Auckland CBD and Ponsonby

Vol. 293-1  August 4, 2025

Phone Greg 0274 780 192


Everybody's Talking

Dune paradise: Northern Brazil's Lenis Maranhenses National Park is a surreal expanse of golden dunes and crystal-clear lagoons. Though it resembles a desert, the area receives enough rainfall to create thousands of freshwater pools, forming a striking contrast against the rolling sands. Visitors can explore by foot, 4x4 vehicle, or even from above on a scenic flight, taking in the ever-shifting landscape. The park's remote location ensures a peaceful escape, far from the usual tourist trails. Along with the dunes, mangroves and migratory birds add to the region's natural beauty. While Brazil is known for its rainforests and beaches, this lesser-known wonder offers an extraordinary experience that feels like stepping into a dream.

Celestial clock: In Prague, Czech Republic, the Astronomical Clock showcases an extraordinary fusion of medieval artistry and engineering. Known as Prask Orloj, for generations this masterpiece has recorded celestial movements, zodiac signs, and time. Key elements include its astronomical dial, calendar display, and a captivating hourly rotation of the apostles. Sculptures representing concepts like Vanity and Death enhance its intricate design. First installed in 1410, the timepiece has been carefully restored over the years to maintain its beauty. Attracting admirers from across the globe, this historic creation remains a symbol of the harmony between science and art, and a testament to Prague's rich cultural legacy.

Colour defence: In Taichung, Taiwan, a quiet ex-soldier named Huang Yung-Fu picked up a paintbrush in 2008 when told to leave his home and he never put it down. As government plans threatened to flatten his military village, he began covering every wall with bursts of colour, portraying tigers, dancers, birds, and wide-eyed people. His playful murals transformed a crumbling neighbourhood into a vibrant, open-air gallery that couldn't be ignored. Word spread, and visitors arrived from far beyond the city. With people flooding in, authorities backed off and the village was spared demolition. Now a beloved landmark, Rainbow Village remains an artistic sanctuary.

Glacial mystery: In Antarctica, a crimson-hued waterfall called Blood Falls has puzzled scientists for over a century. Once believed to be mineral-based, researchers now know tiny, iron-rich, non-crystalline particles called nanospheres create the eerie effect. These microscopic structures oxidise in air, giving the illusion of flowing blood. The subglacial reservoir feeding the falls harbours ancient bacteria that thrive in a highly salty, iron-rich environment. Studying these conditions may offer insights into extraterrestrial life, as similar processes could exist on other planets. While this mystery is solved, the discovery highlights challenges also found in space exploration because rover instruments may overlook nanosized particles.

Quotable Quotes

Life is a long lesson in humility. ~ James M. Barrie

Look closely at the present you are constructing: it should look like the future you are dreaming. ~ Alice Walker

Trivia

1. Paul McCartney and Wings sang the theme song for this James Bond movie.

2. Fingernails are made of keratin - T/F?

3. Was paper created in China, Japan, or Korea?

4. What is the distance of the Kentucky Derby horse race?

5. A substance that fixes dye to fabric is called a musk, slag, or mordant?

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 19)
Are you frustrated that an old emotional issue never seems resolved? You might not have a clear understanding of the situation, but don't stop seeking a solution. Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 10, 12, 36, 38.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
Astrological energy over the next month might encourage you to use your tact and diplomacy in a strategic way. Remember the phrase “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” Lucky numbers: 5, 10, 12, 19, 25, 31.
taurusTaurus (April 20- May 20)
The way you handle anger may be brought to your attention over the next few weeks. Be conscious of where you might need to make an adjustment in this area. Lucky numbers: 5, 8, 12, 28, 31, 37.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21)
Scorpios are passionate about expressing their ideas, not always in subtle ways. For the next several weeks, you may have an opportunity to be more low key. Lucky numbers: 1, 2, 6, 13, 15, 35.
geminiGemini (May 21- June 21)
An opportunity to express yourself authentically might present itself over the next month. You may need to put in the work and be sensitive in your approach with others. Lucky numbers: 2, 6, 12, 17, 25, 26.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov22-Dec21)
The next month may offer an opportunity to understand that you don't always have to be the one leading the pack. Instead, develop a collaboration of like-minded people. Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 16, 17, 25, 35.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 22)
Are you finding yourself lost now in what has happened in the past? This might be the right time for an honest discussion with those involved about what you need now. Lucky numbers: 11, 12, 18, 28, 29, 35.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)
The midweek energy may reinforce your grounded and stable nature. Lean into this dynamic for the few days as it may to help you push through on a difficult endeavour. Lucky numbers: 4, 5, 11, 15, 28, 38.
leoLeo (July 23 - Aug 22)
Your heart and mind may be out of sync at midweek. You may bene­fit from taking a few deep breaths and waiting a few days before making any important decisions. Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 7, 9, 18, 30.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
Midweek may be a good time to successfully com­plete an endeavour. You might notice a new pro­ject aligned with your humanitarian goals. Wait a few weeks before you act. Lucky numbers: 10, 17, 18, 19, 26.
virgoVirgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
This weekend, emotional energy may disrupt your hardworking nature. Con­sider taking advantage of the opportunity to unplug and get some well-earned relaxation. Lucky numbers: 2, 9, 11, 21, 24, 34.
piscesPisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
You may find yourself in the grip of your emotions for a few days at week's end. Dig in so you can find a positive response and not be overwhelmed by your feelings. Lucky numbers: 5, 6, 16, 27, 28, 29.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Capricorn winners with the luckiest number being 15.

Did you know

Bunny beginnings: A baby rabbit is called a kit and is usually born into a snug, underground maze, or warren. These cozy tunnels are part of group life, where rabbits live together in hidden homes.

Height helper: Abraham Lincoln's iconic stovepipe hat wasn't just a fashion choice. It became part of his public image, though often dented and not matching his outfit. The hat helped him stand out in crowds and tower over opponents, literally and symbolically.

Core story: Deep beneath Earth's surface lies a blazing metal sphere of mostly iron and nickel. It formed when heavy metals slowly sank inward as Earth heated up, creating the molten heart that keeps the planet hot inside.

Lung gap: Your two lungs aren't twins. The left one is noticeably smaller to make room for the heart. It even has a special curve called the cardiac notch, making space in the chest for that vital organ to comfortably fit.

Northern landing: About 500 years before Columbus, Viking explorers reached North America. While Indigenous peoples had long lived there, the Norse were likely the first Europeans to set foot on its shores and leave behind evidence.

On the lighter side

What is a woodpecker's favourite kind of joke? A Knock! Knock! joke.

Plagiarism is stealing a ride on someone else's train of thought.

A kitten fell into the copy machine. It became a copycat.

Son: Can you write in the dark, Dad? Dad: I think so. What do you want me to write? Son: Your name on my report card.

Two mining companies merged, and became alloys.

Answers

1. Live and Let Die 2. True 3. China 4. 2 km 5. Mordant