-an OD of Love-

Long ago, in a small village nestled beneath the shadow of a sacred mountain in Japan, there existed a cherry blossom tree unlike any other. This tree, known as the Sakura Yurei, was said to have been planted by the gods themselves, and it bloomed with unmatched beauty. But with this beauty came a dark secret—a curse that would one day give rise to a creature both feared and revered: the Sakura Monster. The Origins of the Curse Centuries ago, a powerful sorceress named Hana lived in the village. She was deeply in love with a samurai who had promised to return to her after the war. But as the years passed, she received word that her beloved had fallen in battle. Heartbroken and consumed by grief, Hana used her magic to channel her sorrow into the Sakura tree where they had once pledged their love. As Hana’s tears mixed with the tree's roots, a powerful curse was born. The tree absorbed her grief, and the blossoms turned a deep, haunting pink, embodying both her love and her sorrow. ...

Ah, the good old days of billboard wars! Remember when BMW and Audi traded jabs on billboards back in 2009? Well, Renault has just brought that playful rivalry back, and this time, they’ve set their sights on Tesla. Renault is taking a cheeky swipe at Tesla drivers with their latest ad campaign for the new Scenic E-Tech. Spotted in the United Kingdom, the campaign features an interactive billboard that changes its message when a Tesla approaches. The billboard boldly declares, "This is awkward," in massive letters—a clear dig at Tesla's specs compared to Renault's new electric offering. Why "awkward"? Because on paper, the Renault Scenic E-Tech outshines the Tesla Model Y. The Renault boasts a longer range and a more attractive price. The rear-wheel-drive E-Tech Long Range can cover nearly 80 kilometers more than the all-wheel-drive Model Y Long Range. The fun doesn’t stop there. Depending on which Tesla passes by, other playful messages light up the billboa...

While many automakers are waving goodbye to the combustion engine, BMW is doubling down. The iconic brand, known for its "Bayerische Motoren Werke" heritage, isn’t ready to close the chapter on traditional engines just yet. In fact, they’re gearing up to introduce something entirely new in 2026. BMW's CEO, Oliver Zipse, recently criticized the rigid policies of bureaucrats, arguing that their restrictions are hindering a smooth transition to cleaner technologies. Instead of going all-in on electric, Zipse advocates for a balanced approach, incorporating a mix of drive technologies. And yes, that mix includes combustion engines, possibly powered by e-fuels. For BMW, engines have always been a core identity, even if not all have been without their quirks. The brand's passion for engineering is evident in its pursuit of developing advanced combustion technology for its upcoming model generations, starting with the G65 X5. According to auto-motor-und-sport.de, BMW is work...

Electric cars in parking garages—are they safe? It's a question that refuses to die down. Yes, we know the drill: "But regular cars with combustion engines catch fire too!" And that's undeniably true. Statistically, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles ignite more frequently than electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide. But here’s the kicker: we’re talking about electric cars in parking garages and the unique fire risks they pose. You’ve probably seen those viral videos—an electric car suddenly becomes a bonfire on wheels. Now, imagine that happening in a confined parking garage, where firefighters struggle to access the vehicle. The results can be catastrophic. Extinguishing an EV fire is notoriously tough, and the idea of dunking the car into a wet container inside a parking garage? Forget it. Take South Korea, for example. The debate there has reached a fever pitch after a major EV fire in a parking garage. In Seoul, it took firefighters a staggering eight hours to ...

I grew up in a house that spanned three floors. My grandparents lived on one, and I shared the second with my parents and sister. Our street had just six houses, and the rest was open land—gardens where we spent endless hours, and a road that belonged to the children. We played freely, the neighborhood felt like an extended family, and the world was safe. But now, everything's changed. Most people are crammed into apartments, and the streets, once playgrounds, are too dangerous even to walk on. The sense of community that once thrived in our villages has been smothered by relentless development and overcrowding. Both parents work long hours just to keep afloat, leaving kids to entertain themselves indoors, disconnected from the world outside. And no, don’t think we’ve become like other countries where at least you can escape to vast parks and forests. Here, those green spaces are just memories, fading from the past.

 "Confess, Fletch" (2022) marks the return of the iconic character Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher, famously portrayed by Chevy Chase in the 1980s. This time, Jon Hamm steps into the role, bringing his own charm and humor to the irreverent investigative journalist. In this latest installment, Fletch finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation after returning to the U.S. from Italy. Not only does he need to clear his name as a prime suspect, but he also unravels a complex web of art theft and organized crime. The film plays out like a classic whodunit, with Fletch relying on his wit and resourcefulness to navigate through a series of absurd situations. Jon Hamm is the standout element of this film. Known for his dramatic role in "Mad Men," Hamm surprises by embracing Fletch's comedic and sardonic edge. He manages to make the character his own, rather than simply mimicking Chevy Chase’s portrayal. His dry humor and impeccable timing breathe new life into t...

 Imagine waking up in the morning and deciding to wear your favorite pair of shoes. They might not be the newest or the fanciest, but they’re comfortable and bring you joy. That’s what choosing happiness is like. It’s a mindset—a conscious choice we make every day, just like picking those shoes.  Happiness isn’t about having a flawless life or waiting for everything to be perfect. It’s about noticing the little things that bring you joy, like the warmth of the sun on your face or a kind word from a friend. When we focus on these moments, we start to see the world through a more positive lens. Of course, life has its ups and downs, and sometimes things get tough. But even then, we have the power to choose how we respond. By cultivating gratitude and appreciating what we do have, rather than dwelling on what we don’t, we can find beauty in the imperfections of life. So, remember, happiness isn’t something you have to chase or wait for. It’s something you create from within by ch...

Picture this: Nigel Mansell, just a stone’s throw from the finish line, and his Renault engine decides it's had enough, sputtering to a halt with not a drop of petrol left. Now, most people would call it a day, but not our Nigel. Oh no. This is the moment he transforms into a lion for the first time. Realising the finish line isn’t that far away, he steers to the side to avoid being run over by the oncoming traffic, unbuckles himself, and in a moment of pure, unadulterated madness, starts pushing the car, live on global television. Now, keep in mind, it’s 38 degrees Celsius—hotter than Satan’s sauna—and Nigel is absolutely knackered. But does that stop him? Of course not. This is a man on a mission, desperate to score those crucial championship points for his team. But then, as if scripted by the gods of drama themselves, Mansell collapses onto the scorching Texas tarmac, utterly exhausted. He finishes sixth, three laps down, but with one solitary championship point to show for it....

Picture this: a Tesla Model 3 being charged by a portable fuel generator. Yes, you read that right. And as you might imagine, the internet wasted no time in turning it into a veritable circus. Now, we all know that range anxiety is the ever-present bogeyman for electric vehicle owners. It’s that nagging fear that your battery will conk out just as you’re farthest from a charging station. And in some cases, this fear becomes so all-consuming that it drives people to rather drastic measures—like strapping a generator to the back of their sleek, silent, eco-friendly machine.  Take, for instance, this chap in China. He’s clearly decided that the possibility of being stranded is far worse than the absurdity of lugging around a portable generator. So, he’s kitted out his Tesla Model 3 with a mount to carry the thing, just in case the battery starts getting a bit peckish. And let’s be honest, with this blistering heat, the air conditioning in these electric cars devours miles like they’re...

Those About to Die is a spectacular leap into the heart of ancient Rome, delivering a visceral and emotionally charged experience that few series have dared to attempt. Directed by the visionary Roland Emmerich, this series is a sweeping epic that masterfully blends the grandeur of the Roman Empire with the gritty, raw reality of its gladiatorial arenas. What sets "Those About to Die" apart from its predecessors is its unflinching portrayal of the brutality and beauty coexisting within the Roman world. The attention to historical detail is impeccable, immersing viewers in the awe-inspiring architecture, the political machinations of the Senate, and the merciless bloodlust of the Colosseum. Yet, it is not merely a visual feast; the narrative is equally compelling, weaving complex characters into a story of ambition, betrayal, and survival. The performances are nothing short of exceptional. The cast, led by the magnetic Anthony Hopkins, delivers a powerful ensemble, bringing de...

Engel, a Jewish man who owned the most famous bakery in Germany, often said, "Do you know why I’m alive today? I was just a teenager when the Nazis in Germany were mercilessly killing Jews. They took us by train to Auschwitz. The nights were bitterly cold in the compartment. We were left for days in those carriages without food, without beds, and with no way to keep warm. Snow was falling everywhere. The icy wind bit at our cheeks every second. We were hundreds, huddled together on those cold, dreadful nights. No food, no water, no shelter. The blood in our veins felt frozen. Next to me was an elderly Jewish man, deeply loved in my town. He was trembling all over and looked utterly dreadful. I wrapped my arms around him to keep him warm. I held him tightly, trying to give him some warmth. I rubbed his arms, his legs, his face, his neck. I begged him to stay alive. I encouraged him. This is how I kept the man warm throughout the long, cold night. I was exhausted and freezing myself...

  My friend is a beekeeper, and today I visited him to see the honey he had harvested from his hives. As he opened a large bucket brimming with golden honey, we noticed three little bees struggling on the surface. They were trapped, covered in sticky honey, and slowly drowning. I asked if we could save them, but he doubted their chances of survival, seeing them as casualties of honey collection. Still, I couldn’t let them suffer without trying to help. After some persuasion, he gently scooped the bees out and placed them in an empty yogurt container, which we left outside. The hive was already buzzing with activity from the disruption of the honey harvest, and soon, other bees found the struggling trio. What we witnessed next was nothing short of miraculous. The other bees surrounded their sticky, nearly lifeless sisters and began to clean them, meticulously removing every trace of honey from their tiny bodies. When we checked again later, only one bee remained in the container, st...

We are but fleeting shadows on this earth... Here today, gone tomorrow—who can say what the next day holds? When I think of those dearest to me, a deep fear stirs within me. I wish I could protect them from all harm, but the cruel truth is that it's beyond our control. Life is a strange journey—we rage, we wage wars over trivialities, blind to the reality that in an instant, we could disappear. Yet, in the brief time we have, it's up to us to leave a lasting impact on those who truly care for us. We can leave behind a memory—a piece of ourselves—that lives on in their hearts. A part of us that endures, always.

 Many of us look back on our past with a fondness that paints it as a simpler, freer, and more carefree time—perhaps less affluent, but richer in other, more meaningful ways.  In our minds, returning to those days evokes memories of our youth, when the future seemed boundless and life was approached with greater ease, less anxiety, and more trust in what lay ahead. For those of us who lived through the '70s, '80s, and '90s, the world we remember was shaped by the society of 50, 40, or 30 years ago, a time that feels markedly different from today. So, what has changed? Our daily habits have grown less inclusive and more individualistic. Our outlook on the future is now shadowed by the stark reality of climate change, a concern that looms over many of us. The safety of our children and grandchildren, and even our own, is now something we must consider constantly, as social media and globalisation bring the world's dangers to our doorsteps in real-time, making life feel mo...

Some folks have been spreading rumors that in July 2024, China saw a historic surge in electric car sales, hitting a record 50.7% market share. But here’s the truth: it’s all nonsense. A total fabrication. In reality, electric car sales are plummeting dramatically. Sure, the numbers show that new energy vehicles (NEVs) reached that 50.7% mark, but here’s the kicker—it’s not just about pure electric cars. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which still rely on good old gasoline engines, are booming. So, that market slice includes BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and PHEVs combined. Why the misleading figures, you ask? Simple. The electric vehicle lobby is playing a shell game with the stats to confuse everyone. Three years ago, NEVs made up just 7% of total car sales; now, they’ve supposedly rocketed to 50.7%. But let’s be honest—NEVs cover a lot more than just BEVs. They also include fuel-cell vehicles and those plug-in hybrids we mentioned earlier. Now, let’s get real about July 2024. The suppos...

Another Innocent Woman Slain in Our "Safe" Society Woke up this morning and the grim realization hit me like a hammer: women are being butchered, and we—men—are the executioners. It’s horrifyingly simple. We drink, we kill. We desire, we kill. We get angry, bored, frustrated—and we kill. It doesn’t matter the reason or the excuse, the outcome is always the same: women end up dead. Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash And when the blood spills, who do we blame? Not ourselves, no. We point the finger at them. "She provoked me. She drove me to it. She was asking for it." We convince ourselves that it’s their fault. They shouldn’t have been there, shouldn’t have accepted the drink, shouldn’t have gone up to that room. We create a world where they must tiptoe around our violence, and when they don’t, we make them pay with their lives. We tell them to stay home, to avoid the night, to be modest, submissive, and invisible. But they don’t listen. They wear what they want. ...

Happiness isn’t something you can chase down; it’s more like a butterfly. The harder you pursue it, the more it flutters away. But when you shift your focus elsewhere, it may quietly alight on your shoulder, softly and unexpectedly. Many believe that happiness is a destination—a state to be reached through hard work or by achieving certain goals. They think it lies in acquiring something new—a car, a bigger house, a higher position. But true happiness isn’t about what you have; it’s about who you are. Happiness is hidden in life’s small moments—in the stillness of a quiet morning, the smile of a loved one, or the warmth of the sun on your skin. It reveals itself in those moments when you lose yourself completely, absorbed in something or someone else. When you stop wondering if you’re happy, that’s when happiness finds you naturally. Happiness also comes from acceptance. It’s about recognising that life isn’t perfect, that it has its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows. If you can acce...

In today’s world, we find ourselves ensnared in the gears of a relentless economic machine, one that propels us forward at an alarming pace. Every day, countless individuals are driven to the brink, working tirelessly, often without pause, to produce goods that, in many cases, hold little genuine value. These are items designed to be bought, consumed, and discarded, feeding a cycle of perpetual consumption. Yet, the tragedy lies not only in the creation of these superfluous goods but also in the lives of those who purchase them—people who are themselves ensnared in the same vicious cycle, working long hours, sacrificing their health, their time, and their happiness, all in pursuit of things that ultimately fail to bring lasting fulfillment. Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash But what if we could break free from this cycle? What if, instead of being driven by the endless desire for more, we could learn to find contentment in less? Imagine a world where we master the art of simplicity, ...

What the new generations have never experienced... When beaches were free for all, and the only cost was the sand sticking to everything. Fast food wasn’t a thing, and moms would wake up at ungodly hours to whip up baked pasta that could rival any restaurant… When there were no online reservations, so you had to channel your inner early bird to snag a good spot… When mobile phones didn’t exist, so plans were made the old-fashioned way, face-to-face the night before. Shockingly, everyone managed to show up on time without a single text reminder… When Decathlon wasn’t around, and we turned car tire inner tubes into our version of luxury floats... When sunscreen was unavailable, we hardly had toothpaste, let alone sunblock, and we swam in half-sleeve shirts, pretending they were the latest swimwear fashion... When the internet was just a sci-fi fantasy, and finding new places meant decoding the mysterious art of word of mouth... The new generations will never understand that when we had n...

When the sleepy seaside town of Littlehampton gets its knickers in a twist over some naughty letters, everyone points fingers at Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley), the new Irish single mom in town. She's loud, she's unconventional, and predictably, she's the local black sheep. So, of course, the mostly male police force figures she's behind this mess. What's all the fuss about? Poor Edith Swan (Olivia Colman), stuck at home with her ultra-religious parents, starts receiving scandalous anonymous letters. Her dad, Edward (a scary Timothy Spall), already hates Rose and thinks this vulgar mail is her doing, especially after a public spat. This tale is so wild you'd think it's made up, but nope, it's based on real events that shook up 1920s England. Naturally, things aren’t as simple as they seem. Rose didn’t write those letters, so who did, and why? The whodunit angle is pretty weak, but it lets screenwriter Jonny Sweet and director Thea Sharrock fill the screen...

 I remember a time when life was much less hurried, when summers were more beautiful, and at 5:30 PM, all the children would go out to play in the street, not returning until nearly 10 PM except for a quick dinner at 8 PM. A time when we would all pile into a van’s cargo area and head to the beach for a half-day, with greasy fries and frozen popsicles. A time when we didn’t think twice about running barefoot on the pavement to buy bread from the van vendor: “ Waħda kbira tar-ratal, "one large loaf, around 800g, waħda tat- tlett soldi "a small maltese roll", and a wahda bebbuxu "one snail shell shaped bun", please.” A time when we couldn’t be disturbed at 4 PM because the cartoons were on, and heaven forbid anyone planned an outing during an important episode. A time when the door mat at the backyard was never given a break, as everyone was in and out, drinking from the fridge. A time when no one called between 1 PM and 4 PM because it was siesta time, nor after...

Remember when children’s clothes were handed down from one child to another until they were too worn out to wear? Back in the day, we would wear aprons to protect our clothes, and we reserved our Sunday best outfits for special occasions because we didn’t have an abundance of clothes. Do you recall buying children’s shoes a size larger to make them last longer? When our socks wore thin, we would mend them and keep using them. When a bed sheet became too worn, we would cut it up to make cleaning rags. Old t-shirts were repurposed as cleaning cloths, and every piece of string or thread was saved for future use. Food waste was never an option. Leftovers were used the next day, and buttons from worn-out dresses were saved to be used again. Instead of sophisticated hair products, we used soap, almond oil, beer, or vinegar. Old jeans were transformed into shorts, and if a sweater became too small, we added a piece of fabric to extend its life. At the end of the school year, we would save bla...

Yes, there’s been an electric jolt, but for Ford, it’s more like a horror film than a revolution. The legendary American carmaker bravely split its business: one side for the trusty combustion engines, and the other for electric dreams. Economically speaking, this split has been a heart attack waiting to happen. In Q2 2024, Ford's operating profit plummeted from $3.8 billion to $2.8 billion. Net profits slipped from $1.9 billion to $1.8 billion, despite a 6% revenue increase to $47.8 billion thanks to the new F-150 and Transit vans. The real horror story? Ford's Model E division, loses a staggering $40,000 per electric vehicle sold. Marchionne Always Knew Let’s take a moment to recall the words of the undisputed king of automotive candor, the sweater-wearing, August-vacation-hating Sergio Marchionne. Back in May 2014, during a Washington address, he said, "I hope you don’t buy the Fiat 500 electric. Every time I sell one, I lose $14,000. I'm honest enough to admit it....

Graduation is a significant milestone, marking years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It's a time for celebration, recognition, and pride. For a young professional who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Enterprise, this should have been a period filled with joy and congratulations. However, amidst the positive remarks, a troubling comment from a direct superior cast a shadow. The manager's remark, "As for me, you must have greased someone's palm," delivered in Maltese, suggests the graduate's success was not earned through merit but through unethical means. This goes beyond bad humour; it exemplifies workplace bullying aimed at demeaning a young woman who has diligently pursued her academic goals. Understanding Workplace Bullying Workplace bullying involves repeated mistreatment that harms the health of one or more individuals by one or more perpetrators. It includes verbal abuse, offensive conduct that is threatening, hum...

Walking to school was a cherished ritual, regardless of the weather. Every morning began with Catholic Mass at 7:30 AM, a special celebration for children where we took turns participating. Some played the guitar while others coordinated the singing and readings. The twenty-minute service led perfectly into the school day, with a few minutes left for a final leisurely walk to school. When the clock struck 8 AM, the bells from distant churches would ring, reminding us if we were running late. All students would line up in the central court to first sing the Angelus, followed by the National Anthem. Who could forget the squeaky noise of the old Farfisa organ? I still remember the tall and thin headmistress, Miss Vella, but secretly we used to call her "Olivia Oil" because of her resemblance to Popeye's wife. She did her best to lead the singing, but her thin and off-key voice made the dogs howl, prompting us to think, "Don’t give up your day job!" Her efforts were...

Last Saturday evening in Butler, Pennsylvania, a dramatic turn of events transformed an already intense presidential race. With over three months to go until polling day, fate made a decisive intervention. A video of Trump getting shot shows him quickly falling and being shielded by his security detail. Despite the chaos, Trump instinctively knew he needed to seize the moment. In an incredible display of strength for a 78-year-old, he broke free and raised his fist, and a photo capturing his defiance went viral, symbolizing his resilience. As the crowd chanted "USA! USA!", Trump appeared unfazed, almost as if he had anticipated this moment for years. His response was a stark contrast to the initial reactions of media panels, which quickly shifted focus to broader themes of political violence. Meanwhile, some of Trump's supporters irresponsibly blamed Joe Biden for the shooting, calling for absurd actions like prosecuting the president for inciting violence. However, the r...

There wasn't even a minute of boredom during those carefree summers of my childhood. The days were endless, brimming with adventure and laughter. We only went home to eat and when the adults called us loudly from the windows, their voices echoed through the streets like a summoning bell. Running up the stairs with hearts pounding, we were always in a rush, perpetually late. Scraped knees were a common occurrence, but we kept them hidden because getting hurt was strictly forbidden. The delicious smell of a hot meal waiting at the table would greet us, and we ate without complaints, even when the dish wasn't our favorite. The lure of the streets and the old courtyard was too strong to resist, and soon we were back outside, playing and running breathlessly. Our playmates were the friends we saw every day and the kids from the neighboring buildings. Names and introductions were unnecessary. It didn't matter if we knew each other or not; being together was enough. We invented ga...