Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528582
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 OCTOBER 2024 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 942. Lobed Argiope SPIDERS are statistically among the things most feared by humans. People have jumped from highrise buildings to escape them, opting for certain death instead. While most spiders are venomous, there's no real danger from our native webspinners, so please no base-jump- ing scenes! Still, we do have a couple of impressive types, one of which is the lobed argiope (M. brimba kbira tal-widien). Its relatively large body – we're still talking inch-sized here – and long stripey legs render it quite the looker. But for all her fearsome appearance, this lady is no threat to us. Its target are flying insects of all sizes, al- though her personal favourite seem to be wasps. Incidentally, I refer to her in the feminine because females are the ones we'll most likely spot; the males are minuscule versions you'll hardly notice. HerpQuest: Discover Wildlife at Wied Għollieqa Need a break from your studies and an excuse to spend some time out- doors? Join us in exploring the natural world right in the university's backyard at Wied Għollieqa! Discover wildlife firsthand, learn some- thing new, and contribute to environmental research – all during De- gree+ hours. Whether you're studying sciences, earth systems, or are just curious, this event is for you! What to expect: Introduction to Malta's reptiles and amphibians Bioblitz: A mini-exploration, identifying wildlife around the valley Short clean-up After the event, enjoy refreshments and snacks, and chat with others passionate about nature and sustainability. This interactive event is open to everyone, regardless of your knowledge of the topic—no prior experi- ence in wildlife or conservation is needed. Victor Falzon, Kathleen Psaila Galea (photo) www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 806 Register here: https://foemalta.org/event/herpquest/ Don't miss this Glenn Miller Orchestra 28 December Place: Mediterranean Conference Centre If you love the music of GLENN MILLER, swinging Christmas classics, and a great show – then this is definitely the concert for you! The ensemble will perform a fantastic selection of songs from Glenn Miller's incredible repertoire, along with a few special arrangements of Christmas classics. In its second appearance in Valletta, the orchestra will bring you timeless Christmas hits like "White Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "A Christmas Love Song," and "Let It Snow," alongside Glenn Miller's evergreens such as "In the Mood," "Pennsylvania 6-5000," "Moonlight Serenade," and many more. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Joseph Calleja Christmas Special with Il Volo 20 December Place: Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre We are excited to announce the Joseph Calleja Christmas Concert featuring the sensational Il Volo, happening on December 20th at MFCC, Ta' Qali! A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Kate Bush has shied away from the spotlight in recent years, and last released a studio album in 2011. But the singer has told the BBC she is "very keen" to start working on new music. Bush said there are "lots of ideas" she wants to pursue, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I'm really looking forward to getting back into that creative space, it's been a long time." The writers behind hit TV shows including Derry Girls and Big Boys have criticised ITV after the broadcaster posted a job advert for someone to use artificial intelligence to "shape the future of content creation". The singer's last new record, the melancholic 50 Words for Snow, was released in 2011. Since then, her only releases have been live or compilation albums. The £95,000 London- based "head of generative AI innovation" will head up "AI-driven innovations in content creation" for TV shows and films.