Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1531608
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 JANUARY 2025 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 954. Solider bug FOR most people "bug" is a convenient term that refers to all creepy crawlies. Insect experts too use the word but less generically. Bugs are a large group of insects, with over 80,000 species (so far) known, of which over 200 are (so far) recorded in Malta. One typical spe- cies is the soldier bug (M. suldat), a smart-looking character with a neat red-and-black pattern on its flat, shield-shaped body. As the cold snap gradually thaws, bugs start hatching or leaving their win- ter quarters, so you start finding them scurrying along the ground, climbing plant stems, flying too if they must. For all the military overtones soldier bugs are harmless, drinking mostly plant sap, which they suck with their pointed mouthparts. Plant sap is by far the most popular food among bugs, and the soldier bug is no excep- tion. Friends of the Earth Malta: Climate Emotion Discussion Groups Climate change and environmental challenges can stir up a whirlwind of emotions and can affect your well-being in many ways. Friends of the Earth Malta has created a safe space designed and facili- tated by a mental health professional for individuals to come together, connect, and share their feelings in an open support group. Wednesdays | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at Friends of the Earth Malta, Floriana Victor Falzon Green idea of the week 188 Learn more about the CALM-EY project and register for the next ses- Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member 1. A Musician Navigator Date: 21 January Location: Tarxien Bruno Procopio, originally from Brazil and residing in France, explores French and Brazilian musical traditions with The Abos Project & Consort. The program includes Couperin, Mondonville, Avondano, Haydn, Ferreira, and Brazilian popular music, showcasing diverse cultural exchanges. 1. Open Mic - On Found Date: 24 January Location: APS House, Valletta The Victor Pasmore Gallery will open its doors for poets, writers, musicians, storytellers, & wordsmiths to play with (and share) their verse-making process. The second open mic will be held on 24th January at 6PM at the Victor Pasmore Gallery in Valletta and deals with the notion of the FOUND. 3. The Illusionist's Magic Box Date: 25 January Location: Malta Society of Arts, Valletta The toy piano may seem like an unlikely candidate for the classical concert hall, yet all around the world, thousands of musicians gather every year for festivals, conferences and concerts featuring this unique instrument. Tricia Dawn Williams presents a series of toy piano projects throughout 2024 and 2025. The second concert in the series, entitled The Illusionist's Magic Box, taking place on Saturday 25 January at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta, presents a programme for Piano, Toy Piano, Electronic music and Video Projections. Williams has commissioned 3 new piano / toy piano works to local and foreign composers and 3 videos to local and foreign video artists that will serve as the backdrop to the original music. 4. Failling in Love Date: 29 January Location: Malta Society of Arts, Valletta A stand up comedy show in English about failures in relationships and love with the most hilarious comedians in Europe! Laugh along as the mischievous Victor Patrascan and his friends take you through their lives, romantic adventures, dating successes, but mostly failures, and much more. 5. Stand Up Comedy in Broken English by Victor Patrascan Date: 29 January Location: Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta Laugh with Europe's comedy nomad Victor Patrascan, as he tells hilarious jokes while asking thought- provoking questions on today's most controversial topics. You'll hear jokes on subjects like race and religion all the way to gender and politics. This show is not for the easily offended! Perfect for locals, expats, and immigrants, this show invites everyone to laugh at modern life's absurdities. Join us for a show where comedy is at its best – insightful, honest, and uproariously funny. 6. The Grand Tour of the Cavalier Date: 6 Febuary Location: Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta A theatrical tour of Spazju Kreattiv, together with Jeremy Grech (tour guide and performer), delving into the site's history all the while uncovering fascinating stories of treachery, near tragedy, and triumph. But who will be telling you these stories? The local, is-Sur Kreattiv has stories to tell… He was there from its very first stone till the most recent refurbishment, he has seen it all and cannot wait to share his experiences! 7. ZfinDays 2025 Date: 21 Febuary Location: Valletta Campus Theatre An annual programme that brings choreographers who are making their mark in the international dance scene to Malta. ZfinDays 2025 features new works by Liliana Barros (Portugal/ Germany), Simon Riccardi - Zani (France/Malta) and the re-creation of 'Somiglianza' by Mattia Russo and Antonio de Rosa - Kor'sia (Italy/Spain). Open Mic - On Found