Vida Magazine - Issue 6, June 2010 by Focused Knowledge Ltd

www.vida.com.mt

June 2010 - Issue 06

p Cu r ld da or en e W Cal nsid I

Claudio Baglioni

World Cup Special

Questo Piccolo Grande Amore

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“I never imagined we could cope” A year after Cliff’s death

COMP WIN!

Joe Tanti

ITIONS

FROM MECCA MARINE

A FREE MAKEOVER,

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Beauty for Men

Father at 50

Exclusive Interview ROD STEWART

Maltese Pilot Flying High

London Travel Guide

6 Pages of Fashion

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

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vida.com.mt Issue 06 - June 2010 Vida Magazine is a monthly lifestyle magazine distributed to all households in Malta and Gozo. It aims to empower the people to lead a better, healthier and happier life.

Editorial

The World Cup is an event which affects all of us to some degree or another. People who are not usually followers of the beautiful game are suddenly turned into fanatics for a month. People living around them have to adjust and when no one in the family is interested in football, social events are conditioned by avoiding Wold Cup hotspots. The largest sporting event in calendar, however, should be highlighting something else this time round - the issue of Africa and the terrible state some of its countries are in. In Malta a large number of the population just sees immigrants as a problem, but if you consider what each and every one of these people is risking to attempt to move to a better place you might think twice about denigrating them. Can you imagine what it would take to convince you to leave your home, walk for hundreds of miles through war-zones in the scorching desert heat and finally attempt a treacherous crossing by sea in a boat you’d hardly want to cross a bay in, together with dozens of other people in your plight? As long as no one in our country is ever forced to even remotely think of being displaced I believe we should be doing our utmost to help the people in need - both locally and abroad. By the way, if you read my editorial last month you might have been wondering who I was referring to in the third paragraph. You can turn over to page 15 to read about the children I was so impressed with. Having their father snatched away at such a young age was definitely not easy to handle, however I was impressed to find a family which has drawn on all its inner strength and unity to pull through. Enjoy the issue.

Richard Muscat Azzopardi

VIDA IN JULY... • A very small island’s delights • Cooling your home • Sun Protection

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

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 Tel: (+356) 2339 2333 sales@vida.com.mt Cover photo Claudio Baglioni © Christine Muscat-Azzopardi It is understood that all material supplied by agents (printed or otherwise) to promote their products is supplied with all necessary permissions for reproduction. Whilst great care and attention has been taken by the editorial team to ensure accuracy of text, advertising and other published matter, we disclaim all responsibility for any omissions and errors. The editor and publisher do not necessarily agree with views expressed in articles, adverts, letters, or other content appearing in this publication. Distributed by:

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt

60 Help the Children Play

Claudio Baglioni Returns

A Year After a Father’s Tragic Death

Richard Muscat Azzopardi meets Rod Stewart

Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?

Boys will be Boys

The Vida Guide to the Fifa World Cup

22 25

Contents

Vida World Cup Charity Appeal

David Vella meets the Micallef family

Health and Beauty – Marika Azzopardi

Vida Shopping and Leisure Offering a Helping Hand Claire Camilleri

Flying High

Father at 50

Hi-Tech

Jane Vella Joe Tanti

Engineering Students’ Projects

Fashion Fairground

A Volley of Flavour

June at the Movies

Portraits of a Perfect Island

Sarah Micallef Ed Eats

Mark Camilleri

Joyce Guillaumier

London – Off the Beaten Track Richard Muscat Azzopardi

Events in June

Vida Makeover Competition

Letters

Ask the Experts

One Man, 100 Donations! Sir Alex Ferguson In His Own Words

Detect a faint whiff? Pets

Jesuit Refugee Service Not for Profit

Magnetise Your Migraine? Operation Delphis

Michael Mifsud

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letters

Enjoy summer!

Ms Abela referred to Maltese archives as ‘not in a very good state’. This generalisation is true in some cases but it does not accurately describe the general archives sector. It is worth highlighting that the Maltese archives sector is complex and extensive and not all archival holdings are in the same phase of development. The same applies to digitisation of documents, which was also referred to by Ms Abela. At the National Archives the process of digitisation is highly productive, with an average of 2,000 images produced everyday. What staggers the process is the expertise one needs to manage these projects and build up the metadata.

- Issue 04

It is extremely encouraging to find such interest by the young generation as is the case of Ms Abela. The National Archives has a policy of inclusivity and has its doors open to anyone who wants to contribute in this sector. This year we had five Junior College students and some foreign students who did their practicum at the National Archives. I encourage Ms Abela and any other persons interested in helping the National Archives to contact us on customercare.archives@gov.mt.

Charles J. Farrugia National Archivist Rabat

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Joseph Call eja Back in Malt www.nngpromo a Restaurant

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Superb service

Internet Addiction

Dear Editor,

Last Sunday my husband and I decided to try out a popular restaurant in Paceville. Following a very big lunch at my mother’s house we did not feel like anything fancy. We just wanted a light snack.

I feel that the feature about PC and Internet addiction in Vida’s May issue was extremely informative and helpful to many people.

My husband ordered chicken wings, which, according to the menu, were to be served with two tasty dips. We ordered a bottle of wine and looked forward to our nibbles. To his dismay, the chicken wings came with only one dip. When my husband asked for the second one, the waitress kindly informed the manager, who rudely insisted that if we want two dips we had to pay for them. Money was not an issue here – the item description in the menu clearly specified that the wings were to be served with both dips. The waitress realised we were right but she apologetically explained that she could not disobey her superior. A few minutes later the waitress returned with a big smile on her face and the dip in her hand. “I convinced him,” she exclaimed. The dip itself did not make much difference to our meal, but the waitress’s efforts to keep her guests happy made our evening. Why can’t all restaurant staff be such good hosts? J.Micallef * See page 80 for more info.

Reference is made to the letter entitled ‘Precious documents’ by Ms Samantha Abela of Zabbar on VIDA’s April issue.

ITIONS

Mario Borg St. Paul’s Bay

Dear Editor,

Letters

very ratulate you for a ail not just to cong a Shopping Vid w ne e I am writing this em th e lik ue zine (I particularly a controversial iss interesting maga share my views on to o als t bu re) isu and Le upon us. Bay, one of that will soon be rbecues at Ghadira orities banned ba spending th ed lov o wh le Last year the au op y beaches. The pe nd beach sa is e th rit ou on s fav nd ’s Malta with family and frie ing ax rel s for ht ing rig en summer ev it served them however, said that oner or were livid. Some, every weekend. So er litt th wi red tte aches clu be h er ac be oth e to th n g leavin to ex tend this ba ely lik are s itie or later the auth There’s as well. ers are to blame. and the beach go s this itie – or ce th au pla c e th bli Both g a pu littering or damagin ned. However em nd co lly no justif ication for ica or cted ld always be categ families who respe carelessness shou cision is not fair on e de th et nk ing us bla a er g aft enforcin s cleaned up . My family alway n all the people iso pr im the environment to be w unfair it would beach. Imagine ho y be a thief. one among us ma me so e us ca simply be ulations without country enforce reg all sm a agree ch su ot Why cann ? Environmentalists ex treme measures mental on vir en ing us having to resor t to ca out n be allowed with ould learn that that barbecues ca a total ban. We sh for ed ne no ’s ere barbecue or ery ev er damage – th aft s little share ourselve r ou the same do At r . he es eit fin we es or ing bill through tax nce in all public illa rve else foot the clean su ict str ce ould introdu diately time authorities sh ng must be imme ver is caught litteri oe wh d an s ce pla punished. to eat our steak s we’ll quickly learn ke sta at e fin fty If there’s a he e beach. without ruining th

A word from the National Archives

April 2010

Dear Editor,

m.mt

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

www.vida.co

Your say

STAR LETTER

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

I have a 24-year-old autistic son who is very high functioning and even has a job. However, he has always found it difficult to make friends so his PC, in many ways, has become his life. Recently his brand new laptop was sent abroad for repairs so we are currently sharing my PC. Since my job involves using the PC a lot, sometimes we are like Tom & Jerry chasing and nagging each other to use the same computer! A.S Xemxija

ask the experts

Ask The Experts

Check out the new

R.B. asked: Seven years ago, when I had my first baby, I was diagnosed with cystitis. Drinking water makes me feel a bit better, but I’m only 33 and would like to know if anything else can help. Is there a cure for this condition? Cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary bladder from any cause. It is a common condition affecting men and women of all ages, however it is more common in females than males particularly those under fifty. Symptoms of cystitis may include increased urgency to void, increased episodes of voiding, painful voiding, blood in the urine, cloudy and offensive smelling urine or lower abdominal pain. However, cystitis may present itself without any symptoms. This condition may be of a short duration (acute cystitis) and it is usually safely treated with antibiotics. Repeated episodes of acute cystitis or an ongoing unresolved cystitis gives rise to chronic cystitis. This is likely to be the case in this situation. In patients receiving long-term antibiotics, repeated episodes may result from resistance of the invading bacteria to the antibiotic. Sometimes a causative bacterium can be identified by laboratory urinary tests. In certain cases, long term, low dose antibiotic therapy may be necessary. Drinking fluids to enhance dieresis, frequent voiding and drinking fruit juices to acidify the urine are helpful in reducing recurrent infection.

Dr Malcolm Paul Galea, MD

Mr J. Spiteri asked: A car crashed into my van, which was parked outside my home. The driver reassured me that he would personally pay all expenses as he did not want to make an insurance claim. The repairs cost over €1,000 as some mechanical parts had to be replaced. He is refusing to pay this amount, arguing that there was no need to spend more than €500 to fix the van. What should I do? In all similar circumstances, the ideal course of action is to involve the Police or local wardens to come on-site and to draw up a sketch and a report. Having opted not to do so does not prevent you from pursuing a legal course of action but it leaves you with less evidence in a court of law as to the extent of damages suffered. Presumably though, you have taken photographs of the damage and you are in possession of all receipts for repairs carried out. My advice is to write a judicial letter to the owner of the car which hit your van, attaching the receipts and formally requesting payment for damages which you have suffered within a specified time-frame. If you are not reimbursed within the same time-frame then you are left with no option but to institute proceedings in the Small Claims Tribunal. Dr Adrian Muscat Azzopardi, B.A., M.A., LL.D

Michael Camilleri wrote: Since 1977 I always carried out plastering and painting works required around the house myself. Recently I noticed several cracks on the kitchen ceiling. Can I just plaster them and repaint the ceiling or should I seek professional assistance? Cracks in the roofing slab are associated with concrete sprawling which is usually a result of reinforcement corrosion. Such corrosion can be caused by a number of causes and each case should be tackled on its own merits. Through a site inspection an architect would establish the cause of these cracks within the ceiling and the eventual remedial measures which are to be implemented, especially if the reinforcement of the roofing slab is corroding. Perit Joseph Attard, B.E.&A. (Hons.) A.&C.E.

From Page 25

• Competitions • BBQ Special • World Cup Calendar • Only for Kids

• Where to Watch the Games • Home Ideas • Beauty tips • DIY • Classifieds Ask a question and win!

Published questions will enter a draw to win the prize of our Suggestions & Questions Competi tion - a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*!

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.

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt

updates In his own Sir Alex words Ferguson says...

“I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it. Football. Bloody hell.” (After winning the Champions League in 1999.) “If he was an inch taller he’d be the best centre half in Britain. His father is 6ft 2in – I’d check the milkman.” (On Gary Neville) “When an Italian tells me it’s pasta on the plate I check under the sauce to make sure. They are the inventors of the smokescreen.” “The lads ran their socks into the ground.” “I have always tried to be the bridge between the club and the fans and I have tried to support the fans in a lot of their pleas and causes.” “If Chelsea drop points, the cat’s out in the open. And you know what cats are like – sometimes they don’t come home.” “I remember the first time I saw him. He was 13 and just floated over the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind” (On Ryan Giggs) “He was certainly full of it, calling me Boss and Big Man when we had our post-match drink after the first leg. But it would help if his greetings were accompanied by a decent glass of wine. What he gave me was paintstripper.” (On Jose Mourinho) “Just patch him up” (To a club physio after kicking a boot at David Beckham’s head which left him needing stitches above his eye.)

14th June is World Blood Donation Day…

One man, 100 blood donations!

Would you keep a commitment of donating blood every three months for over 25 years? Iseo Pavanello, a 54-year-old Italian who moved to Malta 30 years ago to live with his Maltese wife and two sons, has just become one of the few persons to make his 100th blood donation at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). “In 1985 I was reading a Maltese newspaper and came across an advert – it encouraged people to donate blood. I was always afraid of injections but somehow I plucked up the courage and went for my first donation,” Iseo told Vida minutes before sitting for his landmark donation. Malta should find a way of officially acknowledging men and women like Iseo who manage to maintain this commitment for so many years, insists Tony Micallef, the nurse in charge of Donor Recruitment and Retention. “Our aim is to have a constant supply of blood for our hospitals. To do this we need around 50 donors a day. We have a very good number of persons who have donated blood at least once – our challenge is to retain these donors and convince them to donate blood regularly, every three or four months.” All healthy adults can visit the NBTS, next to the St. Luke’s Hospital, Gwardamangia, to donate blood. Before donating blood make sure you eat a healthy breakfast or lunch. Start drinking lots of water before coming to donate blood. If you cannot visit the NBTS call 22066201 or 79307307 to find out when the Blood Mobile Unit will be stopping at a town or village near you. health.gov.mt/nbts

Croa

VISI Cilip Poci Met Koto

DAT

etect a faint whiff?

“I am such a bloody talented guy. I might go into painting or something like that.” (On life after management.) “How you view the season depends on whether you focus on the low moments or look at the positives. It is the old conundrum as to whether you see the glass as half empty or half full.”

Dogs have much fewer taste buds than us humans do – most likely around 1,700 on their tongues, as opposed to our 9,000. It is the pleasant smell of a particular food that appeals to them.

“Wayne has aggravated his groin again. I don’t think it is serious. He will be OK for England.”

Despite this, dogs can still be considered discriminating eaters, as they have more than 200 million scent receptors in their noses (as opposed to humans’ mere 5 million). They can smell it a mile off, so it’s important that their food smells as good as it tastes!

VISIT Garda Moen Mera Venic

DAT 8

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

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VISITING Cannobio, Pallanza, Bevano, Zermatt-Materrhorn, Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno, Orta, Milan, Como, Macugnaga, Lago Maggiore & Stresa, Milan, Orta & Lago d’Orta

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updates

NOT FOR PROFIT Maltese voluntary organisations Jesuit Refugee Service ( JRS) Malta JRS Malta is…

part of the international Jesuit Refugee Service, working in more than 50 countries on all continents. It was founded by the Jesuits in 1980. JRS Malta was established in January 1993 to support refugees from Iraq, former Yugoslavia and elsewhere who had just begun to arrive here. Since 2002, JRS Malta has accompanied asylum seekers reaching Malta as migrant boat people through thick and thin.

Our mission is... to accompany and serve asylum seekers and forcibly displaced people, and to defend their rights. Our ‘enemies’ are…

we’d rather count friends than enemies. Several people find it difficult to believe that boat migrants actually need protection, yet our direct experience enables us to get in touch with personal histories of much suffering and incredible resilience and confirms us in our commitment in favour of human rights.

JRS staff and volunteers… focus primarily on detention centres, providing professional legal and social work services, pastoral care and a sympathetic ear to detainees and asylum seekers. We also give free legal assistance and social work service through our offices. We carry out educational awareness raising activities and research, and advocate for the rights of asylum seekers and forced migrants. Our greatest achievement… occurs every time an asylum seeker feels treated and welcomed with dignity. On World Refugee Day (20th June)…

people around the world take time to recognise and applaud the contribution of forcibly displaced people throughout the world. The annual commemoration is marked by a variety of events in more than 100 countries, involving government officials, humanitarian aid workers, celebrities, civilians and the forcibly displaced themselves.

Our projects include … ‘Do They Know?’, a print and online publication (jrsmalta.org/Do%20They%20 Know.pdf) featuring a collection of testimonies from African asylum seekers, revealing the unthinkable hardship they went through in Libya. This publication will shortly be available in Maltese. Kindly contact JRS should you wish to obtain a printed copy.

CALLING BOATERS TO COUNT THE DOLPHINS!

OPERATION DELPHIS Do you own a boat and want to help protect dolphins and whales in the Med? Nature Trust Malta is giving you the opportunity to be part of a marine environment protection project for a day. Operation Delphis, an annual event organised by the Réserve Internationale Maritime en Méditerranée Occidentale (RIMMO) brings together professional and amateur boaters who spend an exceptional day out at sea identifying and counting dolphins and whales. They also take plankton and seawater samples for scientific analysis. Each participating boat follows precise scientific protocol on an individuallyallotted square to form a wide mesh covering a very large area. The results of this study will be presented during the International Conference on Cetaceans of the Mediterranean in France later this year. The event will take place on 27th June. If you own a boat, GPS and VHF and would like to participate in this project contact Nature Trust (Malta) by email on delphismalta09@ gmail.com or by calling on 2131 3150.

jrsmalta.org | info@jrsmalta.org St Aloysius’ Sport Complex, 50, Triq ix-Xorrox, Birkirkara T: 21442751

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

rimmo.org

Magnetise your migraine?

Identifying the cause of migraines has been scientists’ headache for years as persons who suffer from this condition are left with little they can do to ease the throbbing pain. The good news is that scientists dabbling with magnetic pulses at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York may have found a solution. They are working on the theory that one type of migraine, known as migraine with aura, may be caused by a wave of electrical charges spreading through the brain cells. This excites the cells, causing the infamous pounding headaches. Migraine with aura is one of the most common forms of this condition. The aura includes symptoms such as visual disturbances, numbness, stiff neck and slurred speech. These are normally felt an hour before the headache begins. The New York scientists asked 100 persons with migraine to try the potential cure - a device emitting magnetic pulses that patients hold against their head when the aura begins. These pulses ‘disturb’ the electrical charges in the brain and ease the impending headaches. Two hours after placing the device to their heads 40% of the testers reported that they did not get any headaches. To avoid a placebo effect a dummy device was given to another 100 persons with migraine. This time, only 20% said that they didn’t get a headache. The results are encouraging and none of the persons who tried the device reported any side effects. However the potential cure will not go on sale before further tests are carried out. Scientists need to ensure that it really heads off migraine pains without bitter consequences.

updates

KEEPING IT SHORT ...

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PACK ERY *S V E WITH ST STRIP E OF T ACK RY P

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EVE S WITH ST STRIP E T OF

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Michael Mifsud I always wanted to become a professional football player. When I grow up I will hopefully look back feeling proud of and happy with my achievements.

Take control of your health with theofBionime GM550 Take control your health

Football is my job and I just love it. Scoring twice against Manchester United felt amazing! It was a joy I cannot describe.

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Returning to Malta feels good. I always feel good coming back to my homeland.

In the hectic lives we lead today, our diet is not always the optimal. A part of everyone’s daily health regimen should I am known as ‘the mosquito’ because during an interview be to monitor blood glucose levels and ensure that they lives we lead today, our diet is not always the one of my coaches in England described me as “a mosquito In the hectic are within the recommended limits. The BIONIME GM550 optimal. Ais part of everyone’s health regimen should always running and pressing players down”. an easy to use blooddaily glucose monitor, ideal for home be to monitor blood glucose levels and ensure that they use. Small and discrete, it is an everyday partner for Had Micky Adams not been fired we would have worked everyone that cares about leading a healthy life. are within the recommended limits. The BIONIME GM550 very well together. He was the reason I joined Coventry. He

came all the way to Norway to watch me play and he said yes after just 15 minutes. He is a very good coach. The worse thing that can happen on the pitch is a thunderstorm? Or an injury. The greatest players of all times are Romario (Brazil) and Zola (Italy). They are my heroes. Can Malta ever make it to the World Cup finals? This is a very difficult question. I believe that where there’s a will there’s a way. I always play to win. I laugh whenever I’m in good company. I hate double-faced people. My family is great! I love them to bits. They helped me become who I am today.

I always wanted to learn more and more. I believe you can’t stop learning no matter who you are. Peace is home. There is nothing better than loving one another.

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

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Help the children play World Cup Charity Appeal kicks off! Children’s rights are not just about getting enough food, access to education and protection from abuse. They also include the right to have fun and be happy. That is why Vida is inviting you to help the children at St. Joseph’s Home in Zabbar get a better place to play. The Dominican Sisters who care for these boys and girls are embarking on a project to renovate the home’s playground. As the photos show this project is not a luxury – the playground badly needs a facelift. The swings are rusted and their seats are disintegrating. There are no proper safety carpets to stop the children from injuring themselves – there’s just a rough concrete surface. Most of the fences need to be replaced and when it rains the whole area is flooded. Recently the Works Department of the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs agreed to help this crèche renovate the yard. They will be providing workers and materials to build an underground reservoir for

rainwater and to carry out the structural works required. However the nuns still have to pay for the artificial turf and safety carpets, fencing, lighting, new swings, and other necessary equipment. Vida feels we should all help raise funds for this project. We are aware that some of us may be struggling to make ends meet. However we can all contribute a small donation to give these children a safe recreational area. Vida will continue this appeal throughout June and July. We’re also asking business owners and politicians to put their money where their mouth is, but we’ll tell you more about the surprise they have in store for you next month. Together we can help the children play!

Here’s how you can donate: • Send a cheque, payable to ‘The Sisters of St. Joseph Home, Zabbar’, to Vida Charity Appeal, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214. • Complete the form below and send it to Vida Charity Appeal, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214. • Deposit a donation to The Sisters of St. Joseph Home, Zabbar’s charity account – 042 05 1243 051 (HSBC) through online banking. • Deposit cash donations directly by visiting the local branch of your bank, quoting the above charity account number.

For more information on the Vida World Cup Charity Appeal call our offices on 2339 2233 or email charity@vida.com.mt.

The new playground

World Cup Charity Appeal Donation Form I would like to donate the sum of ____________ to the charity account of the Sisters of St. Joseph Home, Zabbar (HSBC Account Number 042 05 1243 051) from the following account: Bank Name: Name & Surname:

Branch Location:

Account Number: ID Card No:

Signature:

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 13

events

Claudio Baglioni returns

hen the Italian people were asked to vote for the most memorable song of the 20th century, they choose Claudio Baglioni’s 1972 hit ‘Questo Piccolo Grande Amore’. It is probably the most loved Italian song, even in Malta, and it is not hard to understand why.

the height of his World Tour, ‘Un Solo Mondo’ (One World), which saw him sing to packed venues in five different continents. “We live in one world… and our lives are a voyage which we are called to take on hand in hand,” said Baglioni, who is also actively involved in the fight against racism.

It is the story of a teenager’s first love, a love that is so magical and yet so ephemeral, so big and intense, and yet, when looking back a few years later, so small, so innocent, so unreal – just a ‘piccolo grande amore, niente piu’. Baglioni’s words capture the contradictions of fiery adolescence in simple, yet strangely evocative words – ‘la paura e la voglia di essere nudi’ – making us, the audience, feel that we’re listening to a song about our own experiences, about our own first time.

The last time the Italian singer performed in Malta, in 2007, the audience was delighted with his songs and his duets with local and foreign artists. However, he had more than this to offer. He surprised his numerous fans with a superb rendition of the epic Maltese song ‘L-Ahhar Bidwi f’Wied il-Ghasel’. He liked it so much that a few months later he went down in Maltese musical history as the first foreign artist of international fame to record and release a single in Maltese with his own version of this popular New Cuorey song. There’s no saying what this Italian superstar has in store for his upcoming concert with Calleja and Dionne Warwick, accompanied by the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra and a 500-strong children’s choir.

When he once again takes the stage in Malta, as one of the guests of our finest export Joseph Calleja, Baglioni is set to once again re-awaken our senses to the sweet and bitter emotions we can easily understand, feel, and make our own. He will be arriving in Malta at

Claudio Baglioni will be performing live in Malta together with Joseph Calleja and Dionne Warwick on 24th July at The Granaries, Floriana. They will be accompanied by the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Paul Bateman. Tickets (and more information) can be found at www.nngpromotions.com.

WIN

Answer our questions and you can be the lucky winner of 2 VIP tickets to watch Claudio Baglioni perform Live in Malta! 1) Where and with whom shall Claudio Baglioni be performing in Malta? 2) Which international artist would you like to see performing in Malta? Send your answers by email to win@vida.com.mt by no later than 14th June 2010. (Last month’s NNG competition winners are listed on page 53.)

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

special report

Pedalling on

A year after a father’s tragic death Max, Zak and Jon are head over heels over cycling. They turn to their mother to convince her to let them go cycling again. Max, 16, is the eldest of the three brothers. This month, once he finishes his ‘O’ Level exams, he plans to take up the role of secretary to the Malta Cycling Federation, a post which was occupied by Cliff, his father. No one would believe that these are the same boys whose father was tragically killed while cycling less than a year ago. The three sons, and their mother, Shirley Micallef, talk to David Vella about courage, memories of a great dad, and the strength to stifle anger and pain and get back on their feet.

Some days we get very sad. Friends tell me I reached rock bottom, s Shirley welcomed me to her living room I was under the but on the bad days it feels like my pain is a bottomless pit. At this impression that I was about to meet a family distraught point you have two choices – either let anger and sadness with grief. I never expected to find Max eagerly take over or else try and be positive. I can’t afford to be talking about his wish to participate in the Lifecycle angry because I’d pass it on to my sons – then how will Challenge, an ardous 11-day, 2,000 kilometre cycling “Jon quietly they grow up to be strong?” challenge held every year in aid of renal patients at tells me he Mater Dei Hospital. His father was actively involved in After Cliff’s death the family slept in one room, huddled this event – last year he was to accompany the cyclists misses his together. For Max it meant weeks of sleepless nights. “I as part of the volunteer back-up team. A week before father’s soft stared at the ceiling but I still couldn’t leave the room – the team left Malta to start the challenge in Istanbul, hands” not because I was afraid. I just didn’t feel like leaving my early in the morning of 30th July 2009, Cliff died in a mother and my brothers.” After some time, Shirley decided hit-and-run, minutes into his daily cycling exercise. it was time to ask the boys to go back to their rooms. “People tell me that I should be lenient with them because they are going “I am still afraid to let them go cycling on the road,” Shirley explains, through a lot. However, this cannot be an excuse for them not to be “they are the complete opposite. They never considered giving up responsible and disciplined.” their bicycles – they were brought up living and breathing cycling. Recently Max participated in a cycling event and I accompanied Two months later, Shirley started a full-time job. “I used to leave my him – I couldn’t stop crying. I kept reliving the shock, imagining and desk several times a day to go and cry in the bathroom. At home it hearing the crash.” was not easy either. Before Cliff died I only worked a few hours and the kids never realised I was away – I picked them up after school In the beginning it was not easy. “I never imagined I could cope.

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 15

special report

Jon next to the Merit Award in memory of his father, which his family received during this year’s ‘Tour of Malta’.

“first they lost their father and then they got to see even less of me”

and helped them with their homework.” Nowadays, that is just not possible. “I get home at 6pm and I have to cook, clean, and see to a million other things. The boys feel this change even more – first they lost their father and then they got to see even less of me.” Work, however, was also the therapy she needed to ease the pain. Max adds that when he started school in September most teachers said nothing when he failed to do his homework. “There was one teacher who did treat me like the other students, and still punished me for not doing my work. This made me make an effort to start working again. One day this teacher pulled me aside and explained that she didn’t want me to become lazy. And it’s true - once you start, you catch up and get back to normal life. Now I am sitting for my exams like all my friends.” On hearing ‘catch up’, Jon recalls one of his fondest memories of his father. “We were riding our bicycles and I overtook daddy. As he got behind me I shouted ‘catch up’. He answered ‘mayonnaise’.” The boys giggle as they recall other memories, such as when their father used to take them out in a small sailing boat, or when they cycled to Golden Bay and camped there for the night. Whenever the family went abroad they always dedicated some time to cycling. They cycled together even when Zak and Jon were still too young to cycle – Jon rode with his mother while Zak rode in a trailer towed behind Cliff’s bicycle. Jon quietly tells me that he misses his father’s soft hands, especially when he used to hold his hand during mass. Zak adds that their father was their favourite pillow when watching a film. “We used to fight because we all wanted to sit next to dad to rest our head on his stomach.”

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

“With daddy they were always very active. There was never a moment of boredom with him around,” Shirley says, “even if in the end he had to pay the price for being adventurous. In a way my sons are lucky. In spite of the fact that they will now be raised without a dad they still have very good memories of him. They had a good life with him and now they have each other.” Shirley explains that Cliff was always ready to help. When the kids joined the Scouts, they helped setting up camps and organising events. “After the accident the scouts supported my children a lot. They helped them get back on their feet, making sure they got back to their scouting activities. They even took them camping abroad. The help we received after Cliff’s death taught me an important lesson on providence – all that we gave when Cliff was still alive was given back to us in kindness, three times over” “We are lucky that we are surrounded with wonderful friends – they helped us tremendously. They help me with the kids while I’m at work – they pick them up from school, and take them to their afterschool activities,” Shirley says. Her mother is also a rock of support. “My father died when she was 27 and I was only four months old. This last year she relived her husband’s death through me – she is constantly helping me. I wouldn’t have made it without her by my side.” Zak tells us about an incident that was also news to his mother. While cycling with friends he accidentally hit a parked brand new car, slightly cracking one of its lights. The owner started shouting, until Cliff came to see what happened. He offered to pay the damage, reassured the car’s owner that it was just a small accident and that it wouldn’t happen again. “That’s how he always was,” Shirley smiles, “nothing was the end of the world to him”.

special report

The 2010 Lifecycle Challenge

The Devil’s Highway The 2010 Betfair Lifecycle Challenge will be taking a group of Maltese cyclists all the way from Venice to Manchester, covering over 2,000 kilometres. This year 60 cyclists will be attempting the challenge. They have to cycle through seven countries – Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium, France, and England. The cyclists and a volunteer backup team leave Malta on Saturday 14th August. They are expected to reach their final destination – Old Trafford, home of the legendary football club Manchester United - in 12 days of cycling.

• Send an SMS to Lifecycle’s mobile donation numbers: 5061 7370 - €2.33 5061 8920 - €6.99 5061 9229 - €11.65 • Donate through our landline numbers: 5004 9065 - €10.00 5004 9060 - €20.00 5004 9063 - €50.00 For more information contact Lifecycle by email on info@lifecyclechallenge.com or by calling 7990 3961.

The Lifecycle Foundation was established in 1999 to create awareness and generate support for people with kidney failure. Renal patients require dialysis treatment either at home or at Mater Dei Hospital’s Renal Unit. Each patient undergoes a certain number of hours of dialysis to clean his or her blood three times a week. They can only drink a limited amount of fluid each day so as not to stress their kidneys unduly. Without dialysis these patients would die. All funds raised by the Lifecycle Challenge will help in the purchase of new equipment which is constantly required for these patients. Your donation can help these patients lead a happier, more fulfilled life

You can:

• Donate money online on www.lifecyclechallenge.org. • Send a cheque, payable to The LifeCycle Organisation, to LifeCycle Malta c/o Renal Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, MSD 2090, Malta.

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June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 17

interview

Do ya think I’m Sexy? Richard Muscat Azzopardi interviews pop legend Rod Stewart in the run up to his concert in Malta this August.

his summer the sun seems to be shining more brightly on fans of musical giants - the latest star to announce a performance locally is the raspy-voiced heartthrob Rod Stewart. Very few artists can sustain a career spanning nearly fifty years, however despite having a few lows, the English pop legend has seen a remarkable renaissance in the past decade. I would like to kick off by asking a question which has been going through my head for years - was there an autobiographical element to Maggie May? Many, many years ago, when I was 16 at a music festival far, far away, a betwitchingly beautiful woman invited me into her tent and I would have liked to have never left. Ah, the wonders of an older woman of 22. You seem to have had a very mixed decade in the 60s - moving from band to band, location to location - did you always believe you would make the big time? Do you regret not sticking to one band? I have always had a burning passion for music – and I feel very fortunate for the career that I’ve had. No, no regrets. Every change in band has brought me to where

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Not being able to live forever.

Which song (released by another artist) do you wish was yours? I wish I had gotten to Hall & Oats’ “Everytime You Go Away” before Paul Young did. But he certainly did great things with the song.

I’m really not complaining about your last six albums, however shall we be seeing any more original material from Rod Stewart any time soon? You just never know when I may want to court the muse once again.

In your concert in Malta, will you be sticking to your old songs or will you be singing songs from the songbooks too? It will be all hits. I can promise that I will give it everything I’ve got and it will be a colourful, lively show.

I am today. And I made lasting friendships with the bandmates I have worked with along the way. Any major regrets in life?

What do you feel was the best decade of your career? I’ve never been happier so I’d have to say right here, right now.

“Ah, the wonders of an older woman of 22”

interview

Mini Biography Born in London just after the war, Rod Stewart enjoyed a relatively smooth childhood in postwar Britain. His family thought he should have become a footballer, however he thought that life in music would be more fulfilling since he could sing and get drunk. He spent most of the sixties flitting around from band to band but never really settled with any one for too long. Eventually Stewart signed a solo contract in 1968 and never looked back. Offering an emotional mixture of folk, rock and blues Rod Stewart went on to be one of the most popular artists of the late 60s and 70s. His first number one hit was Maggie May / Reason to Believe, which eventually topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. In the 80s Rod had a relative slump in his career, receiving some harsh criticism for his material but still continued doing decently in the charts. Since 2002 Rod Stewart has concentrated on offering his renditions of popular classics. The resulting music is heartfelt and has been doing brilliantly in terms of sales and critical acclaim. Rod Stewart is also passionate about football and still plays regularly. He is a Celtic supporter but also follows Manchester United keenly.

Rod Stewart’s Top 10 (A subjective selection) 1. Maggie May 2. Reason to Believe 3. This Old Heart of Mine 4. I Don’t Want to Talk About It 5. You’re in My Heart 6. Some Guys Have All the Luck 7. Do Ya Think I’m Sexy 8. These Foolish Things 9. Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered 10. Baby It’s Cold Outside

Last book you read: Celtic United by Frank Worrall Movie you watched last: Oceans Last item of clothing you bought: Wardrobe for the tour Last holiday destination you visited: At my home in Palm Beach, Florida 4 X 4 or Hybrid: Ferrari California London or New York: Hard to say. I love both. Sailing or driving: Again, both Pool or darts: Neither A night out or watching a DVD: Thank goodness for 7 days in a week Written letter or email: Email

WIN

Rod Stewart will be performing Live in Malta this summer. The concert, featuring some of his biggest hits, will take place at the Fosos (Granaries), Floriana on Tuesday 3rd August 2010. Tickets for Rod Stewart Live 2010 are available from www.maltaticket.com and from all Vodafone, Agenda Bookshop & Exotique outlets. RS & Partners, the concert organisers, and Vida are giving a lucky reader the chance to win two tickets to this concert. To participate in this competition send us an email on win@vida.com.mt with your three favourite Rod Stewart songs.

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 19

health & beauty

Boys will be boys

10 easy grooming tips for men

by Marika Azzopardi If you had to stop a woman in the street and ask her about her beauty regimen, chances are you would be standing there for at least half an hour. There’s the cleansing and moisturising, makeup and nails, hair and depilation. She’d also have fashionable colours to consider, and that’s not even getting anywhere near deciding what to wear! Complicated, yes, but fun! What about beauty regimens for men however? Usually, the best you can hope for is clean clothes and the occasional shave and hair cut. Then there’s aftershave for a date and perhaps deo-spray for hot days. Few, very few, will admit that they dedicate any time at all to their body care. It is for this reason that we’re suggesting a list of basic beauty tips for men. Now guys, don’t be scared. They are short, simple and best of all easy to accomplish.

“I follow a daily routine that I have developed according to the needs of my skin. When in the shower I use facial wash for oily skin, followed by moisturiser. Twice a week I also use a facial scrub to unclog pores. As for my hair, I wash it everyday, and use conditioner twice a week. An antiperspirant deoderant is essential after every shower, and I tend to be very generous during the summer months. Finally, a squirt of eau de toilette is a must before leaving the house!”

Andrew Causon, 21, Student

“I don’t have much of a beauty regime. I’ve recently started using face cream, but how often I apply it depends on whether I remember to! Moreover, I’ve always considered sun block campaigns a publicity scam. Despite this, I do like the soothing effect of Aftersun, especially if I can get a helping hand! As for physical activity, it’s a completely different story. I work out regularly and play 5-a-side football – I find it fights the flab and boosts self-confidence as the years roll on.”

Peter Cossai, 46, Journalist

“I’ve got a daily cleansing routine which consists of facial cleanser and moisturiser in the morning and in the evening. As summer approaches, I believe it’s also important to use sun block with a high protection factor; which I use along with anti-ageing eye cream. Twice a week I use an exfoliating scrub and mask, and twice a year get a professional facial. I also make it a point to drink lots of water and keep fit by jogging. I do my best to look after myself – and why not?”

Jesmond Cassar, 43, Sales & Marketing Representative

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

health & beauty

Clean. If you want people to be attracted to you, you must keep yourself clean. Meaning that the t-shirt you’ve been wearing for three days on end must go into the laundry bin and yes, you must get another one out of the drawer, possibly iron it and wear it with equally clean denims. And don’t forget to wash before you put them on.

Wear clean underwear. What mum used to say still goes – always wear clean underwear, just in case.

Shave. Ok, so you’ve got a beard or a moustache. Get it trimmed in line with what you originally planned for it to look like. Loose, straggly hairs make for unkempt men. Take Sean Connery – an older gentleman who always looks impeccable, beard and all.

Get a haircut. Again, it’s ok if you’ve got long hair but giving it shape won’t harm you. If you have short hair, don’t neglect it.

Hairy noses and ears. I know this is the way nature treats you as you age. But there are such things as clippers, trimmers and barbers. Hairy noses and ears make you look, well… old!

Skin care. Cleaning your face is not about washing it with soapy water. You can buy purposely-created face wash for men, which you can use in the shower. If you’re always out and about, use sun block on your face in summer and a normal day cream in winter. If your skin is fair or freckled, sun block should be used every day. Moreover, creams and moisturisers don’t have to be sticky and messy – men’s products are created to be nonsticky, easy to apply and get absorbed quickly so that you can use them with ease, minus the sticky fingers.

Smelly feet. If yours fall under this category you should re-think your personal hygiene and the kind of socks and shoes you wear. Podiatrists agree that if you keep your feet really clean, it will lessen the likelihood of them smelling. Use talc or antiperspirant deodorants for feet, change socks often and always wear pure cotton. If your feet are particularly sweaty, get extra help by simply soaking them in a small basin for 15 minutes – add some vinegar to the water and sit there while you’re watching the game. Alternatively you can use four teabags in a mug of hot water added to your basin of cold water. Both vinegar and tea have astringent qualities. Invest in good quality shoes that allow your feet to breathe. If you’re wearing flip flops in summer, wipe them clean every night with a wet cloth soaked in vinegar.

Brush your teeth. Do this twice a day, especially if you smoke. Visit your dentist regularly. Dirty teeth lead to bad teeth which can contribute to halitosis – bad breath which makes others reel back in discomfort.

Hands. Look down at your hands – what do you see? Are your nails too long, too short, or dirty? Is the skin around them peeling, dry or rough? If so, they might need attention. Soak your hands in warm water or in the bath. If you don’t have a nail brush, find an old toothbrush and use it just for nail cleaning from now onwards – you can brush the grime off your nails with some soap. Dry your hands carefully. Cut nails straight across; use some body lotion or hand cream and massage your hands well. They won’t feel quite so dry, flaky and uncomfortable. Do this on a weekly basis.

Sun block. Now that summer is here, you really should use sun block all over your body when you’re at the beach and on exposed skin if you work outdoors in peak sunshine hours. Buy a sun block with a high protection level and which is easily absorbed. Nobody really enjoys having to use sun block, but excessive sun exposure is dangerous. It is your responsibility to protect yourself.

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 21

special report

t o: e d i u G a d i V e h T Cup

d l r o W F i fa

2010

on e c a n a ll - on ly c om in g b t o fo ld in wor e a m is a c c ola de e a r s wher e no t e t a i has im lt y t he t he u z z opa r d f r A o t fo e a n c g o s in u ex pec t is M s are v y f lops we e ver t h is ou r it e. R ic h a r d d w n o a h s , 32 t e a m p e o t c up h o m o ut t he cle a r fav t a ke t he d pic ke d e nt a s a n m a a s n r p u u o to eig ht g r int o t he k at t he o ont h . lo m a p u n C t a ke orld W e h t r ve t o see o

Group A

South Africa kick off the first game of the World Cup as the outright underdogs in the group, however watch out as home teams always seem to overperform. Having said that, they face a group with three very strong teams - France, who made it through by the skin of their teeth (and hands - ask the Irish!); Uruguay, who are combining a solid defensive unit with a top drawer attack spearheaded by Diego Forlan; and Mexico, who are joint favourites to qualify through the group stages after France. With the tightest odds around, this is probably one of the hardest groups to predict for the bookies.

Group D

Amateurs on the field

The HR Department of Westpac Bank in New Zealand had to approve a strange request for leave recently. One of their employees Andy Barron - requested time off to go to South Africa for the World Cup. As a player. In this day and age most footballers in major leagues are professional (and well paid at that), however the midfielder will be one of the very few players representing his country at the highest level while holding on to a day job. Barron, who supports Manchester United, will also have to cope with playing in front of thousands of fans after being used to crowds of a few hundred when playing for his club - Team Wellington.

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Gary Linekar once said: “Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win” but, while Germany might be the favourites here, this is 2010’s group of death. Ghana was the only African team to progress past the group stage in 2006 and qualified by dominating their group completely. Having booked a spot ahead of France in qualifying, Serbia is definitely a force to be reckoned with - physical, tactically united and determined. The easier team in the group is not a minnow either though - Australia have been turning the knob recently and will be expected to trouble their opponents till the very end (as Italy witnessed in 2006).

Group F

With a squad lacking major superstars, Italy is hoping to emulate the 2006 triumph by sticking to the old guard as a backbone and adding players who offer more substance than style. The only serious challenge in the group will come from Paraguay which is hardly a world class unit (even though it does have some stars in its squad). Slovakia might not have any names which will turn heads but will fancy itself beating Paraguay to the second spot. New Zealand are the least favourite with all the bookies, however they just might offer a surprise thanks to their discipline and direct style of playing the beautiful game.

special report Group B

While Argentina are clearly the favourites in this group, the other qualification place is still wide open. The world will be waiting to see how well the Republic of Korea will fare outside its shores. Greece have earned themselves a reputation of boring defensive football, but the Euro 2004 champions now need to bring efficiency back to the table. Failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2006 and to impress at Euro 2008 the Greeks need to make it through the group this time round. Nigeria takes the final position in this group on the back of a weak qualifying campaign, only making it through at the last minute (literally).

Group E

Group G

Group C

The bookies’ top teams all have a superstar in their ranks, and England is no different. The only British team in the tournament has one of its best all round teams in recent history and a brilliant coach, however all hopes are resting squarely on Rooney’s shoulders. In comparison to some of the other heavyweights, however the Three Lions have a seemingly easy group with the USA, who have been improving steadily and made it to the final of the Confederations Cup, looking to be the strongest challengers. Both Algeria and Slovenia needed a playoff to get through but keep in mind that teams with no expectations are the ones to create the biggest upsets.

The Netherlands are amongst the favourites for the tournament but are oft overlooked by critics. They won all their games in qualifying and have top players playing at the highest level around Europe. Cameroon is probably the most consistant African team in the World Cup but this might be the year in which it really flourishes if Samuel Eto’o can carry his superb form to his home continent. Pipping Portugal to the top spot in qualifying, the unfashionable but highly effective Denmark is another force to be reckoned with. Japan is always an unknown quantity - when the team promises it fails, but entering the group as underdogs might spur the players to excel.

With a collection of superstars like no other, Group G will be both entertaining and disappointing since we will lose at least one heavyweight in the first round. Brazil needs no introduction, with five titles to their name and a gold mine in terms of talent. The hardest problem faced by coach Dunga is who to leave out. Portugal will be no walkover though - Cristiano Ronaldo on form is enough to drag a mediocre team through, let alone one full of quality. Drogba will also be doing his best to pull the Ivory Coast through, however he has a tough task ahead of him. The DPR of Korea will have to pull one of World Cup history’s biggest coups to progress from this group.

Group H

Entering as tournament favourites is not always beneficial, but Spain will have to bear that burden well if they want to progress. Blessed by an all-round embarassment of riches in most positions, this is a team which can afford to choose to leave Fabregas on the bench. Spain has also been relatively lucky with the draw - Chile impressed in qualifying but are far from being world heavyweights. Switzerland is another European team which is solid but can sometimes lack imagination. This time round however it is blessed with a host of young players pushing for regular places. Honduras is still looking for its first win at a World Cup - while it might just find it, few people expect it to progress from this group.

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 23

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SHOPPING

LEISURE

Contents: 28

Homes & more

Preparing the perfect NEW 34 burger Summer Cooking Special Wishing on a star Cocktails

NEW

Herbs Gardening

Restaurants

Polish up Health & Beauty

World Cup calendar

Where to watch the game

Location location location Weddings

Keyboards & mice Tech & Gadgets

Get your home a toolkit DIY

Classifieds

Competitions

Only for kids

Money doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t grow on trees! Money Matters

Company News New Look Now Open

Company News

New Look opened its first flagship store in Malta, at The Point, Tigne, on Friday 7th May. The new store spans an impressive 10,000 square feet, on one floor, housing the latest New Look summer 2010 fashions including womenswear and menswear trends, teenwear from Generation 915, accessories, lingerie and nightwear. New Look’s approach to fast fashion means that 15% of the range in store changes each week, ensuring there is always something new to shop for. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, which was hosted by the local singing sensation Brooke, guests were invited to preview the store’s spring summer collection.

26 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Hudson Holdings is the company behind Time International Sports and Urban Jungle brands. In addition to this, they are also the distributors of international premium brands including Nike and Swatch. Founded in 1969 New Look has 618 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland, a transactional website and 297 stores in France trading under the name Mim. It has another 28 New Look branded stores in France, the Netherlands and Belgium and 48 franchise stores in UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Singapore and Poland. www.newlook.com

Misrah Kola Apartments Offer Extended! Fulani Properties announced that the great offers on luxuriously finished residences at Misrah Kola, Attard, which were introduced in May, have been extended to the end of June.

In addition, you also get one of the following packages - free notarial and bank loan fees, free kitchen and dining room of your choice, or free bathrooms of your choice.

Two-bedroom apartments start from as little as €109,500 (LM47,000) and three-bedroom apartments from €125,800 (LM54,000). The amazing prices aren’t all however – with every apartment Fulani will also pay your common parts expenses and give you free use of a lockup garage in the same complex for two years!

Hurry up though, as this is a limited offer! The properties are available for viewing seven days a week, at any time. Call 9930 0527, 7959 4184 or 7905 6660 to book a viewing now.

Beat the power cuts.

Sales & Service

Pitkali Road Attard ATD 2214 Malta, Europe +356 2339 2235 info@fritzenergy.com

Long & short term

leasing/rentals of generators

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 27

Company News

Your business cannot afford black outs.

Property & Homes

Homes & More

Lampshade | 2 piece vase Degabriele Gift Shop Fire, safety & security solutions Firetech

Deluxe spa Hometrends Vogue light up deluxe spa. Price €5,999

Turnkey Contractors Wall units Shopwell Furniture Don’t trust your life savings in anybody’s Hands!!! We treat yours as ours…

Shoe Cupboards Granny Smith

Your dream Home made reality.

Electrical installation, limited offer

• 20 Double socket outlets All this for only €1,760 • 1 Water heater point (geyser) (Lm755.56) Incl Vat • 2 Airconditioner points What are you waiting for? • 1 Cooker unit point Complete your home and book now. • 2 Telephone points Offer valid till the end of • 2 Television points June 2010 • 10 One way light points • 2 Two way light points (for corridor) • 1 Distribution board including Mcb’s Main switch and Rcd (salva vita) • Best quality materials and professional workmanship.

Widest selection of shoe cupboards in different colours, sizes and materials

Michael Paris | Mob:79336338 Email:m_paris@maltanet.net

Suppliers:

Degabriele Gift Shop 96, Zabbar Road Paola 2169 6945 deggiftshop@nextgen.net.mt

28 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Firetech 99, Mill Street, Qormi. 2278 5208 firetech.com.mt

Granny Smith Shop St. Paul`s Street, Naxxar B`kara Bypass, Birkirkara 2141 8984 / 2749 8174 www.grannysmithshop.com

Home Comforts Malta Projects Development

Darlin

Barcellona Chandelier Degabriele Gift Shop

Denver Bedroom Granny Smith Offered at the all inclusive price of â&#x201A;Ź995

Recliners & sofas Value Direct

Recliner armchairs and sofas to fit your lifestyle!

Romance Bedroom Granny Smith Customised and hand crafted solid mahogany furniture

Main bedrooms Shopwell Furniture Rannoch 4 Poster Bed Granny Smith 600 Wrought Iron Beds in a variety of sizes & finishes

HomeTrends Industrial Estate, San Gwann 2144 5654 info@hometrends.com.mt

Malta Projects Development Susan Court, Flat 2 Abate Rigord Street, Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Xbiex. 2733 7777 info@projectsdevelopment.net

Shopwell Furniture Triq il- Qaliet Marsascala 9942 9963 / 2163 9996 shopwellfurniture@gmail.com

Value Direct 185, 21st September Avenue Naxxar 2142 2825 vdirect2000@vol.net.mt vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 29

Property & Homes

Martina

Property & Homes

Jolly Lifestyle,

Mdina Road, Zebbug, ZBG 9015, Malta. Tel: 21466154 Mob: 79466153 www.myjollylifestyle.com

Sylvia Bazaar For all kinds of mattresses + free delivery

We take ess attr your old m

For free!

Caligari Street, Zabbar Carmel Street, Fgura Tel: 2166 6488 | 2189 5224 Mob: 9982 3470 30 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

ze le si g n i ze th s le si E wi b E u R do sF ize with llow i E ng s p i E k 2 R F ith s llow EE w R F 4 pi s llow 5 pi

Property & Homes

Marine

T: 2 St T: 21 57 32 78 St.Pauls Bay T: 21 57 32 78 St.Pauls Bay

www.mecca-toys.com Gazebo Pools Size: 15ft Diameter www.mecca-toys.com Gazebo Pools Size: 15ft Diameter

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OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY

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12 inch

16 inch 10 inch

14 inch

Kids

T: 21 57 32 78 St.Pauls Bay

6v. Electric 1 to 6 years

Tricycle with sunshade

Swing- 2 apparatus

Picnic table

See Saw

Toy Story 12 & 14 inch

Cars 12 & 14 inch

C a rs - 6 v E le c t r i c r i d e o n s

Tigger 12 & 14 inch

Preparing the perfect Burger The humble burger is often seen as a fast food staple which is only eaten as a quick and

Serves 4

easy alternative to more complicated meals. If prepared correctly, however, a burger can

Food & Drink

be much tastier and healthier than the pre-fab fare we buy from supermarket freezers. The key ingredient in burgers is naturally the beef patty - for the best burgers I would suggest making your own. This not only makes a much better burger but also allows you to select the ingredients carefully to give you a healthier option since you have no additives and can control fat and salt. Ingredients:

Beef Patties • • • •

1kg minced lean beef 2 tbsp fried Onion/ Garlic 1 tsp mustard Salt and pepper to taste

Hamburger • • • • • • • •

Beef Patties Lettuce leaves Finely sliced tomato Finely sliced onion Thick slices of emmenthal Gherkins Ketchup and Mayonnaise to taste 8 buns

Directions

When you buy the prime beef ask your butcher to mince it (ideally only once). Choose the cut of beef depending on your taste - if you’d like a juicier burger go for rib-eye or cube roll but if you want a healthier meal you can choose a fillet or sirloin and ask the butcher to remove the fat before mincing. Mix in the fried garlic or onion (these help keep the burgers moist), mustard, salt and pepper and split into 8 equal beef patties with a slight indent in the middle. Cool the patties for 20 minutes to make them more manageable on the grill. Grill on a high flame for five minutes on each side until rosy in the centre. If you prefer them well done (though not recommendable) place them on a high flame for a couple of minutes on each side and then a lower flame (or higher shelf) for another 15 minutes. Grill the buns for 30 seconds, place the cooked burgers on the bun and immediately put the slice of cheese to melt on top of the burger. Garnish with the onion, tomatoes, gherkins and lettuce and apply mayonnaise and ketchup to taste. Naturally you can feel free to leave out any of these ingredients or add more, such as grilled mushrooms or bacon. Serve with jacket potatoes.

HomeTrends - Ind. Estate | San Gwann 2144 5654 info@hometrendscom.mt

Outback Excel 2 burner gas bbq, Price € 225 – Hometrends San Gwann

34 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Trade Enquiries Buhagiar & Sons Co. 2744 0175 | 9947 4289 buhagiarsons@gmail.com

Outback Phoenix 6 burner with side burner gas BBQ, Price € 750 – Hometrends San Gwann

3 for

€ 2.50

Cocktails

Mistral Wine, Dine and Chill Lounge at the Qawra Seafront (opposite Sunny Coast) is the place to be! Exquisite selection of wines and platters Open everyday, till late We also accept bookings for private functions and wine experience nights For bookings and more info call 9982 1805 Join us on Facebook to get the latest news!

Wishing on a Star Ingredients:

2.0cl Cognac 2.5cl Apricot brandy 2.5cl di Sarronno amaretto Schweppes ginger ale

Mixing Instructions

Pour all ingredients except soda water in an iced-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a highball glass over ice top up with soda water.

Glass Type Highball glass

Garnish

Cherries and cucumber peel

Hansa Wines and Spirits 29, Barnaba Street, Bugibba, SPB1312 Malta

Tel: (+356) 2158 1111 Email: info@hansa.com.mt Opening Hours: Mon / Tues / Thurs / Fri / Sat: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wed / Sun: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Online Shopping: www.hansa.com.mt

Hansa Wines and Spirits specialises in the catering of wedding receptions & all other kinds of special events. Order online monthly or weekly for your business or home. Be part of Hansaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online shopping experience and have your products delivered to your door at guaranteed, competitive prices.

shop online

Looking to chill out in the relaxing atmosphere of a beautifully designed garden?

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 35

Food & Drink

Name:

Spice up your cooking No dish tastes as good without a sprinkle of the right types and amounts of herbs. Last month we

Gardening

discussed three very popular Maltese plants that are commonly used in most Maltese dishes – parsley, rosemary and thyme. In this issue we suggest another three herbs you can grow in your garden and use in your kitchen.

Marjoram

Basil

Laurel leaf

Marjoram (in Maltese ‘merqtux’) is easy to grow and goes very well with all fish and seafood dishes and stews.

Basil (in Maltese ‘habaq’) has fragrant leaves that can be added raw to salads and sauces. The most popular variety of basil used in cooking is Sweet Basil. Other varieties include Purple Basil and Lemon Basil. It is the basic ingredient of the well-known pesto pasta sauce.

The bay laurel (in Maltese ‘rand’) is a tree which is usually trimmed to a height of a metre or a metre and a half but it can grow much higher if left to its own resources. The parts used in cooking are the leaves, which are used to season stews and are removed before serving as they can still retain a bitter taste.

Harvest your marjoram any time before the plant starts to flower. You can dry the leaves and place them in an airtight container.

Sow seeds in seed boxes in March or transplant seedlings you have sown yourself or bought from a garden centre from April onwards. Sow five or six seeds in each seedpot and then separate them, selecting the strongest when transplanting. You can also grow it in pots provided you do not overwater, or outside in the garden.

Strong wind is not tolerated by the bay tree so you need to place it in a sheltered spot. You can also grow it in large buckets and find the best spot for it. Keep the soil moist especially if you are growing the tree in pots. You may sow the seeds but buying ready-sprouted seedlings is more reliable and saves time.

Basil likes a rich soil and unless you have organic humus you should add artificial fertiliser. Fertilise the soil three weeks before planting or sowing basil. Remove any flowers that appear. This will encourage the growth of new leaves. You should pick leaves regularly as the plant will produce new and tender growth.

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It can be grown from seed or from cuttings off the top branches around April. Plant cuttings in a sunny location, with the soil well firmed down and watered. Marjoram appreciates having its soil moist but it will withstand some drought as well. In Malta it is unusual to transplant after starting the seeds indoors. However a number of garden centres provide seedlings in pots for transplanting into larger pots or directly into the garden. It is advisable to remove any flowers once they appear because if they are allowed to bloom, the marjoram leaves will take on a bitter taste.

Prune the tree according to your taste - laurel can take very hard pruning. To preserve, you may cut whole branches (typically use the ones you discard while pruning) and hang them upside down in the kitchen or garage. They give out a good scent and are decorative too.

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36 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

by Gnome-de-Plume

Restaurants Set in the heart of Spinola Bay, CHAINS, offers a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes specialising in Wild Boar, Venison & Sizzling Dishes. For something lighter, why not try one of our vast range of pasta and pizza? Or perhaps indulge in a succulent fish dish whilst admiring the spectacular view. If it’s genuine dishes and great value for money you are looking for, CHAINS is definitely the place for you. Special Introductory Offer: Cocktails & Smoothies available from just 3.50euro CHAINS is open daily from 10am and last orders are taken at midnight. We also accept bookings for all sorts of parties – Birthdays, Stag Nights, Staff Parties. CHAINS...where people meet people For more info call on 2137 5567. Benefit from a 10% discount on presentation of this voucher next time you are at CHAINS

Pool open every day to non residents 09.00am till 11.00pm Entrance fee Adults €4.00 Children from 3 to 11 years €3.00 Buffet BBQ every night @ €6.00 per person which includes Frankfurters, Burgers, Spare ribs, Salads and Potatoes. We also accept bookings for functions. For reservations please call on 2163 2761 / 2163 3287

Triq il-Qaliet, M’Scala. | email:cerviolahotel@melita.net.mt | www.cerviolahotel.com vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 37

Polish up! Health & Beauty

Nail varnish is an easy and inexpensive way to have fun with your look. Yet how does one go about choosing their perfect shade, what with the immense rainbow of shades out there? Don’t fret. Here are a few tips to help determine the right shade for you – just base your selection on season, skin tone and occasion. Much the same as fashion trends, appropriate nail colours change with the seasons. For summer, think bright, bold and beautiful – vibrant colors give you an instant style update and go great with your tan! As for skin tone, you must make sure the colour you go for suites you. If your complexion is quite fair, blue-based colors work a treat; if it’s darker go for yellow-based shades which stand out more.

Here are some guidelines to help you out: Skin tone

Fair

Medium

Olive/bronze

Dark

Colour

berry reds

deep burgundy or wine

orangey reds, browns, or gold

strong reds, deep plums, or silver

“You can always tell a

lady by her hands” Your hands are guaranteed to make an impression regardless of the event, so be sure to “polish for the occasion.” For a smarter setting, such as a work meeting or interview, it’s best to go

for neutral colours that don’t attract too much attention. For more casual surroundings, you can be bold with bright, tropical colours and for evening events, try darker, more intense tones.

Mary Mary Sevasta Sevasta Summer is here! Have you ever spent more than €250 (Lm107.33) on clothes or a mobile? Have you ever bought home ornaments or car accessories worth over €250? So why not dedicate €250 to get the body of your dreams?

€50 r Vouche

Mary Sevasta’s Beauty & Slimming Clinic offers treatments using LIPO-INFRA LIGHT technology, comprising 24 different programmes using INFRA LIGHT rays and ELECTRO-LIPOLYSIS current to convert fats into energy. Our LIPO-INFRA LIGHT is the only machine of its kind in Malta that helps you get rid of water retention and excess fats. Get TEN 90-minute sessions for just €250! Book your 10 sessions NOW and get two FREE sessions worth €50! Payments can be made after each session.

Mary Sevasta Beauty & Slimming Clinic 86, Zabbar Road, Paola

T: 2169 3876 M: 9949 9045 E: nat_scerri@yahoo.com

Keep this information handy – you never know when you might need it.

38 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

r e f f O l a i c e Sp Motoring

LAST FEW IN STOCK Special Offer

€13,999

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FIFA WORLD CUP 2 GROUP A

GROUP A Fri 11th June 16:00

South Africa

Johannesburg SC

Mexico

France

Uruguay

Fri 11th June 20:30

World Cup

Uruguay

Cape Town

Wed 16th June 20:30

South Africa Thu 17th June 20:30

France

GROUP D

England Algeria Slovenia United States

Sun 11th July 20:30

Mexico Rustenburg

Uruguay

South Africa

Bloemfontein

GROUP B Sat 12th June 16:00

Argentina

Johannesburg EP

Sat 12th June 13:30

South Korea

Nigeria Nelson Mandela Bay

Greece

Thu 17th June 16:00

Greece Thu 17th June 13:30

Argentina

Bloemfontein

Nigeria

South Korea

Tue 22nd June 20:30

Greece

Argentina

GROUP C Sat 12th June 20:30

England

Rustenburg

United States

Slovenia

Sun 13th June 13:30

Algeria

Polokwane

Fri 18th June 16:00

Slovenia Fri 18th June 20:30

England

United States

Algeria

Tue 6th July 20: 30

Johannesburg SC

Cape Town

W 58 W 57

Nels

1st B 2nd A ROUND OF 16 GAME 50

Sat 26th June 20:30

Rustenburg

1st C 2nd D GAME 51 GAME 51 Sun 27th June 16:00 Bloemfontein W 52 1st D W 51 2nd C

Quarter Finals GAME 58

Fri 2nd July 20:30

Johannesburg SC

W49 W 50

GAME 59

Sat 3rd July 16:00

Cape Town

W52 W51

Cape Town

Nelson Mandela Bay

England

Algeria

Wed 23rd June 16:00

United States

1st A 2nd B GAME 52

Sat 10th July 20:30

SEMI FINAL GAME 61

Nelson Mandela Bay

Johannesburg EP

Wed 23rd June 16:00

Slovenia

Sat 26th June 16.00

Durban

Polokwane

THIRD PL

ROUND OF 16 GAME 49

Sun 27th June 20:30

Johannesburg SC

Tue 22nd June 20:30

Nigeria

Germany Australia Serbia Ghana

WORLD CUP

Polokwane

Tue 22nd June 16:00

France

GROUP C

Argentina Nigeria South Korea Greece

Pretoria

Tue 22nd June 16:00

Mexico

GROUP B

South Africa Mexico Uruguay France

Pretoria

GROUP D Sat 13th June 20:30

Germany

Durban

Australia

Sat 13th June 16:00

Serbia

Pretoria

Ghana

Serbia

Australia

Fri 18th June 13:30

Germany Sat 19th June 16:00

Ghana

Nelson Mandela Bay

Rustenburg

Wed 23rd June 20:30

Ghana

Johannesburg SC

Germany

Serbia

Wed 23rd June 20:30

Australia

Nelspruit

40 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

play your

P 2010 CALENDAR GROUP F

Netherlands Denmark Japan Cameroon

GROUP G

Italy Paraguay New Zealand Slovakia

GROUP H

Brazil North Korea Ivory Coast Portugal

Spain Switzerland Honduras Chile

Johannesburg SC

Netherlands

Denmark

Cameroon

Mon 14th June 16:00

Bloemfontein

Japan Sat 19th June 13:30

CUP FINAL

Durban

Netherlands Sat 19th June 20:30

Cameroon

Johannesburg Soccer City

Japan

Denmark

Pretoria

Thu 24th June 20:30

Rustenburg

Denmark

Japan

Netherlands

Thu 24th June 20:30

Cape Town

Cameroon

GROUP F

RD PLACE

:30

GROUP E

Mon 14th June 13:30

Nelson Mandela Bay

SEMI FINAL GAME 62 Wed 7th July 20:30

ROUND OF 16 GAME 53

Durban

W 59 W 60

Quarter Finals GAME 57 Fri 2nd July 16:00

Nelson Mandela Bay

1st E 2nd F

Johannesburg EP

GAME 60 W 55 W 56

Tue 29th June 16.00

Pretoria

our game

Paraguay Rustenburg

Slovakia

Paraguay

Bloemfontein

Slovakia Sun 20th June 16:00

1st F 2nd E

Italy

Nelspruit

New Zealand

Italy

New Zealand

Thu 24th June 16:00

ROUND OF 16 GAME 54

1st G ROUND OF 16 2nd H GAME 56

1st H 2nd G

Italy Tue 15th June 13:30

New Zealand

GAME 55

Tue 29th June 20:30

Cape Town

Sun 20th June 13:30

Mon 28th June 20:30 Johannesburg EP

W 53 W 54 Sat 3rd July 20:30

Durban

Mon 28th June 16:00

Mon 14th June 20:30

Cape Town

Johannesburg EP

Slovakia Thu 24th June 16:00

Polokwane

Paraguay

GROUP G Tue 15th June 16:00

Ivory Coast

Nelson Mandela Bay

Portugal

North Korea

Tue 15th June 20:30

Brazil

Johannesburg EP

Sun 20th June 20:30

Brazil Mon 21st June 13:30

Portugal

Johannesburg SC

Ivory Coast

North Korea

Cape Town

Fri 25th June 16:00

Portugal

Durban

Brazil

Ivory Coast

Fri 25th June 16:00

North Korea

Nelspruit

GROUP H Wed 16th June 13:30

Honduras

Nelspruit

Chile

Switzerland

Wed 16th June 16:00

Spain

Durban

Mon 21st June 16:00

Chile Mon 21st June 20:30

Spain

Nelson Mandela Bay

Switzerland

Honduras

Johannesburg EP

Fri 25th June 20:30

Chile

Pretoria

Spain

Honduras

Fri 25th June 20:30

Switzerland

Bloemfontein

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 41

World Cup

GROUP E

World Cup

Watch the World Cup at the newly-refurbished Apple’s Eye on a large 60” TV while enjoying a good meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Our menu varies from grills, pasta, pizza and other specialities, a large selection of wines and sweets all at very good prices! So come and enjoy the footbal fever at The Apple’s Eye, Ghajn Tuffieha!

The Apple’s Eye, Ghajn Tuffieha T: 2157 3359

Easy to Find. Hard to Leave. Your Sporting & Entertainment Venue – another alluring stop for your pleasure. Come in for a round or two and sip drink specialties from a selection of cocktails, wines, beers or your favourite drink while watching the FIFA World Cup matches on flat screens.

If you want to feel the World Cup vibe, head to REFLECTIONS SPORTS BAR IN MELLIEHA, with special offers at the bar, during all the FIFA 2010 World Cup games and a selection of mouthwatering burgers, ribs and grills, together with bar snacks from our new menu. Make REFLECTIONS your venue for the 2010 World Cup. Bar open daily from 11:00 till late. Lunch 12:00 – 15:00 served from Tue to Sun. Dinner served daily from 18:00 to 22:00.

120 Bar. George Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha. T: 2152 0923

Reflections Sports Bar 97, Misrah Tas-Salib, Mellieha. T: 2152 3756

Mellieha

• World Cup Action on 4 Big Screens (1 Open Air) & 12 TVs • Kitchen Open ALL DAY & Free Appetisers • Collect Exclusive Merchandise with Special Offers • Great Atmosphere • World Cup Grand Prize Competition - Weekend Break in a 5 Star Hotel • World Cup Official DOUBLES TABLE SOCCER Competition - WIN an EXCLUSIVE PARTY for 30 friends. • Come show your true colours @ Rookies - DO IT LIVE

Bugibba

Golden Bay

Rabat

Experien the Wor Cup magi

Rookie’s Sports Bar & Grill Triq l-Isponoz, Bugibba. M: 9989 8877

Welcome to Fat Harry’s Pub Malta. Situated in 2 of Malta’s prime locations, to the north, at Bay Square, Bugibba and to the south, at The Malta International Airport. With a wide selection of beers on tap, spirits and an honest, simple and fresh food menu, complimented with live World Cup football on 3 gigantic screens at both outlets. Hope to see you there.

Fat Harry’s Pub MIA: 2757 2163 - Bugibba: 2157 2163 42 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Open from 20:30 till 04:00 daily except Tuesdays. Showing the World Cup 2010 live on big screen. Special offers on pitchers & beer. We also organise birthday parties and similar events.

The De Niro’s Bar Gulio Street, Bugibba. M: 7970 4793

If you can’t make it to South Africa this month, these places are the next best thing.

where the FIFA World Cup will be shown on an 8ft x 8ft big screen. There is another big screen in the bar & two 37” LCDs. Buy 2 pizzas & get a free bottle of wine. At Giordanos easy parking & best value for money is guaranteed. www.giordanosrestaurant.net

Giordanos Restaurant Triq is-Sidra, Swieqi. T: 2137 5861

Check out our “Heineken World Cup Terrace” where you will be able to watch the World Cup matches outdoors (smoking allowed) or just enjoy a drink, overlooking the beautiful Balluta Bay. Bar offers throughout the FIFA World Cup competition.

Muddy Waters 56, Main street, St. Julians T: 2137 4155

You know what to expect at BLACK GOLD...

Only the best. See us on Facebook or Twitter.

Black Gold Saloon 94, Ix-Xatt, Sliema. T: 2133 4808

St. Julians Swieqi Sliema

rience World magic!

Your World Cup Destination Dine and support your favourite team throughout the World Cup 2010 on our big screens & plasma screens in High Definition. Check out our special offers at the bar. Let’s make this World Cup a special one! Kitchen open all day. Reservations recommended. www.browns.com.mt

Waterfront

MIA

Browns, Valletta Waterfront T: 2122 7410

Come and enjoy the World Cup games at the newly refurbished BlackCat Bar in Rabat. Enjoy a glass of beer and other drinks while watching your favourite game and trying our fab finger food and our tasty crepes.

Over 30 different products to cheer on The Three Lions. See them at The Vineyard, Qawra Road, Qawra, or call us on 2157 0389 to find out your nearest supplier.

BlackCat Bar 25, Saqqajja Hill, Rabat. M: 9942 7404 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 43

World Cup

Giordanos has refurbished its outdoor terrace

Watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which has earned Muddy Waters its reputation for being one of the best bars in Malta.

Location, Location, Location Chances are your wedding venue will make the most unforgettable impression

Weddings

on those present at your reception; so when it comes to choosing a venue it is important to do your homework before making any big decisions. Start off by considering the budget you’re working with as well as the number of guests you’re having, and whether you want an indoor or outdoor reception.

An important factor to bear in mind is the time of year, particularly if you’ve got your heart set on an outdoor event. The most popular time for outdoor weddings is spring through autumn. Always have a back-up plan – Mother Nature is never predictable. In terms of booking, it’s best to plan at least nine months before the day of the event (and even earlier if you’re after a popular location). This will ensure everything is ready on time and you can enjoy your special day to the fullest. If your wedding has a particular theme, make sure the venue you choose can be decorated to suit it, as it is integral for the overall atmosphere. Furthermore, it is good to have a clear idea of what you want, but make sure you’re also openminded to suggestions by the experts – they’re bound to know what they’re doing. The layout of the venue is also noteworthy – a square room with a central dance floor encourages more interaction between the guests, and (when the dancing starts) more people hitting the floor. Have fun!

Hair & Makeup by EGO Hair and Beauty Lounge , Constitution Street, Mosta T:276 77777

Photography by Jacob Sammut Carabez - Pearl Works T: 79857733 Model: Liene Alberinga

Outfits - Frenchies, 145, Valley Road, B’Kara T: 21440318

Shoes – Darmanin Footwear, Valletta T: 21421383/4

44 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Misrah Kola, Attard Luxuriously finishedJanuary residences 2010 2 bedroom apartments Prices starting from €109,500 (LM47,000)

3 bedroom apartments Weddings

Prices starting from €125,800 (LM54,000)

Direct from Owners!

That’s not all:

We’ll pay your common parts expenses Get one of these packages for free*:

Free notarial and bank loan fees

Free Free kitchen & bathrooms dining room of your of your choice choice

Get free use of a lockup garage in the same complex **

Hurry Up!

Offer available to the first 10 apartment sales only!

Call 9930 0527 | 7959 4184 | 7905 6660 to book a viewing now.

(Available for viewings seven days a week, at any hour of the day) * Only one option can be chosen. Other terms and conditions apply. ** For 2 years

Photography by Jacob Sammut Carabez - Pearl Works T: 79857733 Model : Katrina Pavia

Hair & Makeup by EGO Hair and Beauty Lounge, Constitution Street, Mosta T:276 77777

Outfits & Accessories - La Gatta Couture, Blue Grotto Avenue, Zurrieq T: 21641417

Shoes – Darmanin Footwear, Valletta T: 21421383/4

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 45

Keyboards and Mice Tech & Gadgets

By Steve Saliba, Managing Director at Datax Ltd.

When users call to buy a PC the one thing that usually receives most attention is the monitor (or the TV as some persist in calling it). The reason behind this is simply human nature. The monitor is what you will be looking at for most of the time. To be sure, the monitor is a part of the setup that needs to be looked at very carefully, but for this issue, we will be looking at some other accessories that come with a PC system. Let’s begin with that which you probably use the most – the rodent or mouse. You would not believe the issues that can crop up with a rogue or badly-designed mouse. A rogue mouse may simply make you swear but an ill-fitting mouse can cause, or accelerate wrist problems. The first thing to look for in a mouse is comfort. People’s hands are not all the same size so you must make sure that your hand sits comfortably. In this sense, size does matter. Another important factor is movement – in relation to speed and accuracy. Some mice suffer from what we call ‘frostbite’, which causes the curser to shiver – making you think that Alzheimer’s has set in without you knowing it! This may sound anathema to some but gaming mice are the best mice around. They are supremely accurate, glide across a suitable surface effortlessly (and not as if you’re operating a window scraper) and have a high dpi (dots per inch) rating. Another consideration is the optical aspect. There are two types - LED and Laser. Both work on the same principle, but the laser mouse generally has a far greater degree of reliability and precision than an LED mouse. Most LEDbased mice are good enough for standard office work and browsing whereas the higher precision mouse is a must for those involved in graphics work as well as gamers. An ancillary to the mouse is the lowly and much dismissed mouse mat. You can own the best mouse this side of 2012 but a lousy mat will make a pig’s meal of your movement. Get advice. Ask questions. It’s no use buying a flashy zillion euro car and proceeding to fit third-rate tyres!

As for the keyboard, one must choose between cordless or wired. I am personally not a fan of the cordless type as they tend to break down at the most awkward of times. It’s not just power loss from exhausted batteries (and these have an uncanny knack for rolling over to die on a Sunday, when you simply can’t buy batteries). They also frequently lose connectivity. The thing is, you have to ‘partner’ a cordless keyboard (and its usual attend mouse) before you can use the silly things. Guess what? They often simply refuse to ‘marry up’ with your USB transmitter/receiver. This would (of course) happen on a Sunday or any other inconvenient time when you can’t get assistance. It is therefore a good idea to have a corded standby ready. Just in case. Take note of the ‘travel’ of the keys. Is it a ‘full’ travel keyboard (that is, with high raised keys) or keys more similar to those on a notebook, low and flat? It might sound kinky but I like to feel the thump I give to my keyboard. These ‘low profile’ notebook- style keyboards are preferred by some, who claim they are more responsive to the touch. As with most things, this aspect simply boils down to individual preference. The moral of the story is to not just look at the glitzy stuff (i.e. the monitor and the multi-coloured transparent case.) Opting for a lousy mouse or keyboard might actually cause you physical, long-term damage - much like a lousy chair will ruin your back. But that’s another story…

WIN

Answer the following questions:

What does USB stand for? There are four formal USB versions. Which are they?

r 3 Compu te Speaker Surround om Systems fr Datax

1 prize: 5.1 system - 2nd & 3rd: 4.1 system st

2, Abate Rigord St., Ta’ Xbiex Tel:2131 8865 / 2132 0307 | Fax: 2133 4689 www.datax.com.mt | info@datax.com.mt

46 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Send your replies on dataxcompetition@vida.com.mt (incl. your name, address, and mobile number) by Friday 11th June.

May winners:

Datax 1st prize Datax 2nd prize Datax 3rd prize

James Fenech Jensen Barbara Christian Bezzina

Tech & Gadgets

MPOWER TUNING

Increase power (BHP) Provide better fuel economy Improve performance and handling

Hurry and try this out now. Only limited stocks available at a special introductory offer. Call Cyber Pass Ltd. on 998925283 or 99869878 for an installation or for more information send email on

mpower@cyberpasstg.com.

Give your home a tool kit

DIY

Buying tools seems like an unnecessary expense - until the bathroom door lock is stuck with someone inside, or until you have to wait weeks before your friend comes to tighten your wobbly coffee table. The most important consideration when buying tools is that cheaper ones may not always be the best option. Spending a few extra Euros to buy better quality tools may save you money, and a finger or two, in the long run. Hammer – Choose a medium-sized one with a strong handle and Screwdrivers – Get a set of four or six screw a curved claw for pulling unwanted nails. drivers which includes several sizes of the two basic screw heads – flat and X-shape d (Phillips). Alternatively get a good quality multi-head scre which normally comes with bits wdriver, that fit most types and sizes Tape of screws. A set of tiny screwdr also recommended for tighteni ivers is ng sunglasses or to measure – This open small electronic equipm ent. will come in handy when you need to buy a new carpet, get quotes for some furniture, or to hang a frame at the centre of your wall.

le-nose

ee types – the need

Pliers – There are throse), the standard pliers,

g-n (also known as lon materials. cut wires and other and a side cutter to

Hand s

aw – A goo to cut me d option is a hacksa tal w materials but it will work w onders on . It is designed such as p lastics an other hou d thin wo sehold od too.

Putty knife

– Use it to replace putty on windows, to scrape paint or dirt off tiles, or as a trowel to cover small holes in the wall with filler.

Utility knife – Get a good quality one with a metal

G up safety instructions for the type of tool you WARNIN If not, go online and look are planning to use. If the tools you buy come with safety instructions, read them carefully.

handle and a safety lock – always retract the blade immediately after using it, even if you need it again in a few minutes’ time.

Prices Starting From €530 inc. Installation (12,000 btu) Super Silent Units Best value for money Mitsubishi Compressors Guaranteed after sales service 5 years Compressor Guarantee

48 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

T: 2723 4567 www.clima755.com Email: info@clima755.com

Property & Homes vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 49

Property & Homes 50 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Property & Homes vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 51

C Classifieds

C th g se u o T a w a w v e fo p o a o

All Co

* Se Focu

Property for sale Marsalforn - 3 bedroom apartments / penthouses with unobstructed country view and close to the sea.Finished/semi-finished according to preference. Optional garages available. Negotiable. Call owner on 9983 2710.

Property to let Valletta - Expertly converted 17th century Palazzo with underlying flatlet. Features ‘Piano Nobile’. 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Can also be let furnished & with garage. Call 9947 1250. €2,800 monthly, negotiable.

Rabat – House of Character, Semi converted 3 bedroom, cellar and courtyard. €174,750 (LM75,000). Phone: 7905 6660.

Vehicles for sale

Swatar - Elevated terraced house. Comprises kitchen/dining, living room, sitting room, 3 bedrooms, washroom, terrace, front balcony and interconnecting garage with games room. €361,000. Call 9947 1526.

Datsun Nissan Sunny - White. In good condition. Always garaged. €1,164. Call 9982 3498.

Attard - 4 plots on 3 roads (3 corner plots) with MEPA permit for 23 apartments - P.O.R. Call 7905 6660. Attard - Misrah Kola - Maisonettes/apartments in a block of beautifully laid out residences. Direct from owners. Phone 9930 0527. Msida - Last remaining 3 bedroom apartments in block. Finished. €104,800 (Lm45,000). Call owner on 7905 6660. Senglea -1 bedroom maisonette near Gardjola Gardens. Price €30,000. Call 9944 2993 / 9920 8205.

Subaru Vivio - 1990. White. Good Condition. Call 7944 6180.

St.Paul’s Bay - 3 bedroom apartment with lift. Consists of kitchen/sitting/ dining and main bathroom. Optional garages. €128,000. Call 9947 1526.

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. Snacks & Drinks Vending Machines - Second-hand. Spring 850 and Bianchi BVM587. Contact 9942 8748.

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.

52 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

All bookings and payments must reach our offices by no later than 8th June 2010. Bookings that reach our offices after this date will be published in the following issue.

Tourna Grips – Discover for yourself why top pros depend on the non-slip quality of the Tourna Grips. Used on both tennis and squash rackets. Starting from €2.50. Call 9982 1286. Rims - Set of four ATP 16-inch alloys. 114.3 PCD (Hyundai, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi) €200. Call 9933 0700.

Services Dancers needed for freestyle and choreographies. Male and female. Send an email with picture and details to sabwingfield@hotmail.com or call on 9989 5183. English tuition for exams, creative writing and proofreading. Teacher of English with an excellent and long record of student exam passes and deep involvement in creative language teaching offers tuition at SEC level, for London ‘O’ level and for Cambridge First Certificate. Second chance adult students are very welcome. Course for 2011 sessions to start mid-July. Help provided for University entry proficiency tests. Proofreading services also available.For more information and appointment phone 79317435. 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. Chauffeur wanted - Chauffeur driver to work day/night. Must be smart and possess good communication skills. Please call 9985 4122. Plastering & Tile Laying – For all kinds of plastering and tile laying. Call 9946 8622.

From

€10 / issue

Approx. 15 words

With 162,000 copies BOOK these classifieds NOW 2339 reach

all Maltese families

2333

M Q or us

Complete this Sudoku game and send it to us by post or via email. The correct answers will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*.

6 9 5 5 2

1 6 9 4

7 9

5 6

6 8 3 1 2

Another chance to

7 1

3 9 4 1 6

WIN:

In which page of Vida can you find the name of a bird of prey?

Here’s another chance of winning the €100 voucher*. Just answer this question, send us your reply, and enter the draw to win.

All competition replies should reach our offices by Friday 11th June. Send your entries to Competitions, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on win@vida.com.mt.* * See page 80 for more information on the prizes. By sending in an entry to any of Vida magazine’s competitions, you are giving Focused Knowledge Ltd and carefully selected partners permission to store and use your contact details.

SUGGESTIONS & QUESTIONS COMPETITION

May’s solution 8 2 4 6 7 1 9 5 3

9 3 5 2 4 8 7 6 1

1 7 6 9 5 3 4 8 2

5 1 2 4 3 7 6 9 8

6 4 3 8 2 9 5 1 7

7 9 8 1 6 5 2 3 4

2 6 1 5 8 4 3 7 9

4 8 7 3 9 6 1 2 5

3 5 9 7 1 2 8 4 6

NNG COMPETITION WINNERS

Claire Corinne Azzopardi is the winner of last month’s NNG Competition. She wins 2 VIP tickets to the Joseph Calleja Concert, on 24th July, at The Granaries, Floriana.

Mr J.Spiteri, one of the readers who sent questions to our experts (see page 7), is the winner of this month’s Suggestions and Questions Competition. Questions to the experts published will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher to exchange for any product or service advertised on Vida*. Miriam Dalli and Jane Vella, two of our regular contributors, are waiting for your ideas as well. Let us know who you want them to interview. The published suggestions will also enter the draw.

MECCA COMPETITION Mecca Enterprises is looking for a new slogan for its toy shop. And they want your ideas. In turn, they are giving you the chance to win this Maxxon boat. The winner will be drawn in June. Simply fill in this form, including your suggested slogan, and send it to MECCA COMPETITION, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214.

My slogan for Mecca Toys is… (Suggested slogans should be less than 10 words long) Name: ID Card Number: Address: Mobile Number: E-mail address:

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 53

Competitions

COMPETITIONS

The winner of last month’s Vida competitions is Frankie Xerri. His Sudoku solution was randomly drawn from the competition entries received last month. Mr Xerri wins a €100 voucher*. The correct answer to the other competition is page 38 – the feature on rouge is the one that can add colour to your face.

Only Only for for Kids Kids

WORLD WORLD CUP CUP FACTS FACTS The TheBeginning Beginning

Last Lastmonth monthwe we asked askedyou youtotodraw draw pictures picturesof ofbaby baby animals. animals.Here Hereare are some someof ofthe theentries entries we wereceived: received:

The Thefirst firstWorld WorldCup Cupwas washeld heldininUruguay Uruguay(South (SouthAmerica) America)inin1930. 1930.Thirteen Thirteenteams teamscompeted competed totobecome becomechampions championsofofthe theworld, world,however howeveronly onlyfour fourEuropean Europeanteams teamsmanaged managedtotomake make the thelong longand andcostly costlytrip tripacross acrossthe theAtlantic Atlanticocean oceantotocompete. compete.AtAtthe thetime timethe thetrip triphad hadtotobe be made madeby bysea seaand andthe theplayers playerswere werenot notallallprofessionals. professionals.InInRomania, Romania,for forexample, example,the theKing King had hadtotonegotiate negotiatewith withthe theplayers’ players’employers employerstotoensure ensurethey theydid didnot notlose losetheir theirjobs jobsdue duetotothe the long longtrip. trip.

Kids

YaYsam sm inie neMM agargoro

gro

rinity le & T

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The TheTrophy Trophy

Am yA

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Agui

The Thefinal finalwas wasplayed playedbetween betweenArgentina Argentinaand andUruguay. Uruguay.The Thehome hometeam teamwon won4-2 4-2totobecome become the thefirst firstever everWorld WorldCup Cupwinner. winner.93,000 93,000fans fansentered enteredthe thestadium stadiumtotowatch watchthe thematch, match,but but the theteams teamscould couldnot notagree agreeon onwhich whichball balltotouse use- eventually - eventuallya adifferent differentball ballwas wasused usedfor foreach each half. half.The Thebuild buildup uptotothe thematch matchwas wassosoheated heatedthat thatthe theBelgian Belgianreferee refereeonly onlyagreed agreedtotohis hisrole role after afterhis hissafety safetywas wasguaranteed guaranteed- this - thisincluded includedhaving havinga aboat boatwaiting waitingatatthe theport portjust justinincase case he heneeded neededtotomake makea aquick quickescape. escape.

The Theoriginal originalworld worldcup cuptrophy trophywas wascalled calledthe theJules JulesRimet RimetTrophy. Trophy.ItItwas waswon won outright outrightinin1970 1970by byBrazil, Brazil,for forwinning winningthe thetournament tournamentfor forthe thethird thirdtime. time.Thirteen Thirteen gro years yearslater laterititwas wasstolen stolenand andnever neverrecovered. recovered.The Thecurrent currenttrophy trophywas wasfirst firstused used Amy Ma inin1974. 1974.ItItwas wasdesigned designedby byItalian Italianartist artistSilvio SilvioGazzaniga Gazzanigaand andisismade madeout outofof5kg 5kg of 18 carat gold. Winners can’t claim this trophy though, now they receive a gold of 18 carat gold. Winners can’t claim this trophy though, now they receive a gold Samyra S chembri plated platedsteel steelreplica replicainstead! instead!

Popularity Popularity s

Agui

gro

y Trinit elle &

We Wemight mightbe befootball-crazy football-crazyininMalta, Malta,however howeverwe we are arenot notalone. alone.Football Footballisisthe themost mostpopular popularsport sportinin the theworld world- it - itisisthe themain mainsport sportininover over90 90countries countries (with (witha acombined combinedpopulation populationofof2 2billion billionpeople people- 1 -1 ininevery every3 3people peopleininthe theworld). world).

b Krista

Records Recordsininnumbers numbers

517 517- -the thenumber numberofofminutes minuteswithout withoutconceding concedingaagoal goal(Italy, (Italy,1990) 1990)

Samyra S

chembri

Maya rg

el Bo

Rach Maya

Magr

el Bo

Rach

Amy

GG ayalye leCaC sahsah

54 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Germany Germany2006 2006was was covered coveredon onTV TVinin214 214 countries countriesand andthe the final finalwas waswatched watchedby by over over700 700million million people. people.

201 201- -the thenumber numberofofgoals goalsscored scored(Brazil) (Brazil) 171 171- -the thehighest highestnumber numberofofgoals goalsininaatournament tournament(France (France1998) 1998) 64 64- -the thenumber numberofofmatches matcheswon won(Brazil) (Brazil) 22 22- -the thenumber numberofoflosses lossessuffered sufferedininthe theWorld WorldCup Cup(Mexico) (Mexico) 19 19- -the thenumber numberofoftimes timesBrazil Brazilappeared appearedatatthe theWorld WorldCup Cupfinals. finals. Brazil Brazilisisalso alsothe theteam teamto tohave haveplayed playedininevery everytournament. tournament. 15 15- -the thenumber numberofofgoals goalsscored scoredby byaaplayer playerininthe thefinals finals(Ronaldo, (Ronaldo, Brazil) Brazil) 17 17years yearsand and41 41days days- -the theage ageofofthe theyoungest youngestplayer playerto toever ever appear appearininthe thefinals finals(Norman (NormanWhiteside, Whiteside,Northern NorthernIreland, Ireland,1982) 1982) 55- -the thenumber numberofoftimes timesaasingle singleteam teamlifted liftedthe thecup cup(Brazil) (Brazil) 55- -the thenumber numberofoftournaments tournamentsplayed played(Antonio (AntonioCarbajal Carbajal[Mexico, [Mexico, 1950–1966] 1950–1966]and andLothar LotharMatthäus Matthäus[Germany, [Germany,1982–1998].) 1982–1998].) 33- -Most Mostwins wins(Pele, (Pele,1958, 1958,1962, 1962,1970) 1970)

Competitions ! 1 2

Kids

4 6

This month we’re asking you to become football coaches and select your favourite World Cup formation! Write down the names of your favourite 11 players in the white boxes beneath the football kits. There’s no wrong selection – choose the players that you like most, and send us your list. Your selection will enter a draw to win a €100 voucher (see page 80 for more info)!

9 10

Another chance to win

Draw us a colourful picture of your favourite sport. Send it to us and you’ll get in the draw to win our fantastic prize. Send your competition replies, together with your name, surname, age and contact details (address, telephone number, email address), to: Kids Competition, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214 by no later than Monday 14th June 2010.

May Competition

WINNER! Alessio Zerafa, 11, from Marsalforn is the winner of last month’s competition. His picture of a cub was drawn from the many entries we received last month.

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010 55

Money Matters

Encouraging your child to save

When shopping with the kids in town, parents regularly find themselves assailed with cries of “buy me this” and “I want that”, yet how does one attempt getting round or regulating such instances? It is very important to educate your children about ‘the value of the euro’ as early as possible. This will make it easier on both parent and child in the long run – avoiding headaches for you and building a strong saving habit for them, developed through the use of their savings on smart purchases. Moreover, this will also teach them a valuable lesson – that you have to work hard for what you want. The benefits are obvious here, enabling the child to learn the importance of saving for his/her future and keeping away from possible debts.

How do you get started?

There’s no better time to educate your kids about money and currency than when they first become acquainted with it. This usually happens when they tag along on your shopping trips and notice you exchanging money for goods. Their natural instinct upon seeing this is that mum and dad seem to have a constant supply of money for such occasions. The tricky part is changing this perception.

Working and earning applied

Your approach should be hands-on – explain that mummy and daddy have to go to work to earn money. A good idea here is to visit the place of work with the child, which makes it real for them. What’s most important is that you explain that you can only spend what you earn. In turn, once this concept is understood, you can set small tasks for them to do in order to earn money; such as washing the car, gardening and helping out in the kitchen. These tasks will further emphasise the valuable lessons on working and earning.

Make Saving Interesting

Another great idea is to introduce the piggy bank when your child expresses the wish to buy something at the shop. We all know that

Money doesn’t grow on trees

children enjoy ‘feeding’ their piggy and watching it fill up; and you can further this satisfaction by rewarding them for being good savers with a small additional amount, just like a bank pays interest. When the piggy is full, it’s time to go to the Bank. Many banks have accounts that have been designed specifically for this purpose.

The BOV Young Savers Club

The Young Savers Account from Bank of Valletta is one such account aimed at children under 15 and may be opened by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian starting with as little as €2, upon the birth of the child. Once you open the account, your child is automatically subscribed to the BOV Young Savers Club and will be eligible for a variety of additional benefits. Cikkurillu and his sister Cikkurilla are the mascots of the BOV Young Savers Club. They are frequently present at educational activities and other events that are organised by the Bank from time to time. When the balance on the account reaches €100 your child will receive a free piggy bank* to save his/her pocket money until it is time to put them in the Young Savers Account.

BOV Club Start

As children reach an age in which important decisions about their future need to be made, such as what subjects to choose and what career to pursue; it is also the appropriate time to select a Bank that will help them progress in their studies up until University and beyond. Parents and children aged between 11 and 15 will be surprised by the benefits offered to BOV Club Start members. These include study loans at preferential rates to purchase a computer or any other reason to assist them further in their education while paying back reasonable monthly payments.

Your next step

To obtain further information about the BOV Young Savers Account or BOV Club Start, including current interest rates, visit any BOV branch, call our Customer Service Centre on 21312020 or log on to www.bov.com. *Subject to availability.

Personal Loan and Credit Card facilities are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV branch. Terms and Conditions apply. Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Zachary Street, Valletta, VLT1130. Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is licensed to conduct Investment Services business by the Malta Financial Services Authority

56 vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

real life

Lifeove&

Offering a helping hand “I’ve always wondered what it means to live a normal life.” For Christina* life has been rollercoaster of various degrees of sanity. Despite living in a ‘normal’ environment in a small town house with her parents, grandmother and older brother, Christina has always felt like a bit of a loner. This, she believes, was “perhaps the first sign of my mental illness”. As opposed to the clichés we come across in the media, a mental illness is an imbalance in a person’s thought processes (such as learning, reasoning and perception) or to their emotional well being. This can range from having mild symptoms, whereby the person is still able to live independently, to more severe cases which would warrant the help of a carer. Nevertheless any case can have a huge effect on the way the sufferer is included within society.

by Claire Camilleri

have someone with whom I can just have a chat or go out for a walk and a coffee. Such a person would mean the world to me.”

Become a Volunteer Befriender

Christina is not the only person with a mental health issue who feels this need for comfort. Social inclusion is an important factor in the recovery of patients with mental conditions. The Community Mental Health Services introduced the Volunteer Befriender system which facilitates inclusion for people such as Christina. The role of the Volunteer Befriender is to offer one-to-one support to adults experiencing mental health difficulties living in the community. It encourages service users to become more independent, creating potential for socialisation, and helping them to gain self-esteem in order to become confident in areas of their lives where they require support. This in turn helps to reduce isolation and loneliness.

Christina began to hear “the voice” during the run-up to her A-Level exams. It initially appeared every now and again instructing her to stop studying as she was “too stupid to sit for exams”. No formal qualifications are needed to become a Volunteer As time went by the voice became more persistent. So Befriender, however a desire to work with people “I would much so that she ended up giving in and failing most of experiencing mental health difficulties is essential. Some like to have her exams. Feeling lethargic, withdrawn and irritable, basic knowledge of mental health needs would also be someone with an advantage. One would need to undertake induction Christina decided to seek help from her family doctor who referred her to Mater Dei Hospital’s Psychiatric whom I can just training, orientation and any other relevant guidance, Out-Patients clinic. She was reluctant to go but felt as a certain amount of dedication is needed to keep have a chat” reassured after her first visit. She was told that she was the service users on track. Developments, progress and suffering from an illness called Schizophrenia. This is any concerns about the service users would need to be a condition that defines abnormalities in the perception monitored and reported to the Team Leader and there will be or expression of reality, and typically occurs in young adulthood. regular supervision and reviews of the befriending partnerships. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions and disorganised speech and thinking. She received treatment which helped make the voice Finally, through the use of effective communication skills, a nonless persistent. However it did not change Christina’s attitude judgmental attitude and an understanding of the service users’ towards society. She was then referred to a Community Mental needs, the Volunteer Befriender can establish a genuine and friendly Health Service team where a community worker assisted her with partnership to help the patient feel part of the society they live in. everyday situations. They helped her get a job and find a flat to live in. The community workers also talk to her about her feelings to Contact: Ms. Eleanor Cassar 2330 4329 help her recognise and reduce the symptoms of her condition. Ms. Rayna Mateva 2330 4249 Christina is now working towards achieving her two main goals in life - to continue studying and to make more friends. “I would like to

E: eleanor.cassar@gov.mt

* Patient’s name was changed to protect her anonymity

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 57

interview Flying accross the USA in the T6.

Flying High

Meet a Maltese fighter pilot

We all have dreams. Many of us dismiss them as an impossible fantasy but some decide that it is worth the sacrifice and the risk. A few others manage to get far. Progressing from a simple glider to F16s and Blackhawks, Jane Vella meets pilot Stephen Galea, who left all that he knew to make his dreams of flying come true as a pilot with the Royal Danish Air Force.

“

I would be lying if I said it was easy, but as they say, where there’s a will there’s a way. The important thing is to keep your goal in mind,” explains Stephen. “I often find that this makes the obstacles seem smaller.” He adds that the hardest part was staying focused in the seven years before he became a Danish citizen, as he could not apply for training before. “In those seven years, I had a lot of different jobs and I had to learn Danish,” he says. When Stephen was 18 he left Malta for Denmark with his Danish girlfriend Sara, to whom he has been happily married for 13 years. They have a son who is three years old. Stephen admits it was hard to say goodbye to his family in Mellieha. “But they supported me all the way and I’m grateful for their belief in me.” I ask about his flying experience over the years. Stephen confesses that his first flying experience is not the best memory. “Before I joined the Air Force I got the glider

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

pilot’s licence in order to get some flight experience. It felt great but I got air-sick.”

and I couldn’t believe that it was actually happening.”

Common misconception tells us that One thing he really enjoys about military military flying is a dangerous career. flying is that no two flights are the same. “I Stephen begs to differ. “It’s not the often can’t sleep at night because case at all. I have a three-year-old I’m so excited about going flying boy who means the world to the next day. “Sometimes I me and the last thing I would cannot believe that they actually “I shed a tear want to do is to orphan him,” pay me to fly those planes!” the first time he says. Having said that, he Throughout his career Stephen that I sat in the acknowledges that military aircraft is flown in a very has had the opportunity to F16” different manner to civilian ones pilot many types of aircraft. I and it’s actually rare to land after a ask him which aircraft gave him flight with everything in the aircraft the best feeling. “That’s a tough working properly. “The aircraft are very one!” He lists a number of opportunities complex and get pushed to their limit almost which really made an impression on him every time they fly so you get used to things – including winning a stage in the Danish breaking down - naturally some of these Junior National Championships, his first faults can be more serious than others. Mix solo flight in a T17, flying a T6 in Canada them with bad weather or other factors and and his current baby – the Hawk. However things can get a bit too exciting,” he admits. one holds a special place in his heart: “I shed a tear the first time that I sat in the F16, the The pilot recently received the bad news canopy came down and the engine came on

interview

Stephen (above and right) getting ready for a solo flight on the Hawk last month.

“Some of them have since applied for the Air Force pilot training and made it in”

Stephen online

Stephen with the F16

Stephen is also an avid blogger, in fact he has been keeping an online diary since 2005, chronicling his days at sergeant school, right through to flying school, group leader training and operational job training, as well as the travels his job involves. What made him decide to create a blog of his day-to-day experiences? Stephen explains that he started blogging to keep his family and friends in Malta up-to-date. As time went by, he discovered that his audience was much wider, inspiring young people with the same dreams. “Some of them have since applied for the Air Force pilot training and made it in!”

that after his fighter pilot training he will not fly fighters. “During hard times it’s important to stop and look back at how far you’ve come and realise what you have accomplished. I’m thankful for having gotten the chance to do what I do,” he says. “No-one can take any of the experiences that I’ve had away from me. I will have a great career, no matter what I end up flying.” Stephen adds that he had somehow mentally prepared himself for this news. “Back when I joined the Air Force, they had 62 fighter jets but the number has since been reduced by half due to defence budget cuts,” he explains. “When you join as a student pilot it’s the Air Force’s needs and your abilities that decide what you will end up flying, so it also takes a great deal of luck and the right timing, which wasn’t the case for me.” So for the time being, Stephen will continue flying Hawks. Come August and he’ll be sent to Alabama (USA) to learn to fly helicopters on the Jet Ranger and the

along the way. He quips that he doesn’t Blackhawks. Stephen explains what training believe in regrets. “They get you nowhere. I for the Hawk involves. “First phase is basic made my decisions based on the information fighter maneuvering, where you learn to fly that I had at hand at the time. If I had to do the jet and put it to its paces. You also do it all over again, I’d go for it without any instrument flying, where pilots hesitation but I’d probably do a few fly solely off their instruments “you fly things differently,” he says. without looking much outside at 780 km/h the cockpit. It will also include “It has been a great experience low level navigation, where just 60m over you fly at about 780 km/h just the ground. You so far. I’ve done things and flown planes that I could about 60m over the ground. fly a planned hardly dream of when I was You fly a planned route to hit route to hit your younger and now, whatever I your target on time and I don’t target” end up flying, I’ll have lots of fun mean on the hour or minute, but doing it.” on the second!” “Last but not least will be lots of formation flying, which is by far my favourite discipline. When flying fast jet missions you always fly in pairs or more, involving at least a formation leader and a wingman, and we’ll be trained as both. It’s all about mutual support,” he explains. I ask Stephen if he ever had any regrets

“As the Air Force General told me when I graduated to 2nd Lieutenant: ‘Remember to have fun flying fast jets, but don’t forget that what you do isn’t for fun. It’s very serious business indeed.’” Is there anyone you’d like to intro duce to the nation through this section? Send your suggestions to yoursay@vida.com.mt and get in the draw to win a €100 voucher. June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 59

father’s day

Father at Fifty Rocking the cradle again after 22 years by Joe Tanti

“How do

afternoon of the 20th of November. Caroline even e were in our little studio flat. Caroline I feel? I feel managed to make it to her graduation four days later. continued to proofread her thesis while good. I believe I cooked dinner. She would graduate Today I take a deep breath when I look at my life. I can soon. She would become a lawyer while I continued I have the smile. I have two sons and a partner I adore. My eldest to work on radio. That was about it as far as future best of both son Marc is 22 and currently finishing his thesis. He’s plans were concerned. Caroline was young. At 25, life worlds. ” about to graduate in B.Sc IT (Hons), while Michael, barely was an open door and she had plenty to smile about. one and a half, is finishing his bottle and has just learnt he can She had dreamt of becoming a lawyer since primary physically open closed doors. Caroline finally sat for her warrant school. Radio, on the other hand was my life, though nowadays, while I continue to wake people up in the morning. there’s no big money in it and all the love and dedication one puts into radio fails to provide any financial stability. Popularity without How do I feel? I feel good. I believe I have the best of both worlds. fortune is much like a score with no orchestra. What more could a father wish for? To be needed for at least another 20 years and not fade away in old age. I can discuss life with Finding out she was pregnant was a shock – totally unexpected and one and teach life to the other. clearly at the most awkward of times. What now? What about her graduation, her career? What had just happened to our future? Marc is a man now. There is certainly nothing academic I could teach him. I read his work and can’t help but feel proud of him. Reality hit hard. I was going to be a father again after 22 years! Once His mother’s care and attention remain priceless in his education. it all sank in, the immediate plan was to get a job with better pay and He has come so far from that little boy I taught to ride a bicycle. find a bigger place for the three of us. Money from radio was just I remember his first holy communion, his scout uniform, his first not going to be enough. There was another problem; telling my son camping experience. I remember his first school prize day, his first Marc he was about to have a half brother at age 22. All this lay heavy football shoes, his chemistry set and his ‘How My Body Works’ on my mind. collection. I remember his first mobile, his rollerblades and even his break dance lessons. These days he ‘growls’ in a metal band. I’m still Eventually, with unending support from family and friends, a loan waiting to be invited to their garage though. and a new job, Michael was born at Mater Dei Hospital on the

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

father’s day

I look forward to helping Michael grow into the best he can be. His loving mother and I will make sure of that. As I watch him roam from room to room I cannot help but wonder what hobbies he might have. Will he be an Inter supporter like me or cheer on Juventus with his mum? Will he like football at all? What music will he like? Will he practice any sport? Will he join the scouts, form a band? Will a girl break his heart? Michael will have to face these challenges and more and we will be there for him too.

“There was another problem; telling my son Marc he was about to have a half brother at age 22”

I am not denying that becoming a father at 50 is bound to have its problems in the future. I do worry whether the age gap will affect Michael. Will he find me too old to discuss his problems with? Will I have the energy to handle the ‘terrible’ twos and threes, ‘frightening’ fours and fives and ‘scary’ sixes and sevens I keep reading about? In this sense, I am forever grateful that Caroline is so much younger than I am, because I know that she will lovingly bridge any gaps between Michael and me. What is certainly comforting is that, in this day and age, having children at a later age is not uncommon. I can certainly discuss it with a few other ‘older’ dads I know. When popular singer songwriter Walter Micallef and I were guests on Peppi’s Xarabank talking about our newborns, we sang a song together, one we thought was right and fitting for both Michael and Walter’s lovely baby daughter Micha – Jim Croce’s ‘Time in a bottle’. We are indeed treasuring whatever time we have left to spend with our children. We are after all, fathers first and human beings second.

Will he be an Inter supporter like me or cheer on Juventus with his mum? June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 61

science & technology

Hi-Tech

Engineering students prove their mettle

Every year Malta’s budding engineers at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Engineering get the opportunity to show the public the technological discoveries they made and the innovations they came up with during their four years of study. Vida met some of the students who will be presenting their dissertation projects during the faculty’s annual exhibition, between 1st and 2nd July.

A new cement for dentists

Boating in the sun

Student: Andrew Cutajar Dissertation Title: Determination of the Physical Properties of a Novel Biomaterial used in Dentistry. Supervisors: Dr. Bertram Mallia, Dr. Josette Camilleri

Student: Ian Busuttil Dissertation Title: A Solar-Powered Catamaran* Supervisor: Dr. Joseph Cilia

“Dentists perform Root Canal Treatment when the roots of our teeth are infected. Treatment failure would require surgical exposure of the root end of the tooth which will then be filled with a root end filling material. A major issue in these materials is that for medical and legal purposes, they have to be clearly visible when dentists take X-Ray photos of our teeth.

“The department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion at the Faculty of Engineering has been doing research work in this area for the last seven years. The first electric boat the faculty worked on was purposely designed for tourist trips around the coast. It was launched last October.

Such materials include mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) which consists of Portland cement and bismuth oxide. The Portland cement can harden when combined with water and its properties improve in the presence of moisture, which is useful since the mouth is usually moist. The bismuth oxide allows the filling material to be visible in X-Ray photos.

I decided to build a 16ft solar-powered catamaran that can serve as a basis for future pleasure crafts. Our hot summers mean that boating is a very popular Maltese pastime. At the same time rising awareness on global warming means that many people are opting for greener technologies – if we’re going for electric cars, we can also have electric boats!

However MTA may interfere with the hydration of cement resulting in deterioration of its physical properties. In my project, I replaced the bismuth oxide with varying amounts of zirconium oxide. A number of tests were conducted to identify the properties of this novel material. It was concluded that zirconium oxide replaced cement has comparable or superior properties to other dental materials. With this new material a patient undergoing root canal treatment may have greater possibility of treatment success.

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

My catamaran generates the energy it needs to propel a brushless DC outboard motor through four 230-Watts solar panels. This project will allow us to enjoy the sea without causing pollution and noise – keep in mind that a solar-powered motor is silent! If more time and money is invested in this kind of research, we can all enjoy a better and cleaner environment, with less health problems and diseases such as cancer. The next step is to test the catamaran’s prototype by going for a day trip around Malta!”

science & technology Detecting faulty machines

Keep it up!

Student: Miray Mifsud Dissertation Title: Vibration monitoring and testing of rotary machines. Supervisor: Dr. Duncan Camilleri

Student: Martin Micallef Dissertation Title: Nonlinear Control of a Rotational Inverted Pendulum. Supervisor: Ing. Marvin Bugeja

“We are surrounded by machines, from relatively simple home appliances to more complex industrial machines such as the ones found in power stations. The failure of any of these machines may lead to loss of lives and other problems.

“An inverted pendulum is a pendulum that has its mass above its pivot. It is widely used in engineering to help understand and improve stabilisation issues that are common to a number of real-world problems. These range from rockets, helicopters, space shuttles, and train suspension to SegWays (a two-wheeled, self balancing electric vehicle) and ABS technologies in vehicles.

By carefully monitoring and analysing the vibrations of machines, engineers can identify a developing fault at a significantly earlier stage, in time to carry out the necessary maintenance before more damage and plant shutdown occurs. The aim of my dissertation, which was supported by Enemalta, is to establish the merits of vibration analysis and identify proactive maintenance procedures to maximise productivity and minimise costs. One of the predominant causes of machine failure is when they are ‘out-of balance’. Thus I built a balancing machine capable of balancing various rotors (such as turbines and fans) to a superior grade, as stipulated by industry standards. This helped to eliminate this potential cause of malfunction.”

The challenge of controlling inverted pendulums is to swing them up and keep them upright even in adverse conditions. Traditionally, controllers that keep the pendulum stabilised operate within a very limited range. This means that if the pendulum is disturbed beyond this range it would fall. With my project I am trying to increase this range so that the inverted pendulum is more robust to disturbances. I have tried several techniques, some of which yielded excellent results. Further studies in this field will lead to safer and more efficient technologies in many of the modes of transport we use everyday.”

The Exhibition Venue: Faculty of Engineering, University of Malta, Msida Opening times: Thursday 1st July, from 17:00 to 20:00 & Friday 2nd July, from 09:00 to 13:00.

Galanz Always belongs to you

Commercial Airconditioners Trade inquiries are welcome

Seminar for fifth and sixth formers During the first day of the exhibition, between 16:00 and 17:00, the Faculty of Engineering will also be holding an information seminar for sixth form students interested in taking up an engineering degree. This will be held at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta.

Students will get important information on the requirements and career opportunities of this course. Fifth formers who are still undecided on what subjects to choose at sixth form or Junior College can also benefit from this seminar. At the end of this event participants will be guided through the exhibition.

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June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 63

fashion fairground

Beach Chic Essentials By Sarah Micallef

Before you scamper excitedly off to the beach in all your carefree summer glory, make sure you pack your beach chic essentials. Here’s your guide to fashionable fun in the sun:

tion i s o P the e m u s As

ine a femin y given tt d e n r a p d e ma d amp e is v e g r in is s s ’s tre n d an g o m dre ilitar y rint. M unifor ok T he m s o n as f loral p a f the lo 50s e le o s a le p is p h d t y n m t a a w is x tw nim ct e billo de d de a per fe ce trims and t h at s ie with fa collec tion is r la o tique access er h its an su m m t s an d n. ter, wit d with jacke f a v e te r a e r a ’r yo u naw am e o e t e s c t la ir k fp st yle s k out o n’t loo would

Clothing: Beach cover-ups range from sarongs and kaftans to a simple pair of shorts. The choice depends on your style and choice of swimwear, and will complete the beach goddess look to a T. As for footwear, it’s best to stick to waterproof flip flops or sandals – ones that you can easily hose off when you’re done, to prevent a very sandy car and house!

If you intend on wearing jewellery, make sure it’s waterproof – unless you plan on simply staring longingly at the sea. Lastly, you’ll need a nice roomy beach bag to pack everything in. My favourites are made of canvas or cane, with plenty of compartments to hold more valuable items such as your phone, money and keys – and stop them getting wet.

Topshop

Beauty:

I know having to apply and re-apply sunscreen is probably the most annoying thing when you’re enjoying yourself, but I’m afraid not much matches with lobster red! Go for a higher SPF for your first few beach visits and once you start tanning you can lower it slightly. No oil though, that’s just asking for trouble!

Mango

In terms of beach make up, I like to keep it to a minimum – you can’t achieve surfer chic cool if you’re caked in the stuff. If you really must, go for the waterproof variety – it will prevent any panda-look mishaps. As for lip gloss, use one with at least SPF15 to avoid dried out smackers!

Wardrobe Diaries

Wear sunglasses - there is absolutely no arguing with me on this one. Not only do they protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them, but they just look so darn good! The variety is amazing, and you can match them to your style, hair, face shape and even the colour of your bikini.

Now you’re all set, just don’t forget your towel – a good book or fashion mag won’t go amiss either!

Describe your style in 3 words: Cute, classy and stylish.

Hair:

Make sure you pack a hat, bandana or pretty hair scarf – not only for protection against the sun, but (coupled with stylish sunglasses) also for the ultimate in beach cool. A protective hair product will shield your locks from UV rays and prevent dry, straw-like hair. It’s also a good idea to take some leave-in conditioner with you, which you can brush through your hair after a swim. I’ve found this works wonders for tangles and leaves your hair soft and shiny.

Name: Christabel Sansone

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Favourite item of clothing: A green dress from Morgan and a pair of gladiator shoes... very fashionable! Most expensive piece: My wedding dress – it made me feel

like a princess.

Best bargain buy: A Gucci watch. 3 items everyone should own: A big bag that holds loads of things, a classy pair of sunglasses and a pair of drainpipe jeans.

Ultimate fashion rule: Be different, be yourself and be cute!

fashion fairground

Miss Selfridge

Peacocks

Topshop

your tootsies ’ n i v ally time to give s, sandals o fin s L it’ e l us a ca d be s San your pedicure to wedges and heeled varietie re to suit, slacking off on es su

at’s d espadrill haven’t been at e’s an option th Let’s hope you ing from gladiators, flip flops an r your style, ther, leather, ruching and zippers th ve te ha ng W t. Ra tfi g! ou pe y ro an , an airin to as nv be ca vi , s, studs summer lend a laid back of adornments including tassle r ne an ! m us l lo al bu th fa wi e your feet look are sure to mak

Back e h t n r ’s digital e Givenchy Patt d n a fs ti mo sure to

Peacoc

at’s tribal d look th Olowu’s g y coloure by Duro tl ere, alon d h h e g w ir ri b ry sp e v Be in mer for a aura nts are e m k ri u c p S a d b is e th ir id sp designs perfec t la frican-in , ieve the oticed. A each hair help ach d g e t yo u n n tousled b a , h es for it ls g w ra d o e m fl a w r le Te o p . iators with sta r evening urite glad y summe your favo d n on a balm a p u e ht m a k acid-brig version. ressed up d re o am Pull & Bear

Miss Selfridge

Pull & Bear

What’s in your wardrobe

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

Miss Selfridge

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 65

N I W O N A T L A M

polo €10.99

jeans €14.49

chemise €14.49

hat €7.99 t-shirt €10.99

jeans €16.49

chemise €8.99

shorts €10.99

t-shirt €8.99

bikini €10.99

skirt €16.49

polo €14.49

pants €16.49 swimsuit €10.99

Arkadia, GOZO | Main Street, PAOLA | Naxxar Road, BIRKIRKARA

kids fashion from newborn to 14

maxi-dress €18.99

rugby shirt €16.49

t-shirt €5.49

pants €16.49

jeans €18.99 cargo pants €16.49 blouse €14.49

cardigan €16.49

shirt €10.49

t-shirt €6.99

bermuda €16.49

shorts €14.49

bermuda €18.99

Alexia wears - Playboy Sunglasses: Extreme Trading, Jewellery: Zsa Zsa, Top: Debenhams

Katrina wears - Prada Sunglasses: Tuaco Opticians, Top: Debenhams

Alison wears - D&G Sunglasses: Tuaco Opticians, Top: New Look

Liene wears - Marilyn Monroe Sunglasses: Extreme Trading, Necklace: Zsa Zsa, Top: New Look

personalities

Zsa Zsa, Fine Costume Jewellery Valletta T: 2122 7128 Extreme Trading T: 2166 0795

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Liene wears - Playboy Sunglasses: Extreme Trading, Necklace & Earrings: Zsa Zsa, Top: New Look

Alison wears - Sunglasses: Peacocks, Top: Debenhams

Photography by Pearl Works Hair & Makeup by EGO Hair and Beauty Lounge

Katrina wears - Ray Ban Sunglasses: Tuaco Opticians, Watch: Debenhams, Top: New Look

Alexia wears - Marilyn Monroe Sunglasses: Extreme Trading, Necklace: Zsa Zsa, Top: Debenhams

personalities

Styling by Sarah Micallef & Claire Camilleri

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 69

fashion fairground

Photography by Jacob Sammut Carabez - Pearl Works T: 79857733

Model: Alexia Fenech

Shoes & Jewellery - Peacocks, Valletta, Sliema, Paola & Arkadia, Gozo T: 22065102

Outfits & Bag - Orsay, Birkirkara, Valletta, & Arkadia, Gozo T: 23498101

Hair & Makeup by EGO Hair and Beauty Lounge - Constitution Street, Mosta T: 276 77777

Model: Katrina Pavia

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

Outfits, Bag & Accessories - Bemania 183, Constitution Street, Mosta T: 21419580 Shoes - Darmanin Footwear T: 21421383

Corset €39.99 Ring €9.99 Fascinator €10.99 Clear crystal bracelet €8.99 Black crystal bracelet €5.99 Necklace €19.99 Bag €18.99 Stockings €7.99

fashion fairground

Clothes & Accessories - The Free Way Surf Stores, Level 2, The Plaza, Sliema & Islets Promenade, Bugibba T: 2133 5324 / 2157 3866. www.jamtub.com Models: Joe Muscat, Liene Alberinga & Noelle Muscat

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 71

eating & drinking

A volley of flavour

eats

Salvino’s Restaurant Rating:

32, Archbishop Street, Valletta T: 2124 6437

kind of food that would sate the ravenous while pouring solace over razil are playing USA in the finals. There I am, glued to the the most vexing of troubles. Indeed what I need, I thought to myself, screen in anticipation, as the peak of human fitness clashes for the ultimate accolade - the FIVB Swatch World Tour Women’s and carried my tired body and aching soul towards the Capital. Beach Volley Final. Meanwhile, across the globe, millions insist Salvino’s is a warm and welcoming restaurant just off the recently on following a parallel championship where 22 young men re-paved (and generally beefed up) St George’s Square. We in shorts chase a ball around a field. Something doesn’t were greeted by incredibly polite members of staff and quite figure. Even this most respected of publications “I’m the shown to our table. Within minutes we were dipping has stooped low enough to dedicate an edition to the one, pint in fresh bread into an aubergine & balsamic vinegar dip that wrong World Cup. How about the rest of us? hand, with my started off the gradual process of restoring my sanity and strength. Andrew, as the chef’s name turned out to be, Lest I’m misunderstood, there is a chance of my being back to the popped by our table to offer his recommendations. I had spotted at a pub during one of the matches that will screen” taken a quick peek at what was an interesting and varied rock this month. I’m the one, pint in hand, with my back menu but decided to listen to what he had on offer. The list of to the screen and there for the conviviality and merriment niceties sent me into a brief trance and I decided to do something rather than pursuit of the game. If I’m up for a decent meal, I haven’t done for ages. “I’ve had a long day,” I complained to this on the other hand, the last thing I want is some frenetic football fan most gracious of hosts, “and leave the entire meal in your able feeding foul language to all present, oblivious of my desire for peace hands.” “May I add the wine to that?” he asked. and quiet. Having had a rough week, I was in search of food and wine that would soothe my soul. I’d heard that Salvino’s in Valletta served the

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

A bottle of 2005 Barco Reale di Carmignano by Enrico Pierazzuoli was on its way in a jiffy, expertly poured and served by a man who

in turn adorned with wild Russian salmon roes. This ziggurat of evidently takes pride in what he does. This is considered a ‘baby’ splendour was accompanied by deadly roasted baby potatoes and Carmignano, a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet. With Sangiovese some devilishly crunchy veg. If I were to nitpick, I’d have preferred as the predominant grape a bright and cherry-driven nose is hardly the meat to have aged a little before being cooked but tender it was, surprising while the Cabernet adds a lovely complexity to the palate. as the young cow’s meat is meant to be. The addition of fishy Glad to have trusted this man’s choice I look forward to the fauna, while unorthodox, happens to be a favourite of mine so starters. This turns up in fabulous form. A risotto with “the I was as happy as a puppy with two tails. bianchetto truffle and parmeggiano is gently poised creator is on the plate in front of me, with little dots of a Nero While waiting for dessert (a delightful crème brûlée) I D’Avola reduction adding a hint of colour. There is an the culinary elegant harmony to the dish, evidence that the creator equivalent of a looked around the restaurant and, try as I might, could not spot so much as a hint of a TV. Could this be an oasis is the culinary equivalent of a trapeze artist. Canarola trapeze during the summer months, a temple where worshippers rice, nutty and al dente, has been aged for one year and artist” of food can enjoy a meal free from the squeals of footie toasted before it met the Italian spring truffle. I sit in fans? Andrew had worked one ingredient into each of the silence, consuming this masterpiece in little bites, much like dishes he presented - passion - and this fills me with hope that he I read the last few pages of a book I’m loving but would hate to is not likely to sacrifice that to appease the rabid hordes. We walked finish. back through the lovely square, change from €100 jangling in my The main course would have to be rather special to compete and pockets, with the certainty that very little time will pass before I I wondered about the options while conversation from across the resume worship at this little temple. table tried to drag me out of my silent rumination. My curiosity was presently satisfied with the arrival of a scottona steak, two halves Ed eats. That’s all he does. He accepts no invitations and turns up unannounced to keep this piled on top of each other and topped with a razor clam that was column free from bias. Readers of the column hardly ever agree with him and yet Ed eats on.

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 73

cinema

June at the Movies By Mark Camilleri

Film of the month

Hot Tub Time Machine

Also Showing She’s Out of My League

June is looking like a good month for comedy, and the second most promising offering is an underdog story with heart. The man against the odds is Kirk, portrayed by Jay Baruchel, the young and slightly-built guy who played unlikely heroes in Tropic Thunder and the recent How To Train Your Dragon. After tackling the Vietnam jungle and a nest of dragons, he now attempts to win over a far deadlier foe – a 10/10 woman. His supportive friends assure him that he is clearly a 5/10 at best, and affectionately refer to him as a moodle, or man-poodle, whom women would love to pet. But for some strange reason, the stunning blonde Molly (Alice Eve – Crossing Over, Sex and the City 2) seems to have more than just pity for him, and with nothing to lose, he puts pride aside and goes for gold. The least us males can do is support him in this noble venture.

MacGruber In a nutshell

Time travel is fun, I’ve been told. And the 80s were fun, if I remember correctly. So as part of the ongoing fascination with that most unstylish of decades, we finally get to travel back to 1986.

Why we’re hyped

Probably the best time-travel film to date was based in the 80s, with Marty McFly leaving 1985 to travel back and forth in Back to the Future. This time, four male buddies with women troubles find themselves trapped in 1986 after a very drunken night involving a hot tub. They wake up when hair was bigger, highlighter jumpsuits weren’t only worn by inmates, and Michael Jackson (rest his soul), was still black. With such a goldmine of kitsch references and retro jokes, this promises to be one of the funniest movies this summer. It’s like The Hangover, but on the set of a Bonnie Tyler video.

Who’s in it?

Leading the pack back in time is the ever likeable John Cusack, who continues to alternate between quirky but excellent smaller films like Being John Malkovich and big-budget epics like Con Air or 2012. He is also one of the producers of the film, and should know something about the 80s since that is when he had his first starring roles. Rising comedy regular Craig Robinson (Pineapple Express, Zack and Miri Make A Porno and the upcoming Shrek Forever After) is one of his bosom buddies, who isn’t too keen on bumping into his 1986 self, complete with high-rise hairdo. Clark Duke (Kick-Ass) and Rob Corddry (The Heartbreak Kid) round off the futuristic foursome. The film is directed by Steve Pink, who once adapted the screenplay for another Cusack gem – High Fidelity. So get out your leg warmers, zip up your shell suits and get in the tub.

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

He’s confident. He’s all kinds of awesome. He also has a mullet, and the IQ of a rather slow moose. But when the US government has tried everything else, he’s their last resort. Leaving devastation, debris and dazzled women in his wake, he gets the job done. Starting life as a series of TV sketches making fun of the TV series MacGyver, the character’s popularity led to this film, so we can be sure he will continue to attempt to save the world using household objects, and probably fail. The nemesis he has to bring down is the colourfullynamed Dieter Von Cunth (Val Kilmer – The Saint, Batman Forever). The clueless hero is portrayed by Will Forte (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs). Explosions, silly humour and a dimwit saviour – what’s not to like?

Killers

Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy, Knocked Up) stars as Jennifer, an attractive yet surprisingly single woman who has to resort to holidays with her parents. On one such trip she meets Spencer (Ashton Kutcher – That 70s Show, The Butterfly Effect) who seems like the man of her dreams. After a whirlwind romance and rather rushed wedding, she slowly starts to discover that he’s a professional killer, and he slowly starts to bring work home. Not the most original of plot ideas, but given a comedy twist by director Robert Luketic (Legally Blonde).

Furry Vengeance

To be completely honest, I’m not at all hyped by this one. But if there’s one film rule that has stood the test of time, it’s that clever or talking animals will always be a hit with younger children. So, with that target audience firmly in mind, Brendan Fraser (The Mummy, Crash) sets out to do battle with a veritable army of forest creatures who are determined to use all means necessary to stop him from turning their forest into a building site. They’re not as articulate as Dr. Dolittle’s friends, but they get the message across just as well. It’s not the best of months for cinema, as the world turns their eyes towards South Africa, but here’s one you can treat your children to. All movies released locally by KRS www.MarksMovieMarks.com

culture

Portraits of a perfect island Through Edward Caruana Dingli’s eyes

Have you ever admired the uninhibited charm and vitality of a Maltese way of life that has long disappeared? It’s this experience you are met with when presented with the brilliant colours of Edward Caruana Dingli’s works of art. His paintings seem to create an ideal world – scenes from a perfect island where no problems exist, and portraits of seemingly flawless faces. Joyce Guillaumier visits Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti’s exhibition at the Palace, Valletta, featuring 250 of this renowned artist’s masterpieces.

dward Caruana Dingli allowed no fault to mar his idealised vision of Malta. ‘The Orange Picking Season’ for instance, appears so authentic you can almost breathe the fresh country air. I look upon the enigmatic smile on the face of ‘The Country Girl Hawking Chickens’, the hustle and bustle of the ‘Market Scene Below Ta’ Liesse’ in Valletta, and the joyous atmosphere during Carnival at St George’s Square. These are among the many that make up the painter’s oeuvre, having captured within them the Malta he imagined and loved. Equally captivating are his portraits. He seems to idealise his sitters, doing away with imperfections and featuring their attributes in a picture-perfect world. Caruana Dingli’s subjects included society ladies, army personnel and men of the cloth, such as Mgr Carmelo Psaila, the National Poet. He wanted to portray a country where ideal persons live. Needless to say, many people liked this view and flocked to his studio to be painted.

“He wanted to portray a country where ideal persons live.”

Women are always depicted clad in their finest clothes and jewellery, whereas male sitters are painted in impeccable uniforms or habits, wearing their badges of office and other decorations. Edward’s fine eye coupled with his love for beautiful things captures the glimmer of silk, the rich design of beautiful damasks and brocades, as well as transparency of the finest texture. Caruana Dingli belonged to the country’s elite society, which got him closer to those members of Government and dignitaries eager to have their portrait painted. These included Lord Strickland and his daughter Mabel, and Sir Temi Zammit. In addition, the Order of St John in London commissioned him to produce a portrait of King George V from life, a work received with great acclaim – it was raved about in the British Press and admired by the King himself, who referred to it as his “live picture”. Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti’s exhibition of Caruana Dingli’s works runs until Sunday 6th June.

Caruana Dingli’s Life

Edward Caruana Dingli was born on the 10th August 1876, the son of Raphael, a Major in the Royal Malta Regiment of Militia, and Martha Garrone. His mentor was Giuseppe Cali`. After joining the Army at 19, he left his post a few years later to work as a full-time artist. By the time he was 21, he had already gained a good reputation, upon illustrating the ‘Historical Records of the Maltese Corps in the British Army’. Caruana Dingli was also involved in the development of the Malta Government School of Art, set up in 1926. He was appointed Director and Teacher of Painting. Edward Caruana Dingli died in May 1950. He was married to Charlotte Falzon and they had two sons.

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 75

events

London

by Richard Muscat Azzopardi

Off the beaten track L

ondon is an amazing city in every aspect, however very few visitors bother to delve deeper into this cultural melting pot. We are lucky to have regular flights by a number of airlines on a daily basis to one of the many airports in London and therefore access is comfortable and not too expensive.

The biggest problem is finding decent and affordable accommodation, however by either combining a package with your flights or searching well online for B&Bs and low-end hotels you should be able to find a good deal eventually. With all the boring bits sorted you really need to find something new to do. You’ve visited all the museums that interested you, shopped your heels away in Oxford Street and Harrods, and seen the Queen musical for the umpteenth time. Is it time to start visiting somewhere new? Maybe it is, but if you feel you can get more out of the city - you’re very right. I have picked the brain of a colleague who lived in the city for a few years to bring you the following suggestions:

Spitalfields

Attracting 10 million visitors a year means that Camden Market, although still worth a visit, is becoming ever more commercial and touristic. If you can’t take any more stalls of cheap leather jackets and faux-retro flowery skirts there is an alternative location you can visit - Spitalfields. Whereas Camden is best avoided on Sunday mornings, Spitalfields Market is at its very best. Get lost amongst the clothes, furniture and food stalls in the main market but then head over to Sunday UpMarket in the Old Truman Brewery a few hundred metres away for excellent up and coming international designer clothes, world cuisine and much more. Once there you can also venture to Brick Lane, which is full of curry houses but also hosts another market - one of the best for bargains and true vintage.

Thames Path

For the slightly more active you can plan a day’s walk along the Thames and see some of London’s top attractions from a new perspective. The Thames Path is part of England’s official walking trails and we can recommend a 4km slice which takes you from Westminster to the Tower of London. Try waiting for a beautiful day and head out from around the London Eye. You can start off by taking a ride on the gigantic ferris wheel for a good perspective of what you’re about to see but the walk will allow you to see the nitty-gritty of some of London’s most beautiful attractions. You will start off by seeing the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben Tower and along the way you will come across Waterloo Bridge, Gabriel’s Wharf, the Oxo Tower, The Blackfriars Bridge, The Tate Modern, The Millenium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, Globe Theatre, and finally Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

Richmond Park & Kew Gardens

If you would like to avoid all the crowds and simply spend a relaxing day in peace and quiet, then head over to Richmond for the day. Not only is this a beautiful village in the outskirts of London, but it is also home to Europe’s largest urban parkland (Richmond Park) and very close to Kew Gardens which are World Heritage-listed. Leave this as a day’s break from your holiday to breathe in some green air in between shopping sprees.

Big thanks to David Spiteri for the insider tips.

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

events

Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park The Hottest Ticket This Summer Sir Paul McCartney will be headlining Hard Rock Calling 2010 this June in Hyde Park, London. McCartney joins Pearl Jam as the headliners at Hard Rock Calling, the premier music festival this summer. Hard Rock Calling 2010 will launch Hard Rock International’s fifth annual Ambassadors of Rock Tour, a global concert series featuring top artists and bands to benefit charities worldwide. Promising three days of unparalleled music, Hard Rock Calling 2010 will also feature performances by The Hives, The Gaslight Anthem, Ben Harper and Relentless7, Wolfmother, Jamiroquai and Stevie Wonder. Hard Rock Calling 2010 will be McCartney’s first solo headlining performance in Hyde Park, having appeared at 2005’s Live 8 Concert and most recently, surprising fans last summer at Hard Rock Calling 2009 during Neil Young’s set, performing The Beatles anthem ‘A Day In the Life.’

Hard Rock’s Ambassadors of Rock Award recognises leading international artists for their contribution to music and philanthropic work with various charities. Ambassadors of Rock events such as Hard Rock Calling, on the other hand, serve to collect significant sums of money for a myriad of charities around the world - this year’s chosen charity is Nordoff Robbins, a charity which specialises in providing music therapy. Hard Rock Cafe in Malta also holds an annual competition tied to this event. This year 25 diners were chosen at random to participate over five consecutive Wednesdays. They were asked to play a guitar simultaneously while one of the guitars was plugged into the amp. The lucky 5 finalists won a guitar each and the final winner, who was chosen in the same way, also won an all-expenses paid trip for 2 persons to London including two VIP tickets to the Hard Rock Calling concerts, 5 star hotel accommodation, big bus tickets and spending money.

Getting to London Airmalta - The national carrier is the most versatile option with four flights daily to and from London. Ryanair - The cheapest option if booked well enough in advance, however watch out for hidden charges (especially for luggage) and be aware that Luton is not as wellconnected as Heathrow or Gatwick. Easyjet - With daily flights to and from Gatwick airport Easyjet is practical and economical. Watch out for hidden charges here too, always evaluate final prices when comparing. Alitalia, Lufthansa - These mainstream carriers offer rates which are usually decent enough, however you have to allow for a far longer transit time since both involve stop-overs. Only good as a last resort really.

Accommodation Airmalta Flyaway - Buying accommodation and flights together can get you very good deals through your travel agent. The choice of hotels is decent and you can usually bag yourself a central hotel for an affordable rate. www.smoothhound.co.uk - This website is not the most user-friendly around but usually offers some of the best deals and widest selection of hotels (and B&Bs) in the UK. otel.com, expedia.com, lastminute.com, venere.com - all these sites offer great deals on rooms in London, however you really have to sift through hundreds of hotels to find a good deal. www.tripadvisor.com - wherever you’re going, I would recommend checking out reviews for your destination here. Is your potential destination cockroach infested? Is the breakfast offered the best in its category - this is one of the few places online you can get an honest review from fellow travellers.

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 77

calendar Isle of MTV Malta Special The Granaries, Floriana Wednesday 30th June, 19:00

Event of the month

MTV in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority are all set to rock the island once again with the much anticipated fourth edition of the Isle of MTV Malta Special. The free open air gig has steadily become one of the high points of the European summer music scene, strongly securing itself on the Maltese summer party circuit and appealing to fans from all over Europe.

This year, Kid Rock, Scissor Sisters and Kelis will be among the big names wowing the estimated audience of 50,000. Past artists have included The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias, The Kooks, One Republic and N.E.R.D among others.

Events Theatre

Sports

Culture & History

Thursday 3rd North to South – An Evening of Music Travelling Across Europe – St.James Cavalier – Valletta – 20:00

Friday 4th

Ghanafest 2010 – Argotti Gardens – Floriana – 19:00

Saturday 5th

Edward Caruana Dingli(1876-1950)

The Palace, Valletta – 8th May to 6th June

Opening Times: 10:00 to 18:00 (last admission at 17:00).

Marinara - Joseph Cassar

St James Cavalier, Valletta – 14th May to 13th June

Exhibitions in June

Opening Times: Monday & Tuesday 09:00 – 17:00, Wednesday to Friday 09:00 – 21:00, Sundays & public holidays 10:00 – 21:00.

The Annual Membership Art Exhibition 2010

Palazzo de La Salle – 219, Republic Street, Valletta - 11th to 25th June Opening Times: 11th to 19th June - Monday to Friday 10:00 to 12:30 / 16:30 to 19:00. 21st to 25th June 2010 – Monday to Friday 09:00 to 13:30, Saturday 09:30 to 12:00, Sunday closed.

Abstracts - Philip Chircop

Main Hall – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 14th May to 27th June Opening Times: Mondays & Tuesdays 09:00 to 17:00, Wednesday to Friday 09:00 to 21:00, Sundays & public holidays 10:00 to 21:00.

Art Exhibition - Christine Attard

The Mdina Gallery - 7a, St. Sophia Street – Mdina - 1st - 30th June Opening Times: Monday to Friday 09:30 to 16:00, Saturdays 09:30 to 13:00.

Shadows of the Past - Reuben Chircop

Bir Mula Heritage – Bormla – 27th March to 31st July Opening Times: Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 to 12:00.

World Environment Day International Event Ghanafest 2010 – Argotti Gardens – Floriana – 19:00 Senglea Maritime Festival – Senglea Waterfront – Senglea – 19:00 Earth Garden – Ta Qali National Park Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Parish Church – Santa Lucia – 08:30 to 13:30

Sunday 6th

Village Feast of the Annunciation – Tarxien Village Feast of Corpus Christi – Rabat, Malta and Ghasri, Gozo Village Feast of St. Joseph - Ghaxaq Ghanafest 2010 – Argotti Gardens – Floriana – 19:00 Senglea Maritime Festival – Senglea Waterfront – Senglea – 10:00 Earth Garden – Ta Qali National Park Leone Goes Pop - Leone Philharmonic Society – Main Square – Victoria, Gozo – 21:00 Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Pastoral Centre – Gharghur – 08.30 to 13:30

Monday 7th

Sette Giugno - National Holiday Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Near Church – Marsaxlokk – 08:30 to 13:30

Tuesday 8th

Victoria International Arts Festival – St.James Consort – St. George’s Basilica – Victoria, Gozo

Wednesday 9th

James Blackshaw & Nancy Elizabeth Acoustic Eve – MITP Centre – 20:00

Clubbing

Music

Thursday 10th FIFA World Cup 2010 Opening Ceremony – Johannesburg – South Africa – 20:00 (see full World Cup Calendar on page 40) 400 Years of the Telescope Documentary introduced by Michael Bennett –Astronomical Society of Malta – MCST – Kalkara – 19:00

Saturday 12th

Il-Majjistral Park Nature Walks Water & Landscape – Golden Bay bus stop – 18:30 Siggiewi Annual Agrarian Show - Siggiewi Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Clock Tower – Mtarfa – 08:30 to 13:30

Sunday 13th

Village Feast of St. Philip – Zebbug – Malta Village Feast of St. Anthony – Ghajnsielem - Gozo Siggiewi Annual Agrarian Show - Siggiewi Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Mount Carmel Band Club – Gzira – 08:30 to 13:30

Monday 14th Victoria International Arts Festival – Operatic Studio - Teatru Astra – Victoria, Gozo

Friday 18th

Victoria International Arts Festival –The Making of a People (Laudate Pueri Choir) – St. George’s Basilica – Victoria, Gozo

Saturday 19th Horse Show – Mensija Sanctuary – San Gwann – 09:30 Victoria International Arts Festival - Violoncello and Pianoforte Recital – Aula Mgr G Farrugia – Victoria, Gozo Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Kuncizzjoni Parish Church – Hamrun – 08:30 to 13:30

Sunday 20th

Village Feast of Our Lady of the Lily – Mqabba

Blood saves lives.

Please donate!

Blood Donation Centre in Guardamangia opens 7 days a week from 8am till 6pm.

More information may be obtained from: www.blood.gov.mt email: nbts@gov.mt Fixed line: 220 66 209 Mobile: 79 307 307

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

calendar

this month Fund Raising

Business Events

Feast of St. Catherine - Zejtun L-Istorja Tmexxi s-Sengha – Naxxar 10:00 to 22:00 Marc Storace at Hard Rock Café - Baystreet Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Parish Church – Burmarrad – 08:30 to 13:30

Monday 21st

Il- Majjistral Park Nature Walks – Summer Solstice Sunset Walk – Manikata Church – 18:45

Tuesday 22nd

Directors’ Forum – Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise & Industry – Valletta - 17:00 to 19:00 Victoria International Arts Festival – Ashes to Ashes – Aula Mgr G Farrugia – Victoria, Gozo

Thursday 24th

Malta Trade Fair – MFCC – Ta Qali – 18:30 to 23:30 Victoria International Arts Festival - Georgina Gauci and Maria Frendo Aula Mgr G Farrugia – Victoria, Gozo

Friday 25th

TEA feat. Marc Storace & Frenzy Mono – Sky Club – Paceville – 20:15 Malta Trade Fair – MFCC – Ta Qali – 18:30 to 23:30

Saturday 26th

Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Parish Church – Qrendi – 08:30 – 13:30 Ministry of Sound – Gianpula - Rabat– 18:00 Malta Trade Fair – MFCC – Ta Qali – 18:30 to 23:30 Ladies Fashion Night– Sobar – Paceville – 21:00

Sunday 27th

Village feast of St.John the Baptist – Xewkija, Gozo Village feast of St.Nicholas – Siggiewi Village feast of St.George – Qormi Village feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart - Burmarrad

Kids & Family

Fairs

June 2010

Blood Drive

Malta Trade Fair – MFCC – Ta Qali – 18:30 to 23:30 Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Close to Parish Church – San Gwann – 08:30 to 13:30

Monday 28th

Mediterranean Metal Gathering – Old English Miltary Prison – Corradino Industrial Estate – Paola – 20:30 L-Imnarja – Summer Folk Festival – Buskett Gardens – l/o Rabat – 17:00 Creamfields – Ta’ Qali – l/o Rabat – 18:00 London Assurance – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 19:30 Malta Trade Fair – MFCC – Ta Qali – 18:30 to 23:30

Tuesday 29th

Village feast of St. Peter and St. Paul – Mdina, Malta and Nadur, Gozo L-Imnarja – Summer Folk Festival – Buskett Gardens – l/o Rabat – 17:00 Mediterranean Metal Gathering – Old English Miltary Prison – Corradino Industrial Estate – Paola – 20:30 Malta Trade Fair – MFCC – Ta Qali – 18:30 to 23:30 Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Parish Chruch – Ghaxaq – 08:30 to 13:30

Wednesday 30th Isle of MTV – Music Festival - The Granaries – Floriana – 18:00 Malta Trade Fair – MFCC – Ta Qali – 18:30 to 23:30

To include your events in this page email all the required details on claire@vida.com. mt or call 2339 2274, by Tuesday 8th June 2010.

W IN !

Squadron Festival 10th July - Buskett Roadhouse

Featuring the hottest international acts in Nu-Rave, Fidget House, Electro, Techno and House, and an incredible experience of creative visuals, light systems and décor. Get in the draw to win 3 pairs of VIP tickets by sending us the name of one of the international acts headlining the 2010 Squadron Festival on win@vida.com.mt, by Friday 11th June. For more info & tickets - www.squadronfestival.com

Rod Stewart Live in Malta R

S and Partners are proud to announce a live concert in Malta by legendary singer Rod Stewart at the Fosos (Granaries), Floriana on Tuesday 3rd August 2010.

With an estimated 250 million in album and single sales and with sold-out concerts across the globe, Rod Stewart is one of the most successful performers of all time. His firstever concert in Malta is set to feature his biggest hits, and is expected to be the biggest pop and rock outdoor gig this summer. His last five albums have all held top spots in the Billboard charts, including his 2006 offering, ‘Still The Same… Great Rock Classics of Our Time’, which entered the charts at Number One. Aged 65, the British songwriter, famed for his distinctive raspy voice, is expected to belt out hits like ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’, ‘Sailing’, ‘Hot Legs’, ‘First Cut Is The Deepest’, ‘Maggie May’, ‘Have I Told You Lately’, ‘Forever Young’, ‘Some Guys Have All the Luck’ among others. Despite his long music career, Stewart continues to attract audiences of all ages. The release of his latest album ‘Soulbook’; a collection of classic Sixties/Seventies-era soul favourites, all newly recorded by the quintessential ‘blue-eyed soul’ singer, continues to define his status as a superstar of our generation. Tickets for Rod Stewart Live 2010 are available from www. maltaticket.com and from all Vodafone, Agenda Bookshop & Exotique Outlets.

June 2010 | Issue 06 | vida.com.mt 79

Belinda Crane, from Mellieha, is this month’s Vida Makeover Competition winner. A team of hair stylists at one of Jigami International Hairdressing’s salons worked on her hair. Makeup artist Alison Aguis applied her makeup using PUPA products, giving Belinda an exciting new look.

The Makeover

Before

Vida Makeover Competition

After

health & beauty

Hair “When we met Belinda and discussed her requirements we agreed on some subtle tones in her hair with a natural gloss to match her skin tone. Following the colour we complimented Belinda’s facial shape and features with a textured-layered hair cut. Finally we used the Jigami Hair Straighteners together with REF products to complete Belinda’s personalised look.”

By Jigami International Hairdressing

Meet Belinda I am… 43 years old. I work as a… maid in a hotel. I wanted this makeover because… ... I always read Vida and

Make up “Summer is in the air so we decided to go for a fresh and natural look. Belinda’s beautiful eyes were enhanced using Luminys Wet and Dry Eye Shadows in pink and white shades together with the purple Multiplay 05. The lips were finished off and defined using Truelips Liner 02 and new Chic Lipstick 31.” Alison Aguis using PUPA make up

wished for one. Since I work I don’t have time for hair and make-up. Actually it was my son who nominated me for this makeover - it was a perfect opportunity to pamper myself! After the makeover I felt... very special. Looking good is very important because it makes a person feel different and confident. I’d like to look like... the Scottish singer Lulu Kennedy-Cairns. In my wardrobe... there are lots of black clothes! In my free time... I love reading and catching up on the English soap operas. I can’t live without... books. My motto is… don’t worry, be happy!

Get a new you! Win a free makeover

Every month Vida draws a winner at random, who will then be invited to various selected beauty parlours for the treat of a lifetime.

Vida is giving you the chance to win a free makeover! Send us a photo of yourself, or of someone you would like to nominate, and your contact details, on win@vida.com.mt, or to Makeover Competition, Vida Magazine, Focused Knowledge Ltd, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214. The winners of last month’s Beauty competitions are Samantha Abela & Amanda Cauchi who won Pupa gift packs worth €50. Suzanne Caruana and Sandra Borg are the winners of the Essence Hair and Beauty Centre Competition. Vida vouchers for June’s competitions are valid at: 120 Bar, 202 Jewellery, All Powered Up, Apple’s Eye, BCE Trading, Bemania Accessories, Black Gold, BOV, Brittania Services Ltd, Browns, Buhagiar and Sons, Cerviola Hotel, Chains Restaurant, Charles Degiorgio, Clima 755, Coldwell Banker, Continental Cars, Cyberpass, Datax, De Niro’s Pub, Degabriele Gift Shop, Dimech Enterprises Ltd, Extreme Tradings, Faceworks, Fahrenheit Freight Forwarders, Fapi Motors, Fat Harry’s, Firetech, Frank Salt, Frenchies, Fritz Energy, Giordano’s, Granny Smith, Hansa Wines and Spirits, Hometrends, Jigami, Jolly Lifestyle, La Gatta Couture, Malta Projects Ltd, Maltco, Mecca, Mary Sevasta, Mistral, Muddy Waters, NnG, Reflections, Orsay, Peacocks, Rookies, RS and Partners (Rod Stewart), Seafront Enterprises Ltd, Shopwell Furniture, Stella Maris Butcher, Sylvia Bazaar, The Black Car Bar, the Vineyard, Value Direct, ZsaZsa.

vida.com.mt | Issue 06 | June 2010

New Ktm Bikes Parts & Accessories Merchandise UTIeOlovNers A C After Sales alin r Adren Fo

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

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6 colours to choose from

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www.202Jewellery.com (Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 09.30 to 19.00)