HEAR ME OUT: Today’s University debate is the reason why some people have given up on politics

Mar 10 2022

Alternatively titled “The problem with politics in Malta.

So hear me out;

After witnessing whatever it is that went down at this afternoon’s political debate, I stand in front of my laptop, bewildered at the state of Malta’s politics. Whatever mature discussion the country oh-so desperately needs at the moment was shrouded by the thunderous chants of ‘Viva l-Labour‘ and ‘Nazzjonalisti, Nazzjonalisti’, along with back-and-forth quips from the two major party leaders; at one of the country’s academic apexes no less. While I commend University students for being so passionate about something, did we really have to be so brash in the face of our country’s future?

Before you continue reading, I must confess that I am by no means a political analyst, I am not an economist, statistician, activist or anything of the sort. I am merely a citizen of the nation whose vote and (hopefully) opinion counts as much as the next person’s, so if right now you’re thinking “the *whatever* party has better policies or “how can you trust someone that so and so”, this is clearly not the place for you. If, like me, you think today’s debate is a prime example of why some people have given up on politics, welcome.

Like (some or many) others, I have been rendered numb by the sheer juvenile nature of Malta’s political climate. We have become so fixated on shouting absolute nonsense at each other, that we have eclipsed the possibility of discussion and critical thinking. I may be wrong on this, but screaming “my party is offering more subsidies & grants than yours” to a follower of the opposite party is ridiculous. As I continue to write these few paragraphs, my stance on how we treat politics and politics treat us continues to get lost in a mist of uncertainty and the droning thought of “could I be the only one thinking this?”

That being said, massive respect to anyone who had a part in the organisation of this debate; they did an incredible job of putting it together and maintaining as much order as they could.

Do you agree?

Realistic virtual citizen ‘Marija’ will help tourists learn about Malta

Mar 10 2022

Launched by VisitMalta on Thursday, Marija, a virtual citizen, will be guiding tourists who wish to learn more about Malta’s history and everything happening on the island.

Marija was introduced at a conference organised by the Tourism Ministry on the Digital Tourism Roadmap 2030.

It will be bringing together the infinite possibilities of AI and incorporating them with a new immersive experience which allows people to access information about the island. She will be available on mobile applications and accessible in multiple languages to enhance visitor’s journey.

VisitMalta collaborated with Reimagine AI to create hundreds of 2D AI generated models which were narrowed to a single image. The image was then brought to life in 3D so that Marija looks like a real life Maltese woman.

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Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo said that integrating technology with Maltese tourism is the way forward in the age of digitisation. ‘What was once known as a barren rock in the middle of the Mediterranean today is not only one of Europe’s best performers in economic growth but is now climbing up the ladder to become a digital bastion on the International stage.’

Maltese content creator, Dora Falzon, recorded many hours of dialogue and, through such recordings, an AI duplicate voice was created. Language was crucial to get the pronunciation of Maltese right.

#MaltaDaily

Man hoards McDonald’s burgers as company closes stores in Russia

Mar 10 2022

Just this week, McDonald’s announced that they will be temporarily closing all of their Russian restaurants as part of the many sanctions imposed on the country.

However, upon hearing the news, many Russian citizens decided they were not ready to give up on Big Macs and other products by the fast food giant.

One man in particular made it his absolute mission to stockpile the beloved burgers into one massive collection which is set to last him a long time.

A man took to Reddit to post the snapshot, captioning the photo ‘McDonald’s is closing in Russia so here is my friend’s stash.’ The photograph shows a fridge full of burgers by the fast food outlet, alongside pineapples, orange juice and other essentials.

Given how long the McDonald’s sandwiches are known to last, the man could be set for a very long time. However, if the burgers remain edible is another story entirely.

McDonald’s announced the closure of around 850 restaurants in Putin’s Russia on Tuesday 8th, following the country’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. Despite it being a weird site to behold, it’s still somewhat sad considering why the hoard was created in the first place.

#MaltaDaily

Bernard Grech proposes a halt to electoral campaign to support Ukraine

Mar 10 2022

During the University political debate, Opposition leader Bernard Grech suggested that political leaders halt the electoral campaign to show respects to Ukraine during the invasion.

The PN leader suggested that on Saturday, the electoral campaigns are halted and instead, politicians from either party demonstrate peacefully and march in favour of the Ukrainian people.

As of yet, Prime Minister Robert Abela has refused to stop the electoral campaign as more events are planned for throughout the weekend.

During the debate, Grech insisted that it is important Malta has a prime minister who adheres to values and does not do this when the public opinion turns against him. This is in reference to the refusal to halt sale of Maltese passports to Russian elites.

The stopping of this scheme was initially refused by Maltese authorities, but they then decided to stop it following public opinion. Meanwhile, activists are protesting in support of Ukraine all over the world, with local demonstrators taking to the doorstep of the Russian Embassy.

#MaltaDaily