Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1505128
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 AUGUST 2023 7 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 878. Striped bream ONLY yesterday I was watching a herd of 100+ wild animals root- ing around in the ground just metres from me. No I wasn't in the Serengeti on the wild plains of East Africa. The location was Gold- en Bay and the herd of wildlife was a silvery host of young striped bream foraging on the sandy seabed, all at just two metres' depth! The striped bream (M. mingus) is a common fish around our coasts; it's a gregarious animal, so if you see one, odds are you'll see a bunch of them. They're relatively tame and approachable, and will gra- ciously allow you to share their space. What is more, if you rummage in the sand a bit, they may even check out the spot for any titbit you may have uncovered. So find a snorkel and mask and create your own marine safari experience. And it you have kids you can take along, all the better. Surviving the heat waves: a few tips from FOE Malta • August has come and we expect new heat wave in Malta. We prepared several reliable tips on how to stay cool and healthy during hot weather. • Avoid direct sun exposure: Limit your time in the sun, especial- ly during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade or stay indoors during this time to reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses. When staying inside, close curtains and blinds • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. In hot and humid weather, you can easily lose fluids through sweating, so it's crucial to replenish them regularly. Don't forget to take a reusable bottle for water everywhere! Avoid alcohol and caffeine because they contribute to dehy- dration • Eat light and cold meals. Opt for fruits, vegetables, salad, yo- ghurts or other meals that require minimal cooking • Know the signs of heat-related illness: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion (e.g., heavy sweating, weak- ness, dizziness) and heatstroke (e.g., high body temperature, confusion). Seek medical attention immediately if you or some- one else shows these signs. Please do keep an eye on the elderly, children, and those with chronic medical conditions If you live in a multi-story building, stay on lower floors, as heat ris- es, and upper levels are usually hotter. Wear light and loose cloth- ing: Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing to allow air circulation and help your body cool down. When it's getting too hot, you can apply cooling towels or packs to your body, especially on pulse points like your neck, wrists, and ankles. Victor Falzon, Desirée Falzon www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 765: Learn more about climate situation and future of energy in Malta in our report To- wards a Fossil Free Malta https://foemalta.org/news/foem-climate-report-launched/ 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 Rockestra 2023 30 September Place: Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre Rockestra 2023 with the theme "More Than a Feeling" will be held on Saturday 30 September at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre, MFCC, Ta' Qali. This will be the final edition of Rockestra organised under the Presidency of President George Vella in aid of The Malta Community Chest Fund. It was announced that among the singers taking part this year are Aidan Drakard, David Loewe, Mikaela, Moira, Martina, Kersten Graham, Kevin Paul, Kenneth, Matthew James, Klinsmann, Raquela, Chris Grech, Peter Grech, Frank Calleja, Lara Dimech, Brooke Borg, and Pawlu Borg Bonaci. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Valletta Pub Crawl 9, 16, 23, 30 August, 6, 13 September Place: Triton Fountain Valletta pub crawl takes you on a tour of the best sites to see, places to eat and bars to drink at. They meet up at 8:30pm in front of triton fountain, from here they group up with the pub crawlers from around the world. spot their guide in red t-shirts. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Australia's national gallery will return three 9th and 10th Century bronze sculptures to Cambodia, after they were found to be stolen. It follows a decade-long investigation carried out by the two countries to determine the origin of the works. Two of Lizzo's former dancers, who are suing the pop star for misconduct, have claimed others are scared to speak out. Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams said they had filed the claim hoping to prevent colleagues from suffering. Cambodia's government welcomed the historic move as "an important step towards rectifying past injustices". Williams told CBS she wanted to ensure that other dancers who work with Lizzo "don't have to go through that same experience".