Messages of congratulations from friends and well-wishers have been coming in by the dozens over the past couple of days or so. This is one of the first experiences of having Malta as a full member of the European Union that will probably remain with me for years to come, especially because I was not in Malta to witness any of the accession celebrations.

Malta's new EU status has prompted me to start my own blog: a web log of thoughts I'd like to share with an Internet audience that is looking for more than straight-laced news, random links or partisan viewpoints. (This is not to say that my personal political biases will not come through in my writing.) Anyway, you're invited to preview Toni Sant's Blog before it is launched to a broader public later this month.

As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any comments or questions about anything you see (or would like to see) on aboutmalta.com. Your feedback warms our hearts, especially when it comes in the form of a passionate message about something you think we should be doing differently.

Toni Sant
Consulting Editor, aboutmalta.com

P.S. To subscribe to this newsletter just contact us.

1. Last Month's Daily News from MaltaMedia
2. Top Picks:
     a. Mother's Day E-Cards
     b. Malta at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest
3. This Month in Maltese History
4. What's On This Month

01 Romano Prodi congratulates Eddie Fenech Adami on being elected President
02 Bonde doesn't rule out having a Maltese on the EDD ticket
03 "Malta could be a useful ally to Britain in the EU" - The Telegraph
04 Eddie Fenech Adami sworn in as President of Malta
05 Fines are a last resort in Maghtab's case, says Wallstrom
06 Malta stregthens relations with Europol as global terrorism intensifies
07 Dr. Fenech Adami says he was reluctant to become President of Malta
08 Economic improvement expected in acceding EU states
09 Maltese Catholics commemorate Good Friday
10 Search for man who cheated Maltese woman of over Lm24,277
11 Malta celebrates Easter
12 Exactly a year ago: A PN victory in the general elections
13 Maltese Commissioner Dr. Joe Borg addresses EP for first time
14 Malta could face legal action in failure of implementing EU regulations
15 14,000 watches seized at the Malta Freeport
16 EU remains to be convinced on Joe Borg’s expertise and vision
17 Public transport networks and schedules to be "radically" changed
18 Survey reveals majority are pleased with EU accession and new Prime Minister
19 S&P's paper says Malta will be ready to adopt Euro currency by 2009
20 Collapsed roof injures six construction workers
21 Announced increases in Gozo Channel tariffs
22 18 persons arrested for drug trafficking
23 Pope, Bush, Annan congratulate Fenech Adami, Gonzi
24 PBS set for restructuring after signing of collective agreement
25 Brad Pitt admits satisfaction on quitting smoking for 'Troy' filming
26 Overtime not at risk, reassures European Commissioner
27 Malta put on illegal European wildlife trader route
28 Euris Consult Chairman optimistic about EU rulebook translation
29 Prisoners' hunger strike enters third day
30 New Maltese Passports after 1 May 2004

Read and/or listen to the latest daily news from MaltaMedia.com.

a. Mother's Day E-Cards
The MaltaMedia Online Network, of which aboutmalta.com is an integral part, is once again offering free Mother's Day e-cards designed by Maltese artists Gattaldo, Francis Camilleri and Paul Mizzi. These e-cards make for a truly unique greeting on Mother's Day, which this year is celebrated on Sunday the 9th of May.
 

b. Malta at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest
Undoubtedly one of the most active websites this month, EurovisionMalta.com is features information about Malta's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest since 1971. Naturally, this year Julie and Ludwig get full coverage as we get closer to the Qualifying Round on Wednesday 12th of May in Istanbul. The final contest will be held the following Saturday, 15th of May 2004 from 21:00 CET onwards.

35 YEARS AGO (31 May 1969)
Din l-Art Helwa deplores the deterioration of the green belt between Lija and Naxxar.

20 YEARS AGO (1 May 1984)
Franciscan priests, in conjunction with the Catholic Institute, introduce a daily telephone counselling service for persons who are lonely or who may wish to discuss their personal problems. This is believed to be the first service of its kind in Malta.

10 YEARS AGO (24 May 1994)
Vincent Moran and Joseph Brincat resign as Labour MPs but still retain parliamentary seats. Dr. Moran resigns following allegations of involvements with abortion cases, and Dr. Brincat resigns after being censored by the opposition Labour Party whip in parliament.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
5 May 1944: Freddie Portelli, Singer/Musician
5 May 1944: Joe James [Farrugia], Singer/Broadcaster
8 May 1951: Helen Micallef, Singer
18 May 1949: Vanni Pule, Magician/Entertainer

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
10 May 1998: Oreste Kirkop, Tenor, dies at 75
19 May 1967: Frenc Mercieca (Frenc ta'l-Gharb), Faith Healer, dies at 75
24 May 1994: Bice Bisazza, Piano Teacher, dies at 85
25 May 1922: Karmni Grima, Saintly Woman associated with Ta' Pinu, dies at 84

See aboutmalta.com's daily full list of birthdays, deaths, and events in Maltese history.

Today in Maltese History is produced exclusively for aboutmalta.com by Mario Axiaq.

7 May 2004
EU Celebrations - Rock Concert
Anomaly and Weeping Silence will be performing live as part of the E.U. Celebrations at Great Siege Square Valletta (opposite the Law Courts), starting at 7pm.

12 May 2004
Eurovision Semi Final
Julie and Ludwig will represent Malta at the 49th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul, Turkey. The final round is scheduled for Saturday 15th of May.

14 + 16 May 2004
The Heretic
Zep Camilleri presents The Heretic by Morris West, a play in English, at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta at 7.30pm.

21 May - 30th May 2004
Bay Street Culture Fest
10-day exposition of new talent featuring drama, music, literature, dance, art, photography, fashion and discussions on local art and culture.

View aboutmalta.com's full calendar for this month's events in Malta and Gozo, or to submit a future event to our calendar.