Over 10,000 E-Scooter Fines In First 8 Months Of 2023

Nov 30 2023

In the first eight months of this year, e-scooter riders faced over 10,000 contraventions, primarily attributed to inadequate parking and obstructing pavements.

Out of the total 10,120 infractions recorded from January to August, 4,811 were related to improper parking, while 5,158 were for obstructing pavements. Notably, 94 fines were imposed for offenses such as dangerous driving, mobile phone usage, overloading, and disregard for traffic signs, with an additional 61 contraventions linked to licensing matters.

This information, revealed in response to queries from PN MP Graziella Attard Previ to Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, was presented in parliament. The data was compiled from various entities under the ministry, including the law enforcement system agency and the police, as confirmed by a ministry spokesperson.

The surge in penalties was most pronounced between June and August, with Sliema receiving the highest number of fines, followed by St Paul’s Bay, St Julian’s, and Gżira.

However, the parliamentary inquiry did not delineate the distribution of contraventions between rental e-scooter riders and private e-scooter users.

In response to growing concerns, the government recently declared a prohibition on rental e-scooters from March 1, citing misuse that overshadowed their benefits, as stated by Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia.

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Francesca Opens Up About Experience In Abusive Relationship

Nov 30 2023

Interviewed on Popolin, guest Francesca opened up about how it felt to be in, and eventually leave, an abusive relationship.

Francesca explained how being in such a relationship made her feel like her needs were not important, how every wrong thing that happened was her fault and that she could not achieve what she dreamed of.

She says that it is very difficult to leave such a relationship because the victim is being convinced that they deserve the treatment.

Not even losing a baby was enough, at the time, to make her realise that she had to move on and find the courage to stand up for her own life.

Having found the courage to leave, she now urges people to not forget about themselves in these relationships and to seek help immediately.

Discover Francesca’s full story on @popolin

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Cows Can Have Best Friends And Stress When Separated

Nov 30 2023

Friendship, a fundamental aspect of human life, provides support, connection, and laughter, acting as a crucial buffer against loneliness.

Research in the United States indicates that individuals typically maintain three to five close friends—those with whom they share profound life discussions and cherished memories.

Beyond humans, animals, including cows, exhibit bonds akin to friendships, expressing emotions and connection.

Cows, capable of experiencing emotions and empathy, display specific friendships that contribute to their well-being. A study from Northampton University in 2011 demonstrated that when cows were placed with familiar companions, their heart rates and stress hormone levels were lower compared to interactions with unfamiliar cows.

This suggests that, like humans, cows find comfort and happiness in the company of their friends.

Krista McLennan, the lead author of the study, highlighted farmers’ anecdotal observations confirming cows’ preference for spending time together and forming bonds.

Further analysis of dairy farms’ observations revealed that over 50% of cows consistently chose one particular companion for grazing and resting.

Experts posit that cows can also form bonds with farmers and veterinarians, even in contexts where they are raised for meat or dairy. This connection underscores the notion that animals, including those destined for production, can establish meaningful relationships with those caring for them.

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Sheepsbodies Art Exhibition At Spazju Kreattiv

Nov 30 2023

The Sheepsbodies public art exhibition, hosted at Spazju Kreattiv’s Space C in Valletta, features Matthew F. Cassar, a visual artist, collaborating with writer Lara Calleja to explore the concept of self and authenticity in a world saturated with fast-paced information and shifting standards.

The title, inspired by the term ‘dogsbody,’ delves into the notion of servility, examining personal choices in the modern social media reality.

Scheduled from December 7, 2023, to January 14, 2024, the exhibition questions how identity is shaped by the choice of who to follow and be influenced by in the realm of infinite information.

Cassar, a Maltese artist based in Milan, known for his vivid figurative art, collaborates with award-winning author Lara Calleja to present a multi-dimensional exploration.

The exhibition’s inauguration on December 7 includes a public ceremony with speeches and a live performance by local musician Michael Azzopardi, aligning with the theme. Azzopardi, a singer-songwriter from Malta, debuted his EP “PISTOLA” in 2021 and collaborates with notable local figures.

Matthew F. Cassar, with prior solo exhibitions and a focus on sustainability in art, teams up with Lara Calleja, an acclaimed author engaged in social activism. Michael Azzopardi, with emotionally rich lyrics, leads his band in preparation for a series of 2023 shows supporting his upcoming debut album. Together, the trio aims to challenge perceptions of identity and authenticity in the Sheepsbodies exhibition.

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