Probe into alleged Eurovision betting spend finds no irregularities

Nov 23 2021

According to broadcasting Minister Carmelo Abela, an investigation into the allegation that Malta spent a massive portion of its Eurovision budget on manipulating betting odds found no wrongdoing.

Following a report by Times of Malta that Malta spent over €650,000 promoting Malta’s entry, the probe was launched. It was claimed that a part of the budget was used to manipulate the betting odds in order to make Malta a frontrunner in the competition.

Abela told The Malta Independent that the audit found that both the Malta Tourism Authority and the Public Broadcasting Service worked within their own respective procurement regulations.

The minister declined making the report public, arguing that there were restrictions on the publication of the full report. Malta was considered a massive contender for the victory but instead placed 7th.

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Squid Game overtaken by South Korean horror ‘Hellbound’

Nov 23 2021

It seems as though South Korean TV series are taking the world by absolute storm. But this is bad news for Squid Game as it loses its place from most popular Netflix series globally.

Fantasy horror series ‘Hellbound’ toppled Squid Game, becoming the most watched Netflix television series on the 20th of November. It topped the streaming ratings in more than 80 countries within 24 hours of its debut.

The series is just as violent as Squid Game, but instead centres around a team of demons who hunt down sinners who have been previously visited by a mysterious being who informs them of their date and time of death. Yep, bizarre.

The massive monsters incinerate their victims and send them to hell, and this prompts an outbreak of public hysteria. By comparison, an estimated 142m households in 94 countries watched Squid Game in October. It generated an estimated $900m in profit for Netflix as these ultra violent series captivate Netflix viewers by the millions.

Have you watched either series yet and which one did you prefer?

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Photo Source: Polygon, The Daily Beast

Christmas has come to Valletta as lights decorate the city

Nov 23 2021

Valletta has taken new festive life as the Christmas spirit manifests through spectacular lights and decorations to captivate both locals and tourists alike.

Switched on by Culture Minister Jose Herrera and Valletta Cultural Agency CEO Jason Micallef, the Christmas in the City entertainment programme was also kicked off, set to run till the new year.

With a large Christmas Tree set up just inside the city gate opposite parliament, several lights shine across the streets and a crib attracts the tourist gaze in St John Square.

Posting to Facebook, Micallef announced the beginning of the festive season in the capital city. He highlighted the beautiful atmosphere created through song and music upon launch.

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Photo Source: Jason Micallef FB, Darren Agius VCA

Health Minister Chris Fearne receives booster and urges public do the same

Nov 23 2021

Health Minister Chris Fearne, along with shadow minister for the sector Stephen Spiteri, got their COVID-19 booster jab together today. Both medical doctors, the politicians urged the public to get their booster jab once their invitations are received.

Il-vaċċin ipproteġina matul is-Sajf u l-Ħarifa. Il-#booster se jipproteġina matul ix-Xitwa. Meta jasal l-appuntament tiegħek, ħu il-booster kontra l-Covid-19 int ukoll! pic.twitter.com/Mk0uzy69WK

— Chris Fearne (@chrisfearne) November 23, 2021

The administration of the booster vaccine started on the 6th of September, with residents of homes for the elderly spearheading the rollout due to priority. Other elderly persons, front-liners, teachers and other medical profession staff members quickly followed suit.

As of yesterday, 933,791 doses were administered, of which 99,506 were booster shots. Fearne tweeted out saying that ‘the vaccine protected us during the summer and the autumn, and the booster will protect us through the winter.’ Spiteri too said on Facebook that it is very important to accept the invitation for the booster. ‘This way, we will ensure a strong immunity in our country’s community.

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Photo Source: Chris Fearne FB, Stephen Spiteri FB