Palmerston North

Vol. 287-1  February 3, 2025

Ph Chris 022 078 0890


Everybody's Talking

Vacuum victory: Indian inventor Tapala Nadamuni has reclaimed a Guinness World Record for creating the world's smallest functional vacuum cleaner. His latest creation, measuring just 0.65 centimetres plus handle and power cord, is smaller than a fingernail. It took him two years of hard work and multiple redesigns to outdo his previous record and regain the title he lost. Powered by a tiny motor and made from parts of a ballpoint pen, the vacuum uses a small rotating fan to generate suction. While the design sounds simple, meeting the exact Guinness standards proved challenging. Despite setbacks and rejections, the inventor's persistence paid off. In this case, dreaming small achieved something huge!

Coin-covered cure: In Kathmandu, Nepal, a shrine known as the Toothache Tree attracts those seeking relief from dental pain. This unusual site is dedicated to Vaisha Dev, the patron saint of toothaches. The shrine, believed to be a remnant of the ancient Bangemudha tree, is entirely covered in rupee coins nailed to it by hopeful visitors. Despite modern dentistry's presence in the area, locals and tourists alike continue this centuries-old tradition, hoping the deity will cure their ailments. Legends suggest a hidden idol lies within the stump, though it remains unseen due to the layers of coins. Who knew that the cure for a toothache could be as simple as putting your money where your mouth is?

Pungent perfection: Vieux Boulogne, a French artisanal cheese, holds the title of the world's stinkiest. It has outclassed other strong-smelling cheeses, such as Limburger and Muenster, in tests using both human sniffers and electronic noses. Carefully aged and washed with beer, the cheese's potent aroma is often compared to body odour, cow dung, and earthy undertones. Despite its intense smell, the taste is surprisingly mild and creamy, as the pungency comes from the rind rather than the cheese itself. In fact, the scent is so overpowering that it's banned from public transport in France. If you're brave enough to try it, just remember, the stink is all part of the experience.

Ramen revolution: Boost Noodle, a clever Japanese creation, has transformed instant ramen into an ultra-convenient, one-handed meal. Appealing to gamers and multitaskers, this innovative snack comes in a small pouch, allowing people to sip the noodles without putting down their controller or phone. With yam noodles, chashu pork, and bamboo shoots in a rich broth, the snack provides a meal on the move. The developers tackled the challenge of keeping the noodles firm by using a special yam-based recipe. With added caffeine for extra energy, people are grabbing it for long gaming marathons. Whether someone is glued to a screen or simply needs a quick snack, Boost Noodle is certainly one option for busy lives.

Quotable Quotes

But what a gamble friendship is! ~ E.B. White

Do not remove a fly from your friend's forehead with a hatchet. ~ Chinese proverb

Trivia

1. Who were the little people that Gulliver saw on his travels?

2. The raccoon's mask helps it see T/F?

3. The thorax is the head, midsection, or abdomen of an insect?

4. What is the motto of Harvard University?

5. In what country are you most likely to see lemurs in the wild?

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 19)
Your emotions may be a bit volatile. Be conscious of how inter­actions with others may trigger an old wound this week. Find a suitable way to channel those feelings. Lucky numbers: 7, 11, 14, 23, 25, 26.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
Is there something you have long wanted to try, but didn't feel brave enough to do so? The start of the week may also bring you an opportunity for courage in this regard. Lucky numbers: 5, 11, 16, 20, 31, 33.
taurusTaurus (April 20- May 20)
The energy at midweek might help you achieve your desire, assuming that you truly know what you want. If not, try to take a step back and have a think about what you value. Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 10, 18, 21, 32.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21)
A principle lesson for Scorpios is that not every challenge needs to be viewed as a life-or-death struggle. The energy at midweek might however encour­age you to lighten up. Lucky numbers: 6, 11, 18, 27, 36, 44.
geminiGemini (May 21- June 21)
Have you recently chosen a new opportunity that could help you achieve your goal? Now may be a good time to discuss it with others and see if and how they can help. Lucky numbers: 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 37.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov22-Dec21)
At week's end, you may find that your head and heart are not in agree­ment. If you can't find a way to bridge the gap, perhaps wait a few days for the situation to change. Lucky numbers: 6, 7, 12, 15, 21, 36.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 22)
Conversations this week may highlight a divide with those close to you. Could you adjust your view to resolve the matter, and meet in the middle of differing opinions? Lucky numbers: 12, 19, 23, 24, 27, 40.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)
This weekend may be a good time to put aside your ambitions. Spend some time nurturing your­self and those you care about most. The work will still be there later. Lucky numbers: 3, 6, 11, 22, 38, 39.
leoLeo (July 23 - Aug 22)
At week's end, you may find that it is in every­one's best interests to have a conversation that focuses on the needs and desires of others, rather than on yourself. Lucky numbers: 8, 11, 12, 27, 32, 37.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
You may feel passionate this this week about what you are trying to achieve. Be careful of causing a rift with others by identifying too personally with your efforts. Lucky numbers: 11, 13, 17, 30, 33, 38.
virgoVirgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
A pattern from your past life may bring you a talent, but it also might hold you back. It will always be available, but right now you also need to be able to grow beyond it. Lucky numbers: 1, 10, 19, 26, 34, 45.
piscesPisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
Being very conscious this week is important because the effects of your actions may resonate for a long time. You might perhaps feel there is an urgency to settle a karmic matter. Lucky numbers: 4, 13, 17, 26, 33, 36.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Gemini winners with the luckiest number being 37.

Did you know

Fluffy friends: Angora rabbits, often traced to Ankara, Turkey (once known as Angora), are popular for their fluffy coats. Their softness and hypoallergenic nature made their wool a hit for scarves and sweaters in the early 20th-century United States.

Ancient emblem: The Red Dragon of Wales, a centuries-old symbol of Welsh heritage, stands on a green and white flag. Though its true origin remains a mystery, the symbol remains a beloved emblem of the nation today.

Sweet history: The 3 Musketeers candy bar originally launched in 1932 as three separate chocolate pieces, flavoured vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, hence the name. Over time, it became the single, nougat-filled treat of today.

Triple power: Octopuses have a fascinating system with three hearts that helps them thrive underwater. Two of these pump blood through the gills for oxygen, while a third keeps the oxygenated blood flowing to fuel their active bodies.

Wine roots: In Slovenia, a 400-year-old vine still produces grapes for wine, having survived wars, pests, and rising waters. Its deep roots saved it from a parasite that wiped out many European vineyards, making it a lasting symbol of nature's endurance.

On the lighter side

Where does a sheep get a haircut? At the baa-baa shop.

The orchestra leader kept throwing tempo tantrums.

Caterpillar, after watching a butterfly: You'll never catch me up in one of those things.

Customer: Can I pick out a watch? Sales person: Sure, take your time.

Been trampolining Saturday, Sunday, and Monday That's three days on the bounce!

Answers

1. Lilliputians 2. True 3. Midsection 4. Veritas 5. Madagascar