At least 65 animal species can laugh just like humans study finds

Jan 15 2022

It is no laughing matter…or maybe it is…that around 65 animal species have been found to laugh just like humans can.

Researchers from California have combed through past studies of animal behaviour looking of records of vocal play signals that might signify a version of laughter.

They said that the findings may help us in better understanding the form and function of our own human laughter and its role in the evolution of social behaviour.

In a study undertaken by anthropologist Sasha Winkler and communication researcher Greg Bryant, the duo looked for information on whether recorded vocalisations were loud or quiet, short or high, high-pitched or low pitched, and other qualities.

They then sought out to see if these matched any feature of ‘play sounds’ which are thought to help animals emphasise when they are being non-aggressive when they play.

‘When we laugh, we are often providing information to others that we are having fun’ said Winkler. ‘As such laughter is our human version of an evolutionary old vocal play signal.’

It was found that animals such as cows, elephants, dolphins, dogs, foxes, mongooses, seals, various primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas and even parakeets were known to produce such play sounds.

And if you’e wondering, spotted hyenas, which make giggling and cackling noises, actually do this when they feel threatened or frustrated. Older hyenas tend to laugh with more consistency than the varied sounds made by younger hyenas.

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Affordable housing foundation set up by government and church

Jan 15 2022

Malta’s archdiocese and the government have worked together to set up the Affordable Housing Foundation, which aims at providing affordable social housing for those with low to median income.

In at the presence of Prime Minister Robert Abela, an agreement was signed on Friday by Social Accommodation Minister Roderick Galdes and Archbishop Charles Scicluna.

Both entities will be providing assets, such as land and existing buildings, for residential projects with cheaper rents. The income is set to be invited in the operations of the foundation.

€300,000 will allocated annually by the government to the foundation for a 25-year period. Meanwhile, the Archdiocese donated the convent of Saint Joan of Arc in Kirkop with a temporary lease for 25 years. The Prime Minister said that the government worked on schemes so that everyone found a roof over their head.

The scheme is not tackling the most vulnerable, he said, but those for which the market does not present an affordable housing solution. ‘Irrespective of where you are born, the state has a duty to provide you with an opportunity to reach the best of your potential.

On his part, the Social Accommodation Minister emphasised the importance of housing in society and said the property market is currently dominated by a duopoly between state and private market. The foundation would now act as the third player in the sector.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna said that housing contributes towards the dignity of the human person and social justice. This move, he said, is a contribution to a society built on social justice. ‘The foundation will help individuals get a home and retain their dignity.’

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Snoop Dogg may be launching his own hot dog brand named ‘Snoop Doggs’

Jan 14 2022

Back in September of last year, the internet went into a frenzy after Eminem announced that he was opening a restaurant named ‘Mom’s Spaghetti’ in his hometown of Detroit. In 2022, rapper, entrepreneur and media personality Snoop Dogg may be following suit after he filed a trademark for the name ‘Snoop Doggs.’

That’s right, Snoop Doggs. The legendary West Coast rapper is no stranger to expanding his horizons in terms of business and much like Eminem’s restaurant, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s tequila and Logan Paul & KSI’s sports drink, the Doggfather is diversifying. The D-o-double-g reportedly plans to sell hot dogs and ‘other kinds of sausages’ after he filed the trademark with intent-to-use, meaning that while the brand isn’t launched, he plans to do so.

Back in 2016, Snoop Dogg had stated that he will never eat another hot dog again after he saw a video of how the classic American food was made on a Jimmy Kimmel Live. In 2011, the rapper had also filed for the trademark ‘Snoop Scoops’, which was supposed to become an ice-cream brand.

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Exam stress? Here are 5 tips to help you study

Jan 14 2022

With exam season in full swing, students are currently trying their best to cope with the immense pressure, tight deadlines and stacks upon stacks of notes. Whether you’re in sixth form or University, dealing with exam stress can feel like a long and strenuous task, but it doesn’t have to be. Following a set of pre-established study rules will not only improve your workflow but alleviate the stress brought upon whatever you’re studying for. That’s why Malta Daily and KPMG are here to present 5 tips to help you study.

Set Realistic Goals

Studying for the sake of studying will probably make the process feel longer than it is, which is why you always need to set goals. Making a to-do list with daily or weekly goals allows you to work on what’s important and free your mind of objectives which can be tackled at a later stage.

Setting realistic goals will allow you to keep your cool and perceive your workload as a series of hurdles rather than one big, seemingly-impossible, obstacle. This will allow you to keep your cool and approach studying patiently & holistically, rendering positive results.

Put away the non-essentials

One of the biggest problems faced by the new generation of students is that distractions are literally everywhere and what started as a 5-minute digression to watch a ‘Suggested’ YouTube video turns into a 45-minute window of wasted opportunities.

That’s why it is important to put away the non-essentials before beginning to study. While electronics have seamlessly integrated themselves into the academic process, social media networks and streaming platforms can only hinder one’s workflow. Our tip is to find (or make) a study playlist to help you focus and dive headfirst into your studies without any distractions.

Get Organised

Working in a disorganised environment is one of the biggest mistakes whilst studying because you’ll end up spending more time looking for things than you do getting work done.

Once you designate an appropriate working area, lay down everything you need in an organised manner. In addition to the to-do lists you’ve already jotted down, tools such as sticky notes and ring files will help you keep your material accessible and in order. If you really want to have your documents in order, colour-coding systems have also proven beneficial.

Pace Yourself

Don’t. Overtire. Yourself. Trying to get all of your work done in one sitting is something which every student has tried at some point or other. However, mindlessly going at it for hours on end will most certainly render positive results. Pacing oneself and resting when necessary is essential to maintain a healthy mind and body.

While it may be tempting to overindulge in coffee, energy drinks and snacks whilst studying, resting well, maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water will benefit you in the long run.

KPMG Buddy System

When working alone, studying may seem like the most difficult thing in the world. Hitting a standstill and having no one to turn to takes motivation to remarkable lows. That’s why KPMG’s Buddy System is one of the ultimate tools during study season.

This initiative is one of the benefits of joining KPMG’s graduate or ACCA programmes. Students may seek assistance from KPMG employees on needs such as assignments, exams, dissertation and more. Buddies do not only help students familiarise themselves with the KPMG system, but can also advise on client interaction, answer any work-related queries and be there to support students throughout their studies, even when they are not working at KPMG.

Interested in joining the KPMG family or kickstarting your KPMG journey? Click HERE to apply.

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