Palmerston North

Vol. 285-5  December 30, 2024

Ph Chris 022 078 0890


Everybody's Talking

Canine couture: Fashion models weren't the ones strutting down the runway at Pet Gala 2024, which was held in New York, N.Y. USA. You guessed it instead, dogs were who charmed the audience. The four-legged models came from shelters and rescue groups, and were pets owned by social media influencers. Designer Anthony Rubio organised the event, with each of the 18 four-legged models wearing couture that mimicked what celebrities had worn at the Met Gala, held in New York two weeks earlier. Rubio organised the event as a fundraiser to support the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, making it both a stylish and philanthropic affair.

Tank motorcycle: Brothers Tilo and Wilfried Niebel of Zilly, Germany, created the Panzerbike, the world's heaviest rideable motorcycle, powered by a tank engine. This innovative machine began its journey when the brothers found a cutaway model of a T-55 tank engine. Determined to repurpose old military parts, they sourced components like the engine, missile transport case sidecar, and even a headlight. The build required 5,000 hours and significant welding efforts. This unique creation, designed to symbolise peace despite its warlike appearance, holds a Guinness Record. The Panzerbike is a highlight at the Harzer Bike Schmiede show, where it continues to amaze onlookers.

Onion latte: Attention coffee drinkers who would like to try something different. Spring onion-infused lattes are causing a stir in China, combining unexpected flavours. This trend went viral after several Asian media outlets spotlighted the unusual drink. The recipe involves putting chopped green onions in a cup, adding ice, milk, and coffee, and piling more chopped onions on top. Despite its unclear origins, the latte has quickly spread across various coffee shops. It's a recent addition to China's dark cuisine trend, which includes unconventional food combinations like the chili-infused hot ice latte. Reactions vary, with some curious about the flavour while others worry about onion breath.

Dream home: Victoria Turner, a teen from Colorado (USA), worked with fellow students to erect a house for a class project. Now she and her sister will be its proud inhabitants. Inspired by her brother's career in construction, Victoria joined her high school's building class. Over three years, she and peers from multiple schools laboured on various tasks for the 111-sq. m house. When it was finished, Victoria's parents decided to purchase the house for her. Presented with keys during her graduation ceremony, Victoria and her sister will soon call it home. She hopes to inspire more women to pursue careers in construction, aiming to reshape future workforces.

Quotable Quotes

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. ~ George Sand It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupry

Trivia

1. Morpheus is the god of dreams, wine, or oceans?

2. What is the only bird that can fly backward?

3. The protein holding body tissues together is collagen, prion, or bile?

4. Where would you find a windfall apple?

5. What is the largest continent in the world?

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 19)
This week the results of your efforts at change over the last 18 months may begin to bring results. You might find that it is a lot easier to communicate your view to others. Lucky numbers: 10, 16, 18, 27, 34, 39.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
Are you finding that your usual tact and diplomacy are failing you this week? How might you modify your objective so that it will make it worthwhile for all the involved parties? Lucky numbers: 6, 9, 10, 15, 31, 40.
taurusTaurus (April 20- May 20)
Perhaps consider this week making a few changes to your com­munication style to be more optimistic. An unusual opportunity might come in an unexpected way. Lucky numbers: 3, 10, 27, 29, 35, 40.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21)
Your intuition may raise information about an issue that you have been avoiding. The energy this week could allow you to focus on implementing a concrete solution. Lucky numbers: 4, 14, 28, 30, 32, 40.
geminiGemini (May 21- June 21)
A dilemma for Geminis is to choose one possibility from the myr­iad of options presented. An attitude change could allow you to be more grounded in this process. Lucky numbers: 9, 17, 21, 27, 35, 37.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov22-Dec21)
Natural Sagittarius enthu­siasm doesn't automat­ically translate into push­ing through to complete endeavours. This week's energy supports an oppor­tunity to do so. Lucky numbers: 5, 10, 17, 28, 34, 37.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 22)
At the moment you may find that your head and heart are out of sync. This might be a good time to set new intentions. Compro­mise could prove to be beneficial right now. Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 15, 22, 32, 35.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)
Traditionally, this week is the time to make reso­lutions for the new year. The start of the week might be a particularly good time to begin to focus your energy on this. Lucky numbers: 7, 11, 18, 22, 30, 40.
leoLeo (July 23 - Aug 22)
For the next few weeks, you may feel eager to make progress on your plans. Be sure that your goals align with those close to you and adjust accordingly, if needed. Lucky numbers: 6, 17, 18, 22, 30, 34.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
You may find yourself confused about what you really want. Resist the urge to make impulsive decisions. Remembering what you value could help clarify your choices. Lucky numbers: 7, 11, 13, 26, 34, 35.
virgoVirgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
At midweek you may feel foggy and emotionally out of sorts. Consider postponing some important decisions. Wait a few days and the situation could significantly improve. Lucky numbers: 1, 8, 11, 21, 23, 40.
piscesPisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
Your intuition and com­passion for others may be heightened during the middle of the week. You might be able to help them find better solutions to long-standing issues. Lucky numbers: 1, 6, 15, 28, 31, 37.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Capricorn winners with the luckiest number being 30.

Did you know

Shark name: The menacing animatronic shark that terrified audiences in the movie Jaws went by the name Bruce. This toothy predator got its moniker from director Steven Spielberg's lawyer, Bruce Ramer.

Buried giants: The iconic Easter Island heads have a secret. They are attached to hidden bodies. Over time, sediment covered the statues, but archaeologists have uncovered their full forms, giving new insights into this ancient culture's artistry.

Shaky moon: The moon has been shrinking for eons and is experiencing shallow quakes that could stir up loose rocks on its surface. Once thought geologically inactive, the moon still surprises scientists with frequent seismic activity and shifts.

Red reflex: Blushing is a uniquely human trait, one that puzzled even Charles Darwin. Some believe it's our way of admitting mistakes or showing empathy, signaling emotions we'd rather hide but can't control in social situations.

Animal allies: Service animals, especially dogs, play a vital role in aiding humans. They assist individuals with disabilities, enhance independence, and provide emotional support. Training dogs for service may date as far back as ancient Rome.

On the lighter side

Why did the parrot wear a raincoat? Because it wanted to be polly-unsaturated.

Show me a cat who eats a lemon and I'll show you a sourpuss.

Did you hear about the farmer found guilty of selling rotten fruit? He was judged by his pears.

Salesman: Would you like to buy these speakers? Customer: Are they a sound investment?

Answers

1. Dreams 2. Hummingbird 3. Collagen 4. The ground 5. Asia