There are launches galore these days. Although they abated somewhat in the hot summer months with the arrival of winter they are here with a bang.

I accept very few luncheon invitations and tend to turn them down if they are in Valletta as they are too time consuming. I did however, accept an invitation to attend the launch of the new Orlane range at Chemimart in Republic Street. This elegant shop has replaced Blackley’s the wonderful bakery. I remember one of the daughters of the owners was Ann Chalmers, Roderick’s sister. He is a big, important boy now of course! Ann was slim and tall with striking red hair and became a nurse a mutual school friend told me. Ann had a good sense of humour but certainly did not seem to indulge in the cakes at Blackley’s as I would have, had my father owned such a delicious establishment.

Anyway, on arrival at Chemimart we were swished into the beauty clinics upstairs which have striking and colourful glasswork. The gracious Graziella Fava, one of the directors of Chemimart, welcomed us. She could easily be the face of some expensive beauty product herself. I meant to ask her if she slaps on her pretty face every single new product that they launch, but we spoke of other, more interesting things. Women who have jobs they enjoy tend to take grooming and clothes for granted and in their stride and not to make them the focus of their existence. We learn how to cut corners and make the best of time which is not spent working. Graziella is always impeccably groomed and beautifully turned out but you can be certain that she does not waste too much energy matching bags with shoes and so on. She does it with her eyes closed I am certain. One becomes practical and pragmatic about these girlie ‘problems’ when there are more absorbing matters to focus on.

Anyway, there were two Greek goddesses in the conference room at Chemimart. They were representing Orlane. Mara Papantoniou and Vicky Tzanetatou talked to us about the new Orlane range.

Any survey will tell you that both men and women are now more beauty-oriented than say five years ago. This is because societal pressure to conform to an ideal physical standard is rising. It is becoming clear that many see external wellness and beauty as a sign of health. Also, attitudes toward aging create a strong need for ‘age-defying’ products, especially with regard to one’s appearance. As the population ages, there is an increasing interest in looking younger, more beautiful and more relaxed. Most of today’s women look much younger than their ancestors did when they were the same age. This is

also because their attitude towards life is different and they are much more active.

After a relaxed question and answer and a presentation of the Orlane products, we were invited to lunch at Rubino’s. All the talk of beauty and the advantages of being slim were soon sabotaged by Julian’s food. Exquisite Maltese bread, as good as the one I purchase from Frans in Sliema. Then a combination of mezze and hors d’oeuvre covered the table. Everything was divine. From the paté of swordfish, to the Kappunata, Zucca in Agrodolce, Pulpetti tal Gambli, various dips with heavenly middle eastern flavours, one of the best Bigillas that I have ever come across to Pixxispad fgat... and so much more. I almost asked Julian if I could kiss the chef but thought it an enormous risk. What it I didn’t like the look of him? I am very difficult in this area... but he certainly deserved a kiss for his performance. One of the Greek goddesses would have thrilled him I am certain. But the matter of kissing the chef was never discussed.

I learnt in the course of our conversation that the slim Graziella is a chocoholic and would be happy to replace a meal with chocolate. I must say, I was very surprised to hear her admit this. The difference between her and me is that I will eat both the meal and the chocolate. Replacing food for other food is not in my scheme of things. We thoroughly enjoyed a most pleasant few hours and some excellent food.

Why has Joe Ellis been replaced by Fr Joe Borg in Campus FM’s paperscan, after the BBC News? I used to like Anna Mallia’s paperscan – even if in her column in MaltaToday she often barks at Alfred Sant’s feet and has her own very special views about him which the large majority of the Labour Party doesn’t share, as has been proved over and over again. But I am tolerant and I enjoyed her remarks and asides while she rushed through the papers. I enjoyed Joe Ellis too as he is not only well informed but often irreverent. Not so Joe Borg of course. We can hardly expect him to be irreverent. Prof. Joe Pirotta, who I believe has just started, gives an intelligent and non-biased paperscan so please keep him on. But bring back Anna and Joe Ellis. Does everything have to be bland and watered down in this country?

I much enjoyed Maryann Kissaun’s company and a delicious lunch at The Kitchen in Tower Road. Who doesn’t remember the names of the two pianists Maryanne and her sister Nadya Kissaun? Their mother was Italian, Syra Botti and came from a musical family. Their father Michael, a cultivated man, was at one time (`1960-1972) general manager of the Manoel Theatre. We had a most pleasant and lively lunch. Maryann is no wilting lily! I could have written a book about her life and times but unfortunately I only have space for an article to go with pictures of her elegant home in next Sunday’s My Favourite Room in First. So look out for it.

From this kitchen sink I watched the triumphant Tony Zarb, all smiles, double chins and Michelin tyres winning the GWU election. Clearly he’s got the experience and the clout and his clan trust him.

In Malta it is a legal requirement that the day before a general election politics are not discussed anywhere (except in private). There are no public meetings, no broadcasts and no articles in newspapers. This makes sense. Why can’t the same law be applied when it comes to important election such as the recent one of the GWU? Referenda too, should be included in this law. It is ridiculous to have TV programmes run by individuals who go on insisting that they are unbiased, showing on TV on the eve of such an important

election.