Ħal Lija Old Parish Church Of The Saviour Restoration Works Nearing Completion

Aug 20 2024

The restoration project on the Old Parish Church of the Saviour in Ħal Lija is nearing completion.

This initiative is part of several projects selected under the Local Councils Scheme and was proposed by the Ħal Lija Local Council.

During a recent site visit, Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici highlighted the significance of restoring this historic building. He emphasised that the primary goal of the restoration is to preserve and protect the important and invaluable cultural heritage of the locality.

“This initiative is part of broader efforts to maintain and promote Malta’s cultural heritage by restoring historically valuable buildings and structures, both religious and secular, so that future generations can enjoy them,” Minister Bonnici remarked.

The Old Parish Church of the Saviour was used as the Parish Church of Ħal Lija for about a century, from the late 16th century to the end of the 17th century. Its dome was constructed elevated above the roof, allowing for windows to be placed under the dome for the first time in Maltese architectural history, thus illuminating the church.

The ongoing work, including site documentation and restoration tasks, is being managed by the Restoration and Preservation Department.

Minister Bonnici was accompanied by Ħal Lija Local Council Mayor Anthony Dalli and members of the Ħal Lija Local Council, along with Architects Mark Azzopardi and Norbert Gatt from the Restoration and Preservation Department.

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15 Year Old Invents Skin Cancer Fighting Soap

Aug 20 2024

At just 15, Heman Bekele, a high school sophomore from Virginia, has achieved a remarkable scientific breakthrough that many seasoned professionals aspire to.

Bekele, named TIME magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year, developed an innovative soap designed to deliver medication for treating skin cancers, including melanoma. This potential breakthrough could transform countless lives.

Bekele expressed his awe at the recognition, saying, “It’s an incredible feeling, it’s surreal.” His interest in science was sparked during his childhood in Ethiopia, where he observed the severe effects of the sun on people’s skin.

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This early experience inspired him to find a solution and led to his groundbreaking invention.

Bekele’s scientific curiosity emerged early; by age five, he was experimenting with household chemicals.

His dedication has already earned him accolades, including being named America’s Top Young Scientist by 3M and Discovery Education in 2023, which came with a $25,000 award.

Currently, Bekele is working with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to test his soap’s effectiveness on mice, moving closer to FDA certification. As he begins his sophomore year, Bekele continues to balance his studies with his scientific endeavors, motivated by the hope of making a significant impact on others’ lives.

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Marine Biologist Shows Damage To Comino Seabed Caused By Unregulated Anchoring

Aug 20 2024

Professor Alan Deidun, a leading marine biologist in Malta, has raised concerns about the significant damage being inflicted on the seabed at Crystal Lagoon, Comino, due to unregulated boat anchoring.

In a recent Facebook post, Deidun emphasized the urgent need for authorities to implement regulations on where and when boats can anchor, stressing that ecological mooring measures are crucial to protect the marine environment.

A ship’s anchor, along with its mooring chain, can cause severe abrasion to the seafloor, leading to irreversible damage to delicate marine ecosystems. The constant shifting of these anchors can devastate the seabed, harming habitats that are vital for marine life.

Currently, Maltese law does not specify where or when boats can anchor, with regulations only addressing the need for a permit and ensuring that mooring does not damage other vessels.

Deidun’s appeal underscores the gap in environmental protection in Malta’s maritime regulations, calling for immediate action to prevent further ecological harm.

In the comments several of his followers revealed that this problem is also present in various other Maltese bays such as in Hofriet in Delimara.

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Tearful Joe Biden Passes Torch To Kamala Harris

Aug 20 2024

At the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden delivered a reflective speech defending his presidency and addressing his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race.

Speaking to a packed arena in Chicago, Biden reviewed his achievements and reaffirmed the values that guided his administration.

He highlighted his choice of Kamala Harris as vice-president, calling it the best decision of his career. Despite not explicitly discussing the transition to a new generation of leadership, Biden’s endorsement of Harris was evident. The convention featured tributes from several prominent figures.

Kamala Harris praised Biden for his historic leadership and service, while Chris Coons, a close ally, commended his compassion and dedication. Hillary Clinton also spoke highly of Biden, noting his contributions to restoring dignity to the White House.

The convention audience showed strong support for Biden, signaling gratitude for his decision to step aside and respect for his long political career. Biden concluded his speech with a line from “American Anthem,” expressing his hope that his legacy would be remembered for his commitment to the country.

This speech, marking a significant moment in his political career, was met with enthusiastic applause and acknowledgment from the attendees.

#MaltaDaily