Blood, Sweat, and Gears: LifeCycle Challenge Takes Center Stage in Inspirational Film Premiere

Nov 19 2023

On the evening of November 6, 2023, the Spazju Kreattiv Cinema at St James Cavalier came alive with the premiere of “Blood Sweat and Gears,” a local cinematic production that chronicles the powerful narrative of the LifeCycle Challenge. This cycling event, organized by the LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation, has become an embodiment of solidarity and resilience in the face of Chronic Kidney Disease. The movie, screened to a captivated audience, intricately weaves together the stories of renal patients, dedicated cyclists, volunteers, sponsors, and kidney donors, providing a poignant account of the foundation’s journey since its inception in 1999.

“Blood Sweat and Gears” captures the personal journeys of individuals grappling with Chronic Kidney Disease, whose struggles converge with the mission of the LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation. Set against the clinical and domestic backdrop, the film juxtaposes the patients’ stories with the awe-inspiring scenery and behind-the-scenes footage from the 2022 LifeCycle Challenge in Argentina and Chile. As the narratives of different individuals unfold on the silver screen, they seamlessly merge into a collective effort to conquer a shared objective, only to diverge again as cyclists complete their challenge, and patients continue to face the ongoing battle against illness.

Reflecting on the movie, Alan Curry, the founder of the LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation, emphasized its significance as a vivid account of the foundation’s evolution and a beacon of hope for the future. The film not only showcases the achievements of the past but also serves as a testament to the vision of the foundation – a vision rooted in empathy and determination to improve the lives of those affected by renal disease.

Since its establishment, the LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation has raised over Eur3 million, remaining the only voluntary organization in Malta and Gozo dedicated to supporting renal patients. The foundation actively funds research into renal disease, raises awareness on kidney health, and aims to raise an additional Eur200,000 through the 2023 LifeCycle Challenge.

As the premiere unfolded, a group of cyclists was preparing for the 2023 LifeCycle Challenge, set to depart for Bangkok, Thailand, on November 23. Over a span of 10 days, the cyclists will cover a challenging 2,000-kilometer route, reaching Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on December 8. This year’s event, supported by Nescafé as the main sponsor, along with other partners, continues the legacy of the past 22 editions that saw cyclists visiting 53 countries and covering an impressive total of 40,317 kilometers.

The LifeCycle Foundation welcomes contributions to support its mission. Donations can be made via Revolut, PayPal, SMS, or bank transfers. The foundation is registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (VO/0529).

For more information and to contribute to this noble cause, visit LifeCycle Foundation’s website or follow them on Facebook.

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Adults Who Nap During The Day Could Have ‘Bigger Brains’

Nov 19 2023

New research led by UCL and the University of the Republic in Uruguay suggests that regular daytime naps may benefit brain health by slowing the rate of age-related brain shrinkage.

The study aims to diminish any lingering stigma associated with daytime napping and highlights potential health advantages.

The average difference in brain volume between habitual nappers and non-nappers equated to a potential aging difference of 2.6 to 6.5 years, implying that a 30-minute nap per day might contribute to slowing down the process of brain shrinkage.

Dr. Victoria Garfield, senior author from the MRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing at UCL, notes, “Our findings suggest that, for some people, short daytime naps may be a part of the puzzle that could help preserve the health of the brain as we get older.”

The study, published in Sleep Health, analyzed data from individuals aged 40 to 69, focusing on a causal relationship between daytime napping and brain health.

Examining 97 snippets of DNA linked to habitual napping, researchers compared brain health and cognition in individuals genetically predisposed to nap with those lacking these genetic markers.

Overall, those genetically prone to napping exhibited a larger total brain volume, suggesting a potential causal link between habitual napping and brain health. While the study does not establish whether naps can prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s, it underscores the importance of overall brain health in protecting against dementia.

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“Decade Defying Rape Culture: Xewka F’Qalbi Xewka F’Sormi Exhibition”

Nov 19 2023

Xewka F’Qalbi Xewka F’Sormi is a collective exhibition celebrating 10 years of the Women’s Rights Foundation. Curated by Rachelle Deguara and developed conceptually with Emma Agius, the exhibition features twelve different artists exploring the subject of rape culture, a culture which normalises or trivialises sexual assault or/and abuse.

Xewka F’Qalbi Xewka F’Sormi is a collective exhibition by Emma Agius, Isaac Bezzina, Silke Debanant, Nicole Sciberras Debono, Nik Ebejer, Saaqia, Claire Farrugia, Shanice Farrugia, Robin Cassar Fiott, Sam Vassallo Francesca Zammit and X.

It takes place at Rosa Kwir, a gallery space focusing on an archive revolving around alternative notions of masculinity, the exhibition is accompanied by panel discussions, artist talks, and performative events with performance art acts and music.

When approached by artist/curator Rachelle Deguara, the artist had several discussions on Rape Culture in Malta, and through various artistic mediums, conceptually the artists created and/or adapted work incited from the conversations.

Addressing the topic of rape culture is undoubtedly a challenging task, both in terms of understanding and visual representation. Rape exposes the enduring inequality present in our society, as well as in others. It is an act rooted in power and control, disproportionately affecting women and girls. The survivors of rape carry deep wounds and trauma, often hidden due to the shame associated with the experience.

The name, Xewka f’Qalbi Xewka f’Sormi, originated from the weekly discussions that Emma and Rachelle Deguara have had since April. During these conversations, they explored her sketches and contemplated the similarities between their intricate details and thorns. It was during one of these discussions that Emma mentioned the sexual abuse happening on the day of the Lady of Sorrows. During the later meetings, Rachelle and Emma then delved deeper into the aftermath of the abuse and Emma’s desired state of mind. They together explored how art can be a means of healing and how this healing process may manifest in the work you’ll be beholding tonight. The discussions shifted from the aftermath of personal trauma to a broader societal perspective, where they envision a world where such pain no longer holds power over them and becomes a mere inconvenience, akin to a thorn on one’s side.

The exhibition aims to challenge societal attitudes and encourages conversation about rape culture locally, in the light of the work done by the Women’s Rights Foundation for the cause, while encouraging discussions about consent and the need for education and prevention. Xewka F’Qalbi Xewka F’Sormi is a space where diversity of experience gets explored with compassion.

Trigger Warning: the exhibition content may be disturbing.

Opening hours:

Friday 17th November 17:00 – 21:00 Event – https://shorturl.at/ftxDF

Sat 18th November 09:00 – 13:00 and 17:00 – 21:00

Sun 19th November 15:00 – 21:00 – “Hawn dan ir-ritratt t’ommi bit-tbenġil f’wiċċa” GĦMU event Event: https://fb.me/e/5REh4NBJB

Wednesday 22nd 17:00 – 21:00

Thursday 23rd November 17:00 – 21:00

Friday 24th November 17:00 – 21:00

Saturday 25th November 09:00 – 13:00 and 17:00 – 21:00

Sunday 26th November 17:00 – 21:00 – “Performative event + open mic” in collaboration with Inizjamed and GħMU

Tuesday 28th November 17:00 Onwards – Not If, But When. Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/356109390125848

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Rapper Lil Tjay Performs In Havana Club, Malta

Nov 19 2023

Last night saw American rapper and singer Lil Tjay perform at Havana Club, Paceville, with fans flocking to see the artist live and singalong to some of his well-known tracks.

Rising to prominence in 2017 with his sing ‘Resume’, Tione Jayden Merritt, professionally known as Lil Tjay, continued to make waves in the music scene after his breakthrough song ‘Brothers’ led to him signing with Columbia Records later that same year.

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The 22 year old rapper took to the iconic HipHop & RnB club in Malta’s Entertainment Mecca, greeting fans who were ready to experience the songs live and maybe get to meet the rapper himself.

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