Yell Malta Issue 4 by bma_publications

Pick me u i’m FR p

Your reliable guide to what’s going on in the Maltese Islands

Yellmalta.co m

OCTOBER

2008

Iss ue

EE!

SPORT - Parklife - Skating Park Special ARTS & CULTURE

LEISURE

MUSIC

COMPETITION - Flip me over! TECH

FOOD

Entertainment

yellmalta.com

October 2008 Arts & Culture

Sport

Leisure

yellmalta.com

Music

SUN

SAT

FRI

THU

WED

TUE

MON

more on

Drawinks 728 - British High Commission, Ta’ Xbiex Souls and Spirit Creations National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta

Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta

Drawinks 728 - British High Commission, Ta’ Xbiex

Site visit at St. George’s Basilica - Victoria, Gozo

Bla Kondixin - Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta

Mediterranean Fine Food Festival - MCC, Valletta Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta Pictures in my mind - SJ Cav

The Piper’s Requiem Heritage Malta Head Office, Valletta The Evolution of Form - SJ Cav

Anima - the soul within Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu Souls and Spirit Creations National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta

Trafalgar Day Banquet and Exhibition Launch - St Ursula Hall, Cittadella Gozo CL - Man Utd v Celtic CL - Juve v Real Madrid

Music and Light - Manoel Theatre, Valletta

Bla Kondixin - Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta

Free Standing - Palazzo de la Salle, Valletta Anima - the soul within Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu

The Evolution of Form - SJ Cav

Mediterranean Fine Food Festival - MCC, Valletta Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta

Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta C - an Exhibition of Paintings Gallery E, Victoria Gozo

Anima - the soul within Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu The Evolution of Form - SJ Cav CL - Chelsea v Roma

Grand Prix de Malte - Valletta

Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta Malta Military Tattoo - MFCC, Ta’ Qali More Four Play -Manoel Theatre

Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta Ippermettili Nitlaq - SJ Cav Notte Bianca - Valletta Michael Bolton Concert - MFCC

Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta

101

things to do in

Souls and Spirit Creations National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta Drawinks 728 - British High Commission, Ta’ Xbiex

Puccini’s Turandot - Astra Theatre, Victoria Gozo

Bla Kondixin - Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta Fiorentina v Inter

Grand Prix de Malte - Valletta Blasted - SJ Cav, Valletta

The Rolex Middle Sea Race - start A Night in Casal Fornaro - Qormi Elles de Graaf - Sky Club, Paceville

More Four Play -Manoel Theatre, Valletta

Out of Fire - Heritage Malta, Valletta Bla Kondixin - Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta

The Rolex Middle Sea Race prize giving ceremony - MCC

Malta

Alarme! - Fort St Elmo, Valletta The Crossbreed Ensemble Manoel Theatre, Valletta Football - B’Kara v Sliema

Puccini’s Turandot - Astra Theatre, Victoria Gozo

Bla Kondixin - Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta BPL - Chelsea v Liverpool

Rugby - Malta vs Croatia

St Paul Choral Society Concert St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta

talk time. The new service will continue to offer massive benefits to its subscribers through Bay Arena parties and concerts, movies, big competitions and much more. Those interested in switching to Bay Mobile can port their current mobile numbers but, for those who prefer a new number and the association of 89.7 Bay, the prefix 9 897 is available with new numbers. Keep upto date by logging onto www.baymobile.com.mt

ide Your reliable gu on in to what’s going ands. the Maltese Isl

Editorial team: Greta Muscat Azzopardi, Richard Muscat Azzopardi, Gustav Pace, Nakita Vassallo Contributors: Robert Pisani, Mark Camilleri, Yolande Spiteri, Marta Migdalek Advertising Contacts: ads@bma.com.mt | +356 21 490 539

236, Mdina Road,Qormi QRM 9014, Malta (EU) t. +356 2149 0539 f. +356 2149 8893 e. info@bma.com.mt w. bma.com.mt

Art Director: Matt Bugeja Designers: Bertrand Fava, Malcolm Bonello Circulation/ Frequency: 25,000 / Monthly

Competition

This month Yell Malta is giving away two tickets to S T E A L T H 3, featuring a hot import from the Underground scene, Laura Heath. Simply answer the following questions, first to answer with all correct answers is our winner!! 1. How old is Laura Heath? 2. Which top London club (that no longer exists) did Laura Heath perform in? 3. Who are the founders of S T E A L T H? Send your answers to info@yellmalta.com or sms 5061 4300 (€0.47/ sms), you could be our lucky winner!

Part 3 Go on a harbour cruise. Most start from Sliema

Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta Malta Military Tattoo - MFCC “Il-Manifest tal-Killer” - MITP, Valletta

Puccini’s La Boheme - Aurora Theatre, Victoria Gozo Squadron Tod Terry - Sky Club

Bay Mobile Takes Off With Massive Offers! Finally! A mobile service made for younger people. With the backing of the successful Bay brand, Bay Mobile is the hottest new thing in telecommunications. Bay Mobile is a tailor made prepaid mobile telephony service geared for young people, and dedicated to provide fantastic offers on music, film and parties. Bay’s new customers will have the best possible mobile experience with offers and pricing which are specifically made for the younger generation. With 89.7 Bay already attracting a massive number of youngsters, Bay Mobile is assured a large loyal fan base due to its young and cool image and its focus on what matters most to their customers. Bay mobile has a strong knowledge of the market through 89.7 Bay, and has therefore prelaunched by giving away 200 free tickets to the TIESTO concert at the Bay Arena on September 20 (worth €30), and another 500 half price tickets and free

Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta Enfer ou Ciel - SJ Cav, Valletta In Guardia Parade - St Elmo Ippermettili Nitlaq - SJ Cav

Football - Malta v Hungary The Rolex Middle Sea Race Coastal Race No. 1

Mediterranean Fine Food Festival - MCC, Valletta Voices: Tell me why - MCC, Valletta Bach and beyond - Valletta WF

brought to you by Wander the streets of Mdina at night

Visit the Mosta church famous for its large dome

Visit the azure window in Gozo

Have a shot of Zeppi’s, a Maltese Bajtra (Prickly pear) liqueur

Relax at Gnejna bay

Go to a summer party at La Grotta nightclub in Gozo

Try a packet of Twistees (local packet snack)

yellmalta.com

Franz Ferdinand ready with new album Franz Ferdinand’s third album, the follow up to ‘You could have had it so much better’ is recorded and ready, revealed the band in a BBC News Interview. “The last record was fast, furious, frantic, 150 beats per minute,” said frontman Alex Kapranos. “It was like a teenager having sex. This one’s a bit more assured and a bit friendlier for the dancefloor. It’s about 104/105bpm. “It does sound different, and there are different instruments on the record, different tempos, a different attitude to making it. “But it’s always going to sound like a Franz Ferdinand record when it’s the four of us making it. It’s very much a dance record again this time.” The album is still without a title or firm release date but it’s expected to be out early 2009.

Noel Galagher injured in stage attack Noel Galagher was attacked on stage during a performance at the Virgin Festival in Toronto. Footage available on Youtube shows a man rushing on stage during a performance of 1995 classic ‘Morning Glory.’ The man barged into guitar playing Noel who slumped awkwardly on a set of speakers. “It looked like [Noel] was in quite a lot of pain,” said Bowman of the Pidgeon Detectives, who happened to be just in front of Noel when the incident happened. “It was pretty shit-cheap shot, just from the back, and Noel didn’t expect it coming. It certainly wiped him out.” After a few minutes of confusion, the band picked up their instruments and finished off the gig, but Noel was admitted to hospital for a CT scan which revealed three broken and dislodged ribs.

Smashing Pumpkins back for anniversary tour The smashing pumpkins are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a US tour and the launch of new single ‘G.L.O.W.’ Tickets will go on sale in mid October with the first concert set for October 26. A two disc DVD called ‘If All Goes Wrong’– featuring a documentary on their reunion, a collection of live performances, and a number of exclusive new tracks – will also go on sale. The current Smashing Pumpkins line up lacks two founding members, namely guitarist and occasional song writer James Iha and bassist D’Arcy Wretzky.

The Police are 2008’s best paid musicians

The Police were named by Forbes as the world’s top earning musicians, having earned $115 million in the last 12 months. They were followed by Beyonce Knowles, who bagged $80 million, and country music singersongwriter Toby Keith with $48 million. The Police banked heavily on their reunion tour which delivered a cool $28.3 million to each of the four members.

Céline Dion becomes Doctor Dion

Céline Dion was presented with an honorary doctorate in music from Laval University. The singer, who never finished high school, spoke about the importance of further education but said that “the school of life is also very important.” Celine, the youngest of 14 brothers and sisters, said it was “a very great honour for a little girl from Charlemagne.”

Serbia erects Bob Marley statue A statue of Bob Marley, meant to promote tolerance, was erected in Serbia.The inauguration ceremony of the statue was held in Banatski Sokolac, a northern part of the country and area of the ‘Rock Village’ music festival. The event was attended by several thousands people and hosted by two musicians from Serbia and Croatia. A message inscribed on the one-off monument says “Bob Marley fought for freedom armed with a guitar.”

Harry Potter

debuts on Broadway - Naked The American celebrity audience for Broadway’s premiere of Peter Shaffer’s play Equus got a little more than they bargained for when Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe appeared bare naked on stage. Reports said that the scene, which lasts for several minutes, is a full frontal set in bright lights. Equus is a 1973 play about a stable boy who blinds six horses with a metal rod in a fit of violence. Radcliffe, who plays the troubled boy, received high praise for his performance.

Arnold close to ‘Terminator Salvation’ Arnold Schwarzenegger can’t free himself from The Terminator. Despite serving as the Governor (or governator) of California, the once Hollywood star may mark his presence in the next installment of the movie titled ‘Terminator Salvation’. It has not been confirmed to what extent the actor will impersonate the ruthless cyborg, but comments by the film’s producer Moritz Borman suggest he may provide the cyborg’s voice. “Schwarzenegger is governing California,” said Borman. “He will not be, as a person, in the film.” Asked to clarify what not being present “as a person” meant, Borman was evasive. “I’m not going to answer the question about what we’re trying, or what we want, or what we’re toying with,” said the producer. “It’s really up to what fits in the film or not. Maybe his voice, or maybe not. It’s really not settled.” The movie features Christian Bale, Anton Yelchin, Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood, Common, Bryce Dallas Howard and Helena Bonham Carter. The international Premier is planned for May 22 2009.

‘Amelie’ star to play Coco Chanel Audrey Tautou, the star of ‘Amelie’ and ‘the Da Vinci Code’, will star as fashion world legend Coco Chanel. The movie, ‘Coco Avant Chanel’, will be about the fashion revolution propelled by Coco in 1910, when as a young designer, she opened her first boutique in Paris. Karl Lagerfeld, the artistic director of the Chanel House, is to supervise the movie production.

Guillermo del Toro for The Hobbit

Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens will cooperate with Guillermo del Toro over movie ‘The Hobbit’. The trio has already worked together on screenplays for ‘the Lords of the Rings’ trilogy. Shooting on Tolkien’s book adaptation is set to start late 2009. It is expected to Premiere around 2011 and 2012.

Natalie Portman splits with Devandra Banhart

Natalie Portman and folk singer Devandra Banhart have split according to People magazine. Portman, a longstanding fan of Banhart’s music, had appeared in the video of Carmensita, a single off the Banhart’s last album ‘Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon’. Meanwhile, Banhart announced he’ll be going on tour for his debut album for side project Megapuss. Multi-instrumentalist Greg Rogove and the Stroke’s Fabrizio Moretti will be collaborating.

Issue 04 • October 2008

yellmalta.com

Music

WOOO! Indie Pop Rise Up, Feel the Rush, I Kissed a Girl… takes a wooden heart and no ear drums to survive most nights out. But despair not; there’s good music, if you look well enough. After an agonizingly long wait, two necromancers gather once more for a night of cathartic Indie Pop. Expect Belle and Sebastian, the Smiths, the Arcade Fire, TV on the Radio, the White Stripes, Beat Happening, Sonic Youth, the Kinks, Peter Bjorn and John, Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros – in a nutshell tunes to renew your faith in love and music. It will all happen on October 18, starting at 10p.m. DJs Bob and ‘G for Gustav’ at the Velo Lounge, Lo Squero - just next to the Floriana Public Library. Entrance costs €2.

KS U t back brings iw ith a ….And we’re back to Campus! Here comes Freshers Week 2008 - undoubtedly the most prominent activity on the university students’ calendar. And this time its all in the hands of KSU (Kunsill ta’ l-Istudenti Universitarji) Secretary General Matthew Agius, who has worked immensely hard together with his team throughout summer to see this event happen. Along with the university administration, approximately 10,000 students, 3,000 of which are freshmen, set foot on campus to commence yet another year full of studies, activities, challenges and all other experiences university life offers. The Central Quadrangle is sure to be flooded by students like no other time during the year. “Students wait in anticipation for this event since it reunites them together and gears them up for yet another fulfilling year,” Mr. Agius said. As everyone is busy rushing around campus to check for their final timetables, they also

Michael Bolton live in concert Multiple Grammy Award winner Michael Bolton will be performing at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali on October 4 to the delight of his numerous fans. Bolton has sold over 53 million records and has the rare honour of having sung with Pa-

varotti and Ray Charles, written songs with Bob Dylan, and created hits for Barbara Streisand. Bolton recently released new album ‘Bolton Swings Sinatra’ – a collection of songs made famous by Frank Sinatra including classics like ‘New York, New

York’ and ‘Fly Me to the Moon’. Tickets to the concert organised by NNG promotions cost from €30 to €100. More information can be found on www.nngpromotions.com

! g n a b

get the chance to encounter student organisations’ exhibits, meet up with old colleagues and friends, and also be exposed to the best products and services on the market. Agius explained how the quadrangle is to be split and, as his fingers travelled across the map and he recalled the various companies which will be attending this event, one could confirm how truly colourful, packed and diverse this event is going to be. When discussing the importance of Student activism, and how apathy seems to sometimes get the better of many students, Mr. Agius pointed out how truly important Student organisations are in improving university life. Student organizations are not only a great way to meet new people and share common interests, but also to help bridge the gap from the school bench and life after university. These organizations not only help a person grow holistically but also give life to the whole campus.

The jam-packed week draws itself to a great close with The big on Campus Party ‘FRISK’ on October 3 from 8pm onwards in the University Quadrangle. Featuring DJs Clayton J and J Joy, and an after party at Hacienda, we’re sure this is one party you can’t miss!

Issue 04 • October 2008

yellmalta.com

MUSIC

Clubbing in October by Nakita Vassallo Despite moving into the winter season, various top-notch clubbing events are going on all around the Islands. On Saturday October 4, Ruby & Friends take us for another unforgettable journey – this time to the movie capital of the world Hollywood. R&F Hollywood is taking place at D-CODE Club in Gozo, the new revamped and refurbished club formerly known as XS in Victoria Gozo. Their will be Tech-House and

minimal sounds from Luc Adams and Duncan F, and Progressive and Techno sounds from DJ Ryan and Glenn Frantz, leading up to a massive four hour set from the man himself DJ Ruby. Ruby & Friends 61Hollywood is actually taking place on the grand opening night of D-CODE. After the massive successes of the past STEALTH events, the fast-growing underground concept is back – this time swith

Laura Heath, a true

definition of an underground DJ is coming to Malta. At just 21 years of age, this London based DJ has graced the decks of some of the world’s finest clubs, such as Turnmills & The Cross in London and Privilege in Ibiza. Laura has just returned from a successful season in Ibiza where she played at some of the major clubs and headlined some of the minor parties at the white isle, “with some lasting effect,” say Ibiza clubbers. Laura was made resident at 04+ in Leicester and played alongside some of the biggest names in the dance circuit such as Slam, Jamie Mc Hugh, Kevin Gorman, Misc and many other top Djs. From then on she decided to work on her brainchild

‘Neverneverland’ in her hometown, which was hosted at the legendary Cross. The end of 2007 saw Laura touring around Austria and eastern Europe playing alongside Lucca, Chris Liebing and Defex. Great feedback and top comments from top DJs in the industry have given her the determination to push things a step further and take it to the next level. This year, Laura has toured in Bulgaria and Sardegna, and is also expected to perform in Bolivia, before coming to our shores for the upcoming Stealth event. The first Stealth event held last April proved what Stealth is about; a true passion for quality dance music. A followup was strongly requested and, last June, a rocking Boat Party started off the summer of 2008

with a bang. Stealth events is the creation of Ben Borg & Carl Farrugia who are both the major promoters/DJ’s behind this phenomenon. Ben & Carl perform under their DJ names as Bengy & Audiofreak, and have delivered some mind blowing sets for the dedicated underground crowd. For Stealth 3, happening on Saturday October 11 at Escape Club (formerly known as Duke’s, in St. George’s Bay St Julians) - apart from Bengy and Audiofreak - the ever rising local talent Luc Adams and the internationally respected producer/DJ Glenn Frantz will be gracing the decks to guarantee a top notch night. A limited number of tickets are available. Get yours early to avoid disappointment.

the added spice of a foreign import – Laura Heath. Laura Heath is a true Underground DJ, having DJed at the world’s finest clubs and played alongside some of the biggest names in the industry at the tender age of 21. ‘Committed to Underground’, the STEALTH team will host STEALTH 3 on Saturday the October 11 at Escape Club, formerly known as Duke’s, at St. George’s Bay, St. Julians. Quality dance music will be

delivered to you by Luc Adams, Glenn Frantz and the hosts for the night Bengy (Ben Borg) and Audiofreak (Carl Farrugia). It’s an event not to be missed for all you Underground music lovers! Only a limited number of tickets available. On the same night, at Sky Club in Paceville, Squadron presents the house music legend Todd Terry, together with scratch master DJ Godfather. The producer behind the 2008

hit single ‘Infinity 2008’, Guru Josh Project, is coming this way. Guru Josh Project will be featured on two different nights – Friday the October 17 at Sky Club in Paceville and Saturday October 18 at D-CODE club, Victoria, Gozo. Soul Furik returns for the 8th edition on Saturday October 18. It’s all happening at Molecule, Gianpula – Djs Ziggy, Mahoney and Luc Adams will be playing the night away...

Fresh + Funky TV -

Shilloo’s Tree to impress with two new songs. By Marta Migdalek

Shilloo’s Tree has undergone a number of transformations in its 11 year history. Originally conceptualised as an instrument only garage band, it has now turned into a professional act with prospects going far beyond the garage door. The band’s latest addition was new flesh - a long awaited vocalist in the form of Max Dingli, who adds to the band’s image and seems to be pushing it in the right direction. His gentle but throaty voice goes well with the witty lyrics to enhance the band’s potential. It was Max’s arrival which encouraged Shilloo’s Tree to create their own repertoire and perform live. Over last yearm the band released four singles: ‘Waiting for your smile’, ‘Breakfast serial’ , ‘Fourteen’ and ‘Expression’. The productions are available online on blogs and various music buffs’ websites where vox populi decides for the enter-

tainment barons. The band’s most popular song, ‘Breakfast serial’, was featured as Garageband’s (an online music hot spot) Funk Track of the week and voted song of the day for three times. Unsurprisingly this led local radio stations to play the song repeatedly, in response to the general support for the band. Shilloo’s Tree is to release two brand new songs soon. Both songs carry true Shilloo’s characteristics - unpredictability and originality. The first, released in the last week of September under a somewhat ambiguous title, ‘Ride my horse’, is a mixture of blues and funky rock with a slight touch of country added purposefully for a big laugh. We move onto a strikingly different style to ‘Jam’ which unravels the band’s flair for heavier sounds. ‘Jam’, out in the first week of October, is runs on a fast tempo and a hard

rock style with Shilloo’s typical funky slow-down bridge at the end. The plucked and harsh sound of guitar riffs is soothed by Max’s voice, which echoes band’s regular irregularities. It is quite plain to see that the boys make sure their audience is perpetually surprised. Well, seems that the name Shilloo’s Tree (say the name quickly and think in Maltese for an instant) is there for a reason.

has been around for all the Summer 2008 TV schedule on ONE TV. The show, co-hosted by deejay Clayton J (89.7 Bay) and Matthew (U-Bahn), featured the hottest contemporary music videos, from artists like Bob Sinclar, Ting Tings, Taio Cruz, Madonna, Britney Spears and The Verve. It kept to the genre-rotation, no-repeat policy. It also showcased top showbiz stories - who did what, when, why - which kept all the tele-viewers up to date with local events like parties and concerts. The show also gave away a good number of VIP tickets & passes to large scale-events around the Maltese Islands, such as David Guetta, Groove Armada, Green Velvet Eric Prydz, Tiesto, Todd Terry and Global Deejays parties. The good news is that Fresh & Funky has been re-confirmed for the winter schedule as well, so get ready for more!! Fresh and Funky mainly targets the youth segment but is an eye and pleaser to practically anyone, thanks to its virtual graphics and wide array of original TV effects. The 30-minute show includes over ninety different camera shots, all in the able hands of Jan Mifsud. The program’s official editor is experienced Jason Parnis whilst directed by Emanuel Bonnici at Blitz Graphics. Viewers are welcomed to send in feedback, suggestions and music video requests on fresh&funky@one.com.mt, or simply by filling in the shoutbox on the official website www.freshandfunky.tv

Issue 04 • October 2008

yellmalta.com

Music

Album reviews by

Robert Pisani

Santogold

SIGUR ROS Med Sud I Eryum Vid Spilum Endalaust

Self-Titiled (2008)

(With a Buzz in our Ears we play Endlessly) 2008 EMI

Lizard King It is inevitable that Santogold will be compared to M.I.A. After all, both are outspoken women of Indian heritage who cut their chops in the music industry at an early age. Both artists also employed the same producers (Switch and Diplo) for their albums, but in reality that’s were it stops. See Santogold (aka Santi White) writes pop music for other musicians such as Lilly Allen and Ashlee and this pop sensibility bleeds into her music. During the first half of the album there are hooks and choruses aimed strictly at the dancefloor. M.I.A., on the other hand, gives the middle finger to pop and masticates it with a barrage of beats, while dousing it thickly with irony. Santogold is not interested in these renegade tactics - she just wants to make intelligent pop songs. The album starts out with one of the strongest songs L.E.S. Artistes, a ditty that is primarily about what is real and fake in the world today (this is further exemplified by the track’s promo video). It displays all of Santogold’s strengths - her powerful voice, an instantly recognizable song and strong lyrics. She made sure to pick a great song as a statement of her mission to the world. Santogold also has a knack of genre hopping, thus during the first half of ‘Santogold’ we get ‘indie’ (You’ll find a way, Say aha) , Reggae and Dancehall (Shove it and Creator, respectively), and dub ( My

Superman). All is presented in a pop sheen. The album’s last hurrah comes with the second single and second strongest track, ‘Lights Out’, a simply irresistible bouncy song. Unfortunately the rest of the record does not follow up to the strengths of the first half and, what we get is a clutch of half baked dub exercises, all moving at tortoise pace. The sheer exhilaration at the beginning turns into disappointment and boredom. The bonus remix of ‘You’ll Find a way’ that is tacked on to the end doesn’t help lift up spirits - clearly a case of side two syndrome. However I am definitely not going to dismiss Santogold, after all this is a debut and a promising but flawed debut often leads to a much stronger second album. Santogold has now proved what she is capable of and I’m sure that the second time round she’ll come back with a vengeance. At the moment pretend that ‘Santogold’ is a mini album and enjoy the thrills and spills of the first seven tracks.

When I first heard Takk, the 2005 Sigur Ros album, I thought the band had fallen into a rut. True, ambient passages and high pitched cooed vocals in a made up language sound haunting but, over the course of four albums, it was tiring. The dead horse had been flogged for too long and something had to change. Come June and Sigur Ros released a taster mp3 of the upcoming fifth album. ‘Gobbledigook’ it’s called and it sounded totally unlike anything they had done. With a thumping drum, jagged acoustic guitars and a general sense of joyous abandon, it sounded more like Animal Collective than Sigur Ros – the band known for tortoise paced tracks. The new song was fresher than a newly caught fish, a clear sign that album number five would shock. Upon receiving the album, I ripped off the plastic covering

and flung the disc so savagely, I thought I damaged my discman. I had already heard ‘Gobbledigook’ and it sounded even better through headphones. The second track, ‘Inni Mer Syngur Vitleysingur’ - best described as an orchestral convoluted folk tune - confirmed that Sigur Ros had changed. Unfortunately the rest of the album does not follow up on the shock opening two tracks. Still, it’s not quite business as usual. Instead of melancholy, there’s a sunny vibe which permeates the record as a whole. Listen to epicenter track ‘Festival’ and you’ll see what I mean. In other places, there is a playful, loose approach to songs and it suits them perfectly. Recorded in their native Rekjavik , London , New York and Havana, Med Sed is also the group’s most ambitious album to date. Enlisting producer Flood (who

worked with the Smashing Pumpkins, Goldfrapp and Pj Harvey to name a few) and utilizing a 90 strong orchestra/choir, it’s a grand statement of a record, though not bloated or overstuffed. Instead of tiring, it delights and entices with more spins. It seems that Sigur Ros chose the right time for a career turnaround. Add the dazzling live shows that have had people foaming at the mouth and you can see why they’re considered one of the best bands in the world today.

Holiday

Cambodia

Dengue Fever VENUS ON EARTH (2008) REAL WORLD

If I had to write about the band rather than the album, the article would have had to be ten pages long. Disease, Jail, prolonged visas you name it – it has happened to the sextet. The long troublesome journey has given a lot flavor and character to Dengue Fever and it has all culminated to this third offering. Without going into the finer details of the band’s history, I will give some background on the band. They hail from L.A. but one member, Ethan Holtzman, went to Cambodia and fell in love with their style of music which is roughly a mixture of lounge rock, surf rock and pyschedelia. On returning to America, Holtzman formed a band of like-minded intention and managed to rope in as front

woman Cambodia’s biggest pop star Chhom Nimol. There’s so much more to the tale but I’ll zoom straight to Album number three. ‘Venus on Earth’ marks a change as they have steered away from covering Cambodian rock standards to produce an album of original material. It is not easy to get into at first. Dengue sing most of the tracks in Khmer and Nimol’s voice often borders on the squeaky. But give it a chance. After a few spins you will understand and it will all shine in its marvelous nature. The album starts to find its feet by the third song ‘Tiger Phone Card’ - a call and response ditty with a confident swagger. But it’s not all twangy surf guitars, big drums and psychotic saxophones. ‘Tooth and Nail’ is a flute driven ballad of wide-eyed

beauty and closer ‘Mr. Orange’ can make anyone sway to the rhythm like a leaf to the wind. Within these pages, I have continuously extolled how traditional indie-rock has been able to incorporate different cultures within its musical schema. Whether it is the African beats of Vampire Weekend, MGMT and TV on the Radio, or the Romanian folk cribbed by Gogol Bordello and Devotchka, rock dalliance with foreign cultures is becoming more and more prominent. Dengue Fever are not bandwagon jumpers but one of the more interesting examples of the new wave of bands. I thought of ending this review by saying that Dengue Fever (the band) are similar to Dengue Fever (the disease), but I censored myself, so I’ll end on this point.

Issue 04 • October 2008

yellmalta.com

CCTulture O s&

Notte Bianca

4th – 5th October 2008 Notte Bianca is an all-night event held in Valletta, a World Heritage site. Notte Bianca offers its audience the opportunity to visit all kinds of buildings and events free of charge. It embodies the spirit of an ‘open city’, where, for one whole night till the morning hours, Valletta’s monuments are open and accessible to all. The Museums will be opening free of charge for the first time. Art exhibitions, film projections and live music will be organized at the same time as traditional festivities, crafts, song and food as well as a fashion show and gigs by rock bands all over the capital. For the full programme please visit www.nottebiancamalta.com

Scent -

St. John’s Cavalier, Valletta. Grech’s choice in ‘Scent’ Picture this. The Embassy of one rather heavy - is butchered the Order of St. John is hosting meat. Dark and morbose, it’s five of our top artists in what again a post mortem analysis might be the best exhibition, but, unlike Briffa’s, the bone and surely the best collective, of 2008. Vince Briffa, Anton Grech, glimmers in elegant blues that haunt in the dim hall of St John. Austin Camilleri, Pawl Carbonaro and John Grima brought out Craftily, Grech does not a good share to impress at the exhibition ‘Scent’, on show until tackle the subject matter on canvas or in formaldehyde (if October 18. ever we had to see such a thing in Malta). He chooses a four Briffa, in his set of eight wooden panel setting, sensually mutilated X-rays, intelligently painted in translucence between evokes two contrasting feelings - the curiosity in gazing at neatly the two dead matters, in what a framed altered X rays, and the photographer could only achieve tender feelings aroused by the at a close distance, just enough poetry which replaces the little to smell the discomforting odor medical tags. of clotting blood, raw meat, and uncovered bone.

Art lendar Ca

till the 7th

4th-11th till 12th till 18th till 26th 21th - 29th till 31st till 31st from the 5th from the 9th from the 24th

dates

event

Arts & Culture

location

Valletta

A selection of ongoing exhibitions during October Pastels Society Malta Annual Exhibition

Palazzo De La Salle

Free Standing

Palazzo de la Salle

Souls and Spirit Creations

National Museum of Fine Arts

Scent

Atrium St. John Cavalier

The Evolution of Form

Atrium St.James Cavalier

Marine Art Exhibition

Sentinella Hall, Gozo

Drawinks 728

British High Commission, Ta’ Xbiex

Anima - the soul within

The Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu

Anima del Circo

Malta Maritime Museum, Vittoriosa

C - an Exhibition of Paintings

E Gallery - Victoria, Gozo

Out of Fire

Heritage Malta, Merchant Street

If Grech did without the turbulent blood red, Camilleri delved headfirst in his five compositions, which are partly plastered to focus on the essential. Through striking balance with white, one feels like he is in front of the first visions in between death and life, adorned with earthy bubbling blood red and the mystical hazy white of an afterlife. It is hard to see who is under analysis in these quasi-Rorschach Inkblot Test configurations... a few scribbles from Camilleri are scraped into the clinical white which partially cover his compositions. This time, the message is not coming

across from the dead as the previous two - it is distant, lonely and crypted. If by then, the above three would not have provided a good enough jolt, Carbonaro (achieving levels on par to his father) boggles with abstracts of a calibre we rarely see in Malta. Thick, rough and stubborn strokes build up his best paintings on show; one can sense the psychical strain in Carbonaro’s brushes that portray the tight and well-balanced landscape of the constrained, mature mind. The last on show is John Grima’s work which delivers the brightest and most open

Above: Briffa, Grech, Camilleri, Carbonaro, Grima from left to reight respectively

abstract pieces on display. As one viewer said at the opening ceremony held in aid of the St Patrick’s Salesian Residential School, the colours run all over the place. They are an interesting set of paintings, which tackle the beauty of floral colours that can drift into hallucinogenic hues of joy. ‘Scent’ can only have positive appraises from my part. Although we’re not all Cavaliers, a visit to St. John to view such quality pieces revives national pride. It’s the year’s must visit and one which handsomely rewards your time and effort.

Writes Bertrand Fava, Photography Daniel Cilia©

Malta Military Tattoo

The 5th Malta Military Tattoo, scheduled for Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2008, will provide an entertaining atmosphere of precision marching, formation displays and above all good music. Besides, there will also be other spectacular performances to be held for the first time at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, at Ta` Qali. Following the success of last year’s show and its growing reputation, this year the Tattoo promises to be the biggest ever presented and will definitely be one of the top events in Malta for 2008.

Patrons are being encouraged to prebook their seats for one of the two performances of the Tattoo - Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th October 2008 - to be part of this great entertaining precision display/musical experience and avoid disappointment, as tickets sell very fast. This year participating bands/groups will come from Turkey, Estonia, Wales, Scotland and Malta. For more Information call: 21376312 or e-mail info@maltamilitarytattoo.org; booking@maltamilitarytattoo.org

yellmalta.com

Issue 04 • Oct

Sports

by alek Marta Migd

been socially rejected for alta’s skateboarders had M to ill-founded associations arly 30 years. Tainted by

ne al counious attacks. Sliema’s loc vandalism, they faced var ida’s Ms d an at the Promenade cil banned skateboarding ida Ms ly skate venue - the wanted to turn Malta’s on garden. c roundabout – into a publi Jensen be beaten and, as Chris t But true passion canno ph. um tri for sity is an incentive De Souza testifies, adver into ts en nm to pester local gover De Souza was the gadfly iasoc As s er’ Malta’s Skateboard action. He helped launch eo vid ny ma s to the media and tion and countless letter park events later, light ap documentations of skate tunnel. peared at the end of the ion Skateboarder’s Associat The determination of the few a of lp ough without the he would not have been en De le with skills and power. favourably disposed peop ro” He r pe on of his “Mr Su Souza made special menti ad he as ll we George Pullicino, as environmental minister n Coleiro. architect and art buff Iva ng, Coleiro supervised the With the minister ’s blessi feedtaking crucial hints and work on the skate-park, ent of sid Pre like De Souza and back from skateboarders rco. the MSA Micheal Dema weekly basis. This was the Plans were changed on a to be ages and things needed big break after the dark as the s on s exceeded expectati up to scratch. The result hest hig the ced a skate-park of €233,000 project produ standards. world from Istanbul to Ho “I’ve skated around the ” ss. cla rld o doubts, it’s wo nolulu,” said De Souza. “N s a high risk of injury, a rie As skateboarding car zards. re taken to minimize ha number of measures we ct rfe re designed for pe Rumps, rails and edges we texture increase the risk in smoothness, as changes ial s made of a special mater of falling. The ground wa ls. fal ns concrete, cushio which, unlike the standard hitects to focus on adarc The location forced the kids as shields to prevent the ditional measures such tor vehicles. from launching into mo a sense of logic to calcu“You’ve also got to have in any trick,” said Demarco late the risk before doing the to y g out of the subwa reference to safety. “Fallin sense and little skateof k street simply means lac boarding skills.” s officially opened on The Msida Skatepark wa come a shelter for skater February 2008. It has be on ssi can explore their pa kids, a place where they d e all, one especially create and improve skills. Abov n. y can call their ow for their use and one the we needed as now we can at “The skate park is wh and we get a lot out of it,” spend our free time here on oarder before ‘grinding ’ said a 12-year-old skateb rails. one of the park’s longer t the park is not just t Demarco pointed ou tha to track down talents. a playground as it ser ves s with good potential to Sacha and Zac are too kid ntly, the MSA is fosterbe noticed he said. Curre career and De Souza, as ing Sasha’s international ds out Sasha’s footage in his mentor, regularly sen nsorship deal. hope of landing him a spo the story of a long is The Msida skate park practice a sport. It tells struggle for the rights to st and a social inability a story of mutual distru young generations. to recognise the needs of park has ser ved well and Undoubtedly, the skate an end. put many animosities to

Football highlights in October October offers two rounds of international football, with Malta facing opposition abroad in the form of Denmark, and then locally against Hungary on the 15th. It would be nice if the support which turned up to watch the game against the Samba football of Portugal could make it back to the stadium to watch Malta challenge one of Europe’s best performers in the early world cups. Hungary has produced a number of giants on the European scene, and, now coached by former Feyenoord coach Erwin Koeman, the current crop of players will be doing their best to make it out of this difficult group. In a month disrupted by an international break we still manage to find a few gems in club football around Europe. The top fixture of the month has to be the clash between Europe’s giants in Torino on the 21st. The Old Lady of football clashes with the Galacticos in a match which will see the two probable

qualifiers of Group H locking horns to try and secure the top spot, even though Zenit St Petersburg might still mount a surprise challenge if they play their cards right. On the same night anyone interested in English football will surely be glued to a TV watching the Battle of Britain. English & European champions Manchester United take on the champions of Scotland in an explosive match where no quarter shall be asked or given. As for the rest, we have a couple of major clashes in both the English Premier League and Serie A. Liverpool face some tough opposition in the form of a high flying Manchester City and Chelsea and shall be really tested following their explosive start to the season. The BOV Premier League will only see a few matches since there will be a weekend reserved for U-Bet trophy action in addition to the international break.

tober 2008

yellmalta.com

Sports

A Not So Ordinary

Man

Robert Kubica Outperforming Kimi Räikkönen on an inferior car, Rober Kubica is this season’s real revelation. Marta Migdalek takes a look at his career.

Matches you can’t afford to miss! Cup FIFA Worldiers

2010

Qualif d vs Khazakstan :15 Englan 18 : th

Sat 11 enmark vs Malta Sat 11th: 20:15 D ulgaria vs Italy Sat 11th: 20:15 B Malta vs Hungary Wed 15th: 19:30 d Belarus vs Englan 0 :3 20 : th 15 ed W ro Italy vs Monteneg 0 :5 20 : th 15 ed W

e agu e L ’ s n io p m c ti a el Ch Utd vs C

Premier League* Sun 5th : 16:00 Man City vs Liverpool Sun 26th : 13:30 Chelsea vs Liverpool

Serie A*

Sun 19th : 15:00 an Roma vs Internazionale FC Tue 21st: 20:45 M rid ad M l ea R vs s tu ven Sun 26th: 14:00 Tue 21st: 20:45 Ju a om R vs a se el h C Juventus vs Torino Wed 22nd: 20:45 Wed 29th: 19:30 Fiorentina vs Internazionale FC *Times for domestic league games (esp Serie A and Premier League) tend to be shuffled depending on Champions League commitments and for televising of key matches. New times might be announced as close as one week in advance, so please make sure to check times & dates of all matches closer to the date.

Kubica’s passion for motor vehicles has always been fervent. He started pestering his parents for one as a child. The unusual determination of this four-year-old car maniac made it unbearable to his folks as they treated Robert to a small off-road vehicle which was soon to be replaced by a go-kart. At that point none of the signals conveyed by Robert were received as hallmarks of a future champion. Being an ordinary boy from the then undeveloped and sheltered Poland was not an obstacle but rather a stimulus to get better-off. In fact, the post-communist reality was an incentive for a Poland’s Junior Champion to leave everything behind. As a 13-year-old boy Kubica moved to Italy - a country passionate about races- where, living by himself, he was given the opportunity to pursue his goals. Kubica’s first appearance in Formula Grand Prix in 2006 in Hungaro ring in Budapest was rather unexpected. The then test driver for the BMW Sauber team was chosen by its management to replace his unfit to race teammate, Jacques Villeneuve. Robert’s debut exposed his good racing skills and an untamed temper. Suffice to say, he crossed the finish line 9th, ahead of his more experienced teammate Nick Heidfeld. “It makes no difference if you replace Jacques Villeneuve or another driver,” he had said after the successful debut. “I think it was difficult for him, not for me.” It did not take long for the F1 rookie to force himself into the F1 champions’ row. Two races after his debut the Pole struck gold with a podium, finishing in third position. Never in

history had a driver made the podium within his first three races. Robert’s potential and prominence have been quickly appreciated by Polish people. In fact, he has become a national hero to the idol-hungry Poles. The nation’s ardent need for success only boosted Kubica’s fame; he has become a national pride and the most vigorous form of the country’s publicity. “Robert is recognized immediately. The Poles need another hero and Formula One is the best field to give one,” explains Robert’s father Arthur, in reference to a magazine cover which featured the Formula One racer accompanied by John Paul II and Lech Walesa. The 24-year-old idol is loved for his perfection when behind the wheel and a down to earth attitude in everyday life. Robert’s unwavering willpower to become a champion stirs up Polish enthusiasm even more. “I’m trying to score as many points as possible for each weekend and get as much as I can out of the car. If the maximum can be achieved and it’s good enough to win the championship in the last race, then you think about the championship.” Since 2006, when ‘Kubicomania’ was unleashed, interest in the sport in Poland has been aroused dramatically. The country, which till then had little racing culture, has suddenly become Formula One crazy. The 2008 Grand Prix of Hungary, was attended by 60,000 Polish fans, nearly doubling the turnout from year before. Not surprisingly thus, the FIA is considering racing on Kubica’s mother soil in the future.

Issue 04 • October 2008

yellmalta.com

Food

The

Famished Studentquick guide

A re fuelling on

Lectures cause hunger.

There haven’t been any scientific studies on the hypothesis but students know it as a fact. Those exposed to classroom atmosphere report a number of peculiar symptoms: grumbling stomach, dwindling attention span and, most of all, a strong tendency to fantasize about food. Eating well on campus is a challenge every student faces. The unimaginative resort to the the mad dash in between lectures – in other words, seek access to closest calorific content and shove it down. But it does not have to be that way. University is a big place and there’s an ever growing variety of food available. With a bit of thought and some planning, munching hunger away can become a pleasure and a tremendous boost to health and mental stamina. The Yell squad sat down with a few volume-fulls of scientific research to sort out the facts on eating right.

Eating Healthy in 5 lines

There’s a reason why diet books come and go - most of them are rubbish. The basics of a healthy diet have hardly changed over the last decades. Swamp your plate with vegetables, add some whole grains and a small portion of protein rich food. Eat regularly and in small portions. Easy right? Not quite when you are rushing from one lecture to the next. For short-cuts, it may be helpful to follow some of our rules of thumb.

Will that deep fried pie kill me? Tough question; scientifically speaking no. For a very long time, people assumed that saturated fats increase levels of bad cholesterol which leads to heart disease. Turns out that the link was never scientifically proven and, study after study, the hypothesis has failed to hold. A 2006 US federal study which followed 49,000 women for eight years is the biggest study to date. Women who ate a fat laden diet had the same rates of heart disease, strokes and cancers as the rest. When it comes to weight loss and weight gain, it’s different. Fried food is very high in calories and, very often, low in nutritious content. If you are overweight, it’s best to avoid.

Carbohydrates OR Protein?

The high protein diet debate seems likely to go on and sadly, we don’t have the definitive answer. Still, we do enjoy our bread and pasta so we’d rather consume a balanced diet. Remember that whole grain carbohydrates are more healthy as they satisfy hunger pangs and keep you fuelled for longer periods. Furthermore, whole grains are gentler on insulin which helps prevent diabetes – a condition which plagues the Maltese.

Caffeine, caffeine, give me caffeine

There’s nothing wrong with caffeine. It does not increase blood pressure. It won’t give you cancer and coffee won’t make you pee any more than water does. Enjoy your caffeine but know your sources well.

Coffee OR Tea? Yes Please

Contrary to the myth, tea does not have more caffeine than coffee. Depending on the blend of tea leaves and the amount of brewing time, a cup of tea can have anything from 20 to 90 milligrams of caffeine. A similar serving of coffee varies from 60 to 180milligrams. Decaffeinated coffee has less than five milligrams. Energy drinks vary in caffeine levels, but a small can of Red Bull has as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

Wrapping up

Time and money spent into eating the right food is time well spent. Apart from the health benefits, it’s a great way to spend time with the people you like. You’ll miss it when your university days are over.

It’s also good to know that protein tends to promote wakefulness and alertness, while carbohydrates help unwind and set people to sleep.

SOUTHERN GREAT WITH COCKTAILS COMFORT The versatility of Southern Comfort whisky was recently highlighted at a press lunch and cocktails organised by local representatives Charles Grech & Co Ltd at Al Mare restaurant, Valletta. Guinness Book of Records cocktail record holder Mr. Richard Pons gave an impressive demonstration that included several cocktails made using Southern Comfort. Just so you can try this at home (we sure did!), the Yell team is sharing its newly found knowledge of cocktail making using Southern Comfort.

SOCITO

nge version o & Bitter Ora This is the SoC s mojito: the world famou

rt Sothern Comfo s ge ed w Lime Sugar Mint leaves nie, Fanta Drink (ex Kin Bitter Orange Amara, etc) and mint e lime wedges th of e m so sh Cru together om of a tumbler tt bo e th at es gar. Add leav spoonfuls of su of le up co a h it w and 4cl of mint and lime e or m e m so e, ic ink and bitter orange dr e last SoCo. Top with garish with on lime wedge.

COMFORTABLE SQUEEZE Southern Comfort Orange Ju ice Wedge of orange Fill a tall g lass of Southern with ice. Add 4cl C with orang omfort and fill e juice. Ga rnish with orange we dge.

Issue 04 • October 2008

yellmalta.com

Style

must-haves

for October 2 1

Moving into the autumn season, here are our top five picks for the month to keep you in-line with the upcoming trends.

Va-voom...volume! Brights are back - We’re thrilled

Pairing streamlined bottoms such as tailored trousers or leggings with billowing blouses or jackets, sack dresses or trapeze jackets is not easy, but if you pull it off you’ll stand out as a prime fashionista. Try cinching the waist with a belt to show off your waistline.

Brights are back - we’re thrilled! In contrast to Autumn of 2007, where it was all black and white, this autumn bright is in! It’s going to be tricky for those attached to plain and neutral items.

4 Fringes are not just for cowboys... For the brave there are dresses, jackets and coats. For the less brave, there are beautiful soft bags adorned with fringes, or boots, as seen on Sienna Miller. This trend looks like it’s here to stay for a while.

3 The peep-toe boots go mains

tream!

Peep toe boots are everywher e. This trend hit the catwalk around six months ago, and now it’s in the high str eet. These boots are cute, quirky and original, and they look great with skinn ies!

5 Longing it The skirts of the season are floorlength, or mid-calf. An easy trend to pick up, and luckily it suits all body shapes. Hurray!

Plum nails

Make-up Trends for

Juicy plum is taking over as a key colour for nails after last season’s bark blue and black. Dark plum is sophisticated and feminine and most importantly goes well with the rest of the colour palette for autumn and winter.

Autumn

Bright red lips The seductive 1940s screen goddess look is back with bright full lips ranging from blood red to fire-engine red and tangerine. Wear it with smoky eyes and a sleek hair-do for full on glamour or dark eye brows and little else to create drama.

Winter Metallic eyes

Explore your dark side For the colder months, smoky has gone black, creating dramatic eyes that combine rock chick with glamour. From Blade Runner inspired blocks of black teamed with bright red lips to extended sixties thick eyeliner a la Amy Winehouse, the future is black.

Gold, copper and bronze are all the rage for Autumn creating a shimmering metallic effect. Two looks stand out from the runways: one colour gold as shown by Bottega Veneta or well blended smoky eyes combining golden shades with dark brown and black, as seen on Versace’s runways.

In the pink Soft pink blusher is back as seen on the catwalks of Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui and Mark Jacobs. This look works well with natural barely there make-up and a flawless complexion. A dramatic elfin look can be created by adding berry stained lips whilst keeping eye make-up to a minimum – a key trend for this season.

Professional Photography Fashion, Products, Commercial or Artistic – will work on commission. Studio photography also available. Get in touch and start building your portfolio today. All at very reasonable rates.

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Issue 04 • October 2008

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Tech //tech bytes Xbox 360 Price Cut Microsoft has slashed the price of the basic Xbox 360 from €199 to €179 to establish its console as the cheapest on the European market. The 60BG premium has been reduced to €239 while the 120Gig Elite to €299. Meanwhile, Sony announced that there will be no price cut for the Playstation 3 in Europe before 2009. Currently, the 80Gigabye version of the Playstation 3, which includes Blu-Ray, retails at €399. Microsoft launches free Photosynth Microsoft have launched a revolutionary new on-line software, by the name of Photosynth, which allows users to combine photos into a slick 3-D context walk through experience. The software combines photos of a contiguous area into a seamless world which can be navigated and viewed smoothly from different perspectives at variable levels of detail. “If we’re successful with this, we’ve actually invented a new media type that’s halfway between photos, computer games and video,” said David Gedye, a group manager at Photosynth. The software is available for free and can be used by anyone with a moderately powerful computer and decent digital camera. It requires users to open an account at Photosynth. com and to install an 8mb software download. The service goes down as one of the more exciting developments in internet software and may well become a new internet phenomenon.

Website of the month

Sarah Palin shows how NOT to set up email Governor Sarah Palin was left with a security headache after a hacker broke into her email account and posted screenshots of her emails on whistle blower site wikileaks.com . No compromising material was revealed but the leak exposed that the moose killing hockey mum knows little about on-line security. It emerged that Palin was using a common yahoo account – gov.palin@yahoo.com - to conduct government business. Furthermore, according to a confession by the anonymous hacker, breaking in her email account was easy. The hacker used the password recovery feature and answered a security question about the place she met her husband. The answer ‘Wasilla High’ was readily available on Google search. Some emails exposed were “Draft letter to Governor Schwarzenegger / Container Tax,”“FW: Motor Fuel Tax Suspension,” and “FW: CONFIDENTIAL Ethics Matter.” USB 3.0 Revealed Intel has revealed some juicy details on UBS 3.0 - the upcoming high speed transfer interface. The interface will be backwards compatible but the big news is that it will have a theoretical transfer speed of 4.8Gps, which would be ten times faster than USB 2.0. Actual transfer rates will be limited by memory write speeds but transfer speeds of a gigabye per second are to be expected on solid state drives. Devices using USB 3 may not appear before late 2009.

USB 3.0

Google nibbles into Internet Explorer’s market share

Google’s new web browser Chrome has gained a market share of just under 1 percent according to internet market tabbers Net Applications. The sole loser was Microsoft’s Internet Explorer as its market share dipped while all alternative browsers registered modest gains. The public trial version of Chrome showed a speedy, if bug ridden browser of minimalist aesthetics. Speed tests confirmed Chrome as the fastest broswer in terms of start-up, while its Java speeds were only rivalled by Firefox. The software is published in open source format, which means that anyone can view and make use of the code it runs on.

[ metacritic.com ]

Critics may not be a universally liked bunch but, with on-line access to millions of films, music records and books, someone needs to do the dirty work. Metacritic gathers together reviews of respected critics and publications to grant a quick, overall impression of critical response to music, cinema, DVDs, books and TV shows. Want to know at a glance how Metallica’s new album was individually rated by the New York Times, The Guardian, Pitchfork, NME, Uncut and the Rolling Stone? Metacritic has you sorted. More-ever, the site grants an intelligent weighted average to provide a single all encompassing rating. It also compiles ‘best of’ and ‘worst of’ lists, which can be fantastic fun. The worst album of the last ten years? ‘Playing with Fire’ by Kevin Federline. The worst movie? You’ll have to check that one out for yourself.

14 Cinema

Film of the

In a nutshell:

Set in the late 19th century, this is a western about two friends who help defend a small town from a threatening rancher, but whose friendship is itself threatened when an attractive widow arrives in town.

Who’s in it?

Ed Harris, who also directed and co-wrote the screenplay, plays Virgin Cole, the older of the two lawmen, while Viggo Mortensen plays his sidekick. Jeremy Irons is the bad guy, and Renée Zellweger is the lass who stirs things up. Although there’s no doubting his credentials as an actor, this is only Harris’ second outing as a director. He passed the test with flying colours on his first film – the acclaimed artist biopic Pollock, in which he also starred as the troubled painter. Viggo Mortensen

movies@yellmalta.com A rather obtuse gym instructor comes across a disc containing private details about a government spy with a drinking problem. Along with a fellow employee, who needs the money for cosmetic surgery, he attempts blackmail, but things get slightly out of hand.

Burn After Readi ng Appaloosa

film previews by mark camilleri

In a nutshell:

month

Why we’re hyped.

Issue 04 • October 2008

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Who’s in it?

This is the film’s main selling point – it’s written and directed by the Coen brothers. Fresh from their awardladen year promoting No Country For Old Men, the incredibly talented Ethan and Joel Coen return with their first original script since the wonderful The Man Who Wasn’t There.

All films are released by KRS Film Distributors

They’ve written parts specifically for regular collaborators George Clooney and Frances McDormand (the latter being Joel Coen’s wife, and having been in many of their films, including her Oscar-winning role in Fargo). The role of the bumbling gym instructor was written specifically for Brad Pitt, whilst John Malcovich is the CIA analyst who loves his tipple. Tilda Swinton, fresh from her acclaimed role opposite Clooney in Michael Clayton, rounds-off the A-list cast.

Why we’re hyped.

The Coen brothers haven’t made a bad film since, well, never. If you were introduced to their eccentric but excellent filmmaking with last year’s No

Country, then you have a lot of great films to catch up on, including a host of brilliant comedies. From Intolerable Cruelty and O Brother, Where Art Thou? to the cult favourite The Big Lebowski, these two writers/directors/ producers have created some of the funniest characters and film moments of the past two decades. Preview footage and critical and popular response from across the Atlantic give the impression that this is up to their usual high standards, with Pitt and Clooney both having great fun with their idiotic roles. And we don’t see enough of Malcovich nowadays, so anything with him in it, especially a comedy, is definitely worth a try.

is quickly becoming one of the most reliable leading men around, and he was easily one of last year’s most interesting characters when he transformed himself into a Russian mobster for Eastern Promises. The quality of westerns has varied greatly over the past twenty years, but last year saw a mini-revival with two beautiful old-fashioned westerns – 3:10 to Yuma and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Let’s hope this one follows that trend.

The Boys from Brazil

Sir Laurence Olivier, Gregory Peck and James Mason in an acclaimed thriller about a death-camp doctor’s plot to clone Adolf Hitler, 30 years after WW2. Midnight Express

Alan Parker’s harrowing tale of a drug carrier’s ordeal in a Turkish prison. Filmed on location in Malta.

Never Say Never Again

Sean Connery returned for this unofficial Bond film, which was a remake of his previous ‘Thunderball’, and was released around the same time as Roger Moore’s (official) ‘Octopussy’.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton’s masterpiece - a unique and morbid musical, filmed entirely with stop-motion animation, and featuring superb songs and score by the great Danny Elfman, who also voices Jack, the main character.

American History X

Tough-hitting but very moving, this electrifying tale of racial hatred brought Edward Norton to everyone’s attention. Antz

Insect-filled animated film, which further established computer-generated images as the standard for animation.

Issue 04 • October 2008

yellmalta.com

Cinema

reviewed by mark camilleri

movies@yellmalta.com

Rock N Rolla

Elegy In a nutshell. Based on Pulitzer-prize-winning American author Philip Roth’s book The Dying Animal, this is the tragic tale of a respected and cultured professor whose life begins to unravel when he embarks on an erotic relationship with a younger student of his. Why we were hyped. Serious dramas like this can be mesmerizing when the writing is good and the performances are top-notch, and with the array of talent in store here, this seems like a safe bet for a moving night out. Who’s in it? Ben Kingsley plays the professor, and Penélope Cruz proves to be his downfall as the reserved but beautiful student. Dennis Hopper, Patricia Clarkson and Peter Sarsgaard add to the stellar cast, and the film is weaved together by Spanish director Isabel Coixet. A touch of class. Every so often a film comes along in which the mood, the performances and the narrative gel together so effortlessly that the result is a class act from the word go. Within minutes of starting, this film’s class was evident. Ben Kingsley’s delivery of the voiceover immediately draws us into his tragic tale, and the acting allows complex characters to be established and interesting within minutes of appearing on screen. The voiceover returns at key points in the film, and allows some of the powerful lines from Roth’s novel to be brought directly to the screen. Streamlined. Much like the narration, the musical score is used sparingly but to great effect – this is a film that doesn’t require any tricks or bombast to hold our attention, because the story is the star. Much of the

In a nutshell. Young couple. Summer house in the middle of nowhere. Planned romantic night. Yeah right. Oh! The horror! Different people have different tastes. Anyone knows that. People who make things know it, and people who appreciate things know it. It’s what makes the world a varied place. It’s why we have menus, showrooms and remote controls. It’s why people with hairy cheeks often get married, and why you can still find white socks for sale. And of course, it’s why Hollywood churns out films by the dozen and why the world is sprinkled with cinema multiplexes. Which brings me (finally) to horror films. Some are termed

back-story and tangents from the novel have been omitted, so as not to divert us from the story of this troubled affair, and the thoughts it leaves in its wake. “When you make love to a woman, you get revenge for all the things that defeated you in life.” The elderly, educated main character, cultural critic David Kepesh, has much to teach us about ageing, love, jealousy, independence and fatherhood, and there is a lot for us to ponder once we leave the theatre. But rather than being preachy, the film’s memorable lines are often spoken during squash matches between friends, or thought aloud as seduction is underway. Cruz Control The script calls for Cruz’s character to be a true ‘work of art’, and she manages with flying colours. Always prim and reserved, she helps us truly see what is driving Kingsley’s character to jealous obsession. She may be impressed by her teacher’s life of culture, but this is no awe-struck teenager, but rather yet another powerful woman for Cruz to add to her film résumé. Full extras. Dennis Hopper is delightful as the sage but fun-loving old friend whom Kepesh frequently turns to for advice, Patricia Clarkson has a brief but memorable role as the other woman in the Kepesh’s life, and Peter Sarsgaard underlines some of Kepesh’s failures as the estranged son. The plot rarely sags, and the ending doesn’t disappoint. Worth Yelling about? A quiet, reserved gem of a movie.

‘thrillers’, some are gory, some contain creepy creatures while other use scary psychopaths; but ultimately they all aspire to keep you on the edge of your seat for as long as possible, and maybe even throw you off it a couple of times too. Which can all be quite fun, especially if you’re wolfing down microwave popcorn with friends, or sharing an armrest with a terrified but cute girl you asked out. But most importantly, there has to be a decent payoff in the end. You need something to make your ordeal worthwhile. There is no such payoff here. Nothing. Just ninety minutes of terror, frights, unease and gore, just for the sake of it. Sure, the film has its moments – if you’re a thrill seeker

In a nutshell. Guy Ritchie returns to what he does best – giving us a wild and witty look at the London criminal underworld. Who’s in it? Gerald Butler (previously in angry mode as the Phantom of the Opera and the king of Sparta), is OneTwo, a small-time criminal who gets an opportunity to cash in on a large estate deal. Tom Wilkinson, one of the most talented and consistent actors around, is Lenny Cole, the leader of most of London’s underworld. Thandie Newton is sultry yet sophisticated as the best accountant in the business, and the one who has everyone’s head turning. However, it’s the relatively-unknown Mark Strong who gives what is probably the most impressive performance, as Cole’s right hand man. His stern looks are a cross between Andy Garcia and Dimitar Berbatov, and not for one second do you doubt that he means business. Plus a host of other new and not-so-new faces playing colourful minor characters. “Keep the receipts , cos this ain’t the Maﬁa” All the elements that made Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch such respected hits are back in force here. The script, penned by Ritchie, is smart, funny and races forward, never letting our interest wane. The editing is also fast-paced, but not annoyingly so, and a number of action sequences are brilliantly done, as Ritchie intersperses the action with later or concurrent scenes, making for great viewing. Standouts include a golf-course summit intertwined with a piano-playing lecture on cigarette packaging, a carjack sequence and a nightclub fracas. The myriad of plot lines and

connections between characters all come together again and again, leaving a few casualties on the way. The characters. This is another area where Ritchie excels. He sprinkles his dark underworld with scores of fascinating characters, who thanks to their looks, quirks or actions manage to make an impression even during the briefest of screen-times. There’s two hilarious but scary Russian thugs who sport an impressive array of scars, and who have a rather high pain threshold. They work for a Russian billionaire who’s setting up shop in London, and who both in looks and in sporting interest seems to be a rather unflattering reference to real-life magnate Roman Abramovich. Tank, a hefty criminal who knows everything about the streets of London, has an extensive knowledge of art, and a soft-spot for British period dramas, which he watches in his SUV. And so on and so forth. The real Rock N Rolla The title refers to a type of junkie who wants to have everything in life – drugs, sex, glamour and fame. Which is why the film starts and ends with Johnny Quid, a drugged-up, rather pungent rocker who fears no one and also happens to be Lenny Cole’s step son. His whereabouts provide one of the many plotlines of this caper, and he ends the film with the promise of a sequel. Based on what I’ve seen here, I for one will be hoping it gets made. Worth Yelling about? Guy Ritchie is back. If you like your crime films stylish and snappy, with generous helpings of black humour, then you’ll love this.

who likes to be jolted then this might be just the ticket for you, but ultimately I was left wondering whether the rise in blood pressure was worth it. At the end of a rollercoaster ride you get the satisfaction, the view, the memories, and maybe the photo, but here the audience is left with nothing. Inspirational stuﬀ ? The film starts with the muchabused line ‘inspired by true events’. Where the inspiration ends and the extrapolation begins is hard to define, especially due to the nature of the ‘events’ in question – a planned romantic night for a young couple in a summer house, which loses some of its mood when uninvited guests come knocking. Survival of the smartest. Assuming, however, that what we are seeing truly happened, then it appears that real-life young couples have learnt all the clichés from recent horror films, and are often as dim as the fictional victims. Which would explain why

they insist on walking into rooms without switching on the lights, or getting separated at every opportunity, or walking right into obviously dangerous situations all alone. Which is naturally very convenient for a director intent of scaring us out of our wits. Who’s in it? Liv Tyler adds some respectability, and is quite convincingly terrified throughout, whereas Scott Speedman first gains our deepest sympathy after his romantic plans goes awry, but then opts for recklessness instead of chivalry. Worth Yelling about? Don’t get me wrong – if you’re one of the (apparently numerous) fans of these fright-fests, then this could make you feel great. Many of the tense scenes are well constructed, and the terror is palpable and believable. But if you’re after a good film overall, and have enough palpitations as it is, I’d give this one a miss.

Step Brothers In a nutshell. Two grown men, who still live at home with their single parent, are forced to move in together when their parents get married. Why we’re hyped. Ridiculous concepts like this can either fall flat, or provide a barrage of laughs, based on who handles them. In the hands of the men mentioned below, this looked promising. Who’s in it? Will Ferrell can now boast a string of insane comedies perfectly suited to his bizarre humour, as well as a much-lauded ‘serious’ performance in 2006’s Stranger than Fiction. Here he teams up with John C. Reilly, who sparred with him in Talladega Nights, and they both look the part perfectly – bright-eyed mummy’s boys who just found a new best-friend, albeit roughly forty years old. The ubiquitous Judd Apatow produces, whilst Ferrell and Reilly themselves both contributed to the story and script. The eyes have it. The photo above says most of what you need to know about this film. That child-like awe and playfulness is seen on their faces for most of the film. Ferrell and Reilly have crafted these characters themselves, and they dive into them with all the wide-eyed wonder one would expect from 40-year olds who still live like teenagers. The two play out the concept with great enthusiasm, and it’s hilarious to watch them go from teenage tantrum to geeky amazement as they sleepwalk through their direction-less lives. They fit the part so wonderfully, that it’s actually during the later scenes when they finally act grown up that they seem a bit awkward. Fun plot. Odd extras. Fun as the main concept may be, it was never going to last over ninety minutes. Unfortunately, the necessary padding doesn’t work as well as Ferrell and Reilly’s chemistry. The scenes with Ferrell’s successful brother and his wife tend to grate at times, as does the relationship with and between the two parents in question. Moments of merriment. Fortunately, for every low-key gag or uncomfortable moment you have to sit through, there’s another of Ferrell and Reilly’s screwball scenes around the corner. Highlights include their multiple failed job interviews, their confrontation with the local (teenage) bullies, their foray into the music business, and especially their plots to stop the sale of their parents’ house. These two are a joy to watch. Worth Yelling about?

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Send us 2 photos of yourself & you might be voted into

Deadline for photos is the October 20th Finalists will be announced on Yellmalta.com on October 24th,& in the November Issue of Yell Malta.

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& win fantastic Prizes

Terms & Conditions: Finalists are chosen by Yell Malta’s Judges, who’s decisions are ﬁnal and will not be reversed. Winners shall be chosen by public voting following the announcement of the Finalists. All participants must be full time students in December 2008, proof will be required. Students aged 16 & 17 will need approval from guardian if selected as ﬁnalists.

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