Man Tries Crossing Atlantic In Human Powered Hamster Wheel

Sep 6 2023

A Florida man, Reza Baluchi, found himself in a bizarre situation when he attempted to cross the Atlantic Ocean using a human-powered hamster wheel.

This audacious endeavor led to his arrest and subsequent federal charges after a three-day standoff with the US Coast Guard.

Baluchi was located approximately 70 miles off the coast of Georgia, with Hurricane Franklin approaching the eastern seaboard. The US Coast Guard cutter Valiant was patrolling the area and intercepted Baluchi’s unique vessel.

When questioned about his intentions on August 26th, Baluchi claimed he was en route to London.

This morning, the #FCSO responded to a call about a vessel washing ashore in the Hammock area.

Thank you to the concerned citizens who reported this. We are happy to announce that the occupant of the vessel is safe with no injuries! #SeeSomethingSaySomething pic.twitter.com/zlenQd1tX7

— Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (@FlaglerSheriff) July 24, 2021

The condition of his vessel, which was kept afloat with wires and buoys, prompted USCG officers to deem his voyage manifestly unsafe, as detailed in the criminal complaint filed in US District Court in Florida. Baluchi further escalated the situation by threatening to harm himself with a 12-inch knife and asserting that he had a bomb on board.

After several days of negotiations, Baluchi finally admitted on August 28th that he did not possess a real bomb. On August 29th, officers successfully convinced him to disembark. He was brought ashore on September 1st at the USCG Base in Miami Beach, Florida.

This was not Baluchi’s first attempt at an extreme voyage with a similar vessel. Court documents reveal prior attempts in 2014, 2016, and 2021, all of which required Coast Guard intervention. In 2021, he gained national attention when his journey from Florida to New York ended after just 25 miles.

Baluchi now faces charges of obstruction of a boarding and violation of a Captain of the Port order.

#MaltaDaily

Mellieha Parish Square Restoration Project Completed

Sep 6 2023

The regeneration project of the Parish Square in Mellieħa has been completed.

This €1.9 million investment, co-financed by the Malta Tourism Authority and Infrastructure Malta, includes new paving, modernized water, lighting, and drainage systems, as well as the installation of new planters.

The project was inaugurated by the Minister for Tourism, Clayton Bartolo, and the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Capital Projects, Aaron Farrugia, in the presence of the Mellieħa Local Council, the Executive Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, Carlo Micallef, the Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, Gavin Gulia, the CEO of Infrastructure Malta, Raphael Abdilla, and local associations in Mellieħa.

Minister Clayton Bartolo emphasized that the regeneration of Mellieħa’s Parish Square represents the definition of the quality they seek in our country’s tourism product.

“This is the largest capital investment made in Mellieħa in recent years. Today, we have a more beautiful, modern, and accessible square for everyone who visits this locality. This project is part of the regeneration of tourist areas within the national tourism strategy for the next ten years,” Minister Clayton Bartolo continued.

Minister Aaron Farrugia praised Infrastructure Malta’s work on this project and stated that through this work, the square has been given back to the people and the Mellieħa community.

“This is a project that prioritizes the daily walkers in this area, whether residents or tourists, and aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of infrastructure for the people. We also made sure that the materials used respect the historical heritage of this square. In the coming years, people can expect more projects of this nature that will continue to prioritize the people,” Minister Farrugia declared.

#MaltaDaily

DJ Tenishia Shares Special Moment Playing With Son

Sep 6 2023

‘Those who have kids would understand how precious this moment was for me’ Joven Grech, known by his DJ name of Tenishia, wrote on one of his latest post.

The DJ shared a photo of him backing up his son as he played for an audience after having been brought back from Australia. ‘I wanted him to know that sharing music is a great thing and he just loves it.’

Grech shared how his son is greatly improving his ability to mix and play. ‘Hoping that like I’ve entertained you, one day, at the right time, when he feels its time. He will entertain your kids with music as well.’

#MaltaDaily

Roberta Metsola Addresses 800 Young People In Brussels

Sep 6 2023

Addressing over over 800 young people, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola shared two particular experiences that went down well with the audience and everyone watching online.

The Maltese MEP explained that she is calling people in Malta to encourage them to vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections. Roberta Metsola urged other MEPs to do the same during a speech where she continued explaining the importance of the European Union for each member state, those joining, and other countries around the world that benefit from the work done in Brussels and Strasbourg.

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Over 800 people aged 18-35 years, representing all 27 EU Member States, descended on Brussels for the second EPP Group ‘Youth Week’ that is taking place this week.

Participants pitched their ideas and voiced their priorities and hopes for the future of the Union at various debates and workshop events attended by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

During her speech, Roberta Metsola also explained how she and her husband met during one of these events.

#MaltaDaily