New Plymouth

Vol. 284-4  November 25, 2024

Ph Viraj 020 4118 0906


Everybody's Talking

Urban foxes: A red fox cub found itself in the unfortunate position of having its head stuck in a garden sink drain in Basildon, England. After being trapped there for several hours, and with some gentle wiggling, the cub was successfully rescued by folks from the South Essex Wildlife Hospital. The cub was treated and released back into nature. Red foxes are common in the U.K. They are known for their intelligence and adaptability in urban environments, where they scavenge for food and find ample shelter. Scientists speculate that physical changes like longer snouts and smaller heads indicate a potential for domestication. No one knows how this fox got stuck in the first place.

Mystery peaks: In Anlong County, China, a series of pyramid-shaped mountains known as the Anlong Pyramids have captivated global interest. These natural formations, resembling Egypt's iconic pyramids, feature meticulously stacked rock layers, sparking conspiracy theories about ancient civilisations or alien activity. Despite these speculations, experts assert that these structures are natural formations, shaped by geological processes over millions of years. A professor at a local university has explained that mineral recrystallization and water erosion created the distinct, block-like appearance. Though science provides clear explanations, the allure of these mountains continues to fuel theories and draw curious tourists.

Fiery chips: In Tokyo, Japan, a group of high school students found themselves in the hospital after consuming ghost pepper-infused potato chips. The spicy snack, containing bhut jolokia, caused intense stomach and mouth pain, leading to an emergency call from their high school. The 14 affected students, part of a larger group who shared the chips, experienced symptoms severe enough to require medical attention. The chip manufacturer clearly labels these 18+ curry chips as unsuitable for minors and those with health conditions due to their extreme heat. Despite the warnings, the students obtained the chips and suffered the consequences. After receiving treatment, they were released the same day.

Smart ants: The tiny Polyrhachis femorata species of ants are smart little critters. That's what scientists discovered while studying animal species on Kangaroo Island in Australia. The scientists found an ant colony and thought the tiny insects were all dead, until one moved slightly, that is. Feigning death is a natural defence mechanism used in dozens of animal species. But for the surprised scientists, finding an entire ant colony pretending to be dead was new. The ants had contorted their bodies into unnatural positions and had stayed absolutely still, which tricked the scientists. This remarkable display of collective mimicry highlights the sophisticated survival strategies of the ants.

Quotable Quotes

In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends. ~ John Churton Collins

The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. ~ Molire

Trivia

1. The prime meridian is located at 0 degrees longitude T/F?

2. The city of Gdansk is in what country?

3. Who composed the music for An American in Paris?

4. What animal's milk becomes Roquefort cheese?

5. Riboflavin is better known as vitamin B2, C, or A?

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries ambition often doesn't focus enough on the needs of others. The energy at the start of this week may help you incor­porate more considera­tion of others in your actions. Lucky numbers: 7, 10, 11, 14, 16, 35.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
Your ability to be tactful and diplomatic may be highlighted early this week. Think how might you use this talent to aid yourself or others to help resolve a sticky situation? Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 11, 12, 16, 22.
taurusTaurus (April 20- May 20)
Taurus are generally cautious in risk taking. But this week, you may have an opportunity to make adjustments in your worldview in order to better assess risk verses reward. Lucky numbers: 4, 5, 13, 18, 21, 37.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21)
Your ability to see deeply into others may be height­ened at midweek. As dif­ficult as this can be, it might provide you an opportunity to develop healthy boundaries now. Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 11, 16, 20, 29.
geminiGemini (May 21- June 21)
How well are your current endeavours faring? Can you find an area that needs improvement? Take the next few weeks to plan the needed changes, but wait to act. Lucky numbers: 2, 12, 19, 21, 30, 35.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov22-Dec21)
The energy at the end of this week may allow you to do an emotional reset. Consider what is working and develop a plan to move forward a few weeks from now. Lucky numbers: 6, 12, 16, 25, 28, 36.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 22)
For the next few weeks, things may feel chaotic in many areas of your life. Perhaps try and make adjustments where you can do so successfully, and try to wait out the rest. Lucky numbers: 6, 11, 14, 22, 25, 35.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)
At the moment are you having difficulty communicating with a partner? Could you work out a solution or just keep things on simmer for a few weeks until this phase passes? Lucky numbers: 1, 6, 7, 11, 16, 35.
leoLeo (July 23 - Aug 22)
Other people may gravi­tate to your heightened enthusiasm this week, and offer to help in your endeavour. Be sure that you are putting in the lion's share of effort on it. Lucky numbers: 3, 7, 16, 21, 25, 40.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
Consider examining your life right now, particu­larly about what does or does not give you joy. But if a new opportunity emerges, wait a few weeks before jump starting it. Lucky numbers: 10, 19, 25, 28, 30, 32.
virgoVirgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
Your thought process may feel a little erratic over the next few weeks, upsetting your detailed focus. Postpone projects, if you can, and triple check details on ones you can't delay. Lucky numbers: 8, 11, 16, 23, 28, 31.
piscesPisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
You may find yourself of two minds over the next few weeks, bouncing between optimism and melancholy. Wait to get a more realistic view of the situation and the options. Lucky numbers: 3, 9, 14, 17, 25, 30.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Leo winners with the luckiest number being 7.

Did you know

Durability tester: In a quirky test of durability, Samsung used a robot to simulate real-world pressure of sitting on phones. Clad in denim jeans, the device applied significant force to ensure phones could handle everyday stress.

Kleenex origins: Due to a wartime necessity, the Kimberly-Clark Corporation created a creped cellulose product for gas mask filters and bandages. After World War I, this product became Kleenex tissues, marketed as disposable handkerchiefs.

Giant gulpers: The enormous size of blue whales is linked to their unique feeding method. By swallowing massive amounts of water and filtering out krill, these giants can gain hundreds of times more energy than they use during feeding.

Human touch: Gloves are common on many Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Goofy. Originally, they simplified drawing and made animating easier. Walt Disney also believed they made characters appear more human.

Printed wrench: When the International Space Station needed a wrench in 2014, NASA used a unique strategy to send one They emailed it. Astronauts received a digital design and used a 3D printer on their space station to create the tool.

On the lighter side

Exams don't test what you know. They tell you how well you can study the night before a test!

In boring classes, I always improve my drawing skills.

Why did the pickles climb into the truck? The door was ajar.

I didn't think I was going to like soccer, but I get a real kick out of it.

One worm to another: Follow me, I know a restaurant where we can eat dirt cheap.

Answers

1. True 2. Poland 3. George Gershwin 4. Sheep 5. B2