Feature - page 31

We have all experienced bereavement in one way or another. Bereavement and loss are a part of life, of the human condition. Bereavement takes many forms from the loss of a parent in childhood, to the loss of a child, a sibling, a grandparent, a beloved pet.

The dictionary defines bereavement as “to be robbed” or “deprived of something valuable” and is commonly used in relation to the death of a significant person in our life.  Grieving refers to the psychological components of bereavement, referring to the feelings evoked by a significant loss, especially the suffering involved when a loved one dies.

Since Sigmund Freud, grieving and mourning have been conceived as the process through which the bereaved person adjusts to the reality of their loss, enabling them to disengage from the deceased and invest in new relationships. 

While death and dying are, for many people, the ultimate trauma, people can experience similar emotional upset when dealing with many of life’s challenges, especially if confronted with something for the first time. 

Over the recent two years we, as a people, have experienced loss in new ways. We have lost the world as we have known it all our lives. Even when things settle down and the road forward is clearer, I think we all know that we can never go back.  But the good news is that we can go forward. 

I feel that it is essential to update the understanding of loss and bereavement in the current climate.  Has it fundamentally changed or do we just need to expand the understanding of the experience? To perhaps redefine the actual meaning to encompass differing experiences of loss while retaining the core. 

In order to enable this, I think we need to have a better understanding of the theory of grief and this necessitates understanding more about yourself and others. 

As human beings we are vulnerable. Vulnerability is part of our makeup. It is a condition of our existence and the tragedies we experience are the revelations of that vulnerability. If there was no vulnerability there would be no tragedy and thus no experience of loss and bereavement. 

Child psychologist John Bowlby argued that we form attachments early in life and these offer us security and survival. So, when these attachments are broken or lost, individuals experience distress and emotional disturbances such as anxiety, rage, anger, feelings of desolation and extreme vulnerability. It was Bowlby who identified the four phases of ‘mourning’:

1. Numbing  

2. Yearning and Searching               

3. Disorganisation  

4. Reorganisation.

When tragedy strikes it can be so overwhelming that the mind can go numb. This is also known as cognitive dissonance – just impossible to comprehend the reality of what has happened. This is then followed by periods of yearning for what or who has been lost and the mind will search for ways of averting the reality. Then comes the period of disorganisation when nothing seems to fit and it is impossible to find sense or continuity.  Finally come the steps to reorganise life in a new way without the person or situation that is no longer part of it.

Looking at it this way highlights the fact that actual physical death is not always the cause of bereavement but death of a relationship or a job or a way of life can have equally devastating effects. It is important also to be clear that there can be degrees of bereavement too.  Losing one’s home and way of life may be less devastating than losing a child or way of life but that is not to deny that it is still a form of bereavement. As human beings, we tend to downplay certain traumas as ‘not as important’ as we feel it would be disrespectful to someone whose grief is of a more brutal nature than ours. But I do feel that it is important to acknowledge whatever has happened on whatever level we feel it in order to process and let go.  Only thus do we move on. 

The word ‘trauma’ is very much in vogue at the moment and, up to a point, quite rightly so.  Everyone experiences trauma in their early lives and, historically, it has not been recognised just how much damage unacknowledged trauma can do. And so, for an adult to function on a healthy level mentally and emotionally, it is essential that these dark areas are explored, addressed and put to rest. Otherwise, they will simply keep popping up to remind you of the fact that they happened and to destroy the quality of life in all sorts of subtle and not so subtle ways.  Of course, the overuse of the word ‘trauma’ must be monitored so as not to become an excuse for not taking personal responsibility. But that is another subject.  

So, what do we do and how do we apply these understanding to go forward with our lives in the current situation?

First of all, be honest with yourself about how you feel about what has happened, whatever it is, and make the decision to not allow it to interfere with your wonderful future. Writing things down and re reading as though having a conversation with the damaged part of yourself can be hugely therapeutic. Then allow your mind to bring forth the good things that can now flow through and make a pledge to respect yourself and to not judge. Yourself or others. 

Loss and bereavement can be expressed in various ways and we are each so individual.  When you promise yourself to love and acknowledgement in this way then the Universe will move in unexpected ways to help you become the best version of yourself that you can be. 

Kate Mchardy MA(Hons) PGCE MSPH Spiritual coach, teacher and healer. katemch@gmail.com / Tel: +44 7712889534. Facebook: The University of Light Group / Readings at The University of Light (@tarotangelspiritreadings). 

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Stand your ground this month, Aries, and be the peaceful warrior. Angry or forceful words are not appropriate so leave those for others to use if they so desire. Your dignity will set the tone for understanding.

TAURUS Apr 21 – May 21) 

You may be feeling rater out of balance at the moment. Taurus, and you are not alone. You must make time for some alone time. You must take steps to just be with yourself, step into your heart energy and regain your inner strength.

GEMINI (May 22 – Jun 22) 

While things may be a little overwhelming, Gemini, and difficult to get a handle on, just remember that the entire planet needs healing and each of us has an important part to play. So, when in doubt, listen to your heart. It knows. 

CANCER (Jun 23 – Jul 22)

Take time to relax this month, Cancer, and know that everything you need to know is within you. Take time to relax and allow yourself to trust the Universe to take care of things for you. You play your part by being still and honouring your senses. 

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 23) 

Do not doubt yourself when you are presented with an amazing opportunity this month, Leo. Instead, remind yourself that it is just what you have longed for and that pushing beyond your comfort zones is the only way to true success. 

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sep 23)

The Past has gone and the Future has not yet arrived, Virgo, so you must engage in the Present. Really, you have no choice so give it your whole heart while remaining calm, focused and serene. And remember to practice understanding and forgiveness. 

LIBRA (Sep 24 – Oct 23) 

You are being encouraged to look at your life challenges in new ways this month, Libra. Same old, same old just isn’t going to make it happen. Look at things from a different angle before making any judgement or decision and take time before you act. 

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22) 

Life is busy this month, Scorpio, and your head probably feels bombarded with chatter. This is a challenge to you to step back from it all and take stock using all of your senses. Thus, you will hear what is being said on a deeper level and it will all make much more sense. 

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21) 

If you are questioning yourself, Sagittarius, then remember that you are on a soul mission and are simply being given a period to reassess. You will be tested and must take care to be one step ahead of your thoughts and actions. Send loving light ahead to keep your path illuminated and clear. 

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20) 

The energies charging around the globe at the moment are bombarding everyone whether they are aware of it or not. Some are just downright confused and this is where you can help, Capricorn. Aim to remind a few people each day of just how important they are and of their value in these changing times.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19) 

Stand in your truth this month, Aquarius, and know that the Universe will reward you. You may be misunderstood by those for whom you have the best of intention but do not waver. Remain true to your purpose and hold your vision like a flame. 

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20) 

You feel drawn to learning this month, Pisces. Like a thirst to acquire higher knowledge and wisdom. So, look beyond the current limitations that you are feeling and explore the lessons from a higher perspective. Your learnings will automatically be reflected in your world.

Property Market Update

The start off 2022 has continued the trend of global events marked by uncertainty and upheaval that we have seen for the last 36 months. Fortunately, Gibraltar has weathered the storms so far in it’s own unique way. As the world watches events in Ukraine unfold, Gibraltar joins the world in imposing sanctions on Moscow and wait for the response. Property Insight turns to BMI Managing Director Louis C Montegriffo for his analysis of the local property market.

High demand,  growth and
confidence on The Rock

 High value clients (Cat 2 / Hepps) and other applicants relocating to the Rock continue to represent a significant part growth in the property sector. We are seeing new startups in the gaming industry, with substantial investments which suggest a long-term presence in Gibraltar; the DLT sector and the Finance Centres’ foresight in regulating the industry at technology level is already proving to be hugely successful and has the makings of developing similarly to the online gaming sector, which has, over two decades been responsible for substantial growth.

We believe that there are numerous fundamentals surrounding our economy which will underpin further consistent growth. We are therefore optimistic and side on a real prospect that prices will hold at current levels and may see further growth particularly within the upper tiers and owner occupier driven sectors.

Off-plan re-sales and re-sales in recently completed developments such as Quay 31 and Midtown continue to be a good indicator of confidence.

There has been a strong indicator that re-sales in certain developments are seeing significant growth margins of up to 25% in the past 12 months. As has been the case in so many previous updates, we place a great deal of importance on the impact of off-plan sales and the quality / profile of buyers; we do not tire in repeating simple logic, “owner occupiers” will always drive the sector – “let the market drive the market”.

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Commercial Property in Gibraltar.

With respect to current availability / stock, it is safe to say that there are options in various locations, but particularly so in older commercial developments. The offering is generally lower quality and in certain areas, compromised in terms of layout flexibility and sizes.

There is no question that an element of decanting from the older commercial properties into the newer and better designed office schemes has been the order of the day over the past 48 months. Worthy of note is the fact that letting rates/sqm have not been compromised at the higher end due to the decanting, in fact quite the opposite; applicants are prepared to pay high end prices for high end specs. In our view this creates an opportunity for landlords with older (decanted) buildings, to upgrade and provide the market with improved offerings to market.

We take the view that new modern office options will only serve to improve the commercial offerings in the market and will generate new business steered by new expectation which once again serve to underpin the positive future for Gib Inc.

In light of the Covid pandemic and the advent of a greater volume of employees working from home, there is a case to be made in so far as less demand or a request for reduction in office space, particularly for the larger office users. We believe that this has not directly affected the high rates for Grade A offices being achieved, but there may be some circumstances where negotiations on rent reviews may now favour the tenant.

Having said all the above, we take a great deal of confidence from the fact that the economy continues to grow, and with it, so to will the demand for commercial space.

New Off-plan Developments and their impact.

Currently there a number of off-plan developments ongoing, such as Eurocity, E1, Forbes, etc. It would be fair to say that there isn’t enough to go around when one considers the demand and the impact this has had on pricing levels over the past 18 months.

Thanks to a thriving economy with new entrants across the board (commercial / retail / financial service / gaming / DLT / private clients) we find ourselves in a not uncommon situation of serious lack of supply and over-demand for properties, leading to a hike in prices that had not been seen since 2007 and then again in 2013.

There is clearly a need and demand for new off-plan projects and of course this will be met with the Victoria Keys reclamation and of course the Eastside project, but these are still a while away. This will in itself continue to harden the market at the levels and potentially at the pace we have experienced over the past 18 months or so.

Fundamentally however, when it comes to sensible planning and knowing your market and your profile buyers, we have always maintained that a mix of owner occupiers, seasoned investors and a small measure of speculators is healthy, any overdose of the latter and you run the risk of exposing the market to an oversupply trend and in turn a property bubble. We saw this very situation in 2008 and in not such a large degree in 2014 and again 2017.

Thankfully, because of our well protected economy, Gibaltar has (in the past 25 years) weathered over supply storms and downturns better than most.

Gibraltar Economy.

Property values as indicated have grown enormously in most sectors, although these increases have not consistently mirrored GDP growth as in the past; it would be unrealistic to expect as much.

Our take for the future very much depends on new business for Gibraltar, but more importantly the ability for our economy and financial services sector to continue to strive, compete and attract new entrants from other jurisdictions. The DLT Crypto sector is clearly a new area where Gibraltar (as was the case with Gaming) is leading the way in Technology Regulation; in doing so will place itself at the forefront of what is a global game changer. We also believe that the private client space will feature highly over the next few years as we see high value clients looking for jurisdictions that can afford them a safe, proactive, low tax and regulated environment.

Key Related Economic Factors:

• There continue to be NO bank repossessions.

• Unemployment remains below 1.5%.

• Finance Centre industry is growing from within with new sectors arriving onshore.

We hope that with this recent write up we can give a small and educated snapshot of the market where we see the upsides, as well as some of the downsides.

Louis C. Montegriffo

Managing Director 

BMI Group.

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On Trend on a budget

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Interior trend: Concrete

A trend that cropped up last year and continued to gain momentum with more and more items coming through with concrete finishes. From tiles to transform your bathroom, to decor items and lighting, this is a really easy trend to adopt into your home. Not only that, but because this look is so simple, it’s perfect to hang any colours / textures around without crowding your home. 

Interior trend: Mustard

Another really bang-on-trend that’s showing no signs of slowing down. This beautiful, vibrant shade will brighten up any space – and is another really great colour to use in ‘pops’, through lighting, soft furnishings, or furniture. Yes, it’s a strong colour but don’t be afraid to pair it with other bold options. As this kitchen shows, a bit of bravery can reap huge rewards.  

DIY BUDGET IDEA

Swap cupboard doors for concrete effect. A really simple way of updating a piece of furniture you no longer love or a kitchen that is looking a little tired.  You can buy replacement doors and drawer fronts in different shades/finishes here on The Rock or in places such as IKEA.

Very Peri may well be the colour of the year but there are other looks that are taking hold this year. Here are some ideas to refresh your living spaces and bring the big trends into your home without blowing the budget. 

Interior trend: Red Earth

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A shade that’s set to be massive this year is terracotta / red earth. A beautiful, organic, bold tone, that will breathe life into any room, you don’t have to redecorate to welcome it into your home – there are lots of different ways of adding this shade into any space, through decor. Pots, vases and lamps are cost-effective solutions and also honour the earthenware origins of this look. 

Interior trend: Waves & Circles

Another one that we started to see lots of last year, waved shapes are going to be huge in furniture and accessories in 2022. Add circles, waves and curves to make your home look fluid, comfortable and inviting. If you’re a DIY fan then a fabric-covered headboard is easy to make and is the perfect way to both soften a bedroom and create an eye-catching feature.

DIY BUDGET IDEA

One of the easiest ways of bringing colour into your home without redecorating – add some soft furnishings such as cushions, a rug or a throw onto your sofa. You’ll get the colour pop you’re craving without spending a fortune – and you can always change the cushion covers next time you fall in love with another shade. 

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Home Insurance

Why is insuring your home so important? Your home is probably your most valuable possession which you will have spent years investing in and improving. It contains all your belongings, comforts and memories, it makes sense to ensure it is fully secure if the unexpected happens. 

Home Insurance is a wise investment that you take on to protect your home and family , it gives you the peace of mind that should the worst happen, you will be able to deal with it and return to the position you were before the loss had occurred. Cover is available for buildings or contents, both of which can also be combined. A home owner should choose buildings cover and may combine this with contents whereas a tenant will insure their contents only as the buildings would be insured by their landlord.

Buildings insurance will cover the structure, including its permanent fixtures for example the roof, windows, doors, as well as the internal fittings such as flooring, sanitary ware, fitted kitchen and fitted wardrobes. Some home owners may only insure their fixtures and fittings as the structure is insured via the management, this is also very common with tenants where they insure the tenants improvements. Contents insurance covers all your belongings from furniture electrical equipment to clothing personal effects and valuables.

What does home insurance cover? It will cover you for any unforeseen loss or damage caused by   standard perils i.e Fire, lightning, storm, flood and earthquake. Some policies will also provide additional perils such as accidental damage for example accidentally damaging the TV or broken glass caused by accidental means. Theft replacing stolen items, damage caused by a burst pipe, legal liability should you be held liable for any loss or damage to another person or property, these are referred to as ‘insured perils’. Some insurers also offer optional covers that fit your needs such as cover away from the home, this option is on an all-risks basis meaning ‘all-risks’ basically a more comprehensive cover covering you for accidental loss or damage usually limited to your personal belongings that you carry with you or wear like personal effects including handbags, glasses valuables and even electronic devices like mobile phones and laptops that we can’t leave home without. Bicycles and other sports equipment can also be covered away from the home.

What do you need to start on your home insurance? You need to set your sums insured, this should reflect the replacement value of your buildings and or contents this would also include additional associated costs. The best way to set this figure is to calculate what it would cost to replace your buildings and or contents in the event of a total loss for example a fire or earthquake. What would it cost to rebuild your home after a loss, this information is usually stated on your property survey at the time of purchase and or from an architect. Additional fees, these are costs incurred after a loss and or required to rebuild your property including architects fees and clearance of debris which is usually a percentage on top of the rebuild value. The same applies when calculating your fixtures and fittings. What would it cost to replace your entire belongings and contents? The best way to calculate this would be calculating the contents in each room of your home. Some insurers can assist by providing you with a contents calculator. Once you have your sums insured you will need to decide what cover suits you best by selecting any of the optional covers that suit your needs. 

It is important to ensure your sums insured are always kept up to date and that your valuations and receipts are kept up to date and made available should you need to provide proof of value in the event of a claim. Always ensure that you understand your insurance policy terms and conditions and requirements for example maintaining your property in a good state of repair, ensure that you comply with specific requirements such as minimum security and safe and alarm requirements if any. Also remember that the purpose of insurance is to cover you for specific perils and is not intended to be a maintenance contract therefore any losses due to mechanical breakdown, wear and tear or gradually operating causes such as water ingress through inadequately sealed roofing or windows will not be covered.

Once you are happy that your sums insured are adequate and understand the home insurance cover in place, you can rest assured that in the event of an insured loss you do not have to worry how to fix or replace the damages, because you now have the peace of mind of being properly insured.

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Very Peri

How to bring Pantone’s colour of the year into your home

What do the numbers 17-3938 mean to you? Probably not much unless you read our ‘Colour of the Year’ article last month. To cut to the chase it’s the technical name for Pantone’s 2022 colour of the year ‘Very Peri’. If you’re still at a loss then you’ll have seen it a lot on social media, in magazines, on tv, covering celebrities on the red carpet and endless Pinterest boards. 

‘Very Peri’ has been described by the brand as “a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through”. To many, it’s a very strong colour that scares them silly trying to imagine where that is going to fit in their lives! To us it’s like violet, lilac and midnight blue had a baby – and we like it. We’re in the third year of a pandemic and we have got to know our homes (also known as home offices, classrooms, regional HQs and gyms) far, far too much. Maybe it’s time for a change. 

So, how can you make this playful colour work in your home? Whether you choose to go big or small here are some suggestions on how you can incorporate Pantone’s “Very Peri” into your life:

1. Paint 

Whether it’s one wall, multiple walls, or maybe even your ceiling (sometimes referred to as the fifth wall), using two paint colours in the same room adds visual interest. Fortunately, Very Peri is a versatile shade, but it’s still a good idea to be strategic when painting.

Think about how the paint will look in the light during different times of day, how the colour will integrate with your existing furniture and paint, and which architectural details in your home you want to draw attention to.  If you want to get creative and give your space a wow factor, consider using Very Peri on a stencil or arch mural.  

2. Wallpaper

As far as design trends go, wallpaper is back—and better than ever. It’s also easier than ever before to find, apply, and use. Today’s wallpaper can be custom-made, cut to fit for space, and easily removable. However, wallpaper has the power to make or break a space, so it’s crucial to get the right pattern for your home. 

Just like paint colour, you want to make sure your lighting complements the wallpaper you’re considering. You also need to consider the scale of the pattern or graphics and how it will look in the area you’re planning on using it. 

3. Lighting 

Whether it’s through your light fixtures, lamps, or the tone of the lighting itself, consider using Very Peri. When done correctly, a well-placed coloured light fixture or accent lighting can completely change the mood of the space, making it look and feel more modern and playful. Plus, research shows that blue-ish purple light can actually increase productivity and can help restart your internal clock.

4. Wall art

Besides the ever-popular Pantone swatch, art is probably the easiest way to bring Very Peri to your walls. Here are just a few easy ways to get your dose of Very Peri: 

– get framed

If you love your existing wall art (or wall mirrors), consider painting the frames in Very Peri.  A quick Youtube tutorial can give you all the confidence you need to try out this simple DIY project. 

• on the download

Sites like Etsy and Society6 let you shop for the perfect piece of artwork to download, choose your size, and customize with colour. Buying and downloading art online is an extremely cost-effective way to try new artwork and see how big and bright you want to go with new colours..

– Unleash your inner creative

If you have the time and energy, try painting a piece of art yourself using Very Peri. Not only does painting help relieve stress, but it also allows you to customise your home’s artwork and give it a unique flair.. 

5. Accents

Accent colours can liven any space. Use Very Peri as inspiration to bring in opaque purple through a set of matching vases for the mantle, an area rug, couch pillows, blankets, candles, or books. Take the time to walk through your space with a designer’s eye and think about which items you could easily swap out for some extra colour.

Consider the following options for each room:

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Emotional connection to our property

When we think of our home we should have thoughts filled with happiness, contentment, warmth, love and security. It’s more than just four walls and a place to eat and sleep, but it’s where relationships are developed and where some of our biggest life events happen.

Buying and selling a property has long been known to be one of the most stressful things someone can do in life. In fact, it ranks alongside death and divorce. Part of the reason why property negotiations can feel so stressful are that we have to navigate through a series of time sensitive situations, which are often exacerbated by emotions running high, sometimes to breaking point.

A question for you. Name me another transaction in life which a large percentage of the UK population would go through at some point or another, that would involve similar levels of money, plus emotion? I dare say you may be drawing a blank. Property is arguably the only deal we ever do in life, where money, feelings and as a result stress, all run equally high at the same time.

It is undeniable that we have an emotional connection to our homes. For most of us, they are comfortable, safe and full of memories which promotes that warm, woolly feeling. We rush to get home and relax, to see the people we love the most in it and surround ourselves with everything that says “we love being here, we love being who we are!” They are our haven in the storm and are fundamental to our feeling of wellbeing.  But surely you can’t set out to design for “Emotion”?  

The interior design market has never been hotter.  Blogs, social media and high street brands can’t get enough of it. It the golden age of home décor and it is really exciting to see people creating beautiful spaces.  But the secret to the foundations to building happy homes is held within a couple of things.  

Gill Hasson is author of more than 30 books on the subject of wellbeing for adults and for children.

How important is it to feel an emotional connection to a property?

It is pretty important to feel an emotional connection to a property. You’re going to spend a lot of time there – so you want to enjoy it!

Often, when we’re looking for a property – whether it’s to rent or buy – when we find the right property it’s because it’s ticking all or most of the boxes on our checklist for what we’re looking for. So, for example, the property might be near to family, friends or work. Maybe there’s a space for you to be able to work from home. These are practical reasons for buying or renting a particular property. 

Emotional reasons could be that the property has a super kitchen or bathroom. Maybe the bedroom is south facing so it’s filled with light. Perhaps it has a lovely garden or an amazing view. These are all things that provoke feelings and emotions. And they are all valid reasons for buying/ renting a property. A property having all or most of the things you’re looking for is probably going to create an emotional attachment. That’s a good thing! 

Once you have established the kitchen is big enough and you have adequate storage space, how much emphasis should we personally put on our feelings about a property?

You don’t have to love a property, but there have to be a few things about it that you like otherwise you’re soon going to be miserable there. It’s fine if you don’t particularly like it if you’re only going to be living there for just a few months or up to a year. But if you’re looking for a property for the long term, you need to find some aspects of it that you do love. However, as most people know, it’s unlikely that a property will be exactly right and have everything you’re looking for. You’ll always have to compromise. But there should definitely be a few aspects that you really like.

What is the impact of living in a property where the emotional pull is significant and whether this aspect of our decision should be important. 

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Well of course, that’s great if you love where you live. The difficulty is when, for whatever reason, you need to move – you need to leave the property that you love. And that can be very hard. Not only do you love the property, but you’ve probably got a lot of lovely memories of living there – bringing up children in the property, friends and family visiting, parties, Christmases and so on.

The answer here is to acknowledge how sad and upset you are to leave. It’s normal to grieve for the loss of something you loved.  But don’t get stuck in those feelings. When you can, change your focus to looking forward to creating more good times and memories in your new home.

For those who have made the decision to move, prepare yourself for the emotional fallout of moving. Whether you wanted to move or are forced to move the anxiety and apprehension is attached to the ‘unknown’ part of doing something new. Mentally reassure yourself why the move is important and why now. Remind yourself that with everything that is new comes opportunities to develop new friends, memories and grow as a person. Accept the move and focus on the benefits and possibilities the transition will present for you.

A new home is the perfect time to start new traditions. Invite friends and family over so you can create new, wonderful memories.

Gill Hasson is author of Emotional Intelligence Pocketbook and, Moments of Comfort: Embracing the Joy in Life’s Simple Pleasures (both published by Capstone).

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Top Ten Kitchen Gadgaets

Part of the fun of cooking is using cool kitchen gadgets. From small kitchen tools to countertop appliances, there is a large array of products to choose from when you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen or searching for the perfect gift for your favorite cook. It doesn’t matter if your kitchen is large or small or whether you cook for one or many. There are plenty of tools that will help you work smarter and faster—and make cooking tasks easier. 

Check out these gadgets that make our lives easier and our time in the kitchen more enjoyable.

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1) Hotel Chocolat Podcycler

Okay, so not easier and the fun part is debatable but let’s start with something that tackles the massive problem of 15 billion coffee capsules heading to landfills each year. This small device is a must-buy for those with a pod coffee machine. The Podcycler separates the spent coffee grounds from the pod, making it easier to recycle. The Podcycler eco-presses the pods after use, completely removing all coffee grounds from the capsules and enabling effortless household recycling. Coffee grounds even go neatly into a separate chamber, to sprinkle and enrich garden soil or add to your compost bin. Keep your coffee fix and do good at a very cheap price! Smug Instagram post on the horizon. 

2) AVOCADO KEEPER

Small-item that solves one of our pet hates… that sad, brown, ruined half of the avo that you didn’t use a few hours earlier.  Think of this little plastic fella as the avocado’s bodyguard. The shell keeps the tender fruit safe, and the flat surface prevents air from getting to the exposed fruit. This will slow browning and mush-ification and in turn your sadness. It also eliminates the need for single-use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The design prevents air from reaching the exposed fruit inside, so it won’t turn brown as quickly. 

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3) KITCHENAID PROFESSIONAL 5™ PLUS SERIES 5 QUART BOWL-LIFT STAND MIXER

This is a big one but it’s here for a very good reason. The KitchenAid Professional 5™ Plus Series 5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer (catchy name) is essential if you want to be serious in the kitchen. This durable bowl-lift stand mixer is built to last, and features ten speeds to gently knead, thoroughly mix, and briskly whip ingredients for a wide variety of recipes and comes in a variety of colors to perfectly match your kitchen. You’ll be able to expand your mealtime creativity with over ten optional hub-powered attachments, from food grinders to pasta makers and more. This is going to be one of the most valuable tools in our kitchen arsenal for many years to come.

It was the workhorse of our household during the pandemic when we baked bread almost every day. The motor in this machine is designed to last a lifetime, and there’s more you can do with it besides just mixing flour and extruding pasta. Additionally, you can use it to grind meat to make the best burger and meatball mix.

4) OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Jug

Ever thought you needed an angled measuring jug? Neither did we… until we got one. This plastic jug from OXO has an angled measuring surface so you can measure accurately from above, bringing an end to bending, lifting, checking and adjusting. 

The oval shape of the kitchen tool lets you see measurements by just looking down and the non-slip handle means you can pour with precision – even with wet hands. Clever, right?

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5) Spoon rest… yes, but no, but yes. 

We’ve searched high and low for a spoon rest that we don’t hate – and we think we’ve finally found one (yes, our lives are so glamorous!).  This space-saving Yamazaki Home Stand keeps cooking spoons, ladles, tongs and pot lids from clattering to the counter and spraying my cooking surface with goopy sauces and splats. Not only that but it doubles as a cooking book stand and tablet holder. It’s stylish enough to blend into most kitchen environments (it also comes in white/grey and there’s a similar style that’s all-white with a bamboo rest bar). Importantly, the bottom catch tray pops out, so all pieces are easy to clean. 

Tip: When in doubt, go with black. Dark colors will be less likely to stain, especially if you cook with a lot of red, oily sauces or yellow seasonings like turmeric.

6) Stainless Steel Butter Spreader

Never tear your toast (or your hair out) with cold butter again thanks to this clever 3-in-1 knife that has been gaining interest on TikTok and Pinterest. The knife has mini cutouts on the side to create easily spreadable coils of butter. It also has a hole at the top of the nice for larger ribbons and a serrated edge to cut. Another gadget you don’t think you need? Sure, tell us that when you’ve finished hacking at that block of butter straight from the fridge. 

7) Tovolo Tiki ICE Pop Molds

Ice pops aren’t just for kids. These tiki-style molds will make the kids happy, of course, but they can also be used to make icy adult pops (think margarita pops or piña colada pops). Each pop has a different design, which adds to the fun, and the handles fit the tiki theme as well. 

It is easy to pull out the pops from the molds, and they can be washed in the dishwasher. Other designs, including robots, monsters, and dinosaurs, will definitely delight your children. Our tip is to check out the Zombie ones, they are pretty awesome.

8) ThermoPro Instant Read Thermometer

This little beauty can be used to bake, grill, or fry, ensuring that your food will be cooked to perfection every time. Originally used for checking meat on the barbecue, we have been using it for all kinds of dishes and it has been the best bang for your buck item in our kitchen. 

9) Microplane Classic zester / grater

This grater is the choice of chefs and home cooks alike, featuring ultra-sharp blades that produce fine, even grating, whether you’re zesting ginger or citrus or grating cheese.

No more bloody knuckles or chipped nails. No more lemon pith. No more vampire-deterring chunks of garlic. Only happy hands, fine zests, and fancy garnishes for cocktails. Bliss. 

10) The Mini Supoon

The what? It’s 8-inch silicone spoon that features a flat squeegee tip, a scooping head, and a bend in the handle that props the spoon up so the head doesn’t touch the counter. That sounds great but in reality it’s just the best spoon for getting every last something out of a jar. We would have wasted cupfuls of peanut butter, jam, and mustard over the years were it not for this genius little scraper.

The flat tip is key – it gets into every nook while the rest of the bendy, flexible head wipes clean the insides of any jar. Think there’s no way you have a tablespoon of mustard left for that recipe? Use this spoon and you’ll probably come up with two.

A much loved daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, Rose Tilbury was a successful entrepreneur and a former Insight contributor who led a passionate and accomplished life before her sudden death in February. 

Rose was born in 1945 to parents Juanita and Pepe Rocca and grew up alongside her younger brother and older sister in a three bedroomed house in Alameda Estate which was shared by a very large extended family of thirteen. Maltese was the language spoken at home, with both Rose’s parents having Maltese and Italian heritage. 

Her loving mother, who Rose was very close to, died when she was young and this had an impact on her, bringing with it a dual challenge – significant sadness (and some loneliness) but also a realisation that life is short and that one must enjoy every minute of it. In 1966, Rose married neighbour Eric Tilbury and together they had two children, Nicole and Daniella. Eric was the love of her life and sadly passed away a few days after celebrating their Golden Anniversary in 2016. “Losing Eric was a massive blow,” Nicole states. “She was deeply in love with him and considered him her soul mate. Her smile was never the same after he left.” Rose was very proud of her grandchildren: Stefan, Tiffany and Alexa and enjoyed light-hearted banter with her son-in-law’s Dylan and Kim.

When she was young Rose won various beauty awards and was a regular on the Gibraltar Cavalcade floats. Dressing up in numerous character roles was something she very much enjoyed and in later years she became well known for her bling and colourful jewellery collection, which brought her much joy. Rose’s red hair and matching outfits were a signature trademark and at her funeral many people dressed in colour to say their goodbyes. 

As was the tradition in the sixties, local women did not go to University as there were no funding opportunities or support for young Gibraltarian women. Daniella says that a degree is something she truly would have wanted to have attained. “Her passion was in English literature and writing and she continued to write whenever she had an opportunity and took various university courses online to further develop her abilities in this area.”

Rose went on to become a civil servant working in the Dept. of Labour and Social Security at a time when women did not have many responsibilities in government, yet she held a role with significant duties. She left her position after her second child was born as she wanted to raise her children rather than depend on grandparents.

“Once I left for University and my sister left home, Mum set up her own business leading an estate and letting agency at Ocean Heights,” Daniella explains, going on to say that she was very proud of her achievements as a women leading and growing the business all by herself. “In truth, she was a savvy businesswomen who took significant yet informed business risks which paid off – she had no fear of making decisive decisions. Quite remarkable for a women of her time who had no real assets, mentoring or qualifications in business and yet she did very well. Her business required significant commitments of time and energy and when she sold the business almost ten years ago, this significantly changed the quality of her life.”

Rose was a founder member of the Gibraltar Women in Business network and formed part of the committee for over fifteen years, taking on the role of public relations adviser and as an outreach member. She was also an active member of the GFSB. 

Daniella says that writing for Insight was something Rose was very proud of. “She had a particular commitment to human rights issues and so she wrote extensively about child soldiers; women’s issues; poverty and similar social concerns. She was very empathetic and felt the lack of opportunity or alternatives of others very deeply.”

Among many other interests, Rose was a passionate gardener and her pride and joy was her garden where she spent a great deal of time and which became a haven for her, especially after Eric passed away. Rose was a member of the Gibraltar Horticultural Society and her talent for growing plants and flowers, as well as for flower arranging, led her to become the most prized winner of the GHS, becoming the highest overall winner on eight occasions. 

She also had a soft spot for culture and the arts and was a regular attendee at the Gibraltar Drama Festival and the Gibraltar Literary Festival. Something unknown by many people was the fact that Rose had an extensive collection of original art work from local artists and a copy of every book published by a Gibraltarian. 

Rose and Eric shared a love of dancing. They were elected as President and Committee Member of the Catholic Community Sequence Dance Club leading change during the mid-80s and through the 90s. They established the National Day dances and were very involved in extending the reach and relevance of the club. “Rose was very playful and cheeky and very much enjoyed dressing up for fancy dress competitions organised by the club. She was well known for her ability to disrupt to ensure no one took themselves too seriously – and she was always fun and full of life,” Daniella comments. 

Just days before the 50th Anniversary of the Catholic Community Centre Ballroom Dancing Club, Daniella took Rose shopping for a ball gown and matching shoes. “She was really looking forward to the event,” Daniella says. Sadly, the day before the Ball, Rose unexpectedly passed away.

Rose’s warm demeanour was infectious and she was always generous with her time and friendship. Daniella’s final accolade to Rose is: “Mum was a women of colour, courage and conviction as well as a sensitive soul with a lot of heart.”

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As the saying goes: ”Friends are the family we choose”   Rose and I have been friends since 1980 and together with Eric she worked tirelessly for the CCC Sequence Dance Club.  Her cheeky sense of humour and cheerful nature has been enlightening to me and to everyone. Even when she was missing Eric or feeling ill she would crack a joke and the sadness of the moment would come alive with laughter.  Rose is (her spirit lives) the kind of lady who lights up the room as soon as she enters. Her empathy and kindness towards everyone are two of her numerous qualities. I miss her radiance, her generosity,  infectious laughter,  her joie de vivre.  She has left a void which will never be filled.’ Ana Maria Morro

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“Our years at Gibraltar Business Network were formative. Rose made immeasurable contribution to the Network. She related many funny anecdotes during our talks to school girls who understood that hard work can also be enjoyable which I am sure made an impact. We will miss you Rose ’ Lydia Durham

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Rose was like a star, full of light and brightness,she always had a smile for everyone who she met ,have known her a long time and we had a beautiful friendship which was shared for our love of Football, especially supporting our National Team and also our love for Gibraltar and it’s people where we travelled in a coach in June 1999 to Brussels to demonstrate to the world and the European Parliament at our discontent how Gibraltar and it’s people were being treated. Our chats were sometimes very interesting but we always ended up having a laugh together, she is now gone but will never be forgotten as she will always be that bright star shining in the night sky. Simy Herbert

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A story of bravery in the Antarctic

NO.1

One normally associates a cemetery with ghosts and darkness. However, a study of the headstones at North Front reveals an incredible source of interesting and often tragic stories. In the next few issues we are going to reveal some of the stories that lie behind the headstones. 

In 1898, a Norwegian explorer obtained backing from a British publisher and put together the British Antarctic Expedition,1898 to 1900. The President of the British Geographical Society considered this an affront since they had been planning a similar expedition for some time and considered a British-funded Norwegian operation a travesty.

The prize was to be the first to reach the South and Magnetic Poles. The Norwegians proved that it was possible to survive a winter in the Antarctic, having spent the winter of 1898 in huts at Cape Adare. Our first is a tale of adventure, suffering and courage in a hostile environment in the days when there were still areas of our planet to be conquered.

With the backing of the British Geographical Society, the Government and businessmen in the City, a British expedition was assembled under Commander Robert Scott RN. Subscriptions and donations amounted to £90,000 (approximately £3.6m today). This sum enabled them to purchase a purpose-built ship from the Dundee Shipbuilders Company and launch it on March 21st 1901. The ship was built to withstand the pressure of the ice in the event that it became ice-bound.  

RGS Discovery was a three-masted barque-rigged ship with coal-fired engines. With a length of 52m and a beam of 10m, she had a displacement of 1570tonnes. Capable of 8 knots, she was unable to carry enough coal for a long voyage, hence the sails. Her wooden hull was reinforced to withstand the pressure of the ice pack. The rudder and propeller were capable of being withdrawn to prevent damage from ice. Her bow was sheathed in iron and racked to enable her to ride up on the pack ice and break through. Her shallow draft and streamlined hull was designed to work in the Antarctic waters but made her uncomfortable on the high seas. Her sailing qualities were criticised by Captain Scott, who complained that she carried too much sail aft and not enough forward. No doubt the position of the engines had something to do with this. The construction of the hull was designed to withstand compression and included five different types of wood. The keel was made from a single eucalyptus tree. The ballast consisted of old cannon balls. In order to facilitate scientific study of the earth’s magnetism, all the ship’s metal fittings were made from bronze, including the anchor and chains.

Captain Scott had a crew of 11 officers and 36 men (other sources state 49 officers and men). 

The Discovery sailed from London on July 31st to the Isle of Wight for the regatta, where she was visited by the King. On August 6th she set sail for the Antarctic, calling in at Madeira for coal. 

The next we hear of her she is in Littleton, New Zealand, where they picked up provisions to last years. 45 live sheep were donated by local farmers. Other items were also loaded, including some prefabricated wooden huts.

The leader of the scientific group, Professor Gregory, resigned before the Discovery sailed on December 21st. On leaving harbour, Corporal Arthur Blissett of the Royal Marines fell to his death and was replaced at Port Chalmers by Able Seaman Jesse Handsley. After picking up coal at Port Chalmers, and a stop at Cape Adare, Scott headed for the ice. On February 4th, he, accompanied by Sub Lieutenant Shackleton RNR, took the Balloon “Eva” up over the Ross Ice Shelf , where the first aerial photographs of the Antarctic were taken. 

Camp was set up on Ross Island, where the huts were quickly set up; however, the permafrost caused some difficulty during the erection. The Discovery was originally scheduled to leave the area for the winter, but Scott decided that she should stay and the ship was secured to the ice, where it was soon totally encased in ice. The Discovery was to remain so for the next two years. 

The expedition arrived at Ross Island with a crew of 47. This was made up of 30 from the Royal Navy, eight from the Merchant Navy and marines, four civilians and five scientists.

A number of expeditions were carried out, among them a trip across Ross Island, where the Emperor penguin rookery was discovered, and the first photographs a of a penguin chick taken. On December 30th 1902, Scott, Shackleton and Wilson reached 82 deg 16 sec. South and Lieutenant Armitage reached the Polar Plateau and the Glacier later named Hartely Glacier, at a height of 2,740m. 

In January 1903, the relief ship Morning arrived and took off Shackleton, who had contracted scurvy due to the rigors of the long sledging treks with insufficient vitamins in the diet. Eight other crew were put on board, leaving 37 at the base. 

The Discovery remained ice-bound until February 1904, when she was freed using explosive charges to break though the final barrier of ice.

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Conditions in the Antarctic were rough. The clothing available at the time was inefficient, the huts were basic, and food, although plentiful, lacked the variety to maintain good health for such a long period. The Discovery returned to England, arriving on 16th February 1904.

What has this to do with Gibraltar?

Among the crew of Discovery was an AB called Jesse Handsley, born in Skegness, in Lincolnshire, England on March 29th 1876. He joined the navy at 18 and was transferred from the Ringarooma in New Zealand as part of the South Depot under Barne on December 31st 1901. Indications are that he was nominally part of HMS President while attached to Discovery, since the latter was not a Royal Navy vessel. As he was part of Barne’s crew, he probably took part in the expedition of March 4th 1902 led by Royds. The party consisted of three other officers and eight men. Using four dog sleds, they set off for Cape Crozier, the site of the penguin rookery. Fresh snow made progress difficult. Finally, with the dogs going lame, Royds decided to carry on with Koettlitz and Skelton, sending the rest back to base. The expedition never did get to the Cape, turning back, unable to deal with the conditions.

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In recognition of their gallantry and perseverance under extreme conditions, all the crew were awarded “The Antarctic RGS Silver Medal,” including Jesse Handsley. On December 29th he was put forward for promotion to Petty Officer 1st Class, to be retroactive from September 1904 in recognition of his service with the Discovery expedition. 

In 1916, while serving on HMS Swiftsure, he was taken ill and transferred to the (Old) Naval Hospital, Gibraltar, where he died on June 3rd 1916 from gastric ulcers. He is buried at North Front Cemetery in the War Graves area. 

We acknowledge the great help provided by Jane Handsley in compiling this story, without whose help it could not have been written.

In the first instance, the potential expansion of Intellectual Property (“IP”) usage brought about by the Metaverse is significant, and it won’t be long before traditional legal concepts are adapted and/or applied to it. The importance of IP to the global and commercial economy cannot be overstated. It is IP that protects and encourages innovation, allowing brands to establish foundations from which to market their products. IP within itself is essentially negative in nature, conferring rights that stop others from doing or using certain things without the consent of the owner. These ideas, designs and technology can then be policed in order to preserve and strengthen a company’s market position.

Consider a celebrity endorsement for a brand for a moment, John Doe might be paid xx by Nike to exclusively wear Nike gear. Say John has a virtual avatar, should his avatar wear Nike too? If he’s expressly contracted with Nike to do so, how will his use of Nike products within the Metaverse be moderated? In fact, how would Nike protect and license its name within the Metaverse?

These questions are already being considered by Nike amongst others. Recently Nike filed for several different trademarks around the world, to distinguish virtual shoes and clothing. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, applications were filed for “Nike”, their infamous slogan “Just Do It” and their signature swoosh logo. These included trademarks for virtual goods and services such as “downloadable virtual goods” and retail store services featuring virtual goods. It is clear that Nike are preparing and therefore protecting their brand before immersing themselves into a new era of social and commercial interaction.

Nike is not alone, as an avalanche of large players, including GUCCI, Louis Vuitton, and Disney have all turned their attention to protecting their IP within the Metaverse. However, it is worth considering whether these rights should need specific protection at all.

Should brands have to make a distinction between protections on their existing product offering, which in most cases extend to virtual platforms, and the application of those products to a virtual world? Should protections offered by the advance of online sales and marketing not naturally extend the Metaverse (which is in itself part of the inevitable evolution of the internet)?

Nike recently issued a claim against online marketplace StockX for launching non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”) that used their trademark and portrayed the likeness of official Nike products. Nike alleges that StockX are using their brand to promote their platform and obtain potential customers, and that their NFT collection constitutes trademark infringement and trademark dilution. StockX is the leading the global reseller of streetwear and thus holds an extraordinary inventory of Nike products that were linked to the corresponding NFT collection. The company therefore announced that the NFTs could be redeemed for physical items, as well as traded for other digital goods. The most prudent matter within this case therefore hinges on whether StockX’s NFTs are a direct extension of its normal reselling process and are a digital receipt of ownership. This just a glimpse of the potential trademark and IP issues concerning legal protection within online and virtual realms.

It is worth noting that the types of rights the Metaverse allows for have no doubt expanded. Going beyond the traditional sphere, which is now saturated with patents, trademarks and copyrights, the Metaverse provides new opportunities for industries to develop (and protect) their rights. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, recently filed a number of patents, partially to develop a system capable of creating algorithmic patterns that alter and tailor user experience within a virtual reality platform depending on the content most likely to generate a response from that user. This gives us an indication of how user data will be used in the Metaverse, which is not substantially different from how data is currently being used by Meta and other online communication platforms.

The reality is that the Metaverse is not a globally adaptable and open universe. Rather, it consists of a number of digital spaces controlled by independent entities. Each entity, and even developers within those distinct platforms will be able to contractually apply rules that govern the spaces which they have created. These rules will likely cover IP and how it is treated within each platform, including territoriality and royalty rates. Therefore, it is important for brands to become familiar with the rules of a platform before exposing their products to it.

Jurisdiction and territoriality are also key questions that have warranted extensive scrutiny from those still speculative about the Metaverse and its commercial appeal. While the Metaverse aspires of creating a universal jurisdiction whereby we are all interconnected, the reality is that these platforms are owned and governed by a singular entity. It may therefore be necessary to establish IP licensing agreements with each platform provider in order to assure the protection of your brand.

In addition, the Metaverse is hugely influenced by user created content, so brands in particular should be ready for an increased interaction between their IP and content created by users in relation to that IP.

It is paramount that brands are aware of the risks associated to virtual reality and the unauthorised use of trademarks and copyright within these platforms. If parameters are not firmly set, this could create brand dilution. These concerns can be evidenced through an abundance of case law in the United States involving global businesses, as well as induvial content creators. An example of this is, Leo Pellegrino v Epic Games, Inc., No. 19-1806 (E.D. Pa. 2020), whereby a saxophonist who went viral on social media for his dance moves and social presence, sued the developer of video game Fortnite for creating a saxophone-playing avatar that mimicked this individual’s viral video (content).

In order to avoid the above mentioned issues, it is vital that businesses fully establish a presence within the Metaverse and exploit the opportunities for leveraging virtual reality as an alternate way of reaching consumers and achieving brand awareness in this emerging market. It will also facilitate the monitoring of user activity