Hero honoured: A Reading, England, a construction worker trapped by flames was saved when crane operator Glen Edwards swung his basket close enough for the man to escape. The dangerous lift, carried out through thick smoke and high winds, quickly made Edwards a local hero admired by many. Not long after, news emerged that he also was battling terminal cancer, which added even greater weight to his act of courage that day. A charity later stepped in to help, arranging practical upgrades for his home along with thoughtful extras, including new items and a fishing trip. His daring rescue, along with the support he later received, left a moving impression on the community.

Shark skin: Delta Air Lines is turning to the natural world in search of new ways to cut fuel use. Partnering with Australian firm MicroTau, the airline is experimenting with a special coating that imitates the unique texture of shark skin. The material is covered with tiny grooves, or riblets, that guide air smoothly across the plane's surface and lower drag. Tests will focus on widebody jets, with the technology applied to major sections including the wings and tail. Delta's Sustainable Skies Lab is also exploring other aerodynamic add-ons, such as fish-like fins, alongside newer aircraft designs. The project clearly shows how nature's patterns often provide the best ideas for innovation.

Tub retreat: In Gatlinburg, Tennessee USA, a tucked-away spot called Creekside Hideaway offers a getaway with a twist. Spread across a peaceful property, guests can stay in tiny cabins, cast a line in the pond, or wander beside the creeks. But the highlight is floating in a wood-fired hot tub that's on a boat. These circular tubs drift across the lake using electric motors, combining the ease of a spa with the calm of open water. With firewood stacked and temperatures customizable, it's as cozy as it is creative. Surrounded by forest and fresh air, guests can soak in silence or share the experience with friends. It's a mix of comfort, novelty, and nature, making this mountain escape feel both whimsical and well-earned.

Sacred springs: When a woman in the hills of Uttarakhand, India, bent toward a small stone shrine nestled between orchard trees, she returned with a jug of clear water. This structure, known as a naula, is one of many ancient water temples built over natural springs across the Himalayan slopes. Once neglected, these sites are being revived by local communities that face unreliable piped water and worsening droughts. Restoration efforts involve mapping underground catchment zones, planting native trees, and digging contour trenches to improve groundwater recharge. For many, it's become a practical way to secure water and preserve what has quietly sustained them for generations.

It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure. ~ Bill Gates

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. ~ Confucius

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

1. Indonesia has about 17,000 of these.

2. Tadpoles are carnivores - T/F?

3. Who directed the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

4. Where did cheddar cheese originate?

5. Who wrote the short story The Cask of Amontillado?

Gift games: In China, giving and receiving presents is a ritual as much as an exchange. A gift is often refused several times before it's accepted, and even then, both sides downplay its importance to show modesty and respect.

Ant spa: Some birds deliberately let ants crawl over them or burrow into their feathers. This anting behaviour may help keep parasites away, while also soothing irritation and maintaining the health of their plumage.

Straight stretch: In Saudi Arabia, Highway 10 runs for 256 kilometres without any curves, holding the record as the world's longest straight road. Surrounded by desert, it offers a rare drive of uninterrupted horizon and steady sameness.

Flame find: In 1826, John Walker stumbled onto the first friction match when a treated stick brushed against stone and unexpectedly sparked. What began as a curiosity soon reshaped the everyday act of lighting fires.

Click keys: Before modern alternatives, pianists sometimes practiced on silent keyboards that produced only soft clicks instead of music. These devices helped players strengthen their fingers and develop their touch without disturbing those nearby.

How come you can catch a cold but you can't catch a warm?

Son: This loaf is nice and warm. Mother: It should be. The cat has been lying on it all day.

Why did the vegetables like the corn? H e was always willing to lend an ear.

When poker players have to fold, they feel a bit discarded.

When I couldn't find my thesaurus, I was at a loss for words.

1. Islands 2. False 3. Steven Spielberg 4. Cheddar, England 5. Edgar Allen Poe