New Zealand Listener Issue 29 2019

When The Rolling Stones first sang “This could be the last time” in 1965, they were remarkably prescient to add, “Maybe the last time, I don’t kno-ow.” They’ve just hit the big stadium circuit again after a short break for Sir Mick Jagger’s heart surgery. He’s 75, and is still as much the jumpin’ Jack Flash that he was in his twenties. And so, apparently, are many in his cohort. Emulating their rocker heroes, baby boomers are refusing to retire sedately. Just look at how hardcore veteran sports events have become. It’s probably not surprising that better healthcare, living standards, exercise, self-care knowledge and pension providence mean the over-sixties increasingly reject traditional patterns of ageing. But what was unexpected is that, judging by the rampant popularity of veteran rockers, society’s…

The July 6 cover story (“Out on a limb?”) gives me a glimmer of hope for my grandchildren. I’m 77 and have spent the past eight years on the issue of tree planting for carbon sequestration. We must get as many trees planted as possible and as fast as possible. I’m not suggesting New Zealand become one big forest – converting grassland to a monoculture of pines would mean putting all our eggs in one basket – but there is plenty of room for trees for many reasons in many places. Some cities around the world are aiming to become forest cities. Many urban gardens have room for a tree. Local authorities need to fill gaps in berm plantings. Rural roadside plantings would provide shelter for stock and cyclists. Much hilly farmland…

Graeme Bulling, Auckland FINALISTS Sir Peter Leitch: “No, the small goods refer to my meat pack, not you!” — Hans Zindel, Palmerston North Leitch: “And here’s our tiger cuts – flank, back and shoulder.” — Ann Neale, Nelson Benji Marshall: “As you’d say, I had beef with him.” — Hans Zindel Marshall: “Keep scrolling — I don’t want to face the chop.” — Steve Godsiff, Timaru Caption: NRL phone regulations a meaty matter. — Marie Curran, Dunedin Leitch: “And here’s the Warriors butchering another scoring opportunity.” — Ricky Feutz, Tauranga…

“Last night, I shared a glass of champagne with Ava Gardner. She threw it, I wore it.” – US reporter Steve Dunleavy“There are more stars in the observable universe than grains of sand on Earth, trillions upon trillions – enough to name a galaxy for every human who ever did or will live and every god or goblin proposed by human imagination.” – science writer Dennis Overbye in the New York Times“Have you seen the price of child care? I reckon a nanny state would be a great idea.” – Australian musician David McCormack“Weekends are a bit like rainbows – they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them.” – US writer John Shirley“Friendship is like a bank account: you cannot continue to draw…

A plan to cover every aspect of the city’s water over the next 100 years is in the pipeline. Bay Harbour News, 5/6/19 The Edwardian building in the domain features two private spa pools filled with natural hot soda, and beauty therapists. Piako Post, 12/6/19 “With my very first pay packet, I bought a copy of the Weekly and I’ve been reading it ever since!” NZ Woman’s Weekly, 24/6/19 … she couldn’t state “with certainty” exactly how many of its properties have paint containing lead, she estimated up to 52,383 of its 64,333 properties contained lead-based paint as of February 28. Sunday Star-Times, 31/3/19 A handwritten welcome note and DIY gin martini kit … makes us feel right at home, as do the amazing views from the floor-to-ceiling windows of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. NZ Herald, 4/6/19 LIFE IN…

1. From which type of undercooked meat might you catch the disease trichinellosis? ❑ Lamb❑ Chicken❑ Pork❑ Beef 2. Which country’s name was originally an acronym when it was coined in 1933? ❑ Pakistan❑ Japan❑ Israel❑ Kenya 3. Who is credited with the quote “genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration”? ❑ Muhammad Ali❑ Ernest Rutherford❑ Thomas Edison❑ Marie Curie 4. Which of these best describes an object called a Newton’s cradle? ❑ Rocking bed❑ Aeroplane engine❑ Executive toy❑ Construction tool 5. True or false? The Chernobyl site is safe for tourists to visit. ❑ True❑ False 6. In films, which of these are practical effects realised on-set? ❑ Special effects❑ Visual effects 7. True or false? The Queen still has a champion to defend her honour in trial by combat. ❑ True❑ False 8. Which 60s TV show featured the catchphrase “Oh, the pain…