Lasse Wellander, ABBA’s long-term Guitarist, dies at 70 after battle with cancer

Apr 10 2023

Swedish musician Lasse Wellander, who played on some of ABBA’s biggest hits throughout the 70s and 80s, has died at the age of 70. Lasse had fallen ill with cancer, which had spread, and he passed away on Good Friday surrounded by his loved ones.

A statement from Lasse’s family, released on Sunday, read: “It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. Lasse recently fell ill with what turned out to be cancer that had spread, and early on Good Friday he passed away surrounded by his loved ones. We love and miss you so much.”

Lasse began playing guitar as a child and joined local bands in Nora, Sweden. He started recording with ABBA – Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – in October 1974, featuring on their hits “Intermezzo No.1” and “Crazy World”. The guitarist played on 24 of the pop group’s recordings and featured on all eight of their albums.

He toured with the band and performed in front of sold-out crowds in 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1980. When ABBA split for the first time in 1982, he went on to work with other Swedish artists.

In 2008, he was enlisted to work on the Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack, with the film starring the likes of Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. Lasse released his own solo album in 1981 and produced and released another 11 further albums in the years after. His last album, “Simple Ticket,” was released in 2006. He also released singles such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Merry-Go-Round,” and “Overdrive” last year.

In 2021, Lasse was involved in creating ABBA’s most recent album “Voyage,” which featured 10 new tracks from the band, delighting fans. The news of Lasse’s passing has left the music industry and ABBA fans heartbroken, with many taking to social media to share their condolences and pay tribute to the talented guitarist.

Lasse’s contribution to ABBA’s music will forever be remembered, and his legacy will continue to live on through his work with the iconic pop group.

#MaltaDaily

“WORLD WAR III”- Donald Trump’s alarming Easter message causes concern

Apr 10 2023

Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has caused concern with an alarming Easter message shared on social media platform Truth Social, which he founded in 2021 after being temporarily banned from Facebook and Twitter.

In the message, he wrote “WORLD WAR III”, prompting speculation about what he meant.

This comes after Trump warned last week of the possibility of an “all-out nuclear World War III”. He blamed his successor, President Joe Biden, for the potential for conflict, claiming that other countries could use nuclear weapons.

Trump has also been critical of the US economy, saying that it is “crashing” and that inflation is “out of control”. He has made his views clear on immigration and voting laws, calling out Republicans and Democrats who oppose stricter border security and voting laws.

Melania Trump, the former First Lady, broke her silence for the first time since her husband’s indictment and arrest, tweeting “Happy Easter!” alongside a photo of a pink rose.

Meanwhile, during the past few hours Donald Trump was also seen at UFC 287 in Florida, where he made a surprise appearance alongside Mike Tyson and Kid Rock.

The crowd chanted “USA” as Trump waved and pumped his fist.

Trump’s attendance at the event has generated significant attention on social media, with many questioning the former President’s motivations.

#MaltaDaily

Finland is offering free trips to teach people how to be happy

Apr 10 2023

Finland seems to have the secret recipe for happiness!

Finland, which has been named the world’s happiest country for six consecutive years. And now, the country is sharing its secrets with the world by offering a four-day Masterclass of Happiness at the luxurious Kuru Resort, completely free of charge.

The masterclass will take place from June 12 to June 15, during which ten lucky participants will stay in villas surrounded by pine forests and scenic views, each with its own private spa and sauna. They will learn from leading experts on happiness and how to find inner balance, connect with nature, and themselves.

Interested participants were asked to submit an online application before completing a social media challenge.

Heli Jimenez, the Senior Director of International Marketing at Business Finland, said, “We believe Finnish happiness stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle: it’s not some mystical state, but a skill that can be learned and shared. Now we want to help people find and master that Finnish state of mind.”

#MaltaDaily

Pope Francis says sex is a beautiful thing and it’s ‘normal’ to meet people on Tinder

Apr 10 2023

Pope Francis participated in a new documentary titled “The Pope: Answers,” where he engaged in a conversation with 10 young adults, ages 20 to 25, who were a mix of Catholics, Christians, atheists, agnostics, and one Muslim. The group of young people quizzed the Pope on a variety of topics, including sex, masturbation, pornography, abortion, disillusionment with the church, the church’s sexual abuse crisis, racism, immigration, and the LGBTQ community.

During the discussion on sex and pornography, the Pope expressed his views that sex is a beautiful thing given by God and that pornography diminishes true sexual expression. He emphasized that “to express oneself sexually is something rich,” and that anything that diminishes a true sexual expression also diminishes a person as well. He added that sex has its own dynamics and exists for a reason, which is to express love.

When asked about young people using dating apps like Tinder to meet potential partners, the Pope said that it is normal and that young people have an eagerness to meet each other, which is a good thing. He also revealed that he did not have a cellphone but said that he thinks it’s normal for young people to use technology to communicate and form relationships.

In response to questions about the Catholic Church’s teaching on sex, the Pope admitted that the Church’s catechesis on sex is still in its early stages and that Christians had not always had a mature religious instruction on the subject. He said that the Church’s teaching on sex is still in diapers and that it needs to mature.

Overall, the documentary provided a platform for the Pope to have an open and frank discussion with young people on a range of issues that are relevant to them. The Pope’s views on sex, relationships, and technology reflect his efforts to connect with young people and to address issues that are important to them.

#MaltaDaily