1749 days ago

Invitation to Meeting of the FSMN (Friends of the SciMedNetwork)

David Bell from Trinity-at-Waiake Methodist Church

Please feel welcome to attend our upcoming meeting on Thursday 25 February, at 1:30 pm, Trinity-at-Waiake Methodist Church, cnr 864 Beach and Hebron Rds, Waiake.
Our meeting has two topics.
First is a demonstration of how to make DNA using the ordinary kitchen equipment you can find in a church kitchen. While we are making the DNA - it is a fascinating demonstration - we will discuss some of the current ethical issues and concerns around genetic engineering.

The presenter is lay preacher Graeme Finlay. Graeme has a PhD in cell biology. He worked with Auckland Cancer Society Research Laboratory on anticancer drug development for 20 years. He has just retired from lecturing on General Pathology in the Dept of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Auckland. He also has an interest in theology with a BTh from the University of South Africa.

Second is a short presentation of the A1 and A2 poster prints by David Bell for the upcoming video on Herman Hesse's poem The Glass Bead Game.

You can check the prints with associated overview at the link below

A selection is being prepared for publication in the SMN journal Paradigm Explorer.

Also: a timely background read in our era of the Covid-19 pandemic, attached.

A CRACK IN CREATION

Short discussion document on genetic engineering.

It's a book review by Janine Edge, Chair of Trustees, SMN, first published in Paradigm Explorer, reproduced with permission., You can use for parish discussion groups, etc. We will use it at the upcoming FSMN meeting at Trinity-at-Waiake.

The meeting will conclude by 2:45 pm to avoid school traffic.

A Crack in Creation Review.pdf Download View

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% No
    46.8% Complete
1631 votes
8 days ago

Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.

But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.

So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?

If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.

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18 hours ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

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