New Record Temperature For November In Malta At 29.1°C

Dec 16 2023

November in Malta defied its usual climate patterns, setting a new temperature record at a balmy 29.1°C. The month, typically associated with cooling temperatures, experienced unseasonal warmth, leaving locals surprised and meteorologists intrigued.

The temperature extremes ranged from a mild low of 11.7°C on the 26th to an unprecedented high on another day. This unexpected warmth was accompanied by a notable lack of rain during the first half of November, with a mere 0.6mm of precipitation recorded. However, nature seemed to compensate for the dry spell with a sudden and intense burst of rainfall in the latter half of the month, totalling 53mm in a single day.

These weather anomalies have left experts examining the data to understand the factors contributing to this unusual pattern. Such deviations from the norm not only capture our own attention but also underscore the complex and dynamic nature of our planet’s climate system. As climate change continues to be a pressing global issue, monitoring and understanding these irregularities become crucial in predicting and adapting to future shifts in weather patterns.

Did you enjoy the November weather this year?

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Matthew Perry Died Of Accidental Ketamine Overdose, Report Says

Dec 16 2023

Beloved actor and FRIENDS star Matthew Perry has been found to have died from an accidental overdose on ketamine, a recent examiner’s report has stated.

The discovery concludes the investigation into the troubled TV star’s life after he was found unconscious in a swimming pool in his Los Angeles home at age 54. Most known for his role as Chandler Bing on hit TV sitcom Friends between 1994 and 2004,

Perry had struggled for decades with drug addiction, but was reportedly clean for as much as 19 months before the reports of his passing. Ketamine was among the various drugs the television star had struggled with, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Office stating that Perry’s cause of death was from acute effects of ketamine, with contributory factors including drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects.

Ketamine is typically used illegally for recreational purposes due to its numbing and hallucinogenic effects but has been use by doctors as an anaesthetic in the past. It is also being researched for its potential effects on mental health.

In his memoir, Perry had commented on his relationship with ketamine, stating that the drug eased his pain and helped battle his depression: “Taking K is like being hit in the head with a giant happy shovel. But the hangover was rough and outweighed the shovel.”

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Study Confirms Many Cats Love To Play Fetch

Dec 15 2023

A groundbreaking survey of 1,000 cat owners by researchers from Sussex and Northumbria universities has challenged the perception that only dogs enjoy playing fetch.

Published in the journal Nature, the study sheds light on feline play habits and recommends owners consider a variety of activities to keep their cats happy and active.

The research suggests many cats instinctively enjoy play and prefer to be in control of the game without requiring training. Cats that initiated fetching sessions displayed more enthusiasm with increased retrievals and sessions per month.

Jemma Forman, a doctoral researcher at the University of Sussex School of Psychology, emphasises the importance of responding to cats’ play preferences for their welfare and the owner-cat relationship.

The survey gathered information from 924 owners of 1,154 cats, revealing that 94.4% of cats, regardless of breed, exhibited an innate ability to play fetch.

Notably, Siamese, Bengal, and Ragdoll breeds were reported as the most common fetch players. The study emphasises the importance of recognising and respecting cats’ natural play behaviours without necessarily requiring training interventions.

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5 New Promise Of Sale Agreements To Safeguard Band Clubs

Dec 15 2023

In a continued effort to preserve Malta’s rich cultural heritage, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government has entered into promise-of-sale agreements with the owners of five additional premises utilised by musical societies. This move comes as these societies face an imminent risk of eviction due to the legal complexities surrounding pre-1995 leases. With this latest development, the total number of band clubs receiving assistance has risen to 11.

The primary objective of these promise-of-sale agreements is to facilitate the government’s acquisition of these properties, allowing them to serve as official premises for the band clubs under new fair rent terms to be paid to the government. These five properties will join a previously announced list of six premises, disclosed in March of this year.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici highlighted the importance of this ongoing initiative, particularly in light of the Maltese festa’s recent inscription as Intangible Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO.

He emphasised that through these acquisitions, the government is ensuring just and fair treatment for both the property owners and the band clubs themselves. Upon acquisition, these properties will be incorporated into a portfolio managed by a dedicated section within Arts Council Malta, overseeing various band club premises.

These efforts align with the goals outlined in the ACM Strategy for 2025, focusing on investing in and promoting diverse artistic and cultural expressions while preserving Malta’s rich traditions. Dr Bonnici stated, “We are committed to protecting band clubs due to their profound cultural and social importance. We aim to enhance their contribution to fostering a more creative and inclusive society.”

Arts Council Executive Chairman Albert Marshall explained that one of the main goals of Arts Council Malta’s Strategy 2025 is to advocate for and provide for community-led opportunities to engage in arts and culture, and thanks to this initiative, the Council is instrumental in bringing about this ambitious and beneficial project for the protection of precious cultural practices.

The government’s investment in the final acquisition of these five properties amounts to €10,397,000. This amount is combined with the sum of €5.8 million, representing the acquisition of the six buildings announced earlier in March of this year.

The promise of sale agreements was formalised for the following properties:

– St. Mary Band Club of Mosta

– St. Peter in Chains Band Club of Birzebbuga

– 12th May of Żebbuġ Malta

– St. Andrew Society of Lija

– St. Helen Band Club (Duke of Connaught’s Own) of Birkirkara

Earlier this year, agreements were successfully reached with the owners of the following properties: Maria Regina Band Club of Marsa; Stella Levantina Band Club of Attard; Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonica Sagra Famiglia of Kalkara and; Anici Band Club of Qormi.

In the case of two properties, Stella Maris (Sliema) and Antoine de Paule Band Club (Paola), the process is complete and finalised.

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