Canterbury North Edition

Vol. 291-5  June 30, 2025

Ph Steve 021 070 1355

Everybody's Talking

Call control: In the late 1800s frustration led Almon B. Strowger, a funeral director in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, to suspect a telephone operator was redirecting his calls to a competitor. Determined to fix this, he created a system that connected calls without operators. Using simple materials, he built an early version of an automatic switch that selected numbers through electrical pulses. With an electrician's help, he refined his idea and patented it. Initially met with skepticism, his device gained traction after a successful demonstration, leading him to found the Strowger Automatic Telephone Company. His invention revolutionised communication, replacing operators with automated dialing and reshaping the telephone industry.

Hidden waters: Kayakers in USA are discovering a whole new world beneath the surface, paddling through hidden waterways carved into caves and abandoned mines. From the vast flooded chambers of Kentucky's Red River Gorge to the submerged caverns of Missouri, these secluded routes offer an escape from crowded rivers. Some tours glide through crystal-clear water in see-through kayaks, while others illuminate the darkness with glowing LED lights. Traces of old mining operations, from rusted pipes to forgotten tunnels, add a sense of mystery to the journey. These eerie yet mesmerising spaces provide an unexpected mix of history, geology, and adventure.

Chess duel: An age-old tradition brings history to life in Marostica, in northern Italy, with a game of human chess. Dating back to a legendary contest between two suitors, this event replaces sword fights with strategy, turning a town square into a giant chessboard. Every two years, hundreds of costumed actors, musicians, and flag bearers recreate the spectacle, complete with fireworks and medieval pageantry. The moves, borrowed from famous chess matches, add to the drama. Spectators gather around the marble board in Piazza Castello, watching as the fate of the players unfolds. This blend of history, theatre, and competition proves that in Marostica, even a centuries-old love story can be won with a well-placed move.

Cartoon cafe: A unique cafe in Montville, New Jersey USA, transports visitors into a world of hand-drawn artistry. 2D Cafe Tornado, covered entirely in black-and-white sketches, creates the illusion of stepping inside a comic book. Every surface from grand pianos to spiral staircases is drawn with black-ink markers, making the space feel surreal yet inviting. Beyond the immersive design, the menu offers coffee, teas, and East Asian-inspired treats. The owners brought this concept from Asia, working with local artists to craft the environment with meticulous detail. Whether stopping in for a drink or admiring the walls, visitors find themselves in a space where reality and imagination seamlessly blend.

Quotable Quotes

Time doesn't take away from friendship, nor does separation. ~ Tennessee Williams

Of all the gifts that wise Providence grants us to make life full and happy, friendship is the most beautiful. ~ Epicurus

What's Happening

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.

Friendly Friday: is held on the second Friday of each month from 9a.m. - 11a.m. at the Rangiora Methodist Church in King Street, Rangiora. Free morning tea is provided. Good used clothing, bedding, books, toys, jigsaws, produce and vegetables are available at bargain prices. All welcome

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

Do you have an eye condition resulting in vision loss? We are a group of people of all ages and all eye conditions, sharing support along with hints and tips. Join us on Facebook Blindsided NZ or Blindsided.NZ@gmail.com

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

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.

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

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

Trivia

1. The Franklin Stove was named after this American founding father.

2. The Colosseum is in Athens - T/F?

3. Who composed Fanfare for the Common Man?

4. What gas is typically used to lift a blimp?

5. Zambia and ____ are the only two countries that begin with Z.

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 19)
The coming months may not be best for focusing on your concrete ambi­tions. Maybe explore soft­er opportunities like cre­ative self expression or charitable works. Lucky numbers: 8, 14, 15, 17, 32, 40.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
Consider focusing more on self care during the middle of the week. If you recharge your mind and body now, you could be in a better position to help others later. Lucky numbers: 11, 13, 17, 19, 35, 36.
taurusTaurus (April 20- May 20)
Taurus often focuses primarily on the practi­cal. However, ruled by Venus, you also can enjoy the pleasures of life. The end of this week may be a good time to do so. Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 20.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21)
This weekend may be a good time to plan a brief retreat to help clear out any debris from your psyche. This process could be very helpful to your mental health now. Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 9, 22, 29, 36.
geminiGemini (May 21- June 21)
The next few weeks may be a good time to step up your social interactions and make important new connections. Your calen­dar could fill up quickly, if you so desire. Lucky numbers: 3, 5, 12, 29, 33, 39.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov22-Dec21)
Have you recently been focusing on what you might have been seeking in life? If so, could this be the time to take the next step on the path toward manifesting it? Lucky numbers: 4, 8, 12, 15, 18, 23.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 22)
The shadow side for Cancer is to withdraw into your shell and dwell on the negative. Be aware that the risk of this dynamic happening is increased for the next few months. Lucky numbers: 1, 3, 4, 6, 18, 40.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)
Capricorns can radiate a very serious demeanour. The next few weeks may offer opportunities to lighten your mood. What adjustments could be made to integrate this quality. Lucky numbers: 6, 11, 16, 19, 25, 28.
leoLeo (July 23 - Aug 22)
Keep yourself open this week to how your efforts might make a difference to help someone else. The satisfaction you receive may outweigh any material gain you give up. Lucky numbers: 9, 10, 15, 17, 26, 28.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
Many Aquarians can be pas­sionate about issues cen­tral to humanity's evolu­tion, but have trouble communicating it. The next few weeks may offer opportunities to do so. Lucky numbers: 1, 5, 11, 12, 22, 29.
virgoVirgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
For the next few months, the energy may seem confusing. For you, the challenge of this could be to access your intuition and integrate it with your more practical side. Lucky numbers: 14, 15, 19, 23, 34.
piscesPisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
Neptune, the Pisces rul­ing planet, will briefly head back into your sign in the coming months. So you may find your­self challenged by an issue that still needs a resolution. Lucky numbers: 7, 9, 14, 17, 21, 38.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Gemini winners with the luckiest number being 33.

Did you know

Whispering woods: When animals munch on acacia leaves, the trees release chemicals into the air, warning nearby trees to boost toxins in their leaves. This defence makes the leaves less appetising, helping to protect them from being overgrazed.

Fake fever: During World War II, Dr. Eugene Lazowski tricked the Nazis into believing a dangerous typhus outbreak had spread, forcing them to quarantine villages. His deception saved thousands of Jewish lives. His clever mind was a valuable weapon.

Knighted penguin: A king penguin named Nils Olav became an honorary member of the Norwegian Army after soldiers adopted him at a Scottish Zoo. Over the years, he earned multiple promotions, eventually receiving a knighthood.

Ancient flow: The Nile River wasn't always the mighty waterway it is today. Over time, shifting landscapes and overflowing lakes connected separate streams, creating the world's longest river and linking Africa's interior to the Mediterranean Sea.

Lunar legacy: Before leaving the moon, astronaut Eugene Cernan carved his daughter's initials into the dust. With no wind to erase them, his mark may remain for generations, a personal tribute among humanity's lunar footprints.

On the lighter side

Every path has a few puddles.

Rick: I sell pillows for a living. Nick: That sounds like a soft job!

Why was the tugboat so mad? He was docked a day's pay.

The dog obedience school has a large barking lot.

I took my car to the mechanic as it was making a terrible noise. He took the Mariah Carey CD out and now it's fine!

Answers

1. Benjamin Franklin 2. False, Rome 3. Aaron Copland 4. Helium 5. Zimbabwe