Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1478015
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 SEPTEMBER 2022 11 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 830. Sticky Fleabane THIS is one plant whose aroma has people divided: some (like me) love it, others find it offensive! The scent comes not from its bright yellow flowers – soon coming into bloom – but from its wavy, some- what sticky leaves, hence its name. The sticky fleabane (M. tulliera komuni) is not a fussy plant, growing happily most everywhere, even in tight cracks among stones and kerb pavings. It brings colour and life to the dreary greys of brick, concrete and asphalt, and its flowers attract myriad bees and butterflies. Sadly, they also attract an army of zealous men with their infernal weedkiller. When will we learn to stop attacking our country roadsides with chemicals and machinery, and let the flowers grow? But we won't – apparently the conviction that wildflowers are shabby is hard-wired in our DNA. Documentary screening and discussion: Gas Pipelines: 'Fuelling Climate Conflict? September 17 at 20:00 – 22:00 During this public event we will watch two short documentaries created by the Italian organisation ReCommon, an NGO fighting against cor- porate and state powers causing social and environmental devastation. The short documentaries 'Polluting the Transition' and 'Cyprus, the Gas of Discord' will show two perspectives on the damage that continued investment in fossil gas is causing, socially and environmentally. We will be joined by ReCommon's Climate and Infrastructure Cam- paigner Filippo Taglieri to discuss the impacts of fossil fuels on the cli- mate crisis, on local communities, and on wider geo-political conflicts, together with our audience. Location: Hall, Centru San Gorg Preca, The Archbishop's Seminary, Triq tal-Virtu, Rabat. Victor Falzon, Desirée Falzon www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 718: If you are interested in seeing the documentary yourself and take part in the discussion, please register here: https://foemalta.org/ event/documentary-screening-discussion-gas-pipelines-fue- ling-climate-conflict/ 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 The Planets 17 September Place: Hilton Malta, Saint Julian's The epic orchestral suite was described as "a series of mood pictures" by the composer, with the musical traits capturing the character of each planet allegedly inspired by eminent astrologer Alan Leo. Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan leads the MPO on a spatial journey musically evoking English folk song and the works of leading 20th century composers Schoenberg and Stravinsky rich in orchestration and rhythmic elements. This concert is presented with the support of MeDirect, MAPFRE MSV Life and Hilton Malta. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Caravaggio the Musical – The Rise and Fall of a Tormented Genius 20 September - 25 September Place: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta One of the most famous artists of all time, Caravaggio is best known for his painting 'The Beheading of St John' housed at St John's Cathedral in the heart of Valletta – a world-renowned treasure. This will be the first original musical commissioned and produced by the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. Showing at the MCC between the 20 and 25 September 2022, the musical is composed by Paul Abela, with Book and Lyrics by Joe Julian Farrugia, and directed by Malcolm Galea. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Taylor Swift announced a new album as she scooped the top prize at the MTV Video Music Awards. The singer won several prizes at the event including the coveted best video, for All Too Well (10-Minute Version). Jerry Allison, whose drumming powered Buddy Holly's influential rock and roll hits, has died at the age of 82. As part of The Crickets, Allison co-wrote songs like That'll Be The Day and Peggy Sue, earning him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Swift said she was "so honoured" to win the prize, and took the opportunity to tell fans her next album Midnights would be released on 21 October. His death was announced on the official Buddy Holly Facebook page on Monday.