Tartan tribute: In Scotland, a tartan is a patterned fabric made from crisscrossed stripes, often tied to clans or heritage. But one new design tells a deeper story. A new Scottish tartan has been designed to honour those wrongly accused of witchcraft during a difficult chapter in Scotland's past. Woven from black, gray, red, and pink threads, each colour carries meaning, symbolising ashes, loss, and the legal papers that tied lives to unfair charges. The pattern was created by a small team looking for a respectful way to remember victims of the long-repealed Witchcraft Act. Rather than build a statue, they chose something wearable that could carry the memory forward. It's a fabric that carries history with every fold.

Subsea suite: Beneath the waves of the Maldives, The Muraka offers an underwater bedroom that feels more like a dream than a room. Enclosed in thick, curved acrylic, the suite wraps guests in views of marine life from every angle. Even the bathroom and wardrobe have windows into the sea. The moody interior is filled with rich textures, soft lighting, leather finishes, and a headboard built into the wall. Designed with safety in mind, the suite includes an emergency exit, blackout curtains, and a panic button that links to the resort above. Whether lying in bed or brushing your teeth, you're eye-to-eye with fish. It's like sleeping inside an aquarium, only with room service and luxury all around.

Tidal return: Nick Chowdhury of the town of Comox, on Canada's west coast, despaired of ever seeing his wallet again. While fishing at the local marina in 1991, Chowdhury put his wallet on breakwater rocks to retrieve later. But upon returning, he could not find it and gave up, assuming the tide would sweep it out to sea. Over 30 years later, teenager Jamie Lee found it among the rocks. When the contents identified Chowdhury, the teen's father contacted him online. Initially skeptical, Chowdhury was convinced by pictures of the items and was pleasantly surprised to reclaim his long-lost wallet. Though weathered, the wallet still contained his IDs and some personal mementos, bringing back a flood of memories.

Nature blend: In cities and scenic spots across China, one artist is turning heads and then disappearing. Using only paint, Wang Liang transforms himself into the landscape, blending perfectly with rivers, trees, and stone walls to promote a deeper connection with nature. He matches colours, textures, and shadows so precisely that he seems to vanish into the scene like a chameleon. Inspired by his love for the environment, he creates vivid illusions without special effects, relying instead on careful colour mixing and the natural play of sunlight. What began as a search for new purpose beyond traditional painting has now reached thousands of admirers. Wang sees his art as a reminder of how humans can live alongside nature.

The days are long but the years are short. ~ Gretchen Rubin

Better to get hurt by the truth than comforted with a lie. ~ Khaled Hosseini

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

1. Beware the Ides of March was a warning to _____ in a Shakespeare play.

2. What H.G Wells novel was adapted as a radio show on 31 Oct 1938?

3. What is the capital of Costa Rica?

4 . What tree layer creates wood: the cambium, outer layer, or inner layer?

5. The Celtic festival Samhain is a northern hemisphere celebration in spring - T/F?

Record red: One ultra-rare bottle of 1945 French Burgundy sold for USD$558,000 at auction. Its value came from extreme rarity only a few hundred bottles were made. Its status was legendary among wine collectors around the world.

Watery loop: Earth's water is constantly moving. It rises as vapour, forms into clouds, then falls as rain. The same water once sipped by dinosaurs could be swirling in your glass today, thanks to this ancient, endless cycle.

Muddy makeover: In the first season of Sesame Street, Oscar the Grouch was orange. After a trip to Swamp Mushy Muddy, he came back green, which was an in-show explanation for the colour change that became his signature look.

Buoyant break: Walruses have internal air sacs near their throats that act like personal life rafts. When inflated, these pouches let them float upright and relax mid-sea. It's their secret to snoozing without swimming or sinking.

Doh discovery: Play-Doh wasn't always a toy! It started as a wallpaper cleaner. When a teacher found it easier for kids to shape than regular clay, it caught on fast and soon became a creative favourite in schools and homes alike.

One ant to another: For you, life is one big picnic, isn't it?

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

Lady: Why would I drink lemonade three times a day? Doctor: It'll make you feel bitter.

What would you call a snake that drinks too much coffee? A hyper viper.

If you have need of a locksmith, he will be your key man.

1. Julius Caesar 2. The War of the Worlds 3. San Jos 4. Cambium 5. False, autumn