A Retrospective Exhibition Of Anthony Spagnol Launched

Dec 2 2024

Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, inaugurated the exhibition “Transcending the Material: Anthony Spagnol Retrospective”, celebrating over three decades of creative exploration by one of Malta’s prominent contemporary artists, Anthony Spagnol.

Curated by Jessica Muscat, the exhibition runs from December 3, 2024, to January 8, 2025, at the Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta.

The exhibition explores Spagnol’s artistic evolution from figurative to abstract art, highlighting his ability to bridge material and spiritual themes. Minister Bonnici emphasized the exhibition as a testament to Spagnol’s contribution to Malta’s cultural landscape, showcasing art’s transformative power.

Key works include early pieces like The New Power Station (1992) addressing environmental concerns, and later abstract works such as Transubstantiation (2005), which evoke spirituality. Spagnol’s art is influenced by Maltese postmodern movements, literature, music, and his reflections on faith and mortality.

Curator Jessica Muscat noted Spagnol’s stylistic evolution as a profound exploration of existence and metaphysics. Catherine Tabone, CEO of the Valletta Cultural Agency, highlighted the exhibition’s role in fostering historical awareness and enriching the human connection to art’s intangible aspects.

The exhibition is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free entry via Merchants Street. For more details, visit the Valletta Cultural Agency’s website or Facebook page.

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Owen Leuellen Reunites With Partner After 2 Months In US

Dec 2 2024

Posting to social media, Diane Mizzi shared the moment she reunited with her partner, rapper Owen Leuellen.

Owen returned from the USA, having even won a rap battle on of Kai Cenat’s 30 day Mafiathon 2 livestreams.

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A post shared by D I A N E 🤍 (@diane_mizzi)

‘Two months away from each other were not easy and felt like an eternity, but ever second away from each other yielded fruit as I knew that you were out in the world achieving the best and making me proud’, said Diane.

‘You didn’t only make me proud, but you made Malta proud.’

‘Your determination, passion and courage inspire me everyday. You know that you will find me all my support, even from the other side of the world’.

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World’s Largest All-Electric Airplane To Fly In 2025

Dec 2 2024

Swedish startup Heart Aerospace is preparing for the first flight of its X1 electric demonstrator aircraft, scheduled for early 2025

The X1 is a full-scale test version of the ES-30, a 30-seater hybrid-electric commercial plane.

The company, founded in 2019, has raised $145 million to advance regional aviation with sustainable technology.

The X1, unveiled in September, has a wingspan of 32 meters (105 feet) and will take off from Plattsburgh International Airport in New York, chosen for its low air traffic and tech-friendly environment.

This flight will validate Heart’s innovative electric propulsion system. While the X1’s zero-emissions range hasn’t been confirmed, the ES-30 is designed to cover 124 miles (200 km) on electric power, extendable to 250 miles (400 km) with a hybrid system.

Heart’s focus is on connecting small regional airports, particularly underserved areas, rather than competing with major airlines. The ES-30 can take off from short runways of 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) and accommodate the needs of regional aviation.

Heart aims to launch the X2 demonstrator in 2026 and commercially debut the ES-30 in 2028.

Meanwhile, other companies like ZeroAvia and Elysian are also working on emission-free aircraft solutions, exploring technologies like hydrogen-electric and battery-powered designs. Enthusiasts can virtually fly the ES-30 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

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Photo Source: Heart Aerospace

‘Brain Rot’ Named 2024 Word Of The Year By Oxford University Press

Dec 2 2024

Oxford University Press has named “brain rot” as its Word of the Year, reflecting concerns about the impact of excessive consumption of trivial online content, particularly on social media.

The term saw a 230% rise in usage between 2023 and 2024, signifying its relevance in discussions about internet culture and its effects.

Defined as the supposed deterioration of mental or intellectual abilities due to exposure to low-quality material, “brain rot” originally appeared in Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 book Walden.

Thoreau used it to critique society’s decline in valuing complex ideas, famously asking if efforts to cure “potato rot” might extend to curing “brain-rot.” While once confined to social media slang among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the term has gained mainstream traction.

Professor Andrew Przybylski of Oxford University describes the term as a reflection of societal unease with the digital world rather than a scientifically supported condition.

Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, notes the term underscores growing anxieties about virtual life and its role in shaping modern language, much like last year’s winner, “rizz.”

“Brain rot” outpaced contenders like “demure,” “Romantasy,” and “dynamic pricing” for the title, highlighting the intersection of internet culture and evolving social discourse.

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