THE INIMITABLE STYLE OF GLORIA MIZZI - MaltaRightNow.com

SEPTEMBER 2006 – ISSUE 48
& S T Y L E
THE INIMITABLE
STYLE OF GLORIA MIZZI
WHAM BAM THANK YOU MA’AM
The secrets of Speed Dating
DOMESTIC BLISS
Getting the other half to chip in
TONE YOUR BODY WITH PILATES
WIN A FREE SESSION
MALE GROOMING IN
THE CORPORATE WORLD

| EDITORIAL |
| EDITORIAL |
| SEPTEMBER 2006 - ISSUE 48 |
04 COSMETICS PRODUCERS ARE
NOW OBLIGED TO REPLY
Forum Malta fl -Ewropa by Carmel Attard
07 A LIFETIME OF TELEVISION
Paula Fleri Soler on Gloria’s Mizzi’s TV career
10 PULLING A FAST ONE
Jo Tabone argues speed-dating might not be as bad as it sounds.
13 HAVING AN EDGE IN THE CORPORATE WORLD
Male Tips to look your best in today’s work environment
14 EURO CHANGE OVER
Will this cause prices to rise. By Claire Azzopardi.
15 HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS
Liz Ayling on the ecstasy of housework
18 LIFE BITS
Bits on Life & Living
19 TV -
NET TV’s details & listings of their sparkling new season
23 ALL ABOUT METABOLISM – PART 2
Factors which affect our metabolism. By our nutritionist
24 PILATES – THE ULTIMATE MIND &
BODY EXPERIENCE
Enter our competition and win a chance for a free session with Karla Fabri
25 DOC Q & A
Our doctor answers your health questions
27 PERFECT GROOMING FOR YOUR
CHILD’S SCHOOLING
Hair tips for the young. By Isabelle Vella
29 NAILS – FOOD FOR NAILS
Angèle Stafrace explains what nutrients our nails need
31 LIGHT & EASY
Enjoy our light meals to be savoured outdoors
35 CROSSWORD
Try your luck in our prize-winning crossword
36 KINGS OF THE SEA
Charles Camenzuli meets the Cachia Waterpolo Family
38 RADIO
Eric Montfort on Fr. Bonnici’s contribution to Radio 101
I hate housework – yet I
love a clean house. I hear
lots on this topic from the
little grocery shop down
my road. Women elbow
their way around, voices
raised, discussing the
latest detergent, which
‘cleans better in a fraction
of the time’. They all
secretly hope their efforts of
scrubbing are appreciated – noticed at least! I’m fi nally
convinced it’s just us females who actually see those
specks of dust on our furniture, crumbs on the kitchen
top, fi nger marks around the fridge – except, that is,
possibly, for one male friend who wipes clean the olive
oil bottle before putting it back…
Today’s busy world has given rise to an interesting
phenomenon – Speed Dating. I remember a time when
it was fun to ‘date’ and gradually get to know a person.
I guess, from a practical viewpoint, it’s not that easy to
meet and date anymore, and, if you can have someone
iron out all the preliminaries, why waste time
A wonderful woman who hates wasting time is Gloria
Mizzi. She cheerfully admitted to me ‘My hands are
always doing something’. She has certainly done a lot.
One of the fi rst true TV personalities, Gloria pioneered
today’s popular ‘magazine programmes’ and is
constantly transforming herself in line with our everchanging
world.
This and more from our regular features.
Enjoy!
Charlotte Stafrace, Editor
Contact me : life&style@media.link.com.mt
EDITOR Charlotte Stafrace
PUBLISHER Media.link Communications
ADVERTISING MANAGER Charles Zammit Moore
COVER GLORIA MIZZI PHOTOGRAPHED by Robert Camilleri –
Foto Classic. Make Up Francesca Rizzo @ Alfi es Salon,
Hair Bianca Rizzo @ Alfies Salon
DESIGN Antoinette Micallef
PRINTING Europrint Ltd.
CONTRIBUTORS
Charles Camenzuli, Frederick Zammit, Eric Montfort, Godfrey Magri Demajo,
Liz Ayling from thinkingliving.com, Jo Caruana, Karla Fabri, Cliff Sultana,
Dr. J. Cutajar, Claire Azzopardi
Life&Style, Media.link Communications Co Ltd,
Triq Herbert Ganado, Pietá, HMR08 ·
Tel. 25965 ext. 232/317/407/522 · Fax 21240261
E-mail sales@media.link.com.mt · www.maltarightnow.com
Life&Style is not to be sold separately. It is published monthly and is
distributed free with il-Mument. Life&Style is protected by the laws of
copyright. No part of the magazine can be lifted or copied without the prior
consent of the publishers.
Publication date: 10 September 2006
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 3

| COSMETICS 1 |
COSMETICS
PRODUCERS ARE NOW
OBLIGED TO REPLY
By Carmel Attard - Forum Malta fl-Ewropa
Towards the end of August, the European Commission
published guidelines on what has become compulsory
information that is to be made available by
manufacturers or distributors of cosmetic products if
and when they are requested to do so by consumers.
These guidelines show that consumers in EU
Member States have the choice of either writing to the
company at the address mentioned on the package of
the cosmetic product, or to phone them or to post a
question on the manufacturer’s website. The cosmetics
industry has created a central public directory of those
companies that have their cosmetic products on the EU
market.
Consumers have the right to obtain information on
undesirable effects that may have been reported to the
cosmetics industry regarding their products. Producers
are also obliged to inform consumers on quantitative
and qualitative composition of cosmetic products.
Member States, on their part, have to ensure that
companies fulfil these obligations.
The guidelines published by the Commission were
drawn up in close cooperation with the EU Member
States and stakeholders. These guidelines require
manufacturers of cosmetic products or the person
responsible for marketing an imported cosmetic
product to provide, on request, appropriate information
on the frequency and nature of undesirable effects
linked to the product, as well as all undesirable effects
reported to the companies. Companies would be able to
compute a value for the number of undesirable effects
per 100,000,000 units of the product placed on the
market.
The Commission defines an “undesirable effect” of
a cosmetic product, as an adverse effect on human
health, such as irritant and allergic effects, cosmetic
acne, phototoxic effects, photosensitivity, anaphylactic
shock and itching, which occur from the normal or
reasonably foreseeable use of the product. Undesirable
effects do not include, for instance, effects resulting
from abuse or misuse of the product or those related to
associated items, such as packaging.
Cosmetics producers are obliged to provide what is
termed as quantitative information on those substances,
such as explosive, oxidising, easily flammable, toxic,
harmful, corrosive or irritant substances, classified
as dangerous under the terms of a 1967 Community
Directive (Directive 67/548/EEC).
The central public directory listing companies marketing cosmetic products on the
EU market was set up by the European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association
(COLIPA). The directory allows consumers seeking information to obtain the contact
details of the producer they wish to question by mail, telephone or internet.
For a consumer to find contact details for the cosmetic company, he or she must
search the directory by the company name which usually is found on the packaging
or labelling of the product. The Directory provides contact points in each Member
State. In some cases, a customer may access the company websites or emails
directly. EU consumers may correspond with the company using any official language
of the European Union, providing full details of the product such as brand name,
product type, batch code, country of purchase. Consumers should receive a reply
within three weeks. However, in some cases, a company might ask for further details
about the product in order to identify correctly and provide the right answer and
information.
EU Commissioner for Industry, Guenter Verheugen said this initiative “will make
life easier for consumers and industry”, adding: “Consumers can have access
to full information on composition and on undesirable effects of cosmetics. This
transparency helps them to make their choice in the large range of products present
in the internal market.”
A spokesperson for Verheugen said that what was new in this initiative was not the
right of consumers to write to ask for information from cosmetics industry, but the
requirement on the producers to respond.
The European Directory of Cosmetic Companies is available at http://www.
european-cosmetics.info
The guidelines can be accessed from http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/
html/cosm_guidance_docs.htm
More information is also available from Forum Malta fl-Ewropa on 2590 9101 or
email info.forum@gov.mt .
4 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06

| LIFE&STYLE |
THE BENEFITS
OF A GOOD
MASK
Somehow, we
have finally
got tuned in to
cleansing and
moisturising
our faces.
Unfortunately,
we aren’t quite
as diligent
with our use of
masks.
THE WEEKLY MASK
Masking on a weekly basis can be incredibly relaxing and also
good for your skin. There are masks in every price range on the
market and as simple to use as a tub of yoghurt. In a nutshell
masks re-hydrate your skin or if you have oily skin, soak up the
excess oil and tighten up the pores. Moreover, they provide 20
minutes of sheer relaxation.
CLAY MASKS
These are often used to clean out the pores especially around
the nose that can contribute to blackheads. You want to keep
these pores clean, so that they don’t stretch. The larger the
pores, the more room for oil to get trapped in.
OILY SKIN MASK
As an option to the market products, you might want to try Milk
of Magnesia. It’s just as effective and magnesium is known for
its disinfecting properties. It works wonders on absorbing oil.
BODY MASKS
The rest of your body can also benefit from a mask – especially
your back. A mask can be applied with a back sponge or if
someone is around to help, smear it on.
Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, then wash off under the
shower. .
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 5

| CELEBRITY INTERVIEW |
a lifetime of
TELEVISION
PAULA FLERI SOLER INTERVIEWS TV’S FOREMOST HOUSEHOLD NAME GLORIA MIZZI
Gloria Mizzi certainly needs no introduction to Maltese television audiences. Having pioneered “women’s programmes”
– now called magazine programmes – forty years ago, she is still working hard in the medium and is currently preparing
for her new venture on Net Television this autumn. I recently had the chance to sit down for a chat, and found her
intelligent, articulate, humorous, and passionate about whatever subject she discusses - be it television, cooking, her
family, protection of children, local politics or the current situation in the Middle East.
Gloria fell into television quite by chance when in 1966 a friend asked her to
present a spot on a programme. From that moment she never looked back and
has constantly been involved in the production of magazine programmes, which to
this day enjoy tremendous popularity. To what does she attribute this continuous
attraction “It’s not a matter of re-inventing the wheel,” she says matter-of-factly. “It
is a rehash, but you need to keep up with the times because topics are different.”
Gloria goes on to explain that it’s not just about handiwork and cooking, which are
staples for this kind of programme, but the programmes need to tackle subjects
which are current. She maintains there is great demand for knowledge. “I see
television as a form of entertainment”, she says “but first and foremost, as a source of
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 7

| CELEBRITY INTERVIEW |
Gloria’s favourite…
… Dish “I love food! But it depends on the mood –
… a nice ‘bicca hobz biz-zejt’, pasta, vegetables…”
Drink “Water”
Fruit “Bajtar ta’ San Gwann”
Vegetable “Aubergines, whichever way they’re
made – Parmiggiana, Frittata, stuffed…”
[ TV BEGINNINGS ]
Smell “I like pungent smells… Cumin, nutmeg,
cinnamon, peperoncino”
information and education”. She adds that people are
now more health-conscious and interested in matters
of well-being, nutrition and healthy eating than they
were a few years ago. People follow discussions about
religion, law, women’s rights, single parents, separated
couples, same-sex couples, paedophilia – these are all
subjects which are extremely topical today – but were
considered taboo when she began her career.
Gloria is quick to disagree that these type of
programmes still target the ‘housewife’ and explains
that audiences nowadays have changed and are
more varied, subject to the time of day they are
broadcast. Moreover, there are far fewer housewives
now then there used to be when she started television,
and, judging from the programme phone-ins,
her programmes also attract many men, “Never
underestimate your audience,” she says by way of
conclusion.
Gloria recently had a stint on radio, which she
describes as a very powerful medium, and much more
[ BELOW - FOUR GENERATIONS OF WOMEN ]
[ BOTTOM - AT SON’S WEDDING ]
difficult than TV. It is just “you and the microphone” and you have to “talk, talk,
and talk”; while with TV she feels more relaxed. She does admit that she enjoyed
the experience, especially when presenting the award-winning, late-night talk show
‘Minn Taht l-Ilsien’, in which she interviewed, ex-nuns, separated women, and among
others, women in business and politics. She describes the experience as “different
and very successful”.
In the seventies, Gloria was involved in the publication of a popular women’s magazine
called ‘Il-Mara tal-Lum’, based on her TV programme of the same name. Gloria
attributes the success of this now defunct magazine to the fact that it was published in
Maltese, and she laments the lack of Maltese magazines nowadays, commenting that
if we really want to keep the language alive, publishers ought to fill this void because
people hunger for information and many would prefer to have it in Maltese.
Steering the conversation onto the subject of Gloria the Person, I asked what it is
that she is most passionate about. The answer is quick – she mentions her family,
cooking, good company, a good book (she’s currently reading The Ambassador,
by former British MP Edwina Currie) and travel. She travels often, and nowadays
chooses mainly to visit her son in Switzerland, and is restricted from travelling too far
afield as she looks after her elderly mother.
Gloria’s favourite destination is North Africa in 1848, her ancestors left Zebbug to
join the Maltese communities in Tunis, Tripoli and Djerba). She was born in Tripoli
and lived there until she was 15 years old. She is obviously very fond of that part
of the world and is particularly fascinated by Egypt, where she recently joined an
expedition conducted by Robert Bauvall – an Egyptologist who frequently appears on
the Discovery Channel. He planned an expedition across the country accompanied
by many writers who have written about Egypt, all of whom gave lectures throughout
the trip, which of course made for a memorable journey.
Cooking is another passion of Gloria’s. She reminisces that her father was a very
finicky eater, so her mother used to cook a little bit of this and that in the hope that
he would like something – luckily this method was typical of North Africa(the famous
mizé). As a child, Gloria would accompany her mother to the market and see her
choose from the various types of fish, vegetables, and spices on offer. The seeds
of her enthusiasm for the art of cooking were sown then. While on the subject of
cooking, I asked her to comment on the fairly recent phenomenon of men cooking
at home and she remarked that since nowadays people remain single for longer
and are living alone, men have had to learn how to cook… and in the process have
discovered that it is great fun, though she jokingly adds that they still don’t clean
up! Gloria adds that the trend has also been helped in no small way by the recent
emergence of many celebrity chefs such as the likes of Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey
et al.
As we brought our conversation to a close, I asked Gloria about her plans for the
immediate future. These include “Permettili” on Net Television in which she will be
interviewing politicians and other persons in authority in a very intimate way. She
will also have a short slot on Claudette Pace’s daily programme Sellili, so look out for
Gloria and her inimitable style on your television screens very soon… .
8 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06

| DATING |
Pulling a
FAST ONE
In the name of research, Jo Caruana throws caution
and potential embarrassment to the wind to come up
to speed on dating in the fast lane.
The dating game is not an easy one. And when you’re
busy juggling work and commitments with any degree
of a social life, fi nding the time to schedule in seeking
out your soul mate can bring no end of agro.
Experience has taught me that unless you’re a
dab hand at giving out your phone number to any
good-looker on the bus or willing to pick your future
life-partner up off the fl oor of a club at closing time,
tracking them down is going to be a bit like looking for
a spot of dry soil in a mud hut: A messy and unpleasant
job.
Coming onto colleagues in the canteen is one way
of getting things going, or, of course, there are the
increasingly-popular internet sites offering ‘perfect’
matches to spice up your life. But what’s out there for
the people who actually need to see in order to believe
Those among us who refuse to consider that a clever
nick-name is the window to the soul instead of the
more traditional eyes For them the answer could be
speed dating: the new-age courtship ritual of meeting a
potential soul-mate for three short (or long, depending
on which way you look at it) minutes while sizing them
up before moving on to the next potential beau.
Events of this kind have become big business around
the world, especially in the US and UK where functions
of this sort take place on an almost daily basis. I’m
intrigued, but to begin with, also slightly turned-off
by the idea. Surely, laying myself on a plate for all
and sundry to size up as they take their pick isn’t an
entirely dignifi ed way for me to meet my match What
if answering a barrage of questions about myself felt as
nerve-wracking as re-taking my A-levels And what if
they were all… odd
But I’m quickly talked round by my group of friends
while we holidayed in Scotland recently. Emphatically,
we decided to give it a bash and see whether we could
spot our potential partners in the group of men queuing
up to take part.
The company organising it is mercifully professional
and promised an informal and classy environment as
well as fellow, young professionals who are all genuinely
in the same boat as us. As I prepare for my entrance
into this whole new world I’m both excited and a little
bit fl uttery as yet another fresh worry enters my head:
What if none of them like me I decide that it’s best to
make an effort and I get my glad rags on.
The group of us are acting up like excited teenagers
as we enter the venue and are met by the speed-dating
Coming onto
colleagues in the
canteen is one way
of getting things
going, or, of course,
there are the
increasingly-popular
internet sites
offering ‘perfect’
matches to spice up
your life.
10 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06

| DATING |
staff who offer us a drink and get us settled. Thankfully
they’re not the pitying bunch I’d envisaged, laughing
down their noses at the lowly singletons desperate to try
anything. They joke away, one of them explaining that
she met her boyfriend this way. We’re handed our kit of
paper and pens, and led into another room where the
format is explained to us and we’re left rearing to go.
Let the games begin!
I wave goodbye to my chums, who each choose a
different part of the room, and make myself comfortable
in the chair where I shall remain while the boys weave
their way around us. Music starts to play, and in they
come like locusts to a corn field as the relay begins.
Feeling a bit like a dog-show judge, I sit tight awaiting
that perfect pedigree of a person. The choice is up and
down: with one person, James, I seem to make some
sort of positive connection and can see myself following
the night up with a date in the near future, whereas
with another, Louis, I’m literally desperate to hear the
sound of the time-up bell.
Despite having to make three-minutes worth of
conversation with the dull-as-a-plank Louis, it’s still
more excitement than I could shake a big stick at, and,
to be honest it’s a bit like being a child in a sweetshop.
It feels like the power is all yours as you tick away to
your hearts content, but only if you want to and with
no pressure whatsoever to do so in the first place. Talk
about a win-win situation.
My mates and I meet up for another giggle at the
end as we hand in our sheets and hope to goodness
the outcome of all this is positive – we won’t know the
match results for a couple of days. Comparing notes on
clothes, smiles, eyes and just about everything else, the
evening draws to a close and we’re immensely glad we
made the effort in the first place. And as I make eyes at
James from across the room, we walk out into the cold
and go our separate ways wondering what those white
slips of paper will reveal.
As it turns out, despite there being the odd spark or
two, we head back to Malta without a perfect man in
tow (we were only there for a week after all). It’s fine
though, because we had a fantastic time and wouldn’t
hesitate to say yes to a repeat performance in the near
future. But would it suit the local market
It seems there has been some movement in the
ranks, and certain local establishments have even given
it a bash. But in a country as small as Malta, where you
don’t just know your family and friends, but their family
and friends too, would it have much scope for success
“Oooh, I dunno,” muses one late-twenties male
friend of mine (men are generally so much more
level-headed about these things). “The idea is a great
one, especially when you get to a certain age where
you just want to cut the rubbish of going through all
the courtship rituals and simply wish to get to the
point. You’re not getting any younger, and you’re after
a date/lover/soul-mate/spouse-to-be, so if you can add
some speed to the whole process, then I don’t see
anything wrong with that.
“It’s a pragmatic approach for pragmatic people,
no matter how ‘clinical’ it may sound to the good old
traditionalists. This is a fast-changing world, and the
way we build intimate relationships with other people
must inevitably change, at least for some people.
“But all that said, locally it might feel a bit inbred.
Close-knit communities with relatively small social
circles aren’t typically conducive to the whole speeddating
scene, and I dare say the practice would be
frowned upon by the vocal moralists among us. People
like me might give less than two hoots, but other people
would be more cautious.
“The problem is that there’s only so much discretion
under which you can veil the speed-dating scene. If it’s
too cloak-and-dagger then eyebrows will undoubtedly
be raised. But still, I’d give it a try if I had the
opportunity.”
So there you have it. Dating in the fast lane may well
have its benefits, and if the rest of the world’s anything
to go by, egg-timers and check boxes are set to become
run-of-the-mill in the near dating future.
Go for it, a walk on the fast-paced, wild side could be
just what you’re looking for! .
“It feels like the
power is all yours
as you tick away
to your hearts
content, but only
if you want to and
with no pressure
whatsoever to
do so in the
first place. Talk
about a win-win
situation.”
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 11

| GROOMING |
HAVING AN EDGE IN
THE CORPORATE WORLD
MEN
In today’s corporate world, men’s grooming is just
as important as that of their female counter-parts.
You can’t control all the misconceptions people have
up about you in an office environment, and you should
never aim to please others at the cost of your dignity.
There does exist, however, a fine line between getting
people to see the real you and conforming to what you
think they want or expect to see. It’s all a balancing act
of holding one’s self perceptions while keeping a clear
view of who you are.
Here are some tips on how to look your best and possibly even
stand out in the 9 to 5 crowd!
SHOES
It’s perfectly ok to wear something other than black
leather shoes – you can also switch styles to loafers,
round toe or the trendy pointed shoe. If you’re wearing
a light coloured suit, you can even spring for a
tan-coloured shoe. The idea is to be different and
comfortable especially if you’re on your feet a lot
during the day.
WATCH
A watch is probably the first and last piece of jewellery
a man should wear. Men’s watches are stylish when
they bear a large face – these designs have stood the
test of time (anyone watched a lot of Steve McQueen
movies) If you can’t afford the Patek Philippe, opt for
a reputable but affordable watch.
HAIR
Everything seems to be in! – from bald to long locks
(if you can keep these in good shape) A designer
stubble is still in – indeed some businessmen have
made this their trademark!
When styling your hair try to stand out by avoiding
the conformist look. Whatever you do, try to keep a
professional appearance.
WRITING
Despite all the personal digital assistants, a classy
pen still says class about you – it might make signing
on the dotted line a touch more elegant.
SMELL
A first meeting can be rather daunting for some.
Having a unique scent at a business meeting can
make for a good first impression. Just don’t overdo
it! There’s nothing worse than giving all around a
headache! Also watch out what colognes/after shave
you use when it’s very hot, as some smells change in
sweltering weather .
BRIEFCASE
You can still look good even if you have to use a
briefcase. Choose wisely from : the slim portfolio,
the classic briefcase and the messenger bag with
strap over the shoulder. Try out different ones before
deciding to splash out, and take note of your shape
and size.Black is an all time favourite, with a tan
leather bag coming a close second just to add
sleekness to your attire.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
– WATCH YOUR BODY
LANGUAGE
Be sure to nod approvingly when in agreement and
keep arms in an open position (i.e don’t cross them)
to indicate your willingness to listen and accept new
ideas. Assert your self-confidence, and speak up on
issues that interest you and concern you.
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 13

| EU |
WILL THE EURO
CAUSE PRICES
TO RISE
Much is being said about
the country’s prospects of
joining the euro zone in
January 2008. Concerns
have also been voiced
by the public regarding
the linkage between
the adoption of the euro
and an increase in the
inflation rate as a result of
increased prices during the
changeover.
Article written by
Claire Azzopardi,
Information Officer, NECC
The National Euro Changeover Committee
has been entrusted with the task of
managing the changeover. An inherent
aspect of its role is the dissemination
of information and education about the
practical changeover issues.
Eurostat statistics have shown clearly that
the adoption of the euro in 2002 resulted
in an increase of 0.1% to 0.3% in the
infl ation rate of the euro entrants at that
time. This minimal rise in infl ation as a direct
consequence of the change to the single
currency did not however match citizen’s
perceptions of infl ation.
Studies and research done by various
institutions show that immediately following
the introduction of the euro, consumers’
perception of the rate of infl ation was almost
double that of the actual rate. This is a rather
interesting but unfortunate discrepancy.
Research also shows that there were
extensive country differences with countries
adopting stricter price monitoring and
consumer confi dence mechanisms faring
much better than those opting for a more selfregulatory
approach.
However, the question remains as to why
there was such a difference between the
perceived and actual rate of infl ation. One of
the main reasons exposed by research was
that citizens experienced price increases
in certain goods and services that are
purchased on a daily basis, like, for example,
confectionery, bread, eggs, cigarettes and
newspapers and when eating out in cafes.
Since these items are bought regularly,
people believed there were widespread price
increases with the introduction of the euro.
The facts remain, however, that the
introduction of the euro did not affect greatly
the infl ation basket as it is measured by the
Housing Index of Consumer Prices, which is a
harmonised index of prices used consistently
across Europe. There is also no reason to
believe that a change in
currency should cause higher prices.
If a nation is committed to price transparency
and increasing competition, lower prices
should be sustained. The change is in the
currency to be used, and not in the prices of
goods and services.
The NECC intends to utilise a number of
tools that have been found to have worked
well in the previous changeovers, to ensure
that the introduction of the euro does not
cause prices to rise. The experience of the
fi rst wave member states during the transition
period has shown that, amongst others, the
mandatory dual display of prices is the most
effective and effi cient way of ensuring price
stability.
The NECC will also be managing the
voluntary dual display through the Fair-pricing
in Retailing Initiative (FAIR). This voluntary
scheme encourages entities to opt for dual
display during the fi rst six months of the
coming year to commit themselves to fair
pricing during the changeover period. FAIR is
therefore a perfect opportunity to demonstrate
a businesses’ commitment to transparent
pricing and will result in a boost to consumer
confi dence and increased competitiveness
during this voluntary phase.
The NECC is determined to ensure that all
sectors of society receive correct information
and to plan a smooth changeover for
all. Malta has the opportunity of learning
from the best practices of those who have
already undergone the changeover. Further
assistance and information can be obtained
through our Linja Ewro 154, or by visiting our
website on www.euro.gov.mt .
14 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06

| ISSUES |
How to be a
DOMESTIC
GODDESS!
“There’s no need to do any housework at all. After the first four years,
the dirt doesn’t get any worse. It is simply a matter of not losing one’s nerve.”
QUENTIN CRISP
Can doing housework ever
make us feel good about
ourselves And when we say
‘us’, do we include both sexes
and all the family here Liz
Ayling takes a look at one of
the oldest forms of domestic
strife - housework.
Well, I lost mine! Four years of dirt has to be seen to be believed, but believe me, it
does exist and is lived in. Back in my student days, I spent a year in Vienna sharing
what was once an elegant, fin de siècle apartment with three, heavy beer-drinking,
heavy-smoking, Austrian lads. I was the only female in residence and I was the only
one who seemed squeamish using a loo, bathroom and kitchen layered in what was
at least four years’ dirt. I was also the only one who saw the need to tackle the issue
before one of us keeled over from a super bug nasty.
The lads nicknamed me ‘Klo Frau’, which translates as ‘toilet lady’, as I set to work
on the smallest, smelliest and most offensive room. First up, I had to buy a stronger
light bulb to see what I had long suspected lurked there. Then armed with rubber
gloves and stoic Girl Guide training, I did the biz. Not quite sparkling, but at least the
pull-chain cistern sprung into life as a place I could visit, if not exactly spend time in
reading a magazine. Since this early character-building experience, I have become
very particular about loos, as my husband can attest. But sadly, life’s experience has
shown me that the men in mankind have been left in a time warp in an era when
hunter gatherers would move to greener, cleaner pastures once one area became
stale and overused. It was fine back then if men couldn’t aim straight; but today
Why, I have pondered over the years, do women seem to notice the house-cleaning
thing and men don’t
In 1970, a seminal article on just this issue appeared in a US publication
by Redstockings, an early women’s liberation group in New York. The author
Pat Mainardi wrote:” I can only explain it by stating that we women have been
brainwashed…probably [a result of] too many years of seeing television women in
ecstasy over their shiny waxed floors or breaking down over their dirty shirt collars.
Men have no such conditioning. They recognize the essential fact of housework right
from the very beginning. Which is that it stinks.” There we have it, we women have
been conditioned by well-meaning generations of mothers before us that it’s a failure
on our part if we don’t maintain our living spaces to certain standards.
The sad realisation is that thirty years on from that Redstockings’ article, women
are the ones now stuck in the time warp. We still seem to be the (only) ones who
notice that things aren’t quite up to scratch in the home. Ah, you say, but we have
changed…we now work more out of the house and have far less time to devote to
doing housework. Sure, and a lot of us have home help which is referred to in Malta
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 15

| ISSUES |
possessions, we’ve got to try different tactics to the
confrontational approach based on opposing poles of
household standards. Women apparently are their own
worst enemies as they believe they can make spouses
and partners change to run things to their standards.
What we should be doing is saying, “we will never fully
understand each other, and that’s OK.” Women also
need to use their much-heralded ability for practicality
and planning to get other household members – and
I include kids here too - to take responsibility for a
defined, achievable set of housework jobs; importantly,
ones that they can fulfil to their standards.
The mantra to remember is ‘live as a family and
clean as a family’. Do get everyone on board and from
an early age so at least the next generations will have
cracked how to do 21 st century housework without the
strife. And yes ladies, but not to the average man’s
standards. If you want to be a domestic goddess, you’ll
have to get off your pedestal sometimes and get real.
That, it seems, is how we can all start to feel good about
the housework! .
Women also need
to use their muchheralded
ability for
practicality and
planning to get other
household members
– and I include kids
here too - to take
responsibility for a
defined, achievable
set of housework
jobs; importantly,
ones that they
can fulfil to their
standards.
Everyone has a different view of what
constitutes household clutter, chaos,
mess or dirt.
rather quaintly as ‘having a maid’. But put the hard
slog of washing hard floors aside, and there are still
a lot of daily domestic chores to do that maids aren’t
there for or won’t tackle. So where do we go from here
Tackling the problem by negotiating a compass-like
division of labour in the modern home of a doubleincome
couple is rarely the solution although it might
be paid lip-service. The reason is that the problem lies
in a ‘never the twain shall meet’ issue of standards.
Everyone has a different view of what constitutes
household clutter, chaos, mess or dirt. Let’s give some
examples of the likely refrains one might hear…
Why do the washing till it’s overflowing the basket
Why wash up if there are clean dishes around to use
Why clean the fridge if it’s working fine Why cover
food in the fridge Why ever empty a rubbish bin if it’s
not jam packed Why change the bed (Like towels
and loos, sheets rarely ever need attention). Bacterial
spores, dust mites and ants (I can’t see them; and
ants aren’t attracted to dirt anyway.)
If one person’s heap is another’s pile of treasured
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 17

| BITS |
Home Remedy - When it all goes horribly wrong and
you incinerate something instead of cooking it, remove
that nasty burnt smell by simmering a small handful
of cloves in half a pint of water for 15 to 30 minutes.
Prickly Pears for Hangovers
Prickly pear fruit (Opuntia ficus indica) extract
may reduce alcohol hangover symptoms,
according to the Archives of Internal Medicine
(2004;164:1334–40).
Prickly pears are full of goodness! They are rich in vitamins, minerals and soluble
fibre and are an excellent source of calcium and potassium. Red prickly pears
are not just attractive but this natural red colorant, along with polyphenols and
flavonoids, is a rich source of anti-oxidants that have proven helpful in reducing
risk of heart disease, many types of cancer, cataracts and diseases of the brain
associated with ageing. In addition to the above benefits, cactus fruit is unique
in the world of plants in that it contains appreciable quantities of the amino
acid taurine. This amino acid is important in functions of the heart, retina and
central nervous system and is recently considered a true vitamin.
LIFEBITS
CLOVES
Happiness is not a destination.
It is a method of life.”
Burton Hills
BEING A MUM &
FEELING LONELY
Cinemum at Eden Cinemas is a tried and tested mum and tot experience which
gets mums together to watch a fi lm with their young ones in tow. You can choose
from a grown up fi lm (for mums with kids who are still babies) and a kiddies’
one (for mums with toddlers and
over). You also get to socialise
with other mums over a more
than welcome free tea & coffee
while kids get to romp in the
play area set up in the foyer.
You can also benefi t from some
special offers on kiddy wares.
Of course it’s noisy – but it’s
fun and affordable! Cinemum
mornings are held the last
Friday of every month.
KITCHEN TIP
Save your cast iron pots & pans’ lives – We all know they can
be a nightmare to clean as stuck food shouldn’t be washed with
household soap. Instead, leave to ‘soak’ in sea salt. Scrub your
pan with the salt using a soft sponge – the salt will absorb the
oils and lift away bits stuck to it. After cleaning, rinse away the
salt with water and dry well. Wipe with some kitchen paper and
drizzle with a bit of oil to avoid rusting before storing away!
PHONE-FATIGUE
A UK performance enhancement company has
identified ‘phone-fatigue‘ as a major problem for call
centre workers. With an increase in local call centres,
employees are bound to suffer from similar conditions
which include losing a lot of body water through the
mouth. Dehydration reduces the amount of energy
giving oxygen in the system. It’s recommended to
replace that lost energy by making sure you drink
plenty of water on such long phone days !
18 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06

| TV |
NET TELEVISION SCHEDULE 2006
On 6th September, Net TV launched
its Autumn schedule at the Valletta
Waterfront. LIFE&STYLE takes a look
at some of the programmes for the
season kicking off on October 2.
Haddiehor
Chatroom
BONGU NET
Bongu Net is the morning programme which
wakes you up with a bang! Start your day
with a good dose of laughter and energy
supplied generously by your hosts Louise
Tedesco and Mark Caruana. Together this
amusing couple will host a show filled with
entertainment, information, games, phoneins
and lots more… Guests, competitions,
traffic information and lots of laughs
guaranteed!
Start your day on a good note - Bongu Net
will have you smiling all day!
Monday – Friday at 07.30
TEEN TROUBLE
Teen Trouble is a vibrant daily programme
which tracks down teenagers and young
people from different walks of life. The
programme addresses their views and
troubles and their take on the issues of
everyday living. Aired daily from Net TV’s
studios and presented by Pauline Agius,
it strives to help teenagers and young
people lead a trouble-free life by adopting
a ‘positive-thinking’ approach to whatever
comes their way.
Following last year’s success, Pauline
will work in synergy with today’s younger
members of society, tackling an array of
topical subjects. She will also deal in a
matter of fact and non-judgmental way
with issues relating to daily dilemmas. The
programme is designed as an after school
chill out viewing offering both entertaining
and educational visions. Invited guests
will bring their own direct experiences
and issues will be tackled pro-actively. In
addition to the studio presentation team,
Teen Trouble will be out and about looking at
young people’s lives throughout the Maltese
islands and will be homing in on what they’re
up to. Teen Trouble, an innovative concept,
gives young people an exclusive opportunity
to follow and associate themselves within a
programme designed specifically for them.
Monday – Friday at 16.00
PUPI
‘Pupi’ has all the ingredients to make it a
hit with viewers. There is drama tinged with
mystery, and an undercurrent of unleashed
violence prevailing throughout the 26
episodes.
Pupi takes place in a few days in October
1954 at a time when Malta was still trying
to get back on its feet after the war years.
While life in the cities was breaking away
from the old pre-war atmosphere, village
life was still as it had been many years
before.
When beautiful Gina (Antonella Galea
Loffreda) returns to the village after a 10-
year absence, accompanied by her now 10-
year-old daughter (Valentina Rossi), all hell
is unleashed on those who had used her in
the past for their own pleasure.
Why did Gina return to the village Why are
some men so afraid of her return Who is
Anna’s father
They all have their own secrets which they
have kept hidden from the prying villagers’
eyes. But Gina’s return seems to be the
catalyst for these secrets to be brought out
in the open, bringing shame to them all.
One of them will even consider murder to
keep his secret buried down in the past.
Based on a true story, ‘Pupi’, written by
Joseph A Cachia, also has plenty of tender
moments when innocent love holds sway,
when villagers remember a time when life
was simple, and when there was joy in
just growing up and sharing a moment of
happiness. Produced by 26th frame and
directed by Charles Stroud.
Tuesday’s at 20.30
SANTA MONIKA
Following its first successful season, Santa
Monika returns on Monday nights with
more suspense and intrigues that happen
within the walls of the women’s correctional
facility.
Last March, 92,000 viewers were left with
a number of cliffhangers – will all be
revealed Will Joanne survive the brutal
attack by the inmates Who opened the door
to the women’s cells allowing this attack
to happen Was it really Henry or was it
another prison warden
Viewers are also waiting to see the
developments in various other storylines;
such as what will happen to Ruth now that
she is out of prison Will Henry be reunited
with the father he always thought was
dead Will Charles continue with his evil
ways Where will Cynthia’s obsession with
George Said lead
New characters will also be introduced.
Melita is Alexandra Tabone’s mother who
also leads a double life. How long will her
secret be kept and will all this affect her
daughter’s career Who is Lisa Bertoni and
who is the Matthew watching her from
outside the prison walls and what lengths
will he go to silence her for good
Mondays at 20.30
L-ISFIDA
The much awaited second edition of L-
ISFIDA goes back on air this October 2006.
The series of 26 live programmes are based
on a ‘reality TV’ style of competition where
talent, entertainment and popularity are the
name of the game.
168 males and females aged between 16
and 28 took their first step by applying
for this year’s edition and 99 made it to
the auditions which were judged by the
programme’s panel of experts and tutors. All
auditions transmitted from end of August
to end of September will give viewers the
opportunity to be part of the adjudicating
panel.
On Wednesday 4 th October, Claudette Pace,
hosting the show, will announce the group
of 30 finalists and an even smaller group
of challengers. From October to March the
weekly knock-out competition will leave
only one actor, singer or dancer as the sole
winner of this prestigious series.
Popular entertainers Chiara, Felix Busuttil
and Alan Montanaro form part of the
dynamic team of this programme alongside
Claudette. L-ISFIDA is produced by Cliché
Media & Entertainment for Net TV and
supported by the Valletta Waterfront, Mc
Donald’s, Nivea Visage Young, Vascas and
X-FM. L-ISFIDA Hotline: 79 41 43 45
Wednesdays at 20.30
HADDIEHOR
In the coming schedule the programme
Haddiehor‚ will be once more changing its
format and contents. A couple of years ago,
certain questions regarding our religion
and our faith were taboo. It is now time
to address these issues and the questions
many of us have about them. But that’s
not all. The programme format involves
short vox-pops followed up with studio
discussions in which we comment on the
realities facing people in regard to religious
issues and try to suggest answers and allay
doubts. The programme promises to be fastmoving,
and full of short discussions on the
various issues we face in everyday life.
The trend nowadays is for us to feel free to
do whatever we like - if it makes us happy
- without considering the repercussions and
how our actions might affect others. This
trend suits many of us in our self-centred
search for happiness. But is this the way
we should live Deep down are we totally
satisfied and happy or are we living in a
world of make-believe Why don’t we feel it
important to live a proper Catholic life and
take heed of Jesus’s preachings Why is it
that today it seems that we do not need a
God to guide us
Sundays at 12.00
MHUX GHAL KULHADD
Mhux Ghal Kulhadd is this year’s late night
show! It is targeted at those of us who can’t
sleep before midnight and long for a good
programme to keep them company. You can
rest assured that you’ll go to bed on a happy
note after watching this programme. This
tête-a-tête show will bring you known and
unknown, interesting guests who all have a
positive outlook on life and whose attitude,
successes and life experiences will leave
others motivated and feeling good about
life itself.
Don’t miss this half-hour programme which
is guaranteed to give you a good night’s rest
and to help you wake up feeling refreshed
and enthusiastic!
Monday - Thursday at 23.00
UNPLUGGED WITH
JONATHAN ABEL
Jonathan Abel will be hosting 12 programmes
of unplugged sessions featuring top local
bands and solo artists. These artists will
demonstrate their home grown talent to
viewers and their fans who will be invited
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 19

NET TELEVISION SCHEDULE 2006
House Magazine
Kontra l-Hin
Mhux ghal kulhadd
Mini Bugz
to participate in the programme. In this
unusual music programme, fans will also
have the opportunity to ask their favourite
band and solo artists questions. Jonathan
Abel, who is hosting his first TV music
programme, expressed his enthusiasm at
being chosen as sole presenter of the show.
Jonathan, who has built a very strong
reputation as a radio DJ, is always keen to be
involved in innovative ideas. Producer of the
programme and Managing Director of New
Age Media Ltd, Sylvana Callus, expressed
her satisfaction at bringing together Net
TV, 89.7 Bay and Jonathan Abel to present
a high-quality music programme to a target
audience of young people.
Mondays at 22.30
CHATROOM
Chatroom will be back on Net TV’s screens
for its third consecutive year. The young
people who have now become familiar with
the viewers, together with new applicants
who will be joining the team, return to
give their perspective on various themes
and current issues. The programme seeks
to look at life from young people’s point of
view - proving that their way of reasoning
is valid, and that they are not as superficial
as some believe them to be. Taking all this
into consideration, the young people will be
the main contributors during the series, as
we will not only see them discussing the
various issues in the studio, but also get
a hands-on view of the preparation of each
HOUSE MAGAZINE
House Magazine ma’ Carmen the
educational house programme is a theme
that has proven very popular after its initial
run of nine months.
Thanks to the praise received from
viewers as well as the constant support
and encouragement received, it has been
decided to extend the programme for a
further period of nine months, from October
to June 2007. House Magazine, due to
popular demand, will now also run at ninety
minutes instead of the previous one hour.
“House Magazine ma’ Carmen” will from
October introduce two new items. Carmen
will be giving useful tips, such as how to
eliminate foul smells of cigarettes or pets,
or how to remove stains of a particular
stubborn nature and so on. There will also
be a “crafts” section where one can learn
simple crafts, useful in the house. All this,
as well as the regular guests, experts in
various fields and services, who contribute
their advice and share their knowledge on
a weekly basis. There will also be the usual
filming on location showing a room or a
house “make-over”, as well as Carmen’s
much awaited corner relating to curtain and
soft furnishing making.
Weekly competitions with the inclusion of
letters received during the week and live
phone-ins during the programme will bring
the programme even more to life. Big prizes
are to be won at the end of the schedule.
Wednesdays at 11:30
and interviews with politicians, historians
and personalities. Besides focusing on
political leaders and their achievements,
this new edition of Storja ta’ Poplu will
feature various political and historic events
which are still a talking point in the Maltese
Islands. As was the case in the first edition
of these documentaries, the new edition of
Storja ta’ Poplu will continue investigating
several events by filming on site where the
events happened and by viewing exclusive
footage never aired before on television.
Storja ta’ Poplu will remain true to facts and
where possible will again interview persons
involved in the original events. Storja ta’
Poplu is written and produced by Dione Borg
and edited by Claire Muscat.
Fridays at 20.30
REPLAY
Malta’s leading football television
programme, Replay is back. Replay
is renowned for its originality and the
way presenters are capable of handling
discussion and controversy throughout
the weekly 90 minutes programme every
Sunday night. The brains behind this
production have always been John Busuttil
and Robert Cutajar, but this year, popular
Net Television sports presenter Christian
Micallef will be teaming up with his two
colleagues to produce and present this
football programme.
Of all the programmes presented by the
station during the autumn schedule,
as club Presidents, coaches, players and
supporters to go behind the scenes to
discover their careers and lifestyles. Two
awards related to ‘saves’ and goals are
directly associated with Net Television’s
football programme.
Replay will also bring lots of surprises
this coming season and viewers will be
kept well informed about every event in
Maltese football. Just join John, Robert and
Christian every Sunday night at to catch up
with the latest gossip and news from the
local football scene. Replay is an automatic
choice for every football lover.
Sunday at 21.35
GHADDIET IL-GIMGHA
Ghaddiet Il-Gimgha – An innovative
programme on Net TV.
As from October on Net TV, viewers will have
the opportunity to end their working week in
style thanks to an innovative programme
by the name of “Ghaddiet Il-Gimgha”.
The programme will be aired every Friday
from 5pm to 6.30pm and will be hosted by
Sylvana Callus, who for the past 4 years has
been producing and presenting a financial
programme. Although the programme will
include the subject of finance, most will
be dedicated to interesting subjects such
as music, books, art, theatre, antiques,
cinema and architecture.
Fridays at 17.00
KONTRA L-HIN
programme and all activities related to it.
This year’s discussions will be hosted by
presenter Louise Tedesco who, together
with the young people in the studio and the
personalities who are invited each week,
will embark on a new journey to explore
Chatroom’s social, human and contemporary
subjects: fashion, the arts, sports, peers,
relationships, and many more.
Sundays at 14:05
STORJA TA’ POPLU
The second edition of the documentaries
Storja ta’ Poplu will be focusing on several
historic and political events which were not
featured in the first edition. This edition
of Storja ta’ Poplu will focus in depth on
political leaders since the formation of
the first political parties in Malta in 1880
and will be based on documented facts
Replay boasts of being the longest running
programme on Net Television as it enters its
seventh, consecutive year. Over the years, it
has established itself as one of Malta’s most
watched weekend television programmes
and most popular Football programme on
the Islands.
Each week, there will be various features
and the production team will be meeting
personalities from the football arena such
For the second year running, NET TV’s
pre-news schedule will concentrate on
educational entertainment provided by
Kontra l-Hin, the daily quiz show hosted
by Carlo Borg Bonaci. The format of the
programme is virtually unchanged – two
competitors vie for a final jackpot which
can be won by answering 20 questions
in the final game. The time for the 20
questions depends on the seconds won
Teen Trouble
20 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06
Donne
Bongu Net
Ghalik

NET TELEVISION SCHEDULE 2006
Newsroom
Santa Monika
Sellili
Wheelspin
throughout the programme during which
With its energetic format and fresh
Tuesday focuses on Caring for the Elderly,
shop while Mini was buying herself a new
the competitors will be assisted by special
approach, it offers something for everyone.
Nostalgia and Travel. Issues dealing with
dress. That day Griz didn’t want to go
guests. Some of this year’s games are new
Dynamic testimonies feature people who
the elderly were very popular programme
inside the shop with Mini, and he decided
and the producers are also planning a game
have been eternally impacted by God’s love.
last season when Sellili was Net TV’s
to wait for her outside. Luckily, Toni was
for viewers at home who will be able to take
Insightful news and commentary offer a
Breakfast show. Nostalgia will also include
passing by dressed up as Sherlock Holmes,
part via their mobile phones.
biblical perspective of world events. Timely
Maltese crafts like lace-making with expert
when he couldn’t believe that what he was
Monday - Friday at 20.30
and practical information gives today’s
Margaret Farrugia. Wednesday will see
seeing was in fact none other than Griz. Toni
families the advice they need to make
the return of popular TV personality and
went to speak to him. At the time Griz, not
WHEELSPIN
wise choices. Along with The 700 Club
Claudette’s close friend Gloria Mizzi who
recognising Toni, got confused and started
After six successful years of Wheelspin
hosts: Paul Jones & Fiona Hendley Jones,
will show her culinary skills through her
shouting for help, but was relieved when
on our screens, this most sought-after
internationally recognized guests bring a
original Mediterranean dishes. Gloria will
Toni took off his costume. It was right here
motoring programme will return to Net TV
wealth of information .
also stay on the programme to join in the
that Toni pleaded with Mini to start the
in October.
This inspiring programme uses state-of-
mid-week afternoon discussion on current
Minibugz again. Mini, undecided, asked
The programme, dedicated to motoring
the-art graphics and eye-catching visual
affairs and social topics. Information on the
Griz for his opinion and he agreed to give
enthusiasts, has become an focal point for
effects to cast a wider net by attracting new
Euro Changeover will also feature weekly.
Toni a reply in two days. Apart from the
motoring and motorists, and is attracting
viewers.
Thursday is the day when Sellili gives space
reply, Toni has already started working on
more and more viewers and drivers of any
Tuesdays at 22.30
to issues related to child-care starting with
the programme, which will feature many
age.
pregnancy and going through the joys and
new items and more fun too. One question
Wheelspin will continue to feature new
SELLILI
difficulties of raising children in today’s
remains unanswered: Will MINI & GRIZ be
vehicles on the market as well as classic
10 years ago Sellili was the first ever TV
world. Regular guests will include doctors,
back in this new edition of Minibugz You
cars and will give information about what’s
programme to go on air in the afternoon.
mid-wives and experts in the social field
will have to wait and see, so don’t forget
happening in the motoring world both
The new daily concept was a huge success
from Agenzija Appogg and the Education
your appointment with Minibugz from
locally and abroad. The Wheelspin team
and Claudette Pace became an instant
Department. Friday will see the return of
October on Net TV.
will visit international motor shows and will
household name. Since then Claudette and
another TV personality – Mariella Scerri.
Daily at 15.15
also be present for launches of new vehicles
Sellili have remained synonymous with good
This is the day Sellili will feature home
abroad.
quality TV programmes close to the viewers’
improvement. Mariella will give tips on
DONNE
The public will also participate in the
hearts. Along the years many producers and
how to give your home a make-over and
Donne, the very successful magazine
programme this year by sending in footage
programmes have taken on this idea of an
will show her work in progress through
programme, will return to Net TV in October.
or photographs of situations on our roads
afternoon programme but Sellili will always
footage of on-site projects. The second part
Donne will once again be presented by
which are either of a humorous nature or
remain the original one. Today Sellili (and
of the programme will feature Weddings.
Marbeck Spiteri, the popular TV and radio
which should be brought to the attention of
Claudette Pace of course!) is going back
Accompanied by the programmes Wedding
presenter, who has been presenting TV
the public.
to its origins and as from October will go
planner, Sarah Young, Claudette will invite
magazine and entertaining programmes
Wheelspin will once again be presented by
on air on Net TV from 13.00 to 15.15 from
different experts to plan out the perfect
for many years. Marbeck who is a familiar
Fleur Balzan, the programme’s producer
Monday to Friday. Sellili will have a daily
Wedding!
face with viewers, is also pleased with the
since its inception, and will be accompanied
cooking slot featuring renowned Chefs and
Monday to Friday at 13.00
early evening slot as she feels this will
by Edmond Vassallo and Jan Karl Farrugia,
popular personalities, followed by a daily
increase audiences to this already popular
the two test drivers who will continue to give
work out with popular fitness instructor
MINI BUGZ
programme.
their professional advice on the vehicles
Jes Sciberras. The programme will have a
Hi Kids! Hope you’re all doing well! I guess
Sylvana Callus, Managing Director of New
featured on the programme.
specific daily theme and the programme
you all know by now what ‘Toni tal-Van’
Age Media and the producer of Donne,
Sundays at 18.40
will develop around it. Monday is Health and
was trying to do, right In these last weeks
stated that the new air time will give the
Well-Being. On this day Claudette’s guests
various attempts were made to reach Mini
opportunity to women from all walks of life
THE 700 CLUB
will include doctors, beauty therapists,
and Griz, and though he tried very hard it
to enjoy an entertaining and informative
A timely mission with a timeless message
Indian alternative treatments and much
was still in vain. Now he has discovered
programme after a day’s work.
every week, millions of people around the
more. Diane Nikolic and Fiona Bartolo will
that they are in Malta again.
The programme will include home decor
world tune in to The 700 Club.
be regular guests on this programme.
Toni managed to find Mini and Griz in a
features, beauty therapy, cuisine, family
Kollox Sibt
Net Stars
The 700 Club
Pupi
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 21

NET TELEVISION SCHEDULE 2006
Replay
Unplugged with Jonathan Abel
Sport Extra
Ippermettili
well-being, fashion, health and fitness,
Maltese Futsal league. Will he achieve this
in NET Television’s upcoming schedule. Mill-
personalities who during their lifetime
financial aspects and much more.
success - Will Net Stars register their third
kunsill…GHALIK is a half hour programme
have contributed to the development of
Monday - Thursday at 17.00
consecutive triumph
focusing on local councils and the people
sport in Malta. SPORT EXTRA is the must-
This season, the programme will be a weekly
involved in their management. Anchored
see programme for those who have Maltese
ANOTHER LIFE
half-an-hour show presented and produced
by Dr Paula Mifsud Bonnici, and produced
sports at heart.
The Davidsons aren’t like other families
by Christian Micallef. The cameras will
by Jean Pierre Debono, the programme will
Sundays at 17.00
whose sagas unfold on daytime television.
follow the team throughout and will even
be highlighting the initiatives and projects
To be sure, their lives are full of trials and
capture any difficult moments. Moreover
undertaken by local governments with
TA’ HORROX BORROX
triumphs, drama and humour, mayhem and
viewers will have the chance to familiarise
particular emphasis placed on the impact
Besides Santa Monika and Pupi, Net Tv will
romance - elements that fuel the plot of
themselves with the new faces of Net Stars,
on residents and the local community. Mill-
also be presenting a new comedy series, Ta’
other TV “soap operas.” But the Davidson
getting to know their lives and families while
kunsill…GHALIK will include informative
Horrox Borrox. All time favourite comedienne
family has tapped into “Another Life” that
watching the progress and preparation
features and interviews with mayors,
Gemma Portelli is joined by a number of well
brings a new dimension to their stories and
of the squad. This will be a very hard and
councillors and other stakeholders. It will
known actors such as Charles Thake, Marcel
fresh appeal to this classic entertainment
tough season for Net Stars: their goal is
also offer short news items focusing on
Zammit Marmara, Joe Attard, Michael
genre.
the championship title, but they may risk
the various tasks carried out by Maltese
Mifsud, Nadette DeCarlo, Leslie Gladwish,
Real life, with all of its anguish and
suffering relegation! Watch out for Malta’s
and Gozitan local councils. Mill-kunsill…
Joanne Calleja and Connie Azzopardi playing
happiness, is the subject of this fresh
first sports reality show.
GHALIK will be aired every Wednesday with
the characters of Filumena, Patist, Sunta -
family drama. With more than 800 episodes
Fridays at 23.30
two repeats on Thursday before noon and
known also as “Ta’ Horrox Borrox”.
available, “Another Life” offers a wealth
after midnight.
Filumena is a widow with a grown up
of family entertainment that touches the
NEWSROOM
Wednesdays at 20.30
daughter. She now lives with her brother
heart.
Newsroom is the current affairs programme
Patist and most of the time, everything
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at
on Net TV. Using well researched features,
BUKKUN
they do will end up in disaster.Valent,
12.00
the programme focuses on issues
Once again Nancy will welcome you to her
Zaren, Pawlu, the Parish Priest and the
ranging from politics to entertainment,
kitchen with advice on quick healthy eating,
Mother Superior in the convent where Sunta
CANDOR
from new initiatives to foreign affairs.
making the most from what you can find
works are some of the characters whose
Entertaining and cultural activities are
Newsroom strives to be on the scene
in your larder. In just ten minutes you will
lives mingle with that of the Horrox Borrox
a great evening out for many people
with the protagonists, giving the viewer
be presented with simple tips to prepare a
family!
but few are those who actually delve
a unique opportunity to see from within
scrumptious meal that can be prepared by
Sundays at 20.30
deeper beyond the peripheral framework
whatever it is he’s doing. In a limited
even the most inexperienced chefs!
of the proscenium theatre or printed
time, this programme succeeds to delve
Daily at 16.50
GHAWDEX - STORJA TA’
programme at a performance. Few get
deeper to present a refreshing insight
SUCCESS
to know more about the actual lives of
into the news.
With four, sometimes
SPORT XTRA
More often than not, Gozo is invariably
artists and performers at these events.
five features per programme, Newsroom
For the eighth consecutive year, Charles
linked to problems, mainly arising out of its
CANDOR, presented by Clare Agius, takes
gives light to unusual stories – not
Camenzuli will be presenting and producing
insularity. Yet, a fine scrutiny of the Gozitan
a candid look into the lives and minds
forgetting the main big events too!
the sports programme which will cover more
community will uncover several success
of these personalities who make art and
With its dynamic team composed mainly of
than 35 sports associations in Malta. The
stories, most of which stand out even
culture a public arena. Through sincere and
women, Newsroom will present facts in an
2006 °©/ 2007 edition of SPORT EXTRA
when assessed at a national level. In our
frank interviews, we shall be discovering
easy style.
will go a step further as it will focus on
country`s recent and not so recent history,
and broadening our vista on a subject that
Mondays 21.35 hours
the technical preparation of athletes and
many have been the Gozitans who managed
etches out a more fulfilling life.
officials bound to represent Malta at the XII
to make it to the top.
Sundays at 18.05
IPPERMETTILI
Games of Small States of Europe to be held
This feeling of survival is ever present in
Have you ever wanted to know anything in
in Monaco. SPORT EXTRA, aired live every
the Gozitan walk of life, whether political,
NET STARS
particular about someone in the political
Sunday at 17.00 does not merely feature
religious or public. Net TV will this year
Net Stars’ third edition on Net Television
scene Ippermettili is the programme that
results from the weekends’ sports but
present a series of weekly programmes,
will feature the 5-a-side Futsal team
will take the viewer behind the scenes of
interesting discussions will be held which
Gozo:storja ta` success (Gozo: a success
playing in the Maltese top division league
Malta’s political figures.
Every Tuesday,
will include topics varying from the use
story), each of which will focus on a
after winning two consecutive promotions
Gloria Mizzi will uncover hidden aspects
of drugs in sport, participation of women
particular topic worthy of mention.
in two years. Charles Borg will once again
from her guests’ private lives.
in sport, sports nourishment, to sports
The series will be produced by Citadel Video
coach the squad and Net Stars will be
Tuesdays at 21.35
infrastructure and financing.
Communications, leaders in the sights and
having some new signings to strengthen
SPORT EXTRA will exclusively
transmit
sounds of Gozo and it is being presented by
the team. In all, Borg will have 15 players
MILL-KUNSILL…GHALIK
weekly updates of international sports
Noel Formosa.
and his main ambition will be to win the
Mill-kunsill…GHALIK is a new programme
events besides interviews with various
Tuesday at 22.30
22 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06

| | LIFE&STYLE NUTRITION |
L&S BODY
Cliff Sultana Dip.PT (UK)
Triton Sport Co. Ltd
ËË www.tritonsport.com • cliff@tritonsport.com • tel 21431458 • mobile 99406597
Hi again! So last month I briefly explained what your metabolic rate consists of and the best way to have
it measured. That’s all well and good but why would you want to have your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
measured and what are the benefits
Factors Affecting Metabolism in Order Of
Greatest Impact To Least:
To answer these questions, let me start by explaining
what influences a person’s metabolic rate. Primarily
gender, age, weight, height and fat-free body mass
(meaning muscle tissue and bone) are the variables
used to measure your RMR. Studies have also shown
that men generally have a higher metabolism than
women due to higher testosterone levels. Children and
teenagers also dispose a higher metabolic rate because
of growth hormone.
As I explained in my last article, your Resting Metabolic
Rate does not account for all energy (calories)
expanded in a day. Below is an indication of how your
metabolism varies depending on your lifestyle choices
(partly extracted from Jesse Cannone’s tips on
metabolism, www.achieve-fitness.com).
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
Muscle tissue (the higher the muscle mass, the higher the metabolism, as
muscle is live tissue and needs constant energy to function)
Meal frequency (the longer you go between meals the more your
metabolism slows down to conserve energy. Eat smaller portions more
often!)
Activity level (important but only if you match your eating to your
expenditure. Make sure you eat less than you burn!)
Food choices (ex. low-fat diets tend to result in poor hormone production
which leads to a slower metabolism)
Hydration (over 70% of bodily functions take place in water - not enough
water causes all your systems to slow down and unnecessary stress)
Genetics (some people have higher metabolisms than others - you can't
change genetics but you can still win the battle!)
Hormone production and function (think you have a slow thyroid Before
you go blame it on the thyroid first stabilize your blood sugar and throw in
some progressive exercise 2-3 times each week)
Stress (stress can also slow metabolism by placing extra stress and strain
on numerous systems. Plus, many people tend to overeat when "stressed
out")
So what I’m basically saying here is – stop storing new fat and start burning existing
fat! If your food intake is higher than the energy you burn in a day then you will store
new fat. It’s that simple. Quick-loss and fad diets will not help you lose weight, they
will only burn muscle tissue. Your body eats up muscle when it needs energy but you
won’t supply any because you are “dieting” and skipping meals.
Remember, losing weight through “dieting” will not result in a muscular, lean body,
though you will get a body consisting of fat and bone if that’s what you’re looking for!
So what should you do The answer is simple – keep eating the food you enjoy, only
IF you give the body just the right amount it needs. .
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 23

| LIFE&STYLE |
| WELL-BEING |
PILATES – THE ULTIMATE
MIND-BODY EXPERIENCE
by Karla M. Fabri BSc.
Body Control Pilates Instructor/Sports Science Specialist at Hotel Fortina, Spa Resort
The Pilates method (pronounced Pi-lah-tis) may be one of today’s
hottest forms of exercise, but physicians have endorsed it for
almost a century. Pilates was originally developed by Joseph
H. Pilates (born in 1880) in Düsseldorf, Germany, over ninety
years ago, to help strengthen and condition muscles. Pilates is
the ultimate mind-body exercise for anyone who wants to tone,
streamline and realign their body without the bulked-up results of
more conventional workout methods as well as improve posture,
flexibility and balance.
Many people reading this article will have already tried many
other exercise regimes. They will probably be thinking, ‘What’s so
different about this method’… The difference between Pilates
and the average stretch and tone session is that the approach to
exercise is completely holistic.
As with Eastern exercise programmes, it shares the training of
the mind to control the body. As your sense of body awareness and
co-ordination are developed, you will be able to control every aspect
of your body.
Pilates teaches you to concentrate on your ‘core’ postural muscles,
learning how to use those that are necessary to achieve stability,
strengthening weak muscles, lengthening those that are short and
increasing joint mobility. No force is used. Slow controlled flowing
movements are performed preventing any possibility of strain.
This is done by ensuring correct postural alignment - before
you begin a movement, you must consider the angle of your pelvis
and curves of your spine. Only when you have stability in your
torso and length in your spine can you think about stretching or
strengthening. In this way, balance is restored to the body.
“In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will
see the difference, and in thirty you’ll have a whole new body.”
– Joseph H. Pilates
Pilates exercises are safe and effective, and suitable for all, from
the first-time exerciser to someone with chronic back pain, and are
used by top athletes, actors and performers.
Pilates is particularly useful in relieving and alleviating existing
backache conditions which effect three in five of us during our
lives. It does this by strengthening your deep core muscles and
improving postural alignment and body awareness.
Joseph H. Pilates believed that in order to achieve happiness it
is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of thirty you
are stiff and out of shape you are “old”. If at sixty you are supple
and strong, then you are “young”.
Autonomy is a powerful tool against the risk of failure to exercise.
For this reason Pilates is designed with the intent of making you
the master of your own fitness destiny. Whether you do five or fortyfive
minutes a day, committing yourself to your body is the key. .
Answer our
competition and
you can win an
introductory Pilates
session:
HOW WILL PILATES
HELP YOUR BODY
Mail your answers to:
Pilates Competition, Life &
Style Magazine, Triq Herbert
Ganado, Pieta HMR 08.
The first two winners will be
entitled to one free Pilates
session at Hotel Fortina,
Spa Resort.
24 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06

| HEALTH |
D C Q&A
John Cutajar M.D.
(doctor of medicine and surgery)
Contact us with your queries. If you have a medical question email us at : life&style@media.link.com.mt or write in
to :DOC Q & A, , Life & Style, Media.Link Communications Co Ltd, Triq Herbert Ganado, Pieta HMR 08. Please
state your age, sex, initials and town. A selection of questions will be answered in the magazine but our doctor cannot
enter into personal correspondence.
The answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you’re worried, see your GP.
“ Bad breath is
most common in
smokers - if you
smoke, you’ve got
one more reason
to quit.”
Q I have very dark circles
under my eyes. Someone
told me that it may have
something to do with my
kidneys, as I’ve had kidney
problems in the past.
I’m worried that there may
be an underlying problem.
Is it true that they could
be linked and should I
see a doctor to have any
particular tests performed
to rule any kidney problems
out I don’t suffer from any
sleep depravation at all
so it’s not through lack of
sleep.
Mrs. A. S - Zabbar
A Dark circles under or around people’s eyes
are unlikely to be caused by disease, especially
if they have been there for ages. They are more
often caused by lack of sleep or dehydration.
However, some chronic kidney problems can
sometimes be the cause. Thus, if this is noted as
a recent change or if you’ve had kidney problems
in the past, the only way to be reassured is by
visiting your doctor to have your kidney function
checked with some blood and urine tests.
Q Over the last two years,
my seven-year-old daughter
has wet the bed almost
every night. We never tell
her off, but my husband
and I find ourselves asking
the question ‘why’ There
are times when she has
a month or so without
bed-wetting. Then just
as abruptly as it stops, it
starts again. I have read
that for it is normal for a
child to wet the bed until
the age of six. Please can
you reassure me that one
day my daughter will grow
out of this
Mr. M. S - Swieqi
A Yes, it is highly likely that your daughter
will grow out of it. Most children stop bedwetting
by the age of six, though a few may
keep doing so until they are eight or nine. Urine
tests can exclude physical causes such as
diabetes or urine infections. However, the pattern
you describe, with times when she stays dry,
suggests a psychological rather than a physical
cause. It’s good not to tell her off, but dry nights
can be rewarded. Ask her if there’s anything
bothering her at school or at home. Ask about
nightmares. You can also ask her teachers to
watch out for problems at school. If no obvious
cause is identifi ed, speak to your doctor to
consider specialist referral.
Q I suffer from bad body
odour and bad breath, even
though I am very particular
about my hygiene. Are
these odours related and is
there anything I can do to
rid myself of these smells
My girlfriend keeps talking
about a build up of toxins
but I am not so sure.
Mr. I. V - Valletta
A It is unlikely that these two problems are
directly related or be due to underlying disease.
Unless you suffer from a medical condition or
are on long-term medication, they are usually
due to local causes. Bad breath is most common
in smokers - if you smoke, you’ve got one more
reason to quit (as if there weren’t enough!). A
dental check-up is next on the cards, as chronic
tooth or gum disease could also be the culprit.
Body odour is also often localised and due to
excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis). Some parts
of your body might be sweatier than others. You
could try different anti-perspirants, deodorants,
perfumes and scented body washes, wearing
loose fi tting clothes made of natural materials
and shaving armpit or body hair. Finally, having
a healthy balanced diet will help you discard
the “toxins” idea… drink plenty of water, avoid
excessive alcohol and coffee, and eat fresh rather
than processed foods, avoiding fats. If these
simple measures don’t help, seek medical advice
as pharmaceutical products, surgery or botox
injections might be needed in severe cases.
“Most children stop bed-wetting by the age of six,
though a few may keep doing so until they are
eight or nine.”
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 25

| HAIR |
PERFECT GROOMING
FOR YOUR CHILD’S
SCHOOLING
[ BY ISABELLE VELLA ]
As dedicated magazines and television
channels are on the increase, children
are constantly being bombarded with
images of fashionable clothes, the latest
music videos and the must-have looks.
In the past months, kids have been given
ample opportunities to experiment with
hair. Therefore, after a season during
which hair has been maltreated with the
influences of salt, chlorine, sun, sand,
colour, twisting and braiding, a trip to a
hairdressing salon is a must.
After the carefree summer months,
children are dreading or perhaps eager
to return to their school bench and use
their sparkling new stationery. However,
before the summer season is over,
parents need to make sure their kids
visit a salon and get their hair groomed
appropriately.
Children of today know what they like
and dislike and have a huge influence
over their parents’ spending power.
However, when parents have to decide
on an appropriate hairstyle for their
children it is important to take into
consideration that a style needs to be
easy to handle and to keep clean.
Professional hairstylists will suggest the
best possible solution to maintenance
free hair because they are aware that
an adult might not want squeals and
screams puncturing their haven of
tranquility early in the morning when
they try to tie up their children’s hair.
Therefore, it is also important to invest
in a good leave-in conditioner and
detangler that can be sprayed on dry
hair every morning to make life easier
when it comes to brushing unruly hair.
Leave-in, shine detanglers are perfect
for all misbehaving hair types including
stubborn afro-hair or long, fragile hair.
These products condition the hair while
providing a touch of healthy shine.
With regards to teenagers, it is also
a good idea to acquire a gel that will
enable them to create similar styles
as their peers with the difference that
their gel will not contain any plastic
ingredients. Instead, the product
will safeguard the hair with vitamins
that nourish and moisturise the hair
while promoting hair growth. It is best
to choose a product that provides
weightless firm hold and control without
build-up or flaking. It is vital to bear in
mind that hair loss can start as early
as 16 years old and although hair loss
can be a genetic factor, it is always best
to use products that promote a healthy
scalp environment. .
[ AFTER A SEASON DURING WHICH HAIR HAS BEEN MALTREATED WITH THE
INFLUENCES OF SALT, CHLORINE, SUN, SAND, COLOUR, TWISTING AND BRAIDING, A
TRIP TO A HAIRDRESSING SALON IS A MUST. ]
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 27

| NAILS |
FOOD
FOR
NAILS
[ BY ANGÈLE STAFRACE BABTAC, ITEC, IFHB, MABT REGIONAL OPI EDUCATION ]
Nails can reveal a lot about the body’s internal
health. They not only reflect the state of
your well-being, but also what you have
been eating and what your diet lacks!
Fingernails may be considered as
another type of skin. They are a
substructure of the outer layer of
the skin and are composed mainly
of keratin, a type of protein. The
nail bed is the skin on top of
which the nail grows. Healthy
nails grow at the rate of about
0.05 to 1.2 millimetres per week
and have pink to dark pink nail beds
which show a rich blood supply.
Avoid taking supplements to improve nail health
as too much of any single vitamin could also lead
to brittle and fragile nails. Get your vitamins from
food. A high protein diet can also help
your nails grow stronger and healthier.
When you nourish your whole body with a
balanced diet, nails
will automatically
begin to look
healthier. .
DEFICIENCY COMMON NAIL PROBLEMS INCREASE INTAKE OF:
Vitamin A Spoon-shaped or fluted nails Fish and liver. Green and orange fruits and
Dry & Brittle Nails
vegetables. This includes sprouts, green beans, kiwi,
carrots, melon, pumpkin, etc.
Vitamin B Fragile nails, ridges Spinach, brown rice, melon, walnuts
Vitamin B12 Very rounded & curved nails Beef, blue cheese, cheese, clams, crab, fish, eggs,
Excessive dryness
herring, kidney, liver, mackerel, milk and milk
Darkening of nails
products, pork, seafood
Vitamin C Hangnails Citrus fruit and all green vegetables
Pitted, red-brown spots
Vitamin H (Biotin) Brittle nails Yeast, mushrooms, grapefruit, watermelon, banana
and strawberry
Calcium Dry & Brittle Nails Dairy foods, seafood and green leafy vegetables,
molasses, nuts, almonds, oats, asparagus, broccoli,
carob, prunes, cheese, shellfish, cabbage, parsley,
yoghurt
Protein Hangnails Vegetables, fruit, milk, cheese, eggs, meat, fish, and
White bands across the nails poultry
Pitted, red-brown spots
Dry, brittle and very thin
Slow nail growth
Iron Brittle nails Red meat, greens, carrots
Spoon-shaped or fluted nails
Horizontal or vertical ridges
Pale or bluish nail beds
Folic Acid Hangnails Barley, bran, legumes, carrots, yeast, liver, melon,
apricots, green leafy vegetables
Magnesium Soft or brittle nails Dairy products, fish, meat and seafood. Apples,
Nails that break
apricots, bananas, brown rice, figs, garlic, lima beans,
peaches, salmon, green leafy vegetables, sesame
seeds, wheat and whole grains
Zinc Slow nail growth Legumes, beans, mushrooms, brewer’s yeast and
Thin, peeling nails
whole grains
White spots on nails, ridges
Brittle nails
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 29

| FOOD |
LIGHT & EASY
We’re having a long summer, and it’s still too
hot to spend hours sweating in the kitchen. The
following ‘tried & tested’ recipes are quick to
prepare, tasty, feel ‘summery’ and can make up
a light lunch or supper or be part of both. The
important thing to remember is that good eating
starts with great shopping, so just make sure you
have all ingredients to hand before you start and
use your senses to select good produce.
Here’s a few tips when you take a shopping trip to the market:
FRUIT & VEG – Most fruit and vegetables stay fresher if you store them unwashed, but LETTUCE seems
to keep better if washed, dried carefully and then stored in a bag in the salad drawer. (the best way to
do this would be in a salad spinner.)
TOMATOES – Should smell fragrant when bought. Ideally tomatoes should not be kept in a fridge as it
makes them obtain a gritty rough texture. So buy what you need.
HERBS –When you buy fresh herbs they usually last for three to four days in the fridge, especially if
kept in a glass of water
CITRUS FRUIT – When buying citrus fruit, look for fruit which is heavy but with thin skins. If you buy
waxed fruit, give it a good scrub in hot soapy water before zesting. .
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 31

| FOOD |
GRILLED ZESTY
SALMON
SERVES 4
Cook this quickly in a non-stick pan or griddle pan. If you want the fish to colour
well, don’t turn over before 4 minutes.
4 salmon fillets – medium sized
2 tbsp olive oil
80 gms butter
2 tbsp chopped chives
1 medium chilli, chopped or use flakes
grated zest and juice of 2 limes
lime wedges to serve
Brush the salmon fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper.
Heat a frying or griddle pan and when this is hot, add the fillets and cook lightly
(about 4 minutes). Turn over and cook on the other side. Remove the salmon and
keep warm.
Add the butter, chives, chilli, lime juice and zest to the pan . When the butter starts
to sizzle pour this sauce over the salmon and serve immediately with lime wedges.
ALBERT BICHOT
VDP PINOT NOIR
Fresh and young, it has typical fruit with plum,
black cherry and a hint of hawthorn. Deep garnet
red colour, with good fleshiness, it has good body
enhanced by gentle oaking
CHICKEN SALAD
SERVES 4
4 medium sized chicken breasts
100 gms sun dried tomatoes
(or fresh cherry tomatoes)
2 tbsp basil leaves
4-6 slices of Parma ham,
cut into strips
olive oil
50 gms pine nuts (or toasted almonds)
Bunch of rocket leaves
(remove stalky bits)
Heat the oven to gas mark 190.
Season each chicken breast and sear quickly in a hot frying pan with some of the
olive oil until just golden. Continue cooking in the oven skin side up until cooked
through.
When it’s cooled slightly, you can slice into pieces. Make the dressing by placing the
lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and mustard in a screw top jar and shake until
mixed. Cover your serving plate with rocket leaves, then top with chicken slices. Put
in the parma strips, tomatoes, basil and pine nuts and pour over the dressing and
serve immediately.
ALBERT BICHOT
PETIT CHABLIS
Very green gold in colour. It has tasty fruit with lemon
and slight minerality, and is round and easy flowing with
medium body.
Dressing
1 clove garlic
100 ml olive oil
(or 50 ml for a lighter version)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
½ tsp Dijon mustard
1½ tbsp lemon juice
32 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06

| FOOD |
SPAGHETTI WITH
CHERRY TOMATOES SUMMER PUDDING
SERVES 4 - 5
A no-fuss recipe which always works as long as the cherry tomatoes are full of
flavour…delicious every time !
500 gms spaghetti
600 gms cherry tomatoes, halved
(try the different cherry tomatoes
around and see which are the
sweetest!)
3 cloves garlic, crushed
Boil water in a large saucepan. While this is being done, mix in the tomatoes, garlic,
chillies, olive oil, lemon zest and vinegar in a small bowl.
When the pasta is ‘al dente’, drain and then return it to the saucepan. Pour over
the tomato mixture and heat through with the rocket or fresh basil leaves. Serve
immediately with the grated Parmesan
MONTGRAS
CABERNET ROSE’
The pink tones and design of our Rosé label depict the
mystic sunsets and the moai’s of Chile’s Easter Island,
an outdoor museum known as the most remote place on
Earth. . Its appearance is a light pink, pale straw haze.
It has scents of tropical fruit, grape juice, passion fruit &
a hint of strawberries. A crispy wine with a light body. Very
well balanced between its live acidity and some residual
sugar. Many wild flavours.
few chilli flakes
250 ml olive oil
4 tbsp good balsamic vinegar
150 gms rocket or basil leaves
Grated zest of a lemon
Grated Parmesan to serve
1 ½ loaves white sliced bread, crusts removed
1kg mixed berries (frozen is fine – allow to defrost)
250 gms soft brown sugar
mint leaves and cinnamon
double cream or ice cream to serve
Line a rectangular 25 x 20 cms ovenproof dish with 10 slices of the bread.
Mix the berries with the sugar. Place one-third of them over the first layer of bread.
Add a second layer of sliced bread. Add more berries so that no white shows through.
Repeat one more time, finishing off with a layer of bread. Weigh down the bread
with another dish and heavy weight on top - such as a stone or small cast iron pan.
Refrigerate overnight in this fashion, so that all the bread is well soaked through
with berries and juice.
Serve with double cream or ice cream, lightly sprinkled with cinnamon. Decorate with
a sprig of mint.
ROMANDIOLA
ALBANA DI ROMAGNA
This Albana is the sweet version of the only D.O.C.G.
wine from this region and was also to first white
wine to get this status. Straw yellow in colour, with
golden reflections, it has a well-knit bouquet, with
characteristics of fresh fruit notes on the palate, it is soft
yet fresh, intensely flavored, fruity and appealingly sweet.
Goes well with all types of desserts, and particularly with
dry pastries or creamy dishes.
All the wines are imported and distributed by Mirachem Marketing Limited. For more information, please call 21214434 or visit www.mirachemltd.com
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 33

| CROSSWORD |
CROSSWORD
PRIZES
PACEVILLE · Tel. 21388545
THIS MONTH’S PRIZES
1st prize: Weekend Break for 2 at Alexandra Palace Hotel
2nd prize: JB Stores Lm10 voucher
3rd prize: Pizza for 4 from Buon Caffé, St Julian’s
4th prize: Lm10 voucher from Salon Services
5th prize: Lm10 worth of products for Scala Detergnets
ACROSS
1. Push off for a start! (6)
3. Venomous serpents are joiners! (6)
7. Sailor‚s suspended bed (7)
8. The plea of a person who, charged with
a crime, alleges that he was elsewhere
when crime was committed (5)
9 & 10. Whereby kangaroo-like progress
is made (5,3,6)
10. See 9.
11. In the lounge I shall see an
entertaining Japanese girl (6)
12. The vendor seemingly has to confirm
within (6)
13. Is this excursionist easily upset (7)
15. Trouble in the brine (6)
18. Suddenly a lean colt reappears (3,2,4)
20. Short burst of light (5)
21. ----- Marbles, collection of Greek
sculptures from the school of Phidias
and the Parthenon (5)
22. Runs away in sandy places (7)
23. One who spins the coin (6)
24. 40th President of the USA (6)
DOWN
1. Not much to be illuminated and let out (6)
2. Grounds on which armies pitch their tents
(5)
3. Requested or made a question (5)
4. Very hard precious rock for a suit (7)
5 & 20. A service for Roy, a liar, possibly, with
power (5,3,5)
6. It’s a textile fabric for Sue, perhaps (6)
7. An effort upward (5)
12. Good men are put in repose, strangely, with
such coffee (8)
13. Dread about doing business after tee (6)
14. Pat somehow nets documents of exclusive
rights (7)
16. Inclines (5)
17. Cut up by one northern music composer (6)
19. The lowest point in Indiana direction (5)
20. See 5
LAST MONTH’S WINNERS
1st prize: Mrs. Iris Scerri, Senglea
2nd prize: Ms. Katya Avellino, Marsascala
3rd prize: Mrs. Marlene Lautier, B’kara
4th prize: Mr. George Agius, Sliema
5th prize: Mrs. M. L . Sammut, Qormi
LAST MONTH’S SOLUTION
ACROSS – 1. Bronze; 3. Wealth; 7. Liberty; 8. Lippi; 9. Genoa; 10.
Safeguard; 11. Gemini; 12. Trooper; 13. Digging; 15. Icicle; 18. Interlock; 20.
Inlet; 21. Halve; 22. Genetic; 23. Resign; 24. Friars.
DOWN – 1. Bridge; 2 & 5. Zebra Crossing; 3 & 12. Way Of Thinking;
4. Allegro; 5. See 2 down; 6. Bidder; 7. Lance; 12. See 3 down. 13.Dwight;
14.Israeli; 16. Lilac; 17. Stairs; 19. Organ; 20. Inter.
SEND IN THE CORRECT ANSWER TO:
Life&Style Crossword Competition, media.link Communications,
Triq Herbert Ganado, Pietà, HMR08.
Send in your correct entries by 20 September 2006.
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 35

| SPORTS |
TOP LEFT: TYPICAL SAVE BY ADRIAN CACHIA FOR
NEPTUNES.
KINGS OF
THE SEA
CHARLES CAMENZULI meets the Cachia family.
ABOVE: ADRIAN CACHIA IN ACTION
RIGHT: SIMON CACHIA - PROMINENT WITH
MARSAXLOKK WPC
‘Neptune’: according to Roman mythology the definition
is ‘King of the seas’. Neptune is also the third largest
planet in the galaxy. Hailing from the Neptunes
Waterpolo Pitch, the Cachia family, long associated
with this club, is definitely the largest on the Maltese
waterpolo scene.
The 2 nd World War exodus from the Cottonera area
included the Cachia family who like others moved to
settle in St, Julian’s. For half a century, the Cachia
surname has been synonymous with the waterpolo
scene in St. Julian’s, and within the Neptunes’ clan
established a dynasty well worthy of being stamped as ‘
Kings at Sea’.
The forerunners of the Cachia Waterpolo history were
Harry, Josie, Victor, Tony and Paul. According to media
colleague and waterpolo historian Leonard Zammit, in
his publication to commemorate the 75 th Anniversary
of Neptunes WPC, “another family name which has
left its mark on the club’s history is Cachia. However,
there is a distinctive and more versatile imprint which
is carried here. The Cachias are associated with all
that waterpolo offers – playing, administrative and
refereeing contributions.”
For the Cachia family members, the Neptunes’ clubhouse
soon became their second home. Back in the
50’s and 60’s both Victor and Paul figured in various
Neptunes’ formations. Josie in the 50’s was Neptunes’
goalkeeper in the reserves league, while Victor also
formed part of the Neptunes swimming team that
went on to win various aggregate cups and National
Championships. With Neptunes, Paul won two League
titles and 4 K.O Competitions. In 1972-73, he played for
Balluta W.P.C (now San Giljan WPC) where he finished
as the club’s top-scorer for both seasons and joint top
scorer with Guzi ‘l-Ors’ Attard in the 1973 National
League. Tony, who chose to opt for the administration
of the club, was so successful in that role that he went
on to become a long-standing Secretary of Neptunes
WPC for a total of 14 years, until 1985. He was again
re-elected for the 1991-1993 term of office.
When Victor and Paul’s playing days were over, they
went on to become waterpolo referees, qualified both
within the A.S.A and as international referees with the
Ligue Europeenne de Natation (LEN) - the leading
body of European waterpolo. And a new generation of
the Cachia family went on to have a further impact on
local sports.
Henry, Stephen and Julian, sons of Harry, the elder
of the Cachia’s, chose to become leading figures in
hockey - both members and players with Sliema
Hotsticks. Victor’s sons Anthony and Edward as well
as Tony’s sons Adrian and Leonard together with Paul’s
sons Paul and Simon took up waterpolo.
Henry and Stephen, under the guidance of Augustus
Tortell and the late Alfred Crockford, following success
at U-14 and U-16 level, were the backbone of Sliema
Hotsticks. Stephen championed with his runs down
the right wing and Henry right in the heart of the
defence. Together with Sliema they won three League
Championships, four Knock-Out competitions, one
Challenge Trophy and two Super Cups. In October
1994, they led the Malta National team in the 1 st
Mediterranean Cup in Sicily for the tie against Italy. That
day was Malta’s return on hockey’s international scene
after 20 years. Stephen retired from competitive hockey
in 2003, though Henry is still a permanent figure in the
Sliema HS defence. Ignoring hockey, Michael and John
VICTOR CACHIA
COACHING
PAUL CACHIA
TONY CACHIA
36 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06

| SPORTS |
PICTURES FROM TOP
DOWNWARDS:
TOP: 1989 - THE FOURTH CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING
SIDE FOR THE CACHIAS
ABOVE: VICTOR CACHIA STANDING 2ND FROM RIGHT.
– sons of Henry, opted for football and both have been
present in the U-14 and U-13 Melita F.C. sides. John
has even started training in waterpolo – with none other
than Neptunes.
Back to Adrian and Leonard’s waterpolo’s accolades.
Both Adrian and Leonard have won the Waterpolo
National Championship for a total of six editions and
have established a unique record of being the only
brothers to win a National Championship together for
four consecutive years between 1986 and 1989.
As Adrian won six championships with Neptunes,
Leonard featured with the 1997 Marsascala winning
squad to add to his five previous Neptunes successes.
In 1990, Adrian was chosen by the Amateur Swimming
Association as the ‘Waterpolo Player of the Year’ and as
he emphasised; “That was a particular year. Having
lost the championship after four successes in a row
during which the team remained unbeaten, Neptunes
still managed to win the Knock Out. I was chosen
as ASA Player of the Year - according to statistics
I was the third goalkeeper, following Michael Soler
(Sliema ASA) in 1973 and Joe Caruana Dingli
(Valletta) in 1987, to win that honour. Since 1990,
no other goalkeeper has won the ASA individual
major honour.” Adrian Cachia further recalls that: “In
1990 I was also one of the finalists in the Sportsmen
of the Year awards together with Mario Genovese
(table tennis), Michael Degiorgio (football) Jesmond
Giordemaina (wrestling) and Jean Paul Fleri Soler
(boardsailing). This was yet another experience to be
challenged with such leading figures in local sports.”
Another six-championship-medals figure in Anthony’s
career, is his younger brother Edward, one of the
current members of the first string of Neptunes, who
has just had his first championship win. Edward has
already won both the K.O Competition and winter
league on a number of times. Paul’s son Simon had
mixed fortunes with Sirens following his baptism at
Neptunes and currently plays for Marsaxlokk .
The Cachia family is like a never-ending story and
with 15 year old Gianluca Galea, son of Marisa, sister
of Anthony and Edward, taking up the reigns, he is
bound to lead the way for a new generation of Cachias
to appear as Neptunes WPC stars. .
THE CACHIA FAMILY
IN FULL SQUAD :
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
PAUL , ANTHONY,
VICTOR, JOSIE, HARRY
AND THEIR SISTER
GEORGINA IN FRONT.
ADRIAN CACHIA IN ONE
OF THE INNUMERABLE
PRESENTATIONS
AS NEPTUNES WPC
CAPTAIN.
STEPHEN CACHIA
(FIRST BACK) AND
HENRY CACHIA (LEFT
SQUATTING) IN A 1996
FORMATION OF SLIEMA
HOTSTICKS H.C.
LEONARD CACHIA IN
ACTION
Hailing from
the Neptunes
Waterpolo
Pitch, the
Cachia
family, long
associated
with this club,
is definitely
the largest on
the Maltese
waterpolo
scene.
L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06 37

| RADIO |
A PRECOCIOUS
HISTORIAN
Fr. Alexander Bonnici’s contribution to Radio 101 will never be forgotten.
By Eric Montfort
The sudden death of Fr. Alexander Bonnici late last
July marked the end of a researcher who did our
country proud. He also left a small but important
legacy through his contributions to Radio 101. I first
came to know Fr. Bonnici some 26 years ago when
he visited our home with another colleague from
his Franciscan Conventual Community, the late Fr.
Raphael Mompalau. However, we crossed paths again
some 14 years later, when I started to co-ordinate
Holy Week programmes for this station.
Fr. Bonnici quickly became one of the most effective
contributors to these programmes, featuring in a few
of the special programmes. Some of his programmes
were real classics and still valid today. I recall recording
the programme back in the last week of December
1999. The programme was initially broadcast on New
Year’s Day 2000, but was repeated on Good Friday due
to public demand. It was then that I realised how this
scholar, lecturer, historian and researcher would go
into great detail to provide Christian values within an
objective dimension.
His treatment of the Inquisition was an example of
his research efforts. It was published in three volumes
as ‘Storja tal-Inkwizizzjoni ta’ Malta’ and in 1998 an
abridged version in English was published as ‘Medieval
and Roman Inquisition in Malta’. In 1998, he also
published a sequel - ‘A Trial in Front of the Inquisition
in Malta’.
Another programme to which Fr. Bonnici also
contributed related to the Blessed Reverend George
Preca. This programme which was broadcast in May
2001 coincided with the Beatification of the Blessed
Preca, Ignatius Falzon and Adeodata Pisani.
He was also a regular contributor to Noel Bartolo’s
‘Fidi u Hajja’ programme.
However, Fr. Bonnici’s contributions went beyond
religion – he also had history at heart. I recall him
talking in great detail about Manwel Dimech during the
award-winning series ‘Il-Mixja Ghall-Indipendenza’. Fr.
Bonnici spent 12 minutes, almost half the programme
to explain the good and negative aspects of this Maltese
patriot. I felt that his contribution was so valid that any
Fr. Bonnici’s
contributions
went beyond
religion – he
also had
history at
heart.
tampering would drastically affect the whole argument. So at the time, I opted to
leave his contribution as it was. Fr. Bonnici was also involved in ‘Grajjiet Fl-Istorja’
when he talked about the rise of Protestantism and The Reformation. Going through
Fr. Bonnici’s list of publishings is quite an exhaustive affair, however one cannot
forget the above-featured books, as well as his works on the Blessed George Preca,
The Life and Times of Fr. Salv Grima, Madre Maria Tereza Nuzzo, A History of The
Church which was published in 16 volumes, Il-Matrici Kollegjata tal-Assunta u l-
Ewwel Parrocci t’Ghawdex as well as books about various localities, including, among
others, his works spanning every inch of the country from Nadur in Gozo to Dingli and
Mellieha in Malta. His most recent published work was a history of the Franciscan
Conventual Order in Malta and Gozo, which he covered in 760 pages. His last
contribution to this station was his treatment of the Crucifix who spoke to San Francis.
The programme which was broadcast last April on Good Friday was aired to mark the
800th anniversary of this event.
The death of Alexander Bonnici leaves a great void and he will be sadly missed
by many listeners and producers, not least myself. At the same time, Fr. Bonnici’s
works should serve as a benchmark not just in terms of historical research but also
as a means of great moral guideline. One hopes that someone with a similar zest and
energy for life will come forward to carry on his work..
38 L&S | SEPTEMBER ’06