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As you know we live in extraordinary times, of note not just because of our technological achievements, but also because of the pervading mood of science fiction that sits easily with those leading us and a population schooled to accept the dream. We are continuously sold promises of health breakthroughs that are just around the corner but forget they have been just around the corner for decades. We are told technology and especially…

When you think of resources we’re running out of, sand might not be high on your list, but it’s up there thanks to our high demand for concrete. Scientists at Rice University have now shown that substituting graphene can not only save sand, but makes concrete lighter, stronger and tougher. Despite being a sheet of carbon atoms just one atom thick, graphene has a reputation for being incredibly strong. As such, it’s no surprise that this ‘wonder…

The designed decline of the western economies & reassignment of the balance of power - World Bank president advised in 2010 James Wolfensohn is all about balance. The former World Bank president introduced himself to a student audience at Stanford University on Jan. 11 2010, and the balance of power in the world is what Wolfensohn spent the majority of his hour-long appearance on. A huge power shift will occur in the next 40 years that…

Real Estate Love, Passion and Obsession From an early age I have nurtured an unshakable love for Real Estate. Discovering how real estate creates that special type of shelter that everyone yearns to possess; it evens generates the brand of wealth that most cannot amass by simply working a job; and it gives great power to its owners who are fortunate enough to hold on to it at the right time and wise enough to let go when necessary. Whether you…

Mark Davie from Sepio Insurance Management provides a highly professional service to our clients. Not only do we have the experience and backing to secure appropriate cover in terms of price and security, but also offer comprehensive risk and claims management services. From Personal, Business, Rural or other Insurance we obtain insurance cover for you by assessing your specific needs and recommending value insurance based solutions for your…

A 280-million-year-old fossil from the Italian Alps is pretty much just black paint in the lizard-shaped grooves of a rock. So say researchers who examined the specimen and laid to rest questions that have long puzzled paleontologists. · The fossil, known as Tridentinosaurus antiquus, was found in 1931. Based on what looked like the imprint of preserved soft tissue, it was classified as a protorosauria, a now-extinct long-necked reptile group…

An Open Letter to the Hon. Dr. Reti · Dear Hon. Dr. Reti · As you are fully aware we have suffered an extended health crisis along with most nations, closely related to the emergence of a novel coronavirus and our response to it. We are still suffering the effects of this pandemic. This letter relates to the concerning and puzzling replies of Health New Zealand to two Official Information Act (OIA) inquiries seeking information about health…

Wolves in Chernobyl radioactivity region running among abandoned hoses with cold winter and deep snow · The population density of wolves in Chernobyl is seven times greater than surrounding areas in Urkaine. · New research is showing that the population of wolves living in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) is genetically different from their counterparts outside of the region. Remarkably, the irradiated wolves appear to have developed…

A dazzling Bronze Age hoard, discovered 60 years ago in Spain, referred to as the Treasure of Villena, and dating back to the period between 2200 and 750 BC, has now been found to possess ‘extra-terrestrial’ metal! The inclusion of two iron artifacts within the treasure, namely a small hollow semi-sphere adorned with a golden sheet, speculated to be a pommel for a sword hilt, and an open bracelet, mark the first instances of materials…

It used to be the case that kindergarten children played at ‘connecting the dots’ to make drawings, these days this activity is considered to be too structured. Which brings me to the question “Have we lost the capacity to connect the dots?” · Last week ahigh school in Rangiora closed its doors on the second day of the new school year because 39 staff (one third of all staff) had come down with Covid and were unable to come to work. As you…