Hosted in collaboration with JEF, DESA, TDM2000, ASCS, HOASA and UPSA, the event is not limited to painting and design, but will surely attract all areas considered as art, including performing, exhibitions, poetry, cuisine, amongst many others. An enthusiastic and enjoyable atmosphere on campus is guaranteed, as the public is invited to participate in all sorts of workshops, activities and competitions to be held…so get ready to get your hands dirty!

KSU is calling all artistic students to participate, along with others to embrace their creative side and discover the distinctive world of art. Entertaining throughout the day will be multiple bands providing the public with fresh music.

Speaking to The Third Eye, KSU Culture and Entertainment Coordinator Steph Dalli described the idea of discovering new talents:

“Basically, as KSU, we realised that University is lacking in the sphere of art and culture, so we came up with the idea of organising this Arts Festival. The idea is to incorporate anything associated to art, music, dance and drama with various workshops, exhibitions and performances taking place throughout the day. There will be different types of stalls and chill out areas. It is an event designed to discover new talents and for others to appreciate and enjoy the diversity of arts. This event is going to take place on Wednesday 2nd December from 12 till 11pm near the Architecture building, in the amphitheater area.”

The post KSU’s First Ever Arts Festival appeared first on The Third Eye.

The government recently announced plans for a new university in the south of Malta. Investing in education is a general notion that of course GUG supports. However, GUG is disappointed that youths have not been consulted about the new university that is being planned.

This follows several announced developments in education, with the nursing school and medical school in Gozo. While several academics are concerned about the problems this may cause to the current main educational institutions, GUG hopes that these are minimal, especially in the case of the medical school in Gozo that is a great opportunity for the Island, and one that GUG supports.

GUG believes that the next step is to invest further in the Gozo Campus of the University of Malta. This campus currently caters for a limited number of courses offered on a part-time basis. However, it has the potential to be further developed into a campus that is active also during the day, with niche courses that are not offered at the University of Malta; niche courses that can be aimed at both foreign and Maltese students.

This would result in further jobs in Gozo and a potential for increased income for the University of Malta, the highest national educational institution.

GUG Statement with The Third Eye

GUG’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Denis Muscat, explained that GUG agrees with Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU), that there should be better communication between the government and KSU, and also with the organisations.

The post GUG Press Release appeared first on The Third Eye.

When contacted by The Third Eye, GhSL Public Relations Officer, Jacob Portelli, expressed his encouragement to all students to grasp the opportunity to be heard by electing the members one wishes to be represented by.

Adding to this, Jacob Portelli described the organisation’s campaign: “GhSL’s aim with the "Bring Out the Vote’ campaign is to encourage all students to go out and vote in the upcoming KSU election. We started this campaign last year and we felt that we should stick to it once again because, after all, a vote is not just a right, but it is equally a duty!”

Jacob Portelli also clarified that, battling student apathy, this initiative’s other goal is to inspire other organisations to partake in such campaigns.

“We encourage all students to make their voice heard next Thursday and go our and vote! As our motto goes — Your Vote, Your Voice!”

Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1571377783125440/1571424489787436/

The post GhSL Launch Voting Initiative appeared first on The Third Eye.

1.   Beauty and the Beast had been attempted to be produced into an animated film by Walt Disney in both the 1930s and the 1950s but didn’t due to writers finding it hard to adapt the story.

2.   Disney borrowed ideas from Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film.

3.   British animation director, Richard Purdum was hired by Walt Disney in 1988 to adapt the film. However, his version was darker and non-musical.

4.   Linda Woolverton was then hired to rewrite the script. Her only previous experience with Disney was writing a few episodes of Chip "n’ Dale Rescue Rangers.

5.   The characterization of Belle was inspired by Katherine Hepburn’s portrayal of Jo March in the 1933 Little Women film, because Linda wanted to make Belle a stronger and independent character.

6.   Sherri Stoner, who served as the reference model for Belle, was also the reference model for Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

 7.   Disney originally wanted Jodi Benson to voice Belle, who also voiced Ariel in The Little Mermaid.  But then Paige O’Hara was chosen as the voice for Belle, who actually sobbed real tears when recording the death scene of the Beast.

8.   The real name of the Beast is actually Adam. His name is never mentioned in the film.

9.   The cute character of Chip was originally meant to be a little music box.

10.   The animator Glen Keane, based the Beast’s appearance on several animals.

 11.   The final dance between Belle and the Beast, is actually a reused scene from Sleeping Beauty’s final dance.

 12.   In the original draft of the movie, the villain Gaston was meant to be killed by wolves after surviving his fall. However, the plot still made it to the big screen for Scar’s death scene in The Lion King.

13.   Some of the sculptures within the Beast’s castle are actually early concept versions of how the Beast would look.

14.   Belle is the second Disney princess not to be of royal decent. The first one is Cinderella and the third is Tiana from The Princess and The Frog.

15.   Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and to bank more than $100 million dollars at the box office.

The post 15 Facts You Might Not Have Known About “Beauty And The Beast” appeared first on The Third Eye.

Together with their campaign, entitled "Our Ambition’, Pulse have also launched 7 out of a total of 11 candidates as of yet. Amongst the names which have been revealed so far are JEF’S (Young European Federalists) current President, Brendan Zerafa, and Gozitan Thomas Bajada, who had formed part of S-Cubed’s Executive until his recent resignitation, while having already contested a year ago unsuccessfully on the Pulse ticket.

Another Gozitan who is confirmed to be contesting on behalf of Pulse is Rachel Sammut, while G?SL’s Public Relations Officer Rebecca Mercieca, who used to be an SDM (Studenti Demokristjani Maltin) activist back in her Junior College days, will also be representing Pulse in the upcoming elections.

Daniel Camilleri, who is the University Coordinator within the Pulse Executive, has also been revealed as a definite contestant by Pulse, together with MUST’s (Malta University Student Teachers) President, Eric Zahra and also Francesca Bugeja.  

Second Year P.E. (Physical Education) student, Karl Attard, who was heavily involed in the Saint Aloysious’ College’s Student Council, even being elected as President in his second year, is also expected to form part of Pulse’s team for this year’s KSU elections. Karl Attard was also one of the 7 people who were chosen to head Pulse’s Policy Forum recently.

Sara Ezabe, who is a Law Student but still in her 1st year, is also likely to be announced soon as a candidate forming part of Pulse’s contesting team.

Former Sant Aloysious’ College student, Sean Cini, who currently forms part of JEF’s Media and Publication Sub-Committe, is also a favourite candidate to contest on Pulse’s ticket.

The post The Real Insite into This Year’s Pulse Candidates appeared first on The Third Eye.

Mr Gilbert Amato Gauci, TSA’s President, opened the conference outlining the organisation’s start and its success throughout the years, including its participation in the ITB- World travel and tourism fair in Berlin, earlier this year. Mr Gauci also pointed out the great impact of the aviation industry on today’s economy, describing it as “an instrument of peace amongst people.”

The Malta Tourism Authority’s Chairman, Dr Gavin Gulia, then described the wrong impression many people have with regards to aviation. It is more than solely the airlines, airports, pilots and cabin crew. The industry is multi-faceted and is evolving thanks to new technologies. It is a nomadic industry considered to be the safest means of efficient transport. Dr Gulia touched upon long-haul travel, including business jet operators, which provide a luxurious yet safe journey. Locally, there are presently around 20 renown registered companies from this business jet operation.

Giving his view through his experience at Air Malta, Ing. Silvio Falzon, Air Malta’s Chief Operations Officer, described the various advances this industry has been through. He discussed the numerous opportunities which are available today and the many other supporting activities maintaining an airline operation.

Speaking on behalf of Medavia, the head of Human Resources and Corporate Communications of this aviation company, Mr Roderick Cutajar, described the significant growth of Malta’s aviation. With regards to the recruitment aspect, Mr Cutajar pointed out that attracting talent entails heavy investments in marketing and corporate branding. Leadership also plays a pivotal role in the message it conveys to the community in general, yet, ultimately, companies that transform themselves from good to great are those which really value the people’s contribution. Advising prospective students, Mr Cutajar notified the audience to be optimistic and to embrace opportunities while putting great effort into their studies due to the fierce competition there is out there.

Mr Cutajar also spoke about the advisory role of the Human Resources. One must build a trustworthy relationship while voicing the employee’s rights. Medavia’s strategy involves the studying of every individual role and performance on a regular basis, including assigning a grade to every role in order to assure fair compensation

Mr Johan Debattista, speaking on behalf of the Malta Air Traffic Services, emphasised the great potential there currently is in Malta. He explained that Air Traffic Control does not simply involve the person assigned with the giving of directions for take off or landing. Its functions go beyond this.

The conference went on to a panel, presented by Matthew Sargent, between the previous speakers together with Captain Patrick Calleja, a pilot for Air Malta, and Mr Alfred Quintano, on behalf of the University’s Institute for Tourism, Travel and Culture.

The discussion kicked off with a perspective on how high one’s prospective may be with regards to embracing a career within the aircraft industry in Malta, specifically, for University students. Ing. Falzon noted that jobs with respect to Human Resources within Air Malta are presently scarce. Yet, ground handling is growing at a very fast rate. On the other hand, Mr Cutajar explained that it has given young Maltese talent huge job opportunities.

Unfortunately, the backbone of Medavia has always been linked with operations in Libya. When asked about how this unsettled geographical situation has affected jobs at Medavia, Mr Cutajar confirmed that it has disturbed the company greatly, especially financially since it is a Libyan managed organisation, which makes it even harder for the company to accept change. Commenting on this, Mr Quintano pointed out that one must look at the whole unsettled geo-political situation in the Mediterranean, not just Libya.

Touching upon the subject of job requirements, Mr. Debattista described the work involved in Air Traffic Controlling is quite stressful, hence, applicants with qualifications are preferred. Candidates within this area of the industry must undergo a process of electronic exams leading to a tough course one must succeed in. He also addressed the subject of gender equality. The industry makes no discrimination between females and males.

Speaking from the experience of a pilot, Cpt. Calleja emphasized that graduating from Tourism studies at University level does aid prospective pilots. He described the change that the role of a pilot has undergone. It is necessary for one to have a management skill rather than technical background in pursuing such a career.

Concluding the event, Mr Antoine Borg, Shadow Spokesperson in Parliament for the Opposition, described how life is a continued learning experience. Aviation stands out as one of the fastest growing sectors in the local and global area. He described that the demand for aviation professionals is already exceeding the supply to meet the ever-growing demand of professional personnel.

The post TSA Conference 2015 | Students’ Prospects in the Aviation Industry appeared first on The Third Eye.

To keep up with their eventful and hectic University life, Betapsi appoints members who are given specific roles within the organization, which organises numerous activities and projects throughout the year that appeal to all students.

The newly elected students filling the organisation’s roles are as follows:

President -Steve Borg

Vice president- Clara Chetcuti

Secretary General – Stephanie Mangion

Leisure Coordinator – Bernard Laus

Educational Officer – Velriya Bonkova

Public Relations Officer – Rebecca Xiberras

External Officer – Nicola Falzon

Financial Officer – Karl Azzopardi

International Officer – John Paul Muscat

Following the previous executive’s success and hard work, the new executive faces the continuation of such accomplishments together with any new challenges ahead. On behalf of The Third Eye, I would like to wish the new administration a fruitful year and all the best in retaining the organization’s cherished status.

The post Betapsi Launches New Executive appeared first on The Third Eye.

Guest speaker Prof. Arnold Cassola started off the debate by distinguishing between the job salaries provided within European countries before 2004 and the salaries provided today. Since the entrance of the ten countries into the European Union in 2004, including Malta, the salaries have decreased in number since the ten candidates have not been contributors. Yet, he highlighted the fact that it is a full package, including the experience of opening one’s mind to life and culture outside of Malta.

With reference to his experience in Brussels, Prof. Cassola emphasised the importance of learning different languages when aspiring to working within the European Union, especially minor languages.

Prof. Cassola described the reality of working in the European Union after graduation and said that one must start as a stage. Students do not expect to find a highly paid job immediately after finishing his or her studies. Such students must be outgoing and capable of searching thoroughly all opportunities that are available.

The panel included various speakers who contributed to the discussion, including Brendan Zerafa, on behalf of JEF Malta, who emphasised the issue of youth unemployment which is higher than normal unemployment.

Dalziel Bugeja, representing TSA (Tourism Studies Association), stated that job opportunities continue to grow. Within the tourism sector, various openings are available, such as a specific program offered by the Hilton hotel for students who are to graduate. The idea of offering non-formal education to students was suggested by Tyler Cassar, a representative of KNZ (Kunsill Nazzjonali Zghazagh). He stated that the European Union might not fully recognise such skills, such as involvement in non-governmental organisations, and gives more importance to a certificate of graduation.

This idea of soft skills was also discussed by Ryan Falzon, who contributed on behalf of KSU. He stated that there should be vocational training centres for students to take up courses enhancing their informal education. Neil Smart Costantino, representing SDM, also gave importance to awareness. The experience does not only involve working abroad, but also living abroad. Julian Guillaumier, speaking on behalf of PULSE, also agreed that the opportunities are available, yet training programs would be helpful to push the students to pursue them.

The discussion then revolved around the areas of education and social and cultural restraints. Most of the panel agreed that the education system in Malta is to blame for the lack of encouragement to work within the European Union. Education is the bridge to employment and the local system of education may not fully provide for pursuing a future outside of our country.

Reference was also made to the Bologna Process, which Prof. Cassola described as a process of harmonisation. He mentioned the Pisa Report, which classifies Malta at a low level when it comes to basic schooling.

The discussion closed with a short message from MEP Dr. Therese Comodini Cachia who also mentioned the numerous employment opportunities available within the Union. With so many different perspectives laid on the table, the debate was very fruitful and informative as to the means by which we can pursue a future internationally and as to what careers are available within the European Union.

The post School, Studying, Graduating…What’s Next? appeared first on The Third Eye.

In his contribution, Prof. Friggieri referred to the Rector of University’s "2020 Vision or Optical Illusion’ document created back in 2010.  He considered particularly projects such as the building of the ICT Faculty, which cost around 20 million euros, the construction of the IT Services building, with a price of about 8 million euros and other projects including the building of a new residence for students instead of the present Hal-Lija residence.

Stating that it is estimated that 5000 new students will be attending University by the year 2020, Prof. Friggieri emphasised the necessity to expand resources. He stressed that new buildings on campus are constructed not just to cater for the increasing amount of students, but also because of the new programs and courses introduced year after year.

In his speech, Prof. Friggieri also addressed the issue of funding. He held that there must be “qualitative progress” as “linear progress” alone is not enough, yet this requires an enormous injection of funds. Prof. Farrugia also stated that our country needs people who are not only specialists in their sector, but are also able to “think outside the box”. The University has tried to achieve this through the "Degree Plus’ programs offered to all students. He concluded that it is the University’s aim to achieve excellence in learning and that while the University experience gives the students numerous values, the students’ reciprocal contribution is valued.

Following Prof. Friggieri’s contribution, the students present were divided into five groups; each participating in five workshops aimed at voicing issues University students face together with finding solutions for such problems. These workshops each targeted different sectors of the University, namely "think Leisure’, conducted by Beppe Degiorgio, "think Education’, led by Gabriel Micallef, "think Environment’, held by Leo Muscat, "think Active’, conducted by Thomas Farrugia, and "think Opportunities’, led by Gianluca Sciberras.

The highly informative workshops addressed the steps that can be taken as a way forward to an improved University experience, including matters such as transport, academic stability, student health, foreign youth exchanges and active student participation.

The post The Annual SDM Conference: A Modern University appeared first on The Third Eye.

The panel, chaired by Dr. Andrew Azzopardi, consisted of representatives who exemplified all sides to the story, including Hon. Roderick Galdes, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Mr Mark Mifsud Bonnici, a member of ’Kaccaturi San Ubertu’, Professor Arnold Cassola, from Alternattiva Demokratika, Mr Mark Sultana from Birdlife and Hon. Matthew Agius from the PN.

Prof. Cassola kicked off the debate by stating that it is all a question of principle and diversity. Birds that regularly attempt to breed in Malta are to be preserved and not killed by the shot of a gun. He argued that all hunters must recognise the legal protection of our public land, which land should be preserved and enjoyed by the public. Cassola here emphasised the reference to ’public’ land, saying that it is to be savoured by the general public. Mr Sultana, representing the ’Birdlife’ NGO, agreed with Cassola and added that natural conservation is a value that is not to be tampered with. He also described the strength that nature provides certain those birds with, which are able to travel from Hungary, fly over Malta, head to Senegal and travel back. Any hunting of such a bird must be condemned. He stated that currently, hunters have the five-month period of hunting. Hence, it is not rightful to say that hunting will be banned for good. However, Mr Mifsud Bonnici from the ’Kaccaturi San Ubertu’, soon counter argued that this is no excuse. He reminded Mr Sultana that the presence of two specific species of birds is unsatisfactory as they do not come to Malta in Spring. Yet, Mr Sultana expressed that the aim of the referendum is not to ban hunting in its totality and as a hobby, but to protect certain species.

The referendum was addressed by Hon. Matthew Agius, representing the PN, who expressed his repugnance towards the questioning of whether a referendum should be held once so many signatures were collected. He stated that one of the Nationalist party’s principles is to fight any illegality and disapproved the government’s apathy towards the current spring hinting situation. Giving the example of the extension of the local hunting curfew from 3 p.m. to the present 7 p.m. curfew, Hon. Agius added that the government is only worsening the chances of abuse. On the defense, Mr Mifsud Bonnici reminded the public that hunting in Malta is regulated by EU Directives which are followed by many hunters.

As the government’s Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, the Honorable Galdes provided a legal perspective, stating that his position has always been clear and consistent. What is permissible under the current hunting directives is not to be questioned. He highlighted that the true issue is that there are a great amount of hunters who follow the directives, yet there are various others who can be considered as criminals as they hunt with a criminal intention. The aim of the government is primarily legal enforcement. Hon. Galdes compared the illegal hunters who have been caught red-handed since 2007 to those caught before, while stating that the illegalities have decreased significantly.

A recent case of the illegal hunting of a protected swan rose to discussion as Mr Sultana argued the licenses of hunters. Mr Sultana also attacked the ’Kaccaturi San Ubertu’ union for the inconsistency in its principle of zero tolerance towards illegalities and appealed for enforcement of laws. Hon. Galdes answered the Birdlife representative by emphasising the government’s drastic measures and actions taken that send an instant message to those who truly hunt with no violent intention and might hesitate to report any illegal hunting they know of. He insisted on enforcement and penalties as he pointed out that our country has the harshest of laws in Europe. On the other hand, Mr Mifsud Bonnici suggested that the government must protect better the hunters who follow the law and argued that these people are at a disadvantage since they are in a minority. Mr Bonnici addressed organisations such as Birdlife, stating that they have great support from foreign bird-watchers who visit our islands not for the sake of bird-watching, but to keep a watchful eye on hunters. On this point, Mr Cassola debated that we are a state capable of realising our own hunting situation which is worsening, with no aid from foreigners. Taking a patriotic stand, Mr Cassola argued that the upcoming referendum is a referendum of the people and for the people. Addressing the students present, he encouraged youth involvement in voting for the conservation of our environment and to avoid disturbance of birds that are breeding.

Hon. Agius, representing the PN, defended the minority of hunters who solely aim to exercise their hobby by stating that such hunters must be well-protected and not looked down on. He insisted that our surrounding environment must not unbalance the principle of balance.

Concluding the debate, Mr Bonnici appealed to the public to choose wisely in the upcoming referendum and to consider the fact that every human being is entitled to exercise their hobby, a hobby which must not come to a halt just by a couple of signatures. Hon. Galdes ended the debate by suggesting one action that should be considered for a stable future; compromise.

The post Spring Hunting: The Debate appeared first on The Third Eye.