Authorities stated that these figures are double what anyone ever predicted. Others have already described this year as being a record in terms of the number of people moving to Europe since World War 2. One cannot but help but ask: what are the authorities doing in order to find a possible long-term solution? Should we just close our eyes and thank God we live in a peaceful country whilst letting others suffer their plight?

The question that I often hear people asking is whether the European Union, that has been long since battling a euro-zone economic crisis, can handle all this influx of people. I also hear others commenting that these really are economic migrants in disguise – as most of them seem to want to make their way to Germany where social security benefits are quite good and the Government provides adequate housing to those in need of it.

However, I find it quite blunt that people think of these asylum seekers in terms of the economic challenges they present to European countries. These people are being labelled as a burden on the economy. Amid protests in East Germany, people from war-torn countries continue to arrive. Merkel seems to keep her ground in insisting that Germany can cope with this influx but her people seem to think otherwise.

On the other hand, in Hungary, an influx of migrants has turned the Government to increase security after migrants stormed into Budapest as they were initially refused to cross over to Austria. Greece asked for emergency assistance from the European Union to get help with an influx of migrants from Turkey. At least, if we are to look at migration from an economic perspective, we should consider that in thirty to forty years’ time, when half of the world population will be over sixty, migrants and their children will be paying for our pensions.

Although many paint the picture as a violent and desperate one for European countries, there is another emotional facet to the story that is often left aside. Those who are followers of “Humans of New York” (HONY) can look at the situation from a different, more individualistic perspective rather than look at these people in terms of masses. The author, Brandon, seems to fill in the gaps left empty by mass media. By looking at the most recent posts on the HONY Facebook page, one cannot help but notice that these people all have one thing in common. Fear has reluctantly forced them to move out of their homeland and take on perilous, ill-fated journeys in search for a better life. Some of these children who are now safe in Europe have witnessed their parents being tortured and their father being dragged away to prison. This not only meant a family being torn apart and children psychologically scarred for life. In a society where the husband is the male breadwinner, this also meant that a family could starve and not eat properly for days. For other families, the children were taken away in the blink of an eye.

People whose values and safety were threatened acted with the little they had and fled. Will this influx present countries with economic challenges? Probably. Will there now be more crimes such as theft? Probably not. Charity begins at home.  As citizens nested away into the safety of the Maltese Islands, we can start by having an open mind and exploring the situations from different perspectives, not just an economical one.

Although compassion and empathy should be at the forefront, one cannot ignore the fact that by the end of 2015, Germany’s population would have grown by a million or so. This will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on other countries. On the opposite side of the spectrum, people need to think of these migrants as individuals leaving war-torn countries not crowds that threaten our societies.

The post Migration: an Economic Burden or an Invitation for Compassion? appeared first on The Third Eye.

A movement in favour of this law gained popularity after the highly publicised case of Brittany Maynard, who moved to Oregon to legally end her life. Maynard sparked global interest and was the subject of a worldwide debate on Euthanasia.

Religious groups opposed the law saying that ’assisted suicide’ was against God’s will. Spokesmen for people with disabilities worried that anyone who was terminally-ill could be pressured into assisted suicide. However, the Governor who signed off the bill concluded his decision partly based on what he would do if he were in that situation, claiming that this law now allows an option to terminally-ill patients.

The post California Introduces ’Right to Die’ Law appeared first on The Third Eye.

Earlier today, twenty-four unidentified human beings were put to rest. A white tent filled with twenty-four caskets, flowers that adorned the tent and Malta’s officials who paid their respects dominates today’s news.

I have a dream, that to become a teacher.

She dreams that one day she will travel the world.

He dreams that he will own a race car.

You dream that one day you will win the lottery.

We study hard for our dream job.

They dream that one day they can become politicians.

We all dream a dream. While some dreams will remain dreams, others will become a reality. The hundreds of migrants who attempted to cross the Mediterranean left their war-torn or poverty stricken nests in search of a better life. They wanted to come to a better place. They wanted to wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night without fear of death hanging over their heads. They had a dream which they did not want to remain a dream — they wanted to make it a reality. They had nothing left to lose and hence trusted their lives to human traffickers who put them on a boat to transport them to Europe. The boat that was frail before they even set sail, already starting to reduce their chances of making it across safely.  When their fears became a reality and the boat capsized, the Mediterranean took away their last glimmer of hope.

While you sit comfortably reading this, spare a minute to think of the fear and helplessness these people felt while battling for their lives with nothing to hold on to. Think of the children screaming for their mothers but their mothers had no resources to save them.

While Malta bury the unnamed, European officials gather to talk. When will the politicians, those same people we elect to represent us and our values, realise that actions speak louder than words? Words can do little for the migrants who lost their lives at sea. However, actions can do a lot to safeguard the others that might decide to attempt the journey.

A minute of silence as a sign of respect will do little as well. These victims need action and help which they are not able to give to each other. While tragedy unfolds at our doorstep, politicians are still trying to decide what priority human lives should be given.

The death toll of migrants who lost their life at sea in the first four months of 2015, now totals to 1,500.

Rest in Peace to the souls who spent their last moments of their life struggling for life and started their afterlife drifting towards the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.

The post Burying the Unnamed appeared first on The Third Eye.

It’s fairly simple. Visit www.childrendreams.org and after looking at the different wishes these children have, you can choose to buy them a gift to fulfill their wish. Gifts are to be taken to Agenzija Appogg where they will distribute them together with the social workers that work closely with these children. Gifts need not be new. Appogg also accept gifts that are second-hand but in good condition.

Making children happy is easy as no time out from our busy schedule is needed. With such a small gesture we can make their days brighter and their smiles wider.  

The post Help a Child Wear a Smile appeared first on The Third Eye.

A walk down memory lane brings to mind ten songs out of many that accompanied us during childhood. What we loved then is probably what we cringe at now. Let’s not forget the hairbrush which we temporarily transformed into a microphone and the empty space in the living room that suddenly became our dance floor.

Britney Spears — Oops I did it again

Britney’s blonde looks and the hot boyfriend that accompanied this music video raised the song to the top of the charts. How can you not remember Britney in this video? Britney, in that iconic wet-look one piece that sticks. This song marks early success for Britney. However, more importantly it is a landmark in our childhood for all the times we tried to imitate Britney’s dance moves while no one was watching when this song played on the radio.

Axel F — Crazy Frog

"DING DING.’ This song made its debut with Alex F’s remix. Subsequently, this tune sparked a global hit on the mobile phones such as the indestructible Nokia 3310 we treasured so dearly. The catchy tune was a worldwide success not only as a mobile phone ringtone and gave birth to the crazy frog merchandise. The iconic frog with the big lips, wears goggles and half a smile was everywhere.

Las Ketchup — (The Ketchup Song) Asereje

With dance moves that are described a refurbished Macarena, this song has more revelation of the skin, more shaking of the hips and bending of the knees. The closest method to understanding the lyrics is the Spanglish version of the song or a translator. We can’t understand half of the lyrics but we still danced our heart out to this song during the school talent show or a birthday party.

Aqua — Barbie Girl

What now sounds so cheesy is probably what we danced to and sang from the bottom of our heart in our childhood. The voices are superficial and irritating. But this is what made us turn up the radio volume back in the sweet days of childhood. When radio presenters announced this song, girls squealed in happiness, danced and sang the lyrics. Now that the "Barbie girl’ days are over the song still brings sweet childhood memories and you can still remember the lyrics quite well.

Los de Rio — Macarena

Since the release of the song, it topped music charts worldwide and remained popular for three consecutive years since its release. People gathered together like penguins to dance to this song. The dance moves are universal. Even if you couldn’t dance, you couldn’t go wrong with the Macarena.

S Club 7 — S Club Party

S Club 7 songs found themselves in school talent shows year after year. Break time was spent talking about our favourite S Club 7 member or who’s the hottest male member. Alternatively we showed off our new S Club 7 magazine, flipping through the pages taking quizzes and reading their stories. During our free time we probably turned on the television to watch S Club 7 episodes. For birthday and Christmas we begged for S Club 7 merchandise. We knew the lyrics to most of their songs and perhaps even tried to imitate the dance moves. That empty space in the living room that mums kept unfurnished always came in handy when we used all our energy in our attempts to dance to S Club 7 songs.

Westlife —  Uptown Girl

Boys with handsome good looks and a British accent left a long stream of screaming females. One love song after another and the good-looking boy band was left at the top of the music charts for a long time.  Hopeless romantics dreamed of a man that would feel the same way as Westlife did about love. With a more upbeat tune, Uptown Girl tops our list of favourite Westlife songs.

Vengaboys — Boom, boom, boom, boom!

The song that was literally everywhere — the dance floors, ringtones, cassette players and the radio. This is definitely an iconic song of the 90s. Although later it received a number of negative reviews, this song was one of the top songs of Euro dance-pop music.

Spice Girls — Wannabee

Spice Girls had a variety of music genres throughout their career but Wannabee probably is what typifies the Spice Girls until the present day. This song deals with the power of friendship over relationship (a female version of bros before hoes). The song’s catchy tune made it an instant worldwide hit. Men surely loved Spice Girls’ crop tops and short skirts in Wannabee’s music video. Once again, thanks mum for allowing us some living-room space to practice dance moves with the Spice Girls.

Coolio — Gangster’s Paradise

The soundtrack to the film Dangerous Minds, Gangster’s Paradise is probably one of our early attempts at rap music. We probably managed to sing the chorus while singing partial stanzas to the rest of the song, as we couldn’t keep up with the fast-paced lyrics. Although Eminem brought the real wave of rap music in the nineties Gangster’s Paradise is one of the first rap songs we listened to as children.

The post Made in the 90’s: The Songs that Rocked our Childhood appeared first on The Third Eye.

Just three days ago, on the 11th of October, National Coming Out day was celebrated to raise awareness regarding LGBT+ communities. Meanwhile, members of the Catholic Church gathered together in the Vatican and in a rather surprising statement, discussed if the Church could ever be inclusive to LGBT+ communities and marriage.

While the Church still does not feel positive about same-sex marriage, their message seems less negative and shows hints at same-sex couple’s inclusivity. Although the Church continues to insist that same-sex unions are not on the same level as a marriage between a male and a female, it finally admits that same-sex couples have positive aspects that can be incorporated and recognised in the Christian community. John Thavis, author of The Vatican Diaries, explains how “the document clearly reflects Pope Francis’ desire to adopt a more merciful pastoral approach on marriage and family issues.”

This is as close to a breakthrough in the teachings of the Church and its ideologies. The Church is considering "non-traditional’ family dynamics as an opportunity rather than a threat.

While some are more close-minded than others and need more time to adapt to change, this is certainly a gigantic step forward on behalf of the leaders of the Church.

The post Will the Church ever be Inclusive of same-sex Couples? appeared first on The Third Eye.

A debate held at the Debate Area at the University of Malta between Luke Brincat from Graphic Novels Library Malta and Audrienne Degiorgio who researched the medium extensively for her dissertation looked at comics for the purpose of education. Audrienne and Luke both discussed comics as a good instrument for educating and engaging minds, even the most reluctant of them. Luke and Audrienne explained how most of the time, comics are underestimated and misinterpreted. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word comic? Most probably it is Marvel’s Spiderman or Batman. Comics go beyond the popularized Marvel comics.  Marvel is overshadowing other good comic artists that strive to gain popularity with their educational comics. They are left under the carpet when, in the meantime they can be implemented in the educational sector.

Comics are not just there for reluctant readers who are disheartened by chunks of endless words. A comic is the most effective medium on how the text and an image interact together in unison. This can lead to greater motivation in students of all ages who are otherwise reluctant to read endless pages of notes or thick stories which they are made to read "because it’s good for their education.’ This might make it slightly easier for educators as well. “A teacher, like a salesman is trying to sell an idea.” Comics are a great way to engage readers without using too much text however the story element is still important.

Comics can be used as an tool for an array of subjects. Research has proved that the public finds comics most effective in areas such as Literature mostly Shakespeare’s plays and Jane Austen’s novels, Art, Politics and Science. Business Studies is least associated with the world of comics. Comics are also often associated with children and their literature. However comics can be a form of entertainment and education to all ages that need some extra motivation.

Although comics is still an area that needs further research and further involvement in the educational system, Malta has slightly some more research to carry out. The first step would be to dissociate the medium of the comic with characters such as Batman and Spiderman. A lot of measures can be taken to implement comics as useful visuals for students.

Like any other medium, comics have their disadvantages. If a comic is not well-made it does not deliver the intended message. The use of comics does not aim to eliminate the textbook. A comic cannot explore the detail that the textbook provides. Hence, it is the use of both the textbook and the visual element that can help deliver a better message.

The post What about Comics in our Educational System? appeared first on The Third Eye.

1.   Watersports

From kayaking to parakiting, watersports offers a bit of fun for everyone. For those looking for a rush of adrenaline, try parakiting or jetskiing. Although these activities can be done solo, they’re probably much more fun with a friend. Think of it: hanging from a parakite, screaming with excitement and trying to speak to your bestfriend who is holding on to the same parakite in front of you or behind you.

In addition to the thrill of the adventure, Golden Bay provides spectacular views to be enjoyed either from high up in a parakite or simply in a kayake or a paddle boat.

2.   Diving

The Maltese islands boast themselves as an excellent diving location. What better way to close off summer by booking a dive at one of the local diving centres and exploring territory below water? The clear Maltese waters create an ultimate experience for beginners as well as for experienced divers. Moreover, the risk of encountering dangerous fish is considered to be quite low. The Maltese waters offer an abundance of caves, wrecks and reefs all waiting to be discovered.

3.   Spa

Grab your girlfriends and book yourself a spa day. Unwinding before all the University mayhem is a perfect way to treat yourself and catch up on sober girl time. You’ll never know how much you love a spa until someone is calming your body and making your mind go absolutely blank. Your skin will be glowing and feeling fresh by the time you’re ready.

4.   BBQ /Camping

The outdoor lovers should certainly indulge. Kiss in the spectacular sunsets, sleep under the stars and wake up early to the tranquillity of sunrise. The night wouldn’t be complete without a sizzling BBQ and a bottle of wine to compliment the evening. Don’t forget to bring along stories describing your most embarrassing and awkward moments or some juicy gossip.

5.   Scrapbook

These become handy during times when the going gets tough. Collecting pictures and memories from summer into a scrapbook can serve as a quick reminder during the tough days of assignments and studying that there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel — SUMMER!

The post 5 Things to do before Summer Ends appeared first on The Third Eye.

With millions of tourists visiting the many artificial wonders of Dubai, little take notice of the overworked and underpaid labourers living on the outskirts. Workers mainly fly in from Pakistan and India. This surely comes as no surprise. According to an investigative report published by the BBC, workers under these conditions can still earn more than they do in their own countries. In the meantime they have some left overs to send to their families.

Workers from the poorest towns and villages are prey to employment agencies who promise them opportunities. Workers who are already too poor send up the little land they own or personal belongings to pay an average fee of 2,300 for their passage to the Promised Land. Others who have no land take out loans. But what meets them is not just a few discrepancies hidden between the lines.

In a country where such shanty living conditions are hidden from the public eye it is challenging for journalists to investigate. Ben Anderson from BBC reports how workers only spoke to them under anonymity. Once in Dubai they did not get paid the salaries they were promised. Workers felt manipulated and used but had no other choice to start working in the scorching Dubai sun.

It is reported that workers earn an average of 150EU a month a for a six day week with 12 hours of labour a day. Some workers are lucky enough to get paid 0.60 per hour for overtime. Of course, authorities reported that they only paid their workers the fair amount for their input.

Workers enjoy the privilege of free accommodation in overcrowded camps with poor ventilation. Worker’s quarters have no proper sewage system and this leads to very poor hygiene conditions for workers.

The question comes easy: Why don’t they return back to their families? When they return those who lent them the money to get there in the first place will come asking for it back plus interest. These men don’t have such money and are sent to prison. In addition, some employees especially during the dark days of the recession spent four months without receiving their salaries. But worst of all, most men had their passports taken on their arrival in the "Land of Gold.’

Dubai has been described as “The City of Dreams” and “Disneyland for Adults” but most of all it is an illusion that feigns reality. From artificial islands to artificial skiing slopes, Dubai is often deemed as a holiday destination for the adventurous traveller. While there on holiday little do we think about those men in blue overalls working tirelessly praying for their escape back into the loving arms of their families.

The post Dubai: The other Side of the Coin appeared first on The Third Eye.

Pulse have presented their stance on the matter and Matthew Zerafa confirms that results are not being used as pawns as part of the Union dispute. Publication of results are well within the deadline parameters. In addition to rumors being spread that department secretaries have results yet are being kept from being published is “a blatant lie.” Non-academic staff at the University are not part of UMASA but are part of UHM (Union Haddiema Maghqudin). Zerafa also confirmed that UMASA have not ordered for results to be refrained from being published.

The post Student Organisation Pulse concerned about the Publication of Results appeared first on The Third Eye.