Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/396532
maltatoday, Sunday, 12 OctOber 2014 37 this week Branchipus schaefferi is the rather grand name of a tiny creature. It's called Fairy Shrimp and no wonder, considering you'd miss it unless you were looking for the beast. To find one you'll need to kneel at the edge of a rainwater rock pool and peer into the shallows, and then maybe you'll see this ephemeral, transparent 2cm creature going about its business as it swims (sideways) on its 11 pairs of spindly legs. We've now had a decent shower, so these seasonal habitats – which since May were parched and lifeless – will be teeming with movement again. A fresh generation of Fairy Shrimps (M: Gamblu tal-Ghadajjar) will hatch from eggs that survived the scorching summer embedded in the little mud at the bottom of the rock depressions. These guys live out their entire lifespan in one rainy season, feeding on microscopic pond algae, growing and maturing, mating and laying eggs in their turn – talk about living in the fast lane! But they have no choice but to live and love fast in this transient microcosm of existence. By the time the rock pool dries up again, the Fairy Shrimps will have done their bit for the future of their species, and quietly lay down their life. 425. FAIRY SHRIMP Green Idea of the week 327: Wash your dog less – Over shampooing can dry your companion's skin excessively, contributing to itchiness. Less frequent washing will help to maintain the natural oils in the skin, keep the pH in balance and also conserve many litres of water at the same time. you can make a huge difference where you live by doing a few simple things. Planting flowers rich in nectar will really help bees find the food they need. choosing local, Maltese honey will lend your support to our honey bees and their beekeepers. encouraging your friends and neighbours to do the same will help create bee-friendly communities. bees are crucial in the countryside but they're essential in the city too. a wild window box in the middle of the urban jungle has great value. a whole building covered in window boxes is even more useful and looks fantastic. If you've decided to make somewhere better for bees, the first thing to do is survey your spot. take a short walk to see what's good for bees already and what's not. are there any plants or trees that bees seem to like or avoid? Lots of ornamental flowers have been bred to contain no nectar – they might look good but do little for wildlife. Bee solutions (I) Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). Text and photo Victor Falzon Second edition of The Three Palaces launched The Three Palaces announced its full programme yesterday, for a second edition of the week-long musical celebration to be held in the sumptuous surroundings of the three Presidential Palaces. Running from November 3-9, the festival will feature over 10 events, seven international artists and eight of Malta's top acts, who will team up for the second edition of a festi- val which has already established a reputation for excellence. Building on last year's success, the festival has retained its winning for- mula: the excellence of the music is matched only by the uniqueness of its setting, with the three Presiden- tial Palaces adding a further layer of history and narrative to the festival. Despite this, however, the festival manages to remain accessible to a wide range of audiences. International names include eve- lyn Glennie, a world-renowned percussionist; Tasmin Little, one of today's leading international violin- ists; John Lenehan, whose perform- ances and recordings have been ac- claimed throughout the world; Barry Douglas, and Inge Rosar, Jonathan Bloxham and Omri epstein. Local artists include Gisele Grima, erica Gialanze, Sarah Spiteri, Cliff Zam- mit Stevens, Nicola Said, Charlene Farrugia, Godfrey Mifsud and Paul Borg - Versatile Brass. This year's programme is made up of different threads, ranging from Bach to contemporary composers. One theme runs through the pro- gramme – music before, during and after the Great War. The First World War had a great impact on music, musicians and composers. Many art- ists were exhilarated and full of hope and patriotism in 1914 but this soon turned to death, terror and despair. The closing concert represents an- other effect of the war – the arrival of jazz, a new mood, new fashions, a new beginning, ending the festival on an upbeat note. The festival was launched at a press conference held at San Anton Palace last week. Addressing the press con- ference were her excellency Presi- dent of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Culture Minister Owen Bon- nici, Arts Council Malta chair Albert Marshall, festival director Anna- belle Attard and Albert G. Storace from the artistic committee. Also playing at the press conference was 11-year-old pianist Amy Borg, who will also be taking part in the festi- val's Family Day: Music and Fun. The festival in fact also includes an outreach element with a work- shop on Understanding the struc- ture of Bach by Inge Rosar as well as a Family Day at San Anton Pal- ace. The artistic committee of The Three Palaces is composed of Cyn- thia Turner, Albert G. Storace and Lucia Micallef. The Three Palaces, under the pa- tronage of President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, is organised by Arts Council Malta under the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government with the support of Corinthia Palace, Orienta and MSV Life. For invitations, call Arts Council Malta on 2339 7000 from October 13. Invitations will be issued on a first-come first-served basis and entrance is against a €5 donation. Seating is also very limited therefore early booking is highly advisable. Proceeds will go to the Community Chest Fund. Inge Rosar John Lenehan Photo J. Rabova