Vida Magazine February 2013 - Issue 38 by Focused Knowledge Ltd

February 2013 - Issue 38

www.vida.com.mt

Malta Carnival 2013

Experience the magic on February 8th to 12th - page 28

Love

Grand gestures

Special

The things we do for love - page 14

To buy or to rent?

Weighing up the pros and cons - page 50

WIN! Float maker

Innovative farming

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion

Romantic recipes

JEWELLERY, BEAUTY TREATMENTS, A HOT-STONE MASSAGE & MORE

editorial

In this month’s issue of VIDA, we focus on the two main events going on this month – Valentine’s Day and Carnival. We’ve got a variety of love themed features to get you into the lovey-dovey spirit, as well as a number of non-thematic features including a travel review of beautiful York and an insight into an innovative farming technique. Enjoy the issue.

Sarah Micallef

VIDA next month – Motoring special

Publisher

Focused Knowledge Ltd Pitkali Road, Attard ATD 2214 Malta, Europe Tel: (+356) 2339 2403 Fax: (+356) 2141 9089 Editor Sarah Micallef editor@vida.com.mt Layout & Design Alexia Baldacchino Kevin Abela studio@vida.com.mt Advertising Tel: (+356) 2339 2231 sales@vida.com.mt Original cover photo by Photocity, Valletta

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

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Throughout the course of this bothersome election campaign, we have heard several promises and assertions hitting on a number of issues, but I have yet to hear anything about what either party will do in relation to the interests of our underappreciated artisans. Having Valletta as European Capital of Culture come 2018 is the perfect platform to make things happen, and I sincerely hope this will be the case.

Issue 38 - February 2013 VIDA Magazine is a monthly lifestyle magazine distributed to households in Malta and Gozo. It aims to empower the people to lead a better, healthier and happier life.

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Whereas art and crafts are appreciated by the general public locally, it is a common feeling among the talented individuals behind this creative output that they do not get enough support from the relevant authorities – support that people in their situation abroad receive in no short supply. Is the only way for a local person to get the appropriate support and recognition for their creative talents to leave and pursue their ambitions abroad? I, for one, love calling Malta my home, and would like to believe that this isn’t the case.

vida.com.mt

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Speaking with a talented float builder for a feature this month, I continued to confirm my belief about how underappreciated artists and artisans are on our fair isles. Being a crafter myself in my double life (don’t ask how I find the time), this is an issue that affects me personally, and it is sad to note just how many people this reality affects.

facebook.com/VidaMag

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

Contents Valentine’s phobia! Finding time to parent Love is in the air Nothing says ‘I love you’ like... The way to your heart... Of love and music Capturing romance photography competition Celebrating the spirit of Carnival My thing The lost art of subtlety So much for a leisurely retirement Franġisku Galea – A bloody death Floating vegetables Of towers and turrets The psychology of light in your home To buy or to rent? The ‘Exercise Prescription’ Overcoming bad lifestyle habits Pearly whites for your pet February at the movies Events this month Young people are not reading To the letter Competitions Make your own carnival mask

8 10 12 14 18 20 24 25 30 32 40 42 43 46 49 50 52 53 54 56 58 60 61 63 64

Updates Letters Not for Profit

Malta Midwives Association

Keeping it Short Matthew Bartolo

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4 6

letters

Your say

STAR LETTER

On reflections Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

Towards the end of 2012, a campaign against racism was televised; an issue, I believe, worthy of further reflection and comment.

VIDA magazine is a very informative magazine that provides us with a good source of information. Keep it up!

It was raised at lunch on New Years’ Day, when my wife and I hosted our large extended family – four generations including our own. Needless to say, good food, flowing drinks and pleasant but controversial conversation were in full swing. We treated delicate issues with diplomacy, respecting everyone’s opinion while spicing it up with a good dose of humour.

The article that struck me most in the last issue was ‘Is your cat fat?’ We often see several diet courses on how to lose weight being advertised, but funnily enough we rarely see articles or advertisements about diets for animals. We all need to take care of ourselves in order to be healthy, and it is just the same for animals. If one is not capable of paying for medicine when their pet is sick, buying good food, providing exercise and spending time with their pet, one should not get a pet at all. Having a pet at home is like raising a child. Many of the detrimental effects of obesity in animals are similar to those in humans and include breathing difficulties, exercise intolerance, high blood pressure, increased risk of skin diseases, a decreased immune system and joint and disc problems. Excessive weight can also worsen the progression of arthritis, making it harder for your pet to get around. Like humans, obese animals also have an increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. The first step in the treatment of obesity is recognising that the pet is overweight, and realising that it can seriously affect the pet’s health. After all, animals are: P – Particularly I – Intelligent E – Energetic R – Reliable R – Respectful E – Easy-going L – Lively A – Adorable N – Noteworthy N – Noticeable I – Incredible E – Earthly R – Renowned

Watching all this around me, I thought to myself, ‘how wonderful it is to have unity in diversity. Surely no matter what one’s background is, people can live together as one, after all.’ After lunch, we agreed to participate in a sing-along. My daughter hit the piano, playing songs by request. She played ‘What a Wonderful World’, ‘We are the World’, and ‘Ebony and Ivory’ amongst others. These hits helped me to reflect further on this long discussed issue – racism. How wonderful we can make life if we learned to live together regardless of colour, creed, race or social status. Why can’t we live in perfect harmony like the ebony and ivory keys on the same piano, creating beautiful music? Why can’t we be like “the skies when they are blue, and the clouds are white, and the colours of the rainbow so pretty in the skies?” Indeed, “We are the world, we are the children. Let’s realise that a change can only come when we stand together as one!” Christopher Pace Għaxaq

Turning a new page Dear Editor, I’m not going to write about what irks me or what bothers me. We’ve started a new year and turned over a new page – let’s be positive, optimistic and count our blessings. We live on a small island, blessed with a warm climate and surrounded by sparkling blue sea. Upon leaving our homes, we’re sure to meet friends, relatives and welcoming faces that greet us and wish us well. Ignoring the odd accident, our streets are safe and we can let our children play outside without much supervision. This country is the mother of our children, who can freely choose what they want to study in order to fulfil their future ambitions. The Maltese lifestyle is the envy of foreigners who come over and make Malta their home, sharing with us the benefits of living on this warm, friendly island. Together, we can make Malta a haven, and as we say in Panto – “Be good to each other!” A.J. Baldacchino Attard

Pauline Dalli Attard

WIN!

What’s your idea? • What would you recommend? • What’s bugging you?

Share your views with the nation Send your letters, questions to the experts and suggestions to The Editor, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on yoursay@vida.com.mt

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

Trade enquiries: MaxiQuartz Spl 325, Zabbar Road, Fgura T: 2180 6661 – 7920 7632

Next month's Star Letter Winner will win this Pierre Lannier watch worth €135

updates Not Maltese voluntary organisations for profit

Malta Midwives Association

It all began… in 1974 with the late Miss Mary Vella Bondin, a midwife and principal lecturer at the Institute of Health Care. She went on to be the President of the Malta Midwives Association for many years. The motto chosen by our organisation is ‘Amor Custos Vitae’ which means ‘Love is the Guardian of Life’. Our missions are… to promote and advance the

art and science of midwifery, to raise the efficiency of midwives and to improve their status; as well as to organise philanthropic, educational activities including counselling for child bearing couples and the family as a whole.

Our enemies are... lack of empowerment, informed choice and knowledge on the normality of childbirth.

We have… embarked on a mission to educate young

couples on the process of pregnancy, childbirth and the early postnatal period. The focus is to enable all women and their families to have a positive and safe experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenting. This is achieved by providing support, communication and involving women in their care. Midwives feel that all women should be treated with respect, dignity and kindness. Moreover, fathers are given an ever-increasing role within the family. Midwives recognise that when fathers are included, better outcomes can be achieved.

Our greatest achievements are… opening our new premises in Msida in May last year. The Malta Midwives Association is affiliated with other fellow organisations which include the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), European Midwives Association (EMA), Malta National Council of Women (NCW) and the Malta Unborn Child Movement (MUCM). Our current projects include… hosting the

International Confideration of Midwives meeting and the Annual General Meeting of midwives in Malta in April 2013. In addition, the Malta Midwives Association has been rewarded funds, through the VETPRO LifeLong Learning Programme, for 30 midwives to undergo a training programme on Normalising Childbirth with the University of West England in Bristol. This is also supported by MEUSEC. Other projects include parentcraft lectures, antenatal and postnatal exercises in our new premises.

Keeping it short Not many people know that I used to represent my school in the volleyball team. Sex therapy is helping people with issues related to sex and relationships. Clients could be anyone from a single person who needs help in approaching a possible future partner to a couple who have been together for 50 years and want to reignite the flame in their relationship.

MATTHEW BARTOLO

It all started on a sex therapy module weekend which was part of my counselling postgraduate degree. The best thing about my job is meeting people who are ready to welcome me into the most intimate and personal aspect of their lives to help them improve their intimacy. Love is spending hours with someone and still missing them when they’re gone. Sex is different things to different people. It could be a source of income for the courtesan; trauma for the rape victim; goal for the player; beginning for the foetus; play time for a couple; and power to others. The most common relationship problem is a lack of communication and non-compatible sexual appetite. My proudest moment in my career is everytime a client manages to achieve the goal they set at the beginning of therapy – it is a celebration for me. My proudest life moment was when, as a student, I presented three pieces of research at the prestigious World Association for Sexual Health conference to about 1,000 professors and sexual health professionals from 68 countries. My ultimate wish is for sex education and therapy to become more widely understood and available. I come across lots of pain and relationship breakdowns due to the lack of these services. I always try to do my utmost in whatever I’m doing. I will never say never. The only thing I ever said I’d never do was bungee jumping, and I did that two summers ago. Life is all about the journey and not the destination. I love being surrounded by positive people who have been through a lot but still manage to laugh and be hopeful. If I could change one thing I would emphasise social skills (such as empathy) and relationship education at all levels of our educational system. Relationships are the basis of society and not enough is done about them.

T: 7723 7117 wwwmaltamidwivesassociation.com

E: info@maltamidwivesassociation.com Know of a local voluntary organisation that could use the recognition? Contact the editor on editor@vida.com.mt

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

The best things in life are shared with others. The future is yet to be created and explored. In the end, all that matters is how you feel about yourself, as you are the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with.

column Shouting from the Hili Top

You may have seen him on stage, heard him on the radio, or laughed at his lack of colour-coordination (he’s the one walking down the street with the orange shorts and pink shirt). He is loud, hairy, controversial and… well… different! He is Steve Hili and he is writing for VIDA.

Valentine's phobia! It seems like we have only just managed to navigate ourselves around the Mayan end-of the-world prophecy and yet here we are, already facing another date which fills almost as many people with the same amount of dread (and possibly the same yearning to lock themselves up in a bunker for the rest of eternity.) A day that, for many, is probably even less welcome than all the doomsdays ever prophesized put together. A day when masses might very well be hoping that they could be wiped out by a giant meteor or perhaps get sucked into a black hole. Yes. You’ve guessed it. The 14th of February. Valentine’s Day. For people in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is a minefield – a day of contradictions and pressures that can leave you shaking and trembling. Just like a blue rose (buy six, get one free) on a sea of helium balloons. What is that I hear? I am exaggerating? Really? Ok, let’s examine the facts... Everyone says that the day itself is not that important. They say that love should be shown all year round and not just on one specific day. Take this argument to its logical conclusion and hey presto – Valentine’s day does not need to be celebrated as anything special at all. So... erm, therefore it shouldn’t matter that I am going out with my mates to watch the football and get drunk. Because we can go out the next day. Right honey? No. Wrong. Very wrong.

These are in no way good enough for Valentine’s Day, the rules of which state that a card has to be huge with pictures of stitched-up, worn out teddy bears on them. Otherwise they don’t count. As well as that you can, if you want, buy a mass-produced ‘naughty’ card – just to prove how unique and mischievous you are. But that is of course just extra. You always need to have a ‘teddy’ card. It’s the law. And then there are the gifts. Everyone wants a one-of-a-kind gift. A present that really, really means something to the recipient and represents all that is beautiful in your relationship. Your partner has specifically told you this. So you think about it for a while... and then buy chocolates, roses and lingerie. Or you don’t. You come up with a gift idea that really is special and unique. And then your partner is disappointed. Because tradition (and chocolate) is important, especially on Valentine’s. Besides, you can’t be disappointed or (heavens forbid) have an argument on Valentine’s Day because that would mean that your relationship is not what it once was (even though you had exactly the same argument last year). And this certainly isn’t how it is supposed to be – i.e. as dictated by the relationship yardstick known as... the romantic comedy.

Then there are the cards. Are they that important? Why do you need a card to state how much the relationship means to you? After all if you do show love on a daily basis then your significant other already knows how you feel. And if you want to do something special for your Valentine then surely a nice short love note would be a more than satisfactory alternative. Plus the message would be your own – special, from the heart.

Ah, the rom-com. That evil genre that causes almost as much tension as it does nausea. A make-believe world that would have you believe that everything can be solved with some cheesy canned laughter and a cards-on-the-table scene. Yet trying to argue that this sort of movie is even more fictional than the Back to the Future trilogy (I’ve seen a documentary about time travel, believe me) only proves the point that ‘you have no interest in doing anything for our relationship. And you couldn’t even bite your tongue today of all days could you?’

Yet again, wrong. Notes, you see are written on scraps of paper.

Happy Valentine’s Day all!

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

special feature

Finding time to parent

by Christine Portelli Professional Support Worker Aġenzija Sapport

The importance of spending time with children Parenting is a very challenging role. On top of that, parents are often bombarded with social expectations through media, peer pressure and various social standards about how they are supposed to carry out this role. So much so in fact, that there seem to be higher expectations to reach in today’s society in order to be a ‘good’ parent. Within this context however, there are conflicting views amongst parents and others who are entrusted with children’s care. Some individauls feel that, finding time to play with children is of utmost importance. The parents try their best to find time to interact with their children through play. For others, this may seem like a complete waste of time.

Effective parent-child relationship: communication and interaction Anyone who spends time with children and young people will know that they are deeply touched by honest positive feedback and constant encouragement. Therefore, while playing or sharing an activity with a child, it is important to make a constant conscious effort to observe what the child is doing and comment on what you like about it. A conscious effort at accepting that whatever the child is attempting to do is a learning experience for him or her is very important. It may be argued that if parents can truly understand the enormous benefits of investing in communication and interaction with their children and finding time to relate, it is bound to become one of the most important daily priorities. Ultimately, effective parenting is about being able to ‘tune-in’ to the child’s inner world, namely his or her thoughts, as well as

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

his or her feelings when faced with particular situations. The following are some points to keep in mind when spending time with children: • Make time – give priority to communication and interaction with your child and evaluate the amount of time you spend giving attention to your child each day. • Children are precious and they deserve to feel important – this statement may be a daily reminder of how best to prioritise your time throughout the day. Spending time with parents makes children feel that they are truly special. • Know your child – observe the way each child acts around you and others as well as his or her likes, dislikes, talents and other characteristics. There is no one correct formula or quick fix in parenting; it’s a parent’s job to re-invent the wheel for each and every child because each child is unique. • Choose something that both you and your child enjoy doing and make time to do it regularly, such as reading together, or doing some physical activity. • Lower expectations as a parent – praise yourself when you feel that you succeeded as a parent. Make a list of times when you did something together and it was fun. • Find out more about the stages of child development and how children’s interests and needs vary according to their age. • Seek help or advice from professionals in the field if you feel that you need it. You may call Supportline 179 where professionally trained volunteers are ready to help and refer you to professional advice.

special feature

"it’s a parent’s job to re-invent the wheel for each and every child"

• Work towards a positive outlook as a parent on a daily basis. • Be good to yourself – children learn by imitation, so taking care of yourself may also go a long way into teaching your children to respect themselves and others. All the above points relate to positive ways in which you can spend time with your children. Positive parenting involves parenting techniques based on love, encouragement, discipline, care and a positive environment; as opposed to continuous criticism, using incorrect forms of discipline, and non-effective communication methods. Positive parenting is free from abuse or violence that can lead children to grow up to be insecure and undisciplined, as well as exhibiting challenging behaviour and low self esteem.

Reference

Sunderland, M. (2006). The Science of Parenting: how today’s brain

research can help you raise happy, emotionally balanced children. DK Publishing, New York.

The Foundation for Social Welfare Services – through its agencies

Appoġġ and Sedqa – regularly offers parenting skills courses and family workshops. For further information one may contact Aġenzija Appoġġ on 2295 9000 or Aġenzija Sedqa on 2388 5110.

Aġenzija Appoġġ forms part of the Foundation for Social Welfare

Services (www.fsws.gov.mt), which also incorporates Aġenzija Sapport (www.sapport.gov.mt) and Aġenzija Sedqa (www.sedqa.gov.mt).

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

voxpop

Love is in the air

With the most romantic holiday of the year edging ever nearer, do you know what you’re doing this Valentine’s Day? Are you the romantic type, or would you rather hide away until the festivities are over? VIDA takes to the streets to find out.

Alex Blundnirs, 34 On Valentine’s Day, I will be dining in a restaurant in London. The most romantic thing I’ve ever done is surprising my girlfriend with this trip to Malta. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is spending time together, just her and me without any interruptions.

Joke Kokken, 48 On Valentine’s Day, I don’t know what I’m doing as it will be a surprise. The most romantic thing I’ve ever done is spending time with my partner here in Malta. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is surprise me with some jewellery.

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Gabrielle Fenech, 20 On Valentine’s Day, I will be celebrating it with my mum if anything. The most romantic thing someone has done for me is giving me an authentic Rolling Stones single from 1975, signed by Mick Jagger. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is surprising me with a trip to France. I think it is such a quaint and romantic destination.

Theresa Portelli, 29 On Valentine’s Day, I will be going out for dinner with my husband. The most romantic thing someone has done for me is just flowers, as we’re not very romantic. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is a surprise holiday perhaps!

voxpop

Stefani Spiteri, 24 On Valentine’s Day, I’m not sure what I’ll be doing yet, but however it goes it will not be something very romantic, as I will spend it with friends. The most romantic thing someone has done for me is surprising me with flowers at home, with a ring attached to them! The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is take me to a special spot by the sea with some good wine.

Diane Rance, 61 On Valentine’s Day, I will be working. But I will definitely celebrate on another day by going out for dinner. The most romantic thing someone has done for me is that even though we’ve been married for 40 years, my husband still sends me flowers or surprises me with jewellery, not necessarily on Valentine’s Day. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is nothing more than he already does; as he has always been very romantic... he still says that he loves me at least once a day.

Ray Two, 41 On Valentine’s Day, I will not be celebrating as I think all days can be special. The most romantic thing I’ve ever done is surprising my partner with a holiday. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is say nothing and let the eyes do the talking.

Anthony Magri, 55 On Valentine’s Day, I will be dining with my wife, probably in Sicily. We’ve been celebrating it for more than 27 years. The most romantic thing someone has done for me is surprising me with a particular designer bracelet during a dinner. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is to keep saying ‘I love you’ every day.

Warren Bartolo, 25 On Valentine’s Day, I will be at the Carnival in Nadur. The most romantic thing I’ve ever done is surprising my girlfriend with a weekend break in a hotel. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is... I never thought about it!

Jan Hordi, 38 On Valentine’s Day, I will be having a romantic evening with my girlfriend with dinner and flowers. The most romantic thing I’ve ever done is surprising my girlfriend with a holiday in Rhodes. We spent 14 romantic days there. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is to tell me how much she loves me more often.

Eugenie, 53 On Valentine’s Day, I will be dining with my husband and staying away from the usual stresses. The most romantic thing someone has done for me is leaving rose petals and candles in the hallway for me to follow. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is to love me till the end.

Nicole Spiteri, 24 On Valentine’s Day, I will be spending a weekend in Gozo. Meanwhile, we will be celebrating during carnival in Nadur. The most romantic thing someone has done for me is surprising me with a weekend break. The most romantic thing my partner could do for me is a surprise. I love to be surprised but I don’t have anything particular in mind!

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

special feature

Nothing says ‘I love you’

like…

If you thought your dozen red roses and teddy bear were romantic, you’ve got nothing on these guys. Love can make you do some crazy (and amazing) things... VIDA presents the greatest romantic gestures of all time.

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special feature The Taj Mahal

Greensleeves

Shah Jahan

Henry VIII It is believed by some that traditional English folk song Greensleeves was composed by Henry VIII for his then lover and future queen Anne Boleyn, who he was married to from 1533 to 1536. At first, Anne declined Henry's advances and this rejection is supposedly referred to in the song via the line “cast me off discourteously”. According to most historians however, Henry VIII did not in fact compose Greensleeves, which in all probability is Elizabethan in origin, hence based on an Italian musical style that did not reach England until after Henry’s death.

Back in 1632, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died giving birth to the couple’s 14th child. Devastated, the emperor went into seclusion and was rumored to be considering abdicating the throne. Following a prolonged period of mourning, he commissioned the Taj Mahal, which would turn out to be one of the greatest architectural and artistic accomplishments in history, as a tomb and monument to his late wife’s memory. According to reports, the Taj Mahal’s elaborate minarets, 250-foot-high domed mausoleum and 42-acre grounds took 22 years, about 20,000 workers and 32 million rupees to complete. It nearly bankrupted an empire – quite a price to pay for love. Upon Shah Jahan’s own death in 1666, he also took up final residence alongside his beloved wife in the Taj Mahal’s white marble tomb. Poet Sir Edwin Arnold referred to the Taj Mahal as, “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.”

Hanging Gardens of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar II It is believed by ancient historians that King Nebuchadnezzar, of the Neo-Babylonian Empire built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in the sixth century BC as a gift for his wife, Amytis of Media. Legend has it, that being originally from Media (modern-day Kurdistan), Amytis had difficulty adjusting to life in the flat deserts of Babylon and longed for the forests and mountains she had grown up with. In order to alleviate her homesickness, Nebuchadnezzar II contracted the construction of a succession of terraced gardens within the city’s walls. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (now considered to be among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) are believed to have been hundreds of metres across and populated with a vast number of exotic plants, herbs and flowers. Despite modern archaeologists questioning whether the gardens really existed, it is believed that the desert oasis was likely irrigated by water from the river Euphrates via a complex system of pumps – a testament to the king’s love for his foreign wife indeed.

Romantic opera Richard Wagner Revered composer Richard Wagner’s life was characterised by turbulent love affairs, with his most romantic opera, Tristan and Isolde, partially inspired by his thwarted passion for Mathilde Wesendonck, the wife of a wealthy silk merchant and patron of Wagner's. Then, while at work on the opera, Wagner met Cosima von Bulow, daughter of pianist and composer Franz Liszt and wife of Hans von Bulow, one of Liszt's disciples. They went on to become lovers. Wagner's wife died in 1866, and after having two daughters, Isolde and Eva, by Wagner, Cosima finally left her husband. She and Wagner married and on Cosima's 33rd birthday in 1870, Wagner brought an orchestra into their villa in Switzerland to play a symphony he had written for her, named the Triebschen Idyll after their home. Their marriage lasted until the composer's death in 1883.

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

special feature Abdication of the throne Edward VIII The general public has always been fascinated by the private lives of British monarchs, but no royal love story is arguably more romantic than that of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. Following the death of his father George V in 1936, Edward became king. His short reign however, would be peppered with controversy, particularly concerning his relationship with Wallis Simpson, a married, once-divorced American socialite. Gossip was rife about what the British considered a highly unsuitable match, and Simpson was said to be everything from a seductress to a German spy.

Roses for Marilyn Joe DiMaggio

The monarchy was thrust into crisis when Edward expressed his wish to marry her,

Despite the marriage between baseball player Joe DiMaggio and actress Marilyn Monroe lasting just 274 days in 1954, DiMaggio continued to be besotted with the legendary blonde actress throughout his life. In fact, he was allegedly considering proposing to her once more before she died in 1962, following her divorce from playwright Arthur Miller.

as remarriage after divorce was opposed

After Marilyn’s death, DiMaggio never remarried and in what has become one of the most famous romantic gestures in history, proceeded to send red roses to her grave in Los Angeles three times a week for the next 20 years.

France, where they would become

by the Church of England, of which he was Supreme Governor. Faced with an impossible decision between his lover and his kingship, Edward chose to abdicate the throne. Following his abdication, he famously said, “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.” Simpson went on to divorce her husband and marry Edward in 1937. They spent the rest of their lives in retirement in celebrities in the café society circuit in the 1950s and 1960s.

Feel like royalty this Valentine’s

Heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates and flowers are nice, but wouldn’t you rather feel like royalty by treating yourself to a special Valentine’s Day spa treat? Myoka’s magical spas have been transformed into romantic havens where you and your partner can drift away and enjoy quality time with one another. You will be welcomed with an introductory drink and treated like royalty by your personal therapist, who will ensure that your experience will be like no other.

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Whether you take your special someone, best friend or even decide to go solo, you’ll definitely be showing your body some love – and that’s exactly what it deserves. Your journey will include luxurious bathrobes, slippers and towelling as well as the use of spa facilities including sauna and steam rooms. Limousine pick-up, flowers and lunch options are also available on request. These offers are available until the end of February. T: 21 370163 | W: www.myoka.com

eating & drinking

The way to your heart... If the way to your significant other’s heart is through their stomach, these heart-shaped treats will be just the ticket come Valentine’s Day. Don’t limit them to your partner however – what better way to show your love for family and friends than with a treat that looks and tastes so sweet?

Strawberry heart cakes

Treacle tart hearts

via Super Food Ideas

via Good Food magazine

Ingredients

For the filling

• 350g double unfilled round sponge cake • 250g cream cheese, softened • ¼ cup thickened cream • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 250g strawberries, hulled, sliced • ½ cup strawberry jam • 1 tbsp pure icing sugar

• 200g cold, unsalted butter, cubed • 350g plain flour, plus extra for rolling out • ½ tsp ground ginger (optional) • 100g golden caster sugar • 1 egg yolk

• 400g golden syrup • Zest of 1 lemon and juice of ½ lemon • 100g white breadcrumbs

Preparation

Place sponge cake layers on a chopping board. Using a heart-shaped cutter, cut hearts from each cake. Using a sharp knife gently split each heart in half.

Blend the butter, flour and ginger, if using, in a food processor until resembling fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar, add the egg yolk and 2 tsp cold water. Pulse until the dough clumps together, or bring it together with a knife by hand. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and press into a smooth round. Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add cream and vanilla. Beat until mixture thickens. Spread cream cheese mixture over sponge cake bases. Top with strawberry slices. Place jam in a heatproof bowl and microwave, uncovered, on high for 30 seconds or until warm and runny. Spoon warm jam over strawberries.

Roll out the pastry to a 5mm thickness and stamp out 8 x 11cm circles (or cut around a saucer and trim to fit tins). Line 8 x 10cm width heartshaped tins with the pastry. Re-roll trimmings. With a small cutter, stamp out 8 hearts to decorate. Chill tins and hearts for 15 minutes or until firm. Heat oven to 170° C (150° C fan-assisted) and put a baking sheet in.

Sandwich together with sponge tops. Dust with icing sugar and serve. Tip: To cut out heart shapes more easily, freeze sponge cake layers for 2 hours or until almost firm.

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

Stir the syrup, lemon juice and zest together. Divide the breadcrumbs between tins (they should reach to the top of the pastry), and spoon the syrup over slowly, adding more once the first lot has started to soak in. Top with the small pastry hearts. Put tins onto the hot baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until pastry is golden and the filling is slightly set. Leave to cool for 15 minutes and turn onto a wire rack. Serve just warm.

eating & drinking

Cherry shortbread hearts

Chocolate brownie hearts

via Good Food magazine

via Taste.com.au

Ingredients

• 100g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting • 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 50g corn flour • 50g ground almonds • 250g pack cold butter, cut into cubes • 50g glacé cherries, finely chopped • ½ tsp almond extract • 8 tbsp cherry jam, sieved

• 150g butter, chopped • 180g dark chocolate, chopped • ½ cup caster sugar • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 1¼ cups plain flour • 2 tbsp cocoa powder • 220g block caramello chocolate, frozen, chopped • Cocoa powder, to decorate

Preparation

Heat oven to 180° C (160° C fan-assisted). Sift the icing sugar, flour and corn flour together into a bowl. Stir in the ground almonds and rub in the butter until smooth. Stir in the chopped glacé cherries and almond extract, and bring together to form a dough.

Preheat oven to 180° C (160° C fan-assisted). Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, allowing a 2cm overhang along the ends.

Roll out on a lightly floured surface and stamp out biscuits using a heart-shaped cutter. Keep re-rolling the trimmings until all the dough is used. Carefully transfer the biscuits to baking trays lined with parchment and bake for 12 minutes until just pale golden. Remove and cool on a wire rack, before dusting with icing sugar to serve.

For any trade enquiriesTel: 21 417 894 E-mail: info@santaluciacafe.com

Place the butter and dark chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring for 3 to 5 minutes or until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar. Set aside for 5 minutes. Whisk the eggs into the chocolate mixture until combined. Add sifted flour and cocoa. Whisk to combine. Fold in caramello chocolate. Spread mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until firm to touch. Once cool, use a heart-shaped cutter to cut brownie shapes. Serve dusted with cocoa powder.

Café Santa Lucia is proud to introduce the world famous sugar coated almonds, from Mario Pelino SRL of Sulmona. February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

interview

love and music

With the launch of their debut album Summer Lovers scheduled for this month, Alexandra Aquilina and Daniel Borg from local band Skimmed talk to Sarah Micallef about their creative process, how being an item affects their output and what we should expect come February 23rd.

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

interview

photo by Tümer Gençtürk

aving been set up a few years ago and following developments in their previous set up and musical direction; Alexandra Aquilina and Daniel Borg describe Skimmed’s music as having “a strong pop sensibility with a more alternative feel.” Whereas it comprises ingredients that draw on poppy '60s girl groups and surf bands, they explain, their music is also tinged with darker elements prevalent in new wave bands of the 80s, “all tied together with a tinge of dream pop”. Besides being in the same band, Alexandra and Daniel are also in a relationship. Alexandra recalls how she and Daniel met, maintaining that it was during band practice before she even joined the band. “I was actually dating the drummer back then. How times have changed!”

"it becomes difficult to separate our ‘free time’ from our ‘band time’."

When asked whether being in a relationship affects their music, the response is in the affirmative: “the fact that we go to gigs, watch films, discuss aesthetic and musical ideas, travel, write and share music together puts us very much on the same wavelength, especially when it comes to art and music – although we do not always agree on the bands we like.” Alexandra also believes that their strength lies in their ability to work as a team, “filling in for each other’s weaknesses and encouraging each other to develop our strengths.” Despite the advantages of being in a relationship and in the same band, it is not without it’s challenges, as Alexandra and Daniel explain. “Many people think it’s the best thing in the world and that our life is easier because we see each other more often than other couples where one partner is in

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

interview

I go on to ask about their creative process, which often starts with Daniel writing a large part of the song at home. Alexandra jokes that he then “tries to subliminally feed them to me to convince me to like them.” Unluckily for Daniel however, Alexandra is the first to admit that she can be quite picky, so he doesn’t always receive the positive feedback he’s after. “I then start adapting his vocal line to my voice and create my own melodies, lyrics and synth lines, suggesting different paths the song could take”, she says. Having said that, they admit that this doesn’t always work out, which leads them to resolving the song in another way: “the creative process is very fluid and really doesn’t stop until the song has been recorded.” Moving on to their upcoming album launch, how would they describe Summer Lovers? “The album features a move from the more punky riffs the band was known for to a darker and more cinematic noir feel,” they state, explaining “there is also a more significant interplay of instrumentation and a heavy dose of synths.”

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

And what about the title, what does Summer Lovers allude to, I ask. Alexandra jokes that it has nothing to do with a “really crappy film” of the same title she’s recently discovered, but is a reflection of the prevalent theme of loss and nostalgia, both of the sweet and negative kind. She recalls, “It was during the photo shoot for the album artwork that I realised that Summer Lovers, which is also the name of one of our tracks, was the perfect title. What better term to embody it’s bittersweet nostalgia than the lovers who every year are left with a fading memory of falling head over heels for one another only to never see each other again?” So, how would they define love? “Love is when you still want to be with a person even though they drive you round the bend!” As for the launch itself, they explain that they’ll be going on stage as an eight-piece band in order to recreate the sound of the album live. For this reason, they’ve called upon on fellow musicians and singers Daniel Abdilla (Clandestines), Alex Alden, Rachel Tedesco Triccas and Mike Galea. Whereas they are currently, in their own words, “neck deep” in preparations for the album launch, Alexandra and Daniel maintain that they plan to adapt their set to go on tour in various European countries in the future. More music videos are also on the horizon, and they add teasingly “in fact, another one is already in the making!” Skimmed will be releasing their first full length album Summer Lovers on Saturday February 23rd at The Royal British Legion in Valletta. They will be supported by Hey Sus and DJ Tim Ellis from Stalko. Visit www.skimmedmusic.com to watch Ronnie and to book tickets for the album launch.

"the creative process is very fluid and really doesn’t stop until the song has been recorded."

Photo by Tümer Gençtürk

The album starts with Ronnie, their first single for which a music video has been released online. The track is a 60s inspired pop song and has a ‘feel-goodvibe’ also found in other tracks on the album like Sunday Drive and God Will Take a Note. Other songs like Isobel and Devil’s Alibi however, they maintain, take

you to darker and more forlorn places.

Photo by Sarah Falzon (Hot Shoe Flash)

a band, since practice and songwriting take up a lot of your free time.” In fact, whereas being together so often makes the exchange of ideas faster and more efficient thus encouraging growth and development, Alexandra confides that what many people don’t realise is how challenging it can be. “Music is something we do outside of our work hours, and so it becomes difficult to separate our ‘free time’ from our ‘band time’. The two inevitably become intertwined.”

One year of Service…

A heart felt THANK YOU to all our client s; your trust in Middl esea Assist motivates us to conti nue improving our servi ce and to be there when you need us. We are proud to have assisted over 10,000 client s during our first year and great ly appre ciate all the feedback we have received.

nt e to complime “ I would lik ssist staff for Middlese a A in handling the service their GOLD ident in the most bre akdown inc ible. Well done! poss professional way up as it is K e e p it t.”” ice at its bes customer serv C . Pace

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Dr. Eddie R apa, Sliema

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photography Winner

Capturing Romance photography competition winner

Mario Caruana

Three months ago, photographer Anthony Vella’s tutorial on capturing romance in photography taught you how to achieve the right balance of emotion and aesthetic appeal within a shot. The romance is evident between the couple shown in Mario Caruana’s winning shot, above, which VIDA chose for the subjects’ loving embrace coupled with the beautiful backdrop and interesting set up.

The winner of the photography competition wins 2 large 45cm x 33cm print of their favourite photo in a high gloss finish provided by

Palmyra Building, Naxxar Road, Birkirkara BKR 9046 T: 21497 335 | 2148 2734

Street photography competition There’s still time to submit your entries for last month’s street photography competition. For a chance to win, send your street shots to snap@vida.com.mt or by post to Photography Competition, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD2214. The deadline for this competition is March 18th.

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

Roderick Abela

culture

Celebrating the spirit of Carnival by Sarah Micallef

enry Caruana has been building f loats for the last 26 years, starting out by observing the work of other f loat makers. He recalls the early days, asserting, “I began by helping out the late Joseph Caruana, until I was about 17 when I branched out on my own.” Henry’s workshop, along with those of a number of his fellow float builders, is located within one of the dilapidated vaults behind Fort St Elmo in Valletta, which have set the scene in Hollywood films like Midnight Express and most recently, World War Z. As I marvel at the colourful curiosities within his workspace, Henry explains his dedication to his craft. The process of building a float generally takes just under a year to complete and can cost thousands of euros. Henry explains that when carnival is over in February, the floats are dismantled and taken apart for materials to be recycled by April. Work on the next float starts in May and goes on till July, allowing a brief resting period in August. Henry says that this period is necessary so as to spend time with family, “because of the amount of

"Carnival makes me feel like a little boy again." February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

culture time I spend here, my wife jokes that I should bring my bed and sleep here too!” In fact, Henry explains that he generally spends every free minute when he’s not at work on his hobby. “If I’m working till 15:00 for example, I stop at home to shower and eat, and I’m back working on the float by 16:00 until around 23:00.” He goes on by talking me through the float building process. “I start by sketching an idea. My ideas often come while I’m listening to music – I even get ideas from particular songs. When building it, the first step is the structure, which I construct out of metal – this is where its strength comes from.” After that come the woodwork and clay sections. “I bend plywood into shape using heat, and shape specific areas like character’s faces with a lot of pottery work.” The float is then finished off using papier-mâché, which Henry likens to the icing on a cake, explaining that if the last layer isn’t finished neatly, the paint won’t look good and the float won’t look good as a result. “If you don’t have any imagination you won’t be able to do this work. When I first imagine a float in my mind, I make a checklist of what I need. Before I even start, I already know what it is going to look like when its finished.” Out of the 20 or so floats Henry has created so far, his favourite, he maintains, is one he made for the 2005 Malta carnival, representing a traditional Maltese song that starts off “tal-ħaxix jħajjat u jqajjem innies…” which roughly translates to ‘the greengrocer shouts and wakes the people’. The figures portrayed on the float are the fishmonger (‘tal-ħut’), the baker (‘tal-ħobż’), the milkman (‘tal-ħalib’) and the greengrocer (‘tal-ħaxix’), which are mentioned in the song. “What makes a great float is the atmosphere it creates. I make floats to make people, especially children, happy – that is the spirit of carnival. Carnival makes me feel like a little boy again.” This fun spirit is marred a little by competition between different float building individuals and companies, Henry says, “I try to stay away from that, but of course, winning trophies for my hard work is also very satisfying.” After those long months of hard work, the float builders’ final obstacle is the weather. Henry tells me that if it’s raining, they have no choice but to wait indoors until it stops. “I had a bad experience in 2006. After spending so much time and around 9,000 euro on building my float, it was completely ruined in just two hours by wind and rain.” A highlight in his journey so far was representing Malta at the Viareggio carnival in Italy last year. “It was a great experience, and I’d really like to travel more with my work.” Before this happens though, Henry confides that along with his fellow St Elmo float makers, he is waiting to have a proper place to work, explaining that a move to larger, more professional premises has been on the cards for a while, and is sorely needed. “Seeing the float makers in Viareggio, and the resources that are available to them, makes you realise how underappreciated the art of float building is locally. In Viareggio, it is their full-time job – they even have specialised schools.” Indeed, carnival is certainly a great tourist attraction, but even given its popularity locally, Henry maintains that it’s got a lot more potential. The carnival in Viareggio sees around 100,000 visitors per year, all paying to be able to view the spectacle. Better resources will produce better work, which will result in a better carnival as a whole. “Carnival has been around since the time of the Knights of Malta. It’s part of our tradition and we need to recognise and appreciate that.”

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

culture

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

Where to go, what to

Malta Carn February 8th Friday

Saturday

18:00 to 20:00 – Carnival Dancing Competitions

09:30 to 11:30 – Carnival Dances

18:00 – Carnival défilé along Republic Street,

11:30 – Défilé from Valletta City Gate that will proceed along Republic Street and St John’s Street with the participation of the King Carnival float, Merriment Groups, Isolated Masks and Bands.

at the Carnival Arena, the Granaries, Floriana, followed by the entrance of a défilé. (Seating Stand Tickets €8)

Valletta from Great Siege Square to the Carnival Arena in Floriana with the participation of a Carnival Band and Grotesque Masks.

Programme and défilé at the Carnival Arena at the Granaries, Floriana. (Seating Stand Tickets €5)

Sunday 12:00 – Band and Grotesque Masks parade along Republic Street to the Granaries, Floriana

13:30 to 17:30 – Grand Carnival Show at the Carnival Arena, the Granaries, Floriana. (Seating Stand Tickets €15) 14:30 – Grand Défilé in Valletta that will pass through Castille Place, Merchant Street to St John’s Street, and Republic Street to the Granaries, Floriana.

Carnival National activities in Va by The Malta Council fo Tickets available from www.ticketline.com.mt. The full programme including activities taking place in villages and other information can be downloaded from www.maltaculture.com, or join our facebook page Carnival – National Event in Valletta, Floriana.

o do, what to see this

nival 2013 to 12th, 2013 13:30 – Band and Grotesque Masks parade along Republic Street to the Granaries, Floriana

14:00 – Carnival Dancing Competitions at the Carnival Arena, the Granaries, Floriana, followed by the entrance of a défilé consisting of Triumphal Floats, Grotesque Masks and Bands. (Seating Stand Tickets €12)

18:00 – Carnival by Night Défilé in

Valletta with the participation of the King Carnival Float, Triumphal and Company Floats, Isolated Masks and other activities.

Monday

Tuesday

10:30 to 13:00 – Carnival Parade with band participation, children’s dancing groups and Isolated Masks in Valletta followed by a dance parade.

10:30 to 13:00 – Carnival Parade with band

15:00 to 20:30 – Carnival Dancing Competitions at the Carnival Arena, the Granaries, Floriana, followed by the entrance of a défilé consisting of Triumphal and Company Floats. (Seating Stand Tickets €10)

18:00 – Grand Finale in St Anne’s Street, Floriana

alletta and Floriana are organised or Culture and The Arts. The Malta Council for Culture and The Arts wishes to thank the following for their support during Carnival in Valletta and Floriana 2013: Middle Sea Valletta, Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Marsovin, P.A.L. (two way radio system), The Phoenicia Hotel, MCP car park, Paradise Bay Hotel, Power Connection car hire, Mr American Meals, Photocity, Nestle.

participation, children’s dancing groups and Isolated Masks in Valletta followed by a dance parade.

with the participation of Triumphal and Company Floats together with their respective company members.

real life

My thing Maria Vella Wilson tells the story of a special painting that has travelled from America to Malta and back again.

may not be romantic but I’m certainly sentimental, and I will hang on to anything, even a scribbled scrap of paper, if it means something to me. Because of this, I am spoilt for choice when it comes to writing about ‘my thing’, because I have so many and I hold them all dear to my heart! Two years ago, I left Malta to start a new life in the United States. I had a lifetime of mementos to bring with me, even though sadly I had to leave some behind. It was a wrench but I could do nothing about it, and the ones that actually came with me are now even more precious to me than they were before. Let's take this framed painting. It is a genuine oil painting by an old neighbour of mine who I knew from the time when I still lived with my parents in Sliema. She was American and lived in Malta for a while with her first husband. When she left Malta to go back to her home country, she gave us many knick-knacks to remember her by. One of these was this painting, which she had made years earlier when still in the US. I framed it and kept it, and even took it with me when I got married to my first husband some

years later. It hung in our living room for decades and even followed us to another location when we moved house. My American friend, who was called Carol Braddock, was a joy to know. She was old in years but always stayed in touch via letters, which she typed despite her deteriorating eyesight and progressive Parkinson's. I loved her joie de vivre – it was she who introduced me to the term ‘think pink’! Sadly, she passed away several years ago at a very ripe old age. This painting now hangs in my study in my apartment in Plymouth, Wisconsin. She would be chuffed to know that I still have it and that I've now come to live in her homeland. I'm now re-married and my husband is American (how about that!), and this painting has travelled full circle from America to Malta and back to America. It is said that every photo or painting tells a story... this one is mine.

Do you, or someone you know, have a treasured ‘thing’? Send us your suggestion to My Thing, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214 or by email to yoursay@vida.com.mt for a chance to showcase the item that means most to you – we’d love to hear about it!

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

fashion

Bold colour combinations If you’re a little adventurous and don’t mind taking a few risks and standing out from the crowd, you’re probably a fan of bright colours. This season sees separates in eye-searing shades – the trick is to pair them in fresh ways. Thought pink and red didn’t go together? Think again! Blue and green never to be seen? Until now!

1: River Island 2: ModCloth 3: Asos

Label we Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2013 campaign images, featuring pairs of lookalike models, shows a graphic sixties inspired aesthetic using chequerboard prints in rainbow brights. Whereas the collection itself appears pretty standard, the positioning of the models and the graphic nature of the campaign itself elevates it to masterful modernity.

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

Fashion F

The lost art

fashion

Fairground

Rock chic by Sarah Micallef

t of subtlety Fresh out of the festive season, during which I was inundated by much flashing of the flesh, I find myself thinking about the lost art of subtlety. Though I prefer to consider the art of subtlety as dying rather than dead, particularly among younger generations, it is not often you step out for a night on the town and see girls (be they teenagers or far older) clad in anything other than the skimpiest of garments. Whatever happened to good taste? What happened to showing some class? Do you remember the formula passed down by our mothers and grandmothers, dictating what is acceptable to wear on a night out? “If you’re going to show your legs,” my mother used to warn, “you must cover up your chest.” Sadly, all body parts seem to be displayed at the same time nowadays, and the parts that aren’t are often still barely concealed by the most skin-tight outfits conceivable. Am I starting to sound like my grandmother? Still being in my twenties, I like to think not, yet the fashion sense (if you could call it that) of many teens and tweens today leaves much to be desired.

Favouring looking ‘sexy’ above all else is bad news. Not only is it disrespectful of your own body, but also more often than not, it really does you no favours.

Leather and studs are still going strong this season, so it’s a good idea to invest in some tough numbers with a little attitude. Play around with tougher pieces by teaming them with girly fabrics such as floral prints and lace to bring your look up to date. An artful flick of black eyeliner and tousled locks and you’re on your way to rock star royalty.

The Mediterranean figure tends to be a voluptuous one, and whereas I applaud embracing your curves and femininity, wearing the ‘going-out’ variant of a body stocking is not the best way to make the most of your assets. Whereas I look upon being a fashion victim with (almost) the same amount of disdain, making the most of your figure while keeping fashion trends in mind and pairing items in a tasteful way (I still believe in my mother’s mantra) is the way to go. The next time you’re getting ready to go out, take a look at your chosen outfit in the mirror. How much is being left to the imagination? If it’s not much, you might want to reconsider. I’m not telling you to dress like a nun – you’re young and if you’ve got it, do flaunt it – but there really is an art to it. You may think that boys won’t be as impressed with a more modest choice, but any boy worth keeping will hang around to find out more, don’t you think?

1: River Island 2: Boohoo 3: Mango

Celebs Pale denim Pale denim that looks very much like a pastel colour as seen in American Apparel and Christopher Kane collections seems to be favoured by celebrities like Miranda Kerr, Ashley Tisdale and Alexa Chung of late. Having the ability to look dainty and feminine as well as grungy and rock n’ roll depending on the way it is worn, pale denim makes for a versatile fabric choice and looks equally great both ways. Deepika Padukone

Miranda Kerr

Bella Heathcote

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

LOV GAM E ES

Creative director: Sarah Micallef Focused Knowledge T: 2339 2403 Photography: Jacob Sammut Carabez Pearl Works, info@pearl-works.com Hair: Ruth & Jane Steer, D Salon T: 2137 1245, dsalonmalta@gmail.com Makeup: Diandra Mattei using Givenchy T: 7982 8414 Model: Nicole Saliba @ Supernovamodel.com Location: Myoka Spa @ Le Meridien, St Julians

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motoring

So much for a leisurely retirement

The FJR International Rally was Joe’s highlight of the year.

by Joe Anastasi

officially became a pensioner five years ago, and thought, wrongly as it turned out, that life was going to slow down, and I was going to have more time to play. I couldn’t have been more wrong if I tried.

"Last year alone, Motorsport Team Malta made 12 trips to race events in Sicily, and more are planned for 2013."

Quite a bit has changed since then. My son Josh now runs the business, and this has given me quite a bit more ‘free time’. But, instead of putting that time to good use playing with my old motorcycles or building myself another Mini, I have created another full time job for myself, with a difference. This time however, I am doing something that I enjoy, and not something I have to do to feed the family.

Since 2008, I have been regularly taking young and not so young motorsport enthusiasts to Sicily to experience motor racing there. Over the years I had accumulated contacts and ‘know how’ from the days when I myself raced regularly in Sicily, and now was the time to start passing on some of that knowledge and those wonderful experiences to our youngsters. Still, it wasn’t really meant to come to this at all, and it has now mushroomed out of all proportion. Last year alone, Motorsport Team Malta made 12 trips to race events in Sicily, and more are planned for 2013. But let’s go back to how it started. The opportunity appeared following a chance meeting with an Italian organiser in November 2007. Nando suggested that I take some of my family to his forthcoming hill climb at Cesaro. My son races, my brother races, my nephews race and my brother-in-law races too, so before I had time to think, I found myself organising a team of five cars for our first foray in Sicily in almost 30 years. It couldn’t have gone any better, for beyond every expectation, two of the five Maltese drivers, current ICC Hill Climb champion Zach Zammit, and 2008 champion Joshua Anastasi finished first and second overall respectively. You don’t need much more encouragement than that to get yourself worked up for a quick return. We were in fact to return to Sicily on a further three occasions that year, winning every time.

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

Motorsport Team Malta had made a real name for itself, and I was glad to be there helping out right when it mattered. 2009 saw the introduction of circuit racing at Racalmuto and again the team was ever present and winning, and it has been the same every year since. Last year, a new championship took place at Racalmuto, catering for road going cars as well as racers – the Time Attack championship was an immediate hit with Maltese drivers, and we ended our first season with two Maltese champions there too.

This year, more circuit racing is planned with a six round Campionato Siciliano di Velocita, plus seven rounds of a bigger and better Time Attack championship which will be attracting an even larger number of Maltese drivers. A new event planned for the weekend of June 7th, 8th and 9th is the Classic, Historic and Vintage Festival at Racalmuto, and this too is sure to attract much interest from Malta. The event will include an autojumble, a concours d’elegance, a track day on Saturday, and a Time Attack for vintage cars and motorcycles on Sunday. It should be fun, even if it’s going to be a lot of hard work! In between all this, I did manage to find time to have a bit of fun myself too. My own riding year started with the Raduno degli Iblei in May, in which I rode my 1948 HRD. The FJR International Rally in Aosta followed it in July, which was great fun. Motorcycling on the Alps is an experience any motorcyclist should snap up, should the occasion arise. Later in the year I enjoyed a return to local vintage motorcycle rallying with my 1934 Triumph on the HMC’s 24th Anniversary Rally, and just one week later I was sitting in the passenger seat of a 1926 Alvis car navigating Martin Hignet on the Old Motor’s Club annual rally. It’s all been great fun and it certainly keeps me busy, and quite honestly I can’t think of anything I’d have liked to do more in my retirement.

motoring

Racalmuto has been a complete success story for Motorsport Team Malta.

Available from John Bull Tel: 21571025, 99448738

Joe Anastasi started competing in local Motorsport in 1964 with a Mini Cooper S. Apart from participating in and winning a number of local championships, Joe also took part in numerous races in Sicily, including the famous Targa Florio, winning on seven occasions. Now retired, Joe helps Malta's young drivers to compete in Motorsport events in Sicily, where they have been very successful.

Evoke those sweet feelings of new love at 202 Jewellery this Valentine’s Day

ebruary is the month of love, and it’s the perfect time to spoil your loved one. It’s also the time when leading jewellery and watch brands launch their new collections and the world renown brands that are exclusively found at 202 Jewellery – Chamilia, Spinning Jewelry, Viventy Jewels, Cede’, Tresor Paris, Christina Watches and EDOX – are no exception. 202 Jewellery’s innovative brands and new collections are an absolute joy and their beauty is as inspirational and evocative as those sweet feelings of new love. Celebrate and enjoy the beauty of our jewellery in all its grandeur, and cherish it, as it will always be part of today and tomorrows’ special moments. In addition, look out for exciting promotions and details to participate in our Valentine’s Romantic Escape competition on 202 Jewellery’s Facebook page.

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

murder cases

Murder in Malta by Edward Attard

Franġisku Galea – A bloody death A

t about 06:45 on Tuesday December 12th 1922, the constable on duty at Kerċem police station in Gozo was informed that 70-year-old Franġisku Galea had been found dead in his farmhouse in Kerċem. Antonio Tabone and his son, Ġużeppi, who lived in the same farmhouse with the deceased, said that Franġisku had fallen off his bed. The police found the old man in a pool of blood on the floor, his face and forehead horrifyingly disfigured. They believed that the old man had been bludgeoned to death rather than having been killed after a fall. Police investigations disclosed that Ġużeppi Tabone still bore traces of blood under his fingernails, despite having washed his hands. This evidence led to a search of the premises and the discovery of clothes that were soaked with blood. Meanwhile, the doctors who carried out the post-mortem examination certified that Franġisku’s death was due to a cerebral haemorrhage that caused an obstruction of the oxygen supply by the occlusion of the air passages with blood. Confronted with these findings, Antonio made a statement that, during the early hours of December 12th, his son, Ġużeppi, had called him to help place Franġisku’s corpse in the position the police had found it. Further investigations revealed that the deceased had made a will in favour of his nephew Ġużeppi’s wife. The police arrested Antonio and Ġużeppi, who were eventually accused of willful homicide. Their trial began on March 13th 1923. Both defendants chose to testify. Ġużeppi said that when he returned home

after mass, he heard Franġisku saying, ‘Marjanna, I am dying.’ He added that when he saw the victim on the floor he called to him several times and ran out to seek assistance. Antonio said that his son called at his farmhouse and told him that Franġisku was lying lifeless on the floor. Antonio said that he did not touch the body. The prosecution led by Dr Victor Frendo Azzopardi, senior crown counsel, maintained that the bloodstains found on Ġużeppi’s clothes provided evidence that the victim had been struck with a hard object. Dr Frendo Azzopardi said that the stains had been caused by blood splashes as the heart of the assaulted man was still beating. The defence put forward by Dr Alberto Magri, however, maintained that the prosecution had provided only

circumstantial evidence. No direct proof that Ġużeppi had committed the crime had been provided. After deliberating for about three hours, the jurors asked the court to hear the testimony of the three doctors who had carried out the post-mortem examination a second time, and returned to deliberate further. The jury unanimously found Antonio not guilty and Ġużeppi guilty of willful homicide. Before the court passed sentence, the defence counsel made written submissions raising the plea of insanity. The court dismissed the plea and the chief justice passed the death sentence. Tabone was hanged at Corradino Prison on Monday March 26th 1923, just three days after his wife gave birth to a child.

VIDA would like to thank the author of Murder in Malta Edward Attard as well as the book’s publishers Book Distributors Ltd of San Ġwann. BDL Books is giving VIDA readers a special 50% discount on Murder in Malta. Simply visit www.bdlbooks.com and enter the coupon code 'VIDA' while checking out to receive your discount.

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

travel

Of towers and turrets

Conquered by the Anglo-Saxons, the Danes, the Normans, and the Vikings, York is a city of rich history and impressive architecture. Jane Vella explores the narrow medieval streets within this walled city, and discovers its many charms, and, the perfect cupcake.

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

travel

ork, North Yorkshire, is situated where the Rivers Ouse and Foss meet. The city was founded by the Romans in 71 AD, although back then it was known as Eboracum. The city’s historical centre is enclosed within medieval walls, which still stand tall and complete, to this day. The walls include four main gatehouses, known as ‘bars’, though no beverage of the alcoholic kind will be found here. Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and Micklegate Bar were used for defence, as tollbooths, as well as to restrict traffic. One horsepower was pretty avant-garde back then. Visiting York Minster, one of Northern Europe’s largest cathedrals and York’s most prominent landmark is an absolute must. The gothic cathedral took 250 years to complete, from 1220 and 1472, though you may be surprised to learn that this is in fact the ‘youngest’ church on this particular site – remains of the Basilica (a Roman fortress), a Christian church, a stone Saxon church, as well as a Norman cathedral can all still be found within York Minister’s Undercroft, directly beneath the current building. Do not miss glimpsing York Minster’s foundations – seeing the Norman, Christian and Roman influences interconnecting really does bring the history and importance of this grand building together. Unlike Westminster in London, you will be allowed to take photos once inside, and believe me, once you get clicking you’ll find it difficult to stop, with every turn revealing yet another intricate detail. Two words of advice: look up; the Minster’s ceilings are indeed impressive, as are its medieval stained glass. The climb up York Minister’s Central Tower’s 275 steps is not for the faint hearted – in fact, you’re warned to avoid it if you are unwell or frail. I was soon to find out that the climb was definitely a fitness test – by the time I got to the top, my heart felt like it was about to burst out of my body. However, after catching your breath, you realise that the trip was more than worth the trudge, with beautiful views of York as far as the eye can see, as well as new angles from which to see the Minster and its gargoyles up closer. The city is not short of guided tours, and signs for tours can be found on every other pavement. If you’re short on cash however, fret not, as the Association of Voluntary Guides provides excellent tours, free of charge. I found such a guide who was willing to take a group of us inquisitive tourists on a two-hour walk around the city, including the city walls, and she was a fount of information and humorous anecdotes.

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travel

Besides York’s city walls, do not forget to look out for the Snickelways, not only because the name sounds like something out of Harry Potter, but because these narrow streets housed many a butcher shop – the hooks of which can still be seen hanging outside. Now, rather than butchers’ shops, you will find all kinds of other shops, boutiques and tearooms. Amongst York’s various museums, there is the King Richard III Museum. Blink and you’ll miss it – the museum is housed within the medieval gatehouse known as Monk Bar, which was built in the 14th century and which actually forms part of York’s city walls. Monk Bar was originally a guardhouse and has been both a prison and a police house since. The Monk Bar also boasts a portcullis that still works, although it was last lowered in 1953, for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. So besides the building it is housed in being fascinating in itself, the Richard III Museum’s creative approach allows its visitors to come to their own conclusions on whether the much maligned king was indeed the heartless murderer of his two nephews, Edward Prince of Wales and Richard Duke of York, or a victim of propaganda and olden day spin. When looking for somewhere to stay, York is home to numerous hotels, guesthouses, and even hostels. For those who wish to stay just outside the city walls, the family-run bed and breakfast is definitely a good choice – take it from me, if visiting York in the winter, there is almost nothing better – no one knows how important big fluffy pillows and quilts are more than these cheerful owners do. The typical English pub abounds in York, and with the risk of sounding like a walking cliché, there really is nothing like entering a warm pub with a blazing fireplace – slowly getting the feeling back in your nose and cheeks, before leaning on the bar to take a look at what delicious ales and cider it has to offer. In its industrial past, York was not only the hub of the railway network but also a confectionerymanufacturing centre. Remnants of the latter can be found in the various tearooms around York. Look out especially for the old world inspired cupcakeries, whose creations are beautiful to look at and almost a sin to reduce to crumbs. Almost. Though do remember to take a photo as evidence.

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

interview

Floating vegetables This farmer’s got no soil... W

hat do you need to grow vegetables? Most of us would say, “seeds, soil and water”. Well, not necessarily all three. For centuries, scientists and farmers have experimented with growing plants in water rather than soil, to develop a distinct agricultural method – hydroponics. David Vella visits Wied Għomor, where Julian Borg, with the help of his 87-year-old father Frenċ, runs several hydroponics systems to grow vegetables for a living.

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interview

ulian has worked in his father’s fields since he was a young boy. Today, every day, at three in the morning, he picks up his father and sets off for their fields at Wied Għomor, limits of San Ġwann. Julian still tills the fields using the traditional methods he learnt from his father, but nowadays, his main source of income are the greenhouses which he built on part of his land, where four years ago he started dabbling with hydroponics. “It is all about growing plants without soil,” he explains. Seeds are sown in a small amount of substrate, such as peat. Once the seedling buds, it is placed atop long plastic containers containing a constant f low of water supplemented with a carefully calculated mixture of natural nutrients. The roots reach out to the water, providing the seedling with all the water and nutrients it requires to grow into a lush plant – in Julian’s case, lettuce, rocket, cabbage, tomatoes and strawberries. But why go to all this trouble when you can grow these vegetables in the soil? Julian and his son Malcolm, a young farming lecturer who is currently completing his doctorate studies in agriculture, list several environmental and economic advantages. Firstly, when using hydroponics there’s no water wastage. Growing plants in soil means that

"by stopping fertilised water from seeping into the earth, we’re helping to minimise the pollution of underground water sources" February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

interview most of the water is absorbed by the earth and not by the plant. In hydroponics, any water that the vegetables don’t absorb runs back into the reservoir and is pumped back into the system. “At the same time, by stopping fertilised water from seeping into the earth, we’re helping to minimise the pollution of underground water sources. Natural water sources in Malta, from which we extract a percentage of our tap and drinking water, contain high levels of harmful nitrates, most of which derive from the fertilisers used on agricultural land,” Malcolm explains.

"hydroponics presents farmers with a flexible, efficient and environment-friendly solution"

Since no soil is required, hydroponics can provide a solution to agricultural areas with inferior soil quality, or to areas where there’s no agricultural land at all. Farmers using traditional farming methods are not encouraged to use the same fields to grow the same crops all the time, as soil needs to be given time to regenerate its nutrients. When using hydroponics, this need to let soil ‘rest’ is eliminated, and more crops can be grown in a smaller area of indoor or outdoor space. Moreover, plants growing in hydroponics systems are less susceptible to diseases spread through soil. Naturally, hydroponics also presents several challenges, including the dependence on electricity to provide a constant flow of water through the plant containers – if this system fails for a long time, the plants will die. It also requires careful planning and attention to detail. Setting up a large-scale hydroponics system involves a considerable initial investment; including water pumps, timers, testing equipment and other supplies. Once set up, it is not simply a matter of switching on the system and harvesting crops. Julian spends hours monitoring and testing the water to ensure that the nutrient levels for each type of vegetable are sufficient. Keeping the system and the greenhouses in good shape is also timeconsuming. In summer, as the temperature inside and outside the greenhouses rises, the flowing water can get too hot for the plants. Overcoming this obstacle is one of Julian’s current projects, as he plans to create new systems to keep the water cool throughout the summer months. While hydroponic systems are widely used to grow strawberries, Julian is only one of two farmers in Malta who are using hydroponics to grow vegetables on a large scale. “When I started building the hydroponics systems in our greenhouses, my father was a bit sceptical about the whole affair. Even I found it difficult to get used to controlling such a delicate system. Today, in spite of his age, my father is actively contributing to the system – he helps us by planting the seedlings in peat, which we then place in the water channels. I believe that hydroponics presents farmers with a flexible, efficient and environment-friendly solution for the future of agriculture. I just hope that what my father and I built over the years will not go to waste – hopefully my children will continue to develop this business, to continue producing good quality fruit and vegetables using the most sustainable methods.”

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First hydroponic system? One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, built in 600BC in what is today Iraq, is thought to have used the oldest known hydroponics system to support these large flourishing gardens on arid lands.

Try it at home Why not try your hand at growing your own vegetables using hydroponics? Go online, look up simple, do-it-yourself hydroponics systems and with some basic materials, you’ll soon be on your way to your own mini harvest.

homes

Interior Design

The psychology of light in your home Olivia Ann Calleja is a lighting and interior designer who has worked on numerous projects locally, handling lighting and interior design services for residential and commercial units. She studied Lighting Design at University College in London and at the Institute of Lighting Engineers in Birmingham, and Interior Design at KLC School of Design in Chelsea.

ight is among the richest experiences our senses have to offer, and for sheer dynamic range, no other medium can match it. Light has the ability to f lood our world with information and sensation, delineating everything we see. It affects mind, body and spirit alike. Despite it being universally present however, it is too often taken for granted, its potential scarcely tapped. By understanding how to manage this unique resource, by purely relating it to the way our mind responds to it, our surroundings both inside and outside can be transformed,

and our sense of wellbeing enhanced. The rewards can be spectacular. Innovative lighting design, forming part of perfectly finished interiors and making use of the latest technologies, often draws inspiration from the theatre. Imagine a whitewashed wall in a relatively narrow corridor, which is very often the case in many modern apartments. You have two options, it can either lay flat and still and look even longer and narrower after sunset, or you can add drama through a strand of neatly tucked in fixtures which by day are not recognisable and by night offer a dynamic change of colour. The wallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whiteness can be changed into different colours with you as the stage director, able to control colour, rhythm, flow and intensity. From a warm flamelike glow giving a romantic mood to primary colours for an entertaining mood, the possibilities are endless. Light and texture go hand in hand. When walking into an open-plan layout, we generally experience the space in vertical planes. First, we see all as a whole and take a perspective of the place, and then we start analysing. The first perspective we take defines whether we like the space or not, if we feel in tune with it and whether we conform, and

thus belong to this space or not. For this reason, first impressions are very important in design. Conformity in our mind makes us feel wanted and welcome in the environment around us. This applies to our living space and working environment alike â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in order for us to feel comfortable in our environment we need to feel part of it. Warm and welcoming aesthetics focus more on the wellness of the people rather than the place itself. It is useless to have a lovely settee encased in light and looking spectacular if it produces lots of glare to the observer when sitting on it, for example. We primarily design for people rather than places, and have to understand when and where the observer will be in different situations so as to create a mood that can give different aspects and perspectives to the same space. This also applies to our exterior environments such as gardens and terraces. Creating atmosphere is what sets our physiological aspect in tune with what we want. Light, interiors and lighting design help us understand, create and recreate our own living space at the touch of a button!

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

homes

To buy or to rent?

By Aidan Xuereb Dip. Mgt, MBA (Sion), MIM General Manager, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Malta

veryone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever wanted to get into the property market has asked himself or herself if it is better to buy rather than to rent a property. Whether you are a young couple who are about to marry or a family that is relocating, everyone has different ideas about this issue. Whereas each option has its own benefits, the decision to purchase a home as opposed to renting is based on a number of factors. Nowadays, the common belief is that buying a home is a better financial decision. For most people, deciding to buy a home is the largest financial decision of their lifetime. Indeed, before making the leap into home ownership, potential homebuyers should consider both lifestyle and financial issues. What should one consider when determining whether it is the right time to buy or rent?

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homes loan, you'll get to live in it rent-free in 30 years or so. You'll be the owner of your own home, and you can relax knowing that the property you're living in is all yours.

Reasons to rent • Flexibility: Renting gives you the option to move around as required – do you really want to live in one place for the next 30 years or more? What if you have to move? If you own a home that has lost its value, you could face a difficult and expensive decision when trying to re-sell it.

Reasons to buy • Forced savings: Property has historically proven to be one of the safest investments you can make. The obligation to stash away loan money every month for 30 years or more is a powerful savings tool. • Good timing: Purchasing a house today means buying an asset with money borrowed at good interest rates. If inflation picks up, the real cost of that monthly payment will go down, while rent costs climb. • Peace of mind: Depending on how quickly you pay off your

• Hassle free: Are you ready to deal with the hassles of buying a home? Going through the process of signing a promise of sale, getting an approved loan, and signing the contract of sale can be a daunting and stressful experience. Why not enjoy the carefree life of renting? After all, property prices won't be skyrocketing any time soon. • Saving money: Renting helps you save money in the shortterm – when you add up the monthly loan bill, maintenance, insurance and other costs, renting often works out cheaper. And that's before you even consider the deposit needed to buy a house. Above all else, at the forefront of every potential homebuyer’s mind is whether or not you can afford to buy a home. Buying a home remains a sound financial decision for those with a steady income that can provide a strong backbone for the initial deposit and future loan payments.

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

health

The exercise prescription W

hen illness strikes, we generally visit the doctor, who is expected to make all patients better through medication. When it comes to possessions like cars however, we tend to take better care of them. We periodically take our cars to the mechanic for a service and a VRT to ensure they keep running smoothly, so why are we not taking care of our bodies in the same way? Moreover, with a car, a battery can easily be changed, but a diseased heart or arteries cannot be changed that easily! We need to make it a point to start visiting the doctor for our ‘servicing’. When visiting the doctor, we often leave with a prescription in hand, telling us what medication to take, how frequently and for how long it needs to be taken for. An ‘exercise prescription’ is also issued in the same manner, and is all about exercise advice, taking into consideration an individual’s illnesses and other health related matters. The exercise prescription makes use of the FITT principle. F – Frequency: How often must exercise be undertaken during the week? For a healthy adult, the recommendation is on average four to six times per week. I – Intensity: How hard or how easy should the physical exertion be for exercise to be most effective? The intensity can be easy on certain days, with some moderate or hard exertion on other days. T – Time: The duration of exercise. A general idea is about 30 minutes, but the duration will also depend on the exercise intensity chosen. For hard intensity exercise, the duration is shorter, whereas for low intensity exercise, the duration can be longer. T – Type: There are a multitude of different types of exercise and there is no one ‘best type’ of exercise. The type is decided after discussion with the individual. The most important thing is that you enjoy the exercise being prescribed, as well as having access to it. It is useless prescribing swimming to a person who does not know how to swim or someone who does not have access to a pool!

The FITT principle can be applied for cardiovascular exercise, which involves exercise to improve the health of the heart. It can also be used for exercise that improves the musculoskeletal system, which involves strengthening the bones and muscles. Ideally, both the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems are exercised for all-round fitness. Once the exercise prescription is in hand, the next step is to set goals for yourself. How often has an exercise regime been initiated, only to see you lose interest within a few weeks or months, despite the best intentions? Sound familiar? SMART goals are needed to avoid this... but more about these in the next issue. Stay healthy! by Dr Danica Bonello Spiteri MD MRCP (UK) MSc (Sports & Exercise Med, Bath) Specialist Registrar in Sports & Exercise Medicine, Leeds, UK

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health

Overcoming bad lifestyle habits by Richard Geres

ast week, I started another edition of my 10-Week Weight-Loss Challenge. As part of the application process, I spent over a week interviewing several hundred individuals about their current eating and lifestyle habits. Curiously enough, except for the odd exception, nearly all the people interviewed blame their obesity problem on one of the following factors: 1. Eating only in the evenings In this case, the individual has no time or appetite to eat breakfast, and survives most of the day on coffees or teas while busy at work. The odd biscuit, slice of toast or other snack keeps them going until they arrive home, famished. They generally indulge in bread, cheese and biscuits before consuming a large dinner, often followed by a dessert or further nibbles.

Changing old habits Most of us are creatures of habit. We buy the same foods from the same supermarket, prepare the same recipes over and over, and live within a familiar routine. But if you're serious about eating healthier and losing weight, you need to open up to new options and start thinking differently about your diet and lifestyle.

2. Sweets obsession Sugar addiction is apparent in many women, particularly in housewives who are busy with chores and children and who get through the day snacking on chocolates, biscuits, savoury snacks and the leftovers from their children’s lunches.

The problem is that we get so comfortable in our ways that it's hard to give up old habits. Many people are sceptical about changing their diets because they have grown accustomed to eating the same foods, and there is a fear of the unknown.

3. Wheat obsession Numerous participants stated that they preferred a slice (or more) of Maltese bread with butter alongside their meal. Others seemed to base their main meals almost exclusively on pasta.

Even when you want to change, old habits die hard. Over time, habits become automatic, learned behaviours, and these are stronger than new habits you are trying to incorporate into your life. Even those who manage to change their bad eating habits can easily fall back into their old ways during times of stress. When you're feeling weak or vulnerable, automatic responses often override good intentions.

4. Overeating This group of people tends to consume large portions during dinner and at times also during lunch. Second helpings are the norm, and they will not stop eating until the feeling of extreme fullness has set in. They often have a habit of eating very fast, which may be one of the reasons the satiety signal does not reach the brain in time. 5. Excess junk food Excessive consumption of junk food and take-out food seems to be prevalent especially amongst teenagers and adults who spend considerable amounts of time commuting or outdoors, like sales people and technicians. The easiest option for them is to stop by a confectionary, fast food restaurant or pastizzeria for a quick lunch. Needless to say, these foods are usually high in fat and highly processed. Children and teenagers increasingly seem to socialise in fast food restaurants, and a burger, pizza, or other ‘drunk food’ after a night of boozing is often a satisfying end to the night.

Tackling bad eating and exercise habits requires a three-pronged approach: • Being aware of the bad habits you want to fix. • Figuring out why these habits exist. • Figuring out how you'll slowly change your bad eating and exercise habits into healthier new ones. You're much more likely to be successful if you take things one step at a time. Eating a healthier diet may be intimidating at first, but once you see for yourself how good it makes you feel, and how good healthy food can taste, you have a better chance of succeeding. Over time, your preferences will change and cravings for unhealthy foods will fade away.

Richard Geres is an internationally certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist specialising in weight-loss and functional fitness. He can be contacted for seminars and individual consultations through his website: www.richardgeres.com Turn to page 63 for a chance to win a Hot-Stone massage courtesy of Richard Geres and the Apollo Spa at the Corinthia Hotel!

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

pets

Pearly whites for your pet By Dr Trevor Zammit, DVM, Chief Veterinary Surgeon at Ċentru San Franġisk Animal Hospital in Ta' Qali.

I've often heard pet owners claim that their pet’s breath stinks because of the smelly food it eats. Whereas this may sound rational to a pet owner, it is not medically sound. Cats and dogs often have foul smelling breath because of problems in that area, with the highest probability being the onset of dental disease.

ust like humans, cats and dogs need a daily routine of tooth brushing, as well as a yearly dental cleaning at your veterinary practice. The sooner your pet gets accustomed to this brushing procedure and the more fun you manage to put into this routine, the more likely it is that your pet’s teeth will remain healthy. It is recommended that we start brushing our pets’ teeth when they are 8 to 12 weeks’ old. When the baby teeth start falling out it is best to stop brushing for a while since the gums and mouth in general will be more sensitive, and at times sore and painful. Dental disease is very common in cats and dogs, but if treated in its early stages, such an intervention can prove to be successful. In order to avoid frequent dental medical treatment, one needs to be constantly engaged in preventative care. If regular brushing is neglected, the build-up of food residue and bacteria that accumulates will inflame and infect the

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pets gums. Gingivitis will gradually progress to periodontitis – that is, the inflammation will move on from the external to the internal areas and tissues with the likelihood of spreading through the bloodstream to the heart and kidneys. One of the most important factors that pet owners need to pay attention to with respect to dental care and oral disease is their pet’s diet. It is a well-known fact that dry food leaves fewer residues on the teeth than wet food. Special formulas are available by producers of nutritious pet food that help protect the teeth and gums or that engage in active tartar removal if fed to the pet on a daily basis. Treats are also available that could be allowed sparingly to reinforce your pet’s positive behaviour, which can double as preventive measures for home care routines.

"dry food leaves fewer residues on the teeth than wet food"

The breed of dogs may also contribute to the rate and seriousness of oral disease. If the breed tends to retain baby teeth after the adult teeth emerge, the dog will most likely have an overcrowded mouth, with food being trapped in between the extra teeth. It must also be noted that some small breeds seem to build tartar on their teeth faster than larger breeds do, with some pets needing professional cleaning every six months and others needing it every year, while the lucky few would get away with undergoing this intervention once every two years. Recognisable clinical signs of dental disease include continuous bad breath, red, swollen or bleeding gums, refusal of food even when hungry, difficulty eating after the first mouthful and lost or broken teeth with heavy tartar deposit on some of them. In such cases and depending on whether the infection has spread to a larger area, the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and pain killers prior and post dental descaling performed under anaesthetic. Depending on the age of your pet, a special anaesthetic may be offered according to age and breed. Blood tests may also be performed before administering the anaesthetic in order to ensure that your pet’s organs are functioning well and that your pet will safely recover from anaesthetic. Dental disease may become exacerbated by certain diseases such as hypothyroidism or kidney disease, pemphigus or lupus in dogs and viral and bacterial infections in cats. Ensuring that your pet boasts sparkling white pearls and breath that does not threaten to knock you out of your senses may seem like a big commitment – a time-consuming and unnecessary ordeal at the end of a long day, but I guarantee that if you take your pet’s oral hygiene seriously by brushing daily from a young age, it will be nothing more drastic than brushing your own teeth before going to bed.

Five easy steps to perfect brushing every time 1

Start at an early age and brush daily. A short interruption to this routine may be allowed until all permanent teeth emerge.

Establish a routine and stick to it. Choose a quiet time such as late evening and start by making it a fun activity – play with your pet, cuddle, praise and work with your fingers around his head, mouth and rest of the body.

Dip your finger wrapped in gauze in tuna juice for cats or low-salt chicken broth for dogs and work around the mouth area, touching lips, rubbing teeth and gums with your finger.

Work more specifically on the teeth and gums by rubbing in circles working from gum to tip, this time using a soft finger brush or veterinary dental brush dipped in juice or broth.

Once the above has been achieved and your pet has got used to the routine and is in fact looking forward to this ‘game’, introduce proper veterinary toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it is harmful if swallowed.

Roderick Abela

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cinema www.MarksMovieMarks.com – Release dates are subject to change. All films released locally by KRS Film Distributors Ltd.

Film of the month

February at the movies

by Mark Camilleri

Zero Dark Thirty A Good Day To Die Hard

Osama Bin Laden – quite a household name. My guess is that if there’s a more widely recognised name on the planet, it’s probably that of Barack Obama, who was lucky enough (or effective enough?) to be in office when Bin Laden was found. Jokes about being world hide-and-seek champion aside, Bin Laden’s decade in hiding is quite a feat, considering how his face was plastered all over the news, and considering how hungrily the Americans wanted to bring him to justice. Whether being shot by Navy Seals in your hideout is justice or not is another story, but I guess after publicly claiming responsibility for 9/11 he wasn’t expecting to have a fair, quiet trial. Anyway, his capture was big news, although the vague way in which it was announced, and in which the body was laid to rest, left a few of us guessing. Still, the US administration insisted that it was done in a way that would ensure minimal unrest, and we sort of

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had to take their word for it. In the age of social media, where Saddam Hussein’s hanging and Gaddafi’s last truck ride were splashed, disturbingly, across video sites worldwide, this equally newsworthy end happened in relative silence. That was May 2011. Fast-forward just over a year and this is the most high-profile film to emerge from the proceedings, with none other than Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) at the helm. Since it’s release, two main focuses of attention have been the acting of Jessica Chastain (The Help), for which she is currently scooping awards, and the torture issue. Whether or not torture methods such as waterboarding were used to obtain the information leading to the success of the mission will probably never be known for sure, but the US administration is not too pleased about their inclusion within the film. It all helps the film’s publicity of course.

It’s hard not to like Bruce Willis, and men should hope they age as well as he has. Now approaching 60, he continues to mix dramatic roles (Moonrise Kingdom) with his famous action ones, and the Die Hard franchise would be unthinkable without him. Just like in the previous outing, Live Free or Die Hard, he has a sidekick this time around (Jai Courtney, who was very effective in the recent Jack Reacher) – but this time it’s all in the family. The action is shifted to Russia for this fifth installment, so John McClane might need to pack something else besides his usual bloodstained vest.

Hitchcock There have been a number of films in recent years where the focus was as much on the actor’s physical transformation into the lead character, as on the film itself. It’s usually Meryl Streep who gets mentioned, but here’s another screen veteran combining heavy makeup and prosthetics with acting and impersonation so as to hopefully become a well-known character. It’s Anthony Hopkins, now with a rather saggy chin, and in this film he portrays Alfred Hitchcock during the time he was making Psycho. Helen Mirren seems to be getting more attention than Hopkins however, for her role as his not-too-pleased wife.

cinema Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away Cirque du Soleil have to be seen to be believed – they are a worldwide-renowned brand of performers who put on spectacular shows that can be loosely referred to as circus acts, but which are so, so much more. The visual impact of their feats is quite stunning, and their blend of music, colour and death-defying acrobatics is what brings thousands flocking to their shows worldwide. This feature film, directed by Andrew Adamson (Shrek, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe) combines the highlights of many of their Las Vegas shows into one narrative, and is an excellent introduction for those who have never had the opportunity of catching them live. Eye and ear candy.

Bullet to the Head Not to be outdone by his Austrian friend, Sylvester Stallone is also back in cinemas this month in another action film, the plot of which we’re not too concerned about. Suffice to say that Stallone teams up with a police detective and they look like a very odd couple, but that doesn’t stop them from setting out for revenge. It looks like it will be the usual mix of brawn, gunfire and awkward, supposedly introspective moments, but if you walk in to watch a Stallone film, what else do you want? The Expendable.

Wreck-It Ralph Here’s one for the nostalgics. Wreck-It Ralph is the villain from an arcade video game who gets tired of his repetitive, destructive life and breaks free. He travels through the colourful and crazy world of video game characters, trying to become a hero. The main vocal duties went to John C. Reilly (Magnolia, Step Brothers) who seems (and sounds) perfect for the role. The film’s concept allows for countless characters from the arcade games of the 90s to be brought back to life, and I suspect this animated Disney film will be as much a hit with parents as with their young children.

Flight There’s not much doubt that Robert Zemeckis is a superb director. Back to the Future and Forrest Gump are enough to end any discussion, but there are many more excellent films on his impressive filmography. Recently however, he was enamoured with realistic animation, giving us the rather odd Beowulf, The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol. In fact it’s been over a decade since his last ‘normal’ film – the beautiful Cast Away. For his return, he teams up with Denzel Washington for the dramatic story of an airline pilot whose life is turned upside down (and not in a good way) after heroically crash-landing a doomed plane and somehow managing to save most people on board. Washington has been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance.

I Give It A Year Not necessarily the ideal option for a Valentine’s day outing, but the most relevant film on this month’s list. As the title implies, this romantic comedy charts the first, tumultuous year of a newlywed couple’s marriage, and is written and directed by Dan Mazer, who is mostly known for his writing and producing contributions on Borat, Brüno and Da Ali G Show. It stars Anna Faris (The Dictator), Simon Baker (The Mentalist), Rafe Spall (Life of Pi), Jason Flemyng (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Rose Byrne (X-Men: First Class), Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting) and Stephen Merchant (The Office, Hall Pass).

The Last Stand Now that his political career has been filed away in the ‘heh, do you remember when...’ file, and his personal life has dropped from the gossip pages, Arnold Schwarzenegger is concentrating on reviving his film career. His appearances in the Expendables films were little more than flashy cameos, but he now has a slate of major roles lined up, for the first time in a decade. This first one features him as a sheriff of a small, uninteresting town, which suddenly becomes a hideout destination for a notorious big-time criminal, causing said sheriff to spring into major action. So it’s sort of like Hot Fuzz, but taking itself seriously. He’s back.

Past perfect

Home movie gems from the past few decades that may need some dusting but never get old.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) I was a latecomer to this timeless gem of a movie, and inevitably I had built up my own (incorrect) impressions of what the film would be like, based on the countless posters, imagery and little black dresses (not for me, of course) that have resulted from Audrey Hepburn’s look in this film. But when I actually sat down to savour it, without having any idea of the plot or concept, I was very pleasantly surprised. Despite looking like the most fragile and beautiful creature on earth, Hepburn’s Miss Golightly is a feisty character if ever there was one, as she waltzes through life appearing tipsy but actually knowing exactly what she’s after. By the time Paul (George Peppard, or Hannibal from The A-Team before his hair turned white), falls for her, so had I. With the audience wrapped around her skinny finger, Hepburn can then cause all the more heartbreak and frustration with her seemingly spur-of-the-moment decisions. The ending veers slightly from that in Truman Capote’s book, which I then looked up and devoured. The film and the book seem like slightly different versions of the same story, but they’re both a showcase for artists at the height of their talent. There’s also a wonderful party scene thrown in, and of course Henry Mancini’s music, which you’ll be humming for days.

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

calendar Photographic Exhibition

Razzett tal-Markiz Mallia Tabone Triq Wied il-Għasel - Mosta Dates & Times: February 3rd to 16th Monday to Friday 17:30 - 20:30 Sunday 10:00 - 12:00 and 17:30 - 20:30 www.maltacvs.org/events/116wirja-ta’-fotografija/

Exhibitions in February

A taste of France in South America: Maltese Naturalists in South America

National Museum of Natural History - Mdina.

Dates & Times: Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00 (last admission 16:30). www.independent.com.mt/event/a-taste-of-france-in-south-americamaltese-naturalists-in-south-america/624721922/

Events Theatre

Sports

Culture & History

Monday 4th

Mid-Dinja tat-Teatru - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 20:00 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt

Tuesday 5th

Line Dancing - Mġarr Parish - Mġarr - 19:00 - T: 2157 2578

Wednesday 6th

MPO Closer Home! - Annunciation Church - Birgu - 19:30 www.maltaorchestra.com

Thursday 7th

Carnival Soiree - Main Square Għarb - 19:30 - E: gharb.lc@gov.mt

MPO Closer Home! - Parish Church - St Venera - 19:30 www.maltaorchestra.com

Line Dancing - Sala Parrokjali San Ġuzepp Ħaddiem - Birkirkara - 19:00 - T: 2141 5522

Mediterranean Institute Conference 2013 - University of Malta - Valletta www.um.edu.mt/events/smrim2013 Friday 8th

Carnival celebrations - Freedom Square - Valletta, Nadur - Gozo

MPO Closer Home! - Parish Church - Paola - 19:30 www.maltaorchestra.com Line Dancing - Parish Centre Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II - Attard - 19:30 T: 2143 4949 Saturday 9th

A Carnival Masked Ball

Palazzo de Piro - Cultural Centre - Mdina February 9th - 20:00 Masks will be mandatory, guests will be incognito, and intrigue will be inevitable when Palazzo de Piro hosts a Masked Carnival Ball! Barocco Foundation is organising a Masked Carnival Ball at the fascinating Palazzo de Piro in Mdina. The Ball will be held in the Sala Grande of the Palazzo. Bookings are available from The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux or by phoning 21 450 560 or emailing events@xarapalace. Tickets at €25. Dress Code: classical carnival costume and mask.

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

Carnival celebrations - Freedom Square - Valletta, Nadur - Gozo

Varied Carnival programme - Xagħra - Gozo - 19:30 www.xaghra.com A Masked Carnival Ball - Palazzo de Piro - Mdina - 20:00 www.palazzodepiro.com

Carnival Ball - Manoel Theatre Valletta - 20:00 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt

The Malta Canine Society Dog Show - Sports Complex - Cottonera - 15:00 - www.maltacanine.org 39th International Cat Show - The Point Shopping Complex - Tigne' 10:30 - www.maltacatshows.com

Clubbing

Music

Carnival at Bay Street Shopping Complex - St George’s Bay - St Julians 12:00 - 18:00 - E: info@baystreet.com.mt Sunday 10th

Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to St Helen's Parish Church Birkirkara - 08:30 to 13:00 T: 2206 6209 Feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul Valletta - T: 2122 3348 Feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul Munxar - Gozo - T: 2156 4503

Feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul - St Paul's Bay - T: 2157 9266 Carnival celebrations - Freedom Square - Valletta, Nadur - Gozo

Toi Toi 325 - Manoel Theatre Valletta - 10:30 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt

The Malta Canine Society Dog Show - Sports Complex - Cottonera - 09:00 - www.maltacanine.org Carnival at Bay Street Shopping Complex - St George’s Bay - St Julians 12:00 to 18:00 - E: info@baystreet.com.mt Monday 11th

Carnival celebrations - Freedom Square - Valletta - Nadur; Gozo Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes - San Ġwann - T: 2138 6112 Carnival at Bay Street Shopping Complex - St George’s Bay - St Julians 12:00 - 18:00 - E: info@baystreet.com.mt

Tuesday 12th

Carnival celebrations - Freedom Square - Valletta, Nadur - Gozo Carnival Activity - Marsascala - 18:00 - E: marsascala.lc@gov.mt Line Dancing - Mġarr Parish - Mġarr - 19:00 - T: 2157 2578 Carnival at Bay Street Shopping Complex - St George’s Bay - St Julians 12:00 to 18:00 - E: info@baystreet.com.mt

Wednesday 13th

Ash Wednesday - Religious Feast Spotlight On Violinist Nadine Galea and pianist Christine Zerafa - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 20:00 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt

The VIDA team does its utmost to publish the most updated information in these pages. We cannot, however, take any responsibility for details omitted or changed by third parties after going to print.

To include your events in this page email all details to events@vida.com.mt or call 2339 2236 by February 18th.

calendar

this month Fund Raising

Blood Drive

Kids & Family

Thursday 14th

February

Fairs

2013

Others

Tuesday 19th

St Valentine's Day

Line Dancing - Mġarr Parish - Mġarr - 19:00 - T: 2157 2578

Love, love, love... The Beatles go Baroque! - Robert Samut Hall Floriana - 19:30 www.maltaorchestra.com

Thursday 21st

Line Dancing - Sala Parrokjali San Ġużepp Ħaddiem - Birkirkara - 19:00 - T: 2141 5522 Friday 15th

Love, love, love... The Beatles go Baroque! - Robert Samut Hall Floriana - 19:30 www.maltaorchestra.com

Line Dancing - Sala Parrokjali San Ġużepp Ħaddiem - Birkirkara - 19:00 - T: 2141 5522

Friday 22nd

Indemonjati u Maltin Oħra - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 20:00 www.teatrumanoel.com.mt Line Dancing Parish Centre - Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II - Attard - 19:30 T: 2143 4949

Line Dancing Parish Centre - Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II - Attard - 19:30 T: 2143 4949

Saturday 23rd

Skimmed Summer Lovers Album Launch – Royal British Legion – Valletta – 21:00 – www.skimmedmusic.com

Saturday 16th

Met Opera - Rigoletto - Giuseppe Verdi - St James Cavalier - Valletta 19:00 - E: info@sjcav.org

Valentines Longest Kiss Competition at Bay Street Shopping Complex - St George’s Bay - St Julians E: info@baystreet.com.mt Sunday 17th

Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Parish Church Square - Siġġiewi - 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209 In Guardia Parade - St John's Cavalier (close to Couvre Porte) Birgu - 11:00 - E: birgu.lc@gov.mt

Cosmic Toi Toi 628 - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 10:30 E: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt Valentines Longest Kiss Competition at Bay Street Shopping Complex - St George’s Bay - St Julians E: info@baystreet.com.mt

Indemonjati u Maltin Oħra - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 20:00 www.teatrumanoel.com.mt Sunday 24th

Blood Donation Mobile Unit - Next to Parish Church - Mġarr - 08:30 to 13:00 - T: 2206 6209

Indemonjati u Maltin Oħra - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 20:00 www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

Land Rover Malta Marathon - Mdina - 08:00 E: info@maltamarathon.com Tuesday 26th

Line Dancing - Mġarr Parish - Mġarr - 19:00 - T: 2157 2578

Thursday 28th

Line Dancing - Sala Parrokjali San Ġużepp Ħaddiem - Birkirkara - 19:00 - T: 2141 5522

Blood Donation Centre in Guardamangia opens 7 days a week from 08:00 till 18:00.

Blood saves lives.

More information may be obtained from: www.blood.gov.mt E: nbts@gov.mt T: 220 66 209 M: 79 307 307

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

books

Young people are not reading

Maltese must reads Ara x’Int Tgħid Martin Morana,

Self Published

Research has shown that though children in Malta are avid readers, reading tends to run quite dry by the time they reach adolescent years. There could be a number of reasons for this, not least of which are the multitude of competing media within modern society. One possible reason that needs to be addressed however, at least in relation to reading in Maltese, is the fact that there are very few books within our literature that are specifically aimed at that readership age. True, initiatives like the very successful competition run by the National Book Council and the Youth Agency for novels written specifically for adolescents have managed to put a few new books on the market at prices that are very affordable, but that is definitely not enough. Authors and publishers need to realise that there is a fallow market there that can be tapped into. The demand needs to provoke a supply, with the hope that the supply will then increase the demand. Our young people deserve to have the infinite worlds of books opened up to them.

News from bookland

Merlin Publishers have just published a cuddly set of four padded board books in Maltese with touch-and-feel elements on each spread. The board books introduce young children to simple, basic vocabulary in Maltese, in four key subjects: animals, colours, transport, and fruit and vegetables.

Ara X’Int Tgħid could have easily been named ‘Ara X’kienu Jgħidu’, as the book deals with some 1,200 nouns, phrases and words that give a clear insight into the way the Maltese lived in the past. The book provides the inquisitive reader with definitions of historical terms related to the Maltese context as well as explanations about the origin of place names in the Maltese Islands. Ara X’Int Tgħid gives readers a glimpse of the Maltese ‘psyche’ as it developed over the past centuries.

Storja Maqsuma Leli, Klabb Kotba Maltin

What do Sandro and Sherese have in common? How are they related to Sylvia and Stephen? Why are Hailey and Isaac important to them? How are they coping with the challenges in a life dictated by their parents’ decisions? What happens at the Barry Pub? Does Sandro manage to go to Gozo with his friends? And why does Sherese insist on going to the Splash and Fun Park? Some consider Sandro and Sherese to be siblings, but is it true that they fancy each other, or are they just using one another to get their first sexual experience? Did Sandro’s father have an affair when he was still married? And why is Sherese’s father so strict and grumpy? Why did his wife leave him? Two representatives of the adolescent population in contemporary Maltese society speak to the reader directly and with no inhibitions in Leli’s first novel, Storja Maqsuma, winner of the first prize in the second edition of the National Literature Competition for Youths.

These books are perfect for babies and toddlers, but also for slightly older children who might not be Maltese-speaking at home and need a primer for basic vocabulary-building. Id-dinja tiegħi: L-annimali, Il-kuluri, It-trasport, Il-frott u l-ħaxix, are available from all bookshops, or directly online (with free delivery to Malta and Gozo) from www.merlinpublishers.com.

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

The books page in VIDA is coordinated by the National Book Council. Check out this page for information from the world of books and reading! www.ktieb.org.mt

eating & drinking

To the letter

have a confession to make. I am a print junkie. I love not just writing, but the written, printed word. I agonise over which font to use; which will depict my message on impact, which will grab the reader's attention, what will look beautiful on the page. When I was younger, I wanted to be able to naturally write in Vivaldi. Curly, grand, enigmatic. I write (type) in bookman, because it makes me feel like I have a typewriter, with big rounded finger pad shaped keys – the clatter, the carriage, the smell. In business it's Cambria – not too dull, just a wiggle of enthusiasm, a hit of something quirky. My partner laughs at me because I file books by colour, and I can regurgitate the design of any cover. I'm sure I buy books mostly because of their aesthetic value. My curious nature means I go to restaurants based on theirs. On one hand, you just know an ugly place has to have good food – they could have Arial type as their logo with no brand to speak of, but a dessert menu to utter your last words over. Conversely, normally, the more effort put on the image, the less attention on the kitchen. And yes, I could name a few.

Ambience

Service

Assaggi Dean Hamlet St Julian’s T: 7733 8855

The place I visited this My friend had the fish – a seabass, evening had indulgence roasted. I opted for the al sale baby "Chunky written all over it. chicken. Yes, you read right. roast potatoes A fat, gluttonous, The chicken was denuded of generous logo. It its crystal coat and quartered didn't stand a could have been made perfectly. The fish was filleted chance with of chocolate. The and laid out to fill its dish. two English girls name – Assaggi – is The chicken was perfectly armed with an perfect. It couldn't cooked; I may even try this be ‘assagini’. There is at home. The moisture was appetite" nothing small about this retained, and the salt was only place. It seats probably 30 evident in that it did its job of bringing inside, has a cosy, drawing room kind of together the flavours of the ingredients. feel, and the music, except the occasional Katie Meluha track, is lovely. You feel Chunky roast potatoes didn't stand a like you’re in an old style gentleman's chance with two English girls armed club, which has a cigar lounge and a no with an appetite and aversion to all mobile phones policy. Everything from things proclaimed by the anti-carb the smiles of the staff to the wine list brigade. Alongside, was a perfectly square and menu are packed full of intriguing, parmigiana – my nemesis. (Along with well thought out combinations, luxuriant polenta, these are two dishes I fail to ingredients, maintaining that empathy master). This, I wanted to bring home as with the brand. You are here to be a present. spoiled. It was a no-go on the dessert front, as we My starlet friend and I chose Cauliflower didn't think it was even wise to hear the soup as our choice of starter. Presented in choices in case we conjured up images wide rimmed bowls that resembled priest and had to undo buttons. The restaurant hats, it was light, frothy and flavoursome. was starting to fill up, which made that There must have been a ton of butter an impossible action. So, I am counting and cream in it, because I’ve never had on you to go, and let me know what they cauliflower so good. are like.

Décor

Food

Value

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

advertorial

MAGGI® Fresh Inspirations

Advertising Sales Representatives Full Time (Ref: Vida 13/01) Working in a fast-paced environment we are seeking enthusiastic, persuasive, self-motivated individuals to join our advertising sales team.

Maggi® brings out the best in every meal and the best in you! It provides that little inspiration for you to create different and nutritiously colourful dishes every day. With a range of quick and easy solutions that aid cooking and add those family favourite flavours to your freshly cooked meals, the Maggi® range consists of So Crispy™, a range of crispy coatings for chicken, Maggi® Fresh Ideas, a range of recipes mixes to enhance your daily meals and Maggi® Stock Pots, a simple way to add intense flavour to your much-loved meals. Buy any three Maggi® products or Buitoni® Saccoccio and get a Daily Menu Planner for 2013. Offer is valid until stock lasts. Maggi® products are available from leading grocery stores and supermarkets. Follow us on facebook.com/MaggiMalta.

Property MOSTA – To let or for sale. Brand new modern, street level, class 4 shop / office finished to high standards, measuring 10ft x 22 ft with parapet 10ft x 12ft. Daily euro 10. Price euro €48,500 ono contact Call 7945 1794 Birkirkara – Apartment, consisting of open plan, 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, storage area, internal yard, €127,080 - Call 7928 1187. Mosta – Reduced first floor maisonette, combined kitchen/dining, separate living room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, back yard, €215,000 - Call 7928 1187. Attard – Large 180sqm 3 bedroomed finished apartment, only €148,000! - Call 7725 3502. Attard – Bargain finished maisonette, 3 bedrooms, large back yard, optional garage €125,500 - Call 7725 3502. Attard – First floor apartment, 2 double bedrooms,

open plan, bathroom, box room, semi-finished – €103,000 – Call 7943 3883. Attard – Apartment, 120sqm, 3 double bedrooms, open plan, ensuite, bathroom, box room, semi-finished – €120,000 – Call 7943 3883. Attard – Ground floor maisonette, large open plan, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom, ensuite, internal yard, semi-finished – €125,000 – Call 7943 3883. Wardija – Unique 12 tumoli of land with permits to build large villa with pool €1,599,000 - Call 7943 3883. Zabbar – First floor apartment, 3 bedrooms, open plan, bathroom, ensuite, semi-finished - €85,000 - Call 7943 3883.

Services

Models wanted – Male and female models between the ages of 18 and 25 wanted for advertising and fashion magazine shoots. Send recent photos (close up and full body shot) to fashion@vida.com.mt.

Responsibilities include: • Negotiating advertising packages with clients and prospects; • Explaining various print and design solutions to agents, existing clients and prospects; • Developing leads through referrals, telephone canvassing, face-to-face meetings, emails and networking to generate new business opportunities; • Involvement in production of adverts ensuring total customer satisfaction; • Maintaining accurate records of all sales and prospecting activities including sales calls, presentations, closed sales and follow-up activities; • Gathering market and customer information; • Clean driving license & own transport. Requirements: The ideal candidates should have a proven sales ability and have good negotiation skills with a passion and ﬂare for sales. Apart from work experience in a similar environment the individual should be an excellent communicator in both English and Maltese.

Interested candidates should send a letter of application or email quoting the relevant reference number together with a detailed C.V. to: H.R. Department, Focused Knowledge Ltd. Famalco Group, Pitkali Road, Attard. ATD 2214, Malta | Email: hr@famalco.net Tel: 2339 2251

To book your advert you can: · Send the details and photos you wish to include in the advert, together with a cheque payable to ‘Focused Knowledge Ltd’, by post to: CLASSIFIEDS, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214. · Send the advertdetails and photos by email followed by a cheque send by post to the same postal address above. classifieds@vida.com.mt · Visit our offices at Pitkali Road, Attard, and ask for our Sales Team to book your advert and pay in cash or by by cheque.

All bookings and payments must reach our offices by no later than February 18th 2013. Bookings that reach our offices after this date will be published in the following issue.

BOOK NOW

2339 2236

Naxxar

Siggiewi

Converted corner house of character

Unconverted house of character

Situated in the best part of Naxxar, a very well maintained and converted corner house of character, full of original features. Property has two entrances, a 30sqm central courtyard with a well, a kitchen, large living/ dining area graced with stone arches, two staircases leading to the first floor where one finds two large bedrooms, main having a walk in wardrobe and en suite bathroom, and an extra room that can be used as a third bedroom. Property had full roof/airspace and is definitely worth viewing. Price: €212,000 Call 9958 5767

Unconverted house of character with all original features on a plot of 210sqm, situated in Siggiewi, with great potential to convert into a lovely family home. At present it comprises, on the ground floor, a kitchen/dining area leading onto a central courtyard with a cellar underneath, two rooms ideal as a living room and bathroom and 2 wells. At first floor level it has 3 large bedrooms, one with a birth room. Complimenting this property is 50x30ft garden with ample space for a pool, and a one car garage. Price: €272,000 Call 9958 5767

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013

Games & Competitions

All competition replies should reach our offices by Monday, February 18th. Send them to Competitions, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on win@vida.com.mt. By sending in an entry to any of VIDA magazine’s competitions, you are giving Focused Knowledge Ltd and carefully selected partners permission to store and use your contact details.

WIN MORE www.facebook.com/VidaMag

January ’s solutions

WIN!

Which of these three tv shows is based on a series of novels? A: BONES B: FRINGE C: CSI

Name: Address: Contact Number:

Winners! The Nail Lounge: Elaine Debattista, Mqabba

According to the article on page 53, which two foods can cause food obsession that can lead to weight-gain?

Agenda Book Shop Edward Abela, Birkirkara

A. Pizza and red meat

Ta' Marija Restaurant Romano Briffa, Qormi

B. Junk food and vegetables

Pierre Lannier, Star letter : P. Dalli, Attard

C. Sugar and wheat

WIN! Hot-Stone massage worth €65, courtesy of

D. Soft drinks and tea Name: Address: Contact Number:

Apollo Spa, Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay

9 5 2 1 6 3 8

3 5 9 4

5 8 years experience & VTCT Qualifications Full set gel colour on hands & toes worth €25! The Nail Lounge: Triq San Silvestru, Mosta M: 9921 4351 us on facebook: www.facebook.com/nailsbycherisse Name: Address: Contact Number:

WIN!

7 6

4 1 5 4 8 6

February 2013 Issue 38 vida.com.mt

only for kids

Make your own carnival mask

G B S

O P

Things you'll need

K J

Carnival is just round the corner so it’s time to start thinking of your costume. If you’ve got some free time during your carnival holidays and just love to get creative, why not try making your own mask? Whatever you decide to dress up as, make sure you’ve got a good supply of feathers, glitter, tinsel, stickers, beads and fabric trim for decoration! Here’s how to make your own carnival mask.

• Printer • Paper • Scissors • Pencil • Cardboard • Glue • Crayons • Paints & brushes • Thin elastic • Stapler • Tape • Decorative trimmings

Y I

Ask an adult to help you use the scissors to cut the mask pattern out, and place it onto a sheet of cardboard. Carefully trace the outline of the pattern onto the cardboard and cut along this outline, remembering to also cut out the eyeholes. Colour the mask using crayons or paint. Cut a length of thin elastic long enough to fit comfortably around your head and staple each end to opposite edges of the mask. Use glue to decorate your new mask with glitter, feathers, sequins, beads, ribbons, fabric trim and other decorations.

Y W H

N P

R W C

Z E

G M D

A Y

W A

V R

G E

W B E

E F

D W

Y W U

N S

R W Y

W O

Y W C R

N M

M O

O P

M A

Instructions Find a mask pattern on the Internet and print it out on regular paper. If you don’t have Internet access or are very good at drawing, you can also draw an original mask pattern yourself.

C W Y

G P F

Find 10 things related to making your own carnival mask in the grid and send us the solution by post. The correct answers will enter a draw to win the Nesquik Hamper.

Another chance to win!

Send us a drawing or photo of your carnival mask or costume to be in with another chance of winning the hamper made up of Nesquik products!

U P

Y W D

Paper Scissors Pencil Cardboard Glue Crayons Paints Elastic Stapler Tape

Jade Fenech, 8, is the winner of last month’s competition.

WIN! Win a hamper made up of Nesquik products!

Last month we also asked you to draw a picture of how you imagine 2013 . Here are some of your entries:

Send your entries,

together with your name, surname, age and contact details (address, telephone number, email address), to: Kids Competition, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214 by no later than Monday February 18th.

Pia Zammit

Maya Borg

Paula Zammit

vida.com.mt Issue 38 February 2013