Vida Issue 13 - January 2011 by Focused Knowledge Ltd

January 2011 - Issue 13

www.vida.com.mt

January fashion:

Winter warmers - Page 28

New Year’s resolutions

Helping you stick to them - Page 20

CO MP E T

“My sacred coffee break”

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- Page 14

A spicy take out for a cosy night in

Vida reader gets New Year makeover

- Page 44

- Page 12

• Lifelong learning • Getting a new hairstyle • DIY mosaic • Recipes • Tech tips and more Alluring new ship

2011 movies

Under the sea

Trevor Zahra

contents

New look for the New Year

Coffee break

The benefits of Pilates

Shedding Christmas weight

Not only for kids

Sticking to New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions

The brighter side

Cruising with Shrek

A national treasure under the sea

UPDATES

Fashion fairground

Letters

Reno Bugeja

Lorraine Sammut Laura Schembri

Sarah Micallef interviews Xandru Grech Vida reader meets Trevor Zahra Claire Camilleri

Jane Vella meets Rosanna Vassallo David Vella

Amphibians Diving Club Sarah Micallef

A peep inside the College Museum Joyce Guillaumier

2011 at the movies Mark Camilleri

Still life photography

Ask the Experts Keeping it Short

Vida Clicks Richmond Foundation

National Book Council

Events in January

Mein Schiff breaks sales records

Outside in...

Norwegian Epic

Vida Shopping & Leisure

45 63 64

Is your business going green?

Competitions Only for Kids

4 6 8

Starfish slime for asthma and arthritis

Books page

Ed Eats

Not for Profit

Quentin Tarantino In his own words

11 12

editorial

vida.com.mt Issue 13 - January 2011

Every day brings along a new set of challenges and opportunities, however the beginning of a new year carries somewhat more significance because it is considered by many to be a milestone. Life is a work in progress, and this is never more evident than in January. We try to find time for all the things we did not get to do last year, we try to fix problems that we didn’t face in the past twelve months and we expect everything to change simply because we’ve changed our calendar. Sometimes we forget, however, that efforts should be made all year round - we should not need excuses to try and improve our lives and that of those around us. This January is an exciting time for us at Vida - it marks our first anniversary. The reception to the magazine has been overwhelming - we receive thousands of competition entries and comments from readers on a monthly basis and I would really like to thank you all on behalf of the entire Vida team. Your kind words give us the strength to continue in our toughest hours. This issue has also seen some changes to the magazine. Technological improvements at a major local press mean that we can now print a magazine for every house in Malta in a timely fashion. This ensures the magazine is delivered to your letterbox quicker while supporting local business. Enjoy the issue.

Richard Muscat Azzopardi

Vida in February...

Vida Magazine is a monthly lifestyle magazine distributed to all households in Malta. It aims to empower the people to lead a better, healthier and happier life. Publisher

Focused Knowledge Ltd Pitkali Road, Attard ATD 2214 Malta, Europe Tel: (+356) 2339 2403 Fax: (+356) 2141 9089 Managing Editor Richard Muscat Azzopardi editor@vida.com.mt News & Features Editor David Vella david@vida.com.mt Editorial Assistants Claire Camilleri - claire@vida.com.mt Sarah Micallef - sarah@vida.com.mt Layout & Design Kevin Abela Alexia Baldacchino studio@vida.com.mt Advertising Mexelene Davison - mexelene@vida.com.mt Maria Pillow - maria@vida.com.mt Sabrina Wingfield - sabrina@vida.com.mt

• St. Valentine’s Day • A new favourite hosiery • Up in the skies

Tel: (+356) 2339 2333 sales@vida.com.mt

It is understood that all material supplied by agents (printed or otherwise) to promote their products is supplied with all necessary permissions for reproduction. Whilst great care and attention has been taken by the editorial team to ensure accuracy of text, advertising and other published matter, we disclaim all responsibility for any omissions and errors. The editor and publisher do not necessarily agree with views expressed in articles, adverts, letters, or other content appearing in this publication.

motoring special

Distributed by

Cover photo Amy & Victoria by Pearl Works (see Page 30)

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

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special &homes

In a grand place

Our baby’s death

A couple’s struggle to find answers

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Malta’s Largest Bird Park

A year after Cliff’s death

Geneva Goes Green

Fashion Fairground

August 2010 - Issue 08

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July 24th at The Granaries

Sir Elton John Live in Malta

September 26th at The Granaries

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When rabbit hunting was more than just a game

Life in Sliema The overcrowded seaside gem

SUMMER FUN SPECIAL

Maltese Pilot Flying High

London Travel Guide

6 Pages of Fashion

I E C A L

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Bearing Fruit

6 Pages of Fashion

Rocking Holidays

November 2010 - Issue 11

A new bride of Christ The Order’s youngest nun

Dealing with wedding stress - Page 20

- Page 18

A Scarlet New Year’s Eve

Meet the maker of clay people - page 57 Christmas Appeal: “They gave us our son’s life back” Maltese children in London hospitals - page 19

- Page 80

Christmas

9 pages of fashion - page 59

Eating out In-flight tarts and T-bone steaks - Page 76

special

“I lost five babies” Helping parents overcome miscarriage

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Eating out Rock ‘n‘ roll On a sesame seed bun

Do you like what you see?

Down with carbon

Addressing the nation

Sunset splendour

Lou Bondi

• Free wood furniture • Solar water heaters • Avoiding wedding disasters • Lippy ladies • Choosing a camera • & more...

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November fashion:

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A quiet luxury

A foxy proxy

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Mirror mirror on the wall Malta’s first shipyards

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Beauty parlour in your kitchen

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando

Nightlife Heroes

Exclusive Interview:

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8 Pages of Fashion

with soldiers and gypsies

• Refreshing recipes • Cooking oils • Waxing and shaving • Waterproofing your home • Tech & gadgets • Gardening • & More...

True music and the Dire Straits days - Page 57

Celebrating Reading Watches

• Recipes • Back to school laptops • Lunchtime tips • Wedding entertainment • Growing vegetables • Restoring furniture • & more...

Cyclists’ mishaps

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Keeping back pains at bay

6 Pages of Fashion

David Knopfler

Autumn fashion: Let’s get fierce

Workers’ midday stomach filler

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October 2010 - Issue 10

September 2010 - Issue 09

Dancing to new heights

Brenda Lee Grech

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Tired of your partner’s annoying habits?

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25 years of Winter Moods

FLIGHTS

• Choosing air conditioners • Recipes • Waterproof make up • Weddings • Tech & Gadgets • Gardening • & More...

A Maltese man with £68 million worth of phones

R E E N&

September 26th at The Granaries

H N E C O

Back to School Special

Sir Elton John Live in Malta

Christian on campus Overcoming disability

Shrek Returns

• Nail Polish • Where to Watch the Game • Summer Cooking Special • Home Ideas • Gardening • DIY • & More...

keep smiling

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Beauty for Men

Malta’s Eurovision Dream

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May at the Movies

EVENT TICKETS & ICE CREAM PACKS!

Exclusive Interview ROD STEWART

When the holiday’s over

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6 Pages of Fashion

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Pregnancy A Glowing Beauty

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Make your outdoor space a cool living room

Live in Malta

Panic attacks

Through the Years

Take 2 Goes Comedy

Joseph Calleja

“I thought I was going to die”

• Mother’s Day gift ideas • Stain removers • Home ideas • Rouge • Real estate • Kickstart your day • DIY • & more...

FLIGHTS, MEALS & EVENT TICKETS!

Sensational Brasil

• Saving on groceries • Home Ideas • Packing your luggage • Displays, monitors • & more...

Controversy in person

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July 2010 - Issue 07

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“I never imagined we could cope”

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June 2010 - Issue 06

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May 2010 - Issue 05

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World Cup Special

Questo Piccolo Grande Amore

Dionne Warwick

NEW!

Fashion Fairground

Musical Feet Tap Dancing Champions

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80 Claudio Baglioni

Dining Out A taste of the Friars’ Kitchen

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Parenting Special

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Quizzing the Taxman

The World Cup Venues

• Find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift • Preparing a CV • Growing tomatoes • more...

“My Son’s Addiction” Kids and Computers

Beauty Products

April 2010 - Issue 04

A FREE MAKEOVER

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Graceful Determination

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Exclusive Interview: Ronan Keating

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O M PE T

What’s your next destination?

Spring Sneeze Hay fever’s in bloom

Valentine’s Day Special

Beauty

BY THE CUTTING EDGE,

Travel and Holidays Special

Buying your first home

A small book with a big story

The big day Down Under

www.vida.com.mt

Miriam Dalli meets Kenneth De Martino

March 2010 - Issue 03

February 2010 - Issue 02

www.vida.com.mt

January 2010 - Issue 01 www.vida.com.mt

Warden tickets

PANTO TICKETS & DVDS

Feet versus heels

Resting place of the stars

Harry Potter returns

• Occasion make up • What to wear to work • Shoe shine • Safety at work • Pruning olive trees • & more...

Readers’ photos

Santa Down Under

Homemade decorations

No regrets

• Gift ideas for all • Making a nativity scene • Pruning • Mince pie recipe • Staff parties • & more...

one year of vida

letters

STAR LET TER

Your say

Dear Editor,

The writer of the Star Letter wins a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*.

ss, level of pective of age, cla Many people, irres nowadays. e orc div of k tal on, education or religi me stage in our lives, gone so Most of us have, at th our partners. When I hear of s wi through problem at could have of ten ask myself wh such situations, I ip turn sour. sh on ati rel ing lov a happened to make e t based on true lov ationships are no ed lov r ou at th I feel that most rel g attachment. Hopin eds will start a but on need and r fears and ne ou to d en an t pu one will ual pleasures may e wrong foot. Sens us forget some relationship on th lp may conceal or he console us - they ey also harm us by th t bu ile wh a for bit ter reality of life nce of the heart and mind. ilie weakening the res e lowest grade of t levels of love. Th There are dif feren e other person th on t en nd is depe itioned by love is that which nd co e want. It is lov , social ion giving us what we sit po asure, wealth, onship is rewards: sexual ple ati rel of d kin is Th e. recognition or fam t love, it’s a business transac tion. is no unsustainable. It - the happiness of n our selfishness nt than, or at least True love can lesse rta po im re comes mo our loved one be ss. ine r own happ as important as, ou us all to ref lec t on words encourage s I hope that these ationship toward rel e th and to steer ing go t no is it s our relationships, ap rh if we feel that pe ep the right attitude ve that this can ke would like. I belie we y wa e th quite k. ea br art he ay from many couples aw Rita Formosa

WIN €100 What’s bugging you? What would you recommend? What’s your idea? Share your views with the nation Editor’s Note:

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

Dear Editor, The recent theft of the bronze monument commemorating hundreds of still born babies buried at the Addolorata Cemetery is the latest in a series of hateful acts of vandalism in this peaceful and historic location. As shown in the feature (Our angels in Heaven – when parents lose a baby) published in Vida’s November issue, this monument was very important. I cannot understand why someone would resort to such disgusting and cowardly actions. I call on the authorities to introduce new security measures to stop these perpetrators. Today, with CCTV cameras and other technologies, tightening security does not necessarily mean increasing security personnel. In the meantime, it is also high time that the authorities take action to repair this cemetery’s unique buildings, which are in a state of disrepair – the longer we wait, the dearer it will be to repair the damage. A. Borg Birgu

Electric cars Dear Editor, Well done for VIDA’s articles. The October issue offered realistic, ecofriendly solutions. Upon reading ‘Down with Carbon!’, I realised that everyone should opt for electric cars. The emissions of electric vehicles are much lower than those of vehicles powered by conventional engines, even when considering the carbon footprint of the electricity required to charge the batteries. From the outside, electric vehicles look like any other car – the boot is normally slightly small because there’s the electric battery tucked in there. But what does driving an electric car feel like? It’s easier than driving an automatic car, and it’s very comfortable. When the motors are running, it is still virtually silent – I find that quite impressive. Judith Zahra Mellieha

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

December Photography Competition With reference to ‘Sunset Splendour’ the photography feature in the December issue, the photo taken by Thomas Zammit was erroneously attributed to another Vida reader. Any inconveniences caused are regretted. * See page 63 for more info.

Security at Addolorata

I’m impressed! Dear Editor, Well done for the interesting magazine you are sending to our letterboxes every month. The October issue was a brilliant one! I was very happy to see that intelligent Maltese persons are leaving their mark all over the world. I am referring to Andrew Bonello’s involvement in major blockbuster movies and to Charlo Carabott’s entrepreneurial skills as demonstrated in the setting up of the British company Mazuma Mobile. I was amazed and very happy to learn that Charlo, a guy from my hometown Zejtun is the brains behind such a successful company. Christian Caruana Zejtun

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ask the experts

Ask The Experts E. Spiteri asked: My family owns land just outside the development boundaries next to a residential area. Is there any way of asking MEPA to consider turning it into a building zone? Are there any costs involved and how long will it take? Two years have elapsed since the issuing of the relevant Local Plans by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and their eventual approval. You have the right to send a written request asking MEPA to consider the inclusion of your family’s land in the next Local Plan revision exercise. To date no fees are to be paid for the submission of such a request. There is no specific time frame - it depends on the processing period required by MEPA to carry out the revision exercise. Perit Joseph Attard, B.E.&A. (Hons.) A.&C.E.

R. Borg asked: I need to seek legal advice regarding an argument I had with a family relative. The problem is that we share the same lawyer. What shall I do? Most probably your present family lawyer will declare that he/she is not comfortable representing two of his clients in an issue which they have between them. This means that your only option would be to seek advice from another lawyer. Alternatively, you can approach your lawyer, who knows you both, and ask whether he/ she is willing to act as a mediator between you and your relative considering that he/she already presumably knows your respective backgrounds and it might be easier for him/her to propose a possible remedy to your disagreement. Dr. Adrian Muscat Azzopardi, B.A., M.A., LL.D

Contact Lenses D. B. asked: Many people nowadays use disposable contact lenses. The pharmacist told me to change my lenses every month however I have friends who use the same lenses for months. They even sleep with them on. Can this be harmful? Contact lenses are normally used as a substitute for glasses. Some are meant for daily wear, allowing the user to do away with cleaning solutions and disinfection of the lenses. Most contact lenses however, are worn during the day and then removed, cleaned, and disinfected each night. Soft lenses are usually replaced on a regular basis, which varies from one week to one month and even one year. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses may, on the other hand, last for years with regular care. Extended wear lenses are usually soft and are worn overnight for one week and then replaced every one to two weeks. Trying to extend the wear of lenses beyond the recommended replacement schedule is an invitation to potential disaster. Overnight wear decreases the amount of oxygen available to the eye and increases the chance of infection

Ask a question and win!

fourfold. Sleeping with contact lenses on may result in the lenses becoming dry and sticking to the eyes. Avoid doing this unless the lenses are prescribed as “Extended Wear”. If you accidentally fall asleep with contact lenses on, use eye drops and wait a few minutes before trying to remove them when you wake up. Problems resulting from contact lens wear range from the inability to remove the lenses (usually after they are first fit) to blindness from infections. Proper fitting, instruction, care and maintenance can prevent most of these risks. Corneal abrasions are scratches on the surface of the cornea, which usually result from insufficient oxygen reaching the surface of the eye, although they may also result from dirt or other foreign bodies getting under the lens. It may also be caused by over-wear of the contact lenses or when the eye does not tolerate the lenses. These disturbances of the cornea may be very painful and predispose the eye to serious, blinding infection. Dr Malcolm Paul Galea, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)

Published questions to the experts get in the draw to win the prize of our Suggestions & Questions Competition - a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*!

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

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updates

I am a workaholic. I am not jealous. My childhood ambition was to become a lawyer. Journalism is my life. Journalism in Malta should be the fourth pillar of democracy. The most memorable news story I worked on was the Esmiralda tragedy.

Reno Bugeja

The most difficult person to interview is a liar beating around the bush.

Keeping it Short

I would love to interview the Pope. When I win journalism awards I feel satisfied that my work is being appreciated. ‘Dissett’ is an unbiased TV programme seeking to shed light on current affairs and issues. Interviewing politicians is a challenge to uncover the truth. Interviewing children is a way of getting honest and straightforward answers. A journalist I admire is Alistair Cooke. If I interviewed myself, I’d ask why I have never changed my job. And the answer is because I love journalism. When I’m not in the newsroom I’m enjoying my family.

Starfish slime for asthma and arthritis

f you have a boat at sea, you know how difficult it is to prevent all kinds of marine creatures from sticking to your hull. You may have never realised that nothing seems to stick to starfish.

Scientists in Scotland noticed this wonder of nature a few years ago and now they are confident that the gooey substances that a starfish produces to keep bacteria, larvae, viruses and sea plants off its back can also help us ward off the pains of asthma, hay fever, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. These are caused when the body’s defence mechanism overreacts, causing an excessive amount of white blood cells to stick to our blood vessels. This build up leads to various symptoms – coughing, tightness in the chest, swelling, joint pain – depending on the type of inflammation. The researchers at the Scottish Association for Marine Science figured out that the same chemicals that keep starfish clean can keep white blood cells from sticking to blood vessels, avoiding inflammation. After years of research, they’ve managed to identify the chemicals that keep starfish clean, and they’re confident that they can replace current cures - steroids, aspirin, or similar antiinflammatory medicines - without any damaging side effects. Further studies and tests are planned, and no starfish goo medicine is expected before at least another five years. One important task is to learn how to reproduce the starfish’s chemicals artificially. This will make sure starfish in the wild remain safe and free, without having to keep thousands of them in captivity to harvest their slime.

My favourite Maltese artist is Anton Aguis. ‘Friends of friends’ are an unfortunate way of life. Malta could be a better place if it’s run by honest and professional people. The best word in the world is love. If I were to announce the end of the world, my first sentence would be... Every beginning has an end. 2011 is a year of many expectations but in the end, only God knows what’s in store.

Mind your language!

When we’re charged with emotion – be it fury or elation - we’re likely to say things we don’t really mean. The problem when this happens in an email is that once you press send, you can’t take back your words. That’s why an American company created ToneCheck, which works just like a spell checker, but looks out for exceedingly offensive or ecstatic phrases instead. The software scans your email and flags down any phrase that exceeds your pre-set tone thresholds, giving you the chance to choose different words before it’s too late. The New York Times Magazine considered this invention one of the best ideas of 2010! www.tonecheck.com

Suggest your favourite sites (and tell us why you love them): yoursay@vida.com.mt

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

updates

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updates

Is your business going green?

Quentin Tarantino In his own words

Wearing high heels on a regular basis is a recipe for pain and horribly distorted feet. Zillah “If I’ve made it a little easier for artists to work in violence, great! I’ve Bugeja investigates accomplished something.” the real dangers of “Movies are my religion and God is my patron. I’m lucky enoughin to be in the tottering about sexy

position where I don’t make movies to pay for my pool. When I make a movie, I want it to be everything to me; like I would die for it.”

wners of businesses should think twice before brushing off environmentally friendly solutions as “the more expensive option”. Even small companies can increase their profits by investing in cleaner, more efficient technologies, experts insist. Godwin C. Micallef, a business management consultant specialising in environment issues, argues that Maltese companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), should try their best to adopt eco-friendly products and technologies and generate less waste. Malta is lagging behind other EU member states when it comes to environment protection. MEPA’s recently published State of the Environment report indicates an increase in air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, misuse of water sources and coastal and marine degradation.

Almost 96% of Maltese businesses are SMEs. “Unfortunately, when it comes to sustainable development, small business owners show either little awareness or lack of interest,” Micallef explains. SMEs may not have the necessary resources, skilled staff and technical expertise to implement sustainable strategies. “In addition, they frequently have poor access to finances due to market bias and often fall victim to bureaucratic red tape and regulations.” Many may think that larger firms are to blame for pollution. However, SMEs tend to be a significant source of pollution as well. “As a general rule, the smaller the firm, the lower the attention to environmental issues.” Moreover, when these companies fail to invest in greener technologies, they are also missing out on the improved efficiency resulting from the implementation of environmentally friendly measures.

I own a business. Where do I begin? Some measures can be adopted without huge costs. Managing waste is one of them – “waste is money and any serious company should be wise enough to invest in reducing, re-using and recycling”, Micallef says. For starters, any business, large or small, can conduct an audit to find out more about its energy and water consumption and waste generation. This identifies areas where savings can be made, or which can be improved by greener technologies. Maltese businesses can finance these projects by seeking EU funds through Malta Enterprise.

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

“Sure, Kill Bill’s a violent movie. But it’s a Tarantino movie. You don’t go to see Metallica and ask the fuckers to turn the music down.” “If you want to make a movie, make it. Don’t wait for a grant, don’t wait for the perfect circumstances, just make it.” “I hope to give you at least 15 more years of movies. I’m not going to be this old guy that keeps cranking them out. My plan is to have a theatre by that time in some small town and I will be the manager - this crazy old movie guy.” “There’s only one list that’s more illustrious than the list of directors who won the Palme d’Or. It’s the list of directors who didn’t.” “I’ve had people write that I’ve seen too many movies. In what other art form would being an expert be considered a negative? If I were a poet, would I be criticized for knowing too much about Sappho? Or Aristotle?” “CGI has fully ruined car crashes. Because how can you be impressed with them now? When you watch them in the ‘70s, it was real cars, real metal, real blasts. They’re really doing it and risking their lives. But I knew CGI was gonna start taking over.” “If I was doing Kill Bill all over again I’d be tempted to do it in 3D, at least Volume I.” “If I wasn’t a film-maker, I’d be a film critic. It’s the only thing I’d be qualified to do.”

updates

TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff breaks all sales records! Extra cabins are now being offered for the Maltese market

TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff’s debut on the local market has been so astounding that sales exceeded even the most optimistic outlooks. Nicknamed “the ultra all-inclusive” ship, the Mein Schiff offers such unbeatable quality and value for money that it has already attracted over 3,000 Maltese passengers for its inaugural season’s 27 weekly departures out of Valletta from May till October 2011. Sales have been so overwhelming that, as early as November 2010, many departure dates were either fully sold out, or only offered availability for twin cabins (with triples and quads being unavailable). To meet this hefty demand, a limited number of additional cabins have been offered for sale in Malta, thus re-opening availability of almost all cabin categories (including triples and quads) throughout the season. TUI Cruises’ ultra all-inclusive formula means that practically everything is included in the basic cruise holiday cost – free meals in first class

restaurants (with food being available on 24-hour basis), free drinks (wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks), excursions in every port, all taxes and tips included and even a free basic travel insurance coverage! Indeed, while on board an ordinary cruise liner a couple would easily spend €160 per day for an excursion, use of spa and a few drinks and tips (the TUI brochure gives a detailed example). This would cost nothing on the Mein Schiff! Beyond the luxurious cuisine and lifestyle the Mein Schiff offers on board, one also benefits from two interesting one-week itineraries, one to the East Mediterranean with visits to Greece and Turkey, and the other to the West Mediterranean with visits to Corsica, Monaco and Italy – also included in the price! More information on TUI Cruises can be obtained from preferred partner agencies SMS Travel and Mondial Holidays or from leading travel agencies.

The next generation of freestyle cruising is here -

Norwegian Epic

ith one of the youngest fleets worldwide, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has always set the highest standards in the cruise industry. Their recently launched ship – the Norwegian Epic – is sure to impress, not to mention rival other new cruise ships. At over 1,000 feet in length with a gross tonnage of 153,000 and a capacity of 4,200 passengers plus over 1,700 crew members, this goliath is a luxury floating city! On board the Norwegian Epic, your schedule is the only schedule we insist you keep – boredom is the only option we refuse to offer! It’s your choice whether to relax or be adventurous. Eat a burger or a steak. Dress up or go casual. It’s your vacation, so make sure it’s exactly what you’ve been dreaming about. You’ll find that the brand new Norwegian Epic has everything you need to enjoy a perfect cruise vacation, and in between, there are more than 20 dining options to enjoy. The ship has two main dining rooms and a wide variety of specialty restaurants, including a Steakhouse, Sushi Bar, Teppanyaki Grill, and buffet dining options. For starters, there’s the amazing new Svedka Ice Bar – literally one of the coolest places in the world. There are chic private clubs as well as a traditional supper club, Norwegian Cruise Line’s famous White Hot Party and so much more. During the day, there’s our huge Aqua Park, which is an amazing complex with two main pools, wading pool, kids only pool and five hot tubs. There are three water slides, including the Epic Plunge which is over 200 feet long – the only one of its kind at sea, the Sports Complex, rock-climbing wall, fitness centre, world-class spa, bowling alleys, a twostorey Wii™ and a Spider Web – an enclosed 24-foot tall climbing cage. The Norwegian Epic also offers an impressive array of entertainment. Try

the Cirque Dreams’ two-hour dinner show with opulent entertainment extravaganza presented with a variety of world-class talent, Broadway acrobatics, a touch of whimsy, and tasteful participation. Other sample acts are a comedy show featuring sketch comedy and improvisation by Chicago’s Second City and the Blue Man Group. NCL is also introducing some exciting new accommodation options. The New Wave Staterooms have a modern feel and style that are a welcome change from the typical rectangular cruise ship cabin. We are sure that by joining the Norwegian Epic on a 7-night West Mediterranean cruise, you shall return with joyful and unforgettable memories! For further details and information, please contact Mondial Holidays on 21 226633 or SMS Travel on 21 232211 / 21 551126

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

special feature

New Look for the New Year This month the Vida team whisked lucky reader Charmaine Fenech off for a unique adventure – an amazing new look for the New Year. Busy mum Charmaine got a stylish haircut and colour, professionally-applied makeup and €200 worth of clothes from New Look – a great way to start 2011.

“When I first saw Charmaine, I felt her hair was not doing her any justice – it was too long, flat and simply lifeless. The colour was too brassy, unnatural and dull. I began the transformation with a colour consultation in which I asked her what she had in mind and gave my professional advice. I enhanced the colour by adding tones of light vanilla and strawberry blonde slices using a non-ammonia product. I then applied a rich caramel base colour to match her eyes. This made the colour warmer, more natural and suited her complexion. As for the cut, I recommended a total re-style, losing the length and going for a shorter layered look with movement and a side fringe. Charmaine now looks younger and more stylish!” T: 2137 1245 E: dsalon@go.net.mt Hairdresser Lara Steer, D Salon

“Taking Charmaine’s blonde complexion into consideration, I opted for a neutral colour palette giving her a warmer look. I started by applying a base of Photo Ready foundation, going on to use shades from Revlon’s Blushed Wines palette for the eyes as well as gold from the Precious Metals range on the inner corners. I finished off the eyes with a Colour Stay eye pencil in brown and brought out her long lashes using the new Double Twist mascara in black. Here’s a little trick for applying mascara: always zigzag and pull the applicator outwards, this seperates and thickens your lashes all in one! A touch of Toast of New York blusher in No.10 on her cheekbones gave her a natural glow and completed the day to evening look. For daytime, I opted for Super Lustrous lip gloss in 06 and added drama with a deep plum lipstick for the evening look.” T: 9949 6798 Makeup artist Graziella deGiorgio, Revlon

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

special feature

The Team Vida’s editorial assistant Claire Camilleri helped with the choice of clothes and overall makeover organisation, “We got various entries for the makeover, however when we saw Charmaine’s photo we could tell she was an attractive girl. All she needed was some fine-tuning – this is why we chose her after shortlisting the candidates. She had a nice figure hidden under loose fitting clothes and a pretty face buried beneath shapeless hair, with features that could have done with some enhancing.”

Sarah Micallef, Vida’s fashion editor took care of the styling for Charmaine’s makeover, choosing clothes from New Look to give her a young and stylish look. “In selecting the casual and evening looks for Charmaine, I took her age and personal style into consideration. She’s got a really great figure and long lean legs so that prompted the choice of jeggings – not everyone can pull them off! As for the evening look, I felt she needed something a little more sophisticated, and since she’s not a big fan of dresses, decided to meet her half way with an on-trend jumpsuit and gorgeous suede wedges.”

The Winner Name: Charmaine Fenech Age: 32 I live in: Cospicua

“I wanted this make over because I felt I needed a change and feel a bit different for the New Year. My favourite part of the day was getting my hair cut and coloured as well as taking the ‘After’ photos in the studio at the end of the day – I felt really great!

evening

The makeover was an amazing experience. I really loved the clothes Sarah and Claire chose for me – they’re completely my style. I enjoyed the whole experience.”

day

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

special feature

Coffee break by Lorraine Sammut

n a trip to Rome some years back, our hostess introduced us to the joys of the espresso for breakfast. This, accompanied by a freshly baked dolce ensured an excellent start to our days in the Italian capital. Needless to say, our walks around the various landmarks of the city were punctuated with numerous stops for a refreshing drink for my husband and a cappuccino for me. The most memorable of these was at Piazza di Spagna, when we sat outside a café, under a huge umbrella drinking an exquisite coffee, served by an impeccably-dressed waiter whose manners were second to none. Of course, all this came at a price - a very expensive one! We returned home armed with a Mocha machine. Ever since, I have been faithful to Signora Maria, religiously enjoying an espresso every day before setting off to work. The aroma of coffee in the morning is a luxury that I am reluctant to forgo. Gone are the days when I used to drink up to 10 cups of instant coffee a day. Apart from an espresso that kickstarts my day, coffee drinking has now become serious business for me. I pursue this activity with a passion. I admit I have become a cappuccino addict. However this does not mean that I will sit down for a cup anywhere. Most definitely not! I have become an expert on the cafés and restaurants that serve the best brew. Although I have never been known to refuse an invitation to coffee, and am willing to experiment and venture into new territories, I have my favourite haunts. Whilst waiting for my children to finish sports, music lessons and various private lessons, I have discovered quite a number of cafés tucked away in narrow roads and village piazzas. These I have visited time and time again, at first to while away the time, then returning for the sheer pleasure of sitting down to relax in peace and quiet. Nothing beats the charm of sipping a good cappuccino in a tiny cafeteria in a typical Maltese village, letting the muted conversations of the other patrons wash over me. Most of these places have not been discovered by the crowds of tourists that visit our shores, and as such they are still extremely peaceful.

I have discovered quite If truth be told, it is often not the brew itself that is so a number of cafés enticing. As a working mother of three, struggling to tucked away in narrow cope between work and household chores, as well as driving the children around the island to their various roads and village appointments, my stress levels can sometimes reach piazzas astronomical levels. Most of the time it is the idea of

sitting down for some time, to get away from the go, go, go

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

special feature routine that I repeatedly find myself trapped in. These sacred moments in my day are a safe haven, where I can relax and enjoy a few minutes of blissful peace.

Her own son,

As my children have grown up and started to appreciate she told me sadly, time spent together, I find myself playing host to one would not dream of or another in their spare time. Even this, I find, is going out with his enjoyable. It is flattering that my daughter, now at parents University, should want to spend time with her mother, discussing problems with boyfriends, jobs, fashion, films, etc. What is even more flattering is the fact that recently, my seventeen-year old son has started to show an interest in my coffee-drinking expeditions, and has been known to ask to meet me at a certain time and place ‘for coffee’. I cherish these moments when I can be alone with my children for some quality time. I appreciate that not all teenagers would want to spend time with their mother, let alone talk about what is happening in their life. For this I consider myself extremely lucky. Some time ago, before leaving a particular cafeteria with my son, a friend whom I had not seen for quite some time remarked on the fact that I was lucky to be having a chat and a coffee with my son. Her own son, she told me sadly, would not dream of going out with his parents, let alone be seen having a drink with his mother. To quote a modern popular song, life is a rollercoaster and we must learn to ride it. It is not easy dealing with the problems that we face daily. I have found my own particular way of dealing with the stress in my life. A short break for coffee every day is a must. And now, if you will excuse me – I have an appointment to keep – anyone care to join me for a cappuccino?

UK - Malta - UK

TemperaTure ConTrolled ServiCe

With Malta’s small market, importing a whole trailer of products or raw materials may not always be financially viable – Fahrenheit’s road freight groupage service to and from UK is an affordable solution.

For more information on any of our road, air and sea freight services, contact our Sales Team on: T: (+356) 2339 2339 E: sales@fahrenheit.com.mt

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

health & beauty

The benefits of Pilates

by Laura Schembri Physiotherapist

ilates has become a by-word for encouraging people to exercise. It is conjectured to have many benefits, such as improved strength and flexibility, whilst also being gentle enough for previously sedentary individuals to take up. Pilates was originally developed through adaptations of Yoga-type exercises but has been modified through scientific research to make it as safe and specific to the individual as possible. The other buzz word in exercise these days is ‘core-training’, which has spun off from the popularity of Pilates and the research that has tried to evaluate why it seems to work so well. It is believed that core-training will prevent injuries and improve performance as well as giving a more aesthetic silhouette. As with everything that becomes fashionable there is always the danger that the trend is used as a ‘one size fits all.’ The strength of Pilates is that it is an exercise technique that was originally designed and developed to be tailored to the individual. Any fitness trainer can buy a Pilates book and take a class through the exercises but in doing so, the relevance of the Pilates concept would be lost. The Pilates instructor has to undergo months or years rather than mere weeks of training and should ideally have a deep fundamental knowledge of anatomy and physiology – such as a physiotherapist or a sports scientist would. A good Pilates instructor would therefore insist on a full assessment of the client beforehand, so that they could be given a home exercise programme, as it should become part of a daily routine to maximise benefits.

The advantages of Pilates are many and directly relate to the needs of the individual client. The principles of the programme include good posture. It has recently been found that the most important part of rehabilitation for patients with lower back pain is re-educating their postural imbalances. The exercises also help to stabilise the pelvic floor muscles which support the lower spine and abdominal contents whilst improving breathing techniques. A good class is recognised by the continuous reference to posture, breathing and individual attention as necessary. Another very important aspect of Pilates is the mind-body connection. The person doing Pilates exercises will switch off from their other thoughts and concentrate on their physical being. This heightens body awareness and improves control of the spine and the extremities. Most people do not realise that they are heavy on their feet or awkward movers. Pilates teaches them to have more precise, flowing movements which allows correction of incorrect patterns of movement and prevents injuries occurring. Pilates is perceived as a phenomenal way to treat a variety of needs and has been widely studied over the past 10 years. It has been advocated for preventing injuries, improving performance and wellbeing. It is essential after pregnancy and abdominal surgery and has great benefits post-mastectomy.

Further reading: • Dankaerts, W., O’Sullivan, P.B., Burnett, A.F. & Straker, L.M. (2006). The use of a mechanism-based classification system to evaluate and direct management of a patient with non-specific chronic low back pain and motor control impairment_ A case report. Manual Therapy. 12, 181-191. • Brumagne, S., Janssens, L., Janssens, E. & Goddyn, L. (2008). Altered postural control in anticipation of postural instability in persons with recurrent low back pain. Gait & Posture. 28, 657-662. • Institute for Work & Health. (2007). Exercise therapy and low back pain. www.iwh.on.ca

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

health & beauty

Shedding Christmas weight by Sarah Micallef

The Christmas and end of year festivities are now behind you, and boy, did you have a good time. Your attention now inadvertently shifts to your newly wobblier midsection and you can’t help but ask yourself – why do I do this every year? Sarah Micallef takes a load off with former athlete and actor Xandru Grech, and finds out how to shed that post-holiday bulge.

he reasons we gain weight over the Christmas period are many, with most of us simply overindulging at every given opportunity. Xandru refers to a popular carol to explain this behaviour, stating “It is the season to be jolly after all, and to many of us, being jolly means abundance. We eat more, drink more and train less. It is a time when family, friends and work colleagues get together to celebrate, so there is always a good excuse to vary from our everyday nutritional regime. However, we do not vary only because we eat and drink more, but also the times at which we eat change and the quality of food changes, making it harder for our metabolism to function and adapt properly.” Now that the kilos are there, the main concern for many is simply to get rid of them as fast as possible. Whereas we may be tempted by quick fixes and crazy diet schemes, the secret to shedding the weight and keeping it off is consistency. “It is pointless and dangerous to wake up one morning and try to run 10 km and eat one packet of peas or raisins all day. It has to be a build up. Moreover, losing that extra weight should not be the main reason to want to eat well and exercise – being healthy should be the main reason. For professional advice, one can get an endless amount of information from consulting a nutritionist or a trainer, but to start off with, I recommend eating healthy nutritious foods at different times of the day, keeping the evening dinner a pleasant light one and doing some form of exercise before or after work and at weekends.” What’s more, it’s not enough to exercise and eat right just until the extra weight comes off. Staying fit and healthy should be a priority all year round because it means a lot less physical problems in general. Moreover, a common mistake people make is wanting to lose weight rather than focusing on losing excess body fat. Xandru clarifies this: “It is a fact that muscles weigh more than fat and when

one starts training one might put on a bit of weight at the outset. However, although the scales might be showing you an extra kilo, you are actually replacing and burning your extra body fat. Once your body gets used to this new healthy way of life it will stabilise and the weight will start decreasing rapidly because you will start reducing body fat. Obviously, you will also start looking toned and healthier. What is important is to be within the healthy limits of your body fat percentage – having no fat is also unhealthy.” People who have a large amount of excess body fat are likely to see immediate results even by just eating properly and changing bad eating habits. Exercise simply speeds up the process in this case. The less excess body fat one has, the harder it is to shed it. The hardest part is actually starting. Once you start a healthy way of life you will begin to see results as time passes. A trap many fall into however is that once the extra weight has been shed, they simply revert to their old unhealthy lifestyle. Xandru advises against this, maintaining “If your regular routine was unhealthy then I don’t recommend going back to it. We live a social life, and are not programmed robots, but ordering one thing instead of another at a restaurant, eating healthy at home on a regular basis and exercising for 30 minutes four or five times a week is not that difficult. Oh, and don’t forget to drink lots of water.” Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and routine all year round is guaranteed to have you looking and feeling better in no time. But what happens next Christmas? How will you cope when assailed with that entire Christmas log? Realistically speaking, just don’t overdo it. Xandru recommends finding the right balance between discipline and letting go. If you still put on that extra kilo of body fat, regaining a healthy way of life for 2011 will ensure it won’t stay on for long!

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

personalities

Not only for kids My heroes

A Vida reader meets Trevor Żahra

Pauline Gregory first came across Trevor Żahra when she read some of his children’s books. Decades later, she received a phone call from Vida – her letter suggesting an interview with her favourite Maltese author was being taken up, with a catch – she herself had to ask the questions. Joe Tanti reports on Pauline Gregory’s meeting with Trevor Żahra in Valletta. Once all the introductions are made, we all sit down at Inspirations Café, at the St. James Cavalier, to look at the menus. It’s coffee all round except for Trevor, who opts for a cup of tea. The chilly Valletta evening seems to welcome the warm conversation between two people with one thing in common, their love for Maltese literature. Pauline is prepared with a list of questions. Her first question is directed at Trevor’s recent focus on novels for adult readers – is he bothered that many people still consider him a writer of children’s books? Not at all, the author replies. He explains how he has enormous respect for children’s literature. A writer of children’s literature is by no means inferior to a writer of adult literature. “It’s like comparing portrait painters to landscape painters, or composers of chamber music to composers of operas. Every artist could excel within his or her own field of specialisation”. However, he does have a theory as to why many people are not aware of his works for older readers. “Some time ago I met an old acquaintance of mine who told me, ‘have you stopped writing?’ I answered him: ‘No, but I believe you have stopped reading!’” By now the coffee is being served and the smell of freshly baked pastizzi from another table is tempting enough. Pauline mentions that it must be easy for him to write literature after publishing so many books. “Actually it was easier when I started. It is very difficult now – I have to constantly make sure I’m not repeating myself. I believe that regurgitating others’ ideas is not a good thing to do, but repeating your own ideas is even worse.”

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

Pauline can’t resist asking Trevor about his most controversial novel, ‘Il-Hajja Sigrieta tan-Nanna Ġenoveffa’. Why did he write a novel on people’s sexual lives? Trevor explains that he was utterly surprised at the success of this book, calling it a bestseller. He adds that this is not his first publication with similar content – in 1972, a year after publishing his first book, the children’s novel ‘Il-Pulena tadDeheb’, he published a collection of poetry for adults. He has, since then, published four novels and four collections of shorts stories for adults. The popular novel ‘Taħt il-Weraq tal-Palm’, which focused on promiscuous sex, won the first prize in a novel competition organised by Klabb Kotba Maltin. His fan, however, is not convinced. She notes that she found some parts of Nanna Ġenoveffa’s tale to be too explicit. “A friend of mine actually stopped reading it because she felt offended.” Trevor smiled, noting that he accepts the criticism, “yet, I assure you that whatever is written in that book is inspired by true accounts I learnt from different old people. Unfortunately, sex is a taboo and some people seem to consider it inexistent. It is not the most important aspect of life, but it is a part of life and we have to recognise it as such.”

The subject shifts to theatre as Pauline asks if the author was indeed happy with the production of his latest play ‘Ritratti Sepia’. Trevor admits he was very disappointed. Why did he write a novel The actors were quite good and did a very good job. Yet, he couldn’t figure out how anyone expects to put up a on people’s serious production in less than six weeks of rehearsals. sexual lives? “I was sad to see that ‘Ritratti Sepja’ was treated is if it were a panto or a farce ‘fis-sala tal-kappillan’ [in a small local parish’s hall]. Most of my subtle humor was underlined,

personalities The reader...

A theatre buff

Pauline Gregory is 57 years old and lives with her husband Twanny in Pembroke. They have very recently become grandparents - their son Robert and his wife Marilena, who live in Scotland, have just had a baby daughter. Pauline is an avid reader and follower of theatre. Her interest in Trevor Żahra’s work had started off through Trevor’s children’s books. However theatre was the reason she decided to respond to Vida’s ‘My hero’ column. She attended Żahra’s play ‘Ritratti Sepia’ and felt surprised that Żahra, mostly known for children’s books had taken an interest in adult theatre.

The hero...

subtitled, highlighted and written in bold capitals. It was grossly spoon-fed to the audience. Serious artistic productions require total uncompromised commitment.”

Over 100 books!

Trevor Żahra was born on December 16th, 1947 in Żejtun. He has two children, Ruben and Marija, from his marriage to his late wife Estelle. Trevor is the author of over a 100 books in Maltese. His style of writing is pleasant, full of humor and imagination. His drawings complement his writings and this combination makes him by far the most famous children’s author today. Żahra has won numerous awards with his novels, poems and illustrations. Though famous for children’s books, he has ventured quite successfully into adult novels and plays for theatre as well.

Pauline later told me that she really admired the author for such pride in his work. A man with a zealous love for Maltese literature cannot expect anything less than that same respect for his work. The two continue discussing the local literary scene, mentioning various authors and playwrights. Trevor relates some of his earliest experiences with printing, when nothing was computerised and all preparations had to be made manually, sometimes letter by letter. Decades later, today the author is looking ahead to new opportunities, including the possibility of having his novels published in e-book format. He tells us that his next project is a stage representation of ‘Il-Hajja Sigrieta tan-Nanna Ġenoveffa’. The book won’t be transformed into a play, but rather presented as an animated rendering of it. Trevor is also working on a dramatised version of his humorous poems from his book ‘Mota f’Ġieħ Kemm Hemm’, during this year’s edition of the National Book Fair, in November. I must admit I really enjoyed listening to these two persons discussing their favourite topic with such fervour. Before we parted, Pauline and her husband tell us they will soon be traveling to Scotland to meet the new hero in their lives – their son’s baby daughter, the sweet little Elisabeth.

Meet your hero and win!

WIN!

Who’s your hero? Email us on yoursay@vida.com.mt, tell us something about yourself, and why you would like to meet your hero, and you’ll be on your way to winning one of our prizes!

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

real life

Sticking to New Year’s Resolutions by Claire Camilleri

ow that the festive season is over, that dreaded time of the year has arrived. It’s time to put those resolutions that we made (and postponed for the past month or so) into action. Whether it’s the oh-so-common shedding the extra weight we put on during Christmas time, controlling our spending habits, dedicating more time to those we love or quitting smoking, everybody knows that resolutions seem easier to keep when making them. I have, however, discovered a few tips that might help when it comes to adhering to your New Year’s resolutions. The first and most important factor is to make sure you are ready for the challenge. It may seem easy at first but after a few days, as the motivation dies down, cravings return. Just one chocolate or cigarette or just one more pair of shoes, you might think, but once you set the ball rolling you’ll soon find yourself sliding down the slippery slope of temptation. Setting a goal will help keep your mind focused on achieving a particular target. Since most of us have probably over-eaten during this festive period, dieting is one of the most common resolutions made during the first few days of every year. However, there’s no way you’re going to lose that Christmas weight in two weeks, so be sensible. You can even choose to set various milestones and proceed at every success. Keep in mind that trying to juggle too many resolutions at once will only lead to failure, so concentrate on one at a time. Start with the

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

real life

most important ones – achieving them will give you the motivation you need to carry on to the next ones. Rewarding yourself for your mini successes will encourage you to push further. Say, for example, you’re trying to cut down on your spending habits. Set yourself a monthly budget, and be specific when doing so. If by the end of the month you’ve managed to stick to it you can buy yourself a gift with part of your savings as a means of gratification. Make sure to set the price of your reward before the month starts off and set the money aside immediately. Don’t overdo it - it would defeat the purpose if you spend all you saved on rewarding yourself! Starting soon after the new year begins will help a great deal as this is when you are most motivated. No time for procrastinating to next Monday or next week. The sooner you get cracking the easier it will be. Remember not to get ahead of yourself because if you exaggerate you will surely burn out before you can see any meaningful improvements.

it as an inspiration for the next time you feel you’re going to break the promise made to yourself and not as an excuse to stop all the hard work. When temptation strikes, pause for a second, think if it’s really worth giving in, take control and focus on coming up with a distraction instead. Look for help from those around you. Some family members, friends and partners are willing to assist you in achieving your goals. Having someone make the effort with you will make the transition somewhat easier, with a greater chance of success. Try joining a gym with a friend or quitting smoking with your partner and you will not only be improving your situation but also helping someone else to lead a healthier life.

No time for procrastinating to next Monday

When it gets really tough and temptation keeps knocking at your door try and come up with distractions to keep your mind occupied. Divert your attention and eventually your resolutions will become a way of life with no extra effort needed. Keeping reminders visible will also help to keep you on track. Do remember that at times there will be imperfections. Everyone slips once in a while but that doesn’t mean you’ve ruined all you’ve been working for. Use

The best tip I can dish out, however, is to find New Year’s resolutions which can be imposed on you. If you want to save, get a savings plan which will automatically withdraw money from your salary as soon as it is deposited. If you’re trying to lose weight join a team sport or a gym class with an instructor because it will be harder to avoid and the coach or instructor will be there to push you to your capabilities.

Now’s the chance to tackle all those things you’d wanted to change in your life and overindulge in new plans instead. Keep that motivation high, cravings low and behaviours moderate. You’ll soon see a difference; a new year with a new you!

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

interview

The brighter side Empowering young people

Our young people are often described as a nuisance, with exploits of drunken shenanigans and offensive activities regularly splashed across the media. The youth worker looks beyond this generalisation and assists them in acquiring the basic skills to find their path in life. Jane Vella meets Rosanna Vassallo, a recent graduate in Youth and Community Studies, hairstylist and mother of two, to learn more about just what it means to be a youth worker.

osanna graduated last year, after a five-year part-time course. She studied while the children, a sevenyear-old boy and eleven-year-old girl, slept. “I never wanted my studies to interfere with their upbringing, so I would start at around ten at night,” she says. Youth work is not about what the youth worker plans to do, but the capability of finding what is interesting to the group of youngsters he or she is working with. Thus meetings are not structured, because they always develop according to the participants involved. Rosanna admits that it is sometimes a challenge to keep the youths focused, especially when one of them proves to be difficult. “A person like this can cause disruptions. But you have to be spontaneous, and act on each case differently,” she says. Rosanna explains that to be a youth worker, you have to have an innate sense of how to get along with young people, and you have to be prepared to use different ‘languages’. “And you can’t judge them,” she adds. “you can encourage them to act differently but they are the ones to make the final choices.”

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She admits that sometimes she is shocked by youngsters’ stories. “But the moment you judge them is the moment you lose them. That’s what distinguishes you from being a parent – a parent reacts negatively when you’ve done something that’s not socially acceptable. A youth worker will listen and try to understand what led you to start doing such things. You explore it together and realise you could have acted differently.” During her course, Rosanna took part in an outreach programme, in which she toured different places where youngsters hang out, such as playgrounds. Once gaining their trust, she would invite them to attend youth meetings in their locality. “If they’re comfortable talking to you, it works out well, though if there isn’t a connection, it’s more difficult. Young people aren’t easy to engage,” she explains. “They’ll try to make fun of me, or mistake me for someone from a drug agency. Sometimes they think somebody sent me to see what they’re up to.” Rosanna’s course, besides traditional studies involved a number of placements. These assignments took her to Birkirkara Local

Council, and various schools within the San Gorg Preca College. She tells me that the aim was to bring young people together, to meet up and discuss their needs and wants. “Youth work is about engaging people and empowering them,” she explains, “it is about trust, and acceptance with the group that you’re working with.” One particular assignment involved organising an interschool activity with students of mixed abilities, and both boys and girls. The event was held at the Lorenzo Manche’ Boys Secondary School (L-Ospizio) in Floriana, which presented a challenge in itself. A school well-known for its focus on trades, the aim of the activity was to work on students’ self-esteem issues, and to show those who were low achievers that they too could succeed. “I was also told that teenagers from this particular school found it difficult to trust outsiders. But it went really well,” Rosanna says, with a smile, “as part of this event, students from other schools spent the day in this secondary school. Those who were high achievers in academic subjects found themselves learning stonework and other trades which they knew nothing about.

interview It was an eye opener for everyone.” Rosanna explains that the work of a youth worker can put you in a delicate situation where the youngster feels ‘too’ close to them. In such cases it is important to learn your boundaries. She recalls a situation where a young man made certain inappropriate remarks. “I never encouraged him, but when I found the appropriate time, I made my boundaries clear,” she recalls. “There might be a risk of losing that young person from the group, but clear cut boundaries are utterly important in our profession.” I ask her the reasons why a group would disband. “Generally it means they’re old enough to move on, the group would have begun when they were 14, and at 18 they should be capable of moving on, on their own,” she explains, adding that this is one of the satisfactions of the youth worker. “This doesn’t necessarily mean that they had problems, but that everyone gained from the relationship.” Rosanna recalls an incident when she met a young person three years after a group had ended. “It’s fulfilling when they stop to say hello, to let you know how they’re doing.”

I loved hairdressing. Nowadays, Having the experience of a youth I have young people coming to worker, how does she interact “I don’t the salon who I practice my with her own children? “They want her youth work skills on… while understood that I had to to be afraid doing their hair.” study, and I can now be more to talk supportive towards them,” she Rosanna is now looking says smiling. “My daughter and to me.” forward to seeking employment her friends think I’m an open as a youth worker. Finding a minded mother. When they do things job is not easy. She explains that the – if she wants to go on Facebook, for main problem of the youth worker is lack example - I’ll explore it with her. But as she’s of awareness. “Youth work isn’t just about my daughter, obviously discipline is involved. behavioural problems. There is a need My relationship with her is mother-friend. I for youth workers at schools, and other don’t want her to be afraid to talk to me.” environments frequented by youths, but the lack of information about this job has the Besides being a youth worker, you’ll find lines blurred between one job and another,” Rosanna working in her mother’s hair salon. she explains. “Raising awareness is really “When I was a young girl, I never wanted to important, not just for this profession but also go to university. My father encouraged me to to show that young people aren’t all bad.” go, but I was never interested,” she admits, “I used to think that university was about “Young people have a negative reputation becoming a doctor or a lawyer only; I didn’t in society, with the media in particular know there were courses that interested me. portraying them in a negative light with Today I don’t regret not going before.” stories of binge drinking and promiscuity. “But this isn’t the full picture. When the Pope Soon after, her mother took up a beauty came to Malta last year, our young people’s course and opened her own salon, which motivation was out in full force. And this is is how Rosanna found herself studying to just one example. Our youths all deserve a become a hairdresser and working in this chance to prove themselves.” industry. “In reality it wasn’t by choice, even though after taking the course, I found that

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leasing/rentals of generators January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

travel

Cruising with Shrek

On board the world’s largest cruise ship by David Vella

his is going to sound like the corniest travel feature introduction that you’ve ever read, but I can’t avoid it – it’s the truth. When I was invited to join the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s latest ship Allure of the Seas, I wasn’t very excited. A cruise was not my idea of a holiday. During my last vacation in the UK I travelled over 900 miles and stayed in four different areas in less than six days so you can imagine how I felt when I was told I was going to be ‘stuck’ on board a ship heading nowhere, for three days. I packed a bagful of books – I was going to catch up on my neverending reading list. Now here comes the part (which, once again, I can’t avoid) where I go “boy, was I wrong”. The Allure of the Seas is 360 metres long, with 18 passenger decks and an internal volume (GRT) of 225,282 tonnes. It accommodates over 6,000 guests and a 2,384-strong crew. Now that’s quite a crowd to fit on a ship. However, when you’re onboard you never feel you’re in a crowded place and that’s when you realise how big this vessel is. It is in fact the largest cruise ship in the world. Last month, the Allure of the Seas joined its sister-ship the Oasis of the Seas, to alternate between two Caribbean cruises on a sevennight itinerary from their homeport at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. All passengers boarding the ship are welcomed at the Royal Promenade. This ‘high street’ at sea is as long as a football ground and twice as wide as similar ones found on other cruise ships. Surrounded by retail and entertainment establishments (including a Guess store and the first Starbucks at sea), this is also the place where several events are held during every cruise. The highlight is the Royal Parade,

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which, thanks to a new partnership with DreamWorks Animation, gives passenger the chance to meet Shrek and Fiona from the ‘Shrek’ movies, the Penguins from ‘Madagascar’, and many other characters. Three decks above, ‘Central Park’ is a 100-metre long lush garden with thousands of live plants and tall trees. It is the ideal place to relax – and the ship’s area dedicated to fine dining restaurants. There are 26 different dining venues on board. Each has its own dedicated kitchen led by different chefs (the ship has over 360 chefs and other kitchen staff). The topmost decks are wholly dedicated to swimming pools, sunbathing areas, and sports zones. Whirlpools are located in several areas to make sure you can easily get your 15 minutes of bubbly time between sunbathing spells. Four of the whirlpools are suspended over the ship’s sides, like a large water-filled balcony – lean over the edge and you see nothing but the clear blue sea, 41 metres below. Breathtaking. While relaxing at the Solarium or enjoying a massage or hair and beauty treatment at the Vitality Spa and Fitness Centre, there’s no need to worry about the kids. Besides the fun-filled kids’ swimming zone and the colourful full-size carousel, the ship also has a club with special programmes for children from six months to 11 years old. A team of animators (all qualified teachers with a clean police record) and the DreamWorks characters (also quite trustworthy, we were informed) organise drawing and crafts sessions, photography lessons, scientific experiments, story-telling, drama sessions in a special

travel

Alluring Numbers 1,000

designers worked on the ship’s plans

10,000,000

working hours to complete the ship

265

entertainers work on board

2,508

metres squared dedicated to children’s areas

50,000

kilos of ice cubes are produced on board everyday

2,559,449 theatre reserved for kids, and many other activities. Teenagers up to 17 years have their own club with a living room where to meet new friends and play games, a teens disco, and many Nintendo Wii consoles. If you’re in for some action, clip yourself to the safety line and try one of the 13 metre Rock Climbing Walls, or fly across the ship on the zip line. You can try surfing in one of the FlowRider surf simulators and if you’re into balancing acts you can also have a go at the ice-skating rink. However, this cruise ship’s brightest star is its free entertainment offering – it is in fact labelled, “the Entertainment Ship”. Professional ice skaters produce two original ice shows, including an adaptation of DreamWorks’ ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. You can watch the actual movie in 3D, and many other new releases, at the cinema next door. In another theatre, enjoy Broadway’s most popular musical – Chicago – with live music and an impeccable cast of singers and dancers. Up on the Boardwalk, another lively open-air space, look out for the AquaTheatre, an amphitheatre with a six-metre pool used for water fountain displays and high diving acrobatic shows. My personal favourite, however, was Comedy Live, a small theatre featuring three stand-up comedians every night. I was surprised to find good quality stand-up comedy on a ship, and this is probably what’s really striking about it all. In one day you can have breakfast with Shrek, enjoy your favourite drink while watching your kids having fun on the carousel, take salsa dancing lessons, get a new hair

litres of fresh water are consumed on board every 24 hours. Water is produced on board the ship’s desalination plant

do, ride a zip line, spend hours by the pool, watch a Broadway 12,000 musical, dine in a Brazilian live plants in the ship’s Central Park restaurant, have more drinks 7,000 to the sound of live jazz, have a works of specially-commissioned art midnight snack, and, if you’re still decorate the ship on your feet, meet new friends in one of the late night parties. Get all this without ever needing to walk for more than five minutes. And you’d still have missed on an ice show, a delicious cup cake, a relaxing massage, a 3D movie, a visit to the art gallery, yet another musical, a stop at the Italian restaurant, the rock ‘n’ roll gig at the pub, and more. With so many different experiences to enjoy, the days at sea are set to be the most memorable part of your holiday. Add this to the ship’s exquisite ports of call – Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, the island of St. Thomas, and the Bahamas – and you’re on your way to the holiday of dreams. One last thing, up on one of the upper decks, probably rarely visited, there’s also a well-stocked library, so take my advice, spare yourself the extra luggage weight (you’ll need it for your duty free shopping) and leave your books at home – if you’re going to have time to read, your books are already on board. Executive Holidays is the International Representative in Malta for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara Cruises. For more information please call on 21226124 or email info@executiveholidays.com.mt.

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

special feature

A National Treasure buried deep under the sea

ome of Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best hidden secrets can be found by scuba diving in national waters. In this selection of pictures we can experience life through the eyes (and lenses) of the members of the Amphibians Diving Club.

Busufu / Dog Worm by John Wood

Ziemel tal-Bahar / Seahorse by John Wood

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. Nudibranchia Hypselodoris Elegans by Sarah Gauci Carlton

Morina /

Mediterranean Moray

by Jesmond Pace

Skalm / Atlantic Lizard Fish Victor Micallef

special feature

Double Arch, Gozo

Mulett / Mullet

by Jesmond Pace

Ckalu / Paddlenosed Lobster by Mario Schembri

by Marc Baluci

Violet gastropod mollusc flabellina affinis by Sonia Silvio

Hanex tal-Fjuri / Fan Worm by Sarah Gauci Carlton

Qarnita / Octopus by Sonia Silvio

About the Amphibians The Amphibians Diving Club was formed in March 1983 by a group of enthusiasts who had the sport of scuba diving at heart. The aim of the club today remains that to help promote safe scuba diving. Through its many initiatives the club continuously encourages its members to appreciate our islandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; varied and interesting underwater life. The Amphibians are also at the forefront in helping to create awareness about the rich and varied underwater environment at Cirkewwa and thus encouraging the authorities

to make the location a marine sanctuary. The club regularly organizes shore and boat dives throughout the year. These are aimed at the experienced and the not-so experienced divers who want to continue to practice their sport in a safe and enjoyable way. Besides the shore and boat dives the club also organizes other activities such as BBQs, dinners, family events, cultural visits, guided walks, hikes, information seminars, underwater clean-ups, Gozo weekends for diving, overseas diving trips,

participation in TV programs and many other social and diving events. The clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underwater bicycle challenge and the Christmas dive have become synonymous with the Amphibians. Anyone wanting to join the Amphibians are invited to visit www.amphibiansmalta.com for details on how to join. The website is updated regularly with events that are taking place and also contains photos, videos and information from many past events.

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

fashion

Fashion Fairground by Sarah Micallef

Out with the old, in with the new Say hello to your new wardrobe As we wave goodbye to the old and embrace 2011 with much merry-making and high spirited jubilance, it’s the perfect time for new beginnings. This new chance to make a go of things is the reason why most of us make resolutions (which we keep in varying degrees). Our appearance of course is no exception, with the majority of those who over-indulged in the holidays resolving to take care of themselves more and get the gym membership they’ve been meaning to get for months. However, what we eat and how many sit-ups we’re capable of are not the only factors that determine our appearance. January is also the perfect time for a wardrobe facelift. Tired of pulling out the same crumpled

items from your wardrobe? Forgotten what actually lies beneath the layers of disheveled clothing that are actually visible? Perhaps it’s time to clear out your wardrobe! Whereas the task may appear daunting (and of course, this is the reason you’ve been putting it off), you’ll have it done in no time with a few helpful hints. Once the clear out is done, you can really figure out what’s missing in your wardrobe, and head out to the sales to get those essential items and bag yourself a bargain! So go on, find yourself a free afternoon, invite a friend over, play some music and pour yourselves a couple of drinks – on your marks, get set…go!

Clearing Up

Restocking

• Start working your way through your wardrobe, trying items on and separating them into three piles: items to throw away/donate to charity, items to keep and ones you’re not sure about.

• Once everything’s been separated you can identify what’s missing. Wardrobe basics depend on your lifestyle and job, but generally should include at least five long-sleeved tops and five short-sleeved tops (blouses or otherwise), a pair of neat black trousers, a couple of pairs of casual jeans and dressy jeans, five skirts and a few dresses. Basics such as cardigans and jackets (one in black and one in brown) as well as at least one coat should also be included.

• When trying on items, ask yourself – ‘does it look good on me?’, ‘Why am I keeping it?’, ‘Have I worn it lately?’ You should only really keep items that suit you, discarding those that look old, don’t fit, have never been worn or don’t make you feel good. This is where the neutral party comes in – be brutal! • Once you’ve separated everything, pack the ‘not sure’ items into a box or unused part of your wardrobe and give them a month or two. If by the end of their probation period you haven’t gone in search of them, you can give them away or discard them.

Wardrobe Diaries

• Now that you know what you need, make a list, set a budget and don’t deviate! Remember, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement come sale time but the deciding factor of any purchase should be quality, fit and necessity.

Name: Carla Said Describe your style in 3 words: Nanna, Cholita, Karnival Favourite item of clothing: (at the moment) A red hand-knitted cardigan covered in little pom poms. Most expensive piece: Good quality black leather Victorian boots at around €70 – a winter investment. Best bargain buy: : A black hourglass Moschino dress for around 15 Malta Liri. 3 items everyone should own: A pair of comfortable red shoes, a polka-dotted headscarf and a cape or poncho. Ultimate fashion rule: Wear your favourite things all the time!

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fashion Debenhams

Rock the Coat

Topshop

A good winter coat is every girl’s winter wardrobe essential, but if you’ve already got your basic black one, why not go for a fun, eye-catching number to cheer you up on those miserable winter days? Choose from a variety of styles and lengths including girly, military or vintage and keep warm in style this winter. Topshop

New Look

Shearling Fabulous Shearling is absolutely everywhere you look this season, from the collars and linings to the must-have aviator jacket to all manner of footwear and accessories. The nature of the sheared sheepskin means that it absorbs moisture, so it’s sure to keep you warm and dry all winter! What’s more, it lends your look a rough edge – adding plenty of interest to any plain Jane outfit.

New Look

Dorothy Perkins

In the Snood The Snood is not a scarf and not a hood, but it’s this season’s warm staple. Top off any outfit with a coordinating snood and you’re set to beat the harshest of conditions (even though we really can’t complain too much in that department!) No matter, it’s style and comfort all rolled into one, so grab it and go!

New Look

What’s in your wardrobe

Oviessa

Debenhams

Ours is constantly overflowing, but we simply can’t resist fresh ideas from your fashion diaries! Send us your ideas, tips, questions, even photos, on fashion@vida.com.mt, or to Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

fashion

Winter Wonderland Styling by Sarah Micallef Focused Knowledge T: 23392403 Photography by Jacob Sammut Carabez – Pearl Works T: 79857733 www.pearl-works.com Produced by Claire Camilleri Focused Knowledge T: 23392403 Hair by by Julian’s Ciseau T: 21415368 Makeup by Marian Baker at www.beautifyme.info T: 79374628 Models: Amy Chircop and Victoria Pisani Amy (left) wears: Hat – Debenhams Scarf – Monsoon Jumper – New Look Jeans – Topshop Victoria (right) wears: Hat & Dress – Peacocks Pompom Scarf & Gloves – Accessorize

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fashion

Victoria wears: Headband, Jumper & Skirt – New Look Boots – Gabor Amy wears: Hat – Debenhams Jumper – Topshop Skirt – New Look Boots – Peacocks

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

fashion Victoria wears: Headband – Debenhams Dress – Mango Gloves – Peacocks Leggings – New Look Boots – Topshop Amy wears: Headband – Topshop Cardigan – Peacocks Mittens – Dorothy Perkins Boots – Gabor

Flower & Bracelet – New Look Dress & Bracelet – Blush & Panic

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fashion Amy wears: Hat & Gloves – Accessorize Cardigan & Jeggings – New Look Jumper – Mango Victoria wears: Trapper Hat – New Look Poncho – Debenhams Shorts – Mango

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

culture

A peep inside the College Museum

by Joyce Guillaumier

Rabat is rich in historic buildings: the catacombs, the historical remains, the quaint old houses in narrow meandering streets and the magnificent churches and palaces. It is such buildings as well as its proximity to Mdina, the old capital city of Malta that make it a magnet for local and foreign visitors alike. Whilst there, many visit St Paul’s Collegiate Church and the underground rock-cut chapel dedicated to St. Paul, which can be reached from the church. Since late medieval times, this Grotto has been venerated as the place in which St. Paul founded the first Christian community in Malta. The Grotto was visited by both Pope John Paul II in 1990 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Across the road, and joined by an underground footpath, is the baroque palace known as Wignacourt College, which today serves as a museum. It has not always been so and its history is long and varied.

isitors to the Museum can either enter through its main door, opposite the Collegiate Church of St. Paul or else use the underground passage from St. Paul’s Grotto. The underground passage, built in 1680, was the brainchild of Lorenzo Gafa`, one of Malta’s leading architects and master-masons. This old passage is truly fascinating, as it shows traces of several catacombs which date back to the Roman era. A second underground passage on the other side of the corridor reveals a spacious shelter hewn out of the rock. On passing though the main entrance, one is met with a recently-discovered beautiful hypogeum with an agape table. This, in turn, leads to an inner courtyard and the rector’s garden. From the main door one enters the foyer and the ante-room of the museum and on to a spacious, wide, and airy corridor. On one side there are several rooms showing a wide variety of exhibits. Certain exhibits feature important paintings by various artists as well as a portrait of Grand Master Wignacourt – the person responsible for the building of the College. The works of Erardi

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and his followers are also exhibited here. Noteworthy paintings by Maltese artists Francesco Zahra, Giuseppe Calleja, Antonio Falzon, Vincenzo and Giuseppe Hyzler, Giuseppe Cali`, Giuseppe Bonnici, Gianni Vella and the Italian Attilio Palombi are exhibited, as well as works by artists of the European Schools from the 16th to the 19th century including Antoine Favray, the famous French artist who lived and died in Malta. Other exhibits feature ceramics, coins, maps and rare books, many of which previously belonged to Notary Catania, who donated his collection to the Wignacourt Museum. An important exhibit is the rare and anonymous map Melita Insula of 1558 and Jean Quintin’s earliest description of Malta, published in 1536. Other rare books dating from the 17th century enjoy pride of place in the Museum, including a Ritual bearing the coat-of-arms of Cosmana Navarra, a great benefactress. Sacred vestments, portraits, furniture, sculpture and icons are also featured within the museum’s walls. Notable valuable objects

of these varieties include hand-carved chairs, alabaster statues, Grand Master Pinto’s hand-embroidered vestments, an ecclesiastical Catafalque, the original chest where the treasurer kept the silver-plate and the money of the Chapter as well as a Broadwood grand piano dating from 1804. One room within the Wignacourt Museum is solely dedicated to Teresa Zerafa nee` Muiheron, an Irish woman married to a Maltese man who introduced the cult of St. Patrick in Rabat. Various important paintings are on show in this room. There’s also a roundel in gilt bronze by the famous Alessandro Algardi and a wooden Altar of Repose which used to be erected in the Grotto every Maundy Thursday. The rooms containing these varied and artistic exhibits, together with the College’s three gardens, the Baroque Chapel, and the 16th century organ make up this remarkable museum, which celebrates its 30th birthday next year. There is still work to be done, but it is always open to the public and visitors are made to feel very welcome. Do go and visit, you will be pleasantly surprised.

culture

History The Museum of St. Paul’s Collegiate Church – the Wignacourt College is situated just outside the perimeter of the old Roman City, and can thus be referred to as ‘Fuori le Mura’ (Outside The Walls) just as in Rome the famous Papal Basilica is known as San Paolo Fuori Le Mura.

The latest addition to the collection is a lead dress ring showing Benito Mussolini.

The site was first acquired by a Spaniard of noble birth, Senor Juan Benegas of Cordoba, in 1600. Benegas lived the life of a hermit, and promoted the devotion of the cave where St. Paul is reputed to have been held prisoner in 60 A.D. During his stay, Benegas acquired many gifts and artifacts for the Grotto from friends, even managing to obtain spiritual privileges such as indulgencies, as was the practice at the time. St. Paul’s Grotto, which belonged to St. Paul’s Parish Church, soon became a centre of pilgrimage. In 1617 it passed under the jurisdiction of the Order of St. John, which had been in Malta since 1530. At that time the reigning Grand Master was the French Alof de Wignacourt who raised the Grotto to the dignity of a Collegiate Church of the Order. This continued to serve its purpose even when the Order departed from Malta and the French took over, for it continued to be the residence of the officiating priests who, by now, possessed the title of canons. During WWII the College served as a school, infirmary and centre for civil and parochial activities. In 1961 the College reverted to the Ecclesiastical authorities and together with the Grotto, became part of the Parish of St. Paul. In 1981 the magnificent Baroque building became the parish’s Museum, exhibiting works of art and other artifacts from the time of the Knights to the present day. It still receives donations from various sources. The latest addition to the collection is a lead dress ring showing Benito Mussolini. This ring was donated by Joseph Mattei, who explained that the Duce, as Mussolini was known, would ask Italian women to donate their gold rings to the war effort, giving them lead ones with the effigy of the Duce in their stead. The author would like to thank Mgr. G. Azzopardi for his invaluable help.

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

cinema

2011 at the Movies

By Mark Camilleri All movies released locally by KRS www.MarksMovieMarks.com

Another year of ceaseless movie bombardment has ended, and a new one’s just begun. Everywhere we look, the world of cinema saturates us with images, trailers, clips and music. Films gallop into our theatre complexes on a wave of expectation and fanfare that tries to turn them into an event, as opposed to merely a two-hour piece of art. And even if they succeed, as many do, they swiftly make way for whichever flawless masterpiece is guaranteed to make us laugh, cry and change our life the following week. But hey, I think it’s great.

Christmas Hangover With no gargantuan release to prolong the festive season like Avatar did last year, a few promising films look set to hit our tiny island with a bang this January. Disney is back, with their 50th animated classic, based on the story of Rapunzel. Sadly, they seem to be veering away from traditional fairytales as source material, and this film was renamed Tangled, but it still looks like great family fun and gave Harry Potter some stiff competition across the pond. In a more adult vein, Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal star in the romantic comedy Love and other Drugs, set in the world of medicine marketing. You can imagine what little blue pill the main character is a rep for. Russell Crowe doesn’t have time for such frivolities as he desperately tries to save his family and prove his wife’s innocence in The Next Three Days, from director Paul Haggis. Seth Rogen lost weight to star as masked and rather reluctant superhero The Green Hornet, which promises to be at least slightly different thanks to visionary director Michel Gondry, of Eternal Sunshine fame. Another much-loved director, Danny Boyle, follows up his hugely successful Slumdog Millionaire with a spectacular story of survival – 127 Hours. James Franco stars in the true story of an experienced trekker who got trapped in a ravine in the middle of nowhere for, you guessed it, 127 hours. Whether he makes it out in one piece remains to be seen, and the film is receiving near unanimous praise everywhere it’s being shown.

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cinema

Oscar Fever Besides Danny Boyle’s latest, and last year’s The Social Network, some of the other frontrunners for Oscar glory will also trickle into worldwide cinemas during the early months of 2011, after having been released in limited areas before the new year. At the time of going to press, the surest bet seems to be The King’s Speech, a good old fashioned British period piece about how King George VI’s speech impediment risked tarnishing his inspirational role during the second World War, and how an unconventional speech therapist was roped in to save the day. The three main stars – Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter – are all getting recognition for their performances, and the film has pomp and style written all over it. In a completely different setting, the Coen brothers’ remake of the John Wayne classic True Grit also has all the ingredients of an epic piece of cinema, and stars Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon. If you like your cinema outings to be dark and disturbing, then you might want to rush to see Black Swan, which is also getting loads of attention – mostly for the central performance by Natalie Portman. She stars as an aspiring prima ballerina who starts to stress about her dance director replacing her in a main role, and the film looks like a marriage of gorgeous ballet and twisted psychology. It should be extremely interesting in the hands of visionary director Darren Aronofsky. This looks like probably the most captivating and original film since Inception last summer. Moving from the stage to the ring, another award contender looks to be The Fighter, starring Mark Wahlberg as a rising boxer and a transformed (again) Christian Bale as his troubled but skilled brother and trainer.

Spring rolls in Once the Oscars are done and dusted, tinsel town will slowly but surely start rolling out the new gems for this year, in a gradual build up to the big blockbusters of summer. This year, though, some of the earlier releases look even more enticing than the summer mammoths. Source Code is a mix of brains and action from the director of the excellent 2009 film Moon, starring Jake Gyllenhaal in a slightly Matrix-like situation on a doomed train. Battle: Los Angeles doesn’t try to hide its alien disaster movie ambitions, and promises to be big and loud, and hopefully not too silly. And competing in the big and loud departments is Sucker Punch from Zack Synder (300, Watchmen). A young girl is trying to escape from an asylum, but the escape takes on all manner of fantasy and science-fiction turns as Synder runs amok with the style and machine-guns. If nothing else, this should look great. Back on much more familiar territory, this spring will also bring an old friend back to life, and just as you may remember him. Disney have made a new Winnie the Pooh film, and they thankfully decided to stick to traditional animation and number of dimensions, rather than try to reinvent his motley crew in some shiny 3D world. Narrated by John Cleese, this should go down well with young kids of all ages. The man behind Pineapple Express is going back in time to direct the medieval comedy Your Highness, starring James Franco, Danny McBride, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel in a mix of jousting and jesting. And J. J. Abrams, the creator of Lost and Cloverfield, is being very secretive about the exact plot details of his sci-fi outing Super 8, which he conceived with the help of Steven Spielberg and which appears to be some sort of retro alien-invasion film.

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

cinema

Summer Sequels & Superheroes In cinema terms, the beginning of ‘summer’ keeps creeping onto earlier pages of the calendar every year, as studios try to repay their investments handsomely by being the ‘first big blockbuster of this summer!’. Marvel will be taking their team of heroes to newer heights this year, and they start early in April with the hammerwielding Thor, a blonde outcast from the heavens who takes refuge on earth and puts his powers to good use. Kenneth Branagh is the odd but very interesting choice for director, and the film promises to tie into the overall Avengers storyline established with the Iron Man films. Elsewhere, Ryan Reynolds goes green for his take on the supernatural powers of the Green Lantern. Then, in what is unfortunately a recently increasing trend, sequel hell breaks loose. The Hangover 2 (hopefully even half as funny as the original), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (wasn’t the last one rather conclusive? Anyway, Depp is back as Jack Sparrow, and Penelope Cruz is the new female interest), Kung Fu Panda 2 (I’m now struggling to think of successful animated films without sequels), Transformers: Dark of the Moon (they’ve promised it won’t be as hopeless as the second one), Cars 2: World Grand Prix (even the least brilliant film at Pixar deserves a second chance), Fast Five (No ‘Furious’ in the title this time, so maybe it’s a lighthearted drama) and last but not least Johnny English Reborn, which sees the return of Rowan Atkinson as the bungling secret agent who was a big hit in Malta back in 2003. X-Men: First Class further extends another great franchise which seemed to have concluded, but this time it’s a prequel looking at all the main characters, including an able-bodied Professor Xavier portrayed by James McAvoy. Then, for the highlight of the cinema year, nearly every major actor in Britain will turn up for the curtain call for the Harry Potter franchise, a film that will hopefully deliver the epic and satisfying climax that was so clearly (but deliberately) missing from the past three films. Finally, merely weeks after his team-mate Thor makes his entrance, another recognizable hero bursts onto the scene – The First Avenger: Captain America.

Back to School For those die-hards not bursting with popcorn, the last few weeks of summer and the start of early darkness will bring a few more treats, including an old cartoon favourite. The Smurfs, or as we know them from Italian TV ‘I Puffi’, are the latest characters to make the jump from the small screen to the big one, and they will do so in a mix of computer animated Smurfs and live action environments, including Hank Azaria looking exactly like Gargamel. I predict many young parents will drag their children to see this. Spielberg’s War Horse is next, based on the book which has already been made into a critic and audience favourite on stage in the West End. It follows the journey of a horse during the first World War, and his owner’s attempt to track him down and bring him home safely. So at very least the plot should be better than the last Indiana Jones outing, which was the last thing Spielberg directed. And speaking of Jones, Harrison Ford is also back, alongside Daniel Craig in Cowboys and Aliens. The title says it all really, and the trailer looks very promising.

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

cinema

Winter Wonderland So, actually, the ‘low’ seasons in 2011 look just as full of promising films as the rest of the year. But, as expected, many big names have been left for the festive season, when friends and families tend to head to the darkened theatres more often. For the shrieking teenage girl in all of us, there’s the fourth, and thankfully final, Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. I hope for a pleasant surprise, but I expect a lot of morose wandering in the woods. If you’re not a teenager yet, Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 might be more your style. Then, Spielberg returns with another film, although apparently his directing input was completed before his War Horse work. In a mouth-watering collaboration with Peter Jackson, they have made the first of two films based on the Tintin comic – The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn. It’s made with motion capture, and features a 3D cartoon version of Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) as Tintin and Andy Serkis (‘my precioussss’) as Captain Haddock. Mission: Impossible IV and Sherlock Holmes 2 are also scheduled for the holiday season, the former allegedly attempting to pass the main role from Tom Cruise to Hurt Locker’s Jeremy Renner, and the latter adding the great Stephen Fry to the already impressive cast. And to round off the year, after enjoying the entire Millennium trilogy in Swedish, we get the American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. It would be easy to dismiss it as a blatant cash-in attempt. But with David Fincher directing, Daniel Craig as Blomkvist, Christopher Plummer as Henrik Vanger and Stellan Skarsgård as Martin Vanger, I think it might surprise us. Fincher cast relative newcomer Rooney Mara, who he directed in The Social Network as the pivotal Lisbeth Salander, so we just might witness the birth of a new star.

In the end Recession, what recession? The movie business has never been better – and I’m not talking about the filmmakers, I’m talking about us. Hate heroes? Just watch something else? Dislike action? Go for the romance. There’s more than enough for everyone. As we stand around in groups or couples arguing over which film to watch this evening, we can at least acknowledge that we’re spoilt for choice. So dress-up, take your pick and let the main titles roll.

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

photography

Still life photography Some of you might think that this is the time for the camera to be packed away tightly until the sun is shining again. For all but the bravest of us, it is too cold to spend hours on end waiting in some remote field for the sun to peek from behind the clouds. Do not despair though - there is something you can do to prevent your beloved camera from gathering dust until the warmer months. Still life photography is a very peculiar type of photography because it is not something which one thinks of immediately when considering the photographic medium. The results are usually more comparable to painting, however with a bit of practice (and patience) you can achieve some stunning shots.

The subject There are two major factors in still life photography - the first (and more obvious) is the subject. Choose items which look good together and can tell a story in themselves. You don’t have faces or actions which can help you out, so you have to rely solely on the subjects. You can photograph single objects, groups of objects or entire setups. The setting can be sterile (against a backdrop) or natural (in their normal setting). Backdrops can be created from anything - a sheet, a large top or a tablecloth are all fair game. Hunt around and be creative, you will surely come up with something.

Tips: • If you don’t have a tripod you can improvise by using a bean bag (either buy or make one). • If shooting objects in their natural setting make sure to remove any background clutter. • Shoot, shoot and shoot again - there is no shortcut to good still life photography.

Lighting Lighting will make or break a still life photo. If you use too much your pictures would feel sterile. If you don’t use enough there will be nothing to see. You have to find a happy medium - ideally with different levels across different parts of the photo. Don’t fret if you haven’t invested in an expensive flash gun and remote triggers (or if that sentence was complete gibberish to you). Lighting for still life is not easy, however you have some major advantages in terms of investments (i.e. you don’t need any). You are also blessed with time - unless you’re photographing ice in the sun, you have all the time in the world for trial and error. Use natural light by shooting next to a window - change the window to one with direct light and you have much harder shadows, part curtains slightly for a spotlight effect the variations are limitless.

ition et

Comp March 2011

Still Life

Once again, this month you have to apply your newly found skills to compete. Follow our tips and you should be well on the way, however feel free to experiment further with things we have not mentioned.

Conditions

Photos do not need to have been taken with a professional camera - sometimes your phone camera can be enough. We usually need photos which are at least 2MP (approx 1600X1200 pixels). Please feel free to send in as many photos as you deem necessary, however do not send more than 2 photos per email.

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

Send your entries by post on the address below or on snap@vida.com.mt by no later than February 5th, 2011 and you could win €100! If posting entries physically and want the prints/ CD returned please include a selfaddressed envelope and post to: Photography Competition, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD2214

photography

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

books

This month’s must-reads Il-Ktieb ta’ Barabba

Charles Casha, Klabb Kotba Maltin

The author Dwinu B. meets Barabba in hospital where the latter had been admitted a little while before. Barabba and Dwinu grew up in the same street and went to the same school. The former was brought up in a dysfunctional family - his parents used to quarrel. Barabba asks Dwinu to write a book about him. Dwinu accepts, but later wonders what the real reason behind Barabba’s request is.

Strickland House

Victor Aquilina, Allied Publications

The book traces the life and times of Count Gerald Strickland and his daughter Mabel, and explores the Stricklands’ publishing ventures. Volume one spans from 1921 to 1935 and deals with the launching of ‘Il-Berqa’, the key move to St. Paul Street in Valletta and the launching of The Times of Malta.

Small Island Great Riches Sue Brown, Allied Publications

The book narrates the story of Paul Asciak, the tenor who discovered and mentored the worldrenowned tenor Joseph Calleja. Asciak, who was born in Valletta, had an ambitious career in Italy and the United Kingdom. He surprised his fans when he called it a day at the age of 38.

The Photography Collection

Richard Ellis, Volume 3, Edited by Ian Ellis, BDL

This third volume tours the areas from Marsamxett through Pieta, Msida, Gżira, Sliema and St. Julian’s. It examines this fast developing area from it’s heyday to the late 1930s with a selection of photographs, many of which are splendidly reproduced from the original glass plate negatives.

E-book news Patterson joins the Kindle Million Club James Patterson managed to sell over one million Kindle books, becoming the second member of the Kindle Million Club. The first author to hit the million mark was Stieg Larsson.

The books pages in Vida are coordinated by the National Book Council. Check out these pages for information from the world of books and reading!

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

news from bokland

Alan Shadrake guilty of contempt of court British writer Alan Shadrake was found guilty of contempt of court for criticising Singapore’s judiciary system in his book Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock. The book discusses the death penalty in Singapore. High Court Judge Quentin Loh said Shadrake is “guilty of the offence of contempt by scandalising the court.” Shadrake, a freelance journalist, was arrested in Singapore last July, but is free on bail. Judge Loh said that Shadrake used a “selective background of truths and half-truths, and sometimes outright falsehoods” in his book. The author is risking a prison sentence.

Nobel Prize shakes author’s life Mario Vargas Llosa commented that winning the Nobel Prize in Literature last year has radically changed his schedule. However, it has not altered his keenness to write. During the launch of his new novel El Sueno del Celta the Peruvian author said that since he won the award, he has been overwhelmed with interview requests. “I will continue to write and talk. It is the supreme passion… death will find me with my pen in hand.”

A prestigious Prize for an Indian Author Manu Joseph has won the Hindu Best Fiction Award 2010 for his first novel, Serious Men. The novel examines caste in contemporary India. Commenting on the award, the Indian author argued that while the book was welcomed in India, some readers outside the country rejected the whole concept. “Indian writers in English usually take a very sympathetic and compassionate view of the poor, and I find that fake and condescending,” he said.

Writers at risk of depression A survey carried out by the American website health.com lists writing as one of the top ten professions that are likely to lead to depression. Artists and writers are considered to be among the most vulnerable of professionals, alongside care workers, teachers, social workers, maintenance staff and salespeople. It identifies irregular pay and isolation as some of the factors which may bring writers down. In reaction to the findings, novelist Simon Brett told British newspapers that mental health problems have pushed several famous writers Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, Ernest Hemingway and Anne Sexton to mention a few – over the edge.

calendar

Events this month Theatre

Sports

Culture & History

Sunday 2nd Scrooge (Pantomime) - MFCC Ta’ Qali - 15:00 and 20:00 Cinderella (Pantomime) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 16:00 and 19:30 Monday 3rd Scrooge (Pantomime) - MFCC Ta’ Qali - 20:00 Cinderella (Pantomime) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30 Tuesday 4th Scrooge (Pantomime) - MFCC Ta’ Qali - 20:00 Cinderella (Pantomime) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30 Wednesday 5th

Clubbing

Music

Tuesday 11th European U/17 Snooker Open Apple Snooker Club - Buġibba - 09:30 Wednesday 12th European U/17 Snooker Open Apple Snooker Club - Buġibba - 09:30 Romantic French Mastersworks for Flute - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 12:30 Thursday 13th NTLive - Fela! The Musical - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 20:00 Friday 14th MPO Symphonic Concert - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30 Sunday 16th

European U/17 Snooker Open Apple Snooker Club - Buġibba - 09:30

Blood Donation Mobile Unit - near Church - Fgura - 08:30 to 13.:30

Scrooge (Pantomime) - MFCC Ta’ Qali - 20:00

NT Live - Hamlet - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 19:00

Cinderella (Pantomime) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta -19:30

Met HD live - La Fanciulla Del West St.James Cavalier - Valletta - 19:00

Solo piano works - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 12:30

Piano Recital by Eric Himy – Manoel Theatre – Valletta - 20:00

Thursday 6th European U/17 Snooker Open Apple Snooker Club - Buġibba - 09:30 Scrooge (Pantomime) - MFCC Ta’ Qali - 20:00 Cinderella (Pantomime) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30 Friday 7th European U/17 Snooker Open Apple Snooker Club - Buġibba - 09:30 Scrooge (Pantomime) - MFCC Ta’ Qali - 20:00 Cinderella (Pantomime) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30 Saturday 8th European U/17 Snooker Open Apple Snooker Club - Buġibba - 09:30 Scrooge (Pantomime) – MFCC – Ta’ Qali – 20:00 Cinderella (Pantomime) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 16:00 and 19:30 Met HD live - La Fanciulla Del West St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 19:00 Sunday 9th Blood Donation Mobile Unit - near Church - Burmarrad - 08:30 to 13:30 European U/17 Snooker Open Apple Snooker Club - Buġibba - 09:30 Scrooge (Christmas Panto) – MFCC – Ta’ Qali – 20:00 Cinderella (Pantomime) - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 16:00 and 19:30 Monday 10th European U/17 Snooker Open Apple Snooker Club - Buġibba - 09:30

Wednesday 19th Flute and Piano Recital - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 12:30 Friday 21st

Fund Raising

Blood Drive

January 2011

Others

Fairs

Kids & Family

Post Christmas blues January is a month we usually use to wind down after the eventful end of year period.

Events of the month

With the weather anything but inviting and our wallets anything but full, the majority of us prefer to invest in gym memberships and possibly, the adventurous among us check out the January sales in the hope of bagging a bargain. If you haven’t yet had the chance, you can use this quiet period to catch one of the last Christmas Panto performances or watch one of the latest movies in the warmth of the cinema!

Inġabar għax jiġbruk

Manoel Theatre, Valletta January 22nd and 23rd

Valletta Dramatic Company is staging Neil Simon’s first ever play “Inġabar għax Jiġbruk” (Come blow your horn). The play tells the story of a young man’s decision to leave the home of his parents for the bachelor pad of his older brother leading a swinging ‘60s lifestyle. At the beginning of the story Buddy is a 21-year-old virgin and his older brother Alan is a ladies’ man. However, Alan discovers real feelings for one of the many women with whom he is currently sleeping when she elects to leave him and he falls apart in response.

Viva Crostacei Evening - Xlukkajr Restaurant – Marsaxlokk - 20:00

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

Saturday 22nd NTLive - Fela! The Musical – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 20:00 Inġabar għax jiġbruk - Manoel Theatre – Valletta – 19:30 Sunday 23rd Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul religious event - Mdina, Marsalforn Blood Donation Mobile Unit - near Church - Żejtun - 08:30 to 13.30

Rock Dreams – Illustrations by Guy Peellaert

St. James Cavalier – Valletta – December 2nd to January 9th Opening Times: Monday - Sunday 10:00 to 21:00.

Painting Exhibition - Stephen Paul Fulton

St. James Cavalier – Valletta – December 10th to January 20th Opening Times: Monday - Sunday 10:00 to 21:00.

Art Exhibution - Kevin Sciberras

International Cat Show - Phoenicia Hotel -Floriana -10:30 to 18:30

Exclusive Interiors Outlet - Qormi - December 7th to January 31st

Inġabar għax jiġbruk - Manoel Theatre – Valletta – 17:00

Opening Times: Monday - Friday 09:00 to 13:00 and 16.30 to 19:00, Saturday 09:00 to 13:00.

Thursday 27th Violin and Piano Recital - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 20:00

From Birth to Childhood – Art Exhibition

Friday 28th

Heritage Malta - The Citadel - Gozo – January 1st to 14th

The Secretary Bird - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30 Viva Crostacei Evening - Xlukkajr Restaurant - Marsaxlokk - 20:00

Opening Times: Monday - Friday 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday 09:00 to 12:00.

Saturday 29th

Curved Silence - Sculptures by John Paul Azzopardi

The Secretary Bird - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30 Sunday 30th Blood Donation Mobile Unit - near Church - Naxxar - 08:30 to 13:30 The Secretary Bird - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 19:30

Exhibitions in January

The National Museum of Fine Arts – Valletta - January 31st to February 13th

From Birth to Childhood

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 09:00 to 17:00.

To include your events in this page email all details to claire@vida.com.mt or call 2339 2274, by January 12th, 2011.

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

eating & drinking

Outside in...

eats

Garam Masalaa Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Msida T: 21340489

Overall Rating: Food: 4/5 Service: N/A Ambience: N/A Value: 4/5

The festive season, along with the mayhem it brings with it, is now over. All I have as a lingering reminder of the cold weather and manic dashes from one place to another is a whopping cold. My body feels like it’s been serially abused of by the women’s rugby team of Samoa and then left to dry in a frozen gutter. As much as I’d like to vent and rant about the bits of me that are aching, I’ll spare you the annoying complaints. Gorgeous readers of Vida deserve none of my whining so sordid details of my symptoms will come with me to my grave. Being confined to the stone walls of my secret cave, high in one of the many unexplored mountains scattered around Malta, has worked me into quite a mood and I’m too flustered to go anywhere near the kitchen. A take-away meal sounds like the perfect route to comfort food with little effort on my part. With my cave all warm and cosy, my music playing in the background, my sofa under my backside and my valkyries bearing pots of warm mead, I cannot think of a better way to eat, keep warm, and feel adequately sorry for myself. Next to the keyboard is a mug of hot water inside which an inch of ginger has been grated, a tablespoon-full of honey has been dissolved, and a generous dash of whisky has been added. This concoction has seen me through many a bout of the flu and, whether it has actually helped or not, does a world of good to my mood. Suitably jollified, I start my online search for food. I’m in the mood for an Indian take-out that is within an easy drive from my cave. I also would like to know what to say once I’m on the phone so an online menu really helps. Garam Masalaa, in Msida, seems to fulfil both criteria so in a minute I’ve picked the bits and pieces I feel like eating and am carefully reciting them

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

to a cheerful bloke on the other end of the phone. Half an hour is all it will take for the goods to be prepared so I warn the Valkyries in advance. One of them will have to ride there. In the meantime I get some plates warmed up and get an Alice Coltrane CD spinning to set the mood. I’m at home so it is my glasses that I get to choose from, and my wine that I get to decant, too. I busy myself with these and other preparatory tasks in a slow daze until the food finally arrives. This arrives in matching metal containers that are thoughtfully labelled. Jeera rice (I love the cloves) and Alloo Chaat (I love the spelling) are rubbing lids with ginger chicken and lamb vindaloo. Chapatti, poppadoms (the confounded crackers are never spelled the same), and dips are wrapped in foil to keep some of the warmth inside.

the ginger chicken and it was excellent. The chicken was tender, with generous chunks of lean breast coated with the fresh tang of the ginger-based sauce. Then I moved on to the vindaloo. I must stress to the casual reader that I love spicy food when it is really spicy so when I say this was adequately hot resist the temptation to order it this way unless you’re as rabidly fond of the spice as I am. After years of complaining that I never get it hot enough, this time I met my match. It was hot - really, really hot – and brought tears of joy to my happy eyes. Across the table the tough Valkyrie who had tasted it couldn’t speak for ten minutes. Yet another reason to recommend this vindaloo.

I figured that any bacteria in my throat that could survive the onslaught ought to be reported to the World Health Organisation as the next candidate for pandemic status so I guzzled every drop and sat back to allow my body to adjust to the new met temperature.

We started with poppadoms, I dipped in chutney and that my match. lovely yoghurt mint sauce that The meal set me back all of €35 I can’t for the life of me find It was plus what my own wine had a name for. We followed with originally cost. It also meant that hot really, assorted vegetable pakora. I had to clear up afterwards, not really hot The poppadoms were nice and something I’d do at a restaurant crispy but the travel had slightly unless I’ve forgotten my wallet (or dampened the pakora’s spirits and they don’t accept cards). I also got to they were no longer the dry, crispy balls enjoy the music I picked, watched a Russell they usually are. Peters DVD to keep things Indian, and did all this in my favourite Spiderman (The Then I loaded as much as I could of the rest Amazing) t-shirt. It is true that nothing can onto my plate. A bed of chapatti and rice match a decent dining-out experience but will soak up any excess sauces so I start by this came as close as it possibly can. And if creating a solid layer of these. The ginger the vindaloo killed the bugs in my throat, I’ve chicken and lamb vindaloo go on top in also saved on my next trip to the pharmacy. equal measures. When ordering, I was asked how hot I wanted each of these and ed.eats.on@gmail.com | follow @edeats on Twitter ordered the ginger chicken as medium and Ed eats. That’s all he does. He accepts no invitations and turns the vindaloo as hot. “Max it out” were my up unannounced to keep this column free from bias. Readers of the column hardly ever agree with him and yet Ed eats on. words. Keeping this in mind I started with

LEISURE

Refurbished Wembley Store officially launched The newly-refurbished Wembley Store was recently officially inaugurated by the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi.

Emanuel remained determined to make food rations available to the locals.

The Wembley Store was first opened by the enterprising Emanuel Gauci in 1924 in the heart of Valletta. His inspiration came from the British Empire Exhibition held that year at the Wembley Stadium, which brought together products from all over the British Empire. The Wembley Store brought the best foods the industry had to offer to Malta. Due to the excellent service and high quality of its products, it went on to be an instant success, becoming a landmark for many generations to come.

The store was renovated after the war in 1946, and Joseph, Emanuel’s son, returned from an apprenticeship he had held at Harrods of Knightsbridge, London to join his father in business. Joseph went on to expand The Wembley Store and continued to build upon his father’s reputation. Consequently, he formed a company under the name of Wembley Stores Co Ltd. in 1972 and today Joseph’s two sons, Noel and Christopher continue their family’s legacy, running The Wembley Store to ever higher standards with quality and refinement still at the heart of the business.

When Malta was carpet bombed during the Second World War in 1939, the explosion that destroyed the Royal Opera House also extensively damaged The Wembley Store’s façade – but the disaster didn’t deter Emanuel from continuing to serve his customers. “IlWembley” as it was affectionately known at the time, quickly became an important point of reference where the brave and stubborn businessman refused to close shop irrespective of the German and Italian aerial onslaught.

Over the last 85 years The Wembley Store has built relationships with fine food manufacturers and traders the world over, remaining a small family-run business with a lot of heritage to boast about: “My brother Noel and I are very proud to have embarked on a refurbishment project that takes our store back to what it used to be in the nineteen twenties when our grandfather first opened the doors”, said Christopher Gauci, “If we include the time the façade was extensively damaged when the

Royal Opera House was bombed, this is the third time that the shop has been refurbished since it opened. We have opted to go with a timber façade and add some needed modern touches. In a way this represents our policy of keeping the best from the past whilst always adding the innovation our customers have come to expect from us.” Today The Wembley Store has increased its shop floor by 20%, both on the first floor as well as doubling the size of the cellar (which today houses wine varieties from the most popular wine regions in the world). What’s more, it boasts a generous offering of local brands in order to increase the promotion of local produce to the large variety of tourists who visit the store. The products offered include gourmet foods and sweets that can only be found at the store – from speciality cheeses and charcuterie, handmade pates, speciality preserves, chutneys and condiments, speciality chocolates and ingredients as well as other delicious foods. What’s more, the store has now also taken its business online. www.thewembleystore.com

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011 45

SHOPPING

LEISURE

SHOPPING

LEISURE SHOPPING

Updates “Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others”- Plato With as little as €3 a month you can join Friends of Inspire, Inspire’s monthly donation campaign and directly help over 1000 children and adults with learning and physical disabilities. Friends of Inspire would like you to ask two of your friends or family members to join Friends of Inspire. Help Inspire increase their monthly donation community this year and you can choose from a back massage worth €25, cleansing facial or a foot massage both worth €20; all from Amrita Wellbeing Centre. The offer is available for a limited amount of referrals and terms and conditions apply.

Lambswool Comfort Insoles Scholl Lambswool Comfort Insoles provide extra warmth and comfort. • Made from pure lambswool • Keep feet warm and cosy • Durable latex foam lets feet breathe • Ideal for all types of footwear. • Washable

Participation is simple. Ask your friends or family to sign up online through www.inspire.org.mt/donate or to fill in a Friends of Inspire form which can be downloaded from the News section of www.inspire.org.mt and send it to Inspire, BLB 801, Bulebel, Zejtun, ZTN 3000. To make things easier for you, Inspire will make arrangements to deliver your gift voucher from Amrita. Don’t forget to indicate your participation in the referral campaign by sending an email to friends@inspire.org.mt with your contacts’ names and surnames. Those who refer more than two contacts will be further rewarded! Inspire would like to wish all VIDA readers a Happy New Year! Available from all leading pharmacies and Scholl Foothealth Centres.

E L A S

% 0 5 F OF

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50% 3

Outfits & accessories - BeMania,183, Constitution street, Mosta T: 21419580 | www.melsaccessories.com 46 vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

Stockings €5.99

Model – Katrina Pavia

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Got glasses? Wear them with pride!

Health

Not everyone knows this, but it is important for children to go for an eye test at least once a year. Think about how much you use your eyes – that’s why you need to take good care of them. You might not even realise that you are having problems with your eyesight, however it’s important to tackle these issues as soon as possible so they don’t get worse. Parents’ first clues that their child needs glasses often occur at school. When a child has difficulty seeing the whiteboard, learning or behaviour problems often surface in class. Due to vision difficulties, the child may also avoid sports. Other clues include: Sitting too close to the television Eye rubbing Squinting Clumsiness Holding head at an odd angle Headaches or dizziness At Solo Optical we have a wide selection of children’s frames, including those specifically designed to fit the smallest of children comfortably. Our qualified staff can help you choose your frames, and advise you on their style, fit and suitability. Our staff is friendly and caring - many are parents themselves, so they understand your concerns. We are also able to fit your child’s frames with a selection of lenses suited to their individual needs. Thinner and lighter lenses, with scratch resistance and anti-reflection coating are available.

Children’s frames are made of plastic or metal. Many manufacturers copy adult styles for children’s frames so that kids are more encouraged to wear them. Each frame must be evaluated individually to make sure that it fits correctly as kids tend to look right over the top of the lenses instead of pushing slipping glasses back up where they belong. A nice feature to look for is temples with spring hinges. These special hinges allow the temples to flex outward away from the frames, without causing any damage. Kids are not always careful when they put on and take off glasses, and the spring hinges can help prevent the need for frequent adjustments and costly repairs.

Johnny Depp and many others) have helped make glasses a must-have fashion accessory - wearing specs is not a big deal anymore. However, there can still be a little reluctance, so the first fitting needs to be handled with sensitivity. The first pair of specs can be a daunting experience especially because kids worry about how their new facial accessory will be perceived by their peers. Creating a ‘look’ that works with their image is key to making them feel confident and to express their young individuality.

If your child’s poor vision causes difficulty functioning without glasses, you may want to purchase a backup pair, in case something happens to the primary pair and they are out of service while being repaired. Finally, the most positive element of greater choice and consumer awareness is that there is no longer any stigma attached to wearing glasses. Celebrity spec-wearers (Harry Potter,

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011 49

LEISURE

& SHOPPING

Choose a style to suit you!

Choosing a Hairstyle

Want to change your hairstyle and revamp your look? The first step to consider when looking for a new hairstyle is the shape of your face. Your hair is meant to frame your face, enhancing your best features and hiding the ones you’re not so keen on! If you are unsure of your face shape, you should try the ‘mirror trick’. Simply pull your hair up behind your head, look into the mirror and use a lipstick to draw around the outline of your face on the mirror. Once you’ve established the shape, you can think of a haircut. Oval: Congratulations, you have the single most versatile face shape! You can wear your hair almost any way you like, be it long or short. In fact, the only thing to keep in mind is not to cut your hair in styles that will hide your gorgeous shape, such as long fringes. Square: If your face is squarish, your hair should be cut so as to soften your jaw line. Wispy styles, side fringes and rounded cuts all minimise a square face shape whereas it is best to avoid chin length bobs and blunt fringes that will make your face look even squarer.

Heart: If you have a heart shaped face, your hair should add length and, if your chin is on the small side, create width around it. Chin length hairstyles are ideal, as are shoulder length styles which are flicked outwards. Avoid short, slicked back styles and heavy bangs.

Diamond: If your face is diamond shaped your hair should balance out your narrow chin and shorten the overall length of your face. Chin length styles, straight fringes and side partings are the ticket here, whereas hairstyles with height on top as well as middle partings should be avoided.

Triangular: Ladies with triangular face shapes should wear their hair in a style that will narrow the chin and give the impression of a wider forehead. Layered styles are the way to go here, with longer styles or styles that will attract attention to the chin a definite no-no.

Round: If your face is round, your hairstyle should help lengthen it. If you prefer long hair, opt for less width, and your hair should be parted in the middle. You could also go for a short style to frame your face. Styles to avoid are ones with excess volume as well as side partings and full, straight fringes.

Dehydration is one of skin’s worst enemies and can show its ugly face after the Christmas season, when the effects of smoke, excessive drinking and eating start showing on your skin. Spa Magik comes to your rescue with its Delicate Boosting Mask. Use it overnight to instantly hydrate, nourish and revitalise your fatigued face. Dehydration can also be damaging to your hands. Spa Magik’s Super Hand Cream moisturises your skin and provides effective and long-lasting relief to chapped hands. Spa Magik is distributed by Serolf Trading Agency Ltd and is available exclusively from leading health shops and pharmacies. Call 2133 7231 for trade enquiries. Log on to www.serolf.com to view Spa Magik’s promotional calendar. 50 vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

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LEISURE

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Spinning wheels The term ‘external data storage options’ might sound like something out of the back pages of a technology review aimed at the pros. Take heart though, it is only what they will have us believe. Ever since the humble cassette tape used for data storage and, just after that, the popular floppy discs, we have had access to little portable devices that allowed us to do two things - carry our data around with us and keep a copy of it off our main computer. These little devices have come a long way since then, and the array of available options nowadays is truly staggering. SD cards and CF cards inside our cameras and phones are but two such examples. With cheap access to these little plastic shards of storage, €10 is all that stands in the way of 4GB of re-writeable, portable storage. The same goes for USB pen drives that have grown to include a whopping 64GB inside a drive the size of a pack of chewing gum.

Tech and Gadgets

Larger scale external storage is really the domain of the hard disc drive. Portable devices typically consist of a hard drive enclosed in a neat and functional case. Smaller devices use 2.5” hard drives of notebook descent. Apart from the size benefit, these tiny devices can run without need of their own power supply, taking all the juice they need from your laptop’s USB port – this means you can really use them anywhere. They tend to max out at 500GB (although 1TB 2.5” drives are available) and move over to allow their bigger brothers, the 3.5” versions, to take over. These are readily available in 2TB (that means 2,000 GB) behemoth versions, swallowing up all of the James Bond movie collection you’ve painfully digitised and leaving room for much, much, more. The great thing about this is that these drives are sitting on your desk, ready to be carried to another location without the need for performing surgery on your computer. Great for backup purposes, these are also convenient devices to use when you need to quickly supplement that jam-packed hard disk

that your computer was supplied with two years ago. The days of spinning platters (data on most hard drives is stored on spinning, metallic discs that are written magnetically) are also numbered. Solid-State Devices – hard drives that are based on Flash memory (like the stuff inside your USB pen drive), are quickly taking over as an alternative that is much faster in terms of data access. They are also free from moving parts and the absence of spinning wheels makes them much more resistant to knocks and mishaps such as falling off your desk. So far they’re quite pricey but, as demand grows, expect to see prices fall faster than you can say solid-state device.

1000KB = 1MB, 1000MB = 1GB, 1000GB = 1TB

Did you know a music CD can hold 800MB of data?

vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011 53

LEISURE

& SHOPPING

New Year Gardening This year, we are expecting a rather cold and wet January, meaning the time for gardening will be limited. It is important to avoid over enthusiasm and not to step on the wet soil as this will cake it, preventing the vital air going into the subsoil. If you cannot avoid stepping on the soil, I recommend laying a few loose tiles as a small pathway. If the weather holds, now is the time to continue weeding and hoeing to keep the soil clean. If you are planning fresh sowings of potatoes, beans, peas and tomatoes, spread an organic fertiliser and work it into the soil. Avoid planting these vegetables in the same place you may have done last year. If you have sown early potatoes, you should pull up the soil around the stalks to avoid the new potatoes breaking through the surface and turning green. This process also helps the plants create new tubers. If there are flowers on your potato plants, pinch them off to allow the plant to

54 vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

concentrate on the tubers. By now, you could also be harvesting your early broad beans. If not, you will not need to water them this month, going by the forecast. January is a windy month in Malta and you should pay close attention to the staking of your winter tomatoes. Place more ties on the newer shoots at the top of the plant and support the tomato bunches with old nylon stockings if they are heavy. As you inspect the plants, remove suckers found in every leaf axle, as these will overburden the plant. Carrots, onions and peas may be sown in sheltered, sunny positions. Spread spinach and parsley seeds and rocket (rucola) and cover with a very thin layer of soil. These plants will need watering from March onwards. If you are using drip irrigation, prepare the pipes before you sow, as to do so later will damage the plants.

Gardening

You are still in time to sow strawberry plants. Plant them 30cm apart in rows one and a half metres wide. Cut the roots down to just seven or eight centimetres long and plant in the soil up to the main stem. Do not fertilise close to the plant but work a balanced fertiliser into the soil. Towards the end of the month you can prepare to sow your tomato seeds in pots and keep them at a temperature of around 18 degrees under glass if necessary. These will be transplanted around the middle of March, when the weather is warmer. The same goes for sweet peppers and chilli peppers. Chilli peppers are normally described as annual plants. However if last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chilli pepper plants are still green, prune them heavily and water them if the weather turns too dry. You may still be able to get a good new crop on the established plants.

LEISURE

& SHOPPING

Pruning of most trees is done this month. Peaches, pears, and vines are to be pruned to give them a correct shape and to prepare them for the new fruit-bearing shoots. Remember that most trees produce fruit on last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth, so choose strong new shoots and eliminate old or dead wood. Roses are also pruned now. Prune drastically the first year and less heavily after the second year. Ideally use a new or newly sterilised pair of secateurs and dip them in an antiseptic solution (you can use specialized products but dilute household bleach or alcohol work very well) between pruning one tree and another. This will reduce the risk of cross infection and minimize the spread of disease. For the same reason do not leave the pruned wood lying around the garden. Whatever you cannot salvage for the stove or barbecue put in one heap in a safe place and burn as soon as it dries out.

This is still the time to sow more flower bulbs as suggested last month. What have you done with your Christmas poinsettias? If they are still going strong have a look at our December issue for some ideas on prolonging your enjoyment of this attractive plant.

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Tel: 2166 6488 | 2189 5224 Mob: 9982 3470 vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011 55

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Enchiladas

Recipe

This month Vida takes a trip west to Mexico to bring you a classic dish from the land of Speedy Gonzales. Ingredients 1 tbsp butter 500 gr ground beef 3 tbsp flour Enchilada Sauce (see separate recipe) Water 2 tbsp chili powder Salt, to taste 3/4 tsp garlic powder 12 corn tortillas 500 gr cheddar 1 large onion, finely chopped Melt butter in frying pan, add the ground meat and brown. Sprinkle meat with flour and mix until coated evenly. Add the enchilada sauce and one cup of water. Mix 1/2 cup of water with the chili powder to form a smooth paste; add to the meat mixture. Add salt and garlic powder to taste. Cook over medium heat, uncovered, until it is of gravy consistency. Cover and simmer over very low heat. Add more water if the chili gravy becomes too thick. Dip tortillas one at a time in the hot chili gravy with a wide metal spatula. The tortillas will become pliable almost immediately, which will make rolling the enchiladas easier. Soaking too long will cause the tortillas to fall apart. Place a good sprinkling of grated cheese and minced onion and about a tablespoon of the meat mixture to one side of the center of the tortilla. Roll tortilla tightly around the filling and place loose side down in a glass casserole baking dish. For best results place the enchiladas in a row with sides touching. When all enchiladas have been formed, pour the remaining hot chili gravy over all, sprinkle generously with grated cheese, and top with chopped onion. Bake at 180 degrees C until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

56 vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

Enchilada Sauce Ingredients 1 tbsp chili powder 2 cans tomato sauce 1 can crushed tomatoes 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 tbsp ground black pepper 1 onion (minced) 1 garlic (minced/ crushed) Salt to taste 1 finely diced bell pepper Start off by frying the garlic and onion on a medium fire until browning (this will only take a few seconds). Stir in the tomato sauces and the rest of the ingredients (with the exception of the bell pepper) and bring to a simmer. After 20 minutes add the bell pepper and cook for a further 10 minutes.

Country of origin: Preperation time:

45 min

Serves:

Health: Difficulty:

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Msida Valley Road. B’Kara • Open normal hces in stock 00 pie Tel: 2749 0220 / 2149 0220 • Over 10 Mob: 9944 3534 Gilded Centre Table

Bench €175

French Mirror €365

Table €185 Glass Epergne Corner Showcase €235

Secriter €400

Large Chest of Drawers €512

Chest €375

Book Music Stand €185

Card Table €250

Leather Chest €200 Side Table €150 French Side Table €150

Showcase €425

3 Piece sofa €920 Sotto Specchio €320

Gastra €75

Large Centre Table French Chest €585

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Cheap mosaic ideas Can’t afford a new table? Why don’t you jazz up an old one with a unique mosaic top? Actually, why don’t you try mosaic for any of your dull surfaces at home? Materials The simplest and cheapest material for mosaic is broken tiles. Ask a local tile layer to save you discarded bits of tiles that are normally thrown away. Tile and bathroom showrooms may also have old samples and broken tiles they’re eager to get rid of. Granite and marble suppliers and layers also have lots of off cuts you can get hold of. You can also buy square mosaic tiles from tile shops – you’ll find a million different types – watch out for fancy prices though. Step by step If you are using wall tiles, you have to break them up into the desired sizes. Wear safety goggles and wrap the tiles in an old towel or cloth bag before shattering them with a hammer. This will stop shards from flying all over the place, your eyes included. Use a tile cutter if you want particular shapes. Pay attention when handling broken tiles with sharp edges.

Diy

the thickness of a One Euro coin) between one piece and another. Once you’re ready, stick them in place with tile or silicone adhesive (depending on the surface type). Choose tiles of equal thickness and use a spirit level if you want to create a perfectly flat surface (for a table top for example). Once all the pieces are affixed, grout the tiles with a tile grout mixture of your choice (various colours are available). Make sure the grout penetrates all the crevices. Wipe any excess grout off the tiles with a damp cloth. After some time, lightly mist the surface with water using a spray bottle to make sure the grouting hardens properly.

Short of ideas for your mosaic designs? Look up photos of Parc Güell on the Internet, or better still, if you happen to be in Barcelona, visit this magical place. It features some of the finest work of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudì (1852 – 1926), who loved incorporating mosaics in his buildings.

Get creative Experiment with different patterns and materials. Try broken china, pottery or glass, but do be careful, these are more likely to have sharp edges. Work in miniature to embellish a small jewel box or go large and cover a large planter or a garden path. If you have no surface to cover, you can also create a mosaic on a wooden board and hang it on your wall.

Once you have all the bits ready, start placing them over the surface you need to cover. The sky’s the limit here – you can form a particular shape, a regular pattern, or a random mix of colours and patterns. It is important to allow a space of at least 0.3 centimetres (approximately

SALE NOW ON B’Kara

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Furthering your education

Work & Training

Want a New Year’s resolution idea? Further your education. Be it learning a new language, trying your hand at a craft or even reading for a degree, learning is rewarding at any age. It’s never too late in life for a new beginning. Whereas the undertaking of certain activities or projects such as going back to school may appear intimidating later on in life, in today’s reality you’d be doing yourself nothing but a favour. The reasons for not going for it vary from lack of time, money and energy. While all three are valid, nowadays a variety of courses are catered specifically around such constraints. The busy individual for example can select a course operating on part-time basis, as well as evening variants of other courses (most Masters courses are taught in the evening). There really has never been a better time to invest in yourself – whatever the cost (and don’t worry, there are plenty of options available on the cheaper end of the spectrum), the rewards will be tenfold.

60 vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

The first step is to do your research. Get on the internet and see what’s out there, checking the sites of higher learning institutions such as the University of Malta. Ask around and consult people who have done what you are seeking to do. Check notice boards and social networking sites for new courses being offered. If you’re interested in learning a new trade or craft, consult the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) or the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce and find out what courses are on offer. Finally, don’t give up! It’s so easy to settle into your lifestyle and claim that your studying days are over when you reach a certain age, but trust us on this one, you definitely won’t regret going back to school!

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Fapi Motors, Mdina Road, Attard Contact Sean on tel: 2339 3100 mob: 7943 9508 e-mail: info@fapimotors.com

LEISURE

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Property for sale

Attard - 4 plots on 3 roads (3 corner plots) with MEPA permit for 23 apartments - P.O.R. Call 7905 6660. Attard – 2 Bedroom Apartment - finished. €110,000. Call 7905 6660. Attard - Finished Showroom on top floor. Approximately 300sqm. Ideal for offices or as conference hall. Call 7905 6660 (To Let). Birkirkara - Three Bedroom Finished Maisonette, Kitchen, Living, Bathroom, Ensuite, two yards. Optional Garage. €142,092 (Lm 60,999) Call 7933 5577. Bugibba – 2 Double bedroom apartment, being sold finished with sea views. €93,500. Call 7905 6660. Msida–3 Bedroom Apartment, including Kitchen/Living/Sitting sold finished including bathrooms and internal doors. €110,000. Call 7905 6660. Rabat – Prime area 2 bedroom apartment , Shellform with common part and lift ready €87,350. Call 99895183 Rabat – 400 year old 3 Bedroom HOUSE OF CHARACTER, Consisting of Entrance hall, Dinning/Sitting & Kitchen overlooking central courtyard and cellar. €155,000. Call 7905 6660. Sicily, Ragusa - 165sqm fully detached unconverted farmhouse with 2991sqm of land €120,000.freehold. Call 9949 0515. St. Julians – Large Class 4 Shop , Ideal for office etc. €169,000. (Direct from owner ) call 99895183 Ta Giorni – 2 bedroom elevated groundfloor Maisonette , finished €104,000. call 99895183 Wardija – Unconverted Farmhouse set on approximately 14 tumoli of land situated in a very tranquil location and enjoys panoramic views. Consisting of Hall, Large Kitchen/Sitting and Living overlooking pool, 4 bedroom, cellar and garden stores. Call 7905 6660.

Vehicles for sale Alfa Romeo 147 - 5 speed, Gun metallic, real leather interior, climate control, CD/radio, bought new locally. €7,800.Call 9959 9959. BMW 320D M Sport - Dec. 2004. €14,000. Immaculate Condition. Call 9949 0515. Nissan Datsun - white in good condition. Always garaged. VRT paid for the next two years. 9982 3498

For Sale Car Tyres - For all types of new tyres at competitive prices, express fitting and puncture repairs. Call David for more information - 2131 6058 / 7931 6058. Designer wedding gown - size 8 in excellent condition original price €1,200, selling price €200. 99406744.

For Sale - Bargain Apartments in Msida

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 advert details and photos by email followed by a cheque sent by post to the same postal address above.

classifieds@vida.com.mt

• Visit our offices at Pitkali Road, Attard, and ask for our Sales Team to book your advert and pay in cash or by cheque.

All bookings and payments must reach our offices by no later than 15 January 2011. Bookings that reach our offices after this date will be published in the following issue.

Selected wigs – For hire or for sale. Contact the Fixx, The Strand Gzira. 21318460 / 79941964. Tennis Grips – Discover for yourself why top pros depend on the non-slip quality of the Tourna Grips. Starting from €2.50. Call 9982 1286.

Services Models wanted – Male and female models between the ages of 18 and 50 wanted for advertising and fashion magazine shoots. Send recent photos (close up and full body shot) to fashion@vida.com.mt. Satellite T.V. – Professional satellite dish installation and repairs of all satellite decoders. Call 9901 3226.

Wanted Red, purple and black velvet - Any quantities and in any condition. No fancy prices. Call 7930 3685.

Unique opportunity last remaining apartments are being sold finished comprising of large open plan Kitchen/ Dinning/Living, three large bedrooms, main with ensuite, bathroom, back balcony and front balcony with views of Msida marina. €105,000 Call owner 79201874 From

€10 / issue

Approx. 15 words

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A wide selection of properties for sale in various localities

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s 0 u l 6 l Ca 5 66 Farmhouses also available 62 vida.com.mt | Issue 13 | January 2011

0 9 7

competitions

Competitions Complete this Sudoku game and send it to us by post via email. The correct answers will enter a draw to win a sumptuous meal for two at Ix-Xlukkajr Restaurant, Marsaxlokk.

8 6 3 4 2 6 8 5 7 1 8 2 1 6 4 3 2 7 1 7 4 8 5 4 3 1

BUITONI COMPETITION WINNERS

The winners of the Buitoni il Saccoccio Competition (November 2010 issue) are: 1st prize: Marion Falzon Ghio, Żejtun 2nd prize: Marthese Carabott, Birżebbuġia 3rd prize: Rita Zammit Spiteri, Żabbar

BLA KONDIXIN COMPETITION WINNERS: Amy Praisegod, from Mosta is the winner of last month’s Bla Kondixin competition. Amy wins the newly-released Bla Kondixin DVD Box Set, featuring the comedy group’s 10 shows, a 15-page booklet, and lots of additional footage.

MADC COMPETITION: MADC panto winners Bernardette Agius is the winner of last month’s MADC competition. She won two tickets to MADC’s production ‘Scrooge – A Christmas Panto’.

December winner! The winner of last month’s Vida competitions is Joseph Pace, from Marsa. His Sudoku solution was randomly drawn from the competition entries received last month. In the other competition, the correct answer was page 49, the Gardening page with the tips on how to preserve poinsettias, the most popular Christmas flowers, all year long.

December’s solution

WIN:

In which page of Vida can you find a five-armed creature?

Here’s another chance of winning the Vida competitions prize. Just answer the question above, send us your reply, and enter the draw to win.

All competition replies should reach our offices by Monday January 17th. Send your entries 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.

SUGGESTIONS & QUESTIONS COMPETITION Mr E.Spiteri, one of the readers who sent a question to the experts (see Ask the Experts – page 6), is the winner of this month’s Suggestions and Questions Competition. Suggestions and questions to the experts published will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*. * Vida vouchers for January’s competitions are valid at: Bemania, BOV, Coldwell Banker, Da Vinci Clinic, Fapi Motors, Fritz Energy, Maltarugs; Pat’s Classics, Pharmacos, Serolf, Shoemark, SMS Travel, Solo Opticians, Soundsmart, Sylvia Bazaar, Technopharma, The Point

January 2011 | Issue 13 | vida.com.mt

Only for Kids

Word ch Sear

n! Competitio

W A

N M W

Find the names of 10 things associated with cartoons in the grid A W F T C H N and send us the solution by post. I G O H O K E The correct answers will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher (see F O R D G B M page 63 for more info).

M U

Cave painting

Drawings

K E

Felix Praxinoscope Disney Steamboat Willie Fantasia

D M W

N M

O W O

Y W

Technicolour

Mickey Mouse

Cartoon

Another chance to win

Last month we also asked you to send pictures of Santa Claus. Here are some of your entries:

Mic

ha e

aC a Pi

ill e r

What’s your favourite cartoon? Send us a drawing of your favourite cartoon character/s and be in with another chance of winning the €100 voucher.

Send your competition replies,

together with your name, surname, age and contact details (address, H S K P W telephone number, email address), C G M E A to: Kids Competition, Vida E C U V R Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, T F N A D ATD 2214 by no later than Monday D D Q C A January 17th.

Sarah Att

ard

The History of Cartoons

illeri

Fun ! Facts

Kids Competition

Maria Cam

The earliest attempts at capturing movement in drawing can be seen in Paleolithic cave paintings – animals with legs in multiple positions in order to show motion. Early devices created to show movement are the simple flip book as well as the phenakistoscope (1832), zoetrope (1834) and praxinoscope (1877). The first animated film screening took place at the Musée Grévin in Paris in 1882 by Charles-Émile Reynaud, the same science teacher who invented the praxinoscope. The next landmark in animation came in the form of J. Stuart Blackton’s ‘Humorous Phases of Funny Faces’ in 1906, which showed animated line drawings of faces seemingly coming to life. The first motion picture film was ‘Fantasmagorie’ in 1908 by French director Émile Cohl.

Felix and Mickey Mouse K at

ass

Artemia

Flowers and Trees and Fantasia Disney was however responsible for the first full length Technicolour cartoon called ‘Flowers and Trees’ in 1931. As the industry and technology progressed, animation began to flourish, seeing the introduction of multiplane cameras, stereophonic sound (such as that in Disney’s ‘Fantasia’ in 1941), as well as widescreen processes and the latest development – 3D.

ia C

Camilleri

Early animated cartoons like Felix the Cat were silent movies in black and white. Most people think the first cartoon with sound was Walt Disney’s ‘Steamboat Willie’ (featuring the first appearance of the famous Mickey Mouse) in 1928, but in reality, Max Fleischer’s ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ was the first sound cartoon, released two years earlier.

December Competition

WINNER!

Christopher Fenech, 10 is the winner of last month’s competitions.

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