Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1446843
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 JANUARY 2022 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 799. Sulla SULLA is a very common plant. It is widely cultivated because it is an important animal fodder crop. In fact it is probably not native at all to Malta, but was likely introduced in the past for its economic value. Whatever its origin, sulla (M. silla) is today considered very much a member of the Maltese flora. It has long since escaped the fields and naturalised in various habitats, growing happiest in clay- ey ground. Although widespread, it still catches the eye, especially round this time when the first flowerheads start poking here and there from among the green carpet that covers our countryside (ef- fect of a thankfully generous rainy season). Still early days, but soon the highly gregarious sulla will be covering entire fields or slopes with swathes of deep vermilion for everyone to enjoy, not least the ever-thirsty insects! Victor Falzon www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 691: Join us and subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated on our campaigns https://foemalta.org/join Inspirational Guide for the New Year FRIENDS of the Earth has created an overview for you to help you adapt more sustainable practices and live a more environmentally friendly life. #1 – Buy local: On our Malta Farm Map you can find your closest local farmer for fruits and veggies, but also for honey and eggs. Visit this site to find the map: www.foemalta.org/maltafarmmap/ #2 – Eat seasonal: The Agro Katina Report is the product of Friends of the Earth Malta's research into the local vegetable and fruit sup- ply chain and the agricultural sector in Malta. Download the free guide here: www.foemalta.org/AgroKatina-Report 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 us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this Relikc Live Date: 13 Febuary Place: Storeroom, ix-Xatt Ta' Xbiex With high hopes for a revival of the live music scene, the local band Relikc makes its first public appearance of the year with a performance at Storeroom. Playing new and old releases, and throwing in a mix of funked-up covers, the band is eager to make this a memorable night. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Malta Indie Shorts Date: 4 Febuary Place: Spazju Kreattiv, Pjazza Kastilja Pope Pius V Street Il-Belt Valletta Malta Indie Shorts is an exciting event for local filmmakers and audiences. Each month, Spazju Kreattiv showcase 3 notable short films which were produced and shot here in Malta, as well as chat with each of the directors. This audience interaction is vital for filmmakers. The public also gets a great chance to learn about filmmaking, through artists working right here in Malta & Gozo. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK A single comic book page from a 1984 issue of Spider-Man - which debuted the now-iconic black costume - has been sold at auction for $3.36m. The work was drawn by Mike Zeck and featured on page 25 of Marvel Comics' Secret Wars no 8 Sir Elton John has been forced to postpone two concerts in Dallas, Texas after recently testing positive for the coronavirus. The musician, 74, is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is currently experiencing only mild symptoms, according to a post on his Instagram. The artwork was sold at auction in Dallas, Texas, for more than ten times its original opening bid. The global pandemic has caused many delays in Sir Elton's Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour.