Table of Contents
Everybody’s Talking | Quotable Quotes | Trivia | What’s Happening | Your Weekly Horoscope | Did You Know? | On the Lighter Side
┈┈┈┈┈☟┈┈┈┈┈
“News To Be Enjoyed Over Coffee”
Delivering Smiles Since 1988
Sponsored by:
Vol. 2 No. 01:27 January 27th, 2025
Everybody’s Talking
┈┈┈┈┈☟┈┈┈┈┈
Sandwich trouble: If a customer considers the price of a sandwich to be too high, the best thing to do would be to refuse to buy the sandwich. That is a lesson that a passenger on an airline in Australia might need to learn. Apparently, the man became irate when he was told the price of an airline snack was $10. At the time, the flight was in progress and was going from Darwin to Perth. The cabin staff had to alert the captain about the man’s behaviour, which was so unruly that it was decided to turn the plane around and land back at Darwin.
Tiny carnivore: In the dry desert lands of northern Mexico and southwestern United States, there lives a tiny, but ferocious, little animal called a grasshopper mouse. This carnivorous creature steals burrows from other rodents and its diet consists of a smorgasbord of desert delights, such as crickets, spiders, and even other small rodents. The grasshopper mouse is also able to eat poisonous Arizona bark scorpions because it is not affected by their venom. A human who is bitten by one of these scorpions will suffer muscle contractions and severe breathing problems. Scientists are studying the grasshopper mouse to see if its resistance to the poison may one day be used in pain medication.
Colour combo: People who want to eat less, or eat more of the right kind of food, should consider the colour of the dinner plates they use. In a study done by researchers at Cornell University in New York (US), diners took larger portions if the colour of their food matched their plates. For example, people heaped more pasta with tomato sauce on a red plate than they did on a white plate. On average, people took 22% more food when it matched the plate. It is thought that this happens because big servings look smaller on a matching background, while small servings look bigger on a colour-contrasting plate. Perhaps dieters might consider eating peas on a green plate!
Robot baby: Masayoshi Kanoh, a professor at Chukyo University in Japan, invented a small robot called a Babyloid. The robot is a little bundle shaped like a baby, with a simple, round face and wide-set eyes. It has sensors that detect things in the environment, such as movement, temperature, and pressure. This robot can make over 100 sounds. For example, it can cry, and when rocked will coo with delight. The Babyloid was tested in nursing homes in Japan and was found to decrease depression and stress. The theory is that the older people feel useful when ‘nurturing’ Babyloid.
Quotable Quotes
┈┈┈┈┈☟┈┈┈┈┈
“All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind.”
— Abraham Lincoln
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”— John Lubbock
Trivia
┈┈┈┈┈☟┈┈┈┈┈
- In which Texas (US) city would you find the Alamo?
- The Dead Sea is really a lake – true or false?
- The word arduous means passionate, difficult, or cheap?
- What is the upper shell of a turtle called?
- Who was the lead singer of the musical group “The Doors”?
▼ Trivia answers at the bottom of the page! ▼
What’s Happening
┈┈┈┈┈☟┈┈┈┈┈
January 2025
Red Deer
Self-Improvement Course: BOSS – Building our Stronger Selves
Date & Time: January 28 through March 20, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: EPSS (2830 Bremner Avenue)
Details: Free for anyone over 18. Covers topics such as Knowing Yourself, Problem Solving, and Conflict Resolution. Call 403.343.6249 for more information.
Trenville Royal Purple Elks #248 – Gowns4Grads Event
Date & Time: February 17-20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Elks Hall (6315 Horn Street).
Free formal wear for grads! Dresses and suits will be available at no cost to all graduates. Please bring a food item. For more information, email balesrus@hotmail.com.
Sourdough Baking Class – Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Date & Time: February 2 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 6300-45 Avenue
Learn the basics of using and maintaining a sourdough starter. Perfect for a unique date, girls’ get-together, or new hobby! Cost: $50 ($10 off for Friends of Kerry Wood members). Enter to win a sourdough starter package ($30 value). Call 403.896.2886 or email kkspopupbakery@gmail.com for details.
Lacombe/Blackfalds
NOWCO Studio Time
Date & Time: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: NOWCO Fireside Room, Lacombe Performing Arts Centre
Details: Drop-in studio time for adults to work on personal projects. Bring your supplies and create in the company of others. Free to attend. Supplies not included. Registration is not required. Visit Lacombe Performing Arts Centre for more details.
Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce – Lunch and Learn
Date & Time: January 28, 12 to 1 p.m.
Location: Next door to the Chamber office.
Join the Chamber’s first Lunch and Learn with its newest member, Define Aesthetics. Network, learn more about the new Lunch and Learn program, and enjoy lunch. RSVP to ExecutiveDirector@LacombeChamber.ca. $1500 door prize!
Encore Art Sale: A Celebration of the Arts
Date & Time: Friday, April 11, 1 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Lacombe Memorial Centre.
Explore stunning handcrafted fiber art, wood carvings, paintings, ceramics, photography, and more. This event celebrates the remarkable talent of local and regional artists.
Sylvan Lake
Beginner Astrology with Billie – Raven Magik
Date & Time: Starts February 7 | Essence Studio
Step into the world of astrology in this 4-week course or join individual classes. Cost: $44 per session or $140 for all four. Includes a detailed Birth Chart, handouts, and activities. To register, visit essencestudio.ca.
Ecosystems in a Jar – Sylvan Lake Municipal Library
Date & Time: January 31 | 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Create your own terrarium in this free crafting session! Materials provided. Two sessions available: ages 7-10 and ages 10-14. Registration required. Visit the library’s website for details.
Cancelled Events: Big Jig Fishing Derby and Polar Dip
Details: These events were cancelled due to warm temperatures and potentially unsafe conditions. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Your Weekly Horoscope
┈┈┈┈┈☟┈┈┈┈┈
Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Virgo winners with the luckiest number being 6.
Aries (March 21 - April 20)
Family matters may take up a great deal of your time. You could be a peacemaker now if harmony in your environment seems more important to you than ever. Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 14, 24, 26, 38.
Gemini (May 22 - June 21)
Your ability to communicate effectively could be noticed by your peers. Enjoy the good times. Plans for family or social gatherings may keep you on your toes. Lucky Numbers: 21, 29, 30, 32, 35, 47.
Taurus (April 21 - May 21)
Maintaining loving relationships and keeping those people in your life who truly care is good for you. Take this knowledge to the next level and support others to follow your lead. Lucky Numbers: 13, 16, 22, 26, 31, 32.
Cancer (June 22 - July 23)
Many may try to lead, but you could have the secret to success. If you always love a happy ending, this story might prove to be a real winner. Enjoy the success. Lucky Numbers: 10, 12, 20, 28, 34, 38.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 23)
Don’t allow an annoying hitch involving contracts or business deals to wear you down. The entire force of your colleagues may prove you to be the perfect negotiator. Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 22, 24, 30, 43.
Libra (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23)
If you feel optimistic, hopeful, and looking forward to get-togethers, you could discover some connections and possibilities that you may have overlooked before. Lucky Numbers: 2, 12, 40, 42, 44, 47.
Virgo (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23)
Enjoy the social activities that you’ve planned. You may need to turn a sad story into a positive lesson. Your impressions could lead you to those who can help. Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 10, 23, 34, 49.
Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Be more receptive to the opinions of others. A deep awareness of your talents could help you to achieve a personal goal. You may need to communicate your plans and dreams a bit more clearly. Lucky Numbers: 11, 13, 21, 33, 36, 47.
Sagittarius Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)
Friends may vie for your attention. Contracts, negotiations, and business dealings of all kinds should be given careful consideration. You may make some big strides and, perhaps, some important discoveries along the way. Lucky Numbers: 2, 11, 28, 44, 45, 49.
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19)
Your motivation could become more elevated and idealistic. Be sensitive when making a contribution to society, rather than focusing on your own personal rewards. Lucky Numbers: 20, 23, 28, 37, 46, 49.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)
You may be able to see your labour of love from a better perspective. If you find you are very busy with telephone calls, errands, or commercial transactions, slow down and enjoy those around you. Lucky Numbers: 15, 16, 32, 34, 36, 38.
Pisces (Feb. 20 - March 20)
This could be an excellent time for you to do some research. It may be important to take full advantage of any possible avenue of communication you have to spread your message. Lucky Numbers: 8, 9, 16, 22, 37, 41.
Did you Know?
┈┈┈┈┈☟┈┈┈┈┈
Plethora of planets: About two decades ago, astronomers were not sure if there were planets outside the Earth’s solar system. Now, with new techniques using telescopes in space and on the ground, over 700 planets have been found, with thousands more sightings to be confirmed.
Hometown: Well-known rock star Neil Young grew up in the Canadian prairie city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. So did Burton Cummings, lead singer of the famed rock band, “The Guess Who.” It is also the birthplace of this popular publication, Coffee News®.
Fast writers: The Spice Girls had a hit in 1997 called “Wannabe.” The song, which is about female friendship, sold over six million copies. That’s quite amazing, considering it was allegedly written in just half an hour!
Moon story: Neptune has a tiny moon called Despina, one of the planet’s 13 moons. It was discovered by the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989. Despina is only about 93 miles (150 kilometres) in diameter.
On the Lighter Side
┈┈┈┈┈☟┈┈┈┈┈
News Flash: The Ace Donkey Rental Company has been accused of kickbacks.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could call Information and ask them where you left your keys?
Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a trip around the sun every year.
A little boy became restless during a church sermon. “Mom,” he whispered, “if we give him the money now, will he let us go?”
Tomatoes grow sweeter with age; a carton of milk goes sour. Live your life like a tomato, and don’t cry over spilt milk.
Teacher: “You haven’t listened to a word I’ve said. Are you having trouble hearing?”
Pupil: “No, Sir, I’m having trouble listening.”
Trivia answers:
- San Antonio
- True
- Difficult
- Dorsal carapace
- Jim Morrison
This edition has been brought to you by Central Alberta First
© Published with permission of Costain Corp