Christchurch East Edition

Vol. 276-4  March 25, 2024

Phone Rudy 021 421 346


Everybody's Talking

Belly dance: Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a new high-tech diet pill that vibrates after it's swallowed. VIBES (Vibrating Ingestible BioElectronic Stimulator) activates stomach receptors to induce a sense of fullness. Featured in the journal Science Advances, VIBES is hailed as a potential breakthrough in weight loss technology. With human trials pending, initial tests on pigs showed that 30 minutes of VIBES activity resulted in a 40% drop in food consumption. The mechanism works by tricking stomach stretch receptors. This signals the hypothalamus to produce hormones that create the sensation of being full. The innovation holds promise as a novel approach to trimming down, with a dance-worthy twist.

Autumn colours: Many countries take pride in their colourful autumn foliage, but nothing can really beat the gingko biloba tree in the village of Bangye-ri in Gangwon Province, South Korea. The tree is thought to be over 800 years old, and is a designated national monument. It measures 33 metres high. In the autumn, its leaves turn a blazing yellow-gold. As they fall, they leave a yellow carpet on the ground around the tree. In the last few years, visitors have been flocking to the tree, even though no restaurants or convenience stores are nearby. Legend has it that the tree grew from the cane of an ancient Buddhist monk.

Alligator trick: If the temperature drops low enough in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina (U.S.), the ponds at Swamp Park Outdoor Adventure Centre can freeze. So what are the 12 resident alligators to do? The animals have an ability to go into a state called brumation. They can survive because they protect themselves by sticking their snouts up into the air above the water. That way, they can breathe while the water freezes around them. Visitors to the park can just see the snouts peeking above the ice. The alligators at the park can't be returned to the wild for various reasons, so the park protects and cares for them.

Ugly fountain: Sculptures are often commissioned for special anniversaries. That's what happened in Vienna, Austria, when authorities wanted to mark 150 years of the city's renowned modern water system. The commissioned piece is a fountain, but critics say it is extremely ugly. Costing NZ$3.1m, the fountain consists of 33 very unusual humanoid figures that encircle the spouting water. Gelitin is the Viennese artist group that designed the piece. While the selection jury liked the togetherness idea of the design, the public does not like it at all. There has been much backlash, including by opposing political parties, about the instalment.

Quotable Quotes

Joy is not in things; it is in us. ~ Richard Wagner

One changes from day to day every few years one becomes a new being. ~ George Sand

What's Happening

Herb Hacks at Home at Shirley Primary on Monday evenings next term is all about sustainability. Create your own products straight from herbs in your garden! Txt Vera: 0277821329

Line Dance Classes for absolute beginners commencing early February, Bromley, Woolston Linwood & Templeton areas. For further details call Mary 3898809 or 0212163382

Gamblers Anonymous. Monday nights @ 7.30 Oasis centre 126 Bealey Ave

Neighbours helping Neighbours. Want to get a Neighbourhood Support Group going? Contact Dave Wilkinson on 03 420 9944 or www.christchurch.getsready.net

Rotary New horizons. Want to make a difference in your community? With Rotary - Together we can! For more information visit rotarynewhorizons.org.nz 0800 4 Rotary

Do you enjoy singing? A small group invite you to join them in singing entertainment for senior groups. Popular songs from all decades. Ring City People on 9814363 for more information

Linwood Village Market Saturday 1st February, 9 am to 1pm corner of Worcester Street & Stanmore Road Antiques, art, books, This & That, vintage & retro, recycled & upcycled, sometimes music and dance, sometimes singing, sometimes even fresh bread! First Saturday of the month from October till May (but cancelled if wet)

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

Trivia

1. The first Melbourne Cup, was held in what year?

2. Who invented the phonograph and incandescent light bulb?

3. How far are Australia and Antarctica drifting apart each year?

4. In 1928, Col. Jacob Schick patented the hair dryer, electric razor, or blender?

5. In what year did J.R.R. Tolkien wrote his childrens book The Hobbit?

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 20)
Unresolved wounds from the past can often block our compassion for others. This week may be a good time for you to work on breaking through this dynamic. Lucky numbers: 12, 13, 15, 17, 29, 33.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
Have you reviewed the goals and plans you set at your birthday? Is one of them close to com­pletion? If so, now may be a good week to cross the finish line. Lucky numbers: 5, 6, 15, 20, 35, 39.
taurusTaurus (April 21- May 21)
At midweek, look for an opportunity to accom­plish a goal that is close to your heart. This may require you to take a risk and step outside of your com­fort zone. Lucky numbers: 6, 8, 16, 21, 32, 37.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 22)
Midweek, others may refuse to see the truth of a situation. If you can't achieve consensus, con­sider stepping back for a few days and wait it out until this energy passes. Lucky numbers: 8, 13, 14, 29, 37, 38.
geminiGemini (May 22- June 21)
Your head and heart may be out of sync at week's end. If you can't resolve this stalemate, you may want to wait a few days before you make those important decisions. Lucky numbers: 3, 7, 13, 18, 24, 32.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov23-Dec21)
Week's end may provide a monthly opportunity to make an emotional reset. Is there an issue about which you should take a deep breath and find a new approach? Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 10, 15, 29, 31.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 23)
The Cancer-born often focus on home and family. At week's end, however, you may find that you may have a desire to plan a journey, for either travel, study or just to relax. Lucky numbers: 5, 10, 11, 13, 17, 23.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 20)
Capricorns often have a serious demeanour, aimed at accomplishment. Some­times cutting loose and being joyful is OK. Week's end may be a good time for that. Lucky numbers: 9, 14, 23, 31, 35, 36.
leoLeo (July 24 - Aug 23)
An event this week may encourage you to reach outside yourself and consider your role in the world. Achieving this may require an adjust­ment in your viewpoint. Lucky num­bers: 1, 9, 30, 31, 37, 39.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 21- Feb 19)
In 2024, Pluto begins a 20-year journey through your sign, inspiring a humanitarian evolution. Think how you could contribute to this and where should you begin? Lucky numbers: 11, 16, 18, 23, 27, 29.
virgoVirgo (Aug 24 - Sept 23)
Virgos can be reluctant to act unless everything perfectly lines up, which might be rare. Consider taking a leap of faith in the coming weeks, but perhaps bring a parachute. Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 10, 12, 26, 40.
piscesPisces (Feb 20 - March 20)
Pisces can fall into a navel gazing trap, exces­sively contemplating the state of the world. The next few weeks may offer a strong opportunity for a call to action. Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 16, 29, 32, 37.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Capricorn winners with the luckiest number being 31.

Did you know

Getting rich: National Basketball Association All-Star Lebron James's 2015 Nike sneakers endorsement deal could earn the U.S. basketball star over $1 billion before retirement. That's a lucrative business arrangement and a big number!

Saving whales: Mr. Splashy Pants was the name given to a humpback whale by Greenpeace in its 2007 Great Whale Trail Expedition campaign to raise awareness about the threatened whales. The campaign was successful the whales are no longer hunted.

Borrowed words: About 60% of English words have Greek or Latin roots. In science and technology, that figure is over 90%. The direct influence of the classical languages began in the Renaissance and continues today.

Hit the road: Route 66 is one of the most famous highways in the U.S. The 3,940 km road was featured in the 1946 hit song (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66, as well as the Route 66 television series.

Bath time: Canada has a unique place for people who like to bathe in cold water. Bathtub Island in Lake Superior, in Ontario, is so named because high waves from the lake wash over and fill its basin shape, creating a natural bathtub.

On the lighter side

Why couldn't Dracula's wife get to sleep? Because of his coffin.

Tom couldn't figure out how to repair the washing machine, so he threw in the towel.

Did the drill finally finish its supper? Every last bit.

What do kids play when theyre not allowed their phone? Bored Games.

What is fast, loud and crunchy? A rocket chip!

Whats a cats favourite dessert? A bowl of mice-cream.

Answers

1. 1861 2. Thomas Edison 3. approx. 7cm 4. Electric razor 5. 1937