Local Artist Creates Clay Figure Of Former ‘Maltese’ Seal

Jun 30 2023

Using the clay found on the Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Raphael Mizzi recreated a figure of the ‘Bumerin’, a seal species which once beached on the Maltese islands.

The Mediterranean Monk Seal once inhabited our beaches, and was commonly known as the ‘Bumerin’ or the ‘Monka.’

“Interestingly, we still have caves named after it, and there’s even a Maltese saying, “Jorqod daqs Bumerin,” meaning “He sleeps like a monk seal”, explained Mizzi.

The last recorded sighting of the animal in Malta was back in 1974, but it is unfortunately listed as a critically endangered species in the Mediterranean Sea.

Mizzi urged everyone to reflect and possibly contribute directly to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, especially on our islands to safeguard other life from becoming endangered or, worse yet, extinct.

#MaltaDaily

All South Koreans Just Became 1 Year Younger

Jun 30 2023

HOW OLD WOULD YOU HAVE TURNED?

South Koreans have just became a year younger as a new law has been imposed which aligns the nation’s age-counting tradition with international standards.

This new law works to remove the traditional systems used to age people in South Korea. One system saw all South Koreans be deemed one year old exactly at birth, counting the time in the womb.

Another saw everyone ageing by a year every first day of January instead of their birthdays. However, both these systems have been scrapped to align with international standards.

President Yoon Suk Yeol had strongly campaigned in favour of the change when running for office, saying that the two old methods created unnecessary social and economic costs.

One of the drawbacks saw people born on the 31st of December turn 1 at birth and then 2 years old on January 1st – the very next day!

There will still be remnants from the laws however. South Koreans can, for example, buy cigarettes and alcohol from the year, not the day, they turn 19.

#MaltaDaily

That Microscopic Bag? It Just Sold For $63,000

Jun 30 2023

Remember that tiny – and we really do mean tiny – green Louis Vuitton mock bag by MSCHF? Well, it just sold for a whopping $63,000 on the 28th of June.

The bag, created by the art collective known for their bizarre designs, measures just 657 by 222 by 700 microns and makes it just 0.03 inches wide.

The bag is smaller than a grain of slat and narrow enough to pass through the eye of a needle, according to MSCHF, requiring a microscope to actually see it.

The Microscopic Handbag, which was created using technology specifically for 3D writing micro-scale plastic parts, went up for an online auction by Joopiter, founded by Pharrell Williams.

Kevin Wiesner, the chief creative officer of MSCHF, said that no permission was asked from either Pharell Williams or Louis Vuitton for the LV logo, with the former being the creative director of menswear at the design house.

The bag was meant as commentary on items such as handbags losing their intended usage to become fashion statements.

#MaltaDaily

Unwashed pillowcases have 17,000x more bacteria than toilets

Jun 29 2023

According to a recent report by Amerisleep, it has been revealed that an unwashed pillowcase can accumulate an astonishing 3 million bacteria in just one week. This number is approximately 17,000 times higher than the average number of bacteria found on a typical toilet seat. The report focused on cleanliness information regarding mattresses, linens, and pillowcases, and also provided insights into the types of potentially harmful microorganisms that can be found in between the sheets.

Undesirable particles such as allergens, fungi, and dead skin are commonly found in bedding. These particles can attract dust mites, which are tiny creatures that thrive on shed skin cells. Encountering such microorganisms and particles can be detrimental to one’s sleep quality and overall health.

Considering the findings of the report, experts strongly recommend changing pillowcases regularly. It is advised to wash them more frequently than just once a week or month. Regularly washing pillowcases can help reduce the accumulation of bacteria and other harmful substances, ensuring a cleaner and healthier sleep environment.

Now, the question arises: how often do people wash their pillowcases? The frequency may vary among individuals. While some may wash their pillowcases weekly, others may prefer to wash them more frequently, especially if they have allergies or sensitive skin. It ultimately depends on personal preferences and needs, but it is generally advisable to maintain good hygiene practices by regularly washing pillowcases to minimise the presence of bacteria and allergens.

#MaltaDaily