Owen Leuellen Reunites With Partner After 2 Months In US

Dec 2 2024

Posting to social media, Diane Mizzi shared the moment she reunited with her partner, rapper Owen Leuellen.

Owen returned from the USA, having even won a rap battle on of Kai Cenat’s 30 day Mafiathon 2 livestreams.

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A post shared by D I A N E 🤍 (@diane_mizzi)

‘Two months away from each other were not easy and felt like an eternity, but ever second away from each other yielded fruit as I knew that you were out in the world achieving the best and making me proud’, said Diane.

‘You didn’t only make me proud, but you made Malta proud.’

‘Your determination, passion and courage inspire me everyday. You know that you will find me all my support, even from the other side of the world’.

#MaltaDaily

World’s Largest All-Electric Airplane To Fly In 2025

Dec 2 2024

Swedish startup Heart Aerospace is preparing for the first flight of its X1 electric demonstrator aircraft, scheduled for early 2025

The X1 is a full-scale test version of the ES-30, a 30-seater hybrid-electric commercial plane.

The company, founded in 2019, has raised $145 million to advance regional aviation with sustainable technology.

The X1, unveiled in September, has a wingspan of 32 meters (105 feet) and will take off from Plattsburgh International Airport in New York, chosen for its low air traffic and tech-friendly environment.

This flight will validate Heart’s innovative electric propulsion system. While the X1’s zero-emissions range hasn’t been confirmed, the ES-30 is designed to cover 124 miles (200 km) on electric power, extendable to 250 miles (400 km) with a hybrid system.

Heart’s focus is on connecting small regional airports, particularly underserved areas, rather than competing with major airlines. The ES-30 can take off from short runways of 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) and accommodate the needs of regional aviation.

Heart aims to launch the X2 demonstrator in 2026 and commercially debut the ES-30 in 2028.

Meanwhile, other companies like ZeroAvia and Elysian are also working on emission-free aircraft solutions, exploring technologies like hydrogen-electric and battery-powered designs. Enthusiasts can virtually fly the ES-30 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Heart Aerospace

‘Brain Rot’ Named 2024 Word Of The Year By Oxford University Press

Dec 2 2024

Oxford University Press has named “brain rot” as its Word of the Year, reflecting concerns about the impact of excessive consumption of trivial online content, particularly on social media.

The term saw a 230% rise in usage between 2023 and 2024, signifying its relevance in discussions about internet culture and its effects.

Defined as the supposed deterioration of mental or intellectual abilities due to exposure to low-quality material, “brain rot” originally appeared in Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 book Walden.

Thoreau used it to critique society’s decline in valuing complex ideas, famously asking if efforts to cure “potato rot” might extend to curing “brain-rot.” While once confined to social media slang among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the term has gained mainstream traction.

Professor Andrew Przybylski of Oxford University describes the term as a reflection of societal unease with the digital world rather than a scientifically supported condition.

Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, notes the term underscores growing anxieties about virtual life and its role in shaping modern language, much like last year’s winner, “rizz.”

“Brain rot” outpaced contenders like “demure,” “Romantasy,” and “dynamic pricing” for the title, highlighting the intersection of internet culture and evolving social discourse.

#MaltaDaily

You May Soon Be Able To Visit A Minecraft Theme Park

Dec 2 2024

Minecraft, the world’s bestselling video game, is venturing into real-world experiences through a global partnership with Merlin Entertainments, Europe’s largest theme park operator.

This collaboration, called “Adventures Made Real,” will introduce Minecraft-themed rides, attractions, hotel rooms, and retail outlets, with the first attractions opening in the UK and US in 2026 and 2027.

Merlin, known for operating iconic locations like Legoland and Alton Towers, plans to invest over £85 million ($110 million) in the initial phase.

The partnership aims to expand globally, leveraging Minecraft’s massive digital presence of 140 million monthly players and Merlin’s physical footprint in 23 countries.

This move aligns with Merlin’s strategy of partnering with major intellectual property brands, following successful collaborations with Lego, Peppa Pig, and Jumanji.

Minecraft, which passed 300 million sales in 2022, continues to expand its brand with a film starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black set for release in 2025 and an upcoming Netflix series.

Merlin CEO Scott O’Neil highlighted Minecraft’s universal appeal, calling it one of the world’s biggest brands.

For Microsoft, which acquired Minecraft developer Mojang in 2014, this partnership is an opportunity to extend the game beyond its digital roots, combining their expertise with Merlin’s location-based innovations.

#MaltaDaily