'Vernal' and 'autumnal' are familiar words. 'Rebbiegħi' and 'ħarifi' are words I had to make up myself when I was writing further tales about 'my' twins Fleur and Lee. I did moot them with some Maltese language experts and a couple of friends, and I received mixed reviews. No matter, I decided to use them anyway, since 'sajfi' and 'xitwi' already exist, and besides, aren't we always boasting that the Maltese language is adaptable?

Having heard such awkward turns of phrase as "it-temperatura mistennija tiggwadanja żewġ punti għada" and "il-partit Laburista jinstab mhux kuntent" this week, I had to smile at the fuss kicked up by listeners regarding the use of the English word 'texture' by one of the guests in Lilian Maistre's Familja Waħda magazine on Radju Malta.

Had the word been used solely with reference to fabric, it would have been fine. However, in this case it appears that it is time to come up with a new word to describe the overall harmonisation of different materials in the co-ordinating hues, tones, and shades of the same colour, when one decorates a room. How about nom mimmat?

Within a relatively short space of time, Radju Malta has lost its two foremost Italian music scene experts.

Manwel Borg, who presented Tema, died last August aged 57. For many of us, he was 'the' Maltese voice of San Remo and his contacts with Italian singers and composers resulted in several unique telephone interviews.

Now it turns out that after an outstanding career of nearly 30 years, Twanny Scerri is also leaving the state broadcaster for pastures new. Radju Malta's loss will be Radio Calypso's gain; Scerri's accreditation with Rai International and his huge listener base are something no one can take away from him. So let's just say he has moved frequency, with his programme remaining on the same day at the same time as it used to be.

Over the last few years, I have frankly been astonished at some of the decisions taken by the editorial board, and another case in point is the removal of Opera Night by Lino Gatt.

Meanwhile, people retain their positions who, at best, only know what song they are playing by looking at the CD sleeve.

That said, it is not only mainstream musical programmes that have been axed, but also some cultural programmes that had great followings. The mind boggles.

Another issue that has raised hackles this week was the fact that two presenters toasted their programme before the watershed hour of 9 p.m. Some people said that this is par for the course and goes on in most households across Malta and Gozo; others said it is a bad example to children at whom the programme is aimed. The last time I checked, the Broadcasting Authority regulations forbid the mention of particular brands of wine, or the indication of any labels, because these actions could be construed as subliminal advertising.

This does not mean that one is to decant wine into bottles from Tal-Lira, beautiful though they are. It is enough to turn the label away from the camera, or remove it, although admittedly the shape of the bottle is sometimes a dead giveaway.

Someone told me that the Wine Channel is available round-the-clock to youngsters on cable, but that is neither here nor there. I know for a fact that the BA finds no objection to wine being used in recipes either, even if it is not used in cooking.

I sense ambiguity here. Since PBS editors spend hours removing clips of Thunderbirds characters smoking, I look upon this bother as hair-splitting.

Also in the 'controversial' category is the recent suggestion by Labour leader Joseph Muscat that mid-teens ought to be allowed to vote, just as soon as they can legally gamble, but before they can drink or drive.

This topic is to be tackled by the Zmeraldi Teens team in their usual bright and smart method. Don't miss it.

Moving on, crossed wires meant I did not receive my invitation for the One launch on time, but I hear it was a marvellous evening with Monte Kristo Estates providing the perfect backdrop to the entertainment.

Ill-health, on the other hand, made me miss the Go Malta Television Awards launch. The press pack issued by Mermaid Media Entertainment Ltd says that several new categories have been introduced following suggestions made by television stations, production companies, and the general public.

Further information and entry forms may be obtained from the website www.themaltatelevisionawards.com.

Many moons ago, TVM screened A Pinch of Salt, which had won the Best Documentary Award in the Agrofilm International Festival 2003. I had hoped this would be one of an innovative series about local arts, crafts, culture and tradition, but alas it was not to be.

Net Television is now taking up the challenge with Intietef - a 30-minute, weekly documentary that will be highlighting different local trades. Topics included in the series are traditional tiling, the luzzu, honey, cheeselets....

television@timesofmalta.com