Alcohol testing for police officers rejected by union

Oct 6 2021

Following the release of a new policy which will see police officers undergo drug and alcohol tests as of next year, the Malta Police Union issued a statement disagreeing with the testing for at least one of these substances. The Union claimed that despite testing for drugs is a reasonable prospect, testing for alcohol on the other hand should not go ahead. It stated that the consumption of alcohol is not illegal despite agreeing with the regulation which prohibits any officer to report to the workplace under the influence of alcohol.

The union asked whether officers would be sacked if they showed up to work with small traces of alcohol after attending a Christmas party. It went on to ask why police officers are being treated differently to other workers. Concerns were raised to Minister Byron Camilleri, with a meeting being requested to discuss the legislation. The plea was left unanswered as of yet, but the Union hopes to get the opportunity to have meaningful consultation before the policy is drafted.

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Photo Source: Malta Police Force FB, The Independent

What are actors actually smoking when they’re on set?

Oct 6 2021

You’d think that given the amount of characters smoking cigarettes films and series would end up in thousands of actors being addicted to smoking. And yet, a TikTok video has revealed exactly what performers are using when they blaze through cigarette packets. Director David MA (@davidwma) became incredibly popular on TikTok as he reveals the behind-the-scenes world of props which take place in filming.

He’s now turned his attention to prop cigarettes and what is actually in them. Most of the time, they’re exactly that – prop cigarettes which are tobacco and nicotine free. Despite having an uncanny likeness to the actual things, they actually contain herbs such as rose petal, clover or tea leaves. He also mind-glowingly reveals that smoke is sometimes edited into the film in post-production using CGI. This came as a big surprise to some of his followers, with one pointing out how in the span of 12 Peaky Blinders episodes, Cillian Murphy smoked 3000 prop cigarettes. Thankfully, actors aren’t getting addicted because of their roles.

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Photo Source: Fine Art America, DW

15 day memo by PBS called unreasonable by Minister

Oct 6 2021

The 15-day notice expected by PBS management for current affairs programmes is unreasonable, said Minister Carmelo Abela. Speaking to MaltaToday, the minister said that whilst being well within their remit (as stated in the Programme Statement of Intent), a 15 day time frame is exaggerated. A memo sent by chairman Mark Sammut reads that current affairs programmes producers were to obtain approval from the PBS management before proceeding with the topics of their programmes. These topics need to be communicated 15 days in advance.

All the details are also to be sent to TVM’s head of news Norma Saliba. This memo has however opened the public broadcaster to claims of censorship, with Abela, the minister responsible for state broadcasting, stating that the PSI has been in place for years due to the fact that any libel proceedings against any of the programmes aired on TVM will be directed to the editor.

The PBS has to have the right for information before the programme is aired to exercise such responsibility. He the minister revealed he had knowledge of the 15-day minimum notification period, saying that it has to be more reasonable especially in the context of current affairs programmes.

Sammut revealed to Times of Malta that the memo was only sent out in order to have topics included in the schedule and to providers of EPC TV guides. He also said that topics could be subject to change.

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Photo Source: Wikipedia, Carmelo Abela FB

Here are the world’s top five restaurants for 2021

Oct 6 2021

The beloved atmosphere of restaurants was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, putting even the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards to a halt. But it has officially made a comeback as people too get to return to clink their glasses together and dine over delicious meals. The awards for 2021 feature two eateries in Copenhagen taking up the first and second place of what is deemed to be the Oscars of the fine dining experience. The top spot? Well that goes to Noma.

Danish chef René Redzepi’s three Michelin star restaurant opened in Copenhagen back in 2003 and took the first slot of the top 50 ranking back in 2010. Noma now joins Eleven Madison park, the Fat Duck, Osteria Francescana and Mirazur in a separate ‘Best of the Best’ program.

Second place is currently reserved for Noma’s neighbour ‘Geranium’, also in Copenhagen. Head chef Rasmus Kofoed serves adventurous seasonal menu items which reflect his passion for sea-foraging. With melted smoked lard and squid filling up the menu, guests are treated to a wide array of delicacies.

In third place comes Spain’s Asador Etxebarri, where all dishes are flame grilled. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz was voted by his peers as the winner of the Chef’s Choice Award. The top 5 list is rounded up by Central in Lima, Peru, which is also the best restaurant in South America. Last but not least, another Spanish restaurant, this time from Barcelona, Disfrutar, takes 5th place.

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