Gozo Carnival Traditions Kick Off With Il-Kukkanja

Feb 5 2024

The week of carnival is officially here, and celebrations in Gozo have already kicked off – with enthusiasts making their way to engage the traditional ‘kukkanja’.

‘Il-kukkanja’ sees people attempting to climb greasy poles, but most people think of the ġostra when this comes to mind.

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However, il-kukkanja is a Neapolitan tradition which sees people traversing a pole, either horizontally or vertically, to achieve a prize.

Originating in 1721 during the governance of the Knights of St John, the tradition in Malta was initiated under the leadership of Grandmaster Marc’ Antonio Zondardi.

Have you ever tried this tradition?

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Jeremie Camilleri Pleads Guilty To Murder Of Pelin Kaya

Feb 5 2024

Jeremie Camilleri has pleaded guilty to the intentional murder of Pelin Kaya in January 2023, reversing his initial not guilty plea. The 34-year-old now faces a potential lifetime sentence in prison, pending sentencing by a criminal court judge.

While the defense and prosecution, including the victim’s family, have reportedly reached an agreement, the details of a plea deal remain undisclosed. The guilty plea spares Kaya’s family the ordeal of traveling to Malta for court hearings.

Camilleri was arrested in Gżira after fatally striking Kaya with his BMW and subsequently assaulting her lifeless body, an incident captured by CCTV cameras.

Eyewitnesses recounted him throwing stones at Kaya and resisting arrest, requiring police to use a taser. Camilleri, who claimed he “wanted to be famous” and identified as a “psychopath,” was found intoxicated with cocaine in his system at the time of the crime.

The victim’s sister expressed her anger on Instagram, while a family lawyer acknowledged that though the guilty plea cannot bring Kaya back, it at least spares the family from the emotional strain of court proceedings.

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Man Gets Engaged By Using Chat GPT To Find Tinder Match

Feb 5 2024

A 23-year-old Russian software developer, Alexander Zhadan, claims that artificial intelligence (AI) played a pivotal role in facilitating his romantic relationship, including meeting and proposing to his now-wife, Karina Imranovna.

Using ChatGPT and other AI bots, Zhadan filtered potential matches on Tinder, ultimately meeting around 5,000 women in a year before finding his “AI-endorsed soulmate.”

He provided ChatGPT with information on his communication style, allowing the AI to filter out undesirable matches, engage in small talk, book dates, and even assist in proposing.

Zhadan continued using the AI platform to correspond with Karina in real life. He revealed that ChatGPT recommended him to propose at the end of 2023, stating that their relationship was “balanced and strong.”

Karina was unaware of the AI’s role until after they submitted their applications to the registry office, reacting calmly to the revelation. Zhadan believes it’s possible to create a program to help others find their ideal partner, emphasizing the need to understand the economic and ethical implications of such technology.

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Facebook Celebrates 20th Birthday… But Not Happily

Feb 5 2024

On its 20th anniversary, Facebook, now part of Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, reflects on a tumultuous week.

Despite the company’s success, with Meta valued over $1 trillion and reporting $39 billion in profit for 2023, it faces increasing controversy and political scrutiny.

Zuckerberg recently testified before the Senate, apologizing to parents whose children died due to social media-related issues.

The hearing focused on child safety, and lawmakers are considering potential legislation to regulate Meta and other social media platforms.

The company’s association with controversy has persisted over the years, and calls to amend Section 230, providing internet platforms immunity from certain lawsuits, gain momentum.

Despite the historic milestone, Meta refrains from public celebration amid intense scrutiny. Zuckerberg, in a post, emphasizes focusing on the long term. The French poll on social networks’ societal impact indicates growing skepticism.

While major companies often celebrate milestones grandly, Meta opts for a low-key approach to Facebook’s 20th birthday, mirroring its complex relationship with public perception and regulatory challenges.

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