurt yourself if you look at the sun through the camera while it is still very bright. The best time to shoot is usually as close to the end of the sunset as possible. In a space of five minutes you can shoot constantly with results which vary greatly in a matter of seconds.
Look forward to cloudy days Clear but cloudy days can be your best friends because you are guaranteed interest and drama from the very first shot. When the sky is completely overcast there is no point in looking for a sunset shot, however if there is a sliver of cloud on the horizon in the direction of the setting sun you can use it to your advantage. When there is a heavier cloud cover you can be on the lookout for rainbows and rays of sunshine peeking through the edge of the sky.
Add foreground A sunset over the sea on a clear day is very easy to fall in love with, however it is just as easy to forget. Look for an interesting subject to include as a foreground and your photo will have much more dimension to it. In most cases you will get silhouettes, so keep this in mind when looking for a subject: the outline is the most important feature of your fore-ground. Another solution is to frame your sunsets with an object in the foreground.
Pay attention to composition Try to experiment with the positioning of the sun in your photos. Unless you’re going for symmetrical rays popping out of the sky, your best bet is to shoot the sun and any interesting foreground off centre. You don’t want water falling off the side of your picture - so make sure to keep your horizons straight.
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201070
books
books
Getting ready for a book bonanza!
The books pages in Vida are coordinated by the National Book Council. Watch these pages for information from the world of books and reading!
This month’s must-reads
Book publishers in Malta are getting ready for every book lover’s favourite event - the Malta Book Fair – which this year will be held between November 10th and 19th at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.
This year’s edition will include several book launches, literary evenings, activities for children and discussions about Maltese books. Entrance is free of charge and school visits are encouraged.
The Book Fair attracts over 20,000 visitors every year. It aims to promote Maltese and foreign publications, to bring a wide range of recent publications to the attention of the local public, to encourage reading and to raise awareness on children’s literature, as well as to foster professional contacts among publishers, printers, booksellers and librarians.
To help people get to the Mediterranean Conference Centre, a bus-shuttle service will be organised from the Valletta Bus Terminus at a nominal price. The Book Fair is organised by the National Book Council in collaboration with the Department of Libraries. For more information about the Book Fair, watch this space next month!
Grajjiet MaltaJuann Mamo (edited by Mark Vella), Klabb Kotba Maltin. Mark Vella has collected and annotated Juann Mamo’s short stories. This is a unique opportunity to rediscover the author of the famous novel Ulied in-Nanna Venut fl-Amerka. It is evident that Mamo respects no mediocrity and opens fire against all the institutions including the Church. Although his position is clearly anti-colonial he shows no enthusiasm for the locals’ ignorance and urges them to embrace learning.
Battuti ghħal Inzħul ix-Xemx Albert Marshall, Ivan de Battista and Charles Scerri, Horizons
Three poets and an artist come together to analyse life. The introduction to this anthology is by poet and theatre director Mario Azzopardi. Horizons are to be
praised for taking up this initiative, as local publishers interested in publishing poetry are becoming a rarity.
Il-Malti LXXX1 2010 L-Akkademja tal-Malti and Klabb Kotba Maltin. This edition of Il-Malti published by L-Akkademja tal-Malti and Klabb Kotba Maltin honours a Maltese unsung hero: Guzè Gatt. Gatt dedicated his energy
and resources to the world of research. His studies on the first books in Maltese, the letter W, and Richard Taylor are amongst the works included. This book is a must for the Melitensia collector.
The Earliest Church Registerin GozoHoratio Caesar Roger Vella, Self published
The book presents a transcription and a study of the earliest church register preserved at the Archives of the Bishop’s Curia in Gozo. This publication is an important reference work for historians.
The book also includes an introduction on the historical background of the register focusing on the 1551 Turkish invasion of Gozo.
1.MTEdited by Clare Azzopardi, Merlin Library Ltd. This book gives secondary first formers an innovative way of learning their native language. Clare Azzopardi provides a different language-learning scheme. Users of this textbook are encouraged to keep a portfolio of their writings.
October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 71
books
books
News From Book Land To pop-up or not to pop-up
A research team led by University of Virginia psychologist Medha Tare is arguing that pop-up
books “may have their place as entertainment” but are counterproductive to learning. The team came to this controversial conclusion
after conducting two experiments. It was noted that the children who looked at a book with photo
illustrations only did better than those exposed to the same images in a pop-up book. Their findings were recently published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology.
Bush’s decisions and Brown’s crisisGeorge W. Bush, the former President of the USA, and Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister, will both be releasing new books in the coming months.
Bush’s book, ‘Political Decisions’, presents the “14 most critical and historic decisions in the life and public service of the 43rd president of the United States,” Random House Publishers revealed. The former president will be going back to major events that took place during his tenure, including the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, and the controversial 2000 presidential election. Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will also be trying his luck in the publishing sector with his views on the global economic crisis. “We now live in a world of global trade, global financial flows, global movements of people and instant global communications,”
Brown said, “our economies are connected as never before, and I believe that global economic problems require global solutions and global institutions. In writing my analysis of the financial crisis, I wanted to help explain how we got here, but more importantly to offer some recommendations as to how the next stage of globalisation can be managed so that the economy works for people and not the other way around.”
Dostoevsky’s metro stationRussian psychologists expressed concern at the inauguration of a metro station dedicated to the author Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821 - 1881) in Moscow. The metro features murals depicting violent scenes from Dostoevsky’s books. Psychologists protested against these scenes,
claiming that they may encourage metro commuters to commit suicide. Psychologist Mikhail Vinogradov argued that the murals will make people “afraid to ride the subway.” On the other hand, psychologist Natalia Semyonova defended the murals, saying that she actually uses Dostoevsky’s books to help treat her patients.
Oxford defines vuvuzelasThe latest edition of the Oxford Dictionary of English features over 2,000 new entries. They include words such as ‘vuvuzela’, ‘social media’, ‘microblogging’, ‘netbook’, ‘paywall’ and ‘tweet-up’.
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201072
culture
by Joyce Guillaumier
We know that Malta’s ship repair and building industry was properly developed when the Knights landed in Malta. The Knights’ arsenal in Malta competed well with the more established ones in other Mediterranean ports. However, historians also affirm that Malta had a boatyard even in medieval times.
During the Arab period (870-1091), Malta did not have an arsenal. When Ibn Hawqal, the Arab geographer, described the island in his 977 book ‘Surat al-Ardh’, he made no reference to the existence of any building related to the storage, repair or building of ships. Three and a half centuries later, the Arab historian Al Himjari stated that Malta “has harbours set up for ships”. This shows that Malta’s maritime resources had already started developing. Once the Arab rule ended and Malta became part of the Kingdom of Aragon, its importance in the Mediterranean increased tremendously. The capital city during the Arab rule was Mdina which is located in the middle of the island without any link to the sea. The Aragonese shifted the seat of power to the Castrum Maris (today known as Fort St. Angelo), in Birgu. Consequentially, its suburbs assumed bigger responsibilities, even if not on the same level as that experienced in 1530, when the Knights arrived in Malta from Rhodes and established their first base in the harbour area.
According to Professor Godfrey Wettinger1, a boatyard existed in Birgu as far back as 1374. He refers to late medieval registers indicating the
Malta’s medieval arsenalThe earliest ship repair facilities on the island
The Mediterranean Sea has always been intrinsically tied to the aspirations, hopes, failures and victories of the Maltese people. It is a natural extension of their life on land; a maritime tradition with roots as deep as life itself. Being a small island with limited resources, Malta has always depended on importation for the provision of vital items, including wheat. For centuries, seafaring trades such as piracy, naval and mercantile shipping were a crucial element of our economy. In this scenario, the maintenance and building of ships and other sea crafts becomes even more important for the islanders.
Malta’s maritime
resources had already started
developing
October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 73
culture
existence of an arsenal in Malta. Dr Simon Mercieca, from the University of Malta’s Department of History, confirms that in medieval Malta there were local ship owners who needed the services of a dockyard from time to time2. He adds that the local notarial records refer to Magnificus Antonius Gactu Desguanes as one of the leading corsairs present in Malta at the end of the fifteenth century3. Giacomo Bosio, the historian of the Order of St John, refers to another pirate, Captain Michele of Malta who was also engaged in this trade during the same period4.
Unfortunately we do not know the name or the exact location of this medieval boatyard. Prof. Wettinger points out that this yard was used mainly for ship repair and not for large projects, such as the building of new vessels. Before the arrival of the Knights in 1530, ship building was not considered to be as important in Malta as it was in Barcelona, Pisa, Genova, Venice, Dubrovnik and Amalfi. These were considered to offer the best services available at the time. According to Prof. Wettinger, new ships required in Malta were built in Sicily or in any other arsenal within the Kingdom of Aragon, to which Malta still belonged before Malta was handed over to the Order of St. John. He does not exclude that the early boatyard in Birgu was only used for smaller repairs and for constructing smaller boats used for the transportation of wheat5 or for corsair activities6.
Dr Mercieca explains that the Maltese yard may have started off as a ship-shed used mostly as a storage place for vessels. In fact, the 1374 registers (mentioned above) refer to an old hull which lay abandoned in this shipyard, describing
it as “an old galley which belonged to the late Hugeni Lanzani, in bad repair and
not good for sailing”. Eventually, Dr Mercieca maintains, this shed developed into a ship repair yard. This in turn necessitated the introduction of security measures such as walls, doors and locks.
Documents dated 1478 indicate that the Birgu ‘darsanale’ necessitated the building of a boundary wall while later manuscripts - 1501, 1502, 1503 - inform us that the yard had its own workforce, including blacksmiths and stone masons. We have no precise date as to when the change into a proper arsenal occurred but it is believed that this happened at the end of the medieval period and during the first years of the Knights’ rule.
The building of boundary walls and the need for doors and locks coincided with the advent of the North African regency’s frequent raids on Maltese shores. From 1480 onwards Malta began to experience the rising might of the Ottoman Empire - after the first Turkish raid on the island, the people immediately felt the need for tighter security measures. Slowly but surely, the area round Birgu was becoming an arsenal of war.
1 G. Wettinger “The Castrum Maris and its Sub-urb of Birgu during the Middle Ages”, Birgu A Maltese Maritime City (Malta, 1993), pp31-722 S. Mercieca: Mediterranean Seascapes (ed) S. Mercieca p 4 3 Part 1: Notarial documents (No 2, Notary Gi-acomo Zabbara, R 494/ 1 (11-1V), 1494-1497, S Fiorini (ed) pp20, 78, 80-81. 4 G. Bosio, Dell’Istoria della Sacra et Illustrissima Religione di S. Giovanni Gerosolmitano (Rome, 1630) Vol 2 p 3115 Notary Archives Valletta, Canciur, R 140/1 f.40 r-v6 S. Fiorini, Part 1: Zabbara, p20; Part 2: Docu-ments in the State Archives, Palermo (No. 1, Cancelleria Regia, 1259-1400) S. Fiorini (ed) vol. 159, f. 211v-212.7 Muscat (Malta, 1993, p 5
Historian Joseph Muscat7 explains that the medieval ship-shed in Birgu consisted of one shed with a wooden ceiling. This wooden structure was built of strong wooden beams that supported the roof. The shed had a gabled roof, sloping from the centre. As time went by, security measures were included in its structure, indicating that it started being being used for military purposes. Ship-sheds for boats not used for bellicose purposes did not require any form of security and boat repair was undertaken in open structures.
According to professors Fiorini, Wettinger and Mallia-Milanes of the University of Malta, the Hospitallers’ first arsenal was on the quay of Birgu, or better still on the ‘molo di San Lorenzo’, named after the church dedicated to St. Lawrence. However it could also have been located next to the tagliata (ditch) which separated the Castrum Maris from Birgu. The ditch existed as far back as 1450, as we can read in Charles Dalli’s ‘Medieval Communal Organisation in an Insular Context’. In the Middle Ages arsenals were built in the shelter of the city walls or under the protection of a castle. Since the only castle in Birgu was the Castrum Maris, Dr Mercieca states that the medieval arsenal was located close to the castle, possibly just underneath the fort. Dr Mercieca identifies the recently-built apartment block facing the Grand Harbour Marina as the site where the medieval arsenal stood. What was left of it was cleared away when the apartments were built.
The medieval ship-shed
the area round Birgu
was becoming an arsenal
of war.
The author would like to thank Dr. Simon Mercieca for his assistance in this feature.
Malta’s medieval arsenal
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201074
cinema
In a nutshellAt the very least, if you don’t own a Facebook account, you’ve probably heard about it, read about it in the papers, or seen someone’s photos on it. In less than a decade it has mushroomed into an internet brand as recognisable as Google and YouTube, which of course means that somewhere, someone is extremely rich.
Why we’re hypedWhen I first heard that a movie was being made about Facebook, I admit I thought it was some laughable attempt at cashing in on its immense popularity. But it turns out that someone had written a rather sordid book (‘The Accidental Billionaires’) chronicling the campus and board-room struggles that characterised the birth of Facebook back in 2004. When business-savvy whizz-kids stumble upon a winning formula, and billions are at stake, you can imagine that there will be lots of interest and intrigue when it comes to sharing the pie. And sure enough the film trailers that have been released so far promise a thriller far more gripping than the title would suggest. The tagline is quite eloquent - “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies”.
Who’s in it?Another major reason why this film looks promising is the man in the director’s chair. When it was announced that David Fincher was going to call the shots, I for one realised that there must be something in the script that has the makings of a great film. With excellent and adored films such as Fight Club, Seven, and Zodiac under his belt, Fincher also recently showed us how versatile he is by helming the picture-perfect (although rather long) fairytale The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. With him attached, the focus then shifted to who would portray the real-life protagonists of this very recent history. Jesse Eisenberg (Adventureland, Zombieland) looks and sounds the part as Mark Zuckerberg. Listed by Forbes as the world’s youngest billionaire, Zuckerberg was one of the co-founders of Facebook, and currently owns one quarter of the empire, besides running the show. Not bad for a 25 year-old. Andrew Garfield (Doctor Parnassus, the upcoming Never Let Me Go, and the next Spider-man) is Eduardo Saverin, who co-founded back in 2004 but has now left the company, under not-so-happy circumstances. Justin Timberlake (who seems to be doing more acting and less gyrating nowadays) rounds off the main trio as Sean Parker, who used to be the President of the company, and who once upon a time co-founded Napster. They’ve all more or less distanced themselves from the film, claiming things are blown out of proportion – but that was to be expected considering the dirty-laundry aspect of the story. It now remains to be seen whether the vast swathes of people who spend much more than two hours a week on Facebook will want to spend two hours seeing how it was founded, but based on the trailers and the pedigree I’d venture a yes.
October at the MoviesBy Mark Camilleri
Film ofthe month
The Social Network
www.MarksMovieMarks.comAll movies released locally by KRS
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cinema
AgoraIn a nutshellIn the 4th century AD, a storm was brewing in the Egyptian corner of the Roman Empire, as science and religion slowly started to step on each other’s toes, and Christianity arrived in Pagan Alexandria. In what is being hailed as a Roman epic that focuses more on brains than on brawn, this ambitious project tackles the delicate topic from a historical perspective, and expounds the banalities of religious fundamentalism, of whichever type. Definitely a theme that is just as relevant today as it was back then.
Why we’re hypedBack in 2008, Malta was involved in the biggest and longest movie production of its colourful filming history, as Egypt was brought to life thanks to tonnes of extras and impossibly huge sets. Now, after a staggered release schedule that saw the film take some time to reach cinemas, we can finally get to see the end result. If you want to see whether Uncle Toni got any screen time after wearing a leather skirt for two weeks, you won’t want to miss this.
Who’s in it?Respected Spanish director Alejandro Amenábar, who gained international fame thanks to The Others, took a rather long break after his latest film The Sea Inside. It turns out he was writing, planning and eventually directing this mammoth story, fleshing out the piece of history with some dramatic fiction. The main role, a headstrong woman of science, went to Rachel Weisz (The Fountain, The Mummy) who has been praised by critics as being the best thing about the film. Max Minghella (Syriana, The Social Network) has a secondary role as her slave, Davus. Despite the lack of any other big names to look out for, we can feast our eyes on loads of local talent, many in speaking roles – including Manuel Cauchi, Charles Thake, Harry Borg, Wesley Ellul, Chris Dingli, Malcolm Galea, Alan Paris, John Montanaro and Edward Caruana Galizia. And don’t forget your Uncle Toni as ‘hairy man in crowd #257’. This should be essential viewing for any Maltese film lover who enjoys a good movie and doesn’t mind a bit of location spotting.
Other Releases:RED
RED stands for ‘Retired, Extremely Dangerous’, which should already give you an indication of the fun potential this film has. Adapted (rather loosely, apparently) from a little-known comic by the same name, the film has a winning formula that should prove hard to resist – Bruce Willis, Helen
Mirren, Morgan Freeman and the great John Malkovich as ageing, retired covert CIA agents, forced back into the limelight when their cover is blown. The trailer promises lots of silly fun, which seems to be exactly what these veteran stars signed up for. The ensemble cast is rounded off by Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws, Mr. Holland’s Opus), Brian Cox (25th Hour, Adaptation), Mary-Louise Parker (Angels in America, Fried Green Tomatoes, Weeds) and Karl Urban (The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek). Despicable Me
Since we’ve now reached a point where a smart-looking computer-animated comedy needs something extra to stand-out from the countless others, wild storylines and impressive casts seem to be the most-favoured recipe for success. This has both.
Steve Carell, possibly the best comedian of the moment, stars as Gru – the world’s foremost supervillain. Or outgoing foremost supervillain, because after trying to use three orphaned girls in one of his world-domination plans, he finds his affection for them growing, and he goes a bit soft on the inside. Veteran comics Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Russell Brand (Get Him to the Greek) and Danny McBride (Pineapple Express) add to the laughs, and veteran-everything Julie Andrews adds some class. Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
I’m rather partial to short names when it comes to films, but I guess Dr. Strangelove was an early example of how it’s bad to generalise. The Guardians of Ga’Hoole is a book series aimed at older children, about a young barn owl and the fantasy world
he lives in. I haven’t read them myself, but they seem to be quite a hit, and rising director Zack Synder (300, Watchmen) has directed this computer-animated adaptation of the first three books. I presume they’ll contain less gore than his previous films. Produced down under, the film boasts a stellar Australian voice cast – Geoffrey Rush (Shine, Munich), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings), David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings, Australia), Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge!), as well as Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, The Piano), Helen Mirren (The Queen, The Last Station) and Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter, Blackadder). The special effects were done by the team behind the wonderful Happy Feet, although I doubt the owls will be as spectacular on the dance floor.
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201076
eating & drinking
The spirits of Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Slash and Paul McCartney silently watched as this tale unfolded.
Their spirits were silent, living inside six (or four) silver strings and various
combinations of maple, spruce, rosewood and mahogany. The spirits of a few dozen other musicians were also there in a number of forms, from platinum discs to denim jackets. All of these were protected, as is right and fitting, by a glass wall through
which they could observe the rowdy group of five unusual suspects who, in turn, admired them back through the glass. The temple I refer to is, as you have most likely guessed by now, Hard Rock Cafe that occupies a fair proportion of the second floor of Bay Street.
The five of us shared a healthy appetite for a decent meal and rock and roll, so the location more or less chose us - a little like the Blues chose Robert Johnson, although there was no swapping of souls in our case. Nor did we have to spend any amount of time at the crossroads at midnight.
We were met at the door by a sprightly young man, practically hopping with enthusiasm as he smiled broadly and led us, rather ceremoniously, to a massive round table that could seat us all quite comfortably. Part of the ceremonial costume included a thousand
(or so it appeared) little pins. These were attached to three ribbons around his neck and are probably used in some arcane ritual that we thought best not
to ask about. Why should we upset the man who would spend the best part of the couple of hours to
come in close contact with our food?
Food was what we had turned up for and the menus promised a large enough variety to make the choice quite agonising. The choice of food is what I call premium fast-food, far enough removed from the typical franchise fare to sound genuine while evidently the product of a well-researched formula. All the typical grills are present, from NY strips to ribs with all the burgers in between. The latter was strongly, perhaps a little too forcefully, recommended by a couple who are evidently fans of the place so there was little we could do to avoid them. I quickly picked the mushroom and Swiss cheese while heated discussion went on around me about the virtue of the Black Angus patty over the regular one. The final list included the regular 10 oz Angus, a Hickory Angus, beef fajitas and, for the bovine-conscientious objector, a veggie burger.
A moment of panic-stricken concern over food quantity added a last-minute jumbo combo starter to our order and we then sat back with our pints of beer for some heated musical debate. Tempting as it is, I am not able to repeat the contents of the conversation. It would be impossible for me not to take sides and I opt for silence as my only vehicle to impartiality.
Living in a rock and roll fantasyHard Rock CafeRating:Baystreet ComplexSt. George’s BaySt. Julians
Ed eats
heated discussion went on around me
about the virtue of the Black Angus
patty over the regular one
October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 77
eating & drinking
The restaurant is really quite large. The huge space is bedecked with musical memorabilia and seems to be constructed almost entirely out of wood. It is also too brightly lit for my liking. The feeling of being lost in the vast cavern that makes up the dining area can easily be solved with the addition of diner-style booths. Or quite possibly dimmer lighting. The music in the background is quite loud and I mean this in the best possible way. The selection was mostly very enjoyable and I expect music to be loud, possibly louder, at a place that has made its intentions very clear from the outset. If you don’t like rock, walk away. There are countless other places where you can sit in silence or, at the very worst, listen to tinny muzak while you sip at your Soave.
The jumbo combo arrives in style, a multi-layered smorgasbord of little finger-foods from onion rings to chicken wings and spring rolls to nuggets. Dipping sauces surround the lot and a flurry of frantic fingers soon whizzed around the central dish, polishing it off before a live Dylan track in the background ended in the wrong key.
The burgers followed in hot pursuit and I instantly voiced disapproval at the quantity of chips supplied. I was told to bide my time until I’d consumed the burger before dissing the chef’s stinginess with the spuds. Thoughtfully, all of the veg that goes inside the burger is placed immediately adjacent to it on the plate for those who might like
lettuce but not gherkins. I added the lot before tucking in. A few bites into the dense packet of juicy flavour was enough to send warning signs from the belly warning system that this would be a challenge. I made it through though, fuelled by the taste and texture. Around me there were grunts of satisfaction, just audible above an AC/DC number.
As predicted by the Hard Rock Cafe fan, most of my chips were left in the plate by the time I was done. I nibbled at a couple before the HRC expert told me to stop and leave some room for dessert. Surely you’re joking, Mr Feynman. He insisted though, claiming that the famous franchise had thought of gluttons in my situation by serving tiny desserts in a shot glass. Key Lime Pie for me it is
then. And a rock and roll fantasy it was with tangy lime cutting pleasantly through the sticky sweetness.
€100 for the five of us was just as sweet but I still rang up my own bill, counting the items off on my fingers. The items on my version were the following: Satisfied smiles and sticky fingers all round; Rock in the background; Guitars on the walls; Cold beer; Fun and informal service. This may not be fine dining but it is a
definite recipe for guilty, if nostalgic, pleasure.
Ed eats. That’s all he does. He accepts no invitations and turns up unannounced to keep this column free from bias. Readers of the column hardly ever agree with him and yet Ed eats on.
Events this monthCulture & HistoryTheatre Sports MusicClubbing
To include your events in this page email all the required details on [email protected] or call 2339 2274, by Monday October 11th, 2010.
Unoriginal SinManoel Theatre - Friday October 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th
Pictures of the Floating World Gozo Area Exhibition Hall - St Martin’s Quarter - The Citadel – Gozo - August 6th to October 29th Opening Times: 09:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:30hrs).
Maestri d’Arte ExhibitionCittadella Centre for Culture and Arts - St. Ursula Hall - Triq Bieb l-Imdina -The Citadel – Victoria - Gozo - September 24th to October 10thOpening Times: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 13:00.
Anton Agius Paintings Exhibition Banca Giuratale - Independence Square - Victoria – Gozo - September 25th to October 17thOpening Times: Monday to Friday 07:30 to 12:30, Saturday 07:00 to 12:00, Sunday 09:00 to12:00.
9th National Art ExhibitionMalta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce - Palazzo de La Salle – Valletta – October 1st to 15thOpening Times: Monday – Friday 08:00 to 19:00, Saturday 09:00 to 12:00.
The Conversational Art Salon Evenings Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce - Palazzo de La Salle - Valletta – October 5th, 12th, 26th, November 2nd, 9th, 23rd, 30th and December 7thOpening Times: 18:00 to 20:00.
“365” - Heritage Malta Malta Maritime Museum - October 8th to 22nd Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 09:00 to 17:00 (last admission at 16:30).
Art Exhibition - Carmelo Theuma Cittadella Centre for Culture and Arts - St. Ursula Hall -Triq Bieb l-Imdina - The Citadel - Victoria - October 15th to November 4th
Opening Times: Monday-Friday 10:00 to 13:00.
Inheritance Photographic Exhibition - Ronnie, Carlo & Sergio Muscat Auberge D’Italie – Valletta - October 19th – November 11th Opening Times: Monday – Friday 09:00 to 17:00.
Paintings exhibition - Thomas J.Bournell Banca Giuratale - Independence Square - Victoria - October 21st to November 21stOpening Times: Monday to Friday 07:30 to 12:30, Saturday 07:00 to 12:00, Sunday 09:00 to 12:00.
EARTH - Ceramic Art Exhibition St. James Cavalier – Valletta – October 22nd to December 5th Opening Times: 10:00 to 21:00.
Harmonical Expressions - Gilbert FenechSagrestia Vault - Valletta Waterfront - October 29th to November 7thOpening times: Monday to Friday 17:00 to 21:00, Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 21:00.
4th Annual Exhibition - Pastel Society of MaltaPalazzo de la Salle - Valletta - October 29th to November 13th Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 12:30, 17:00 to 19:00, Saturday November 6th and 13th 09:00 to 12:00, Saturday October 30th closed.
Exhibitions in October
Boasting an impressive track record including the record-breaking The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), the smash hit comedy The 39 Steps and My First Time, Mellow Drama are back with their latest offering: Unoriginal Sin by David Tristam.
The cast consists of John Montanaro, Louiselle Vassallo, Faye Paris, Barry Calvert, Stefan Cheriet Busuttil and Jean-Pierre Agius, with direction by Steve Casaletto.
www.mellowdrama.com.mt
Friday 1st
Festa Bdiewa f’ Burmarrad (Farmers Festival) – Burmarrad – 19:00 to 23:00
Festubru – Wied il-Lunzjata – Kercem
Saturday 2nd
A Night With Djedjotronic (BoyNoize Rec) - Tattingers Club Rabat
Village Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary - Valletta
Festa Bdiewa f’ Burmarrad (Farmers Festival) – Burmarrad – 09:30 to 19:00
Festubru – Wied il-Lunzjata – Kercem
Monday 4th
Open Day for World Animal Day – Island Sanctuary – Delimara – Marsaxlokk – 10:00 to 16:00
Malta Cultural Institute Concert – Grand Exhibition Hall of the Hotel Le Meridien – St. Julians – 19:00
Wednesday 6th
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 19:30
Thursday 7th
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 19:30
Friday 8th
Village Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary – Marsa
Birgu Fest 2010 - Vittoriosa
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 19:30
An Enemy of the People – St. James Cavalier – 20:00
Saturday 9th
Breast Awareness Campaign - Breast Care Support Group - Bay Street Complex - St. Julian’s
7th Malta Military Tattoo – MFCC – Ta Qali – 18:00
Birgu Fest 2010 - Vittoriosa
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 19:30
National John Lennon Day Exhibition - Hall of 60A - Strait Street (corner with Old Theatre Street) - Valletta 10:00 to 18:00
An Enemy of the People – St. James Cavalier – 20:00
Sunday 10th
Village Feast of the Patronage of the B.V Mary – Ghasri - Gozo
Breast Awareness Campaign - Breast Care Support Group - Bay Street Complex - St. Julian’s
Blood Donation Mobile Unit – next to Pastoral Centre - Gharghur - 08:30 to 13:30
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 15:30
Tribali Improvised Jam – Masgar – Mtarfa – 16:00 to 00:00
National John Lennon Day Exhibition - Hall of 60A - Strait Street (corner with Old Theatre Street) - Valletta 10:00 to 18:00
Birgu Fest 2010 - Vittoriosa
7th Malta Military Tattoo – MFCC – Ta Qali – 18:00
An Enemy of the People – St. James Cavalier – 20:00
Wednesday 13th
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 19:30
Bowling tournament – Malta Seniors Open Championships – Eden Super Bowl – St. Julians – 09:00
Thursday 14th
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 19:30
Bowling tournament – Malta Seniors Open Championships – Eden Super Bowl St. Julians – 09:00
NT Live – A Disappearing Number – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 20:00
Friday 15th
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 19:30
Gilbert Fenech
October 2010 | Issue 10 | vida.com.mt 79
events
This year’s edition of Voices will be held over ten concerts at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta at 19:30, except for the first Sunday which will be a matinee at 15:30.
The repertoire includes such songs as Volare, Philadelphia Freedom, Hallelujah, The Show Must Go On, Nessun Dorma and Viva La Vida, plus a few surprises. All ticket sales from the Voices concerts go to charity, and the entire cast is involved on a voluntary basis. Tickets for Voices are on sale at €15, €20 and €25 from the MCC booking office as well as online (against a surcharge of €1 per ticket) from www.voices.org.mt.
Listen to the Music with VoicesMediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta October 6th to 10th and 13th to 17th
Event of the monthEvents this month
October 2010
Fund Raising Kids & Family Fairs Blood DriveBusiness Events
Tribali Improvised JamMasgar, Mtarfa – October 10th, 16:00 till 00:00
Preparations are currently in full swingTribali’s last improvised jam for this year. The group will be doing live improvised jam sessions on the hour starting around sunset time. Friends of Tribali and other bands will be joining in as well. The event incorporates an Ethnic market, an art exhibition as well as a safe kids’ area which is made possible thanks to MRRA. It will include face painting, three kids’ shows and a yoga class for parent and child.
Tickets will be at €10 whilst the VIP area, which includes a glass of wine, appetisers, reserved area, exclusive bar and toilets, is at €15. Visit the band’s website or www.jaggedhouse.com for more information.
Bowling tournament – Malta Seniors Open Championships – Eden Super Bowl – St. Julians – 09:00
Masters of Dirt – MFCC – Ta Qali – 20:30 – 23:30
Line Dancing for Everyone – Centru Papa Gwanni Pawl II – Attard – 19:30 to 22:30
Saturday 16th
Malta Comic Con 2010 – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 10:00 to 18:00
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 19:30
Carmen by Bizet – Aurora Opera House – Victoria – Gozo – 19:30
Bowling tournament – Malta Seniors Open Championships – Eden Super Bowl – St. Julians – 09:00
Masters of Dirt – MFCC – Ta Qali 19:30 – 22:30
Malti Ghost Busters – St. Vincent de Paule Residence – Luqa – 19:30
Sunday 17th
Village Feast of Jesus of Nazareth – Xaghra - Gozo
Malta Comic Con 2010 – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 10:00 to 18:00
Blood Donation Mobile Unit – Pjazza Ninu Cremona - Iklin - 08:30 to 13:30
Voices 2010 Listen to the Music – MCC – Valletta – 19:30
Wagner’s Opera – The Ring of the Rhinegold – Sagrestia Vault – Valletta Waterfront – 16:00
Bowling tournament – Malta Seniors Open Championships – Eden Super Bowl – St. Julians – 09:00
NT Live – A Disappearing Number – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 19:00
Friday 22nd
Vienna of my Dreams – Sagrestia Vault – 19:30
Saturday 23rd
2010 Rolex Middlesea Race – starting from the Grand Harbour - Valletta
Sunday 24th
Blood Donation Mobile Unit – near football ground - Ghaxaq - 08:30 to 13:30
Al Jolson Malta Gathering – The Royal British Legion – 111, Melita Street – Valletta – 16:00
Bizilla Malta Lace Guild’s Lace Day – Green Rooms – Phoenicia Hotel – Floriana – 10:00 to 16:00
NT Live – A Disappearing Number – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 16:00
Thursday 28th
The Hilda Schembri Memorial Lecture - Breast Care Support Group - Phoenicia Hotel – Floriana – 19:30
Festival Mediterranea - Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata – Teatru Astra – Victoria - Gozo – 19:30
Friday 29th
Richie Hawtin - Eden Arena, St Julians
A Celebration of Art Song – Kempinski San Lawrenz Hotel – 19:30
Ritratti Sepja Dahk mill-Passat ta Trevor Zahra – Sir Temi Zammit Hall – Malta University – Tal-Qroqq – 20:00
Saturday 30th
Breast Awareness Campaign - Breast Care Support Group – Duke Shopping Centre - Gozo
Blood Donation Mobile Unit – close to Domus Romana - Rabat- 08:30 to 13:30
Halloween TICA Cat Show – INSPIRE – Marsascala – 15:00 to 18:00
Hamrun Chocolate Festival – ‘Old’ city centre - Hamrun – 18:00
Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata – Teatru Astra – Victoria - Gozo– 19:30
Ritratti Sepja Dahk mill-Passat ta Trevor Zahra – Sir Temi Zammit Hall – Malta University – Tal-Qroqq – 20:00
Death of a Doornail - MADC – Manoel Theatre – 20:00
Sunday 31st
Village Feast of Our Lady of the Girdle - Gudja
Village Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary – Sliema
Breast Awareness Campaign - the Breast Care Support Group – Duke Shopping Centre - Gozo
Halloween TICA Cat Show – INSPIRE – Marsascala – 10:00 to 17:00
Fodera Piano Duo Recital – Augula Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia – St.George’s Basicila – Gozo – 20:00
Richard Wagner’s The Valkyrie – Sagrestia Vault – 16:00
Ritratti Sepja Dahk mill-Passat ta Trevor Zahra – University of Malta – Msida – 20:00
Death of a Doornail by MADC – Manoel Theatre – 20:00
NT Live – A Disappearing Number – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 19:00
Cana Movement Marriage Preparation CoursesVarious localities – October to November 2010
Couples getting married in two years’ time are invited to participate in the forthcoming marriage preparation sessions.
These courses are held in small groups of six to eight couples. Together with an experienced couple-facilitator, couples discuss communication, conflict and practical aspects of marriage, couple relationship and family planning. For more details call 22039309 or email on [email protected].
www.canamovement.org
Please donate!More information may be obtained from: www.blood.gov.mt email: [email protected] Fixed line: 220 66 209 Mobile: 79 307 307
Blood saves lives.
vida.com.mt | Issue 10 | October 201080
events
T he purchasing of food items from hawkers in open air markets will be under the spotlight in this year’s Food Safety Week, being held in the second week of October.
This campaign is organised by the Environmental Health and the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorates under the patronage of the Food Safety Commission.
Educating the consumer on what to expect when buying foods such as fresh fish, vegetables, tinned foods, confectionery and ready-to-eat food (such as cheeselets, dips etc.) from food vendors is also likely to lead hawkers to improve their practices.
Open markets are set up in various localities during the week and the Environmental Health Directorate (EHD) has embarked on a program of inspections in all of these markets including those held on the
weekend. The aim of these inspections is to ensure that the food produced, distributed, marketed and consumed meets the highest possible standards of food safety and hygiene. Last year, a total of 337 inspections were performed.
The most common deficiencies noted by the Environmental Health officers were lack of hand washing and cleaning facilities, risk of contamination, improper storage of highly perishable foods, lack of traceability and labelling issues.
Although there has been an overall improvement and this has also been reflected in a reduction in the number of complaints received from the general public, educating the consumers and surveillance by the EHD remain the two most effective measures to improve food safety and hygiene.
Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair is set to visit Malta from September 29th to October 17th. This will be the ship’s inaugural visit to our islands, upon taking over from the
previous ship Logos II, which last visited three years ago.
Logos Hope features the ‘Visitor Experience’ deck that is open for the public to explore. From the Welcome Experience to the International Café and special onboard events including fairs, movie screenings, music and cultural events, there is sure to be something for everyone. Logos Hope also brings an expanded selection of over 7,500 books covering a range of subjects to our shores. Another feature is the brand new Journey of Life exhibition, which invites viewers to consider the choices we all face along life’s journey.
The all-volunteer crew and staff include around 400 people representing 45 different nations each offering a unique example of unity in cultural diversity. Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V. – an international, charitable organisation registered in Germany. In almost 40 years of service, the organisation has welcomed 41 million visitors up the gangways in over 160 countries and territories around the world.
Spreading the Hope
Stay Safe
For ticket reservations for any of the events contact Laura Niemi on [email protected] or on 79991575. For more information email on [email protected] or log on www.logoshope.org/malta
