January 2013 - Issue 37
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Join the mission: Discover how personal trainer Richard Geres can make you lose 8-20kg in just 10 weeks
Health & Beauty Special
- page 18
Look and feel great
I resolve to…
Your New Year’s resolutions
Beauty experts share their knowledge
- page 8
- page 12
WIN! Malta memoirs
Pint-sized politicians
Healthy breakfasts
Monochrome chic
JEWELLERY, BEAUTY TREATMENTS, A MEAL VOUCHER & MORE
editorial
Enjoy the issue.
Sarah Micallef
VIDA next month – Love special
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 2231 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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⇩
VIDA’s first 2013 issue comes in the form of our health & beauty special. Packed with tips from the professionals on how you can better yourself this year, the January issue also features interviews with a few interesting personalities, a fond look into Malta’s past, a monochromatic fashion story and much more besides. Here’s to starting your year off right!
Issue 37 - January 2013 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.
⇩
My New Year’s resolution this year is the same as that of the previous few – to be positive. I believe that given the effort, you can choose whether to be an optimist or a pessimist, and I have firmly chosen the former. By being optimistic, I don’t mean being overtly cheerful and bubbly all the time. On the contrary, those are traits I have to admit I find somewhat annoying. The positivity I’m talking about is characterized by being thankful for who you are and what you have, valuing friends and family, and doing your best to approach every situation with a level head and a good attitude.
vida.com.mt
⇩
Much the same as many other people at the start of a new year, I find myself tempted to turn over a new leaf, make a few promises and attempt to stick to a few resolutions. In the distant past, I am guilty of having made half-hearted resolutions to do with losing weight and doing away with bad habits – and I'm not the only one, I’m sure. A few years ago though, I decided to abandon these superficial promises in favour of a more meaningful kind of self-betterment – one I have strove to adopt and will continue to do my best to stick to in this coming year.
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January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
1
Contents Man flu
7
This time it’ll be different
8
Start your day right
10
Looking your best for the New Year
12
Cultivating professionals
14
“Those who think they have no time for exercise, will sooner or later have to find time for illness”
16
Mission to crack down on obesity
18
Lose weight the right way
20
Supporting sport
21
Treasured memories
24
My thing
28
Street style
30
Don’t lose your head in the sales
32
Every car lover’s American dream
40
Street photography
42
Murder in the prison
44
Hard-headed politicians
45
Is your cat fat?
48
Buying your first property
50
Raising children with a disability and their siblings
51
2013: The year ahead
52
January at the Movies
54
It’s all happening
56
Events this month
58
Mattia Preti: Celebrating a genius
60
Deep flavour
61
Healthy New Year's resolutions for kids
64
42
40
21
14
54
Updates Letters
4
Not for Profit DogsTrust
6
Keeping it Short Shasha Fabri
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vida.com.mt Issue 37 January 2013
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February 2012 - Issue 26
www.vida.com.mt
Courtship by correspondence A real life love story - page 18
Loving lunchtime: More than just a salumeria - page 50
Valentine’s fun for singletons - page 15
New ways to celebrate the holiday of love - page 16
COMPET IT
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A MEAL FOR TWO, BEAUTY TREATMENTS & MORE
• Recipes • Financial advice • Classifieds & more Sale shopping
The iconic van
A local production
Photography
April 2012 - Issue 28
March 2012 - Issue 27
Compagnia Nazionale
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Carisma Spa Wellness International
Raffaele Paganini
Performing An American in Paris at the MCC on May 4th and 5th - page 13
With the only Hammam in Malta
Around the world in four years The life of an air steward
- page 47
Tips on dealing with change
- page 24
- page 26
Murder in Malta The first instalment as chronicled by Edward Attard
Light up your motoring life - page 20
- page 38
COMPET
- page 14
Formula 1
Fashion
- page 26
• DIY
• Dining out
• Financial advice
• Financial advice
• Classifieds
• Classifieds
& more
& more Photography
Eastern delights
Interior design
Cruise specialist
Historical tragedies
June 2012 - Issue 30
New columnist
The benefits of studying abroad
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May 2012 - Issue 29
z
A MEAL FOR TWO, BEAUTY TREATMENTS, & MORE
My thing: Where objects do the talking
IONS
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Perfect pastels Spring fashion’s candy colours
The Peugeot 208
A true generation leap
- page 34
- page 41
If you can’ t stand the heat...
Hello, world Are podcasts the new medium of choice?
A rescue officer’s story
- page 26
Nelly Furtado
- page 14
The singer looks forward to performing in Malta
Rosie reviews
- page 20
Off to a spicy start - page 47
My thing A family heirloom with a difference
- page 28
Mother’s Day messages
Messages of love and thanks from you! - page 10
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WIN! Product designer
Talking photos
A famous face
Celebrating excellence
Marine fashion
Summer activites
A SECURITY SYSTEM, EVENT TICKETS, BEAUTY TREATMENTS & MORE
August 2012 - Issue 32
Beating bullying
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July 2012 - Issue 31
Green fingers
A SECURITY SYSTEM, BEAUTY TREATMENTS EVENT TICKETS, & MORE
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We would like to thank you for your support throughout another successful year
Smokie
Antonello Vendit ti
Live in concert at Għaxaq Grounds on August 7th free entrance
Unica Tour 2012 Malta
The perfect balance
- page 27
- page 18
Deadly duel
More than holiday snaps
Entertainment and nightlife trends
Making a difference
This month’s instalment of Murder in Malta
- page 30
- page 52
A story by Tim A. Montalto
- page 20
Travel photography tips
Special guests: Winter Moods
A moment in the life
Working mothers share their experiences
What do you do for fun?
Facts about foster care
- page 40
- page 14
- page 47
WIN!
WIN! Shoreside eats
Print perfection
- page 47
Where time stood still
A local talent
& MORE
Latest releases
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Meet Martine
on Fashi al Spe ci
Face of Malta 2012 winner - page 7
Homes special
Yada Dance Rush October 26th, 27th and 28th and November 4th at the MCC, Valletta - page 55
Prepare to sell
The estate agent’s tips on how to sell your property fast - page 14
Alternative shopping There’s more to London than Oxford Street - page 26
Back to school Three families give their views
Chefs for charity
- page 8
The story behind Tisjir mill-Qalb
- page 28
WIN! Special report
Menswear trends
WIN! Home decorating
Country style
Travel photography
Capital of culture
SIGNED BOOKS, BEAUTY TREATMENTS, A SECURITY SYSTEM & MORE
December 2012 - Issue 36
Making a difference
November 2012 - Issue 35
Jewellery designer
DANCE SESSIONS, BEAUTY TREATMENTS, A SECURITY SYSTEM & MORE
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years of
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September 2012 - Issue 33
Tribal trends
October 2012 - Issue 34
Antique maps
Outdoor living
EVENT TICKETS, BEAUTY TREATMENTS, A SECURITY SYSTEM
2 TICKETS TO THE BIGGEST ROCK CONCERT OF THE SUMMER
Bay Music Awards 2012 Live Party like it’s the end on December 12th - page 54
175 years of inspiration Caffe Cordina celebrates its anniversary
- page 21
Weddings special
Eventful I dos
What you remember most about your wedding - page 12
Does crime pay?
When minor crimes go unpunished
- page 27
Young designer
Wedding guide
Celestial maps
Latest releases
A day like all others
Christmas disasters Your tales of seasonal woe
Meet the people who work on Christmas day
- page 24
- page 22
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JEWELLERY, BEAUTY TREATMENTS, A SECURITY SYSTEM & MORE
In perfect harmony
Gift guide
A devoted collector
Belle of the ball
letters
Your say
STAR LETTER
My resolution Dear Editor,
Dear Editor,
Being a very impulsive person, I am often advised to think before I act – something I resolve to do more of this year.
Are we really aware of what we have? I believe that the experiences we go through in life make us who we are, yet I do my best not to let bad experiences change me, except for the better. From the outside I may look weak, but on the inside there’s a lion roaring. In this day and age, all everyone seems to want is to take and take, without caring about what anyone else may need. Moreover, if you show yourself to be a positive person, or smile more often than those around you deem it necessary, you get judged – but I believe everybody has something to give. They say you never know what you have until it's gone. This year, I’m going to try to make myself realise that every minute counts – my family, my wife, my whole life and everything that God has provided me with. Ill try to be strong in the mornings, to wake up and face another day that is still a box to be opened. My advice for everyone this New Year is to never ever take things for granted. Paul Darmanin
I know it won’t be easy, and I will certainly have some trouble keeping to it at times, as I already know that there will be times when I will be frustrated by other people’s apathy, lack of co-operation and respect for one another. Still, my intentions are pure, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a prosperous year ahead and may we all live with one commandment – ‘għamel lil ħadd ieħor dak li tixtieq li jgħamlu lilek’ (Maltese for ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’.) And please, while you’re at it, could you please respect the road code too? J. Cutajar
New discoveries Dear Editor,
culture
A story of devotion by Sarah Micallef
“Every statue has a story”, says Paul Pace, owner of the Baby Jesus Museum in B’Kara, upon my visit. “My mother still tells the story of how I was given my first Baby Jesus statue when I was just 6 years old. I was very close to my father, and when he had to go abroad for work, I was very upset and started to cry. To cheer me up, my grandmother gave me a wax statue of Baby Jesus.”
Firstly, (and since I am writing!) I would like to thank the VIDA team for the wonderful magazine you produce on a monthly basis. It’s one my favourite magazines, and I look forward to reading it every month.
He goes on to mention another statue given to him by his beloved father: “I came across a shop that was selling Baby Jesus statues, and one particular one caught my eye, but my parents couldn’t afford it. A little while later, my father won three liri playing the lotto, and he bought it for me. I still have that statue.” From then on, Paul started collecting Baby Jesus statues as a way of showing his devotion. As his collection grew, Paul began putting his Baby Jesus statues on display in his father’s garage at Christmas time, for people to enjoy. Years went by, and after a period of not putting his beloved statues on display, Paul figured it was a shame that his collection, which had by then grown to around 1,500 statues, was not open to the public, so along with his wife, he decided to set up the Baby Jesus Museum, or ‘Mużew tal-Bambini’, which was inaugurated on December 6th 2010.
"I was given my first Baby Jesus statue when I was just 6 years old" The vast collection of statues displayed within the Baby Jesus Museum are made of many different materials including wax, wood, plaster, terracotta, glass and clay, but one that Paul points out in particular comprises a very unusual element. As he shows me a sleeping Baby Jesus encased in what appears to be a perspex case, he explains that the material of the case is actually recycled from a WWII plane, and the engraved floral design on it was carved by German prisoners of war as a way of passing the time.
The Baby Jesus Museum is open all year round by appointme appointment, contact the Pace family on 21492111 or ilmuze
His favourite story however is tied to the Baby Jesus known as ‘Il-Bambin ta’ Araċeli’. The story goes that this particular statue belonged to some priests who took it along on a sea voyage. However, their boat got shipwrecked, and they lost everything that was on it – or so they thought. “As the priests swam to shore,” Paul recounts, “they found the statue of the Baby Jesus waiting for them on the beach. It was considered a miracle, and replicas of that statue began being made.” My own favourite statues within the museum are the older varieties comprising embroidered garments and decorated with ganutell, some of which dating back hundreds of years. Paul smiles as he explains that the ones with the most sentimental value to him are a pair he had made using the hair of his own two daughters for the babies’ hair. Another statue Paul and his wife hold dear is one that used to belong to San Gorg Preca, which was given to them after the member of the Society of Christian Doctrine that San Gorg had originally given it to had passed away. When asked where he gets the statues from, Paul maintains that they’re from all sorts of places. From an old radio show entitled ‘Min Ipartat U Min ibiegh’ (a show in which people sell or exchange items) and auctions to travels in various countries, Paul and his wife are always on the look out for new additions, and even receive tips from people who have seen a statue they think they might like. “We’ve most recently been to Prague,” he maintains, “and brought back another 42 statues!”
I am writing to congratulate you on the very interesting interview with Paul Pace – owner of the Baby Jesus Museum in B’Kara, which you featured in the December issue. Up until I came across the interview in VIDA, I didn’t know about the museum, but now that I do, I’m planning to pay it a visit with my children – what a lovely Christmas outing. Thank you VIDA, happy holidays and keep up the good work! 30
vida.com.mt | Issue 36 | December 2012
Monica Sant
WIN!
WINNER
STAR LETTER COMPETITION
Throughout the past months, VIDA and Unitech gave one lucky Star Letter writer the chance to win a full Intruder Alarm System*. The competition ran from May to December, with the writers of the letters chosen as a Star Letter from each issue entering a draw to win. VIDA is proud to announce that the overall winner is Petra Bonello! Petra, whose letter appeared on issue 34, wrote about her love of pets and urged readers to consider adopting strays from sanctuaries.
For all your security needs T: 77773388 47, Cottoner Avenue, Fgura | unitech@go.net.mt *Terms and conditions apply.
Trade enquiries: MaxiQuartz Spl 325, Zabbar Road, Fgura T: 2180 6661 – 7920 7632
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vida.com.mt Issue 37 January 2013
Next month's Star Letter Winner will win this Pierre Lannier watch worth €135
What’s your idea? • What would you recommend? • What’s bugging you?
Share your views with the nation
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
your
favourite mix anytime,
anywhere!
Coffee Milk Sugar
Also available in Coffee + Milk
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updates Not for profit
Maltese voluntary organisations Keeping it short
Dogs Trust Malta
It all began… in 2009, when Dogs Trust Malta was launched to work together with SPCA on a nationwide neutering and education strategy aimed at reducing the number of stray and unwanted dogs across Malta and Gozo, and improving the status of companion animals on the islands. Our mission is… to create a greater sense of responsibility among pet owners and local authorities whilst giving practical support to owners and local councils. In so doing, we aim to ensure that this sense of responsibility is turned into positive action to help reduce the number of pets that are abonded or, even worse, killed.
We work… to foster a good relationship with all sectors of society, so that together we can tackle the challenge of bringing about change and improvement in animal welfare in Malta and Gozo through education on responsible breeding, proper animal care, and reducing the stray population. We hope to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. We have… changed the lives of thousands of dogs in Malta and Gozo by helping owners pay for veterinary treatments and offering free neutering and microchipping for dogs belonging to people receiving social government benefits, farmers, hunters and factory dog owners.
My childhood dream was to become a dancer or circus performer. When I was born my brother lost one of his shoes at the hospital in all the excitement.
Shasha Fabri
Beauty is everything. Working as a makeup artist is my gold mine. It all started 21 years ago at the Body Shop. The best thing about my job is that it’s versatile. It’s never the same and I love meeting new people and going to new places. I first got involved with fashion and beauty when I unexpectedly ended up doing Latoya Jackson’s makeup. My proudest moment in my career is every minute. I love to make people feel good.
Our greatest achievements are… neutering and microchipping 10,000 dogs over the past 3 years. Over 4,300 dogs that were registered were farm dogs, while over 4,500 dogs belonged to people on benefits, with the remaining being hunter’s' dogs, factory and community dogs, and shelter dogs. All of these dogs were neutered and chipped for free.
My proudest life moment was when I had my baby boy.
Secondly, we have reached just over 28,000 primary and secondary school students with our interactive workshops aimed at raising a generation of responsible dog owners and a happier, healthier future for dogs and society alike.
I never go anywhere without my mascara.
Our current projects include… a nationwide campaign
I will never live without my son
offering free neutering and microchipping to all residents of Malta and Gozo between January and March 2013; educational workshops within local schools and youth organisations to promote responsible pet ownership; and adult education initiatives to promote neutering through talks and participation in local events.
Shasha is crazy and fun. Not many people know that I used to play with a band in the village feast.
I always try to keep up with my schedule.
Life is full of surprises. 2013 will be a better, more positive year. My New Year’s resolution is to find more time for myself. I love socialising, eating and drinking. I love the good life. I hate doing nothing.
W: www.dogstrustmalta.com T: 777 111 00 or 21421500 E: office@dogstrustmalta.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 health. After going through the things I have gone through, I no longer think money is as important. I would like the future to be calmer, with less panic. In the end, all that matters is that as a single parent, I keep being strong for my son.
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.
Man flu
I’m not feeling well. I’m feeling hot, and cold. I’ve got a sore throat and my body hurts. Then there are the sneezing fits – violent bursts of 20 to 30 sneezes that leave a trail of carnage – a sweaty forehead, snot, and bits of tissue stuck to my stubble (How come it grows so fast when I’m sick?) I am suffering in a horrendous way. Just re-read the list above. Go on. I have also got a headache, I’m coughing, and I didn’t sleep at all last night. Oh, and I’ve just sneezed right into my chicken soup. Woe is me! "Where is your wife whilst you are going through all this?" you may very well ask. Let me tell you the ghastly truth. Brace yourself, for I can hardly believe it myself. Even though I am in this condition, Kat (who took the "in-sickness-and-in-health" vow just in case you’re wondering) has not given me a gentle head massage or pulled the blanket up to my chin for over five minutes because (listen to this!) she had to go upstairs and quickly send an important email. An email! Whilst I writhe in agony in front of my now nonedible soup. I have already called out to her twice. Once because the face cloth on my head was getting too cold and once because I could not find the remote control. Would you believe that the second time she actually tutted at me! It’s not all her fault you know. (Yes, even in suffering I am magnanimous). I blame popular culture. That YouTube video about the man suffering with man flu has made everyone
chuckle about what big babies men really are in comparison to women, who just get on with it, sick or not. What women do not seem to understand is that men do not just get colds or the flu. No! What we get is way more serious. It has to be. If it weren’t then we too would face it down, like heroes. We too would keep calm and carry on! I am sure that should a scientific researcher put his head around the door at this very moment, he would be shocked at the existence of such an aggressive form of illness. He would call it something like a hyper-mega-cold and be thankful that it attacked someone as brave as me. "Stop mumbling about hyper-colds and scientific research. And quit whining! I am trying to send an email. Go to sleep and you’ll feel fine when you wake up," she’s just called out. Fine! Ha! I doubt I will ever feel fine again! It is now later and I have woken up feeling much better. Medicines must be starting to work. Great news! I get up and go to the kitchen, where Kat is making more soup. "Feeling better?" she asks. "Much." And then in her ear "you know when you went upstairs to send that email? I wasn’t feeling too good back then. But I knew you were busy so I tried not to disturb you too much." She just smiles and wipes the tissue off my stubble.
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.
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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voxpop
This time it’ll be different
Every year, the promise of new beginnings has us making New Year’s resolutions with the best intentions. VIDA takes to the streets to ask you what the secret to sticking to them is, if there is one!
8
Darren Frendo, 32 This year, I resolve to quit smoking. Past resolutions were to stop going out on Fridays, and I did. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is just will power.
Roberta Preca, 28 This year, I resolve to have some more leisure time, go shopping – time for myself. Also, since I am a chef, I want to spoil more clients with the food I cook. Past resolutions were to keep a regular diet and eat less chocolate, though I never managed. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is to be focused on the target and think of the positive end result.
Joanna Parnis, 36 This year, I resolve to possibly shop less. I don’t have past resolutions because I don’t think its necessary to start a resolution on a New Year. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is in my case, to avoid shops!
Joanne Agius, 43 This year, I resolve to try to stay home a bit more, especially in the weekends in order to save up. Past resolutions were to reduce eating chocolates, and I did. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is at least in my case, to stop buying chocolate for home. I would say that staying away from what you wish to quit helps, but most of all it is simply will power.
vida.com.mt Issue 37 January 2013
voxpop
Adam Mc Lean, 28 I will not be making a resolution because I don’t think it has to be New Year to make a change for the better. Past resolutions were the usual things, eating more healthily and exercising more, but it never works out! The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is getting the timing right and just going for it.
Alex Bugeja, 38 This year, I resolve to stop making resolutions. Past resolutions were always the same – to eat healthily, but I never kept to it. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is not to make any at all!
Fredrick Bonnici, 35 This year, I resolve to quit smoking – the same as last year. Past resolutions were also to quit smoking, but I never stick to it. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is no secret really, just will power.
Emma Borg, 38 This year, I resolve to quit smoking. Past resolutions were to lose weight, but I never manage. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is in my case to have my mouth sewn shut!
Christina Coimbra, 22 I’m not sure whether I’ll be making any resolutions because I haven’t thought about it yet. Past resolutions were to stop biting my nails. I did so, four years ago. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is looking at methods that would help you succeed – in my case, it was the application of false nails in the beginning. I believed in myself and thought of how much I really wanted to grow my own nails.
Roderick Saliba, 24 This year, I resolve to work harder to achieve personal targets. Past resolutions were to quit smoking, and I did. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is determination. In my case, I started a sport, which helped me to focus more on quitting. Besides, I had lots of support from my family and friends.
Pauline Grixti, 53 I will not be making a resolution because I always break them. Past resolutions were to watch my diet but I never managed. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is all in the mind.
Maria Mallia, 29 This year, I resolve to stop chewing gum! Past resolutions were to lose some weight, and I managed. The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is lots of will power!
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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eating & drinking
Start your day right Strawberry oatmeal smoothie
(Serves 2)
Smoothies are quick and easy to make, as well as being healthy and tasty to boot. Try this breakfast variant for a fresh and fruity start to your day.
Ingredients • 1 cup milk • ½ cup rolled oats • 1 banana, broken into chunks • 14 frozen strawberries • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 ½ teaspoons white sugar
Preparation Combine milk, oats, banana and strawberries in a blender. Add vanilla and sugar to taste. Blend together until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.
Scrambled eggs on crumpets This healthier version of scrambled eggs uses no milk or butter, and can be served with whole meal bread for an extra fibre kick or on an English crumpet as a special treat.
Ingredients • 2 eggs • sundried tomatoes • fresh basil, torn • crumpets
Preparation Scramble the eggs without butter or milk. Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes and torn fresh basil. Serve atop whole meal bread or toasted crumpet halves.
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vida.com.mt Issue 37 January 2013
(Serves 1)
eating & drinking
We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but all too often, a lack of time and variety has us guzzling a quick bowl of cereal before rushing off, that is, if we don’t skip it entirely. Mindful of healthier options, VIDA brings you a fresh host of breakfast ideas – why not try one of these tasty treats to kick start your day? They’re certainly a step up from bland toast and soggy cereal!
Chocolate banana oatmeal
(Serves 4)
This sweet breakfast idea is a little moreish so might be best saved for weekends if you’re counting calories. The combination of nuts, fruit and rich cocoa still have loads of health benefits though, so don’t feel too bad!
Ingredients
Preparation
• • • • • • • • • • •
Bring the almond milk, 1¾ cups of water, the diced bananas, almond and vanilla extracts and pinch of salt to the boil in a large saucepan.
2 cups plain almond milk 2 large bananas (1½ diced and ½ thinly sliced) ¼ teaspoon almond extract ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract salt 2 cups rolled oats 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tbsp honey ⅓ cup toasted and chopped walnuts Pinch ground cinnamon 2 tbsp semisweet chocolate chips
Peanut butter and banana toast
Stir in the oats, cocoa powder and half the honey and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring frequently, until the oats are cooked to desired consistency, about 6 minutes. Transfer to bowls, top with sliced bananas, walnuts, the remaining honey, cinnamon and chocolate chips and serve.
(Serves 1)
Traditional ingredients to go on toast can get old after a while, so why not try this tasty variant? It’s not only nutritionally balanced but also oh-so-tasty!
Ingredients • 2 slices brown bread • 1 small banana • ½ tsp cinnamon • 1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
Preparation Toast bread slices and chop the banana. Layer banana on one slice of toast and dust with cinnamon. Spread the accompanying slice with peanut butter, then sandwich the two together and voila! You can also top with some honey for an extra treat.
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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health & beauty
hair
Lara Steer is the hairstylist for VIDA and Pink magazine and part owner of dSalon. Having won the Best Hairstylist Award at the Malta Fashion Awards, and been to New York and Berlin to represent Malta for Wella at the International Wella Awards, Lara brings her experience to VIDA to give you tips on caring for your hair.
If our hair doesn’t look good, we don’t look good, and as a result we don’t feel good. Clients often tell me, “If my hair isn’t done... nothing seems right!” This proves how important it is to care for your hair. Here are some of my top tips to make your hair look and feel great:
Looking your best for the New Year The festive season can take its toll on our appearance, and whereas the main focus is often on shedding those few extra kilos we’ve gained, paying attention to other features like our hair, face and hands can make us look and feel instantly better. Here, VIDA rounds up a dream team of beauty professionals who give their advice on how you can look great in 2013.
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1. Ask your hairstylist to recommend the right professional products for your hair. Buy a good shampoo and a hair mask. Like your skin, your hair needs to be cleansed and treated to look its best. Get into the habit of enjoying a salon treatment designed specifically for your hair type. Those who heat style their hair regularly should do this at least once every two weeks to infuse moisture and strength. 2. Avoid using too much heat on your hair and get a Brazilian treatment. If you’re one of many Maltese women with dry, coarse hair that requires heat to style, getting a Brazilian treatment only takes around an hour and you'll enjoy the smooth hydrated effect for around four months. A Brazilian treatment smoothens out, de-frizzes and hydrates your hair as well as builds up hair strength, boosts shine and gives it a silky texture. 3. If you hate your big hair, don’t suffer in silence. Get a thermal straightening system done and you won’t believe your eyes – it will be transformed into the wash-and-go silky smooth straight hair of your dreams. This treatment takes three to four hours but you can enjoy the results permanently. 4. Book a colour appointment at a professional salon at least every two months. Don’t be afraid of a subtle change every now and then – you’ll be surprised how good it will make you feel. This season’s top hair colours are rich auburns and vibrant copper shades, which really suit paler complexions. Alternatively, ask for a dip dye or soft caramel ombre that is fashionable and fun. A few lowlights can also dazzle your colour and enhance your eyes! 5. If you love long hair, you need to have it trimmed at least every three months for it to grow strong. Having said that, the current fashionable hair length is a flirty versatile midlength that can be styled in different ways. If you like to stand out, a textured bob with an undercut is really on trend, or a Vidal Sassoon-style sixties bowl cut in a vibrant colour. A great haircut instantly brings out your features and will have you walking with confidence, so never put your salon visits aside!
health & beauty
face Diane Nikolic is one of Malta’s leading makeup artists and beauty therapists, working with TV personalities, on fashion shows and shoots, music videos, singers and dancers. Having 25 years of experience within the beauty industry, Diana brings her wealth of knowledge to VIDA, as she shares her top ten beauty tips that will have you facing the New Year looking your very best! 1. Drink plenty of water and eat your fruit and vegetables; all those vitamins help your skin look and feel better. 2. Using a skincare product containing vitamin A is proven to help slow down the signs of ageing. 3. Use your skin care products every morning and evening. Having them sit on your bathroom shelf looking pretty is not going to give you better skin. Using skincare products containing vitamin A is proven to slow down the signs of aging. 4. Use a good hydrating night mask at least once a week if you have dry skin – there are masks you can sleep with nowadays that won‘t scare anyone at night as they disappear into the skin. 5. Looking good is feeling good, so try to find five minutes a day to put on some makeup. A little mascara, some highlighter under your eyes and lip gloss can make a big difference, and you don’t have to be an expert – it‘s easy and you can look good in minutes. 6. An orange tinted concealer or foundation can help tone down under-eye dark circles. 7. A thick concealer under the eyes can make fine lines and wrinkles more prominent, so use a highlighter or illuminator. They are light in texture and do not create creasing, plus they also contain special particles that attract light, thus giving you a bright and fresh natural look. 8. Avoid using lots of powder on dry mature skin – this tends to make wrinkles look deeper. 9. Avoid purple or brown lipstick if you have olive skin, as they can make you look drawn, tired and lifeless. Instead, use pink tones or bright colors to give your skin a more radiant glow. 10. Eyebrow shaping is essential. A bad eyebrow shape can change your expression and make you look less attractive. Nowadays you can find eyebrow experts who will shape your eyebrows accordingly and can bring out the best shape for your face.
hands Cherisse Mizzi is a fully qualified VTCT Nail Technician with nine years of experience within the industry, based at The Nail Lounge in Mosta. She offers a wide range of professional nail services such as gel and acrylic extensions, refills, manicures and pedicures among others. With the cold weather in full force, Cherisse shows you how to keep your hands soft this winter. Hands are often one of the neglected body parts of our usual beauty regime. We give importance to our face, eyes, lips and even eyebrows, but not hands. It's generally believed that hands are meant for hard work and are not to be pampered. Whereas it is true that hard work is essential, that doesn't mean that we shouldn’t take care of our hands. Beautiful, smooth and supple hands not only add to overall beauty but are also an indicator of general health and hygiene. Constant neglect and pollution do take their toll on hands, and as a result they can become rough and flaky, losing all their moisture. One way of preventing this and taking care of our hands is to give them a paraffin treatment. One marked property of paraffin wax is that it is capable of holding on to heat for a long time. It uses this property to improve blood circulation within both the muscles and the skin of the hands, as a result improving the skin tone and relaxing tired and tense muscles. During the treatment, hands are placed inside a bath of paraffin wax and taken out. The wax turns solid and begins to transfer heat to the hands, rehydrating and moisturising them. It also opens up pores and helps to treat aches and stiffness on the part of the body where it is used. Paraffin hand and nail treatment has proven to be effective for healing stiffness in the joints and pain caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis and bursitis. It can relax tired hands, and is particularly suitable for hands with extremely flaky and dry skin. Even individuals with skin conditions like eczema can benefit immensely from paraffin hand treatment.
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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sports
Cultivating professionals Sarah Micallef chats with ex-professional football player and current coach of the national U-21 team Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia and finds out just how much passion and dedication it takes to make it big – a concept he strives to instill in his team as well as the youngsters that attend Zazu Football School.
R
ay ‘Zazu’Farrugia has been playing football since he could walk, and started his football career with the youth team of Floriana at 16. He then received an offer to play with the Melita Eagles in Australia, with which he played from 1978 to 1990 on a professional level. Before leaving, Ray was honoured by the Australian Prime Minister for his contribution towards sports in Australia, a moment he calls the highlight of his playing career. In talking about his experience with the Melita Eagles, Ray states, “I played with a lot of great players, particularly one I really admire – Washington Gonzalez.” Despite stating his admiration for the players however, Ray maintains that he does not have idols, instead having always believed in working hard to achieve your goals. Ray mentions that football has also enabled him to meet a lot of interesting people, recalling meeting renowned football manager Sir Alex Ferguson. “He invited me to spend 12 days with Manchester United back in the days of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs. He was very down to earth, and I learnt a lot from him – particularly that if you want to succeed, sometimes you have to be ruthless.” Besides meeting new people, the sport enables you to travel, broaden your horizons and experience things that you wouldn’t
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have otherwise experienced, Ray explains. He goes on to mention one particular instance that sticks in his mind. “I remember once being in Macedonia with the national team. We stayed at a massive hotel in the capital, Skopje. Two days after we left, I watched that same hotel being bombed on Euronews. Can you imagine the feeling?”
"We stayed at a massive hotel in the capital, Skopje. Two days after we left, I watched that same hotel being bombed on Euronews." After playing for several years, Ray got his coaching badge in Australia. He now coaches Malta’s national under-21 football team. When asked whether he prefers coaching or playing, his response comes quickly: “Playing. Without any doubt. Being a professional football player, you wake up, breakfast, and go to training. The sessions are prepared for you, the kit is prepared for you – everything is ready. Besides, if you don’t perform well for a few games you sit on the bench. If a coach doesn’t perform well for a few games he gets the sack!”
sports Ray’s goal for the U-21 national team is to win points. “Since Malta has started competing in European competitions, it is very rare that we get points. Fortunately, for the three campaigns that I’ve been coach, the points have increased. In the first edition we got three points, moving up to five points in the second and again in the third.” When asked what he thinks Maltese players could do to better their results internationally, Ray is adamant. “Maltese football players need to change their mentality if they want to be more successful. We are not disciplined or ready to make sacrifices. Being a small country can work against us too –everyone goes through the week looking forward to going to Paceville on Friday and Saturday. If you want to be successful, you need to give up these things. You need to work hard, and if you play one good game, it doesn’t mean that you’ve achieved your goal.”
“A good coach is one who works well with the players, has good communication skills and is willing to take responsibility for the team, no matter whether the result is good or bad.” As conversation turns to Zazu Football School, Ray tells me that he always wanted to contribute something towards football in Malta. The idea to start the school came about eight years ago, and Ray decided to call it after his nickname – one that belonged to his grandfather before him. The school caters for boys and girls between the ages of five and 12. “We’ve taken the kids on three trips to Manchester since, where they played against Manchester United and trained with their coaches. I’ve also taken some coaches to Liverpool Academy.” When asked what it takes to make a great football player, Ray asserts that it is all about the willingness to learn. “You have to be willing to listen and learn everyday. You have to be respectful – without respect, you are nothing.” I’m met with a laugh when I then ask what it takes to make a great coach. “Results!” jokes Ray, going on to state, more seriously, “A
good coach is one who works well with the players, has good communication skills and is willing to take responsibility for the team, no matter whether the result is good or bad.” Whilst expressing his wish to see Zazu Football School – which is the longest running football school in Malta and has seen students, both boys and girls, go on to play with the national teams – continue to do well, Ray’s ultimate dream is that one day he will see Malta be respected in the football world. “At the moment,” he explains, “we are at a low level, but I know, because I’ve seen it with my own eyes, that there is a lot of talent on this island.”
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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health
“Those who think they have no time for exercise, will sooner or later have to find time for illness” – Edward Stanley
H
ow often has your doctor recommended you increase the amount of exercise in your daily routine? How often do you lie to yourself that you ‘don’t have time for it?’ Despite this, the evidence on the positive benefits of exercise is overwhelming. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that adults should be active for 150 minutes per week, yet a vast majority of adults are way below this benchmark. Exercise is not about achieving the ideal body weight, but rather about being physically active. A person of an ideal weight who is physically inactive is less ‘healthy’ when compared to an overweight person who is physically active. This means that an ‘exercise prescription’ is the best medicine a doctor can give you. Regular exercise helps protect the body from heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, back pain, and can also improve your mood and help you to better manage stress. There is no known magic pill that provides all these benefits in one! Besides, the bonus is that exercise is free and can be practiced by anyone, anywhere! This also includes people with a disability in wheelchairs, the frail elderly and the bedbound, although the ‘exercise prescription’ would have to be tailored for the individual. The cost of inactivity is high. Inactivity tends to cause weight gain, loss of muscle and bone strength and decreased cardiac fitness. This will result in a person having to stop to catch his
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or her breath after minimal exertion, or else not being strong enough to lift, push or pull during activities we encounter on a daily basis. This occurs in relation to simple everyday things, such as carrying a shopping bag, climbing a flight of stairs, walking uphill or even simply on flat ground. Would it not be easier to dedicate 30 minutes a day to focusing on physical activity instead? The benefit of increased fitness and muscular strength will then enable you to get through everyday activities in a more efficient and comfortable manner, without feeling worn out half way through. Exercise will reduce the cost of buying medicines, buying new clothes because the ‘old ones don’t fit any longer’, repeated doctor’s visits, (which can be costly and timely), and even fuel costs as some errands can be done on foot or by bike. Now if you are convinced about the benefits of exercise, the most frequent question encountered is ‘how do I know what to do?’ A sports doctor is able to provide a tailor made ‘exercise prescription’ where the FITT principle is applied, whilst keeping in mind any illness, muscular deficiencies and joint or back problems that are present… but more on that in VIDA’s next issue! by Dr Danica Bonello Spiteri MD MRCP (UK) MSc (Sports & Exercise Med, Bath) Specialist Registrar in Sports & Exercise Medicine, Leeds, UK
health
Mission to crack down on obesity Angele Enriquez, dropped from a size 20 to size 12
Personal trainer and weight-loss expert Richard Geres is on a mission to make Maltese people slimmer and healthier.
T
he Maltese are getting heavier, year after year. Recent statistics issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that as much as 73% of Maltese males, or three out of four Maltese men, and 53% of Maltese women, or more than half of all women are either overweight or obese. One mistake many people seem to make is that of treating obesity purely as an aesthetic problem. Perhaps their clothes don’t fit as well as they did, or perhaps their figure is not quite ‘beach-ready’. The repercussions of carrying excess fat however are far more serious. Countless research studies clearly demonstrate that being overweight or obese dramatically increases the risk of heart disease, metabolic diseases and even certain types of cancer. Visceral fat, or fat carried in the abdominal area, can lead to fat accumulation around vital organs like the liver, kidneys and heart, impairing functionality and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis (the narrowing of arteries) that can ultimately lead to heart attacks and stroke. The reasons for the increase in obesity are numerous, however after having personally interviewed and worked with 4,000 Maltese clients over the last few
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years, Richard has identified factors that seem to be common among many Maltese people: • Insufficient food during the day, excessive food in the evening • Too much bread, pasta and other refined carbohydrates in their diets • Excessive sweets, chocolates, biscuits and other sugar-rich food and drink • Excessive portion sizes • Constant yoyo dieting • Emotional overeating or stress-related nibbling • No physical exercise whatsoever
“The food was good, tasty, easy to prepare, filling and satisfying. With this programme I have changed my lifestyle completely and I have continued to lose weight even after the challenge without any special effort!” Angele Enriquez.
The good news is that these causes of excess weight can all be corrected, simply by implementing a few smart changes in your lifestyle. Richard explains "The only effective programme to burn fat and keep it off is to embark on a combination of better eating and exercise." To make
this easy for you, Richard offers an educational programme on how to improve your eating habits, providing delicious meal plan examples and a simple exercise programme that you can carry out at home or outside. For many people, time is an issue, so being able to exercise from home allows them to squeeze in 30-45 minutes without having to waste time travelling to a gym and leaving the kids alone. In just 10 weeks, people can usually expect to lose between 8-12kg, but achievements of up to 20kg are not uncommon. This programme will not only transform your body but will also provide an educational experience that will help you stay slim and healthy for many years to come! Anyone can follow this programme – all you need is the willingness to change. The next Challenge starts on February 3rd 2013. For more information and to apply visit www.weightlossmalta.com or call 27 877 445. The best male and female performance will be rewarded with a €500 voucher from Eurosport!
health
Lose weight the right way by Health Pit Operations Ltd
G
etting rid of excess body fat is not as simple as one may think; particularly considering that food tastes good, which means that sometimes we cannot refrain from overeating. This extra food consumption however, quickly becomes evident from our protruding bellies! Embarking on an exercise programme that is solely made up of sit-ups however will not get your abdominals showing once again. No matter how many crunches you do, it will only result in a vain attempt at getting rid of that extra flab. A combined set of cardio exercise together with strength training workouts is the way to go to gradually burn excessive fat, along with a healthy diet and balanced nutrition, which is a must in accompanying fat-burning exercises. It is imperative to keep in mind that your abs are a muscle, and like every muscle in the human body it has to be gradually exercised, so it is best to increase the intensity of your workouts progressively. Trying to get results in a short time frame will most certainly lead you to overtraining and increase the chance of you giving up on your training at an early stage. The ideal amount of exercise should not exceed a one-hour session, three to four days a week with resting intervals, thus allowing the muscle to regenerate itself again. With this exercise routine, you will be working towards a stronger and leaner midsection and get the added benefit of exercising your pelvic area, arms, chest, legs and calves, which also leads to fat loss.
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people
Supporting sport
For the past 13 years, she has been the Malta Olympic Committee’s sport psychologist. A year ago, she also took on the role of sport psychologist for the Malta Football Association. She not only works with adults but also children, from beginners to Malta’s elite sportspeople – and because of her job, she has had the opportunity to attend the world’s largest sports events – the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, as well as the Mediterranean Games and Small Nations Games. Jane Vella meets Adele Muscat, the first sports psychologist in Malta.
A
dele explains that she has worked in a variety of sports, but the main ones are shooting, sailing, athletics and football. In fact, she has worked with some athletes for the past 10 to 12 years. However, what does the job involve? “I help sportspeople improve on their performance through mental factors, dealing with anxiety and pressure, lack of concentration, negative talk and team dynamics, amongst other things,” she says. “I also help them in dealing with any other factors in their life that may be inhibiting their performance. So at times I do a lot of counselling too, apart from performance enhancement.” As an example, Adele explains that a child may become aggressive whilst playing a sport due to family problems. The role of a sport psychologist is to conduct research, teach and consult with athletes and teams to develop psychological skills to enhance performance. The role may also include implementing an educational programme, providing consultative services for those who work with athletes and providing crisis intervention services. The sport psychologist must begin by undertaking an analysis of the requirements of the sport, performing an assessment of the athlete, negotiating objectives with the performer, developing performance improvement programmes and providing training in psychological skills.
Games of Small States 2011
“Sport psychology is not just about teaching mental skills – it’s about understanding the person and how certain situations in their life may be affecting them,” says Adele. I ask Adele whether she faces scepticism when meeting people for the first time. She says that today, this is not the case, since she has worked to create a lot of awareness on the subject. “Awareness has increased since there are so many clubs seeking sport psychology sessions these days. Having said this, when I first started out doing this work, some did not believe in it and wouldn’t want to be seen in public talking to me because of the stigma,” she admits. “Fortunately, now it is not a problem at all, athletes who use the services know that they do so because it is an important part of their training.” Adele explains that sport psychology is different from regular psychology in a number of ways. “Sport psychology is more focused on results and performance enhancement and “Sport thus this can take place within psychology even a session or two at times... is not just Furthermore, sessions with a client about teaching are not just held in the ‘clinic’ but mental skills" also at the training venue and the field of play.”
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people The role of the sports psychologist has its challenges too, involving travelling to stressful events with the athletes. “This can make boundaries harder to keep,” she explains. “It also involves working in the weekends and at all hours sometimes – since this is when competitions take place. Furthermore, you may teach the athlete the skills to use, but it is up to them to practice these skills; some may not be motivated enough to do so.” Since it is still difficult to work full time in this area, Adele must manage to juggle her role as sport psychologist with her full time job as Sports Co-ordinator at MCAST. Adele, like many others who work in the sports industry, believes that the lack of professionalism in sports in Malta is also a problem, with most people who run sport and sporting events in Malta doing it voluntarily. This means they may not have the necessary qualifications. “Although it is really great that there are such people who give their time and energy, to improve further we need to seek higher standards,” she explains. Adele’s role has given her the opportunity to enjoy once in a lifetime experiences – the Olympic Games, travelling abroad, and meeting famous sportspeople. She admits that the most memorable event was her first big event – the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where William Chetcuti won a medal, and also the Small Nations Games 2003 which took place in Malta. Olympic team 2012
With Welsh football player Ryan Giggs
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people Indeed, her role often intensifies when athletes are preparing for a big event, as they would require more sessions. “They start getting anxious, and having more doubts,” she explains. “You also need to prepare them not just for the competition but for the great number of distractions that will be present in life at the Olympic village... the media, the top athletes all around you, and security.”
"you may teach the athlete the skills to use, but it is up to them to practice these skills"
After 13 years working mostly in Olympic sport, Adele is now shifting more into football, working mainly with the current national under 14 and under 15 teams. This is a project the MFA have undertaken to improve the levels of football in Malta. She also works with a handful of top players. “I am also continuing my studies, currently undertaking a doctorate in football psychology,” she says. She is working with the MFA youth teams to help them develop mentally in order to cope better with the game and to help them in their transitions in their careers including adapting to playing abroad. “I aim to find out whether the psychological training we are giving them is helping to look into whether the players we have abroad are dealing with the psychological pressures of playing at this level and if we could do more to help them in this area.”
With world reknown swimmer Ryan Lochte
Adele with one of Malta's National Football teams
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special feature
Treasured memories
Carole Verity has enjoyed a long career in radio, magazine and newspaper publishing, starting in London before moving on to Scotland. As a child in the early 1960s, she enjoyed a brief stint in Malta, during which she lived with her mother in Floriana. Here, she shares her experiences of a very different island with VIDA, painting a vivid picture of Malta in the ‘60s, seen through the eyes of a child.
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special feature Big news It was in June 1960 that the first real adventure in my life began – moving to a new home. But this wasn’t just any house move. It would consist of a journey of some 1,300 miles from London to a small island just 122 square miles, in the Mediterranean. ‘Malta’. The name still evokes fond memories every time I hear it.
I always loved Luqa airport, particularly the amazing open-air balcony where the planes could be spotted coming in whilst still small specks in the cloudless blue sky. It was here I waited every month for my father’s arrival from Tripoli and also to greet my grandmother when she made her first flight over to see us. It was on this balcony that my father was waiting when we landed on that beautifully warm June day.
Before embarking on the big adventure, I had been to London’s Heathrow airport once before in December 1959, to meet my father as he returned home from Tripoli. Working for an American oil company had taken him to the Sahara desert in Libya, but he was taking a Christmas break as needed to impart some important news. My mother told me that he was coming back with a surprise and, being an eightyear-old child, I thought this was a special Christmas present. I didn’t know at the time that this surprise would change my life irrevocably. When he told us that we would be leaving the South East coast of England to live nearer to Libya, I was shocked. Shocked but excited. I wanted to know more and plagued him with questions. Where were we going? Would it be to the desert? Were there camels? Always an inquisitive child, when he said that my mother and I would be living in Malta so it would be easier for him to see us, I was intrigued. Where was this place? What was it like? I hastily found an atlas and was shown what seemed like a miniscule dot in the middle of the sea.
The great adventure Our departure was planned for early summer, and the intervening months seemed to last forever. I used the time to learn all I could about my new home. Once into the departure lounge at Heathrow (little more than what seemed like an enlarged garage but with seats for waiting passengers and a huge weighing scale) the adventure really began. We boarded the plane and after a smooth take off, London was far behind us. My thoughts then turned to my father, who I was looking forward to seeing after six months. I can still recall the feeling of that warm breeze wafting over my skin as I walked down the steps from the BEA Viscount at Luqa airport. It was the first time I had ever left England and I loved the whole experience. I think children must have been something of a novelty to the aircrew back then, as they seemed to take particular care of me, even providing personal updates on where we were throughout the flight. I remember that we had to disembark from the aircraft in Rome for refuelling, as planes couldn’t go very far without stopping for fuel in those days!
Seaside fancies During the taxi drive from Luqa to Sliema, where we would be staying until longer-term accommodation was arranged, the sights of the island entranced me. Nothing had prepared me for such contrasting scenery to that of England’s towns and countryside. Our hotel was located on the front at Sliema, and it wasn’t long until I persuaded my parents to take me across the road to the sea. For the next couple of weeks, this became my watery play park. I loved to swim, but my diving had yet to become proficient. The rocks of Sliema beach became my training diving boards and the brilliant blue sea, the likes of which I had never seen before, became my own personal swimming pool. During our time in Malta, I never tired of Sliema and its rock pools. For a treat, my mother used to take me there to swim, and we’d visit an outdoor café where I used to savour a ‘7 Up float’. We were usually surrounded by the music of the early 60s, which came from a radio inside the café, to which many staff and customers sang along. It seemed fitting that ‘Oh Carol’ by Neil Sedaka was very popular, after being the No.1 single in Italy in 1960.
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special feature A more permanent residence I missed the accessibility of the sea when we moved to Gunlayer Square in Floriana, but there were compensations. The first of which was our neighbours, an American couple, Bill and Donna, with a young son Damian. Bill was an archaeologist who was working on excavations in Malta. Our families became firm friends and we would often squeeze into their VW Blue Beetle – a true ‘Herbie’ car that could not only be driven down steep steps but also reversed back up again! It was in this that we traversed Malta and Gozo with our friends and were introduced to the exciting world of archaeology first hand. Bill also taught me how to swim using a snorkel, mask and flippers so that I could accompany him while he dived with full equipment. My mother and Donna would sit it out with Damian on a nearby beach. I have a great memory of us swimming together through the Inland Sea channel in Gozo amongst many brightly coloured fish. The second compensation of living in Floriana was the situation of our flat. It overlooked the Grand Harbour with only a road and small park separating us from the tall walls that surrounded the harbour. I was a tomboy, and had already learnt how to climb trees. I picked out my favourite tree in the park and spent many hours on a high branch watching the comings and goings of the ships below. Also, as long as one of my parents was there to hold on to me, I was allowed to walk along the top of the harbour wall. I dread to think now of quite how high this was. I only know I never looked down! When some of the Royal Navy or American Navy ships were anchored in the Grand Harbour they had open days and you could go on board. This was a great treat, as you were ushered on board a small landing craft to take you out to the warships, one of which even had nuclear arms. Looking back, this seems impossible to imagine now, in our current climate of potential terrorist attacks and the need for stringent security. In 1960, this was not yet a threat and the crew happily took us around the ships, patiently answering our many questions. During our stay, a major event that took place at the Grand Harbour on July 22nd 1960 was the arrival of Papal Legate. Personally, I cannot recall much
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about this, but I believe we went along with some friends. I recall that it turned into quite a frightening experience, as we were quickly surrounded by throngs of people pushing everyone along the harbour side.
Starting school All too soon, my extended summer holidays were coming to an end, and the prospect of school loomed large. This posed a question for my parents – where would they send me to school? As my father was employed by a private company, my attendance at the nearby school for children of the British Armed Forces was not possible. I believe they did try, but to no avail. I had attended a private convent school prior to our move to Malta, so the search began to find a similar school in Malta, which they did – St Monica’s in Birkirkara. So, when the new term began, I began making my daily trips from Floriana to school. After the first few days on which my mother accompanied me, I was allowed to travel to school by myself. My journey began with a walk from home, up a steep slope to the small road with shops on each side where I would stop and buy sweets, then on to St Anne Street where the bus from Valletta would stop. Back then, buses were painted a different colour dependent on their route so I could spot the one for Birkirkara from quite a distance away. I recall that this bus was red, while the one to Sliema was green. Each day, I would reach the stop with a sense of anticipation, wondering what type of bus it would be, and always hoping it would be one of the new buses and not the old bone rattling ones! I had an unpleasant surprise at the end of my first week at St Monica’s when it became apparent that we were expected to attend on Saturday mornings. I found this difficult to understand and, being a very obstinate child, at first refused. It took some bribing from my mother and a promise to meet me at school on that first Saturday at lunchtime before I would go. She then took me on to a favourite place, Għajn Tuffieħa, which meant that that first Saturday wasn’t too bad after all. After Sliema, the beach at Għajn
special feature Tuffieħa became another swimming paradise for me. That is, before I came very close to drowning there a few months later – but that’s another story.
A feast for the senses I have many recollections of the time I spent in Malta, but the ones that often return are those that appeal to that heightened sense – the sense of smell. I recall the saltpans at Salini where I used to try to balance along the ridges between the crystallised pools whilst the sea air wafted through my nostrils. I remember the smell of freshly baked bread, which I learned was called “ħobż”, from the local bakery, which was little more than a room in a small house, with a huge oven glowing red in the distance. I vividly recall the bread being pushed in and out on what seemed like huge shovels. I have never since experienced quite the same delicious aroma or tasted bread like it – a dark, heavily toasted crust with huge holes inside, as if a small mouse had been burrowing a way through. Picking the aromatic rosemary which grew wild in the small park opposite our home and taking it home for my mother. This was the special additional ingredient to the delicious garlic sauteed potatoes she made. The unusual smell of the flavoured milk in the bar near the covered market in Valletta, and upon entering the market, all manner of unaccustomed fragrances awakening your senses. Meat, fish, unusual fruit and vegetables, herbs, flowers, sweet-smelling pastries and of course ‘pastizzi’, which you seemed to be able to buy anywhere and everywhere. Thinking of food, like many people on the island in 1960, I remember that we didn’t have a fridge. However, we were fortunate enough to have a well in the courtyard at the back of our flat. Our milk, cheese and butter and other fresh produce were placed in a bucket and lowered down into the well, just into the water. This was an age-old yet effective way of keeping perishable food cool, and was a task that I loved helping with.
on a cart pulled by Fortune – a huge black horse that I loved dearly. He had his own personal odour, which was not quite so pleasant! Fortune also had an unfortunate habit of tramping on your toes if you moved too close to him. I lost count of the times he squashed my feet so badly that I had to spend the rest of the evening bathing them in warm salty water, but I never stopped making a fuss of him. I have always loved animals and one of the things I noticed on our move to Gunlayer Square was the amount of wild cats there. I was told by friends that I shouldn’t touch them, as they weren’t clean and might scratch or bite. I was not to be deterred however, and was reminded of how my father had tamed a wild cat in East London whilst still a child. A plan was devised and I persuaded my mother to buy tins of tuna to put out for the cats, along with saucers of milk. Slowly but surely, I moved the dishes of tuna and milk further away from the area where the cats congregated and closer to our flat every day. Eventually they were enticed into the entrance hall of our building. After many weeks of patience, the cats became less timid and I was able to stroke them. Word quickly spread amongst our neighbours and I became something of a local heroine – the little English girl who tamed the wild cats.
"I remember the smell of freshly baked bread, which I learned was called “ħobż” A lasting impression I retain many impressions of this time in my life – far too many in fact, to include in one article. This is but a snapshot of the early ‘60s on my favourite island, and my unforgettable memories of Malta, comprising idyllic childhood days abounding with wonderful adventures. I am proud to say that, if only for a short while, my address was Malta GC.
Local creatures Another time-honoured custom was the greengrocer, who would come to our road in the early evening
Where Carole stayed with her mother in Floriana
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real life
My thing Rodianne Caruana has always loved bow and skull motifs, so when she spotted a bag bearing these designs, she had to have it.
S
ome time ago, while I was getting my nails done at a friend’s house in Naxxar, I noticed a bag she had bought from London. It had a lace and skull print all over it and a little bow on the top, with a skull pendant hanging from it. I liked it so much that I started looking around for one like it, but to no avail. After six months or so, I came across a bag like the one I had seen in a shop in Mosta. Unfortunately though, it was priced at €67, and I was broke at the time. After a little while when I finally had enough money to afford it, I went back to the shop. To my disappointment, it was gone. What the shop did have was a lookalike clutch bag priced at €45, and I felt I had no choice but to buy it. All in all, I was happy with my new accessory, despite it not being the exact shape I wanted. My happiness was short lived though, as I soon discovered that the bag was damaged.
I was disappointed once again when went back to the shop to replace it but I ended up being given a refund instead because it was the only one they had left. Finally, some time later, I spotted the bag I was after in a shop window at Baystreet, but the shop itself happened to be closed at the time. The next morning, I purposely took time off work to go and get it. I arrived before the shop had even opened, and as soon as it did, I marched straight in and asked for it. To my surprise, another girl that had come in behind me also asked for it. You can imagine my disbelief when we were informed that it was the last one. This time, I wasn’t going to lose the opportunity to get the bag I had wanted for so long. I was the first in the shop and that was that. The bag was finally mine and it was the other girl’s turn to leave disappointed. A year has passed since then and despite frequent use, my bag is still in great shape and I love it!
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!
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advertorial
Chamilia’s new collections
C
hamilia, renowned for their innovative bracelet and vast array of colourful beads, have introduced two new beautiful collections derived from two of their most sought-after beads designs and transformed into timeless jewellery that celebrates your life and style.
The Jewelled Kaleidoscope Collection™ in 925 Solid Silver with crystal Swarovski Elements makes a clear statement of the wearer's personality. In keeping with their namesake, the kaleidoscope of colours of the stud and drop earrings, rings and necklaces shimmer brilliantly as you move, and reflect your own colourful story.
The Captured Heart Collection™, consisting of stud or drop earrings, rings and necklaces, all in 925 Solid Silver with rose gold wash, is truly exceptional. It conveys a sense of love and sensuality while finely revealing its elegance. This collection is evocative of the romance in your life.
Another innovative aspect of this collection is the unique sliding feature of the pendant necklace. It is perfect for every neckline as it permits adjustment of the necklace to any length of one's choosing. All of these jewellery pieces are suitable as adornment on any outfit for all occasions, adding that extra sparkle to your wardrobe.
Chamilia is exclusively represented by 202 Jewellery of Valletta, Sliema, Fgura, and now also in Victoria, Gozo, Le Meridien, St Julians and The Palace Hotel, Sliema.
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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fashion
Street Style
30
Linsay Sinnemun, 28 Sculptor Dress Dorothy Perkins Bag Thailand Shoes River Island
Ian Jones, 32 Lecturer Tshirt Primark Jacket H&M Jeans Burton Shoes Adidas Bag River Island
Zoe Theofilou, 33 Shop Owner Bandana A local souvenir shop Shoes & shirt Roxy @ Riot Leggings Peacocks Necklace Swarovski
Lea Bellizzi, 18 Student Sunglasses Ebay Earrings Amsterdam Cardigan & bag Berska Top & shorts Pull & Bear Shoes H&M
Apostulos Tsagkaris, 28 Gaming company worker Cardigan Bershka Top Gorilla Jeans can’t remember Shoes Nike
Amanda Zammit, 19 Student Scarf Stradivarius Top Zara Trousers Bershka Shoes Aldo Bag New Look
vida.com.mt Issue 37 January 2013
fashion Last month, VIDA took to the streets to check out Christmas shoppers’ street style choices. Far from the cosy knits and cool layering usually associated with winter however, our Mediterranean islands’ persistently warm weather painted a very different picture. From floaty tea dresses to casual cardigans, VIDA presents a none too wintry street style... let’s enjoy it while it lasts!
Mary Mifsud, 29 Project manager Jacket & top Topshop Jeans New Look Bag Springfield Watch Armani Boots Stradivarius
Francesca Theuma, 24 Doctor Jacket Tommy Hilfiger Shirt Stradivarius Boots Aldo Bag Zara Scarf Bershka
Rèca Gerleit , 27 Fashion show organiser Jacket Zara Top & shorts London Shoes Adidas Bag Vintage Watch Fossil
Zeynep Korabulut, 22 Student Jacket Mango Shirt & trousers Veromoda Shoes Turkey
Janice Gauci, 19 Student Top Shana Jeans Pull & Bear Bag Fred Perry Necklace Promod Shoes River Island
Gabrielle Fenech, 20 Student Jacket & dress Asos Bag Primark Belt Peacocks Shoes Zara
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fashion
Monochrome There is no more classic combination than black and white. Go for a monochromatic look this season for a sharp elegance, but be smart about it – you don’t want to end up looking like a waiter. A great way to wear black and white is via a patterned piece. Geometric prints such as chequerboard and dogtooth variants work a treat in monochrome and teamed with jewel toned accessories and statement jewellery, are a fashion-forward style choice.
Fashion F
Don’t lose your h
1
2 Every time sales season comes about, it divides shoppers into two groups. The first group is comprised of maddened, foaming-at-the-mouth bargain hunters that are ready to swipe that top from right under your very nose if you’re not careful. The second group steers well clear from the shops until the sales are over in order to avoid the carnage. Sound familiar? What often gets overlooked about sales time is that it provides the perfect opportunity to do what many of us would love to do but often fall short of – get what we need (or simply want) for less. The trick is not to lose your head.
3
Whereas large sale signs bearing the words ‘Buy 1 get 1 free’ or ‘Up to 70% off’ and displaying all manner of what we perceive to be great deals can mess with our heads, resist the temptation to buy anything ‘because it’s so cheap!’ The first thing you should consider, before the price even comes into play, is whether you like, need and would wear the item in question. We are living in a time in which a great many of us have way more in our wardrobes than we could possibly need or wear.
1: River Island 2: Topshop 3: Dorothy Perkins
Label we Links of London Flame haired Codie Young stuns in jewellery label Links of London’s Fall 2012 Campaign. Looking positively painterly, the shots look more Renaissance painting than fashion campaign, with the model’s red hair and alabaster skin setting of the glittering jewellery perfectly. Evoking a quiet and feminine elegance, Links of London, founded in 1990, has never looked better.
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fashion
Fairground
Bejewelled by Sarah Micallef
head in the sales
The party season may be over for the most part, but that’s no reason to put your glittering pieces away just yet. Bejewelled pieces are big news this winter and whether you might want to limit the shine by opting for a bejewelled collar, statement jewellery or glistening bag, there’s nothing to stop you from going the whole hog and channelling Diana Ross in a top-to-toe sequined outfit!
1
2
I do not exclude myself when I say this, but I challenge you – take a look into your wardrobe and offhand, just on first sight, how many items can you spot that haven’t been worn in years or indeed, have never even left your wardrobe? Is the number more than you thought? Embarrassingly high? Well, that should give you an inkling of how important it is to shop sensibly. In order to shop successfully in the sales, and return bearing only items you will wear and enjoy, you need to be prepared. Before leaving the house, take stock of what you have, and make a list of anything you lack. If you have an abundance of short-sleeved shirts but lack long sleeved ones, resist the urge to buy that cute summery blouse. If you have constant dilemmas about what to wear over your dress for smarter events, keep your eyes peeled for blazers at the sales. Need sensible shoes for the office? Don’t buy studded platforms! Lacking separates? Don’t buy more dresses!
3
Difficult as it may be, it really does pay to stick to your game plan when the sales roll around. It’s a win-win really – good news for your pocket, and good news for your wardrobe too!
1: Topshop 2: Asos 3: Miss Selfridge
Celebs Festive jumpers Love it or hate it, the novelty jumper is a staple come every festive season. Having experienced a resurgence as an almost fashionable item during the last few years, the Christmas jumper has ceased to be the height of embarrassment and whereas not being quite the pinnacle of elegance, remains a holiday favourite among celebrities. What’s more, it does hide those few extra kilos that extra helpings of turkey may have put on!
Lauren Conrad
Kanye West
Rose McGowan
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MchromeO Creative director: Sarah Micallef Focused Knowledge T: 2339 2403 Photography: Jacob Sammut Carabez Pearl Works, info@pearl-works.com Hair: Ruth Steer, D Salon T: 2137 1245, dsalonmalta@gmail.com Makeup: Diandra Mattei using Givenchy T: 7982 8414 Model: Ben Azzopardi @ Supernovamodel.com
Jumper Miss Selfridge Leggings & hat Topshop Loafers New Look
O
Blazer Dorothy Perkins Necklace Mango
Dress Mango Body Jewellery New Look
Jacket Topshop Skirt Mango
Shirt Miss Selfridge Shorts Topshop Tights New Look Shoes Mango
motoring
Every car lover’s American dream by David Vella
I
f you love cars, this is probably one you’d do anything to own. There are imitations, there are clones, and there are modern remakes of this American muscle car, but very few get to own, or drive, the real deal – the iconic 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500. Just over 2,000 were produced, and only a limited number still exist. One of them, the only example on the Maltese islands, is owned by father and son Emanuel and Anthony Pace. In 1965, retired race driver Caroll Shelby (1923 - 2012) was approached by Ford to work his magic on the recently launched Ford Mustang, to make it the fastest American car on and off the track – more specifically, to beat stiff competition from Corvette. The first experiment was 1965’s Mustang GT350. Instant success on racing circuits meant that the Ford-Shelby collaboration soon became a highly demanded brand. Ford soon asked Shelby to produce an even more powerful road car that also met the comfort demands of more affluent buyers. In 1967, the first of 2,048 GT500 models rolled off Shelby’s air hangar-turned-workshop. In this new model, Shelby launched a new engine, based on the Cobra engine used in the AC Cobras racing in the historic Le Mans circuit. This modified version of Ford’s 345bhp V8 428-cid ‘Police Interceptor’ was officially rated at 355 bhp. In truth, it is closer to 400 bhp, but confirming that in the specs list would have alarmed the insurance companies! To reassure the cautious drivers however, the GT500 was the first car to include a factory fitted internal roll cage and shoulder harnesses, which Shelby based on those used in the F-4 Phantom II Jet Fighter.
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motoring
A year later, in 1968, one of the few 1967 models sporting a white paint job with dealer-fitted green Le Mans stripes, was lifted off a cargo ship at the Grand Harbour and let loose on the Maltese roads. Since then, it has been lucky enough to have three very careful owners, and just over 40,000 miles later, it currently sits in Emanuel’s garage, as it undergoes its first ever restoration – not that it really needs one. The Cobra Le Mans engine has already been dismantled and put back together, without needing much work. The body is almost free from rust or dents, but Emanuel is determined to slowly dismantle it, remove any non-factory additions added to the car through the years, and take it back to that day back in 1967 when it was completed at Shelby’s workshop in Los Angeles. Originally, the car’s price tag was a modest (by today’s standards) $4,195 (€3,295). Today, also thanks to Dominic Sena’s 2000 remake of the 1970s epic film ‘Gone in 60 seconds’, starring Nicolas Cage, Angelina Jolie and a stunning 1967 GT500 codenamed ‘Eleanor’, the few remaining models of this car are price tagged at anything between €95,000 and €160,000.
"the few remaining models of this car are price tagged at anything between €95,000 and €160,000"
But would Emanuel and Anthony be willing to cash in on this unique car? “No way. When we bought the Shelby, we could not believe what we had brought to our garage,” they explain. “Since then we’ve never stopped researching and establishing international contacts to learn as much as possible about this car. We’re even in contact with the Shelby American Automobile Club, which has included our GT500 in the annual World Registry of Shelby Mustangs, along with the few other remaining examples known to exist. In 2013, we hope to complete the restoration project and get the car back on the road. We’ll never let it go – we want to enjoy it for many years to come.”
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photography
Street photography by Andrew Galea Debono
S
treet photography is one of the most immediate and accessible forms of photography. It may also seem like the most simple. After all, you just need to hit the streets with your camera in hand, either in your own town or abroad and capture life as it unfolds before you, right? In reality, photos taken with little thought or attention to detail rarely turn out to be special. Photographing the ordinary in an ordinary way is most likely to leave the viewer unimpressed and wondering why you simply pointed at a part of the street and took the photo. The best street photographers always seem to be at the right place at the right time to capture a special moment and find something unusual in day-to-day life. Generally, apart from a good instinct, it also requires lots of patience. Great photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson often walk by a particular spot and stick around to make sure they’re there at the right time, waiting for something out of the ordinary to happen.
photo 1
The element of life, whether human or animal, is very important to give a street photo its unique touch. A photo of an empty street may also have a story to tell, particularly if there are clues of life in that shot, as is the case in the first photo. Nevertheless, it is important to distinguish between the aim of architectural photography, which focuses on buildings, and street photography, which is more about the people who live in those buildings. The main idea is to look for interesting moments in the lives of people passing through those streets.
photo 2
photo 3
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Towns and villages may not always be lively on all days and times, so it is important to know when to go. You can find out if there is a market day or a morning when the locals gather in the square to socialise, for example. You can also aim for a bigger event such as a village feast, which always allows you to capture some wonderful street shots, such as the second
photography children’s photos exposed in public. It is also advisable to avoid shooting police and military officers in some cities abroad, especially if they are guarding highly secure buildings.
photo 4 photo. On the other hand, this may cause you to miss out on the day-to-day feel of the place. With a place like Valletta, you are always bound to find people walking through, so it is then up to you to seek and discover those special moments you want to capture. A rainy day tends to create lots of special moments – people jumping over puddles, running through the streets to avoid getting wet and lovely reflections off the wet streets, as the third photo shows. What are these special moments you are looking for? They could be anything really. It could be an extraordinary person (as is the case in the fourth photo), an unusual contrast (like in the fifth photo) or a beautiful detail that everyone is too busy to notice. It could be something you find funny, or sad, or just interesting (as the sixth photo shows). Every moment you capture will be frozen in time and can tell future generations about how we lived, dressed and interacted. The only limit you should pose yourself is that of good taste and respect toward those you shoot. If you notice that someone really does not want to have his or her photo taken, avoid taking the photo no matter how great you think it would look. Also, it is ethical to avoid shooting people who are not in control of their senses for some reason or another. When in doubt, also avoid close-ups of children unless you ask their parents for permission, as some parents may get upset if they see their
Whilst street photography is about spontaneity, details and memorable moments, it is still vital to concentrate on your basic technique – focus, lighting and composition can make or break even the most interesting scene. Lighting can also help to make your picture more interesting if used effectively, such as in the last photo. The time of day at which you shoot in a particular location changes the quality of light you will have. Some people love shooting at night for the effect created by artificial street lighting. If you are observing something interesting but are in the wrong place, try to quickly move to a better angle. This is both important for lighting and composition. When composing a photo, see how the subject is framed against the background and check whether it could be more interesting at a different angle. Street photography enthusiasts advise to always have a camera on you to make sure you never miss a really memorable scene. Of course, this may not always be possible, at least not with a bulky professional camera. Nevertheless, it is never advisable to carry too much gear with you when shooting in the streets. Big cameras and lenses tend to intimidate people when you try to take photos. The raw nature of street photography means that photos don’t need to be taken with a top range camera, and a grainy look is sometimes deliberately looked for. So don’t worry too much, grab the least showy camera you have and enjoy yourself. Street photography will allow you to observe little things you often ignore and start appreciating the towns and cities you visit even more than before.
Street photography competition Conditions Have you been paying attention? This month’s photography competition requires you to implement the techniques highlighted in the above lesson to produce a photo that presents an interesting reflection of street life. 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. Send your entries to snap@vida.com.mt or by post to the address below by no later than February 25th and you could win the fantastic prize from Palmyra! 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.
photo 5
photo 6
photo 7 All photos by Andrew Galea Debono
WIN!
The winner of the photography competition gets 2 large 45cm x 33cm print of their favourite photo in a high gloss finish provided by
Palmyra Building, Naxxar Road, Birkirkara BKR 9046 T: 21497 335 | 2148 2734
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murder cases
Murder in Malta by Edward Attard
Salvatore Grech and Albert Pearson – Murder in the prison A
frisson of horror and widespread indignation swept the island on the afternoon of Monday September 1st 1924 with the news of a double murder committed in Corradino Prison. The victims were chief warder Salvatore Grech and prison warder and storekeeper Albert Pearson. The news of this tragedy began to spread when, at about 11:00, people living near the Central Civil Hospital saw a lorry stopping at the entrance and two men swathed in bandages, with blood all over their clothes, being hastily carried into the operating theatre. Shortly before 13:00, Prime Minister Francesco Buhagiar was seen entering the hospital, where he remained for over an hour before proceeding to Corradino Prison, where Superintendent Salvatore Galea led him to where the murders had been committed. At about 10:00, Antonio Spiteri, an inmate of the prison, was working in the company of Albert Pearson in the tool stores when he picked up a hatchet and smashed Pearson’s head with it. Spiteri must have continued to rain savage blows, as the victim was found with several wounds to the head, face, and chest. Hardly had Spiteri left the store when he met Chief Warder Salvatore Grech who, caught by surprise, was overpowered by Spiteri who hit him repeatedly on the head, face, and chest with the hatchet. 37-year-old Spiteri had been in prison for six years after receiving a 15-year sentence for attempted uxoricide. His good conduct in prison had earned him the privilege of working in the stores under the supervision of storekeeper Pearson. After the two assaults, some prisoners tried to stop Spiteri but fled as he brandished the hatchet.
S. Grech
A. Pearson
Another attempt was made by warder Vincenzo Azzopardi to restrain him, but he was also attacked and received a nasty cut on the head and arm while trying to parry the blows. Azzopardi then took shelter in the infirmary, hastily locking the door behind him.
of his cranium, one vertical and one horizontal extending to his nose. Pearson had five wounds on his body. Both officials died from haemorrhage and injuries to the brain. Both had a good record of loyal service and were highly respected.
As he was in possession of a set of keys and the coast was clear, Spiteri escaped through the door from where stores were carried into the prison. A tram conductor later told the police that he had seen Spiteri leaving the prison, still carrying the hatchet.
In the meantime, a large number of policemen began a manhunt in the vicinity of St Ubaldesca church, Paola, as Spiteri had been seen running in that direction. The entire neighbourhood along with all vessels and craft in the harbour were searched and kept under surveillance, while the Addolorata Cemetery was practically surrounded by the police.
Meanwhile, the alarm was raised and two doctors were summoned to attend to the wounded officials, while another doctor who happened to be passing by was also asked to help. The doctors found the two officials unconscious and suffering from serious injuries, and after such medical aid as was possible under the circumstances, Pearson and Grech were hastily conveyed to the Central Hospital in Floriana by a dockyard lorry. Grech died at 11:15 while still in the lorry, and Pearson passed away 15 minutes later, soon after his admission to hospital. Shortly before 18:00, medical experts concluded the post-mortem examination and drew up their report. Grech had two deep cuts in the front
Spiteri was found the following day at about 09:00 hidden in an empty well near the Addolorata Cemetery. Questioned by the police, he was later charged with this double murder. Salvatore Calleja, another prisoner, was also charged with complicity in the crime because he had been allegedly in secret communication with Spiteri and had urged him to kill the “four heads”, namely the two victims together with the superintendent of prison and the commissioner of police. Spiteri was found of unsound mind and was sent to the mental hospital. Calleja was acquitted, as the prosecution did not prove the case brought against him.
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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special feature
Hard-headed politicians by David Vella
"I thought of an imaginary scenario, where the most recent Prime Ministers and party leaders of our country were to meet in one place and converse and debate freely�
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special feature
A
s soon as a general election is called, Malta swiftly switches to hotheaded partisan politics mode. Our beloved politicians embark on their nauseous campaigns to hypnotise us all into understanding the significance of the vote that each and every one of us is entrusted with, which, as they insist, can make or break our future. The people feel the weight of their country’s administration pressing on their shoulders and everyone sets out on a mission to listen, watch, celebrate, discuss, sometimes even scream and shout, to justify their political choice. In the midst of all this, David Grech, a craftsman with a penchant for lead toy soldiers, is launching a new creation that can bring to our homes politicians who don’t listen (some would say – nothing new), who never utter a word (isn’t that great?), who can sit pretty doing nothing and who wouldn’t mind at all if they are occasionally toppled (with a flick to the head). Ladies and gentlemen, David Grech brings you six of the most prominent politicians of today and of years gone by, in fun size, and as hard-headed as can be – infact, these miniature figures of the late Dom Mintoff, Eddie Fenech Adami, Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, Alfred Sant, and the current party leaders, Lawrence Gonzi and Joseph Muscat, cast in solid lead. “Since childhood I always enjoyed building model kits and collecting toy soldiers for war games,” David explains, “I started making them myself, by creating plaster moulds to cast figures which would then be converted as required, following articles I read in magazines like Military Modelling.” Since then, he has continued to invest in this hobby, buying specialised equipment and refining his skill. After successfully creating a range of military miniature figures representing Maltese military history, David turned his attention to caricature and to a new ‘battlefield’ for inspiration – the Maltese political arena. “At first I was a bit unsure who to start off with. Eventually I thought of an imaginary scenario, where the most recent Prime Ministers and party leaders of our country were to meet in one place and converse and debate freely. So my first idea was to create six free standing figures, enabling whoever gets their hands on them to be free to arrange them in any order they deem appropriate.” “Before starting work on the delicate moulds for each figure, I saved every Google image of them I could find and watched videos of them ad nauseam. For each personality I needed to select the most typical posture, one that adequately represented his characteristics. This was not an easy task, and I had to remodel some of the figures more than once.” After exhibiting some of these figurines in modelling exhibitions, David is now launching a new project, in which the six figures are being offered for sale in a special case in the shape of a hardbound book. In fact, the first few pages of this book introduce the six political figures included in the package with a series of cartoon illustrations. The centre page contains die cut holes, each of which holds one of the figurines. The whole set is being offered for sale through David’s website. “I’m not sure if there will be a demand for my figurines, but if people like this idea and want more, I’ll be more than happy to comply.” The prime ministers and party leaders’ set also includes a curious extra – a small figurine of a dog. As David explains, this figurine is meant to metaphorically mimic Maltese ‘lap dogs’. “It represents the parasites roaming around politicians to get their way. Whoever buys the set will be free to place the dog next to any of the six politicians, to bug them with its incessant barking!” Do the politicians themselves know about their new clones in miniature? “Well, last year Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi visited the Model Expo, where I was exhibiting some of the figurines. He was amused to spot himself among the characters and he seemed to like what he saw, as he immediately ordered a set!” www.degreeminiatures.com
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special feature
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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pets
Is your cat fat?
Obesity in pets
W
hile many have resolved to “go on a diet” or “exercise more effectively” as a New Year’s resolution, we should also note that cats and dogs also suffer from obesity, at times due to no fault of their own. Many clinical definitions of obesity in cats and dogs are available in veterinary medical articles and books, but without being too technical, assessing whether your pet is in good shape is simple. In fact, you don’t need expensive weighing scales like those found at veterinary clinics – all you need to do is to poke your index finger into your pet’s side. Try this out: • Observe the area of your cat or dog’s body where the ribs are located. • If the ribs can easily be seen, with just a thin layer of skin tightly fitting over them, your pet is most likely underweight. • If you can neither see nor feel the ribs, your pet may be classified as overweight. • For your pet to be of an ideal weight, the ribs should be easily felt without a thick layer of fat but without protruding out of the skin.
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Body shape
Visual/tactile findings
Mini breed dogs/cats
Medium breed dogs
Maxi breed dogs
Ideal
The ribs and spine not protruding but easily palpable
5kg
12kg
30kg
Overweight
Fatty deposit on the ribs and spine
6kg
15kg
36kg
Obese
Thick layer of fat over ribs and spine and a hanging belly
7kg
17kg
42kg
pets If your finger has just hit a layer of fat, and you can hardly feel the bony structure of the ribs, then you’ve just classified your pet as obese. Should this be the case and if you are keen on preventing this condition in your pet, help is at hand. Scientifically, the causative factors of obesity may be divided into two: 1. Pathological factors where the vet has to come in, identify the causative disease and treat it medically; 2. Feeding and lifestyle management.
interesting and enhance interactivity. From a social point of view, this is understandable as food can improve the relationship between you and your pet, but it does not help to prevent, control or reduce obesity. Exercise is an important factor in the prevention of obesity – whilst for dogs long walks and trips in the countryside is recommended, for cats, toys are vital in creating an environment where kitten-like behaviour is encouraged.
Finally one needs to think of In other words, obesity can occur the medical repercussions due to excessive calorific intake caused by obesity. as a result of pathological Feeding cats and dogs "You must conditions such as hormonal less than they never use food as a slightly imbalances, emotional would eat if they were pacifier or to control given an unrestricted disorders or disturbed inappropriate satiety control processes. amount of food, would Another scenario would be be in fact prolonging behaviour" that particular pathological their lives. When pets disorders might reduce your pet’s are obese they start losing mobility. Moreover, arthritic joint their lean body mass and bone and muscular pains, rendering your pets mass earlier than if they had an incapable of performing any exercise, can apropriate weight. Pets considered to be accompany old age. In rare cases, obesity of ideal weight have fewer problems with could also be caused by genetic factors. diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart problems, musculoskeletal disorders Once a visit to the vet has eliminated and other chronic conditions. It is the any of the pathological reasons described pet owner’s duty to prevent obesity in above as the cause of excessive fat their pets in order to provide them with a over your pet’s ribs, you need to learn healthy life. about feeding your pets correctly. As a rough guide, you should stick to the Tips to bear in mind: manufacturer’s feeding guides found • Feed your pet its daily allocation printed on the bag or tin of food you in a quiet place away from purchase for your pet. Your pet’s age, competition for food by other pets body weight, exercise level and whether in the household. it has been neutered or not should be • Do not give your pet any food from taken into consideration. You must the table whilst you are eating. never use food as a pacifier or to control • Do not force-feed your pet by inappropriate behaviour – if, for example, offering food from your hand. you are trying to conduct a telephone • Do not add sauces, gravies or conversation and your dog is barking human food to a balanced diet for right through the conversation you might your pet. be tempted to offer a treat to stop the • Do not conceal a guilty conscience barking. Similarly, if your cat is afraid gained by not taking your dog out of your Saturday night guests, and you on its daily walk by substituting it know that your cat is anti-social you with a treat. might be tempted to close him in a room • Do not treat your pet to a Sunday with food to keep him happy. If you have lunch menu from your dish. to resort to these strategies, be sure to reduce the amount of food used from the daily allocation. Otherwise, you will be overfeeding your pet by exceeding the pet food manufacturer’s recommended feeding regime. Treats may at times be used to befriend a pet in order to make playtime more
Finally remember, a walk with your dog will keep your heart healthy too!
By Dr Trevor Zammit, DVM, Chief Veterinary Surgeon at Ċentru San Franġisk Animal Hospital in Ta' Qali.
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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homes
Buying your first property From setting a budget to signing the final deed
B
eing a first-time property buyer can be a daunting and stressful experience. It’s a big step in a person’s life, and the ultimate decision is generally not an easy one to make, as it brings along huge responsibilities. The first thing a first-time buyer should do is set a budget based on their financial situation. You must be realistic about what you can afford. Unless you have the cash to buy a property from. Bank will have to be consulted for financial help with the purchase. Whereas nowadays bank procedures may seem a bit daunting when it comes to home loans for first time buyers, but these are necessary for the bank to ensure that the buyer is capable of paying off the loan without too much of a financial burden. Buying that first property will most likely be the biggest financial step a person will make in their life, so being realistic is of utmost importance. A first-time buyer needs to take time to think and plan what is most reasonable for them. Often, the best way to find your ideal property is to approach an estate agent, as they will be able to assist you by sourcing properties, presenting offers, negotiating prices and terms and conditions, as well as assisting you in the successful signing of the promise of sale and the final contract. Once you have found your ideal property and agreed on a price, you will go on to sign a promise of sale, known locally as a ‘Konvenju’, which is drawn up by a notary public. You, as the buyer, will have the right to choose the notary. This agreement binds both the buyer and the seller to this transaction, and
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specifies a date by which everything must be completed, usually within three months. At this point, you will be required by law to pay 1% provisional stamp duty as part payment of the full 5% – the balance of which will be paid upon signing the final deed. A deposit is also paid to the owner, which is usually 10% of the agreed price of the property.
“get an architect to check that the property is structurally sound” In the weeks that follow, the notary will carry out the necessary research on the property to verify legal title and ensure that there are no outstanding debts or hypothecs on the property. During this time, it is also suggested to get an architect to check that the property is structurally sound and that all building permits are in order. Once all this has been completed, a date will be set to sign the final deed. This will usually be done at the bank’s legal offices, or at the office of the notary. At this point, the balance of the selling price is given to the vendor, as well as the balance due to the Inland Revenue Department for stamp duty, including any notary fees. The keys of the property can then be handed over to you, and you will now be ready to move into your new home! By Aidan Xuereb Dip. Mgt, MBA (Sion), MIM General Manager, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Malta
special feature
Raising children with a disability and their siblings A
disability may generally be defined as a condition which restricts a person's mental, sensory, or mobility functions when undertaking or performing a task in the same way as a person who does not have a disability (DWA, 2012.) However, defining such a heavy term requires more than simply examining the abilities of a person without considering the people around them. Even under normal circumstances, there are many conflicts and internal battles that may arise within the family. These might be accentuated when one child ‘demands’ most of the attention. I met with an inspiring parent, Sharon*, who shared her experience with me. Sharon has raised two children: Olivia*, who has a disability, and Joseph*, who doesn’t.
How does having a child with a disability affect their siblings?
Research has proven that having a child with a psychological or physical disability increases the level of stress for parents (Beidel & Rao, 2009). Sharon confesses that she and her husband had unconsciously put in a greater share of attention and effort when it came to their daughter, which subsequently affected their other child. She admittes that because of Olivia and the needs she has, she often left Joseph to fend for himself. During the period when her children were still growing up, she did not fully realise that she tended to give more attention to one child rather than both: “It is something that happens involuntarily, something which I only came to realise as I look back now.”
It is a natural impulse of parents everywhere to want to protect their children and give them everything in life. When a child with a disability is born, the parents automatically perceive him/her as being more vulnerable. This in turn makes them see the child as being in need of more protection than a child without a disability. Raising children is always hard and stressful. When a family has a child with a disability, the stress is multiplied and sometimes can result in negative effects on other members of the family. As Sharon well points out however, stress is not always destructive. Sometimes the ‘neglected’ siblings grow up to become caring professionals, setting out to help people in need, inspired by their family’s plight, rather than being pulled down by it. What can be done?
Even though it is not an easy situation, there are various things one can do to avoid negative effects on siblings without a disability. The key is communication. Try to increase communication between you and all your children. In addition, professional help is always encouraged, and you can contact agencies such as Aġenzija Sapport on 21451868 for more information.
*names have been changed for data protection by Christine Portelli Professional Support Worker Aġenzija Sapport
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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special feature
2013: The year ahead Assuming the Mayans were wrong and we haven’t all met our maker on December 21st, we turn our attention to the year ahead. As was the case last year, VIDA has compiled a list of interesting events and anniversaries set to take place in 2013.
January
January 10th – London Underground’s 150th anniversary. The London Underground, the world's oldest underground railway, opened its doors between London Paddington station and Farringdon station 150 years ago today.
January 28th – It has been 200 years today since Jane Austen’s renowned novel Pride and Prejudice was first published in the United Kingdom.
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February
March
April
February 16th – It is the 90th anniversary of the day English archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter unsealed the burial chamber of 14th-century BC pharaoh Tutankhamun.
March 31st – The last day (13 Ahau) of the last Tzolk'in calendar to begin before the end of the current creation's 13th b'ak'tun. It is believed by some that this date is more significant than that of December 21st, 2012 (4 Ahau) because both calendar cycles will be complete – so we might not be out of the woods yet!
April 13th – James Bond turns 60 today. It is the 60th anniversary of the day Ian Fleming published his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale.
March 5th9th – Dubai International Boat Show 2013. The event will comprise a classic showcase of yachts, supercars, equipment and supplies from local and international builders alike, as well as showcasing the latest innovations in marine industry.
special feature May
June
July
August
May 20th-21st – World Forum for Nutrition Research: Mediterranean Food on Health and Disease. The World Forum for Nutrition Research will serve as the meeting point of three major events occurring in Spain in 2013: The International Congress of Nutrition in Granada, the World Congress on Nuts and Dried Fruits in Barcelona, and the International Congress on Mediterranean Diet in Barcelona.
June – C40 Summit on Climate Change, at which global leaders, activists and innovators will meet in Johannesburg to discuss issues relating to the urban environment. A total of 59 major cities around the world will share experience and knowledge about the environment as well as issues pertaining to climate change and the sustainable management of resources.
July 1st – Croatia to join the European Union as the first country to enter the EU alone.
August 3rd-4th – Weekend cycling festival RideLondon will feature a series of events for amateur, club and world elite cyclists. Managed by the London & Surrey Cycle Partnership, a partnership between the organisers of the London Marathon and the Tour of Britain, it is predicted that RideLondon could attract over 200,000 visitors to the UK’s capital, lead to a major boost in cycling numbers and generate millions of pounds.
September
October
November
December
September 21st-24th – World Food Travel Summit is set to take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, with the theme The New Wave in Food. Due to recent trends that have consumers becoming more interested in food and increasingly conscious about what they eat, the Summit will touch on the impact of food on the environment among other important topics.
October 6th-13th – Biennial solar-powered car race known as the World Solar Challenge is once again set to cover 3,021km through the Australian Outback, from Darwin to Adelaide. Attracting teams from around the world, the race has taken place nine times over the last 20 years, with the inaugural event happening in 1987.
November – This month will see the planned launch of the Indian Mars probe Mangalyaan by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The Mangalyaan Mars probe will lift off from ISRO's launch site at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket and will be India's first mission to Mars.
December 11th-21st – The 10th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, a FIFA-organized tournament between the champion clubs from each continental confederation, will be hosted by Morocco.
July 23rd28th – World Youth Day 2013, known as WYDRio2013, will be the 14th international edition of the major international Roman Catholic event. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil will be hosting this year’s edition. July 25th-August 4th – The World Games 2013 in Santiago de Cali, simply referred to as Cali, Colombia. Cali is set to stage the multisport games in 2013, along with two other cities in the Cauca Valley. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for July 25th – the day the City of Cali celebrates the 100th anniversary of its foundation.
November 22nd – Composer Benjamin Britten’s 100th birthday falls today. The centenary of Benjamin Britten will be the most widely celebrated anniversary of a British composer ever seen, with official celebrations starting last September and planned to go on until August 2014, to include the concert seasons either side of the centenary year.
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cinema www.MarksMovieMarks.com – Release dates are subject to change. All films released locally by KRS Film Distributors Ltd.
Film of the month
January at the movies
Les Misérables
The festive season was especially crowded at the box office last year, so thankfully we have a handful of highly anticipated ‘event’ films trickling over into January. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but based on popular appeal and a huge worldwide guaranteed audience, this is probably the one that will make the most waves. Considering the many millions who have watched and cherished the stage adaptation over the past quarter of a century, this has a lot of great expectations to live up to. The ingredients for great cinema are all there – a tragic and epic story, stunning and instantly recognisable music, larger than life heroes and villains, and a fair dose of comedy. What has been added recently is a cast and crew who should hopefully do the material justice. After other directors were mentioned in the past, the job was handed to Tom Hooper, fresh from his huge success as the director of The King’s Speech. The scribe roped in to adapt the play for the screen was Williams Nicholson (Gladiator, Elizabeth: The Golden Age). Plus the big names involved in the stage phenomenon are very much on board, with super-producer Cameron Mackintosh (who often visits his mum here in Malta), apparently also having a cameo. The casting was always going to be a challenge. Hooper insisted that the musical performances are recorded live on set, adding to the realism of the performance, but also making the roles much more
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demanding. Hugh Jackman has proved he can sing and dance with class, even on the Oscar stage, and he stars as the hero Valjean. His lifelong nemesis is portrayed by Russell Crowe, who has his own rock band down under and should therefore manage at least most of the notes hit by Inspector Javert. Anne Hathaway, who has also sung live on the Oscar stage, is Fantine, whilst Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!) is Cosette. Rising star Eddie Redmayne (My Week with Marilyn) is Marius, and the comic duo the Thénardiers, will be brought to life by Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen, who had appeared together in the musical film version of Sweeney Todd. Nowadays, many musicals are adaptations of films, but it is almost inevitable that the long-standing, worldwide success of original musicals results in them making the reverse journey to the screen. After Moulin Rouge! revived the musical as a film genre over a decade ago, we were soon treated to a lavish production of The Phantom of the Opera. This has the potential to be an even better and more successful adaptation, with a stellar cast and a courageous singing ethic. If you’ve never had the honour of watching this amazing story unfold on stage, and hear the timeless music, you’re in for a treat. If you have, then this is a must.
cinema Lincoln
Django Unchained It must be a good month if a new Tarantino film isn’t film of the month. And of course, it’s unfair to compare, especially with films so diverse. Anyway, one of the most prolific, admired and unique directors of the past 20 years is back, and as usual this promises to be a finely crafted but boisterous film. After proving his talent with twisted crime dramas (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction), martial arts films (Kill Bill), action films (Death Proof ) and war films (Inglourious Basterds), he has now turned to westerns, a genre he loves and has already drawn very obvious inspiration from. The titular Django (Jamie Foxx), an inspiration from the 1966 spaghetti western of the same name, is a freed slave. He teams up with a bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz, who rose to stardom after stealing the show in Basterds) to hunt down his enemies and free his wife from the clutches of a wealthy slave trader (Leonardo DiCaprio, finally in a proper villain role). There will be action, there will be humour, and it’s a safe bet to say that there will be a few ‘wow’ moments. Tarantino has already used music and directing styles from westerns to elevate numerous scenes from his previous films, so it should be fun to see him run amok here.
Great Expectations This is another film adaptation of Dickens’ classic, and one that retains the period setting and goes for full-blown British drama. Mike ‘Four Weddings’ Newell directs a screenplay by David ‘One Day’ Nicholls, and the main role of Pip goes to Jeremy Irvine, the star of War Horse. Adding even more star power to the production are Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech), Ralph Fiennes (Skyfall) and Robbie Coltrane (Brave), which makes this sort of a Harry Potter reunion, since Newell directed the fourth installment.
Gangster Squad Great film noirs, especially those set in the earlier part of the last century, are hard to find nowadays. The last one I can think of is The Black Dahlia. That timeless look and feel is something that some directors get just right, and which is wonderful when it works. I doubt we’ll ever get another Chinatown or LA Confidential, but as long as they keep trying, I’ll keep watching. This latest one suffered a slight hiccup last summer due to a scene in the film in which gangsters open fire on a theatre audience, which made releasing it a bad idea after the Aurora shootings at the Dark Knight Rises midnight screening. The release date was moved, but it’s yet to be confirmed whether the scene was left in place. Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men), Ryan Gosling (Drive), Emma Stone (The Help), Sean Penn (Milk) and Nick Nolte (The Thin Red Line) star.
PI have yet to watch a Steven Spielberg film I didn’t enjoy, and which didn’t showcase his huge talent and knack for storytelling. And I have yet to see a Daniel Day Lewis performance that was not completely convincing. Few actors have gained as much respect as he has recently, especially after his seminal There Will Be Blood. So when Spielberg has a long-standing desire to make a film about Abraham Lincoln, and Day Lewis looks uncannily like the famous US President, the board is set for a piece of classic Americana storytelling. Any US president would probably be worth making a film about, but if you abolish slavery and end up assassinated, that film might just be all the more important and poignant.
Parental Guidance The major talents from the past 30 years seem intent on making money and having some fun by starring in amusing but forgettable romantic comedies, with lots of self-deprecating humour and a touching message for the audience. The thing is, the results often work, and I for one have enjoyed a number of these types of films. But when they flop, it’s painful to watch, and sometimes a bit embarrassing. This one involves two of the greats – Billy Crystal and Bette Midler, as a couple entrusted with the care of their grandchildren. As the task proves to be tough, they decide to resort to some old-school methods of parenting.
Past perfect
Home movie gems from the past few decades that may need some dusting but never get old.
Body Heat (1981) Back in 1981, a certain Lawrence Kasdan was getting some much-deserved attention after writing the screenplay for The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Not a bad way to start your career. For his next move, he wrote and directed this sexy thriller. It’s set during a Florida heatwave, with ceiling fans, beads of perspiration and sweat patches featuring in nearly every scene, and adding wonderfully to the oppressive atmosphere. The film’s protagonist, a debonair lawyer (William Hurt) who isn’t exactly a star at his job, starts an affair with a wealthy woman (Kathleen Turner, in a sizzling breakout performance) and they plot a crime together that doesn’t exactly go according to plan. The film doesn’t shy away from nudity and racy content where appropriate, but it is also heavy on slick dialogue, great acting and a smart plot. And all dipped in a wonderfully sultry jazz soundtrack by the legendary John Barry.
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motoring
David Anastasi fulfilled a lifelong ambition at 62
Joe Anastasi rode his 1949 HRD Meteor at the Mdina Grand Prix
It’s all happening by Joe Anastasi
A
nother motorsport year has come to an end, giving us a lot more to talk about and be proud of. You could say 2012 was a bumper year, but then things seem to get better with every year that passes
The MDRA too had a great entry for their Drag Race meeting in November. The weather gods were on their side and we were treated to three glorious days with some of the fastest and most outstanding cars and motorcycles in Europe. Just three weeks later in December, Tonio Darmanin put on another excellent Paqpaqli Għall-Istrina event at Luqa, providing a special thrill for all enthusiasts with the presence of Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who kept the crowd on it’s feet with some impressive driving displays in a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes similar to that with which he raced this season.
The highlight of last year has got to be Manty Bugeja’s outstanding success in the FIA European Drag Racing Championships. Manty and Chris Polidano took the titles of European champion and vice champion. Staying abroad, as it were, we have had numerous successes in karting, motorcycling, 4 x 4, hill climbs, and circuit racing. "Mdina David Anastasi fulfilled a lifelong ambition when In all of these events, the enthusiasm of Maltese he competed in the FIA Mountain championship drivers has clearly shone – as it does in all forms wasn’t very hill climb at Erice and the TIVM hill climb at of local motorsport events. The ASM at Ta' Qali silent that Chiaramonte Gulfi, winning his class on both have something going on almost every weekend at weekend, but occasions. Johann Spiteri also excelled in the their off road track. The Island Car Club organized it was all great Campionato Siciliano di Velocita in Pista, winning another excellent hill climb championship with four of the five races in which he competed this year fun." young Zach Zammit producing some excellent results at Racalmuto, and Josef Calleja became the first Sicilian to claim the 2012 championship, whilst the karting Time Attack champion – also at the fabulous Autodromo fraternity had to either go abroad to race, or just sit around Valle dei Templi of Racalmuto. and watch, whilst beaurocracy plays its part in delaying the construction of a proper karting track. Back to the local scene, despite the lack of support and facilities, Maltese enthusiasts have worked wonders to produce some Even an old man like me managed to have a bit of fun playing outstanding events. The Valletta Grand Prix Foundation with cars and bikes, thanks to the Historic Motorcycle Club, organized another magnificent Mdina Grand Prix in October. which organised their annual anniversary rally in which I This attracted quite a number of overseas drivers in some of competed with my 1934 Triumph motorcycle. Just one week the most mouth-watering cars. The four day event started later, the Old Motors Club also organised their annual Mdina at Mtaħleb with a hill climb, had a more leisurely day at the Glass Rally. On this occasion I enjoyed a return to navigation in concours d’elegance held in the perfect surroundings of Mdina the comforts of a car – in this case Martin Hignett’s beautiful Cathedral Square, then finished with two days of circuit 1926 Alvis. sprinting on a well-planned road course under the bastions of the silent city. Mdina wasn’t very silent that weekend, but it was I don’t think there were many weekends this year in which I all great fun. was not present at some motorsport event or other. I suppose it keeps me out of mischief!
Available from John Bull Tel: 21571025, 99448738
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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.
vida.com.mt Issue 37 January 2013
events
Caffe Cordina 175th Anniversary
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Launch of new 202 Jewellery outlet @ Le Meridien Hotel & Spa
visits
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4
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6
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1. USA Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, Paul Caruana 2. Cilio Bugeja (CEO) and John Cordina 3. Pouring Prosecco as a welcome drink 4. Grazilella Fenech & Sarah Micallef 5. Alain Despert, Linda Cordina, John Cordina, H.E. Dr George Abela President of Malta and Fr Alfred Calleja 6. Hon Dr Mario de Marco, Hon Dr Anglu Farrugia and John Cordina
1. Christina Hembo & Maria Camilleri Sandu 2. Janet Brincat, Nichola McCarthy Camilleri, Karen Muscat, Oriana Mercieca, Charmaine Bugeja
GO Christmas Media Lunch @ Palazzo Parisio
Vodafone Raise Your Game @ Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina
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2
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4
1. The Noble Paul Testaferrata Moroni Viani, Board Director at GO (far right) with members of the press and GO officials, From left – Victor Camilleri, editor, Il-Mument, Sarah Micallef, VIDA Editor talking to Brian Meli, Deputy Editor, L-Orizzont, Alfred Caruana, Manager Union Print and Joseph Casha, Senior Manager, Customer Experience at GO 2. From left – Keith Demicoli for the news centre, PBS, Adriana Farrugia, MediaToday, Frederick Zammit, Gwida editor, Ray Falzon from Mediatoday and Krista Caruana, deputy Editor Il-Kullhadd 3. From left – Roderick Agius from The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), Josianne Camilleri from RTK and Anthony David Gatt, One TV 4. Josef Caruana, editor, L-Orizzont and Michelle Lia, journalist, Torca with Brian Meli, Deputy Editor, L-Orizzont in the background
2 1. Lewis Hamilton waving at the crowd 2. Lewis Hamilton performing in the VMM F1 car
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calendar
The Pastel Society of Malta 6th Annual Paintings Exhibition.
Hotel Cavalieri - St Julians.
Dates & Times: Till January 17th - The exhibition will be open at all hours. www.cavalierihotelmalta.com
Exhibitions in January
Exhibition by Christine Attard
“My paintings depict my experiences, feelings and thoughts about life.” Radisson Blu Resort - St Julians. Dates & Times: Till January 10th www.christinescreativecreations.vpweb.com
Events Theatre
Sports
Culture & History
Saturday 5th Blood Donation Mobile Unit Parish Church Square - Mellieħa - 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209
The Wizard of Oz - MFCC - Ta' Qali 15:00 & 20:00 - www.madc.com.mt
The Curse of Snow White - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 15:00 & 20:00 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt Painting detail Christine Attard
Pleasant Costumes: Insights into Rural Life and Society
The Inquisitor’s Palace - Birgu
Dates & Time: Till January 27th - Monday to Sunday from 09:00 till 17:00 www.heritagemalta.org
Folk Music Exhibition
The Inquisitor’s Palace - Birgu Dates & Time: Till January 27th - Monday to Sunday from 09:00 till 17:00 www.heritagemalta.org
Baroque & Blue - Teatru Salesjan - Sliema - 19:30 E: info@teatrusalesjan.com
Met Opera - Les Troyens - Hector Berlioz - St James Cavalier - Valletta - 18:00 - E: info@sjcav.org Sunday 6th Blood Donation Mobile Unit Parish Church Square - Mellieħa - 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209
The Wizard of Oz - MFCC - Ta' Qali 15:00 & 20:00 - www.madc.com.mt
Young Artists Series: Flute and Piano Duo - Teatru Salesjan - Sliema - 19:00 - www.teatrusalesjan.com The Curse of Snow White - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 15:00 & 20:00 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt In Guardia Parade - St John's Cavalier (close to Couvre Porte) - Birgu - 11:00 Email: birgu.lc@gov.mt
President's New Year Concert - Republic Hall - MCC - Valletta 20:15 - www.maltaorchestra.com
Pleasant Costumes Exhibition
Folk Music Exhibition
Shrek mill-Ġzira tat-Tliet Għoljiet - Sir Temi Zammit Theatre University of Malta - Msida - 17:00 www.bronk.org Monday 7th Met Opera - Maria Stuarda & Gaetano Donizetti - St James Cavalier - Valletta - 19:00 E: info@sjcav.org
Exhibition by Tonio Mallia
Art...e Gallery - Victoria - Gozo
Dates & Time: Till January 15th. artgallerygozo@gmail.com www.allevents.in/Malta/Exhibition-ofWatercolours-by-Tonio-Mallia/ 484540761576979
Tuesday 8th Line Dancing - Mġarr Parish - Mġarr - 19:00 - T: 2157 2578
Clubbing
Music
Wednesday 9th Baroque Festival - MPO Palace Concert - President’s Palace Valletta - 19:30 www.teatrumanoel.com.mt Thursday 10th Baroque Festival - MPO Palace Concert - President's Palace - Valletta - 19:30 - www.teatrumanoel.com.mt Line Dancing - Sala Parrokjali San Ġużepp Ħaddiem - Birkirkara 19:00 - T: 2141 5522 Friday 11th Baroque Festival - Opera Fuoco: Zanaida - President's Palace Valletta - 19:30 www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
B.B.A. Annual Bird Show 2013 - Mount Carmel Hospital - Attard 17:30 - E: info@birdmalta.com Line Dancing - Parish Centre Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II - Attard - 19:30 T: 2143 4949 Saturday 12th B.B.A. Annual Bird Show 2013 - Mount Carmel Hospital - Attard 08:00 - E: info@birdmalta.com Sunday 13th Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Close to Santa Margerita Chapel - Mosta 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209 B.B.A. Annual Bird Show 2013 - Mount Carmel Hospital - Attard 08:00 - E: info@birdmalta.com Tuesday 15th Jeune Orchestre Atlantique Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt Line Dancing - Mġarr Parish - Mġarr - 19:00 - T: 2157 2578 Thursday 17th Line Dancing - Sala Parrokjali San Ġużepp Ħaddiem - Birkirkara 19:00 - T: 2141 5522 Friday 18th Line Dancing - Parish Centre Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II - Attard - 19:30 T: 2143 4949
The VIDA team does its utmost to publish the most updated information in these pages. We cannot, however, take any responsibility for details omitted or changed by third parties after going to print.
Painting detail by Tonio Mallia
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vida.com.mt Issue 37 January 2013
To include your events in this page email all details to events@vida.com.mt or call 2339 2236 by January 16th.
calendar
January
this month Fund Raising
Blood Drive
Kids & Family
Saturday 19th Met Opera 2012-13 - Maria Stuarda - St James Cavalier - Valletta - 19:00 - E: info@sjcav.org Stanley Brinks & Freschard Live San Gejtanu Band Club - Ħamrun - 21:00 - www.facebook.com/ events/110810665749566/
Moliere’s Don Juan (in Maltese) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta 19:30 - http://booking.mcc.com.mt/ Event/1190
The FMVA- Rabat to Rabat Vintage Motors Festival 2013 - 14:00 Carpark opposite the Domus Romana - Rabat www.fmvamalta.org Sunday 20th Feast of St Anthony - Xagħra - Gozo - T: 2155 1042 Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Parish Church (Mediatrix Square) - Żabbar - 08:30 to 13:00 T: 2206 6209 Moliere’s Don Juan (in Maltese) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta 19:30 - http://booking.mcc.com.mt/ Event/1190 The FMVA - Rabat to Rabat Vintage Motors Festival 2013 - 09:00 Ghajnsielem - Gozo www.fmvamalta.org Tuesday 22nd Baroque Festival - MPO and David Hansen - President's Palace Valletta - 19:30 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt Line Dancing - Mġarr Parish - Mġarr - 19:00 - T: 2157 2578 Thursday 24th MPO Kids - Meet the Basses Robert Sammut Hall - Floriana - 09:30 E: elizabeth.micallefmaltaorchestra.com
2013
Fairs
Others
Line Dancing - Sala Parrokjali San Ġużepp Ħaddiem - Birkirkara 19:00 - T: 2141 5522 Friday 25th MPO Kids - Meet the Basses Robert Sammut Hall - Floriana - 09:30 E: elizabeth.micallefmaltaorchestra. com
Line Dancing - Parish Centre Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II - Attard - 19:30 T: 2143 4949 Saturday 26th Feast of The Holy Family - Iklin T: 2142 3003
Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Holy Rood Church (Sant' Andrija Area) - Żabbar - 08:30 to 13:00 T: 2206 6209 MPO Family Concerts - Meet the Basses - Robert Sammut Hall Floriana - 09:30 E: elizabeth.micallef@maltaorchestra. com Tuesday 27th Feast of the Conversion of St Paul Mdina - T: 2145 6620 Feast of the Conversion of St Paul Marsalforn - Gozo - T: 2155 1010 Tuesday 29th Feast of St John Bosco - Victoria Gozo - T: 2155 5101 Improvisations - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 20:00 E: info@teatrumanoel.com.mt
Line Dancing - Mġarr Parish - Mġarr - 19:00 - T: 2157 2578 Thursday 31st Line Dancing - Sala Parrokjali San Ġużepp Ħaddiem - Birkirkara 19:00 - T: 2141 5522
Blood saves lives. Blood Donation Centre
in Guardamangia opens 7 days a week from 8am till 6pm.
www.blood.gov.mt
T: 2206 6209 | M: 7930 7307
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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books
Mattia Preti: Celebrating a genius
Maltese must reads Vleġġa Kkargata Adrian Grima, Klabb Kotba Maltin
Adrian Grima's Vleġġa Kkargata, with memorable illustrations by Karen Caruana, is a collection of poems for readers 10 and over. They appeal to adult readers too because they range from what appears to be nonsense poetry to poems about guilt, the force behind poetry and the anguish of a young grandchild confronted by the serious illness of his grandfather. Many of the poems are light-hearted and take on everyday life, but what they all seek to do is to offer different perspectives and different rhythms.
Din Mhix Logħba 2013 marks the 400th anniversary of the birth of the artist Mattia Preti (1613-1699), who spent 40 years of his working life in Malta. Mattia Preti’s works can be appreciated at St John’s CoCathedral and in several private collections. Midsea Publishers, in collaboration with the Department of History of Art at the University of Malta, have joined forces to publish an outstanding book that critically discusses the artist’s oeuvre in Malta. Research for this superb book was co-ordinated by Prof Keith Sciberras, who is also the author of the two critical essays that compose the first part of the book. The second part includes a detailed description of over 150 major Preti works, coauthored by Jessica Borg. The book includes over 270 images of paintings, most of which have been taken purposely for this publication by photographer J.P. Borg.
News from bookland • A few weeks ago, American author Philip Roth told a French magazine that he will write no more books because he has lost his passion for it. • Next May, Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner, will publish his new book And The Mountains Echoed. He intends to use the book to fight certain myths about Afghanistan.
Adrian Grima, Klabb Kotba Maltin
Din Mhix Logħba is a collection of four short stories for readers who are 12 years and over (including adults). The book comprises illustrations by Karen Caruana and a poster of a Frida Kahlo retrospective exhibition. The tone is rather light-hearted and sometimes even cheeky in stories like Ġejja l-Elezzjoni and Filgħodu Nqum IKMISSRE but things become more serious in Fabbrika tar-Rikordji and Bħall-Kuluri Mxarrbin tal-Ħuta. This book tells rather unusual stories in unusual ways.
Frejp
Clare Azzopardi, Merlin Publishers
The new novel from award winning author Clare Azzopardi. Frejp is as topical as they come – a teenage girl leaves her iPhone in her bag in the changing rooms, two other girls steal it and decide to ‘frape’ her Facebook account. The joke however is not as innocuous as some frapes, and the situation escalates. Frejp is also available in a limited stainless steel-cover mount edition.
Il-Poeta
Philip Magri, Merlin Publishers
One of the most exciting debuts of recent years, Philip M. Magri's Il-Poeta takes us to the late ‘50s in deeply conservative Malta, where a love triangle consumes itself against the backdrop of political unrest. Written in beautiful, sensual language, this is a sophisticated book to be savoured. Il-Poeta marks the arrival of a talented new author on the literary scene.
• The Proof of the Honey, by Syrian author Salwa Al Neimi, was pulled by Apple from itunes stores due to an 'inappropriate' cover featuring a naked bottom. • Louise Erdrich's The Round House scooped the $10,000 National Book Award for fiction.
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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
Angka Café, Aldo Moro Street, Marsa
Deep flavour I
f like me, and I’m sure most of the the January sales, and also just the place population falls into this category, which makes healthy eating interesting. you overindulged over the festive I never thought I would ever utter those season and now need to be a bit careful words, let alone commit them to print. with the food intake, worry not. It doesn’t need to be a punishment. I Angka Café is situated in the unlikely live by Paul McKenna’s mantra. I’ll location of Marsa, opposite the Sports save you the pain of listening to the Club on what we affectionately refer to as CD and share it with you: 1. Eat only the Whacky Races roundabout. You can’t when you are hungry. This is tough. miss it. The windows are full of plants 2. Eat exactly what you like. Which, and greenery, the name emblazoned after years of being bombarded by the across the vast glass frontage and huge, media and diet fads is also strangely, planet style lights in various sizes hang pretty tough. 3. Eat slowly. from the ceiling. The bar area lighting Apparently, this gives changes colours, though the food your brain chance to itself is colourful enough. "it’s all work out if you are vegetarian, full (he suggests The menu here is not so far putting your knife off the beaten track: curries, mostly raw and and fork down pasta, pizza, soup, burgers, all terribly between small salads and dips. However, it’s good for you" forkfuls). 4. Stop all vegetarian, mostly raw and when you are full. all terribly good for you. You’ll Yup, tough too, but you find seaweed strewn through the do feel better knowing you salads and noodles; which won’t be can have what you like at the made using wheat, but mung bean flour. next meal. The chefs here certainly don’t have any unloved, unused spices in the back of This strategy is of course ditched over their cupboards. The combinations are Christmas when the seasonality and ingenious, makes me want to re read timespan to serve these traditional foods The Flavour Thesaurus and experiment is limited and mince pies for breakfast with the most unlikely recipes. Another is acceptable, so I have found myself thing that will strike you is just how with tighter waistbands just in time for much the staff knows about the food, its
Ambience
Service
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preparation and nutritional value. You don’t need me to tell you how far from normal this is in a regular restaurant. At Angka, there is a menu and also a buffet. I went for the buffet (€9.99) – specifically the hotplates offering caponata, noodles and lentils (which I love) and topped it up with salad and a courgette hummus. The toppings include sprouted beans, soaked seeds and nuts. The colours and textures are more varied than this season’s catwalk. My plate was vibrant and inviting – and all of a sudden, the ‘diet blues’ left me and I felt like a whole new world had been opened up. To drink, I had a leaf smoothie. Not entirely sure what went into it – but I had a second! My friend had a burger that kids wouldn’t refuse – the bread is homemade and more importantly, so are the desserts, which also, thankfully, are guilt free. Chocolate balls made with raw cacao, honey, coconut oil and nuts. They resemble truffles – so I took a box home for dark/ selfish moments. I needed one to have with my coffee though, which was way too strong for me and I’m still not really sure why I ordered it – just habit I guess. Another one I have to break in 2013. Have a happy and healthy New Year.
Value
January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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advertorial
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Lija– Maisonette, 3 double bedrooms, main with walk in wardrobe, main bathroom, back yard, optional 4 car garage – €175,000 - Call 9958 5767 St. Paul’s Bay–Single bedroomed apartment, separate kitchen/dining, bathroom, use of roof - €59,000 – Call 7900 7931 Zabbar – Bargain first floor apartment, 3 bedrooms, open plan, bathroom, ensuite, semi-finished - €85,000 - Call 7943 3883 Kappara – 200sqm Rare to Find Duplex Solitary Maisonette, back yard, airspace, street level 1 car garage €233,000 - Call 7725 3502
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.
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. · Send the advertdetails and photos by email followed by a cheque send 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 by cheque.
All bookings and payments must reach our offices by no later than January 16th 2013. Bookings that reach our offices after this date will be published in the following issue.
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Games & Competitions
All competition replies should reach our offices by Wednesday, January 16th. 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.
WIN MORE www.facebook.com/VidaMag
December ’s solutions
WIN! The Hobbit is the prequel to which best selling fantasy trilogy?
Winners! Accurist: Jacqueline Bugeja, Dingli
Name: Address: Contact Number:
The Nail Lounge: Angela Galea, Naxxar Agenda Book Shop Ray Zarb, Naxxar
WIN! €50
Ta' Marija Restaurant Dunstan Edwards, Mqabba
voucher!
Star letter: Paul Darmanin
T. 21434444 | www.tamarija.com Name: Address:
Ta' Marija has strongly established itself as the foremost exponent of original and authentic Maltese cuisine, set in a welcoming traditional ambience and complimented with regular entertainment including traditional Maltese folk dancing and singing.
TRADITIONAL, MALTESE, BUFFET, DINNER
T
Ta' Marija is open for lunch from 12.00 and dinner from 19.00. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Contact Number:
5 9 1 7 2 4 8 years experience & VTCT Qualifications
WIN!
Paraffin wax for hands & feet worth €30! The Nail Lounge: Triq San Silvestru, Mosta M: 9921 4351 us on facebook: www.facebook.com/nailsbycherisse Name: Address: Contact Number:
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January 2013 Issue 37 vida.com.mt
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only for kids L
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• I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong. • I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating. • I won’t tease dogs or other pets – even friendly ones. Kids, 5 to 12 years old • I will drink reduced-fat milk and water every day, and drink soda and fruit drinks only on special occasions. • I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat
Win a hamper made up of Nesquik products! WIN!
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and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports. • I will try to find a sport or an activity that I like and do it at least three times a week! • I will always wear a helmet when bicycling. • I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. • I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends – like someone who is shy, or is new to my school. • I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, and school name or telephone number on the Internet or to a stranger.
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A bright New Year represents new beginnings. Do you wish you did anything differently last year? Were there some things you did that you’ve since learned it’s better not to do? The following New Year tips for kids are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). How many of them apply to you?
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Healthy New Year's resolutions for kids
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New year Beginning Resolution Promise Change Better Effort Challenge Fulfill Result
Find 10 things related to New Year’s resolutions in the grid and send us the solution by post. The correct answers will enter a draw to win the Nesquik Hamper.
Another chance to win!
Send us a drawing or photo of how you imagine 2013 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 January 16th.
Courtney Magri, 6, is the winner of last month’s competition. She wins a hamper made up of Nesquik products.
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