Hawkes Bay Edition

Vol. 307-1  October 5, 2026

Ph Chris 022 078 0890


Everybody's Talking

Attic surprise: In San Francisco, California USA, a family sorting through their late mother's belongings uncovered a comic she had often said was valuable. Stored in a box in the attic, an early Superman issue turned up in unusually strong condition after years out of sight. Once experts confirmed its authenticity and state of preservation, collectors took notice from across the comic world. The book went on to sell for US$9.1 million, setting a new record for a comic at auction. Its value reflected both its place in comic history and how well it survived. The sale highlighted how easily important items can be overlooked for decades, even while sitting inside ordinary homes.

Fungal lure: Researchers have developed a new mosquito trap that turns a natural fungus into a powerful attractant instead of relying on sprays or nets. The fungus normally kills insects after contact, but scientists adjusted it so it releases a strong plant-like scent right away, drawing mosquitoes in first. Once inside the trap, the insects pick up spores that ultimately kill them without harming people nearby. Tests showed the setup worked even when a person was present in the room. Because the material can be grown on common crops, it could be produced locally in many regions. The approach avoids chemicals that mosquitoes often adapt to. Scientists see it as one more tool that could fit alongside existing control methods.

Rolling laundry: In Maryland USA, a retired police officer has turned an old bus into a moving laundry room that offers free washes to people living without housing. The idea took shape after he saw that some were cleaning clothes in nearby streams, a detail that stayed with him long after the call ended. Instead of starting a shelter or food program, he focused on something basic that's easy to overlook. The rebuilt bus now travels on a regular route so people know when it's coming. No payment is ever asked, and volunteers help keep things running smoothly. Clean clothes can make daily life feel more manageable. The project keeps growing as word spreads through the community.

Lace walls: In cities around the world, artist NeSpoon uses lace patterns to change how public walls and buildings look. She began as a painter, later working with ceramics and placing small clay pieces outdoors before moving more fully into street art. Over time, the lace designs moved away from objects and began appearing directly on walls as murals and simple installations. The patterns add texture and detail without overpowering their surroundings. NeSpoon chooses her materials based on what suits each location, such as paint for walls or installations for parks. This flexible approach lets her work blend into many settings while staying visually distinct across neighbourhoods.

Quotable Quotes

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." ~ Marcel Proust

"The world is changed by your example, not your opinion. ~ Paulo Coelho

Trivia

1. Who painted The Starry Night?

2. What is a group of crows called?

3. The USA television series of The Office was set in what Pennsylvania city?

4. Which actor portrayed Indiana Jones in the film series?

5. The original Disney Snow White film was released in 1927, 1937, or 1947?

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 19)
Having difficulty conveying to others what you are trying to achieve with a current plan? Consider where an adjustment in your viewpoint could help resolve the situation. Lucky numbers: 12, 15, 17, 30, 31, 38.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
The week's end may provide an opportunity for you to set a new intention. If you happened to have set a goal at your birthday, this may be a good time to advance it. Lucky numbers: 5, 8, 19, 32, 33, 35.
taurusTaurus (April 20- May 20)
At week's end, your intuition may be loudly pointing you in a particular direction. Rather than dismissing it, consider whether the risk of following it is worth taking. Lucky numbers: 1, 2, 6, 16, 28, 34.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21)
Is there something you want to change in your romantic relationship? If you approach the topic carefully this week, you may be able to effectively discuss what you need. Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 15, 27, 30, 40.
geminiGemini (May 21- June 21)
You may be eager to act now on an idea from a sudden insight. Consider how easily you would be able to unravel things if the situation does not pan out as planned. Lucky numbers: 1, 7, 17, 25, 37, 39.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov22-Dec21)
Having a personal philosophy or belief system is an important theme for Sagittarius. In this period of intense human evolution, your ability in this regard can be helpful to others. Lucky numbers: 5, 6, 8, 21, 21, 35.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 22)
Events now may leave you with the feeling that you are on shifting sands. This pattern isn't going to change soon. How can you make an adjustment in your view to adapt? Lucky numbers: 2, 13, 15, 25, 29, 35.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)
The success achieved by older Capricorns may lessen their desire to direct ambition into personal plans. This provides an opportunity to shift one's ambitions to a larger focus. Lucky numbers: 4, 8, 19, 30, 31, 39.
leoLeo (July 23 - Aug 22)
Are you experiencing a conflict in your romantic relationship now? Perhaps the source of the issue is a difference in values between the two of you. Are they at all reconcilable? Lucky numbers: 7, 8, 14, 32, 33, 37.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
Your spiritual development can both reflect and affect humanity's evolution while Pluto is in Aquarius. The energy has been stalled recently but is now moving forward. Lucky numbers: 6, 14, 18, 28, 30, 32.
virgoVirgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
Your work ethic and attention to detail are heightened at the beginning of the week. Use it to make a contribution but make sure that others don't take advantage of you. Lucky numbers: 6, 14, 18, 21, 29, 34.
piscesPisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
The grounded energy at mid-week may provide you an opening to achieve a goal. The dynamic will only last a few days. Don't create obstacles to achieve what you desire. Lucky numbers: 9, 11, 12, 23, 36, 40.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Libra winners with the luckiest number being 33.

Did you know

Island shuffle: Pheasant Island sits on a river between France and Spain, and the two nations take turns caring for it in six-month stretches. Spain oversees it from February to July, then France looks after it from August to January.

Ancient cheers: The world's first recorded recipe is for beer. Found on a 4,000-year-old Sumerian tablet, it describes brewing with barley, water, and bread.

Hidden chamber: Behind the carved faces of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota USA is an unfinished room that was originally meant to display important American records. Although the full design was never completed, the space remains tucked within the monument.

Tower tilt: The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy has been slowly straightening since a major stabilisation project was done. Engineers reduced its lean, and later checks showed it continued shifting slightly toward a more upright position.

Freshwater giant: Lake Superior is the planet's largest freshwater lake by surface area. It stretches across Canada and the United States, and its broad waters make it one of the most expansive freshwater bodies on Earth.

On the lighter side

What does Superman like in his drinks? Just-ice.

We hired a door maker. She really knew how to make an entrance.

Did you hear the joke about paper? Nevermind, it's tearable.

Passenger: Are you sure this train stops in San Francisco? Conductor: If it doesn't, you'll hear a big splash.

Answers

1. Vincent van Gogh 2. A murder 3. Scranton 4. Harrison Ford 5. 1937