Grandmother connection: A creative company in Tokyo has found a new way to bring comfort and connection to modern life by offering a rental grandmother service. Through its OK! Obaachan program, women later in life can be hired to cook meals, give advice, or simply share time with clients seeking warmth and companionship. The idea grew from a desire to support both lonely residents and older women looking for meaningful work. Many find joy in being needed again, while families appreciate the sense of care that feels like home. The service also highlights Japan's effort to keep seniors engaged in society, and that wisdom and kindness still hold great value in everyday life.

Ocean discovery: Near Mexico's coastline, researchers confirmed a previously unknown manta ray, expanding the known family to just three species on Earth. The ray displayed distinctive grey wing tips and shoulder markings that clearly separated it from others. After comparing hundreds of photographs and sketches, scientists confirmed the differences through genetic analysis. The new species, named Mobula yarae after a mythical sea spirit, is thought to inhabit the Atlantic and parts of the Caribbean. Early findings suggest it may have recently evolved from a larger relative, offering a glimpse into ongoing speciation. For marine biologists, the discovery provides clues about how creatures continue to diversify in modern oceans.

Refuse reborn: In San Francisco, a recycling company has transformed part of its waste facility into a space for artists to create and experiment. Through Recology's artist residency program, participants collect discarded materials and turn them into new works like sculptures, paintings, and installations. They are given studio space, tools, and time to develop their projects before displaying them in a free public exhibit. Over the years, hundreds of artists have joined, finding fresh ways to reuse metal, wood, and plastic. The program encourages people to see waste as something that still holds creative value. By blending art and recycling, the effort demonstrates that trash can be reshaped into something lasting.

Ship sanctuary: A retired cruise ship now rests ashore on Bintan Island, Indonesia, as a luxury hotel, preserved by an owner who couldn't bear to see its history fade. Once known as the MV Doulos Phos, the vessel sailed for decades under different names before becoming too old for the sea. Its new owner purchased it after years of disuse, moving it onto land and rebuilding every level while keeping much of its original structure. Visitors can now stay in expanded cabins, explore restored decks, and even see the old lifeboats still hanging along its side. The ship's transformation has turned a century-old relic into a permanent landmark, grounded by craftsmanship and respect for its story.

Every day is a new day, and you'll never be able to find happiness if you don't move on. ~ Carrie Underwood

Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change. ~ Stephen Hawking

Citizens Advice Bureau North Canterbury looks forward to helping clients in 2020. We might not always find the answer to problems but we will give it a good try. Please contact us on 0800 367 222

Do you have an eye condition resulting in vision loss? We are a group of people of all ages and all eye conditions, sharing support along with hints and tips. Join us on Facebook Blindsided NZ or Blindsided.NZ@gmail.com

Rangiora Community Chior We practice each Wednesday in term time at 7.20-9pm at 176 King St, Methodist Church in Rangiora. We welcome new members, no auditions required. Follow us on facebook or https://sites.google.com/view/rangiora-community-choir

The North Canterbury Sunday Market, every Sunday 9-2. 314 Lehmans Road, Rangiora. Food, Stalls, Entertainment

Free 5km timed run, Pegasus 8am every Saturday,Register at parkrun.co.nz

Widowed men and women - from around 50-mid 70s. We offer monthly meetings with support and friendship with regular activities such as dinners, movies, walks etc. New members welcome. Ph Claire 3543976 or Carol 9814125.

Friendly Friday: is held on the second Friday of each month from 9a.m. - 11a.m. at the Rangiora Methodist Church in King Street, Rangiora. Free morning tea is provided. Good used clothing, bedding, books, toys, jigsaws, produce and vegetables are available at bargain prices. All welcome

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

1. Who created the comic Tin Tin- H.A. Rey, Herg, or Beatrix Potter?

2. Before Titanic, this 1993 movie was the highest grossing film of all time.

3. British Queen _____ reigned between 1837 and 1901.

4. Where is the world's lowest point on land?

5. Scale-shaped clouds create this type of sky, often signifying changing weather.

Bold bite: Mustard began in ancient Rome, where crushed seeds were stirred into grape juice for extra taste. Centuries later it spread across Europe, valued as a cheap way to add flavour long before imported spices became common.

Letter logic: When abbreviations are said as full words, like NATO, they're called acronyms. If each letter is pronounced separately, like FBI, they're technically initialisms. Both shorten long names but sound completely different when spoken.

Gut gate: Unlike people, horses can't bring food back up once it's swallowed. A tight stomach valve and angled passage block the reverse flow, which protects the system but also raises risks if too much gas or liquid builds inside.

Candle customs: The birthday candle tradition began when ancient Greeks lit cakes to honour the moon goddess and send wishes skyward. Later, Romans used candles on cakes to celebrate birthdays, a practice that continues around the world today.

Timeless ride: A man from the USA bought a green Rolls-Royce Phantom in 1928 and proudly kept it for 77 years. He drove it well into old age, eventually earning the record for the longest private Rolls-Royce ownership in history.

Doctor: Need stitches in that cut. Patient: Don't bother, I'll do it. Doctor: Suture self.

How do you mend a broken tuba? With a tuba glue.

A clockmaker's alarm makes him rise and chime.

Mr. Alligator said he couldn't make it to the party. He was swamped.

Have you ever noticed that the shoes you dislike the most, last the longest?

1. Herg 2. Jurassic Park 3. Victoria 4. Dead Sea 5. Mackerel Sky