French bulldogs overtake labradors as most popular dogs in US

Mar 21 2023

For the very first time in 31 years, the United States of America found a new favourite dog breed as the American Kennel Club released its 2022 registration statistics.

It found that after being the most popular dog breed for three decades, the Labrador Retriever was outranked by the French Bulldog.

Over the last ten years, the French Bulldog spiked in popularity, being the 14th most popular in 2012 and then the 2nd most popular in 2021. Registrations of these dogs also increased by over 1,000% between 2012 and 2022.

The statistics were based on about 716,500 voluntary registrations from dog owners. The Labradors still rank in second place, followed by Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs and Poodles.

Taking a look at the European context, some studies suggest that the German Shepherd is the most popular dog breed, followed by the aforementioned Retriever, the Jack Russell Terrier and, once again, the French Bulldog.

Some studies however suggest that the bulldog became the most popular dog in the entire world. Despite having quite an abusive origin story, the breed is now mainly reserved as a family pet.

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EP President Roberta Metsola meets film & TV legend Ashton Kutcher

Mar 20 2023

On Monday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met with legendary Hollywood film & TV star Ashton Kutcher.

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The EP President posted a casual selfie with the Two and a Half Men star, who also happens to be “one of the world’s leading voices in the fight against child abuse and trafficking.”

“It was great meeting him in the @europeanparliament today to discuss Europe’s efforts to protect children off and online. We share a determination to stamp out these crimes. To make children’s world a little bit safer”, Metsola wrote.

Do you think the EP President is a fan?

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Car catches fire in Santa Venera tunnel as large plumes of smoke emerge

Mar 20 2023

Drivers are being advised to avoid the Santa Venera tunnel and its whereabouts after a car caught fire within the tunnel.

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The burning car and emergent fumes pose a major health hazard in addition to the traffic caused by the incident, which occurred at around 3.45pm.

An ambulance and other authorities convened on site to attempt to control the situation.

Book celebrating the power of oratory “Il-Kelma ta’ Eddie Fenech Adami” has launched

Mar 20 2023

The book “Il-Kelma ta’ Eddie Fenech Adami” has officially launched and is now available for sale.

The official launch event took place recently, and one of the most striking quotes that came out from this event was from the book’s introduction, by author James Aaron Ellul, who wrote; “Words know how to kindle a flame that no water, no wind, no current, can extinguish”

Former European Commissioner and former Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg, spoke during the launch event and praised the book as “unique,” stating that it provides a one-of-a-kind analysis of oratory, with a focus on Eddie Fenech Adami’s speeches and their reflection of Malta’s recent history.

Tonio Borg noted that the book offers a technical analysis of Fenech Adami’s use of language, including repetition and metaphor, and emphasised the richness of the Maltese language as exemplified in the book. He described the analysis as commendable and suggested it belongs in the library of those interested in politics and the Maltese language. On the other hand, whilst addressing the event, Beppe Fenech Adami, the son of the book’s subject, praised the author’s work and emphasised the celebration of the words that changed the course of Malta’s political history. From his end, publisher Martin Bugelli, representing the ‘Klabb Kotba Maltin’, praised the book’s unique approach to Fenech Adami’s politics, specifically his use of metaphor and rhetoric.

In a Q&A session, author James Aaron Ellul explained his choice to focus on Eddie Fenech Adami, noting the former Prime Minister’s role as the face of the Nationalist Party and his love of the Maltese language. Ellul noted that Fenech Adami’s speeches used terms of unity, such as “we” and “our country,” to help bring the Maltese people together during times of political tension.

James Aaron Ellul also lamented the current state of the Maltese language, but highlighted the power of language to convey a strong message for a better Malta. He described Fenech Adami’s speeches as a symphony of literary terms and emphasised their ability to kindle a flame that cannot be extinguished.

The launch was also attended by various political figures, including Leader of Opposition Bernard Grech, Deputy Leader of PN, Alex Perici Calascione, General Secretary of PN Michael Piccino, and Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, amongst other distinguished guests, as well as relatives of both Fenech Adami and Ellul.

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