July 2012 - Issue 31
www.vida.com.mt
Smokie Live in concert at Għaxaq Grounds on August 7th free entrance
The perfect balance
- page 27
Working mothers share their experiences
- page 20
Deadly duel
More than holiday snaps
This month’s instalment of Murder in Malta
Travel photography tips - page 30
- page 40
WIN! Outdoor living
Antique maps
Tribal trends
Shoreside eats
2 TICKETS TO THE BIGGEST ROCK CONCERT OF THE SUMMER - page 47
editorial
vida.com.mt Issue 31 - July 2012
As the time comes for us to move many of our events and activities outdoors, making any excuse to eat, drink, party and relax outside (in the shade or otherwise), the sights and sounds of summer are in the air. On the Maltese islands, summer means village feasts and fireworks spectacles, dodging jellyfish, trying new barbeque recipes, combating the pressure cooker our cars become in the sun, sleeping late, ordering fancy cocktails, ħobż biż-żejt and watermelon at the beach, complaining about “the worst summer yet” and cranking up the air conditioning, boat trips, welcoming foreign relatives and donning a flattering assortment of hats. Love it or hate it, there is comfort in familiarity, and knowing that come what may, you will encounter looks of solidarity when muttering “Xi sħana!” (‘How hot!’) wherever you may be, is one of life’s little pleasures. This issue of VIDA is as varied as ever, as we bring you everything from finding a suitable work/life balance and caring for your health to ancient maps of Malta and how to take the best holiday snaps; as well as a colourful array of events to look forward to this sunny season. Looking for innovative barbeque recipes? Planning what to do in the weekend? Wondering what to wear to a party? VIDA’s got you covered. Enjoy the issue.
Sarah Micallef
VIDA next month – Nightlife & Entertainment special
VIDA Magazine is a monthly lifestyle magazine distributed to households in Malta and Gozo. It aims to empower the people to lead a better, healthier and happier life. Publisher
Focused Knowledge Ltd Pitkali Road, Attard ATD 2214 Malta, Europe Tel: (+356) 2339 2403 Fax: (+356) 2141 9089 Editor Sarah Micallef editor@vida.com.mt Layout & Design Alexia Baldacchino Kevin Abela studio@vida.com.mt Advertising Tel: (+356) 2339 2333 sales@vida.com.mt
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.
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Distributed by
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Contents
39
Exercise in cancer care
13
Shouting from the Hili top
14
My thing
15
Facts about alcohol
16
Preventing sandfly disease in dogs
18
Designing an outdoor living room
19
Keeping a balance
20
On the grill
22
161 solutions for your successful career
24
Through the ages: Antique maps of Malta
26
July’s tragedies and triumphs
28
Travel photography
30
Street style
31
Fashion fairground
32
Septimus Adams – Death following a duel
40
Sicilian Attraction
41
July at the movies
42
Events this month
44
VIDA visits
46
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
47
Għaxaq Music Festival 2012
48
The beach and the book
50
This is the life
51
Competitions
63
Only for kids
64
24
28
46
41
42
Updates Letters
6
Ask the experts
8
Keeping it Short Raymond Borg
10
Not for Profit Soroptimist International of Malta Don’t let heart attacks take you by surprise Doing our bit for mans best friend
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12
50
letters
Your say
Keep your butts to yourselves
STAR LETTER
Dear Editor, It has been a while now since various campaigns to stop smoking begun to emerge. We see images of what smoking does to us, people riddled with lung cancer, we have warnings on tobacco packaging, we have stopped people from smoking in public places and face health warnings galore, but despite all this, there are still many who insist on smoking. This in itself is fine – it’s up to them after all – but when will they learn to keep their cigarette butts to themselves? Dear Editor, I was recently watching a television program that warned of the danger large trucks carrying construction material pose to car drivers. My daughter, who drives, commented that truck drivers carrying vegetables from Ta’ Qali and other areas are also a hazard. She went on to recall one incident in which on a very windy day, vegetables flew from one truck, to the detriment of the drivers behind it.
If you’re a smoker, take your butts home with you! Do not throw them out of your car onto the streets, but place them in your ashtrays. It is not ok to litter – tiny as they may be, they’re everywhere! Mary Micallef
Loving Judy Dear Editor,
In my opinion, if a law concerning the secure carrying of such material already exists, it should be enforced for the safety of our drivers. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for a very educational magazine.
I felt I had to write in to let your team know how much I enjoyed reading your interview (published in the June 2012 issue) with British actress Judy Cornwell. I love watching Keeping Up Appearances and even though Hyacinth is the main character, my favourite has always been the hilarious Daisy. It was great to read all about her other acting experiences, and I hope to one day have the opportunity to meet her myself – perhaps on her next visit to Malta!
Rita Coleiro Luqa
Josephine Galea
WIN STAR LETTER COMPETITION VIDA and Unitech are giving one lucky Star Letter writer the chance to win a full Intruder Alarm System*. The competition will run for the rest of the year, with the writers of the letters chosen as a Star Letter from each issue entering a draw to win. Unitech will also be giving each letter published on the magazine a 10% discount. The overall winner will be announced on the January 2013 issue, so get writing!
For all your security needs T: 77773388 47, Cottoner Avenue, Fgura | unitech@go.net.mt *Terms and conditions apply. Send your letters, questions to the experts and suggestions to The Editor, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on yoursay@vida.com.mt
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Persistent parasols Dear Editor, Something that’s really been bugging me every summer is the parasols and deckchairs found right at the shoreline at Għadira Bay for hire. I have no problem with making such hired items available at the beach, however, being in possession of my own umbrella that I take with me to the beach, I find it unfair that all the best spots are already taken up by empty deckchairs and parasols from early in the morning, waiting to be hired. What’s more, you can’t move these items, for fear of dirty looks from the owners! Is Għadira Bay not a public beach? If I arrive at the beach early enough to secure a position at the front, don’t I have the right to move any as yet unhired deckchairs or parasols that are in the positioning of my choice? R. Bezzina
ask the experts A. Grech asked: A garnishee order has just been imposed on my husband due to a case against him in which the other party is claiming he owes him a sum of money. The case is not yet over and the verdict not given, so how is it that this order can be enforced when the legal system is meant to operate under the belief that someone is innocent until proven guilty? What legal procedures are in play here? My husband cannot afford to have his accounts frozen indefinitely. Article 829 of the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure provides that any person, without the necessity of any previous judgment, can secure his rights by issuing a precautionary act, which shall be issued and carried into effect on the responsibility of the person suing out of the act. For an application for precautionary warrant to be valid, it must under the pain of nullity contain the origin and nature of the debt, or claim sought to be secured; and where the right sought to be secured by the act is a debt, the amount of that debt. The applicant must also confirm the application on oath. Generally, the person against whom the precautionary warrant has been issued may rescind the warrant by making a deposit or giving security, which in the court’s opinion and depending on the circumstances of the case are sufficient to safeguard the rights or claims of the person issuing the precautionary warrant. Dr Austin Gauci Maistre LL.B, LL.D
S. Micallef asked: My dog’s eyesight seems to be failing. It was never very good but as he’s gotten older I’ve noticed him bumping into things and going by scent rather than sight when I throw him a biscuit. He is only five years old. Is there any known way of correcting the eyesight of animals? The most common reason for loss of vision in dogs is the opacity of the lens. We have to differentiate between two conditions:
Dorianne J. Calleja asked: My mother was recently diagnosed to be suffering from an inflamed thyroid and her GP suggested she go to hospital to get a biopsy. Should we be worried? What could have caused the inflammation and what are the risks involved? The thyroid gland is located in the front part of the neck, just below the larynx. Its function is to regulate the body’s metabolism. Inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) is caused by disorders of the body’s immune system, infection, pregnancy, certain drugs, radiation and trauma. When the thyroid gets inflamed it may continue to function normally, however, it may also start functioning excessively (hyperthyroidism) or slowly (hypothyroidism). Hyperthyroidism can cause the patient to become anxious, irritable, lose weight, feel excessively hot even in cold weather, suffer from swelling around the eyes and protrusion of the eyeballs, experience palpitations and develop a tremor. Hypothyroidism on the other hand is characterised by apathy, weight gain, low mood, swelling around the ankles, feeling cold even in hot weather, loss of hair, dry skin, and constipation. Inflamed thyroid glands are usually investigated by means of blood tests, ultrasound, CT and MRI scan, and a biopsy. If diagnosed early, thyroiditis is not usually life threatening. Treatment will depend on the cause found during the investigations, but in the majority of cases this involves the doctor prescribing tablets which can be taken either for a period of time or for the rest of the patient’s life. In rarer cases, treatment may involve surgery. Dr Adrian Cordina MD, MMCFD
General Practitioner at the Primary Health Care Department, which provides health services in health centres, district clinics and the community.
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• The cataract, which is a frequently diagnosed disease in dogs caused by loss of optical homogeneity of the lens. Unfortunately, this disease cannot be cured by eye medication and the vision will get progressively worse until it is totally lost. • Nuclear sclerosis, which is the normal aging process of the lens. This condition does not cause blindness. During a physical examination of the dog’s eyes we can find out exactly which condition your dog has. It is also important that during the examination other serious eye diseases like glaucoma and uveitis, which are very painful but can be treated with good results, are excluded. To find out what is happening it is always better to ask for the help of a vet and once your dog’s eye condition has been correctly diagnosed, treatment can start in order to improve your dog’s vision, or at least make his life more comfortable. Andrea Vass DVM
Senior Consultant at Centru San Frangisk Animal Hospital, specialising in ophthalmology.
updates Not Maltese voluntary organisations Keeping for profit it short
Soroptimist International of Malta
It all began… in 1992, when Soroptimism was introduced in Malta. SIM forms part of Soroptimists International of Great Britain and Ireland SIGBI. SIM was chartered on October 23rd 1993.
I was born on November 27th 1963, and am from Birkirkara.
Our mission is… to inspire action and create opportunities
My childhood dream was to be a pilot.
Our enemies… are poverty and lack of education. Through
Sport and being athletic is being healthy while making good friends.
to transform the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and international partners.
goodwill, understanding and friendship, Soroptimists strive for human rights for all, equality, development, peace, the advancement of the status of women and high ethical standards.
We have… the responsibility to educate, empower and enable women and girls to improve their lives locally and worldwide. This year, SIM awarded a local Girl Guide Leader its Woman in the Community award. Our greatest achievements are… working with
our international partners on quadrennial projects. 90,000 Soroptimist members from128 countries around the world join forces to give active support to chosen projects aimed at improving the lives of thousands of women and children in need around the globe as we are doing in Sierra Leone, the second poorest country in the world, via Project Sierra. For more information go to www.projectsierra.org.
Our current projects include… the Cottonera project
– a learning session zone within St Margaret’s College; Cospicua Community Service project aiding girls of 15 and over within Aġenzija Appoġġ; and projects within Dar Merħba Bik through which we organise children’s outings and Saturdays of service, as well as facilitate the education of a Kenyan girl.
We are happy… that we are welcoming more members to
our group as they hear of our projects, events and raising funds to help various voluntary organisations like Hospice, Inspire, Cottonera projects and many more.
Art is part of my life, and you find it everywhere.
Raymond Borg
I first started competing in triathlon in 1993. Winning triathlete of the year in 1994 was my first national success. My proudest sporting moment was finishing Ironman Roth in Germany in 1997 in 10 hours 22 minutes. My proudest non-sporting moment was the birth of my kids Marlon, Darren and my nephew Cody. My most memorable experience was winning the National Triathlon Championship in 2000. My favourite sports are triathlon, football and tennis. Ironman is an out-of-this-world event. It’s great! Not many people know that I still mourn the loss of my mother when she was 32 and I was just 11. I am a caring person. I am not pessimistic. I always try to help others. I will never hurt anyone... at least I always do my best not to. I wish I could be a full-time artist. Family is very important. Friends are also a very important part of my life. Real friends are few. I love nature and God. I hate people who only think about themselves. If I could change one thing It would be poverty.
www.sigbi.org T: 9924 2340 E: soroptimistmalta@gmail.com Know of a local voluntary organisation that could use the recognition? Contact the editor on editor@vida.com.mt
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The best thing in life is love. In the end I wish happiness to all.
updates
health
Don't let heart attacks take you by surprise T
he Heart Attack Prevention Initiative promotes the detection of heart disease in its early stages. One of the tools used for this purpose is the Heart Scan (or Calcium Scoring Scan), a CT scan that obtains images of the heart’s arteries. It is a quick, painless and non-invasive scan that helps determine, as much as is possible, your risk of coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of heart attacks, before symptoms present themselves. This allows the time to modify risk factors and receive treatment which could lead to heart attack prevention.
The Saint James Hospital Group is dedicated to the early detection and prevention of heart disease and has reduced the price of this simple test by 50% to make it more affordable for all. A heart scan is particularly recommended for persons with two or more risk factors, which are as follows: males over 40 years of age, females over 50 years of age, smokers, diabetics, people with a family history of heart disease, and those with excessive weight, high stress levels, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
The Heart Attack Prevention Initiative is being launched by the Saint James Hospital Group as part of its accreditation as the first SHAPE (Society for Heart Attack Prevention and Eradication) Centre of Excellence in Europe. For additional information please contact the Heart Health Department on 2329 3000.
Doing our bit for man’s best friend A message from the Island Sanctuary Throughout the year, The Island Sactuary Association receives many donations of food – tinned food, as well as dry food. We are always grateful for all that we receive. However, we also need funds to pay vet bills, medication, maintenance and rent of premises, telephone as well as water and electricity bills among other expenses. We are all volunteers and The Island Sanctuary is a non-profit making organisation. Therefore, we depend entirely on the generosity of the public. In order to raise some funds we now have three SMS donation lines: 50617368 - €2.33 50618082 - €4.66 50618935 - €6.99 Thank you, The Island Sanctuary Association
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health
Exercise therapy in cancer care by Corinne Fiorini and Ray Attard-Previ
G
etting diagnosed with cancer is a devastating experience. The psychological, social and physical trauma that is associated with the pathology and its treatment has a great impact on the overall wellbeing of the individual as well as the family unit. Engaging in exercise during this difficult time may be the last thing on anyone’s mind but despite this, there is an ever-increasing recognition of the benefits of exercise during cancer therapy. Cancer therapies, besides killing cancer cells, are known to have undesirable side effects. Surgery and radiotherapy can cause changes in skin elasticity, discomfort or pain and even fatigue. These effects can limit joint movements and the person’s overall function. The associated fear of triggering pain on movement however can further prolong recovery or cause limitations requiring professional input like physiotherapy. Another side effect of these treatments is damage to the lymphatic system, which leads to persistent swelling in the arms or legs depending on the area being treated. Specific exercises can help limit the development of this swelling known as lymphoedema. Indeed, guided exercise can help the affected person to overcome the mobility limitations caused by these treatments and even facilitate early recovery. During chemotherapy, muscles, nerves, the cardiovascular system and changes in blood levels are amongst the systems that can undergo changes. These changes often result in mobility problems due to muscle weakness, problems with sensation, balance and very commonly general fatigue. Appropriate general exercise during therapy has been found to be beneficial in supporting and maximising overall function by influencing these factors. In fact, various studies on the subject report the improvement in quality of life of those engaging in exercise at this stage. Patients report an improvement in their
capability to cope with their daily life due to better aerobic capacity (stamina), improved muscle strength and fatigue levels. Other reported benefits include a reduction in nausea and a decrease in lymphoedema. Exercise has affects that extend beyond the physical aspect of the individual. Body image, levels of anxiety and sleeping patterns have all been noted to improve with exercise. These effects facilitate the social functioning of the cancer patient and also encourage the return to work or other activities. It is very important that persons planning to embark on an exercise programme seek professional guidance. Even though cancer patients should be encouraged to exercise, it is imperative that they understand that the wrong type of exercise at the wrong time can have deleterious effects. An exercise programme during cancer therapy should take the type of cancer, stage of treatment, therapy side effects and blood composition into account. Other factors include the person’s age, previous fitness levels and desired lifestyle. Based on this knowledge, an individually tailored programme can be planned reflecting the type of exercise, (namely strengthening or aerobic), the intensity and the frequency. Every cancer patient has specific needs pertaining to their situation. During therapy, both physical capacity and needs change, requiring close monitoring and adjustment to the exercise programme. A specialised physiotherapist with a sound knowledge in the cancer field can develop such specialised exercise programmes. The exercise setting is not restricted to a hospital environment and is dependant on the patient’s preference and requirements. Exercise programs can be developed for a patient’s home or within a gym environment.
Patients diagnosed or undergoing treatment for cancer can seek support through the physiotherapy services at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital. More information can be obtained by visiting the physiotherapy services section on hospital’s website – www.ehealth.gov.mt
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
13
column Shouting from the Hili Top
You may have seen him on stage, heard him on the radio, or laughed at his lack of colour-coordination (he’s the one walking down the street with the orange shorts and pink shirt). He is loud, hairy, controversial and… well… different! He is Steve Hili and he is writing for VIDA.
Hair-ray! I
am a hairy man. Always have been. It is, in fact, one of our more well known family stories that I was born with hair all the way down to my shoulders. (Instead of burping me, the midwife gave me an up-style.)
Society tells us that there are only certain places where hair is allowed. Everywhere else is a no-no. And top of that blacklist are two areas where the gods of furriness have seen very fit to bless me in abundance – back and bum. (An ex-girlfriend called me the missing link. I called her a psychotic lunatic so I suppose we’re equal.)
The hair on my head has always grown in big, thick swathes. People used to call me curly when I was young. (They still do. Sort of. Although they prefer weirdo.) Then, when I hit puberty, my face became hairy too. It happened practically overnight. I went to sleep an angeliclooking, baby-faced 12 year old and I woke up looking like the fourth member of ZZ top.
"Why don’t you just laser it off? You’ll be so much more attractive" I hear you ask (through my follicle-filled ears). The answer to that is very simple. Call me old fashioned but the thought of being strapped down and zapped with electro-magnetic radiation just so that my bottom – which, you might be surprised to learn, not that many people get to see anyway – becomes less fluffy... well it doesn’t really do it for me.
And to my horror, it wasn’t only my face that was sprouting. Locks were growing everywhere. Every milimetre of my body seemed to be gushing hair. I couldn’t stop it. Of course everyone has a bit of covering on their arms and their legs, but I had tresses. People could trip me up by standing on a ‘sufa’ three minutes after I walked by!
And anyway, contrary to popular belief, a lot of us hairy people actually like our look. I don’t think that I will be more good looking if I got rid of the fuzziness. In fact I think my hair makes me the attractive (shut up) man that I am. And anyway, being covered with hair is fun. I love bouncing when I sit down too quickly or creating static electricity by scratching my back. I find comfort in styling my chest ‘nokkli’ and love that my arm hair flaps in the wind (I once synchronised it to music).
To make matters worse, whilst I struggled with the practicalities of looking like the cookie monster (should I blow dry my armpits?) I had a sudden realisation about society at large. Something I had never noticed before my hair spurt, but is indubitable. It hit me that for some reason, one of the only things that really, truly unites the western world, is a firm unmovable stance against people being too bushy.
So there you have it. I am pronouncing it to the world. I am hairy. And I am proud. Now where did I put my armpit conditioner?
For more Steve, tune in to the BIG Breakfast on XFM 100.2 on Monday to Friday from 06:30 onwards or follow him on Twitter @SteveHili.
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real life
My thing Claire Camilleri shares the story of Teddy, her treasured childhood companion, recalling the tears and tantrums that ensued every time her parents tried to wean her off him.
W
hen I was born, some 26 years ago, my dear aunt placed a gorgeous, f luffy teddy bear by my side. From that moment on, Teddy and I became inseparable, to the extent that he still lies on the spare bed in my room today – only now he is not so gorgeous and f luffy anymore. Despite his appearance, I simply do not have the heart to get rid of him. You see, Teddy and I have been through quite a lot over the years. For starters, he was my comfort item. Like most kids had ‘pieceys’ or ‘najnajys’, I had Teddy. Everywhere I went, Teddy would come too, and I could never sleep without him. Not only was he comforting, but I also had this terrible habit of scratching one of his legs whilst sucking my thumb when trying to sleep. Years of this treatment resulted in his current dangly limb! If I’m not mistaken, he also had a little tail you could pull to make him sing, but I must have pulled that out long before I can remember. Once when I was about three years old, on the way back to the ferry after a family trip to Gozo, my parents realised that Teddy was nowhere to be seen. This meant that there was a sleepless night of tears ahead, so they panicked and turned back to all the
places we had visited during the day. Luckily, Teddy was found waiting patiently on a wall where we had stopped to take photos. Over the years, my family embarked on various attempts to get rid of Teddy, but the scene that followed these was never really worth the trouble, so they eventually decided to let me grow out of it alone. I remember one particular instance in which Teddy suddenly went missing. I searched the house for a long time, and ended up finding him in a drawer at my grandmother’s house a little while later. You see, my family knew I’d definitely find him at home, yet they didn’t realise that, although young, I would actually think of checking elsewhere! I eventually grew out of needing Teddy as a companion when I was about eight years old, but still never had it in me to throw him away, and could definitely not give him away – I mean, who would want a scruffy, faded, old teddy? That is, besides me! His home then became my bed, and he has been a feature in my room ever since. I recently came up with the idea of fixing his leg, buying him a pair of shorts and keeping him for when I have my own kids. Who knows, maybe they will grow to love him as much as I used to… and still do!
Do you, or someone you know, have a treasured ‘thing’? Send us your suggestion to My Thing, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214 or by email to yoursay@vida.com.mt for a chance to showcase the item that means most to you – we’d love to hear about it!
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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health
Facts about alcohol FACT!
A recent study carried out among Form 5 students in Malta and Gozo shows that: • Most students reported consuming alcohol during their lifetime (90%), within the last 12 months (86%) and the last 30 days (68%). • The alcoholic beverages most commonly consumed in the last 30 days were spirits (63%) and wine (56%), followed by beer (45%), alcopops (32%) and cider (20%). • On the last drinking occasion, students most frequently reported drinking “at a bar or pub” (33%) “at a disco” (27%), and/or “at home” (21%). • 44% of the students reported being drunk on at least one occasion in their lifetime, 37% reported being intoxicated in the last 12 months, and 20% in the last 30 days. • More than half the students (56%) had consumed five or more drinks on one occasion during the prior 30 days (five drinks or more on one occasion constitutes heavy episodic drinking). • First alcohol use occurred at a fairly young age. By the age of 11, a relatively high percentage of students had consumed at least one glass of wine (27%), beer (23%), spirits (11%), alcopops (9%) or cider (8%).
FACT!
Alcohol is a drug that has serious effects, both upon the mind and upon almost every organ in the human body. Young people are still developing, both physically and emotionally, and alcohol causes serious harm to their developing body.
FACT!
Apart from the physical and psychological effects alcohol abuse leaves on any person irrelevant of their age, underage drinking brings other consequences. These may include risky sexual behaviour that may lead to pregnancy, difficult and violent behaviour, deterioration in academic achievements and life performance and petty crime among others.
FACT!
People who start experimenting with substances at a young age are usually driven to such a lifestyle for various reasons including personal issues, experimentation, peer pressure, having a difficult family situation and the inability to deal with these issues on a personal level.
• The most frequently reported problems experienced as a result of personal alcohol use during the 12 months prior to the study were: involvement in a physical fight (14%), serious problems with friends (12%), serious problems with parents (12%), poor school or work performance (12%), accident or injury (10%) and risky sexual behaviour (10%). This data is taken from the fifth European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), conducted in 2011 within 39 countries across Europe to examine the prevalence of substance use and related attitudes and behaviours amongst 15 to 16 year old students. In Malta, this study is conducted by Aġenzija Sedqa in collaboration with the Directorate for Educational Services, Student Services Department, Education Psycho-Social Services, Anti-Substance Abuse Service within the Education Psycho-Social Services, Directorate for Education in Church Schools, and the Independent Schools Association.
For support or information from Aġenzija Sedqa one may call on 24 hour freephone Supportline 179, or visit www.sedqa.gov.mt. Article by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (www.fsws.gov.mt)
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pets
Preventing sandfly disease in dogs What is Leishmaniasis? Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease found in dogs and in people transmitted by sandflies (Phlebotomus). How does a dog get sick? When a sandfly sucks blood from an infected animal, the parasite simultaneously enters and grows inside the sandfly’s stomach. When the infected sandfly has its next meal, infective forms of the parasite are then injected into that animal. Parasites are carried within the blood stream to different internal organs. Depending on where they stop, different symptoms can be seen. It must be noted that Leishmania disease is a zoonotic disease in which the dog can pass the parasite on to humans via the sandfly. What are the most common signs of Leishmania disease? The incubation period, that is, the time from when the dog is bitten to the time when we notice the appearance of clinical signs may be from a few months to several years. During this period, dogs harbour parasites and become a potential source of infection for other dogs and humans. The main clinical signs include skin changes, weakness, ulcers, hair loss, fever,
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weight-loss, very fast growing nails, eye diseases, diarrhoea, vomiting, nose bleeds, pnuemonia, neurological abnormalities, enlargement of the lymph nodes and spleen and many more. How can one prevent this fatal disease? Spot-on products found on the market can be applied once monthly together with a special collar, which prevents sandflies coming close enough to bite the dog. Ensuring that the dog is not taken out after sunset and before sunrise can help although the sandfly itself can be found everywhere, even inside our homes. It can also pass through mosquito netting so all dogs, even those that are house bound, need to be protected. What else can be done? Dogs should be checked every year via specific tests which detect the parasite before clinical signs show up. The tests that can be carried out are various, with some of them giving results within minutes. If the dog tests positive, the vet can start the treatment. There is also the possibility of vaccinating dogs against this disease thanks to a
breakthrough in veterinary medical science. The vaccine encourages your dogs’ body to make antibodies against the proteins released by the Leishmania parasite during its growth. If your dog is later exposed to the Leishmania parasite, its immune system will be able to respond quicker, helping to reduce the risk of developing infection and protecting it against the disease. The vaccine does not contain any parasites. Are there any requirements before vaccination? The vaccine is only for use in dogs who are negative for Leishmaniasis, therefore dogs will require a test to check that they are free from Leishmaniasis prior to the administration of the vaccine. Furthermore, the vaccine can be given to dogs of six months or older. In the first year, dogs must have three vaccines given under the skin, three weeks apart and will be covered by the vaccine four weeks after the third injection. Thereafter, a yearly single booster is required to keep them covered. By Dr Trevor Zammit, DVM, Chief Veterinary Surgeon at Ċentru San Franġisk Animal Hospital in Ta' Qali.
homes
Interior Design
Designing an outdoor living room
A
s the seasons change, our homes take on a different look, according to the time of year. So, as with our clothing, where we change from winter to summer garments, at home we consider removing the f loor carpets, replacing heavy curtains with lighter fabrics, and wherever possible, moving outdoors. In Malta, our weather permits us to enjoy the ‘great outdoors’ for much longer than in other European countries, so why not embark on designing an ‘outdoor living room’? An outdoor living room could work very well as an extension of your existing comfortable home. This sanctuary would be a great place where to enjoy a breath of fresh air, get a glimpse of nature (which is, unfortunately, rapidly disappearing), and possibly even dine ‘al fresco’. It also makes entertaining your guests easier, as it would hardly disturb the inside of your house. Here are a few pointers that may assist you in planning and achieving your ideal outdoor living room:
Assess the outdoor space available
This will help you plan an appropriate design, as well as the furniture layout that will best suit the space in question.
Determining the space and the layout will help you combine and allow for the functions that the area will be used for.
Compliment your current home design
Work in harmony with what already exists inside. In so doing, you will create an ‘extension’ of your home, but outside.
Select suitable furniture and furnishings
As mentioned on previous occasions, here in Malta we are spoilt for choice, so take your time and look around, as there is a vast choice of outdoor furniture, styles, sizes, colours and accessories available. Do ensure that they will resist the elements, including the cushions and fabrics, which may also be removable and hence stored inside.
Consider the elements
Physically observe the path that the sun travels over your outdoor space, and establish where shade may be required. You may obtain the required shade by the introduction of umbrellas or retractable awnings. At this point, do not overlook the windy days.
Introduce good quality landscaping
What better way to embellish your outdoor living room than with lush
plants and flowerbeds? Choose attractive outdoor planters, which are also available in different styles, colours and sizes. This touch of greenery will add a welcoming and calming effect.
An added attraction could be a water feature
Cascading water or just the sun or moon’s reflection on a surface of water is highly desirable. Water, besides the presence of a swimming pool (where present), can be introduced in varied ways such as a series of urns with water overflowing into each other, a simple pond or a waterfall effect running down an existing wall.
Enjoy your outdoor living room at night
Carefully plan a lighting layout that will offer you a selection of ‘moods’ – consider reading, writing, dining, or simply watching TV outdoors.
Consider a budget
Perhaps this should have been at the top of my list, but why ruin it? However, do consider a budget before you embark on this task. Like most things, the work can be carried out in stages, and this will help you along in achieving your ultimate outdoor living room. Enjoy your summer!
By Jean-Marc Bianchi, Interior Designer B.A. Interior Design Studies, Rome – Italy jmdesign@go.net.mt
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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special feature
WORK
FAMILY
Keeping a balance I
n recent years, much has been said about the notion of a ‘work-life balance’ locally. Very often, the debate is linked to the importance of family-friendly measures at the workplace in order to encourage women to remain in employment following the birth of their children. By speaking to three working mothers from WasteServ Malta Ltd, the national entity founded in 2002 responsible for planning and managing waste infrastructure in the Maltese Islands, VIDA finds out that a healthy work-life balance can also bring about career advancement for women who are ready to take up the challenge. These three motivated mothers have all risen to higher posts during their employment with the company, thus successfully challenging what is known as the ‘glass ceiling’ concept. Indeed, waste management has turned into an important industry in Malta – and not just due to environmental implications. Companies such as WasteServ are giving a significant contribution to the creation of so-called ‘green jobs’ thanks to important infrastructural projects implemented in recent years, which inevitably call for qualified and trained personnel at all levels. Here, we speak to three women who currently occupy leadership posts within the company.
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“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein
special feature Name: Josephine Farrugia Mother of: Daniela (17 years old) Job: Sales Officer in Charge Previous jobs: I have been employed with WasteServ since 2004, working initially in customer relations.
Name: Joanne Camilleri Mother of: One daughter (nearly 5 years old) Position: Head of Operations Contracting Unit Previous jobs: I have been working with WasteServ Malta Ltd since 2006, but in June 2007 I had my daughter so I opted to take maternity leave and one year unpaid leave in order to enjoy the best moments of the new member of my family. Thereafter, I returned to work under reduced hours, and as of last September I decided to switch to flexi hours due to the fact that my career allows me to work both from the office and from home. I chose to keep working after having children because I did not want to give up my career, especially the fact I can keep on learning from new challenges and keep myself up-to-date with current activities. Being a working mother has helped me keep my social life
and keep myself up-to-date, and with the opportunities I receive at work I believe that in the future I can help my daughter much more in terms of school activities and eventually her career too. My motto in life is never give up! There are always ups and downs, even at work, so never give up. 10 years from now I see myself still working in the Procurement section at WasteServ, as it is a challenging career with constant updates. Previously, I never thought that a simple garbage bag required so much management! I began by doing simple clerical duties, but I am always ready to learn and give my full support, and here I am now heading the Operations Contracting Unit! For this reason, I believe my efforts paid off, not to mention the backing and support of the management.
I chose to keep working after having children because I strongly believe that a balance between work and family settings will minimise stress, as balance is easier to achieve when your job helps you to be successful in life. Ideally, what you take home from your job helps your family, and what you take to work from your family relationships helps you in your job. What is important is that you achieve a balance between the two areas, which is comfortable for you, and your family. Being a working mother has helped me to bring more to my family and to our relationship, not only in terms of income. It has helped me to instil a good work ethic in my daughter. As a working mother I am forced to go against the long held stereotype of the typical family to do what is best for my family in today’s times. Mothers should never be discriminated against for choosing to re-enter the workforce. Rather, they should be held in high esteem for making a positive contribution to the community. My motto in life is live every day to the fullest – in moderation. 10 years from now I see myself better skilled both as a mother and in my profession.
Name: Henriette Putzulu Caruana Mother of: Gaia (4 years old), Enrico & Marta (5 months old) Position: Chief Officer, Compliance & Communications Previous jobs: A number of other posts within WasteServ (since 2003) and circa three years within the former Environment Protection Department. I chose to keep working after having children because I believe that life needs to be a balance between family life and a career. It is important for women to give their contribution not only at home but also within society. Being a working mother has helped me learn to put things into perspective and prioritise. My motto in life is "Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently," by William Arthur Ward. 10 years from now I see myself definitely still as a working mother!
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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eating & drinking
On the grill With BBQ season upon us, here are some recipes that will make sure your cookout is that bit more special.
Cabernet cheese burgers Love dry red wine? This variation of burger will go down a treat.
Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 onions, sliced • ¾ cup Cabernet Sauvignon (or other dry red wine) • 450g minced beef • 2 tbsp chopped shallots • ¼ tsp sea salt • ¼ tsp dried thyme • 4 hamburger buns • Sliced cheddar cheese • Dijon mustard • Lettuce leaves
Preparation Heat 1 tbsp oil over medium to high heat. Add onions and sprinkle with salt, sautéing until golden brown, for about 10 minutes. Reduce heat and continue to sauté until very tender, for a further 15 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed. Preheat grill. Gently mix meat, shallots, salt and
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thyme in a large bowl and shape into four patties. Brush grill with remainder oil, sprinkle burgers with salt and pepper and cook until well browned. Lightly toast the buns and arrange burger buns on them. Spread with mustard, and spoon onions on top of the burgers, along with cheese slices and lettuce.
eating & drinking
Black bean burgers
Sweet BBQ fries
Fancy a burger but don’t eat meat? This recipe will have you chowing down with the best of them.
This tasty side dish will add some sweetness to your BBQ.
Ingredients
• 1kg sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch slices • ¼ cup olive oil • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped • 1 tsp golden brown sugar • 1 tsp garlic powder • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained • 3 tbsp mayonnaise • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs • 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano • ¼ tsp cayenne • ¼ cup coriander, chopped • 3 tbsp vegetable oil • 4 hamburger buns
Preparation Blend 1 can of beans in a food processor, along with the mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, cumin, oregano, and cayenne until it forms a coarse purée. Stir in the coriander and remaining can of beans. Form mixture into four patties. Cook burgers on barbeque until outsides are crisp and lightly browned, turning once, for about 5 minutes. Serve on buns.
Ingredients
Preparation Prepare grill on medium heat. Place potatoes in a baking dish. Add ¼ cup oil, fresh rosemary, brown sugar, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Brush grill lightly with oil. Place potatoes on grill about 1 inch apart and grill until tender and slightly charred, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes total. Transfer potatoes to bowl, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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advertorial
161 solutions for your successful career M
CAST adds to its list of full-time courses every year, giving students new training opportunities at different levels. Learners who have obtained the necessary qualifications during secondary school or sixth form can choose from a range of diploma, higher national diploma and eventually degree programmes to equip themselves with the skills required to secure better jobs and excel. Other students may need more support to reach these levels. That’s why MCAST also offers certificate and foundation courses that provide additional care and assistance for them to progress to higher education levels as well. Students who will be applying for any of the College’s 161 full-time courses later this month, will find out that learning at MCAST is not simply about sitting in class, writing down notes, and preparing for exams. It is mostly about the opportunity to get handson experiences in the skills and knowledge you need to grasp for a successful career in your chosen sector. Vida meets MCAST students Thomas, Remona and James, to find out more.
Developing my own ICT business
Thomas Gatt, Institute of Information and Communication Technology
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“I started experimenting with web development when I was 12. When I completed secondary education, I joined MCAST to focus my studies on information and communication technology (ICT). I chose MCAST as I wanted to be able to put into practice all that I learnt in class. I didn’t want a situation where I learn a lot of theory, and then hope to get a chance to apply it after I graduate. At MCAST I found lecturers who possess extensive industry experience in various ICT specialisation areas. The best thing, however, was that lecturers gave us different opportunities to put into practice all the theories, skills and concepts they taught us. We even had lessons on how to set up our own business, and soon enough, I plucked up the courage to start my own small enterprise, creating website solutions for different clients. I base most of my clients’ websites on a content management system that I developed as part of my final project for the MCAST-BTEC Extended Diploma in Software Development course!
My MCAST experience does not consist of classroom and computer lab sessions only. During the last few years, I also had different work experiences, including a work placement with an international ICT company in Ireland. I also visited Portugal to participate in Euroskills – an international competition among students from many European countries. It was an incredible experience. Each competitor had a few hours to develop a web design project. When the results were announced I thought I was dreaming – I had won first prize! After I complete my course and graduate with an MCAST-BTEC Higher National Diploma in Software Development, I plan to continue my studies by reading for an MCAST Bachelor of Science degree in Software Development. Then, I will dedicate more time and energy to developing my business.”
advertorial
A network of support
Remona Meli, Institute of Applied Science
A career on the high seas
James Sammut, Maritime Institute
"At secondary school, I used to enjoy science classes, particularly biology, but somehow, at the time, I didn’t choose to focus on these subjects. Instead, after I completed secondary school, I started working. When I turned 20, I felt it was time to get back to school and enrolled in the MCASTBTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care course. I chose MCAST because its courses emphasise hands-on training in real workplaces. Such opportunities are very important for young job seekers, as they provide the necessary experience which employers look for when selecting new employees. I had never studied science subjects to such depth before, and at first I was afraid that I would not manage to understand the scientific concepts involved. However, MCAST’s dedicated team of lecturers and administrative staff are very wellprepared to help students who may need greater attention to learn new skills. They patiently explain all that we need to know and guide us from one concept or skill to another without letting us lag behind. This network of support and assistance "The sea is my greatest passion. I joined MCAST in 2008, and after three years of hard work including long hours of study and a 12-month sea training experience that took me half way around the Globe, I’m now a qualified Officer in Charge working as a Third Mate on board Grimaldi Group’s vessels. I got the job soon after I completed the Officer in Charge Navigational Watch course at MCAST. Since this course is based on lots of practical experience, it was not very difficult to get used to the work environment on board the ship. Even my employers noted the high level of preparedness, and hopefully, it won’t be long until I’m promoted to a higher position on board my ship. During my sea training experience, I spent a whole year working as a deck cadet on board four different vessels, an experience that took me to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Congo, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Portugal, the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark and many other countries. Sea training is the only time where I could learn
encouraged me to work harder. In fact, I successfully completed my Diploma course and soon after I started an MCAST-Extended Diploma in Health Studies course, to continue developing my skills in health sciences. My current course included work placements in different healthcare areas. Among others, I worked at the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Unit and at Mater Dei Hospital’s Audiology Unit. At the end of one of these placements, the consultant was clearly impressed with my work – she even offered to write a reference letter for me. This will definitely come in handy when I complete my studies and start looking for a job. I will soon complete my course, and I am now considering seeking employment in the health sector. I can’t wait to start using all that I’ve learnt to improve the quality of life of many individuals. Eventually, I plan to continue my studies at Higher National Diploma and degree levels. When I come to select where to continue my studies, I will definitely choose MCAST again.”
from my mistakes and improve my skills through the knowledge passed on to me by the ships’ experienced crews and my lecturers. Once you graduate, there is no room for mistakes - an error can be fatal to the passengers and crew or cause serious damage to the ship and the marine environment. Practical sessions weren’t restricted to the sea training. At MCAST all theoretical lessons are backed up by hands-on training. In my case, this ranged from handling a capsized life raft to taking out fires in zero visibility. Through a state-of-the-art simulator, we could also gain experience on how to use ship radar systems, to fully-prepare ourselves for sea training and ultimately, for employment. I am now planning to build enough sea time in my current position to be eligible to go back to MCAST to acquire the qualifications necessary to work as a Chief Officer, and eventually reach the highest level one can achieve in the maritime sector - becoming a Master Mariner and writing the honourable title of ‘Captain’ in front of my name. "
How can I join MCAST? MCAST’s 2012-2013 Full-Time Courses Prospectus can be viewed online, on MCAST’s website www.mcast.edu.mt. A free printed copy of this booklet, and the required Application Forms, can be obtained from MCAST Main Campus, Paola or from any local council in Malta and Gozo. MCAST’s career advisors can help you explore alternative paths and decide on the most suitable option for you to reach your career goals and aspirations. You may meet them without appointment at the MCAST Student House, between July 9th and 27th, from Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 13:30. Adult relatives who would like to further their studies at MCAST are also encouraged to benefit from these services.
Full-time courses are offered by all the College’s 10 Institutes in Malta, and the Gozo Centre. MCAST includes the Institute of Agribusiness, the Institute of Applied Science, the Institute of Art and Design, the Institute of Building and Construction Engineering, the Institute of Business and Commerce, the Institute of Community Services, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, the Maritime Institute, and the Institute of Mechanical Engineering. MCAST will be receiving new applications for full-time courses between Monday July 23rd and Friday July 27th. For more information on MCAST courses, and on how and where to submit your application, visit www.mcast.edu.mt, or contact MCAST on 2398 7100 or career.guidance@mcast.edu.mt.
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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culture
Through the ages: Antique maps of Malta by Rod Lyon
Quintinus map of 1533 published in Lyon (France) in 1536
L
argely due to the presence of the Knights in Malta from 1530 onwards, there are a number of old maps of the islands to be found. In fact, Malta maps far outnumber those recorded for other Mediterranean islands. Also, considerable interest in the appearance of Malta was stimulated by the Great Siege of 1565, which inspired various picture maps to be published throughout Europe. These depict the movements of troops in addition to showing the outline and topography of the islands. The earliest known map recorded before printing was invented is a manuscript sketch from the late 15th century possibly by Cristoforo Buondelmonti (c 1385 – 1470s) as it appears in a composite atlas of maps mostly signed by him (the Malta m/s map is not). Whereas the earliest printed map extant of the Maltese Islands was published in Lyon, France in 1536. The map was drawn up by French Knight Abbe Jean Quentin (often referred to as Quintinus) in January 1533, along with a detailed account of the islands.
Antonio Lafreri (State 1) 1565
Antique maps of Malta are often highly decorative, making them particularly sought after by collectors around the world. It is for this reason that they often sell for high prices at auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s as well as Germany’s Reiss and Sohn. Interestingly, one of the reasons for their attractiveness is the fact that maps of islands involve large empty surrounding areas that cartographers would often fill with ships, sea monsters, decorative scenes and elaborate baroque cartouches. Indeed, one of the most famous maps printed before Valletta was built, drawn up by Antonio Lafreri in 1551, shows venomous snakes beating a hasty retreat from the island after being banished by St Paul. Domenico Zenoi (State 2) September 1565
Map facts • The first known city map portrays the city of Babylon. • The oldest map in the world was found on the wall of a Spanish cave. It is 14,000 years old. • Three original copies of the earliest printed map of Malta exist in the islands. One is housed at the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat, another is in the Albert Ganado Collection in Valletta and a third is in the Gozo Public Library. The books are complete with Quintinus’ description of the islands as he saw them in January 1533. Jan Janssonius (State 1)ca. 1664
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culture
Malta Map Society The Malta Map Society was founded in February 2009 by famous Melitensia collector and cartographical expert Dr Albert Ganado, whose unique collection, built up over a lifetime, was exchanged with the Malta Government for the 1571 Valletta house in which he now lives. The MMS today has around 100 members and is one of the most active antique map societies in the world, holding regular monthly meetings, lectures and exhibitions, as well as publishing a newsletter and catalogues of maps. Dr Albert Ganado’s map collection is housed in the Museum of Fine Arts , South Street, Valletta. On friday June 10th, 2011 at the East India Club in London, Dr Ganado was awarded the prestigious Helen Wallis International Award for his lifelong contribution to the study and understanding of the history of cartography. In September 2011 the MMS hosted the highly successful symposium of the International Map Collectors Society based in the UK and the Netherlands. www.maltamapsociety.com
Matthias Seutter ca 1730
From October 26th – November 30th 2012, the Malta Map Society will be holding an exhibition of the attractive maps and views of Malta produced by Baron Charles Frederich Von Brocktorff (1775 – 1850) and his family. Any collectors or owners of Brocktorff material they could loan for this exhibition are invited to contact the Secretary of the Malta Map Society Joseph Schiro on joseph.schiro@onvol.net.
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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culture
July’s tragedies and triumphs
July 8th, 1283 – Great sea battle at the Grand Harbour From 1266 onwards, Malta had been subjugated to the might of the Anjevins kingdom, ever since this French power shifted its might from the region of Anjou and Provence in France to the island of Sicily and Southern Italy. On a Monday afternoon, following Easter Sunday of 1282, this tyrannic regime was toppled in Palermo by what is known as the revolution of the Sicilian Vespers. The revolt spread like wildfire. The Sicilians were later on aided by the Aragonese to oust the last of the French soldiers off their land. This episode in Sicilian history spilled 92 kilometres south to Malta, where following this event, an Anjevin garrison was forced to lock itself up inside Fort St Angelo, at the tip of the Birgu promonotory. These troops were besieged by the Maltese, who were aided by the Aragonese. The fateful day of July 8th arrived, when an Aragonese armada led by Admiral Ruggero Lauria entered the Grand Harbour following an Angevin fleet that had just arrived. A mighty sea battle ensued involving crossbows and swords. According to chroniclers who reported this dramatic event, the Grand Harbour "turned red with the blood of corpses that were thrown into the sea". Following this battle the Aragonese took over the islands, even though the Anjevin garrison inside the fort held out for several years longer. A protectorate status by the Aragonse continued on and off for the next couple of centuries until the arrival of the Order of St John in Malta in 1530.
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by Martin Morana
July 26th, 1551 – Dragut Rais raids Gozo Throughout the late Middle Ages and the Order of St John’s reign in Malta, the islands were always susceptible to sudden incursions by sea raiders. These landings were more often than not carried out by admirals of the Ottoman Empire, some of whom were based on the North African coast. When the Muslim corsairs felt daring, they would attack the Maltese islands in retribution for similar attacks that their subjects had sustained. They would land in Malta to loot and carry away whatever they could find. One of these raids was held in 1551 and led by notorious Rais Turgut (better known as Dragut) and his aide, the Sultan’s general, Sinam Pasha. The landing occurred on July 18th, when the Ottoman armada reached the mouth of the Grand Harbour. Once there, they seem to have changed plans and decided to land in St Paul’s Bay, going on to march their troops towards Mdina. The small fortified town withstood the onslaught whilst the knights in Birgu refrained from counter attacking as they were not strong enough to intervene against such a large force. Having failed to take over Mdina, Dragut’s troops boarded their ships once more and headed towards Gozo. There, they disembarked without any resistance and headed towards the fortified town of Rabat. The Gozitans hurried into the citadel and closed the gates behind them, but the citadel walls could hardly defend the inhabitants due to their state of disrepair and weak defence system. Suffice to say that there was only one cannon and one bombardier to counter artillery fire. The siege was laid onto the town on July 26th, and all seemed lost from the start – everyone present knew that a few cannon shots would soon breach the walls and many would be killed, huddled up as they were in their thousands inside the walls. According to 18th century historian Canon Agius Sultana, better known as De Soldanis, the defenders soon bargained with Dragut for their lives. They implored him to take only so much of their population into slavery and save the rest from such fate. It seems that Dragut offered such a promise, which he did not intend to keep. Indeed, according to De Soldanis, some 6,000 inhabitants were eventually carried off as slaves onto the vessels that were waiting off the coast.
culture July 26th, 1941 – E-Boats attack the Grand Harbour For most of the 7,000 year history of Malta, the Grand Harbour served both as the Islands’ main entrance as well as its gateway. Moreover, the Grand Harbour has on many instances served as a chess board on which pawns were played in attacks and parries both by friend and foe, by sea and from the air, as one will observe through the numerous dramatic episodes that occurred there throughout history.
July 18th, 1806 – Powerful explosion in Birgu Following the arrival of the British military forces in Malta in 1800, this new foreign power was slowly finding its feet in Malta by establishing its navy and arsenal in the Grand Harbour area. Whilst the seat of the temporary British government was established in Valletta, the arsenal of the British Navy was located mostly in Birgu, which soon started to develop into a garrison town of sorts. Just outside the fortification walls of Birgu, in an area close by Bormla Creek, a gunpowder and bomb depot was established. In the early morning hours of July 18th, an accident occurred as explosives were being handled, whereby a huge and terrifying explosion tore through the polverista stores. The devastation of the explosion was so immense that that side of the fortification wall crumbled down and a thick black cloud darkened the skies. Some 160 people died on that day and at least twice that number were injured. Most of those who died were Maltese, but there were also British military personnel who perished. So powerful was the explosion that some people who were on boats in the creek were thrown overboard and drowned in a vortex of water that was created by the explosion. The churches of St Lawrence and of the Annunciation belonging to the Dominican monks were amongst the structures that were damaged. This was truly a tragedy of cataclysmic proportion.
In the morning of July 26th, 1941, the Italian navy launched a special covert attack onto Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour aiming to infiltrate the two ports and destroy ships that were purportedly laden with cargo, following the successful arrival of a Convoy known as Operation Substance. The boats that were used, some seventeen in all, were a mixture of the MT Barchini, or as they came to be known, ‘E-Boats’ and SCLs, which were smaller boats that served as ‘human torpedos’. The latter boats were loaded with explosives that were then driven by one pilot to ram into targets. The pilots would scurry off in the last minute onto dinghies in order to escape the explosion as the boat hit the target. These SCLs were known by the Italians as ‘maiali’. The attack which was launched from Augusta in Sicily onto the Grand Harbour had anticpated penetrating the two harbours but failed miserably, as the first SCLs rammed the iron grid that closed the entrance to the Grand Harbour and exploded, but did not penetrate it. Instead, when exploding, the boat got stuck in the net that crumbled onto it, with the consequence that the other attacking boats were unable to get past the entrance and into the port. In the rapid reprisal that occurred on that morning, eight E-Boats, one Motor Torpedo Boat and a vessel that carried the ‘human torpedoes’ were sunk by the local defence units. Another E-Boat and a motor torpedo were soon captured by the British Naval units. One may well say that this was one of the most heroic attacks that was led by the Italian Navy against Malta, but which was swiftly dealt with by the Maltese defence units. 15 corpses were recovered from the sea whilst 18 Italian prisoners were taken.
July 12th, 1814 – The Maltese Police Corps is set up Immediately following the Treaty of Paris, when Britain established once and for all that Malta was to become a Crown Colony, proclamation numbered XXII that gave authority for a national police corps to be set up in the Maltese islands was published on July 1st. This new institution was to become part of a set up which would preserve public order and at the same time be able to administer justice. The corps was to become effectively in operation on July 12th. The Malta Police Corps was to be led by an Inspector General who would be answerable directly to the British Governor of the Islands. Only some 110 years later, in 1921, when the first autonomous and
diarchic government of Malta was set up, did the Police Corps fall into the hands and under the direct responsibility of the Maltese Government. Still, the Police Corps was to remain under the effective authority of the British Governor until Malta finally obtained its independence. The Maltese were granted a new constitution that came into force in 1921. This constitution proved to be adequate for some years to come, however it soon became evident that specific matters on ‘local affairs’ were not being approved by the Governor as these were seen to be in conflict with Imperial interests. This led to major disgruntlement and a cessation of the autonomous government was imposed several times.
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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photography
Travel photography
More than just holiday snaps by Kevin Gatt
N
owadays, travelling is an integral part of life, be it for a holiday or work. When travelling, it has become the norm to take snapshots of the travel destination so as to help memories outlive the experience of the place. However, amateur photographers need not content themselves with a mere snapshot of the place they are in. Rather than a snapshot, a photograph can be considered an expression of oneself, and this is exactly what an amateur photographer (and also the advanced photographer) aims to do. First of all, before going to a foreign country, one must find a good guidebook that highlights all the places of interest. Failing that, one can also search the internet to find out about the destination to be visited. Knowing a little about the place enables you to calculate the best time and place for photos that require some preparation or a wait for the best light. Besides, this also helps to avoid wasting time that could be spent at different locations for photos. For a photographer who is going to explore wildlife, such as in African countries for example, the choice of what to wear is important – camouflaged clothing can be more rewarding when taking photos of wild animals, which are easily distracted by human motion. A brightly dressed photographer can easily be spotted as a moving subject by animals, which may result in their escaping from the area. Besides, jackets and protective vests, along with good footwear help the photographer to roam more safely in such places. Taking photos while abroad can be creative, relaxing and satisfying. An important aspect is to find an innovative perspective that highlights the particularity of that place – for example, a close-up of someone selling something typical of the place. You could even take photos of street life, going on to convert them to black and white, should you choose to, later. Taking a photo of a building directly from the front is one thing, but zooming in on certain features of the building to enhance
Seville
particular details is another. One can take a photo of a great waterfall and freeze the motion of the water, which would be nice, but taking a photo of the waterfall with a slow shutter speed would absolutely make the waterfall more interesting. Taking a picture of an important landmark during the night may not be as rewarding as a picture of that same landmark taken as the sun is setting. These ideas in relation to travel photography may make all the difference in coming up with photos that are creative and aesthetically pleasing. These are just a few tips and tricks to keep in mind about travel photography, as this type of photography is vast and involves many different techniques. A creative photo is one that can be considered a snapshot of the surrounding environment, but the enthusiastic photographer has to make pictures, not only take them.
Photography with a message competition
Have you been paying attention? This month’s photography competition requires you to implement the techniques given in last month's lesson to produce a photo that speaks. You're still in time to participate, so if an image is worth 1000 words, prove it. Send your entries to snap@vida.com.mt or by post to the address below by no later than July 9th and you could win the fantastic prize from Living Colours! 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.
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Win a voucher worth €100 for a deluxe canvas print (50x100cm or 70x70cm) printed on premium quality cotton art canvas using the latest printing technology, hand-stretched over a 35mm wooden frame.
⇩
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 two photos per email.
WIN!
⇩
Conditions
Visit www.livingcolours.eu today to order the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Ideas include high quality canvas prints, photobooks, personalised cards, posters and books all featuring your own photos and messages. Also on offer are luxury personalised Holy Communion and Confirmation bookmarks and matching party invitations. Create, preview and order all products quickly and easily online and have them delivered to your door. Get started today.
fashion
Street Style VIDA’s street style excursion this month wielded surprising results – as the summer months and tourist season begin, some seriously stylish foreigners are upstaging us in the fashion stakes. Game faces on, stylish locals... can you do better?
Jessica Heveigh, 32 Personal Assistant Top Zara Trousers Next Bag Nine West Flip flops Havaianas
Petra Travers Tauss, 18 Student Maxi dress H&M Denim jacket Topshop Flip flops Accessorize Bag Paul’s Boutique
Clara Haegg, 27 Copy Writer Trousers Zara Shoes Stradivarius T-shirt London Bag H&M
Jimmie Larsson, 27 Web Developer T-shirt Cheap Monday Jeans Reunion Shoes Converse
Kathi Hirte, 21 Customer Service Pullover & scarf Zara Shoes Germany Shorts USA
Simen Alexander Linge Johnsen, 24 Customer Service Shirt Canada Jeans Norway Shoes Adidas
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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fashion
Fashion
Knickershort glory Not quite shorts but more forgiving than knickers, the knickershort harks back to 50s swimwear and provides an exciting alternative for those among us who dare to bare in summer. Avoid looking like you forgot to put your trousers on by tucking longer tops into the waistband or teaming with flirty crop tops for Lolitaesque charm. Don’t forget your heart-shaped sunnies!
The perfect
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ome the hot days of summer, even the most die-hard denim and trouser fans look forward to shedding the layers in the heat, and inevitably, out come the dresses. Despite this, not everyone feels confident daring to bare after months of being kept under wraps, particularly if you’re not sure how to look your best in a dress. Luckily, dresses come in various shapes and varieties, so despite what you may think, there is a style to suit everyone, whatever your shape! Here are a few tips and pointers on finding the perfect dress style to suit your body shape – keep this in mind on your next shopping expedition and you’re sure to impress!
• Apple: If your shape is what is known in fruity fashion terms as
1: New Look 2: Miss Selfridge 3: Topshop
Label we NK For those unfamiliar with Swedish retailer NK, it has been described as “Stockholm’s answer to Harrods in London or Bloomingdale’s in New York”. What’s really put the store on a more global fashion radar however is its latest beauty campaign, which is inspired by the upcoming Olympic games. Shot by Andreas Sjodin, the campaign highlights a bold, sport luxe look that coincides perfectly with the spirit of the time.
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‘apple’, meaning you have a larger midsection but narrow hips and shapely legs, there are a number of dress styles that’ll look great on you. Dresses with a v-neckline and empire waist will draw attention to your bust whereas dresses that hang in a straight line from the shoulder will flatter your figure.
fashion
Fairground
by Sarah Micallef
summer dress
Bling bling Make like Mr. T and deck yourself out with chunky gold bling for an on-trend look that’s sure to get you heaps of street cred. I’ve always been a fan of gold jewellery, so will most certainly be embracing this trend, but one word of advice to the uninitiated – approach with caution, you want to look street, not street walker!
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2 • Hourglass: If you’ve got a fuller bust and hips but a very small waist, the key to looking great in a dress is drawing attention to your waist. Any dress that nips in at the waist will suit your perfectly, with wrap dresses being particularly flattering. Team with a waist belt for an even more slimming effect. • Athletic: If your body is slim, athletic or boyish, comprising of a smaller bust, waist and hips, opt for a tight fitting bodycon number to emphasise your frame. To create the illusion of curves, try a paneled version à la Kate Winslet or a peplum. More ways to add femininity to your look could be details like ruffles and frills, as well as eye-catching larger prints that will add interest and shape. • Pear: On to another fruity favourite, if you’ve got a pear-shaped figure, meaning a small waist and bust and curvier hips, skater dresses and dresses with a flared skirt are what you’re after. Dresses that are tighter on the top emphasise your small top half, while the skirt will skim over the curves on your lower half. Another trick is to keep any detail and embellishment on the top half so as to balance things out, whereas a maxi dress (again, nipped in at the waist) will hide a multitude of sins!
Louise Roe Special
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1: Boohoo 2: Mango 3: Asos 4: New Look
Celebs
On her recent visit to Malta to film an episode of MTV’s Plain Jane, I caught up with television presenter, fashion journalist and stylist Louise Roe to find out the trends to watch this summer. She cites sorbet shades like coral, pistachio and lemon as big news this season, as well as tassels, print mixing and the ladylike pencil skirt. “High heels too,” she adds, “they keep getting higher and higher!”
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y m n i o J
e b i tr Creative director: Sarah Micallef Focused Knowledge T: 2339 2403 Photography: Jacob Sammut Carabez Pearl Works T: 7985 7733 Hair: Lara Steer, D Salon T: 2137 1245, dsalon@maltanet.net Makeup: Diandra Mattei using Givenchy T: 7982 8414 Model: Gaby Curmi Supernovamodel.com Assistance: Carla Said
Sweet like Candy Creative director: Sarah Micallef Focused Knowledge T: 2339 2403 Photography: Jacob Sammut Carabez Pearl Works T: 7985 7733 Hair: Lara Steer, D Salon T: 2137 1245, dsalon@maltanet.net Makeup: Diandra Mattei using Givenchy T: 7982 8414 Model: Nikki Zarb-Cousin @ Supernovamodel.com
Jumper Mango Bracelets New Look
Jewellery Mango Bra top Sef Farrugia Skirt New Look
Dress Monsoon Cardigan Sef Farrugia Sandals Accessorize
Dress Mango Necklaces Mango Bangle Accessorize
Bikini top Dorothy Perkins Top Miss Selfridge Shorts Topshop Earrings New Look Ring Accessorize
Dress New Look Scarf Rita Cholita Sandals Topshop Jewellery New Look
murder cases
Murder in Malta by Edward Attard
Septimus Adams –
Death following a duel
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he trial of 27-year-old Captain John Levick made history as the only trial since 1800 in which the accused was charged with taking part in a duel, which caused the death of 27-year-old Septimus Adams, an officer of the 88th Connaught Rangers Regiment. On Carnival Tuesday, February 8th 1842, Captain John Levick was with his wife and daughter at the Main Guard Square in Valletta looking at the grotesque masks. The throwing of sugar-coated almonds was customary during Carnival, and Levick was targeted by some officers from other regiments. When the throwing persisted, Levick became peevish and made an offensive remark to Septimus Adams. After some arguing, the two men came to blows and "Wied Adams was struck in the face.
An artist's impression of a duel by pistols. (Those engaged in a duel were prosecuted under applicable laws relating to bodily harm or homicide).
Għammieq was chosen for a prearranged combat"
After this incident, Levick joined the other members of his family while Adams returned to his barracks in Floriana. There, he talked to some of his friends about what had happened and, when he asked what he should do to redress the humiliation he had suffered, Captain Jeffreys suggested a duel. Levick accepted the challenge and a deserted spot at Wied G ħammieq was chosen for a prearranged combat with deadly weapons. It was the practice for duellists to have seconds to witness the combat, so Adams had Captain Jeffreys as a second whereas Levick had Lieutenant Antonio Mattei. At about noon on February 9th 1842 the two officers fired their first shot but both missed. Mattei insisted on another round, and this time Adams was hit and grievously injured. He was rushed to hospital, where he died 32 hours later. Levick and Mattei were charged with the crime as, according to the De Rohan Code, the criminal code at that time, those causing the death of someone during a duel were guilty of
homicide and this crime was punishable by death. It was also a crime to act as a second during such combats and a guilty person was considered an accomplice, and liable to the same punishment. Taking part in a duel, even when there were no casualties, was also a crime, punishable by 10 years’ imprisonment.
The trial of Captain Levick and Lieutenant Mattei took place on March 3rd 1842. Dr John Griffiths and Dr Carmelo Mariani were defence counsels for Levick and Mattei respectively. Captain Jeffreys was not indicted as he had left the island. It was rumoured that the secretary to the government had not only advised Jeffreys to leave but had also made the necessary arrangements for him. Dr John Burton St Croix Crosse was also involved in this tragedy, but had been given the governor’s warrant of impunity and was only summoned as a witness for the prosecution. The deliberation of the jurors was short and, to the astonishment of those present, they found both accused not guilty.
VIDA would like to thank the author of Murder in Malta Edward Attard as well as the book’s publishers Book Distributors Ltd of San Ġwann. BDL Books is giving VIDA readers a special 50% discount on Murder in Malta. Simply visit www.bdlbooks.com and enter the coupon code 'VIDA' while checking out to receive your discount.
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motoring
Sicilians raced in Malta regularly in the late 70s. Pictured are Beppe Bozzanca (second left, standing), ‘Jimmy’ Vitale (right, standing), and Luigi D'Amico (middle, front row).
Adjusting tyre pressures on Delfo Alessandro's Mini Cooper before my first hill climb in Sicily.
Sicilian attraction by Joe Anastasi
T
Coppa Monti Iblei. Luckily, we found plenty of ‘friends with clout’ among our Italian competitors, and with that hurdle surmounted, we were able to confront the race.
Perhaps the most memorable of these Sicilians was my great friend, the late Alfio Vitale, who raced under the pseudonym of ‘Jimmy’. He first drove an Alfa GTA here, but thereafter made regular appearances driving Ignazio Serra’s potent Fiat Abarth 1000. With this car he was to be my closest rival in the 1000cc class in Group 5 for a number of years.
We collected our cars from Catania and trailed them down to Chiaramonte for scrutineering on the Friday. That hurdle also surmounted, I was ready to start my first of 12 CSAI hill climbs. The 1300cc Group 2 class in which we were both competing had 33 entries, yet at the end of practice I ended up fastest in class, and Alex was an excellent third. Despite this, I wouldn’t say that either of our cars were among the best in class – Alex’s GTA being far too low geared, and my Mini seemed all wrong with the steering wheel and pedals on the ‘wrong’ side. We even got a credit in the daily newspaper La Sicilia.
he second part of this series of articles on the history of Maltese Motorsport last month was all about the primitive 70s, culminating in the formation of the Malta Automobile Federation, and the regular participation of Sicilian drivers in local events.
‘Jimmy’ was also responsible for starting me off racing regularly in Sicily – something I can never thank him enough for. He opened up new horizons for me, and for other Maltese enthusiasts alike. In 1978 he persuaded a couple of his Sicilian friends to make their racing cars available for myself and Alex Zammit to drive at the famous Coppa Monti Iblei hill climb at Chiaramonte Gulfi. That was the start of something quite extraordinary for me. So, armed with Vincenzo Ingo’s Group 2 Alfa GTA 1300 for my brother-in-law Alex Zammit, and Delfo Alessandro’s Group 2 Mini Cooper S 1300 for me, we set about organising the necessary paperwork for our Sicilian venture. I had been through all this before in 1972 when I entered the International sports car race, the Targa Florio. That being an International event, my Maltese competition licence issued by MACRA was perfectly OK. What we hadn’t realised was that no other licence but that issued by the Italian CSAI would do for the
Available from John Bull Tel: 21571025, 99448738
Come Sunday’s event we had both learnt the 6km course quite well and were both able to improve on our performances. Alex finished fourth after the head gasket had to be changed on the Alfa between Saturday and Sunday. I felt I was doing an excellent climb, with few mistakes, but accelerating out of the last hairpin bend, within sight of the finish, the Mini broke it’s crank. I quickly put it into neutral and rolled across the line to finish at a very disappointing third. Both results had been the best results registered by those two cars in years, and both owners were delighted, but we both felt we could have done much more with competitive cars. Despite the disappointments, I had really caught the bug. I would definitely return in 1979, only this time it would be with a car I would build myself. This was to be my next immediate priority.
Joe Anastasi started competing in local Motorsport in 1964 with a Mini Cooper S. Apart from participating in and winning a number of local championships, Joe also took part in numerous races in Sicily, including the famous Targa Florio, winning on seven occasions. Now retired, Joe helps Malta's young drivers to compete in Motorsport events in Sicily, where they have been very successful.
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cinema www.MarksMovieMarks.com – Release dates are subject to change. All films released locally by KRS Film Distirbutors Ltd.
July at the Movies
The Dark Knight Rises
I
n a way, the following few paragraphs are quite useless. I doubt whether my explaining why I, like so many people worldwide, am so excited about this film’s release will make any difference. If you are a) somebody who has watched Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, then I trust you’ll be turning up for the conclusion to this wonderfully-made trilogy. But if you are b) somebody who has not watched them, then it’s either not your cup of tea, or else you haven’t sat down to watch them yet. If and when you do, please refer to point a).
Why the hype?
For what it’s worth, I’ll try to remind you what all the fuss is about. In a densely-populated and often vapid sea of superhero films, 2005’s Batman Begins was a breath of spectacularly fresh air. It was smart, it was epic, it was moving, and it had a brilliant cast, directed by the director/producer/writer who can do no wrong, Christopher Nolan. It resurrected the Batman franchise from the multi-coloured comic mayhem it had been buried in by the two previous Joel Schumacher films. What cemented the reputation of everyone involved, however, was the sequel. The Dark Knight was the most successful film of 2008, and easily one of the best superhero films ever made. But it even reached out beyond the genre, and could be appreciated as an excellently-crafted film by those who would normally steer away from spandexclad alter egos and fancy gadgetry. A large part of the credit went to Heath Ledger, whose manic Joker character makes other villains look like schoolyard bullies. He
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by Mark Camilleri
Film of the month
received a posthumous Oscar for his role, and it’s not everyday that comic book films get acting recognition. Four years have passed, and during the gap Nolan and his team of collaborators had another worldwide success - the stunning Inception. But he then returned to the bat cave for what should be the conclusion of his Batman trilogy. The Dark Knight ended on a sombre note, as second entries in trilogies have the luxury of doing. Batman gallantly took the blame for the situation in Gotham, in a ploy to help keep citizens’ hopes alive and not tarnish the memory of Arthur Dent. The ending scene was poignant and perfectly scripted, with police dogs chasing after a fleeing, fallen hero, as Commissioner Gordon explained to his son what a true hero he was. It set the scene brilliantly.
Who’s in it?
Behind the scenes, all of Christopher Nolan’s regular collaborators are back for the final chapter, including composer Hans Zimmer, who added so much to Inception and the Joker’s character, and has now crowd-sourced thousands of chanting voices from all over the internet for use in his new score. In front of the camera, Christian Bale, now an Oscar-winner, reprises his titular role, hopefully with a less gravelly voice this time. He has to deal with two main antagonists. First, the ambiguous loyalties of Catwoman, made famous by Michelle Pfeiffer but now given a new luscious look by Anna Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married, the upcoming Les Misérables). But the main nemesis this time is the brutal force of Bane - the hulk-sized,
respirator-wearing villain with no qualms and no weak spots, portrayed by Tom Hardy (Inception, Warrior). The three veterans from the two previous films are also back on Batman’s side - Michael Caine as his trusty butler and mentor, Morgan Freeman as his tech expert and Gary Oldman as the sympathetic Commissioner Gordon. Two other Inception friends also join in smaller roles - Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50) and Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose). This is not just a film for comicbook or superhero fans, this is a much-awaited conclusion for all those who loved the first two films, and hopefully an intelligent crime drama that can also stand on its own. And it promises to be a return to grace for the caped crusader, easily the coolest hero of them all.
cinema The Amazing Spider-man While The Dark Knight Rises was expected and feverishly clamoured-for, this one is rather unexpected, and it will be interesting to see how well it does and how enjoyable it is. It was only ten years ago when director Sam Raimi and nerdy-looking Tobey Maguire traced the origins of Spider-man in a hugely entertaining and very successful film which then spawned two inferior but also impressive sequels. Why, so soon later, there is any need to reboot the entire franchise and retell the story of Spider-man’s origins is a bit of a mystery, but the filmmakers claim to have some untold angle to show, and the completely new cast and crew promise a new take on Peter Parker’s tale. Directed by the appropriately-named Marc Webb, this version stars Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) as the guys who knows how to pull strings, Emma Stone (The Help) as his love interest, and Sally Field and Martin Sheen as his aunt and uncle. Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill) will evolve into the hero’s new reptilian foe. Whether you’re very young, moderately amnesiac or just as curious as I am, this should be worth a shot.
Ice Age: Continental Drift Another very successful animated franchise, this uses the usual ingredients of constant humour and great voice work, but sets it all on ice for a unique look. The popularity is largely due to the main characters voiced by John Leguizamo (Moulin Rouge!), Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Denis Leary (Rescue Me). They were later joined by Queen Latifah (Chicago) and Seann William Scott (American Pie), and the new additions for this film include Jennifer Lopez (Out of Sight) and the excellent voice of Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones’ Tyrion Lannister). And of course, there’s Scrat, the hilarious, acorn-obsessed sabre-toothed squirrel.
Lay the Favourite A high-stakes comedy set in the world of sports betting, this seems like a slightly odd job for veteran director Stephen Frears, who seems to be at his best with elegant films like The Queen or Dangerous Liaisons. The main character is portrayed by Rebecca Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and the solid cast includes Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek) and Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers).
In a Better World This Danish film won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar for 2011, and is about a doctor who commutes between his home in Denmark and work in a Sudanese refugee camp, facing very different but equally challenging decisions on either side. It’s directed by Danish director Susanne Bier, who garnered popularity when her 2004 film Brothers was remade into the US film of the same name. Definitely the heaviest film of this month, and possibly the most moving one too.
Red Tails George Lucas has repeatedly said that the thrilling x-wing space battles in his Star Wars films were inspired by his love for the fighter-plane dogfights from World War II films. That love seems to linger on, because his Lucasfilm team have now produced this historic film about airmen in the mid-40s. The film tackles wartime racism by focusing on the Tuskegee Airmen, who were a group of black pilots sent to fight in Italy. So you could say it’s The Help meets Star Wars, but I doubt that would muster much of a crowd. The film stars Terence Howard (Crash) and the recently-absent Cuba Gooding Jr. ( Jerry Maguire).
Snow White and the Huntsman This is yet another of those years with a pair of similarlythemed films released in close proximity. We’ve had Antz vs. A Bug’s Life, Deep Impact vs. Armageddon and The Prestige vs. The Illusionist, to name a few. Now it’s Snow White’s turn. Earlier this year we had Mirror Mirror, which gave the tale a comic spin and risked a relative unknown in the central, pale-skinned role. This one goes down the gothic route, and cleverly snaps up an instant audience by casting Twilight star Kristen Stewart as the pigmentally-challenged heroine. Charlize Theron flexes her evil talents as the wicked witch, and the very puny Chris Hemsworth (Thor) is the hunstman. Dwarves don’t feature too prominently (but they will come Christmastime), although there are a few familiar faces among them Bob Hoskins, Ian McShane, Toby Jones and Ray Winstone, for example. But your favourite character might just end up being the mirror, who looks superb.
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calendar
Arabesque Burlesque! Surfside–Sliema July 13th-15th
Events Theatre
Sports
Culture & History
Thursday 5th
Malta International Music Competition - Valletta E: vfimfestival@gmail.com
Friday 6th
Malta International Music Competition - Valletta - E: vfimfestival@gmail.com Changing of the Guard - St George's Square - Valletta - 10:00
Stephen Buhagiar
The Dazzle Troupe is back with another edition of their sold-out Burlesque shows! This time, the merry band of dancers, musicians and actors will transport you back in time to the exotic Orient with their very first open-air show. Follow the bawdy adventure of a hapless prince who, forced into an arranged marriage, flees from his stately home in pursuit of true love. On his journey he’ll encounter some rather irate genies, schizophrenic thieves, talking camels and much, much more as he struggles to complete his quest. Book early as seating is limited! Set design by Nel Pace. Lights and Sound by Aldo Cauchi Savona. Directed by Nicole Cuschieri. www.creativeisland.com.mt
Isouard | Schubert – The Great Atriju Vassalli – University of Malta July 22nd – 20:30
People Management Through Lean Approaches - The Palace Hotel - Sliema www.scodanibbio.com/malta2012/ Saturday 7th
Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Parish Church - Żurrieq - 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209 Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Kerċem (Gozo) - T: 2155 1355
vida.com.mt | Issue 31 | July 2012
The Beckett Project - Four Short Plays - Palazzo De Piro - 20:00 Mdina - www.ticketline.com.mt Tuesday 10th
Dance with Robert North -The Dance Workshop - Guardamangia - 19:30 www.thedanceworkshop.com.mt
Wednesday 11th
Dance with Robert North -The Dance Workshop - Guardamangia - 19:30 www.thedanceworkshop.com.mt
Friday 13th
Joseph Calleja, Gigi D'Alessio & Ronan Keating - The Granaries Floriana - 20:30 www.nngpromotions.com
The Beckett Project - Four Short Plays - Palazzo De Piro - 20:00 Mdina - www.ticketline.com.mt Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Parish Church - Żurrieq - 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209
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Patches The Special Market - Upper Barrakka Gardens - Valletta - 16:00 E: info@patchesmarket.com
Xirka Rock V - Aria - San Gwann 21:00
Sunday 8th
A fabulous concert by French youth orchestra Jeune Orchestre Atlantique featuring a selection of works by Maltese composer Nicolò Isouard (1773–1818) and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C major – ‘The Great’. Jeune Orchestre Atlantique specialises in the performance of period instruments from the classical era portraying a historically authentic orchestral sonority. Nicolò Isouard was appointed Maestro di Cappella of St John’s Co-Cathedral and later moved to Paris where he became well known for his operas. This concert is supported by Culture Programme, Malta Arts Fund and University of Malta. Tickets: €8, available at the door. Email: eveningsoncampus@um.edu.mt. Tel: 2340 2043/2142 SMS: 79843480. For more information visit: www.eurtext.eu and www.um.edu.mt/eveningsoncampus
Malta International Music Competition - Valletta E: vfimfestival@gmail.com
Thursday 12th
Prive Saturdays - Marrakech Gianpula - Rabat - 23:00
In Guardia Parade - Fort St Elmo - Valletta - 11:00 E: info@visitmalta.com
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Fgura - T: 2166 1745 Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Gżira - T: 2133 5841 Feast of St Joseph - Ħal Kirkop T: 2164 2893
Feast of The Annunciation - Ħal Balzan - T: 2144 2614 Feast of St Joseph - Kalkara T: 2182 6438
Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Ħamrun - T: 2123 2643 Pearls of the Romantic - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt
Music
Concert Under the Stars - Ta' Frenċ Gardens (Gozo) - 19:30 E: gozobellamys@gmail.com
Country Night by Candle Light The Funny Farm Horse Rescue Association - Bidnija - 20:00 E: thefunnyfarm2006@yahoo.co.uk Malta International Music Competition - Valletta E: vfimfestival@gmail.com
Clubbing
Dance with Robert North -The Dance Workshop - Guardamangia - 19:30 www.thedanceworkshop.com.mt Arabesque Burlesque - Surfside Sliema - 21:00 www.creativeisland.com.mt
Stupidity, A Major Obstacle to Lean - The Palace Hotel - Sliema www.scodanibbio.com/malta2012/ Saturday 14th
Prive Saturdays - Marrakech Gianpula - Rabat - 23:00
Xtreme Metal Assault 2012 - Buskett Roadhouse - Dingli - 16:00 The Australian Pink Floyd Show - The Granaries - Floriana - 20:00 www.maltaticket.com Arabesque Burlesque - Surfside Sliema - 21:00 www.creativeisland.com.mt Sunday 15th
Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to St Dominic's Church - Rabat 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209 Feast of St Sebastian - Ħal Qormi T: 2148 6350
Feast of Our Lady of Holy Doctrine Ħal Tarxien - T: 2182 8153
Feast of St George - Victoria (Gozo) T: 2155 6377 Arabesque Burlesque - Surfside Sliema - 21:00 www.creativeisland.com.mt
calendar
this month Fund Raising
Blood Drive
Monday 16th
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Victoria (Gozo) - T: 2155 6377 Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Valletta - T: 2123 4079 XI Symposium Syriacum - University of Malta Valletta Campus - Valletta T: 2340 7511
Tuesday 17th
XI Symposium Syriacum - University of Malta Valletta Campus - Valletta T: 2340 7511
Wednesday 18th
Malta Arts Festival Porgy and Bess - MCC - Valletta - 21:00 www.mcc.com.mt
XI Symposium Syriacum - University of Malta Valletta Campus - Valletta T: 2340 7511 Thursday 19th
The Malta Jazz Festival - Ta' Liesse Valletta - 20:00 - T: 2123 2515
IX Conference on Christian Arabic Studies - University of Malta Valletta Campus - Valletta - T: 2340 7511 Friday 20th
The Malta Jazz Festival - Ta' Liesse Valletta - 20:00 - T: 2123 2515
Changing of the Guard - St George's Square - Valletta - 10:00 IX Conference on Christian Arabic Studies - University of Malta Valletta Campus - Valletta - T: 2340 7511 Saturday 21st
The Malta Jazz Festival - Ta' Liesse Valletta - 20:00 - T: 2123 2515
IX Conference on Christian Arabic Studies - University of Malta Valletta Campus - Valletta - T: 2340 7511 Prive Saturdays - Marrakech Gianpula - Rabat - 23:00 Sunday 22nd
Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to St Helen Parish Church - Birkirkara - 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Żurrieq - T: 2164 2010 Feast of St Joseph - Msida T: 2133 4949
Feast of Christ the King - Paola T: 2169 5022
Feast of St Margaret - Sannat (Gozo) - T: 2155 1435 Isourd | Schubert The Great University of Malta - Msida E: info@soundscapes.com.mt
Kids & Family
Fairs
Ju l y
2012
Patches – the special market Upper Barrakka Gardens – Valletta July 8th – 16:00
Others
Monday 23rd
Hamam - Palazzo de Piro - Mdina 20:00 - www.xarapalace.com.mt
Thursday 26th
Classics Under The Stars - Girgenti Palace - Siġġiewi - 20:30 E: communications.opm@gov.mt
Friday 27th
AFM Military Band Display & Changing of the Guard - City Gate Valletta - 10:00 The Farsons Great Beer Festival Ta’ Qali National Park - 20:00 T: 2381 4114
Saturday 28th
Prive Saturdays - Marrakech Gianpula - Rabat - 23:00
The Farsons Great Beer Festival Ta’ Qali National Park - 20:00 T: 2381 4114
Mime and physical theatre workshop - Osborne Hotel - Valletta - 10:00 www.creativeisland.com.mt Sunday 29th
Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to St Philip's Parish Church - Żebbug - 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209 Feast of St Anne - Marsascala T: 2163 3703
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Balluta - T: 2134 4306 Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows St Paul's Bay - T: 2157 3445
Feast of St Venera - St Venera T: 2148 2851
The upcoming edition of Patches - the special market is going to be a veritable all-handmade feast! Patches will be celebrating its second birthday and all the participants have come together to create something exclusive for the occasion. Come join us in the afternoon and meet up with some of the best local (and some foreign) talent – this is the perfect place to purchase that something unique you’ve been looking for. Also join us for cold drinks and freshly prepared food overlooking the Grand Harbour whilst listening to local bands Bletchley Park and Nisga Project. Patches loves handmade!
Art Exhibition by Carmel Micallef
The Peppermill Bistro - Mosta Road - St Paul’s Bay Opening Times: Till the end of July - 09:00 - 21:00 E: peppermillbistro@gmail.com
Malta Tourism Authority - Auberge d’Italie - Merchant Street - Valletta. Opening Times: Till July 20th Mondays and Wednesdays - 07:30 - 17:30. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 07:30 - 14:00 www.facebook.com/#!/WalksOfLifeAPhotographicExhibition
Blood Donation Centre
Feast of Our Lady of Pompei Marsaxlokk - T: 2165 0622
Feast of St Dominic - Valletta T: 2123 4097
The Farsons Great Beer Festival Ta’ Qali National Park - 20:00 T: 2381 4114
Monday 30th
The Farsons Great Beer Festival Ta’ Qali National Park - 20:00 T: 2381 4114
Tuesday 31st
The Farsons Great Beer Festival Ta’ Qali National Park - 20:00 T: 2381 4114
Exhibitions in July
“Walks of Life” A photographic exhibition by six photographers
Feast of St Joseph - Żebbug T: 2146 0800
Mime and physical theatre workshop - Osborne Hotel - Valletta - 10:00 www.creativeisland.com.mt
E: info@patchesmarket.com
in Guardamangia opens 7 days a week from 8am till 6pm.
Blood saves lives.
www.blood.gov.mt T: 2206 6209 M: 7930 7307
The Vida team does its utmost to publish the most updated information in these pages. We can not, however, take any responsibility for details omitted or changed by third parties after going to print.
To include your events in this page email all details to events@vida.com.mt or call 2339 2236 by July 11th.
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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events
The Fashion visits Collective Tea Party @ San Anton Gardens 1
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1: Joy, Supernova Models 2: Jacqui, Supernova Models 3: Madeleine, Supernova Models 4: Presenter Noelene Miggiani 5: Katrina, Supernova Models 7: Sarah Micallef, VIDA & other guests 8: Event patron, Mrs Margaret Abela
Creative Island Launch Party @ Ta' L-IngliĹź Tea Rooms
P. Cutajar Wine Experience @ Razzett L-Abjad 1
1 2
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1: Marilu Vella, Pastizzi Gourmet 2: Nicole Cuschieri, Creative Island & Sarah Micallef, VIDA 3: Ian Schranz, Bark Bark Disco & Katryna Storace, Stolen Creep 4: Joseph Zammit, Burlesque performer 5: Katryna Storace, Stolen Creep | photos by Jacob Sammut Carabez
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2 1: Alexa Arena from P. Cutajar with Mr and Mrs Rapa 2: Carmen Pergola from Bersano estate
events
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
O T
n the occasion of The Australian Pink Floyd Show’s upcoming performance at the Granaries, Floriana on July 14th as part of their massive Exposed In the Light tour, VIDA takes a look at the band’s long history.
he Australian Pink Floyd Show of today has been a long time in the making. The long journey began in 1988 in Adelaide. Lee Smith, a guitarist obsessed with Pink Floyd, and needing to augment his band (featuring drummer Grant Ross and bassist Trevor Turton) placed an ad in Allan’s Music store reading: “Vocalist and Keyboardist required for band. Professional attitude expected. We only play Pink Floyd”. Steve Mac and Jason Sawford each saw the ad and the newly five-piece band commenced regular weekly practice. Having settled on the name Think Floyd, they secured their first paying gig at the Alma Hotel and more gigs followed. Though the reaction was positive, the line-up drifted apart, until 1992. Peter Whitely replaced Trevor Turton and on a trip to the UK, Steve Mac made contact with the publishers of Brain Damage magazine – the biggest Pink Floyd fanzine at that time. The owner, Glenn Povey, was planning a Pink Floyd fan convention at
WIN!
Wembley in 1993 and decided Think Floyd should perform. The band by this time had changed their name to The Australian Pink Floyd Show, and at the convention they put on a three-hour spectacular that is talked about to this day. The year ended with the departure of founder Lee Smith, who was replaced by Damian Darlington. Then, in September 1994, David Gilmour invited them to perform at Pink Floyd’s party marking the end of their Division Bell tour. This plan fell through, but the band soon found themselves asked to perform for Gilmour’s 50th birthday. In 1997, the band performed a show at Battersea Power Station - the iconic building known to all Pink Floyd fans as the Animals album cover, and 1998 saw founding member Grant Ross return to Australia. Though the loss would be keenly felt, the band regrouped and Paul Bonney was welcomed into the show.
The band’s touring schedule continued on an upward trajectory and in 2003, being the 30th anniversary of The Darkside of the Moon, they toured TDSOTM, taking the show to North America and Europe. The 30th anniversary of Wish You Were Here fell in 2005 and was marked by a slew of UK dates, a tour in South America and a show in Malta that drew 10,000 fans – including the Maltese Prime Minister – and was acclaimed as the nation’s largest ever paying concert crowd. In 2008, the band celebrated its twentieth year but the band keeps doing what they love. 2012 is another year of innovation, hard work, great crowds and great music – the huge Exposed In The Light tour is still all about the music, and delivering the absolute best performance each and every night; making their performance at the Granaries, Floriana on July 14th unmissable.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show competition
You and your partner can be the lucky winners to meet the Australian Pink Floyd band in person along with a selected group of die-hard Pink Floyd Fans. After meeting the band, you will be able to enjoy the VIP open bar area. To participate and be in with the chance to win, simply answer the following question and send your answer, along with your details, to The Australian Pink Floyd Show competition, GS Marketing 221/1, Valley Road, B'Kara, BKR 104. Which original member of Pink Floyd asked the Australian Pink Floyd band to play for his birthday?
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events
GĦAXAQ MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012 live in concert on August 6th free entrance Local band Tribali will be performing at this year’s Għaxaq Music Festival in August. Here’s what they had to say ahead of their performance.
Two months ago, your third album The Traveller was launched. What was the public’s response and did it meet your expectations?
“When you’re writing an album, the last thing on your mind is what the public will think of it. Then when production is in its final stages and mixing starts, the first thoughts kicks in. ‘Will this be liked? What response will it have?’ Since our music is not mainstream it’s always hard to make that evaluation, but without a doubt the new Facebook page and the comments we’ve had give us enough confidence to say that we’ve had a great response.”
“A Tribali show isn’t just about playing the songs. It’s the sound, the lights, the unexpected and most of all the positive feeling shared with our audience." Why Ħal-Għaxaq?
“For a start, we had been invited to perform there for some time now and we never seemed to find the right timing for this to happen. We always try to perform in the south of Malta every year, and this time round we’ve chosen Ħal-Għaxaq. It’s well organised and we’re sure the outcome will be great.” This year, the Għaxaq Music Festival is being headlined by the internationally successful British pop group Smokie on August 7th whereas you are a full live concert on the 6th. What are your feelings about this festival?
“Our feelings about festivals are always positive ones. From day one we were always in favour of festivals, which is why we have always
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been involved in Earth Garden. We’re also very aware of the work involved. Our first festival abroad was Glastonbury and it was very intimidating as a first experience. We all know Malta’s limitations in numbers, logistics and venues, so to have a local band club strive to incorporate different acts on different dates is a positive and encouraging aspect.” What should people expect from this concert?
“A Tribali show isn’t just about playing the songs. It’s the sound, the lights, the unexpected and most of all the positive feeling shared with our audience. This has always been our stamp and we put all our efforts into making sure the audience leave the concert venue with a good feeling.” The Għaxaq Music Festival is free of charge, but the public is being asked to give a donation to Puttinu Cares on entrance. How does it feel to play for this good cause?
“Free concerts can be perceived as a double-edged sword. With a free concert you are sometimes limited to what you can, but we are more than happy to have such an event in conjunction with Puttinu Cares. We do a lot of work on the side with NGOs so we totally support these initiatives.” Finally, what is your message for all those who are attending this concert? “Get your dancing shoes, leave your problems behind, give a helping hand to Puttinu and prepare yourself for a memorable night!”
books
The beach and the book
During the last few years, the National Book Council has been organising campaigns to encourage the public to take a book with them to the beach. The reasons (and justifications) are many. Maltese people love to use what nature has so generously allocated them by way of climate, and often spend long hours at the beach, lapping up the sun (at times dangerously) and enjoying the cooling embrace of the sea. These long hours are often wasted, as these sun worshippers generally just sit or lie there, doing nothing at all. A book helps while away the time. It helps stimulate the mind. Some books can add a touch of excitement (to your day at the beach), while others are lighter, to facilitate the relaxation process. The traditional printed book can also take the environment. It does not mind a bit of sand, and though water might misshape it (still, be careful), it does not fizzle out or short circuit if wet. It also fits nicely within a beach bag and won't run out of power at any time during the reading. This makes it a win-win situation all round. The beach and the book – together for a cooler summer!
News from bookland • Nobel prize-winning Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk realised a dream on the opening of the Museum of Innocence – a collection of relics from half a century of ordinary life – as depicted in his 2008 novel of the same name. The Museum of Innocence houses real and fabricated artifacts from everyday Turkish life. • J.K. Rowling's first book for adults will be a “blackly comic” novel entitled The Casual Vacancy. The publisher promises it will be “blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising.” The book is expected to be released in late October. • According to the Pew Research Centre Study, one in five Americans read an e-book during 2011 and 43% read at least one longform digital text (for example an e-book or magazine). 88% of those who read an e-book during the past year also read a printed book.
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Maltese must reads Victor Fenech: Il-Poeżiji Klabb Kotba Maltin
Victor Fenech is one of the more prominent voices to have emerged from the Maltese literary revival in the Sixties. Since his first collection came out in 1965, he has published a total of seven books of poetry. These publications have now been gathered in Il-Poeżiji and appear in the same order, book by book, as they first appeared. The reader can thus study the development over fifty years of poetry writing. Fenech was instrumental in introducing the haiku and prosepoem genres, as well as a number of poemcards, into Maltese literature. His poetry is both experimental and introspective. Ever present in his writing is the socio-political element, with anti-establishment protest and a defence of the environment being consistent, almost obsessive, themes. Of much interest are the two appendices at the end of the book devoted mostly to critical comments over the author's writing years. The book's soulful cover design is based on a painting by Emvin Cremona from the poet's own collection.
Spring Rain/Winter Blues Victor Fenech, Horizons
Prior to his seven collections of Maltese poetry, Fenech had long before been writing in English. In fact, all his early poetry was written in English. Over the years he has occasionally published some of these poems, mostly abroad in anthologies and in broadsheets, though he has also had his London Pictures published in a limited edition by his artist friend Rigby Graham in Leicestershire. Recently, Fenech had his first sustained edition of English poems published in Malta, with a variety of themes depicting his wildly changing moods. The book falls into three distinct parts: London Pictures, with poems pertaining to his 1966-67 year of study in London; Malta Suite consisting mostly of socio-political themes; and the title section which ranges through a wide selection of works, mostly confessional poetry. Each section is heralded by a Graham design, while the cover features two semi-abstract Malta scenes by the well-known Maltese artist Pawl Carbonaro.
Ġrajja ta’ Żewġt Ibliet Karmenu Vassallo, SKS
This year, the world is celebrating Charles Dickens’ birth anniversary, with celebrations being held across the globe. SKS just published an interesting translation that poet Karmenu Vassallo presented in the 1950s. The original text was published in 1849. Vassallo spent 31 months working on his text, which was then published for the first time a few weeks later by Giov. Muscat. The latter printer and publisher was based in Valletta.
Marc'Antonio Haxac and Malta's Devotion to St Paul
John Azzopardi and Alain Blondy, Fondation de Malte
Haxac was a surgeon on the galleys of the Order of St John who wrote a manuscript about Malta and St Paul. The manuscript was archived at the Wignacourt Musuem. The book also includes Haxac’s original 1623 Italian manuscipt in an English translation. The books page in VIDA is coordinated by the National Book Council. Check out this page for information from the world of books and reading! www.ktieb.org.mt
eating & drinking
This is the life
Assaggi Al Mare The Lido, Qui Si Sana, Tigne, Sliema
S
omeone once commented to me how I was originally tempted by a pizza, which isn’t that reviewing restaurants must be such fun. difficult in my case – I can hand on heart say that "I blame I answered that yes, it can be a great a week never passes by in which I haven’t had at experience – you get to go to different places least two pizzas – in fact, I have built up quite drinking so as to keep your audience entertained a knowledge base on the subject and certain wine in the and order things that may be out of your pizzerias know my takeout order just from the sunshine for my comfort zone so you can write about them, sound of my voice. My taste buds told me to have decision" besides occasional perks. On the downside, the the Black Angus beef burger with onion relish, place or food isn’t always good, I find myself my bikini told me to have a salad. I blame drinking recording lines in my head when I should be wine in the sunshine for my decision. My sister opted enjoying my companion’s company, I have to secretly for the chicken salad and in my case, the pizza won. jot down notes on my iPhone for facts, I need to recall later, The chicken salad was packed full of roasted chicken which take pictures surreptitiously – and then of course there are apparently was divine, and obviously plentiful – the kind of the 700-1000 words I will need to write when I get home, salad that would actually fill you up. The leaves were colourful, before I forget the details that make the place a go or no-go. crisp and not doused in a bottled sauce – which is another Oh, and there is the weight gain; although one ‘friend,’ and I reason I normally avoid them. My sister continued to gush put that in inverted commas because although she is right, she about the salad way after we left. has slipped down my favourite people list, once suggested that I The scent of my pizza, funghi with tartufo arrived shortly didn’t need to eat all of every dish, and I could in fact just have before it got to the table. There was no mistaking what type of a forkful to form my view. I took her advice for a while, but for pizza it was, mushrooms cut generously and overlapping each really, really good dishes, I ignore her haunting whisper in my other on the crispy fresh base. The cheese thickness was just ear and clear my plate. right; thick enough to give flavour yet not over power, and thin This week, I wore sound blackout headphones and headed to enough not to make the base soggy and difficult to cut through. Assaggi Al Mare. The winter version of this restaurant is one I love truffle in its spring or autumn variety, so the drizzled oil of my favourites, so I had high hopes and hoped they wouldn’t was a welcomed treat. It sort of elevated the plate to not junk be dashed. What normally happens at lidos and places with food. I ate the whole thing, and I mean the whole thing – there good views is that the food takes a back seat and owners become was nothing left, in fact I’m sure a crime scene investigator complacent and rely on their surroundings to please their would have trouble working out what had been on the plate. patrons, rather than their menus and service. Not so here. The whole meal with water, wine and coffees plus a customary The view from The Lido is great, but so is the menu. Smart shot of Sambuca was just €40. How annoying it was when I servers in sky blue t-shirts seemingly dance between tables, realised I would have to repeat the process as I had forgotten to collecting orders and plates and delivering drinks and smiles. take photos! The choice of food ranges from pizza to homemade burgers and giant hand cut chips, pasta, fresh fish, salads and a variety of steaks.
Ambiance
Service
Décor
Food
Value
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money matters
Money makes the world go round As schools close for summer, families will soon set off on their annual holidays. Bank of Valletta has some tips for travellers. Remember the days when you had to change currency before you went abroad? You might still have to do so when you travel long haul, but in 17 European countries, you can use the euros you have in your wallet.
Furthermore, the fact that the Bank’s Cashlink VISA Debit Card is partnered with VISA means that you can get the same convenience for electronic payments and cash withdrawals – all from your own current or savings accounts.
Still, it remains risky to carry around large amounts of cash that could be stolen or lost, leaving you stranded overseas. With credit cards now accepted in the most remote corners of the world, it is far safer to take enough cash to get settled in and to rely on cards for purchases or payments like hotels and so on.
Having said this, only two out of every three Maltese travel within the Eurozone. A considerable number travel to the UK, and although trips to long haul destinations were down by 24% last year, that still left almost 34,000 holiday makers who chose to try more exotic destinations. This means they still need to get foreign currency before they leave.
Bank of Valletta’s credit cards* are accepted at over 30 million locations worldwide, and offer access to funds on a 24-hour basis. If you settle your credit balance within the grace period offered by the Bank, you pay no extra interest or charges on your payment. Moreover, VISA credit cards also offer you Purchase Protection Insurance if something you have bought is lost, damaged or stolen. Your credit card statement can vouch for the fact that you have made a purchase if the original receipt is lost or stolen, and if you are a 24x7 subscriber, you have the convenience of re-printing credit card statements. It is a good idea to let the Bank know if you are going to be travelling, as the Bank tracks out-of-the-ordinary transactions to prevent unlawful use of cards. If you have a child travelling alone, then you can opt for peace of mind by giving them a Prepaid Card - payment cards that are preloaded with a fixed sum of money.
Bank of Valletta provides currency exchange at competitive rates. The best option is ordering your foreign cash through the Bank’s Internet Banking platform. You will then be advised when and from where to pick up your cash. The Bank’s extensive branch network means additional convenience.
Further information about Bank of Valletta’s products and services can be obtained through the Bank’s website www.bov.com or by calling the Bank’s customer service centre on 2131 2020. *Credit cards are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV Branch. The Travel Insurance Policy document is available at the Bank’s branches or on the bank’s website – www.bov.com, some exclusions apply. Prior to travelling it is in your interest to refer to the Travel Insurance booklet to ensure that you are adequately covered.
Issued by Bank of Valletta, 58, Zachary Street, Valletta VLT1130 – Malta.
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money matters
Health insurance
Keeping fit with some basic tips
W
hen applying for health insurance, you will be required to complete a proposal form on which the insurer will make its assessment whether to offer you cover or not. The form will include full details of your medical history and that of any members of your family to be insured. The insurer may decide that additional medical reports are required in support of your application. Based on the information you provide, the insurer will decide the terms and conditions of your cover. Insurers are bound to treat such information as strictly confidential. On the other hand, you must state all facts as they are. You cannot take out insurance covering treatment for a medical condition that you already know about. You must be completely honest if you make a claim or if your circumstances change after the policy is taken out. Failing to ‘tell it like it is’ means you may not be covered, as your insurer may not honour any claims if they find out you misled them. Apart from purchasing private medical insurance, you may have the opportunity to be part of a group health insurance coverage that would be purchased by your employer and may also be extended to cover
members of your family. Under a group policy, you may also be allowed to upgrade cover at an additional premium. Whether you purchase private medical coverage or form part of a group, you should be given a summary of the benefits in order to understand exactly the extent of cover that applies to you. Insist that you are also given a copy of the insurer’s terms and conditions (sometimes referred to as the policy document). This document contains important information about the process for making a claim, medical treatments for which you may not be covered and other aspects. Prior to any medical intervention or treatment, do check with your insurer if you are covered and up to what extent. Establish the cost of any medical intervention or treatment. Once you have that amount, call your insurer, explain that you have an appointment for a particular medical treatment, and you need to know the customary and reasonable rates for that service. Following up with an email to your insurer may also be helpful. No matter which cover you have, it is important to note that benefits described as ‘full refund’ will be limited to what the insurer considers as “customary and reasonable” charges. These ‘customary and reasonable’ rates are based on what an insurer would have
already paid in claims for those services as well as the ‘reasonable cost of service’ for your particular medical condition. Unfortunately, getting access to that information may be difficult for claimants. Some insurers publish these rates on their website; however, medical practitioners are not bound by them. Insurers usually have agreements with private hospitals to enable direct settlement with the hospital provider concerned. This depends on the level of cover you have chosen. Direct settlement may not be possible with some medical practitioners. Check your policy or, better still, contact the insurer. Another important thing to keep in mind is that any standard health insurance policy would exclude certain types of treatment such as routine checks, preventive treatment or dental care. Preventive treatment is considered beyond the scope of a health insurance policy since it is predictable and not treating a medical condition. Like all types of insurance, deciding whether to purchase private health insurance depends on your personal circumstances. It is however always worthwhile to take some time to investigate any potential benefits so as to make an informed decision when purchasing.
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advertorial
The importance of fire alarms The Standard on Household Fire Warning Equipment specifies that a minimum of one fire alarm is required for each bedroom and each additional level inside every home including the basement. When choosing a fire alarm system, it is important that you choose one that carries the label of an organization that assesses such products. Moreover, adequate protection is obtained by following the manufacturer’s installation, testing and maintenance instructions. Regular maintenance of fire alarms is also important. This consists of yearly cleaning and replacing of the batteries of all alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, all fire alarms should be tested weekly by following the instructions given. Fire alarms should never be painted. Should one of your fire alarms go off, do not panic – make sure you have an escape plan for such instances. Include two possible exit points for each room and ensure that all members of the family are aware of the plan. This plan should be practiced at least twice yearly. Gases and smoke can numb the senses in a very short space of time, which is why it is essential that every home has alarms which will immediately alert the inhabitants of the imminent danger and give them the precious time needed to escape. Remember, most fatal home fires occur during the night when people are asleep.
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advertorial
New Nesquik CioccoMilk
Bleeding gums? Nesquik CioccoMilk is made up of delicious Nesquik Chocolate balls and crunchy chocolate pillows with a creamy milk filling. It is fortified with iron, vitamins and calcium. Nesquik makes nutrition fun for kids while giving peace of mind to mothers. Parents can feel good about the nutritional side and children can’t get enough of the fun side. Nesquik encourages all children aged 6-12 to join the Nesquik Club so as to participate in various activities organised by Quicky. Those who are interested can call our Customer Care Department on 2338 9000 and ask for more details on how to enrol in the Club.
Nesquik is the official sponsor of the Scouts Association of Malta.
Zip up with confidence this summer!
Most of us clean our teeth regularly, but how many of us ignore bleeding gums? What do they mean and how can we treat them? Caring for your gums is really important for your overall general health. Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, and there are three main stages of this condition: Gingivitis. This is gum disease at a very early stage and is totally curable and preventable, as there is no permanent damage to the tooth attachment. The first sign is bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth. They may also be red or swollen. Other signs include bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth. If you experience any of these, make sure to make an appointment with your dentist who will advise you how best to address these issues. Periodontitis. If left unchecked, dental plaque can harden into tartar spreading the disease to the jawbone. This is unfortunately incurable, as the gums recede to expose the bone and tissue, which hold the teeth in place, but it can be controlled with appropriate home care and regular monitoring by your dentist. Advanced Periodontitis. This is the advanced stage of Periodontal Disease and when you will experience the most pain. Due to the severe gum recession, teeth become loose and painful. Tooth loss is highly likely and even the use of dental implants may not be possible. Prevention is better than cure. It is important to control the amount of plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, and the best way to do it is to visit your dentist regularly. Even the most thorough brushing and flossing cannot remove every scrap of plaque, let alone tartar – but visiting your dentist once or twice a year can! You might consider joining a dental plan to budget for your dental care – with such a plan you can pay a small amount every month and all preventive and most restorative treatment will be covered.
Now you can zip up with confidence all year long with Nestlé’s delicious range of Fitness Cereals and Cereal Bars! Our breakfast cereals are a convenient, tasty and healthy way for adults to eat a nutritious breakfast. Nestlé Fitness Cereals are a nutritious, quick and delicious way for adults to have breakfast every day. Often fortified with valuable vitamins and minerals, breakfast cereals offer a lower calorie and lower sugar option than many other breakfast choices. Breakfast cereals are also typically low in total fat & saturated fats and can be a good source of whole grain and fibre. Nestlé Fitness Cereals with whole grain can make a positive contribution to a healthy balanced diet!
With Denplan, you get treatment when you need it not just when you can afford it! Find a Denplan dentist today t: 21 322 600 e: denplan@atlas.com.mt w: atlas.com.mt/denplan Atlas Healthcare Insurance Agency Limited is authorised by the MFSA to act as agents for AXA PPP healthcare limited who provide the insurance cover. Denplan Limited provides the support and expertise to administer Denplan Care.
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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advertorial
Homemade burgers by James Muscat
Portions: 5
Serving size: 1 x 100g burger, bun and toppings
Ingredients
Beyond dog training by Robert Spiteri
Dogs bring joy and fun into our lives, but at times this cohabitation can be quite traumatic, particularly if the owner does not take the decision to get such a pet responsibly. It all starts by making sure that all the members of the family agree with your decision and are fully aware of the responsibility, commitment and work it entails. Remember, despite it being an over-used statement, a dog is truly for life – it is not a toy or a gift for the kids’ birthday which you can dispose of at the slightest mishap. We live in a materialistic world where we simply dispose of anything that doesn’t suite us; but a dog has emotions and like us, feels pain. Once a responsible decision is taken, it is time to select your breed. The best option would be to go and adopt one from a shelter, unless you are really into a specific breed or want a dog for a particular task.
• 500g extra lean minced beef • ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • ¼ teaspoon chili powder • ¼ teaspoon black pepper • 2 tbsp water • 1 egg white • 1/3 cup onion, chopped • 5 hamburger buns • 1 cup shredded lettuce • ½ cup reduced fat sour cream Preparation 1. Place minced beef into a large mixing bowl. 2. Add ground red pepper, garlic
powder, chili powder, black pepper, water, egg white and onion. Mix well. 3. Divide mixture into five portions and make into patties. 4. Cook on barbecue or on stove top in a grill pan over medium heat. 5. Place each patty on a hamburger bun and top with shredded lettuce and sour cream. Helpful hints • Patties are done when internal temperature reaches 170° F. • Use freshly baked sesame buns. These can be lightly toasted for a crisper finish.
Prime Ltd Mgieret Road Marsa MRS 3303
Always select a breed that fits your lifestyle and if you are not sure seek help and advice from professionals. Never get a puppy before 8 weeks of age, as it needs time to receive training from the mother and to play with its siblings. Make sure to give all the proper vaccinations and ideally talk to a dog behaviour consultant for advice on how to effectively live with your dog. Finally, exercise and daily walks are of extreme importance and it’s not a bad idea to get involved in obedience training classes or any other sport that you and your dog can do together. Having said this, always make sure that these classes are carried out by expert qualified personnel, using the latest training methodologies based on positive reinforcement.
Tel: 21222 291/2 21242 650 Email: info@primemalta.com Web: www.primemalta.com Facebook: PRIME RECIPES 4 U
Prime Meat Shops
www.maltadogtraining.com | M: 9944 2426
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Marsa Mgieret Road Marsa MRS 3303 Tel: 21 220 231
Tower Supermarket Complex High Street Sliema Tel: 21 319 633
Trolees Supermarket Triq il Merluzz Qawra Tel: 21 579 178
Gs Superstore Parish Street Naxxar Tel: 21 424 684
Mellieha Meat Shop Main Street Mellieha Tel: 21 522 477
Carter's Supermarket Triq Hal-Luqa Paola Tel: 21 660 601
Shopwise Supermarket Triq l-Imdina Qormi Tel: 21 463 093
Piscopo Cash & Carry Triq l-Erba' Mwiezeb St.Paul's Bay Tel: 21 581 112
Lasco Supermarket Triq Anton Buttigieg Zejtun Tel: 21 820 616
Now also open at ta' Dirjanu in Għajnsielem, Gozo
Every pool is a work of art · Outdoor & indoor pool construction · Residential & commercial · Turnkey projects · Renovation & plastering · Private homes & houses of character
David Vella
Construction Works
St Joseph House, Triq Bingemma, Mġarr, MGR 2501 | Mob: 9984 9907
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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With state-of-the-art
AN N FEE UAL ON LY
€1
50
designed equipment
Qormi Gym
Location: Cannon Road Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 8am-4pm Sun & Public Holidays 8am-12am Tel: (+356) 21 497 265
Cottonera Gym
Location: Sports Complex Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 9am-4pm Sun & Public Holidays 8am-12am Tel: (+356) 21 660 658
Paceville Gym
Location: St Georges Park Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-11pm Sun & Public Holidays 8am-12am Tel: (+356) 25 794 026
2141 9580 7937 3214 58
vida.com.mt | Issue 31 | July 2012
183, Constitution street, Mosta Wholesale & Retail www: melsaccessories.com Facebook: Bemania Mosta
20% off stock or buy any 2 items and get the 3rd free
Zebra Fashion Sarong €9.99
Classic Carp Pattern Bikini Sets €24.99 Chiffon Peacock Beach Cover-up Blue €19.99
Skills Lover One Pieces Swimwear €34.99
Black Ruffled Edge Fashion Beach Dress €24.99
OPENING SOON IN VALLETTA
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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Free Belte Beach Towel
Belté is the light fruity ice tea that’s right for your taste buds. With a special fruit infusion that quenches your thirst, Nestlé Vera Belté has no artificial colouring or preservatives. Get your free Belté Beach towel with any nine bottles of Nestlé Vera Belté 1.5-L. The offer is available on Belté Pesca, Belté Pesca Zero and Belté Limone from all leading supermarkets and is valid until stock lasts.
llence
In Pursuit of Exce
Famalco is a group of diversified companies managing a number of prominent brands and operating in various sectors of the market, including logistics, fruit trading, property, viticulture, retail, automotive dealership, excavation & demolition works, real estate, media and energy.
VACANCY
Sales Manager
VACANCY (Ref GSM)
The Sales Manager would be responsible for overseeing the sales performance of the various companies in the group within local and international markets and to achieve the stipulated business targets. Requirements: a considerable track record of hands-on experience in sales; excellent leadership skills to motivate team performance; a business degree or a sound business orientation based on experience. Knowledge, in particular to logistics, would be considered a major asset. Candidates are invited to apply by sending a cover letter, indicating the position reference of choice, along with a detailed curriculum vitae either by email to hr@famalco.net or by post to:
The Department of Human Resources, Famalco Group, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214
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Multi purpose wardrobes and storage systems in various colours including a choice of sliding and hinged doors in assorted finishes including mirrors. Matching storage beds and accessories are also available. See us at the Trade Fair grounds, Ta Qali Stand number 21/22 This new range is being offered at a promotional discount of 20% for the month of July.
Granny Smith Shop, St. Paul’s Street, Naxxar T: 2141 8984 | Email: info@grannysmithshop.com
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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Property Bugibba – Flat 1st floor, having 2 double bedrooms, sitting/living, kitchen, bathroom & boxroom, fully furnished €82,000 or nearest offer - Call 7921 1466 Mosta – Rare spacious 1st floor apartment, in a block of only 2 with use of roof, comprising open plan, 3 bedrooms, ensuite, front balcony, back terrace, boxroom & internal yard. Great value at €140,000 - Call 7900 7931 Iklin – Stunning corner penthouse enjoying outstanding views & situated in a smart block consisting of an open plan, 3 bedrooms, ensuite, main bathroom & 2 beautiful surrounding terraces with amazing views. Must be seen! €223,000 - Call 9958 5767 Birkirkara - Ground floor maisonette/apartment in a small block, 2 bedrooms, large backyard, furnished in a good area! €99,000 - Call 7725 3502
For Sale HONDA SLR650 – Year 1999, regularly serviced, new Dunlop rear tyre & new chain €3725 Call 9940 3599 Nissan Datsun – White in good condition. Always garaged. VRT passed. €700. Call 9982 3498.
Services Models wanted – Male and female models between the ages of 18 and 25 wanted for advertising and fashion magazine shoots. Send recent photos (close up and full body shot) to fashion@vida.com.mt. All Construction Project – We supply various items including construction items, commercial printing and commodities right to your door at great prices. Call 7902 0312 or email zammittonio@gmail.com.
To book your advert you can: · Send the details and photos you wish to include in the advert, together with a cheque payable to ‘Focused Knowledge Ltd’, by post to: CLASSIFIEDS, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214.
Fifth person eats for free this summer at Ta’ Marija! Summer isn’t complete without a visit to Ta’ Maria! Awarded the Best Maltese Food Restaurant for eight years, Ta’Marija offers authentic Maltese cuisine, exceptional hospitality and a traditional setting. Join us on Thursdays for Fenkata night, Saturdays’ Buffet dinner or Sundays’ Buffet lunch. Dining on all evenings at only €22.50 per person, and
on these nights with every four persons, the fifth eats on the house. Conditions apply. And don’t forget Roving Guitars and Mandolins, as well as Dancers in Maltese Folk costumes on Wednesdays and Fridays! Reservations are recommended.
Constitution Street, Mosta | t. 2143 4444 | e. info@tamarija.com | www.tamarija.com
· Send the advert details and photos by email followed by a cheque sent by post to the same postal address above. classifieds@vida.com.mt · Visit our offices at Pitkali Road, Attard, and ask for our Sales Team to book your advert and pay in cash or by cheque.
Sylvia Bazaar
All bookings and payments must reach our offices by no later than July 111h 2012. Bookings that reach our offices after this date will be published in the following issue.
BOOK NOW
2339 2236
For all kinds of mattresses &
Free delivery
We tmakaettress your old
For free!
2 pillows FREE with single size 4 pillows FREE with double size 5 pillows FREE with king size
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Caligari Street, Zabbar Carmel Street, Fgura Tel: 2166 6488 | 2189 5224 Mob: 9982 3470
competitions
WIN! All competition replies should reach our offices by Wednesday July 11th. Send them to Competitions, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on win@vida.com.mt. 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.
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WIN MORE www.facebook.com/VidaMag
June’s solutions
red, chilies, cumin, cardamon, O mustard, cloves
Meal for two
The award winning Indian restaurant, Sa Re Ga Ma is located at the tropical gardens of the Fortina Spa Hotel Sliema - Level 1 T: 9949 2513
C O R
F I M O L I N A 0
Winners! Lux-it: Carmelo Damato, Żurrieq The Fish Lounge: Romina Bezzina, Pembroke Geraldine Powell, Luqa Charlene Briffa, Sta Venera Adrian Gauci, Attard Connie Xuereb, Tarxien Yasmine Abdilla, Sliema Sa Re Ga Ma: Anabel Pace, Valletta Accurist: Damian Borg, Siġġiewi Essence: Daniela Testa, Birkirkara Star letter: Rita Coleiro, Luqa
10 slimming sessions for 150 T: 2787 9665/2163 6625 Find us on Facebook (Essence hair, nails and beauty centre) Triq il-Baħrija, Marsascala
WIN €50
voucher
LUX-IT Lighting, 105, Luqa Road, Paola (Opposite Carters Supermarket). W: www.lux-it.com T: 2166 5544 Name: Address: Contact Number:
Name: Address: Contact Number:
P A S E G T I A N D E R R Y A M A S A L A
What is the slogan of Lux-It Lighting?
LOSE 8 KILOS IN ONE MONTH
people win a WIN 615min Voucher
worth €9 per person
46, St George’s Road, St Julians 210, Triq San Xmun, Bugibba T: 2137 7444 W: www.thefishlounge.com
WIN! €50*
voucher
Name:
Address:
Contact Number: * Applicable on services offered by Essence. Not applicable on products.
What are the benefits of a Fish Spa Treatment? Makes your skin baby-soft Increases Blood circulation and stimulates the nervous system Relaxes the body and releases fatigue All of the above and more (correct answer) Name: Address: Contact Number:
On average how many watches does Pierre Lannier produce per year?
WIN!
Name: Address: Contact Number:
Trade enquiries: MaxiQuartz Spl 325, Zabbar Road, Fgura T: 2180 6661 – 7920 7632
1 winner will win this watch worth €90
July 2012 | Issue 31 | vida.com.mt
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only for kids
WIN!
Beach safety for kids There’s nothing more fun than a day at the beach on your summer holidays, but before you charge out there with plans of digging the deepest hole, building the biggest sandcastle or swimming like a fish, there are a few things to keep in mind that will guarantee your day will be nothing but fun fun fun!
• Sun safety. We’re sure you’ve heard how dangerous the sun’s rays can be, but do you really know how much? If you’ve ever been sunburnt before, you know how painful that can be – and that can’t be good for you, can it? Make sure you apply sunscreen before heading into the sun, and reapplying after you’ve been swimming. It’s also a good idea to move into the shade every now and then, especially in the peak hours between 11:00 and 15:00. • Sea safety. Regardless of how
Win a hamper made up of Nesquik products!
Find 10 things related to the beach in the grid and send us the solution by post. The correct answers will enter a draw to win the Nesquik Hamper. L
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strong a swimmer you are, the sea is stronger. Be smart about when and where to swim, staying away if it looks too wavy or there are currents, and keeping within designated swimming zones. It’s also a good idea to not swim too far out – if you’re going for a long swim, it is better to swim the length of the shore than out into the deep. It is also wise to keep an eye out for jellyfish – it might not kill you, but no one likes a jellyfish sting! • Sand safety. If you prefer rocky beaches or beaches where there are rocks on the seabed, you might want to wear special beach sandals to protect your feet. When walking on the sand, especially for longer distances, remember to wear your shoes too, because besides being hot and burning your feet (ouch!), there may be sharp objects hidden in the sand that would be painful if stepped on.
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Sun Surf Sea UV Rays Sand Castle Sunscreen Jellyfish Waves Towel Umbrella
Lucas Debono, 6, is the winner of last month’s competition. He wins a hamper made up of Nesquik products.
Another chance to win!
Design your own swimsuit and send us a picture of it to be in with another chance of winning the hamper made up of Nesquik products!
Send your entries, 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 Wednesday July 11th.
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