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French Embassy In Malta Addresses Olympics Opening

French Embassy In Malta Addresses Olympics Opening
Jul 30 2024 Share

The Embassy of France in Malta issued a statement following the backlash caused by the Olympics Paris 2024 opening, wherein a scene was thought to be a parody of the Last Supper with drag queens at the table.

The statement, which follows a letter penned by Archbishop Charles Scicluna among others, referred to the explanation given by the artistic director issued on Sunday 28th.

“So no, it wasn’t my inspiration. In fact, I think it was quite clear that Dionysus was coming to the table. Why Dionysus? Because he is first and foremost the god of celebration in Greek mythology, and the painting is called “Les Festivités”.

“He is the god of wine, an important symbol in France, and the father of Sequana, the goddess linked to the river Seine. (…) You will never find in me any desire to mock or denigrate. I wanted to organise a ceremony that would repair and reconcile, and that would reaffirm the values of our Republic: liberty, equality and fraternity”.

‘And now it’s time for the Games, and let’s embrace, together, the values of Olympism: friendship, respect, excellence, which forge unity in diversity’, the statement ended.

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Olympics Swimming Training Cancelled Due To River Contamination

Olympics Swimming Training Cancelled Due To River Contamination
Jul 30 2024 Share

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s attempt to prove the Seine’s safety by swimming in it backfired when tests on the same day revealed unsafe bacterial levels.

This issue has now led to the cancellation of Olympic triathlon swimming training for two consecutive days, as the river was deemed unsafe.

For months, there has been a debate over whether the Seine could be cleaned in time for the Paris Olympics.

Despite repeated tests showing dangerous levels of E.coli and other bacteria, French politicians have taken televised swims to assert the river’s safety. Paris officials frequently blame rainfall for the poor water quality but remain “optimistic” about meeting the Olympic standards.

Historically, the Seine was a popular swimming spot and even hosted events during the 1900 Olympics. However, swimming was banned in 1923 due to boat traffic and pollution.

Over the years, the river’s condition worsened, becoming heavily polluted and affecting aquatic life. It also became a dumping ground for rubbish and untreated wastewater.

In 2015, Paris launched a €1.4 billion project to clean the Seine in time for the Olympics. This initiative included constructing a giant basin to capture excess rainwater, renovating sewer infrastructure, and upgrading wastewater treatment plants.

Despite these efforts, recent tests suggest that the Seine may still not be ready to host Olympic athletes.

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Nicky Sansone Shares Her Battle With Cancer & Farewell Party

Nicky Sansone Shares Her Battle With Cancer & Farewell Party
Jul 30 2024 Share

Nicky Sansone, who is a massively influential figure in the local LGBTIQ+ community, has been documenting her battle against cancer on social media, showing her still resilient and wholesome spirit.

@nickysansone

♬ original sound – Nicky Sansone

In one video she explained from a hospital bed how she wanted to celebrate her birthday on the 24th of August.

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However, due to doctors not thinking she’ll make it by then, she decided to celebrate it with her loved ones and friends earlier.

A follow up video has her meeting all the people that care about her, who she encouraged to ‘make some f*ck*ng noise’ – showing how she is not letting the situation dim her energy.

@nickysansone

♬ original sound – Nicky Sansone

Nicky’s influence was highlighted by the local LGBTIQ+ community, with MGRM issuing a tribute for her around the same time the videos were published.

‘Today, MGRM wishes to commemorate Nicky Sansone, an important person in Malta’s LGBTIQ history and an amazing, beloved woman who changed many people’s lives’, wrote MGRM.

‘Nicky is an incredibly brave woman, who is sharing her cancer journey on social media in a bid to increase awareness and encourage testing. Nicky has announced that she is approaching the end of her current journey and we wanted to make sure that she knows how much she is loved and appreciated.’

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Rhode Island Beach Invaded By Swarm Of Dragonflies

Rhode Island Beach Invaded By Swarm Of Dragonflies
Jul 30 2024 Share

Massive swarms of dragonflies hit a beach in Rhode Island, USA, shocking many of the beachgoers present.

The harmless insects flew so low that they bumped into people and umbrellas, causing quite a commotion.

@toribaby444

I have never experienced anything like this in my life! So many dragonflies 🤯

♬ original sound – Tori

Videos capturing the phenomenon were shared on social media, with many of them going absolutely viral.

For those with entomophobia (fear of insects), this must not have been their favourite day at the beach.

According to entomologists, dragonflies migrate from as early as June through October. “Large groups will move south from Canada and the northern U.S. to Mexico and the Gulf coast. As they migrate, they will frequently stop to feed, and the journey can take several weeks.

Some social media users have responded by likening it to the Plague of Locusts described in the Old Testament.

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Photo Source: toribaby444