Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1315450
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 DECEMBER 2020 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 739. Cathedral Spider NO, it doesn't live in cathedrals. The cathedral spider is so called because her web is so complicated that whoever named it could only compare her handiwork to those intricate marvels of gothic architecture. On the other hand, her Maltese name – brimba tal- pal tal-bajtar – refers to one of her favourite haunts: prickly pear trees. The spider finds an empty space among the flattened stems and spins this massive three-dimentional silk web. She then builds herself a tubular silk shelter in the middle, where she then sits in wait for hapless flies and other insects to zoom into her delicate but deadly arena. If you pass by a prickly pear tree and spot this almost mist-like structure – which can be a metre across – tarry a while and admire this 'cathedral'. Oh and the spider's harmless, though flies would beg to differ. Victor Falzon, Desirée Falzon www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 632 Join the event to learn more about sustainable food systems and agriculture Short Films Friends of the Earth Malta will be hosting a curated online short film selection, showing films that touch on food systems, alternative agriculture, and humans' relationship with animals. The films will be accessible for only four days from the 10th to 13th December. This event is part of the Meatless Monday project, which aims at encouraging people to reflect on the current food and agricultural models and the effect of meat production on the environment. VISIT Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support – www.foemalta.org/donate https://foemalta.org/event/holidays/ Appster Smartphone fun and smarter work Authy Free Apple Authy brings the future of two-factor authentication to the convenience of your iPhone or iPad. The Authy app generates secure 2 step verification tokens on your device. It helps you protect your account from hackers and hijackers by adding an additional layer of secuirty. TECH RETAILERS contact afarrugia@ mediatoday.com.mt A GOOD WEEK FOR Good Week/Bad Week Don't miss this A BAD WEEK FOR A Christmas Carol 18-20 December, at Manoel Theatre in Valletta. Tickets can be booked on their website: https://booking. teatrumanoel.com.mt/ event/16326/title/a_christmas_ carol/?dt=18.12.2020. Ian Moore's new adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, one of the most loved short stories ever written, is brought to you by Teatru Manoel and Masquerade Malta; performed by four outstanding actors – Paul Portelli, Tina Rizzo, Joseph Zammit and Melissa Mercieca – coming together to tell the story and play all the parts. For space fans. China's Chang'e-5 mission has sent back its first colour photos from the surface of the Moon. Its lander captured a panoramic view that stretches from the lunar "soil" directly under its legs all the way out to the horizon. For earth fans. The UN has warned that humanity is facing a new war, unprecedented in history which is in danger of destroying our future before we have fully understood the risk. The mission touched down on Tuesday The UN mentioned human-inflicted wounds on the natural world Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member