FIRST August 2015

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER I ORGASMIC BIRTHING TECHNIQUES I TRAVEL TO HAMPSHIRE I MOVIES FILMED IN MALTA TRADITIONAL MALTESE TILE MAKING I FASHION TIPS I VEGAN RECIPES I PHOTO SHANGHAI I BEAUTY I COMPETITIONS

AUGUST 2015

Photograph by Alan Carville

In the name of love...

Mamma Mia! I have no inspirational words to share at the moment, and even if I did have I’d probably have forgotten them anyway. That’s part of the package with pregnancy, and one of the things you are not told – until it happens. While some get that maternal glow, I have.... not. As my sister recently said to me: “Welcome to the world of motherhood, where your life is on hold and their life has to be dealt with 24/7."

Even before the baby arrives the planning and preparing begins, and I’ve been warned that I will have no time to do anything else but work in tandem with my baby’s needs – said just after the youngest niece doodled on our mother’s new leather sofa with a biro.

Having said that, however, even after another rough night’s sleep staying on one side with a dead arm and aching back, the thought of motherhood does make everything seem all worth it! Even when surrounded by my screaming and crying toddler nieces and nephew and my sister having broken the dream that my family and I will not be jetting off as often as I thought and living the life I usually do – I still partially dream that “my family will be different” and ready to prove her wrong... oh, and my mother says: “You have to get your children to fit in with your life” – we’ll see! How did our grandparents do it with five or more children and another on the way? All the unknowns, that are motherhood for the first time, are yet to be answered for me. So any of you out there pregnant for the first time, firstly “congratulations” and, secondly, remember you are not alone – most baby promoters with cute, well-dressed and well-behaved toddlers that have a part ready for them in The Sound of Music II surely have a few stories to share about how they cope away from the parade.

The best antidote for pregnancy symptoms – or anything physically and mentally challenging – is to keep busy and distracted and in this issue, pregnant or not, First has its usual array of interesting articles to read and get lost in. I hope you enjoy this issue, and until we meet with the next one – “So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu. Adieu, adieu, to you and you and you.”

EDITOR LILY AGIUS LAGIUS@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ADVERTISING CLAIRE BONDIN GAFA CGAFA@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SEAN ELLUL CONTRIBUTORS ALBERT DELIA, CLAIRE AITCHISON, CLAIRE BUGELLI, CORYSE BORG, DINI MARTINEZ, FABIO FERRI, FEDERICO PELTRETTI, GARY WESCOTT FROM THE HAIR LOUNGE, JUDY FALZON, LINDA GURANOVA, MAIA BONELLO, NICOLE SPITERI, PATRICK STAINES, THE CLOUDED REVOLUTION. PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTWORK COORDINATOR CHRISTINE SPITERI CMIFSUD@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT PUBLISHER STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL. 00356-2134-5888 PRINTER PRINT IT EMAIL FIRST@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ONLINE WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE. COVER DETAILS LINDA GURANOVA IN YELLOW BLOUSE WITH TASSEL PENDANT FROM 1-2-3, SHAWL WORN AS A PAREO FROM PORTO, AND CHOKER FROM PORTO – PHOTO BY FEDERICO PELTRETTI AND STYLED BY FABIO FERRI. FIRST IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY.

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Inside

6 FIRST WORD

32 SUN, SEA & SWIMWEAR

9 STILED IN MALTA

35 LA FEMME D’ARGENT

With luxury lifestyle, food and wine retailer Richard Cleland The tradition of the Maltese patterned cement tile, still going strong

15 FILMED IN MALTA

The sea has established Malta as a film-making destination with a mega list of stars and titles to be proud of

20 THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION

Fashion tips for the gentlemen from The Clouded Revolution This issue’s fashion story

47 ORGASMIC BIRTHING

A technique for thought

50 DEAR CLAIRE

Getting over Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The history of governing Malta with Patrick Staines

55 DISHING UP

22 ENGLAND’S SERENE SOUTH

60 SOCIAL WHIRL

Escaping the heat in beautiful Hampshire

27 PHOTO SHANGHAI

Asia’s biggest art fair dedicated to photography

30 SALT ON OUR SKIN

Fashion tips for the ladies from The Clouded Revolution

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32

Tasty vegan recipes to try at home Snaps from the latest events

62 LAST WORD

With a Dorianne Richard on her life on the stage and marriage to her sweetheart

09 15

44 SEND us YOUR COMMENTS To FIRST magazine, Standard Publications Ltd., B’kara Hill, St Julian’s.

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first word

Luxury lifestyle goods retailer and co-owner of Cleland & Souchet, Richard Cleland, lives in Malta with this wife Fabrizia and two children Sophia and Bianca. He is currently building his new C&S Wine Café brand and is working on the launch of two new outlets within the next few months. has to be our living room. It is the place where I spend quality time with my family at the end of each day.

My favourite space in my house

The most inspirational person in my life is my father, Ron Cleland. My Dad created a wonderful life for our family and achieved great success in so many areas of his life with a simple recipe of positive energy, terrific logic and integrity. From his rugby and squash champion days to his talent at painting and writing, to his building of a multi-national business to marrying my amazing mother, Suzie, 50 years ago, he is my greatest inspiration as a man and father.

The most unforgettable place I visited is definitely Bora Bora. It was the highlight of a honeymoon I had planned as a total surprise for my wife Fabrizia. The crystal waters of the lagoon, incredible hospitality and the bustling food market in Tahiti were truly unforgettable.

The best gift I have received recently is a flipogram of great family and holiday photos from my lovely daughters Sophia and Bianca on Father’s Day.

It’s top of a long list which surprisingly gets longer as I get older.

My most recent find for Thursday nights is the newly opened NAAR in Balluta Bay. Starting off at the restaurant with fresh fish from their open grill and then cross over to their lounge bar for cocktails, all by the water’s edge.

An indulgence I would never give up is my overly big appetite for delicious food and good wine.

The thing you will always find in my fridge is

a bottle of Montes Sauvignon Blanc. It’s our favourite wine which is lovingly produced by good friends of ours.

If I could get away for the day it would have to be to a secluded beach in Gozo which

is close to a good restaurant – the way Imgarr ix Xini used to be.

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Photograph by Jonathan Borg

I would like to learn how to sail.

Left to right: Le Meridien, Bora Bora where he and his wife spent their honeymoon; Richard Cleland at work at Cleland & Souchet; the Cleland’s fridge is never without a bottle of Montes Sauvignon Blanc; Richard’s wife Fabrizia and two daughters Sophia and Bianca.

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27/07/2015 12:18

STILED IN MALTA

T

hey are practically a signature of every old Maltese house, immediately discernible and identifiable through a particular palette of colours and geometric shapes. They adorned the floors of my childhood home and I spent hours creating all sorts of games inspired by their patterns, jumping from one tile to the next imagining unfathomable consequences should I miss the spot where I’d have to land.

I am, of course, talking of the traditional, patterned, Maltese cement tile. This vernacular staple, although

By Albert Delia. Photography by Jonathan Borg at times often under-rated, may be said to form a very small part of the nation’s unique, visual, architectural identity. There is no denying that it is a subject that instils a subtle sense of nostalgia in me.

The history behind these tiles and the practice of making them is somewhat enigmatic. In order to try and uncover some context, I consulted architect Adrian Abela who, in 2014, worked on and created an artistic installation using primarily these tiles as his medium.

The origin of these tiles can probably be traced back to Turkey during the reign of the Ottoman empire and their use and production technique were at some point taken to Spain. It is interesting to note that the use of patterned cement tiles in Malta is a deceptively young practice. I was quite surprised to learn that they have

been used locally only for the last 300 years. The number of artisans still making them is, however, dwindling. To better understand what it takes to make these tiles, I paid a visit to one of the last remaining Maltese tile-makers still using the same production methods that were used when the manufacture of these tiles in Malta began centuries ago.

In San Gwann’s bustling main road, packed snugly between a plethora of different shops and restaurants, lies Chris Colombo’s little workshop, practically unchanged since the time his father was making cement tiles in exactly the same location. Upon entering this atelier it becomes immediately clear that this is a space where things are created and not simply just sold. » 9

Above: ?????????????????????????????????????????????????

«By the time I arrive, Chris is busy cleaning his tools after a day’s work and he reluctantly gives me his white powdered hand to shake. I sit down at a work bench and am given a marble slab on which to put my notebook so I can write more comfortably and Chris immediately launches into a description of the process used to make these tiles.

Chris has been making these tiles for over three decades and began learning the trade from his father from the young age of 12. He explains that the tiles are made from a cocktail of which powdered marble, white cement and colour pigment are the main ingredients and the three tools needed to create the tiles are: il- plakka – a mask or mould that is used to give the tile its particular design and pattern. il-kwadru – a brace or support that keeps the concoction together as it sets, acting as a container of sorts.

It-tampun- an extremely smooth back plate that is placed over the mix and upon which pressure is applied.

Each coloured section of every tile is poured individually, gently releasing the viscous, colourful

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND THAT THESE TILES ARE INDIVIDUALLY MADE AND NOT PRODUCED IN BATCHES. mixture from the “sasla” (a small container). The consistency has to be just right in order to achieve the best results and a variety of factors can alter the aesthetic and final appearance of a tile as it is being formed. The temperature, level of humidity and variations in the mixture – to name but a few – can all be responsible for a tile being thrown on the reject pile.

It is important to keep in mind that these tiles are individually made and are not produced in batches.

Chris will know immediately if a tile does not fit his desired level of quality and, despite his years of experience, occasional tiles are rejected. These then serve as an indication that some part of the process needs to be adjusted to cater for the current environmental conditions.

It is already obvious that this is a laborious process requiring a lot of patience. Chris produces only about 10 miles an hour – a number that, of course, depends on the complexity of the commissioned design. On average, this amounts to three square metres a day. A quick calculation reveals that, so far, Chris has made over six hundred thousand tiles by hand. Some of the designs or moulds he uses are centuries old and have tirelessly replicated the same patterns countless times by now.

When asked how the production process has changed over the years, I am told that the original practise was to use ordinary beach sand and that this has now been replaced with marble powder and that pressure on the tiles used to be applied manually and now a machine is used. These are the only two changes that have been made over the centuries, with everything else being practically the same. » 11

IT IS WITH A VISIBLE DEGREE OF DISAPPOINTMENT THAT HE TELLS ME THAT HIS PROFESSION MAY VERY WELL DIE OUT WITHIN HIS CHILDREN'S LIFE TIME

«Chris shares with me his concern that he may be the last of his generation to practice his trade. It is with a visible degree of disappointment that he tells me his profession may very well die out within the lifetime of his children. Interestingly enough, this is not because of a lack of interest in the product itself, in fact sales have hardly reduced since Chris has been making the tiles. The issue is finding dedicated people who are willing to take on such a physically consuming job that requires significant patience and finesse.

We quickly go through the variety of designs available. The names used to distinguish one tile from another are really quite something: ‘Ilbettiegħa’ (the melon), ‘Għajn il-baqra’ (the cow’s eye), and ‘Sieq it-tiġieġa’ (the hen’s leg) to name a few. He finally shows me the drawers where the colour pigment is kept and it looks like someone squeezed a rainbow in powdered form into a drawer.

As a product, the Maltese tile it is quite durable and improves with age. Certain colours, however, are more likely to fade, which is one of the reasons why blue is not used much any more. It is recommended that new cement tiles are polished since this prevents staining; tiles do polish naturally but this takes over 10 years. Since they are made to order, the customer has the option of customising the colour and design combination to their liking, meaning that you can truly have a unique feature in your home. Considering that each of these tiles is hand-made, they are not prohibitively expensive, in fact they are on par with certain mass-produced tiles on the market.

Chris does not stamp or mark the tiles he makes.

After having talked to him, I think that the quality of his work and the pride he takes in making the tiles is sufficient signature of his work.

Columbo Maltese Tiles, 37 Naxxar Road, San Gwann.

Tel. 21380414 or 79049696. www.colombomaltesetiles.com

Top: There are various design templates: ‘Il-bettiegha’ (the melon), ‘Ghajn ilbaqra’ (the cow’s eye), and ‘Sieq it-tigiega’ (the hen’s leg) to name a few.

Left: Chris at work next to powdered marble, white cement and colour pigment, where he works on each tile one-by-one.

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MALTA: THE MEDITERRANEAN’S MINI HOLLYWOOD

By Jean Pierre Borg

L

Above: Kon-Tiki (2012): Scenes shot in the controlled environment provided by the film tanks create the illusion of action shot far out at sea

ooking at the vast slate of productions that have been partly or completely filmed in Malta, it is apparent that the islands have attracted a disproportionate number of productions considering their diminutive size. It is clear that film-makers opting for Malta as their base – and consequently spending their millions here – do so based on meticulous calculations which take into account a variety of factors. With the variety and versatility of Malta’s locations, plus the strong government-backed financial incentives possibly at the top of the list, the film-servicing industry is at all times

playing a very delicate balancing act to ensure as much as possible that all the necessary ingredients are in place and in the right amounts to ensure that Malta’s standing as a film-friendly destination is maintained. This series of articles will be exploring Malta’s repute as the Mediterranean’s Mini Hollywood through a thematic approach that will look at individual facets of this very complex ecosystem.

The Sea

From providing the livelihood for scores of fisherman to being one of Malta’s major tourism selling points, the sea has also played an important role in establishing Malta as a film-making destination. It was Malta’s standing as the base for the Mediterranean Fleet that led to the arrival of

the first film production company shooting scenes for a silent feature film in 1925. Sons of the Sea (1926) is not only considered to be the first film shot in Malta but research has also identified this film as the first ever fictional film to have had Admiralty support. Malta found itself hosting British Instructional Films, one of Britain’s most prestigious film companies of the period, and by 1931 a total of four films had been made, three of which specifically in Malta, thanks to the cooperation of the British fleet.

In 1952, after a 20-year lull, Malta once again started playing host to large-scale location shoots. As was the case with the earlier films of the 1920s, most of the film productions landing on Malta in the1950s and early1960s did so because of the support that the » 15

From top: Troy (2004): Golden Bay set the scene for the landing of the Greeks on to the beaches of Troy; Agora (2009); AstĂŠrix and ObĂŠlix, God Save Britannia (2012): Cast and Maltese featured extras form a motley crew of pirates; Popeye (1980): Robin Williams as Popeye; Single-Handed (1953): Film Crew filming the entrance of HMS Manxman from a vantage point 16

«British Forces stationed in Malta could offer. Standing in for the German raider Essen, HMS Manxman was used for Single-Handed (1953) in a breath-taking scene as it went through the narrow opening in the rocks between Fungus Rock and il-Ponta tal-Ħarrux at Dwejra in Gozo. For The Baby and the Battleship (1956), the majority of filming was done at Parlatorio Wharf in HMS Dockyard with HMS Birmingham standing in for the fictitious HMS Gillingham. In the case of The Battle of the River Plate (1956), the Royal Navy had no ships that could stand in for the German cruiser the Admiral Graf Spee, so the Admiralty helped the producers secure the cooperation of the Malta-based US Navy’s Sixth Fleet. As a result, the Admiral Graf Spee was portrayed in the film by the USS Salem in a number of scenes shot in Grand Harbour.

In all these instances, Malta had to consequently stand in for the country or port in which the story was set. In Single-Handed, Malta was the Galapagos Islands; it was Naples for The Baby and the Battleship, and the port of Montevideo in Uruguay for The Battle of the River Plate.

Incidentally, although Malta no longer hosts any military bases, just a few years ago Tom Hanks’ Captain Phillips (2013) was partly shot in Malta – one of the main reasons being that the Maersk Alexander, a quasi-identical replica of the Maersk Alabama was in the Mediterranean and could be loaned to the production company. In this film, Malta stood in for the port of Salalah in Oman.

Another important milestone in Malta’s cinematic history that is also tied to the sea was the building of the water-filming facilities at Wied Għammieq that are known world-wide. British special-effects expert, Benjamin ‘Jim’ Hole, devised a way to film on water in a safer and more controlled environment and, together with a young Maltese construction manager, Paul Avellino, built a 300-foot wide shallow water tank that allowed the filming of water scenes safe from erratic climatic conditions. Ingeniously, the location of the tank – practically on the edge of the shore – creates the illusion of seaborne action taking place miles off the coast without relying on back projection or any special effects.

In 1979, British producer Lord Grade funded the building of a new tank, for the film Raise the Titanic (1980). This new, cone-shaped tank was designed mainly for three-dimensional underwater scenes, but many productions also use it for surface shooting. As the popularity of these facilities continued to increase, so did its range of SFX machinery that could create the wildest storms using smoke, wind and wave machines, tip-tanks and water cannons practically bringing the forces of nature under the director’s control. As is the case with the current filming of Luc Besson’s The Lake (2016), to this day the water tank facilities are a very valuable asset that attracts productions that otherwise could not be filmed in Malta. Furthermore, it isn’t the first time that production companies initially drawn to our shores because of the tanks, end up lengthening their stay after discovering other suitable locations for their production.

An article focusing on the sea and its relevance to film cannot refrain from mentioning productions like Troy (2004), which immortalised the Blue Lagoon in Comino

in one of its scenes; the upcoming ‘Brangelina’ production By The Sea (2015), which used Mġarr IxXini as a stand in for the French Riviera, or the Oscar-nominated Norwegian film Kon-Tiki (2012) in which the sea-based scenes were shot both in the controlled environment of the tanks and out at sea in Maltese waters. Popeye (1980) is definitely another important production, possibly not so much for the success it attracted but for the legacy it left in Malta, with Popeye Village still a very popular tourist attraction.

Before deciding on Anchor Bay as the location for

building Popeye’s Sweethaven, production designer Wolf Kroeger and director Robert Altman had spent the spring of 1979 exploring remote fishing villages along the eastern seashore of the United States and Canada.

One final production which absolutely cannot be left out in this exposé is the home-grown Simshar (2014).

Beautifully executed by the talented Rebecca Cremona, Simshar is based on a true sea tragedy and was shot at the seaside fishing village of Marsaxlokk, with the most delicate water scenes shot at the film studios. Apart from being the first ever Maltese production to be properly funded and developed, it was also the first ever Maltese film to be selected as the Maltese entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.

Even if it eventually didn’t earn a nomination, Simshar is in itself another milestone in Malta’s cinematic story.

In conclusion, the beautiful seas we are lucky to enjoy have not only served to attract film productions but have also provided a pleasant distraction for hundreds of filmmakers, stars and crews who spend their time off-set enjoying the sights and sounds Malta and its sea have to offer. One need only remember the likes of the Jolie-Pitts enjoying a day off on a yacht off Selmun or, more recently, Michael Bay posting a photo of himself on his official Instagram and saying “Not so bad filming in the Med”.

Jean Pierre Borg has for the past years been researching the films that have been fully or partly shot in Malta. For more information, curiosities and trivia about the Maltese film industry, contact the author on 79710271, email jeanpierreborg@filmedinmalta.com or visit the ‘Filmed in Malta’ Facebook page.

From top: Vicky and the Treasure of the Gods (2011): Ghajn Tuffieha provides an exotic setting as the Vikings search for a missing crew member; Captain Phillips (2013): delicate scenes requiring full control are shot in the water tanks facilities in Malta; Aerial shot of the world renowned water tank facilities 17

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THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION

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By Coryse Borg.

Photograph by Jonathan Borg

ver the course of my writing career, I have been lucky enough to interview a number of highly interesting, enigmatic characters. Patrick Staines, the author of two tomes: Essays on Governing Malta 1800-1813 and Essays on Governing Malta II 18131835 – certainly falls into the

above category.

Charming, highly articulate and a joy to speak and listen to, my hour or so spent with this quintessential gentleman is not one I will easily forget.

Mr Staines’ first book came out in 2007. The second one, which was published this year, takes the subject further into the time when a second Royal Commission came out to Malta in 1836.

I met Mr Staines to discuss the publication of his second book, the primary purpose of which – as with his first book – was to give the reader an ‘inside’ acquaintance with what the business of civil government was all about in those early years. The book does this by using the principal movers and decision-makers of the time, both in London and in Malta, as the principal narrators, effectively telling their own story.

“I wanted to give the reader a sense of living the experience, of being there while the events were actually taking place. I myself felt transported in time to those days when I drew up the book, and I am daring to hope that the readers may themselves, as they progress through the book, get to share the pleasurable experience of being there two hundred years ago,” he explains.

The commentary is in the main about how the governing authorities sought to change over from the earlier systems of the Knights to more orthodox British ways, as well as how to keep Malta’s economy alive while setting the parameters of a new order in Maltese society.

The book focuses on the problems faced by Malta’s early Governors: how they viewed their responsibilities, what efforts they made to keep economic activity alive in Malta, what resources they had at their disposal and, effectively, what options these resources permitted. It also traces the development of the civil service from the earliest days of British rule. It gives an account of the sort

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of service it was and the terms and conditions governing tenure of office, recruitment, retirement and political involvement, which related to it.

Mr Staines insists that he did not set out to actually write, much less publish, a book. After he was constrained by circumstances to leave the government service, from his post as Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, back in 1977 (he went back as advisor to the then-Prime Minister Edward Fenech Adami in 1987), he had time on his hands, and took to frequenting the Government archives, then at the Palace, and the National Library where government documents were also held.

“It was something to do. Naturally, my primary interest was the subject matter of government. But I wanted to get away from the ‘present time’ as far as I could, for which I then had nauseous feelings, and language constraints effectively led me to start from the British period,” he tells me.

Mr Staines ploughed through the documents systematically but, as the resources in Malta were rather lacking in respect of the first 10 to 15 years of the 19th century, he found it necessary to go to London for quite some time in order to access the much fuller collection of documents of that period, at the British Library and the Public Records Office at Kew. Over time, he amassed an impressive collection of notes – running into tens of thousands of typewritten sheets – relating to the first half of the 1880s and beyond.

“I WANTED TO GIVE THE READER A SENSE OF LIVING THE EXPERIENCE, OF BEING THERE WHILE THE EVENTS WERE ACTUALLY TAKING PLACE...”

“IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO. NATURALLY, MY PRIMARY INTEREST WAS THE SUBJECT MATTER OF GOVERNMENT. BUT I WANTED TO GET AWAY FROM THE ‘PRESENT TIME’ AS FAR AS I COULD, FOR WHICH I THEN HAD NAUSEOUS FEELINGS, AND LANGUAGE CONSTRAINTS EFFECTIVELY LED ME TO START FROM THE BRITISH PERIOD.” “Up until around 15 years ago, nevertheless, I was still basically collecting information: much as other collectors compulsively increase whatever it is they are collecting, getting pleasure from the mosaic I was creating, but giving no real thought to putting it into book form. Basically, I was researching for the fun of it,” he says.

From his research in Malta and London – the bulk of which he undertook between 1985 and 1992 – Mr Staines had at least 200 audio cassettes which contained his notes and it took over three years – from 1992 to 1995 – to transcribe them. By the time he had finished, he had the equivalent of 22,000 sheets of paper.

In 1995, he purchased his first computer, and it was the computer that first put thoughts of a book into his mind.

“Scanning the notes into a computer, and classifying them, it dawned on me that I had really a massive wealth of information which was not widely – if at all – known, and all the effort I had put into it would be lost, after I was gone, if I did not get it into some form of publication,” he says.

What gave Mr Staines the impetus to write his second book, was the awareness that he was getting older and needed something to occupy his mind.

“A lot of my friends my age are showing signs of dementia. I firmly believe that occupying your mind keeps it alive, and working on my book has been very helpful in that respect. A third will follow – if God gives me the time and health. After all, I have material that would bring me up to about 1880,” he smiles.

Essays on Governing Malta 1800-1813is published

by Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd and sponsored by the Farsons Foundation. Essays on Governing Malta II 1813-1835 is published by Gutenberg Press Ltd and co-sponsored by the Central Bank of Malta and the Farsons Foundation.

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Autumn’s colourful trees, Winchester, Hampshire.

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WHY NOT LET YOUR SOUL DANGLE IN ENGLAND’S SERENE SOUTH Dini Martinez spent a Spring and Winter in Hampshire and fell so in love with the area that her nomadic soul almost settled there. Here are her top 10 places where peace comes naturally

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ust over an hour to the southwest of London’s Heathrow Airport, the counties of Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire provide an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is home to many seaside resorts, World Heritage-listed coastlines, the former hunting ground of kings – now a mind-blowingly beautiful national park dotted with wild ponies, freeroaming red deer and wild boars – and a treasure trove of historic riches.

To name but a few, England’s south is the famed home of writers such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe and two of

Europe’s largest and longest-standing ports. The Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force were born here and the HMS Titanic left from Southampton on her fatal trip through the North Atlantic on 10 April 1912.

Nowadays, innumerable cruise liners call and the Southampton Boat Show attracts thousands of visitors each September.

Beyond the picturesque downtowns of Winchester, Salisbury and Bournemouth, and the bustling vibe of the port cities, there are places where peace rules and tranquillity still prevails: the kind of breath-taking nature » 23

«spots where your soul starts dangling, your mind inevitably slows down and you fall into a spontaneous and natural state of bliss.

1. Furzey Gardens

English gardens at their best – with a feel-good social benefit. People with a disability are significantly involved in running and maintaining this Show Garden Gold award winner*. The stroll past the grazing lamas, colourful flowers and little fairy houses feels immensely healing. We end up in an old style miniature farmhouse which leaves me wondering how a family of 12 fitted their little beds in the tiny attic and all around the miniscule kitchen table. A coffee in the tranquil terrace cafe next door lets me ponder while this soul treat sinks in. *RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012 Show Garden

Top left: Hampshire’s cows substainable farming. Top rigth: Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England. Above: Life-sized bronze sculpture of ‘The Hampshire Hog’. Left: New Forest cottages. Below left: Beaulieu River.

2. Mottisfont

This park’s ancient – almost magical – oak tree turns everyone into a tree-hugger. Time flies as we stroll past crystal clear rivers towards the rose gardens. We get a slice of history meandering through the magnificent manor house followed by a slice of cake at the garden cafe. Before we know it, it’s been a full and marvellous day out at this National Trust treasure.

3. Bournemouth and Christchurch Beaches

Across the county border in Dorset, there are English beaches at their best. You can’t but rejoice at the incredibly refreshing zest of dipping your feet in the ocean, connecting with Atlantic waves streaming through the Channel. Some cafes offer ice-creams and snacks from where people-watching justifies turning your phone off for the day. With kids, Hengistbury Head was our favourite of all the beaches.

4. Winchester and St Catherine’s Hill

England’s former capital is framed with ancient history around every cobblestone. The Hampshire farmer’s market every other Sunday was firmly locked into our diaries, as we love topping up on farmer’s clotted cream, home-made goodies, organic cheeses and chatting with the local farmers. Afterwards, there’s never a valid excuse not to enjoy a cream tea in the sun watching the shoppers and strollers pass by, especially in our all-time favourite Caracoli Café on the High Street. It’s all a little posh and it’s rather expensive. But it’s gorgeous, welcoming and most picturesque.

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Heading out of town, don’t miss out on a great hike past grazing cattle by the sparkling River Itchen to the top of St Catherine’s Hill. Take in the truly magnificent views before rounding off the day with traditional fish and chips at one of the historical, full-of-character pubs.

5. Avebury

The glamour of Stonehenge fades compared to this less crowded and much more accessible sacred place. We were led into deep reflections and magic spells each time we followed the mystic energies along the trails through Avebury’s Neolithic henge, which is a must for history-lovers and soul-lovers alike.

6. Itchen Valley Country Park

We couldn’t get enough of the rejuvenating forest walks along the River Itchen. Some liked flying higher and treated themselves to a treetop ride with the resident outdoors adventure company. Others liked it wilder and went out on their off-road bikes.

Throughout the woods, gigantic ants, truck-sized caterpillars and other timber creatures pop out at every corner to crawl through, jump over or dip under. The kids thought they were in heaven, as we slurped a good old English cuppa near the park’s visitor centre, contemplating how lucky we were to experience this off-the-beaten-track treat for the soul, thanks to our local friends.

7. Moors Valley Country Park

A bigger version of Itchen Valley, this dreamy park not only has giant, oversized creatures, but also an exceptional playground and small steam railway next to the picnic area. Given that there’s no better way of finishing off an outdoorsy day than a good pint and home-cooked meal, stopping over at the Three Legged Cross inn nearby for a traditional country pub supper made for another perfect day.

8. Jurassic Coast

I remember the first time I came, when I just stood there, speechless: the effect that the extraordinary rock formations documenting 180 million years of geological history seem to have on most visitors. It didn’t surprise me to hear that the 155 kilometres of walkable tracks past arches, coves and limestone fold are often referred to as one of the greatest natural wonders in Britain.

Numerous visitor centres and access points will show the way towards outer and inner stillness.

9. Beaulieu

Another soul refuge, this tiny town feels as if it has dropped right out of a picture book. Donkeys, cows and horses graze freely everywhere. The lush green surroundings take your breath away. The Palace House, part of which is open to the public, is still home to Lord Montagu, one of the 90 elected hereditary peers to sit in the House of Lords.

10. Buckler’s Hard

Less than an hour’s stroll away lies another living museum. En route, the camera clicked through woods onto moored yachts of all shapes and forms. In Buckler’s Hard, the old brick houses tell their own story. The unique pub is most stunning for sun-downers and BBQs for your own picnic are available past the boatyard by the river side. Breathing in the freshest of air, this place will stay in your memory forever.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are daily flights from Malta to Southampton, Bournemouth or London. From Heathrow and Gatwick, there are coaches and trains taking you to Winchester, but hiring a car will give you more freedom to explore all the peaceful sanctuaries mentioned here.

Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, B’Kara T: 2144 4400

photo shanghai Photo Shanghai, Asia’s premier art fair dedicated to photography returns this September to the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. The fair will open to VIPs on 10 September and to the public from 11-13 September.

Since launching in 2014, Photo Shanghai has quickly established itself as mainland China’s most international art fair and is already shaping the relatively untapped market of photography collecting in China and across Asia. The 2015 edition, once more directed by Alexander Montague-Sparey, will offer a highly curated and elegant exhibition of vintage and contemporary masterworks featuring 50 of the world’s leading photography galleries from Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States.»

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Previous page: Chen Qiulin, The Empty City No.4, 2012. Courtesy of A Thousand Plateaus Art Space, Chengdu Above: David Drebin, Dreams of Hong Kong, 2009.

Courtesy of Camera Work, Berlin. Left: Julie Blackmon, Wicker Swing, 2008.

Courtesy of Cipa Gallery, Beijing Right: Cooper & Gorfer, Niza and the Animals, 2015. Courtesy of CHRISTIAN LARSEN, Stockholm

«The galleries will present a wide of artists, from the iconic to the emerging, including: Nobuyoshi Araki; Birdhead; Guy Bourdin; Henri Cartier-Bresson; Elliott Erwitt; Yang Fudong; Candida Höfer; Horst P. Horst; Axel Hüette; André Kertész; Steven Klein; Gustave Le Gray; Daido Moriyama; Vik Muniz; Helmut Newton; Erwin Olaf; Irving Penn; Paolo Roversi, and Hiroshi Sugimoto, among many others.

Fair Director Alexander Montague-Sparey comments: “After last year’s unprecedented success, we are delighted to bring to Shanghai an even stronger hand-picked selection of works by the world’s leading galleries for the

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“PHOTO SHANGHAI WILL OFFER ONCE AGAIN A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLECTORS AND CURATORS ALIKE, TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST IN FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE KEY INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS IN THE FIELD” Photo Shanghai is part of Shanghai Art Week, a new collaboration between the fair and West Bund Art & Design (8-13 September) and Art in the City Festival (11-14 September) in which the very best in contemporary art takes over the city in the second week of September. In addition to the special exhibitions, leading experts in the field will host a curated talks and events programme.

For more information log on to www.photoshanghai.org

medium. Photo Shanghai will offer once again a unique opportunity for collectors and curators alike, to experience the best in fine art photography by the key international players in the field.”

Sandy Angus, co-founder of ART HK (now Art Basel Hong Kong) and Chairman of Montgomery and the World Photography Organisation adds: “Photography is an easy entry point into the world of art collecting and Photo Shanghai makes it possible for those in China and across the Asia Pacific region to access the very best contemporary and vintage masterworks from both the East and West.”

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Left to right: ASOS 70s plunge halter swimsuit; Toteme bio sandals; Minkpink crop top bikini; South Beach Polly bikini; Soludos striped canvas espadrilles

Above: ASOS bandana Below: Oysho embroidered kaftan Bottom left: ASOS retro sunglasses

The SALT on our SKIN

Imagine this idyllic scene: the soporific sound of crashing waves, foaming with the salt that now sticks to your own waves of crusted hair. Your face, warm and sun-kissed, points skywards as it soaks up every last ray of sunshine. Sounds ideal? Hold on – there’s one detail left to be painted into your almost perfect picture: it’s time to discuss swimwear.

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here is one activity that most people willingly or unwittingly undertake at this time of the year.

Tanning is a serious business, quite literally, but there’s nothing better than going au naturel with your skin roasting.

The stakes are high and the dangers wellknown. Your best accessory, in fact, is sunscreen.

However, we are aware of our role as fashion consultants, not skincare specialists, which is why choosing the right swimwear is just as crucial for a tan that is less like a builder’s and more like a model’s.

That is why it’s important to have a range of different swimming costumes in your wardrobe. Some days you want to keep it classy and go for a onepiece. Other times you want to get rid of the pesky white spaghetti lines tracing your otherwise bronzed shoulders.

Topless sunbathing aside, it’s best to reach for your bandeau bikini and give your on-trend swimming crop-top a break.

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Apart from maintaining an even tan, keeping a healthy selection of swimwear options on rotation helps to keep the stress out of getting dressed for the day ahead, be it a seaside romp, poolside drinks or a sailing adventure. The material is another factor to be considered. Crochet, for instance, rarely springs to mind in pole position when shopping for a new bikini.

Summer is made for branching out and trying new things, so consider a textile alternative to your diving apparel.

Equally essential are the condiments to your swimming salad: an easy cover-up in the form of a kaftan, a multi-purpose bandana and a beach towel that doubles as the perfect background for your Summer 2015 photo album. After all, it’s good to indulge in a slice of vanity every once in a while. Wash it down with a Mojito, and you’re good to go.

The Clouded Revolution are three sartorial astronauts headed towards Planet Style. Embark on their space odyssey by visiting www.cloudedrevolution.com, www.facebook.com/TheCloudedRevolution and their Instagram @cloudedrevolution.

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Left to right: ASOS canvas espadrilles; ASOS swim shorts in short length; Speedo Endurance brief; Reclaimed vintage straw Fedora; Bottom right: ASOS leather slide sandals

SUN, SEA & SWIMWEAR

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When the going gets tough, the tough get going, but when the temperature rises, the tough go swimming. So don’t get caught in your adolescent shorts – it’s time to up your underwater ante.

Above: ASOS Clubmaster sunglasses; Missoni printed swim shorts; Vilebrequin Moorea printed swim shorts 32

y now we’re past the stage of prepping for that coveted beach bod.

It’s August, and what had to be done should have been done.

Instead, it’s time to rely on our summer garb to convey that hard-toachieve summertime composure. In layman’s terms, let the clothing do the talking and the muscles (or lack thereof) do the swimming. Hey, we can hardly judge!

We are assuming, however, that some time in the coming month or two, you are either going to toe the water caressing our beautiful island, or escape to a different, slightly more tolerable, climate that is still fit for underwater GoPro shots and #islandlife hashtagging. The versatility of a pair of swim shorts that can double up as postsunburn dinner-wear is paramount in both cases.

Therefore, the best course of action is to think of your swimming gear as an extension of your shorts.

Of course, we are taking into account a varied readership, from the conservative to the adventurous. Nevertheless there are two ground rules to be established. First and foremost, and please read the following as if hollered through a megaphone, NO BOARD SHORTS. For the fashion tone-deaf, ‘board shorts’ means swim shorts that go below the knee. It has nothing to do with style and everything to do with proportion. Whether you’re Chris Hemsworth or Christopher Walken, the rule is

universal. Board shorts make you look short, stumpy, bow-legged and ill-proportioned. If that doesn’t make you cry into your ice cream, then we surrender.

Rule Number Two is no flip-flops. Leave them at home. Go for slides or fun espadrilles instead. The rest is pretty much open for discussion. We’ve provided you with plain to printed examples of the best bottom-huggers to make smooth sailing out of your summer splashing. Ultimately, the message we are trying to get across is this: don’t be a Moby Dick – but more importantly, enjoy your summer!

The Clouded Revolution are three sartorial astronauts headed towards Planet Style. Embark on their space odyssey by visiting www.cloudedrevolution.com, www.facebook.com/TheCloudedRevolution and their Instagram @cloudedrevolution.

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Lily Rose Depp be comes the new CHANEL ambassador For her first collaboration with the House, Karl Lagerfeld has chosen her to be the face of the Pearl eyewear collection where the young actress plays a baby-doll in a world imbued with sweetness and femininity.

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ily-Rose Depp perfectly embodies the youth, modernity and daring that characterise the House. “Lily-Rose is stunning, she’s a young girl from a new generation with all the qualities of a star,” announced Karl Lagerfeld.

Lily-Rose Depp is treading in the footsteps of her mother Vanessa Paradis, herself a friend of Karl

Lagerfeld, ambassador of the House since 1990, the year of her first campaign for the perfume COCO, and the face of the Girl CHANEL handbag. Both were part of the CHANEL Fall-Winter 2015/16 Haute Couture show that took place at the Grand Palais on July 7th, 2015.

Discover the Pearl eyewear collection advertising campaign photographed by Karl Lagerfeld in September 2015.

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orgasmic birthing HOW IS IT POSSIBLE? Child birth is frequently associated with pain and sometimes even punishment.

Yet there is increasing talk, scientific studies and experiential evidence that birthing can be an enjoyable, blissful and even orgasmic experience. Various studies involving midwives and mothers show between one and 10 per cent of women experience what some describe as a full-blown orgasm during birth. Âť

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WHEN THERE IS TRUST IN – AND SURRENDER TO – THE NATURAL PROCESS OF BIRTHING, IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A PAINFUL, HORRIBLE OR EVEN TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE AT ALL. Anatomy

Sceptics and traumatised mums with negative birth experiences scream out loud at hearing ‘orgasm’ and ‘childbirth’ mentioned in the same context. However, anatomically, orgasmic birth shouldn’t come as a surprise. In fact, the intense stimulation of the vaginal canal, cervix, clitoris and uterine contractions during labour have a lot in common with the sensations otherwise experienced in a sexual context and science shows that such stimulations can reduce pain. In other words, the sensory neurotransmitters tasked with transmitting “ouch” messages to the central nervous system are debilitated by vaginal stimulation.

In addition, two regions of the brain that become active during orgasm – the anterior cingulate cortex and the insula – are also active during painful experiences. There is obviously something very intriguing going on between pain and pleasure. The fear of pain is a pleasure block.

Perception of pain

In the same way that every woman’s anatomy is different, so is every woman’s pain threshold and every woman’s attitude. Thus, some women may experience pleasure during childbirth while others feel only the pain. If a woman fears sensuality or if all of her expectations of childbirth are negative, she is more likely to be tense during labour. This then counters the natural process of opening and releasing and can impede her from having an enjoyable experience.

Resistance to the flow is one of the biggest triggers of pain in childbirth.

If you expect pain, it is most likely that you will focus on and indulge in it. If you are open to the possibility of pleasure and bliss, you are more relaxed and more likely to start feeling that way. Luckily, dealing with and managing pain is something that can be influenced and improved.

Hormones

When a woman gives birth, her body secretes many of the same hormones that are released during intercourse. Oxytocin is one of them. It makes us fall in love, increases our well-being and happiness levels and supports effective uterine contractions. It is released naturally in the birthing woman’s body and can be increased via sensual pleasure and loving support from her partner. Adrenalin and oxytocin have an opposing relationship: One increases when the other one decreases. A well-supported mother produces significantly lower levels of stress hormones.

In addition to jump-starting labour and making contractions more regular and effective, orgasms can be used to manage the intensity of sensations.

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The endorphins released during orgasm are a natural painkiller and tranquiliser, more powerful than any over-the-counter drugs – including morphine.

Pain and pleasure run on the same neural pathways in the body. Orgasms can support us in converting the sensations of labour from pain into pleasure.

Movement

A lot of sensual energy pulses through a woman’s body when she is giving birth! In fact, one of the best natural ways to manage pain during labour is bellydancing. The circling and spiralling of the hips was traditionally used as a dance and tool for pregnant and birthing women. Instead of resisting the intense and overwhelming energies, movement and vocalisation help surrender to them and allow the flow go to where it is most needed in the body.

O

Safe and enticing environment

A warm and welcoming environment helps us relax into an experience, turn off our minds and allow our bodies to lead. Dim lighting and privacy, and feeling safe, loved and unhurried, are some of the things that help us slip into the trance-like state of labour! The moment we feel unsafe, our primal instincts get ready to run. If a woman does not feel safe in a brightly-lit room with strangers in white clothes, this will increase the level of adrenalin and reduce the oxytocin in her body. Labour halts.

The vast majority of births, when accurately staged and supported, will take their natural course,

NE OF THE BEST NATURAL WAYS TO MANAGE PAIN DURING LABOUR IS BELLY-DANCING. THE CIRCLING AND SPIRALLING OF THE HIPS WAS TRADITIONALLY USED AS A DANCE AND TOOL FOR PREGNANT AND BIRTHING WOMEN.

Vocalise

Research has shown that there is a strong connection between our upper and lower lips. The more relaxed and open our mouths and throats are, the more our lower body softens and opens during the birthing process. Thus laughter, singing, kissing, moaning and breathing deeply are tools that support the body’s opening and can help bring pleasure and ecstasy, both during intercourse and in child birth.

Even greater is the beauty that labour is a journey that reverberates beyond birth into a woman’s experience of motherhood and womanhood in general.

Feel

woman’s ability to become more orgasmic and enjoy childbirth!

Have we forgotten that, mostly, births are a reminder of the Divine sparkle and wonder that is life on earth?

When you are disconnected from feeling, you are numb to all sensations – the enjoyable and the challenging. Our cultural focus on numbing the intensity of childbirth has blocked us from feeling the ecstasy that childbirth can instigate. Dropping resistance and learning to feel is a pivotal part of a

providing not only for the optimal health of the newborn, but also for the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the mother.

Childbirth can be one of the most empowering, transformative and pleasurable experiences in a woman’s life.

Trust and surrender

When there is trust in and surrender to the natural process of birthing, it does not have to be a painful, horrible or even traumatic experience at all. Like most transitions in life, it is never easy, always intense. The idea of a woman slipping into an orgasmic state as part of the birthing process is intriguing but, much like in sex, the harder one tries, the more elusive it can feel.

While it really isn’t the point of the experience, it is most likely to occur when a woman is able to let go of her mind, thoughts, fears and doubts and allow her body and the primal blueprint within to take over.

Orgasmic flow results not from any kind of doing, but from a deeper trance-like connection and surrender.

A PERSON WITH OCD CAN ACQUIRE THE TOOLS AND INFORMATION NECESSARY TO MANAGE AND CONTROL THE SYMPTOMS SO THAT DAILY LIFE IS NOT DISRUPTED. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves unwanted and disturbing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that intrude into a persons mind and cause a great deal of anxiety or discomfort, which the person then tries to reduce by engaging in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).

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DEALING WITH A DILEMMA

Dear Claire

Organising my life has become a reoccurring habit which is at times good, but at many times exhausting. I find myself obsessing over things and spending hours organising and re-organising my cupboards, and sometimes other people’s as well! When I am really into it, I cancel anything else I might have to do, and it can sometimes feel like it is taking over my life. And yet I can’t stop until I think I’ve done it, and right. Afterwards, I often feel drained and sometimes desperate, because there’s so much more to do, I need some advice but I am not sure what. I don’t want to stop being organised, but where do I draw the line?

D

ear Reader, The point of the matter is finding a healthy balance. Perfectionists, who need organisation and tidiness in order to function, might think that they are suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but this is a great misconception.

OCD goes beyond the need for order in the household and the workplace. As the name itself implies, an individual may have OCD tendencies if she or he is continuously thinking and obsessing about a particular matter such as organisation. Such a person will re-organise even when and where this is unnecessary. This obsession generates a great deal of anxiety, which is only temporarily relieved once the behaviour is repeated over and over again in a vicious circle.

OCD typically starts in childhood, but unfortunately it usually takes several years for someone to be diagnosed. This is because individuals may feel uncomfortable opening up about their problem. Another reason might be because OCD is often veiled by other psychological issues such as depression.

It is imperative that such people be assisted with patience and understanding: they need continuous support, not criticism.

It is important to seek help as soon as this condition starts interfering with the quality of one’s life. As I understand from your correspondence that you have reached this point, it would certainly be advisable to seek help. The first step would be to visit your family doctor (GP) to discuss your feelings and symptoms honestly. Many people suffer from this disorder, so there is no reason to feel embarrassed. Once the GP diagnosis OCD, treatment should then commence.

Regrettably, there is no cure for OCD. However, in the same way that people can control cholesterol levels through a healthy lifestyle and an appropriate diet, a person with OCD can acquire the tools and information necessary to manage and control the symptoms so that daily life is not disrupted.

The most effective treatment for OCD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The therapist or coach will discuss the problem with the client and explore different ways of thinking. The therapist will also challenge the individual’s views through specific exercises. CBT is different from any other talking therapy such as counselling in that it focuses on the here and now, and does not delve into the past. In fact, a good coach will take the person from where she or he is at present and helps to devise a successful plan for a better and happier future.

Another part of the treatment should involve Exposure and Response prevention. This would involve the client being exposed to his or her obsession without responding with the usual OCD behaviour.

There are times when clients are also given medication in conjunction with these therapies. However, it must always be borne in mind that medication should only be prescribed by a medical professional, and never by a counsellor or coach.

Deciding which therapy to use largely depends on the severity of the situation.

OCD TYPICALLY STARTS IN CHILDHOOD, BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT USUALLY TAKES SEVERAL YEARS FOR SOMEONE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THIS IS BECAUSE INDIVIDUALS MAY FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE OPENING UP ABOUT THEIR PROBLEM. You must start with a coach or counsellor and move on from there. In addition to the above, I think it is imperative for everyone to take care of themselves holistically. Good health and regular exercise helps us to feel more energetic and positive as we go about our daily routine. Being positive will inevitably help to reduce any anxiety caused by OCD. We are so fortunate to live in a country with beautiful weather nearly all year round. So, go outdoors and make the best of it: go for long walks, swim in our cool blue sea, meditate in front of a beautiful sunset.

OCD is not a condemnation to a life of anxiety and discomfort. It can be controlled and, in some cases, completely overcome. I would encourage you to seek the guidance of a professional coach to take that first step on the path to recovery.

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GIVING BACK As part of its campaign for the European Year for Development 2015, MEUSAC interviewed humanitarian aid worker Tanya Axisa, who is currently based in Jordan where she is supporting the coordination of humanitarian work in Syria. She talks about what her valuable work entails.

Based on your vast experience, how would you define humanitarian aid?

Humanitarian aid is the provision of assistance and protection to populations affected by disasters (manmade and natural). It is intended to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity.

On which sector of humanitarian aid do you focus the most?

I have over 15 years experience of working in the humanitarian sector. I started out in Kosovo in 2000 with SOS Malta and have since worked with a number of international NGOs, UN Agencies and as a Donor in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Balkans and the Middle-East. My main role has been to set up and manage programmes and operations in the first phases of an emergency.

Does humanitarian aid also carry long-term benefits apart from its short-term connotations?

It can, if aid programmes are designed with clear exit strategies that aim to increase the resilience of local communities and governments and prepare people for future emergencies.

What is the role of humanitarian aid in the context of development?

Humanitarian action is driven by shocks/spikes in need within the development spectrum but should aim to bring communities back to where they were before the emergency (and better – if possible and feasible).

What are the tangible daily challenges faced by the people you help and how do you address them?

This depends on the community, country, type of disaster, etc, but in general a lack of access to basic goods and services (food, healthcare, clean water, education, shelter), displacement (within and outside of country of origin) and threats against personal safety

This entails working with multiple stakeholders based in both Syria and in neighbouring countries who are providing assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict. and security. The role of the humanitarian community is to provide those services that cannot or are not being provided by the national government in these situations by working with the communities and local structures.

In the first weeks of an emergency, the focus is on lifesaving issues such as the provision of clean-water, food and emergency health care, and then once the initial emergency period is over and people’s lives are no longer at risk, organisations shift their focus to recovery and helping people re-build their lives.

Are the problems faced by people in diverse countries homogeneous or are they specific?

As I said above – this will depend on the situation and the baseline prior to the emergency. However, the above list is common to most emergency situations.

What was the most rewarding project that you have been part of?

All of them – I have been lucky enough to have worked in over 30 countries and each time I feel hugely privileged and grateful for the opportunity. My mission with Oxfam in Chad 20014 was particularly rewarding and challenging. For a 6month period, in pretty harsh conditions, I established a team to set-up and manage the water, sanitation and hygiene response in numerous refugee camps following the Darfur conflict.

Another very memorable experience was setting up the UK Government’s response to the Haiti earthquake, just days after the disaster.

Are you currently undertaking any humanitarian aid mission and if so, what does it entail?

Yes – I’m currently supporting the coordination of humanitarian work in Syria (based out of Jordan).

This project is co-funded by the European Union 53

THE KITCHEN the heart of the home Vegan Claire Aitchison shares three quick and easy recipes to try at home that are part of her regular healthy-living lifestyle, and inspired only by wholesome ingredients.

Potato Salad with Olive oil, mint & Goji berries

Gluten-free & vegan-friendly Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

4 large potatoes 2 tbs Goji Berries, soaked in water and drained 3 tbs extra virgin olive oil (preferably organic) 1 sprig of mint leaves roughly chopped Salt & Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Peel and cut potatoes into large cubes. Boil in water until they soften, but are not so soft that they will break up.

Drain the water and let potatoes cool – holding them in a colander under cold running water to cool faster, if required.

Add the olive oil and roughly chopped mint, season with salt and pepper, toss in the Goji berries and place in serving bowl.

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Raw Zucchini & Carrot Zpaghetti with a roasted tomato sauce Gluten-free & vegan-friendly Serves 2

You will need a vegetable spiraliser for this dish for the best results and taste. If you do not have one, you can prepare the vegetables julienne-style with a peeler.

INGREDIENTS 1 large zucchini 1 large carrot (peeled)

For the sauce 4 large juicy tomatoes 1 onion Oregano Salt & pepper 1 tbs brown sugar 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil A few leaves of basil and mint Juice of half a lemon Few drops of chilli sauce or powered chilli (for those who like it spicy)

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut off the stem end of the zucchini and the ends of the peeled carrot. Spiralise the zucchini and carrot using your vegetable spiraliser or cut into julienne strips. Place the zucchini and carrot zpaghetti into a large bowl.

Halve the tomatoes, slice the onion and place on a baking tray. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle over the olive oil and sprinkle with some oregano. Place tray in oven at 200º C/gas mark 7 for about 20 minutes, turning half-way through.

Once they are roasted, blend the tomatoes and onion with the fresh basil, mint and lemon juice. Add some chilli sauce if you like it spicy.

Add the sauce to the zpaghetti, mix it all up and enjoy.

You’ll want more, once you’ve tried it – trust me on that!

Raw collard leaf wraps with rainbow veggies and a creamy apple & mustard dressing Gluten-free & vegan-friendly Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

2 large collard leaves (to use instead of tortilla) 1 large tomato – sliced ½ an avocado pear, sliced ½ a small cucumber, seeds removed and sliced into thin strips A few rucola/rocket leaves ½ cup shredded red cabbage ½ a yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly 1 carrot, grated For the apple and mustard dressing: 3 tbs olive oil 1 tbs Dijon mustard ½ an apple (cored) 1 tsp tahini paste 1½ tsp honey or agave Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 tsp ground cumin Juice of half a lemon A few leaves of basil and mint 6 tbs water

To prepare: place all ingredients in blender and mix well.

INSTRUCTIONS

Put raw collard leaves in a plastic bag and freeze them for about an hour – until they turn bright green. This freezing process makes them more flexible without losing any of their raw nutritional value.

Using a paring knife, gently shave down the raised part of the spines so the surface of the collard is nice and flat.

Wash and prepare the vegetables, chopped, shredded or grated as required. Spread shredded cabbage in the centre of each leaf and distribute the rest of the vegetables evenly between the leaves, laying them parallel to the spine. Top with the shredded carrots. Dress the collard leaves and veggies with two spoonfuls of the apple and mustard dressing. Roll the leaves into wraps and slice in half with a sharp knife. Once prepared, serve fresh and eat quickly to avoid any sogginess.

Turquoise Improvisation A glimmer on the lash tips. A final touch for electrifying eyes. CILS SCINTILLANTS Jazzy Blue is a turquoise blue mascara to sweep onto the lash tips.

Lashes step up the tone Ultra-intense. Ultra-deep. Ultra-black. LE VOLUME ULTRA-NOIR DE CHANEL goes all out to light up the eyes. Its natural waxes guarantee intense volume and a texture that remains fluid. Its acacia gum builds instant made-to-measure volume, application after application, while creating breathtaking curl. Its exclusive patented brush curves each lash from root to tip. Its long rigid bristles coat and thicken, while its short supple bristles fill out and define to infinity. Suspended in a translucent base, its carbon pigments reveal all the purity of absolute black.

Application is simple, instinctive, radical.

The black is so dense that the mascara seems to trace a line of eyeliner at the base of the lashes to fill them out even more. Lashes are coated with intense colour and volumized to the extreme.

Eyes look wide-open, captivating. Just as vibrant, LE VOLUME Blue Night opts for the elegant energy of magnetic blue. In one stroke, eyes are stylized, the white of the eye brightens and the colour of the iris pulses.

confidential beauty & health update

Soloists black Two chords of blue andge… ran l yfu pla gle sin a for till the From the crack of dawnE BR OM ht! nig depth of a ESSENTIELLE Swing is e that smoldering starry blupending changes character de on the light. OMBRE ht is a ESSENTIELLE Midnig sprinkled luminous matte blackto your with silver. To adapt every inspiration.

EYE QUARTET Soft, supple and melt-away, the LES 4 OMBRES eyeshadows shimmer in harmony. Exceptionally concentrated with pure pigments, the formula marks the rhythm with colour. In dazzling turquoise, midnight blue, sultry black and scintillating white, Tissé Jazz hums an exuberant tune. In a gray melody, Tissé Smoky revisits black, white and silver for eyes that are sheer or sculpted to the extreme. Shades and materials mix and match to your heart’s desire in a new composition.

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Unwanted facial and body hair can be problematic for men and women of all ages. Laser hair removal at Estetika gives you a fast and easy solution for permanent hair reduction so you can look and feel your best! Call Estetika now on 21340503 to avail yourself of our special Summer prices starting from ¤199, for a full year of Laser! Treatment sessions can start in October 2015.

Get the summer body you want with Smart Lip (TM) and Power Assisted lipo – the most advanced form of Liposculpture available on the Island! The procedure is performed by medical aesthetic doctors and is suitable for both men and women of all shapes and sizes. Now even more affordable, safe and with minimal downtime. Call Estetika on 2134 0403 or email info@estetika.com.mt for a free consultation.

A must have for this time of year is the Yon-Ka Masque No 1 – it softens, firms and rejuvenates dull, wrinkled and dry skin. Rose flower oil acts as an astringent to tighten pores and wrinkles. Sandalwood extract soothes inflammation and provides a calming fragrance. Salicylic acid loosens dry and flaky skin to reveal a softer, brighter you. Yon-Ka Masque No 1 can be used 1 to 3 times per week after cleansing and Lotion Yon-Ka spray: apply a generous amount of mask to the face, neck, and décolleté and leave for 20 to 60 minutes as needed, blotting any excess with a facial tissue, and follow with a toner, serum and moisturiser.

Virtuoso blue Sometimes all it takes is a graphic line along the base of the lashes to get into the rhythm in the blink of an eye. The soft silvery gray tip of the STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF Perle de Lune thrums a sensual song, while the shimmering metallic indigo of the LIGNE GRAPHIQUE Dream Blue eyeliner enhances bare eyelids and the sophistication of NoirNoir stylizes a smoky eye. To harmonize with LE VOLUME Ultra-Noir and Blue Night mascaras or to mix and match for more creativity.

BODY LOVES DERMABLEND – VICHY DERMABLEND Total Body foundation SPF15 covers up what you really want to cover and respects your sensitive skin! This product offers extremely high coverage for moderate to severe skin imperfections such as veins, stretch marks, scars and tattoos. A buildable and long-lasting coverage, that leaves skin feeling smooth and silky soft. DERMABLEND Total Body foundation has a 16-hour hold, it is water, sweat and rub resistant allowing for carefree wear throughout the day. DERMABLEND setting powder extends the hold of all DERMABLEND products.

Sensational Chorus To add a touch of softness to this joyful agitation, ILLUSION D’OMBRE reinvents itself in a velvet version. ILLUSION D’OMBRE VELVET Melody, a subtly golden peach beige, offers a cream texture with a powdery feel. Perfectly matte, even and silky on the skin, it reveals understated shades. As the sun sets, ILLUSION D’OMBRE Mystério unveils a platinum effect with creamy metallic accents.

STOCKISTS CHANEL is distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd. ESTETIKA, 66 Dingli Street, Sliema, tel. 21340503. www.estetika.com.mt. POLAAR is distributed by TA’ XBIEX PERFUMERY, 2 Marina Palace, Triq Giuseppe Cali, Ta’Xbiex, tel. 21331553. VICHY DERMABLEND is distributed by Pro Health and available from all leading pharmacies, for more info email: vichy@prohealth.com.mt. YON KA MASQUE NO.1 is available from all leading salons and spas, for trade enquiries contact BEAUTY CULTURE GROUP on 2144 0424 or 2744 0424, info@beautysuppliesmalta.com, www.beautyculturecentre.com.

Polaar High Protection Sun Oil SPF 30 (100ml) allows you to tan both safely and quickly, and boasts a versatile formula that is suitable for your body, face and hair. Made using a complex, high-performance multi-filter which is composed of the best UVA and UVB mineral screens to cover the broadest spectrum, the lightweight and non-greasy oil protects your skin, whilst the tanning accelerator will allow you to develop an even colour fast. Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed areas before sun exposure, and reapply frequently, especially after swimming or perspiration. Exclusively Distributed by Ta’Xbiex Perfumery Limited Tel: 21331553

competition Answer the following question to WIN A BOTTLE OF POLAAR HIGH PROTECTION SUN OIL SPF30 (100ml, worth ¤25.)

Name one author who came from Hampshire mentioned in the travel article Send your answers, including your name, contact number, email and post address, by the 24th of July to: First King of Seduction Competition, Standard Publications Ltd, Standard House, B’kara Hill, St Julian’s.

Winners from the July issue: David Borg Attard (Vittoriosa): 10ltr Tub of Berger CoolRoofs and paint kit from VGB Dunstan Edwards (Mqabba): Antonio Banderas perfume from Ta’Xbiex Perfumery Eman Muscat (Mosta): Penfold Koonunga Hill wine from Charles Grech CONGRATULATIONS! 59

Far Left: David Burton, Managing Director TNT Associates , Corporate TNT. Below left: Michael Mifsud, Tennovar and Mario Martin Bugeja, Vodafone. Left: Natasha Gaman, Sino Merchants and Ingrid Magri Overend, Westin Resort.

TNT’s aircraft arrival celebrations C&C Express Limited, as Associates for TNT, together with Corporate TNT, recently hosted a cocktail party for their clients at the Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana to celebrate the arrival and start of operations of the TNT-owned aircraft to and from Malta. David Burton, Managing Director of TNT Associates at Corporate TNT and Diana Cassar, Managing Director TNT Malta welcomed all the guests and in a brief speech, noted how this new development has already brought major important enhancements to the overall service offered by TNT to its Maltese customers doing business intra Europe and worldwide.

social whirl

Reception for The Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Top left: Mrs. Jose’ Herrera, Amb. Umberto Di Capua, Mrs. Marinella Di Capua, Hon. Jose’ Herrera. photo by Andrew Christie at Illumina. Left: General view of guests on terrace with fireworks from nearby Festa in the background.

Above: Her Excellency Mrs Marie Louise Coleiro Preca looks on as the Ambassador of the Order, H.E. Umberto Di Capua reads his Speech

The annual reception of The Sovereign Military Order of Malta on the occasion of the Feast of the Patron Saint of the Order, St. John the Baptist, was held on the 27th of June at St. John’s Cavalier. Among distinguished guests present, other than Her Excellency The President of Malta and Mr Preca, were Presidents Emeriti Drs Mifsud Bonnici and Fenech Adami, the Hon Minister for Foreign Affairs and Mrs Vella, various Ministers, Members of the Bench and Heads of the Diplomatic Missions resident in Malta. The Reception was held on the terrace of St John’s Cavalier which houses the Embassy of the Order in Valletta and guests were entertained by a live band and fireworks from a feast nearby.

American chef Tim Byres visits Malta As part of the U.S. Government’s participation in the Milan Expo 2015, American Chef Tim Byres recently visited Malta to showcase American cuisine. The theme of the U.S. pavilion in Milan was “American Food: United to Feed the Planet.”

During his brief visit to Malta, Chef Byres met with educators and sports officials to share best practices in overcoming obesity in children and promoting healthy eating. He gave a cooking demo and engaged in discussion with the Malta Organic Agriculture Movement.

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Top: H.E. Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, her daughter Kara, Mr. & Mrs. Luciano Micallef. Above : H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta; H.E. Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, U.S. Ambassador to Malta; The Honorable Minister George Vella; Ms. Sarah Agius, sign-interpreter. Bottom: SSgt Jill Diem from the “Ambassador’s Combo” belting out lively jazz tunes

The 239th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America On Wednesday, July the 1st, U.S. Ambassador Gina AbercrombieWinstanley and her daughter Kara, welcomed Maltese officials, diplomatic colleagues and friends at a reception to mark the 239th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America. The theme this year was “Discover America,” with an emphasis on accessible tourism for people with disabilities. In brief remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley invited guests to discover America’#s boundless attractions through its diverse culinary traditions that celebrate delicious food, authentic character and timeless appeal.

An intriguing exhibition of photographs showcased the exciting variety of American landscapes, wildlife and people. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley stressed the importance of inclusive, accessible tourism. She said, “Tourism is a vital economic factor in the United States and in Malta. We cannot afford to neglect the great positive impact that inclusive, accessible tourism can have on this sector.” The Ambassador expressed satisfaction for the excellent bilateral relations between the United States and Malta. She thanked the American companies operating in Malta for their support and annual commitment to sponsoring the Independence Day reception.

FEUDO PRINCIPI DI BUTERA “Discover Sicily in the Heart of the Mediterranean”

Feudo Principi di Butera is an estate that once belonged to noble families such as Sicily's first prince, Ambrogio Branciforte, who lived there in 1543. Named as a large land estate of the Prince of Butera, it is situated in the southeastern part of the Province of Caltanissetta, within the DOC district of Riesi, Sicily. The estate is about two hours from Sicily's regional capital, Palermo. The property has 334 acres dedicated to vineyards, as well as 3,000 olive trees. The historic property that once belonged to the Branciforte Princes and to the Lanza di Scalea family is now equipped with state-of-the-art winemaking plant and is committed to producing world-class wines that express all the soul and strength of the unique land that is Sicily. In 1997, after in-depth research on the best-suited areas to cultivate Nero d'Avola grapes, the Zonin family acquired and restored the estate. Its hilly terrain, proximity to the sea, optimal elevation and abundance of sunlight, combined with rich soil, provide ideal conditions to yield outstanding wines.

Nero d’Avola Feudo has a brilliant, fairly deep ruby-red. Bouquet is broad and persistent, in which one finds, apart from almond blossom notes, intense spicy hints. Dry, well-structured and extremely rounded, it offers very complex fruit flavors on the palate. These are reminiscent of cherries preserved in brandy, mingled with a very appealing spiciness that lingers on the finish. Delicious with richlyflavored dishes, barbecued meats and fairly mature cheeses.

Competition

Answer the following question for a chance to

WIN A BOTTLE OF NERO D’AVOLA FEUDO, PRINCIPI DI BUTERA: To whom did the estate of Feudo Principi di Butera originally belong to?

Send your answer, including your name, contact number, email and postal address, by the 24th of August to Charles Grech First Competition, Standard House, Standard Publications Ltd, B’kara Hill, St Julian’s.

Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & CO. Ltd, Valley Road, B’Kara T: 2144 4400 61

the last word

Dorianne and Keith Richard have grown up together, having been in a relationship for 17 years before they were married four years ago. They share a keen interest in looking and feeling good, take a lot of care with their appearance and in their free time enjoy acting in various productions in Malta. We speak to Dorianne to find out more about her take on life in front of the camera and her interest in fashion.

When you were growing up, did you ever dream that you would get into acting?

No, I was more into modelling and dancing when I was younger. I took part in school plays but as I grew older, acting did not interest me as much as modelling. It was only when I had a small role in a local drama that I felt confident and at ease in front of a video camera and realised how much I actually enjoyed acting, and this led to me presenting a TV programme related to fashion and nightlife. Acting is the only time that I can really switch off – my mobile is switched off – and it is time to fully focus on being the person I am acting out. It is strangely so relaxing!

How would you describe Keith’s interest in acting?

Keith has always been very passionate about acting. He studied drama and always showed an interest from a very young age. His dream, like that of any other actor, is that that one day we get to work with some of his favourite actors. Keith spends a lot of his time studying and interpreting parts of some difficult roles of foreign actors. He’s had a fairly vast amount of experience, having had roles on local TV and films, and he has worked on some foreign productions as well. If he could have it his way, it would be his full-time job!

What keeps you from acting full-time?

I like to cut and colour my hair in various styles quite a lot and when you act you can’t always do that – you have to stick with the chosen look of the character you are playing for however long you have to film. And I have a very busy full time job, as well.

What are you working on now?

Keith and I are currently acting in a new TV drama called il-PATT with Darc Productions, which will begin airing this January.

How do you feed your interest in fashion and style and how would you describe your style?

I have followed fashion since I was very young. As a toddler, I used to choose what to wear, and I designed my own First Holy Communion dress.

I just really like fashion, and spend a lot of time and money on clothes, shoes and handbags and accessories. I admit that I’m a shopaholic, but I like to vary my outfits according to my mood. And because I work in the cosmetic and beauty sector, I have to look the part 62

and wear make-up every day, so it goes hand-in-hand with what I wear.

What do you look for when choosing a pair of sunglasses?

I choose sunglasses according to what is fashionable, and what suits me.

Normally, I want more than one pair because they need to match what I’m wearing! Keith is the same except that he also looks for comfort!

stylish glasses to choose from and very friendly and helpful staff who give exceptional service from start to finish!

Why do you choose O’hea?

Sponsored by O’hea Opticians. 191 The Strand, Gzira. Tel. 2131 5590

O’hea has a vast range of cool and