Waste energy: A modern facility in Beijing, China, is demonstrating how ordinary trash can be transformed into useful power. Collected refuse first is stored in large covered pits, where it ferments before being burned, a step that makes the process more efficient. Overhead cranes scoop tons of waste into massive furnaces, and the resulting heat produces steam that drives turbines, sending electricity back to the city's grid. What remains is sifted for metals, while other residue becomes construction materials. Advanced filters reduce harmful gases and treated water is reused, leaving little behind. Instead of sitting in dumps, rubbish is being converted into energy for low-carbon growth.

Circular mystery: Hidden in Argentina's Paran Delta lies El Ojo, a floating patch of land that spins within a perfectly round lagoon. Made of dense plant matter, the island became separated from the shore long ago and now drifts in a steady clockwise rotation. Its constant movement has gradually carved the water's edge into the same shape, leaving both island and lagoon as near-perfect circles admired by curious visitors. At about 118 metres wide, it is large enough to clearly be seen from above. The exact moment it formed is unknown, though satellite views confirm it has existed for years. For some, it's a place of myth, while for others it's simply an unusual feature of nature.

Canyon refuge: The village of Supai in Arizona USA, is tucked deep inside the Grand Canyon, and is the only inhabited village within the canyon's walls. Reaching it is difficult. Visitors must hike down long trails, take a helicopter, or ride animals along steep canyon paths. The Havasupai, whose name means people of the blue-green water, have lived here for countless generations and have fought to keep their land. Waterfalls, cliffs, and desert views surrounding the settlement give it a dramatic, isolated setting. Camping and limited lodging exist, but nature's forces often make life unpredictable. Supai remains both a cultural centre and one of the most secluded communities in the USA.

Final supper: In Ephrata, Pennsylvania USA, a man ordered a special steak dinner for his dog Iris, marking her final day with a heartfelt gesture. He mentioned in the note that it was her last meal, and the restaurant staff responded with unexpected kindness. They prepared the food with extra care, added handwritten messages, and wouldn't accept any payment. Iris was treated to steak, mashed potatoes, fries, and warm bread. Her family spent the day taking her for drives, visiting loved ones, and sharing quiet moments. Online, photos of her meal touched people around the world with heartfelt support. That final dinner became a quiet reminder of our love of our pets and how deeply strangers can care.

When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people. ~ Abraham Joshua Heschel

Be happy, but never satisfied. ~ Bruce Lee

Free notices for not for profits chris@coffeenews.co.nz

1. In the song, Mares eat oats, and does eat oats, what do little lambs eat?

2. Clown, Little Tramp, or Acrobat is Charlie Chaplin's most famous recurrent character?

3. Bees use this body part to harvest nectar from flowers.

4. Antarctica is a desert -T/F?

5. Tin is a traditional gift given for which wedding anniversary?

Glass glow: Stained glass has shaped light for centuries, turning plain windows into radiant displays. Its beginnings trace back to ancient beads and early Roman windows, later evolving into cathedral masterpieces of dazzling colour and history.

Spud spark: A few potatoes, some copper and zinc, and a handful of clips are all it takes to light up a tiny clock. The potato's natural acid helps trigger a reaction that turns metal into mild electricity. Turns out, veggies can carry a charge.

Shimmer surprise: That subtle sparkle in lipstick may come from fish scales. Processed into a shiny substance called guanine, these scales give cosmetics a pearly glow when light reflects and refracts through multiple layers.

Backdoor breathing: When some species of turtles hunker down for winter, they barely need oxygen. The small amount they require comes through a surprising source they absorb oxygen directly from the water into their derrires.

Pupil pause: Human eyes grow slightly after birth, then stay nearly the same size for life. While the rest of the face changes significantly over time, the eyes remain mostly unchanged. That's why babies appear to have such big eyes.

A dinosaur crashed his car. Talk about tyrannosaurus wrecks!

I passed a field of sheep on the bus today. Why they were on the bus, I don't know.

Customer: Waiter, there's a dead fly in my soup. Waiter: Yes, sir, it's the hot water that kills them.

How does a beaver know which tree to cut down? Whichever one he chews.

How many of you believe in telekinesis? Raise my hands....

1. Ivy 2. Little Tramp 3. Proboscis 4. True 5. 10th