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Every once in a while, you run into a new piece of information that really opens your eyes to a whole new world. · Today, I am taking a break from the regular news cycle to bring you something that really rocked my world. · Now, before you close this page, thinking this Substack will be a waste of time, give me just two short minutes to prove why you are wrong. · It turns out the “Mozart effect” truly exists, and you don’t have to be a…

Nominations for October’s local body elections revealed several electorates with only one candidate, raising fears of uncontested seats and diminishing voter choice. · A last-minute surge ensured every council will hold elections for at least some seats, but political commentator Dr Grant Duncan warns of a vicious cycle: declining local media coverage and public interest contribute to fewer candidates and lower voter turnout. · “What is the…

The first aceclidine-based eye drop to improve near vision in adults with presbyopia, which affects more than 100 million adults in the US alone, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will be available within three months. · Known as VIZZ, from pharmaceutical company LENZ, the drops are an aceclidine ophthalmic solution that effectively treats presbyopia in adults. The once-daily drops offer relief from blurry near.…

By the summer of 1945, after peace was declared in Europe, Japan was the only power of the military coalition with Germany and Italy still at war. In Japan’s blockaded Home Islands, dwindling food supplies were prioritized for soldiers. Meanwhile, emperor Hirohito encouraged the country’s slowly starving civilians to gird for imminent invasion by Allied forces and to be prepared to give up their lives in the upcoming decisive battle that would…

South-east Asian and Turkish-Cypriot flavours meet in this bright dish that’s brimming with goodness. · Use whichever noodles you fancy in this speedy supper that packs a great taste.  · Combining south-east Asian and Turkish-Cypriot flavours, this is a foolproof way of getting some essential, and flavoursome, omega-3 goodness on the dinner table.  · Ingredients · - 2 tbsp runny honey - 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses - 3 tbsp dark soy…

The Government has proposed abolishing NCEA and replacing it with two new secondary school qualifications: the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) for Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) for Year 13. · A new Foundational Skills Award focused on literacy and numeracy will be introduced at Year 11. English and mathematics will be compulsory subjects at this level. · The proposal would require students in…

Not too long ago, General Motors (GM) revealed the first of its three Corvette concepts – a pristine white beauty with gull-wing doors – designed by its UK design team. Now, just a couple of months later, out comes the second concept, and it comes from GM’s Advanced Design studios in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles. · This one sports bold red accenting and features a detachable cockpit, a single-piece canopy, and front hinges. This…

How Blind Can They Be? · Ex-National Party president Peter Goodfellow on his recent retirement from the board of the National Party stated what he thinks threatens their re-election in 2026. · He said that economic shocks and intensifying trade wars are the greatest threats to National’s re-election in 2026, with the economy being the party’s chief threat to re-election. · Speaking to the Herald on Sunday, Goodfellow praised National’s work…

It's well established that obesity significantly increases your risk of many types of cancer, but a decade-long study has uncovered that there are specific dietary fat drivers that promote tumor growth – and others that don't. In this landmark study, scientists found that animal fats – butter, lard and beef tallow – impair the immune system's response to tumors, while plant-based fats like palm, coconut and olive oils do not. · Researchers at…