Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer.
Long lost cemetery bust turns up in police raid
37 years after it disappeared, the bust that once adorned Jim Morrison’s grave in Paris has been found by chance during a police bust.
“Police in France said they had been carrying out a search related to a fraud case when they happened to stumble upon the bust of the frontman of the Doors. The announcement, made on social media on Monday, was accompanied by a photo showing the graying sculpture still covered in graffiti and missing a chunk of its nose, reportedly sliced off by souvenir hunters before its disappearance.
“Conceived as a tribute to Morrison, the sculpture was carved after his death by the Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin. It was placed at his grave at Paris’s Père-Lachaise cemetery in 1981, 10 years after the singer died in the French capital at the age of 27.
“Seven years after the bust was placed at the site, it disappeared. Rumours swirled over what might have happened: some spoke of two fans who had managed to cart off the bust, reportedly weighing 128kg, on a moped in the middle of the night; others repeated the seemingly baseless claim that authorities had hidden the sculpture in order to protect it.” (Source: “Jim Morrison’s long-lost graveside bust turns up during French police search,” by Ashifa Kassam, May 19, www.guardian.co.uk).
While there is no word yet if the the bust will be moved to its previous location, it would be a welcome move for the millions who visit one of Paris’ most famous cemeteries where Morrison’s grave is a star attraction.
5 stars – this tale proves once again that what may appear lost generally will show up – even if it is nearly four decades later!
Hawkes Bay company supplies NZDF’s socks
Once made by A US company, New Zealand Defence Force now keeps its service personnel’s feet warm and dry from socks made in the Hawkes Bay.
“Norsewear owner Tim Deane told Nine to Noon this was probably ‘the most demanding brief you could have as a sock maker’.
“About 400-500 personnel, including soldiers, sailors and pilots, trialed the four kinds of socks that were requested for hot weather, temperate, cold weather and extreme cold weather.
“’They’re looking for durability, they’re looking for breathability, they’re looking for the right sort of compression and construction so that the socks stay up and they want, at the end of the day, socks that they can dry clean easily and put back on the next day.’
“’As a New Zealand company perhaps we’ve let, historically, others take the limelight and haven’t got the word out as well as we might have. So knowing we’ve beaten what is arguably known as the best sock company in the world for this contract demonstrates just how good a little kiwi company can be.'” (Source: “‘The most demanding brief you could have as a sock maker,'” May 19, www.rnz.co.nz).
The contract means the company can hire extra staff and purchase top-of-the-line machinery. It’s a boon to the local economy as well and a great illustration of the benefits and attractions of buying local.
5 stars – fantastic move for the NZDF to supply a part of its uniforms from a Kiwi company. Total upside!
Kiwi Milky Way photographers amongst best in the world
Two New Zealanders, Kavan Chay and Max Inwood, have had their photographs selected in the final 25 in the annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition. More than 6000 photographs submitted from all around the globe are judged before picking the top 25.
“Chay’s photo is from the small Otago seaside settlement of Karitāne. The Dunedin-based photographer said he is ‘very flattered’ to be included. ‘I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to be able to represent NZ globally in this way, especially as a hobbyist,’ he told Stuff.
“‘With the interest in astrophotography seemingly growing over time, it’s cool to be able to show people here that you don’t have to travel far to get great shots. We’re definitely very lucky with that in NZ.’ He said the photo itself wasn’t particularly challenging to capture: “It’s a lot less involved than my typical adventure. I normally have to hike or scramble up some mountain and hills with a 20+kg pack and freeze in the snow or similar.” (Source: “Stunning Milky Way images from NZ photographers named among best in the world,” by Alan Granville, May 20, www.stuff.co.nz).
The winning photographs can be view here. They are stunning!
0 Comments