"The earth begins at Qrendi and ends at Xlendi." With these immortal words, poet Antoine Cassar pithily explained how it came to pass that on Wednesday, for most Maltese television and radio stations, it was business as usual.

While the world's major news networks were riffling through thesauruses to find enough words to describe the aftermath of the earthquake that had wrought havoc in Haiti, local bulletins treated this literally earth-shaking event as an also-ran. For shame; this drags the words 'insularity' and 'short-sighted' down to a new nadir.

I once concocted a theory that 'news value' is determined by putting all the headlines in a bag, and then drawing lots to broadcast them in the order they come up (unless someone important jumps the queue). I reiterate this.

• In last week's edition of Bondiplus there was the inevitable vapid, maudlin music reminiscent of kif tista' ma ċċempilx. There were three guests (Joe Camilleri as an in-studio guest and Gordon Cardona and Omar Gelassi in video-clip interviews) who inadvertently gave the idea that a disability is something one can nail down to appearance.

Be that as it may, the programme was an eye-opener for those (and that means most people) who need diversity training. The topic was sexuality vis-a-vis disability, and in the short time available, plenty of salient points were raised.

'Equal rights' is a phrase guaranteed to make me retch, because if they really existed, we would not even have to mention the topic. Of course people who have flawed genes have a duty to do genetic testing before they decide to beget offspring; of course it is rude to stare at people who wear callipers; of course it is rude to continue the sentences of those who have difficulty enunciating words.

But 'normal' is a word that has no definition; and besides, we sometimes differentiate between visible and non-visible disabilities. Either, or neither, might be impediments to expressing sexuality. Lou Bondi agreed: "The extent to which someone with a disability can fulfil his sexuality depends on both the physical and the physically visible extent of the disability. In explaining the latter - this being a society in which physical beauty is glorified - people who are visibly disabled suffer. Women who are so disabled, tend to experience this even more.

"On the other hand, those suffering invisible disabilities have to deal with a distinct problem: ironically that of looking 'normal'. I would say these people have to deal with their problem more on their own than with the support of family and friends."

The time has come for us to stop referring to people by adjectives (and this includes 'tall' and 'zaftig' even when they are meant as compliments), since besides a person's name, there are several ways to distinguish a person from anyone else. We must stop referring to children as 'stupid' because they cannot read English, and then accuse the same children of 'showing off' because they turn the pages of their Maltese reader before their peers.

• Any mention of Bondi is usually followed by one of Larry King - whose show had been one of the platforms upon which 'The Million Dollar Challenge' had been launched. As a Catholic, I had always assumed that the afterlife was, well, alive and kicking. But I have discovered that some people believe that ashes to ashes, dust to dust is the literal truth.

And that is where Victor Zammit comes in. This evening, he will be exclusively featured in Pandora (One Television), discussing the aforementioned topic. Dr Zammit explained why he chose Ruth Frendo's programme to present his views: "It was one of those inexplicable coincidences. I was told by friends of mine who knew I was coming over for a short holiday that there was a television show about the paranormal in Malta. I did some research, and discovered that Ms Frendo has the rare combination of intelligence and allure that makes her ideal both as an interviewer and as a television personality. However, before I could contact her - she sent me an e-mail herself."

'The Million Dollar Challenge' set by Dr Zammit a decade ago is still unclaimed. In essence, the 'winner' must have proven beyond any reasonable doubt that life after death does not exist.

"Just for the record," he added, "no senior lawyer, no genius materialist scientist, no sceptic has yet beaten (the) challenge; it is impossible to rebut the objective and repeatable evidence for the afterlife."

Here we are on shaky ground - since to prove tangibly that the afterlife exists one must communicate with those who have been there. Forget Ghost; but call to mind the Witch of Endor, who allegedly raised the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel.

Saul, having driven all seers and sorcerers from Israel, went to her anonymously and in disguise, to solicit from him advice about an upcoming battle with the Philistines.

The ghost offered no guidance, and moreover rebuked Saul for disobeying God's orders never to consult with the dead. We all know what happened to Saul - indeed I remember having nightmares after seeing the gory picture in my illustrated catechism book.

So, if you would like to know whether it is wise to communicate with the dead, do not miss this evening's Pandora.

• The Malta Eurosong 2010 Festival will be held on February 20 at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre at Ta' Qali. This is one of the many events that "se jkunu qegħdin jiġu organizzati..." as one presenter succinctly put it last week, for the public's predilection.

• The gossip is that a person with the same initials as those of a motoring-related organisation, who once worked with another network and is now involved in the telecommunications field, will be the new CEO of PBS.

television@timesofmalta.com