Over 20,000 Cards Unboxed By Pokemon Fans To Break Record

Dec 3 2024

Thirty dedicated Pokémon enthusiasts and content creators have set a Guinness World Record for the longest unboxing livestream, opening over 20,000 trading cards during a 24-hour event.

Participants from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain joined forces to achieve the feat, celebrating their shared passion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Even Pikachu made a special appearance to mark the occasion.

The cards from the livestream will be sorted into protective binders and donated to charities across Europe, including the children’s charity Barnardo’s in the UK. The initiative adds a charitable twist to the record-breaking event, spreading joy to fans and those in need.

Since its introduction in 1996, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has become a global phenomenon, allowing fans to collect, trade, and battle using Pokémon-themed cards.

The value of these cards depends on factors such as rarity, condition, and character. Competitive tournaments, including a world championship, continue to draw players from around the globe.

With over 30 billion cards printed since the TCG’s launch, Pokémon remains a cornerstone of gaming culture, inspiring events like this livestream and uniting fans worldwide through their love for the franchise.

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Pro-Life Demonstration Held In Valletta On Sunday

Dec 3 2024

Around 150 people participated in a pro-life demonstration in Valletta on Sunday, marching through Merchants Street and Republic Street accompanied by a marching band.

The event, organized by the Life Network Foundation Malta, featured attendees of all ages, including families and elderly participants.

They carried placards with slogans such as “pro-life = pro-women” and “we are the pro-life generation,” along with Maltese flags, as popular songs like Bella Ciao and Sweet Caroline played.

The demonstration concluded at Jean De Valette Square with speeches and a video presentation. Michela Agius, a fourth-year medical student, emphasised the importance of ensuring equality by protecting the right to life, including for those in the womb.

She also expressed support for women facing unplanned pregnancies.

The event included speeches from two US-based doctors: Christine Francis, CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and John Bruchalski, a former abortionist turned pro-life advocate. She argued that pregnancy is not a disease and abortion is not healthcare.

As of now, abortion in Malta is generally illegal, but amendments passed in June 2023 allow for exceptions in very limited circumstances. Termination of pregnancy is permitted only if a woman’s life is at immediate risk or if her health is in grave danger, and only when all other treatment options have been exhausted. This represents a slight easing of Malta’s absolute ban on abortion, but it remains highly restrictive compared to most other countries.

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Isabelle Bonnici Pays Tribute To Jean Paul Sofia 2 Years On

Dec 3 2024

Taking to social media, Isabelle Bonnici paid tribute to her late son Jean Paul Sofia two years on after the tragedy that took his life.

‘Who would have told me that two years ago, in a few hours, my life would be crushed with my son’s under a building filled with thirst for money, lack of accountability, discipline and responsibility, as well as the corruption ruling over the country.’

‘My son jean Paul was a beautiful youth inside and outside, always smiling, who knew how to love and an immensely good heart’, continued Isabelle. ‘He loved life and wanted to live… but you, tainted with his blood, did not let him live life and shut off his smile forever.’

‘I am sure he is proud of me for having continued to live with the values I instilled in him. Fighting injustice and working towards a more secure Malta to avoid seeing other parents going through from this valley of eternal tears.’

‘I promise you that your death will never be for nothing’.

Rest in peace, Jean Paul.

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Malta And Poland Sign First Agreement On Scientific Research And Innovation

Dec 3 2024

Last week, a Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific Research and Innovation was signed in Warsaw between the Maltese Government and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti signed on behalf of Malta, while Professor Andrzej Szeptycki, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, signed for Poland.

This marks the first formal agreement between Malta and Poland focused on scientific research and innovation. The Memorandum aims to foster closer collaboration, promote the exchange of expertise, and share best practices in these fields.

Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti thanked the Maltese Embassy in Warsaw for its critical role in finalizing this agreement after months of negotiations.

He explained that the Memorandum lays the foundation for joint research, the development of bilateral and multilateral initiatives, and the exchange of scientists and experts between both countries.

The agreement also facilitates shared access to research infrastructure and technical equipment. Key areas of cooperation include marine and maritime technologies, digital innovation, health and well-being, sustainable resource use, smart manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, space, and cultural heritage.

The signing was followed by a bilateral meeting between Azzopardi Tanti, Malta’s Ambassador to Poland, Dr. Marisa Farrugia, and Under-Secretary Szeptycki.

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