Maltese author and psychologist Edward de Bono passes away aged 88

Jun 10 2021

The late Edward de Bono was an academic, creative thinker, psychologist and doctor whose work has reached global praise and influence. His particular interests were the mind’s ability to organise information and find innovative ways of thinking. He published several books, some of which were international hits – including ‘The Six Thinking Hats’, ‘Lateral Thinking’ and ‘How to have a Beautiful Mind.’

Born Edward Charles Francis Publius de Bono in Malta on 19th of May 1933, he went on to hold faculty appointments at Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard. Helping to establish Cambridge university’s medical school, he was also one of the 27 Ambassadors of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.

De Bono is most known for his idea of ‘lateral thinking’ – a mode of thought distinguished from critical thinking. Whereas critical thinking is mostly concerned with judging the true value of statements, lateral thinking focuses on the ‘movement value of statements’. Thus, a person will move from one known idea to new ideas.

His life has been greatly commemorated following his passing on 9th June 2021. Prime Minister Robert Abela quoted De Bono who once said that ‘a memory is what is left when something happens and does not unhappen.’ He stated that De Bono’s thinking will continue to inspire everyone to do better.

Edward de Bono once said that a memory is what is left when something happens and does not unhappen. We may have lost his physical presence but his thinking will continue to inspire us to do better. – RA

— Robert Abela (@RobertAbela_MT) June 10, 2021

The tributes continued to pour in, with Opposition Leader Bernard Grech stating that Malta has just lost a thinker who made Malta immensely proud. He added that De Bono’s knowledge will live on through the studies of students and all this who use his creative tools on a daily basis.

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Photo Source: grupobbc.com

80% of Olympic athletes vaccinated against COVID-19

Jun 10 2021

The International Olympic Committee has stated that over 80% of athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympic Games have already been vaccinated agains the virus. As the games draw nearer, the committee is also encouraging countries to have their athletes vaccinated before travelling to Japan. The committee’s executive director also stated how countries and individual athletes are being contacted in order to make sure the jab has been received.

Japan is still fairly behind in terms of the vaccine rollout, with only around 11% of the population having received the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. Athletes will also be wearing mandatory GPS in order to make sure that they not enter zones of high risk and thus avoid any spread or spikes in cases.

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Photo Source: BBC, Karolina Grabowska

Malta getting second electricity inter-connector by 2025

Jun 9 2021

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli stated that Malta is set to get a second interconnected with Ragusa following approval by the Cabinet of the 200MW cable investment. Running parallel to the existing inter-connector which currently connects Maghtab station to Ragusa station, both stations were built to accommodate two cable connections. The Minister stated that a study undertaken by France Electric showed that meeting the projected growth in electricity in terms of demand through a second 200MW connector was the most feasible option.

Predicted to cost €170 million, the project will help cut emissions from energy sector by 58% and is expected to be completed by 2025. Alternative connection sites in Calabria, Tunisia and Greece proved too high risk and proved much more expensive following similar studies. With Malta’s demand growing by 18% in four years, it is only expected to continue growing following the pandemic’s impact.

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Photo Source: Miriam Dalli FB

1/3 of Brits choosing isolation over socialising in new survey

Jun 9 2021

With the UK attempting to get back into its everyday routine of social interactions following the pandemic, it seems as though some aren’t ready to get back into social scenarios. A survey published by YouGov has found that as many as 1 out of 3 Brits are choosing to avoid social contact altogether. A poll asking whether people of all ages were willing to socialise as restrictions continue ease got a whopping 33% of people responding that they did not plan on seeing friends and family at all.

Only 9% said they would see or interact with friends more than twice a week. 15% of 18 to 24 year olds were willing to meet up with friends or family, with hesitancy reaching high amongst 25 to 49 year olds at 32%. 50 to 64 year olds were the most likely to avoid socialising at 42%, despite having received full vaccination. The survey, it should be noted, also comes during a time where experts are warning of a possible third COVID-19 wave due to the Delta variant.

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Photo Source: The Guardian