Remains of WWII planes discovered during pension home garden works

Mar 8 2023

As garden works on the grounds of the St Vincent de Paul care home were underway, the remains of World War II aircrafts were discovered, putting the construction on a brief hiatus.

The workers were working the land for an upcoming garden when they came across parts belonging to planes piloted by Italian, German and British militia.

Malta Aviation Museum director Ray Polidano said that the fighter aircraft most likely crashed in different areas of Malta before ending up in the quarry site.

Polidano told Times of Malta that the air craft were most likely studied by the British, stored in a hanger and eventually dumped when they were deemed useless.

Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela took to social media to state that the discoveries will lead to delays as the items will be cleaned and displayed.

The main parts discovered were Italian and German fuselages, with German letters still painted on them. Apart from this, a twin-engine British bomber as well as machine guns were discovered.

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Malta’s dancers push the limits as Brillanti Dance auditions continue!

Mar 8 2023

We’re already on the 4th episode of Brillanti, and Malta’s dancers are showing judges Patrick, Brenda and Andrea that they have what it takes to be deemed the island’s very best.

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Of course, not everyone makes it through as the judges, all experts in their respective styles and fields, are bringing a keen eye to detail for every participant.

As we get closer to the beginning of the quarter finals, the places for a spot on the first roster of Brillanti dancers start to fill up.

The next episode, which will air next Friday on ONE TV at 2030hrs will continue the search for more dancers. Who will make it through and who will have to wait for the next edition of the competition?

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Tune in next Friday and find out!

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Astronomer made into Barbie to promote science for more women

Mar 8 2023

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a space scientist and best known for presenting BBC One’s ‘The Sky at Night and CBeebies Stargazing, will be honoured with a Barbie doll.

Dr Maggie will be honoured for her work promoting science careers for girls, with the reveal coming around International Women’s Day.

Earlier this month, the astronomer also became the new chancellor at the University of Leicester, known for its extensive space research.

Aderin-Pocock revealed how she fell in love with the idea of space travel as a young girl and has since spent her career trying to show girls how fascinating space science can be.

“I want to inspire the next generation of scientists, and especially girls, and let them know that STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths] is for them,” she said.

The doll wears a starry dress akin to the night sky and comes with a telescope accessory for stargazing. She opened up saying that when she was younger, Barbie dolls did not look like her.

Toy creator Mattel, known for releasing dolls in honour of celebrities, is also recognising six other STEM professionals globally. COVID-19 vaccine creator Professor Sarah Gilbert, sprinter Dina Asher-Smith and boxer Nicola Adams will also be among those honoured.

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The future of Europe? No more planes, just trains.

Mar 8 2023

Europe is looking to completely ditch air travel, or at least restrict it, and switch all main travel to trains.

With environmental groups putting pressure on travellers and companies to seek greener options, many in Europe have began their search for an extensive rail network to replace short haul air travel.

Airlines like KLM have already entered into rail partnerships on certain routes, and countries like Austria and France are also seeking to restrict internal routes where trains are available.

Many of the changes being suggested and adopted are not quick solutions, so this vision might still be far off in the future of Europe.

What could be some of the obstacles? High prices and low frequencies currently remain an obstacle to getting more people to switch from flying.

Better connectivity between intercity rail and airports would also reduce the need for short haul flights, but this would require airlines and airport operators to cooperate better together.

2023 kicked off with a new legislation promised in France which would ban short haul flights on a number of domestic routes. For the ban to apply, the EU insisted the air route in question have a high speed rail alternative.

But the EU Commission massively watered down the plans, making this bill a rather symbolic move rather than one which actually aids sustainability.

What do you think?

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