Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

The dream of the ancient alchemists may come true as Marathon Fusion announces that its tokamak fusion reactor technology can turn common mercury into gold as a byproduct of fusion operations in quantities that would make Auric Goldfinger blush. · Since the days of the ancient Greeks, practitioners of alchemy pursued the goal of learning how to make the fabled Philosopher's Stone that would allow them to turn base metals like lead, tin, iron,…

In a country that exports 98 percent of its dairy, New Zealanders are paying $8.60 for a 500g block of butter. That’s nearly double the price just 14 months ago, and three times what it cost in 2015. · Economists say the price hike is due to surging global demand and shrinking supply. · Butter prices on Fonterra’s Global Dairy Trade platform rose 74 percent between August 2023 and May 2025. Droughts, regulation, high energy costs, and even a…

Across civilizations, few ancient statues survive the passage of time unscathed. Some sculptures lose their arms and others their head, yet a surprising number are missing just a nose. While this defacement is sometimes due to accidental damage, it’s more often the result of natural processes or deliberate destruction. · Why would people deliberately remove statues’ noses? · In many ancient cultures, statues weren’t just art—they held spiritual…

This is a must-try dessert. It is beautifully spiced and the filling has a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. · It is lighter yet creamier than its pumpkin cousin, with a heavy dose of vanilla and subtle spices. Beyond tasting better, sweet potato pie is easier to bake. It doesn’t require cooking the filling, as the sweet potatoes are fully baked in advance, and the pie crust doesn’t require blind baking.  · Additionally, the…

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more · ? · They called us fringe. Dangerous. Irresponsible. But we were right about saturated fat. For decades, defending saturated fat was considered scientific heresy. Suggesting that butter might be better than margarine—or that full-fat cheese wouldn’t clog your arteries—was enough to get you labelled as fringe, irresponsible, even dangerous. · I should know. I was there. · Catalyst controversy · In…

When you crunch into an apple, take a scoop out of a melon, or pop a grape into your mouth, you know that you’re doing something good for your health. Not only are they crisp, sweet and refreshing, but these fruits are full to the brim with vitamins, polyphenols and antioxidants that quietly keep our bodies running efficiently – powering our immune system, offering a helping hand to our brain and hearts, and rewarding us with glowing skin. ·…

From the fiery chipotle to the sweet veg and creamy feta, prepare for a fantastic mix of big umami flavours · You can mix and match ingredients to suit in this delicious. It’s delicious however you serve it. · Ingredients · For the marinated chicken · - 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs - ½ medium red onion, roughly chopped - 3 garlic cloves, grated - 2½ tbsp chipotle paste - 2 tbsp olive oil - 2½ tsp ground cumin - 2 tsp dried…

New Zealand’s highest court is now deliberating on a landmark case that could dramatically reshape the way Kiwis work, and how businesses operate. The Supreme Court has heard the appeal from Uber, following the Court of Appeal’s decision in Rasier Operations BV v E Tū Inc [2024] NZCA 403, which confirmed a contentious Employment Court ruling that Uber drivers are employees, not independent contractors. · This appeal is no minor matter. Its…

Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigned in May after investigators allegedly showed him child sex exploitation and bestiality material found on his work devices. · Broadcaster Michael Laws noted that Linda Clark, a board member of TVNZ and a former political editor, acted as McSkimming’s lawyer and was behind the push to seek a rare “super injunction” that hid not only the material and McSkimming’s name, but also the existence of…

After over 21 months of live-streamed killings in Gaza that leading experts have unanimously called a genocide, even European politicians had begun to feebly question Israel’s inhumane offensive. · However, Israel’s ‘pre-emptive’ strikes on Iran last month, which led to a 12-day war, tautly pulled European politicians back into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s embrace. · Rehearsed statements about European values and Israel’s ‘right to…