Canterbury North Edition

Vol. 294-3  September 15, 2025

Ph Steve 021 070 1355


Everybody's Talking

Hidden glow: A UV tattoo might look like any other during the day, but under blacklight it lights up with bright, glowing colour. Tattoo artist Jonny Hall has made this style his own, mixing detailed black and grey designs with hidden UV highlights that give the artwork an unexpected twist. Some parts of the tattoo stay invisible until they are under the right light, making them feel like a secret only shown at night or in certain places. They're popular with people who love parties or want something unique. You'll need a blacklight to see the full effect, but the tattoo still looks great without it. For anyone wanting ink that changes with the light, this style is full of surprises and creative energy.

Brick blossoms: Inside Pacific Place, a luxury shopping mall in Hong Kong, China, a blooming garden has been built entirely from LEGO bricks. Called Where Bricks Bloom, the installation transforms the mall's public space into a walkable landscape of giant roses, orchids, and colourful floral scenes that are exciting for young and old alike. Crafted by artists skilled in both botany and brickwork, the display is divided into themed zones, each with its own playful twist. The combination of sculpture, retail, and imagination makes a visit more than just a trip to the mall. For those seeking something whimsical and photo-worthy, this garden delivers - without a single drop of water.

Harbour celebration: During SAIL Amsterdam, the waterways in Amsterdam, Netherlands, transform into a floating showcase as ships of all shapes and histories gather for a rare nautical event. From majestic tall ships to smaller, timeworn vessels, the harbour fills with sails, masts, and maritime stories. Guests stroll the docks, step aboard select boats, and take in views from both land and water. The atmosphere buzzes with music, performances, and the scent of fresh air off the sea. Ferries weave through the crowd of boats, while private rides offer a closer look for those who want to see more. For a few days, the city becomes a stage for seafaring tradition in a citywide salute to life on the water.

Seismic shield: In Japan, where earthquakes happen almost daily, trains stay safe - even during massive quakes. The country's high-speed network has avoided serious harm through a mix of fast sensors and culture-wide preparation. Along the tracks, seismic detectors send alerts within seconds, stopping trains before the shaking can reach them. Passengers are kept informed and cared for, even if delays stretch on. Japan's approach goes beyond the technology to include regular drills and public awareness that treat safety like second nature. While other places consider copying the system, experts say the real strength lies in the mindset. It's not just about stopping trains; it's about always being ready.

Quotable Quotes

If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars. ~ Rabindranath Tagore

I always felt that the great high privilege, relief, and comfort of friendship was that one had to explain nothing. ~ Katherine Mansfield

What's Happening

Dementia Canterbury needs YOU! We need more volunteers to help support those living with dementia in our community. Please contact alyssa@dementiacanterbury.org.nz or on 03 379 2590 for more information.

Widowed men and women - from around 50-mid 70s. We offer monthly meetings with support and friendship with regular activities such as dinners, movies, walks etc. New members welcome. Ph Claire 3543976 or Carol 9814125.

Rangiora Community Chior We practice each Wednesday in term time at 7.20-9pm at 176 King St, Methodist Church in Rangiora. We welcome new members, no auditions required. Follow us on facebook or https://sites.google.com/view/rangiora-community-choir

The North Canterbury Sunday Market, every Sunday 9-2. 314 Lehmans Road, Rangiora. Food, Stalls, Entertainment

Chess in the library. We play chess every Sunday in the Kaiapoi library from 1.30 to 3.30. All ages and abilities welcome. Contact Dean: 021 955 797

Free 5km timed run, Pegasus 8am every Saturday,Register at parkrun.co.nz

Citizens Advice Bureau North Canterbury looks forward to helping clients in 2020. We might not always find the answer to problems but we will give it a good try. Please contact us on 0800 367 222

Free notices for not for profits steve@coffeenews.co.nz

Trivia

1. How many zeros in one trillion?

2. Frost is not considered snow - T/F?

3. What protein makes bread dough elastic?

4. Copernicus theorised that these revolve around the sun.

5. South America's two landlocked countries are Paraguay and _____.

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 19)
This week may be dif­ficult. That could stem from an old wound that you might not be able to clearly see right now. Patience with yourself and others could help. Lucky numbers: 3, 18, 19, 29, 31, 39.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
Current energy supports making new connections and strengthening old ones. Consider how to use this dynamic over the week to resolve some relationship difficulties. Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 33.
taurusTaurus (April 20- May 20)
The Taurus-born are known for being hard workers. Midweek may be a good time to reconsider your values. If your work doesn't align with them you need to consider changes. Lucky numbers: 6, 18, 20, 24, 28, 39.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21)
How can you apply your intuitive abilities in ser­vice to others? The end of the week might be a good time to consider this and to perhaps seek an opportunity to do so. Lucky numbers: 6, 10, 14, 17, 24, 32.
geminiGemini (May 21- June 21)
Events during the middle of the week could force you out of your comfort zone. You may want to perhaps consider ideas and situ­ations that you might have bypassed before. Lucky numbers: 6, 13, 19, 21, 26, 37.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov22-Dec21)
Having a personal philos­ophy is often more important to a Sagittarius than to others. Midweek is a good time to maybe consider if that philosophy still fits who you are now. Lucky numbers: 5, 11, 16, 28, 29, 34.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 22)
As the week starts, you may want to retreat into your shell. Even if you can't fully withdraw from the world, it is very important to carve out some time for needed self-care. Lucky numbers: 4, 13, 14, 19, 20, 38.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)
At the beginning of the week, your heart may be pulling you in one direc­tion and your head in the opposite. Try and look for a work­able compromise or wait a few days. Lucky numbers: 9, 13, 14, 19, 29, 38.
leoLeo (July 23 - Aug 22)
Your natural enthusiasm may be on full display this week. Talk with oth­ers about what you most value, and look for an opportunity to manifest an endeavour to support it. Lucky numbers: 1, 4, 6, 9, 21, 40.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
Important information may emerge from your unconscious at midweek. Make an assessment of what you truly value, and then you are able to adjust your views accordingly. Lucky numbers: 3, 12, 17, 26, 27, 39.
virgoVirgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
At midweek, take some time to really consider what you most love and value. Then set a few new intentions for how you can start advancing these things into the world. Lucky numbers: 8, 11, 13, 14, 21, 30.
piscesPisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
This week may require a lot of patience. Try to keep working steadily toward your goals while recog­nising that results could be two steps forward and one step back. Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 7, 11, 15, 27.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Libra winners with the luckiest number being 7.

Did you know

Magnetic memory: Sea turtles appear to navigate by reading the Earth's magnetic field. Over time, they learn to recognise unique magnetic signals tied to different locations, helping them travel across the open ocean with surprising precision.

Radar reheats: Microwaves weren't invented for meals. They were radar technology to detect enemy ships. A curious engineer noticed that the energy melted his chocolate bar, sparking a new idea. Decades later, home models are common.

Scalp stats: Seeing loose hair after brushing or showering is usually nothing to worry about. Most people naturally shed up to 100 strands each day, and with so many follicles on the scalp, the loss rarely makes a visible difference.

Frost proof: A polar bear's fur doesn't freeze after icy swims thanks to being coated in natural oils that repel freezing. This built-in barrier keeps ice from sticking and demonstrates the natural adaptability of the polar bear to its cold climate.

Low zone: Sitting lower than any other place on land, the Dead Sea keeps sinking. It's fed by rivers but has no outlet, so water only leaves by evaporating into the air, causing the lake's level to steadily shrink.

On the lighter side

What did the snail say when he hitched a ride on a turtle? Wheee!

A group of physicists is called a nucleus.

There was a tap on my door. My plumber has a weird sense of humour.

Diner: Do you have lobster tails? Waiter: Certainly. Once upon a time there was a little lobster.

Adult: A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.

Answers

1. 12 2. True 3. Gluten 4. Planets 5. Bolivia