Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/878567
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 38 This Week Wherever you are, even in the privacy of your room, chances are you're being watched! Not by hidden microcams or other high-tech spying gadgetry, but by something far, far more primitive. Lurking in a ceiling corner there is very possibly a Daddy-longlegs Spider (M. Brimba tad-Djar) eyeing the world underneath through eight beady eyes – well, actually at that distance it won't be seeing you as more than a blur as spiders don't see well at a distance, despite all those eyes. And that's because they're only interested in their immediate surroundings, spinning an invisible tangle of silk to trap hapless flies and mosquitoes, which they then proceed to suck dry as you would a pineapple smoothie. Those sticky traps eventually become the dusty cobwebs that house-cleaners attack with such vigour. No harm done there, as dusty webs are probably not in use. But if you spot the leggy web-spinner herself up there in the corner, have a heart and let her live. It's your pesky mozzies she's after, not your blood! Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate Text and photo Victor Falzon 576. DADDY LONGLEGS SPIDER GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 479: UNSCREWING A BROKEN LIGHT BULB - Use a wad of newspaper to unscrew a hot light bulb and prevent burning your fingers. The controversial CETA trade deal between Canada and the European Union has largely come into force this week amid sharp criticism from Friends of the Earth groups around Europe. The early implementation – known as 'provisional application' – comes even though most national parliaments have not yet begun to debate or vote on the deal. The CETA trade agreement has sparked unprecedented protest across Europe and brings with it significant risks for European citizens in a range of areas, such as consumer protection, food and safety standards, energy policies and climate change measures. Exempted from the provisional application of the agreement are highly controversial investment tribunals. These will only become effective after ratification by all national parliaments. The Investment Court System would allow foreign investors to sue governments for enacting legitimate public policy. CETA is an outdated agreement that gives VIP rights to corporations while failing to address defining challenges of our time such as rising inequalities and runaway climate change. The controversy around CETA should be a wake-up call to the EU to rethink its trade policy so that it contributes to a sustainable and equitable future and puts the rights of citizens above those of foreign investors. Friends of the Earth Malta is calling for a major overhaul of EU trade policy to make it more transparent and democratic, and to ensure trade deals contribute to tackling defining challenges of our time such as rising inequalities and runaway climate change rather than exacerbating them. EU-Canada agreement underlines undemocratic nature of trade agreements BANK of Valletta will be extend- ing its support to Socjetà Filar- monika Leone for its double-bill representation of Cavalleria Rus- ticana and I Pagliacci at Teatru Aurora on the 14th October. This was announced during a press conference which was addressed by Mr Mario Mallia, the Bank's Chief Executive Officer and Dr Michael Caruana, the President of Socjetà Filarmonika Leone. They were accompanied by Ms Esther Bajada Director for Tourism and Economic Development within the Ministry for Gozo and Ms Elaine Falzon from Arts Council Malta, the two entities running the Gozo Cultural Support Pro- gramme. In his brief intervention, Mr Mario Mallia spoke about the im- portance of nourishing the islands' cultural portfolio, "It gives me great satisfaction to announce our support towards this representa- tion by the Leone Philharmonic Society and Aurora Opera House. This year, the audience will enjoy two representations, which will be performed together on this Thea- tre for the very first time." He also remarked that several of the cast members lined up are local talents, saying that the Theatre is provid- ing the means for them to show- case their skills alongside their in- ternational peers, thereby helping their artistic development. "Bank of Valletta takes its role as patron of local arts and culture very much to heart, and strongly believes in providing the public with more opportunities to admire and be- come better acquainted with the fascinating world of performing arts." Dr Michael Caruana thanked Bank of Valletta for its ongoing support, which has helped to se- cure a future for the theatre and the lyric opera in Gozo. He said that aside of Government funding which has been largely consist- ent, it is time for opera in Gozo, which turns 40 years old this year, to realise its full potential in that it may become a prominent market- ing and advertising platform for companies and business organisa- tions. This will help opera in Gozo become more sustainable in the long run. Matthew Sultana, Aurora Secre- tary presented details of the cast and production. Then, Esther Ba- jada from the Ministry for Gozo underlined the importance of the opera-in-Gozo phenomenon that makes Gozo in autumn as busy and attractive as Gozo in the sum- mer season. From a cultural point of view, Elaine Falzon from Arts Council Malta explained how the Gozo Cultural Support Pro- gramme – a joint initiative be- tween Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for Gozo – is intended to support the opera production from financial, technical and ad- ministrative aspects with which, for instance, capacity building and organisational strategies may be improved. Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci at Teatru Aurora BoV chief executive officer Mario Mallia (right) with the president of Leone Band Club, Michael Caruana