Hawkes Bay Edition

Vol. 290-4  May 26, 2025

Ph Chris 022 078 0890


Everybody's Talking

Garden sanctuary: Nestled near Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, the Onion Garden offers a peaceful escape in the heart of London, England. Once an abandoned urban corner, it's now a lush green space teeming with herbs, wildflowers, fruit trees, and, unsurprisingly, onions. This community haven, transformed by Jens Jakobsen, fosters kindness and connection, welcoming all who embrace its uplifting philosophy. Featuring an orangery, pavilion, and caf, the garden reinvests proceeds into its growth while hosting inclusive events. A stroll through its vibrant paths reveals tranquillity and purpose, and is a reminder that even a bustling city can blossom with a little care.

Cheese surplus: Deep underground in the USA state of Missouri, limestone caves hold massive amounts of surplus cheese, a holdover from policies meant to stabilise the dairy industry decades ago. What began as subsidies to address a 1970s dairy shortage led to overproduction, with unsold milk converted into longer-lasting cheese. By the 1980s, government cheese became part of American culture, distributed through food assistance programs. Today, with dairy consumption dropping but production rising, billions in subsidies continue to support the industry, leaving stockpiles of extra cheese. This quirky legacy shows how even surplus cheese can reflect America's economic twists and turns.

Bamboo balance: In the rivers of Guizhou, China, bamboo drifting is a mesmerising art form blending balance and grace. Originally born from necessity, locals transported timber logs by standing on them and navigating rivers. Over time, the practice evolved into a breathtaking tradition, with bamboo replacing wood and acrobatic skills transforming it into an art. Today the practice features solo and duet performances, such as the stunning Ballet on Water. Celebrated at cultural festivals and traditional games, bamboo drifting unites communities and beautifully showcases their rich cultural heritage. This captivating tradition proves that even simple bamboo can carry the weight of history.

Cozy screenings: A movie theatre in Switzerland has taken comfort to the next level by replacing traditional seats with double beds. Cinema Path's VIP bedroom screen features beds complete with adjustable headrests, pillows, soft sheets, and bedside tables for complimentary snacks and drinks. Guests are even given slippers to enhance the cozy and luxurious experience. Concerned about hygiene? The theatre assures patrons that all bedding is thoroughly cleaned between showings for maximum cleanliness. For those who prefer other options, the cinema also offers double sofas, or a kids' cinema with fun features like a ball pit and slide, creating something special for everyone to enjoy.

Quotable Quotes

To be a champ you have to believe in yourself when no one else will. ~ Sugar Ray Robinson

Every man should lose a battle in his youth, so he does not lose a war when he is old. ~ George R. R. Martin

Trivia

1. What did the Little Mermaid lose when she gained her legs?

2. An insect's antennae sense touch and also smell, hearing, or sight?

3. Brontology is the study of brontosauruses, thunder, or boulders?

4. What does Erin go bragh mean?

5. The Rock of Gibraltar is one of the Pillars of Hercules - T/F?

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 19)
Has a relationship in your life experienced a break­down recently? This week's energy may be helpful for you to initiate a discus­sion that could help cre­ate a resolution. Lucky numbers: 2. 4, 10, 21, 37, 39.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
You may be especially chatty at midweek. But thinking before you speak is very important. Otherwise you may perhaps put your foot in your mouth and create a rift with others. Lucky numbers: 15, 17, 24, 26, 35, 38.
taurusTaurus (April 20- May 20)
Based on your intuitive insights from last week, have you been consider­ing a new plan to achieve your goal? Be aware that you still have plenty of time this week to do so. Lucky numbers: 1, 3, 13, 14, 18, 25.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21)
If you have a hard truth that you need to deliver this week, consider how to use an empathetic approach. This is very impor­tant so the other party will really listen. Lucky numbers: 9, 11, 12, 22, 23, 24.
geminiGemini (May 21- June 21)
Last week's dynamic repeats this week, with a lot of information coming at you very quickly. Carefully reviewing the pros and cons of your options before deciding. Lucky numbers: 1, 6, 8, 19, 23, 33.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov22-Dec21)
Midweek may be a good time to set new inten­tions. Try to be sure that your head and heart agree about how to pro­ceed. Otherwise, all your efforts may be stalemated. Lucky numbers: 8, 10, 27, 30, 34, 37.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 22)
Cancers often focus their nurturing skills on their circle of family and friends. Week's end may provide a good opportu­nity to consider expand­ing that circle to others. Lucky numbers: 3, 18, 28, 31, 35, 40.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)
Are you running into obstacles with others in something you are trying to achieve together? Con­sider if you are taking their needs into account, and act accordingly. Lucky numbers: 5, 8, 11, 12, 25, 26.
leoLeo (July 23 - Aug 22)
The ability for you to attract others to you could continue into this week. Feel free to take advan­tage of this dynamic, but remember to be fair to all involved. Lucky numbers: 5, 16, 18, 26, 30, 38.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
An opportunity to discuss your goals with others may come up early in the week. It is really important that you not be superficial but rather present the in-depth picture. Lucky numbers: 5, 10, 16, 17, 29, 36.
virgoVirgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
Virgos sometimes can fall into the trap of not being able to see the forest for the trees. Hopefully by midweek it may be a good time for you to work on shifting this dynamic. Lucky numbers: 2, 12, 18, 23, 27, 32.
piscesPisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
Astrological energies are discordant for you mid-week. Perhaps postpone important decisions. Keep your head down and wait a few days. This dynamic will pass soon. Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 8, 16, 19, 30.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Aquarius winners with the luckiest number being 17.

Did you know

Mega beavers: Giant beavers, now extinct but once as big as small bears, vanished partly due to their reliance on soft plants. Unlike modern beavers, they couldn't chew wood or build dams, making survival more difficult. Rainy aromas The smell of rain, called petrichor, comes from plant oils and geosmin, an earthy-scented compound released by soil bacteria. Rain hitting the ground stirs up these elements, creating the familiar fragrance of fresh rainfall.

Deep roots: Humans have been fighting tooth troubles since at least 7000 BC. Ancient civilizations, like those in the Indus Valley were already developing dental practices, making dentistry one of the most ancient of the medical professions.

Tongue twist: Crocodiles can't extend their tongues because they're fixed to the roof of their mouths by a unique membrane, ensuring safety when they bite down. Alligators can freely stick out their tongues, although they rarely do.

Travel smarter: Travel isn't just about sightseeing; it can actually make us smarter. Studies suggest that engaging with other cultures broadens our perspective, enhancing our ability to consider multiple viewpoints and boosting career opportunities.

On the lighter side

What did Paul Revere say when he finished his famous ride? Whoa!

Show me a singing beetle and I'll show you a humbug.

A clown opened up the door for me at work. I thought, That's a nice jester.

Nick: I just saw a 7-foot chicken dribbling a basketball. Rick: I'll bet she played for the Hen-B-A!

Answers

1. Her voice 2. Smell 3. Thunder 4. Ireland Forever 5. True