Shaun Farrugia Joins Martin Garrix At Ultra Music Festival, Miami

Mar 24 2024

Shaun Farrugia featured in the the 24th edition of Ultra Miami joining Martin Garrix during his main stage performance on Saturday evening.

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Established in 1999, Ultra Music Festival (UMF) has become a global phenomenon, synonymous with an atmosphere of unparalleled energy, dazzling stage and an all electronic music line up featuring over 150 acts including Armin Van Buuren, Chase & Status, Miss Monique, Peggy Gou, Afrojack, David Guetta, Martin Garrix and many many more.

During his set in front of 55,000 attendees Garrix gave a glimpse of a number of new songs he is set to release, including another brand new song with local artist Shaun Farrugia. This is not the first time the two have collaborated, releasing the likes of ‘Starlight (Keep Me Afloat)’ and ‘If We’ll Ever Be Remembered’.

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Over 1,800 First Time Buyers Applied For €10K Over 10 Years Grant In 2023

Mar 24 2024

Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation Roderick Galdes revealed that more than 1,800 first-time property buyers in 2023 have already applied for the €10,000 grant, distributed over a span of ten years. This initiative, part of the Malta Flimkien electoral agenda, aims to bolster new homeownership. Reflecting on the past year, Minister Galdes noted that over 2,800 individuals who embarked on the significant journey of purchasing their inaugural home in 2022 have received their initial €1,000 installment under this program. They are set to receive the second installment out of ten payments this year.

“Starting from June this year, first-time property buyers from the previous year will begin receiving their first €1,000 installment as part of a decade-long support initiative,” remarked Galdes.

The Minister stressed that this grant, integrated into several diverse programs managed by the Housing Authority (HA), signifies a substantial investment in our families and youth, who play a pivotal role in the economic prosperity of our nation.

Galdes further elaborated, “An important economic benefit of this scheme is its contribution to our country’s homeownership rate, which currently stands at 82% — one of the highest in Europe.”

“As the Housing Authority, we are committed to investing in the aspirations of young Maltese individuals, particularly their ambition for homeownership. We are enhancing our comprehension of this vital sector through continuous data analysis and research. Moreover, we are pleased to announce that, in alignment with our commitments, payments for this program will resume in June,” stated HA CEO Matthew Zerafa.

First-time buyers who purchased a property in 2023 and who have not yet applied for this grant should do so no later than the end of April by visiting https://bit.ly/Għotja10K.

Permanent Secretary Emanuel Psaila was also present for this press conference.

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Russia Adds LGBTQ Movement to List of Extremist Organizations

Mar 23 2024

In a recent development, Russia has made a significant addition to its list of designated extremist and terrorist organizations, with the inclusion of what it terms the “LGBT movement.” This decision, following a ruling by Russia’s Supreme Court last November, underscores a concerning trend of LGBTQ activists being labeled as extremists. Representatives of the gay and transgender community have expressed fears of heightened surveillance, arrests, and prosecutions as a result.

The list, managed by the agency Rosfinmonitoring, carries significant implications, as it grants authorities the power to freeze bank accounts belonging to more than 14,000 individuals and entities identified as extremists and terrorists. Notably, this includes a diverse range of groups from Al Qaeda to U.S. tech giant Meta, as well as associates of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

According to state news agency RIA, the new designation specifically targets the “international LGBT social movement and its structural units.” This move aligns with a broader shift under President Vladimir Putin towards what the administration portrays as traditional family values, which are positioned in opposition to perceived decadent Western attitudes.

Over the past decade, Russia has implemented increasingly stringent measures concerning expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes the passage of laws prohibiting the promotion of “non-traditional” sexual relations and banning legal or medical changes of gender.

As Russia continues to tighten restrictions, concerns mount regarding the erosion of LGBTQ rights and freedom of expression within the country. The latest decision further underscores the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals and activists in asserting their rights and identities in a restrictive political climate.

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Dune 2 Makes ‘Top 10 Films of All Time’ List

Mar 23 2024

In the pantheon of cinema classics, certain titles like “The Godfather,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “The Shining” have long held sway, captivating audiences across generations and standing as timeless exemplars of the art form. However, amidst the ranks of these revered films, a newcomer has boldly emerged, seizing a coveted spot among the cinematic elite.

“Dune: Part Two” has stormed its way into the upper echelons of film rankings, securing a top ten position on Letterboxd, the esteemed online movie catalogue boasting over 876,000 entries. This feat is particularly impressive given the illustrious company it now keeps, rubbing shoulders with perennial favorites such as “The Godfather: Part II” and “Seven Samurai.”

What sets “Dune: Part Two” apart is not just its rapid ascent to critical acclaim, but also its meteoric rise within a month of its release on March 1st. Garnering a commendable rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Letterboxd, the film has captivated audiences with its immersive storytelling and stunning visuals, solidifying its status as a modern masterpiece.

Building upon the success of its predecessor, which earned six Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects, “Dune: Part Two” delves deeper into the richly woven tapestry of Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi universe. With a star-studded cast featuring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, and Oscar Isaac reprising their roles alongside newcomers Austin Butler and Florence Pugh, the film promises to deliver another gripping chapter in the saga of House Atreides.

Set against the backdrop of the desert planet Arrakis, “Dune: Part Two” continues the epic narrative of Paul Atreides as he navigates a treacherous web of political intrigue and interstellar conflict in his quest for revenge and redemption. At its heart, the film explores themes of power, destiny, and the human spirit, resonating with audiences on a profound level.

The success of “Dune: Part Two” is a testament to the enduring allure of science fiction as a genre and the creative vision of director Denis Villeneuve. With its blend of spectacle and substance, the film has left an indelible mark on cinema history, securing its place among the greatest films of all time.

As audiences around the world continue to flock to theaters to experience the epic spectacle of “Dune: Part Two,” it’s clear that the legacy of this groundbreaking film will endure for generations to come. In a landscape crowded with new releases and streaming options, “Dune: Part Two” stands as a shining beacon of cinematic excellence, proving that some stories are truly timeless.

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