Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1504229
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 JULY 2023 7 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 876. Italian cypress NO need to have a degree in botany to tell a cypress. Though it comes in several forms, the tall conical shape always gives this tree a distinct character. Its deep dark green foliage generates that aus- tere aura, an aura no doubt reinforced by the fact that it's the tree most often planted in cemeteries. Cypresses are coniferous, mean- ing they produce cones rather than flowers – the familiar cones of the cypress take the form of small footballs. The Italian cypress (M. ċipress) is common across southern Europe and native to the east- ern region. Whether it originally grew wild in Malta or imported in antiquity is uncertain. What is certain is that the Italian cypress is one beautiful evergreen tree that gives some welcome shade - and a sweet whiff of resin – in this sun-baked rock. Explore Spanish cuisine at our sustainable cooking class! At Friends of the Earth Malta we continue to explore how to make your day-to-day more sustainable – now through the discovery of Spanish cuisine! Want to learn how to make a killer tortilla? Curious about the se- crets of gazpacho and salmorejo? Discover the joys of vegetarian cooking with Martin Vieira. Dive into one of the best mediterra- nean cuisines, and leave with recipes you can easily replicate at home. This workshop will develop your vegetarian cooking options and will be followed by a dinner al fresco at our Floriana garden. Save the Date: we are meeting on 24 July, Monday, at 18.30. The venue is the office of Friends of the Earth Malta in Floriana. Victor Falzon www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 762: Registration required via https://foemalta.org/event/sustainable-cooking-class-3/. Donations will cover the cost of the food. Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this All About the Brass 28 July Place: Robert Samut Hall The MPO brass section is the main protagonist of this uplifting chamber concert. The five Renaissance Dances by Tylman Susato display the delicacy and vibrancy of these instruments. Brilliance and technique shine in Pezzo per Quintetto d'Ottoni by renowned Joseph Vella. And ending with Fauré's graceful Pavane and Suite from Carmen, featuring some of the best-loved tunes from Bizet's iconic opera. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Fi Do 23 July Place: Ta' Qali National Park Teatru Malta has something barking mad in store for you! It's a show called "Fi Do" and get this… it's for dogs! Yup, you read that right. It's a concert specially commissioned for our furry friends. The musical piece is composed by the talented Karl Fiorini who was asked to take inspiration from sounds that dogs love to hear, and dog sounds humans love to mimic. But don't worry, it's not just for our four-legged buddies, humans are welcome too! The show is directed by the world-renowned theatre company Manifesto Poetico, who are experts in the art of mime. Manifesto Poetico is known for their unique style of theatre that uses space, imagination, and collective storytelling to create an emotional experience. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK A strike affecting Broadway shows looks likely to be averted, just hours after a union representing 1,500 backstage workers announced a vote to walk out. The tentative deal means the strike, which could have begun as early as Friday halting 28 shows in New York and 17 touring shows, is now off. The singer, actress and fashion icon Jane Birkin has died at the age of 76. The English-French star was known for her personal and artistic relationship with songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, recording the iconic track "Je T'aime...moi non plus" with him. The deal, details of which are not yet known, must still be agreed by members before it can go into effect. She also inspired Hermès' Birkin handbag, which is popular around the world.