Latest news with #Bantam
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nothing will stop this Psychological Thriller becoming a runaway bestseller: Count My Lies by Sophie Stava, It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara, The Palazzo by Kayte Nunn
Count My Lies by Sophie Stava (Century £16.99, 336pp) The author nails it with this book from the first sentence. A young woman in a trendy New York neighbourhood claims to be a nurse as she helps a very handsome father tend to his little girl who's been stung by a bee. But Sloane Caraway is actually a nail technician and compulsive liar who manages to inveigle her way into the lives of the glamorous father Jay Lockhart and his wife Violet. The ensuing original and twisty plot lines provide a very convincing psychological study of why people actually tell lies. It's not long before Sloane realises that the Lockharts are not what they seem either. Meanwhile, Sloane becomes obsessed with growing more and more like Violet. Events then lead to an explosive, if not entirely satisfactory, ending. With its punchy, chatty, writing style, nothing will stop this from becoming a runaway bestseller. It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara (Bantam £16.99, 400pp) This plot plays expertly into one of our worst nightmares. Susan, a sleep deprived teacher on maternity leave, feels affronted by a WhatsApp message from a neighbour named Celeste and decides to vent to her sister about Celeste's awful children and her philandering husband. Too late to delete, she realises she has sent the message to the whole neighbourhood. At first she thinks the fuss will pass but then people start to be murdered. One of the victims is a woman who has the same address as her, but in a different part of town. The tension is very well maintained throughout and the author resists the temptation to be overly dramatic. The convincing storyline maintains real dread in a world of everyday domestic detail. Very enjoyable. The Palazzo by Kayte Nunn (No Exit Press £9.99, 304pp) The perfect remote setting for this crafty thriller is a renovated former convent in the Italian Alps. The Palazzo Stellina has been hired by a beauty entrepreneur to celebrate her 40th birthday with her family and friends. A luxury swimming pool and handsome chef are all part of the package. When a murder occurs, the scene is expertly set for a locked-room mystery as all the guests have their own reasons to be suspects or maybe victims. The cleverly constructed plot keeps us guessing while we enjoy the well-drawn luxurious backdrop of the Palazzo.
RNZ News
01-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Park your plane at home in Te Kōwhai residential airpark
An artist's impression of a house at Te Kōwhai Airpark with a Cessna 172 parked in front. Photo: Supplied Dan Readman begun learning to fly at Te Kōwhai when he was 13-years-old. "The runway was first established around 1967 by Max Clear who was a farmer but also a passionate aviation enthusiast," Readman said. "He built several aeroplanes onsite and developed a certified Microlight called the Bantam which he produced onsite. "My father Barry was also a passionate aviation enthusiast and went to meet Max Clear and purchased the seventh aeroplane Max ever built," he said. Readman went on to become an aeroplane pilot for Air New Zealand and owns a small Russian Yak for personal flying. He was a part of bringing Te Kōwhai Airpark to reality and said he would build his own house within the community. "Our concept was to not just have an airport where an aeroplane would be put into a hanger and the pilot drives home, it was a way of having your home and your aeroplane all on site with like-minded people and actually living in that community," Readman said. Dan Readman learned to fly at Te Kōwhai. Now he wants to build a home in a new airpark being built there. Photo: Supplied. Fifty-eight sections, each with its own hanger, are available at this stage with more to follow as the development grows. These cost anywhere from under $1 million to nearly $3m, and 11 had already sold or were under contract. However, having your neighbour's plane taxi past your kitchen and take off over your swimming pool might not be for everyone. Peter Gore lived near the development and said there was a lot of community concern around the project when it was first proposed. He blamed Waikato District Council for feeding early backlash to the airpark and said he felt the council begun consulting with the public on the airpark before it really understood the proposal itself. "That just drives speculation, rumour, and creates a whole lot of noise, and then the communities get revved up and next thing you are making submissions," he said. Gore was worried at the time the aerodrome would become more like a commercial airport and he submitted against the proposal. "I get what they are doing now and I'm actually quite happy with what's being proposed," he said. Gore said he didn't hear anyone in the community worrying about the airpark anymore. Waikato District Councillor Eugene Patterson said doing something new wasn't easy, and getting through the consenting and zoning requirements had taken almost a decade. "It probably has had challenges in the earlier days - just people understanding how this works and what we were trying to achieve. "But we got there - it has taken a bit of time - but we got there." There were limitations on movements and aircraft noise, but Readman said people who were passionate about aviation often weren't as bothered by aircraft noises as others might be. Andrew Vincent worked for Forsters Development, which was part of the joint venture building the airpark. Andrew Vincent from Forsters Development, which is part of the joint venture building the airpark at Te Kōwhai. Photo: Libby Kirkby-McLeod He said having a neighbourhood where an aeroplane hangar and taxiway were standard mod-cons, wasn't as novel an idea as it might first appear. "It's a new concept for New Zealand but not new for other parts of the world." For example, airpark communities are common in America and Europe. "Some of the partners actually went and visited a lot of these developments in America and got a few ideas - what to do and not to do in some of them, and brought those ideas back here," Vincent said. Readman was on that trip and said the most successful airparks were ones that had a strong sense of community. Patterson said the airpark was a pioneering idea, and the council was focused on bringing this kind of innovation to Waikato. "If you are into aviation and that, to be able to fly in and down to the runway and be able to taxi down the road and into your backyard is something pretty unique." He said it was an exciting development for the council and the district as a whole and didn't believe there was a better location then Te Kōwhai for easy aviation access to the best of the North Island. Vincent agreed. "We are so fortunate with how close everything is when you start flying as the crow flies. We're 20 minutes to Coromandel, probably five minutes over the hill to Raglan," he said. Work had begun on site and the first residents, including Readman, hoped to have moved in in about two years' time.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bantam Pharmaceutical Presents New Preclinical Data for BTM-3566 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025
• BTM-3566 shows solid tumor regression and identifies FAM210B as a potential biomarker for response and combination strategies RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bantam Pharmaceutical, a drug discovery and development company targeting selective modulation of mitochondrial dynamics in cancer, today announced solid tumor regression data from Bantam's lead product candidate, BTM-3566. These preclinical data will be shared in a poster presentation during the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, being held from April 25-30, 2025 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. The poster highlights evidence of robust anti-tumor activity in a broad range of solid tumor models, as well as introduces FAM210B, a mitochondrial protein, as a potential biomarker for response. BTM-3566 is a first-in-class, small molecule cancer therapeutic which targets difficult-to-treat, aggressive tumors by activating OMA1-ATF4 Integrated Stress Response (ISR), a newly described mitochondrial homeostasis pathway. Previously, BTM-3566 was shown to have strong single-agent activity in both cell line and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), regardless of cell of origin (COO) or genotype. The new data extend these findings to solid tumors and demonstrate that BTM-3566 has in vitro and in vivo activity across tumor types. Key findings include: BTM-3566 exhibits in vitro and in vivo activity in a broad range of solid tumor models BTM-3566 drives tumor regression in models with low FAM210B RNA expression, supporting the use of FAM210B as a potential biomarker for response Ectopic expression of FAM210B blocks drug activity in multiple models, suggesting a mechanistic role for the protein in mediating response BTM-3566 demonstrates additive and synergistic activity in combination with other agents from multiple classes in preclinical models, including BH3 mimetics, supporting future combination strategies "These findings provide important insight into the unique mechanism of our lead compound and support the potential for future patient selection using FAM210B expression," said Michael Stocum, President & CEO of Bantam Pharmaceutical. "We believe BTM-3566 holds promise not only as a monotherapy but also in combination with numerous approved anti-cancer agents, potentially expanding treatment options for patients with aggressive, hard-to-treat tumors. We intend to further explore these relationships as product development progresses." Poster Presentation Details Title: Selective pharmacological activation of the mitochondrial protease OMA1 inhibits tumor growth and induces regression in tumors expressing low levels of FAM210BPresenter: Matthew Kostura, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Bantam PharmaceuticalSession: Experimental and Molecular TherapeuticsDate/Time: Monday, April 28th at 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. ETAbstract Number: 3032 The poster presentation will be available under the News & Resources section of the company's website shortly after the event. About BTM-3566 BTM-3566 is a novel, orally available small molecule designed to target a wide range of cancers, including both hematologic and solid tumors. Its initial clinical focus is on mature B-cell lymphomas, such as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and follicular lymphoma (FL). In preclinical studies, BTM-3566 demonstrated potent anti-cancer activity, driving significant tumor regression – and in many cases, complete tumor elimination – in models resistant to standard treatments, including CAR-T cell therapy. BTM-3566 works by disrupting the mitochondrial function in tumor cells, triggering their natural cell death process (apoptosis). With its unique mechanism of action and strong preclinical data, Bantam also plans to expand clinical development into solid tumors, broadening its potential impact for patients with limited treatment options. Currently, Bantam is conducting an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial in both the U.S. and Canada evaluating BTM-3566 in relapsed/refractory mature B-cell lymphomas. For more information about the U.S. trial, visit and search NCT06792734. About Bantam Pharmaceutical Bantam Pharmaceutical is a drug discovery and development company leveraging the power of mitochondrial dynamics to address critical unmet needs in oncology. Using its unique expertise in mitochondrial cellular biology, Bantam is advancing novel, first-in-class oral small molecule therapeutics for difficult-to-treat hematological and solid tumors. The company currently holds an active Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the U.S. and a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) in Canada for its lead candidate, BTM-3566, targeting B-cell malignancies, with plans to expand clinical development into solid tumors. Learn more at Media Contact Jennifer AlmondCorporate CommunicationsBantam Pharmaceuticaljalmond@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Bantam Pharmaceutical, LLC Sign in to access your portfolio
NZ Herald
23-04-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
On The Up: Leslie Harris, the world's oldest motorcycle racer, still on track at 100
Harris turned 100 at the end of February, just weeks after competing at the APS Classic Festival in Manfeild in the regularity class for the most consistent lap time. Unfortunately, Harris is too unwell on this day in Taupo to ride his beloved 1950 BSA Bantam 175, but that doesn't stop him from going out on the track - it just has to be on the back of a ute. Sitting in a camping chair, dressed in his racing leathers and helmet, one hand on the Bantam next to him, Les watches a group of more than 10 racers, including his sons Rod and Tim and his granddaughter Olivia, follow him around the track. He looks right in his element, but at times, there is a glimpse of regret shining through - one can tell he wishes he were on two wheels instead of four. The reason Les is still going Born in Te Awamutu and growing up on the Harris family dairy farm in Pokuru, Harris had to overcome a few challenges in his youth. He was a sickly child, suffering from pleurisy, pneumonia, appendicitis, undiagnosed dairy and gluten intolerance, and dyslexia. 'I ... couldn't handle school learning. I was always at the top of the class - at the wrong end. Leaving education with no School Certificate, I made my way by observing, listening and taking my time with literature,' Les says. 'You have to be determined ... At one point, I couldn't see a future for myself, but then I got into motorbikes and [country] music. I taught myself how to play the harmonica and button accordion. 'Motorbikes and music are the reason why I am still going at 100 ... [although] I don't really feel like I'm 100.' He says another secret to his longevity is keeping active and following a healthy diet. 'It's the same with motorbikes - you gotta look after your chassis and put in the right fuel.' He says he doesn't remember how his love for motorbikes - or things with wheels in general - started, but believes it must be in his blood - his grandfather was a wheelwright. When he learned that his father's close friend and mechanic Clive Langmuir raced Harley-Davidsons in grass paddocks in his spare time, Harris became hooked - much to the disappointment of his father, Sydney. 'He said if I ever brought a motorbike home, he'd kick me off the farm.' That didn't bother 18-year-old Harris though, as he didn't like farming anyway. He says he talked Clive into bringing a motorcycle home - and to talk his father down. From that moment, 'I was bitten by the motorcycle bug.' His first motorbike, of roughly 50 that he would own over the next 80 years, was a 350cc 1926 New Imperial. He gathered some initial racing experience on grass tracks in Ōhakea and surrounding districts in 1953, before his first official race entry at the Whanganui Cemetery Circuit. He entered the junior clubman's class and ended up finishing third, despite not having a lot of experience. 'That was really something else,' Les says. He eventually escaped from the family farm and went to the South Island where he made a living doing anything but farming: working at the freezing works, in the ship docks and driving trucks. And he continued racing. One of his most treasured memories is from a grass track race meet in Timaru. 'I bought a Nawton Dominator off my friend and we raced against each other. I beat him on his old bike.' After an accident in Foxton in 1954, he stopped racing to focus on his family of seven and his first wife, Annie. Together, they won the tender for the refuse collection of Waihī and Thames. After the marriage came to an end after 26 years, Harris kept himself busy. He built a house, started socialising in the Variety Artists Club and eventually remarried singer and entertainment agent Mary Throll. Harris also bought a trailerload of Bantam motorbike pieces to restore. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. He wasn't too fussed about the model - he mainly bought it because it was cheap. But he soon fell in love with it, saying it made for 'fantastic riding' and he also broke several Bantam speed records. He competes with the NZ Classic Motorcycle Racing Register and, at the age of 93, won a trophy for the most consistent lap time. After a visit to Cemetery Circuit in 2022, the first since 1953, Harris was adamant he was going to win the trophy back. His son Tim jokingly said it would make him the world's oldest racer and suggested making the feat official. At the Classic Festival at Pukekohe in 2023, Guinness World Records certified that Les, aged 97, was indeed the oldest competitive motorcycle racer (male). Harris now lives on his own in Auckland; his health is forcing him to slow down more often these days, but there is still no stopping him. 'No way. If I gave up racing, I'd be missing something. 'I love the 100% thrill ... You'd think there must be an easier way to get a kick out of life than racing motorbikes, but I haven't found that. 'I'm feeling good [on the bike], that's for sure. Free as a bird.' Looking ahead, he says he doesn't have any specific goals, other than 'getting the most out of life'. 'I'm doing everything that I want to do. I just want to keep doing it as long as possible.'
Associated Press
26-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Bantam Pharmaceutical to Present at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bantam Pharmaceutical, a drug discovery and development company targeting selective modulation of mitochondrial dynamics in cancer, today announced that its abstract has been accepted for presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, which is being held April 25-30, 2025 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. The poster presentation will highlight solid tumor regression data from Bantam's lead product candidate, BTM-3566. BTM-3566 is a first-in-class, small molecule cancer therapeutic which targets difficult-to-treat aggressive tumors by activating the OMA1-ATF4 Integrated Stress Response (ISR), a newly described mitochondrial homeostasis pathway. Leveraging its unique mechanism of action, BTM-3566 demonstrated robust activity as a single agent in vivo in solid tumors with low FAM210B RNA expression. Additionally, preclinical data suggest that rational combinations with BH3 mimetics could extend the therapeutic potential of BTM-3566, particularly in difficult-to-treat tumors. Poster Presentation Details Title: Selective pharmacological activation of the mitochondrial protease OMA1 inhibits tumor growth and induces regression in tumors expressing low levels of FAM210B Presenter: Matthew Kostura, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Bantam Pharmaceutical Session: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics Date/Time: Monday, April 28th at 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET Abstract Number: 3032 Additional meeting information can be found on the AACR website, The poster presentation will be made available under the News & Resources section of the company's website shortly after the event. About BTM-3566 BTM-3566 is a novel, orally available small molecule designed to target a wide range of cancers, including both hematologic and solid tumors. Its initial clinical focus is on mature B-cell lymphomas, such as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and follicular lymphoma (FL). In preclinical studies, BTM-3566 demonstrated potent anti-cancer activity, driving significant tumor regression – and in many cases, complete tumor elimination – in models resistant to standard treatments, including CAR-T cell therapy. BTM-3566 works by disrupting the mitochondrial function in tumor cells, triggering their natural cell death process (apoptosis). With its unique mechanism of action and strong preclinical data, Bantam also plans to expand clinical development into solid tumors, broadening its potential impact for patients with limited treatment options. Currently, Bantam is conducting an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial in both the U.S. and Canada evaluating BTM-3566 in relapsed/refractory mature B-cell lymphomas. For more information about the U.S. trial, visit and search NCT06792734. About Bantam Pharmaceutical Bantam Pharmaceutical is a drug discovery and development company leveraging the power of mitochondrial dynamics to address critical unmet needs in oncology. Using its unique expertise in mitochondrial cellular biology, Bantam is advancing novel, first-in-class oral small molecule therapeutics for difficult-to-treat hematological and solid tumors. The company currently holds an active Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the U.S. and a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) in Canada for its lead candidate, BTM-3566, targeting B-cell malignancies, with plans to expand clinical development into solid tumors. Learn more at Media Contact Jennifer Almond
