Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

Who doesn't love the wonderful flavour combination of succulent chicken, bacon and creamy avocado. This simple yet super tasty recipe is quick to prepare and makes a great BBQ option when you want to mix it up a little.  · Ingredients · - For the Hasselback Chicken - 4 large chicken breasts - 24 slices mozzarella cheese 6 strips bacon - 1 tablespoon chilli powder - 1 tablespoon oregano · For the Grilled Avocados · - 4 ripe avocados - 2…

A recent study has shown that nanoplastics – plastic particles smaller than 0.001 millimeters – affect the body's ability to absorb antibiotics, and may even lead to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. · Using complex models of the molecular structures of common, everyday plastics polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) as well as nylon 6,6 (N66), researchers from the University of Vienna, University of Bonn, and…

Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward ceremonially opened the North Island main trunk railway line by driving home a final polished silver spike at Manganuioteao, between National Park and Ohākune on November 6 1908.  · According to a reporter who accompanied Ward from Wellington, the ceremony was ‘as impressive as scowling weather, muddy embankments and interfering photographers would permit’. · Construction of the central section of the line…

Over the course of 91 years, Quincy Jones did pretty much everything you could do in the entertainment industry. He was a musician, arranger, composer, solo artist, record company executive, mogul, entrepreneur and a producer not just of music but of films and TV – and, as was noted in Chris Heath’s extraordinary, headline-grabbing 2018 profile piece Quincy Jones Has a Story About That, he had known everyone. “The ghetto Gump”, as he called…

As the country endures a mental health crisis, economic hardship and the erosion of trust in public health, the Australian Health Minister says there is nothing to be sorry about. · In September 2023, the Australian government announced an independent Inquiry into nation’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. · From the outset, critics predicted a whitewash. · The government had already walked back its promise to hold a Royal Commission. ·…

Reproductive rights, the conflict in the Middle East, student debt relief and inflation have dominated the US election so far. However, these issues represent only a fraction of the concerns weighing on minds across the world as election day nears. · As details emerge about Donald Trump's campaign and policies, apprehension grows in places acutely impacted by US foreign policy. · The central question in Europe is whether the US might leave…

Political commentator Bryce Edwards writes that the Auditor-General John Ryan’s recent decision to investigate ministerial conflicts of interest related to New Zealand’s Fast Track Act is casting light on how the government handles ethical risks. · Ryan, concerned about potential undue influence in fast-tracked project approvals, raised red flags earlier this year about gaps in the Act’s conflict management. · According to Edwards, political…

Researchers from the University of Otago argue that it’s time for New Zealand to make single rooms standard in all public hospitals. They contend providing patients with single rooms must be a basic care standard for future renovations and new builds. · Currently, shared rooms are common, often housing up to six patients, including men and women together, which raises safety and ethical concerns. · Cindy Towns, Angela Ballantyne, and Matthew…

In the push towards greater use of renewable energy, batteries and other energy storage systems have emerged as a critical component of the supply chain. As more countries adopt wind, solar and hydropower, how to store and deliver this energy reliably and consistently will be crucial. · The surging demand for renewable energy solutions and grid modernisation will drive the market to over $US186 billion by 2032. Power and propulsion solutions…

Australia and the United States have drastically reduced allowable limits of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (otherwise known as “forever chemicals” ) in drinking water, while New Zealand maintains its higher limits. · These are man-made chemicals that don’t break down and can build up in the environment and our bodies, often causing health risks. · In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has capped PFAS at just 4 parts per…