The Basis of Everything: Rutherford, Oliphant and the Coming of the Atomic Bomb
The Basis of Everything: Rutherford, Oliphant and the Coming of the Atomic Bomb
Andrew Ramsey. HarperCollins, 2019
Hardback with dust jacket, 384 pages. Excellent condition
Before the Manhattan Project, before nuclear warfare and the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there was the twentieth century's great scientific quest to fathom the secrets of the atom. It was through that search for the inner workings of matter that a unique friendship was forged, a partnership that defied academic orthodoxy and altered the course of history. The Basis of Everything is the story of the coming of the atomic bomb, and how the unlikely union of two scientists - Ernest Rutherford, the son of a New Zealand farmer, and Mark Oliphant, a peace-loving vegetarian from a tiny Australian hills village - would change the world.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.1% Yes
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21.3% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.
One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
Poll: Do you think this was the right decision?
Hamilton City Council is defending a $60,000 spend on a flood of water management PR featuring a TV personality as residents face huge rates rises.
At a time of council cash constraints, Te Radar - real name Andrew Lumsden - catches the eye on the council’s Facebook page, where he currently features in three “explainer” video clips about Hamilton’s water services.
Do you think this was the right decision? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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5.3% Yes
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89.5% No
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5.3% Not sure