St Julian’s is the mobile phone theft capital, information tabled in Parliament shows

St Julian's is the mobile phone theft capital, according to information tabled in Parliament.

Replying to a parliamentary question by PL MP Luciano Busuttil, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said 17,993 mobile phones were stolen between 2008 and August of this year.

St Julian's, which includes Paceville, tops the list with 8,619 phones having been stolen during that period.

Sliema came in second with 1,579 and St Paul's Bay took third place with 1,183.

The peaceful villages of Gharb and Ghasri in Gozo had the lowest number of mobile phone thefts – one case in each locality. Only two mobile phones were reported stolen in Fontana during the 8 and a half year period.

Mr Abela also revealed that during the same period 425 people had been charged with mobile phone theft offences. 

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Labour has failed miserably on gender equality, Opposition MP claims

Opposition MP Clyde Puli lambasts government for failing to bridge Malta's gender gap, warns poverty in the country has increased under Joseph Muscat's watch

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Antiques conman stole valuables worth £126k to open shop named after Lovejoy

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Amber Rudd praised for resisting calls for Battle of Orgreave inquiry amid fears it would be 'stick to beat the Thatcher government'

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Almost half of NHS authorities to cut hospital beds and third to close A&E

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Paris migrant tents return just hours after police clear influx from the Calais 'Jungle'

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‘Disgusting!’ Furious Andy Burnham accuses Amber Rudd of a ‘stitch-up’ over Orgreave

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Heated arguments dominate Gozo budget debate

Heated arguments and constant cross-debates dominated the budget debate for Gozo this evening. Gozo Minister Anton Refalo said that bereft of EU funds, this year's budget is the best in the last decade, providing the island with €50 million in capital expenditure. He criticised the Opposition's "negative" attitude, adding that its lack of concrete proposals was a clear sign of its inability to govern. The government had transformed the Gozitan economy from a seasonal to an all-year-round one and this had resulted in economic growth of 7.3 per cent during the past year alone. For 2017, the government was investigating the possibility of expanding the port at Mġarr in accordance with a report commissioned by a Nationalist administration to provide for a second entrance to the port. It would also be investing in a second fibre-optic cable to provide better connectivity, and in a digital hub. Shadow Minister Chris Said argued there was virtually nothing new in the budget allocation for Gozo. Most proposals were recycled from previous budgets, some – including a proposed study into the viability of a permanent link between the islands – dating from as far back as 2013 and 2014. Gozo...

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Theresa May launches annual poppy appeal at Downing Street

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The abandoned New Orleans Six Flags theme park, in pictures

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Matt cartoons, November 2016

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Minister denies PN MP's claims of fight between PBS employees

Justice and culture minister Owen Bonnici dismisses claims by Opposition MP Clyde Puli that a fight had broken out between PBS employees last week 

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Italy fears for Colosseum as 'cracks get bigger' after each quake

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Żebbug Road, Attard closed until Friday

Transport Malta will carry out maintenance works in Triq Żebbuġ, Attard, between 8pm tonight and early Friday morning.  During works, the road will be closed to traffic including public transport. Route 109 known as route Baħrija - Siġġiewi Bajjada, will proceed from Triq L-Imdina Żebbuġ instead of Triq L-Imdina Ħ'Attard. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes and follow instructions by the officials on site.

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Drug addicts to be given heroin in UK's first state shooting gallery

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Diwali sheds light on the foolishness of believing in absolutes

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Spy chief says British intelligence has foiled 12 terror plots since June 2013

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Nuisance farmer harassed neighbours in venomous right of way dispute

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Adele: I may never tour again

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No to indiscriminate land reclamation - NGO, developers say in unlikely front

The environmental and development lobbies are presenting an unlikely united front against indiscriminate land reclamation – although differences between the two positions persist. During a meeting between the Front Ħarsien ODZ and the Malta Developers Association today, both sides spoke about the need for land reclamation to be used solely for projects in the national interest. Front spokesman Michael Briguglio expressed particular concern over the inclusion of land reclamation in the new Paceville masterplan, which will support a new hotel and apartments close to a marine protection area. The group has called unequivocally for the project to be struck from the plan. The general concern was echoed by MDA president Sandro Chetcuti, who said land reclamation should only be considered for "job creation", and that there was no justification for taking up the sea in the interest of speculative development. When questioned further on what would constitute an acceptable project for land reclamation, however, Mr Chetcuti said he would consider a hotel attracting new classes of tourists and creating long-term jobs as one such class. He also shied away from supporting the Front call for...

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Bees go into honey overdrive as they exceed last year's honey yields despite threat of starvation

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Gozo minister warns Salvu Mallia's 'rude' comments will consign PN to electoral defeat

Gozo minister Anton Refalo warns rude comments by Salvu Mallia will help consign PN to another defeat at the polls, announces plans to set up government entity to attract financial services companies to Gozo 

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Prince Harry rumoured to be seeing US actress Meghan Markle - but who is she?

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FBI director James Coney accused of breaking law as Hillary Clinton's 12-point lead 'wiped out': Monday US election briefing

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Cliff Richard to make first TV appearance since child sex probe

Sir Cliff Richard will make his major first television appearance since an investigation into child sex allegations was dropped. The veteran singer, who has launched legal action against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police for alleged collusion in the case, will step out at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards along with the Prime Minister, the Prince of Wales and a host of famous faces. After retreating from public life during the two-year probe that saw albums and a biography postponed, Sir Cliff said he was "feeling stronger already" and looking forward to the event. "It was a matter of being patient. I knew it wasn't true. I got through it but I will never forget it," the 76-year-old told the newspaper. "It's an experience I wouldn't want to repeat or for anyone else to go through. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I'm trusting that is true." Sir Cliff is due to present an award at the ceremony where Theresa May will praise the "extraordinary" achievements of the country's "unsung heroes". She will say: "Their achievements are extraordinary. But not only that, through what they have done, they have also shown the tremendous bravery, decency and...

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Family minister denies tax swap for RFP on social housing, then says ‘not technically a tax swap'

Family Minister Michael Farrugia has vehemently denied that the Request For Proposals (RFP) on the provision of social housing amount to a tax swap. The offer chosen from the RFP scheme however is for five applicants to sell their property to the government, and from the earnings generated they would pay their outstanding taxes.

A report that appeared on the Times of Malta alleged that the government was considering swapping private properties for pending balanced owed to the government in taxes.

In a press briefing, Mr Farrugia gave a detailed explanation of the evaluation process of the properties, which was handled by a committee made up of architects, a separate board that analysed the proposals put forward, an audit carried out by Deloitte and Touche and finally another audit by PWC which analysed the evaluations made by the architects.

He stressed that the evaluation process was carried out in the most transparent way possible.

Mr Farrugia explained that the government had three options with regards to social housing: that the government buys properties from developers at commercial prices, that the government swaps private properties for public land and lastly that the government buys private properties and with those earnings, the applicant would have to settle any pending balances it had with the government. There were five applicants who suggested this when the RFP was released.

Two of the five are no longer interested, one had already sold off their available property and the remaining two applicants had their proposals evaluated by a board of experts. Out of the last two, one applicant has already accepted the price offered to it by government for the property swap.

Pending balances refer to outstanding tax payments. Asked how this does not amount to a tax swap, Mr Farrugia said that these were the terms suggested by applicants when they submitted their RFP.

He said that the Family Minister does not know how much tax the applicants owe the government, and therefore is unaware if the amount offered to the applicants covers the tax owed.

The price offered by the government for the properties is non-negotiable, Minister Farrugia stressed.

Asked again how this does not amount to a tax swap, he said that till now one person has accepted the price and the next step would be for the government to find a "formula" to carry out the proposal within Maltese law.

He said that the question of whether the applicants and the government had entered into an agreement to swap the property for the pending balances, is the next step and is part of a process that is yet to be determined.

He repeatedly termed the payment of outstanding government balances, i.e. pending taxable payments as "making good on pending government balances."

The two applicants who proposed this swap are offering a total of 135 apartments, some ready, shell or under construction. Minister Farrugia said this option was the one chosen because it was the most financially viable for the government.

When questioned about whether this swap could open the floodgates for abuse by developers or property owners negating to pay their taxes with the intention of entering into a government agreement, and that this could be unfair because this tax break, so to speak, is only available for property owners, Minister Farrugia said the RFP was open to all. He said that the government never approached anybody with the suggestion, and that it was available to the whole public.

He said that the architects tasked with analysing the evaluations of the properties offered were immediately asked if there was a conflict of interest – that could come about if the architect had worked on the design for the properties in question.

"There was not one second of the entire process where any architect had a conflict of interest. The moment any conflict of interest could have arisen the relevant architect was removed from the task," he said.

When asked about whether the Ministry of Finance had any objections to this scheme, Minister Farrugia repeatedly said that discussions with all ministries are currently ongoing.

 

 

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Bale cements future at Real Madrid with contract extension

With his focus on winning more trophies, Gareth Bale singed a new deal Monday that ties him to Real Madrid until 2022.

The Wales forward inked the three-year contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Now 27, Bale will be two weeks short of 33 when his new deal runs out.

"I grew up watching the Premier League and Real Madrid, but when you have the opportunity to play here you cannot waste it," Bale said. "I'm only thinking about Real Madrid and I am very happy to be here."

Bale arrived in Spain with incredibly high expectations after Madrid broke its own record for transfers by paying Tottenham 101 million euros in 2013. That record stood until Manchester United shelled out 105 million euros for Paul Pogba in August.

While the team is still very much Cristiano Ronaldo's, Bale has become a reliable and often electric second scorer with a knack for netting key goals that have helped Madrid win two Champions League titles and one Copa del Rey.

Bale, who had been linked to rumors of a move back to the Premier League with Manchester United, said staying at Madrid was an easy choice.

"The most important thing is to concentrate on my football," Bale said. "I came to improve and I love it. I made the right decision. We've won two Champions Leagues, I want to keep winning titles and Real Madrid can offer that. The club is at the same level as my ambitions."

Bale added that while he continues to address the media in English, his Spanish is getting better as he settles in.

"I have improved my Spanish, my family is more integrated and I feel that the fans love me," he said. "The more time you spend more here, the more integrated you are, and all I do is try to help the team win as many titles as possible."

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Suspended jail term, licence suspension for causing woman's death

A man from Paola was found guilty of having caused the involuntary death of an elderly woman in an accident in 2010. Wayne Grima was condemned to a jail term of 18 months suspended for four years and his driving licence was suspended for 12 months. Grima, 33, was accused of having been driving his Piaggio Porter along Żabbar Road, Paola on February 8 that year at a speed of about 60km/hr when the accident happened. Vincenza Ellul, the 73-year-old pedestrian, chose that fateful moment to cross the busy street, emerging from behind a stationary bus with her head bent down. She had walked more than halfway across the street when she was hit by the car driven by the accused. The victim ended up sideways on the road in the midst of shattered glass. She succumbed to her grievous injuries a few days later after suffering from intracerebral haemorrage. The court, presided by Magistrate Ian Farrugia, based itself on the testimony of two witnesses as well as the reports of the court experts and the autopsy results. The magistrate concluded that the accident was mainly caused by the reckless and dangerous driving of the accused, who was driving his vehicle even though he was aware of its...

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US election: How age, race and education are deciding factors in the race for President

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City lawyer accused of racially aggravated assault after calling woman an 'Australian s---'

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MFA: no football nursery fees will mean lower quality

Abolishing the football nursery compensation fee could deal a blow to the quality of coaching or result in higher clubs' annual registration costs, according to the Malta Football Association. The MFA did not believe the compensation payable when children swapped clubs should be abolished, because it deemed the fee a guarantee that nurseries were indemnified for the loss of a player whom they have trained, vice president Chris Bonett told this newspaper. Dr Bonett, who is also the MFA's legal adviser, was contacted following the launch of an online petition by the Malta Football Players Association calling for an end to the nursery compensation fee and the "exploitation of children". Children's Commissioner Pauline Miceli has also called for an end to the fee, which she said was symptomatic of a mindset that saw children as a means to an end. But the MFA is insisting that the fee acknowledges the efforts made by nurseries in nurturing players. Any funds received by nurseries are reinvested to get better coaches and facilities. "It is an undeniable fact that nurseries are non-profit-making organisations run by volunteers and usually have little means of income beyond the yearly...

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How age, race and gender are deciding factors in the US presidential election

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Americans swarm Larry the cat outside Number 10 in order to take his picture

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125 apartments considered in tax-for-property swap

The government is currently negotiating with two building contractors to acquire some 125 apartments to be used for social housing purposes, Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia confirmed this afternoon. However, he refused to call the scheme a "tax swap" and instead said "the government will be giving a cheque to the contractors and then they will use it to pay their tax arrears". The Sunday Times of Malta yesterday revealed that the government had reached a preliminary property for a tax swap with Tal-Ħerba Construction Limited so that apartments will be exchanged with hundreds of thousands of unpaid taxes due to the Inland Revenue Department and the VAT department. Dr Farrugia declined to reveal the names of the companies it is negotiating with, the values of the properties involved and the valuations of how much the government be forking out. Pressed to state whether the Ministry of Finance and its Permanent Secretary have approved this agreement, Dr Farrugia declined to respond and said "discussions are still ongoing". When asked on the swap last week, Dr Farrugia said the government reached an agreement which had to be signed "in the coming days". He also said that...

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Fake train tickets sold on dark web as criminals take advantage of anger over expensive travel

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Police withdraw appeal as teenager 'forced into car' turns out to be drunk girl being picked up by parents

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Four wanted in Germany for failing to save man under 'Good Samaritan' law

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Minister: ‘No tax arrears barter deal’ in property sold to government for social housing

Social solidarity minister Michael Farrugia insists that developers selling the property to government 'would use the money to settle tax arrears'

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Fears as apprentice nurses allowed to dispense drugs

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Why all Conservatives should want Parliament to have the final say on Article 50

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Iraqi forces 'enter Mosul for the first time'

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Ombudsman's authority to investigate AFM promotions confirmed by Court of Appeal

Judge Mintoff ordered the Ombudsman to continue his investigation into complaints made by several officers and ordered the defendants to collaborate with the investigation

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Labour’s Gozo airstrip pledge ‘has vanished into thin air’, MP warns

Opposition MP Chris Said calls out government for failing to build an airstrip in Gozo, warns employment schemes are leading Gozitan workers into minimum wage jobs  

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Trump presses attacks on Clinton amid email firestorm

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump pressed his attack on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton's integrity as she struggled to get past a new firestorm over her emails with just eight days to go until Election Day. Friday's announcement by FBI Director James Comey that his agency is investigating more emails as part of a probe into Clinton's use of a private email server gave new hope to Trump that he can make an improbable comeback and win on November 8. The Clinton campaign and its supporters in the Democratic Party furiously attacked Comey for releasing information that raised questions but provided no details so close to the election. Some party leaders accused the FBI of a double standard, saying the agency was concealing damaging information about the Trump campaign. The FBI spent a year investigating Clinton's use of a private email server, instead of government systems, while she was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. Comey concluded in July that while Clinton and her staff had been "extremely careless" in handling classified information there were no grounds for any charges. But the issue resurfaced unexpectedly on Friday when Comey sent a brief letter to...

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Top ranking may have to wait until next year, says Murray

Andy Murray believes he will probably have to wait until next year to reach the world number one spot at the expense of Novak Djokovic as the two are on a final collision course at the Paris Masters. The Briton will top the ATP world rankings if he wins the indoor tournament at the Bercy Arena and Serbian Djokovic does not reach the final, or if he makes it to the final and the world number one falters before the semis. "I can obviously try and win my matches, but even if I win all of my matches this week, I still might not get there," world number two Murray told a news conference. "So it's in Novak's hands. He's ahead obviously just now, so if he wins his matches and gets to the latter stages of the last two tournaments, then he'll most likely keep the No. 1 spot." Murray has been in fine form lately, winning 15 tour matches in succession since his defeat by Japan's Kei Nishikori in the U.S. Open quarter-finals. Murray then won three tournaments in a row - the China Open, the Shanghai Masters and the Erste Bank Open in Vienna on Sunday. "I don't feel any differently now to how I did kind of six, eight weeks ago. My goal wasn't to finish No. 1 at the end of this year," he...

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Driver guilty of causing pedestrian’s death, gets suspended jail sentence

A 33-year-old man from Paola has had his driving licence suspended for a year and given a suspended sentence for causing the death of Vincenza Ellul in 2010

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Huge wave stops traffic in Malta

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Prince Philip as you've never seen him before: Matt Smith stars as the 'touchy-feely' Duke in The Crown

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Beware these pork, beef products

Two particular brands of pork and beef meat must not be consumed since they contained undeclared or unauthorised sulphites, the Environment Health Directorate said. The products originating from the Netherlands and selling under the brand Zenbo were produced meat were produced between the dates October 24, 2014 and October 25, 2016.  The company involved declared that the consignments have been sold. For further information, the public is requested to contact the Health Inspectorate Services between 8am and 2.30pm on 2133 7333, or by calling personally at its offices at Continental Business Centre, Old Railway Track, Santa Venera or by email mhi@gov.mt. 

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Mark Carney hasn't just played a political game, he's won it hands down

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Philip Hammond will make a 'huge mistake' if he endorses forecasts of economic collapse, Tory MPs warn

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Thank God for parents like Michael Gove – the greatest gift you can give your child is independence

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Challenging Global Run Valletta raises a toast for Valletta, funds for Puttinu Cares

Charlton Debono and Michelle Vella Wood, both from Malta respectively won the 10K race in the general men and women category in the first Global Run Valletta (GRV) on a breezy Sunday morning which saw more than a thousand people of every age and fitness level run or walk along the stunning coast of Valletta, in aid of the charity Puttinu Cares.

Charlton Debono completed the 10K circuit in 00:33:32, whilst Michelle Vella Wood clocked at 00:41:57. The 5K run was won by Piotr Mielewczyk in 00:16:12, whilst Josanne Attard Pulis clocked at 00:20:39. The Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth & Sport, the Hon Chris Agius presented the top awards. Also present was the Ambassador of Turkey for Malta, His Excellency Reha Keskintepe.

There were 78 other winners from various categories who took home prizes ranging from Garmin running watches to iPhone 7s. Every participant of the GRV 10K and 5K race and the 5K walk received a medal especially minted for the occasion. All participants also received custom designed shirts and the specially designed Global Run Valletta bag.

The top five winners in the general category for 10K and 5K were:

Women 10 K

1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Michelle Vella Wood 00:41:57	Gianella Bugeja 00:43:13	Jennifer Warner 00:44:42	Jacqueline Booker 00:45:54	Christine Parkhill 00:46:13

 

Men 10 K

1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Charlton Debono 00:33:32	Jonathan Balzan 00:35:17	Stephen Borg 00:36:20	Darren Fenech 00:36:43	Alexander Schembri 00:36:54

 

Women 5 K

1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Josann Attard Pulis 00:20:39	Amanda Rapa 00:21:33	Julie Portelli 00:22:12	Serena Ives 00:24:32	Marion Neame Giles 00:25:59

 

Men 5 K

1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Piotr Mielewczyk 00:16:12	Andrew Grech 00:16:26	Mark Herrera 00:16:52	Mathew Scicluna 00:16:57	Neil Brimmer 00:18:06

 

The top three winners in the age categories of 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+ for 10K and 5K (men) and 10K and 5K (women) can be found on http://ift.tt/2dPk3SW

Earlier, a road race inspired by Valletta and named after it, turned the capital into an open-air circuit setting the mood for a run in challenging conditions.

All the monies raised through registrations were donated in entirety to Puttinu Cares who have previously announced to use the funds towards the construction of a brand new housing project in central London to accommodate Maltese families with children suffering from cancer.

At the electrifying starting line in Valletta Waterfront, Global Run Valletta 2016 participants, friends, families and spectators also had the opportunity to take part in exercise challenges offered by Cynergi Health & Fitness Club.

"The first Global Run Valletta celebrated not only the potential of Valletta as a world-class capital, inviting thousands of sea passengers every week to its shores, but also honoured the outstanding talent of runners. Kudos also go to walkers and to all those who made the event such a resounding success," Stephen Xuereb, Chief Operating Officer of Global Ports Holding and Chief Executive Officer of Valletta Cruise Port.

Global Ports Holding is the world's largest cruise port operator with a portfolio that spans 13 cruise and commercial ports in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Southeast Asia in eight countries. The Valletta Cruise Port was welcomed into the GPH family in 2015 and joined such destinations as Barcelona, Venice, Malaga, Dubrovnik, Lisbon, Antalya, Kuşadasi, Bodrum, Ravenna, Cagliari, Bar, and Singapore.

Valletta Waterfront is the jewel in the crown of VCP with an array of shops, cafes, restaurants, offices and other amenities set in the beautifully restored 18^th century warehouses stretching along the eastern flank of the Valletta peninsula.

Meanwhile, those participating in the Global Run Valletta 2016's dedicated photo competition 'GRV - Sports & Tourism' can submit their photos of the race and the walk by Friday 4^th November 2016 at 12:00 (Malta time).  Prizes include cash awards and certificates while the top entries may be featured in an exhibition. Entry and consent forms may be obtained from http://ift.tt/2dUA4ob

Latest on Global Run Valletta 2016 can be followed on http://ift.tt/2eeGU69 and http://ift.tt/2eeIDsd

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House flip: historic Parliament chamber is being transformed

The former Parliament chamber, embedded in people's memories as the venue of so many historic and feisty sittings, has been stripped of its fittings and famous purple hue. It is now being transformed into a fresh, bright hall in preparation for hosting informal EU ministerial meetings during Malta's 2017 EU presidency. The chamber's furnishings used to include wooden platforms, franka-dressed stone elements and light fittings hanging from the ceiling. It now has a modern-looking ceiling design and gypsum walls. The chamber, which in 1976 had replaced the armoury within the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta, was last used as a Parliament in April of last year, before the House of Representatives migrated to the new Parliament building just inside City Gate. The plan was that it would once again host the Palace Armoury but this has been put on hold. The old chamber will now be the main venue for Malta's fast-approaching EU presidency, to be held in the first six months of next year. The project also includes offices for people working for the presidency, a press room and a room for European Commission delegates. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi told Parliament this...

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Earthquakes could continue to batter central Italy in devastating 'domino effect', seismologist warns

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Scottish independence 'greater threat to financial services industry than Brexit'

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Gauci to sing Verdi’s Requiem at MCC

World-renowned soprano Miriam Gauci will be singing Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on Saturday. She will sing alongside mezzo-soprano Claire Massa, tenor Christopher Busietta and bass Albert Buttigieg in one of the largest performances ever seen in Malta, which will also include the St Monica Choir, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Armed Forces of Malta Band. Born in Vittoriosa in what she describes as a family who loved music, Gauci has not only graced the stage of La Scala in Milan, but also most of the greatest opera houses in... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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Jeremy Clarkson fears BBC could sue over new racing show The Grand Tour if too similar to Top Gear

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Chelsea beat Southampton with Hazard and Costa on target

SOUTHAMPTON 0 CHELSEA 2 Chelsea racked up a fourth consecutive league win without conceding a goal as they outclassed Southampton with strikes from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa at St Mary's. Hazard cut back and rifled a shot through Fraser Forster's legs after six minutes and Chelsea never surrendered their command. Spain striker Costa doubled the lead 10 minutes after the break when he received a pass from Hazard and beat Forster with a swerving shot from 25 metres. Chelsea, who moved back above Tottenham Hotspur into fourth spot just one point off the leaders, had the opportunities to increase their tally while Southampton's best chance fell to Charlie Austin who headed over the bar. 

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Failla penalty wins it for Hi

BIRKIRKARA-0, HIBERNIANS-1A late Clayton Failla penalty handed Hibernians a narrow 1-0 victory over fellow title hopefuls Birkirkara. The win flattered Hibs as, for most of the first half they were second best to the vibrant Stripes but their failure to convert their chances proved costly. Hibernians improved sufficiently after half-time to keep their opponents at bay before the game turned on its head after Birkirkaa defender Nikola Vukanac tripped Jorginho inside the box and Failla made no mistake from the spot to lift the Paolites into second-place, three points behind leaders Balzan. The first half belonged to Birkirkara who played the better football and created the better chances but Hibs held firm.Srdan Dimitrov, the Birkirkara playmaker, tried his luck with a diagonal drive but Hibs cleared. A perfect pass from Joseph Zerafa then dropped the lively Dimitrov in the box but his diagonal effort was turned away by Andrew Hogg, the Hibs goalkeeper. Birkirkara pushed on. Dimitrov's corner triggered a goalmouth melee andChristian Bubalovic headed goalwards but his effort was cleared off the line. The loose ball dropped to Cain Attard whose cross-shot was partially repelled by...

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Christmas travel chaos could be worst ever as rail network shuts down and airports face strikes

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Come and fly with us this Christmas

Booking is now open for the annual MADC Christmas panto, Un–Believe It!, which will be held at the Mediterranean Fairs and Conferences Centre, Ta'Qali. This year will see the return of Alan Montanaro as the dame and Nanette Brimmer as director. The duo has worked together in many other successful pantomimes, such as Peter Panto, The Princess & the Pea and Scrooge, which remains one of the most well-received panto productions on the MADC roll. Montanaro is also the script writer. The title was chosen from a phrase he had coined in Scrooge, which has since become a household expression on... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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‘We are dealing with humans not categories’ - New Refugee Commissioner interviewed

Martine Cassar, a lawyer and former head of the International Organisation on Migration office in Malta, has just been appointed Refugee Commissioner. In her first interview, she tells Philip Leone-Ganado her guiding principles in deciding which migrants qualify for protection – and what Europe needs to do to address the crisis. A few weeks into the job, how do you see your role? The role is very specific: to analyse and assess claims for protection and the award of protection. We analyse – objectively and justly – every claim on a case-by-case basis. Naturally there are laws and regulations which govern the different forms of protection, and we give the form we think is rightful in terms of the parameters defined in the law. What you've described is quite a technical function. Do you also see yourself as the public face of the government's refugee policy? The claims are heavy: you're dealing with someone's future, with someone who went through a journey, often a treacherous one, to get here. So it is technical. We analyse in depth. Our decisions affect people's futures and I take it very seriously in that respect. Am I the government's face? Up to a certain extent. I am the...

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Michael Gove’s dancing exploits trigger national debate on ‘home alone’ children

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European Union and Canada sign long-delayed trade pact

The European Union and Canada signed Sunday a landmark trade pact, ending days of drama after a small Belgian region refused to endorse the agreement and deeply embarrassed the EU.

As protesters gathered outside EU headquarters in Brussels, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, put an end to the suspense by signing the Comprehensive Economic and Trade agreement.

"This accord is the product of long discussions. Frank discussions, but which have always taken place in respect, among partners that share common values," Trudeau told reporters afterward.

The EU needed unanimity among all its 28 members and Belgium needed the backing of all its regions to approve the pact known as CETA. Trudeau had been due to sign it on Thursday, but was forced to cancel his flight when Belgium couldn't sign on because of opposition from the Wallonia region.

Smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey, Wallonia defied hopes for a deal between more than 500 million EU citizens and 35 million Canadians for weeks. Politicians there argued that CETA would undermine labor, environment and consumer standards and allow multinationals to crush local companies.

After several rounds of talks late into the night last week Belgium formally gave its endorsement on Saturday morning. Even Trudeau's plane appeared to have conspired to hold up the signing ceremony as it turned back to Ottawa overnight with mechanical problems.

But Trudeau, who made it to EU headquarters only two hours late, said he welcomed the challenge posed by Wallonia.

"The fact that throughout people are asking tough questions of a deal that will have a significant impact on our economies, and giving us the opportunity to demonstrate that that impact will be positive, is a good thing," he said.

Juncker lauded the agreement as "the best and most progressive that we have ever signed." He added that "we are grateful to Canada for being as patient as it has been."

But, Juncker said wagging his finger, "Belgium should reflect on the way it functions when it comes to international relations."

On the other side of EU headquarters, a rowdy group of around 250 anti-CETA protesters gathered to block the front entrance as riot police watched. Red paint was smeared on the building. Some demonstrators had actually entered the foyer. Police took away 16 people, but didn't break up the protest, spokeswoman Ilse Van de Keere said.

The EU says CETA will remove more than 99 percent of tariffs and boost trade with Canada by 12 billion euros ($13.2 billion) a year, creating economic growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. It insists the deal won't prevent governments from moving to protect environmental and social standards if they believe action is needed, despite concerns in Wallonia and elsewhere that big companies would have free rein.

"We are setting international standards which will have to be followed by others with whom we are in negotiations as far as free trade is concerned," Juncker said.

Work on the agreement was launched in 2009 and the text was actually finalized two years ago but sat in limbo awaiting endorsement.

The delay has raised troubling questions about the EU's ability to seal big trade agreements. Work on a similar pact with the U.S. dubbed TTIP has barely advanced this year and little progress is likely before a new U.S. president takes office in January.

"There is no realism in concluding TTIP right now," EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said Sunday, noting the U.S. election campaign.

None of it bodes well for the trade talks that Britain will need to have with its 27 EU partners once it leaves the bloc.

 

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Making a connection

A moment, the crossroads, the act of coming together. A glance, a look, a smile, a simple gesture can make you feel like you made a connection with another person you have never met before. Reflecting this and more, ME(et) YOU is the new production by dancer and choreographer Sarah Vella in collaboration with Lisa Colette Bysheim (Norway). Vella is a dance artist and speech and language pathologist, currently living in Berlin. She started dancing at the age of four, training in classical ballet, modern jazz, flamenco and contemporary dance. After graduating, Vella moved to London where she... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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Mosta halt Sliema's winning run as clash ends in a draw

SLIEMA WANDERERS-1, MOSTA-1Mosta halted Sliema Wanderers' winning run after their first-round clash ended 1-1. Coming from four victories on the trot, Sliema should have made it five as they were the better side but were denied by a string of good saves from goalkeeper Yenz Cini in the second half after Mosta had made the most of a rare scoring opportunity to equalise. Sliema Wanderers were the better side in the opening half. They took the lead on 24 minutes when Mattias Muchardi traded passes with Jean Paul Farrugia whose shot was blocked by Yen Cini, the Mosta goalkeeper, but Wisdom Salomon flashed in to stab the ball home. Late in the first half, Sliema missed a great chance to increase their lead when Mark Scerri lifted his shot over the bar after Muchardi had headed on Alex Muscat's cross. Moments later, Cini denied Sliema when saving Farrugia's close-range header from Gary Muir's free-kick. Sliema threatened inside the opening four minutes of the second half. Farrugia passed to Salomon inside the box but his effort was beaten away by Cini. A powerful run by Njongo Priso raised Mosta's optimism as the Cameroonian swe[t past Marko Potezica but Scerri made a timely tackle to...

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Assignments 2016: The British Press Photographers’ Association Exhibition

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Unpaid internships could be banned to help the poor, minister suggests

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Lukaku scores vs West Ham again in 2-0 win for Everton

Romelu Lukaku must wish he can play against West Ham every week.

The Everton striker scored a close-range header in the 50th minute to set his team on its way to a 2-0 win over West Ham and a first Premier League victory in five games.

It was Lukaku's ninth game against West Ham for Everton — and he has scored in every one of them.

The Belgium international also was the provider for Everton's second goal, sending a cross over for Ross Barkley to prod home at the back post in the 76th minute.

Everton stayed sixth, five points off a trio of teams — Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool — at the top of standings.

The game was closely fought until Yannick Bolasie showed determination to pounce on a loose ball following West Ham goalkeeper Adrian's parried save, and clipped the ball back into the area for Lukaku to head into an unguarded net. That was Lukaku's seventh goal in his last seven league games and his 50th in the league for Everton.

Adrian was slightly at fault there, although he had already produced one of the saves of the season. Midway through the first half, Barkley found his way into space in the center of the area and sent in a fierce shot that took a deflection, only for Adrian to show great reflexes to block it with an outstretched arm.

West Ham had won its previous two games.

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Mark Carney has put the Bank of England's independence in question. He should stay on, but shut up

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Prince Harry rumoured to be seeing US actress Meghan Markle

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Malta Comic Con returns with old and new names

The eighth edition of the Malta Comic Con (MCC), organised by Wicked Comics, will be held on December 3 and 4 at the south end of the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre (MFCC) in Ta' Qali. "The Malta Comic Con continues to offer the biggest platform for Maltese creators to showcase their skills, sell their creations and interact with their fans. The continuous presence of some of the leading names in the comic industry and up and coming creators from all over the world has been of tremendous support to the Maltese comic scene and, each year, more creators seek to be part of this event," said... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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Pope Francis tweets for Christian unity on eve of Sweden visit

Pope Francis hopes that his upcoming visit to Sweden on the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation will help in uniting Christians.

The pontiff, who is heading to the largely Lutheran country in Scandinavia, tweeted Sunday: "I ask you to please pray that my journey to Sweden might contribute to the unity of all Christians."

The pope's two-day visit on the celebration that marks Martin Luther's challenge to the Catholic dogma is widely seen as the Vatican's efforts to mend ties with other Christians.

After his arrival Monday, Pope Francis will meet the Swedish prime minister, members of the royal family and participates in an ecumenical prayer service at the Lutheran cathedral in Lund, southern Sweden. Joining him is the head of the Lutheran World Federation, Bishop Munib Younan.

Questions and answers about Pope Francis' visit to Sweden

Pope Francis is traveling to Sweden to join Lutheran leaders for a joint commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

The anniversary of monk Martin Luther's challenge to Catholic dogma may not seem like an event to celebrate from the Vatican's perspective, but Francis' participation is part of the Vatican's wider efforts to mend ties with other Christians.

For history's first Jesuit pope, the visit is particularly significant given the Jesuits were founded to defend the Catholic faith from Protestant reformers.

Here are some questions and answers about the pope's visit:

Q: WHAT WAS THE REFORMATION?

A: The Protestant Reformation started in 1517 when German theologian Martin Luther nailed 95 theses on a church door in the town of Wittenberg, denouncing what he saw as abuses of the Catholic Church. Luther objected to the practice of selling indulgences to reduce the punishment for sins and challenged the pope's authority.

Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther, but the church couldn't stop his teachings from spreading throughout northern Europe. Religious wars erupted, including the Thirty Years War in 1618-48, one of Europe's bloodiest conflicts.

Protestantism became one of three major forces in Christianity, together with Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Lutheranism is one of the main Protestant branches.

___

Q: WHY WOULD FRANCIS WANT TO COMMEMORATE IT?

A: One of Francis' main priorities as pope has been to promote what he calls a "culture of encounter" in which people of different faiths, especially Christians, walk, talk and pray together.

He joined the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians to meet with refugees in Lesbos, Greece. He prayed for martyred Catholics and Anglicans in Uganda. And he asked forgiveness for the Catholic Church's persecution of the small evangelical Waldensian Church in Italy.

He says he wants to bring that message of "coming together" to Sweden and its Lutheran Church.

Not all his advisers approve, however.

The Vatican's doctrine czar, German Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, said in a book interview that Catholics have "no reason to celebrate" the anniversary "which brought about the fracture of Western Christianity."

Q: DO CATHOLICS AND LUTHERANS HAVE GOOD RELATIONS?

A: Following the Reformation, Protestants were denounced as heretics and persecuted in Europe's Catholic countries.

The Lutheran Scandinavian countries, on their part, enacted strict anti-Catholic laws to prevent their former faith from making a comeback. A ban on Catholic convents in Sweden wasn't lifted until 1977.

Dialogue between the Vatican and the Lutherans improved relations in recent decades and led to a landmark 1999 joint declaration on the doctrine of justification concerning God's forgiveness of sins. That had been one of the main stumbling blocks in their relations.

Theological divisions remain, however, and Francis is using the trip to encourage other ways the two churches can work together, particularly on humanitarian initiatives.

___

WHAT ABOUT THE POPE'S OWN HISTORY WITH LUTHERANS?

A: As rector of a Jesuit seminary in Argentina, the former Jorge Mario Bergoglio gave a 1985 speech 1985 in which he tore to shreds the theology and philosophy underlying Luther and Calvin, denouncing the heresy and schism that resulted and which his Jesuit order was founded to fight. He was chastised by Lutheran friends for other "offensive" comments.

He has since changed his tune.

This summer, Francis told reporters Luther was a reformer whose intentions weren't wrong since the Catholic Church of the time was "corrupt, worldly, attached to money and power."

The pope has gone so far with his own reform agenda that conservatives accuse him of "Protestantizing" the Catholic Church.

___

Q: WHAT WILL THE POPE BE DOING IN SWEDEN?

A: Francis' main event is an ecumenical service Monday with the Lutheran World Federation at the Lund Cathedral to commemorate the Reformation and give thanks for improved relations. Afterward, he travels to nearby Malmo, the largest city in southern Sweden, for another ecumenical event featuring testimonies by refugees as well as the bishop of besieged Aleppo, Syria.

On Tuesday he will preside over Mass in Malmo's soccer stadium in front of more than 15,000 people. A Lutheran delegation plans to attend.

Why Lund, population 80,000? The Lutheran World Federation was founded there in 1947.

___

Q: HOW BIG IS SWEDEN'S CATHOLIC COMMUNITY?

A: The Catholic Church counts about 113,000 members in Sweden, the most since the Reformation. Most are migrants, though about 100 Swedes convert each year.

Francis originally planned a one-day trip for the Lutheran event and resisted doing anything special for local Catholics to preserve the ecumenical nature of the visit. But after the Catholic community protested, Francis scheduled a second day so he could celebrate a public Mass, even though it meant missing a major feast day in Rome.

The most famous Swedish Catholic is St. Bridget, the 14th century mystic who founded the Bridgettine order. But Sweden's latest saint has particular relevance for the visit: St. Elizabeth Hesselblad, a Lutheran convert to Catholicism who hid Jews in her Rome convent during World War II. Francis canonized her in June.

 

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Skorupski heroics sees parent club Roma lose ground on Juve, win for Milan

Roma was thwarted time and time again by Empoli goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, who is on loan from the capital club, as it was held 0-0 on Sunday and failed to keep pace with Serie A leader Juventus.

Skorupski flew to fingertip an Edin Dzeko header out from under the crossbar in the opening minutes and pulled off another spectacular save moments later to keep out Mohamed Salah's strike.

The Poland international's heroics continued throughout the match and when he was finally beaten, late on, Manuel Pasqual was on hand to clear Dzeko's header off the line.

Skorupski also fingertipped a Stephan El Shaarawy volley over the crossbar in stoppage time.

If Empoli manages to escape relegation it will owe a great deal to Skorupski and his defense, as Giovanni Martusciello's side has scored just two goals in 11 matches this season — the fewest in Europe's top five leagues.

Roma is four points behind Juventus, which beat Napoli 2-1 on Saturday.

Empoli moved level with 17th-placed Pescara, four points behind Sampdoria which hosts Inter Milan later.

___

AC MILAN 1 PESCARA 0

AC Milan is emerging as a serious challenger for the title and a fourth successive home win saw it leapfrog Napoli into third place, five points behind Juventus.

And it again had teenage goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to thank.

While fellow youngster Manuel Locatelli stole the headlines in last weekend's win over Juventus, Donnarumma pulled off several stunning saves to protect his side's lead.

The 17-year-old kept Ledian Memushaj's strike from going into the top corner shortly after the hour with a flying one-handed save and was again at full stretch to deny Gianluca Caprari late on.

Giacomo Bonaventura scored the only goal of the match, four minutes into the second half, placing a cheeky free kick under the wall as it jumped and into the bottom left corner.

Milan also hit the woodwork in each half, through a M'Baye Niang header and a Carlos Bacca close-range strike.

___

CROTONE 2 CHIEVO VERONA 0

Bottom club Crotone recorded its first ever Serie A victory although there was an unseemly spat over who was to take the penalty that led to the first goal.

Lucas Castro brought down Djamel Mesbah on the stroke of halftime and Marcello Trotta converted, after arguing with Diego Falcinelli over who was to take the spot kick and shoving each other.

Falcinelli got on the scoresheet in stoppage time with a powerful strike to seal the result and spark rapturous celebrations in the stadium.

Crotone moved onto five points, two from safety.

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A tribute to colour and motion

There's always something deeply poignant about films and books where the main protagonist returns back to his hometown after experiencing life elsewhere and, this month's showing of Charles & Ron's collection titled Saints, love and Mediterranean Lights showed how hypnotically beautiful the power of nostalgia and love for one's birth place can be. Born and raised in Birkirkara, there is no one who knows his hometown better than Charles Borg, and it is this great affection that he has for his birthplace which helped inspire this stunning collection and made the village that has grown into a... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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New single from Bahjat

Meet Bahjat, pop singer-songwriter determined to establish himself on the international music scene. Music has been a part of his life from the start – learning to sing around the same time he began walking and talking. Throughout his life, Bahjat has always chosen to express himself through art. From drawing to painting to writing, he explored the art world continuously until he wrote his first song. Ever since then, he's known exactly what he wants to do. Writing for Bahjat is more than putting words and melodies together – it conveys how he deals with all of the challenges life throws at... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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A bond sealed in blood

The demand for blood platelets, used mainly for cancer treatment, has risen by more than a third in the past five years. Sarah Carabott follows this vital blood product's journey from dedicated donors – who even cut down on their alcohol use – to the grateful receivers. When her son was diagnosed with cancer, Caroline Spiteri dreaded the day she would be told a matching platelet donor could not be found, as she knew this would delay his recovery. One year on, Yann is in remission, in part thanks to several donors, some of who were called on the same day that the 12-year-old needed treatment. And following the ordeal, Ms Spiteri has herself become a donor, as she now understands that blood donation is a vital part of treatment. Yann was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and he needed to undergo four cycles of chemotherapy between April and August. Throughout these four months he needed several blood transfusions – platelets were an essential part of his treatment, his mother explained. His platelet count dropped drastically following chemotherapy and he could only continue his treatment once the count was increased through transfusions, she added. "One day his count was...

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Strong explosion, possibly fireworks blast, rocks Gudja

A powerful blast believed to be a fireworks explosion has rocked Gudja this afternoon.

The explosion took place at 4.20 pm

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Fireworks factory explosion reported in Gudja

Fireworks factory explosion reported in Gudja

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New animal hospital opens at Ta’ Qali

Veterinary hospital opens at Ta' Qali will be open 24 hours a day, strays to be treated for free while animal NGOs will benefit from 25% discount

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Strong explosion rocks Gudja - believed to be fireworks blast

A powerful explosion has rocked Gudja in what is believed to have been a fireworks factory explosion. The blast took place at about 4.20 pm and was heard as far away at Lija. Gudja is currently celebrating the feast known as Taċ-Ċintura The police confirmed receiving reports of an explosion but said they were still investigating its source. It is not known if there were casualties.  

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Why healthier sausages have lead to bangers losing their bang

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Sensitive and challenging

Though clocking in at just over a quarter century old Death and the Maiden is no less relevant – or sadly, less familiar – to today's audiences. Set after the downfall of an unnamed regime, the torment of those who have suffered under tyranny is as harsh a reality now as it was when the play first premiered in 1990. To undertake the telling of this sensitive and challenging tale by Ariel Dorfman, director Stephen Oliver balances the duties equally on his strong visual sense and his trio of actors. The stage of Masquerade's Blue Box theatre is beautifully utilised with a restrained and... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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No holds barre

Going weak at the knees is usually associated with spotting the love of your life for the first time. In this case, my knees are not just weak, they are shaking uncontrollably, along with the rest of my legs. And there's not a handsome suitor in sight. It's just that I'm halfway through a barre class and my muscles are hitting the limit. The good news is that everyone's legs are shaking, even the instructor's – that's the point. Barre uses dozens of repetitive movements to strengthen and tone. A squat starts out big for 30 counts – then the instructor reduces the size of the movement so... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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Engineer urges caution over mass transportion

Offering more mass transport options could actually make road congestion worse, a university seminar heard yesterday. Providing more means to move people in large groups on the road would not always lead to an equivalent reduction in the numbers making use of private cars, according to engineer Simon Mizzi. "This can be counterproductive, since it will be reinforcing the notion that the vehicle is the best means of transport," he said during a seminar at the University of Malta yesterday on ways to achieve a zero-carbon society. While using mass transport could become a sustainable solution at a later stage, it could also be the cause of more congestion. Increasing mass transport options does not necessarily mean there will be a one-to-one reduction in the number of private cars on the road, he explained. Instead, a system which interacts with the road infrastructure but works independently of it is more likely to bring about effective change. This could include ferry services and a railway system which is both underground and above the ground. Dr Mizzi also dismissed the option of introducing a congestion tax, saying that in reality motorists would keep on paying until they...

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Child refugee allowed into UK spent three years at university

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'I hate Halloween' says Claudia Winkleman as she warns of fire danger following daughter's accident

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Icelanders vote for ruling centre-right party as Pirates fall short

Anti-establishment Pirate alliance falls short of expectations as voters opt for centre-right party

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Lying as an act of kindness

There's nothing funny about the ingredients that make up Anthony Nielsen's 2002 farce The Lying Kind – the death of an elderly couple's daughter in a car accident, paedophilia, animal cruelty, mental illness, old age, heart disease. Yet in the true tradition of classic British dark comedy he has written a gag-a-minute, clever farce that manages to not only have the audience in stitches  throughout but also ruminate on the question, "Can lying ever be an act of kindness?" The central characters of the play are a pair of totally inept British bobbies Blunt and Gobbel who have the unenviable... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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EU, Canada sign free trade deal but battle not over

The European Union and Canada signed a free trade agreement today that aims to generate jobs and growth though it must still clear some 40 national and regional parliaments in Europe in the coming years to enter fully into force. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the treaty along with the heads of EU institutions, a step that should enable a provisional implementation of the pact early in 2017 with the removal of most import duties. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement's (CETA) passage has not been smooth. French-speakers in southern Belgium, a minority within their own small country and accounting for less than 1 percent of the 508 million EU consumers likely to be affected by CETA, raised objections that held up the deal until a breakthrough on Thursday, confirmed by regional parliamentary votes on Friday. "We are setting standards which will determine globalisation in the coming years," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told a news conference alongside Trudeau. "Nothing in other trade agreements will be able to remain below the level of what we have reached today with Canada." The Canada agreement is seen as a springboard to a larger EU...

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Chaos at Asda stores as credit card machine system fails

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Shocking moment angered traffic warden lashes out at driver

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Outgoing Ofsted boss says he would only give Britain's school system a 'six and a half out of 10'

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Casa nominated EP rapporteur on whistleblowers

Nationalist MEP David Casa says whistleblowers should be protected from prosecution, reprisals and threats

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More than 5,000 children have been strip-searched, new figures reveal

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Walking the streets of The Bard

Stratford-upon-Avon owes much of its popularity with the culture crowd and tourists in general to the fact that playwright William Shakespeare was born and spent most of his life there. In fact, Shakespeare is said to have divided his time between Stratford and London. Four hundred years after his death in 1616, the medieval market town in England's Westland Midlands still holds testament to this. Scholars, academics, actors, writers and literature-lovers flock to Stratford-upon-Avon each year in the hope of unravelling some of the mysteries that shroud Shakespeare's life and to delight in... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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Porto Salvo church’s other gems

The church which is the subject of this feature was originally dedicated to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin under the title of Our Lady of Porto Salvo. Although its titular name never changed, this designation was kept until 1662 when the church was handed over to the Congregation of the Oratory of St Philip Neri. Subsequently, it gained another more popular name as it became known as the church of St Philip. Even today, after almost 90 years since the death of Mgr Angelo Raggio, the last Oratorian, it is fondly known as Ta' San Filippu among residents of Senglea. Carlo Vella designed... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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Malta Takes London by storm

It is often said that much of Malta's talented youth, be it in academia, art, or athleticism, has to move abroad to fully excel in their chosen fields. This is certainly true in the case of London - much of Malta's musical braindrain ends up in the capital of England, and a strong link between Malta and London has developed over the past few decades. Born out of this link is Malta Takes London (MTL), a night dedicated to Maltese musicians, right in the middle of Camden Town. Thirteen bands and two DJs will be taking over the Proud Galleries for a night of original tunes to showcase their... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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Men and pose

There are so many reasons why men should keep well away from yoga. First of all, who in their right mind needs all that extra balance, flexibility and stamina? Moreover, men rarely suffer from back pain, high blood pressure, poor posture or heart-related issues. Or do they? Let's just imagine that a guy wants to get into yoga. What obstacles will he find and are there elements of yoga where his male physique will give him an advantage? The first thing a guy should consider is that yoga is non-competitive and is not about winning or losing. The practice is held at your own pace where you... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.

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Sir John Chilcot 'won't say' if he thinks Tony Blair broke the law with the Iraq war

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Charity that put lottery director on board given £1.25m funding

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Speculation grows about Mark Carney's future at the Bank of England

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Carlton Club members revolt as former royal aide takes charge

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Hillary Clinton emails: the campaign dogged by the scandal that refused to die

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Car blast kills four in central Benghazi

A car exploded in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi killing four people and wounding at least 14, security and medical officials said. Among those killed in the attack in the city's central Keesh district was Mohamed Bugaighis, who headed an anti-corruption body, the officials said. Bugaighis was also a supporter of the Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by Khalifa Haftar, which has been waging a two-year military campaign against Islamists and other opponents in Benghazi. An witness told Reuters the explosion happened close to Bugaighis as he was leaving his car to visit a cafe he frequented. After struggling to make progress, Haftar's forces seized several key neighbourhoods earlier this year, though they still have not brought the city under full control. Although security has improved in the centre, fighting continues in peripheral areas and bombings against Haftar's forces have persisted. Earlier, a security official said the bodies of 10 men who appeared to have been tortured and shot dead were found in Benghazi's Shabna suburb overnight between Thursday and Friday. It was not clear who was responsible for the killings. Milad al-Zwai, a spokesman for Benghazi's special...

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Juventus beat Napoli, Higuain scores winner

Gonzalo Higuain scored in his first match against Napoli since their bitter divorce to give his new club Juventus a 2-1 win in their Serie A showdown. The Argentine, who scored a record 36 league goals for Napoli last season, drilled the ball home in the 71st minute for his seventh goal of the season, which he did not celebrate. Leonardo Bonucci had volleyed the Serie A leaders in front, taking advantage of a misplaced Faouzi Ghoulam clearance, in the 50th minute, but Jose Callejon silenced the Juventus stadium with a clinically taken goal four minutes later. Higuain had two years to run on his contract with Napoli, who did not want to sell him, but moved to Juventus in July after the Turin club agreed to pay a 90 million euro ($98.83 million) buyout clause in his contract. Juventus have 27 points from 11 games, five ahead of AS Roma who visit Empoli on Sunday. Napoli, last season's runners-up, are third with 20.

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Britain set for new wave of prefabs to help tackle housing crisis

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Don't forget to turn the clocks back tonight

Clocks go an hour back tonight as we mark the official time of summer time. At 3am, clocks are to be moved backward to 2am, which means days become shorter from tomorrow evening. We gain an hour of sleep, but it also means it will start getting darker earlier from tomorrow. The clocks will go forward again at the end of March.   

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Hard Brexit could help secure trade deals worth double EU agreements, say Eurosceptics

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Lib Dems turn fight for Richmond into 'Brexit referendum' with dire warnings over economy

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Hamilton and Rosberg duel will start 1-2 in Mexico

Lewis Hamilton grabbed the pole position for the Mexican Grand Prix on Saturday and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg fought back from his rough practice outings to earn the No. 2 spot.

Rosberg's leap into second position came on his final lap after three practice sessions when he struggled to find the pace to stay with his teammate in their duel for the season championship.

The position is critical. Even if Hamilton wins, Rosberg leads by 26 points and can clinch the title by finishing second twice and third in the final three races of the season.

Hamilton has been in top form in chasing him of late. He won the U.S. Grand Prix a week ago to keep his title chances alive, with hopes he can keep pressuring Rosberg into a mistake.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo will fill out the second row Sunday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

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Donald Trump's camp now scents blood. Even victory won't end Hillary Clinton's nightmare

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Too old to trick-or-treat? Try a meal at the Inquisitor’s prison

If you are too old for trick-or-treating this Halloween, you might be up for a night in a 17th-century prison cell at the Inquisitor's Palace. But before heading to bed, you can feast on toast, kawlata (vegetable soup with pork) and a roasted pig, which years ago would have first been let loose on the streets with a bell hanging around its neck. This unfortunate ħanżira tal-erwieħ (pig of souls) would have only enjoyed its freedom for a few days, roaming the streets while parishioners fed it, until they cooked it on All Souls Day to feed the poor. Another traditional Maltese dish, also dubbed tal-erwieħ, was a large pot of vegetable soup that was prepared around the same day. Guido Lanfranco has documented the tradition of helping the poor, through the distribution of food, as a means of offering prayers for the dead. In the run-up to All Souls' Day, neighbours would fill up a cauldron with vegetables, beans and sometimes pasta. The minestra, or kawlata in some cases, would be distributed among the poor, who turned up with a can or a small pot. On November 4, these two dishes will be served at the Inquisitor's Palace in Vittoriosa during a Heritage Malta thematic supper topped...

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Frankfurt attack: Four people injured in stabbing at rail station

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Narcissistic guilt in the West is creating the lawless chaos of the migration crisis

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Hillary Clinton emails: FBI director was 'warned by justice department' against updating congress on new investigation

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Ifhat Smith – an apology

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In The Sunday Times of Malta tomorrow

Here's a snapshot of the content in tomorrow's edition of The Sunday Times of Malta:  · On the front page: An unprecedented scheme to wipe out tax dues in return for property is raising eyebrows. · A look at the mysteries that surround the plane crash that killed five frenchmen earlier this week. · An examination of the issues connected to Air Malta, as the airline comes close to the brink. · What could trigger off an evacuation of residents living near the gas-fired power plant. · More pictures of the effects of today's high winds. · An interview with one of Malta's greatest living pets. · An explanation of how one can benefit from the solar farm. · Special section: Health and well-being – whole foods and gentle forms of exercise. · A comprehensive guide to what's on throughout the week. · Must-have clothing for the autumn. · A report on tonight's Juve-Napoli clash. · Plus: Circle magazine and Escape supplement, overflowing with culture and entertainment

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Voters don't trust Hillary Clinton, and she has no one to blame but herself

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Shocking moment FedEx plane erupts into flames

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Hamrun back into winning groove as Pembroke’s pain goes on; Nafti saves blushes for 10-man Balzan

Hamrun-Pembroke 2-1

 

Hamrun S: F. Tabone, G. Azzopardi, P. Teixeira, M.A. Borg, L. Grech, S. Nanapere, J. Neto, L. Motta (T. Cilia), J. Grech, S. Raphael (P. Chircop), J. P. Mifsud Triganza (M. Giusti)

Pembroke: M. Calleja Cremona, A. Djeljilj, Z. Levnaic, B. Muscat, M. Micallef, P. Barbetti, S. Arab (M. Attard), C. Gauci (S. Shodija) , A. Scozzese, J. Mariano (O. Bugeja),  B. Manevski

Referee: E. Mangion

Asst.refs: C. Francalanza, S. Attard

4th official: M. Spiteri

Scorers: J. Grech 14, J.P. Mifsud Triganza 19, B. Manevski 55

Yellow cards: P. Barbetti, J. Neto

Player of the match: S. Nanapere (Hamrun S)

TMI top 3: 1. S. Nanapere  2. B. Manevski  3. L. Motta

Hamrun Spartans were back in the groove after two consecutive defeats as they beat bottom side Pembroke Athleta in a match played under continuous rain and strong winds at Victor Tedesco Stadium yesterday.

Hamrun's goals came within the opening 20 minutes through a deflected Jake Grech shot and another clinical finish by Mifsud Triganza to keep them in mid-table.

Pembroke's only goal was scored by their best player Manevski soon after the restart.

Victory was no more than Hamrun Spartans deserved after they created a host of chances and their striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza could have had a hat-trick in the first half alone, when the Spartans were totally superior to their opponents.

Pembroke, who welcomed the return of defender Asani Djejilj from suspension, improved in the second half and immediately pulled one back after the interval. Still they failed to clinch at least a draw and this defeat leaves them marooned at the bottom of the standings, contemplating a rather poor start of the season.

Hamrun coach Steve D'Amato made four changes after defeat against Balzan. Frederick Tabone replaced Matthew Farrugia in goal as Philip Chircop, Rodrigues and Luke Sciberras were dropped. Glenn Azzopardi, Luke Grech and Jorge Neto were given starts instead.

Mifsud Triganza forced Pembroke keeper Calleja Cremona into the first save, stretching himself to turn his free kick into a corner after eight minutes.

But short of the quarter hour, the Spartans opened the scoring. Nanapere played a square pass to Jake Grech whose shot from outside the area took a wicked deflection off Scozzese and ended behind the goalkeeper. Soon after, Mifsud Triganza's low drive on a Nanapere cross was saved by Calleja Cremona with some difficulty on the slippery surface.

Hamrun doubled their lead on 19 minutes. Nanapere was again involved, providing a low pass to Texeira who freed Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza to hit low past the Pembroke custodian.

As Pembroke pushed to pull themselves into the game, a Djeljilj cross was parried by Hamrun keeper Tabone. Manevski mishit in front of goal and the ball ended into a corner. A minute later Manevski was again in action as he advanced through the middle and his diagonal shot was slightly deflected by keeper Tabone.

Nanapere continued to be the most mobile and threatening player on the pitch. He set Mifsud Triganza, who rounded the goalkeeper but failed to put his effort on target from a tight angle, clipping the bar in the process.

Pembroke threatened again on the stroke of halftime. Manevski played a short free kick to Djeljilj who shot fractionally wide.

Pembroke put in Shola Shodija for Gauci at halftime and within ten minutes they were back in it. Borche Manevski was left unmolested inside the area on a Mariano pass and beat keeper Tabone with a low strike.

Hamrun had suddenly handed the initiative to their opponents but Pembroke remained sloppy and lacked a cutting edge. The wet surface did not help either. Hamrun, running out of ideas, kept booting the ball out as far as possible. Their keeper Tabone needed to be on his toes to save Manevski's firm header off a Muscat free kick from the right.

In the late stages Mariano headed frustatingly out from close distance and when a Scozzese delivery travelled across the face of the Hamrun goal with no one putting a foot to it, Pembroke knew it would not be their afternoon.

TARXIEN RAINBOWS- 2

BALZAN FC -                  2

Tarxien R: A. Cassar, E. Baker, T. Caruana, D. Ponce, A. Nilsson (J. Galea), E. Marcelina, S. Prendes, D. Zerafa, A. Alves, S. Borg, C. Frances (K. Zammit)

Balzan FC: C. Cassar, P. Fenech, S. Arab, B. Kaljevic (L. Micallef), B. De Oliveira (T. Agius), S. Bezzina, E. Serrano, A. Effiong, D. Grima, M. Piciollo (A. Nafti), A. Souza

Referee: S. Pace

Asst.refs: D. Sultana, T. Debono

4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: A. Nilsson 11, 51, A. Souza 55, A. Nafti 90+

Yellow cards: D. Ponce, S. Arab, E. Serrano, B. De Oliveira, A. Souza, D. Grima, T. Agius, T. Caruana, E. Baker

Red card: E. Serrano

Player of the match: D. Ponce (Tarxien)

TMI top 3: 1. D. Ponce  2. D. Grima  3. A. Nilsson

Attendance: 327

 

The final whistle of this tightly contested match brought skirmishes between both sets of players and it took some minutes for order to be restored and the players going into the dressing room.

It was a dramatic finale. Not for the first time this season, Tarxien surrendered their lead in the very last minutes.

Their barren run of four winless matches looked like it was finally over. Until the 90th minute they were leading ten-man Balzan 2-1 and looked heading for a surprise win yesterday. But a late direct freekick by Nafti in added time levelled matters and enabled Balzan to avoid defeat.

Tarxien had taken an early lead and doubled that with another goals at the start of the second half.

Alex Nilsson capped a positive individual showing with a brace of his own but he could have not achieved that without the assists of Daniel Ponce and Sergio Prendes around him.

 Balzan could afford to leave the likes of Ivan Janjusevic and Clive Brincat on the bench and use Lydon Micallef, Nafti and Terence Agius only as substitutes.

Tarxien pressed high from the outset and did not allow their opponents any comfort on the ball. And it was no surprise that they were the first to score after only 11 minutes on the clock. Alex Nilsson picked Caruana's pass, advanced from the left and scored with a low drive.

Balzan took time to respond and although they tried to hold on to possession, they never really threatened during a mundane first half. In fact Tarxien's keeper Andrea Cassar had only to deal with tame efforts from Kaljevic and Effiong.

Tarxien did grow into the match briefly after the interval. After six minutes they doubled their lead. Ponce started the ball rolling from midfield, played it forward to Alex Nilsson who ran inside the Balzan area and again beat keeper Christian Cassar.

Balzan's dismal response to falling behind was to concede even more of the ball. They put in Abdelakrim Nafti for Piciollo and bridged the gap on 55 minutes. Tarxien's keeper rushed off his line to palm a high ball inside the penalty area but it fell staright to Alan Souza who steered it in between a host of legs.

Lydon Micallef immediately went in for Kaljevic as Balzan probed for the equaliser.

Showing more urgency they started to dictate play as Tarxien retreated further at the back. Effiong had a shot going narrowly wide.

Balazan's hopes were dented when their central defender Elkin Serrano was sent off for a second caution.

Paul Fenech almost got the equaliserat the start of added time when his shot from the edge of the area went narrowly over.

But Balzan were not finished yet. Deep into five minutes of added time they even clinched a dramatic equaliser, winning a free kick just outside the Tarxien area and Abdelkarim Nafti drilled an arrow-like shot past keeper Andrea Cassar to save his side.

Photos Domenic Aquilina

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GRAPHIC: Watch - The moment bridge collapses on Milan-Lecco highway, killing one

An overpass north of Milan has collapsed under the weight of a truck carrying an oversized load just hours after highway authorities say they requested the road's immediate closure.

The news agency ANSA said one person was killed and at least three injured in the collapse Friday.

Italian television images show the highway overpass split in two as firefighters worked under spotlights to determine if there were more victims. Video showed a red car crushed beneath the truck.

The highway authority said in a statement that it had asked for the overpass to be closed after pieces of concrete had fallen from it Friday, but that provincial officials had requested a formal order before acting.

Italian police say the truck carrying steel coils was marked as bearing an oversized load.

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Red-faced council directs residents to porn site

A council has apologised "unreservedly" after a letter was sent directing residents to a hardcore porn website. The letter, urging people to check their eligibility to vote, contained the rogue website address and a resident discovered the error when he typed the address into his web browser. Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils apologised for the "unacceptable mistake" which it blamed on a mail merged form. "Sending out this web address was absolutely not our intent and we apologise unreservedly to anyone who received it," said Michael Evans, strategic director at the authority.

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Man City and Arsenal hit four but no joy for Mourinho; Spurs draw

Manchester City won 4-0 at West Bromwich Albion to end Pep Guardiola's worst run as a manager but Jose Mourinho's woes continued as Manchester United's manager was sent to the stands and Ander Herrera sent off in a goalless draw with Burnley at Old Trafford. United, with one goal in four games and a solitary win in seven, must now watch those with Premier League title aspirations pull away. There were doubles all round at the top as Sergi Aguero and Iikay Gundogan scored twice for City while Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud also struck braces for Arsenal, 4-1 winners at Sunderland. The Gunners have 23 points like league leaders City but are one place behind on goal difference. Tottenham Hotspur, who play Arsenal next weekend, lost ground after their 1-1 draw with Leicester City while Liverpool were playing in Saturday's late game. If Guardiola was all smiles after his first win in seven games, there was more frustration for Mourinho who began the start of the second half behind the dug-out before being moved to the directors' box. The Portuguese had been incensed by the failure of referee Mark Clattenburg to punish Jon Flanagan for a foul on Matteo Darmian but will be equally...

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Some etiquette points for viewing a Royal series

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Brother Louis Camilleri f.s.c. – Cause of Veneration

Born on 1st September 1923 at Zurrieq, since the age of 15, the young Anthony Camilleri had a desire to become a De La Salle Brother (otherwise known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools or Freres), ever since he was 15 years old.

During his life, Br Louis' priority was the teaching of Relgion and the spiritual formation of the people he came in contact with. Later in life he founded within the Lasallian family the Signum Fidei (Malta) Association. The Signum Fidei Association is a worldwide network of people who wish to live the spirituality, charism and educational mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the Founder of theBrothers.

On his death, on 29th May 2011, Br Louis left the people who knew him with a multitude of memories. However, the most shared sentiment was that he had lived aholy life.

The Brothers (at De La Salle College, Stella Maris College, Saint Benild and at the Mellieha Lasallian Retreat Centre), together with the Core Group for the Promotion of the Cause of Br Louis Camilleri F.S.C. invite all those who knew Brother Louis and the general public to the celebration of the Eucharist on Saturday 5th November 2016 at 6:30pm, at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Parish Church, Mellieha.

All Lasallians are cordially invited to join us to celebrate the life of Br Louis as we promote his Cause for Veneration.

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Pickpocketing, drugs peak in early hours of weekend

Pickpocketing and drug possession peak during the early hours of the weekend, a strategy on crime prevention published for public consultation yesterday shows. People are most likely to report being pickpocketed between 1am and 3am on weekends, the data shows. This spike is attributed to the loss of victims' personal space in entertainment zones. Increases in drug possession reports happen mainly late at night and during the early hours of the morning, with the highest frequency once again being in entertainment zones. Fraud crimes tend to peak during the middle of the week and drop off on the weekend. The data shows four localities, St Julian's, Sliema, Valletta and St Paul's Bay, make up 55.3 per cent of reported incidents. The crimes taken into consideration are pickpocketing, thefts from occupied residences, domestic violence, fraud and drug possession. The strategy identifies hotspots such as St Julian's (54.5 per cent) and Sliema (18.5 per cent) for pickpocketing, fraud in Birkirkara (15.8 per cent), drug possession in Paola (17.1 per cent) and St Paul's Bay for domestic violence (8.5 per cent). Among other objectives, the strategy seeks to raise awareness about the way...

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