Artists Need to Write More Songs in Maltese, Ira Losco Says

Jan 29 2024

During yesterday’s episode of X Factor Malta, Maltese pop queen Ira Losco, voiced her support for more original Maltese songs. This statement followed judge Howard Keith Debono’s remarks on Lapes & Nadine’s performance in the show’s Live Show segment. Debono had suggested that the duo should have chosen a Maltese classic instead of their chosen reinterpretation.

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Losco, countering Debono’s statement, highlighted the overuse of the Maltese classic ‘Xemx’, amongst other tracks, in local music shows and contests. She emphasised the need for fresh Maltese compositions, advocating for the creation of new music in the native language to enrich and diversify the local music scene.

The episode concluded with Lapes & Nadine, along with other contestants Shanice, Sean Kamati, Amelia, and Mamaclay, advancing to the next phase of the competition. Their progression marks another milestone in their musical journey and reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of Malta’s music industry.

Do you agree with Ira Losco’s statements?

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General Government Expenditure Reached Over €6.886.2 Million In 2022

Jan 29 2024

In 2022, government expenditure data based on the Classification of Functions of Government (COFOG) highlights that social protection remained the primary focus, constituting 25.6% of total General Government spending, with an increase of €110.2 million compared to 2021.

The total General Government expenditure rose to €6,866.2 million, a €287.7 million increase from the previous year.

Economic affairs saw a notable increase, reaching €1,550.8 million, driven by expenditures on energy support initiatives (€312.2 million) and COVID-19-related measures (€105.2 million). Health expenditures amounted to €966.1 million, a decrease of €31.9 million attributed to lower spending on public health.

Education and General Public Services followed, with expenditures of €872.9 million and €839.9 million, respectively.

The highest share of government spending was on Social protection, accounting for 25.6% of the total, followed by Economic affairs (22.6%), Health (14.1%), Education (12.7%), and General Public Services (12.3%).

A breakdown by COFOG’s second-level function reveals significant spending on Old age (15.8% of total expenditure), Hospital services (58.3% of Health expenditure), and Executive and legislative organs, financial, fiscal, and external affairs (€481.3 million).

Noteworthy components of government outlay include Wages and salaries (26.7%), Social benefits in cash or in kind (21.7%), Intermediate consumption (19.5%), and Subsidies (12.2%). The data underscores the allocation of resources across various functions and provides insights into the structure of government spending in 2022.

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Wizards Of Waverly Place Family Reunion Ahead Of Series

Jan 29 2024

Fans of Wizards of Waverly Place have reason to celebrate as David DeLuise and David Henrie, stars of the show, shared a cast reunion photo on Instagram, featuring the majority of the Russo family, including Selena Gomez and Maria Canals-Barrera.

The reunion is a precursor to the recently announced reboot, with Henrie set to reprise his role as Justin Russo. Notably absent from the photo are Jake T. Austin and Jennifer Stone, who played Max Russo and Alex’s best friend Harper, respectively.

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The Wizards of Waverly Place reboot will follow Justin as he establishes a normal family after an incident at WizTech. A young wizard, played by Janice LeAnn Brown, seeks Justin’s help, setting the stage for a new magical adventure. Gomez will make a cameo in the reboot’s pilot.

The original series, which premiered on Disney Channel in 2007, was a major success, exploring the lives of the Russo family navigating magic and adolescence. It received a Primetime Emmy in 2010 and remains one of Disney Channel’s most-watched shows. All episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place are available for streaming on Disney+.

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People Defend Dun Raymond’s Viral Reaction

Jan 29 2024

Following a video which went viral of Dun Raymond’s angry reaction, many people rushed to the defence of the Żurrieq priest.

Many critiqued the attempts at ridiculing the priest, highlighting how he beloved he is in the community.

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Locals said that despite his personal difficulties, Dun Raymond still dedicates a lot to his work and his reaction is coming from a place of passion and caring.

This follows an official response by the Archdiocese of Malta which outlined a call for the well-being of the priest as well as the community. The Archdiocese kindly asked for the public’s understanding and called for empathy and sensitivity.

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